Westport, CT December 2025

Mer ry And Bright

ANA GASTEYER THROWS THE HOLIDAY PARTY OF THE SEASON AT THE WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

Freedom Means Not Checking the Price Tag.

Freedom means living life on your terms. At Darwin Wealth Management, we help clients achieve financial independence by building strategies that provide security, flexibility, and peace of mind. Whether it’s planning for early retirement, funding a passion project, or simply having the confidence to say ‘yes’ to life’s opportunities, we create strategies to help you focus on what matters most.

Financial freedom is the foundation of personal freedom. We’ll help you achieve both.

Celebrating Westport: Your Favorites, and the Joy of the Season!

This is the issue you’ve all been waiting for, the biggest issue of the year! Our 2025 Readers’ Choice Competition Winners can finally be revealed! Every business, boutique, restaurant, and service featured in these pages was chosen by you, our readers. These winners were selected entirely by community vote, which makes them even more special. Thank you to everyone who took the time to cast your votes and share your local favorites. And if your go-to spot didn’t make the list this year, don’t worry. The competition returns in 2026, and we can’t wait to see who you nominate next time.

Of course, December is also the season of sparkle, and this issue celebrates everything we love about the holidays in Westport. We’re thrilled to feature Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer on our cover, ahead of her upcoming performance at the Westport Country Playhouse this month. We had so much fun chatting with her one-on-one. She’s as warm, witty, and wonderfully festive as you’d imagine.

We also sit down with singer/songwriter and Westport native Nora Mae, who has a new album and is bringing new life to her grandmother Eartha Kitt’s iconic “Santa Baby,” a story that perfectly blends legacy, family, and holiday magic.

If you’re in the mood to refresh your space for the season, don’t miss our tour of an ecofriendly, healthy home with realtor Meredith Cohen, a place built for connection, comfort, health, and making memories.

You’ll also find our biggest collection of holiday inspiration yet:

• A thoughtfully curated local gift guide for everyone on your list

• Delicious seasonal food finds from right here in our community

• A step-by-step guide to wrapping the perfect present

• And a spotlight on Earth Animal, a beloved family-run Westport business spreading warmth through their Mitten Project

In this issue, we also celebrate innovation and ideas shaping our town’s future. We’re honored to speak with Mark Shapiro, who was recently recognized as our Innovator of the Year, and to share his story of creativity and leadership. Plus, Jay Norris joins us for a thoughtful conversation on how AI is transforming the world and what that means for the Westport community.

And finally, we close out the year with something truly heartwarming: a roundup of Westporters from all walks of life, sharing their own holiday traditions and what this season means to them.

This is our biggest issue of the year, and every page is filled with gratitude for this community, for our readers, and for all the people and places that make Westport shine. From all of us at Westport Lifestyle, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a joyful start to 2026.

See you around town, hopefully dressed in something sparkly and festive!

Warmly,

MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ariel Dunne

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shervin Lainez, John Videler, Manolis Klimis, Laura St. John Photography, Kerry Long Photography, Nesrin Danan

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

/franchise.

city scene

Rediscover planning... with you at the center

Our award-winning team specializes in serving high- income and high-net-worth clients in Fairfield County and beyond.

Our comprehensive approach coordinates world-class wealth management with sophisticated tax-strategies and long-term financia l planning solutions.

And, by learning what matters most to you before we advise, we can t ailor a personalized plan that creates the financial peace- of-mind you deserve.

Rogers &

Home is Where Every Good Thing Begins

The holidays remind us that home is more than a place — it’s where we gather, give, and share life’s most meaningful moments.

As we look ahead to a bright new year, we are so grateful for the families who have trusted us to help them love where they live. This year, our team celebrated the true spirit of giving by proudly supporting local organizations that make our community thrive — Wakeman Town Farm, Pink Aid, The Norwalk Art Space, Fairfield Theater Company, and Staples High School Athletics - each creating connection, compassion, and creativity.

DANNA ROGERS (917) 282-6292

dannakrogers@gmail.com

JEN KASS (203) 368-8032

jenkass32@gmail.com

Wheels2U Will Take You to Savor Saugatuck

Wheels2U is teaming up with the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce to remind riders that there's more to Saugatuck than just the train station. For $2 each way, Wheels2U transportation will pick you up anywhere in Westport between 4:00 and 9:30 p.m. and take you to the Saugatuck area—where you can dine at spots like The Whelk, Rizzuto's, Riko's, Kawa Ni, and more—and then take you home again. To learn more, wheels2u.org/westport

A Sherlock Carol Returns

A Sherlock Carol is a delightful mashup of the characters made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens, written and directed by Mark Shanahan, the artistic director at the Westport Country Playhouse. It returns for a third year on the WCP stage on December 13. Through December 21. Tickets, from $35, at westportplayhouse.org

INDULGE BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

Elevate your glow with exclusive treat ments designed to restore, refine & rejuvenate — just in time for the season.

Dandelion Is Westport's Newest Upscale Dining

The restaurant in the Delamar Westport, a Mediterranean-inspired spot from Corporate Chef & Partner Frederic Kieffer, is a warm, sophisticated, inviting space for fresh, flavorful cuisine.  Open Sunday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. For reservations, menus, and more, visit dandelionwestport.com

Photography Courtesy Delamar Hotels

Westport Farmers' Market Adds Saturday Markets

The first Saturday of the month in December, January, February, and March will see a special installment of the Westport Farmers' Market, held at their indoor location (Gilbertie's, 7 Sylvan Ln.) This exciting development will allow more Westporters to shop at our farmers' market in the winter months. For more information, visit westportfarmersmarket.com

More Than a Neighborhood Expert

Today’s buyers and sellers want more than local knowledge, they want insight, strategy, and a long-term view.

I don’t just open doors, I guide my clients through smart, futurefocused decisions, strategic responses to market shifts and access to exclusive off-market opportunities. I’m not just your agent, I’m your strategist with the history and hustle to back it up.

If you’re thinking of making a move this spring, reach out now to get started and enjoy this holiday season with loved ones!

$40+ million pending and sold so far in 2025.

The Housatonic Museum of Art Takes Home Two Awards

The Housatonic Museum of Art, located at 900 Lafayette Boulevard in Bridgeport, received two prestigious awards for its exhibition  “The Making of an Icon: Walter Iooss and Sports Photography."  (Walter Iooss is pictured above with Michael Jordan.) The museum won both the 2025 Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of Museums and the Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History. For more on the museum, visit housatonicmuseum.org

Glow into the holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to look refreshed, feel confident, and shine bright at every gathering.

Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines with Botox, enhance your features with dermal fillers, or achieve radiant skin with our state-of-the-art laser treatments, our team is here to help you put your best face forward with a safe, multi-modal approach to anti-aging to give you the best outcome.

• Injectables like Sculptra, Botox, HA fillers for a Natural, Youthful Look

• Multiple Laser and Skin-Tightening Technologies for Brighter, Smoother Skin

• Customized Plans to Fit Your Holiday Timeline

Wishing a Season of Smiles and Gratitude

As the year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our patients, colleagues, and community for their trust and support. May this holiday season bring you health, happiness, and reasons to smile. From all of us at Premier Oral Surgery, warm wishes for a joyful holiday and a bright, confident New Year!

