4 minute read
Finding the festivities
By Deborah Allard Dion
Being thankful in a world changed by the pandemic won’t be easy without the warmth of Santa’s lap, the smell of chourico and peppers mingled with cinnamon-scented wreaths at the annual craft fair, or the absence of auntie’s sweet potato casserole surprise at the dinner table.
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It’s true that grandparents and grandchildren may only be enjoying one another’s company where there is a reliable internet connection. But the drive-by gift exchange, with presents being passed between sanitized hands like a Saturday night pizza, should prove to be the real plumb pudding of the season.
We can take the advice of the late greats Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers when they sang “Let’s call the whole thing off,” or we can try to have a merry little Covid Christmas and a happy communicable Hanukkah, even in this plague year.
So, grab your festive facemask and pick up some pine-scented hand sanitizer because the holiday season is still on. And we’ve got a few ideas to help you find your holiday spirit from a socially acceptable distance:
1. Decorate with abandon.
String up the lights and garland just as you would any other year, or think about adding a few glitzy extras. Bedeck the yard too where the twinkles will make you and your smile and cheer every passer-by. Don’t forget to take a ride and gaze at other light displays in your city or town, too.
2. Make magic in your kitchen.
No one can take away your family recipes, whether it’s your beloved turkey dressing, sticky sweet ham glaze, or top-notch sugar cookies, so don’t skip it just because you’re afraid it’s too much work just for your household. Cream the butter and sugar and get to baking those cookies. It’s not about the food, really, but rather keeping the tradition alive.
3. Visit the LaSalette Shrine
947 Park Street in Attleboro. The annual Celebration of Lights will go on as planned through January 3. Some 40,000 thousand lights will illuminate the sky daily from 5 to 9 p.m. There’s also refreshments and a gift shop for picking up some holiday and holy trinkets. (And, while you’re there don’t forget to say a prayer for a better 2021).
4. Soothe your soul.
Stream your favorite Christmas films like “A Miracle on 34th Street” (available to rent on Amazon Prime Video) or tune into the Hallmark channel on television for Christmas flicks 24 hours a day.
5. Read a seasonal tale.
Try out the new romance novel, Jingle all the Way by Debbie Macomber, or if mystery is more your thing, check out Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt. Don’t forget the kids. They might enjoy 5 More Sleeps til’ Christmas by Jimmy Fallon or Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger.
6. Sip the season.
Add some cheer by consuming your favorite holiday goodies, whether it’s the gingerbread latte and red-andgreen sprinkled doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts or a Starbucks eggnog latte (tip: sugarplum danish is also on the ‘bucks’ holiday menu). Culinary fun can also be had in the supermarket. Check out the seasonal coffees, creamers, teas, eggnog, and cookies to perk up your holiday pantry.
7. Help someone else.
Donate food or a supermarket gift card to the Salvation Army or United Way to help feed the less fortunate. Other organizations in need include PACE Inc., at 166 William Street in New Bedford; Citizens for Citizens Inc., at 264 Griffin Street in Fall River; and the Veteran’s Association of Bristol County, at 755 Pine Street in Fall River. You can also donate pet food to your local shelter. You’ll feel good about yourself and help someone in need.
8. Try something new.
Have you ever built a gingerbread house? If not, give it a try, you can find kits in local grocery stores or online, like Wilton’s gingerbread Santa’s workshop (available on Amazon).
9. Go virtual.
Check the “events” tab on Facebook where you can attend a virtual paint night or holiday bazaar. Local libraries offer events too, like virtual book clubs. If you enjoy crafting Christmas decorations, watch some tutorials on YouTube or check out Pinterest for ideas.
10. Move your body.
While you’re online, search for free yoga and Zumba videos. You can even learn to salsa and belly dance right in your own living room.
11. Pick up some handmade presents.
Though much has been cancelled this season, there are a few ways to support local artists, which is a great way help you get your shopping and decorating done. Meet Your Maker at Hope & Main, at 691 Main Street in Warren, will be offered on Sundays, December 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find brunch, lunch, cocktails, and vendors (to be announced). The new Craftyish Shop that features handmade items and workshops by local artists is open at 9 North Main Street in Fall River, each Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. The Tiverton Winter Farmers Market offers more than produce each Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m., at Sandywoods, 43 Muse Way.
12. Be kind.
Everyone has been affected by the pandemic, and some have faced loss in numerous ways. Check on your elder neighbors. Maybe bring them some of those extra sugar cookies. Call a buddy who may need some special cheering up. And smile hard under that mask so your eyes crinkle “hello” to friends and strangers.
Anne T. Converse PHOTOGRAPHY
A collection of photographic prints - marine, travel, equine and people and the author of “Wood, Wind and Water: A Story of the Opera House Cup Race of Nantucket”.
