The Shot

The Mavericks Come ’Round for Christmas

Plus: An anniversary to toast, Santas on the run, and more.

It’s the most wonderful time of year, G&G’ers, a swirl of family, friends, traditions, and the knowledge that mixing bourbon with heavy cream might be the least decadent thing you’ll do all month. And because nobody does the holidays quite like Southerners, we’ve mixed up a cocktail of the best things around the South this week to help you soak up the season. We call it The Shot.

Tinsel Tunes

COURTESY OF THE MAVERICKS

Just in time for tree trimming and egg nogging, The Mavericks have released their first original Christmas song, which is guaranteed to give Mariah a breather on your holiday playlists. “Christmas Time Is (Coming ’Round Again)” is a little bit Swingy, a little bit Big Bandy, and is that Zydeco? Who knows? It’s repeat material no matter what you call it.

The Mavericks were just nominated for two Grammy Awards, for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song. But where’s the Grammy for Best Excuse to Buy a Record Player at the Thrift Shop? This jingle-belled toe-tapper is available digitally on iTunes and Amazon, of course, but also on 10” white vinyl for the truly nostalgic who are missing the days when guessing Santa’s favorite Christmas cookie was the biggest challenge in life.

Repeal, Party, Repeat

COURTESY OF CONGRESS STREET

Leave it to a speakeasy in Savannah to mark the 84th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with a bang on Tuesday. Congress Street Up, which is hidden just above the American Prohibition Museum, is joining with Old Forester, Byrd’s Gourmet Cookies, and Leopold’s Ice Cream to throw a Repeal Day Party worthy of the occasion.

Expect flappers, charcuterie, desserts, and a full menu of the Prohibition-era cocktails that Congress Street Up is known for. Our pick: the legendary “Chatham Artillery Punch,” a mix of brandy, rum, whiskey, champagne, lemon and sugar that once sustained local troops. The party is free (other than your drink tab) and lasts from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m., or “whenever.”

Taking it with You

COURTESY OF JAMES PURDEY & SONS LTD.

Whether you’re celebrating Repeal Day or looking for just the right gift for the portable party aficionados in your life, may we suggest a flask for your favorite people? Beverly Bremer Silver Shop, the iconic Atlanta silver purveyor, has a wide selection of sterling options, from rare antiques to streamlined contemporaries. Onward Reserve, based in Thomasville, Georgia, has your sports fans covered, with flasks encased in needle point homages to college football teams, golf carts, buck heads, and … wait for it … Caddyshack. And for the hunter in your life who has (almost) everything, Britain’s James Purdey & Sons makes a leather-cased trio of crystal flasks, complete with a position finder numbered cupset, for nips after the hunt. Think of it as the Rolls-Royce of movable feasts, or just the most elegant to-go cup on Earth.

Run Run, Santa 

COURTESY OF RUNNING OF THE SANTAS

It’s time for the annual “Running of the Santas” in New Orleans. The four-block fun run is happening this Saturday in the city’s warehouse district, where more than 4,000 costumed Santas and Santa spinoffs (think Mrs. Claus, elves, and Old Man Winter) are expected for the North Pole to South Pole jog and block party. Later in the month, NOLA ChristmasFest launches for 11 days of fun and games, including an ice rink, ice slides, snow-ball fights, and a walk-in gingerbread house featuring an “adult beverage lounge for moms, dads, grandparents, and friends.” Never change, New Orleans, and laissez les Santas rouler.

Parting Shots

This week, the team at The Shot is: Raising a glass for Lionel Richie. The Tuskegee, Alabama-born R&B legend and original Commodore was honored at the Kennedy Center last weekend. … Loving the Arkansas couple, Justin and Jordan Garton, who decided to name their baby girl Olivia after their favorite restaurant. Yes, Olivia Garton. … Passing along a programming note that RelationShep, the Southern Charm spin-off, has begun airing. … Empathizing with the Florida possum that overdid it on Thanksgiving. Hey, it happens. … And we’re crossing our fingers for Petra Sutherland, 73, a Hallmark Channel superfan from Charlotte who posted a note on Nextdoor.com that she is hoping for a boyfriend this Christmas, only to be flagged by the site for posting “inappropriate content.” We applaud your inappropriate content, Petra, and know your dream man is out there somewhere.

Until next week, friends.


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