Start the new year with confidence— schedule your consultation today.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NESRIN DANAN

Nora Mae brings vintage vibes to her music.

Fresh Face,

Classic Sound

Singer-songwriter Nora Mae has always known her future would be in music and performing.  She cut her teeth in middle school and high school productions while growing up here in Westport, but her destiny was written from an even earlier age, as she would watch her grandmother, the legendary Eartha Kitt, perform. “Having my grandmother in my life showed me that there was a path,” Nora Mae tells  Westport Lifestyle. “I would sit and watch her perform and think  this is everything.” She

started writing her own music at 11, worked on songwriting and performing throughout high school and college, and last year released her debut EP,  Mad Woman,  under the name Nora Mae. (Nora is her middle name, Mae was her grandmother’s middle name.) Her latest single, “Don’t Wake Me Up,” from earlier this year, showcases her sultry, Amy-Winehouse-ian vocals and talent for arrangements that would sound at home in a smoky jazz club. Her records pay homage to her grandmother’s era with a classic, old-Hollywood feeling, infused with modernity from 2020s pop. “[When I was working on this album] I kept coming back to what I grew up listening to. I would put on Billie Holiday radio—where every fifth song is my grandmother!— and listen to all these amazing talents with that music that feels so cinematic and nostalgic,” she says. “I love that classic pop sound, it’s like a movie score with pop writing over it. I thought what if I could do that, but with contemporary production and contemporary pop writing? ”

Her songs, with their sweeping instrumentals and vintage-y, textured vocals, certainly achieve that goal. Her records also ooze capital-S  style, from the carefully crafted jazz/pop hybrid sound to the classic-cinema-inspired album covers. This, too, should be no surprise considering Nora Mae’s pedigree: her mom is Kitt Shapiro, owner of WEST boutique downtown. “My mom influences my style every day,” says Nora. “She is equal parts elegance, graciousness, and timeless beauty, as well as edgy and modern.” (WEST’s slogan, “if Jimi Hendrix and Chanel had a baby,” could  almost be applied to Nora’s music.) “My grandmother was that way too—she was a forward thinker, especially for her time.” And so this juxtaposition is a tradition Nora is happy to continue, in both her sound and her aesthetic.  CONTINUED

While Nora Mae’s music is uniquely her own, this holiday season she does have one track that may sound familiar: she recorded a cover of Eartha Kitt’s iconic “Santa Baby” for her friend and fellow recording artist Delacey's Christmas album. “I’ve never covered one of my grandmother’s songs before!” Nora says. “It’s a very different take on it—because there’s no way to emulate the original— but it was so fun.” That joy is, in part, because the Christmas season always makes Nora feel close to her grandmother. “There was always something to do around Christmas because [of the song],”

Nora says, whether that was attending the Disney World Christmas parade with her grandmother (who voiced Yzma in Disney’s  The Emperor’s New Groove  and played Madame Zeroni Disney’s  Holes) or visiting the White House with her while she performed. “When she passed, I think it was even more important for us to be together at the holidays, because we wanted to spend time as a family and commemorate her,” she says. “Not just because of the holidays, but because she passed on Christmas Day. She was a theatrical woman down to the last moment!”

So this year, whether you put on Eartha Kitt’s original or Nora Mae’s cover of the Christmas classic, think of this storied Westport/Weston family when “Santa Baby” next plays. “Every year, we hear her voice and acknowledge missing her. No matter where we are, she’s inescapable this time of year,” says Nora. “To this day, when I hear it, it always makes me smile.”

To learn more about Nora Mae visit normaemusic.com or follow @noramaeofficial

A Healthy

A LOOK AT 118 ROSEVILLE ROAD, ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE HOMES IN WESTPORT.

H o m e

THE CONSTRUCTION

The concrete home was built by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Francis Barry Byrne in 1936, lightyears ahead of its time. It’s a certified passive house, with no spray foam insulation, and it is situated on its two-acre lot with maximum sunlight exposure in mind for the winter months. “It’s a private oasis you’d never know was there,” explains the listing agent, Meredith Cohen of Serhant Connecticut. Upgraded triple-pane windows and high-performance doors work as part of the home’s heating and cooling system, keeping costs down and cementing the house’s status as a paragon of eco-conscious living.

THE DESIGN

Built using the Golden Ratio, the interiors are perfectly scaled. The all-natural limestone walls are the same type featured in Kim Kardashian’s home. One of the three bedrooms has three built-in beds with privacy curtains, where previous owner Doug Mcdonald’s three sons slept. “I wanted my boys to figure out how to be in one room together,” he tells Westport Lifestyle (Their bathroom also has three custom sinks.) Outside, there’s a roof deck, pool, spa, and a historic outbuilding from the noted Westport architect Frazier Peters.

THE FEATURES

Beyond the environmental highlights, this is a house with health in mind. Doug set up reverse osmosis water, filtered through copper pipes, and an advanced air filtration system. The kitchen’s induction range uses no combustible chemicals. Doug thought of every element to make this house the cleanest, safest, and healthiest it could be for him and his family. “The design experiment worked,” he says. “My kids ended up bigger, stronger, and smarter than me. I just don't think it would have happened the same way without all the sunshine and other details.”

For more about 118 Roseville, visit thewestportexpert.com

Thank you,

From the ver y beginning, your love and suppor t have been the hear t of Bloom Ever y visit, kind word, referral, and smile has helped us grow into the salon we are today.

We are endlessly grateful for the trust you place in us, the laughter we share, and the community we ’ ve built together Here’s to many more years of beauty, creativity, and good vibes by your side.

YOUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY Shopping Guide

Honorable Mention

Rare Beauty's Rare Eau de Parfum, the first fragrance from Selena Gomez's beauty brand, is a sweet vanilla/sandalwood scent that's cozy and familiar. But what's really special is the accessible sprayer, designed in collaboration with an occupational therapist, that works for nearly everyone. $75 at Sephora SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., Norwalk, sephora.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… well, until you start holiday shopping, anyway. Gift-giving is a joy, but gift-shopping is a marathon. So this year, we set out to make it a little easier: in these next five pages, you’ll find gift ideas for anyone on your list, with a special focus on being able to purchase the gifts right here in Fairfield County. What we love about putting together each issue of Westport Lifestyle is honing in on what makes this town (and the surrounding ones) so great, and one of the best things about Westport is it’s a darn good place to shop. So while not every item in our gift guide is available locally, we strived to make as many as possible something you can pick up in person. (And not just because we know all too well the stress of waiting until the very last possible minute to purchase a gift, though that certainly factored in!) We’ve got guides to fragrances on page 49, kids’ gifts on page 50, activewear on page 51 (where every shop is on Main Street!), food on page 54, and men’s gifts on page 55. And for any items we recommend that are not hyper-local, we looked for Fairfield County connections whenever we could, like locally-founded brands. (All roads lead back to Westport, as they say.) Many of these items are also Westport Lifestyle-tested and approved, like the fragrances, at right, which were wear-tested by our editor Sara Gaynes Levy.   Hopefully, this guide makes your holiday season a little less stressful, and holiday shopping a little more fun. And may you have no trouble finding the perfect parking spot in Parker Harding Plaza. Happy holidays and happy shopping from the Westport Lifestyle team!

