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XYZ X is for X-mas, it’s short and just right Y is for Yule Log, burning on through the night Z is for Zzs and some quiet at last Before New Year’s comes and the noisemakers blast X-mas The little “x” that always seems to make its way in front of the “mas’ in order to abbreviate Christmas comes from Greek origin. In Greek, the word for Christ is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the letter in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word.
X-terior Designs What is the best way to know that the holidays are upon us? Just look around in the neighborhood. Houses and living spaces all over the borough will be decorated with Christmas lights, plastic Santas, and holiday wreaths. Some prefer the more conservative colorless light approach, while others fancy it up with many different colored specks around the house. Jewish homes put in Menorahs to signify the eight nights of Chanukah. Though it may be a drain on the electric bill, exterior designs are sure to make the neighborhood a lot prettier. XXX Fun can come in many varieties during the holidays, and it doesn’t have to be all for the kids. Some of the top gentleman’s clubs in town include Goldfinger’s and Wiggles on Queens Boulevard, Gallagher’s 2000 on 37th Street in Long Island City, and Mermaids in Astoria.
Yule Log The Yule Log began as a pagan ritual in the time of the Druids, when peasants would light a large log on the “darkest day of the year – Winter Solstice,” to keep evil spirits away. Legend has it that the logs burned through the “longest night,” while the peasants waited for the sun to rise again. The ritual changed into a Christian tradition, marking the sun’s victory over darkness. The tradition has become closely associated with Christmas, as a symbol of “new light over darkness.”
York College As the students get set to wind down for their break between semesters and relax for the holidays, York College is alive with many different events throughout the holiday season. First there is “Voices From The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond,” a vocal performance that will take place on Dec. 2 & 3. Residents can check out some fine holiday items at “The Holiday Vendor Market” which takes place Dec. 14 & 15. Another great singing delight will be “Handel’s Messiah” performed by the York College Chorus Dec. 18. To learn more go to www.york.cuny.edu. Yankee Candles Excellent gift ideas that are tantalizing to the senses, putting forth many different sweet aromas. A great array of different seasonal and Christmas scented candles are said to go over very well with the ladies. Yankee Candles can be found in their Bay Terrace store, as well as in the Queens Boulevard, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Austin Cards ‘N’ Such in Forest Hills.
Zoo Fun Pumas, sea lions and bears celebrate the holidays with style at the Queens Zoo during the annual “Presents to the Animals” weekends on Dec. 3 & 4, 10 & 11 and 17 & 18. Tis the spirit of giving, so Zoo residents are bestowed with specially trimmed trees, beautifully wrapped packages and other delicious delectables - certainly not your average holiday fare. Watching the animals tear into their tantalizing treats will give zoo-goers a holiday thrill. Every Saturday and Sunday, visitors can get in the holiday spirit during the Queens Zoo’s first Wild Holiday Party! Each weekend day, frisky feline’s Felix and Cleo will tear into special treats made by keepers and wrapped by volunteers during the puma party at 1pm. At 1:45 p.m. sea lions receive special aquatic treats that float! Finally, visitors can make their way to the spectacled bears at 2:15 pm when twin brothers Pancho and Cisco are presented with holiday gifts that will appeal to their palates, noses, and playful personalities. Admission to the Queens Zoo is $5 for adults, $1.25 for seniors 65 and older, $1 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th St. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. For further information call (718) 271-1500 or visit www.queenszoo.com. Zamfir’s Greatest Christmas Hits What is that crazy looking instrument that Gheorghe Zamfir is playing with his mouth? It almost looks like he’s practicing to eat a watermelon. But in fact, the Romanian-born musician has served as a master of the pan flute for nearly 40 years and has put together numerous music collections. His holiday set entitled “Christmas at the Notre Dame Basilica,” recorded in 1993, is a definite easy-listening treat during the holidays. ZZZ’s This is the sleep you need when your shopping for the holiday is through. When all is said and done and all gifts are distributed, it comes time to take a breather. You’re equipped with a new sweater, a nice new pair of socks, and the hot CD of your liking. Sit back, put on some music, relax and let the sounds of the season lull you to sleep. After all, it’s going to be a busy 2006.
Zummo And His Bossa Nova Xmas Vinnie Zummo, an extremely able guitarist, brings the hot sounds of a sunny December afternoon in 1963 Hollywood to the chilly streets of Queens with his album “A Retro Cool Bossa Nova Christmas.” He works regularly as a session musician and has released previous CDs including a collection of jazz for children. But it’s his jazzy-cool Christmas album with all its traditional Christmas songs performed by the multi-instrumentalist (primarily guitars, harmonica and accordion), that gets the Christmas spirit jumping. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Deck the Halls” are some of the traditional tunes, while “Christmas Groove” represents a good-humored original number. He’s sure to add more spice to the holiday than the cinnamon in your apple cider. |
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