With a week and a half left before Christmas, several area restaurants are still serving up frosty, festive delights as you “Breakfast with Santa (or the Grinch)!”

Santa is coming to the West Loop’s Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market Street on Sunday, December 18! They’re serving a traditional all-you-can-eat holiday buffet, along with a special visit from Santa and Ms. Claus. Sample from several unusual grazing stations around the venue. They include the ‘Salmon and Bagel Station, with smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, sliced cucumbers, and cherry and raspberry jellies; ‘Paella and Spanish Charcuterie,’ with seafood and vegetable paellas, chorizo sausage, candied almonds and dried fruits; a Churrasco Carving Station featuring Tomahawk bone-in ribeye, braised short-rib barbacoa, while their Pastries and Dessert station features a donut wall, churros, and cotton candy. Soda, coffee and tea are included. Adults are $55, and children ages 10 and under years are $25. For reservations, click here. 

Before you attend ‘Light up the Lake’ at Navy Pier, there’s a great place to take kids for an extra-special celebration! Streeterville’s Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, serves up Breakfast with Santa + Wigglewormson Sunday, December 18, from 10am-2pm, serving holiday-inspired breakfast favorites and visits with Santa. Try their Avocado Mistle-Toast, with avocado mash, fried egg, and Texas toast, or the Holiday Hash Skillet, with pulled pork, potatoes, and red & yellow peppers,onion, BBQ sauce, and sunny side-up eggs. Frosty’s French Toast comes with maple syrup and fruit. A live performance by an Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms teacher will have you and your children singing and dancing to holiday classics. BTW…the venue wants you to know that Santa Claus is fully vaccinated. For reservations, click here. 

Maybe Lunch or Dinner with Santa instead? At the Loop’s 124-year-old Berghoff Restaurant, 17 W. Adams, on Saturday, December 17, Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 23, from 1pm-7pm, a very merry holiday meal awaits you and your family, along with a special visit from Santa. The kids can enjoy Die Weihnachtsgurke (the Christmas pickle), a fun Bavarian tradition for kids and those young at heart. As their website explains, “See if you can find the pickle ornament hidden in our Christmas trees throughout the restaurant.” Any child who finds a pickle ornament in any of our trees will receive a year of good luck and a Berghoff Root Beer for $1.00. This year the money raised from the root beer sales will benefit SOS Villages of Illinois, which helps children. Their special Holiday Menu includes a Winter Warm Up Combo, which includesa small Berghoff Salad, a cup of their Soup of the Day, and a Grilled Cheese with provolone served on house-baked sourdough bread. Their famous Bavarian menu includes Spatzleknödel, which is a spätzle dumpling stuffed with smoked gouda, chicken andouille, spinach and fried leeks, topped with a Sriracha buerre blanc, and served with a quinoa and arugula salad. Your meal is complete with their house-made White Chocolate Mousse. 100% of the profits from the sales of the mousse will be donated to the SOS Villages of Illinois. For reservations, click here. 

At Kroll’s, an upscale pub in the South Loop, 1736 S. Michigan Avenue, ‘Breakfast with the Grinch’ is already sold out on Saturday, December 17, but you can add your name to the waiting list. If enjoying a morning of Grinchiness, eating and drinking holiday-themed food and beverage, and watching ‘The Grinch’  on Kroll’s four large projection screens while writing your letter to Santa appeal to you, click here to add your name to their waiting list.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Is your home is the hub of the holidays this season? If so, you’ve got some work to do before your guests knock on your door. Luckily, it doesn’t have to take weeks of hard labor to get your home ready – just a few smart and simple tasks will do the trick to get things prepped for holiday house guests.

Figure Out the Sleeping Arrangements

If you’re lucky enough to have a guest room, fantastic. If not, you’ve got a little coordinating you do. Figure out the sleeping arrangements for your house guests, and if that means shuffling family members around to accommodate, do these logistics beforehand.

Maybe Junior will have to sleep with Mommy and Daddy to free up a bed, or perhaps the living room couch will be need to act as a makeshift bed. Whatever the case may be, have this arrangement handled in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Make Up the Guest Bed(s) With Fresh Sheets

If no one has slept in the guest bed for months, the sheets will start to get a bit stale. Rip those babies off and slap on a set of crisp, fresh-smelling bedsheets and pillowcases. Set out some extra blankets and pillows too, in case your guests are the type to get really cozy and bundled in bed. And while you’re in there, take a couple of minutes to tidy up and get rid of anything that doesn’t belong.

Clean and Stock Up the Bathroom

Tidying up and dusting is a no-brainer, not just when house guests are shacking up with you. But one room in particular that needs some extra attention is the bathroom (for obvious reasons). Most people won’t get too bent out of shape about a tad of dust underneath furniture, but certain marks and streaks (and smells) in the bathroom can be enough to turn anyone off.

