It may not feel like it but, like it or not the holidays are just around the corner. With that in mind we wanted to bring you a bit of holiday fabulousity, fierceness, & fun and what better way to do that but by hearing from a few members of Palm Springs Drag Royalty and what they might have in store for the holidays. Get ready, here’s what they had to sayA
Bella Da Ball
What is your fondest holiday memory?
As a young child, I asked for and received a kids’ play stove and refrigerator. In photo, I am with my brother who received a big truck (box we are playing on) and the refrigerator is in the scene. Also, Riding a round metal saucer down the snowy hill. And, as an adult, attending Midnight Mass at the Vatican with the Pope celebrating Mass.
Favorite Holiday Song
Mariah Carey—All I Want For Christmas Is You. I can play that song and hear that a dozen times a day or more all season! Love it at the shows we do! And We Need A Little Christmas from Mame. One of the first drag shows we did in the desert was at Sweetwater Saloon and it was a big group production number with The Delicious Divas. I was Mame, of course! We had my chord organ on stage (received as a kid for another Christmas!) for the words—carols at the Spinet…..
Favorite Holiday Treat
Thumbprint cookies—with pink frosting. My Mother would make porcupine meatballs (with rice for the novice!) and was a special treat at holiday family gatherings with special dinner rolls from our hometown bakery. Loved seven-layer bars (we had another name which isn’t too appetizing sounding and not good for print!)
Gift to Give
Clothing, watches, dog bed.
Gift to Get
Jewels, diamonds, rhinestones, sparkle, color.
Holiday Beverage
Amaretto Sour on ice! The good stuff Amaretto! And the real Squirt brand sour soda pop!
Holiday Movie
White Christmas with the music, the setting, the furs, the costumes, the singing, the dancing, the fabulous actors and actresses; Holiday Inn, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Décor? Over the Top or a bit sedate?
Over the top and then some. My partner loves to decorate and we have theme trees, small trees, medium trees, big trees, different color trees, wreaths, garlands, lights galore, collection of sleighs (found one at Jackie Lee and Jim Houston’s estate sale). The more the better! Lights! Sparkle!
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday Outfit….
It’s winter, it’s cold, furs (faux, of course, to be politically correct!). A swingy skirt is always fun and festive and fashionable. And show plenty of leg with those high heels. And when I’m not Bella, some fabulous dinner jacket, of course.P
Marina Mac
What is your fondest holiday memory?
As a kid, leaving a note and cookies for Santa Clause and the find the next morning he had ate the cookies and left me a note back. This made my world and that feeling I had all those years ago, has stuck with me
Favorite Holiday Song.
“I’ll be home for Christmas” I cry every time. I relate to it. As a veteran, I know the feeling of wanting to go home, especially around the holidays.
Favorite Holiday Treat.
Snicker Doodle Cookies. Period. Is there anything really better?
Gift to Give.
Something from the heart and means a lot to the gift receiver and myself. It’s an extension of my love to them.
Gift to Get.
Love and Friendship. As cliché as it sounds, its a truly all I want.
Holiday Beverage.
Eggnog, no rum. I like the taste of it as is.
Holiday Movie.
The Classic, “A Christmas Story.” You’ll shoot your eye out!!!
Décor? Over the Top or a bit sedate?
More than a bit Sedate, Its almost non existent. The thought of packing it all up makes me tired.
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday Outfit.
Something that says “LOOK AT ME!!! I NEED ATTENTION!!” You know, all the bells and whistles…..literally.
Well! How about that I could give you so many answers for this question, I guess it depends on my mood, but nothing is popping into my head… Next question please.
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday:
I do prefer an intimate evening at home but of course wearing a new pair of rhinestone heels and watching Netflix.P
Ethylinna Canne
What is your fondest holiday memory?
My fondest holiday memory would be going to the Madonna Inn with my grandmother every Christmas to see the decorations. If you’ve never been to the Madonna Inn, you are missing out. It’s a fabulous hotel and restaurant nestled in quaint San Luis Obispo. The hotel is 1960’s kitsch to the extreme!! The Gold Rush Steak House is adorned with hot pink vinyl booths and a golden forest of delight. The entire resort comes alive every holiday and the decor is always different. My grandmother and I would take in all the sights, have a piece of pie, a cup of hot cocoa, and relish in the magic of it all. www.madonnainn.com
Favorite Holiday Song
I actually have many favorite Holiday songs, but to be honest, I have a favorite Holiday Album. “Wrapped in Red” by Kelly Clarkson, is always on repeat at my house beginning November 1st. Kelly sings the classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Silent Night” while brining you some contemporary selections like “Run Run Rudolph” and “4 Carats”. It’s truly the soundtrack for the holiday season.
Favorite Holiday Treat
My favorite holiday treat would be homemade old-time divinity candy! Another past time that my grandmother passed down to me. It consists of sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Sometimes referred to as white fudge, its what makes mouths happy! Download the recipe at www.houseofnasheats.com
Gift to Give
The gift to give during the holidays is an experience. Give tickets to a play, a musical, an amusement park, a special holiday review, a photo op with Santa, the list goes on and on. Giving the gift of an experience is something that your loved one will remember for years to come. It’s these moments of shared joy that I believe make the holiday season extra special.
I’d recommend gifting tickets to see “A Christmas Story: The Musical” playing this month at the McCallum Theater, “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” at Fantasy Springs Casino, or my holiday review “A Very Ethyl Christmas” at Moxie Palm Springs. (tickets on sale at Eventbrite)
Gift to Get
Well I am a gal who loves sparkly things, so jewels, clothes, and cash are always welcome and LOVED when wrapped up with a bow under the tree.
