Can you stand going to the Met Museum during the holidays? I happen to love the tree and creche they put on display each year. The figures are rich in kitsch, which (if that's not your thing) could be a pain. But let me tell you about another reasons to press the flesh at the Met.

Art & Love In Renaissance Italy is an interesting, complex and very smart exhibit at the Met until February 16, 2009. I saw it under what was, for me, ideal conditions: an unmobbed pre-view with curators' introducing many of the objects and paintings. The show has not received the raves I think it deserves. See the NY Times review here as an example The NY Times has also posted a slide show of a few of the 160 items in the exhibit. You can also check out these YouTubes of exhibit items. But trust me -- seeing them up front and personal is better.  read more »