Darienite (https://darienite.com/category/living/holidays)
Holiday-related articles
Kids riding bikes, scooters, wagons and non-motorized vehicles, often with their parents providing the push/pull power, will start parading from Darien High School at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 4. (What will the kids be doing? Mostly providing the charm. Whether they look bored, sad, angry or, more often, curious, happy and delighted, they’ll be exuding oodles of charm. It’s what kids do, particularly if they’re too young to do much mischief.
Metro-North once again will have extra trains traveling to New York City for New Year’s Eve revelers, the railroad announced. Rules to Remember
Two rules to especially remember, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announcement:
—”Masks covering your nose and mouth are required on all Metro-North trains, in all stations and at Grand Central Terminal.” —”Alcohol is not permitted on Metro-North trains from 12 p.m. [noon] Friday, Dec 31 through 12 p.m. [noon] Saturday, Jan. 1.” “We strongly suggest you skip the ticket machine line by using MTA eTix on your iPhone or Android,” the announcement said.
Want to celebrate the start of 2022? Darien Library invites you and your kids (ages 3 and up) to host your own “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration at home during this holiday season! — an announcement from Darien Library [with a bit more info from Darienite.com within brackets]
Though Darien Library won’t be offering an in-person program [or an online program, it appears], you can sign up [there were six spots available as of early Sunday evening] to receive one of our NYE kits that you can use to enjoy your own stellar celebration with your family. Caregivers, please note confetti will be included in these joyous kits. Participants can pick up their activity kit from the Children’s Library starting on Wednesday, Dec.
Each child in the STAR Rubino Family Center, an early intervention pediatric therapy program in Norwalk, will receive a handmade card with a cheerful holiday note along with a book to enjoy during the holidays, thanks to a project spearheaded by Amanda King Heavey and her son, Will. — an announcement from STAR Inc., Lighting the Way
Heavey, a STAR board member and New Canaan resident, and Will, a student at East School in New Canaan, were joined by students in Grades K-4, the Community Service committee of volunteer parents, the PTC board, and Principal Mrs.Woleck came together to give the holiday gifts. Along with the gifts to individual children, the project is also providing a specially curated selection of books that address age appropriate understanding of unique abilities, inclusion, diversity, and kindness will be shared at the school and donated to STAR Rubino Family Center lending library. Through STAR Rubino Family Center, STAR provides a multi-lingual program for children experiencing, or at risk of, developmental delays. This program, generously supported in part by The New Canaan Community Foundation and The Community Fund of Darien and other generous grants, offers services from birth through age eight.
The Darien Department of Public Works will conduct its annual Christmas tree pick-up program according to the following schedule:
[Not sure where your street is on this table? Here’s a Google map (just zoom in with the plus sign).]
THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
· Christmas Trees must be at the curb by the first morning of the scheduled pick-up. · Christmas Tree pick-up is conducted on public streets only. · Residents are asked to refer to a Town map to determine their designated area for schedule. · The schedule has been rotated from last year.
Darien native Dan Micciche, current musical director for Wicked on Broadway, is bringing Broadway to Darien on Dec. 19 with a concert at Noroton Presbyterian Church. Broadway performers from The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton, and Disney’s Frozen, alongside members of the NPC Chamber Choir and Orchestra, will perform holiday favorites. The free concert, performed with COVID-19 safety protocols, will be open to the public and livestreamed on the homepage of Noroton Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m., on Sunday, Dec, 19. — an announcement from Noroton Presbyterian Church
“We could all use some joy this Christmas season and this concert will certainly do just that,” Micciche said.
Start off the winter holiday season with an online tour of magnificently decorated conservatories and mansions. Garden designer Jana Milbocker returns to lead a tour of the beautifully lit scenery at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania; Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Delaware; Blithewold in Rhode Island; Heritage Museums and Gardens in Massachusetts; and more. — an announcement from Darien Library
No scarves or mittens required — enjoy these sights from the comfort of your own home. This virtual event will start at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7.
