Holiday happenings
The Chronicle highlights just a few of the many seasonal events

The holidays are back, and the evidence is all over Chicago. Whether it be displayed through the sparkling lights along Michigan Avenue and in surrounding neighborhoods; the enormous holiday tree and display in Daley Plaza; the massive mobs raiding retail stores for the holiday sales; or the winding line of children waiting to share their wish lists with Santa—the climax of the year is definitely here.
Read more...

12 films of Christmas...
Chronicle Arts & Entertainment Editors wrap up their favorite holiday films

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
In the annals of contemporary slapstick cinema, there will indubitably be a place for the loveable Griswold family—that hapless kin of Vacation fame. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, released in 1989 (and flanked by 1985’s European Vacation and 1997’s Vegas Vacation), follows the Griswold clan—headed up by father Clark (Chevy Chase)—in their preparation for a "good old-fashioned family Christmas." There’s the cutting down of an evergreen (Clark slices down a sequoia of girth), holiday shopping (Clark flirts with the lingerie saleswoman) and, of course, the stringing of the exterior twinkling lights (Clark falls off the roof).
Read more...

Holiday classic hits the stage

There are some holiday stories that will always remain classics no matter what, and "Miracle on 34th Street" is one of them—even when translated from film for a stage production.
Read more...

Kaufman’s abstract ‘Adaptation’

The power of passion is underestimated at times, although passion is what ultimately drives people to pursue their dreams, to go beyond their limits and to change their destinies. It doesn’t make a difference what one’s passionate is about. Passion can be strong enough to take over one’s life and lead him or her into the most unexpected places and situations—but I bet you didn’t think I was talking about a passion for orchids.
Read more...

In the Loop

In a fit of curiosity some years ago, I found myself in the audience of "The Jenny Jones Show"—effectively rendering myself another cog in the wheel of daytime television. In reality (and I hesitate to mention such a thing in the same breath as Ms. Jones) the experience was, in a sullied way, somehow fulfilling. Pertinently titled "Your Funky Smell Has Got to Go, it’s Time for a Makeover on the Jenny Jones Show" it featured willing folks appearing on national television in an effort to shed their sloppy ways via a new wardrobe fitted by the Jones beauty team. All in good fun, I say.
Read more...