This holiday season was a whirlwind of travel, of family, and of several days off to relax. Just before Christmas, B and I decided to travel North to Chicago before heading to Cleveland to visit family. Having not bought gifts for each other at all, it was a time to peruse Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, having not been in the Art Institute for a few months, it was high time to stop in and breathe, and having not eaten in about… mmm… 3 hours, it was a time to hit up our favorite spots (I’m looking at you, Carmine’s).
Chritmastime in Chicago is magical. While there are shoppers and tourists everywhere, yes, there are also beautifully lit trees at every turn, ice skating in Maggie Dailey and Millennium Parks, and giant red bows on the lions that guard the Art Institute.
I’ve said so many times that Chicago feels like home to us, and it’s true- Bryan has mentioned that it feels like a larger version of his hometown, and for me… I’m not sure what it is. There’s a peace that comes with cool weather in your lungs and snow in your hair. There’s a magic in waking up in our quiet Chicago hotel, and walking to dinner with friends. That familial camaraderie, I think, is part of what Christmas is truly about.
With the holidays behind us, friends, I’m so looking forward to the new year. A blank page on which to write the next 365 days is nothing less than refreshing. I’m looking forward to what this year brings, and I hope you are, as well.
