Watermark Holiday Guide 2021

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Holiday GUIDE - 2021 -

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watermark’s

Holiday GUIDE

Contents Baking Spirits Bright

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In Our Box, in Our Socks and A Gift That Shocks 14 Watermark Asks

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Holiday Playlist

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Open Season

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Business Directory

29 407.877.GRDN (4736) | gardentheatre.org

Ginger Bread Cookies by BayBay Bakes Cover photo by Dylan Todd owner and publisher

Rick Todd

editor-in-chief Jeremy Williams managing editor

Ryan Williams-Jent

art director

Dylan Todd sales director

Danny Garcia

160 WEST PLANT STREET | WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787

Enjoy historic films on the big screen with our Rewind Movies. Additionally, experience our Interactive Movies and see your favorite films in a whole new way as live actors lead you through a fun-filled evening including: contests, games, trivia, and more! Doors open and preshow activities for our Interactive Movies begin 30 minutes prior to the listed showtimes.

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Sam Callahan Michael Wier

founder & guiding light

Tom Dyer

Contents of this Holiday Guide 2021 are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

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gardentheatre.org/movies

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

DEC 5, 2021 7:00 PM

Bookstore1Sarasota Through the holidays visit us at 12 S. Palm Avenue

Look for us in our new location, 117 S. Pineapple at The Mark, in early 2022

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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Back for the

Holidays J

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s the weather turns cooler, house decor moves from ghosts and skeletons to reindeer and snowflakes, and the pumpkin spice lattes become peppermint mochas, the feeling of the winter holiday season takes over.

It’s that time of year between Thanksgiving

Day and New Year’s Day that seems to make people more cheerful and hopeful for the

advantage of that and safely share in the love

have expanded it. It is tradition in our annual

of the holidays with the people you care about.

Holiday Guide to ask the staff what they hope

In these pages, we chat with Mike and Billy

to receive in their box and in their socks each

world. As Bill Murray says in “Scrooged,” one

Tamplin, openly gay twins who have worked

year. In their box meaning under the tree and

of my favorite Christmas movies of all time,

together for more than a decade at their

in their socks being in their stocking. This year

it’s that time of year “when we all act a little

Tampa-based Semi Sweet Designs, a retail

we added a gift that shocks and asked if money

nicer; we smile a little easier, we cheer a little

shop which provides tools and tutorials for

was no object, what extravagant gift would you

more ... It’s really a sort of a miracle.”

bakers of all skill levels to create their own

hope to get?

And after the holiday season we had last year, we could all use a bit of that miracle

cookies decorated in royal icing.

After asking our loyal readers what their

We also reached out to a few members of the LGBTQ community and asked them

feeling. The holiday season of 2020 felt odd

all-time, favorite holiday songs are, we

to reflect on what their favorite or most

because of the pandemic, with gatherings kept

gathered together a festive playlist that will

memorable holiday gifts were. Finishing up,

to a minimum. The most vulnerable of us were

have you spreading goodwill and cheer all

we share a list of Central Florida and Tampa

isolated away and events were all cancelled or

season long. The varied list, which features

Bay events sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

held virtually. During a time of the year when

classic tunes to modern hits as well as some

we are all so used to being with the ones we

of your favorite divas, is certain to have

this season, we here at Watermark want to

love, we were all forced to celebrate alone.

something you’ll like.

wish each and every one of you the happiest of

While the pandemic isn’t over just yet, we are in a better place with it this season so take

Speaking of things people like, we not

However you and yours choose to celebrate

holidays and a safe and wonderful new year.

only bring back our staff gift picks but we

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Very merry music for all

o h Tw Wit inees! t Ma

Raymond James Pops

Holiday Pops

A jolly good time for the whole family Bob Bernhardt conducts Fri, Dec 10, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 11, 2 pm & 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 12, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall Special Concert

Handel’s Messiah

Hallelujah! A holiday hit for 300 years Michael Francis conducts Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Fri, Dec 17, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 18, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 19, 2 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall Special Concert

Holiday Brass

Festive favorites from the incomparable brass and percussion sections Todd Craven conducts Sat, Dec 18, 2 pm, Palladium Theater

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Baking Spirits Bright Semi Sweet Designs makes your holiday dreams crumb true

Mike worked as an aerospace engineer prior to launching their shop, which he initially ran on the side. He’s always done so as its face, interacting with clients and supporters online while Billy, a graphic

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ike and Billy Tamplin are more than just brothers, they’re business partners. The openly gay twins have worked together for more than a decade, launching the Tampa-based Semi Sweet Designs in 2011.

