Free Times Holiday Guide and Shopping Season 2022

Holiday Guide and Shopping Season 2022

HOLIDAY Events

It’s that time of year again. The weather is cooling off and before we know it, neighborhoods will be filled with twinkling lights hanging from rooftops. It’s truly one of the most exciting and joyful times of the year. Here you’ll find our annual holiday guide, which breaks down the season’s events. Some of the area’s bigger events like lighting of the South Carolina State House Christmas tree and caroling, have yet to be announced as well. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for even more exciting things to do around town.

We’ll be sure to do the same and note them as they come. Have a safe and wholesome holiday season, Columbia.

ONGOING

Riverbanks Zoo Lights Before Christmas Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, riverbanks.org/. Light show at the zoo run through Nov. and Dec.

“Carolina Lights” Dec.3-26. South Carolina State Fair, scstatefair.org/. Drive-thru light show at the state fair grounds.

NOVEMBER

Winter Decoration Ornament

Nov. 5. One Columbia, parksandrec. columbiasc.gov. Learn to make the Japanese Komekomi ornaments at the Columbia Art Center.

“ELF the Musical” Nov. 8-9. Koger Center of the Arts, kogercenterforthearts.com. Musical based off the beloved holiday film “ELF.”

“3 Redneck Tenors” Nov. 10. Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com. Musical comedy featuring America’s Got Talent finalists.

Vista Lights Nov. 17. The Vista, vistacolumbia.com, Annual celebration with vendors and entertainment, plus the lighting of the Vista Tree. Live local music, too.

Columbia Music Festival Association presents “The Nutcracker” Nov. 23, 25 and 27. CMFA, cmfaonline.com/ events/. Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet puts on a Christmas classic ballet, “The Nutcracker.”

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” Nov. 25. Koger Center of the Arts, kogercenterforthearts.com. Live concert that brings holiday favorites to the stage.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is on stage Dec. 6 at the Koger Center of the Arts.

Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party is Dec. 10, 17 and 19 at Columbia Marionette Theatre.

DECEMBER

Homegrown Christmas

Dec. 1. Sumter Opera House, sumteroperahouse.com. Local musicians are featured in the charity Sounds of Grace’s holiday concert.

Christmas in Cayce Dec. 1-3, 10. Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, cwcchamber.com. Various holiday events held in Cayce, with a holiday parade on Dec. 10.

“Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Dec. 1-11. Chapin Theatre Company. chapintheatre.org. Play follows the comedic salvaging of an annual Christmas pageant.

Holiday Market Dec. 2-11. Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, artscenterkc.org. Holiday market featuring local arts and crafts.

Mark Rapp’s “Christmas by Candlelight” Dec. 3. Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, artscenterkc.org. Columbia’s Mark Rapp leads a jazz concert featuring Christmas classics.

“A Christmas Carol” Dec. 3 (two performances). Harbison Theatre, harbisontheatre.org. A production based on the beloved Christmas film.

“The Nutcracker”

Dec. 4. Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com. Classical Christmas ballet performed a short drive away in Newberry.

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze” Dec. 6. Koger Center of the Arts, kogercenterforthearts.com Broadway-style production infused with a circus-style performance.

“A Christmas Carol” Dec. 8. Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com. Original production filled with beloved music of the season, superb staging, and tremendous artistry.

“Christmas with the Celts” Dec. 9. Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com. Musical production with ancient Irish carols and dancing.

“Christmas Time is Here” Dec. 9. Columbia Museum of Art, columbiamuseum.org. Musical performance by ColaJazz’s Little Big Band at the Columbia Museum of Art.

“Christmas with the Celts” Dec. 10. Sumter Opera House, sumteroperahouse.com. Musical production with ancient Irish carols and dancing.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 10. Newberry Opera House, newberryoperahouse.com. Musical production with ancient Irish carols and dancing. An American holiday classic theater production.

“Nutcracker” Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Koger Center of the Arts, kogercenterforthearts.com. Annual ballet featuring an enchanting Christmas story.

Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party Dec. 10, 17 and 19. Columbia Marionette Theatre, cmtpuppet.org A holiday variety show with live music and puppets!

