December in New York City is an unforgettable experience for many students. Whether they are lulled by the scent of roasting chestnuts on the street or mesmerized by the towering 74-foot Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the City’s holiday magic is only a subway ride away.
From winding down with a piping-hot cup of masala chai to checking up on friends and family during the busy season, see how ambassadors and student interns for the Offices of Development and Alumnae Relations and the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being plan to embrace the holidays, while fostering connection, balance, and well-being inspired by the communities they help cultivate.
Merielen Espino ’26, LeFrak Financial Ambassador
"Winter break is a much-needed pause from the cycle of work that college demands of each of us. Taking a break to recharge and rest the body and mind is essential to prevent burnout, but it is also a time to develop new physical and mental health habits that are lost during the busy semester. Spending meaningful time with my family is part of practicing wellness for me, but so is being mindful of my mental and physical needs. Establishing boundaries is important so I can ensure that I have downtime to rest and reflect before the start of the spring semester. Gift giving is such a grand part of the holidays, but I find that sending a text or making handmade personalized gifts goes a long way! It is a great and simple way to spread kindness and let others know you’re thinking of them."
Shannon Geraghty ’25, LeFrak Financial Ambassador
"I plan to continue going on walks and taking time to do activities that I enjoy — especially those I don’t have time to do during the semester. I love reaching out to people I haven’t had a chance to talk to in a while, and I always remember to send a text wishing a happy holiday. You never know what someone may be going through, and a text is a small gesture to show that you care; it also provides you with an opportunity to reconnect.
“I always recommend that my peers designate one day before the end of the semester to do iconic New York City activities, like visiting Bryant Park Winter Village and the tree at Rockefeller Center."
Tahiyah Hussain ’25, Development and Alumnae Relations Intern
"I love winter break because it gives me a chance to ground myself and spend quality time with my family without the hustle that comes with the academic semester. I look forward to catching up with my childhood friends, learning a few recipes from my mom, reading all the books I have not had the time to read, and drinking hot masala chai with a side of butter biscuits. In the past, my siblings and I have gone snow tubing at the Blue Mountain Resort, and I would love to go there again this year."
Mitra Manshouri ’26, Development and Alumnae Relations Intern
"To me, the holiday season means spending time with loved ones and expressing gratitude for the people around me. Every year, my friends and I go to the Bryant Park Winter Village because it’s so festive and has so much good food! The tree is also really pretty, and the ice skating rink is great. A peppermint mocha always reminds me of this time of year. My favorite coffee shop at home makes a really good one, so whenever I can find one in New York, it reminds me of home. When I go home for the holiday, my mom and I love to bake brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Since we live near San Francisco, I always look forward to [all of us] driving into the city to see the lights and decorations — especially on the streets with Victorian houses.”
Angelic Estrella Molos ’25, Finance & Physical Wellness LeFrak Ambassador
"Winter break is a key time for students to relax and recharge, helping us return to school feeling refreshed. Spring 2025 is my last semester at Barnard, so I’m being intentional about recharging by taking yoga classes, reading a ton of fiction, and applying to jobs that interest me for post-graduation. To stay grounded this holiday season, I’m keeping my schedule light, setting boundaries with friends and family, and embracing rest and joy. I’ll also be traveling to Los Angeles to ring in the New Year and explore new sights — one of my favorite things to do! Throughout the year, I set aside clothes, makeup, skincare, and menstrual products to donate to thrift stores and donation centers. I’ve done this every year since starting at Barnard — it feels like a refreshing cleanse that kicks off the holidays and a new year."
Kathleen Yang ’28, Development and Alumnae Relations Intern
"Winter break is an essential time to see my high school friends and family. I hail from Euless, Texas, so it’s rare I get to see my family in person throughout the academic year. This break, I plan to ice skate, visit winter markets with friends, and do some holiday shopping! Some of my favorite traditions are looking at Christmas lights with my family and baking warm pumpkin pie and homemade cookies with friends."
—TARA TERRANOVA '25
