The holidays are a special time of year, filled with traditions and memories. Food plays a central role in our holiday celebrations for many of us. It is woven into the fabric of our cultures and customs. Whether it’s a festive feast, a cherished family recipe, or a seasonal treat, food plays a vital role in marking special occasions. From the classic turkey dinner at Thanksgiving to the sweet treats of Christmas, food is a way for us to come together and celebrate. But why do we celebrate the holidays with food? This blog post will delve into the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that connect us across time and place.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. One of the most meaningful aspects of this time of year is the food we share with family and friends. Food is not just a meal; it’s an experience that connects us with our past, present, and future. But what are the reasons why we celebrate the holidays with food?

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Life during COVID can feel stressful and isolating. So during this holiday season, responsible gatherings can be a soothing balm. We know the recent resurgence of the virus may curtail many plans, but small groups of vaccinated and tested friends and family can still come together to celebrate the gifts we still possess. One thing COVID has given us is a renewed focus on all the non-material abundance in our lives: family, friends, and co-workers.

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I mean – it’s been a long year, no?

But Christmas is here, and it is officially time for reflection and celebration.  Here goes.

Christmas at Catering by Michaels

I have been with Catering by Michaels for around ten years, and I’ve seen some changes.  One thing that remains the same:  we do Christmas right!  Each year our culinary team creates new and innovative items for our special holiday menu; our pastry chef practically moves into his pastry kitchen and spends every waking hour making assorted Christmas cookies, cakes, pies – oh my!

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We always do an annual Thanksgiving meal donation to Northwestern Settlement for 400 people so those in need can enjoy all the delicious traditions of a Thanksgiving meal. COVID-19 has destroyed our industry and continues to have a profound impact on our company. The events industry has been hit the hardest and so many of our favorite companies have already closed their doors. We have been hit hard, really hard, but there are so many people that are in need more than us. We really weren’t sure how we were going to make any donation work this year because of COVID-19. That is until we got a little help from our friends!

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Christmas in Chicago is certainly something to be excited about! The city offers something for everyone looking to enjoy and spread the cheer. This happy holiday mood starts at Thanksgiving and lasts all through New Year’s Eve.

You will definitely find seasonal fun in the many magical traditions; from the displays, to the ceremonies, and the food (ah, yes, the food!). If you’re torn when it comes to deciding on things to do with your loved ones celebrating Christmas in Chicago this year, get inspired by these activities to provide a memorable holiday experience.

#1: Attend top Christmas shows and concerts

Is there a better way to spread the cheer than to sing along to Christmas carols, jingle bells, and Handel? While some of the most high-profile concerts of the season don’t happen until the last day on New Year’s Eve, there’s still plenty to see during the rest of the Christmas season.

One of the most interesting shows to attend is Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. Showing at the beautiful Auditorium Theater, from November 30 to December 29, The Nutcracker is an annual holiday ballet that pays homage to the city and its inhabitants. It has been showing since 1987!

Additionally, Mannheim Steamroller, the top-selling holiday act of all time, continues to spread the Yuletide cheer throughout the US and luckily, they will be performing in Chicago.

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