ELLIS BROOKLYN VANILLA MAN

While Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Man may be marketed as a men’s fragrance, the spicy, woody-vanilla scent is totally unisex; I've been wearing it all fall. It’s fresh and peppery with a sweet finish—perfect for holiday cheer. $120 at ellisbrooklyn.com

BDK PARFUMS 312 SAINT-HONORÉ

BDK Parfums 312 Saint-Honoré is a feminine, sophisticated scent with notes of musk, powdery iris, and citrusy-white-florals from orange blossom. It's clean and luxe: like a favorite face lotion bottled up. $250 at Bluemercury, 62/57 Main St., bluemercury.com

PARFUMS DE MARLY DISCOVERY SET

One of my favorite fragrance houses, Parfums de Marly, offers a discovery set of their marquee feminine-leaning fragrances: their signature tart rose-lychee scent Delina, the creamier, milkier Delina Exclusif,  the soft, peachy floral Valaya, and the sugary, citrusy Oriana. $230 at Bluemercury, 62/57 Main St., bluemercury.com

BURBERRY GODDESS EAU DE PARFUM

If a scent could be both calming and sexy at the same time, it would be Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum. The lavender-vanilla combo is comforting and alluring, with a spiciness perfect for cooler months. $181 at Ulta, 1635 Post Road E., ulta.com

CHANEL CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE

CHANEL's Chance Eau Splendide is a fruity, youthful scent that pops with an immediate hit of photorealistic raspberry, coupled with garden-like pink and purple flowers. $176 at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, 58 Main St., chanel.com

S.S.K (LABS)’S FRAGRANCE KIT 01

For the fraghead on your list, indie perfumer S.S.K (Labs)’s Fragrance Kit 01 includes an eau de parfum and two perfume oils: everything you need to make a layered, complex signature scent. All three scents work off an amber base, but allow you to create something that’s all your own. $300, at ssklabs.com

YOTO MINI PLAYER

My absolute favorite toy to gift kids is a Yoto Mini Player. This screen-free audio player goes everywhere with them, so they can listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more at home or on the go. Content cards are sold separately, and you can also make your own cards from audio content on your phone. $79.99 at  us.yotoplay.com

KANE SHOES

Kids love these breathable water shoes from Kane. They’re perfect for any kid heading to Florida for the holidays, but you know they might wear them as soon as they open the box. Even if it’s snowing. $79.95 at Naturino, 1096 Post Road E., naturinokidswestport.com

SPRAY & SHINE CAR WASH

Westport-born brand Melissa & Doug’s hot toy of the season is the Spray & Shine Car Wash, which features a color-changing car and working tools. Too cute! $32.99 at melissaanddoug.com

“MERRY” SWEATSHIRT

WEIGHTED PLUSH

This Pillowfort dragon weighted plush is a great gift for all ages—even older kids—as the heavy stuffed animals offer sensory comfort (and, yes, are also pretty dang cute).  $25 at Target, 680 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, target.com

Every girl in town knows the musthave gifts must come from Groove. She’ll live in this “Merry” sweatshirt over winter break. $65, at Groove, 420 Post Road W PLUS PLUS BUILDING TOYS

Plus Plus building toys are a fun, creative activity for kids. They’re perfect stocking stuffers: they’re also easy to travel with and make a great waitingfor-your-food-at-a-restaurant toy. $18 at Awesome Toys & Gifts, 429 Post Road E., awesometoys.com

ALO LEGGINGS

This holiday season's hot list leggings are the Airbrush High-Waist Heart Throb Leggings from Alo, which feature contrast piping and their signature logo waistband. Pair them with the matching Airbrush Heart Throb Bra ($88) for a can't-miss set. $134 at 44 Main St., aloyoga.com

LULULEMON KNIT TOTE BAG

The jacquard-knit Classic Knit Tote Bag from Lululemon goes from yoga class to commuting, no problem. It's a sturdy, easy bag that comes with a removable pouch to take all your essentials into the studio. $168 at 69 Main St., lululemon.com

BEYOND YOGA JOGGERS

There is nothing softer than the fabric in Beyond Yoga's Spacedye Go Pocket Joggers. It's the perfect weight, moisture-wicking, machine washable, and dryer-safe. You definitely know someone who would love these pants. $118 at 136 Main St., beyondyoga.com

For skiers this season, the breathable cotton-wool Upscale Waffle Beanie from Athleta will serve her well on and off the slopes. $45 at 103107 Main St., athleta.com

RHONE JACKET

With a versatile funnel-neck, a water repellent coating, and chic quilted matte stretch fabric, the Rhone Monterey Quilted Jacket is the perfect throw-on-and-go layer for a Connecticut gal. $248 at 7 Main St., rhone.com

OFFLINE BY AERIE SWEATSHIRT

There's a reason the OFFLINE by Aerie Cloud Fleece Oversized Crewneck Sweater is called "cloud fleece:" it's a light-as-air sweatshirt with a supercozy inside. Pick it up in a festive color for a guaranteed "I love this!" upon opening. $60, at 91 Main St., ae.com

Fairfield County's Best Food Gifts

EDIBLE TREATS THAT SHOW YOU CARE.

1. Handmade Panettone

Panettone might not have the best reputation, but this buttery, hand-made version from Fatto a Mano will change your whole perspective. Get your preorder in ASAP— don't risk them selling out! From $68 at 1835 Post Road E, fattoamanobreads.com

Pizza Lyfe At Home

Someone you love have a pizza oven? Gift them homemade dough, one pound of fresh mozzarella, and 32 ounces of sauce from Pizza Lyfe, our Reader’s Choice Best Pizza winner. $32 for all three, at 833 Post Road E, pizzalyfe.com

A Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Sampler from Norwalk’s Rebel Daughter Cookies offers six of their inventive flavors: one Pecan Pie, one Snickernog, two Rebel Without A Clauses, and two Berry & Brights. $38.75 at 21 Isaacs St., Norwalk, rebeldaughtercookies.com

. Peppermint Bark

A Candy Cane Tube from BE Chocolat in Fairfield mixes the best Belgian white and dark chocolate from Callebaut with a candy cane crunch. $20 at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield, bechocolat.com

Owner Matt Storch loves making chef-curated bags ($375-$550) for customers at Saugatuck Provisions. This one has premium meat, pasta, sauces, tinned fish, and so much more. Pictured, $399, at 580 Riverside Ave., 203-557-3655.

Must-Have Men's Gifts

WHAT HE REALLY WANTS THIS HOLIDAY.

