We're all looking for silver linings these days—and we've got one for you. This Christmas season in New York City is sort of peaceful. There are fewer tourists crowding Midtown sidewalks, no social pressure to attend every holiday happy hour, and, more importantly, no Santa Con! One thing that hasn't changed, however, is that NYC in December holds the power to grow the hearts of the Grinchiest of us. Even this year, there is more than a little magic to be found. To help you find the best of it, our editors who call the city home share their favorite Christmastime traditions—nostalgic standbys you’ll recognize from the scenes of Elf, seasonal restaurant rituals, and neighborhood celebrations that put them in the holiday spirit.
A monthlong holiday pop-up shop, LTD by Lizzie Tisch, has opened on the Upper East Side, and I can't wait to circle through, hoping that a perfect last-minute gift will catch my eye. The shop touches on all things fashion, art, travel, beauty, and design, all whimsically presented in the space. I'm especially looking forward to checking out Paul Arnhold Glass, which is blown in Red Hook, and Le Lion's astrology embroidered merch. I can feel safe knowing the store is enforcing social distancing and partnering with CLEAR to use HEALTH PASS—a touch-free entry system that scans customers’ temperatures and gathers contact tracing info. –A.E.
