This post continues the series of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.
When my daughters were young, we enjoyed taking them to see the iconic Christmas windows at Marshall Field’s on State Street in Chicago. Often we went as a family, but some years I took them myself on the train. I commuted to downtown Chicago everyday on the train. But train rides are exciting for kids, and my daughters were no exception. Riding in the upper berth was especially fun for them. The seats above are smaller and closer to the floor – perfectly sized for kids.
Once at State Street, we’d take our time, moving with the crowds while we looked at each themed window around the store. The themes varied from year to year; A Dickens Village, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas Carol, Nutcracker Suite and Santa at the North Pole are examples I remember. The windows were magical. The detailed, colorful, animated figures and backgrounds were mesmerizing – for kids and adults.
Afterward, we’d make our way to the Walnut Room Restaurant inside the store. The Walnut Room had a large decorated tree in the center and overlooked floors below. Bright, white tablecloths with cloth napkins and real silverware. Here they could order from a grown-up menu (usually the typical grilled cheese, Coke and fries), watch the center of the store from up on high and eat lunch. It was a totally fun day just being with them and experiencing the atmosphere of State Street and downtown Chicago through their eyes – wide open and with delight.
I remember . . . and it makes me smile whenever I think of it.
