The global calendar has been updated with each event! For everyone’s convenience! And so that you can’t say you forgot! Email reminders will also be sent a business day in advance!

I wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your extra long weekend! I look forward to Christmas Kickoff on Monday!

Yours truly,

O. Langley

Social Media Intern & Santa’s Executive Helper

Loveridge & McGowan International

98 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

[email protected]

* * *

“Go home, Livi.”

Celeste shoves a plastic bag at me, her dark brown eyes narrowed into a glare that suggests I better do what she says before she gets real mad.

I graciously accept her offerings, but sigh reluctantly. “You have a newborn and a husband. You should leave.”

“Baby, this is a vacation for me,” she says. “You’ve been here since nine this morning. It’s almost midnight. I’m surprised you aren’t passed out on the floor.”

“I’ve had three quad shot peppermint lattes today.”

My hands are still shaking. I’m wired. I don’t think I’ll sleep again until the new year, which is perfect because I have too much to do.

“No wonder you’ve got your crazy eyes on,” she laughs. “Go home. Go to bed. You gotta do this all again tomorrow.”

It doesn’t take any more convincing. I grab my coat from the backroom and wave a quick goodbye as I skirt around the tables of Porcelain Straw and exit into the hotel lobby.

It smells like mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. A warmth rushes through me, one that’s saved specifically for this time of year. It’s happiness and cheer and overwhelming joy all rolled into one perfect little bubble. I’m giddy. Bursting at the seams. Five seconds away from breaking into song and dance. I’m Christmas drunk and not at all ashamed.

“Have a good night, Olivia.” Bernard smiles at me as he pulls the door open. “Thanks again for the cookies.”

“Make sure some make it home to that wife of yours.”

“I can’t make any promises.”

I laugh. “Goodnight, Bernie!”

I brace for the cold and pull my coat tighter. I’m still smiling.

It’s flurrying tonight in New York City and I feel like I’m living in a snow globe. I walk home, despite being numb from head to toe. I can’t stand the thought of missing this in favor of the subway. This is the reason I moved to the city. I’m going to soak up every last snowflake.

No one else looks as happy as I do. Their necks are tucked into their scarves and their hands are shoved into their coat pockets. They brush by me without a second glance. Places to go. People to see. Everyone’s in a rush.

I’m not.

I take my time. I admire the window displays and the dusting of white that’s coating the ground.