Their retail shop provides tools and

milestones, offering cookie cutters, stencils,

tutorials for bakers of all skill levels to create

decorating supplies, other merchandise like

their own cookies decorated in royal icing.

a “Baking Spirits Bright” T-shirt, recipes

What began as Mike’s hobby now provides

and more.

both entertainment and education, offering

“We help guide people each step of

more than 800 unique items to help patrons

the way, from the tools you use to how to

bake and make the perfect holiday hit.

achieve icing consistency, what colors to

“We’re an online business that teaches

mix and even how to package them after

and encourages people to decorate cookies

you’re done,” he adds. “We’re an all-in-one

for all occasions,” Mike explains. They

resource.”

and web designer, worked primarily behind the scenes.

“I was doing double duty for about maybe seven years and then it just got too overwhelming,” Mike says. “It started to take off to where I thought I could make it work on its own, so that’s when I made the jump and took Billy with me.”

Billy joined full time in 2019 and earlier this year, the two attended CookieCon as vendors. This year’s annual event – billed as the largest gathering of cookie artists in the world – was held in Orlando for the first time and celebrates 10 years in Nevada next March.

“Experiencing CookieCon and interacting with our customers was really awesome,” Billy says. “It felt really great to hear the type of impact that our company has had on CONTINUED ON PG.12

primarily focus on major holidays and

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Collections include a Gingerbread & Hot CONTINUED FROM PG.11 other people and to hear them say that our products and our tutorials helped them start their new careers.”

“It was so nice to actually hear back from our customers and to be able to put faces to the names,” Mike adds. “It was overwhelming but very rewarding.”

The Tamplins’ years of creative outreach led to the experience. While Semi Sweet Designs began as a blog detailing Mike’s cookie wows and woes, it now has more than 80,000 followers on Facebook, nearly 75,000 on Instagram and an additional 12,000 subscribers on YouTube.

“It’s surprised me how large of a cookie community there is,” Billy says.

“Getting feedback, looking at all of the comments on social media and going to CookieCon, it’s been very nice to see that there are so many people out there that share our interests.”

The holidays are central to that connection, among them Christmas. Semi Sweet Designs offers nearly 80 cookie cutters specifically dedicated to the most wonderful time of the year.

way you want, just like any Christmas tree,”

Cocoa cookie platter set; a Classic mini

he explains, “and it’s really cool when you

cookie cutter set with a candy cane, holly,

see four individual pieces come together to

stocking and tree; a Winter Woodland

create one image.”

cookie cutter set with a reindeer, cardinal,

The Tamplins approach each design with

winter berry sprig and pine cone and more.

both accessibility and practicability in mind.

Each are also sold in separate pieces and

It’s imperative that the pieces hold up for

gingerbread men, nutcrackers, snowmen

multiple uses.

and the Clauses are all offered as well. Some of the completed cookies are seen above.

Among Semi Sweet Designs’ staples is a

“I want to make sure that the design itself is impressive but also not intimidating,” Mike says. “I don’t want someone to be

stackable Christmas tree set, pictured on pg.

scared and not even attempt it. I want them

11. It includes four cookie cutters, each of

to think ‘I can do that,’ even someone who’s

which is a different part of the tree, the top

never picked up a piping bag before.

of which includes the star.

“I really think people will have fun

“I make the design simple but impactful and make sure it has a sturdy silhouette,”

decorating this set,” Mike detailed the

he continues. “For the holidays, we try to

collection last holiday season. “It’s a blank

go with the trends if there are any, but if

canvas that allows you to get as creative as

there’s a classic design that we haven’t tried,

you’d want with it.”

we’ll try to recreate it for the shop.”

