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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Holidays & Giving

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

The holidays have arrived! With the spirit of the season among us, we often try to replicate what made the holidays feel magical in our youth. For this reason, the traditions that we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child: the scents and sounds, the decor, and the holiday activities that best reflect our memories. Our December issue is full of holiday cheer. Chazz and Gianna Palminteri gave us a glimpse into their beautiful home and Christmas festivities; we even enjoyed a cookie swap soiree! Speaking of cookies, the right holiday cocktail pairs well, and Alexis of The Bubbly Pony shares a recipe for one you’re sure to love. Tami McCarthy of Tambra Collective lets us in on a simple way to stay grounded and relaxed during the excitement (and inevitable chaos) of the season, and for extra holiday fun, we’ve compiled a gift guide filled with a few out-of-the-box ideas. Discover even more surprises as you turn the pages to explore, and be sure to follow us on Instagram for extra local love. No matter how you celebrate, my hope is that you feel peace this season, and that we all remember to take care of each other by extending love, empathy, and grace. Happy Holidays!

DANA CIFONE, PUBLISHER @BEDFORD.CIT Y LIFEST Y LE Tag us or use #BedfordCityLifestyle to be featured! Discover Bedford City Lifestyle in the towns of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge, and Valhalla.

Barbara Accetta | barbara.accetta@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Tami McCarthy, Dana Cifone, Alexis Speckman CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Fay Fox, Drew Bordeaux

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Bedford City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bedford area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bedford City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Embracing Presence: One-Minute Meditation

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Self Care HEA LT H + WELLNES S

Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Inspired By ENT ERTA I NMENT

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Inhale peace and exhale holiday stress

18 21 Questions with Sam Hollander A lighthearted Q&A series with our favorite local personalities

20 A Very Merry Palminteri Christmas Christmas at home with Chazz and Gianna Palminteri

30 My Favorite Things

Publisher Dana Cifone shares her favorite family holiday memories

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Fay Fox | @lovelyandtalented Chazz and Gianna Palminteri at their Bedford, New York estate. Makeup by Jenny Alves @jennyalvesartistry

Local’s Choice LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

PENTHOUSE

LIBRARY

WINE ROOM

M O D E R N C O A S T A L C U I S I N E

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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1: Mark Boyland at the biennial Turtle Invitational of Bedford benefiting The Malcolm Pray Achievement Center. 2: Saw Mill Club's 2.5 USTA Women's Tennis Team is leading in its division this season. 3: Mimi Tesfaye (center) was honored as a leading supporter of MKCCC's Feed Me Fresh initiative. 4: BluePath celebrates its mission with the release of its documentary at Bedford Playhouse. 5: A tribute painting of Anthony Bourdain by artist Dane Shue at Armonk Outdoor Art Show. 6: Assemblyman Chris Burdick presents a check for an accessible playground at BHMP opening this month. 7: Fern Hill Project's Jenny Indig hosted an evening of truffle making at Red Velvet NYC.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bedford.citylifestyle

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. 54 Dry Bar & Salon Makes Waves in Bedford Hills Located in Bedford Hills, 54 Dry Bar & Salon is a full service boutique hair salon for men, women, and children. Their mission is to provide the highest quality service in conjunction with the highest quality products for the well being of its guests, their hair, and the environment using clean and conscious products. The stylists and colorists believe that every day should be glamorous - and it all begins with your hair.

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C. Cleaning Co. Knows Happiness is a Clean Space C. Cleaning Co. is a family-owned and operated multi-service cleaning company that caters to both residential and commercial clients across Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield counties. With an incredible cleaning crew of skilled professionals, C. Cleaning Co. is a one-stop destination for those seeking excellence in maintaining their properties. Twenty years of experience, unwavering commitment, and a focus on customer satisfaction makes C. Cleaning Co. a leading choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

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Very Lovely Soles is Always in Season After a major corporate layoff at NineWest Group Inc., Vanessa L. Seide decided to take a chance on her passion. In 2011, the journey began using Vanessa’s initials, VLS, as inspiration. She formed Very Lovely Soles out of her apartment in Westchester and each collection is comprised of chic styles in real leather. Very Lovely Soles stays a step ahead of trends for a timeless look.

