Often a Christmas choral concert contains certain standards: the Vivaldi Gloria, the biblical narratives of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, a few nostalgic English carols, and in conclusion an “all stand” for Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. This was something different.

From Mary Gaitskill’s novelistic reconsideration of the #MeToo movement to Elton John’s hilarious self-mockery, our man in letters picks ’em . . .

The holidays are coming up — Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s. This means shopping, parties galore, and possibly travel. Don’t go broke; make some original and creative food gifts or go out and buy some local ones.

Whether you prefer to celebrate New Year’s Eve by dancing or indulging in a gourmet meal, local venues are offering plenty of festive ways to ring in 2020. Reservations are recommended in all cases.