How to see the tree without the crowd

Tuesday -- a random Tuesday in the middle of December -- is the time to explore New York City at Christmas. Top of the Rock? Relatively deserted. The Christmas tree at the base of the tower? So much room you could make snow angels. People were smiling and happy and kind, willingly volunteering to snap pictures of couples together so they wouldn't have to stretch their arms out, cameras in hand, hoping they got the shot with two faces and the tree in the background.