Favorite Things - Vol. 3, Christmas in New York

A tradition I look forward to every year is the Park Avenue Tree Lighting. It began in 1945 as a way to commemorate the men and women who died in World War II. It takes place just a couple of blocks from our apartment, so we walk over and sing carols with thousands of people before the tree is lit. It’s one of the many reasons I love living here.

The Christmas decorations in my Upper East Side neighborhood are beautiful, and they always get me in the holiday spirit. I especially love this particular brownstone, with its simple, traditional live pine garland wrapped in red ribbon.

My favorite New York City holiday market is the Union Square Holiday Market, where we had a booth (shown above) for many years. I miss it — and all the people. We’ve talked about participating again one day. My favorite part was decorating my booth. I love interior design and would begin sketching the layout months in advance. So fun.

I love our 14k gold ruby birthstone necklace for the holidays. Ruby is also the July birthstone, and I use this image on our Lolabean holiday postcards. It is also available here in gold-filled, sterling silver, and rose gold-filled. 

Every holiday season, we go to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. My parents and my kids love it — especially my youngest — but my personal favorite is George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet. Lincoln Center is such a magical place, and getting dressed up and going there always feels special. We always go to The Mermaid Inn before the performances.

Every year, a couple of nights after Christmas, we go somewhere special for a family dinner, usually French. Lucien is wonderful and is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, the East Village. Our other favorites are Balthazar and Minetta Tavern — beautiful restaurants by Keith McNally. They each feel very New York in their own way. Balthazar is always buzzing with great energy, and I love that it’s right in the middle of SoHo. Minetta Tavern (shown above) is intimate and cozy, with an old-world feel.

Speaking of favorite restaurants, my favorite book this year was I Regret Almost Everything, also by Keith McNally. His self-depreciating honesty is incredibly brave and refreshing. I’ve recommended it to everyone — especially friends and family who’ve moved away and feel nostalgic for New York.