The festive season is now officially open

Michigan Avenue Bridge

Yesterday, the Festival of lights opened the festive season in Chicago.  This happens with a parade through Michigan avenue.  The parade is headed by Mini and Mickey Mouse, whose arrival is accompanied by the lighting up of the Christmas decorations in that particular stretch of road, and lots of cheering, especially by children.  The parade came to an end with a fireworks show at the river.  There was a nice atmosphere.  A Christmas feeling, although it is too early for Christmas, we’re still more than a month away, and advent will only start in two weeks. 

Mini & Mickey in front of Water Tower Place

Before the festival, our university organized a graduate student social at 16th floor of the Lewis Towers, from which Michigan Avenue can be seen well.  We had some egg nog and warm apple cider, and each student was given a bauble, or as they refer to it here an ornament.  I had designed this ornament for Water Tower Campus life, the department for which I work here, and I'm quite proud of my first venture into design of Christmas decorations.   

So after the social, we went out into the streets to enjoy the atmosphere and headed towards the river to watch the fireworks.  Walking down the streets, the reason why celebrations start so early, was obvious.  The Christmas period brings with it a rise in consumption and commercial activity.  Thus the longer such period is, the better for the enterprises.  We obviously ignore the fact that such lengthening of the Christmas period, not only degrades the value and anticipation to such days, but is also in my opinion harmful to the environment.

Nevertheless its hard not be carried away by the spirit, especially when the weather is already colder than it has been in all my Christmases throughout my lifetime.  Still, I will try to hold my horses, and go through the traditional anticipation for Christmas, going through advent first.  Will see how much I will manage this in the midst of all the Christmas decorations popping all over the place.