The first two weeks of December weren’t exactly conducive to getting in the holiday spirit. The weather was still warm and our time was probably spent cramming for exams or slaving over end-of-the-year projects. With the work winding down, and weather cooling off, it’s time to focus on getting in the spirit. Vanquish your inner-hater with a tall glass of wine, bid farewell to Eye Level Art, and do some holiday shopping the swanky way.
TUESDAY. With 2012 approaching, nobody has time for haters. Drink away the world’s Scrooges at the No H8 Party at Social. They’ll have appetizers, wine, and food specials all night, and you should wear red, white, or black to show your solidarity. If you’re more in the mood for green, share your thoughts on sustainable living and land conservation at EcoSpiel at Triangle Char and Bar in Mt. Pleasant. They’ll have drink specials throughout the discussion.
You can earn free shots for five-minute comedy sets at the Recovery Room’s Comedy Open Mic Night hosted by local comic Jessica Mickey. Meanwhile, Red’s Ice House will be spreading the word about the Country Music Marathon when you join the Team in Training for a hoe down for a chance to win some prizes. Hampden Clothing and Barre Evolution are honoring their clients with a happy hour of free snacks, cocktails, and special promotions, because nothing says “happy holidays” like a free happy hour. And you don’t have to tune in to the radio to get free Christmas carols. The Charleston Community Band will give a free Holiday Concert at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus.
WEDNESDAY. If you’re thinking about adopting a new pet, take a trial run first. The Foster Mixers at Charleston Animal Society will teach you how to become a foster parent and you’ll have the opportunity to take an adoptable pet home for a few weeks.
THURSDAY. Dress up in your favorite holiday attire and head to Cos Bar’s open house, where they’ll serve champagne and light refreshments to guests. Be sure to arrive early to The Art of Merrymaking Holiday Soiree at Novel on King Street. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a special holiday discount on the handcrafted gifts. Holly Herrick will be at East Bay Meeting house signing her latest book, Food Lovers Guide to Charleston and Savannah. East Bay Meeting House will donate profits from the day to Meals on Wheels. Muse will host Star Crossed Lovers, a night of music by Beth Anne Crane and Tim Davis, and an artist reception with Lynne Hardwick.
FRIDAY. One of City Paper’s contributing photographers, Reese Moore, will debut her street photography with the opening of Parisians I Did Not Quite Meet. The photos trace her travels in Paris through the people she observed. There will be beer, wine, and light refreshments. Before Eye Level Art closes its doors once and for all, they’ll have one last exhibit, Since the Beginning, where past artists will showcase their work. Help the Charleston Elves wrap presents for Lowcountry kids diagnosed with cancer at Bambu during their Gift Wrapping Party. They’ll have live music and happy hour specials on food and drinks.
SATURDAY. During Sip, Shop, and Be Merry, stores in Freshfields Village on Kiawah will offer discounts, refreshments, and free gift-wrapping all day to help put shoppers in the holiday spirit. When the day concludes, guests can head to the Village Green for a happy hour and an outdoor screening of Christmas Vacation. Learn how to go boombox caroling with Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night at Waterfront Park. Bring anything with speakers — an ipod or boombox — and Kline will demonstrate how it’s done. At Wonder Works in Mt. Pleasant, kids can meet Tate Nation, the man behind the jigsaw puzzles, and get Jonathan Miller to sign their copies of The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund. Pet Helpers will be in the store with puppies and kittens for adoption, and the event continues in West Ashley as well.
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