Vivien Li

UNLIKE WEEKDAYS, my Sundays are leisurely, with time for family and friends and browsing on Newbury Street. Sunday mornings, I get The New York Times from Jimmy, Commonwealth Avenue Mall’s unofficial “Mayor,” who’s been selling Sunday papers and giving out dog treats for almost 30 years.

I take my time reading the paper over hot chocolate from L.A. Burdick and a sticky bun from Flour. Since holiday parties are starting soon, I am stocking up on Burdick’s handcrafted chocolate penguins and some of Flour’s addictive spicy pecans to give as gifts.

I don’t drive, so friends often join me for walks on the Esplanade or to Chinatown, where we go to Winsor Dim Sum Cafe. I like to show out-of-town guests the Boston Public Library—particularly the historic murals and iconic reading room—before treating them to “high tea” overlooking the courtyard. This year, my birthday was on a Sunday, and my family arranged for us to have the tea room’s “throne” seating and, because of my sweet tooth, everyone gave me their macarons and chocolates.

I’ve received a lot of baby shower invites recently, so I often head to Posman Books on Newbury Street. Expectant parents don’t get cute onesies from me. Instead, they get gifts that encourage early reading: “Goodnight Moon,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” and a selection from the “Little People Big Dreams” series about leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Greta Thunberg, and Michelle Obama.

I also typically stop by SEE to check out their “Sexy Specs” collection. They carry a wide range of limited-edition eyeglasses, and lately, I’ve gravitated towards their brightly colored, unique frames. After all, why should Elton John have all the fun?

In 2022, when Prince William and Princess Catherine visited Boston to present the Earthshot Prize Awards for climate innovation, those of us on the Boston Host Committee and guests were asked to wear outfits that evoked the theme of environmental sustainability.

It was then that I discovered Castanet, a luxury consignment boutique on Newbury Street. Nowadays, I often go by to get suggestions from Cassie, the boutique owner, about easy-to-pack travel outfits.

Sunday dinner at home is often just leftovers and fresh produce from the Copley Square Farmer’s Market. Afterward, I watch “60 Minutes,” write some thank you notes, and check the coming week’s schedule. I text my daughters, “Night night, love you,” before going to bed by midnight.