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Hamptons.com
December 16, 2023

Sixty-Something: My Hamptons Christmas Tale

T.J. Clementeby T.J. Clemente
in Community, Trending
Home Community
Sixty-Something: My Hamptons Christmas Tale

I still remember the pride and joy of my dad when, in the late winter of 1961, he brought the family to see what was to be our home. The first place in the home he brought us all to was the den, which had a total red brick wall, and in the middle of it, a big fireplace!

 

Many winter evenings of my childhood were spent in front of that fire, watching the custom color TV pops had created to go in that wall to the right of the fireplace. In 1961, color TVs were a new thing, and it was a big thrill to see shows like Bonanza and Walt Disney’s World of Color in color on NBC. Watching “Tinkerbell” wave her magic wand mid-screen and have those collages of color appear on the TV screen next to a crackling fire in the fireplace had us all in awe.

 

I spent one winter in East Hampton Village, renting a large room in the home of Roland Eisenberg on Barns Lane. It was a Yankee Barn home with a huge fireplace on the second floor. Roland spent a great deal of that winter in Morocco, so most nights I was alone in front of that huge fireplace with a blazing fire to keep me warm. Although part of my deal was I could use the fire as much as I wanted, in the end, I had to restock the firewood. Still, my friend (via Ben Dollinger), “Whitey,” gave me a great deal (free) replacing it. I just had to stack it!

 

So, as in all good stories, this one starts on Christmas Eve midnight; I arrived back home from a most special Christmas Eve gathering at the historic Palm/Hunting Inn in EH Village, a short walk from Barns Lane. It was snowing and raw cold in the home, so I quickly built a fire. As most divorced men know, those first few Christmas Eve nights separated from your children, as are all holidays, are tough. Therefore, as the joy of that evening wore off, I thought I’d read a book.

 

Roland had a collection of famed columnist James Brady, who actually had Roland as a continuing character as himself in a few of the novels! Roland managed and had a small ownership share of the local Blue Parrot Tex-Mex restaurant just steps away from his Barns Lane home. James Brady spent many evenings there, squirreled up at the end of the bar sipping beer (Pacifico’s) and telling stories. In fact, the first paid East End article I ever wrote, I read to James Brady at the Blue Parrot.

 

I thought I had read all of his books, but that night, as Christmas Eve turned to Christmas Day, I noticed a small white hard-covered book. It had no title or any information on it at all! I opened it up and was surprised to find out it was a special edition James Brady book with a long handwritten inscription to Roland for his friendship and help to Mr. Brady over the years. The amazing thing was the title of this book was; “A Hamptons Christmas!”

 

I read this short novella about a young girl who goes alone to the family Hamptons home on Christmas Eve to force her divorcing parents to come get her and be together on Christmas Day. Mesmerized, I read straight through to the end in front of a huge crackling fire alone in that big Yankee Barn home. I would pause to walk to the window door of the second-floor deck and look out at East Hampton Village all lit up for Christmas Eve, transforming into Christmas Day. There were snow flurries and the sound of a cold gusting wind. It was for me one very holy night.

 

In a lifetime, magical things happen at specific times for no predictable reason. Reading that book that night was one of those times. As I read every word, I could hear James Brady’s voice telling the story in my mind. The story built powerfully until the end. I had tears of both sorrow and joy slowly rolling down my cheeks. I then slept in the big chair in front of the fire.

 

The epitaph to this personal “Christmas Tale” is that the next summer I sat next to James Brady, and over a Pacifico, I told him the story. He was touched and then proceeded to tell me about his next book, a book about the Marines. James Brady was always the proudest of ex-Marines. Sadly, within two years, he passed on January 26th, 2009, just three years later.

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LOCAL EVENTS

Events

04
Jun
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Life & Figure Drawing with instructor Bruce Lieberman

June 4 @ 05:30 PM - July 16 @ 08:30 PM
The Nathanial Rogers house, 2539 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton NY 11932
04
Jun
04
Jun
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04
Jun

A Monk’s Guide to Health, Happiness and Positivity

June 4 @ 06:00 PM - June 4 @ 08:30 PM
The HUB, 2183 Montauk Highway, Bridge Hampton, NY
05
Jun
05
Jun
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16
Jun

Mazel Toned

June 5 @ 09:00 AM - June 16 @ 09:45 AM
The Hampton Synagogue
05
Jun
05
Jun
-
05
Jun

5 Rosés and 5 Courses: An Almond and Channing Daughters Collaboration

June 5 @ 06:30 PM - June 5 @ 10:30 PM
Almond Restaurant 1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
05
Jun
05
Jun
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Macari Vineyard Wine Dinner at R.AIRE

June 5 @ 06:30 PM - June 5 @ 09:30 PM
259 East Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY, 11946
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Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center: Dedicated to Helping East End Wildlife

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center: Dedicated to Helping East End Wildlife

  • The reopening of the Sunset Theater marks a new chapter for a historically cherished cultural venue in Westhampton Beach, originally built in 1927. After what Founder and Managing Director Inge Debyser described as an extensive three-year renovation, the beloved movie theater officially reopened its doors at 2 Brook Road on Friday, April 25.⁠
@sunset.theater.whb⁠
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Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#sunsettheater #hamptons #westhamptonbeach #movies #film
  • Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, The HUB—short for Health, Unity, and Beauty—launched its summer season with an impressive soirée on Friday. ⁠
⁠
Founders Michael Catalano and Toni DeMauro, along with creative and event leads Alex Vinash and Billy Folchetti, welcomed 300 Hamptonites into the magic of their bold new project.⁠
@hub_hamptons⁠
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Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
⁠
📸: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com⁠
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#hamptons #thehub #fashion #recreation #bridgehampton
  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
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🍻 Back to the Bays x Kidd Squid: Brew for the Bay Release Party!⁠
📅 Friday, May 30, 2025⁠
🕓 5pm
📍 Kidd Squid Brewery, 11 Spring St, Sag Harbor, NY⁠
⁠
Join us as we toast to conservation! 🌊🍺 Proceeds support marine restoration through @ccemarine Back to the Bays Initiative.⁠
⁠
🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
⁠
🎶 Sunset Serenades: A Hamptons Summer Celebration⁠
📅 Fri, May 30th -31st
🕖 7pm⁠
📍 Various Hamptons Venues⁠
⁠
An intimate concert featuring TH·FM’s Salon Orchestra, soprano Greer Lyle & more — conducted by Logan Souther. 🌅🎻⁠
⁠
🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🏆 Celebrate Local Legends: Howard & Kenny Wood⁠
📅 Fri, May 30, 2025⁠
🕔 5pm⁠
📍 The Clubhouse, 174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY⁠
⁠
Join the party honoring Suffolk County Hall of Fame icons! 🎉⁠
⁠
🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
⁠
🍍 Talkhouse Encore Launch Party⁠
📅 Sat, May 31, 2025⁠
🕒 3pm – 6pm⁠
📍 The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY⁠
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FREE entry, tequila pineapple cocktails, music, bites & giveaways! 🍹🎶⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🧱 CMEE’s 8th Annual Block Party⁠
📅 Sat, May 31, 2025⁠
🕙 10am – 12pm⁠
📍 CMEE, Bridgehampton, NY⁠
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A FREE morning of crafts, rockets, chalk art & summer camp samplings! 👧🧒🎨⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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😂 Saturday Night Comedy at Sticks X Stones⁠
📅 Sat, May 31, 2025⁠
🕗 8pm⁠
📍 Sticks and Stones Comedy Club, Southampton, NY⁠
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NYC’s top comedy club talent hits the Hamptons! 🎤🤣⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🎬 Sunset Theater: Karate Kid: Legends⁠
📅 Opens Fri, May 30, 2025⁠
🕐 Various Times⁠
📍 Sunset Theater, Westhampton Beach, NY⁠
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Don’t miss the latest chapter in the Karate Kid saga! 🥋⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🍰 Afternoon Tea at The Baker House 1650⁠
📅 Sun, June 1, 2025⁠
🕝 1:30pm – 4pm⁠
📍 181 Main St, East Hampton, NY⁠
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Enjoy champagne, sweets & elegant tea service in a historic setting. ☕🍾⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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Check out more events at Hamptons.com⁠
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#hamptons #weekend⁠
  • Nearly two years after its debut, El Verano offers a taste of upscale Mexican cuisine in a setting inspired by the charm of vacation summer homes in Mexico. Customers enter a vibrant space filled with beautiful greenery and colorful decor as they enjoy dishes rooted in the heritage of acclaimed chef Julian Medina.⁠
⁠
Medina grew up in Mexico City, where his love for cooking first began. In pursuit of his career, he moved to New York City, where he graduated from the French Culinary Institute. Noticing a lack of refined Mexican dining in Southampton, Medina created El Verano to bring the bold flavors of his roots to the area. Blending Mexican coastal charm with rich culinary traditions, El Verano brings something new to the Southampton dining scene.⁠
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Medina shared some of his signature dishes, journey through the cooking field, and highlighted El Verano’s fresh and locally sourced ingredients that shape each creation.⁠
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Read the interview at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#elverano #dining #southampton #mexicancuisine
  • NAMIRO made its Southampton debut in style on May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP cocktail preview, joined by Mayor Manger. Guests enjoyed signature bites and high-energy vibes at this invite-only event.⁠
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Conceptualized by music and hospitality heavyweights, NAMIRO Sushi is more than a restaurant—it’s where sleek design, elevated Asian cuisine, and nightly celebration collide. Located at 76C Jobs Lane in Southampton, NAMIRO opened its doors to the public on May 21 and is open seven days a week, year-round.⁠
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📸: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com ©2025 ⁠
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Check out the gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#namirosushi #hamptons #southampton ⁠
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  • It’s Memorial Day Weekend in The Hamptons! 

So many pop-ups, collaborations, and more! 

🎶 Chloe Caillet & Kaytranada at The Surf Lodge
📍 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 🕓 Doors at 4PM

🔥 SlowFires NYC x Ruschmeyers Pizza Pop-Up
📍 Ruschmeyers, 161 2nd House Rd, Montauk, NY
📅 Fri, May 23 – Sat, May 24 | 🕓 4–9PM

🎨 Dolce Vita Pop-Up in Southampton
📍 95 Main Street, Southampton, NY
📅 Fri, May 23 – Sun, May 25 | 🕚 11AM–3PM
Dolce Vita x Down the Street’s Summer Art Series: view new art drops, shop, and enjoy seasonal treats.

👜 Lands’ End x Round Swamp Farm
📍 Round Swamp MTK – 71 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk
📍 Round Swamp BH – 97 School Street, Bridgehampton, NY
📅 Fri, May 23 – Sat, May 24 | 🕣 8:30AM–6PM
Get a custom tote with any $200+ purchase—1 per customer.
📸 AD: Ryan Woehler | 📷: Chris Klinge | 👗: Jenny Huebner | 📸 Asst: Dan Kleinschmidt

🎤 Hello Brooklyn at The Stephen Talkhouse
📍 161 Main St, Amagansett, NY
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 🕥 10:30PM
It’s not a true Hamptons weekend without a night at Talkhouse! Dance the night away with Hello Brooklyn.

🍪 Levain Bakery X John’s Drive-In
📍 Levain Bakery, 354 Montauk Hwy, Wainscott, NY
📅 Starts May 23 | 🕗 8AM–5PM
Thick, gooey Levain cookies + classic scoops from John’s = summer magic.

🪩 Silent Disco Dance Party at Guild Hall
📍 158 Main St, East Hampton, NY
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 🕗 8–11PM
Dance in the garden!

🪁 Kites for Kids Benefit at Main Beach
📍 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 🕑 2–5PM
Decorate & fly a kite—all proceeds benefit the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center.
📸 Photo Credit: John Musnicki

🍻 Jon Divello at Kidd Squid
📍 11 Spring St, Sag Harbor, NY
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 🕔 5–7PM
Live music + fresh brews = perfect weekend vibes.

🌸 Garden Club of East Hampton’s Garden Party
📍 Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton, NY
📅 Friday, May 23 | 🕕 6–8PM
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a Silent Auction featuring art, books, and more.

🌿 Jenni Kayne’s Hamptons Kickoff
Celebrate summer with in-store events all weekend long at the Amagansett Store and the Southampton Store!
📸 Photo Credit: Holly Sarah Burgess

Tap the link in bio for info!
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