Scan to read more. Photography @verylovelysoles

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bedford

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

CA L I FO R N I A C LO S E TS G I V ES BAC K Kindness and compassion bring the spirit of this special season to life. This year we are looking for a family in the Westchester area who may benefit from the donation of a California Closets custom storage solution in their home. If you know of a family in need, please nominate them by sending a few sentences about their story by December 20, 2023 to marketing@caliclosets.com.

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ARTICLE BY TAMI MCCARTHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DREW BORDEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Embracing Presence: One-Minute Meditation A BEST PRACTICE FOR SELF-CARE THIS SEASON FROM TAMBRA COLLECTIVE FOUNDER TAMI MCCARTHY While the holidays are a joyful time, they can also conjure up mixed emotions (and a lengthy to-do list) for many people. Mindfulness can help reduce holiday-related stress and anxiety. It allows you to stay in the present moment, manage the pressures and expectations of the season, and respond to challenging situations with greater composure. A simple way to practice mindfulness and reduce stress is a one-minute meditation: relax your shoulders, focus on deep breaths in for a count of four and out for a count of six, breathe in positivity, exhale any tension or stress. To enhance the experience, add a few drops of essential oil such as calming lavender or an uplifting citrus scent, to the palms of your hands, cup your nose and inhale deeply. Then, smile - you’ve got this. The best part is you can use this practice anywhere and any time to relax your nervous system. Repeat the process for longer periods of time for deeper relaxation. @tambracollective

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Editor's Choice: Romantic Christmas Movies IF LOVING THE NOEL DIARY IS WRONG THEN I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA

I’m a sucker for a good love story. Pair it with the magic of Christmas, and it doesn’t get much better in my book. I’ve rounded up my top four romantic holiday movies to cozy up with during the most wonderful time of the year. @barbara_accetta

THE HOLIDAY The ultimate feel-good holiday rom-com that always makes me laugh and cry. The Holiday is about letting go of ego, uncertainty, expectation, and instead, letting in love, both again and for the first time, for a perfectly imperfect happily ever after.

SERENDIPITY I like to believe that fate trumps fear when it comes to matters of the heart, and this film proves that destiny always finds a way to bring together the two people who are meant to be, despite decades and distance and all odds. It’s more than magic; it’s serendipity.

LOVE ACTUALLY Love is simple yet complex, soft yet powerful, and often completely illogical. You can’t help who you love. But if you’re brave enough to follow your heart, even when you can’t quite make sense of it, you may end up with the greatest love story of all.

THE FAMILY STONE

“Tel l h e r th a t you l ove h e r. You’ve got n oth i ng t o l os e a n d yo u’l l a l ways regret it if you d on’ t .” Da n i el , Love Act u a l ly 14

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

Everything about this movie, from the cast to the characters to the storyline, is holiday movie gold. A tight-knit family that can find humor in challenging moments, forgiveness in honest emotions, and each other in the beauty of the season.

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ARTICLE BY ALEXIS SPECKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BUBBLY PONY

A Coupe of Joy The creamy cocktail you'll want to sip all season PONDEROSA PINE FLIP Makes 1 cocktail INGREDIENTS: • 1 oz bourbon whiskey • 1 whole egg • 2 Tbsp rosemary-infused butterscotch sauce (or store-bought butterscotch gently warmed over the stove with a couple sprigs of rosemary for at least 10 minutes) • 1 rosemary sprig • freshly ground nutmeg for garnish For the butterscotch sauce • 1/2 stick of salted butter (or unsalted butter- just add a little extra salt to the recipe) • 2 large sprigs of rosemary, torn in half • 1/2 C packed dark brown sugar • 1/2 C heavy cream • 2 tsp vanilla • 1/2 tsp kosher salt DIRECTIONS: For the sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, salt and rosemary. Simmer, whisking often, for about 5 minutes or until creamy and slightly thickened. Transfer to a glass jar and cool completely. For the cocktail: combine the whiskey, egg, and butterscotch sauce in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. I put 2 tablespoons of the sauce in the recipe, but I tend to like it a bit more on the butterscotch-flavored side. Maybe you do too, in which case you should add more to taste! Here is where you earn your cocktail: shake it vigorously until the mixture is super creamy and has a nice foam on top. Strain into a cocktail glass, sprinkle with nutmeg, and garnish with a rosemary sprig. Cheers!

