Deckin’ the halls with bells and ribbons

Throwing a holiday party on a college-student budget

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?

Mistletoe misuse

Hardly the romance you had in mind

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.

Give the gift of time

Get involved this holiday season by volunteering for those in need

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.

Do donation right

Ignore the red-aproned ringers this year and show local support

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.

White elephant

A holiday tradition of give and take

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.

Caroling to the MAX

Spreading holiday cheer by singing on public transit

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.”

Best hot chocolate in PDX

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?

Stay warm in Portland this winter

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.

Sick of mall Santas?

Holiday shopping without the malls

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.

Light up the night

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.

Sweet DIY gifts

Ideas for gift-givers on a budget

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.