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of Contents
With safety in mind, holiday traditions reimagined ...................4 ‘Pop It’ Worcester’s Holiday Gift Guide..............................................8 Mashuganah Christmas...........................................................................12 Merry Music: 5 albums From the Worcester scene this year to give as a gift................................................................................14 Santa gets inventive for socially distanced visits.........................16 Christmas 2020: It is what it is..............................................................18
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With safety in mind, holiday traditions reimagined
S TEPH A NIE JA RVIS C A MPBELL
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hroughout Worcester County, events and festivals have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming holiday season has been no exception. Although some events have been canceled, others have been reinvented with safety in mind.
The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, known during the holiday for its reimagining of “The Christ-
mas Carol,” is reinventing things again as COVID-19 continues to force large-scale performance venues to be shuttered. The theater’s beloved production of the timeless classic — adapted for the Hanover by Troy Siebels, president and CEO — will become “A Christmas Carol Reimagined,” a filmed theatrical production, available on demand beginning Friday, Dec. 11. “Our annual ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a beloved tradition, and it was important to me to find a way to tell the story this year, however we could,” Siebels said. The Hanover’s primary focus is on safety, and THT Rep’s recent production of “Poe Double Header” was approved by Actors’ Equity Association as one of the first indoor performances allowed in the
country since March, according to Lisa Condit, Hanover vice president of communications. Using the safety protocols in place for “Poe,” THT Rep, led by Artistic Director Olivia D’Ambrosio Scanlon, will produce and present the filmed production of “A Christmas Carol Reimagined.” Pending approval from the Actors’ Equity Association, the show will be available for on-demand download or at safe, socially distant screenings in the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. “Creating theater in whatever way we can is a way to keep us vital and to keep our staff working as much as we can,” Siebels said. “I also think it’s important to tell this story, at this time, as it resonates
Purchase your tickets in advance for Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village as space will be limited. 4
HOLIDAY HANDBOOK 2020 A Special Publication of Worcester Magazine
File photo/Christine Peterson
now as much as ever.� As part of the “A Christmas Carol Reimagined� concept, the BrickBox will be staged as a “museum� with different objects, props and costumes from past productions. These “museum hours� will be free and open to the public during the ticketed screening run. This “nice� reimagining will be billed with a “naughty� production, “XXXMas Burlesque,� which will be performed “late night� at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays after ticketed screenings of “A Christmas Carol.� Both performances will use the new THT Rep tiered ticketing structure, which allows guests to choose what they pay based on the honor system. Options include subsidized tickets, full price, true cost and true cost PLUS tickets. This allows for community and equity and to be transparent with patrons about the costs associated with producing their works, according to Condit and Scanlon. “The Nutcracker� is another of the Hanover’s traditions, but this year it will be an in-house recital for the conservatory students rather than a staged version. But, Condit pointed out, a plus is that it is a unique opportunity for the students to audition and dance in all roles, even those usually reserved for professional dancers. Also being offered is “Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at Home LIVE! Virtually� at
7 p.m. on Dec. 18. The live show will be available exclusively through the pianist’s official website, and a portion of each ticket purchased will benefit The Hanover. Tickets are $125, $75 and $40 and can be purchased through the Hanover website https://thehanovertheatre.org/. As the Hanover has done with its “A Christmas Carol Reimagined� to keep safety at the forefront, Old Sturbridge Village is also revamping its yearly season tradition of “Christmas by Candlelight.� To be held on weekends and select weekdays in December, the event will feature all outdoor festivities. It follows the highly successful “Phantoms & Fire� event, which ran from Oct. 21-31 and completely sold out. “Christmas by Candlelight,� a quintessential New England holiday celebration, will feature the Village’s Christmas Tree Trail and the Christmas Wish Bridge. Families can warm up by the bonfire after taking a horse-drawn carryall ride, see the tree lighting and learn about the history behind various Christmas traditions. During the event, village interpreters will also work on a sleigh, show how to cook a traditional meal from the 1830s and fire the kiln. Families can also bring home craft projects and enter to win an ornament. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. For more information,
visit www.osv.org. In Southbridge, the Festival of (Giving) Trees is shifting from an in-person, fourday event to an all-virtual fundraiser. After talking about different options — such as having the event over a longer period of time — the committee decided to shift the festival completely online. Individuals and businesses can still donate decorated trees, and those who attend the event can still purchase raffle tickets to win any one of them. The decked-out trees will be showcased online at https://one.bidpal.net/festivalofgivingtrees/welcome, tentatively beginning Nov. 15 through Dec. 6. On that last day, at 3 p.m., the winners will be drawn. Donors will be able to include information about the meaning behind their tree — some are dedicated in memory of a person, some are based on a theme or myriad other reasons. “Everyone has a reason,� said Brenda Lacaire, committee chair. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be cancer, but in the end, it’s all going to a good cause.� That cause is for breast cancer research to help find a cure, and funds raised from the Festival of (Giving) Trees is donated to the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and the Silent Spring Institute, both notfor-profit organizations founded by Cheryl Cloutier-Osimo. A former resident of South-
