It's festival season in Chicago. At least, it is in theory. In reality the weekends have been cold or rainy or both, and every Chicagoan is waiting for consistent sun and consistent warmth. Not warm one day, cold the next. Not sunny all morning with...

One of my goals in life is to spend the holidays in Europe. I would love to don my winter best and wander the lights and markets of some German Christmas market. Some day. Some day. Until then, I suppose, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago will...