Desperately Seeking Santa

I can't believe I'm actually posting about Christmas before Thanksgiving...  But, First Macy's.  Now FAO Schwarz?  F.A. Oh H*ll No!  Is State St really our "Great Street" anymore?  Or is it "Just Like Everywhere Else" St?  Chicago, my love, you're really living up to the origins of your name "striped skunk" not to mention the derisive nickname "The Second City".  Pretty soon we'll probably just start calling ourselves New York City Jr, IL.

I know it may seem silly for me to complain about it.  Yes, there are more important, more relevant issues plaguing our world and our city.  And yes, those issues concern me as well.  But, besides being all the people that I am - woman, wife, mom, Filipino-American, creative type, etc... - I am also very proud to call myself a Chicagoan - warts and all. 

Marshall Field's isn't just a store to me.  In many ways, Marshall Field's was one of the many icons of Chicago that have almost all disappeared from State St.  I think Chicagoans forget that Marshall Field was a pioneer who saw the potential of Chicago, who helped to found the University of Chicago and for whom The Field Museum was named.  He was a father and husband who worked to support and raise a family here in Chicago and when he died all the stores on State St. closed in his honor. 

Lately, I've reminisced with neighbors over childhood memories of walking around the Field's Christmas windows, browsing the enormous toy selection inside, lining up for the obligatory Santa picture and finishing up with a meal and dessert in the Walnut Room, which is celebrating it's 100th Anniversary this year, under the sparkling lights of the Great Tree.  I'd waited so long to enjoy these traditions with my own children and now, I'm not sure that will ever happen.  I haven't even stepped into the store since it was swallowed up by Macy's.

This year, like last year, we've been trying to find something else to do, somewhere else to go.  And I think we've found a great alternative.  This Saturday, November 17th is the Magnificent Mile's Lights Festival.  From 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, there will be concerts by numerous artists like KT Tunstall and Ralph's World, booths from Eli's Cheesecakes and The Museum of Science and Industry.  At 6, the big parade from Oak St. to Wacker Dr. begins.  And at 6:55 pm, fireworks will light up the sky over the Chicago River.

In between Mag Mile festivities, we'll probably head over to the John Hancock Center to get a complimentary picture taken with Santa and check out the Holiday Mountain Railroad while we're waiting.

Although, nothing will quite substitute for the Walnut Room, (our kids would have been too young for it anyway)  there are plenty of alternatives - Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Grand Lux Cafe or even afternoon tea at the Peninsula, The Drake or Hotel Inter-Continental.

I'm really looking forward to the memories we'll be making this weekend, especially window gawking and daydreaming with everyone else about what we'll be giving and receiving on Christmas. Alas dear Chicago, of the many things you need and want, I would love to bring Marshall Field's back to you.