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By Briana Ellison, Eliza Berkon, Lynn Norusis, Rachael Keeney and Stefanie Gans
The Nutcracker marches on
One of the personal highlights of 2016 was introducing my daughter to The Nutcracker, a show deftly performed by Falls Church’s BalletNova that she still talks about a year later. We’re returning for more this Saturday afternoon and may have to add some post-ballet hot chocolate (sugar’s always a good substitute for sugar plums) to what’s becoming an annual tradition. –EB // Kenmore Middle School Theatre: 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Funky gifts with a local twist
You did not find me in any store on Black Friday. Nor will you find me scoping the Cyber Monday deals. However, you will find me looking for unique finds for everyone on my list at local boutiques and galleries. This year I’m smitten with the theme the Kiln Club at Torpedo Factory has of Naughty & Nice, where holiday-themed pieces promise a range from traditional to funky pieces. -LN
Buying a soap dispenser and everything else at the new HomeGoods in Alexandria
I no longer need to navigate the insanity that is Bailey’s Crossroads and can now replace my cracked soap dispenser and probably buy some food storage containers, maybe another basket for miscellaneous toys, who knows, but I’m going after this new HomeGoods, now open in Potomac Yard. (By the way, if you’ve written off Shoppers Food Warehouse, its new-ish makeover makes for a much nicer experience.) -SG // HomeGoods: 3701 Jefferson Davis Highway, Alexandria
Ice skating and some hops
Now that the Reston Town Center’s ice skating rink is open, I foresee a family foray after the Thanksgiving festivities have died down. My grandmother lives in Reston, and even before my family and I moved here in 2004 we’d frequent the ice rink on visits. Looks like its time to find my skates and make sure they’re sharpened. On Dec. 2, I’m going to try and round up my friends in the area so we can do the Leesburg Brew Crawl. My college town had one of the best beer festivals I’ve ever been to, so I want to see what my home county has to offer. -BE
Checking out others’ crafts and attempting to make my own
Surprisingly, I was able to get most of my holiday shopping done last week. No, I did not brave the Black Friday lines, but I did take advantage of a few online sales. Typically, I’m a last minute shopper, so in an attempt to keep up the momentum I’m considering stopping by one of the area’s holiday markets this weekend or next. Even if I don’t find anything, such markets never fail to get me excited for the season. I also plan on tapping into my artistic abilities to make a DIY decor gift, so I will have to stop by the Michaels in Reston some time this week. Here’s to hoping that it turns out the way I’m imagining it will … or at least close. –RK
