“it’s the most wonderful time of the year
with the kids jingle belling
and everyone telling you “be of good cheer”
it’s the most wonderful time of the year
it’s  the hap-happiest season of all”
~andy williams

christmas is definitely one of my favorite holidays. just something about it is completely magical, and everyone around you is in good cheer. it’s as if fairies stopped by and sprinkled enchanted pixie dust across the town, making all things seem a little rosier, cozier, and simply just delightful.  even in new york, when things are bustling and hustling most of the time, things seem to slow down. people stroll the streets enjoying the city’s night skyline or slowly peruse through outdoor farmer’s markets in union square, stopping to, literally, smell the roses, lovely inspiring scented-candles, and perhaps the occasional whiff of hot chocolate brewing in a nearby stand.

one of the things i love to do during the holiday season is to go to a nearby cafe or bakery and sit by the window with a toasty latte in my hands and people watch. the perfect place to do this? bryant park. located between 40th and 42nd streets & fifth and sixth avenues, bryant park is an amazing place to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee, do some last minute holiday shopping at one of over 100 cute boutiques and gift shops, or even ice skate (for free!). there’s also plenty of benches and places to sit and take in the oasis-like winter wonderland curiously situated in the middle of a large and busy city. where will you be enjoying the holidays?

~irin