Hello again. I so appreciate everyone’s comments and thoughts on Monday’s This or That. Those posts are fun to put together but even more fun to enjoy the comments. Can you believe we are less than a week away from Christmas? I have to go on record and say this December (specifically, these weeks leading to Christmas) has been really enjoyable for me. That is not always the case so, definitely, worth noting:) Things have been quiet but not boring. Just the right amount of activity and even expectations. I feel very blessed. For those of you who are feeling much more overwhelmed than blessed right about now, I have been there. Especially those with little ones, travel plans and the like. I pray you can find some time for “a little silent night” and a chance to refresh your spirit before Wednesday arrives. We are in a much slower season of life. There are things/aspects I miss about busier seasons but, right now, I am enjoying our “old people” holiday:)
I mentioned on Monday that would recap a bit about last weekend. It was a full weekend but, as I looked at my phone, I really do not have many pictures to make much of a recap. Huge sigh. You will just have to take my word for it. On Thursday, a friend and I saw Scrooge, the Musical. I think it was one of the best presentations of Scrooge that I have seen. I really like the way they portrayed the spirits of Christmas and how they interacted with Ebenezer – especially the ghost of Christmas past. In this play, the spirit turned out to be Scrooge’s sister! Have you heard that before? Maybe I just missed something in the past. However, she was so kind (not critical) and so loving with Scrooge. It really was a nice twist on a classic and Scrooge (who was super funny and played so well) was more than just a big jerk, as I have seen him portrayed before.
Friday evening, we went with some friends to see a concert at the Museum of the Bible. We had dinner beforehand in DC which was super yummy. We had made reservations at a “nearby” parking garage (or what was said to be a garage) which turned out to be valet parking. Literally in front of the restaurant. Score! Parking in the city can make or break the evening – just sayin. Across the street from the restaurant, there was a large Christmas market. This is the second one they have brought to downtown and they are super popular. We only had a few minutes before needing to head to the museum but we were able to walk through the market for a bit. It was quite cold so a quick walk was okay with me but it was very festive. These chocolates were imported from Germany and I thought they were cool – especially the sheep!! I have a huge softspot for sheep:) The concert was also very good. Basically a really nice evening all around.
On Saturday, we had planned to head to Old Town Alexandria but it was cold, I had not been sleeping great and, well, we were tired. (See above paragraph about old people at Christmas). We headed out to do some errands locally and, wouldn’t you know but our nearby, little town was having a Christmas market. Not joking. The vendors were really nice. Lots of local, small businesses – which I enjoy supporting. I didn’t buy much but did find a couple of gift items. There was plenty of food, a huge bonfire, and even some carolers. And, of course, Santa. We felt we didn’t even miss the market in Alexandria. And it was a great way to finish out our fun weekend.
Not sure this weekend will be as busy – or as festive – but that’s okay. Like I said, it has been a nice month. Let’s not push the envelope. I would love to hear what your plans are…or one event that you have really enjoyed so far this month. Share in the comments. I so enjoy hearing from all of you. And, thanks so much for stopping by!!
Your Scrooge musical sounds neat with the twist. My daughter’s high school did A Christmas Carol where various actors/actresses played the role of Scrooge. The problem was that this confused a lot of people at first!! My daughter was the second person to play Scrooge and the first female. That threw some people for a loop! Glad that you have found some fun festive things to do without being overwhelmed.
Those festivals sound like so much fun! I don’t go to festivals very much any more, but I’ve enjoyed many in the past. One of my favorites was several years ago and we were visiting in North Carolina and came across a Christmas in July Festival. It was rather unexpected, but so much fun! I also got to go to a Wooly Worm Festival in North Carolina. Then our town hosts an annual Christmas Festival and Parade of Horse Carriages (with a parade in the afternoon and then they are all lit up for the parade after dark. So beautiful. It’s been a few years snce I gone to that.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and telling us about the festivals. Hope you have a blessed Christmas!
That sounds perfect, my friend: just enough merriment but not so much as to overwhelm one. Good for you! We have tried for the same here and plan to go to a Christmas Market tonight. Have a cozy evening!
Our Christmas seasons in recent years have tended to be very quiet. We’ve had more visiting this time and I’ve been happy with that. Turns out we have to make an overnight trip out of town for a 2nd opinion doctor appointment, so reservations for a hotel were made this afternoon. This wrinkled my idea of how Christmas Eve would play out, so I’m trying to accept what needs to be and not complain. By late Christmas Eve afternoon we should be back in town and then my niece is hosting us for Christmas dinner. I look forward to that.
Since I lived in Fairfax County years ago (1984-1988), I enjoy your descriptions of things you do in the DC area.
Have a blessed Christmas!
We have had the hustle and bustle of Christmas’ past and they were fun but in our 70s we are enjoying a quiet old people time. I love that Jenni, it surely made me smile. Our Babes will be joining us (our son and daughter-in-law) whom we have the best time with. Traveling several hundred miles to relatives is not as enticing as it used to be, especially if the weather is iffy. Remembering being caught in blizzards and other bad weather during these times and wishing only the very best of weather for those who are traveling. Your activities sound like so much fun. Next year I aim to get to the National Theater for one of the Christmas Carol Services, and I would love to see the Nutcracker Ballet at the Kennedy Center, or somewhere. If I don’t get back to you before next week, I wish you and your dear family A Very Merry and Blessed Christmas, and the Happiest New Year!
you must be me, I forget to take photos all the time!! Looks like you had lots of fun even with the photos you did take!
Hi Jennifer, You really made me smile with your ‘old people’ holiday reference. Yep we are part of that club. Your weekend events sounded lovely. Large cities and parking are always a challenge and how nice that you ‘scored’ with yours! I’m glad that you are having a bright and merry lead up to Christmas. We have our Children’s play/musical (The Loaned Manger) Saturday and Sunday evenings and we’ll be front and center since our granddaughter has 2 solos and our grandson is Joseph this year. Last year he was a camel. 🙂 Happy weekend to you and if I don’t find my way back here before Christmas I wish you a very Merry one celebrating the birth of our Savior!
What “full and fun and festive” days you have had, Jennifer! I celebrate with you. Ours have been quieter, as we have our family Christmas in the summertime, but I am content. May you have many joys through the holidays and into the new year!
Have been away from blog reading too long. Trying to catch up with everyone before year’s end. So, so, so glad that you have had an enjoyable month. Most well deserved!! Hope the relaxed, fun activities continue in the perfect amount as we move into 2025. I remember attending a showing of the George C. Scott “A Christmas Carol” when I was in 5th grade, I think. It has remained my favorite version of the movie. Your musical sounds delightful. Would enjoy that myself!!
Merry Christmas, sweet friend.