RosemaryNJ, if you ever return to this thread to update us on your travel plans:

have you given any thought to my earlier suggestion of flying from Washington area airports? If so, I found some bus information for you. Take a look at website of this fairly new company: boltbus.com
Ticket from NY to WAS cost as low as $10 1-way, travel time ~ 4 hrs
They do not sell tix for December yet.
There is Rewards program: get 1-way ticket free after 8 paid 1-ways.

HTH