Here Comes Suzy Snowflake

Welcome! It is once again Christmastime in Chicago! Living in Chicago for 28 years has given me some ideas of what I'd like to do in the city before I might ever need to leave, and several of those goals revolve around Christmas. So as I accomplish these tasks, I'll share my experiences with you.


For the longest time I wanted to work a retail job during the holiday season downtown - so last year I took a part-time job at Macy's on State Street and worked in the Women's Active & Denim department. Ok, so it was no Holiday Lane, but I was able to experience holiday shopping from a different perspective! Above is the view from the balcony of my department on the fourth floor. I met so many different people - customers and co-workers - while I worked at Macy's. Sure, we ran out of the red paper shopping bags pretty quickly and there were quite a few customers upset that Field's was no longer a presence, but seeing all the families, helping confused husbands, pointing people in the direction of the Walnut Room and walking past the Mary Poppins windows almost every day made up for it!


One night I stopped by the Walnut Room with my camera after dropping off my cash bag and took a picture of the 2006 Vera Wang Great Tree. It was actually pretty neat to be there when it was empty as opposed to the hustle and craziness that sometimes accompanies the lunchtime crowds.


In any case, this year I plan to travel around the city and take lots of photos to show the many ways Chicago celebrates Christmas including decorations at Navy Pier, Water Tower, Daley Plaza, and so much more! Merry Christmas!