Joy.Cheer.Adventure.Gratitude.

We’re heading to New York tomorrow to celebrate our alt-family Christmas. This year we made a promise that we would chuck commercial holiday-isms to the wind and focus instead on recharging our souls and getting back to basics. And while I sure wish my entire family could be together this weekend I’m looking forward to spending some time with two of the most important men in my life, David and my brother.

We’ve booked a great hotel deal (thanks Priceline), we’ve learned just how much of NYC stays open for Christmas, and some of our friends have been kind of enough to steer us away from likely tourist traps.

We all have different expectations for our trip and I love just how distinctly we have all planned our days. Jesse is hoping to try ice skating for the first time at Wollman Rink in Central Park, and David is excited to investigate The High Line. As for me, I can’t wait to eat Chinese food on Christmas and make my way from one city restaurant to the next. In fact, you can check out our individual planning maps below.

My friends, I wish you all safe travels to the people that you love and who love you. I hope your holiday leaves you feeling both renewed and grateful.

Joy.Cheer.Adventure.Gratitude.

-Ashley

SuperBonus: And it’s a lucky day for you because I’m sharing Tammy Gordon’s pretty amazing NYC Food map.