Nostalgia and tradition strike heavily at the holidays. I remember back to those days as a young child experiencing the magic of Christmas. You likely have similar memories – most good, I hope. It’s best to focus on the good ones.
Our family was raised Episcopalian — “all the pageantry and none of the guilt” of the Catholic church. (I use that line often, but must credit it to the TV show St. Elsewhere.)
On Sunday morning, mom texted that my niece was performing live on YouTube at our hometown church. I tuned in. It was like being transported back to my childhood as I got to see the sanctuary in HD. After her beautiful solo, I watched as the people came up for communion–and there was dad and my sister. Others from my past came past the camera. That wave of nostalgia was washing over me.
And then the Dan Fogelberg Christmas song, Same Old Lang Syne” played on the radio Sunday. The song chronicles running into a high school sweetheart in a grocery store at Christmastime. When it was released in 1981, I was firmly in the closet but self aware of my being gay. I had dated a girl in high school and that song always brought me back to the secret that I hid from her.
As a radio DJ, we played that song on the radio contemporaneously and I remember my best friend at the time waxing that the line: “Just for a moment I was back in school./And felt that old familiar pain” would be a classic for the ages. He was right. 43 years later, that song still takes me back to “My Little Town” of Hastings, Michigan, and my many fond Christmas memories. The pain of being in the closet has long since passed.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas from our little town of Palm Springs to you and yours!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Christmas Eve with Keisha D at The Desert Oasis Chapel
Celebrate Christmas Eve with the soulful music and inspiring message of Keisha D at Desert Oasis Chapel’s free Communion Service on Tuesday, December 24 from 6:30–8 pm. Whether you’re a regular church-goer or haven’t attended in years, you’ll feel at home with LGBTQ+ pastors who affirm and love you. Seating is limited, so arrive early to ensure the best spot. Everyone is welcome to this beautifully decorated church conveniently located across from Kirk Douglas Way and the Palm Springs International Airport. More info
Magical Christmas Dinner at JW Marriott Desert Springs
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa with a Magical Christmas Day Dinner on Wednesday, December 25, from 12–7 pm. Under the expert guidance of Chef Eric Theiss, enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Rockwood Grill, overlooking the resort’s stunning waterways. This festive feast features custom chef creations, a pasta bar, classic Christmas entrees, a carving station, a seafood tower, and a fun kid’s menu. Top off your meal with a visit to the Grand Dessert Room, boasting over 50 holiday dessert options. More info
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords from December 13–29 at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs, a wild holiday bash hosted by Joan Crawford (Ethylina Canne) that spirals into Hollywood mayhem! Featuring Vanity Halston as Judy Garland, Sister Burna Cross as Carmen Miranda, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kornbread Jete’, this glam-packed show is full of surprise guests and spot-on impersonations. With Paul Crane as Christina Crawford, James Flaherty as Hedda Hopper, and Stan Jenson switching between Mae West and Ethel Merman, this zany holiday spectacle is a Tinseltown toast you won’t want to miss. Get tickets
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Desert Theatreworks’ annual Christmas production is back, and this time it’s the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, running from December 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. Get tickets
A Klezmer Hanukkah Barry Sisters Tribute
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Hanukkah with A Klezmer Hanukkah Barry Sisters Tribute at the Agua Caliente Casino’s Cascade Lounge on Thursday, December 26. Doors open at 6 pm, with the show starting at 7 pm. This spectacular evening of music will transport you to the heart of Jewish tradition and festive cheer. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30, inviting guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. In addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs at night. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, December 27
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
