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Dear Ruthie,
I need you to be my holiday helper! Each Christmas, I visit my family, and they act like I’m still waiting to meet the right girl. I’m out, I’m proud and I’m tired. How do I handle the small talk without losing my cool?
“Mary” Christmas,
GurlBye
Dear Bye,
Family gatherings are like fruitcake — full of nuts and hard to swallow. Set boundaries: “We can talk about my life but let’s not rewrite it.” Then, arm yourself with distractions (silly stories about your friends, pictures of your dog in a Santa hat or a well-timed trip to the kitchen).
Ho, ho, hold your boundaries. If they still won’t behave, smile and say, “Santa knows who’s on the naughty list, and it’s everyone asking about my love life.”
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
December 2—2025 Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Party at Harley-Davidson Museum/The Garage (400 W. Canal St.): Mix and mingle with the city’s movers and shakers during the party that keeps Milwaukee talking all year long. Who will be named best bartender? Most popular custard stand? Yummiest bakery? Favorite drag queen? Stop by the 6 p.m. bash and find out.
December 4—Jollyday Party at Walker’s Pint (818 S. Second St.): The team at Walker’s Pint invite you to enjoy a little holiday cheer with this party that serves up music, drink specials, food and more. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and runs well into the night.
December 4—Opening Night Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Bombshell Studio Theatre (19700 W. Bluemound Road): The beloved Christmas musical takes center stage in this delightful production from Bombshell Theatre. Check out the company’s new digs when you nab seats via www.bombshelltheatre.org. Hurry! The run closes December 21.
December 6 & 7—Mostly Christmas Joys from Mostly Christmas Boys at Pitman Theatre (3401 S. 39th St.): The city’s choir for gay men and their allies, Our Voice, presents this seasonal offering that puts a little cheeky fun into Christmas. Two performances make it a snap to enjoy the classic carols, Broadway favorites and fun-loving parodies. Visit www.ourvoicemke.org for tickets, showtimes and more.
December 11—Opening Night Annual Golden Girls Special at LaCage Nightclub (801 S. Second St.): What happens when Rose butts heads with Blanche’s boyfriend? Will Dorothy get along with her daughter-in-law? Why is Sophia acting like a teenager? Find out during this all-new show. Get tickets at www.ticketleap.events/events/lacage/GG-2025 before the all-original comedy closes December 21.
December 14—“Christmas Wishes, Letters to Santa” Women's Voices Milwaukee Christmas Concert at Oak Creek Arts & Education Center (340 E. Puetz Road): Make the holidays extra bright with a 3 p.m. concert. Featuring all the seasonal charm you’ve come to expect from this talented group, it’s one show sure to make memories. Stop by www.oakcreekpaec.com for tickets.
December 21—Ho Ho Holiday Party at Pop (124 E. Wells St.): The gang at Pop wants to make your holiday merry with an 8 p.m. party. Enjoy craft cocktails alongside Pop’s popular pizza and finger foods as you dance the night away. If you haven’t been to Pop lately, Christmas is a great time to check it out!
December 24—A Christmas Carol at Pabst Theater (144 E. Wells St.): Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the annual spectacular has become a tradition for thousands. The Milwaukee Rep helps you fit this production into Christmas Eve with two performances. See www.milwaukeerep.com for tickets.
December 26—Closing Night The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium at Marcus Performing Arts Center (929 N. Water St.): Soak up every last bit of holiday magic with this annual delight from the Milwaukee Ballet. Nearly 200 dancers take to the stage to entertain, entrance and evoke the merriest of merry as we bid adieu to Christmas. See www.marcuscenter.org for tickets.
December 27—Queer Crafternoon at MKE LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court St.): Whether you draw, knit, paint or simply color, enjoy this friendly noon event. Grab your supplies and head over to the center for a few hours of friendly conversation while you craft with likeminded folxs. See www.mklgbt.org for details.
Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at DearRuthie@ShepEx.com.
