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Tag: Christmas

  • What Christmas Traditions Did You Enjoy?

    IMG_4373 - Version 22011-12-25-coffee-panetone-Christmas-morning-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Do you have Christmas Holiday traditions that you enjoy? I realized how much I love to have a wedge of panettone with my first cup of coffee on Christmas morning. 

    Traditions can be comforting and sometimes we don't notice that we've created a new tradition, until we think about the little things we like to do on certain holidays. 

    This is a month of traditions no matter which of the many December holidays you choose to celebrate and to what degree you indulge in the festivity. Some people go to movies, eat chinese food, make a favorite meal. 

    What are your small traditons and personal ways to mark this festive season?

    Where do you like to go? 

    What do you love to eat?

    What events to you enjoy attending?

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    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • No Chimney? No Problem for Santa!

    IMG_0862 - Version 22011-12-22-santa-Boston-climbing-ladder-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    If you've ever been concerned about being passed over by Santa because your house doesn't have a chimney, relax! We're talking about "the jolly old elf." Gaining access is not a problem! However, being caught in the act during daylight could prove a bit risky.

    Then again, he does have a huge list and a limited amount of time, and despite that whole thing about being "lively and quick," getting an early start can't hurt.

    IMG_0868 - Version 22011-12-22-charles-river-reflections-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, I have to admit that I've always pictured Santa as being… taller. My mistake! It's all right there in "A Visit from St. Nicholas," aka ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), most often attributed to Clement Clarke Moore.

    Remember, the "little old driver?" And, "a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer?" Of course! We're just glad to be able to bring you this rare look at the amazing elf in action. 

    Oh, and, if you're hoping to catch Santa making his big (or, little) entrance, it might be a good idea to check the balcony, just in case.

    It's still not too late to give an Amazon Gift Card!

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • ’59 Plymouth with Holiday Sparkle!

    IMG_4292 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    'Twas a week before Christmas, we were out for a walk,

    Neighbors we met would stop for a talk.

    The shoppers were merry, the windows aglow,

    The holiday spirit was really a show.

    When what to our wondering eyes should appear,

    But this '59 Plymouth they called Belvedere. 

    It was pristine, and pretty, and shiny like new,

    And on its front bumper some evergreen grew!

    IMG_4295 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A Rock & Roll Holiday Wreath

     

    IMG_4307 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_4308 - Version 32011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    IMG_4310 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_4312 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Click on any photo to pop up a larger version!

     

    IMG_4314 - Version 22011-12-13-1959-plymouth-belvedere-blue-christmas-wreath-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the proud owner. The car was a gift for a special birthday!

    For prints of these photos or to put them on all types of merchandise from mouse pads to clothing click here.

     

     

     

     

    It's never too late to shop for Amazon Gift Cards or Certificates. You can send them by email or print them on your own printer. And, when you shop for them from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Weekend and MBTA Schedules 2011

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    You have reached an old post. Here's the 2014 Information!

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2011 and on Monday, December 26th when the holiday is officially celebrated in Massachusetts. Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve as well. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Boston 2011.

    Convenience stores:  Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"  both on Chrismas Day, December 25th and on Monday, December 26th.* (Here's the official word on that!)

    *Note: Update 12.9.11- a bill is moving through the Massachusetts legislature that could change this December 26th closing of liquor stores. See a well-reported story about that in the Salem News. Check back here for updates to this status.

    Update 12.18.11- According to Boston.com this bill is has passed the house and senate and has been sent to the Governor.

    Update 12.21.11- Liquor stores may open on Monday, December 26th, if they choose. The Governor has signed the bill allowing this to happen.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot will be open Monday – Friday 7am-10:30 pm, Saturdays 9 am- noon, and it is closed on all city holidays. That means it's closed on the 26th. (I would also call before going on Christmas Eve.) 

    Boston Trash Collection: The city says, "Trash & recycling collection will be delayed by 1 day for all neighborhoods."

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

    (MBTA information after this message.)

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    Here's the MBTA Christmas Weekend Service Schedule. (Updated 12.21.11) The MBTA says…

    "Sunday, December 25, 2011 – Christmas Day

    • Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains, buses, and trackless trolleys will operate on a regular Sunday schedule.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular Sunday schedule except the Mount Wachusett Ski Trains to and from Fitchburg, which will not operate.
    • Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will not operate.
    • Hingham, Quincy, and Hull commuter boat service will not operate.
    • THE RIDE Service will operate on a modified holiday schedule.

    Monday, December 26, 2011 – Christmas Observed

    • Blue, Orange, Green, and Red line trains, buses, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will operate on a regular Weekend schedule.
    • Hingham and Hull commuter boat service will not operate.
    • Quincy ferries will operate on a Weekend Schedule.
    • THE RIDE Service will not offer subscription service. Customers should contact their contractors for service information.

    For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.