Love them or hate them, there’s no avoiding the holidays. The holidays are all about good food, good times with family and friends, and, if you are a true brother or sister of the leaf, good cigars. Whether you’re hosting or guesting this holiday season, Cigar Life Guy has everything you need to know about how to bring the cigars along for some seasonal smoking.
Hosting A Holiday Cigar Party
When it’s your turn to host, there’s no reason to exclude the cigar smokers in your life. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s are all about tradition, but there’s never a wrong time to start a new one. Adding cigars to the holiday cheer gives new meaning to lighting up the holidays.
Let’s face it, it’s a nonsmoking world. Gone are the days when grandpa could light up a cigar or tamp a pipe right at the dinner table. However, accommodating smokers isn’t difficult. If you live in a warm climate, setting up a smoking station outside is as simple as providing some lawn chairs and ashtrays. Family and guests can smoke a toro while they wait for the turkey to cook.
If you don’t have the yard space or don’t want smoke odors seeping in from the porch, you can always open up the garage. Houston, among other cities, is at the forefront of converting garages into entertainment spaces. Even if your garage isn’t equipped with a bar and television, you can simply open the overhead door for ventilation and allow guests to puff on their favorite premium cigar.
Cold Weather Holiday Cigar Smoking
For some regions, a white Christmas is unavoidable. No need to worry. Let it snow because there are plenty of smoking options for colder climates. Roughing it in the backyard is not ideal, but a fire pit and a glass of red wine or scotch will keep guests warm while they savor that victory cigar after the Thanksgiving Day football games.
Tents, sheds, and garages are all excellent solutions for cold-weather smoking. Outfit a traditional camping tent or pre-built shed with holiday lights for a festive after-dinner smoke. Garages keep the cars warm when temperatures dip below freezing, so it will definitely keep your guests warm. Be sure to open a window for ventilation, but one evening of cigar smoking will clear fast. Adding a television so guests don’t miss a minute of football is probably the most gracious gift of all.
Home Cigar Smoking Rooms
If you’re a cigar smoker yourself, and you have already built a smoking room, being home for the holidays is optimal. Make the season bright and ring in the new year by sharing your private smoke lounge with family and friends.
Cigar Stocking Stuffers & Holiday Cigar Pairings
Want to make your guests feel extra welcome? Supply the cigars. There’s no wrong way to give during the holiday season. You don’t have to break the bank to show how much you care. A box of premium cigars or a simple mix of various blends and brands will make the cigar lover in your circle as jolly as old St. Nick.
Don’t forget the spirits either! On a cold winter’s night, nothing goes better with a cigar than a bit of spiked eggnog. Whether you use rum, bourbon, or whiskey, a creamy cocktail will complement a mild cigar. For the bolder blends, leave out the bottle of bourbon or rye for guests to sip straight or on the rocks.
Heading out for the Holidays
You’ve run the 5k Turkey Trot, played in the Turkey Bowl with old college friends, and watched the Macey’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now it’s time to head to the in-laws. Don’t leave those sticks at home. If you’re a guest this holiday season, chances are you’ll want to sneak away from all the political banter to relax and smoke a fine cigar.
Like weddings and other formal gatherings, you’ll need to clear smoking with your hosts. As always, be polite. Don’t skip the turkey carving or gift exchange to smoke.
A cigar is best savored and shared. Bring a few extras along for friends and family. Remember to have a variety and save the lighter blends for the inexperienced smoker.
Don’t Forget The Gifts
Draw a cigar lover in that Secret Santa at work? Yes, cigars and cigar accessories make excellent holiday gifts. Most cigar brands offer variety packs with a sample of several blends at affordable prices. Cutters, lighters, and ashtrays are welcome additions to any aficionado’s collection.
The holidays can get stressful, but they don’t have to be. Just kick back, light up a cigar, and reflect on all the good the year has brought and all the good to come.
Photo credit: Mike Bennett