Christmas eve will find me…

Where the love light gleams

Fairytale of Brooklyn

It’s hard to believe that I moved to Ireland from New York just over five years ago. The time has just slipped away! Obviously I absolutely love Ireland – but from time to time I definitely miss New York; afterall it was my home for ten years!

I find it very hard to get into the Christmas spirit these days and it’s not for the want of trying, let me tell you. Ive been listening to Christmas FM, Ive been to see Four Christmases (very cute by the way..) and I’ve just arrived home at a magically decorated house in Wexford – so what gives, eh?!

My theory is threefold:

1. I’m older now, and we all know that Christmas gets a teensy bit less magical once Santa stops visiting

2. My sister is still in NY – and when I don’t get to see her around this time of year, it’s really crap

3. I completely miss how Christmasy New York is this time of year!

Its freezing, there’s snow, Salvation Army Santas are on each corner, all you can smell for miles around is roasted nuts being cooked on the sidewalks and lets not forget the amazing shopping!

Another thing I miss is Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Every year people come from miles around to see the houses in this neighbourhood because they go ALL OUT. Now, you may think its tacky – but we Brooklynites love to go and look at the amazing decorations and donate some money to charity along the way. Observe:

I think even the Grinch would have trouble resisting the magic of Christmas in this part of the world! I know it’ll probably be a while before I make Christmas in New York again – but until then, I can dream, can’t I?

Photos from here.

All things Karen Millen

Christmas in Dublin is never a very peaceful affair – especially if you work in a shop on Grafton Street. This Christmas has taken things to the extreme. With the economy in a downturn, the sales have started early this year! Great news for the shoppers, not so great news for us “style advisors” (thats my actual job title in Karen Millen!). There are some amazing bargains in the shop at the moment – gorgeous dresses and shoes at 50% off! Hopefully I’m still alive by the end of the madness…

In other Karen Millen news – the brand seems to have acquired a new celeb fan: Eva Longoria!

Both these dresses are currently on sale – but good luck finding them in the shop, they’re selling super fast!

Photos from here!

Wanna feel Christmasy?

…then switch that dial over to 89.9 Christmas FM! Alternatively, if you’re not in Dublin then you can listen live online here!

I was having trouble getting into the holiday spirit – what with projects, assignments, work and being completely broke. I heard about this in college the other day and decided to check it out! Not only is it full of cheesy Christmas classics, but it’s for a great cause too. All proceeds from the broadcasts will go to the ISPCC!

The Christmasy radio-fest will go on 24 hours a day until the 26th of December at midnight – and sees radio vets from various Irish stations come together to produce magical, festive programmes. And guess what? These people are giving their time and energy for free!

Plus, people seem to be listening online from all over the world – and the presenters keep reading out international texts – how cool!

It’s great to see people doing something so positive . So, Wha bam to the recession blues!

mmm mmm….Christmas