Shortening, like regular crisco is vegan, and can be used in place of butter or lard in recipes. (Although it is not the healthiest choice.) To make it healthier, use oil, like Canola and 3/4 the amount . If a recipe calls for 1 cup shortening or butter, use 3/4 cup oil.
This year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony for the dead Norway spruce will take place on Nov. 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern and be coupled with live performances. If prospective viewers can't make it to Times Square for the lighting ceremony, however, there's still plenty of time to fawn over the dead tree.
The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is usually lit toward the very end of November or early December (this year it's November 30 but the date for 2012 has not yet been announced). So, if you are in NYC between November 14th and the 19th you may see some decorations but the city will not be fully dressed out.