I wish for everyone to find a $20 bill lying on the street, on the day they most need a boost, that has clearly been there a while, so they feel no guilt pocketing their good luck.
Oh what a fun topic! I'd want to give everyone a reservation to Cafe Anne in French, a subscription to Cafe Anne here, and a plane ticket so they can all get there.
As for what I want? I currently have fruit cake, gifts wrapped and under the tree, and a place where I'm loved. I can't imagine anything that would add to that. Maybe my car paid off, but even that's not TOO stressful.
I want a day to teach and play board games with my friends.
I was holding my breath there when you got to the list of least popular posts. Not that it would have mattered since being part of the Cafe Anne universe was definitely the highlight of my substack year. Speaking of holding my breath, as someone who had to walk past temporary porta potties while the Thomas Jefferson Park bathroom was under renovation, I feel like that story was unjustly maligned. Thanks for a great year and can’t wait to see what horrible bagels/AI massage type situations you get into in 2026!
Haha I was very pleased that the least popular DID include my Q&A with my pal Dyske because I know, if he saw it, he would take a perverse pleasure in it.
Thanks for being part of a great year Mr. Stephenson and let me know if you have any "Worst Of" requests!
I think the Christmas wishes that resonated most were "access to a patio" and a washer and dryer. It's easy to forget that such things aren't mandatory, however, I am grateful everyday for the acreage and tall woods that surround our home. I lived in downtown Toronto for several years and my first brownstone didn't have a balcony or any outdoor space. It was really unsettling. I wish everyone had access to a community garden plot or Juliette balcony to grow hope and maybe some mojito mint!
All I want for Christmas is a pepper grinder that works!
Thank you for the year-long entertainment, Anne. Have an indulgent holiday!
Jules, I hate my stupid pepper grinder is like 18 inches tall which is so embarrassing. But it works. Email me your addy and I will gladly send it to you.
Happy holidays and thanks for your super fun comments all year!
Really? What about the pepper tariffs?? My friend Rene has one that is probably 28 inches. She stole it from The Keg two decades ago and still says, without fail, "Long distance pepper?" She can grind from her seat at the table and reach the plate on the opposite end.
I am sharing this "AI overview" of a Juliette balcony: "A Juliet balcony (or balconette) is a shallow, decorative railing or false balcony on an upper floor, designed to protect large doors or windows (like French doors) that open inward, providing the feeling of a balcony without a large projecting deck, maximizing light/air while saving space, and named after Shakespeare's play for its romantic aesthetic. They range from just a safety rail to a shallow ledge for a planter, offering a charming European touch where full balconies aren't feasible, allowing you to open doors to fresh air and views."
I loved every inch of it (18 inches to be exact). I like Adriane's smart-assy humor and quips. Like her aunt's balcony that "doubles as a soda fridge in winter and a summer respite for the family guinea pigs, Butter and Biscuit." And the cold plunge analogy, ha! Thanks for sharing this, Anne!
"One thing about this job is you deliver trees to a lot of families, and the kids are so excited to have the tree. It’s been a reminder to approach more things with a child-like sense of appreciation. I’d like to give everyone a little sliver of that."
What a fantastic image at the Holidays....and everyday...
Such grounded people! (Such cold weather.) I love the range - from one day of peace and quiet to acknowledgement that having people to talk to is so important, and of course sufficient money to pay a month in rent in advance…. Beautifully done. And Cafe Anne sounds wonderful. (Was amused by the extra letter in the title. Fantasties does sound like a cool word.)
Another excellent read. (I was surprised how few people read about the million dollar toilet! I always imagine that you are wildly popular and that everyone laps up everything you write. But that would have been mid-summer for you, so maybe they were out doing stuff.)
Anyway, enjoy your break dear Anne. You’ve earned it. Sending hugs and best wishes for the year ahead.
Another fun post, especially the Lyon Cafe Anne menu and report. Enjoy the break and here’s to lots of fun stories from the tip of your pen (or is it a pencil?) next year.🐰
Anne, thanks so much for your posts! I truly look forward to it every Monday, although I sometimes don't read til Tuesday or Wednesday, like this week. It is a bright spot every week and I get bummed when you take a week off (it's ok, I'll get over it!), and one day I hope to be able to join the ranks of paid subscribers!
I love hearing that the newsletter brightens your week and is am missed when I take a week off Steve. Thank you for your sweet note and happy holidays!
New Yorkers are truly special and lucky to have someone like you who can coax out their humanity, sacrifice, and durability. Love the Lyon restaurant! Have a safe and joyous holiday (with "friends" or not ha)
please, please interview Johann on firefighter whipped cream. I want to know more!
Haha that was my favorite line in the report as well, KL. I'll see what I can do!
Rob is my hero!
Yes it was funny, David. He didn't skip a beat!
I wish for everyone to find a $20 bill lying on the street, on the day they most need a boost, that has clearly been there a while, so they feel no guilt pocketing their good luck.
The best kind of $20, for sure Amac!
Oh what a fun topic! I'd want to give everyone a reservation to Cafe Anne in French, a subscription to Cafe Anne here, and a plane ticket so they can all get there.
As for what I want? I currently have fruit cake, gifts wrapped and under the tree, and a place where I'm loved. I can't imagine anything that would add to that. Maybe my car paid off, but even that's not TOO stressful.
I want a day to teach and play board games with my friends.
CAFE ANNE FIELD TRIP TO CAFE ANNE!
So fun to hear your wishes, Justin. Happy holidays!
