Wooden Toys
courtesy of Michael T. Ruhl

Mosley: Christmas is the big family holiday for the Mosley Clan, so I will be camping out at either my parents’ place in Cheverly or my sister’s in Virginia.  I always like to tell people that for me “Christmas” goes from noon on the 24th to noon on the 25th.  It goes back to my childhood: by noon on the 24th, I was well on my way to getting ready for Christmas Eve mass, and by noon on the 25th, I was playing with my new toys, while my parents were taking a nap.  And I’ve got to tell you, I got some cool presents as a kid!

I will always remember the times trying to stay up to hear Santa, only to fall asleep from the excitement (I swear I heard him one year). But since I’ve gotten older, Christmas has changed for me.  I don’t get as excited; the big day seems to come faster and faster every year. But when Christmas does comes around, I’m reminded of the last lines in the Polar Express: “At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”  I know that most of me wouldn’t be able to hear that bell anymore.  But there is still a very small part that hears it loud and clear.  I hope that stays with me forever.

Chanukah at the White House
courtesy of afagen

Rachel: My holiday is going on right now (Chag Sameach to my fellow Jews in the area), so there’s nothing too special going on for me this weekend. I’ve never visited the National Menorah on the Ellipse so I might just have to do that while everyone else is tucked away in their homes for Christmas. I’m doing my best to find some potato pancakes since I’m not much of a chef but so far all I’ve heard about is Firefly in Dupont. Otherwise, I might just have to head to the grocery store and try to make my own for the first time. I’ll likely head to a movie at some point, maybe see The Muppets new movie again. Either way, though, this is likely to be a weekend of leisure. If anyone knows of any good restaurants serving latkes, however, I’d be forever grateful if you passed that information along!

Fedward: We’re spending our weekend (the whole week, in fact), in the other Washington. No, not Chocolate City, the other one. No, not the city of Myopic Little Twits, the other other Washington. The one on the Pacific. The one that’s already a state. We’ll spend our time seeing how the Washington with a vote in congress does its thing, and try to become regulars in one of Seattle’s many excellent bars. Like Canon, or Liberty, or Rob Roy, or Tavern Law, or Zig Zag. Sadly, Vessel doesn’t seem to have reopened yet, but with only seven nights in town and two of those Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, five bars might be all we could manage anyway. Other than that we’ll spend some time at Pike Place Market, and I’ll make time to chant, Monorail! Monorail!.

Magnified
courtesy of Samer Farha

Jenn: If I weren’t escaping to the rural wilds in search of a snow day (which I am, if you haven’t caught on), I would find myself torn between repeating one of my favorite Christmas Eve’s ever – sitting in front of the fireplace in cosy Tabard Inn, enjoying one of Chantal Tseng’s perfect cocktails, aglow with happiness after a damn fine meal. Actually, a gussied-up dinner at any of my favorite grand hotels – The Jefferson, St. Regis – would be enough to get me in the spirit. To counteract the elegance, a night at Theater J cracking up at the Kinsey Sicks would be a great choice if you’re in the mood for an overdose of subversion. Enjoying the quiet in my usually bustling ‘hood would also be fun… but instead, I’ll be in search of a dive bar in a small town for a nightcap, and I bet that simple pleasure will be just fine.

courtesy of Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie

Brittany: I suppose it is time to get down to gift-shopping, so I am thankful for the proliferation of cool local shops where I can get everything done. First stop this evening is Nana for sweet lady gifts. Living in your hometown as an adult has its drawbacks, but one nice thing is not having to travel at major holiday times – instead, I get to stay home and old friends come to me; Friday, I will be gathering with some for beer and tidings. On Christmas Eve, the biggest thing going is the U Halliday Party at U Street Music Hall with all the DJs (and so many kinds of pho hot dogs). I will try to stop by after dinner with my family. I have no big plans for the rest of the weekend – just hang out with people I love, exchange some presents, and wish it actually felt like Christmas weather outside.

Tom: Who’d have thought that in picking California for Christmas, I’d be picking a place colder than DC? While I’ll be hanging with my family for Christmas, my heart will be with the new National Christmas Tree, I have to feel for the little guy, who’s clearly under a lot of pressure to live up to his predecessor’s stature. While we couldn’t bring a growler of DC Brau out with us, we are getting our fill of 1554 out here, so that much is good. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Blessed Kwanzaa, and Joyous Solstice to all.

Mmmm….
courtesy of kimadababe

Moses: the wife and I are changing things up this holiday season by hosting family from both sides! Since the DC arrival of niece Megan 8 weeks ago, that just makes it easier for everyone.  Trust me, I’ll be ready for a vacation (and some beverages!) after this holiday week — hopefully we’re still talking to each other come our Dec 29 anniversary!  With 10-13 people per meal for a week, I’m cooking family style foods that are easy to reheat, but based on some DC favorites of mine.  Maybe a holiday meatloaf, (“Ma, the meatloaf!” – not safe for work!) based on the unmatchable “Kosta’s Famous Meatloaf” from the Greek Deli (Thursday is meatloaf day!) and/or Shepherds Pie, based on Duffy’s former winter favorite.  Soups and Chili (no, not Chilis!) include my wife’s favorite, the Greek Deli’s Avgolemono (egg & lemon) soup and my brother’s favorite Terlingua Red Chili from Hard Times Cafe!  Do you have a suggestion for me from a DC favorite?  I’ll need some help — Please post the link in the comments below, and Happy Holidays everyone!