For some time I’ve been wanting to check out the store windows decked out in holiday gear, but the idea of battling the crowds has been discouraging. One year a friend dragged me to the death trap that is Saks-and-Rockefeller-Center, and I almost got into about three fights. This year I decided to go at a time nobody would be there, ie, when the stores are closed, and since I’m a morning person, that meant as early as humanly possible.

6:30 am. My alarm goes off. What am I crazy? Am I really getting up before 7 on a Saturday just to take some pictures? But I’ve been putting this off for weeks, and knowing my obsessive personality, I’ll keep thinking about it till I get it done.

7:40 am. I’m off. Luckily it’s not really raining anymore, only a light mist. And it’s not too cold. There are a surprising number of people out. Garbage trucks, grocery shoppers, folks on their way home for the holidays.

8:00 am. My first stop, Bloomingdale’s. Although it’s ridiculously early, I’m still worried there’ll be a crowd. There’s not. Woohoo! As I snap pics, a couple of people look at me like I’m nuts. Screw you.

I have to say I’m a bit disappointed by my first encounter. Just the traditional Christmas stuff. Oh well.

8:10 am. But Barney’s doesn’t fail to deliver.

What does Andy Warhol have to do with Christmas? Absolutely nothing but who cares?

8:45 am. Sak’s Fifth Avenue also goes the traditional route with a story about how snowflakes are made. . .

. . .but then at the end of the block there’s this cool, suspended, spinning mannequin.

Eat a sandwich, wouldja? That hip bone’s gonna tear that dress.

9:00 am. While I’m in the area, I check out Roc Center. It’s easy to get pictures though they’re not very exciting.

People are already skating! This is 9 am. Imagine what it’ll be like later.

9:15 am. Suddenly famished, I stop at Europa Café for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. The joe is surprisingly good.

10:30 am. Lord & Taylor. While the straightforward Christmas stuff is charming. . .

. . .what I really like are the red dress displays. The set up of the mirrors makes for some fun photos.

10:50 am. Macy’s. I could be tired of it all or it could be the blasting music, but the windows at Macy’s seem horribly tacky to me. I don’t bother taking any pictures.

There! All the major store windows done before 11. And I didn’t have to beat up a single tourist.

Check out my Flickr set for all the pics.