Justice for the million dollar outhouse!!
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
I was holding my breath there when you got to the list of least popular posts. Not that it would have mattered since being part of the Cafe Anne universe was definitely the highlight of my substack year. Speaking of holding my breath, as someone who had to walk past temporary porta potties while the Thomas Jefferson Park bathroom was under renovation, I feel like that story was unjustly maligned. Thanks for a great year and can’t wait to see what horrible bagels/AI massage type situations you get into in 2026!
Haha I was very pleased that the least popular DID include my Q&A with my pal Dyske because I know, if he saw it, he would take a perverse pleasure in it.
Thanks for being part of a great year Mr. Stephenson and let me know if you have any "Worst Of" requests!
I think the Christmas wishes that resonated most were "access to a patio" and a washer and dryer. It's easy to forget that such things aren't mandatory, however, I am grateful everyday for the acreage and tall woods that surround our home. I lived in downtown Toronto for several years and my first brownstone didn't have a balcony or any outdoor space. It was really unsettling. I wish everyone had access to a community garden plot or Juliette balcony to grow hope and maybe some mojito mint!
All I want for Christmas is a pepper grinder that works!
Thank you for the year-long entertainment, Anne. Have an indulgent holiday!
Ah ha ha the Juliet "balcony".
Jules, I hate my stupid pepper grinder is like 18 inches tall which is so embarrassing. But it works. Email me your addy and I will gladly send it to you.
Happy holidays and thanks for your super fun comments all year!
Really? What about the pepper tariffs?? My friend Rene has one that is probably 28 inches. She stole it from The Keg two decades ago and still says, without fail, "Long distance pepper?" She can grind from her seat at the table and reach the plate on the opposite end.
I am sharing this "AI overview" of a Juliette balcony: "A Juliet balcony (or balconette) is a shallow, decorative railing or false balcony on an upper floor, designed to protect large doors or windows (like French doors) that open inward, providing the feeling of a balcony without a large projecting deck, maximizing light/air while saving space, and named after Shakespeare's play for its romantic aesthetic. They range from just a safety rail to a shallow ledge for a planter, offering a charming European touch where full balconies aren't feasible, allowing you to open doors to fresh air and views."
A balconette!!!
I keep meaning to share this with you, Jules, from one of my favorite NYC writers…
https://www.curbed.com/article/tiny-balconies-nyc-market-trend-useless.html
I loved every inch of it (18 inches to be exact). I like Adriane's smart-assy humor and quips. Like her aunt's balcony that "doubles as a soda fridge in winter and a summer respite for the family guinea pigs, Butter and Biscuit." And the cold plunge analogy, ha! Thanks for sharing this, Anne!
"One thing about this job is you deliver trees to a lot of families, and the kids are so excited to have the tree. It’s been a reminder to approach more things with a child-like sense of appreciation. I’d like to give everyone a little sliver of that."
What a fantastic image at the Holidays....and everyday...
Yes JRB that is very vivid in my mind now as well!
You interviewed some amazing people - thank you!
I had so much fun and feel very fortunate I get to share these little exchanges with folks like you, Dave. Thank YOU!
Such grounded people! (Such cold weather.) I love the range - from one day of peace and quiet to acknowledgement that having people to talk to is so important, and of course sufficient money to pay a month in rent in advance…. Beautifully done. And Cafe Anne sounds wonderful. (Was amused by the extra letter in the title. Fantasties does sound like a cool word.)
Another excellent read. (I was surprised how few people read about the million dollar toilet! I always imagine that you are wildly popular and that everyone laps up everything you write. But that would have been mid-summer for you, so maybe they were out doing stuff.)
Anyway, enjoy your break dear Anne. You’ve earned it. Sending hugs and best wishes for the year ahead.
Oh my goodness I misspelled the headline on my own blog. A great way to end the year. Haha! Will fix.
Thank you for your sweet wishes Beth,and for all your sweet comments all year.
Fantasties is terrific!!
Rob from Brooklyn Heights nailed it
I'm sure he speaks for many, Justin!
Happy holidays Anne! Thanks for being exactly who you are and all that you do!
Awww thanks Elise. Happiest of all possible holidays to you as well!
Another fun post, especially the Lyon Cafe Anne menu and report. Enjoy the break and here’s to lots of fun stories from the tip of your pen (or is it a pencil?) next year.🐰
That's the best thing anyone could wish for me, O L O Bunny aka Kevin. Thank you!
Anne, thanks so much for your posts! I truly look forward to it every Monday, although I sometimes don't read til Tuesday or Wednesday, like this week. It is a bright spot every week and I get bummed when you take a week off (it's ok, I'll get over it!), and one day I hope to be able to join the ranks of paid subscribers!
I love hearing that the newsletter brightens your week and is am missed when I take a week off Steve. Thank you for your sweet note and happy holidays!
New Yorkers are truly special and lucky to have someone like you who can coax out their humanity, sacrifice, and durability. Love the Lyon restaurant! Have a safe and joyous holiday (with "friends" or not ha)
Awwww what a sweet compliment to get on this cold rainy morning here in NYC, AK. Thank you and wishing you joyous hoildays as well!
Well, I for one thought that the expensive loo was an interesting read!
And those fantasy gifts for everyone are so heartwarming!
I do like the sound of the real Café Anne! Formidable! And... Joyeux Noël!
That means "with whipped cream," right Helen? Happy holidays to you! Very glad you enjoyed the survey.