Wishing you a merry and bright Christmas. Image courtesy of Huckberry.

My friends, we made it: It’s time for a very special, very merry edition of The Friday Read … yes, here on Christmas! Don’t worry, though: This post was in the hopper before I safely made my way down to Florida to see family. I hope wherever you are, you’re able to enjoy the day safely and in good health, perhaps from afar with family or with a close, safe “bubble” of loved ones. Now, because I’m in Florida, that means two things: We’ve been well-stocked the entire week on delicious craft beer from local brewery Point Ybel Brewing Company, makers of everything from a fantastic Oktoberfest to a slew of New England IPAs, a terrific Kolsch by the name of Bud Weisberg and, well, plenty more. It’s truly a treat to be down here with great beer and sunshine close at hand. And second of all, it’s just great to be able to see family and take a bit of time off (just a bit, though — back to work next week!).

I hope Santa has already fulfilled some of your Christmas wish list items from sites like Huckberry and Bespoke Post — how about it, ehh? As for me, I’ve had my eye on some choice Christmas gifts from my favorite brands, like Todd Snyder. I also went ahead and asked Santa for Matthew McConaughey’s new book and of course, the 2020 deluxe reissue of “Pleased To Meet Me,” the iconic 1987 record by one of my favorite bands, The Replacements. Beyond the gifts under the tree, I’m thankful for the health and safety of my family and friends, and of course, the opportunity to see my family (just my mom, dad and sister — negative tests all around). At any rate, I’m also thankful for your continued support here! And to that end, I’ve got just a few choice menswear picks that might make this day a bit more merry and bright. We’re back at it tomorrow with another Style Pick of the Week, so be sure to join us then. In the meantime, who’s up for some eggnog?

Boots from Beckett Simonon worth buying this holiday season.

• There’s never quite been a better time to upgrade your collection of the best men’s leather boots than right now, and I know just the brand to help you out if you find yourself in possession of some holiday cash or a seasonal bonus. Head to Beckett Simonon to get nothing less than your new favorite boots, including the refined-yet-rugged Beckett Simonon Dowler Boots shown above. Talk about stepping into the new year in style, ehh?
• If you happen to be braving cold weather, let me point you in the direction of your new favorite cardigan. I wrote about a classic and casual-yet-versatile Grayers shawl cardigan on the blog earlier this month, and it seems as fitting to me a layering option for chilly temperatures as any.
• Let’s close out this brief edition of the Friday Read with something that truly gets to the heart of the meaning for the season. Our U.S. military members definitely deserve our respect and support, and Bravo Sierra Grooming goes above and beyond. They field-test the brand’s excellent line of grooming products (everything from deodorant to moisturizer and a solid cleanser) with military members in the field, and they also donate five percent of sales to the M.W.R. (which stands for Morale, Welfare and Recreation). It’s a crucial cause, and it helps that the brand gives back while making stellar grooming products — thanks to Bravo Sierra for the chance to test the full grooming line out recently! 

I’m going to be as brief as I can in wrapping this up before I let you get back to enjoying plentiful presents, coffee, brunch and more. In fact, I’ve got some holiday style inspiration for men in the form of this #OOTD that I think will come in mighty handy today. Regardless of where you are, enjoy the day and thank you for reading!