Christmas In New York

New York is known for being a winter wonderland during the holidays, mostly because of the city’s unparalleled Christmas decorations. For as much as I love all the seasonal glitz, it was a different, more human side of my beloved Big Apple that I found myself appreciating today.

Though the streets were a little less crowded, there was plenty to look at and listen to -- from friends, older couples and young families strolling around to the soulful sounds of a trumpet player performing holiday tunes.

Sounds of the Season: This trumpeter put a big smile on my face as I people watched on NYC's Upper West Side

As I listened to his pitch perfect medley featuring all the classics (“O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy To The World,” “Jingle Bells,” etc.), I thought of Decembers past with my late and beloved parents.

With my dad being Jewish and my mom being Catholic, the holidays were pretty festive in our household because we celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas. The highlight of our interfaith festivities was a big holiday party with family and friends.

It’s a festive tradition that I miss dearly, but I’m comforted by the new traditions that have come along in its place. Like the intimate annual Christmas Eve gathering with my aunts, uncles and cousins in Long Island. And, for the second year in a row, spending Christmas Day with good friends.

Mom and Dad gave me years of holiday memories that I'll always cherish. I know they would be happy that I’m making new memories and trying to honor the spirit of the season they exemplified so well.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all!

A Holiday Soirée

One of my favorite things about this time of year is sharing it with good friends. Friday night, I had about 15 of my closest compadres over for a little holiday soirée.

All Decked Out: A bevy of candles added a nice touch to my Christmas decor

While enjoying cocktails (white wine and vodka mixers) and assorted snacks (mini chocolate cupcakes, chips and dip and a cheese platter), I caught up on everyone’s news.

Editor/tango dancer/diva extraordinaire Heidi mentioned her new weekly gig as a vocalist with the Steve Marshall Band at Mr. Biggs Bar & Grill. Fellow PR maven and blogger Lyla introduced me to her delightful husband David, and filled me in on their interfaith holiday festivities (she’s Jewish, he’s Catholic). And travel writer Amanda told me about the progress she’s making with her upcoming book, The Lost Girls, and plans to spend Christmas with her boyfriend in his Kansas hometown.

That’s What Friends Are For: Celebrating the season with Amanda and Jonathan, good buddies since we all went to Barbados on a press trip back in ‘05.

The only downside of the evening -- my eternal worry as a hostess that there was enough food and drink. I invariably tend to overcompensate, putting out a bigger spread than necessary (and somehow managing to get a post-party refund from the supermarket when I return liters of soda and bags of chips).

Once again, there was plenty left over. This time though, I didn’t mind. I knew my friends were too busy having fun to overindulge.

As the party winded down around 1am, my dear friend Tiffany stayed behind to help me clean up, and talk about our plans for Christmas Day. Let the seasonal merrymaking continue!