It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas! We decided not to get a Christmas tree this year because we've been out of time for more than 50% of the month. The poor thing would hardly get any attention, seeing as 17 out of 31 days we wouldn't be here. Last year I threw an ugly sweater party, so it was a necessary piece of decor. This year, we decided that getting a tree we'd hardly see, would promptly die, and would cost money just wasn't practical. My Christmas-loving self felt sad for the missing holiday symbol, so I made a little paper tree that sits next to our presents. On the dining room table.

One of my awesome sponsors Betsy has some amazing holiday traditions that she does every year. Check out all the cool Christmas stuff there is to do in Chicago!

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Hey everyone! I'm Betsy from Musings of a Museum Fanatic! I am so happy that Tess let me guest post here. One of my favorite things about this time of year is all of the different Christmas events and traditions that happen in Chicago. I'm going to share some of my favorites with you.

This has become one of my favorite Chicago and family traditions. Every year for the past threw years Kevin, my parents and his parents have gone downtown for the Christkindlmarkt. This year was no exception, we went down the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Every year Daley Plaza (since 1997) is transformed into an old world German Christmas market.  There are huge heated ornament houses, booths with all kinds of things to buy, ornaments, hats, steins and yummy German candy.  There are schnitzel and bratwurst sandwiches and of course your mulled wine or hot chocolate in the boot. 

Kevin's dad, Kevin, Kevin's mom, myself and my mom last year.

Another Chicago tradition everyone should be sure to check out is the windows of the State street Macy's. Every year they are a different theme. This year is no exception, although i have heard from some life long Chicagoans that they aren't up to snuff. Although these are still the people who refuse to call it Macy's : )

Skating in millennium park is another long held Chicago tradition. Although this lady has not had the pleasure yet. There are always tons and tons of people and skates always seem to get rented out quickly. For another skating experience you might want to head north to the Hancock building and Skate in the Sky. They have skating on the 94th floor. If you head there be sure to stay and get a drink in the Signature Lounge, it has fabulous views of the city.

The tradition I most want to see but haven't yet is the zoo lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Every year they put thousands of lights. The best park is the zoo is free year round so its great to just be able to meander over after having dinner in one of the fabulous neighborhood restaurants.

Thank you so much again to Tess for letting me guest post here today.  Hopefully I've inspired some of you to come visit my favorite city next year for the holidays, or at least hop on over and visit me at my blog!  Museum of Science and Industry on the left, Field Museum on the right