Holiday Beverage
My favorite beverage would have to be a hot peppermint mocha latte. There really is nothing better in the cool mornings and crisp nights as you help Santa find out who’s been naughty or nice!
Holiday Movie
Auntie Mame is the quintessential holiday movie at my house. Although it’s not specific to the holiday season, it does ring true to the human spirit and brings good tidings to all.
Décor? Over the Top or a bit sedate?
Honey, I’m a drag queen, so it must be WAY OVER THE TOP, or you shouldn’t bother. “A bit sedate” said no queen ever.
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday Outfit
The go to outfit would be a sparkle blouse, cigarette pant, and a hostess skirt. Why mess with something from the 60’s that was so good that’s it’s stood the test of time. (photo included for reference..:) )PAGE 18
Sassy Ross
What is your fondest holiday memory?
The lights on people’s houses and lawns or maybe the smell of cinnamon and warm cookies everywhere. Definitely the holiday foods being prepped and holiday parties with friends and my husband Warren ❤ & my 3 babies (3 Chihuahuas). Ooh sorry boys I’m taken, but you still can send me your Holiday pictures wearing only a Santa’s Hat …
Favorite Holiday Song:
This is easy! Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”
If I don’t play and perform this song at least 1,501 times during the holidays, it is not a Holiday for me
Favorite Holiday Treat:
Anything cinnamon, I mean ANYTHING with cinnamon. Did I mention Cinnamon!
Gift to Give:
Do I have to ???
Gift to Get:
Well in this case, I love anything as long as there are lots of them.
Holiday Beverage:
Ponche de Frutas, this is a Mexican holiday Beverage is made with a lot of fruits and a lot of booze including sugar Cane and Mexican Tejocote and Alcohol yay!!! Hmm Alcohol..
Holiday Movie:
Elf of course!
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday Outfit.
I really prefer a quiet evening at home, Neflix, my husband and of course a pair of awesome rhinestone heels.
Tommi Rose
What is your fondest holiday memory?
Several years ago, I hosted my “Holiday Orphan’s Dinner” on Christmas Day for friends and friends of friends that had no where to go for dinner. We ended up having 14 people at the table, and among them, were a couple of Broadway show dancer’s visiting from NYC, and another guest that knew one of them as a fellow Disney cast member from the parades. They were reconnected after almost 30 years. That was great. So much food and great company. I had a 12 foot fully decked out tree with wrapped gifts under the tree. Regardless of who showed up, everybody got to pick any gift from under the tree so that everyone had something to open on Christmas Day. It truly was magical.
After that one, the one Christmas I spent completely alone while wandering the streets and cafes of Paris. I loved it!
Favorite Holiday Song
As corny as it may sound, I’ve always love “O Holy Night”. In recent years, I’ve started singing “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. But to perform, the drunk version of “The 12 “Daze” of Christmas”. It’s a crowd favorite I’ve been performing now for over 40 years.
Favorite Holiday Treat
My grandmother passed along a family favorite recipe that I still make today. “Ice Box Fruitcake”. It’s all the candied fruit, along with a graham cracker base and other ingredients, then packed up tightly and put in the back of the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 days, but 5 or more is better. It’s a very wet, moist fruitcake, not like the dry baked ones. Everyone always raves about it.
Gift to Give
I love giving gifts that are more personalized if I know the person well. Something I know they’d flip over. One year, I had a friend that just loved vintage handbags. While perusing a few vintage stores one day, I came across the biggest envelope hand bag I’d ever seen. And it was a name designer. In perfectly new condition and still in it’s box and wrapping. The look on her face was worth every cent! It wasn’t the material thing that I gave her, but the expression on her face. That’s my favorite gift to give, the look of joy and happiness.
Gift to Get
The best gift I’ve ever received was the gift of a second chance in life. As many may know, I was the recipient of true love this past year when my step-mother, Carol Jenkins, became a living donor and donated a kidney to me. That is the truest gift of love. I will be forever grateful. But if you want to buy me something, I love gift cards for restaurants. I’m such a foodie, and anytime I can go to a nice dinner with my husband, Kuper, off we go.
Holiday Beverage
I’m really not much of a drinker, but I’m a sucker for a good hot cup of cocoa or hot chocolate. I’m also happy with a nice hot apple cider.
Holiday Movie
I don’t really have a favorite holiday movie per say, but I like anything with that magical Santa feeling in it.
Décor? Over the Top or a bit sedate?
Back in the day… I used to go all in. Huge tree decorated with lights, ornaments and tinsel, completely covered in icicles. The house was wrapped in garland and lights, and outside, it looked like Disney threw up in my front yard. A giant 12 ft. electrified Mickey Mouse snow globe, inflatable and lit up decorations, and a big chimney on the roof that Santa would pop out of and then go back in again, one to pop back up moments later. The neighborhood kids loved it. I won best house several times. But I’m older now, and I don’t mind decorating, but I just have no patience putting it all away again! LOL
Finally, you’re getting ready to paint the town, what would be your go to Holiday Outfit
If it sparkles, call me Neely! When you walk in to a room, make sure that everyone there knows it! Make an entrance in grand style, but don’t be obnoxious about it. Be gracious, accept the compliments, and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday in whatever way they celebrate. A safe and joyous holiday season to all.
Thank you ladies that was magical…