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21 Questions with Sam Hollander A LIGHTHEARTED Q&A SERIES WITH OUR FAVORITE LOCAL PERSONALITIES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA ACCETTA

Multi-platinum songwriter and producer Sam Hollander is living his childhood dream. His memoir, 21 Hit Wonder, chronicles his storied career from setbacks to success, including his 22 U.S. Top 40 Hits, 10 Number 1's, 10 Top 5’s, and 87 Top 10 chart positions globally. A Bedford native, Sam has written and produced for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, blink-182, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Carole King, Billy Idol, Jewel, and Train amongst others. His favorite song? If you’re reading this, he already hates it.

1. WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? I’ve watched at least 30 seasons of Survivor on CBS. This isn’t something that gets you cool points on the mean streets of Bedford Hills.

2. WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST? I’m on a perpetual intermittent fast, so ask me after 11 am.

3. BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? Answering these questions, Barb.

4. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? 1980 Saab. It was a bold design. Unfortunately, it died prematurely.

5. CURRENT FAVORITE SONG? Whatever I wrote yesterday. By tomorrow, I’ll hate it.

I NSP IR E D BY | EN TERTA I NME NT

"I have a weekly Pound Ridge ritual involving a lengthy walk, coffee at BreadsNBakes, and scouring the record racks at the super cool Booksy Galore."

10. ONE PERSON YOU’D LIKE TO MEET, PAST OR PRESENT? I’ve always felt a strange spiritual connection to Jack Klugman. It might be our sloppy clothing aesthetic or our doughy Hebraic features, but it would probably be a fun day playing the ponies.

11. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME? I have ADHD, so board games bore me. My Wordle skills are pretty legit though.

12. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A GOOD DANCER? My dad was a professional dancer. Sadly, those genes skipped over me. I have perfected a solid head nod to the beat though.

13. WHAT’S AN ITEM YOU’VE KEPT FROM CHILDHOOD? My Fox Lane high school yearbook is pretty swell. It’s a nice reminder of the days when I had more hair and tons of delusion.

14. WHAT SCARES YOU? Golf.

15. FAVORITE SPOT OR THING TO DO AROUND TOWN? I’m a big oHHo fan. It’s a great shop in Bedford run by lovely folks with a community first spirit.

16. WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? Reading a room.

17. WHEN WAS A MOMENT THAT YOU FELT PROUD OF YOURSELF? The day I mastered the art of cooking scrambled eggs for my kid. My chef skills are nonexistent.

18. AS A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 6. WHAT ITEM OF YOURS WAS YOUR BIGGEST SPLURGE? I’m pretty thrifty, but I did join Club Fit to unearth my long gone washboard abs.

7. WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My family, my dreams, my phone.

8. SOMETHING THAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU SMILE? My dogs are pretty great. They bark more than they should, but they do warm my frigid heart.

9. WHEN DO YOU FEEL MOST LIKE YOURSELF? When I’m walking Reservoir Road and my phone is in airplane mode.

At 13, I decided I wanted to be a songwriter. Never quit your daydreams. Sometimes they actually come to life.

19. FOOD: SWEET OR SALTY? Swalty

20. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD CARTOON OR TV SHOW? I sort of skipped over cartoons straight to The Love Boat. Captain Stubbin was born at Northern Westchester hospital so for a kid with showbiz dreams, that was pretty huge.

21. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE TRYING TO GET BETTER AT? Not golf. @samhollander

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

A Very Merry Palminteri Christmas

ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH ONE OF BEDFORD’S FA MOUS FA MILIE S

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAY FOX

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

The Palminteri’s were born to entertain. It’s no wonder, then, that their 21-year-old daughter, Gabriella, made her earthly debut in dramatic fashion: 3 weeks early on Christmas Day. “I remember lying in my hospital bed with Gabriella in my arms watching It’s A Wonderful Life,” recounts Gianna sentimentally, chatting with me in the Italian-style kitchen of her and Chazz’s sprawling Bedford estate. “The best Christmas gift in the world.” Christmas has been the family’s favorite holiday since “forever,” says Gianna, whose impressive festive decor includes an animatronic Santa Claus, a charming collection of Nutcrackers, and four Christmas trees: a formal family tree; a tree for Gabriella and one for her older brother, Dante; and a tree for Gianna’s mother, Rose, who passed in December of 2019. Rose’s tree is all white and covered in her personal ornaments, much of which is Lenox, while the kids' trees are sprinkled with childhood ornaments, from milestones to hand prints to school-made decor. I ask her if she’ll give Dante and Gabriella their ornaments when they have their own children. She laughs, “If they want them! They don’t like a lot of ‘stuff’ and I’m a tchotchkes gal.” The formal tree is adorned with fancy bulbs and photo ornaments made from the family’s Christmas cards, year after year. “There are over 20 years of family photos on that tree,” says Gianna wistfully. As a friend of the Palminteri’s for more than a decade, it’s at this moment I’m reminded that of all their accolades

and achievements, their family is the accomplishment that Chazz and Gianna value most. We dive deeper into the subject of the decorations. “Decorating is therapeutic but I hate taking everything down,” laughs Gianna, noting that Italians are notorious for keeping their Christmas decor out until February. I imagine she just might. “Also, I have wreath envy,” she admits, telling me that every season, fashion designer Joseph Abboud has the best wreaths. “They’re gorgeous,” she says, “and I’ve asked him what his secret is and he won’t tell me!” Gianna laughs again. “I’m going to try to keep my wreath envy in check this year.” Gianna is known for her parties, and her Christmas Cookie Swap is a favorite amongst her girlfriends. The Palminteri’s Ugly Sweater party is another holiday tradition, and is attended by an eclectic group of friends, everyone from Chazz’s childhood buddies to Hollywood actors. Gianna mentions that she’s also considering a fondue-style party this year, but isn’t sure because she’s allergic to cheese. “An Italian girl that’s allergic to cheese,” comments Chazz, walking into the kitchen, head shaking in comic dismay on Gianna’s behalf (psst - don’t miss his December 1st performance in Ridgefield). “It’s unfair,” she laughs, mentioning that she still gets their charcuterie board cheeses at their favorite cheese and bread shops in the Bronx. I ask Gianna what types of desserts she likes to make for parties or Christmas. Every year, they celebrate Gabriella’s birthday with a three-tiered cake. She also makes a Bûche de Noël (“Martha Stewart’s is the best”) and a tiramisu recipe straight from Rome. “I miss my parents terribly, so I try to keep all of their traditions,” says Gianna, noting that she also wants to instill new traditions, including the way that her family is involved in the community. The Palminteri’s support animal rescue and the local foster care program, and their goal is to take on a larger role in dynamic

“Our favorite Christmas movie is Deck the Halls. We watch it the day after Thanksgiving and have it on loop the entire season.”

charities. Chazz explains, “As parents, Gianna and I connect with kids and want to help the foster children in our area.” Gianna continues, “Connection and giving back will be our focus this coming year.” CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

the

Her mom’s butter cookies, made from a simple yet special recipe, are her favorite to enjoy. “Everyone loves them,” says Gianna. “They’re great for dessert or even in the morning with coffee.”