While his design was iced with

“We’re always preparing,” Billy adds.

ornaments, beaded garland and twinkling

“Our inventory just continues to grow with

stars, “these Christmas trees would look just

each passing holiday.”

as amazing with a simple flood of icing and

You can prepare for your favorite holiday with

a festive sprinkle mix sprinkled on top,” he

Semi Sweet Designs any time of the year. Check

added. “Go simple or go ham. It’s really up

out cookie and icing recipes, in-depth tutorials

to you.”

and Mike and Billy Tamplin’s other baking

Mike says that’s why the design is his holiday favorite. “You can decorate it any

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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essentials at SemiSweetDesigns.com.

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

In our box, in our socks & a gift that SHOCKS

A

s the Florida weather turns from the balmy summer days of 90 degrees to the cool, wintery ones of the upper 70’s, we are all getting ready for the holiday

day Alaskan cruise. (Prices vary depending on departure days and location)

Jeremy Williams | Editor-in-Chief Oh Santa, it has been difficult but I have

season.

managed to be a very good

We are hanging the mistletoe, baking the sugar cookies and getting our gift

pair available from The Vermont Country

shopping done. In case any of our loved ones

Store — the Men’s Portuguese Flannel

or admirers are doing the same, the staff

Sleep Pants. I like the red ones. ($39.95 @

here at Watermark have yet again made our

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annual picks for the gifts we are hoping to receive.

In my box this year, I would like the gift of sound. Specifically, in my car. Apparently I

This year, we asked each person to select

jam out to Air Supply and Barry Manilow too

three gift ideas — one $50 and under that

loudly and now my speakers have a raddle.

would fit nicely in a stocking hung by the

A new audio system would go a long way

chimney with care (or in our sock), one $500

to repairing my sanity on the long drives

and under that can be wrapped and placed

between Watermark offices in Orlando and

under the tree (or in our box) and one that

Tampa Bay. A pair of the Alpine R-Series

has no price limit and can be anything your

6-1/2” 2-way car speakers with carbon fiber

heart desires (or a gift that shocks).

reinforced polypropylene cones in black

Rick Todd | Owner, Publisher

would do nicely. ($399.95 @ BestBuy.com)

Dearest Santa, This Christmas I would like a pair of plaid flannel pajama pants in my stocking. Christmas

boy this year so I hope you

lounge-inspired pants. There’s a perfect

For my gift that shocks, I wish for something out of the ordinary for myself.

Typically I enjoy the warmth of the sun, but this go ‘round I’d like to witness the beauty of glaciers and whale watching on a seven-

just isn’t complete without a pair of comfy,

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

bring me all the gifts I have been wanting.

I recently moved into a new apartment and where I keep my pots and pans is just a big, open cabinet. The Monica Geller in me needs something more organized so the Mudeela adjustable pots and pans organizer rack would be perfect. ($21.98 @ Amazon.com) I am a total pop culture nerd who has used this space in the past to ask for TV show-inspired Funko Pops and superherothemed books. Keeping with that tradition I am asking Santa for a brand-new LEGO set based on one of my favorite Christmas movies — the 3,955 piece “Home Alone” set. ($249.99 @ LEGO.com) My ultimate shock gift would be to become a secret agent with all the excitement and none of the actual danger.

CONTINUED ON PG.19

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The Invictus Experience will fly you to Las Vegas where you will spend three days and two nights working on a secret mission filled with high-speed chases, extravagant dinners and daring stunts. Who wouldn’t want to live like James Bond for a few days? (Starting at $25,000 for the full mission profile @ InvictusExperience.com)

Ryan Williams-Jent | Managing Editor It’s not a holiday classic, Santa, but with the fifth installment coming in January I’d like to get caught up on all things “Scream.” The three-film collection and “Scream 4” are the perfect Blu-rays for that. ($39.95 for all four films @ Amazon.com) As for under the tree, get me pictures of Spider-Man! Or at least LEGO’s 3,772-piece Daily Bugle set, which perfectly recreates the HQ of Marvel’s most famous newspaper.

It even already comes in a box. ($299.99 @ LEGO.com) On top of that, no gift would shock me more than the Incredi-Pass, Disney’s new annual pass. We cancelled ours in 2020 because of the pandemic but the magic is calling me back for Disney World’s 50-year celebration. ($1,299.00 @ DisneyWorld.

