Welcome to December Tomatoes, and even though we are in this strange year, we still (well I) need to shop and give gifts. You can’t hear it enough…SHOP LOCAL and SHOP SMALL, if you can of course. We have so many talented artisans in our area, let’s support them. San Francisco’s nights are a little brighter with Illuminate SF, get ready to catch the glow. To help you laugh through the holidays, SF fan favorite Golden Girls Christmas spectacular is online now (of course) and if you have wanted to see this hilarious parody, this is your year! And this week’s podcast is a must listen. Join the 3Ts for a special holiday event.

Listen in here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Holiday Shopping

Do you have a recipient on your list who cherishes their pets? Jen Lo, a local yoga teacher and artist creates the loveliest watercolor portraits of your favorite animals. She captures their expressions of love and companionship in such a beautiful way. Her custom creations start at $140 and make the perfect gift that will be treasured always. www.jenloyoga.com

Local San Mateo artist Ellen Brook creates wearable art that is joyful, vibrant and stylish. Best known for her hand painted silk ponchos, she also creates ethereal tunics, scarves and flowing tops. You will feel like a walking painting in these one-of-a-kind pieces. Truly a gift for the very special woman in your life. www.ellen-brook.com

Upcycling, recycling, reusing existing materials is something we should all be more aware of. Another local artist/yogi, Edwina Ferro creates totes, macramé pieces and more using rescued, re-inspired materials in her creations. Every piece is a unique rarity and naturally cultivates a little bit of history and spirit while uniting an authentic desire to lessen our footprint on earth. www.edwinaferro.com

Polymer clay earrings are colorful, creative and affordable. Green Light Earrings are creations by two sisters based in the East Bay, who craft out-of-the ordinary decorations for you ears. From plants to gingerbread houses, dangles to studs, there is a pair for everyone. Most earrings start at $25. Perfect stocking stuffers! Shop here.

Looking for real gems? Margaret Elizabeth is a brick and mortar in San Francisco and is a jewelry brand for women, run by women and all designed locally by Meg. Unique designs feature diamonds, labradorite, lapis, pearls and more. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and even mask chains are featured. Birthstone celebration necklaces are simple and elegant and are $98. Of course, the beauties can be found online as well as at her store on Chestnut Street. http://www.margaretelizabeth.com

Holiday Lights

There is nothing like the bright lights of the holiday season to help us get “lit”!  In a state of social distancing, this is a wonderful way to experience the season. Illuminate SF, the light art scene helps San Francisco glow with its creative light art installations. Sculptures all over the city glow with extraordinary energy. There are more than 40 temporary and permanent installations located in 17 neighborhoods. From the Bay Bridge to the Sales Force center to Bill Graham Auditorium and beyond, the skies are alight now through January 23^rd. You can download a map to stroll to your favorites. Illuminatesf.com

To further get your glow on, The Macy’s Christmas Tree in Union Square as 33,00 lights adorning the 83-foot-tall tree. Sadly, no bustling shops or ice skating, but bring a thermos of hot chocolate and enjoy.

This has to be seen, and Instagramed, to be believed. The Westfield Centre on Market Street debuted a 50-foot inverted Christmas Tree – a crystal beauty in 2016 and it looks as though it’s here to stay for years to come (if COVID-19 allowances permit, of course). 865 Market St.

Grab your sheltering in place partner and that hot chocolate and take yourself on a little stroll through Ghirardelli Square this December. There will be 16 different Christmas Trees on display around the square, presented by the talented students at the Academy of Art. Open now through 12/31!

Golden Girls

Sure we miss going to see theatre, and yes streaming is the new norm, but it is almost like being there and you don’t have to struggle to find parking! Golden Girls live is a fabulous drag parody (based right here in SF) of the much beloved Golden Girls TV show. They are continuing their highly anticipated holiday tradition, The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes, and bringing us four LIVE streaming to enjoy with our family, friends and coworkers from the comfort of our home – with sing-along carols and a limited quantity of virtual meet & greets. Because these shows are broadcast live, each performance will be a little different and improvised shenanigans will occur. Get the details.

Get the book.