It’s that time of the year again. “All I Want for Christmas is You” has been stuck in your head since Thanksgiving, your bank account balance is frighteningly low, your pants don’t fit, and every time you enter a public space you get mauled by cheer. But who’s calling me a Grinch?
As the day creeps near, you stare into the abyss and wonder: What’s a Jew to do on Christmas?
Fear not. While a chubby man in a red suit is flying through the skies delivering XBoxes to children the world over, you, too, can be merry.
And if you do celebrate Christmas, well, Merry Christmas.
Through December 24
Classic Hanukkah Specials at Golden Beetle
206-706-2977 or golden-beetle.com/main
Golden Beetle’s menu features potato latkes with house-made applesauce, crème fraiche, green onion; matzoh ball soup with smoked chicken, carrot, parsley; roasted root vegetables with parsnip, rutabaga, fingerling potato; and stuffed donuts with persimmon filling and powdered sugar. Order any of these dishes as a side to your main meal or try them all together. At Golden Beetle, 1744 NW Market St., Seattle.
Wednesday, December 24
6–10 p.m. — NCSY’s Chinese Food and Movie Night
206-295-5888 or thehoffather@gmail.com or www.seattlencsy.com
Kids watch “The Lego Movie” at SBH, and adults watch “Million Dollar Arm” at BCMH. Ticket includes dinner and the movie. Free childcare. $15 per person, $50 per family. Purchase tickets by December 23 online. At Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath, 5145 S Morgan St. and Sephardic Bikur Holim, 6500 52nd St. S, Seattle.
9 p.m. — Latkepalooza
Elise at elisep@hilleluw.org or www.jconnectseattle.org
Jconnect brings you the largest Jewish party of the year. They’re taking over the Baltic Room with drinks and music all night long. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. At the Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St., Seattle.
Thursday, December 25
10 a.m.–3:15 p.m. — Kollel on Ice!
206-722-8289 or seattlekollel@aol.com or www.seattlekollel.org
Morning of learning 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for adults and children, and then onto the ice 1:45-3:15 p.m. All ages welcome. $10 adults, $7 children. At Seattle Kollel, 5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle, and and Highland Ice Arena, 18005 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline.
12 p.m. — “Fiddler on the Roof” Singalong
www.siff.net/cinema/fiddler-on-the-roof
Sing along to America’s favorite Jewish musical. Beforehand, Leah’s Catering will serve Chinese cuisine during a klezmer concert by Orkestyr Farfeleh. Doors open at 12, film begins at 1. With intermission. $20-$25. At SIFF Uptown, 511 Queen Anne Ave. N, Seattle.
5–7 p.m. — Chinese Food on Christmas
davidl@hillel.org or www.jconnectseattle.org
While there may be some debate as to how this tradition got started, one thing is for sure: You won’t want to miss out on Chinese food on Christmas! Check out the menu beforehand at www.allmenus.com/wa/seattle/302459-red-lantern/menu. RSVP to David. At Red Lantern, 520 S Jackson St., Seattle.
Kosher Chinese/Asian restaurants
Bamboo Garden
Kosher, vegan Chinese in the tradition of China’s early imperial dynasties, using techniques and ingredients that make their dishes taste like meat and seafood. 364 Roy St., Seattle. For reservations, take-out, and questions contact 206-282-6616 or chinesevegan@gmail.com or visit www.bamboo-garden.com.
The Teapot
Pan-Asian vegan cuisine inspired by China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, with everything from wonton soup to curries. 15230 NE 24th St., Redmond. For reservations and take-out, call 425-747-8881 or 425-373-1888 or visit www.teapotvegetarianhouse.com.