Immortalize Westport (or wherever he’s from) with this set of personalized hometown map rocks glasses. (PSA: They’re made to order, so give yourself at least two weeks before you need them!) $60 at uncommongoods.com

He can always use a wear-anywhere hoodie like the Rhone Dream State Hoodie that goes from the gym to weekend diner trips to those early-season days at Compo Beach. $138, at Rhone, 7 Main St., rhone.com

Blue and Cream is a treasure trove for sneakerheads: they’ve got tons of unique styles as well as best-sellers, like these Killshot 2s from Nike. $140, at 48 Post Road E., blueandcream.com

There’s an amazing men’s jewelry selection at Lux Bond & Green, including this chevron triple-wrap bracelet in green leather with sterling silver from David Yurman. $395 at 136 Main St., lbgreen.com

For the guy who has everything, give him an experience, like time at the multisport simulators at The Clubhouse. Gift cards are available from $50-500. At The Clubhouse, 1620 Post Road E., theclubhousewestport.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP: GG + JOE BEST BRUNCH: TERRAIN CAFE

BEST BAKERY: KNEADS

BEST BAR: THE CLUBHOUSE

“The bar pairs an elevated atmosphere with drinks spanning everything from cold drafts to craft cocktails.”

BEST CATERER: MARCIA SELDEN CATERING

"Marcia Selden Catering delivers highend, personalized catering services, crafting memorable experiences for events with creativity."

BEST EVENT PLANNER: TRUE EVENT

ARTICLE BY YOU, OUR INCREDIBLE READERS!

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our 2025 Readers’ Choice Competition!

Each year, you—our readers—vote for the very best in dining, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and local services. Your votes celebrate the businesses, professionals, and experiences that make our community truly special.

These winners have earned their place on this list thanks to your passion, loyalty, and continued support.

If your favorites didn’t make the list this year, don’t worry—you’ll have another chance to vote in 2026!

Congratulations to all of our 2025 winners—and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who shared their vote. Your voice continues to make a difference in our community.

Readers' Choice 2025: Celebrating Your Favorites! DINING & DRINK

BEST FINE DINING: THE COTTAGE

BEST CASUAL DINING: SPOTTED HORSE

“True Event designs and produces bespoke weddings and events that blend artistry, emotion, and seamless execution for lasting impact.”

BEST MUSIC VENUE: THE LEVITT PAVILION

BEST EVENT VENUE: THE CLUBHOUSE

“Elevated dining, lively activities, and warm hospitality make it perfect for cocktail parties and corporate events.”

BEST MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE: THE HOME COOK CT

BEST LIQUOR STORE: THE GRAPE VINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BEST DERMATOLOGIST: MODERN DERMATOLOGY

“Proud to deliver award-winning, comprehensive skincare for the entire family right here in Westport.”

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON: DR. JOSEPH O'CONNELL

BEST MED SPA: RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS WESTPORT

BEST GENERAL PRACTITIONER: DR. NINA KAROL

BEST DENTIST: DENTAL CENTER OF WESTPORT

“At The Dental Center of Westport, receive personalized care, exceptional service, and a full range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments in one convenient location. dentalcenterwestport.com”

BEST EYE DOCTOR: DOCTOR AND ASSOCIATES, DR. LESLIE DOCTOR

BEST WOMEN'S HEALTH DOCTOR: THE AVERY CENTER

BEST PEDIATRICIAN: WILLOWS PEDIATRICS

BEST ORTHODONTIST: EMBRACE ORTHODONTICS

Best Dermatologist: Modern Dermatology

BEST HEALTH STORE: ORGANIC MARKET

HOME & DESIGN

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER: TDV INTERIOR DESIGN (TYLER DEL VENTO)

BEST FURNITURE STORE: BUNGALOW

BEST ANTIQUES STORE: GLEN LEROUX

BEST ART GALLERY: CLARENDON FINE ART

BEST ARCHITECT: PETER CADOUX ARCHITECTS

BEST VETERINARIAN: SPOT ON VET

BEST KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER: MARIA MATLUCK DESIGN

BEST MASONRY: NEIL BUONO BEST LIGHTING STORE: CHLOE WINSTON

LIGHTING DESIGN

“Chloe Winston Lighting Design is a destination lighting showroom with unmatched experience and exceptional brands.”

REAL ESTATE & SERVICES

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY: THE HIGGINS GROUP PRIVATE BROKERAGE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: DAN MCCAMBLAU

“Local expert. Top producer. Seasoned negotiator. Delivering standout strategy, exceptional results, and lasting client success.”

BEST INSURANCE COMPANY: CROSS PRIVATE CLIENT INSURANCE

“Cross Private Client Insurance is one of Westport’s most respected independent property and casualty insurance agencies. crossprivateclient.com/locations/westport-connecticut/ ”

BEST BANK: CHASE BANK

BEST HOME BASED BUSINESS: CANDLE CABOODLE

BEST CO-WORKING SPACE: OFFICE EVOLUTION WESTPORT

BEST IN HOME CARE PROVIDER: JOVIE CHILDCARE

BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY: THE RESIDENCE WESTPORT

SHOPPING & STYLE

BEST BOUTIQUE SHOP: TIE: MILLIE RAE'S AND SPICE

BEST LUXURY SHOPPING: MITCHELLS

BEST CLOTHING STORE: MITCHELLS

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE: WILD BLUEBERRY

BEST FINE JEWELRY: JOSH LEVKOFF PRIVATE JEWELER

BEST TRENDY JEWELRY: JOSH LEVKOFF PRIVATE JEWELER

BEST SHOE STORE: TIE: MITCHELLS AND NATURINO KIDS

FITNESS & LIFESTYLE

BEST GYM: J. ASHLEY FITNESS

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS: J. ASHLEY FITNESS

BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR: BETSY PERNA, FIT TO YOU FITNESS

Best Barbershop: Westport Cut and Shave

KIDS, PETS & FAMILY

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL: GREENS FARMS ACADEMY

BEST TUTORING COMPANY: FREUDIGMAN & BILLINGS

BEST CHILDREN'S STORE: WILD BLUEBERRY

BEST KID'S ACTIVITY: HARTBEEPS

BEST PET STORE: EARTH ANIMAL

“Since 1979, Earth Animal has been the trusted destination for all dog and cat lovers — where natural foods and irresistible treats create everyday joy.”

BEST PET BOARDING FACILITY: TOWNHOUSE FOR DOGS & CATS

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

BEST FULL SERVICE HAIR SALON: SALON DADA

BEST BLOW DRY BAR: BLOW DRY

“Thank you, Westport! we’re so grateful to be your favorite blow dry bar. We love our clients.”

BEST DAY SPA: SQUEEZE MASSAGE

BEST BARBERSHOP WESTPORT CUT AND SHAVE

TRAVEL & AUTO

BEST HOTEL: DELAMAR WESTPORT

BEST LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE: PORSCHE FAIRFIELD

FOOD FAVORITES

BEST BAGEL: POP UP BAGELS

BEST PIZZA: PIZZA LYFE

BEST BURGER: THE CLUBHOUSE:

“The Clubhouse’s signature double smashburger featuring a housemade special sauce has become a town favorite.”

BEST SUSHI: SUSHI JIN

BEST MEXICAN FOOD: MEXICA

BEST ITALIAN FOOD: CASA ME

BEST TAPAS RESTAURANT: BASSO WINE BAR

WRITE-IN CATEGORIES

BEST GROOMER: SPOT ON VET

BEST LASH AND BROW BAR: FEATHER & FRINGE

BEST INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT: JEFF BOLEY

“Independent insurance guidance, delivering personalized coverage solutions that protect health, life, security, and long-term future.”