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bridge, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and began devoting her time to fund raise. Eventually, some friends from Southbridge began helping her cause when they created the festival in 1997. Today, proceeds are also donated to the Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital. “Cancer doesn’t stop. Every day you hear of someone new having cancer or fighting it — and we didn’t want to stop,” Lacaire said of the importance of continuing the festival this year. “We do it because we care. We still care, even with COVID.” For future years, when the event is able to return to the La Salle Reception Center in Southbridge, Lacaire said she expects that they will continue to showcase trees online as well as in person. As for this year, she said, “It will be different, but hopefully it will still bring some Christmas cheer.” Grafton Celebrates the Holiday, an event that has been held for more than 20 years, “is still happening in some format,” according to Jen Andersen, director of the town’s Recreation Commission, which hosts the festivities. Although some of the traditional events — like the train ride and the Frosty’s Stops — won’t be part of the celebration, the commission decided that it will hold a home and business decorating contest and will put together a map of all entrants for people to drive around to and see (check https://www.grafton-ma. gov/recreation-commission for more information). Other possibilities the committee has been working on, Andersen said, include a “shop local list” that people can use to pre-order and do curbside pickup. And, as always, the town common will still be lit up. “Things can still happen, and we can still have fun,” Andersen said, adding that with the event being one of Grafton’s biggest, it was important to “be able to keep it going and adapt it to bring some sense of normalcy to people and maybe bring them some holiday spirit and joy. It’s hard to come by these days.”
Sutton, which last year saw 5,000 people to town last year for the annual Chain of Lights, made the difficult decision to cancel. “We realized we had to make a decision by September, no later than October, because people have to plan, especially crafters. They don’t get all their things together in a month,” said Janet Gerard, committee chair. Such a decision was not lost on committee members, who researched many other options. “It’s never been canceled, not even for weather,” Gerard said. The committee discussed safety concerns with the trolleys and food handling and afterward polled the vendors and crafters, but many said they probably would not participate this year. “It was just becoming more disheartening,” Gerard said. Gerard said the committee would like to advertise the crafters’ and vendors’ links on the event website (https://suttonchainoflights.weebly.com/) to help them advertise any events, sales or purchasing options they may have for the holiday season. “That way they have an opportunity to maybe capture some business they would potentially be losing,” Gerard said. The Millbury Chain of Lights, which is typically held the same Sunday as Sutton’s, is also canceled this year, although some of the businesses may hold their own events (check the committee’s Facebook page for more information). In addition, the senior center, which always participates, will continue some of its holiday-themed traditions. Starting Dec. 6, the holiday picture board will be stationed in the decorated Victoria Garden for family photos. The senior center will also be selling gingerbread man cookie kits (call (508) 865-9154 for more information) and will sponsor a raffle with prizes. Judith O’Connor, executive director, said the elderly have always enjoyed visiting the senior center during the Millbury Chain of Lights, so it was important they offer
something like the picture board or garden that the elderly could bring a grandchild to or visit with a friend. Across the border in Putnam, Conn., the crowd-pleasing Holiday Dazzle Light Parade is going to be transformed into what is being called the Holiday Dazzle Reverse Invitational Parade. Always held the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, the parade is scheduled for Nov. 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with a rain date of Dec. 6. But instead of the traditional parade of lit-up floats, decorated rolling cars and marchers, this year’s version will be held at Murphy Park, at 61 Keech St. in Putnam. Gary Osbrey, chair of the Holiday Light Parade, said the event usually has more than 130 entrants that travel along a route of one and a half miles. But because only about 50 will fit on the field, this year the committee sent invitations to the participants that are typically float-based or could decorate a pop-up canopy. Guests will then be able to drive through Murphy Park to see all the floats and decorations. “It’s so radically different, but it was very well received,” Osbrey said. “People were pleased we were doing something instead of just canceling it.” As always, Santa will be there, as will the mayor of Putnam. The Putnam Fire Department and East Putnam Fire Department will park two of their engines at the end of the route to represent all the departments that usually participate. And for the first time, parade visitors can donate nonperishable items to Boy Scout Troop 25, which will then be donated to local pantries. Local radio station WINY 97.1 FM will live broadcast from the parade. “We’re just trying to make the best of the COVID situation,” Osbrey said. “We were all on board to try to pull this off. We’re really looking forward to it.” He added, “We’re hoping we’re back with our regular, traditional parade next year. It will be a big celebration for our 20 years.”
