I LOVE this resourceful alternative to Greenbelt’s traditional (pre-covid) Tree Lighting celebration in Roosevelt Center, from the very creative mind of Greenbelt’s Performing Arts Coordinator Chris Cherry. He writes:

December Days was scheduled as an alternative to the annual in-person Tree Lighting celebration, which had to be cancelled again this year due to the pandemic.  With Santa Claus’ fanbase not yet fully vaccinated, and the new variant circulating,  safety considerations precluded holding the event, which normally draws a large crowd, packed into Roosevelt Center. Those who have attended the event in the past and witnessed the enthusiastic response to Santa’s arrival would affirm that asking the kids to stay socially distanced from Santa would be a bridge too far, even for the most pandemic-adapted child.  No worries, though; Santa has been busy calling children on the phone through Greenbelt Recreation’s North Pole Calling program.

Chris did all the filming and editing himself on most of the videos, while some were created by Phoebe McFarb, station manager for Greenbelt Access TV, and others were submitted by community members. What a great collaboration!

From Chris again:

December Days is a video sampler that highlights a variety of seasonal activities and celebrates diversity in Greenbelt. Among the institutions and organizations highlighted in the videos are the Greenbelt Branch Library, the Greenbelt Museum, the Old Greenbelt Theatre, the Greenbelt Assistance In Living program, the Astronomical Society of Greenbelt, the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee, and The SPACE – Free Art For All.

Enjoy!

DEC. 1: CHALK IT UP TO THE SEASON

Sidewalk chalk artist Vijay Parameshwaran creates a beautiful design for Diwali.

DEC. 2: IT’S TIME FOR LOTSA LATKE

Joanie Cohen and Darelynn Fung make potato latkes, a traditional treat for Hanukkah.

Chris Cherry says “The cooking videos were especially fun to film. The participants were all so generous and happy about sharing their family recipes, and their warmth really shines through in the videos.  Of course, I also got to sample the delicious results!”

DEC 3. A LETTER TO MRS. ROOSEVELT

A child writes to the First Lady with a touching Christmas request, with Megan Searing Young, Director of the Greenbelt Museum.

DEC. 4: FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD

Can you find the North Star in the winter sky? Dr. Lois Rosado describes how Black people escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad followed the North Star to freedom.

DEC. 5: TAKE A BREATHER TO CALM THE BUSY MIND

Create an oasis of serenity amid the bustle of the season.

Chris Cherry comments:

Laura Bonkosky’s “Take A Breather To Calm The Busy Mind” is one that I personally keep going back to.  The simple five-minute breathing technique, plus Laura’s soothing on-camera presence, help me re-center myself in the middle of a busy day.”

DEC. 6: GO BANANAS FOR BANANA NUT BREAD

Mother-and-son team, Ellen and Patrick Mullen, share a favorite family recipe.

DEC. 7 PICK A GREAT FLICK

Old Greenbelt Theatre Executive Director Caitlin McGrath shares what is showing at the theater this winter season and her favorite picks for the holidays

DEC. 8: SHAPE UP WITH A WINTER WORKOUT

Get in shape and beat the winter blues with an energizing exercise routine.

Chris writes that :

Similarly, Trevin Green’s “Shape Up With A Winter Workout” includes exercises you can do in your office in five minutes, with just a chair and a couple of water bottles substituting for dumbbells.”

DEC. 9: HAVE A HOOT! MAKE A SNOWY PINE CONE OWL

Brighten the season for friends and family with something you have made yourself. With LaToya Fisher, Recreation Program Supervisor.

DEC.10: EVERYBODY RISE FOR ARROZ

Dawane Martinez and Chondria Andrews make Spanish rice, the quintessential Latin American fusion dish.

DEC. 11: THE STARRY WINTER SKY

Kevin Wilson of the Astronomical Society of Greenbelt shows you how to find planets, constellations, and a meteor shower in the winter nighttime sky.

DEC. 12: BOOK IT AT THE LIBRARY

The library’s newest amenities include Chromebooks available for patrons to check out and a pop-up library at The SPACE in Beltway Plaza. With librarian Rebecca Oxley.

DEC.13: COME ON IN, THE WATER’S FINE

Enjoy a workout in the water that is fun and easy on the joints. With Cynthia Brown, Aquatic Coordinator.

DEC. 14: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT WITH HOPE

Savor a reprise of last December’s lovely candlelight duet, filmed in Roosevelt Center. Music by Chris Cherry with singers Amanda Sorensen and Aidan Larkin.

DEC 15: A CANDLE IN THE WINDOW

For the second pandemic December, we proclaim the season of hope and anticipation with a simple gesture.