(Christmas tree from last year. hopefully mine will go up tonight. we proudly use a fakey!)

Hooray for December. The salon is empty, which is normal after a big holiday. Next week it should be crazy again with holiday parties and such. Hanukkah starts today too. I’m feeling all festive and seasony despite the 60 temperatures that we’re still having here in NYC. Don’t complain about your snow if you have it, because in my opinion it’s supposed to start snowing the second the clock strokes December.

So, I decided to make a short list of fun Holiday things in the city.   This is all off the top of my head, so add to it in the comments if I am missing something wonderful.

~See the trees. Bryant Park and Rockefeller are both worth it. They’re close together and there are lots of little tent shops that are fun to browse. It will be a little crowded, but stay focused and you’ll be ok.

~Max Brenner’s Bald Man Hot Chocolate. It’s to die for. It’s a restaurant and Chocolate factory in Union Square. Don’t sit to eat because you’ll wait an hour+, just order a hot chocolate and a molten cake to go. Then roam the streets with chocolate smeared all over your face without caring because it’s that good.

~Ice skate in Rockefeller Plaza. It’s not as expensive as everyone thinks it would be. It’s a small rink so you want want to skate for any longer than your short session, but it’s in the heart of midtown. Which is pretty bad a’ I think. Jake and I have done it twice.

~I’ve never Ice skated in central park.

~See a holiday show. I’ve seen the Rockettes. They’re amazing! It is a cheesy family show, but so fun. There is also a Cirque show called Wintuk, and things like “elf” on broadway. If it’s in the budget, check one out!

~See the 5th Avenue store windows. Bergdorf, Saks, etc. All the stores on 5th have amazing window displays (Macy’s on 34th too!). There is also a giant glittering star at 57th and 5th right now. Of course see it at night so it’s properly glowy. Amazing. I get chills thinking about it. I love this city so much!

~Shop! As always, shop in stores you might not have near you. Topshop, H&M, Uniqlo, Muji, Century 21, Zara, Mango…And if you have daughters, take them to FAO Schwartz and the American Girl store.

I have to say, I’m a fan of seeing a city like a local on vacation, but during Christmas, I see this city like a tourist. Jake and I do touristy things every Christmas season. I can’t help myself. And ole’ scroogey-pie Jake stresses out about the crowds, but always ends up having a great time along with me.

PS it may be in the 60s now, but it will probably not last much longer. Wear a good coat, scarf, gloves, hat and boots. That might be obvious to some, but I’ve learned that I have to wear every category of winterwear when wandering the city. You can’t just hop in a warm car at any moment to thaw out.

On another note…Rauurrrrrrrr!

PS. I didn’t see Piper Jane yesterday on account of something major**. I miss her. Can’t wait for Friday.

**major=not really major at all. just something fun and different for me. i did a photo shoot where i got to be the model. no big deal. just fun. hope to write about it soon!