It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us—between Brat Summer, the Eras Tour, and Wicked, 2024 was quite a year. As we begin to reflect on everything that transpired over the past 365 days, including the best movies, books, and fashion moments, we at ELLE are committed to enjoying some time-honored traditions and making new memories, too.
December always offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, take a break from the usual routine, and explore new places. Whether it’s a cozy staycation, a family trip, or a warm-weather getaway, traveling during the holidays can offer a respite from the uncertainty that looms in 2025. It’s also a time to reflect, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
With that in mind, we asked 10 ELLE editors to share their plans for the upcoming week.
Katie Berohn, beauty editor
I’m going home to Colorado to spend time with my family. Even if it’s not on the forecast, there is almost always a surprise snowstorm there in December, so I’m bringing along my favorite wool coat from & Other Stories and a pair of weather-ready Chelsea boots. The air is a lot drier near the mountains, so I’m also packing a thick moisturizer to keep my skin from drying out.
& Other Stories Funnel-Collar Wool Coat
AllSaints Hallie Lug Sole Chelsea Boot in Black
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
My mom’s side of the family lives in Oahu, so we’ll be spending the first part of the break there to visit them. When we don’t have plans, I’ll be at the beach sporting a new bikini and a lightweight sweater as an evening cover-up. The second half of my vacation will be spent at home eating Levain cookies—my dad and I both have major sweet tooths.
Frankies Bikinis Black & White Cola Gingham Underwire Bikini Top
Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Levain Bakery Cookie Gift Tin – 8 Pack
Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor
I’m so excited to kick back and relax in Palm Beach over the holidays. I can’t wait to feel the sunshine on my skin. Most of my time will be spent loafing around and reading, but I’ll have to go full party mode to celebrate my sister’s birthday on New Year’s Eve, which I plan to do in this sequined mini from Reformation. I’m also hoping to dedicate some time to plot my 2025 travel plans—it won’t happen unless I get it booked!
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Now 16% Off
Reformation Sereia Dress
Begin Again Softcover Spiral 2025 Weekly Planner
Madison Feller, digital deputy editor
Typically, my partner and I travel to the Midwest for the holidays, but this is the rare year we’re staying in Brooklyn. So, my grand plans are to live in my extra-fuzzy Skims pants, finally start Hacks, and make our favorite Christmas Day recipe: Molly Yeh’s perfect latkes.
Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Pants in Onyx
Max Hacks
Molly on the Range by Molly Yeh
Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief
I’ll be hitting the slopes in Jackson Hole with my family through Christmas—the weather outside is frightful, but Moncler is so delightful!
Moncler Grenoble Stennes Poplin-Paneled Quilted Down Ski Jacket
Moncler Grenoble Sportivo Quilted Stretch-Twill Flared Ski Pants
Moncler Grenoble Terrabeam Ski Goggles
Kathleen Hou, beauty director
Mostly, I want to spend some time at home, eating candy and streaming all the Pedro Almodóvar movies that will soon be leaving Max. If I have to go outdoors or be on a plane, I’ll do it reluctantly while wearing upgraded versions of an elastic Thanksgiving pant (Guest in Residence’s Cashmere Track Pants or Comme Si’s La Boxer).
Marks & Spencer Percy Pig
Comme Si La Boxer Classica Short
Guest In Residence Everywhere Cashmere Track Pants
Now 50% Off
Véronique Hyland, fashion features director
One of my best friends and I have a longstanding holiday tradition of watching an awards-bait movie together; ever since our friendship went long-distance, we’ve moved the party from the cineplex to streaming and FaceTime. This year, we’re looking at Conclave, so I will likely be sporting an on-theme cardinal-red ensemble, like this one from the Madewell x Leset collaboration. I don’t have pierced ears, so will be hoping for a non-granny-like clip-on style as a present; this Heaven Mayhem pair would fit the bill. Other plans include finishing Carrie Courogen’s Elaine May biography and attempting to become the most moisturized person alive. (I think this Soft Services hand cream will be a good start.)
Madewell x Leset Pointelle Perfect Tee & Pant Set
Heaven Mayhem Tabi Earrings
Now 88% Off
Soft Services Theraplush “Hold” Refillable Overnight Retinol Hand Repair Cream
Claire Stern Milch, digital director
I’ll be getting in the festive spirit the best I can. I just got a new sweater from COS that’s keeping me warm in the cold. I plan to wear it while walking around the city, listening to Mariah Carey on my AirPods and drinking matcha. (I’m a fan of Emma Chamberlain’s brand.) And then I am so excited for a little retail therapy at the newly opened Belmont Park Village.
COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater
Merry Christmas Deluxe Anniversary Edition by Mariah Carey
Chamberlain Coffee Chamberlain Coffee Original Matcha Green Tea Powder – Japanese Green Tea + Ceremonial Grade Matcha – Hot or Iced – Organic, Vegan & Gluten-Free Matcha Powder, 1.06 oz
Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
Nothing gets me excited for the holiday season like a great party. For all the soirées on my calendar, I plan on wearing something slightly festive, but chic—like this burgundy top by Sev and a moody Chanel lipstick. Of course, the fun starts at home. While I’m getting ready, I’ll be burning this seasonal candle that captures the warmth and coziness of a luxurious fleece sweater in a comforting scent.
SEV Silk Voile Halter Top
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick
Loro Piana Mystic Fleece Candle Medium
Alex White, fashion director
I live in Brooklyn Heights, a historic landmark neighborhood where sparking lights decorate the brownstones and Christmas trees are everywhere. Our Christmas Eve tradition is dinner at my favorite local restaurant, Saint Julivert, where the seasonal seafood menu takes me back to Goa, India, where I spent 12 Christmas celebrations, followed by a carol service and midnight mass. Christmas Day will be a family affair, with my husband cooking, children unwrapping presents, long-distance family phone calls, and lots of singing. For New Year’s Eve, we’ll be taking a quick trip to Savannah, Georgia, to visit friends, have dinner at The Grey, see fireworks on the rooftop afterward, and relax at Hotel Bardo. New Year’s Day will be spent in bed with hot chocolate and newspapers!
Alaïa Archetypes Sequined Knitted Maxi Dress
Eres Convive Piped Silk-Satin Pajama Shirt