“Holiday Pops” featuring the S.C. Philharmonic Dec. 11. Harbison Theatre, harbisontheatre. org. Holiday musical performance led by director Morihiko Nakahara and the S.C. Philharmonic.

Nova Ballet Theatre Presents “The Christmas Angel” Dec. 16, 17 and 18. Harbison Theatre, harbisontheatre.org. An original, Christmasoriented ballet.

Koger Center Jazz - 3rd Annual Eve of the Eve Celebration Dec. 23. Koger Center of the Arts, kogercenterforthearts.com. Holiday Jazz concert on the, you guessed it, eve of Christmas Eve.

“Nutcracker”

Dec. 23-27. Township Auditorium, thetownship.org. Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet will put on the classic Christmas ballet.

HOW TO PLAN THE Perfect Holiday

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

We’re rounding the corner on 2022, and the big holidays are clearly in sight. With this turn of the calendar comes anticipation for revelry, socialization, and rendezvous opportunities with friends and family. Which begs the question: Why not host a holiday party at your house?

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving day shindig, festive December bash, Christmas Eve gathering, or New Year’s Eve soirée, there are plenty of options for merriment and celebration over the last few weeks of the year. Just be careful to know what’s involved before committing to the role of master of ceremonies.

“A good candidate for hosting an at-home holiday party is anyone who likes to entertain and loves to showcase their home,” says Brian Worley, a professional event planner in Atlanta. “Ideally, you should have a large space, depending on your guest count, and be willing to accommodate a variety of family and friends invading your personal space.”

The best hosts need to be organized, willing to delegate tasks to people they trust, quick on their feet with problem-solving, have backup plans in their pocket, and juggle different

aspects of an event at the same time without feeling overwhelmed, notes Gina Anderson with Urban Allure Events in Chicago.

“Your first step is to decide on the date and duration of your event. Will it last a few hours? When? Then, choose the ideal date and time you want to host,” she says.

Next, give careful thought to your guest list.

“Who do you want to invite and share this special time with? Do you want to invite a homogenous group with common interests or a wide variety of friends, kin, and colleagues who can get to know each other?” asks Ronny Leber, an international event hosting expert with Ronny Leber Entertainment.

Take time to consider a theme, as well, which can help determine what kind of a holiday party it will be.

“Will it be a stand-up or sit-down event? Stand-ups require small finger foods versus

sit-downs, which are more like entrées and salads. The theme will help drive your menu choices,” explains Cheryl Grace, CEO of Powerful Penny LLC, an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm.

Before deciding on edibles and libations, ponder your expenses carefully.

“Set a budget you are willing to spend and understand that you will likely go over that budget. But it’s good to at least have a jumping-off point established,” advises Worley.

Your menu will comprise a big part of your budget.

“When I host parties, I try to make it as casual and informal as possible by creating a menu that is easy — typically room temperature foods — unless it’s something that can go in a slow cooker and just has to be plugged in,” Worley says.

You can also empower your guests to bring goodies.

“Make your party theme ‘bring your favorite holiday dessert,’ for example,” Worley recommends.

Think carefully about including options for people who don’t eat meat.

“Nowadays, I would consider offering a vegan option,” Leber suggests. “And when it comes to drinks, make sure there are also choices for people who don’t consume alcohol.”

In addition to deciding what to serve, ruminate on how you will serve food and

beverages for guests. Will the edibles be offered buffet-style? Will you have a sit-down dinner with table settings?

“If you are opting for a caterer, first check on the availability of companies in your area and the menus they provide,” Anderson continues.

Activities and games represent some of the most memorable moments at a holiday party. Help break the ice and get your guests involved by encouraging fun activities like the nametag game in which each guest writes the last name of their favorite person who shares their first name; other guests must guess their first name. Alternatively, consider having someone dress up as Santa and visit the crowd briefly, passing out small presents. Or encourage a round of charades, Pictionary, or another popular game that can bring strangers together.

Determine if you will mail out physical invitations or use electronic invites. Eventbrite and RSVP.com are good options for the latter.

“Traditionally, it’s recommended that a host invites their guests at least three weeks before the event. One to two weeks out from your party, follow up with your guests who haven’t RSVPed yet,” Anderson adds.

