"Why don't you go home for Christmas?" pleaded Jim Backus (the original Mr. Magoo) in a long-forgotten seasonal satire. ("That's a good idea!" he then enthuses -- see the video on YouTube.)
But for those who stay here in Napa, several good suggestions come from local residents about where to go, what to eat, how to share the sentiment of the season. We posted the query on Facebook several days ago and have received a number of other good ideas.
Andrew Bradley notes that Siena is open at The Meritage Resort and Spa, and points us to their Holiday Dinners & Events page. Misty Moore-Barrera matches that suggestion with her own: Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford is open, and "serving great food too!" And Gina Bortolussi also notes that the Bank Cafe at the Westin is open.
All of which remind us that while many local businesses close for the Holidays, visitors still need to eat -- so hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists are your best bet for holiday dining. Revisit this list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving for a likely local candidate.
Taking another tack, Lacey Madrigal points out that a Christmas picnic is one way to go, especially since there's projected to be sun this afternoon. "Rutherford Hill Winery (above Auberge) is open on Christmas Eve until 4pm," she posts. "Great views and picnic areas."
Dani Forsey Brown recommends Christmas eve with family at Fish Story, and Christmas dinner at Auberge du Soleil. In fact, Fish Story is open tonight, and featuring the traditional Italian "Feast of the Seven Fishes," a single meal using seven different seafoods in celebration of the week-long vigil for Jesus' birth (or something like that).
But for traditionalists -- those who don't celebrate Christmas with family feasts, presents and sugar-plums -- Debbie Harding-White notes, "When we are away from home, we always have Chinese on Christmas ... As we will have this year." You can use our Patch Listings to find a Chinese restaurant, or any other style you prefer.
Teri Buchanan recommends to make plans beyond dessert. "Christmas Eve services at St. Mary's Episcopal. I love the midnight mass. The music is divine!"
What are your suggestions for a Christmas Eve celebration? Let us know in the comments.
Stay Patched in! Follow Napa Valley Patch on Twitter | Like Napa Valley Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and share your views.
