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december 2020
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Raise your hand if, like us, you'll be glad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. I think it's safe to say it's been a year unlike any other. And, while 2021 may get off to a rocky start, we're grateful for the glimmer of normalcy on the horizon.
But first, we celebrate! Whether Chanukah, Kwanza, or Christmas -- or just the symbolic passing of the Worst. Year. Ever. on December 31 -- there are still ways we can make this time special with those we love, near or far. Below are three ideas to enjoy, relax or give...one or all of which will help usher 2020 out with the bang it unabashedly deserves.
But before we get there, it's all about the gifts. This year at marlo marketing, we're going extra on the thoughtful with our Virtual Secret Santa next week, and I'm doing my best to do the same around my own personal gift giving. For anyone still shopping, here are a few easy and thoughtful gifts we're into, at price points to meet every budget:
So be merry, be happy, be bright. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side!
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The tree is lit, the stockings are hung, Mariah's Christmas album is queued up and we're ready for an exciting holiday season... at home. But while we may be forgoing our annual outings to the Pops or Rockettes, we aren't abandoning every form of entertainment that lives beyond our TV and computer screens, thanks to Showcase Cinemas.
Through the end of the month, Showcase is helping us forge a new holiday tradition with private screenings of classic holiday films, like "Elf," "A Christmas Story," "The Polar Express" and more. Yep, just you, your #quaranteam and all the buttery popcorn deliciousness you desire, starting at only $99.00. (Yes, we said $99.00 -- that is NOT a typo!). Or, if you're looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year's, you can also arrange private screenings of new releases -- including "Wonder Woman 1984" and "News of the World" (both opening Christmas Day) -- and see these films as they're meant to be seen: on the big screen!
We may not be dusting off our LBD and pumps for a night rushing from holiday party to holiday party to holiday party (whew...we're tired just thinking about what our life used to be like!), but the fact that we can safely enjoy a holiday classic on the big screen with our closest crew means that Uncle Bob's nog-drunk antics on Zoom won't be the only entertainment we'll be enjoying this season. And that, friends, is definitely something to be thankful for!
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In any normal year, the biggest decision we'd currently be mulling over is which beach we're going to plant ourselves upon come January. This year, of course, a trip to the North Shore feels like a getaway in itself, and we're feeling all the effects of cabin fever. Being in New England, though, we are lucky to have plenty of lovely locales within driving distance, and a cozy winter retreat is just what the doctor ordered.
Your winter wonderland awaits at Saranac Waterfront Lodge in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks. What you'll find upon arriving to the only full-service waterfront property on serene Lake Flower is akin to searching for "cabin chic" on Pinterest: upscale rustic interior, panoramic views of the lake and mountains, roaring fire pit... you get the gist. With the COVID-safe, beautifully-designed guest rooms, luxe amenities and an all-day restaurant serving upscale gastropub fare, we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to make Saranac Lake your home-away-from-home for the frigid winter months. And, since you'll definitely be returning, your stay anytime through January grants you a 20% discount off the best available rate and a $25.00 food & bev credit come spring.
If there's one silver lining to our lack of air travel this year, it's that we've taken the opportunity to explore all of the drive-able beauty that we previously overlooked for distant sandy shores; Saranac Waterfront Lodge has earned a permanent spot on our "must-go" list. Take that, cabin fever!
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| boston police activities league |
Imagine a group of bright-eyed kids, running through the aisles of Target, police officers at their sides, on the hunt for the perfect gift -- one they're likely not receiving under the tree. It's a sight that warms the coldest of hearts at a time of the year when an attitude of gratitude is on all of our minds. Obvious circumstances prevent Boston Police Activities League from holding their annual Shop with a Cop event this year, but our good women and men in blue are not letting that stop them from making their list and checking it twice.
Yep, Police Commissioner Gross and friends will be putting on their Santa hats (literally) and delivering holiday gifts to 400+ deserving inner-city children. There's still time to donate to their efforts, which also support BPAL's amazing programs that positively impact the lives of over 10,000 inner city youth year-round.
So, while a tough year has understandably made us all feel a little Grinchy at times, try joining us in our #MonthofGratitude with an online gift -- small or large -- to BPAL. Because the challenges many of us face pale in comparison to those of the children BPAL serves. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that giving back makes us feel, as Mr. Grinch says, "all toasty inside."
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