Lastly, create a holiday-appropriate music playlist that will get your guests in the mood and provide acoustic comfort to attendees. Use a smart speaker and a service like Spotify to curate and play the best tunes for the occasion. n

HOW TO KEEP THE Secret of Santa

ALIVE AMONG YOUR KIDS

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.

Indeed, we’ve had it drilled into our heads since we were wee ones that there’s magic in Santa, a mysterious but mirthful benefactor who brings gifts to children and somehow visits every home on the planet in the early morning hours of December 25. But that magic doesn’t necessarily have to dissipate once our kids reach a certain “knowing” age where they begin to doubt Kris Kringle’s existence. By celebrating St. Nicholas and all that he stands for and keeping family traditions and customs associated with him alive, he can remain ageless as we indulge the inner child within all of us.

“Santa Claus can be seen as a symbol of generosity and giving. He represents the spirit of Christmas, which is all about being kind and generous to others. For children, Santa is a symbol of hope and happiness. And in some ways, Santa represents the perfect father figure — he’s kind, loving, and always happy to see his children,” explains Catherine Wilde, best-selling author of “Reclaiming Your Inner Sparkle” and a homeschooling mom of three.

According to Dr. Oksana Hagerty, an educational and developmental psychologist who serves as dean of the Center for Student Success at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, Santa Claus psychologically represents an important role-playing game.

“Children best engage in these types of games between the ages of three and seven — roughly the same time they begin to understand the concept of Santa,” she says. “Role-plays are tremendously important

developmentally. Among the many benefits of the Santa role-playing game are the development of the will and the theory of the mind, meaning the ability to take other people’s perspectives.”

Case in point: Ask a five-year-old to stand still — how long do you think he or she can do it?

“But if you ask a five-year-old to stand still because Santa will not stop if he sees her running around the house and screaming, chances are the child will stand still for much longer,” Hagerty notes. “For many children, role-plays are the first exposure to rules, and the associated need to control themselves to stay within the boundaries set by these rules.”

Another developmental benefit of roleplaying is overcoming cognitive egocentrism:

When children assume roles, they learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes. A child’s belief in Santa can make a big difference here, per Hagerty.

Of course, believing in Santa can also build positive associations with Christmas and gift-giving, “which helps kids learn about the importance of being kind and generous,” adds Wilde.

Incorporating Santa into family traditions is worthwhile, believes Richard Brandenstein, a New York City-based father of three.

“Like most families, we used to leave stuff out for Santa. We were lucky enough to have a fireplace in our home that worked. If you have this luxury, that can help sustain the fantasy of him coming down the chimney,” he says.

Having your children exchange handwritten letters with Santa is another practice many enjoy.

“I invented my own calligraphy font for Santa and had a hidden calligraphy pen and parchment-looking paper,” says Dr. Robin Dickinson, a family physician who teaches online kids’ science classes. “We always had the kids put out carrots for the reindeer, too. But we explained from the very beginning that the Santas in stores aren’t the real Santa. Kids aren’t stupid — they recognize that all those Santas can’t be the real one. We told them that people like pretending those are the real Santa for little kids, and some kids believe it, so it’s important to play along.”

Laura Doyle, a relationship coach, relishes baking cookies every Christmas Eve and leaving a few out for Santa, “which gets the whole house excited for Santa’s shimmy down the chimney. It also teaches appreciation because now the child is leaving a gift for Santa as well.”

Another way to foster a healthy relationship with Santa, and create a priceless family custom, is to have a family member dress up as jolly old St. Nick and visit the household, passing out presents to each occupant. Turn the occasion into a noncompetitive talent show by having each person perform something (like a poem, song, or dance) to earn their present.

Eventually, kids get older and start to question what’s real and what’s make-believe. That’s when it may be time to fess up about the facts but perhaps stress that it’s fun to maintain respect for the spirit of the season and not blow the secret for younger ones.

