Being ___ at Christmas (past event)

Snowy. Jewish. Happy. Caring. Buddhist. Generous. Family. Creative. Friendly. Sparkly. Fill in your own blank and join us for our annual day of family fun.

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020
BEGINNING AT 10 AM ONLINE
*ALL ACTIVITIES ARE POSTED BELOW*
PAY WHAT YOU WISH! $10 DONATION SUGGESTED

Pay What You Wish

What is Being___at Christmas?

It’s an annual party on December 25 in the Museum for individuals and families of all backgrounds on a day when most other things are closed. This is the first time this signature event will be virtual, but we’re making sure there’s still plenty of warmth, community, fun, and yes—a pinch of education “at” the Museum on Christmas Day.

We know hanging out with your kids in front of a screen (again) might not be high on your list, but we promise you a day filled with music and movement, make-and-takes and mindfulness, and so much more. We also understand  you may want to keep to your own schedule—every family and individual is different—so we’re kicking things off with a live concert at 10 am ET and the rest is on-demand for you to enjoy at your leisure. See you there!

How to access the fun

All activities will be available right here on this page.

Tickets

Registration is not required, and admission is Pay What You Wish! There is usually a charge for this event but in this wacky year, we’re making it free. We hope you’ll consider a donation in any amount.

December 25 Line-up

LIVE

10 am ET/7 am PT: Kick things off with a concert from Alex Mitnick of the Emmy Award-winning (and returning favorite) Alex & the Kaleidoscope LIVE from his home!

*Did you miss it or want to watch it again? Click on the image at left for a replay! The concert begins at the 34 min and 30 second mark.*

 

 

ON-DEMAND

We’re excited to bring you a dynamic and accessible line-up of activities perfect for kids and families from a line-up of awesome artists who created special content exclusively for this event. All of the videos are embedded below…enjoy!

Ladino Singalongs

Two highly interactive Ladino sing-a-longs with Massachusetts-based Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) artist Sarah Aroeste. Sarah offers fun and educational insights into Sephardic culture—Jewish traditions from around the Mediterranean. Participate in Ladino Language Learning and Sephardic Shabbat sing-a-longs!

Beatboxing

These fun Baltimore-based Beatbox Dads use key elements of hip hop to make music that will educate and entertain the entire family. The Dads teach kids breathing and movement and get them marching counting and singing.

Arts & Crafts

This simple art activity is all about flexing your imagination muscles. Do you see shapes in the clouds? What about in a twisty piece of string? Let’s see what animals you might find hiding there! If you’re looking for some mellow arts and crafts time, grab some paper and colored pencils or crayons, and hang out with Paulina from Portside Arts Center who will walk you thoughtfully through two activities (Surprise Animals and Character Flipbook).

Adults: for a preview of the activities and a list of simple supplies needed, view a pdf of the activities here. It also includes a printable figure outline for your use with the Character Flipbook activity.

A Mindful Moment

Ready to slow down? Take a breather and a mental health break with a mindfulness activity for families of all abilities and ages facilitated by education specialist, family coach, and founder of Purposeful Parenting, Asia IrgangLaden

For Grown-ups

We didn’t forget about you, grown-ups! We recommend taking a virtual tour of one of our special exhibitions, like Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music, checking out one of our latest digital installations, such as Air and Sunshine: Tuberculosis in America’s Jewish Communities, or enjoying a past program such as our recent celebration of Ladino musician Flory Jagoda’s 97th Birthday. You can find all of this content and more on our virtual Museum portal at NMAJH.org/virtual-museum.

To whet your appetite, enjoy this November 4, 2020 concert in partnership with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

Questions?

Contact us at programs@nmajh.org.

Stay in Touch!

Click here to sign up for our newsletter and keep up-to-date on virtual NMAJH exhibitions and programs like this one!

 

Being___at Christmas is sponsored by the Robert Saligman Jewish Heritage Fund

See All Upcoming Events

Congress Considers Adding The Weitzman to the Smithsonian

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History could become part of the Smithsonian

Nine Senate and House lawmakers announced on Wednesday, March 20 that they’re taking the first steps toward championing an effort to establish a Smithsonian museum dedicated to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.

Learn more
The Weitzman