The Corbin District is teaming up with The Darien Chamber of Commerce to spread the joy of the holiday season again this year to support our local retailers. 2021 continues to be a difficult time for our local businesses and it is important to support our local shops. — an announcement from the Darien Chamber of Commerce and The Corbin District
We have so many amazing businesses here in Darien, many of which are locally owned and operated, with incredible service and high quality and unique offerings. This Instagram/social media initiative between The Corbin District and The Darien Chamber of Commerce will enable us to support our community businesses and at the same time thank residents and visitors who choose to shop locally. Welcome back, #Darientogether!
Ready to start your holiday shopping? The Rowayton Gardeners is online now with their second “Virtually Yours” online store. More than 175 items will be offered for sale, including festive gifts and unique ornaments, fresh bundled greens and our designer-quality wreaths are ready for purchase online now and through Sunday, Nov. 28. — an announcement from The Rowayton Gardeners club
Shop early to get the best selections.
YWCA of Darien/Norwalk’s annual Dazzling December shopping event, a fun and festive evening celebrating the upcoming holiday season, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9 at Everything is Rosey in Darien. — an announcement from the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk
Everything is Rosey at 1072 Post Road in Darien offers a wide array of colorful apparel, resort wear and unique holiday gifts. Light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine tastings will be served by local Scout & Cellar representative Sally Betz. Several gift baskets will be raffled off throughout the evening.
Some advice on keeping your Thanksgiving food healthy — information passed on by Mindy Chambrelli, a registered sanitarian at Darien Health Department:
Last year, more than 46 million turkeys were carved and eaten at Thanksgiving. Turkey is typically accompanied by a host of side dishes and desserts, making the Thanksgiving meal by far one of the largest meals most people will cook all year. Please do so safely and remember NO need to wash the bird, place it directly into the roasting pan! Fresh or Frozen? Fresh Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it.
A record-breaking 300 canned and dry goods were collected for Person-to-Person’s pantry at the recent “Thanksgiving Sing” at the Methodist Family Center Preschool. — an announcement from the Methodist Family Center Preschool
On a bright and unseasonably warm November morning, the MFCP welcomed the school’s families to the Thanksgiving Sing, a cherished annual tradition that had been canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The ‘Sing’ as it is affectionately called, concluded a month-long food drive in partnership with Person to Person’s Darien Pantry and their mobile food pantry, P2P On Wheels. Children ages 3 to 5 began the Sing by bringing their food donations and placing them in a basket. “Listening to the children sing reminds us of how blessed we are to come together on a gorgeous day with the sole purpose of being thankful,” said MFCP Director Laurie Anderson.
Celebrate the holidays by bringing joy to a struggling family or senior. You can do it through the Darien Human Services Department’s holiday gift-giving program. — an announcement from the Darien Human Services Department
Families range in size from two to six people. Due to COVID-19, we are asking for donations of gift cards (you will receive suggestions to make things more personalized). Drop off the gift cards in our office and your “adopted” family or senior will pick them up from us.
Members of the DCA’s Greenhouse Group will be holding a holiday greens wreath workshop to create your own wreath on Thursday, Dec. 2. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association
Join the Darien Community Association’s Greenhouse Group at 10 to 11:30 a.m. as they lead you in this hands-on workshop to make a festive wreath of your very own. Bring your gloves, pruners and imagination and we’ll provide the rest, including fresh greens, ribbons and a variety of embellishments. Masks required.
A free, family-friendly “Parade Spectacular Park Party” with giant parade balloons, entertainment and photos with Santa, will take place throughout Mill River Park in downtown Stamford this coming Sunday afternoon, Nov. 21. The party is a replacement for the city’s traditional giant balloon Thanksgiving parade, which was also cancelled last year. The event, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (but will “loop, in hour-long segments” according to this report in the Stamford Advocate) is sponsored by the Stamford Downtown Special Services District, which has been sponsoring downtown holiday events for decades. No tickets or pre-registration is required.
Carolyn Eddie and her Absolutely Fabulous supporting cast return for the holidays at the Darien Community Association on Friday, Dec. 10. The DCA mansion will be decorated for the season and provide a festive backdrop for a welcome catch-up with friends, amidst the hustle and bustle of this time of year. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association
Savor a delightful offering of tea sandwiches, assorted scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes, pastries, and sweet treats — accompanied by a special holiday cocktail. If you prefer, order a take-home package that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, with pick-up from the DCA.