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‘Pop It’ Worcester’s Holiday Gift Guide MOLLY O’CONNOR A ND SA R A H CONNELL SA NDER S
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e started the “Pop It” podcast back in 2018 with the goal of elevating women’s voices across the community. The 2020 holiday season not only marks the close of an unforgettable (albeit dour) year — we are also celebrating our 100th episode. “Pop It” has had the pleasure of featuring politicians, artists, small business owners, executives and more on our show. The gifts on this list reflect a deep love for popping questions, popping bottles, and — of course — pop culture. Pop Bottles Without our favorite bartenders at the ready, we’ve taken to relying on canned cocktails — a retail niche that has seen exponential growth over the last year. We love Social Hour’s new line of craft cans, masterminded by industry legend Julie Reinier who opened the first high-volume craft cocktail bar in New York City. The Pacific Spritz combines an aperitivo with
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HOLIDAY HANDBOOK 2020 A Special Publication of Worcester Magazine
Joy Flanagan recommends Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara Lambrusco while O’Connor and Connell Sanders are enjoying Social Hour’s craft cocktails. rosé, passionfruit and grapefruit for the perfect “Pop It” pick-me-up. We’ve also played around with mixing our own libations from guest Kirsten Amann’s book, “Drinking Like Ladies.” The “Park House,” inspired by Princess Diana, is a “Pop It” favorite. We use Shaker33’s leak-proof, dual-flow strainer to keep our hands warm and our drinks cold. When in doubt, we turn to guest Joy Flanagan of MS Walker Imports for bottle recommendations. This season, Flanagan is drinking Lambrusco, an Italian red known for its wild harvest. She recommends starting your Lambrusco journey with selections from Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara.
It has never been more important to stay attuned to our physical and mental health. New Chapter’s elderberry gummies make it easy to get a proper dose of antioxidants every day. Elderberries keep our immune systems sharp so we can keep our seats at the table. Guests Sara Jean Louis and Amanda Theinert recently helped us tune into our spiritual selves. Theinert’s handmade goods use crystals to activate the magical and metaphysical power within. Jean Louis encouraged us to conduct thorough investigations of our astrological charts, which naturally led to our discovery of the
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“Not All Geminis” store where you can find designs for every sign, including gorgeous “Age of Aquarius” aesthetics on T-shirts, mugs and totes.
Pop culture pins available at pattilapel.com
notallgeminis.com has mugs, shirts, stickers and totes for your favorite astrological signs.
Pop Culture Patti Lapel offers the best selection of lapel pins, including a collection of Simpsons x Pro Wrestling mashups designed by British artist Thumbs. No matter the obscure pop culture reference, we promise Patti has a pin for it. In our first year of recording “Pop It,” we kept close tabs on Rosie O’Donnell
who was spotted in Worcester on multiple occasions. Her local connections may have cooled, but our love for O’Donnell replenished when she made a Cameo on our Instagram page encouraging everyone to vote. Rosie loves Koosh balls and so do we. Two thousand rubber filaments of fun.
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Mashuganah C hristmas DAVID M ACPHER SON
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anta was too drunk to go down the chimney, instead he barreled through the side door of the rec center of Temple Beth Israel Retirement Village. The women were playing mahjong. The men were pretending to concentrate on their game of hearts. But instead were checking out Mrs. Gold, the new arrival at the retirement village. She was fine with short hair. Zaftig with hips.