GIANNA

C H A Z Z Oatmeal cookies and

almond cookies, the latter of which is a recipe from Gianna’s father, are Chazz’s two favorite Christmas cookies. D A N T E His favorite are tricolor cookies, made from a recipe that was passed down from Gianna’s mother and her aunt. “I love making these,” says Gianna. G A B R I E L L A Her favorite is Gianna’s homemade Linzer tarts, which she’s perfected over many years and makes in large and small shapes.

Chazz and Gianna love being at home in Bedford for the holiday season. “We’ve bought into the good, old fashioned American Christmas,” says Gianna. I ask if one of their traditions was staying up late to wrap the kid’s gifts on Christmas Eve. “We’d go to 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass because Dante and Gabriella were in the nativity play, then Chazz and I would stay up and wrap until 3 am,” says Gianna. “Remember that, honey?” She perks up, asking Chazz. He quips back, “How could I forget?” in exactly the way you’d expect: endearing

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

with a side of sarcasm -- and it’s pure gold. Gianna gives me a look like she’s letting me in on a secret. “I still wake the kids up early for Christmas,” she whispers, snuggling with her new puppy, Paris, who the family welcomed after the recent loss of their beloved 15-year old cockapoo, Coco. “It’s the little things, like friends and family, snow and cozy fires, entertaining and baking.” She smiles at Chazz. “We should all embrace the simplicity of the season.” Makeup by Jenny Alves

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Holiday Gift Guide T R E AT S OM EON E ( OR YOURSE LF ) TO SOME T HING E XT RA SPE CIA L ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA

For the Kids | Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera, $80, Target

For the Wellness Guru | Extra-Wide 6-person Thermowood Barrel Outdoor Sauna, $6599, redwoodoutdoors.com

For the Adventure Seeker | Electric City Bike 48V12, $850, DiDonna Auto Group in Armonk

For the Hostess | Marble & Wood Charcuterie Board, $80, West Elm

For the Traveler | WOLF Maria Large Zip Unisex Leather Jewelry Case, $260, Desires by Mikolay in Chappaqua

For the Chef | Greenpan Stanley Tucci Collection Cookware, Handcrafted in Italy, Ceramic Nonstick Covered Fry Pan 12" (shown), $180, williams-sonoma.com

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 26

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

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ARTICLE BY DANA CIFONE

JOIN ME ON A HOLIDAY STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE

LOCA L’S CH OICE | L IFE + CULTURE

There’s nothing more heartwarming than the pageantry and spirit of Christmas, which is why it’s long been my favorite holiday. The gathering of loved ones and the festive decorations are nothing short of magical, and my family celebrates with a menagerie of traditions that have been passed down from generations. I grew up in Dobbs Ferry, and like most households both then and now, we mailed holiday cards each year. Ours was always a photo of myself and my brother, Michael, in front of a Christmas-y scene in matching outfits. Decorating and baking for the holiday was a family affair marked by each of my aunts gifting me with a sentimental ornament symbolizing a significant moment in my life every year. We’d then bake batches and batches of traditional holiday cookies, eating and laughing, reminiscing about Christmas’s past and feasting on goodies. While these moments were special to me throughout my childhood, I’m even more touched as an adult, and my Christmas ornament collection is one of my prized possessions.