Disney.Go.com)

5600±200K Bowens Mount CRI 96 TLCI 97

necklace from The Gold & Diamond Source

Daylight Balanced LED Continuous Video

in Clearwater, Florida. This necklace features

Light, Ultra Silent LED Photography Light

200 handmade pieces that were put together

with 8 FX Effect sounds good to me. ($359.00

by master jewelers to create and complete

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this unbelievable Juleve masterpiece. Santa,

I work on a computer a lot. I love my

I hope you find it. ($349,999.00 @ The Gold

current MacBook Pro but it is a little dated

& Diamond Source)

and time for an upgrade. The new 16-inch

Michael Wier | Account Manager

MacBook Pro released by Apple would have a larger screen and be multiple times more powerful. ($3,499 @ Apple.com)

Danny Garcia | Sales Director If COVID taught us

Dear Santa, Since we are starting to meet people in person again, and I have been good this year, I want to

anything, lockdowns suck!

make sure I smell OK after being in sweats

Things have improved and

for so long. In my socks I would like a

hopefully this won’t

bottle of CK One by Calvin Klein to make

happen again but should it

sure I am presentable when connecting

my gifts need to be lockdown friendly.

For my socks, I can’t go wrong with a gift certificate. Whether it’ll be used for online

with people in person again. ($35.50 @ ThePerfumeSpot.com) For my gift in a box I would love the

grocery orders or to treat myself in the

Sharper Image motorized pool lounger. We

magic grab bag that is my Amazon wish list

just got a new pool and I would love to motor

which is filled with wants, but not necessary

around the pool on these sunny Florida days.

“needs.” This ranges from books to literally

($219.99 @ SharperImage.com)

socks. ($50.00 @ Amazon.com) For the box item, this is a repeat from my

For a gift that shocks, I would like the Five Person Exploration Submarine so I can

2020 wish list — a PlayStation 5 console,

explore all the beaches in Florida. This is the

disc version. ($499.99 @ BestBuy.com)

five-person submersible that can descend to

Well for the gift that shocks, I’m not

a depth of 656 feet for accessing reefs,

asking for much … but the WORLD! The

wrecks and rare underwater species.

Ultimate World Cruise by Royal Caribbean

($2,700,000 @ Hammacher.com)

is a 274-night cruise around the world that visits all seven continents, 150 destinations, 65 countries and 11 of the world wonders.

Dylan Todd | Art Director I love traveling with my husband. We’ve traveled around the U.S. on various trips to see family, for events and just for fun. In April, we will be celebrating our one-year anniversary and are planning our first trip overseas together for our honeymoon (postponed due to COVID). So I’d like the Scratch Off World Map poster so we can track everywhere we’ve been and everywhere we are going. ($19.97 @ Amazon.com) I’m a photographer by trade, but am slowly getting into videography. I think a video lighting system that can utilize the light modifiers I already own would be an awesome addition to my gear, and ultimately the types of work I can do. The Godox SL150WII, SL150W II SL-150WII 150W

(Starts at $61,000 @RoyalCaribbean.com)

Sam Callahan | Senior Account Manager It seems like forever since last Christmas and I believe I have been a pretty good girl this year.

I don’t want to ask for much for myself, except one BIG thing. But, in my stocking, I would like to be a little risky and would like to find lottery scratch off tickets. ($50.00 @ your local convenient store) Under the tree in a box, I would like to find airline tickets for my granddaughter to come visit us in Florida. (Prices vary depending on departure days and location) NOW here’s the SHOCKER! I would like this amazingly beautiful, one-of-a-kind

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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Watermark Asks: What is your favorite or most memorable gift you have received during the holiday season?

JOSH BELL, ONE ORLANDO ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR My junior year of high school my combined birthday/Christmas present was to go to New York City for a few days between Christmas and New Year’s. We saw five shows in three days, including the

TATIANA QUIROGA, COME OUT WITH PRIDE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As a kid, my most favorite gift I received

DIVINE GRACE, CENTRAL FLORIDA DRAG PERFORMER AND ENTERTAINER Growing up in the south, I wasn’t allowed

was a 1984 Barbie Pink Ultra Vette Corvette.

to have Barbies or her gaudy “Dream

My parents were young and money was

House.” I was, however, allowed to have

tight. It was a complete surprise and more

He-Man action figures. Christmas night of

than I had asked for. Now, as a parent, my

1983, Santa shimmied Castle Grayskull down

most memorable gift is experiencing the

the chimney. Within hours, Skeletor and

holidays through my kids. To see them

Beast-Man shared a quiet bedroom on the

believe in magic, have that wonder and feel

second floor — tucked in with napkins — in

Rockettes

the joy of the holiday season is everything! I

Christmas

cherish this time of year.