BEST SPEECH THERAPIST: DEIRDRE FLORES (THE TEEN SLP)

BEST DOG RESCUE/ANIMAL RESCUE: FETCH DOG RESCUE

BEST FAMILY LAW FIRM: BRODER ORLAND MURRAY & DEMATTIE LLC

”Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC is honored to have been chosen the Best Family Law firm for the fifth year!”

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY: ZION PHYSICAL THERAPY

BEST PSYCHOTHERAPY: LIFT WELLNESS GROUP

“Lift Wellness provides compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy supporting lasting recovery, emotional balance, and whole-person wellness.”

BEST LOCAL MARKETING: WESTPORT INTERACTIVE MEDIA

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERVIN LAINEZ

The Merriest

The best holiday party of the season is at the Westport Country Playhouse, and it’s hosted by Ana Gasteyer.

The holiday season is Ana Gasteyer’s time to shine. The  Saturday Night Live alumna, who is also a classically trained vocalist with Broadway credits including Elphaba in Wicked and Queen Aggravain in last year’s revival of Once Upon a Mattress, says that she loves how this time of year “lends itself in a very comfortable way to throwback nostalgia, without being hokey.” It’s why holiday tunes are such a natural fit for her vocal style. “When I’m performing, I’m drawn to the American songbook and standards from the 1950s and early ‘60s, because they have a lot of comedy built in,” Ana tells  Westport Lifestyle. “There’s the interchange with the band, and I have a big voice that does well with horns. Basically, I would have been really happy being an entertainer in 1958,” she says with a laugh.

With all that in mind, in 2019, she recorded a holiday album called  Sugar & Booze,  which features a mix of seasonal staples like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride” and original songs like “Nothing Rhymes With Christmas” and “Secret Santa,” a duet with fellow SNL alum Maya Rudolph.  (“We wanted the music to be original, but feel seamless with the era,” she explains. Case in point: the album and title track are named for what she deems the two best parts of the holiday season. Find a crooner who wouldn’t agree.) The record was so fun to make that she started taking it out on the road during each subsequent holiday season. “As an entertainer, I love the sense of sort of hosting a big Christmas party,” she says.

Happily for Westport, that Christmas party will hit the Westport Country Playhouse stage on Monday, December 22 at 7 p.m. “It’s a very happy, festive, easy-to-listen-to record, and that has evolved into a celebration [on stage],” explains Ana. “I love doing this show, and I’m always so moved that people want to come and celebrate with me. We give away prizes, come up with games for the audience, and I always encourage festive outfits. It’s my happiest place: throwing an entertainment party.”

And while this may be Ana’s first time performing at the Playhouse, it’s not her first holidays-and-Westport connection: in 2017, she played Mrs. Schwartz in  A Christmas Story Live!  and Westport’s own Justin Paul, along with his songwriting and composing partner Benj Pasek, added a song to their musical written just for Ana, “In the Market for a Miracle,” which she recorded for  Sugar & Booze with Pasek & Paul’s blessing. “It was a very special career moment [to have them write me a song],” she says. “I felt like Debbie Reynolds or something!”

If you’re starting to get the sense that this time of year is meaningful to Ana, you’re right: it genuinely is. “My mom has always been very traditional about Christmas, and so I take [this time of year] really seriously,” she says. “I just lean into it.” And though Ana has spent many a Christmas working, she knows how to throw a good party. Her top entertaining tip: keep it simple. A holiday ham surrounded by chutneys, jams, mustards, and “really good bread,” plus beer, wine, soda, and a batch-made signature cocktail come together for a party that’s impressive and festive without being labor-intensive. (All that time playing Martha Stewart on  SNL must have paid off.) “[Christmastime] has become this accidental recurring theme in my life,” she says. “My first breakout at  SNL was Martha Stewart Christmas.” Add the legendary holiday-themed NPR “Delicious Dish” sketch “Schweddy Balls” and her  SNL work is in the all-time Christmas episode pantheon.

Suffice it to say, Ana  knows holiday entertainment. So don’t miss stopping by her get-together at the Playhouse. “What’s so special about the holidays is a sense of tradition and remembering something,” says Ana. “The holidays are a time that people let go, connect with each other, and forget about their cares to come together as a community.”

Ana Gasteyer - Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular, December 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets, from $95, at westportplayhouse.org

“As an entertainer, I love the sense of sort of hosting a big Christmas party.”

• Small group training

• 1-on-1 workouts

• Your workout comes to you!

• All 'fit' to what each individual needs

Thank you, Westport and Weston, for voting Fit to You Fitness 'Best Fitness Instructor' two years in a row!

I am so grateful for your continued support and trust!

, Betsy

Helping Hands

Earth Animal embarks on their 18th annual Mitten Project, in partnership with CT Foodshare.

Earth Animal has been a haven for local pets for 45 years, since veterinarian Dr. Bob Goldstein and his wife Susan opened their first health-forward store in 1979. But nearly two decades ago, the family—Bob and Susan, along with their daughters Abbey and Merritt—decided they wanted to help food-insecure children in Fairfield County, too. What started as a donation jar in the retail store—collecting funds to help feed school children in Bridgeport over the weekends—has blossomed into the community-wide event known as The Mitten Project, now in its 18th year. “It just kept growing and growing and growing,” Merritt tells Westport Lifestyle. “Last year, we raised $75,000 for the Connecticut Food Share.” That donation provided nearly 150,000 meals.

The goal this year is even higher, especially since, unfortunately, the number of food-insecure individuals keeps rising. “The statistics are drastically increasing: one out of every seven people are food insecure, and many are children,” explains Abbey. “There’s been funding pulls, plus inflation. It’s a very urgent need. We do everything we can to help support these families in need.” Adds Merritt: “It really hits home, because [food insecurity] is in our backyard, and it’s really serious.”

The Mitten Project raises those impressive numbers in a few ways: Holiday gifts for sale at Earth Animal, where a portion of the proceeds benefit The Mitten Project; shopping

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EARTH ANIMAL

events known as "Shop and Gives" at many local retailers, where between 10 and 20 percent of the proceeds from the event go towards the Project (don't miss the pies and homemade ice cream from Wakeman Town Farm, 100 percent of the proceeds from each purchase support CT Foodshare); and the Pin-Up Fundraiser, where for every $5 or more donated, the Earth Animal team hangs a paper mitten in the window. The decor has become an iconic symbol of this cornerstone annual fundraiser.

Abbey and Merritt are so grateful for the generosity of their customers, colleagues, friends, and community members (both here in Westport and beyond) who have made The Mitten Project as successful as it has been. “Our customers are so kind and generous,” says Merritt. She recalls one day last year when a loyal customer who had just lost her beloved dog— who had been an Earth Animal dog his entire life—donated $1,000 worth of mittens, right at the register. “She was so touched by The Mitten Project experience,” says Merritt. “I am so happy that we’re a part of this. It feels so good to give back. We’re humbled. We’re emotional. It’s amazing.”

