While we are all back in the swing of things at work, in life and everything in between for 2024, I thought I would share a little bit about my holiday break to reminisce on the time off and sunshine during the last week of 2023.

I did spend Christmas Day in South Philadelphia cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles as they took on and defeated the New York Giants. The tailgate and awesome seats made it a Christmas I will never forget. HOWEVER, the real fun for me started on Dec. 26 when I escaped Philly’s chill and flew south for New Year’s.

After a couple of stops to see family members who live in Florida, our final destination was Marco Island, where my boyfriend’s family rented an Airbnb for the week. The rental was great: right on the water with a pool, barbecue, and in a great location with proximity to the JW Marriott and other island staples.

While it wasn’t the sunniest of weeks in Florida, it really was just nice to unwind without the stress of everyday life back at home. We spent a lot of time playing cards and going on walks, and one day we even rented a boat. My boyfriend’s brother-in-law Ryan has his boating license; so once the speed boat was rented out to us for the afternoon, Ryan took us around the Island, stopping at Snook Inn for drinks halfway through. I got the loaded Bloody Mary.

New Year’s Eve was spent, again, watching the Eagles from Stan’s Idle Hour Bar during the day, followed by a big dinner party with family. We rang in the New Year and hopped on a late-morning flight home on Jan. 1 to get back to our dog, Kahlua.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing holiday season, and I look forward to sharing more with you this year!

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager