Hi there, my gregarious readers!

We don’t have a New Yorker of the Week today— submit here if you want to be next.

As always, you can submit your events for free here and your paid ads here.

Now, onto the goodness:

Looking for a personal trainer?

Jillian, The Joy List lady, here.

I recently started working with a personal trainer to help me learn the basics of Hyrox. (Look it up and be terrified.)

As someone with a complicated history with food/body stuff, I’ve always been hesitant to work with a male trainer… or honestly, any trainer.

But this guy? He’s thoughtful, he listens, and is great with any kind of mobility issues. I’ve already learned so much about my body and feel way more confident in the gym.

I’m plugging him here because he’s a delight… AND I get a comped session for every referral. (A girl loves a perk.)

So! If you want:

• a trainer who is kind, not bro-y

• someone who meets you where you are

• or you want to learn Hyrox basics without embarrassment
  
  I’m happy to make an intro.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Monday, December 8: Sincere Socials

This is a guided event for single folks aged 20-50 who crave more meaningful connection in their love lives. Through playful exercises, deep conversations, and intimate skill-building, you'll meet others who care about growth, not games.

$36. 7-9:30. 113 west 24th st. Info here.

Monday, December 8: Reflection & Connection: Navigating the Holidays

The holidays can be hard. You’re invited to Reflection & Connection: Navigating the Holidays with Funemployed ?! & Friends ✍️ Join us tonight, Monday, December 8th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm @ Fabrik Dumbo for guided prompts and conversations surrounding the holidays and how we take care of ourselves. All are welcome (no matter where you are in your career).

Free, 5:30-7:30 pm, 20 Jay St Suite 218, Dumbo. Info here.

Tuesday, December 9: Awaken Pleasure in Your Cervix with Hypnosis

Hypnosis to awaken sensation in your cervix. With intention to connect it to pleasure and to spiritual awakening, the the divine mother and divine feminine. Cervix owners only

$45 Bushwick NTAFLF 6-8pm. Info here.

Wednesday, December 10: The Feels NY ed 62: a mindful singles event in NYC

the feels is an IRL singles event where you’ll unlock tools for better relating, experience a new wave of more thoughtful dating, + connect with values-aligned humans. throughout the evening, you’ll be guided through prompts, positive reflections, and somatic elements like eye gazes and hugs.

~$100, 120 Walker St. Floor 5. Info here.

Wednesday, December 10: Astronomy on Tap NYC: Holiday Party

Ring in the holidays with Astronomy on Tap NYC as we gather for an evening of festive space talks, cosmic trivia, and good company over drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just space-curious, come celebrate the season and the universe with us.​Astronomy on Tap is a volunteer-run series of informal astronomy events that brings professional astronomers and space enthusiasts out of the lecture hall and into local pubs for fun, accessible talks, games, and Q&A—no science background required, just curiosity (and a love of space puns doesn’t hurt).

Free, 7-9 PM, Somethin' Else, 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn. Info here.

Thursday. December 11: Rewriting the Year: A Narrative Identity Workshop for Integration and Closure

Rewriting the Year is a 90-minute narrative psychology workshop designed to help you make sense of the emotional arcs, turning points, and patterns that shaped your 2025. Through guided reflection, somatic grounding, and structured journaling, we’ll explore how your brain creates meaning from experience and how to integrate those moments into a coherent, compassionate self-story.

Led by Aubrey Aust, a researcher and relational psychology practitioner, this workshop offers a gentle space to reflect, connect, and close the year with intention. J

$20 7:30-9 162 Noble Street. Info here.

Saturday, December 13: Scavenger Hunt of Connection & Adventure ~ Donation based FUNdRaiser

This Magical Scavenger Hunt will be unlike anything you have ever experienced. It will include – dance, singing, eye gazing & random acts of kindness that will elevate you & fellow New Yorkers. Organized by Trinity SchmidtAll money raised will go to the Doe Fund which is a charity that supports homeless people in NYC.

Donate any amount to get tickets. 2pm-5pm. The Oculus 185 Greenwich Street, NY, NY. Info here.

Saturday, December 13: The Spiritual Spectrum Salon: Queer and Christian

The Spiritual Spectrum is a salon to discuss the sacred with no agendas and no beliefs required. Our guest speaker, Brandan Robertson is Gay, an Ordained Minister, and Queer Advocate, we'll discuss how Christianity can be more affirming and listen to Queer voices.

$20. Queens home. 6:30 to 9 PM. Info here.

Saturday, December 13: The No Booze Babes Holiday Dinner

This intimate, facilitated holiday dinner is designed to bring women together for meaningful connection during the festive season. Guests will enjoy specialty mocktails, a three-course seated dinner by Chef Tom Colicchio’s team, and guided conversation moments to deepen community. The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and celebratory. Each attendee takes home a curated No Booze Babes gift bag.

$100. 7-9pm. 43 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010. Info here.

Saturday, December 13: Ugly PJs Cuddle Party

Ugly Pajamas Cuddle Party is a cozy night of laughter, warmth, and real human connection, where you can show up in your silliest sleepwear and your kindest heart. We’ll start with a light, playful workshop on boundaries and consent, then ease into relaxed cuddle time—with space to hug, snack, chat, or simply be, all in a fully non-sexual, consent-led environment. This is my last cuddle party certification training, and yes, there will be an ugly pajama contest with a surprise prize.

Donation. 4pm to 8pm. Bed-Stuy (address provided after registration). Info here.

Saturday, December 13: Somartica

What happens when adults remember their most embodied, creative selves? Somartica (Somatics + Art) invites you to find out. Through meditation, intuitive movement, and playful art making, you'll drop perfectionism, reconnect with joy, and leave feeling refreshed and so alive. No experience necessary! Just bring curiosity and an open heart.

$30 Suggested, 12-1:30 PM, 147 Metropolitan Ave. Info here.

Somatic Experiencing for Getting Shit Done

Whether it be getting paperwork done or taking tangible steps towards realizing a long-avoided dream, sometimes our attention and emotions simply do not cooperate. Somatic Experiencing can support you in regulating your nervous system so that you can live your life with greater ease and effectiveness. Offering a holiday special: one session for $70, or book three for $170!

Contact Pauline at [email protected] for a free 15-min consultation!

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian

Submit your event here.