A merrier COVID Christmas
You better not shout. You better not cry. You better not pout. Even though he's added a few tasks to his to-do list, like selfquarantining, getting a COVID-19 test and stocking his sleigh with PPE in advance of his global trek, Santa Claus is coming to town.
It's a COVID Christmas. And, while it is unconventional and even somber in some ways, there may be happiness to salvage this season. If you need a little help, here are a few warm, fuzzy and (almost) free ways to put the merry in Merry Christmas.
Embark on a Christmas light quest:
Driving or walking about neighborhoods festooned with colorful lights is a fun, free way to celebrate the season. Gaping at holiday lights gets even more festive when you turn it into a game. Head to the web and print out a free Christmas lights scavenger hunt list or bingo card. Grab a flashlight and pencil, pile into the car or lace up your boots. Players will search for certain decorations in yard displays, like a reindeer or blow-up snowman, and check off each find. If you have a little one who can’t read, illustrated options are available.
Enjoy story time with Santa: Two Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit organizations, The Shelters of Saratoga and The Wait House, are partnering to present a virtual story time with Santa Claus. Available to download through the holiday, the pre-recorded virtual event features the iconic Saratoga Santa, songs, stories, cookies and more. The program is free but a $10 donation is suggested to support those in our community who are housing vulnerable or experiencing homelessness. Visit http://sheltersofsaratoga.org/.
Bake with a cultural bent: Baking is a Christmas custom for many, however I myself am no Betty Crocker. Pre-made dough cutouts are as fancy as I get. But,
since holiday activities are so scant this year, I decided to tap into my heritage and bake an array of traditional Italian treats, including amaretti, pizzicati and ricotta cookies. It’s been a fun way to explore my ancestry and fill tins for family and friends. From Austrian linzer cookies and French macarons to Mexican wedding cakes and chewy Chinese sesame shortbreads, there are dozens of delectable cookies that span the continents and celebrate Christmas traditions and cultures throughout the world.
Catch “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker”: The Theatre Institute at Sage brings a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic to life in Zoom. Now through Jan. 6, for $10 viewers will have access to a stream for 24 hours with proceeds supporting the theater program. Go to https://theatre.sage.edu/. Dozens of theater companies and dance troupes throughout the world are offering digital streams of the Dickens’ tale and “The Nutcracker,” set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score, too. Visit http://www.playbill.com for a comprehensive list of global productions.
Visit Santa virtually: The Big Guy has access to cellular data and a strong Wi-fi signal. He can send personalized, digital messages to boys and girls by phone or email. Prices hover around $10 to set something up on sites like Portable North Pole and Elfi Santa. For parents who want to spring for something super special, an interactive chat with St. Nick is an option through organizations like Santa Zoom Visits, but you’ll have to reach deep into your pocket because prices start at $100. Sam’s Club members can book a free video call with Santa by visiting https://www.mysantasession.com.
Stream a Christmas concert: Live events have been canceled, but musicians are still spreading Christmas cheer. Irish rockers The Mckrells will live-steam their annual holiday show at 7 p.m. Sunday from Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. Albany Symphony's “The Magic of Christmas,” a celebration of holiday favorites, will be aired at 4 p.m. the same day on local television channel WNYA, My 4. The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra presents a plethora of holiday favorites in the Poinsettia Pops virtual concert. You can purchase an electronic “ticket” and view the stream of the concert any time through Christmas Day. Albany Pro Musica will also present "The Many Moods of Christmas" at 3 p.m. Sunday.
There's more. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is partnering with Gospel icons the Blind Boys of Alabama for a special holiday live stream performance at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. A portion of each ticket sold benefits the Hall. You can also tune into a broadcast of the CBS 6 Melodies of Christmas from the comfort of your couch. The annual fundraiser for the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center will be presented at 10 p.m. (CW 15) and 11:30 p.m. (CBS 6) Christmas Eve and at 9:30 a.m. (CBS 6), noon and 10 p.m. (CW 15) on Christmas Day.