Thanksgiving 2009 has come and gone. All the pumpkin pie has finally been eaten! Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday, thanks to the great food and time with family. It continues to be one of my favorites, but as each year passes, I understand why the holidays are difficult for some people. While they are still joyous, I know I miss those family members who are no longer with us. Luckily, the memories remain strong. I have to give my mom kudos this year. She always does a great job, but everything was extra tasty this year. My sister-in-law’s dishes, including homemade pie, were equally fabulous. Even I managed to add a new vegetable dish to the spread — butternut squash and Brussel sprouts (healthy, but tasty!). With Thanksgiving behind us, New York City is in full holiday season mode. Christmas songs are playing in the stores, larger-than-life decorations are lining Fifth and Sixth avenues, and the retailers are doing the best they can to end the year in the black. I walked to Whole Foods at Columbus Circle last night, and I saw the building decked out in lights. The lights are so bright it seems like daylight at night. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the tents in front of Columbus Circle. The Winter’s Eve tents allow visitors to sample tasty dishes from the various trendy restaurants located in and around the Time Warner Center. ‘Tis the season! — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher