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Christmas 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Weekend Planner

Carriage Rides, Light Displays, and Ebenezer Scrooge

Weekend Events from Friday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 25

A selection of events to enjoy with family and friends this holiday weekend. George Mason University Men’s Basketball Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides The Ice Palace Festival of Lights Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 13th Annual Gingerbread Village Outdoor Hanukkah Festival Dec. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, Reston. Gather with the community at Lake Anne and take part in the lighting of a giant ice menorah by Reston founder Robert E. Simon. The celebration will continue at Reston Community Center-Lake Anne  for family entertainment, prize drawings, Hanukkah donuts, latkes, chocolate gelt, a family Hanikkah film and fun. Free admission. Family Chanukah Music Service Dec. 23, 6:45 pm.  Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle …

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A Mom's Musings

Tis’ the Season

A family’s final countdown to Christmas

We were at a holiday party last weekend and someone asked my husband if we were ready for the holidays.  Since I’ve been dubbed the “CEO of Holidays” at our house, he immediately turned to me and said, “Are we?”  At that point in time unfortunately my answer was, “Not yet”.  But now with the holidays right on our doorstep and as we head into the final stretch, I’m confident that we’re now as ready as we’ll ever be.  This is because by now, we’ve listened to just about every holiday song ever sung and watched just about every holiday movie ever written including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “The Santa Clause” (1, 2 and 3), “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (cartoon and Jim Carrey version), “Home Alone” (…

Eileen P

1:01 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Anyone that sends cards that just contain their names (i.e. signed "Bob, Jane, and Emily Smith") should just go ahead and ditch the idea. I love to write personal notes in each card that I send and I LOVE to receive cards that aren't just signed. Total card ecstasy? Cards with pictures!!   more ›

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Weekend Planner

Holiday Concerts, Chanukah Shopping and More This Weekend

Local Weekend Events from Friday, Dec. 16 through Sunday, Dec. 18

Whether you’re interested in sports, concerts, or having breakfast with Santa Claus, Patch has found a wide variety of events for you to choose from this weekend. High School Varsity Basketball Home Games Friday, Dec. 16. Boys: Girls: Please click on the links provided for information about locations, start times and admission. Christmas Concerts and Shows: Holiday Themed Events: Santa Sightings: If you know of other events this weekend, please add them in the comments section.

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Susan Larson

9:40 am on Friday, December 16, 2011

Saturday, Dec. 17 Ballroom Social Dance: Dancing, food and fun! Led by an instructor (with a pre-dance mini lesson available, $5/person.) Complimentary refreshments and cash bar available. All skill levels are welcome. Dress is casual. Doors open at 7 p.m., mini-lesson from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and open dance from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. $10/person. Tickets available online. For …   more ›

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Motorcycle-Riding Santa Claus Brings Holiday Fun to Local Schools

Twenty-fifth annual Santa's Ride benefits sick children in local hospitals.

Santa Claus rode through the streets of Fairfax County on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle Tuesday, followed by a motorcade of his helpers in law enforcement.  This is the 25th year local law enforcement agencies have participated in Santa's Ride for Children. The officers collected presents and donations at police stations and other areas around the county which they dropped off to children at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Child Life Center and Georgetown Hospital Lombardi Cancer Center. The toys will also go to the Ronald McDonald House and Reston F.I.S.H. As a "thank you" to children in some FCPS schools who collect toys, the officers, many of whom were riding motorcycles, escorted Santa to each location on his list. The route included Crossfield…

coach886

4:04 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

http://www.coachoutletonline2013sale.com Coach Outlet http://www.coachoutletstore-me.com Coach Factory Online http://www.buybuycoach.com Coach Factory Outlet   more ›

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department offers tips for holiday light safety.

The holiday season is a festive and joyous occasion. However, it's also a dangerous part of the year, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The U.S. Fire Administration reports more than 400 people lose their lives, more than 1,600 are injured, and more than $990 million in property is damaged during the holidays each year. Taking simple, common-sense, life-saving steps can help ensure a safe and happy holiday, according to fire department officials. Lighting Safety Tips As a final precaution, make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and ensure you have an escape plan, and practice it. 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Santa Brings Carriage Rides to Burke Centre Town Center

Hundreds waited in line for a ride with Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.

Santa was greeted by a cheering crowd as he arrived in a horse-drawn carriage Sunday. Hundreds waited in line at Burke Centre Town Center for a ride. CBRE, the real estate management company operating the shopping center, sponsored the free carriage rides from noon to 2 p.m.  W Salon provided "elves," who greeted riders with complimentary hot chocolate and holiday treats. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Volunteer

Helping Others for the Holidays

Opportunities abound for helping others during the holidays in the Burke, Springfield area.

Your holiday shopping can benefit the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.  Each time you use Good Search and Good Shop to search and shop online, the visited web site makes a donation to Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The West Springfield Police Citizens’ Advisory Committee provides holiday meals at the station for officers who must be away from their families on Christmas Day. To support Holiday Meals for Officers, mail a check (payable to Howard Lincoln, CAC Treasurer) to Citizens' Advisory Committee, West Springfield District Station, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152. The Greater Springfield Chamber’s 11th annual winter outerwear and food drive will aid area residents served by two Chamber member organizations: ECHO – …

Burke Historical Society Celebrates Christmas at the Silas Burke House

Annual open house features music, refreshments and period costumes.

The Burke Historical Society held its annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 11.  Members dressed in period costume greeted guests to the Silas Burke House. Students from Lake Braddock Secondary School sang carols in front of the Christmas tree, as party goes enjoyed refreshments and toured the home. The historic house, built in 1824, was originally the residence of Lieutenant Colonel Silas Burke and his wife Hannah Coffer Burke.  It is now owned by Terry and Suzi Neal, who open it for the holiday party, themed teas and other special events throughout the year. Adjacent to the home is the Ice House, which serves as a small gift shop for the Burke Historical Society, selling jams, calendars and Christmas ornaments. The mission of the …

Pianist George Winston Brought Holiday Sounds to GMU's Center for the Arts

Winston performed solo on piano, guitar and harmonica.

In blue jeans, an olive button-down shirt, and slipper socks, pianist George Winston took the stage at George Mason's Center for the Arts Saturday, transporting the almost-full house into a musical wonderland. The program, announced by Winston from the piano, began with the familiar sounds of "Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving" and "Skating." Both are included on Winston's solo piano recording "Linus & Lucy," which features the music of Vince Guaraldi. Winston covered the gamut of his musical interests, ranging his performance choices from R&B, jazz, blues and rock. His two sets, each lasting more than 45 minutes, included two pieces on solo guitar and one on solo harmonica. He began the second half with "Carol of the Bells," the rich sounds of…

Friday, December 9, 2011

Holiday Shopping at Yard Sales, Craft Shows & Thrift Stores

Find great holiday gift ideas at these less traditional locations.

Whether you prefer to make your own art or purchase unique items already made, there are plenty of chances for you to do both this weekend.  If you're having a yard sale, feel free to add your information in the comments section. Area Yard Sales:  Holiday Art and Craft Shows:  Holiday Shopping at Local Thrift Stores:

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