To be a part of this holiday season’s giving, you can stop by Earth Animal to buy a mitten or shop their gifts and follow Earth Animal’s social media accounts for up-to-date Shop and Give events in Westport and Fairfield. “It’s a collective community effort, and it comes from pure goodness,” says Merritt. You can also donate via their GoFundMe. The Mitten Project runs through December 31. “For our family, giving back comes from the heart,” Merritt shares.  “It’s about caring for the animals, but the people need us, too.”

MEET THE INNOVATOR of the Year

The first time Mark Shapiro saw Westport, he was scouting for an editing facility that his then-employer, ESPN, could use for an upcoming project. As they drove through town, he and his wife, Kim, had the same thought: can you imagine if one day we could live here?

Nearly 30 years later, not only does Mark reside here in town, but he recently had the honor of being named StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year. “Westport is a place that has really become home with a capital H,” Mark said at the award ceremony, held at The Westport Library on October 8. “It’s a town where, like everything else in life, you get back what you give.” And Mark has given a lot. In his impressive career, he’s worked at ESPN as the executive vice president for programming and production (creating, among other things,  Pardon the Interruption, as well as acquiring rights to properties like Monday Night Football and the NBA); Six Flags as the director, president, and chief executive officer; Dick Clark Productions as the CEO and executive producer; and is now president and managing partner at representation company WME Group as well as the president and chief operating officer of TKO Group, the parent of WWE and UFC.

CONTINUED >

“I’ve been fortunate to win two Peabody Awards and 16 Emmy Awards. Being recognized for the innovation that it takes to develop that type of award-winning programming means a great deal to me,” Mark tells  Westport Lifestyle. “Innovation is about seeing what’s possible before others do, and having the conviction and courage to go after it. It’s equal parts imagination and execution.” This outlook is both a beautiful summary of his visionary mindset and demonstrates why he was chosen by StartUp Westport as their honoree.

At the awards ceremony, Mark spoke in a fireside chat with CNBC anchor Sara Eisen, sharing hardwon wisdom from his career with the crowd. “You have to go with your gut and you have to have convictions, but you need to listen, you need to be curious, and you need to not preach and act like you know everything, because you don’t,” he said. He also spoke about the importance of a strong, loyal team, noting that when he left ESPN for Six Flags, he took 16 people with him, some of whom he still works with today at WME and TKO. “A leadership recipe that I've taken with me throughout my career is surrounding myself with the right people. Because how much can just one person do? It doesn't matter how granular I get with the business, there's  so much to do. And you can't accomplish it if you don't have experts, people that will work hard, people that are passionate, people that have vision, people that will put themselves out there, people that will give

it to you straight, and if you fail, get right back up and do it again.”

“Westport is a constant reminder that impact isn’t just global,” Mark says. “It can, and often does, start local.”

Mark spoke at length about failure being constant, but temporary: “you learn from your mistakes, but you don’t dwell on them,” he said. That attitude allows Mark to be the forward thinker that he is, investing in what he believes in— from paying $4.2 billion for the UFC (and most recently selling the media rights for $7.7 billion to Paramount) to investing in new Westport restaurant Massi Co., headed by the passionate Massimo Tullio. “I never think in terms of avoiding risk – I think in terms of managing it,” he tells  Westport Lifestyle. “The calculus: is the potential upside transformative, and do I have the right people around me to deliver on the promise?” Another hallmark of his leadership style, he explains, is not shying away from feedback, even if it isn’t positive. “The last step is always a brutally honest post-mortem on the outcome and results.”

Truly, the throughline for all of it is  people. Mark builds relationships, whether on a global or local scale. He reminded the audience to nurture their connections, not when they need something but out of authenticity.  People, he says, are the great joy of his career. “I’ve worked alongside some of the brightest minds and most talented individuals across a handful of industries. They've taught me a great deal, tested me constantly, and ultimately upped my game. That has all enabled me to do the same for those I lead,” he says.

Even with all his worldwide success, Mark remains a devoted champion of our community. “Westport is a constant reminder that impact isn’t just global,” he says. “It can, and often does, start local. The community here has done nothing but support me and my family, and it’s always been a foundational element of who I am to return that spirit and energy.” (Though the Chicago-area native does have one piece of advice for Westporters: wave to your neighbors! “When I drive down my street and I see someone walking their dog, pushing their stroller, or on their bicycle, and I wave to them, they don't wave back!” he said with a laugh. “Spread the word: say hi!”)

StartUp Westport focuses heavily on mentorship, and they couldn’t have chosen a 2025 honoree who better reflects that value. “I’ve been blessed over the years with a collection of mentors teaching, challenging, and showing me the way; I try to do the same for individuals here in Westport,” he says. “There’s no doubt we have an extraordinary group of future game-changing leaders in this town.”

The AI Catalyst

What will Westport’s AI future look like?

Jay

Norris

has a few ideas.

If 2025 had a theme, it was the AI revolution. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models dominated the cultural conversation this year, and Westport’s Jay Norris was as plugged into the conversation as anyone. That’s partially because his company, Guesst, is at the forefront of using predictive analytics to help retailers and restaurants. Guesst’s AI, he explains, helps small businesses get new customers and

increase revenue by suggesting merchandise that would perform well with their customers based on what’s already selling well in a specific neighborhood or geographic area.  Guesst also launched Guesst Funding this holiday season, its revenue-based lending platform for more than a thousand merchants looking for cash advances this holiday season.  Guesst represents and works with the owners/operators of Bryant Park Holiday Market, Columbus Circle, Union Square, Macy’s Herald Square, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal's Holiday Market.

But Jay is also at the forefront of this conversation because that’s who he is: he’s always plugged in. “I would like to be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, trusted advisor for SMBs [small/medium businesses] who partners with and builds innovative software and AI solutions," he tells Westport Lifestyle. “That lets me be Jay Norris, without being a machine learning expert.” While he may not be a machine learning expert, he is an expert on the intersection of technology and commerce for small/medium businesses: he is the chairman of the Innovation and Technology Council of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, one of the founders and board members of StartUp Westport, founder of Westport10, a mentor

with A Better Chance, and a proud board member of the Downtown Merchants Association and the Westport/Weston YMCA.

Jay is helping business owners envision how AI can be a tool rather than a threat, setting up SMB town halls, right rooms, and working as a 1:1 coach to make sure the human element doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. He’s the “SMB AI Catalyst.” “Think of AI as a thought partner,” he says. It’s us who are the thought leaders, he explains. In other words, whatever your “zone of genius” is, don’t use AI for that. It’s a support tool, but not a replacement for people, connection, or expertise. Jay is helping entrepreneurs find that balance. Last month, he launched the aptly named ThoughtPartnr.com, “an AI platform for our SMB organizations where we will inspire, educate, train, and connect business members with tangible AI solutions that will help them minimize cost and maximize returns.”

Through ThoughtPartnr.com, he’s connecting with chambers of commerce, including here in Westport, and local organizations like StartUp Westport (see page 80). “We’re connecting communities with solutions,” he says. You can learn more by listening his podcast, Visionary’s Podcast, following Jay @jaynorrisvisionary, or visiting thoughtpartnr.com

Global Winter, Shared Warmth

Seven unique Westporters share their holiday traditions that bring them together with their families and their communities.

