Hi, friends! It’s officially December 1st, which means Vlogmas season is here! If you’re new here, welcome! My name is Flor, and I’m a creator based in New York City. I share weekly vlogs about my life in the city, motherhood with my one-year-old daughter, Julia, and even behind-the-scenes insight into content creation. I’m also a Christmas enthusiast, so Vlogmas is one of my favorite times of the year.
Today, I’m so excited to take you along for Vlogmas Day 1! We’re going on a mini New York City adventure to check out the holiday magic along Fifth Avenue, including the breathtaking window displays and the incredible Saks Fifth Avenue light show. Plus, I’m finally getting our Christmas tree set up at home, and Julia will be a little helper this year. Keep reading for all the details on our day, and be sure to watch the video (embedded below!) to experience it all firsthand.
Setting the Festive Tone at Home 🌟
First things first, I couldn’t wait to kick off the holiday season by setting up our Christmas tree! We got the tree all prepped and ready earlier this morning, complete with last year’s lights, stockings, and decorations, though we saved the actual decorating for later in the evening. There’s just something so magical about having a tree glowing in the corner of your living room that makes the holidays feel so real.
If you watched last year’s Vlogmas, you’ll remember we switched things up when it came to lights. Instead of doing the traditional method of wrapping strings of lights around the tree, we went for this cool pre-looped setup that starts from the top and spirals down. It’s honestly been such a game-changer, saving time and helping everything look polished without any of the “is this missing a spot?” stress.
Julia, of course, had no idea what was happening, but she looked so adorable taking it all in. Watching the holidays through her eyes has definitely made this season extra special for me.
Exploring Fifth Avenue’s Winter Wonderland ❄️
After getting the tree situation sorted, it was time for my favorite New York holiday activity: exploring Fifth Avenue. If you’ve never been to NYC during the holidays, it’s truly magical. The streets are buzzing with energy, the store displays are like works of art, and the lights make everything glow. It’s crowded (to say the least), but it’s so worth it for the holiday vibes!
My plan for the day was simple. Stroll down Fifth Avenue, marvel at the window displays, get a coffee (because NYC winters are no joke), and end the evening witnessing the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue light show. Oh, and quick Jenni tip for anyone bracing the city during December—invest in good gloves! My poor hands were freezing while trying to film, so I made a quick stop to pick some up.
A little outfit shoutout here because I know some of you are always curious! I was rocking the coziest winter staples, including a coat and a sweater from AOS, jeans from Blank NYC, and Nike Air Force Ones. My bag was from Dagne Dover (an absolute favorite of mine), and while I couldn’t remember where my beanie was from (oops!), I’ve linked similar items below the video in case you’re curious.
The Holiday Displays That Stole My Heart 🎁
I think one of the most underrated art forms is the holiday window display. Fifth Avenue’s big-name stores go all out this time of year, and it’s seriously jaw-dropping to see their creativity come to life. My absolute favorites this year? Three stood out:
- Saks Fifth Avenue x Dior – The collaboration was simply stunning. They recreated miniature versions of New York City landmarks and Parisian scenes (think tiny people, cars, and even stores). The attention to detail was incredible, and it’s always amazing to think about the talent behind such designs.
- Cartier – True to form, Cartier’s storefront was perfection. The elegance, the whimsy, the festive spirit… everything about it just screams New York holiday magic.
- Louis Vuitton – This one was a bit different! LV went for a more playful, whimsical vibe that totally stood out. I loved the unique take, proving that holiday displays don’t have to be traditional to be beautiful.
Pro tip for anyone visiting NYC during the holidays: if you want to take photos or vlog, ask first, especially in hotels or smaller spaces. I always try to be respectful of the people staying or working there. For example, while filming, I asked the staff at The St. Regis and The Peninsula Hotel if I could capture their gorgeous lobbies. Most people were really kind and accommodating. (Though, FYI, The Plaza only allows filming in their lobby during specific hours!)
Oh, one more thing—I skipped Rockefeller Center this time because, honestly, the crowds were insane. I couldn’t even get close to the tree. I’ll definitely go back for another Vlogmas episode when it’s a bit calmer… or as calm as Rockefeller during the holidays can get!
A Cozy Night of Tree Decorating 🎄
After a long, busy day in the city, it was so nice to come home and finally decorate the tree. Julia got involved, in her own way, and even though it was a bit chaotic, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. There’s something about decorating for Christmas that feels nostalgic and heartwarming, no matter your age. I played some Christmas music in the background, which totally set the mood. Now, with our tree up and glowing, our apartment feels festive and ready for all the holiday joy to come.
Watch the Vlogmas Fun 🎥
If you want to see all the holiday magic I’ve been gushing about, check out the video above! I take you around Fifth Avenue, share close-ups of my favorite displays, and give you a glimpse into our cozy Christmas tree decorating moment at home. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any of the 12 Vlogmas episodes coming your way—I’ve got so much fun content planned!
And if you got this far, first of all, THANK YOU! Second, tell me in the comments below which holiday display you thought was the best. Are you more of a Louis Vuitton kind of girl, or do you prefer the classic charm of Dior and Saks? Or maybe you love a different store’s vibe entirely. I’d love to hear about what gets you in the holiday spirit!
Until next time, sending you lots of love, hot cocoa vibes, and warm mittens from NYC!
xo,
Flor.
Find me on: Instagram
