If there’s ever a time I don’t mind the blistering cold of a New York City winter, it’s the few short weeks in December when the city comes alive with the sights and smells of the holiday season. Whether it’s romantic Central Park carriage rides, ice skating under the twinkling tree in Rockefeller Center, or sipping indulgent hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, New York City is the place to be during the holidays. But after the stockings are removed from our marble fireplaces, and the last scent of pine disappears from our sprawling penthouses, there’s only one thing left to do: reflect on the past year.

Don’t worry. No matter what kind of trouble you’ve gotten yourself into, nothing can quite top the escapades of our favorite celebs. Over the next week and a half, I’ll be taking a look at 2009s biggest scandals, fashion missteps, and hot messes. Think of it as a guide to your New Year’s resolutions, and before you pop a bottle of Louis Roederer, ponder the choices you’ll make in 2010. Remember, I’ll be watching…

Happy Holidays from Gossip Girl.