Chicago Christmas Traditions

It just isn't Christmas in Chicago unless you attend a few traditional events...

First is the Magnificent Mile Lighting Parade.

Ok, maybe I wouldn't attend if I couldn't watch it out the office window, but since I can it is a "must go".

My sons thought it was too cold to go, but luckily Bittersweet Sister Kim was game :)

The crowds outside didn't look quite so intense due to the cold.

The balloons had to be held close to the ground due to the high winds.

But the Rockettes still put on a great show despite the weather.

(Sorry about the dirty windows - The Wrigley Building is undergoing major renovations... )

Next stop:

Macy's on State Street (although it will always be Marshall Field's to me.)

This year the store windows celebrate the history of Marshall Field's.

My favorite window is this recreation of Norman Rockwell's famous Saturday Evening Post cover.

The clocks still count the time at each corner of the store and can be seen in the very bottom of the picture with the trumpets above...

Then it is time to walk the block to Daley Plaza for the Christkindlmarket. I stopped there tonight for gluwine and potato pancakes on my way home... despite the below 0 windchills :)  

It is a feast for all of the senses. The official city tree is shown above. 

(Although my favorite tree is the beautifully white lit tree out the Wrigley Building windows in Pioneer Court as seen in the parade pictures.)

I love all of the traditional German crafts.

So much to take in as you visit each booth.

My favorites - the nutcrackers and of course, one of them had to come home with me to join my collection :)

The visit wouldn't be complete without a stop in the Sweet Castle to pick up German chocolates (Kinder Schokolade and Duplos) for certain boys' stockings...shhhh

Hope that you are enjoying the traditions of your hometown!

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."

~Luke 2:6-7

 Blessings, Patti

We interrupt Thanksgiving for...

A little holiday magic!

I firmly believe in enjoying each holiday as it comes. I relish Thanksgiving for its calm family time when we truly give thanks. But I did make an exception on Saturday. It began with my sister-in-law's annual Open House Craft Show and Bake Sale.
I love to go early and help her set-up because then I get the first peek at all of her lovely creations!

She empties our her living room & dining room and creates a lovely Holiday Gift Shop.

I think it really helps give ideas on how to display her lovely work in your own home.

Of course, I came home with some lovely items that I can't quite share yet... but maybe one or two might show up in next month's giveaway :)

I couldn't stay all the way til the end, but her home was quickly emptying out with lots of happy customers leaving with bulging bags. It was on to my next festive event...

The 20th Annual Michigan Avenue Festival of Lights Parade!

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse officially light all of the twinkling white lights that Michigan Avenue has become famous for.

You can watch the lights being turned on block by block.

I enjoy it because it is from the comfort and quiet of the offices where I work. I wouldn't be there if we had to stand in the throngs on the streets as I don't do very well in large crowds. Although it is fascinating to watch all the people from afar.

My youngest son and I took some friends along to share in the fun.

The local television station broadcasts from across the street (see the bright lights & white roof?)so we get to see all of the musical numbers from the back :) This is Mary Mary (in the middle) - the gospel choir and dancers were fantastic.

We now resume our Thanksgiving celebrations and will delay any further mention of Christmas until Friday :)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."

Colossians 3:15-16

Blessings, Patti

Merry Christmas from Chicago!

Merry Christmas to all!

I am sorry that I have been MIA. I have been seriously under the weather with a horrible case of the flu - I had a fever that peaked at 102.7 and lasted for days.

Luckily the fever broke and I began to feel better just in time. We had a quiet Christmas Eve and hosted dinner for 25 today, Christmas Day. Our guests have gone home and I just wanted to share a bit Christmas from Chicago.

A few weeks back, we attended the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade.

We were excited to see and hear Wilson Philips (above) and Crystal Bowersox (American Idol) perform in the parade.


I love those big balloons and would love to be a balloon handler some time...

I also visited the Christkindlmarket several times.

It always puts me in a happy holiday mood!

I'm always mesmerized by these paper stars, but have never bought one...

These gingerbread cookies are almost too pretty to eat :)

I did buy a new ornament for our tree - a dachshund of course, to celebrate Orion joining our family!

Please keep the reason for the season in your heart :)

"The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and
praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the
child, just as the angel had said."
-Luke 2:20

Blessings, Patti