The Girl's Guide to DC

Issue 75: Have a Holly Dolly Christmas

Merry Christmas, y’all! I’m savoring these quiet days leading up to Christmas. You can find me wrapping presents and eating Christmas cookies between Margot’s feedings — and listening to A Holly Dolly Christmas on repeat. Country Christmas music is severely underrated in my opinion!

I wish you all a Holly Dolly Christmas.

As always, you can find the most recent issue of Girl’s Guide here. If you’re doing some last-minute gift shopping, find my latest Gift Guide here. I hope you enjoy this final newsletter of 2022 — see you in 2023!

Find me on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with all things Girl’s Guide.

Merry Christmas to All!

Thank you all for another wonderful year of Girl’s Guide — I love hearing from you readers and, of course, meeting you in person when I can! Girl’s Guide has grown to more than 500 subscribers, and I’m excited to keep exploring new topics — there’s still a lot of ideas I have yet to write about. And you can count on a healthy dose of Margot updates too!

Merry Christmas from Margot! (Captured by CM)

I wish you all a truly peaceful Christmas, whether you’re traveling far or staying put. Nick and I are about to enjoy our very first Christmas in our own home — with a very special addition! Margot’s first Christmas is already shaping up to be the best yet for our little family.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

The Haps

DC Dead Last in Christmas Spirit

Out of all the states and Washington, DC, our dear DC is dead last in Christmas spirit for the third year in a row, according to CenturyLink’s annual report on Christmas cheer. Are you surprised? I guess big battles over omnibus spending bills at the end of the year don’t exactly make people feel merry and bright. Maybe your home state fared better: New Hampshire came in first, Wisconsin second, Utah third, and my new home West Virginia took fourth! Read a breakdown of the report here.

I’m dreaming of a White House Christmas.

Rethinking It’s a Wonderful Life

Watching It’s a Wonderful Life every year is one of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions. I can’t wait to rewatch the Christmas classic after reading Clare Coffey’s essay “There Is No Mary Problem in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.” Clare explains why the film is even more poignant than she originally thought — that Mary Bailey’s spinsterhood in the alternate reality where George doesn’t exist isn’t a sexist plot failure but instead speaks to Mary’s strong character. I highly recommend you give it a read.

Mary and George Bailey.

The Recruit Takes the Heat

Netflix’s new #1 show has ties to DC — in The Recruit, heartthrob Noah Centineo plays a young lawyer who joins the CIA and quickly finds himself over his head. The show even had its DC premiere at The Spy Museum (see pics here). The show has garnered mixed reviews, with DC residents quick to point out it isn’t exactly true to life. You can read The Wrap’s review of The Recruit here.

Karly Matthews @karlymatthews_

The Recruit on Netflix is very dumb for many reasons, but the biggest is that it gaslights the audience into thinking ANY men in D.C. wear denim jackets over their suits.

Here are a few more links that caught my eye this week:

• Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott Will Host HGTV's 'White House Christmas' Special Alongside First Lady: HGTV? A Property Brother? At the White House? I think Joe Biden just clinched the suburban women vote with this PR move.

• The Best Homemade Christmas Gifts For Any Budget: Need some last-minute present ideas? I loved this article from Evie Magazine with a bunch of great gifts you can make in a pinch.

• In Netflix's Harry & Meghan, Meghan Markle wants to be smart but plays dumb: Everyone has a take on the new Harry and Meghan documentary, but Katrina Hutchins gets to the heart of why Meghan’s attempted royal crossover royally bombed.

Ask Evie

This Ask Evie section is a little different — because I’m asking you for your input on this reader question:

“Dear Evie,

While you're in the bliss of babies, I'm thinking about wedding bells. Do you or your readers have any tips on an elegant and affordable bridal shower in Washington? My BFF just got engaged and I want to fete her this late Winter/early Spring!” - Made of Honor

Have a tip to share? Send it to me by replying to this email, and I’ll feature your tips in a future issue!

Hostess with the most-est.

Find Me in Print!

I’m very excited to have an article in the upcoming print issue of Evie Magazine! Find the preorder link here — I promise there’s something in the magazine for everyone.

eviemagazine

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