I hate traditions. Maybe hate is a strong word, but I strongly resist them. I grew up in a very stereotypical, old-fashioned Southern family. I was strangled by tradition. There would actually be fights – with tears and subtle Southern-style grudges – over things like what dishes would be served at holidays and how the […]
Help out a local family this Thanksgiving by participating in the Thanksgiving basket drive for homeless and low income families sponsored by Capitol Hill Group Ministry . An annual tradition for CHGM, the basket drive is a simple way to help other families “enjoy a bountiful harvest at Thanksgiving.” How can you help? Putting together […]
Like you, hopefully, we’re practically finished the shopping, have mailed the cards, and nestled in for a few days of cheer. Between eggnog consumption and National Lampoon’s Christmas viewing, we’ll be taking a bit of hiatus for the next few days, or keeping a slim schedule, to say the least. Put your feet up, turn […]
For two of the last five years, I’ve spent Christmas in Madrid. It’s a lovely place to be, with large “Belén” (enormous nativity scenes, often with dozens of statues) in the public squares, and extraordinarily enthusiastic revelers. Last winter, I swear, one of every dozen people I encountered wore an elf or wizard hat or […]
How far from home does the “buy local” criteria extend? Probably not all the way to the Rhode Island Avenue Home Depot. This elf’s decorating coffers being a little spare this year, I made the “Grinchish” decision to nix the tradition of stopping by Eastern Market for tree. Did we save a few bucks? Yes. […]