Spectacular. It was an awesome gift and a wonderful trip!

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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a decidedly gothic revival apartment with a trap door and a drawbridge.

MICHAEL SMITH, LARGO CITY COMMISSIONER

MATTHIEU CHIN, NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

One of the most meaningful gifts I can remember receiving was a book given to me

As a child my favorite gifts were either

by my grandfather. It was “The Tomb of Tutankhamen” by Howard Carter. With a

music albums or anything to do with my toy car collection. Cheesy and easy. I am dyslexic

with history and inspired my passion for

BIANCA GOOLSBY, LEVEL8 AGENCY AND TEACHING FOR THE CULTURE FOUNDER

discovery, mystery and the possibility of

When I was asked to share my all-time

sweet notes written on the first few pages.

favorite holiday gift, I had to intentionally

Books such as “Goosebumps” by R.L Stine,

pause and reflect on my answer. In

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya

December 2019, my wife Michele gave me

Angelou and “Siddhartha” by Hermann

the trip of a lifetime to Belize. It was so

Hesse. I will admit some of them took me

peaceful and it felt like my home away from

months to read due to my attention span.

home. We went snorkeling in the coral reef,

Now that I am older, I appreciate and

jumped off waterfalls and I experienced a

consider them to be the best gifts I

freedom that I’ve never experienced before.

received.

simple book he helped expand my world, gave direction to my spark of fascination

human ingenuity.

and ADHD so during my teen years along with the typical gifts, my mom and grandmother started giving me books with

This holiday gift was so special to me because the holiday season used to be very triggering for me. Colon cancer took my mother away from me on December 15, 1999, and I would often dream how my life would be if she was still alive. The trip to Belize gave me an opportunity to be free, experience joy

NAOMI WRIGHT, HAUTE COUDOOR OWNER I think my best memory of a Christmas was when I was about 11 or 12 years old. At the time I wanted to be an animator for

and be intentional with my wellness. Thanks to my wife, I have a new perspective during the holiday season.

Disney and loved art, drawing and painting.

My mother, not knowing what things to get me for that took me to Pearl Art and Craft Supply and let me get everything I wanted!

As you can imagine I had art supplies to last me for years afterwards. The quest to be an animator didn’t transpire but that amazing memory did!

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

CirCus TiCkeTs Make GreaT GifTs!

CIRCUS IS BACK! 2021/2022 SEASON Sailor CirCuS preSentS let it Snow Sun DeC 26 - thurS DeC 30, 2021 Sailor CirCuS arena

America’s longest running youth circus presents amazingly talented student performers in this highly anticipated annual holiday show.

CirCuS SaraSota 2022 Fri FeB 11 - Sun Mar 6, 2022 unDer the Big top (in nathan BenDerSon park)

Don’t miss this all-star cast of circus artists, many that appeared on America’s Got Talent, in thrilling performances Under the Big Top!!

Cirque DeS Voix®: CirCus of the VoiCes Fri Mar 18 - Sun Mar 20, 2022 unDer the Big top (in nathan BenDerSon park)

CAC teams up with Key Chorale to present an exhilaratingly unique show that combines live singing & music by the 40+ piece Cirque Orchestra with professional circus artists.

See website for safety protocols.

CirCusarTs.orG Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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Holiday Playlist Watermark readers help pick the 10 Songs of Christmas J

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of Jesus, this one talks about his return. The

to tell us what some of their favorite holiday

A cappella group Pentatonix released their

songs are so that we could put together a little

popular version in 2015 on the deluxe edition of

playlist for you to help get you into the mood.

their holiday album “That’s Christmas to Me.”

