Christkindlmarket Chicago

Today we braved the cold and icy sidewalks, and headed downtown. But not for shopping (that's what the internet is for), or window displays (who can see them anyhow with all the other people around). For years now, Brian and I have been heading down to the Christkindlmarket in Chicago during the holiday season. It reminds me so much of my year abroad in Germany, and the magical feeling you get just walking around this time of year (at least a little bit, since this only covers one square block). The scent of cinnamon almonds, red and white tents, people outside even when it's cold ... even the vendors are mostly all German. We love it and it's continued to be an annual tradition for us with the kids. There are a couple consistent things - Glühwein and ornaments. Each year the kids get to pick out an ornament for the tree (H picked out a saxophone and C got a butterfly). But what's really fun, is remembering past years too. Like the one where C just cried the whole time because it was so bitter cold out. Or last year, when we went twice - once with Brian's family, and once with my sister and her family. Both so much fun. Of course, what makes it for the boys too, is the fact that we take the train down. And they got a special treat today, because our conductor let them see how he drives the train and H even got to press the "doors closing" button. It made his day.