As my girlfriends and I get older, busier, and home expenses pile up along with laundry, we’ve realized that time spent with each other is far more valuable than a physical gift.
So rather than play Secret Santa, we’ve moved toward planning a night out. Sometimes that means just a good glass of wine (ok, a few glasses) and conversation. But most years we’re able to travel just a little ways from home for dinner and a show, and it’s a tradition I cherish. It means the holidays are approaching, we’ve made it another year—and our friendship has survived as well!
Tonight, I have a mother-daughter date with a close high school friend and her mom, at the decades-old Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to see Hairspray (playing through May 26). True, the show doesn’t have a thing to do with Christmas, but there’s never a bad time for musicals in our minds—and festive drinks will surely be flowing.
Hair Spray photo by Act One, Too
Plaid Tidings is showing in their Fireside Theatre as well though, and features the hi-jinx of Sparky, Smudge, Frankie and Jinx through December 31.
Perhaps that will be my second seasonal stop, with some college friends. We do focus on holiday-centric shows, and years past we’ve grabbed dinner at Joe’s Garage or Lurcat and then skipped across the street to hear The Rose Ensemble or VocalEssence perform at The Basilica (or shall I say, tripped, as I was once the pre-show entertainment falling up the imposing steps!). Another favorite is heading to the University of Minnesota’s Ted Mann Concert Hall for the annual Gays Mens’ Chorus crazily-themed holiday concert, topped with dessert afterward.
There’s really so much emerging talent and shows to see this season, you can rarely go wrong. Just remember to bring along those you’re thankful for—and save girl talk for the intermission!
Now really, I’m curious: What are your holiday traditions and outings? I’m always looking for new ideas.