The air conditioner was fighting an unseasonable May afternoon, when Santa threw his body head first into the room with hearty good cheer. His suit was stained the color of brick seen at midnight. His beard was yellow more than white. “Ho Ho Ho! Who’s been good little boys and girls?” “Hey Santa Wrong Year, I haven’t been a boy since 1935.” “Oh really Murray Myers, so when exactly did you become a man?” “Hey Santa, wrong month. It’s May.” “Hey Santa, wrong time of day. Has your wish list gotten so large that you are only getting to us now?” “Hey Santa, wrong faith. Check the address. Jewish. Nursing. Home.” Santa was confused. Staring distantly towards something, perhaps to the North Pole. He spoke with words full of passion and whiskey-scented spittle. “There is no
wrong faith,” he said. “Every child needs Santa. If there is a need or poverty, there is Santa. A present for just being a child. Acceptance in the form of a Barbie doll or a Tyco train. No child should forget that.” “We’re not children anymore.” Santa raised his torn canvas bag in front of him, as if it were a final defense. “No one isn’t a child. To me you are all rosy cheeked cherubs who want dolls and trucks.” “Maybe if that truck was a Ford Explorer, then that Santa can earn himself a drink.” And suddenly, taken with the spirit of the season, the rec room shouted out their want list to this Santa Claus. “A well behaving bladder.” “A high yield retirement fund.” “A Viagra free boner.” “Peace in the Middle East, kennehura.” “A good tasting bagel, remember when they had taste?” “Me? I just want my grandkids to call.” And there was a pause, which turned into a silence, and then a quiet moment of agreement. And Santa wobbled forward, his head peering into his bag, unsure if anything in there would fit the measurement of the request. Esther Hegelman cleared her throat,
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“Mr. Claus. You have a lot to answer to us Jews, to us grandparents on a budget. Our children put up Christmas trees because Hanukkah is not flashy enough. It’s a pitzelah holiday. You make our kin sing carols at school. And watch on the television Rudolph and his nose. You could not destroy us through pogroms or holocausts, But now we are buried in wrapping paper and Andy Williams Christmas Specials.” Santa straightened up as much as he could, “My dear madam, I am beyond Christian. I was appropriated by them. I am of the earth.” “You are of the bottle,” a voice rang out. “No!” he shouted. “Earth!” And he fell broken like a box of ill fitting toy parts. And as the security guard was called, Santa left. Departed. We cannot be more specific. Mr. Hemmel saw him escorted by security. Several others swore that he went up the chimney, though there is no chimney in the rec room. But with all that said, nobody changed. No one converted. No one truly believed that he was anything other than a deluded drunk. Still, the new woman, Mrs. Gold, agreed to go to a movie with Mr. Aaron Fischer.
Albert Blish found a bottle of schlivitiz in his room, the very kind his father drank when he told tales of Russia. And Sylvia Moskowitz’s granddaughter called, just to say hi. No, it was not a day of miracles. But
it was a day where something happened. And sometimes that is miracle enough. David Macpherson is a poet and writer living in the Worcester area.
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Merry Music
5 albums From the Worcester scene this year to give as a gift ROBERT DUGUAY
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ecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are going to be more inclined to purchase gifts online than at the local stores. It’s completely understandable for the sake of safety and well-being in a time where people are trying to avoid getting sick now more than ever. When it comes to making these kinds of purchases, what’s more ideal than music? You can order a CD or a vinyl from an artist’s Bandcamp page or download it digitally and upload it to an external hard drive to keep it simple. When it comes to local artists, musicians and bands, they could surely use the money coming in from record sales due to the absence of live music. With that in mind, here are five albums from Worcester acts that you should consider buying for your favorite music fan.
an indie emo vibe that’s reminiscent of what was going on with the musical style during the mid-’90s. It results in a heartfelt sound with the guitars and harmonies having a huge presence. Their debut full-length “Mom Come Pick Me Up” that was self-released on May 29 exemplifies this. Dave Zielinski on guitar and vocals walks the fine line between being intense and somber in songs such as “July 30” and “Dare,” while Kyle Mudge adds to the amplification of the tracks “Basketball” and “Bird Funeral” with his own six-string. The rhythms from drummer Nate Rogers and bassist Ryan Mckenna are rock solid, while the guest vocals from Mike Aylward, Tyler Ducharme, Dylan Ilkowitz, Evan Lamanna and Pat Ranauro reinforce the harmonies that are previously mentioned.
