Wow, November and December have been busy.
First, I supported my sister and the building of the Christmas trees - again - by helping to set-up the Festival of Trees charity event where my sister lives in Illinois. I also attended the event for the first time, although I have been a purchaser of trees from past events.
I was put to work immediately upon my arrival, packaging gifts for event chairs. My learned skill for this activity was using cellophane (haven't worked with it before).
This, while my sister finalized the floor plan for the trees, wreaths, and hearth and home items.
Remember the shop? Well, all of the trees, wreaths, and hearth and home decor was moved out of the shop into a ballroom for set up.
Of course, I was statement ready. My new shirt (uniform for the day), elf earrings, Xmas tree headband and Christmas light glasses put me right into the mood.
My brother-in-law came in for his company's day-of-service (along with other companies from around the area) to also help with the install. My BiL was on door duty, for which. he made all the stands the doors sit in for displaying all the wreaths.
I spent the day wrapping boxes to add to the tree displays, lighting (yes, I put lights on a tree for the very first time), and decorating the entryway of the event. I eventually worked to "fluff" the trees and ensure all bows were at their maximum "poofiness". I also helped with arranging the outside designer items (there are a few items that are created by outside designers, not the volunteers who spend 5 months decorating the trees and more).
We did stop for a little drink - and fun.
All of the items turned out beautifully.
Then as they say, we cleaned up nice and attended the event.
This is decorator Sarah. She and I worked to design this wreath (which sold the first night).
You might remember, I worked on this tree in the shop when I was there in the summer. This tree was Sarah's design, but Kristin left me in the shop unsupervised while she went to buy ribbon. So, I helped Sarah bring her vision to life (it was an honor). And, it sold on the first night of the event as well!
Once we completed the event, my sister, her friend Heather, and I traveled to Iowa to decorate a tree for the Des Moines festival of trees and light. The money raised from that event supports the Children's hospital.
I was very proud of my ball belt (a new accessory for this event only).
The tree - and vignette, turned out beautiful. The volunteers from the Iowa Architectural Foundation were great to work with (my sister began supporting this event with the same volunteers - and a few more have been added in subsequent years - when she was the executive director for the foundation).
I was personally blow away by the creativity of the teams decorating trees throughout the Des Moines convention center. These don't even scratch the surface.
We did stop on the drive home so I could see the World's largest truck stop - the Iowa I-80. All I will say is that it is no Buc-ees. Kristin and I did come home with matching trucker flannel shirts.
I did spend Thanksgiving with Kristin, Eugene, and Finn. And, Eugene's parents also joined in the festivities. I haven't seen them in 25+ years, so it was great to spend time with them too!
We played games and put together the first puzzle of this holiday season.
And in case you were wondering, we couldn't help ourselves. We built another tree for Eugene's mom!
I returned home to attend a few events, including a happy hour with former work colleagues, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs where my friend Alex was presenting an award and Rahm Emanuel, former mayor for the city of Chicago and current ambassador to Japan, was being honored. I also thoroughly enjoyed engaging in meaningful dialog with Executive Collective for Sustainability. Being able to be a part of this extraordinary group of women leaders is truly an honor.
And I haven't forgotten my annual tradition, taking photographs of the holiday decorations around the city. Mainly, the places my Mom and Dad remember when they lived in Chicago. The Drake Hotel, 900 North Michigan Avenue, the Marshall Fields Walnut Room tree and display windows (I refuse to call the department store by its current name), and the tree in Millennium Park (used to be in Grant Park when my Dad was growing up).
The Drake Hotel
The tree is stunning, and would make Kristin proud. You can't see any green. What amazes me about this tree is how old many of the ornaments are, some dating back DECADES.
I always love the Gingerbread house they construct. This year, it is of the hotel itself.
900 North Michigan Ave.
The Chicago Water Tower
Marshall Field's Walnut Room Tree and Windows
Millennium Park Tree and Bean
And as a bonus this year, I went to Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo (a first) and the Chriskindlmarket (which I haven't been to in years).
And if that is not enough holiday for you, my apartment building hosted a "build your own ornament" event, so I made a little tree with a red star.
The holidays are not over, so more to come. But I can't close without saying, it has been three years since Cosmo crossed over the rainbow bridge. I miss him the most during the holidays, as he was my travel buddy and loved playing with his bunny cousins.
Here are a few of my favorites from his first Christmas.
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