---
title: Experiences, Not Things
description: Share experiences, not things.  Visit New York City in luxury, experience the magic at Christmas.
image: https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NYC_Images/154-1.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=320
---

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# [Experiences, Not Things](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/blog/experiences-not-things-0)

Posted by [Tammy Murphy](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/blog/author/tammy-murphy)

 November 9, 2015 at 3:36 PM

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A few years ago after searching and searching for the perfect gift for my adult children, parents and friends, I had an epiphany . . . they won't remember these things, but something they will remember is a great EXPERIENCE .  And I must say, that is more fun planning than fighting the crowds.

![](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NYC_Images/5649to.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=320&name=5649to.jpg)So I "gifted" New York.  We had so much fun visiting New York the week before Christmas!!  We arrived in New York to a magical snowy day.  We watched the ice skaters at the Rockefeller Center sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas Carols.  We strolled the streets to see the glamorous store window displays and holiday lights.  Even if you have been to New York, seeing this amazing city at this magical time brings it to a whole new level.  Now, I can't tell you what gifts Justin opened last year or 3 years before that, but I can tell you exactly what Santa brought him in 2013.  The next year when I requested a Christmas wish list, there were only 3 words NEW YORK CITY.  So if you are feeling overwhelmed wondering what to get your family for Christmas, try an experience instead of things.   And best of all, its the gift that keeps giving back . . .the memories of the experience are revisited many times over.![154-1.jpg](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NYC_Images/154-1.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=320&name=154-1.jpg "154-1.jpg")![](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NYC_Images/2594o.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=320&name=2594o.jpg)![jus.jpg](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NYC_Images/jus.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=320&name=jus.jpg "jus.jpg")

If Christmas time is too busy to get away, wrap boxes under the trees leading them on a scavenger hunt for clues about the experience.  Anticipation is one of the best parts of vacation, and building the anticipation with a scavenger hunt for clues makes it even more exciting.  Imagine the excitement on your family's face when they find they discover the last clue is plane tickets or tickets to the Super Bowl.  Be sure to have your video camera ready-these moments are priceless.

For some holiday lovers, you may wish to indulge in the Christmas Spirit by exploring European Christmas markets.  Christmas markets capture the magic of the season with twinkling lights, unique hand made holiday items, festive music and delicious food and drink.   ***[Click here to see quickview of 10 fantastic itineraries by land. ](http://www.viptravelexperience.com/european-christmas-markets)***

![christmas_market.jpg](https://blog.viptravelexperience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vip_email/christmas_market.jpg?t=1447633614110&width=529&height=274&name=christmas_market.jpg "christmas_market.jpg")

If River Cruising is on your wish list, there’s no better time than exploring European Christmas Markets.*** [Click here to learn more.](http://www.viptravelexperience.com/christmas-markets-on-river-cruise)***

Let VIP be your little elves, we can plan the perfect holiday experience for you!! We will do all of the planning and you have all of the fun!! 

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