To do, to eat, to see, to gift…

My favorite thing to do in New York City during the holidays with my family is spend an evening at Sant Ambroeus, a group of restaurants and cafes located around Manhattan. The warm atmosphere with the standup bar is the perfect combination of authentic Milanese and New York City culture. For an outing with my friends however, a Secret Santa held at Bryant Park with hot chocolates in our hands will do. 

The Christmas tree in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must see; it's a lit, twenty feet tall tree over an eighteenth century Neapolitan Nativity scene sprinkled with angels and cherubs. The history, tradition, and grandeur of the holidays coalesce in a magnificent sight. It is up until January 7th, 2024 and resides in the Medieval Sculpture Hall. 

In my quest of buying gifts for loved ones from small businesses, I have found a muted world of culture, taste, and purpose amongst the commercialized aspect of the holidays. Enfleurage, an aromatherapy shop in the West Village, is intimate and tranquil. They sell natural, whole, and organic skin and body care with aromatics from Africa and the Middle East; they depend on local gatherers, small farms, and cottage industries. I would also recommend French Girl, which focuses on 100% natural, sustainable wellness and beauty products. Lastly, the Meg Cohen design shop sells timeless, colorful, and cashmere hats, gloves, and scarves. Every one of these small businesses have been perfect for giving gifts to my family during the holiday season.