In the 20 years that we’ve been hitting the streets over the winter holidays, we have not always taken a consistent approach. In 1990, for instance, we practically begged readers to turn away with our promise of a “Boring XMAS Issue.” But by 2006, we were fully in the spirit, putting Special Correspondent Sweet Cakes on assignment with gift giving suggestions that spell the word “generosity” in all caps. Stop complaining, and start giving back. That’s what we say now. And don’t forget to check back next week for more wisdom hard-won over the past 20 years.
 |
Paging through the archives
“…darlings, darlings, darlings, it must be said: Sweet has enough stuff! Please give her not so much as one more lip-liner brush, nor a striped cardigan, neither another pot of Nars eye shadow and certainly no more cake platters! (That’s a family joke.)
“Sweet anticipates your protests. You want to give. Very good.… While they may not improve anyone’s silhouette, these gift ideas will upgrade your moral and social profile, your dearest narratrix assures you.
“Charity, lovelies. Philanthropy. That’s what Sweet is talking about. If you want La Cake to know how much you luff her, show her by donating to a worthy cause, something that, like Sweet, strives to make the world a lovelier, gentler place. (Send her a delicate, perfumed note telling her of your efforts. That’s all the gift she really needs.)
“Let’s say you’re artistic—and this is not hard to say as all of Ms. Cakes’ friends have what you might call cultural leanings. Please consider giving some cash in your dear friend’s name to the City Center for Contemporary Arts… “O.K., suppose you want something more do-goodery. The Free Clinic could always use your support. From what Sweet can gather some people go to the doctor for reasons other than elective cosmetic procedures—they need prenatal vitamins or to have their boils lanced or something—and the Free Clinic will take care of them, case closed.…
“Other ideas? Meals on Wheels, which for decades has been feeding the elderly and housebound just because it’s the right thing to do. How about the Music Resource Center, which keeps kids off the streets and in the recording studios where they belong? There’s always the SPCA, where Fifi gets a fighting chance to go home with a new fashion-conscious family.
“See, don’t you feel better already? Well, you certainly look better. Your skin is positively glowing from that magic elixir called Doing the Right Thing.”
Sweet Cakes
November 28, 2006
Getting covered
|
End of the Year Issue, 1990 |