Memory Lame - ‘Monachopsis’ There’s definitely an interesting sound
Joyner Lucas - ‘ADHD’ It’s safe to say that rapper Joyner Lucas
Square Loop - ‘Mom Come Pick Me Up’ Square Loop has a knack for echoing
was the most important artist to come out of Worcester during the past decade, right? The viral music video for his 2017 hit
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“I’m Not Racist” is still as relevant as ever and he has since become one of the best hip-hop artists in the New England region. Following off of that success, his debut album “ADHD” came out via his own label at Twenty Nine Music Group on March 27 and it lived up to the anticipation. “Isis” has him joined by fellow rapper Logic for a lyrical assault on mental health while hip-hop production legend Timbaland is featured on the banger “10 Bands.” Other tracks that highlight the album include “Devil’s Work,” “Gold Mine” and “Revenge.”
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that’s being exhibited within Memory Lame’s debut LP, “Monachopsis,” that they self-released on July 24. At times it’s sludgy and other times it’s shoegazey while retaining a punk grit. The trio of vocalist and guitarist Ron Beaudet, bassist Phil Mitchell and drummer Joey Sullivan pull this off in tracks like “Impatient Patients,” “Berzerker” and “Nicholas Cage The Elephant.” It’s kind of like this mix of Nirvana meets My Bloody Valentine along with a raw aesthetic where you wouldn’t be surprised to hear it being rehearsed in your neighbor’s garage. The sound quality from start to finish is also impressive due to Wachusett Recording Company’s Roger Lavalee handling the engineering and mixing and Beaudet doing the mastering.
Ghost of the Machine & Weapon E.S.P - ‘Juice Headz’ Another awesome hip-hop album that came out this year, on Sept. 3, is courtesy of the rap duo Ghost of the Machine & Weapon E.S.P. with “Juice Headz.” I find it interesting that both Major League Baseball’s infamous steroid era and the current state of civil unrest in the United
States inspired the making of this album, with tracks examining both topics. I also enjoy that there are clips of commentary from the MLB Network’s Brian Kenny and ESPN’s Max Kellerman included, with the cover being blatantly influenced by the cover of a Wheaties box and a package of Big League Chew. Musically, it’s hard hitting with the likes of DJ Proof, MichaelAngelo, Sincere, William Wallace and LoGun being involved in the production. Tracks like “‘98 Sosa,” “Doc and Darryl,” “756*” and “Bonds and McGwire” shine in an uncut diamond of a record. Sapling - ‘No Sequoia’ A plethora of quirkiness and weirdness is within Sapling’s debut album “No Sequoia,” which came out Feb. 22. At the same time it’s wonderfully refreshing artsy punk rock that greets the senses with fierce scorn and a closed fist. It’s also pretty cool that Jason Loewenstein, from the Northampton indie rock
legends Sebadoh, handled the mixing on the album. The structures within various songs are abstract and distorted while noticeably giving off a lot of feedback. “Maria
vs. Machine Maria,” “The Unbirdable Barren” and “Coptic Rock” are excellent examples of this.
