'Happy' Alternatives During the Holidays

Peace and joy, Happy Hanukah and Ho, ho ho (a bottle of rum included) to all you Christmas doers.  But for those of you who may be slightly challenged this time of year -- maybe you don't believe in Santa or the Nativity or even Hanukkah (or Chanukah) -- I never do get that right.   Or  perhaps you just feel a little less than gifty this season.  It's really very cool.  You're a leader, not a follower.  You aspire to be Juno one day--well not the unwed and pregnant part. 

Shucks, you don't need that ex who broke up with you like clockwork on December 15th leaving no gift, avoiding all invites.  Good riddens--you didn't want to go to crazy Aunt Agnes' house anyway.  And alright you could've gone home to see Mom but she has taken up with her new wacky beau---they act kind of gross.  And your friends are all acting giddy over spending their first Christmases with their significant others. 

Oh well, you have a plan B right?  You own, It's a Wonderful Life, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and of course Terms of Endearment if you just need a good cry.  So march on, leaders one and all. All judgment reserved for you less than perky holiday friends, those feeling, like I said a little less gifty. 

But for those of you who want to get into the spirit and may just be out of ideas, I have some.

Bring a pal, grab a stranger or just look really cute go yourself.  Santa Monica welcomes the winter season with "Ice at Santa Monica presented by Starbucks Coffee"
it's open daily now through January 19, 2009 at 1324 Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, less than two blocks from the Third Street Promenade. The $10 admission even includes skate rental. The rink is periodically cleared for short periods to groom the ice.  Also, if it rains, the rink will remain except for heavy downpours.  It's open from 10Am to 10PM so get on out...you have no excuse! 

Or do you just want to laugh so badly but not look at the four white walls of your apartment while doing it? Great!  Check out  Good for Jews   with Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin, a musical comedy duo who perform Hanukkah-themed tunes that will surely make you chuckle.  The show runs December 25 8PM at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd. (213-413-8200). $20. Nearby eats include 15 Restaurant, The Park and Little Joy.

Or for something really very Los Angeles, sure to take your mind off the holidays, check out the  "Scribble Show: Post-It Show 3" .  On display are nearly 2,000 works on standard-sized Post-Its by more than 95 noted artists, starting at only $20. The show runs thru Jan 14.  at Giant Robot 2, 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. (310-445-9276).   Nearby is the  Bar Hayama and Le Saigon.  Happy Holiday!  Oh and for you too cool 'leaders', absolutely determined to be less than cheery, soldier on Scrooges, soldier on!  I have nothing but respect!

-- Heather Langone