Stubborn diners. Musical chairs.

Stand really, really close to the cozy picture on the big screen TV and be transported there. You can hear the music and almost make out the conversations from the booth next to you, right? (© image)

Heard the phrase “Fake it until you make it”?

Going to just throw a white table cloth over a small table, shove that right up next to the big screen tv, and suspend all belief for a short while.

It’s just like being there.

(Except the cat will recognize me without the fancy clothes or real shoes to confuse.)

Determination and imagination will make sure one Christmas holiday tradition continues:

For decades, we have driven into the Big City for Nutcracker ballet (No, amateur performance, this. Former Bolshoi guest artists have leaped among snow flakes, fought mice, and “Pas de Deux” with the Snow Queens in the past)

After the performance, we’d stroll leisurely down the street (or dash like reindeer if raining as usual…) to a long time, favorite place: an Irish-Italian bar and restaurant, Birraporettis. Reservations a must as it is always packed. It is the place.

Holiday quota filled, we’d then snuggle into the heated car seats and jingle all the way home.

Forget about all that? NEVER!

Of course the COVID Grinch canceled all ballet performances:

But we have a plan B

• Nutcracker dashes across the internet somewhere. Pull some comfy seats in front of the big screen TV and pretend our seats are better than usual. (and a big plus with refreshments being closer, cheaper and there’s no line for the bathroom during the intermission). There’s also a lovely CD set of the ballet’s music if necessary. We pretty well know the visuals if prompted by music.
• Afterward, the joy of the “Your table is right this way” with no waiting. (For once music will be at just the right level – not too loud or too soft.)
• It’ll be just like being there: Warm cozy atmosphere, jazzy Christmas music, and holiday decorations – all to enjoy… Oh, OK I’ll remember to take off the fleece-lined slippers. (But that doesn’t mean there will be under the table snacks for any short fur people.)

Want to do the same?

Here’s the holiday jazz restaurant scene video pictured above. 

Prefer sitting in front of a crackling fire with classical music for Christmas ambience? Try here.

A Starbuck’s aficionado? Relax with their 2019 snow and holiday background music. or the Starbuck’s 2020 music playlist here.

There. Now don’t you feel better?

(Go ahead. Take selfies by the TV. We won’t tell.)

No stinking virus is going to steal all the holiday magic!

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Keep the merry and jingle on. One way or the other

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Talk about vintage. “So much for a sleigh, Santa arrives in a Stearman” COVID social distancing, you know, making his stops in all those malls very difficult. Landing near here for photos and spreading cheer. Story here. (Image: Lone Star Flight Museum)

 

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