Below, and in no particular order, we present

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1

“THE CHRISTMAS SONG” BY NAT KING COLE We start with an oldie but a goodie. Written

“CANDY CANE LANE” BY SIA “Candy Cane Lane” appears on Sia’s

2017 holiday album “Everyday is Christmas.”

What makes it an interesting holiday album is it includes no Christmas standards, featuring

by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé, and first

10 original songs. “Candy Cane Lane” is an

recorded by The King Cole Trio in 1946, the

upbeat tune as Sia sings about taking you on

definitive version of this song was recoded by

a trip to Candy Cane Lane to play with friends

Nat King Cole in 1961. A holiday standard, “The

and eat candy canes in every color.

Christmas Song” has been recorded by many

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but none have been able to hold a candle to Cole’s classic version.

CLARKSON

Speaking of voices, you don’t get anymore

blown away than with Kelly Clarkson. The original American Idol, Clarkson released her first Christmas album “Wrapped in Red” in 2013 and its first single was her ode to holiday companionship, “Underneath the with its sleigh bells and chimes as Clarkson

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Watermark’s 10 songs of Christmas.

“UNDERNEATH THE TREE” BY KELLY

Tree.” The song puts you in the holiday mood

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othing gets us in the holiday spirit faster than listening to some good ole Christmas music. While many may gripe about having it piped into every department store, grocery store, doctor’s office, bar, club and fruit stand nonstop for two months, secretly I think we all love it. And even if you don’t love it all, there is at least one jaunty holiday tune every person holds in high regard.

So we asked our readers over the last month

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“LAST CHRISTMAS” BY WHAM! “Last Christmas” was recorded in 1984

sings “Presents, what a beautiful sight; Don’t mean a thing if you ain’t holding me tight; You’re all that I need; Underneath the tree.”

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“BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” BY IDINA MENZEL AND MICHAEL BUBLÉ

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” is a 1949 song

written by Frank Loesser for the film “Neptune’s Daughter.” While the song itself doesn’t mention holidays at all, the wintery theme has made it a Christmas classic played every year. The song, sung as a duet as a woman tries to leave while a man tries and gets her to stay, has garnered some controversy over the last few years because of some of its lyrics. The 2014 version featuring Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé changes some of the more problematic lyrics but keeps the jazzy, toetapping fun of the original.

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“THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY” BY WHITNEY HOUSTON

“The Little Drummer Boy,” originally

called “Carol of the Drum,” was written by music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 and tells the story of a poor drummer boy who is summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Without a gift to give to the newborn savior, the drummer

by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley —

boy plays his drum for him, pa-rum pum

“WHITE CHRISTMAS” BY THE

British pop duo Wham! and was an immediate

pum pum. Whitney Houston’s version, which

CARPENTERS

hit. Funny enough though, the song with

features her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown

Christmas in its title has very little to do with

and appears on Houston’s holiday album

Berlin in 1942 for the film “Holiday Inn” and

the festive holiday. The song focuses instead

“One Wish,” was the version our readers were

was recorded by The Carpenters for their

on a failed relationship and running into that

partial to.

1978 Christmas album, “Christmas Portrait.”

person the following year.

While the biggest hit from the record was the

6

10

2

“White Christmas” was written by Irving

brother-sister music duo’s “Merry Christmas Darling,” readers went with the Christmas standard which showcases singer Karen

“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU”

BY MARIAH CAREY

“SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS” BY THE JACKSON 5

“Someday at Christmas” was written by

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas

music legend Stevie Wonder for his 1967

is You” is arguably one of the most popular

holiday album of the same name. The song was

holiday songs ever and has charted every

covered by the Jackson 5 on their 1970 album,

holiday season since its original release in

aptly titled “Christmas Album.” The Jacksons’

1994. Appearing on Carey’s multi-platinum

version is more uptempo then Wonder’s

“Joy to the World” was inspired by the Bible’s

album “Merry Christmas,” the song is not only

original and helped “Christmas Album” to be

Psalm 98 and is the most published hymn

an upbeat holiday classic that will put you in

hailed by many critics as one of the best

in North America. Unlike many religious

the Christmas Spirit but it also showcases one

holiday albums ever.

Christmas carols that sing about the birth

of music’s biggest and best voices.

