The rhythmic squishing of slushed snow underfoot
Drab, beige, and gelatinous
The sounds mark our pace as we march through the city
Holly and vibrant red streamers decorate the stores
Emerald and ruby lights lead the way to the market
I sniff the chilled air in anticipation
and my breath comes out in moist huffed clouds
Chicago’s cab drivers honk
while the hustling shoppers flit past each other in search of treasures
Twinkling bells ring and the occasionally horse clip clops down Michigan Avenue
Past the cold grey skyscrapers
peeks a green pine tree top
beneath a european christmas village
snug cottages, swarmed together
illuminated by cozy lights
displaying the ornaments, of jolly santa claus or freshly baked sugared almonds
in the midst of the mini christmas village surrounded by the Chicago metropolis
towers a fir tree bedazzled with golden streamers and glittering lights
the warmth of the almonds and gluwein pervades my nose
crowds of people swarm the cottages munching on lebekuchen
and roasted nuts smothered in thick sugar
with little children gazing in awe
of the intricate wooden ornaments
and the glass blower as he carves out their name in glass
a thousand and one miles away from home
but suddenly I’m a twinkle of christmas bells closer