Make sure you clean every corner of the bathroom, including the floor, sink, toilet, shower stall, bathtub and mirrors. Dump out the trash, take out a fresh stack of clean towels, refill the soap dispenser, and restock the toilet paper. Your guests will appreciate the fact that they don’t have to bust your chops asking for anything when everything has already been handed to them on a silver platter.

Have Your Morning Essentials in Order

Some people instinctively reach for their coffee first thing in the morning, while others look forward to a massive bowl of cereal when they wake. Everyone’s different, so make sure you get the 411 on what your house guests prefer to have at their disposal in the morning.

Find out what they like to drink and eat for breakfast, and make sure to hit the supermarket to pick these things up before they arrive. Set these things up in an easily-accessed area on the kitchen countertop, and be sure to point them out to your house guests when you’re giving them the tour so they don’t feel obligated to be served in the morning.

Give Them a Spot to Chill Out in Peace

As cool and fun-to-be-with as you are, most people don’t necessarily want to be in each other’s faces 24/7. So give your house guests some quiet space where they can catch up on their novel, watch their favorite show, or do whatever else floats their boat. They’ll appreciate the consideration of setting up a little area where they can retreat to in order to get a little ‘me’ time.

Plan Things to Do

Depending on how long your house guests plan to stay with you over the holidays, you might want to plan some fun things to do while they’re there. Sure, you could watch holiday movies until you’re blue in the face, but consider finding out what types of things your guests might be interested in doing besides being stuck in front of the tube.

Maybe they’d like to check out the local museum or infamous eateries in your city. Or maybe they’d like to check out some landmarks specific to your town, or even checkout a show. You don’t have to do all of these things, but even a day or two of activity can be enough to break up the monotony of an extended holiday guest stay.

The holidays are all about family and friends, and sharing in the joy of the season. But if you’re well-prepared for your house guests, the holidays can be that much sweeter.

“The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other.”

Next to Los Angeles ‘ Griffith Observatory, the Adler Planetarium is likely the best -known Planetarium in the United States. Located on the northeastern tip of Northerly Island on Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the United States. Its domed presence rising high above Lake Michigan’s waters at 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. 

According to Wikipedia sources, the Planetarium began as the vision of Max Adler, a recently retired Sears, Roebuck & Co. executive and philanthropist. Adler listened to a friend describe a Munich planetarium. He decided that a planetarium would fit in well within the emerging ‘Museum Campus’ (Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium).

Adler visited the Munich planetarium with his cousin, architect Ernest Grunsfeld Jr.. Adler then commissioned Gruenfeld to design the Chicago structure. At the same time, Adler learned about a sale of astronomical instruments and antiques by W. M. Mensing in Amsterdam, which he purchased the following year. The Mensing Collection became the focus of the then-called ‘Astronomical Museum’. Adler offered $500,000 in 1928 for the construction of the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, and on The Adler Planetarium opened to the public on Adler’s birthday, May 12. Phillip Fox, Ph.D., a professor of astronomy at Northwestern University, is appointed the Planetarium’s first director

What was space exploration like in the 1930’s? The history of exploring the universe dates back to the earliest centuries. Still, there was no NASA at the time. Clyde Tombaugh had just discovered Pluto (in 1930). There were only very large telescopes and curious scientists that had gone before, like Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity in the 18^th Century, Albert Einstein’s 1916 theory of relativity, Robert Goddard’s rocketry in its infancy, and 1910’s Ritchey-Chrétien telescope to inform us of Earth’s orbits and planets in the solar system. It took until 1947 for Chuck Yeager to break the sound barrier. The Adler Planetarium grew up, along with the era of rocket and ultimately, space exploration. 

Today…

The Adler has three theaters, space science exhibitions, Including the Gemini 12 space capsule, and a collection of antique scientific instruments and print materials. In addition, the Adler Planetarium hosts the Doane Observatory, a research-active public observatory incorporating interactive displays into 60,000 square feet of exhibitions while showing mind-blowing sky shows (produced in-house) that take you above and beyond the stars via stellar 30-minute space adventures. Adler Planetarium For Kids

The Adler Planetarium accommodates the experience for people of all ages. While there are plenty of exhibits and shows that are perfect for the entire family, there are specific exhibits designed to give children an adventure of their very own.

‘Adler at Night’ on Wednesdays: special programs, honored guests 

Every Wednesday is free museum entry for Illinois residents with proof of residency. Their Wednesday hours, from 4:00 pm–10:00 pm, are the perfect time for “hands-on, minds-on activities, experiences, and shows about the universe that will blow your mind,“ guaranteed! On Wednesday, December 14, a very special ‘Adler at Night,’ is planned, where you can meet scientists from around the country from 6pm–9pm, as part of the American Geophysical Union’s fall conference. Experts from the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT), the Center for Geospace Storms (CGS), NASA DRIVE Center, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) programs, among many others, will be on hand to provide their expertise. Book your tickets for December 14 or any future Adler at Night now by clicking here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

It is possible to have a conversation where you don’t agree but neither of you becomes defensive. We can’t always control somebody’s reaction to a situation. It’s natural to defend yourself if you feel your beliefs are being threatened. So, while not everyone who enters a conversation intends to be civil, there are a few things we can do proactively to help the situation. 

