Your long, eskimo winter coat has officially left its hiding place deep in the back of your closet and made its way onto your freezing cold body. “Santa Clause” 2 airs 67 times a week. 97.1 FM has converted to playing solely holiday jingles for 24 hours-a-day (so long for now Ed Sheeran). It’s dark long before you leave the office. Speaking of which, there’s literally nobody else in the office. Because you, as the diligent worker and loyal Hanukkah observer that you are, are the only person not taking a vacation this week.
It’s official – Christmas break has hit our nation’s capital and you are left all alone. With nothing to do. No one to see. Just boredom, Netflix, and Instagram-induced FOMO loom on your horizon.
Well, in the words of Mr. Grinch, let me just say…you are “WRONG-O.”
Christmas is, may I be so bold, the BEST TIME to be left in DC. Read on for my personally curated list of what to do, where to go, and who to see this weekend, to make your Christmas break the best ever. And no need to thank me for providing you with this epic list. Gift cards to Amazon or Jeni’s Ice Cream will suffice. 😉
Your Jewish Guide to Christmas Weekend in DC:
Friday, December 22 – PM: Chances are, you’ll get to head home from the office a bit early today (as you will be the only one there). So, why not use the extra time to prepare a Shabbat feast for the best date out there — YOU! Shabbat is all about relaxation, so sit back and embrace the much-needed R&R. Pick up a challah at Bread Furst, don your coziest PJs, light candles, fill your Kiddush cup to the brim, make your own matzo ball soup and some latkes (in case you’re already missing Hanukkah), put away your phone, and enjoy the quiet. Reconnect with yourself, reflect on the past week, start a new book, brainstorm New Year’s resolutions, write in your journal – you do you.
But, if you happen to be more in the “schmooze with society” kind of mood, head to the Chai-vy and Cohen-y Hanukkah pop-up bar for a night of Manischewitz’s finest kosher wines.
Saturday, December 23 – AM: After sleeping in, go for a long, brisk walk around Georgetown – maybe grab a coffee and bagel along the way. There are few things quite as miraculous as a beautiful, morning stroll around DC when the only sounds you can here are whatever tunes you choose to blast – or not – on Spotify. Also, Christmas sales.
Saturday, December 23 – PM: Pregame Christmas Eve at the Hava Tequila party at the DC9 Nightclub. A portion of your ticket supports the It’s On Us campaign to end sexual harassment.
If late night partying ain’t your thang, grab a friend and host a holiday movie marathon! All you need is popcorn, hot chocolate, fuzzy blankets, and this list of top holiday movies.
Sunday, December 24 – AM: See Star Wars at the Cleveland Park Uptown Theater, followed by lunch at Paragon Thai (because, spring rolls).
Sunday, December 24 – PM: Hit the dance floor, mingle with friends new and old, and try a Miracle Mule signature cocktail at Falafel Frenzy.
Monday, December 25 – AM: Volunteer at D25 – sign up in advance to take part in the EDCJCC’s largest volunteer event of the year. You can serve meals, paint a homeless shelter, or throw holiday parties for those in need. There’s also a special event just for young professionals where you’ll visit and deliver food to isolated seniors living in Colombia Heights.
Monday, December 25 – PM: Head to Moishe House Columbia Heights for a Harry Potter marathon and chinese food feast.
Now that you have all you need to enjoy the BEST WEEKEND EVER – go grab your favorite holiday sweater, slip on your coziest winter socks, blast “Baby It’s Cold Outside” on your iPhone, and take advantage of some much needed relaxation and fun. Wishing you and your loved ones a very merry holiday season!
