D.C. Sans People: A Christmas Miracle!

Wednesday, December 22: The best thing about spending the days before Christmas in D.C. is thatno one is here (including those who probably should still be here, to pass bills and such ). The city is so pleasant and empty, making it the ideal time to go bars that would normally be teeming with people. Try the Blue Banana in Petworth. It’s a sports bar that may come with a side of hookers , but hey, they’re having an open bar tonight from 8 to 9PM, and tomorrow beer is half price all night. [ The Blue Banana ]

• Thursday, December 23: The end of Festivus is finally here. Go speak ill of people and eat meatloaf at Old Glory in Georgetown, because you should always take your holiday cues from funny people on the teevee. [Old Glory ]

• Thursday, December 24: Hooray for baby Jesus, today is Christmas Eve. If you're celebrating this most holy of holidays in D.C. (Godspeed!) we madea list of things you can do to keep yourself busy while you wait for Santa to show up and give you things, pending his still doing it this year.

• Wednesday, January 17 through Tuesday, January 23: Make your reservations NOW kids for Restaurant Week 2011, a most glorious week of prix-fixe menus. Be warned: Some (most) of the deals aren't that good, and, now that we live in a world of email coupons, dare we say the week is now pointless? [Restaurant Week 2011 ]

• New Food: Another yogurt shop has opened in Dupont Circle, another crepe place has opened Downtown, and eight or so new bars may or may not open at 14th and U NW in 2011. [ Yola / Point Chaud Café and Crepes / 14th & You ]