THE 21ST CENTURY HOUSEWIFE established 2002

This was the first time we had been in New York City for Christmas Day, and I was amazed by how busy it was. Although Fifth Avenue was fairly quiet first thing (and we got a fantastic view of the shop windows) as the day wore on, things got seriously crowded. This was a huge change for us. If you do leave your home on Christmas Day in England, you are unlikely to see more than a handful of people. In the UK, Christmas Day means deserted town centres, with nearly everything except restaurants and pubs closed. That is definitely not the case in New York.

After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, and a bit of a wander around by the shop windows in Fifth Avenue, it was time to head over to Radio City Music Hall for their Christmas Spectacular. I have wanted to visit Radio City since I was a little girl, and I was not disappointed. With its swirling staircases and spectacular chandelier, it really was everything I had dreamed it would be and more.

I was especially taken by the gloriously retro ladies room, with its circular mirror-lined walls and tiny stools where you could sit and powder your nose - so glamorous!

The theatre itself is wonderful, and the way they use projection and 3D technology makes you feel right at the centre of the action no matter where you are sitting. As for the Rockettes Magical Journey, well, it was just incredible. Aside from the sheer fitness and skill of those amazing dancers, the supporting cast (including Santa!), the sets and musicians combine to make this a fantastic show that really has to be seen to be believed.

Afterwards we had a brief rest at our hotel before braving the crowds to get through to Rockefeller Center, where we had booked a table for Christmas Dinner at the Rock Center Cafe. We had eaten there before and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and once again I was really impressed by both the service and amazing food. The view of the rink and the lights was pretty impressive too!

If you would like to read more about our Christmas dinner and see some of the wonderful dishes we enjoyed, please click here.

We had a lovely evening, watching as one gentleman performed a spontaneous ice dance (and wow, could he skate!) and we even saw yet another proposal on the rink as well.

It really was a fantastic day, and I feel so blessed to have spent such a beautiful Christmas Day with my two favourite people in such a wonderful place.