A minimalist’s guide to half-assing Christmas gifts
Turn your failed hobby projects into heartfelt, terrible gifts. Or handing someone money is straightforward and surprisingly appreciated.
The holiday season can be tough for a variety of reasons; budget, time, seasonally associated trauma, general anxiety disorders, existential dread, the crushing weight of others expectations, the list goes on. What really exhausts me is the selection of Christmas gifts for my loved ones and work obligations. I know so many excellent gift-givers so by comparison I know I am not.
At a certain point, you just have to accept this about yourself. Instead of feeling guilty about your lack of holiday cheer, I suggest committing as little energy as possible to your shopping list. Here are some ways you, too, can half-ass Christmas gifts.
Read the latest by T. Von D.
From daddies to dancing houses at the Castro Art Walk
If“art walk” drums up imagery of middle-aged white women drinking wine and making up genres of art, you’ve come to the right place. Except replace women with men and make it more of a party vibe — then you’ve got Castro Art Walk.
This is a monthly mashup of galleries, local businesses, and artists trying to out-quirk each other. But let’s be real — it’s less about the art and more about socializing, getting your steps in, and looking at colorful things under flattering lighting. And there’s free wine at many of the stops.
I don’t have some major incident to report about this experience — no one barfed or got into a fistfight over a sculpture made of recycled kombucha bottles. It was mostly me sipping a sauv blanc while trying to guess if the guy in the leather jacket is an artist or just there for the free booze. So the following is just a recap of what I saw recently.
Read the latest by Courtney Muro
The first Taco Bell Triathlon just happened — there were five people
Chasing a triathlon in a car isn’t as easy as it sounds. We spent the first part of the day driving from Taco Bell to Taco Bell, photographing every group of cyclists we saw on the route, hoping it was our people.
To call it a triathlon is more than a stretch. One day I stumbled on this Partiful event that describes more of a Meetup from 2004, but tl;dr — “Let’s eat tacos and try to not freeze in the Pacific Ocean!” No sponsors. A suggested participation fee at $25. Taco Bell did not endorse this, but it’s also not the first time its poop-inducing crunchy cheese medley has inspired a weird pairing with athletics in San Francisco.
Read the latest by Courtney Muro
What we’re doing this week
Bill Graham Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah with the nightly lighting of the iconic 25-foot menorah in Union Square. This cherished tradition features music, guest speakers, and a warm sense of community as candles are lit each evening of the festival. Whether you’re observing Hanukkah or simply want to experience the festivities, this event is a highlight of the season in San Francisco.
WHEN: December 25–January 2, evenings
WHERE: Union Square, San Francisco, CA
Beetlejuice onstage
The Beetlejuice stage production, based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, is heading to San Francisco for a limited run. Known for its quirky humor, impressive visuals, and an energetic score, the musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager whose life becomes intertwined with a mischievous ghost and a pair of recently deceased spirits. With a blend of sharp wit and over-the-top antics, the show has earned a reputation as a darkly funny theatrical experience.
WHEN: December 24–29, 2024
WHERE: Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102
What’s on our mind
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
The Great Highway’s new public art project begins
Big changes are coming to the much-talked-about Great Highway, with plans underway to fill the 2.5-mile stretch with a lot of art. Think murals at every major intersection, sculptures in the dunes, and interactive pieces like a heart-shaped installation in the sand and a rock that spins.
The project is led by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department and local artists, who aim to make over the area similar to JFK. Murals are planned for eight intersections, with larger works at Judah and Taraval.
“Adding temporary public art to the former Great Highway is an opportunity to merge the beauty of parks with the creativity of San Francisco,” Rec and Park spokesperson Tamara Aparton, told the Chronicle.
The project builds on a pilot program launched in 2022, which turned the highway into a weekend park with events like yoga, concerts, and Friday Jazz Happy Hour—features now expected to continue through 2025.
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