December in the City – December in Chicago – Cozy Living in December.
It’s the first Saturday of the month and that means I’m joining up with some fabulous bloggers (led by Jennifer @Town & Country Living) to share how we make our homes and lives cozy in the month of December.
December in Chicago can range from mild (and even a bit rainy) to bitter below zero cold. And we aren’t even guaranteed snow on the ground when Christmas day rolls around.
I mean, cold with no snow is just cold. Especially on Christmas day!
But regardless of temperature or snow fall levels, December gets a pass from me. You will hear zero complaints about said temperatures and said snow fall levels.
Okay, not entirely true. I will complain if, once again, we have no snow on the ground on Christmas day!
But this month (mostly) gets a pass from me is because December comes with twinkle lights!
Just look at that top picture. Even Ernie the Beagle likes getting cozy in December with the twinkle lights.
And you know what happens when you live in a city where your house is just an arm’s reach from your neighbors?
It means lots and lots and lots of twinkle lights lighting up your street, your block and your entire neighborhood!
All I need to do is look out the front window and my heart is filled with all those twinkling twinkle lights!
Now, admittedly, I’m running a little late this year in pulling out the twinkle lights (as I explained in yesterday’s post). So this is my tree from last year …
but I’m pretty sure this year’s tree will look eerily similar to last year. 🙂
And my neighbors with all their twinkle lights are putting me to shame. So today, as you read this, I will be making a thousand trips down to and up from the basement to pull out the Christmas decorations.
And the twinkle lights!
Because honestly, inside I’m feeling a little twinkle light deprived!
The one downside of the twinkle lights is that I can’t see that cozy, fluffy pup when I’m working on my laptop …
because I sit on the other side of that twinkling tree.
So for the next month or so, I can’t just reach over and give him a little pet on the head.
Though, I’ll be honest, I don’t think he minds all that much. He’s not a beg for pets kind of dog. In fact, after he “allows” me to pet him he expects a treat! Ha!
Be sure to follow the links below to see how my fellow bloggers are making their homes — and lives — cozy this December:
Finding Silver Pennies / Vinyet Etc. / Making It in the Mountains
Duke Manor Farm / It All Started with Paint / Town and Country Living
Sincerely Marie Designs / Hymns and Verses / Creative Cain Cabin
And you can find my full collection of Chicago Cozy Living in the City posts at the links below:
September in the City / October in the City / November in the City
I think your doggy needs a custom doggy coat which I make. I am a retired special education teacher and make doggy coats, snoods (for long eared breeds to keep their ears clean) and fur baby parent aprons to support my yarn addiction. You give me the measurements and I will make a custom order coat from fabric you choose.
Thank you, and have a happy holiday season.
That is so sweet! But I fear my dog would not be too happy about wearing a coat! He’s a bit … um … jumpy about things. He’s even afraid of plastic bags, which proves a conundrum because it loves walks but hates the plastic bags that accompany those walks to pick up after him! I truly do appreciate your offer, though! And I’m sure your doggy coats are beautiful! 🙂
Your dog is so adorable and your tree is so pretty! I could just picture your neighborhood with all the lights and I’m envious that you get to enjoy so much sparkle outside. Chicago is a special city but it’s especially festive at the holidays. You’re lucky to live there!
Thank you Jennifer! And I agree. Chicago is extra special at the holidays! 🙂
Thank you Jennifer!
Your pup is adorable! And imho, the lights are the best part of Christmas!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com/~bijoube2
The photo of your dog and the tree is so heartwarming. He seems so happy. My big shepherd mix is a scaredy-cat dog also – afraid of plastic bags, just about anything you might have in your hand that isn’t a treat, and anything that accidentally drops on the floor. She’s 13 now and hasn’t grown out of it, so don’t think she will. Oh, and she quickly goes into another room if I light the fireplace.
I’m in Indianapolis and I truly believe the December twinkle lights save my dismay at the impending winter weather I know is coming.
Your dog sounds just like mine! When I bring the groceries in the kitchen he’s both hopeful (that’s where the treats are) and apprehensive (sometimes a bag might fall over and freak him out!). We actually call him a cat-dog! Oh, and he grooms himself like a cat! 🙂 Happy holidays!
Your sweet dogs is so adorable. Absolutely, loved these photos. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Thank you! Happy holidays to you as well! 🙂
I don’t mind winter so much here in Ct as long as have all the pretty lights too; come February & March though is a whole different story!
I’m already dreading February in Chicago! Ugh! 🙂
one never knows what type of winter we will have here in southern Illinois but we can always hope for a bit of snow. I love the tree and your story thanks for sharing
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Twinkle lights are simply the best. There is just something magical about seeing everyone’s lights in the evenings. Your pup is sweet, you made me laugh… he expects a treat! hahaha
Way to go Ernie! That has got to be the cutest picture ever!
Ernie sends his regards! And I think I took that pic with my iPhone, which continues to shock me to this day!!! 🙂
Yes to all the twinkle lights! They make everything more cozy!