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W is for Winter, with its chill and its snow Making traveling hard when you’ve places to go But once you arrive you can warm right up With steaming hot chocolate in your favorite cup Woodwind Trio The Poppenhusen Institute, 114-04 14th Rd., will present the Queens Symphony Woodwind Trio Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in a free concert. The group will perform holiday music at the Institute, Call (718) 358-0067 for more information. Winter Solstice The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, has had religious and cultural importance dating back to the earliest civilizations. Early tribes viewed the date as a symbol of rebirth, as the sun would begin coming out earlier once again. It usually falls on Dec. 21, the first day of winter, and is book ended by the summer solstice, June 21, the longest day of the year. Today, many historians view it as no coincidence that many religions base their major holidays around December. They argue it demonstrates a common ancestry between cultures, and some go further, saying it represents a universal human attachment the Earth’s movement. Some condemn solstice celebrations as pagan or atheist, however. Whatever your beliefs, don’t forget your flashlight, cause it gets pretty dark. Wassail Party Come to a Dickensian Wassail Party to ring in the holidays in the classic surroundings of The Church-in-the-Gardens, 15 Borage Place, Forest Hills Gardens. Listen to the Dickensian-costumed Clustertones performing festive pieces from Victorian England. Sing along to the holiday music so beloved by Americans. Come Sunday, Dec. 4, from 6-8 p.m. dressed in Victorian-era costumes. A light supper will be served and the opportunity to win some one-of-a-kind prizes will be the highlight of the evening. $65 per person, proceeds benefit Musica Reginae. Reserve early as this is a very popular event. Call (718) 279-4842 for more information or reservations. Wreath Making The Queens Botanical Gardens will hold a wreath-making workshop Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Making holiday wreaths at Queens’ famous garden has been a longtime tradition and is back in action this year. People will have the opportunity to learn about different types of plants and how to create self-made holiday designs. Have your pruning shears ready to go. The garden is located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing. Call (718) 886-3800 or find them on the Web at www.queensbotanical.org.
Wintry Weather When shoveling the driveway is done and the streets are plowed, it is time to throw on a heavy overcoat and enjoy winter. Build a snowman in Flushing Meadows, have a snowball fight at Kissena Park, make snow angels in the schoolyard and sled down hills at Forest Park. There is something magical about wintertime that other such seasons are hard pressed to follow up with. Sweaters, hot chocolate, a burning fireplace – staying inside could be just as fun as braving the winter chill. But outside the streets of Queens are a little less crowded, the roads are a little less congested and the smells of the flavors of the borough seem to waft through the air with much more appeal. Who can resist the smell of a plate of Tandoori chicken on a cold winter’s night? Weekend Away Okay, so maybe the cold is a little too much for you. You can head south for a weekend, either to an island getaway, or maybe just to Florida for a few days. Boca Raton is good, we hear. Of course, maybe it’s a ski vacation you’re looking for. Just up the New York State Thruway is a whole host of options such as Hunter, Ski Windham and Gore, all of which are just a few hours’ drive away. Okay, so skiing isn’t your thing and the population of Florida is a little out of your age range. Perhaps then you may wish to add a day or two to your weekend getaway and check out some international holiday fares. You’d be surprised how inexpensive fares to London and Paris can be this time of year. Check out some low fares at travelocity.com or any other discount fare-finder for great deals. Queens has got the airports; it’s just up to you to buy the plane ticket. Wine When It’s Time Windsor Bay Wine and Liquor at 215-18 73rd Ave. in Bayside offers a great variety of limited edition collector’s bottles of wine and liquor. Pop the cork and pour wine from the Napa Valley. Whether it’s a special 1.5 liter bottle in the shape of Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley, or an assortment of flasks, chillers or gigantic martini glasses, Windsor Bay can meet all your gift needs with great idea for fans of the celebs and wine connoisseurs alike. Call them at (718) 468-7388.
World’s Fair Memorabilia Amid the turmoil of the 1960s, the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair was a welcomed break that gave a glimpse into the upcoming high-tech age. It was here that visitors would see such things as touch-tone phones, picture phones, animatronics and computers for the first time. During the Fair’s two-year run, thousands of souvenirs were sold, and free brochures and pins were given to fairgoers. Today, these items are highly sought after by collectors and those who want to relive their days at the fair. The holidays are a good time to give and swap memorabilia. Many items can be purchased on eBay, and the Queens Museum of Art has a number of books and commemorative merchandise that bring the days of the Fair back to life. As we all look forward during the end of the year, it’s also a good time to look backward. |
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