ARTICLE BY ARIEL DUNNE

Inda Sade: Latkes, Lights and Laughter

For Inda and Solomon Sade, owners of The Blondinit, Chanukah has always been about more than candles and gifts. At home, it’s a time for cooking, laughter, and family moments shared with their daughters, Arielle and Sophie. At their Westport restaurant, that same spirit fills the room, with warm smiles, good food, and a table that feels like home.

The Blondinit’s menu of Israeli soul food brings a taste of Tel Aviv to Connecticut, but during Chanukah, one dish takes center stage: the family’s beloved latkes. “Our recipe comes from decades of tradition in Solomon’s family,” says Inda. “It was always their holiday staple. Every year, we look forward to making them together and sharing them with our guests.”

Lighting candles and frying latkes each of the eight nights remain cherished family rituals. “Those are the moments that mean the most to us,” says, Inda. That same warmth fills The Blondinit, where Israeli cuisine and family tradition come together in a space that welcomes everyone. “We built The Blondinit around the idea that food brings people together. Whether you grew up with these flavors or are tasting them for the first time, we want you to feel like you belong here.”

Imke Lohs:

Family and Feuerzangenbowle

Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, the Lohs family keeps their heritage very much alive in Westport. With sons Julius and Beckett, that means speaking German at home, visiting family back in Germany several times a year, and embracing cherished European traditions each December.

“Even though the kids are getting older, we still hold on to little moments from back home,” says Imke. “For instance, we decorate a pinecone wreath with four candles wrapped in velvet bows. Every Sunday you light a candle and on Christmas Eve, the fourth Sunday, you light the last one, and celebrate the onset of Christmas by baking cookies, drinking tea and hot chocolate, and playing board games with family."

Imke, a real estate agent with Compass, and her husband Holger, CEO of Haelssen & Lyon North America Corp., have built a close circle of friends since moving to Westport 12 years ago. Each December, they gather to share Feuerzangenbowle, a traditional German holiday punch that takes 48 hours to prepare. Spices and fruit are steeped in red wine, then served hot as rum is poured over a burning sugar cone. “It warms you from the inside out,” says Imke. “Traditionally, it’s enjoyed outdoors in the cold—with music, singing, and, of course, friends.”

Jen Tooker: Hearts and Hearths

For First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, her husband Mo, and their three children, the holidays are about slowing down and savoring the simple moments at home. “We stay local and really lean into being together,” says Jen. With everyone home, their cozy antique house becomes the hub of the holidays.

The Tookers cut down a fresh tree in Easton, decorate the house, and attend Christmas Eve Mass. Jen bakes an Italian lasagna recipe that’s been passed down for generations from Nana, her paternal grandmother, and the family makes a batch of homemade fudge. Their home, called Nine Hearths, lives up to its name with fires always burning.

“Even though the kids are older now, some traditions never change,” says Jen, “They still wake us up at 7 a.m. on Christmas morning. There is just something magical about starting the day early with everyone under one roof.”

Nikki Williams: All in the Family (and the Mezze)

Nikki Williams’ Lebanese heritage runs deep—woven through generations of family, faith, and food. Her great-grandmother, Amelia, immigrated from Lebanon in 1912, followed by her grandfather Henri in 1968. Her mother is one of six siblings, and Nikki has more than forty cousins on her Lebanese side, so even a “small” family gathering easily tops fifty people.

Growing up, Sundays were spent at her great-grandmother’s home, where laughter, music, and dancing filled the air. “The table overflowed with Lebanese classics—hummus, man’oushe, tabbouleh, kibbeh, labneh, kafta, mujadara, fatayer, grilled meats, and baklava. In Lebanese culture, food is the heart of every celebration, and generosity is a point of pride—we cook as if feeding an army,” says Nikki.

“When my husband, Jay, an only child, first met the family, he met fifty people in one afternoon,” she laughs. “He’s learned about the belly dancers from my high school graduation party, is still mastering the dabke, and has grown to love the timeless voice of Fairuz—always playing somewhere in the background during the holidays.”

Now, Nikki passes those traditions on to her children, Amelia, Zane, and Penelope. Each Thanksgiving, the family travels to Indiana for the large Najem gathering, while Christmas is spent at home in Westport. On Christmas Eve they attend Mass, and on Christmas Day the girls join her in the kitchen to prepare a Lebanese mezze of tabbouleh, hummus, kousa, lemon chicken, and kafta.

For the Williams clan, food and family remain inseparable—a living legacy that connects generations and keeps their Lebanese roots beautifully alive.

Heather Waters: Gabby Blockhaus: Scandi Spirit Cozonac & Caroling

Third-generation Swede Dr. Heather Waters, an otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon, continues to embrace her Swedish heritage and deeply values the warmth and simplicity of how her culture celebrates the holidays.

As a child, she remembers celebrating St. Lucia Day, also known as the Festival of Light, where the tradition honors St. Lucy, a Christian martyr who brought hope and sustenance to those in need. “For us, the holidays are full of light—literally,” says Heather. “We would go to church where we would watch the procession led by Lucia, a girl dressed in white with a red sash and a crown with candles on her head and we would sing versions of Sankta Lucia .”

That same sense of warmth and tradition carries into her own family celebrations. Together with her husband, Jared Tomlinson, a partner and executive creative director at New Monster, and their three children, Heather continues another Swedish custom: the Christmas Eve smörgåsbord—a festive spread enjoyed in stages throughout the evening. The meal begins with chilled delicacies like cured salmon, gravlax, and pickled herring, then moves into an array of meats and cheeses, and culminates with comforting warm dishes such as Swedish meatballs and prince sausages. The celebration ends on a sweet note with cookies, cream cakes, and other classic Swedish desserts.

“What makes Swedish customs so special isn’t just the beauty; it is the balance. The glow of Lucia’s candles or the thoughtfully placed smörgåsbord—these traditions embrace the concept of 'lagom.' Not too much, not too little, but just right.”

Gabby Blockhaus, director of business development and investor relations at JANA Partners, was born in Romania and came to the United States as a child. She now lives in Westport with her husband, Jay, their two daughters, and her mother, Erica, who made the journey from Romania years ago with Gabby and her father.

While Romanian is still spoken in their household, it is during the holidays that their cultural traditions come alive. Each Christmas and Easter, the family spends an entire day baking cozonac, a Romanian version of brioche that’s rich with nuts or poppy seeds and filled with family memories. “It’s a labor of love that takes eight to nine hours,” says Gabby. “We start early in the morning, warming milk scented with lemon and orange peels so the whole house smells divine. The dough rises, rests, and is folded again and again—a slow, meditative process that’s as much about bonding as baking. Some of our best conversations happen in between batches.”

Another favorite tradition is their Romanian-inspired Christmas caroling party, based on the old-world celebration of colindă (caroling). “We invite friends, print out all the lyrics, and sing classic carols—everything from Joy to the World to Silent Night, even Mele Kalikimaka ,” says Gabby. “By the end of the night, someone always grabs the karaoke mic for Justin Bieber’s version of Little Drummer Boy.”