For many children, Christmas Eve is the most anticipated event of the year, and I was one of those children. We always spent the evening at my Aunt Phyllis’s, indulging with family in the Feast of Seven Fishes, and like clockwork, Santa Claus would pop by just before it was time to go home and snuggle into bed. For the record, he never came in down the chimney, but he tried! On the drive home, we’d pass the church to see the live nativity – volunteers dressed as wise men, Joseph, and Mary awaiting baby Jesus. I’d then rush into our house to our own small nativity under the tree, place baby Jesus in his cradle in the manger, and then my brother and I would prepare the provisions for Santa and his reindeer: cookies and milk (of course), carrots, and a small glass of red wine. After all, Rudolph was leading the sleigh — Santa could have a sip and Christmas deliveries would be safe! On Christmas Day, my mother, Debbie, would orchestrate the opening of gifts like a choreographed dance. Myself and my brother (who always slept in while I anxiously waited) were only allowed downstairs once my parents set the scene with a warm fire roaring in the fireplace and holiday music playing lightly on the stereo. My mom wore a plush velour house dress in royal blue or deep red; I always took a moment to admire how beautiful she looked and to imagine myself grown up, just as elegant as her, as I took in the effortless ambiance she so lovingly created. Michael and I would then eagerly open our presents from Santa and watch as the last gift of Christmas was given, a little something special from my father to my mother, just for her. We would then make our way to the kitchen and Christmas morning breakfast was served: Victorian French Toast. Traditions are a tribute to memories - those we’ve made and the opportunity to continue making new memories, year after year, generation after generation. No matter which holiday you celebrate this season, I wish you joy, peace, and the unforgettable moments that make the very best memories.

VICTORIAN FRENCH TOAST • • • • • • •

1 stick butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 loaf French bread cut into ¾” slices 5 eggs mixed well 1 1/3 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract

9”x13” pan | 350 degrees | 20-25 minutes Pour melted butter into the bottom of the pan. Add brown sugar and sprinkle half the cinnamon. Place the sliced French bread snuggly in the pan. Pour eggs over the bread, then pour the milk. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon on top. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight. Bake and cool. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries, if desired.

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

KEN S ICO DAM PLAZA, VALHA L L A | 5 :30 P M Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza, presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, returns bigger and better than ever with thousands more lights and magical holiday animations. New additions include Snowball the Elf, The Transporter Tunnel, and Rudolph's Runway. The event takes place through December 31st. Proceeds directly benefit Westchester Parks Foundation. Tickets are $35 per vehicle. Visit thewpf.org/events. D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Drive

VISTA FIR E DEPARTMEN T | 9:00 A M Many children are in need of your generosity this Christmas. Please donate a new and unwrapped toy to the Vista Fire Department to gift to a local child in need, and enjoy a photo with Santa as a thank you! The firehouse will also offer cookie decorating and a tour to all who stop by. D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Holiday Market

BEDFORD HILLS TRAIN STATION | 1 :0 0 P M Presented by the Town of Bedford Recreation & Parks, the Holiday Market is an opportunity for the community to shop, listen to music, enjoy food trucks, and get into the festive spirit. All-day photos with Santa and a tree lighting at 5pm are both courtesy of Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association. All are welcome! D EC E M BE R 2 N D

SURROUNDINGS: Sewn & Torn

YELLOW STUDIO, CROS S R IVER | 4 :0 0 P M Explore this two-person exhibition by local abstract fine artists Angela Fiammetta and Allison Belolan. Angela’s work focuses on large-scale abstract stitched paintings in an organic-minimalist style that blur the lines between textile art and painting. Allison is a mixed media artist who creates unique refined abstract artwork inspired by moments of thoughtful observation featuring handmade paper. @yellowstudionygallery DE C E M BE R 3 RD

The Nutcracker

T HE PER FOR MIN G ARTS CEN TE R , P UR C H AS E C O L L E G E | 2:0 0 P M Join Northern Westchester School of Dance in their annual production of The Nutcracker. The cast is comprised of dancers ages 5-18 from 19 local school districts and 12 different dance schools. Directed and choreographed by professional dancers from the Metropolitan Opera Ballet at Lincoln Center. A magnificent holiday show for all ages! Two show dates/times. Tickets available at nwsod.com. DE C E M BE R 6T H

Wine & Design: Wreath Making

SWEET EARTH CO., POUN D RI DG E | 6 :0 0 P M Spend an evening in the Sweet Earth Co. design studio creating your own bespoke, nature-inspired holiday wreath with foraged material, evergreens, dried florals, dried fruit, moss, and succulents. All supplies and tools are provided. Cocktails will be served. Space is limited. 6pm-8pm. Tickets are $135 at sweetearthco.com.

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