How to Escape Holiday Madness in NYC

Starting shortly after thanksgiving, the streets of New York clog with tourists and don't let up until after New Years. As a local, this can make getting around the city a nightmare. And when you add all the shopping you have to do it can be overwhelming. Here's some tips to stay calm and keep your sanity during the holiday season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Avoid all the obvious places. It can be easy to fall into that shopping rut of Macy's and Bloomingdales, but you will be a lot happier if you stick to smaller places.
2. Be Adventurous. Try the outer boroughs. Brooklyn, in particular, has lots of great neighborhoods with small independent stores.
3. Leave town. One of the best shopping experiences can be had at Woodbury Commons, an outlet mall located about 50 miles north of the city. Not only will you save money, you'll also shop with the backdrop of the beautiful catskill mountains. As an added bonus, it's so large that even when it's full you don't really notice. Go on a weekday morning for the least people.
4. Treat yourself. Go ice skating in Bryant Park. It's free and best during the week. If you work in the area, go on your lunch break. There's a great sandwich stand in the park where you can grab lunch on the way back to the office.
5. If none of this works, remember that in a month it will all be over. Visualize what that will be like. See yourself walking down a deserted street in the middle of january, and don't forget to drink. Hot drinks like irish and bailey's coffee are best.