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Santa gets inventive for socially distanced visits S TEPH A NIE JA RVIS C A MPBELL
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sually about this time, Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice, as well as planning his photo opportunities with children everywhere. But, in a world of COVID, will Santa even be able to travel from the North Pole in his sleigh for his traditional appearances? The answer is yes, but, “things are dramatically different this year,” said Santa Bill Barnsley. With possibilities ranging from in-person but socially distanced visits, to Santa edited into photographs and even video-conferencing with Kris Kringle, there are ways this year to “make it as safe experience and make it special,” said Dan Greenleaf, one of the founders of the New England Santa Society and owner of ImSanta.org, which provides a full range of holiday services such as in-home visits, holiday parties, special events and more. “There are plenty of options. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to see Santa. In some ways, you might have more options.” ImSanta.org has a network of more than 100 performers who usually book approximately 300 events throughout New England, including at locations such as the six Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s and Southwick’s Zoo. Earlier this year, when it became apparent that COVID would necessitate some changes for this season’s Santa visits, a group of them got together on Zoom meetings to discuss the challenges, restrictions and precautions, Greenleaf said. During each session, they tackled a different type of Santa visit — home visits, corporate parties, photography sessions, mall work and special events such as hospital or school visits — to brainstorm some creative solutions. “My attitude was, we know we don’t know what’s going to hap-
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pen. But let’s plan for the best outcome. If you think you want to have a visit from Santa, let’s plan it and we will make whatever accommodations we need to make it happen,” Greenleaf said. While some malls and stores may decide to forgo their Santa appearances and set up just a winter display where families can take their own photos, others are prepping for visits — with some changes. Santa won’t be able to have kids sit on his lap, he will most likely be standing or sitting in a sleigh behind a Plexiglas-type wall. According to Greenleaf and Barnsley, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are planning to
HOLIDAY HANDBOOK 2020 A Special Publication of Worcester Magazine
have something similar with a live Santa in the stores but no contact. Other businesses, like Klem’s in Spencer, which has a Santa setup every December, made the difficult decision to cancel its event this year. The store hosts the event as a fundraiser for the American Legion Riders, Spencer Post 138. “It’s such a terrible decision,” said Klem’s CEO Jessica Bettencourt. “We have a lot of people come. They bring their children; they bring their pets. It’s always a wonderful day in the store. It’s a fun day. It’s happy. But I don’t know if there is any other decision we could make.” Although the store has had to cancel other events, “Santa is the one that hurts your stomach the most,” Bettencourt said.
“We know customers will be disappointed. Kids will be disappointed. But we just can’t find a way to do it safely.” Some professional photographers are deciding not to do Santa photos as well — or Santa himself has chosen not to — but have found creative ways to work around that and still provide a meaningful experience for their clients. Mary Maloney, who has owned Pebbles and Polka Dots Photography in Worcester/Holden for 10 years, has been doing Santa sessions for four years, but this season decided on a different approach. Her Christmas sessions are a half-hour each and run starting in October and through the end of November, and she said she felt it wasn’t right to ask Santa to be outdoors that length of time on multiple days. Instead, she will be using images of Santa from her sessions last year to create those picture-perfect scenes. “I will be editing him into the scene this year as if he were really there for the children while they are asleep in our snowy window Christmas Eve bedroom set,” Maloney said. “It will be neat for the clients’ kiddos to see that when they closed their eyes on our set, in the photos Santa appeared in the scene, whispering, ‘Shhhhh,’ and taking the cookies off the plate at the end of their bed.’” She added, “Under that magical costume of Santa lives the sweetest older gentleman that ultimately I want to protect.”
Barnsley said he knows of some photographers who are also using an editing approach by taking separate photos of Santa and then the families, and merging the pictures into one. Another bought a special zoom lens that will make a socially distant Santa and the kids appear closer than they really are. Others are doing just one day of very short sessions outdoors, where Santa might be peeking out from behind a tree while the kids are 6 feet away. Beyond photography sessions are video chats, and even though these have been used for several years now, Santa expects the demand for online visits will be larger this year. Barnsley is working with a company called JingleRing, which can set up a virtual visit with Santa. Multiple people — even in different households, in different states and particularly military families who may be separated — can be on the visit at the same time, and at the end, the kids can get a picture and a copy of the video. “It allows us to have a season and to reach out to kids who aren’t going to the mall to see us,” said Barnsley, who is also a member of the New England Santa Society. “It’s the way we’re going this year to protect ourselves and protect the children.” He added, “I think the virtual side is going to be here to stay, and even larger than last year. But I’m hoping for a return to some things in the past with a greater appreciation for actually getting out and
being among people.” Greenleaf said that with so many students online for school this year, virtual Santa visits might even seem normal this year. “We’re making a real effort to make our virtual visit as if we came into your home for an hour,” he said. Plus, he added, there are a lot of things he can do online — like show kids Santa’s workshop or the elves’ toolboxes — that he wouldn’t be able to do in person. “Whether you’re in person or online, it’s really the personality of Santa that is going to be key,” said Greenleaf. Barnsley said there are numerous approaches parents can use when talking to their kids about how Santa visits may be different this year. For families that want to skip the visit, or maybe just see Santa from afar, he suggested “go big” on other holiday-type things — watching Christmas movies, drawing a picture and emailing it to Santa, driving around to see Christmas lights, making reindeer food and leaving it on the front lawn or going to a reverse parade are just some of the many activities families can do. Whether virtual, in person or from 6 feet away, “there are still plenty of opportunities. There are still plenty of events,” Greenleaf said. “Instead of, ‘It’s not going to be the same as last year,’ it’s, ‘We’re going to do something new this year.’ Santa has new ideas this year.”
