Dear friends, as we approach the start of the new year, I want to take a moment to say a quick and hearty thanks to our beloved local Cafe Porto Bello, for being open for Christmas Eve takeout!

For over 30 years, my family has had a holiday tradition of visiting my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Hacka’s home on Christmas Eve. Some years, over 60 people ranging in age from 1 to 80 would pile into my aunt and uncle’s cozy house on East Fourth Street in their holiday best. Most times, Peggy would cook a traditional baked ham dinner. But after some health struggles, that was not the case this year. Instead, my aunt decided to pass the holiday dinner baton to my Aunt Karen to take on the day’s cooking. And given the size of our family, this was our first Cafe Porto Bello Christmas Eve. (Neighbors, how awesome is it that we have businesses we can depend on to make our lives easier, even on the holidays? Shout out to Capo’s pastry chef, Melissa Hart, and all the Christmas magic she created by baking hundreds of cookies, cakes, bagels, breads, and more).

Thanks to Porto Bello, we dined on trays of chicken parm, pasta + meatballs, and lasagna, all picked up and placed in chafing dishes in the dining room, buffet-style. It was wonderful! In our neighborhood of South Boston, we are so lucky to have thriving small businesses, like Cafe Porto Bello, to help with the hustle of the holiday season. And, I’m very happy to report the food was delicious while long-standing traditions like singing Christmas Carols from xeroxed copies that Peggy compiled years ago were once again passed around to the family, so we could all sing for the arrival of Santa (and YES, he made an appearance!).

Some traditions are strong and stand the test of time, while others adapt and evolve. And 2024 was one of those years that shifted slightly at Peggy and Hacka’s for the better. They could both relax and enjoy their company without the stress of cooking for a house full of family.

Another new tradition that’s popped up in the neighborhood is the creation of the inaugural Caught in Southie Festive Holiday Stoop Contest + Stroll to benefit the South Boston Neighborhood House.  Despite frigid temperatures, fourteen homes participated, and over 100 people strolled the experience. The seeds were planted for a fun and festive annual event for the community to enjoy every December (we hope) to come.

As this neighborhood’s biggest cheerleader, I’m so proud of being part of this Caught In Southie community, sharing that distinct mix of old and new, iconic history with must-have news and tips, too. CIS is the place to feel connected, delighted, and informed, whether that’s through the latest sighting of the Southie Whale near Castle Island, the best spot to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or the new restaurant on Broadway that’s definitely worth a reservation. South Boston has it all…and because of YOU and all the things that make our community amazing, so does Caught In Southie.

Thank you to all the people, businesses, community partners, and traditions that make our neighborhood the special place it is…a place to create and share traditions. Whether you’ve been here for 80 years like Peggy and Hacka or just newly became our neighbor, know this: You are a part of something truly amazing.

Happy Holidays, South Boston! Here’s to more good times, great food, and festive traditions in the new year. We have some surprises up our sleeve for 2025.

See you there!

With love and gratitude,

Maureen

CIS Founder