Holiday pop-up bars and outlandish decorations have become the norm. Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas or not, bumping into bars and restaurants cashing in the holidays is impossible these days. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

As we’ve all been forced to face different and difficult economic realities, businesses have been forced to pivot on the spot. I hate when people use that term because pivoting in basketball is a lost art. Not only have referees given players far more latitude when it comes to traveling or carrying, nobody gets called for illegal pivots.

Whether it’s due to the pandemic or merely an awakening that their spaces can be better utilized during the winter, but baseball parks have joined zoos and gardens in transforming themselves into revenue-generating winter wonderlands with gazillions of lights.

Wes Unseld is rolling over in Truck Robinson’s grave as I type this.

Years ago, all restaurants had to do during the holidays was provide shoppers with enough space around the table to place their shopping bags. Throw in some good food and refreshing beverages and diners were happy.

Shopping patterns have changed and fewer people are shopping in malls and other traditional, old-school venues. As a result, stand-alone bars and restaurants have had to change to survive. Some have become quite adroit, changing themes every year. People love their holiday traditions like the Walnut Room tree, holiday windows, markets and favorite restaurants.

For as long as I’ve been posting during the holiday season, I find myself opining about the importance of connecting with family and friends at favorite haunts. For the most part, these tableaus are happy reunions of sorts.

I’ve always been interested in hearing about other people’s traditions and experiences as I like to broaden my horizons. While I haven’t been in decades, I was always fond of the perpetually blinking Christmas lights at Pizzeria Due and enjoyed several pepperoni pizzas there.

Don’t forget about the legendary Tom & Jerry at your favorite saloon.