Be mindful of your language. Not only bad language but the way we say things can have a great effect. Avoid shaming or blaming the other person; even using the words “you should” can cause someone to become angry or defensive. Perhaps a person is not entirely confident in their position on a matter. So, always think before you speak.

Avoid telling someone else what to do, how to feel, or give unsolicited advice. In society today, we are sometimes so focused on getting our own ideas out that we don’t remember there are other perspectives to consider. Share your experience, and use just those words, “This has been my experience”. Be willing to be vulnerable and to expect the other party to push back. When you do get pushback it’s good to diffuse the situation. You can say, “I might be hitting a nerve, that’s not my intention. If you are uncomfortable, we don’t have to talk about it.” Just keep yourself from getting defensive too. 

Think about your motives before starting a conversation you know might make another defensive. Do you just want to push your position? If the conversation needs to be had, start it out with an open-ended question, “Tell me more about that, I’d like to know your views.” This shows humility, grace, and a sense of openness. If you do this, you have a much better chance of getting a good response rather than a defensive one. If everybody came to the table with the concept of having a civil conversation, the world would be a much better place. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

As we enter the month of December, Chicago is pulling out all the stops this Holiday Season for one and all to have a joyful and memorable time!  So, let’s get started with this weekend’s batch of holiday favorites!!

Calling all Santas!  It’s time again to compete for the gold medal during the Santa Hustle® Chicago 5K & Kids Dash this Saturday at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.  The Kids Dash will start (8:30 a.m.) and finish at the Finish Line in front of Soldier Field with each Kids Dash participant receiving a Santa Hat, a Santa Beard, a Race Bib, and a Finisher Medal.  The 5K will start at 9:00 a.m. with each 5K participant receiving a cozy and comfy Unisex Hoodie, a Santa Hustle embroidered Beanie, and a Snow Globe Finisher Medal.  Plus, there will be cookie and candy stations, one water/aid station and volunteers passing out goodies and keeping spirits high along the course!  And there’s even more cookies at the finish line – Ho-Ho-Ho!!

Come One, Come All to the return of Chicago’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl this Saturday (3 p.m.-10 p.m.) at various River North neighborhood bars.  Your general admission ticket includes door cover charges waived, up to 50% off beers and well drinks, up to 25% off select foods, free entrance to 5+ bars, holiday themed drinks, an Ugly Sweater contest, DJs & entertainment at select bars, and more!  So, dig out your fav holiday ugly sweater, or a Santa suit, elf costume, or a holiday-themed onesie, and get dashin’ through the bars!!

Join in on the fun aboard Santa’s BYOB Holiday Lights Tour Luxury Bus now through December 30^th departing from Rizzo’s Bar & Inn (3658 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood as you are taken to and from some of Chicago’s most memorable attractions in a 4-hour tour aboard a climate-controlled luxury party bus.  Also included in this adventure is a complimentary Chili and Mac & Cheese buffet at Rizzo’s; one of Santa’s elves onboard the bus making sure all guests are having a blast; and express entry admission tickets to the Lincoln Park ZooLights and the Christkindlmarket in The Loop!  Plus, other attractions you can view from the comfort of the party bus are Macy’s holiday windows, The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park’s Christmas Tree, and Chicago’s famous State Street!!

Finally, the Holiday Season wouldn’t be complete without the following holiday pop-up bars and others!

The Grinch’s Pop-Up Bar is located at Moe’s Cantina (3518 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through December 29^th.  There will be delicious Mexican cuisine to warm you up with their specialty food menu in addition to the unmatched holiday ambience!  Plus, bring the whole family as kids are welcome before 9:00 p.m.!!

Frosty’s Ultimate Pop-Up Christmas Bar takes place in Goose Island at 809 W. Evergreen Avenue on the Near North Side now through January 1, 2023.  They have decked the halls on three levels for festive Christmas fun that includes four bars offering sensational seasonal cocktails, two dance floors, life-size toy soldiers, and a themed soundtrack to keep the crowd bumping until 4:00 a.m.!  In addition, there are photo ops for tons of awesome, picture-perfect moments, having a visit with Santa to find out if you were naughty or nice, and more!!

8 Crazy Nights is Chicago’s first Hanukkah-themed pop-up located at The Graystone Tavern (3441 N. Sheffield Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood now through January 8, 2023.  Both the bar and the enclosed, weatherproof patio will be decorated with dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah décor, a photo booth, and over 8,000 blue and white lights along with a special food menu as well as a playful drink menu!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago