Fall term is almost over and the Black Friday bell has rung, marking the beginning of the Christmas holiday season and shot nerves, broken banks, a glut of generosity and overwhelming gift-giving decisions. What’s left to do but to take the edge off the holiday craziness by throwing a small party?
The image of a couple in love (or simply in close proximity) kissing under the mistletoe is an iconic one. It’s a revered winter tradition and a highlight of the season for every hopeless romantic during the month of December. As is the case with many of our most-beloved seasonal institutions, mistletoe starts out with the best of intentions but can quickly devolve into the low point of a holiday gathering.
For many in our community, the holidays are not a festive time of year but a period of deep anxiety and distress. Thankfully, there are many resources for those people in need of a little help this season. But with the higher demand during these frigid winter months, many of the organizations that provide essential services to the disadvantaged become overwhelmed. These organizations rely on the time and effort of volunteers and can always use an extra helping hand.
It’s always tempting to drop a dollar or two into one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles. Frequently located right outside your holiday shopping spots, the easy access provides an instant sensation of altruism that’s hard to beat.
The term “white elephant” originates from tales of ancient kings in Thailand who were in the habit of giving away the rare animals as presents to those who had become a nuisance to them. The idea was that the gift would be more trouble than it was worth to the recipient, since the cost of its upkeep and maintenance would drastically outweigh the seeming generosity of the gesture.
It all started with a group of dejected fans after a loss by the Portland Trail Blazers. In the winter of 2005, former Portland State student Jenny Wright boarded the westbound MAX after a night class. The Blazers had just lost a game, and she found herself surrounded by sullen fans. Feeling uncomfortable and a bit sullen herself, she started to quietly whistle “Jingle Bells.”In the winter of 2005, former Portland State student Jenny Wright boarded the westbound MAX after a night class. The Blazers had just lost a game, and she found herself surrounded by sullen fans. Feeling uncomfortable and a bit sullen herself, she started to quietly whistle “Jingle Bells.”
Many of my favorite winter memories center around hot cocoa. My family’s traditional outing to the Eugene Christmas parade always meant a steaming mug of hot chocolate for my brother and me. Childhood sentiment aside, where can you get a good cup of cocoa in coffee-loving Portland?
The holidays help brighten the gloom of the next few months, but when you’ve exchanged all your gifts or spent the gift-card money (admittedly, a cynical take on gift-giving), you’ll want to find a place to warm you, body and soul.
The following is a list of Eastside Portland eateries and bars where you can stay warm on the outside while filling your belly.
Let’s be honest—holiday shopping sucks. We all make the same “I will not wait till the last minute next year” promise to ourselves, but get real. Every year finds us rushing at the 11th hour to some god-awful shopping complex, searching desperately for the last toy, Blu-ray player, etc.
There’s something about holiday lights displays that just make your town feel a little more magical. It’s a part of the season that brings out the childlike awe in otherwise grumpy adults. Whether it’s strolling through Pioneer Square listening to carolers while the glimmering tree towers above or marveling at what the PGE bill must look like for the folks on Peacock Lane, Portland offers enough seasonal sparkle to warm the hearts of the Scroogiest among us.
The holiday season is something most students look forward to.Classes are over until the new year, and it’s time to celebrate the end of this year with the family and friends that you love. Though there are many great things about the holidays, there are two that stand out to me: giving and receiving gifts, and the desserts.