What’s On December 2015

Happy Thanksgiving all!

At my place the jury is still out as to whether it’s best to turkey on Thanksgiving, to turkey at Christmas, or to turkey at both. This could be my new expression – ‘to turkey or not to turkey.’ We had 12 for Thanksgiving dinner this year and it was a hoot; far too much wine, far too many sides, and one big old bird. Yet even with that many mouths, I still had enough turkey left over for a week’s worth of sandwiches, pies, and soup and it seems too short a time ‘til Christmas to repeat the procedure without severe turkey fatigue. I have wholeheartedly adopted the tradition of Thanksgiving because it is just like Christmas only without the gift stress. It does leave Christmas at a bit of a loose end though in terms of what to cook. I can’t do the whole spread again. Vegemite and butter on a fresh bagel washed down with a glass of Hunter Valley Semillon (make it a bottle) and chased up with a giant caramello koala smashed through Haagen Dazs vanilla bean ice cream. Now don’t tell me you’re not considering that as an option for your Christmas dinner!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and I hope to see you at one of these great events in December!

Joanna

~ If you missed the first concert, AWNY Member and GPS Girl Karen Jacobsen is performing her second Christmas concert on Tuesday December 1^st  at 7.00PM at The Triad New York.

~ The AWNY Exclusive T2 Shopping and Tea Tasting Event is being held in the Soho T2 store on Wednesday December 2^nd at 6.30PM. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 and can be purchased on the night (all ticket proceeds go to Sanctuary for Families) but you need to RSVP here.

~ The AAA’s Holiday Reception is on Thursday December 3^rd from 6.30PM – 9.00PM. Held in the Monash Room at the Australian Consulate (150 East 42^nd Street, 34^th floor) AAA members can purchase tickets for $30 which includes plentiful hors d’oeuvres, Australian beer and wine, meat pies from The Australian Hotel and cocktails by The Manhattan Cricket Club.

~ Also on December 3^rd, Australian Adam Gerome, the CEO and Co-founder of Movember, will be the guest of honor at a fireside chat at Interface NYC. Tickets are available here and include welcome drinks, Adam’s presentation, and a 30 minute Q&A.

~ AusArt studio, owned by AWNY member and artist Jacinta Stewart, has a special guest on Sunday December 6^th when GPS Girl Karen Jacobsen will be there to sign copies of her new CD, ‘Destination Christmas’ and share a glass of mulled wine with AWNY friends. Address is 321 West 105^th Street, Suite 1A. Studio is open 3.00PM – 6.00PM. Free event.

~ Indira Naidoo, Australian journalist, television presenter and author of ‘The Edible Balcony’ will be hosting a book party and discussion on Friday December 11^th from 6.30PM – 9.00PM. The event will be held in the Monash Room at the Australian Consulate, 150 Easy 42^nd Street, 34^th floor and AWNY members have a special ticket price of $15 (purchase tickets here).

~ Get out early and see the Holiday Windows down Fifth avenue to help you get in the Christmas spirit. Bergdorff’s, Tiffany’s, Henri Bendel, and Saks Fifth Avenue always put on impressive displays, as do Macy’s and Lord and Taylor in midtown west.

~ The Columbus Circle Holiday market hosts over 100 vendors at starting this Tuesday December 1^st. Located at Central Park West and Columbus Circle, this is a great place to pick up handmade gifts and locally produced art, craft, homewares and food. The markets are open every day  until December 24^th, 10.00AM- 8.00PM (7.00PM on Sundays). List of vendors here.

~ The NYC Train show at the New York Botanical Gardens is running throughout December (and into January but it’s best to get along and see it before it gets too cold) and is a great opportunity to see model trains zip through 150 bark-and-leaf-created landmarks. It’s also worth the trip up on December 4, 5, 18 or 19 as they do cocktails under the holiday lights. Who says the trains are just for the kids? Entry to the NYBG starts from $20 for adults.  More information here.

~ If you’re yet to see the Harlem Globetrotters, then the week between Christmas and New Year could be a good opportunity to grab some tickets at great prices (tickets start at $25). These guys aren’t just for kids – I saw them in Lake Placid in April and they were just so funny, talented, and entertaining. They’re performing at Madison Square Garden December 27 and 28. Tickets available here.

Photo credit: Joanna Hishon