Christmas
Posted inFood & Drink

Eating Chinese on Christmas

Two recipes inspired by the traditions of non-Christian Americans
Ari Levaux

The Jewish American tradition of eating Chinese food at Christmas is rooted in pragmatism and loneliness. In the mid-1900s, America’s two largest non-Christian immigrant populations shared the experience of watching the world grind to a standstill each December. Their friends and neighbors vanished into their extended families, leaving behind empty cities where everything was closed—except […]

Posted inCulture

Reducing the Yuletide Waste Stream

Simple solutions for cutting consumption during the holidays
Laurel Brauns

‘Tis the season to shop and eat. But are the holidays a carte blanche for throwing eco-consciousness to the wind? Consuming in the name of celebrating comes at a cost to the environment: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, American household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to Christmas, adding an additional 1 […]

Posted inNews

Santa Uncensored

A retired mall Santa shares some of his most bizarre (and moving) experiences
Avatar photo Cayla Clark

Pooped on by a parrot. Straddled by strippers. Brought to tears by the blind. These are all experiences that Mani Pureheart, a mostly retired mall Santa, has under his thick black pleather belt. To Pureheart, becoming Santa over 25 years ago was far more than a seasonal job. It was about embodying the values he […]

Posted inNews

Stressed for the Holidays

Local therapists discuss dealing with family, expectations and other challenging holiday situations
Avatar photo Cayla Clark

For some, the holidays are a time of joy, wonderment and time-worn traditions. For most, however, the holidays are a time of financial distress, deep disappointment and dangerously heavy drinking patterns, (“just one more spiked eggnog, it’s fine”). A Healthline survey conducted in 2015 found that 62 percent of people experienced “very elevated” stress levels […]

Posted inMusic

Who Did It Better?

We made a playlist, checked it twice…
Avatar photo Isaac Biehl

The fire’s burning, the presents are under the tree and the records are spinning—but what’s playing? Everyone has a couple of favorite Christmas songs, and even as hard as those Scrooges may try to suppress the cheer, there are always a couple of tunes that come on throughout the holiday season that don’t let you […]

Posted inCulture

Oregon’s Tree Dilemma

Statewide Christmas tree shortage leads to hiked-up prices
Avatar photo Cayla Clark

Since 2012, Oregon has been the top national supplier of Christmas trees, with over 6.4 million trees produced in that year alone, as reported by the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association. Currently, the state boasts 383 licensed growers producing about 4.7 million trees per year, raking in $120.6 million annually. Nowadays, though, Christmas tree farmers […]

Posted inNews

Holiday Gift Guide Part 1

Local kids weigh in on local holiday gifts
Chris-T Hodgen

Well, well, well, Central Oregon… It’s that time of year again. Windshields are thoroughly, annoyingly iced up in the morning, asses have been bruised at least once (cuz someone(!) forgot to shovel and salt the walkway last night), and “Shorts Guy” has been spotted in his puffy, sitting outside of [insert favorite bar/pub here], pounding […]

Posted inNews

Shopping Local: Downtown Bend and Beyond

Unique, local gift ideas for the quirky weirdos in your life
Avatar photo Cayla Clark

The holiday season is upon us—time to start stress-eating sugar cookies and compulsively filling/emptying our Amazon.com shopping carts! Forego stress and the fear of generic gift-giving by supporting local businesses. Bend is brimming with local artisans, entrepreneurs and unforgettable experiences. Here are just a few uncommon gift ideas for that special someone, whether they be […]

Posted inCulture

Weekend Warrior: Christmas Countdown

Hip-hop, drag and onesies
Avatar photo Isaac Biehl

‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, and all throughout Bend, no one was sleeping – not you nor your friends… Here’s what’s ahead for the weekend. Kaden Wadsworth An eclectic mix of jazz, hip-hop, and more – Wadsworth brings a lot to the stage that is definitely worth checking out. As a young and fresh talent, […]

Posted inOutside

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

Bend tradition brings holiday cheer
Avatar photo Keely Damara

The ever-popular Holiday Lights Paddle Parade returns to the Old Mill District this weekend — featuring paddleboards, kayaks and canoes all dolled up in festive Christmas decorations and lights. Last year, boats and boards decorated in holiday garb floated through the Old Mill District while lighting up the Deschutes River. The event, nearly 20 years strong, […]

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