Margarita’s Merry Christmas

This festive post is really a nostalgic throwback Tuesday in disguise, but ssssh.

To get you in the holiday spirit, here’s a reminder of that time in 2009 I spent sipping wine and singing Christmas carols with Cuban singing sensation Margarita Pracatan. We met at her apartment in Manhattan, and tried our best at belting out — or in my case, spoken-word singing — three tunes. It’s like having your own pair of Christmas carolers!

First up was our rendition of “Merry Christmas,” which speaks for itself.

Actually, our joint attempt at “Feliz Navidad” is also best presented without commentary.

Finally we decided to mix things up by singing the hit “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” although it’s evident from the video that I forgot the lyrics pretty quickly. Whoops.

My night of singing with Margarita came just one year after my December 2008 dinner interview with her at the now-shuttered restaurant Fusha. Click on this link to learn about the life of eccentric, lovable Margarita, including her journey from Cuba to New York — and a stop in England where she gained fame on Clive James’ talk show in the 1990s.

If you live in England and want to see Margarita live, here’s a reminder that she’ll be performing a New Year’s Eve party in London. Go see her!