At last it is cold. And for two days in a row. Does this mean winter has finally overcome its commitment issues? I hope so. I hate wibbly-wobbly weather. Still, while I love a winter wonderland as much as the next person and I can’t wait for snow — I don’t particular want to wander out today. Cold for cold sake is not my thing.

So to rationalize my decision to stay put, I bring you a links round up!

What if you aren’t a fan of winter and would rather think summery, beachy thoughts of sailing away to exotic locales. No problem. The New York Boat Show is running from Dec 13-23rd.

What if all that holiday cheer is so not your thing? What if your idea of holiday happening is a more angsty, emo thing with a vampire thrown in for good measure and cultural relevance. Never fear – the city has something for you as well. While everyone else is decking the halls, you can head over to FIT and check out their latest exhibits including Gothic: Dark Glamour. Don’t assume this is all heavy eyeliner and swathes of black stretch velvet (in fact, let’s not ever assume black stretch velvet). This is so much more – the origins of gothic style, a look at the Victorian cult of mourning, a main gallery designed as a labyrinth with themes such as Night (black evening dresses) and Ruined Castle (fashions inspired by gothic images of the Dark Ages) and Haunted Palace (drawing on Edgar Allan Poe). This is Gothic gone glamorous! And you can check out their online gallery as well

OK, but what if you want your entertainment a bit more mainstream seasonal? No problem. Still plenty of holiday fun to be had. I know I’ve mentioned the Rockefeller Center tree and the Metropolitan Museum’s tree several times. But I may not have mentioned the American Museum of Natural History tree, decorated with more than 500 origami animals. Also at the AMNH (new this year) is The Polar Rink – a new state-of-the-art skating rink made from a recyclable synthetic surface, now open through February 28, 2009. It’s gorgeous and well worth checking out even if you aren’t interested in skating

More downtown than uptown? Don’t forget the South Street Seaports Singing Chorus Tree – a 50-plus-foot tree, complete with caroling by the Big Apple Chorus

Finally – you may still have shopping to do and there’s nothing wrong with not being done already. I am not done myself. But you can go do some shopping and enjoy some holiday cheer at the Time Warner Center! Sounds crazy right? Why do that to yourself – the crowds! Well, I’ll tell you why – because where despite bizarre jumps in weather it will snow every single day. Yes, it’s time again for the Time Warner Center annual “Under the Stars” light show. The Great Room of The Shops at Columbus Circle becomes a winter wonderland every half hour with a fifteen minute “snowfall” Fridays through Sundays (through Dec. 21st) all beginning at 5pm.

So, no matter what the weather does (or what you want the weather to do) the city has holiday fun to fit whatever your holiday mood and energy level. Enjoy! I intend to.