SUN 12/25: Holiday Stuff...?

Feliz Navidad, amigos!

Would you like a suggestion for a Xmas Day from a stranger? Perhaps you do.

Do the Chinatown meal. Maybe walk through the Common even though the skating rink is closed today.

If you're willing to trek to the far corner of North End, Aragosta has something called "Ultimate Hot Chocolate Bar" (2pm to 5pm) every Saturday & Sunday where you get a cup of hot chocolate with various whipped cream and topping choices for $4. You can add a "chef's dessert tasting" for $6, and they'll add booze to your cocoa for $4 more.

If you drive, parking meters are free in Boston today.

Other than that, I suggest basically the same as yesterday.

Hopefully, I have more time for cheap-blogging after holiday celebrations tonight.

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SUN 12/25

11am to 6pm
The Enchanted Village
at Jordan's Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr, Avon
FREE

Maybe because this chunk of Boston history is part of my childhood memories, but I think the barely-animated displays of winter scenes look really friggin' creepy!

The semi-realistic mannequins that usually have one slowly-moving element reminds me of an old "Twilight Zone" episode. Maybe chug a bottle of cough syrup, have a blueberry muffin, and brave the long lines...

Someone at About went a couple weeks ago, and the lines were long (obviously).

I think it's open today and will stay open until New Year's Day.

SUN 12/25 (thru ???)

After Dark
Illuminations: Self Tour
around Somerville (Winter Hill, Union Sq, East Somerville)
$5 to $3 to FREE

Did you miss the trolley tours but still want to bask in Somerville's multi-colored glow. It wouldn't be too hard to drive around at your own pace and enjoy the glowing gaudiness. Any can walk it, of course, depending on how far or long one wants to go.

It's probably too late to but Illuminations book or map.

Some people rode their bicycles along the route last week, and they made a Google map. It ain't as pretty, but it gives you an idea where to go...

SAT 12/24: Some Holiday Cheapness

As I expected, I didn't find any cheap fun that wasn't holiday-related -- and it's a similar situation tomorrow. Here are a couple diversions if you're in the mood.

Maybe catch a movie...

Happy Christma-Hanu-Kwanza!

Enjoy the weekend with loved ones. (Or with a big bowl of egg nog, whatever.)

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SAT 12/24

11am to 4pm
The Enchanted Village
at Jordan's Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr, Avon
FREE

Christmas (?) -- 11am to 6pm

Maybe because this chunk of Boston history is part of my childhood memories, but I think the barely-animated displays of winter scenes look really friggin' creepy!

The semi-realistic mannequins that usually have one slowly-moving element reminds me of an old "Twilight Zone" episode. Maybe chug a bottle of cough syrup, have a blueberry muffin, and brave the long lines...

Someone at About went a couple weeks ago, and the lines were long (obviously).

I think it's open tomorrow and will stay open until New Year's Day.

SAT 12/24 (thru ???)

After Dark
Illuminations: Self Tour
around Somerville (Winter Hill, Union Sq, East Somerville)
$5 to $3 to FREE

Did you miss the trolley tours but still want to bask in Somerville's multi-colored glow. It wouldn't be too hard to drive around at your own pace and enjoy the glowing gaudiness. Any can walk it, of course, depending on how far or long one wants to go.

There are a couple ways to go:

The "City of Lights" booklet has profiles of many decorators with street addresses in the back. It's sells for $5 at various Somerville & Cambridge stores. It's nice little book on the Illumination tradition. Ad the proceeds go to the Somerville Arts Council, which does a lot of cool stuff throughout the year.

It's possible/probable that some of those listed in that booklet don't still go full-bore, so you can pick up this year's route map for $3 at Blue Cloud (Ball Sq) and Magpie (Davis Sq). Proceeds also go to the Somerville Arts Council, and they should also have the "City of Lights".

Some people also rode their bicycles along the route last week, and they made a Google map. It ain't as pretty, but it gives you an idea where to go...

SAT 12/24

7:30pm
Christmas Caroling
at Louisburg Square, about 90 Mount Vernon St, Boston (Beacon Hill)
FREE

There is a YouTube of the Beacon Hill Bell Ringers leading some carols last Christmas Eve.

The picture is a bit dark. One can hear the singing and the bells that doesn't really seem that exciting, but this is Beacon Hill. The American caroling tradition supposedly began here over 100 years ago. (I found another clipping from 1966.)

There's no official website. As I understand it, the singers & ringer stroll around the Square at the different houses. They may even stop and sing in front of Senator Kerry's house.

