I did one of my only "holiday" things today. James and I went to the New York Public Library's annual holiday open house: free wine and food, musicians, stilt walkers, dancers, and magicians were scattered around the main building at 42nd and Fifth.

Of course the musical highlight was the West Point Glee Club:

Mr. 3rd-from-the-left was wearing a Santa hat with little flashing lights -- and had the most stripes, whatever that means. He was a star, and he knew it.

The NYPL is a great organization, and a $40 donation gets you an invitation for two ($100 gets four people in). It's worth it!

There is a cool exhibit at the moment on the history of New York restaurants and food. It's up through March 1, 2003 -- and it's free.