Washington Returns to Mount Vernon

Exactly 242 years ago today, George Washington was making his way from Annapolis—where Congress was meeting—to Mount Vernon.

Having prevailed in the Revolutionary War against the British, Washington had famously gone before lawmakers to surrender his commission so he could “take my leave of all the employments of public life.”

The former commander was happy to put down the instruments of war after eight years of fighting and once again abide under his “own vine and fig tree” in Virginia.

“I arrived at my seat the day before Christmas, having previously divested myself of my official character—I am now a private Citizen on the banks of the Potomack,” Washington wrote a few days later.

Enjoying Holiday Food in the Old Dominion

Around the world, food plays a major role in our holiday traditions. Virginia experts offer wisdom on celebrating well.

Dave Yanisko, a hospitality professor at Virginia Tech, advises those hosting meals to value familiar dishes: “You cannot please all of the people all of the time, but … if you stick to tradition, most of your guests will enjoy what’s offered.”

Parents should be mindful of what their children are eating this month, writes Dr. Alicia Tucker, but not in a draconian way. “A little indulgence on a special holiday is just fine,” she writes, adding that parents can make the holiday special by preparing traditional dishes together. 

What Virginians of all ages will be indulging in this year is gingerbread cookies, according to data from Target. When it comes to drinks, many across the Commonwealth will be sipping eggnog. Instacart stats show that Virginia ranks No. 19 in eggnog consumption.

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➤ Statewide: Looking for a last-minute holiday recipe? The Virginia Egg Council has some festive ideas. (Details)

➤ Blacksburg: Whether you prefer traditional carols or more modern secular songs, an expert at Virginia Tech says that holiday music helps unite us. “When it starts to get cold, we’re seeking comfort, light, joy, togetherness,” Prof. Ariana Wyatt said. “Those things are all found in Christmas music.” (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: First responders brought back their Santa on the Air program this year to help ease concerns children might have if EMS, police, or firefighters are dispatched to help them. (How It Works)  

➤ Richmond: As he prepares to leave office next month, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his wife, Suzanne, decked the halls at the state executive mansion for the final time. (Details)

➤ Worldwide: If you are waiting up for a visit from Kris Kringle and his reindeer tonight, NORAD can help you keep tabs on their travels as they approach the Commonwealth. (Tracker)

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When do you open presents?

1. Christmas Eve
2. Christmas Day
3. Both

Tuesday’s Results:

What type of tree do you have this year? 

1. Artificial: 29%
2. No tree this year: 24%
3. Real: 24%
4. Both!: 23%

When was Virginia’s first documented Christmas tree erected?

Show me the answer