Feel free to sing along or just observe a Boston tradition.

SAT 12/19: Somerville Illuminations Tour

4:30pm to 9pm
Annual Illuminations Tour
at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
Tickets: $10 / $5 -- for 12 and under & 60 and over

Some people may say this is a waste of energy, but I think it's okay to conserve throughout the year to splurge on old-timey, kitcshy holiday fun.

Of course, there will be a complete lack of good taste. That's part of the charm! You're taking a 45-minute trolley tour to the city's gaudiest displays of retina-burning rainbows of lights, abnormally large devotional pieces, and a variety of other cheesy decorations.

Tour guides will offer a mix of information and entertainment -- at the discretion of the volunteer who is leading your trip. You'll have a deeper knowledge/appreciation of Somerville after you step off the trolley.

Obviously this won't appeal to everyone, but we're lucky to have various happenings that allow us to have a little fun around the holidays.

It may not be as constructive as volunteering, but it's another hour of good cheer away from the consumerist cluster-f*ck that attempts to obscure the deeper meanings of the season. (Pick your own deep meanings, but it doesn't have to include purchasing various electronics, etc.)

Tickets are being sold at Blue Cloud Gallery (713 Broadway, Ball Sq), and some tour times were still available when I last walked by. I've crossed out what I remember to be sold out:

Bus/trolleys depart at --
4:30pm, 5pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm

Unsold/standby tix might be available on Saturday at City Hall.

While you're loitering around City Hall, you can grab a hot beverage & tasty goodies amid caroling and who knows what else.

If it's unsafe to drive, the tour will take place during the same time on Sunday. Call 617-625-6600 ext. 2985, if you're wondering.

It's almost the darkest night of the year. Why not get lit...?

* * * * *

The related "Somerville: City of Lights" book (photos, essays, etc) is available for $5, as well as "Illuminations cards", at a handful of Somerville and Cambridge locations.

If you don't go on Saturday and feel like checking it out at your own pace, a tour map will be sold for $3 at Blue Cloud and Magpie (Davis Sq) starting on MON 12/21. (Sure you don't get the 45-minute spiel from the tour guide -- but on the other hand, you don't get the 45-minute spiel from the tour guide...)

All the proceeds go to the Somerville Arts Council, which does a lot of cool stuff all year round like ArtBeat and wacky summer activities in Union Square.

More Non-Mall Shopping Ideas

"Part Deux" of my thoughts on the commercialism of the holiday season --

You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)

So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.

If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.

I think I might even do a third instalment for last-minute shoppers (like me).

I heard about these online shopping links on NPR. Do with it what you please: RetailMeNot, FreeShipping.org, PriceGrabber...

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SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)

SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)

A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.

SUN 12/14

9am until 3pm
Comicazi-Con and Bad-Ass Christmas Bazaar
at VFW George Dilboy Post, 371 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$3 (includes toy & comic book)

In the spot where Bazaar Bizarre got its start, the guys from Comicazi are doing their own thing.. There's gotta be a lot comic books and geeky gifts available at the this event. It looks like several of the other local Davis Square stores and some local comic book artists will be selling wares (and other things)... Again there's something for your small fee. There's a chance to win a "Rock Band II" game too.

Don't be afraid of the giant crowd, it's mainly the Jingle Bell Run.

SUN 12/14

11am to 8pm
Arts & Crafts Fair
at "The Loft", 438 Somerville Ave. #4, Somerville (near Union Sq)

Don't know much about this, but I think this loft is the home of the very awesome Audrey Ryan -- so I get the feeling this really will be a place to find "cool and cheap presents". I don't know how many artists/artisans will have stuff for sale, but the info I saw listed:

hand made Hula hoops, original punk rock clothing, vintage gifts and clothing, vinyl bowls & bracelets, handmade jewelry, handmade hats, blown glass, photography, stain glass ornaments, homemade goodies by the "food geek", and much more...

Additionally you can listen to live acoustic music while you're shopping (or if you want to linger during or after checking out the merch):

Noon to 2pm: "Ed and others..."
2pm to 3pm: Dave Alpert
3pm to 4pm: La Tuza
4pm to 5pm: Chris Wilhelm
5pm to 6pm: Olde Men on Acid
6pm to 7pm: Laura Regan
7pm to 8pm: Dan Blakeslee

There were exclamation points, so I think they want you to feel comfortable having some complimentary wine and coffee.

