What do you mean what’s Hogmany?  It’s what us Scots call New Years Eve,  and it’s when  we get all sentimental and of course have a drink……. merely to help us reflect on the past year you understand.   I for one can’t believe that a whole year has passed already,  not that I want 2010 to hang around for much longer.   Personally it hasn’t been a bad year for us but it certainly looks like it’s been more than difficult for so many others and I hope 2011 will be much kinder.

We did manage to make it out to the Christkindl Market in Chicago’s Daley Plaza this year (we messed up and missed it last year).  I love the market it’s all Christmassy and Mark made a few purchases for my stocking that were a lovely surprise on Christmas morning…….I’ll share my Christmas goodies in a blog post next year as I haven’t taken piccies of anything yet.

So I wish you all a wonderful Healthy and Happy 2011 and raise a glass and say Happy New Year Everyone…..I hope it’s a good one.

I love going to Chicago anytime of the year,  but Christmas time is especially brilliant.  Something about the sparkly lights and the crowded streets  bustling with shoppers laden with bags and towing excited children,  all vying to catch a glimpse of the holiday windows and the numerous trees dotted around the city.  It all makes me feel particularly Christmassy.

I also love going to the christkindlmarket.  It is fast becoming a holiday staple for us to wander around the little German themed market and enjoy a puff dog (yummy sausage roll) and a chocolate covered fruit skewer (heaven on a stick)

Above is a picture of one of the booths and I think you get the idea of how festive and wonderful it is here in Daley Plaza…..plus the whole place has the aroma of mulling spices and hot chocolate..mmmmmmm.  Even the horses are festive in Chicago,  or is that a reindeer?

Another of my favourite Christmassy essentials in Chicago has to be going to Marshall Fields (I am loathe to say Macy’s – I shall never forgive them for destroying the arcade area) I adore their Christmas windows and interior holiday displays,  and I particularly love the giant trumpets outside the store….you know the ones right?

And of course it snowed all day on Saturday,  it really was the most perfect holiday atmosphere……..I can’t believe Christmas is only 4 days away!!!  but I am certainly feeling much more festive now……..

Merry Christmas everyone.