The holidays are here, and I’ve placed so many wintry events on my calendar that it’s bursting with possibilities as well as conflicts. Here’s what I’d love to do:
December 11th:
My friend Maura Madden is part of what should be a perfect holiday celebration in the country at Stone Barns, as she hosts a crafternoon there. Oh, for a brisk day of fun on a farm.
December 11th-12th & December 15th-23rd:
The Brooklyn Flea‘s teamed up with Design*Sponge for Gifted: A Holiday Market. A pleasing mix of old and new, with special holiday touches.
December 12th:
The now iconic Bust Holiday Craftacular. Need I say more?
December 12th & December 19th:
The New Amsterdam Market has but two Sundays left this year. On the 12th they’ll feature coffee, cocoa, and oranges, as well as the usual delicious market fare. And December 19th’s Solstice Market has been designated Bell Ringing Day. Not sure what that means, exactly, but it definitely will include plenty of regional holiday delights.
December 14th:
Jimmy’s No. 43, my favorite cosy warren for local food and a finely curated beer selection, is hosting NYCDAT’s Holiday Beer, Chocolate & Cheese Party!
December 17th-23rd:
The Big Social Holiday Market will offer handmade wares and fine fare in an airy gallery around the corner from McNally Jackson Books, which offers its own temptations.
December 17th:
Have you ever attended one of John Wesley Harding’s Cabinets of Wonders? You really should. And on the 17th he hosts a special Christmas Cabinet of Wonders. With John Hodgman. And Gary Shteyngart. And John Roderick as Santa. What more does one need?
December 18th:
Maura and I welcome Melissa Wehrle and Kirsten Kapur for the next Handmade Crafternoon at the Library. I’m picturing this event as an oasis of knitting relaxation and fun amidst the whirl of parties and markets.
December 19th:
Spacecraft is holding a Holiday Benefit Silent Auction, with art and gifts from the likes of Natalie Chanin on the auction block.
December 20th:
A Winter Solstice Telescope Party at the American Museum of Natural History. When else will I get a chance to sip hot cocoa with astronomers while they give me advice on the coming total eclipse of the moon? And with a little extra time booked into the trip, I can also stop and admire the Museum’s origami tree–this year, with folded ornaments exploring the theme of discovery.
December 21st:
Knitty City hosts a Winter Solstice party, with special guest Trisha Malcolm, Editorial Director of SoHo Publishing (publisher of Vogue Knitting and Knit Simple).
Although I’d like to, I can’t fit in every one of these events, because my calendar—like so many others’ this time of year—also includes parties and special dinners, a cookie swap, and visits from family and friends. But during this overbooked and busy month, I still feel excited for every activity and commitment on my calendar. What are you most looking forward to on your holiday calendar?






















To Jessica Pigza
I was just delighted to find you and the story about your wonderful, inspired work at the NYPL in the Feb addition of MSLiving.
As a former public librarian, interior designer, artist and community volunteer, I work to bring creative women together in community to give of self, make new friends, have a good time and inspire each other.
This marks the 4th year of my project, With Love From Friends.
We make special Valentines for elders in the Rochester, NY region who no long have anyone to remember them. You can find complete information at the website: http://www.WithLoveFromFriends.com
This year is our goal is to make 1000 valentines. They will be distributed to the Meals-On-Wheels program, Eldersource (social service agency) and Monroe Community Hospital (our county hospital serving the financially disadvantaged).
I don’t know if your group uses their creativity for charitable causes but I hope you might consider it.
You are an inspiration and a role model for librarians and women artists.
Thank you and please send best wishes to your group from me.
Eve Elzenga
http://www.WithLoveFromFriends.com
http://www.DecorDecoratingSolutions.com
meveelzenga@hotmail.com
585 733-2579
[...] selection of crafty things to do in the city for the next few weeks which you can check out on her blog). And Knitty City will be there too, with a little pop-up shop of select books and patterns and [...]