Carpenter’s masterful voice.

3

“JOY TO THE WORLD” BY PENTATONIX An 18th Century Christmas carol,

25

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

A world of Christmas wonder awaits

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Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

26

Open Season

A

fter a holiday season of social distancing, homebound entertaining and virtual celebrations, the festivities are opening back up. We have returned with a sampling of holiday event listings!

CENTRAL FLORIDA “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour, Nov. 1-Jan. 22, Stetson Mansion, Deland. 386873-0167; StetsonMansion.com Sinatra Christmas: My Way, Nov. 12-Dec. 18, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-145; WinterParkPlayHouse.org Night of a Million Lights, Nov. 12-Jan. 3, Give Kids The World Village, Kissimmee. 407-396-1114; AllEvents.in Christmas Celebration, Nov. 12-Jan. 2, SeaWorld, Orlando. 407545-5550; SeaWorld.com/Orlando Breakfast with Santa, Nov. 13 & Nov. 20, Orlando Museum of Art. 407-896-4231; OMArt.org Festival of Trees, Nov. 13-21, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando.

407-896-4231; OMArt.org Holidays at Universal Orlando, Nov. 13-Jan. 2, Universal Resort, Orlando. 407-363-8000; UniversalOrlando.com Reindeer Romp, Nov. 19, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. 407-8964231; OMArt.org Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Nov. 19-Jan. 22, Gaylord Palms, Orlando. 407-586-0000; ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.

Marriott.com

Disney’s Candlelight Processional, select dates Nov. 26-Dec.30, Epcot Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com Ocala Holiday Light Show, Nov. 26-Dec. 31, Florida Horse

“Golden Gals Live” Cheesecake & Cheer, Dec. 15, The Abbey, Orlando.

407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com It’s Lit, Sanford! Critical Mass, Dec. 17, Pedal Driven Co., Sanford.

407-416-7200; PedalDrivenCo.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 18, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-4407900; AmwayCenter.com

Park, Ocala. 352-307-6699; FLHorsePark.com

A Drag Queen Christmas, Dec. 26, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-2281220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Home for the Holidays, Nov. 27, Festival Park, Orlando. 407-8966700; OrlandoPhil.org

TAMPA BAY

Tree Lighting Celebration 2021, Dec. 3, Lake Eola Park, Orlando.

407-246-2121; Orlando.gov “The Nutcracker,” select dates Dec. 3-19, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org Winter Park Christmas Parade, Dec. 4, Park Ave., Winter Park.

407-644-8281; WinterPark.org

Deck the Halls, Nov. 27-Dec. 24, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota. 941-366-9000; FloridaStudioTheatre.org

I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Dec. 11-12, Rosen Event Center, Orlando. 407-377-6638; OrlandoGayChorus.org

The Lakeland Christmas Parade, Dec. 2, Downtown Lakeland.

863.834.6000, LakelandGov.net

Ginger Minj’s Winter Wonderland, Dec. 14, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Together at Christmas, Dec. 15, The Ritz Theater, Sanford. 407377-6638; OrlandoGayChorus.org

Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 17, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Enchant Christmas, Nov. 26-Jan. 2, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. 833-362-6445; EnchantChristmas.com

A Holiday Homecoming, Dec. 9-10, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando. 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dec. 3-12, Lakeland Community Theatre, Lakeland. 863-603-7529; LakelandCommunityTheatre.com Santa Fest Christmas Parade, Dec. 4, Downtown, Tampa. 813-2748854; Tampa.gov

27

“A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 10-20, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-4681115; VeniceTheatre.org

Assisted Living the Musical: Home for the Holidays, Nov. 19Dec. 19, Venice Theatre, Venice.

941-468-1115; VeniceTheatre.org

Tampa Bay Holiday Market, Nov. 20-21, The Coliseum, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5202; StPete.org

“Muppet Christmas Carol,” Dec. 5, Garden Theatre, Winter Haven.

