Photo by Philliefan99
CHRISTMAS MOVIES: If It’s a Wonderful Life were being made today, surely it would not conclude with generous townsfolk helping out a bank in such earnest fashion. Oh, wait. Frank Capra’s love letter to the Depression-era financial industry screens tonight at the AFI Silver Theatre (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring). So if you’re into bank bailouts and poverty, there’s that. Fortunately, the AFI Silver is also playing A Muppet Christmas Carol, perhaps the finest adaptation of the Dickensian fable. Other holiday films playing today include Holiday, Sunset Boulevard and, um, The Godfather: Part II which has a New Year’s Eve sequence.
NOG AND GLOGG: The Gallery Place wine bar Proof (775 G Street NW) is setting aside its reds and whites in favor of booze-soaked eggnog and hot, fresh glogg. For $10, a glass of nog includes shots of Madeira and bourbon or cognac or rum.
CHRISTMAS STUFF FOR THE CHOSEN PEOPLE, by Josh Novikoff:
Families celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus gather this Christmas Eve, but they’re not the only ones celebrating the holiday in familiar ways. It’s Christmastime for the Jews. That means a selection of what are now looked forward to, annual parties that mark the evening. And, some ways to give back tomorrow after all of the reveling.
Good For the Jews
This comic duo has been playing a Christmas Eve show at Jammin Java (227 Maple Avenue East, Vienna) for several years. Rob Tannenbaum and his guitarist and straight man, David Fagan, regale their audience with an incisive repertoire that cuts to the comedic heart of the American Jewish experience. Think seasonal tunes like “It’s Good to be a Jew at Christmas” and “Reuben the Hook-Nosed Reindeer,” along with the year-round classic “Going Down to Boca.” Tickets $20.
Falafel Frenzy
A newer addition to the scene, the Falafel Frenzy moves this year to the Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW). All ticket sales go to charity and it’s put on by a host committee of young people active in the local Jewish community (including me). Tickets $30.
D25 Day of Service
The Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center organizes its big Day of Service every December 25, reaching 10,000 people by sending volunteers to over 50 social service agencies in the area. It’s too late to register for a project—get on it earlier next year! But you can still show up to the J (1529 16th Street NW) to donate blood at the Christmas Day Blood Drive.