As Gabby says one guest once put it: “'This is the most wholesome party I’ve ever been to.' And that is exactly the point," she says, "blending the old traditions with new memories.”

Our tradition:

The Wren and Races

My husband, Jonathan, moved here from Dublin 20 years ago, but Irish traditions still thrive in our lives. Our kids, Oliver and Penelope, take pride in being “half Irish” and stay closely connected to family back in Dublin.

We rotate Christmas between both sides of our families, but in Ireland, the celebration stretches beyond December 25. St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas, is one of the most festive. Centuries ago, it was marked by the Wren Boys Parade ( Lá an Dreoilín), when villagers in costume went door to door playing music and collecting coins to “chase away the old year.” The wren—the “king of all birds”—symbolized renewal and good luck.

Today, that spirit lives on in lively parades, sing-songs, music sessions, and gatherings across the country. From Dingle to Dublin, fiddles, whistles, and laughter spill into the streets. In Dublin, locals flock to Ireland’s premier racecourse in Leopardstown for The Christmas Festival, to place a few bets on the horses and hope for a lucky win.

When we’re stateside, we keep the Dublin spirit alive—playing traditional Irish songs, decorating with real holly, ivy, and juniper, and pulling Christmas crackers at dinner. The lucky winner claims the tiny surprise inside, a simple reminder of the joy and humor at the heart of every Irish Christmas. -Ariel Dunne

Janine Trembicki, owner/trainer of J Ashley Fitness, LLC.

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

BOURBON VANILLA

BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.

Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth.

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE

A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.

INGREDIENTS:

For the latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup

• Whipped cream

For the gingerbread syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

• Marshmallow

• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the gingerbread syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:

Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.

that’s a WRAP

DIY Gift Wrapping That Stands Out During

The Season

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

‘Tis the season to get crafty, clever or characterized! Wellwrapped holiday packages create immediate enthusiasm and somehow seem to make gifts more meaningful. Whether going for shiny, vintage, colorful, rustic, playful or eco-friendly impressions, the following are some Do-It-Yourself gift-wrapping ideas to make the wrapping process even more satisfying. Simply applying jute twine to gifts provides a ‘less is more’ vibe.

ADD NATURAL TOUCHES TO CRAFT PAPER:

For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents, such as sprigs, pine cones and cinnamon sticks, tied up with twine, encircling recycled paper for the wrapping.

FIRST INITIAL DECORATION:

In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient’s first initial to the top of the box. The letter then can serve as customized décor, too.

POLKA DOTS:

Wrap gifts in plain craft paper and then cut out big, multicolored polka dots to glue down. It’s hard not to smile at big, bright dots.

CARDBOARD BOX SNOWPERSON:

Wrap three or four boxes in white paper, with different gifts inside, and then stack them. Tape the boxes together,

the SEASON

tapering to the top. Glue buttons on the bottom ones, create a snowperson’s face on the top one, with carrot nose cut out of orange paper. Attach a real hat, if desired. Tie wider, festive bow around the snowperson’s ‘neck.’ Add a real corncob pipe for a bonus finishing touch, if preferred.

MINI TREE GIFT WRAPPING:

Pine needles and small tips of real tree branches make quick and easy mini Christmas trees that can be glued onto Christmas gifts. They will smell nice, too.

BOOK PAGE WRAPPING PAPER:

Repurpose old book pages by cutting out

shapes of dreidels, snowflakes, ornaments, candles or reindeer to paste on gifts.

DIY STAMP WRAPPING PAPER:

Wrap gifts in solid colors of paper. Secure ink stamps and an ink pad in a themed color(s), and stamp the paper as much or as little as desired.

UNBOXED:

Apply other types of containers, rather than boxes or bags, for gift wrapping; examples:  canisters, pillow cases, baskets, fabric scraps, maps, glass containers, towels, blankets, scarves, Bento bags (also called triangle bags or origami bags).

Concierge Physicians of Westport congratulates Dr. Nina Karol on being voted Best General Practitioner 2025.

Thank you to our patients, readers, and everyone who voted. Your support means a great deal to us.

Dr. Karol cares deeply about her patients and always goes the extra mile to make sure they feel heard and cared for. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

CRAFTING CHEER:

DIY WINTER CRAFTS

ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ORNAMENT CLUSTERS

SUPPLIES

• 22 gauge wire

• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes

• Wire snips

STEP 1

Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”

STEP 2

Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 3

Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.

STEP 4

Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 5

Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!

Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!

WESTPORT!

DECEMBER 4TH

The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show

District Music Hall, 71 Wall St., Norwalk | 8:00 PM

A tradition since 2006, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, along with special guests Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay, and Josh Gondelman, perform a musical-variety show. Tickets, from $60, at eventbrite.com

DECEMBER 5TH

The Westport Library Big Fall Book Sale

Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd. 12:00 PM

The Big Fall Book Sale offers something for everyone, with thousands of gently used books in more than 50 categories. Through December 8. For more information, including hours, visit westportlibrary.org

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 13TH A Sherlock Carol

Westport Country Playhouse, 25

Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM

This delightful mashup of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle— written by the Playhouse's artistic director Mark Shanahan—returns for a third season of holiday cheer. Through December 21. Tickets, from $35, at westportplayhouse.org

DECEMBER 13TH

Westport Farmers' Market Artist Market

Gilbertie's, 7 Sylvan Ln. | 10:00 AM

The Westport Farmers' Market's annual holiday artist market returns, featuring hand-crafted items from tons of local vendors, bites, and more. For more information, visit  westportfarmersmarket.com

THREE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Over the past 30 years, Speedsport Tuning has grown from a small Porsche specialty shop to a full service, independent company serving Porsche street, competition and vintage enthusiasts nationwide.

Our vintage department is globally recognized for its expertise and skill, developed over decades of working on some of the world’s most coveted Porsches. Utilizing specialized tools and a watchmaker’s precision, our vintage technicians deliver the care discerning owners can trust, even on the rarest of Porsches.

Track enthusiasts at every experience level benefit from the

uncompromising excellence of our competition department. Speedsport Tuning’s skilled preparation and support services have helped our clients achieve hundreds of podiums and countless championships.

For modern street Porsches, we’ve been the trusted resource for those seeking an alternative to the dealer service department. Our factory trained technicians can even care for your Taycan.

We understand the passions that drive Porschephiles are as diverse as the cars themselves. No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ve got your back.

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 22ND

Ana GasteyerSugar & Booze

Holiday Spectacular

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM

Our cover star Ana Gasteyer performs songs from her holiday album Sugar & Booze in a fun-filled night with games, prizes, and more. (To learn more about the show, check out page 70.) Tickets, from $95, at westportplayhouse.org

DECEMBER

23RD

Westport Farmers' Market

Holiday Dates

Gilbertie's, 7 Sylvan Ln. | 10:00 AM

The Westport Farmers' Market will have special holiday markets, offering fresh shopping before both Christmas and New Year's (there is a second installment on December 30). For more information, visit westportfarmersmarket.com events

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