“We told our kids the truth about Santa when we realized that our oldest was going to figure it out soon,” says Dickinson. “But we said that the truth is we really don’t know. We fill the stockings in honor of Santa, but we have no way of knowing that he doesn’t exist. So, we told our kids that it’s important for the world to continue the tradition of Santa and for children to know that they are loved and understood. Our kids were, and still are, utterly delighted that people around the world, no matter their background, have agreed to keep the spirit of Santa alive.” n

How to make your favorite traditional holiday meals healthier

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

The holidays are a popular time for reconnecting with loved ones, feeling sentimental about the season, and cramming our gullets to the brim with delectable yummies that, despite all the merriment and mirth, can quickly add girth.

But it’s only one time of the year, you might say, and that’s what New Year’s resolutions are for: to cut down on all the calories you consumed in December and get back in shape. Problem is, it’s easy to go overboard during the holidays and make unhealthful eating choices that can contribute to quick weight gain, illness, and disease.

So, here’s a novel idea friendly to your navel: Why not change the theme of your next end-of-the-year get-together from “indulge and ignore” to “happy healthier holidays” by serving better-for-you food and beverage choices?

“Traditional holiday meals are high in added sugar, salt, and fat. Excess consumption of these increases the risk of being overweight, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and more,” says Megan Wong, a registered dietitian at One Step Nutrition. “But by making simple, healthy substitutions, both your body and mind will feel better about what you’re eating.”

Stacy Naugle, the founder of YourVeganFamily.com, subscribes to that theory.

“Serving healthier foods during the holidays inspires new and delicious traditions that can bring families together around wellness – creating a positive link between celebration and feeling great,” she says.

Before planning a healthier holiday menu, however, think carefully about your guests and their dietary preferences and requirements.

“Ask guests if they have a food allergy or intolerance. Furthermore, to help mitigate any dinner disappointments, it’s helpful to offer two entrées and side dish options to appease everyone,” suggests Nicole Swingle, a registered dietitian. “For instance, you might choose leaner meat like turkey as one entrée choice and a fattier protein like pulled pork or ribeye steak as an alternative entrée choice. It’s also wise to ensure there are vegetarian side dishes, especially if your main dish is meatbased.”

Swingle’s ideal healthy holiday offerings would start with an appetizer of layered hummus dip with tomatoes, feta cheese, and cucumbers. Her main course would consist of herb roasted turkey, a leaner meat that offers plenty of protein, B vitamins, and iron. As a side dish, she suggests baked sweet potato and red beet hash with blueberry goat cheese and walnuts, or arugula and spinach salad with tomatoes, avocado, pomegranate seeds, and a maple dressing.

“For dessert, I would choose chocolate

mousse, so you can use dark cocoa powder instead of chocolate bars to keep calories down. My main beverage would be cranberry sparkling water, which would complement the overall dinner,” says Swingle.

Wong’s spread would consist of lettuce wraps as an appetizer, followed by salmon patties as a main dish.

“Instead of saturated and trans fats, salmon is a great source of healthy, anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats. Guests will love this guilt-free flavor-packed dish that they can feel good about eating,” says Wong.

As a side, consider serving cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes, which offers nearly twice the amount of calcium. As a

meal topper, she would serve homemade dark chocolate truffles.

Naugle, meanwhile, isn’t afraid to up the ante even further on healthy choices.

“My appetizer would be herbed walnut pate on sliced vegetable rounds as well as herbstuffed baked mushrooms, which stimulate digestion. My main course would be vegan nut loaf and country mushroom gravy, made from olive oil, seasoned with traditional holiday herbs of sage and thyme. This provides a high-protein, high-fiber, and satisfying main course,” she continues. “Fresh cranberries and apples topped with ginger sauce would be served as a side in addition to roasted rainbow carrots with balsamic maple drizzle or braised Brussels sprouts with roasted garlic and a walnut vinaigrette.”

Naugle’s dessert? Chocolate tofu cream pie with a ginger nut crust. To swish everything down, she’d serve a cranberry mint fizz with a twist of orange and pomegranate.

“A plant-focused meal that includes a variety of colorful foods can help you feel more energized, keep your digestion happy, improve your mood, decrease inflammation, and alleviate guilt and worry about diseases or risk of heart attack or stroke,” adds Naugle. “And high-fiber plant-based foods also make you feel fuller, so you tend to consume fewer calories without even trying.”

Best of all, eating better may just move you from “naughty” to “nice” on Santa’s list. n