Christmas Eve Memories

Today Jim and I will spend the day like we did several years ago. We will be spending the holiday in DC by ourselves and the memory of our first Christmas Eve up here is one of my most favorite memories. If I could have planned a perfect Christmas Eve, that day would be it.

Like I said, several years ago, Jim and I spent Christmas here in DC by ourselves. It was the first time either one of us wouldn't be with our family for the holiday. I had to work on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas so going home to be with our families wasn't going to happen. While we were sad about not seeing everyone, we were also looking forward to spending the holiday just by ourselves. We were pretty much still newlyweds having only been married for a year and a half.

The library closed at 1:00 that day and Jim was going to take off at 2:00. We planned to meet at the Botanic Gardens near the US Capital and stroll around the lush tropical foliage before heading out for a late lunch. After admiring all the beautiful plants, we went outside and it started snowing, awwwww. Only dressed in a sweater, I was cold but totally enjoying strolling arm in arm with Jim as we walked to Red Sage for lunch (Red Sage sadly closed recently). As we ate lunch we looked out the window as the snow continued to fall, gently coating awnings of the buildings across the street. When we were finished eating we walked a few blocks over to the National Christmas Tree. Still snowing, we slip-slided our way around the tree, me huddled close to Jim because I was freezing. After admiring the tree as well as all the little state trees that ring the big one, we headed to the nearest Metro station and headed home. Once there, we warmed up and sat in the living room with the Christmas tree lights on. It will always be my favorite Christmas Eve.

Today, we will head out to the National Gallery of Art to see the Edward Hopper exhibit then walk down the National Mall to see the National Christmas tree. After that we'll meet a few friends at our favorite restaurant, Corduroy, for a holiday drink or two then dinner in the dining room afterwards.