December brings us holiday markets and happy hours galore (plus, this is DC. Happy hours are a dime-a-freakin'-dozen here), but then there's the weird and wonderful, in the parlance of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" (once and for all, it's not "electric boobs). We'll be keeping you up-to-date on loads of holly-jolly events to bring out the #dogoodfeelgood spirit, but we wanted to make an extra-special good effort to let you know about a few that are a little silly, sassy, fun, funky, funny, offbeat, off-brand, zany et zarbi (that's Verlan, or French reverse slang, for bizarre).
Blades of Glory
Brush up your Salchows, loop spins and camel toes (wait, no, strike that, reverse it -- toe LOOPS and camel SPINS) for an afternoon of ice skating. Proceeds will purchase a dairy cow and hens, which will provide nutrition and income for children in a Ugandan orphanage. And before you ask, no, the cow will not be purchased in Virginia and transported to Africa -- she refused to fly coach (diva). Come out, have fun, do good, and please remember -- this is not a blood drive: Watch those blades. -- December 11
Mad About Mitzvahs
If doing good spins your dreidel right 'round, join the Jewish Federation's Mitzvah Hoppin' group to celebrate Hanukkah with the residents of Chevy Chase Senior House. A "mitzvah" means a good deed. To our knowledge, there's not a word that means "eating oodles of latkes," but that's always a good idea. - December 18
Cocoa Cheer
See the world in chocolate. Join a tour of some of the most spectacular embassies, all gussied up for the holidays (the buildings, not you, though feel free to get decked out if you want), learn about foreign culture and government, and sample chocolate from around the world. Santa would approve. Please note, this is a walking tour. No sleighs provided. December 18
Rollin' With My Homies
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year again! December is the only month of the year when wearing truly hideoous knitwear is not only socially acceptable, but encouraged. #SantaCause, to benefit Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center, not only demands that you whack on your best Ugly Christmas Sweater (it should be a proper noun), but a pair of roller skates as well. December 23