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By Michael Balderston, Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell and Stefanie Gans
The pointe of Christmas
I’m the newbie at Northern Virginia Magazine—joining the team this month as the digital editor. I grew up in the DMV (Frederick, MD to be exact), and recently moved back to the area after a year-and-a-half jaunt in South Florida. This week, I’ll be catching up with family and friends, most notably by attending the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Friday night with my best friend. Held at the GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall, it promises to be a classically beautiful performance, and is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. -HG // GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $28-$89
A different holiday tradition
I grew up watching Seinfeld with my dad and older brother, and right around this time of year we would all eagerly await the annual re-airing of the episode “The Strike,” better known as the Festivus episode. Every Dec. 22, my dad would jokingly begin our family dinners with “I’ve got a lot of problems with you people!” in his best Frank Costanza impression. Clearly, we weren’t the only people who did this, as Brew Republic Bierwerks is hosting a Festivus for the Rest of Us party on Saturday, complete with an airing of grievances, a Festivus pole and the feats of strength. Happy Festivus, everybody! -MB // Brew Republic Bierwerks: 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge; Free
Citrus season
After all the heavy supping and sipping, I love entering citrus season every winter. Jaleo hosts a Clementina Celebration through Dec. 23, with fruity tapas, drinks and desserts. And, if you just need some fruit in your life, take home a box of Spanish clementines for $5. -SG // Jaleo: 2250 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Last minute Santa sightings
I’ve mentioned in this space before that the Christmas season feels extra magical this year with my two-year-old and eight-month-old. Watching them explore local light displays, listening to Christmas music and, for my two-year-old, telling us what she wants for Christmas (inexplicably, she wants a stuffed pig) has been a true joy. This weekend, we’re taking them to meet the jolly guy in red at the Merrifield Garden Center in Fair Oaks—because is it really Christmas if you don’t sit in Santa’s lap? There are plenty of places around the region to visit with Santa before the big day. May your season be magical and your Santa’s lap session be tear-free! -KB // Merrifield Garden Center, Fair Oaks: 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax; Free
