Family Christmas Traditions

Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. 

They help us define who we are; 

they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.

Susan Lieberman

I grew up in a home that was not big on the "Christmas Traditions" thing, so when The Mister and I had kids, we wanted to give them the gift of traditions. Not to be slaves to them, but to allow our children the warmth of love and home to come flooding back each year, as they celebrate Christmas in their own homes. I wanted to share one of our FAVORITE traditions that we do each year. 

The Fam 2010 in front of the Great Tree at the Walnut Room

THE WALNUT ROOM:

Way before Macy's was in Chicago, we had Marshall Fields. They began a Christmas tradition for families...visiting "The Walnut Room" for Christmas dinner has been going for 104 years! 

This was "The Great Tree" in the 1930's - so pretty!

Yes, the decorations are THAT ridiculous and fabulous!!

We get all dressed up, (tip: go two hours BEFORE you are starving, because you are going to wait a really loooonggg time). But, you can shop, look at the store windows outside the store - this year they are doing "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause". They also have tables loaded with paper and crayons to write letters to Santa.
For each letter received in the special RED Macy's mailboxes, located throughout the store, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation up to $1 million to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Awesome!

How cute was this tree, from a few years ago? Look at how tiny the people look in comparison!! :) 

By the way, did I mention it has a TREE as a centerpeice? Each year it is decorated with a different theme. There was the Vera Wang tree, the Swarovski Crystal tree, the old-fashioned toys tree. Each year, absolutely amazing! Oh, did I mention it is TWO STORIES HIGH?!! There are other fun little traditions, but you will just have to visit and find out for yourself! 

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with your friends and family!
God bless, Kristen