Christmas in Washington

And I’m not referring to that TERRIBLE Joan Baez song that I was recently introduced to. If you’re a Christmas junkie, DC is the perfect city for the holidays, with so many fun/romantical things to do. While I definitely have several things on my agenda, here are some Paint the Town Leopard-esque activities that are completely Grinch-free should you try to be getting into the holiday spirit:


• Hit up the zoo: But wear your sexiest Snow Bunny gear and bring a man, because it won’t be warm. Though I haven’t been in years, the zoo has a great light display that will definitely have you feeling like you’re in the North Pole. Extra points if you hit up the Woodley Park bar scene afterwards.
• Go see the National Christmas Tree!!!: It’s so fun and will really make you feel like you’re in DC. Plus, most of the Smithsonian’s stay open late night during the Christmas season, so you can go do something cultural afterwards.
• Cut down your own tree: Totally not an activity for me, but if you’re interested in being one with Mother Nature for the holidays, try Buck Lodge Farm in Boyds, Maryland, where they actually supply you with the axe and the tools for cutting down your own tree. Again, sounds dangerous for me, but might be a good activity for some.
• See the Light Show at National Harbor: I’ve been and it’s well worth it. Again, if you’re allergic to the cold, stay home, but if you can man up and deal with it, National Harbor looks beautiful lit up for the holidays (the light show goes on every half hour until ten pm each evening). Plus, you can have dinner at Ketchup, which is Ashton Kutcher and Justin Timberlake’s restaurant (OHMYGAWDDD!!).
• Check out indoor snow: At the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor. I’ve never been, nor do I know of anyone who has, but I heard about it on the radio and it sounds like something out of Dubai. There are ice sculptures, light displays, and tons of other fun things to make you feel Christmas-y. Because it must be pretty amazing to see real, indoor snow.
• Crash an office holiday party: But not mine! Wear your most fanciest holiday ensemble, show up either the Willoughby or JW Marriot on a random Friday night in December, and keep your Blackberry close so that you can Google fast facts about the company while you’re mingling with guests. It’s fun, a good way to meet people, and a way to get that Wedding Crashers-esque adrenaline rush in the process.
• Shop in Georgetown: And then get your picture taken with Santa in the Georgetown Mall. Be careful, though, and give yourself a budget ahead of time, or else you’ll be like me and empty your entire debit account.
• Adopt a family: Because the amount of money you’d spend to make an entire family’s Christmas special is the same that you’d spend on a night going to Josephine’s, anyway, so it’s only right. Check out www.jssa.org for information on how you can help make a family in need feel special during this holiday season. Because you’ve always got to give back.

So there you have it! Whether you’re dabbling in Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, or some other holiday this month, be sure to do it in Washington. Just don’t play that dreadful Joan Baez song in the process.