407-877-4736; GardenTheatre.org

Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Dec. 1012; Straz Center, Tampa. 813-2297827; StrazCenter.org

Holiday Music Concert, Dec. 14, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-2297827; StrazCenter.org

Holiday Tree Decorating Contest, Nov. 19-Dec.30, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. 863-834-8111; RPFundingCenter.com

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dec. 4, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407896-6700; OrlandoPhil.org

Holiday Pops, Dec. 10, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Christmas Town, Nov. 12-Jan. 2, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-8844386; Busch Gardens.com/Tampa

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

by Chip Davis, Nov. 19, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. 863-834-8111; RPFundingCenter.com

Holly Jolly Sounds of the Season, Dec. 4-5, The Plaza Live, Orlando.

407-896-6700; OrlandoPhil.org

“The Night Before,” Dec. 3-24, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com

“Nutcracker,” Dec. 17-19, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org And Heaven and Nature Sing, Dec. 18, 2021, Straz Center, Tampa. 813229-7827; StrazCenter.org Holiday Brass, Dec. 18, Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-8223590; FloridaOrchestra.org Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 19, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-3016500; AmalieArena.com Johnny Wild & the Delights, Dec. 21-22, Venice. 941-468-1115; VeniceTheatre.org Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Dec. 22,Straz Center, Tampa. 813229-7827; StrazCenter.org A Drag Queen Christmas, Dec. 27, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-2297827; StrazCenter.org A Very Countess Christmas, Dec. 28, Hard Rock Event Center, Tampa. 866-399-4263; SeminoleHardRockTampa.com Christmas in the Wild, select dates, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa. 813-395-8552; ZooTampa.org

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Business Directory ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bach Festival Society of Winter Park 407-646-2182 BachFestival.org CFC Arts 407-937-1800 CFCArts.com/Events Circus Arts Conservatory 941-355-9805 CircusArts.org Florida Orchestra 727-892-3331 FloridaOrchestra.org Florida Studio Theatre 941-366-9000 FloridaStudioTheatre.org Garden Theatre 407-877-4736 GardenTheatre.org Lakeland Community Theatre 863-603-7529 LakelandCommunityTheatre.com Orlando Ballet 407-426-1733 OrlandoBallet.org RP Funding Center 863-834-8100 RPFundingCenter.com Straz Center for the Performing Arts 813-229-7827 StrazCenter.org Venice Theatre 941-488-1115 VeniceTheatre.org Violectric 407-434-1261 Violectric.net Winter Park Playhouse 407-645-0145 WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Zubrick Magic 866-Zubrick ZubrickMagic.com

COUNSELING A Zupka Counseling 407-986-2888 AZupkaCounseling.com

EVENTS Enchant Christmas EnchantChristmas.com Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest 407-648-0077 OrlandoFringe.org

HOME FURNISHINGS City Furniture CityFurniture.com Dwell Home Market 813-602-0360 MyDwellHome.com Phil Kean / Kitchens 407-599-3922 PhilKeanKitchens.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY Avita AvitaPharmacy.com Beautiful You MediSpa 407-702-9179 BeautifulYouMediSpa.com Piñero Preventive Medical Care 407-426-9693 PineroMedical.com

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES Dylan Todd Photography 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com

REALTOR Downtown Expert Realty LLC 407-508-8809 Downtown.expert

RELIGIOUS SERVICES First Baptist Church Orlando 407-425-2555 FirstOrlando.com

SHOPPING & RETAIL BookStore 1 Sarasota 941-365-7900 SarasotaBooks.com Fairvilla MegaStore Fairvilla.com Gold and Diamond Source 727-573-9351 GoldAndDiamond.com Old Town Kissimmee 407-396-4888 myoldtownusa.com Tyrone Frame & Mirror 727-344-1000 TyroneFrame.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM Downtown Development Board DowntownOrlando.com/Holidays Old Town Kissimmee 407-396-4888 MyOldTownUSA.com

WEDDING & PARTY VENUE The Capen House at the Polasek 407-636-9317 CapenHouse.com

WEDDING PLANNER / OFFICIENT Humanist Celebrant Orlando 407-608-9242 HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com

29

Watermark’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021

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121 South Lake Ave., Lakeland FL 33801 lakelandcommunitytheatre.com (863) 603-PLAY (7529)

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

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Dec 3, 4, 5 & 10, 11, 12 2021

Sister Act

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane.

February 18, 19, 20 & 25, 26, 27 & March 4, 5, 6 - 2022