We started planning a gala Christmas celebration in May when I bought airline tickets to Chicago. Despite some trepidation due to the 2022 holiday flights debacle, I plunged ahead. The plan was to spend Christmas in the Chicago suburban home of our daughter, her fiancé, and our granddaughter. Our son and his wife from Las Vegas would join us. I was most pleased with myself to be the early bird catching the worm.

Now you probably think I am going to proceed with a tale of woe about traveling over the holidays. On the contrary, the whole trip went like clockwork, even exceeding expectations. Yay!! I have to commend United Airlines. Not only were our flights painless, but they both arrived at our destinations early: Unheard of, and totally delightful!

On the morning of Christmas Eve we found the Colorado Springs airport to be quiet and sedate as we prepared for our flight to Chicago O’hare airport. As I said, we arrived early and disembarked into an arena that the was the polar opposite of Colorado Springs. To say it was busy is an understatement! The halls were buzzing with rushing, happy travelers moving briskly along their way. We were greeted with the tantalizing smell of Chicago hot dogs. Yum – always a favorite!

I was born in Chicago, and spent my early childhood there. We also lived in the northwest suburbs in the 1990s, so being in Chicago felt like home. I was just commenting to my husband, Ron, that in years long past before heightened security, arriving visitors would be met at the gate by their loved ones. What sweet memories! As we headed to the baggage claim, here came our son Joe, and our host Demetri. We were overwhelmed with joy that they had parked, and come in to greet us. Thank you O’hare for closing your cell phone lot!

The vibe in Chicago is positively electric. It’s busy, vibrant, colorful, and exudes a different feeling than the more laidback aura of our home town. When we went out for a post-Christmas dinner in Naperville this difference was evident. The restaurant was fully booked. The friendly yet businesslike staff were rushing to and fro to accommodate what was a congenial crowd. The positive, palpable mood was energetic and warm, accompanied by a cacophony of sound and polished illumination. It was a perfect representation of the best Chicago has to offer.

Of course our 15-year-old granddaughter Tess, wanted to go shopping after Christmas. We dodged the shopping malls, and made two forays into retail heaven: the chic stylish downtown areas of Naperville and Glen Ellyn. The shops range from tiny boutiques to upscale chain stores such as Anthropologie and Sephora. We braved the brisk cold air as we wandered along the crowded streets with other cheerful shoppers. Tess led us to Naperville’s Le Chocolat du Bouchard for what else? – hot chocolate and cocoa lattes.

I reminisced about a Christmas of long ago in Elgin. I was around the age of 5 with a heightened awareness and curiosity of the pervasive magic of Santa Claus. Wow! Did he really and truly come down the chimney and leave gifts for all good little children? I was a good kid, but alas, our rental house had no chimney and no fireplace. So how was Santa going to get in?!? I was convinced my family was out of luck. Mom and Dad were quick to assure me that they would leave the front door unlocked for Santa to get in. I was not convinced, and worried for weeks about this conundrum. Upon arising Christmas morning, my sisters and I thundered down the stairs and….the jolly old elf had indeed gained entry and left plenty of booty behind. Yippee!

A traditional holiday visit to the world-famous Walnut Room, on the seventh floor of Macy’s Department Store on State Street, is as iconic as it gets. This is the first and longest-running restaurant in a department store. It was opened as a tea room at Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s) in 1907. For over a hundred years the stupendous 45-foot “Great Tree” has graced the center of the dining room during the holiday season. As a kid I remember staring wide-eyed through the glass of the always magical store windows of this downtown holiday fantasyland.

A few in our family-group made a visit to Christmas at Cantigny in this nearby park. Historic McCormick House, the grounds and gardens were flooded with holiday lights, festive music, and family fun. A walk through the immersive light show on the property was followed by a tour of the first floor of the lavishly decorated mansion. Oh what fun!

We consider ourselves truly blessed to be part of such a loving and fun-filled family. It was a most memorable Christmas holiday that we continue to hold close to our hearts. And thank you United Airlines for getting us there and back without a meltdown!

Enjoying chocolate beverage treats at Le Chocolat du Bouchard in Naperville, Ill. Left to right: husband Ron Kinder, daughter Becky Mayer, granddaughter Tess Mayer.

photos by Libby Kinder

Taking in the lights and music at Christmas at Cantigny is set to become a holiday tradition. Clockwise from upper left in sleigh: Grandaughter’s friend, granddaughter Tess Mayer, daughter-in-law Lindsey Kinder, daughter Becky Kinder. On sled: son Joe Kinder.

Libby Kinder

Holidays are all about eating good food! We made short work of this delectable charcuterie board.