Santa & Me

Chicago goes all out for Christmas. If you take the Red Line subway and get off at State and Washington, you emerge in front of Marshall Fields. (Note: all photos except for Santa and myself are from Christmas 2001.)

For the holidays to the delight of children (and most adults), Marshall Fields transforms its windows into an enchanting visual story. Last year the windows depicted 'Twas the Night before Christmas. Mom (lower left) is explaining the first window in the series to her kids.

Inside Marshall Fields, a huge, elaborate display fills the central atrium.

But will I really get my Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas?