I can’t believe how quickly the month of December flew by. How did we go from Thanksgiving to Christmas so quickly?!? I have so many fond childhood memories of the holiday season that I try to replicate for my own kids, Emmy (age 6) and Jack (age 5). It makes it easier to mimic those activities being that I grew up in Wheaton and live here now. My favorite activities were driving around with my mom and sisters to see Christmas lights around town, as well as walking through Cosley Zoo lights. This year my mom took Em and Jack to Cosley and back to her house for Gingerbread house decorating. (I think the kids decorated 3 gingerbread houses each this month!). Ever since Emmy was born in 2015 we have started a tradition with my mom to take the kids to Oakbrook Center to see Santa Claus followed by dinner at Ruscello, which is the restaurant in Nordstrom. This year we went on a really warm night (for Chicago) and had so much fun with the kids. I hope this tradition with my mom lasts for years to come.

Another highlight included a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo Lights in Chicago. My brokerage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, hosted a wonderful event for our families at the south cafe overlooking the lagoon. Not only did we enjoy walking through the spectacular light displays throughout the zoo, but BHHS Chicago provided us with holiday treats and hot cocoa for us to enjoy. A photographer printed photos of us on site to capture the night amongst various ice sculptures. Check out my social media pages for photos of our night! Also check out photos from our 2nd Annual “Spotting Santa Parade” throughout Wheaton. I love that my brokerage takes part in so many family-friendly holiday events, not to mention is a toy drop location for Toys for Tots charity. https://www.instagram.com/jennifernewsom_realtor/ and https://www.facebook.com/jenniferlynnnewsom/

Other highlights to complete our holiday festivities: Illumination Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum (amazing, highly recommend!), Christmas cookie baking, a trolley tour of the best Christmas lights in Naperville with https://napervilletrolley.com/ , Christmas concert at Jack’s school, Holiday Party at Emmy’s school (I got to be a room mom for it!), my sister’s and niece’s birthday party, and a nice weekend visit from Kurt’s parents who drove in from Michigan. Not to mention lots of visits to other friends and family. Whew.. no wonder why it flew by so fast. It was definitely an event-filled December!

Happy Holidays from my family to yours. Wishing you love, peace, and joy today, tomorrow and always.