2 things:
1. The EPS at 216 and 240 has a much better look than the OP Euro. After an average week and a one day warm storm, the pattern looks ripe for improvement as we head into January with the +PNA/-NAO and improving MJO.
2. Last winter we had to wait until March for a good pattern (excluding the first 2 weeks of January). I think everyone in hear living near NYC would take a crap pattern in December while the ocean is slowly cooling and a better Jan/Feb pattern where the ocean will screw you much less.