This is in the building next to Market Basket, behind the graveyard. (Dang, I almost took a picture of this building last week!)

SUN 12/14

Noon to 6pm
Mass Market #3
at Pozen Center, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt, enter on Evans Way)
$1

Hey, your dollar admission will benefit the Aids Action Committee.

This is basically the successor to the Punk Rock Flea Market. It's at the same place and has the same format. This is a good thing if you're looking for some cool DIY arts & crafts (clothes, books, paintings, pins, stickers, etc), plenty of used music, and other peculiar stuff. The last time I went to this event, I bought myself the coolest Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced?" clock (made out of an old LP)!

Support your local, independent vendors... Listen to DJ's while shopping... Buy a vegan snack... (It would be a good idea to bring small bills.)

There will be DJ's and performances by Bonezone and Zoig-Ma-Noig

MassArt campus map [PDF]

Non-Mall Shopping Ideas

You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)

So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.

If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.

I'll add more, but these events are happening this week. (The NY Times had "25 gift ideas for $25 or less")

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FRI 12/5 & SAT 12/6

10am to 7pm
MassArt Annual Holiday Sale
at Tower Building Lobby, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)

This has been going on since 12/1, so maybe there might not be much left -- or maybe some deals could be had... Over 150 MassArt alumni and students are offering a "selection of ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, fibers and jewelry." The Dig's article suggested that gift wrapping may be complimentary. I don't know.

Proceeds go to the artists and to support student scholarships. (Visa, MasterCard, cash, and checks accepted.)

FRI 12/5 to SUN 12/7

11am to 5pm (FRI: Noon to 7pm)
Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale
at 12 Farnsworth St, Boston (Fort Point, next door to Flour Bakery & Cafe)

"...30 area artists to display and sell works in a wide array of media. From baby clothes to silver jewelry, from clay pottery to handmade pet toys, there’s something for everyone on your holiday list."

SAT 12/6

11 am to 4 pm
Winter Craft Market
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
at Gallery 321, 321 Washington St, Somerville
at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Rd, Somerville
at Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor St, Somerville

This is an effort all around the Union Sq area: craftspeople on the Plaza and inside Precinct, the surrounding shops selling their goods, at the nearby art center, at the museum, and there's a chocolate-making operation in Somerville "from bean to bar" and all other sorts of choco-products.

SAT 12/6

1pm to 5pm
Traditional Christkindlmarkt
at German International School, 57 Holton St, Allston (near Brighton Mills)

German-style Christmas shopping [PDF].

SAT 12/6

11am to 5pm
Jamaica Plain Holiday Craft Fair
at First Church, 6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain (near Soldier's Monument)

"Over 35 Craft vendors, lunch & bake sale."

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: FRI 12/12 to SUN 12/14 and THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)

A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.
Also: SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14 at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 4pm
"First-ever Warehouse Sale"
at Harvard Book Store Warehouse, 14 Park St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

I'm excited about this one! I wonder if I'll buy anything for other people...

Harvard Book Store's warehouse sale -- find thousands of:

- Bargain books
- Used books (at 1/2 off the cover price)
- $1 books
- Comic books
- Rare and collectible books
- Selected rare titles available at a 30% discount!
- and more!

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

Noon to 6 pm (SUN: Noon to 4pm)
"Natures Gems"
at Franklin Park Golf Club House, 1 Circuit Dr, Boston

This is a combination sale and exhibit featuring works by local artists inspired by nature and community along the Emerald Necklace, but I was told there would be calendars, cards, t-shirts, etc. The price range for the art -- paintings, photographs, jewelry, hand carved wooden pieces, prints -- goes from $25 and up.

Proceeds will support woodlands restoration and youth jobs in the parks.

SUN 12/7

Noon to 7pm
Bazaar Bizarre
at Park Plaza Castle, about 130 Columbus Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$1 to get in

Okay. Every other listing has no admission fee, but this is just a dollar. They started out at the Dilboy VFW in Davis Sq, and now it's in the Castle, so throw them a buck for the effort...

"Shoppers can expect to find the creme de la creme of indie goods: handbags, pottery, letterpress stationary, silk-screened t-shirts, baby clothes, body products and more"

At least 3 food vendors: Petsi Pies; Snacks, Crackers and Pop; and Mr. Puppovich's Odd Beverages & Uncommon Delights.

Through THUR 12/11

Abandoned Property eBay Auction

Just had to share this: The State is selling a 100 lots of watches, jewelry, and collectible currency. Auctions end at noon on Thursday 12/11.