OOO #3: Outfits, Ohio, and Other Things I Like

An apathy-inducing vest, the Cleveland Orchestra, and a little Christmas witch.

Outfits

“That vest is giving us… something.”

Ohio

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute JOY of seeing the Cleveland Orchestra perform Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Britten’s Violin Concerto No. 1. The Cleveland Orchestra’s performance was flawless; it was one of the finest concerts I have heard in a very, very long time. The concert was also one of the first times (if not the first time) I heard a celesta played live, and since then I’ve been listening to “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” on loop.

Severance Hall itself is worth the visit. The architecture throughout the building is a mix of Art Deco and Egyptian Revival, and the concert hall’s ceiling is decorated with a floral-lace pattern (which is definitely neither Art Deco nor Egyptian Revival, but still lovely). Overall, the concert was wonderful, and I can’t wait to go back!

Recommendation: Seeing the Cleveland Orchestra perform at Severance Hall.

Other Things I Like

I’m home on Long Island for the holidays, which means I get to enjoy some of the best Christmas decorations on the planet. Driving around my hometown to see inflatable reindeer (ideally perched on the roof), blow mold nativity scenes, giant cellophane-wrapped lollipops, and the creativity and delightful excess in holiday lights is my absolute favorite Christmas activity.

Long Island never disappoints.

I know what you’re thinking: Christmas is over, and it’s nearing time to take decorations down. But I disagree! In fact, I fully indulge in the 12 Days of Christmas, the time between December 25 and Little Christmas on January 6 when the Three Wise Men arrived (which is why January 6 is also called Three Kings Day or the Epiphany). If you’re reading this on the date of publication (December 28), we’re in the fourth day of Christmas.

My favorite Little Christmas tradition involves La Befana, a Christmas witch who leaves good children treats in their shoes (or stockings) during the night of January 5 and, as you might expect, bad children coal (carbone). It is customary to leave wine out for Befana, which is definitely an upgrade from milk.

Only after Little Christmas do I even think about taking my decorations down. Because why not indulge in things that make you happy?

Recommendation: Fully embracing the Twelve Days of Christmas and leaving a little bit of wine out before you go to bed on January 5 for Befana.

That’s it! Have a great rest of your week!