Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed generally on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. To many people, it is a favorite time of the year involving gift giving, parties and feasting. Christmas is a holiday that unifies almost all of professing Christendom. The spirit of Christmas causes people to decorate their homes and churches, cut down trees and bring them into their homes, decking them with silver and gold. In the light of that tree, families make merry and give gifts one to another.
Origin of Christmas – What Really Matters?
The true origin of Christmas is filled with controversy and compromise. In short, the Christmas holiday we celebrate today is indicative of Christianity’s willingness to absorb the world’s customs and traditions, and forget its simple roots in the historical reality of Jesus Christ. Christmas should be nothing more than a simple, yet wonderful reminder of Christ’s humble beginning as a human child in this world. His birth merely set the stage for the power, glory, and salvation that would be revealed in His life, death, and resurrection! Whether it’s December 25th, sometime in late September, or any other day of the year, we should use each and every opportunity to reflect on Jesus Christ and His message of hope for all of us.
Best Holiday Events in DC
National Tree Photograph: dc.about.com
The 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting Show!
The history of the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree is intertwined with the history of America. Through peace and war, from national celebration to national mourning, Americans have gathered together and celebrated the season in this holiday event. For the details, go to http://thenationaltree.org/event-history/.
A Christmas Carol Photograph: Scott Suchman/Ford’s Theater
A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre has produced some version of this Charles Dickinson classic for 33 years. This year the music-infused performance features actor Edward Gero as Scrooge and includes familiar holiday songs and dancing.
- Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, (between E and F Sts), Downtown
- Nov 20–Jan 1. $41 and up.
Cady’s Alley Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/John N. Weiss
Cady’s Alley Holiday Bazaar
Tucked away from the traffic-jammed and always-bustling streets of Georgetown, Cady’s Alley is a tranquil enclave full of specialty shops like Steven Alan and Bonobos.
- Cady’s Alley, 3330 Cady’s Alley NW, (between 33rd and 34th Sts)
- Tue–Thu, Sun 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 11am–8pm. Nov 22–Jan 4, closed Nov 27, Dec 25 & Jan 1. Free.
Photograph: Ian Carney
A Very Electric Christmas by Lightwire Theater
Lightwire Theater’s show is meant to be performed in pitch-black darkness.
- Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD
- Nov 29, 3pm and 8pm. $25–$42.
Photograph: Tony Brown
The Nutcracker
For the ten-year anniversary of this production from the Washington Ballet, artistic director Septime Webre adds historical characters like Harriet Tubman, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to the mix.
ZooLightsPhotograph: James D. Jenkins
ZooLights
This may be one of the only occasions when people visit the zoo for reasons other than seeing Bao Bao.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
(between Devonshire Pl and Cathedral Ave NW)
For more detailed information, go to http://www.timeout.com/washington-dc/things-to-do/christmas-events-in-dc.