A Special Publication of Worcester Magazine
HOLIDAY HANDBOOK 2020 17
C hristmas 2020: It is what it is JANICE HARVEY
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very year we whine and moan about how commercial Christmas has become — how we need to slow down, spend less and not become so exhausted that we can’t enjoy any of it. COVID-19 has delivered the answer to festivity fatigue. We have choices to make regarding the 2020 holiday season. We can make the best of a very weird time by celebrating in a scaled-down and intimate fashion, or we can just consider it the real nightmare before and after Christmas, and double up on the Prozac. We can also throw caution and survival to the wind and have an open house, just like an Andy Williams/Osmond special, with family and neighbors coming through the door in an endless stream of good cheer and contagion. The virus gives every antisocial family member the holiday season he or she has dreamed of all their adult lives. One of my kids was happiest during lockdown, and this year, my son’s wife won’t have to drag him by the ears to gatherings. If he could live on Mars with his chickens and dogs, he’d pack the rocket today, and the idea of not leaving the house on Christmas Eve makes him shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!” So let’s put a positive spin on this, no pun intended. Not only are we limited to 25 revelers per gathering, but we’re all flat broke, so penny-wise is the way to go. We could save plenty of dough on that electric bill if we harkened back to the days when each branch of the Christmas tree was lit with a real candle. I’ve seen it in classic films like “Little Women” and the house never burns down. I’m sure that we’re all responsible, sober people who would watch those candles carefully. Look how good we are about wearing masks! We can cut back on the extravagant gift-giving. My mother spoke of those childhood Christmas mornings when a single gift had her name on the tag. As an adult she never went over the top — in fact, she never quite got the hang of finding “the per-
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fect present” for anyone, nor did she exert much effort. I recall the year she gave my brother Kevin an enormously over-sized pair of insulated gloves, the kind astronauts might take to the moon, because he “lived in New Hampshire.” “Yes I need these because I have hands,” he said. The kids will love it! We don’t need no stinkin’ Holiday Barbies, 1,023-piece Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian The Razor Crest or Nickelodeon Slime Super Duper Slimy Blendz! This year everyone gets an orange! Grampa got an orange and he was happy to get it, dammit. Let’s exchange dolls made from Grampa’s socks, with mismatched button eyes that fall off when hugged! Sure, dsome of us would still love to get one of those Life Saver candy “books” but that’s for kids whose dads still have jobs. Let’s not get greedy. I think it would be a wonderful experience for my grandkids if I give them each a Christmas card that says they are entitled to one free haircut, styled by Nana. I never went to Rob-Roy and I’m left-handed with right-handed scissors, but I think it would be fun. I remember my own Nana saying: “It’s only hair. It’ll grow back,” every time my mom trimmed my bangs. Those were good times. Those cookie platters we bake and share,
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so lovingly decorated with sugary frosting and oodles of chocolate just add to our burgeoning waistlines. We jokingly refer to those pounds we’ve put on as the REAL COVID-19 (Hardy har har! Pandemic humor!) but this might be the year for finding kale in our Christmas stockings, along with myrrh. No one knows what that is, but it sounds edible, and it’s in the Bible, so it must be a swell gift. I mean, if it was good enough for baby Jesus, it’s good enough for my family. Viewing the twinkling lights strung from the porches and windows of our neighbors’ homes is always a cost-free delight. Everyone has their favorite Santas and snowmen, especially those charming inflatables — which reminds me! I’m looking forward to viewing whatever breathtaking decorations Melania Trump dreams up to really represent Christmas 2020. She did such a lovely job with the Rose Garden, I can’t wait to see what she’ll do with the White House this year. Rumor has it she just loves Christmas. I hope these suggestions for a scaleddown holiday are helpful, dear readers. Here’s wishing you all a Christmas like no other, and a new year that’s boring as hell. We could use it.
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