The Holidays

It’s that time of year now.  Tomorrow is December 1st, which means the Chrismukkah season is upon us (I am half Jewish, after all).  This, without a doubt, is my favorite time of the year.  Hands down.  I have fond memories of hanging out with my family, making caramel popcorn with mom, and decorating the tree with my sister, 10 years my junior.  Moreover, let’s just say my family throws kick*ss parties that no one forgets.

That said, I’m trying to not get depressed.  You might be asking, “How could one be so sad during such a joyous season?”  Well, it’s simple.  Last holiday season I was in Paris, where every window display was decorated as if the visual merchandiser was on crack–in a good way.  Galerie Lafayette and Bon Marché resembled the world of Wonka for the fashion obsessed, or anyone who likes sparkly and pretty things for that matter.

The outside of Galeries Lafayette

The best part, though, were the lines of lights that hung effortlessly and illuminated the Champs Elysée.

Looking down the Champs Elysée towards the Arc de Triomphe

To top it all off, the carousel at Concorde was up along with little Christmas shops up and down, where you could taste anything from all over the world.

The Ferris Wheel at Concorde

I’ll never forget the feeling of saundering up and down, tasting candies and eating fresh oysters from Normandie, holding hands with my (then) love.  The only word that even remotely comes close to that sense of euphoria: Magic.

Christmas Market

Needless to say, Boston is not Paris, and love and I are no longer together.  I’m still going to try and make the best of it.  For the first time I’m going to the Boston tree lighting ceremony.  It’s this Thursday and should be a good time, weather permitting.  If you see a girl spiking her Starbucks Peppermint Mocha with nips of Peppermint Schnapps, come over and introduce yourself.  My roomies and I are also throwing a Chrismukkah Party, complete with caramel popcorn, mistletoe, eggnog, Secret Santa (a personal fav), DVD’s that show a fire and play Christmas carols (we have no working fireplace so we had to make due), lights, and a menorah and cute little tree from Urban Outfitters.

Until then, I will continue to walk up and down Newbury hoping to catch some good deals before my New Year’s Eve excursion down to Miami. It might not be the boutiques in the Marais, but it has its own charm in itself.  Being away for so long has made me appreciate this city much more.  Wish me luck!

Santé.