Happy Yuletide

The Holiday cheer is all around us - yes, it's that time of the year!! I've grown to love the winter in Chicago (this from someone who used to HATE the cold and was miserable the first winter here). From the lights on the trees of every other street to the dark evenings at 4PM, from the Gingerbread latte and holiday-themed cups at Starbucks to the holiday music in every store, restaurant and mall..each and every thing about the winter months spells cheer. There is a spring in everyone's step and a twinkle in everyone's eyes.

And then there are some winter days that are too perfect to be true - just the right amount of cold - enough to make you feel winter is here, but also to make you want to take a long walk outside, a walk that will exhilarate and rejuvenate. We had one such perfect day one Friday about a couple weeks ago.

I packed us some yummy sandwiches and we headed downtown that evening. Bundled up our little bundle of joy. Parked at Navy Pier. Took a long stroll along the riverfront to Michigan Avenue. Stopped to take pictures. Walked to Millenium Park. Enjoyed our sandiwches. Kabir proved himself to be a winter baby through and through. By the time we walked back to Navy Pier it was already 8:30PM. But the evening was not over yet. Kabir and I rode the carousel. I also sat on the "Wave Swinger" - flew around with a gorgeous view of Chicago downtown and Lake Michigan, the wind on my face. The thrill and feeling of fullfilment that coursed through my entire being at that moment is inexplicable. I felt like there never could be a more perfect evening in my life.

I guess that's what "being in the holiday mood" means. Life seems perfect. I know I am not being realistic when I say that, but I think it is moments like these when all the troubles, tensions, worries just seem so trivial in comparison. Hope everyone has atleast one such perfect evening this winter. I wish all readers a Happy and Carefree Holiday season!