December 2024

In this time of gift-giving, Amazon makes things really easy for us. But consider doing some of your gifting more intentionally, by spending money in ways that feel good and help people and organizations you care about. Just a few ideas: shop from campus organizations, like ISAC, Smart Museum, Robie House, or other receommendations from Your Guide to UChicago Holiday Shopping. Consider that just about every arts organization, mom and pop restaurant, and museum you love has gifting options—how about season tickets to a musical ensemble or theater? They are surprisingly affordable. Hyde Park Art Center is having a sale now—you could afford real art!

And finally, support the many small businesses right here in Hyde Park. One wonderful store that especially needs some extra love is long-time Hyde Park Produce, recovering from a fire this year. In addition to shopping there, consider a donation.   

However you do your shopping, we hope and that the giving and getting bring more joy than stress. Happy holidays!

Read: We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen, Legend of the Christmas Candle by Deeann Schumacher 

Explore: Visit a magical gathering featuring the lighting of candles. Many churches and synagogues have services.  A couple other ideas: visit the downtown Pendry Hotel at Sunset as they light the Menorah during the 8 days of Hannukkah, or go to the Rockefeller Chapel Christmas Eve service, which ends in lighting candles, then leaving in the dark. Or stay home, and light candles in a personal ceremony.

Create: A candle out of a tube.  Use a toilet paper tube as your base:  Tape in a flame formed of construction paper or foam, then cover the base with glue and wrap with colorful yarn or ribbon. Choose colors based on the holiday you are celebrating, or make a happy rainbow.

Watch: A sweet cartoon from 1957 about a Candlemaker and his son preparing for Christmas: The Candlemaker

News from the Parenting Community

After stories on the 19th, we will be taking a brief pause for the holidays, and will resume programming in the new year. As we are planning, is there a class, speaker or event you’d enjoy? We’d love to hear from you!

Monthly Family Mixer tomorrow
Saturday, December 14, 3-5pm, UChicagoGRAD HQ (970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor) Come and celebrate with fellow families at this free event featuring games, seasonal crafts, cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar and a goodie bag for children to take home. RSVP requested for planning. While we are gathering in a UChicagoGRAD space, all of you are welcome—not just Grad students and postdocs.

Musical Storytime
Thursday, December 19, 10:30–11:15 a.m., Campus Bookstore (970 E. 58th Street, 2nd Floor) Attend our final Fall quarter storytime on December 19 and receive small gifts from both the Parenting Community, and from the Follett Bookstore!

Ideas from your Neighbors

Shared by Hyde Parkers and UChicago families via various community listservs

Upcoming Events:

Sugar Plum Brunch.  Saturday, December 14, 11am, Quadrangle Club (57th & University Ave.) Splurge on this special family-friendly brunch, as Exec Chef invites members and guests to enjoy an elegant buffet brunch, winter crafts, holiday music and a visit from Santa. Reservations required.

Smart Family Day. Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4pm. Smart Museum (56th & Greenwood Ave.) Free family art, on the theme “Cut-cut-paste.”

Brass & Pipes for the Season Sunday, December 15, 3pm Rockefeller Chapel (59th & Woodlawn) University organist Thomas Weisflog and Millar Brass perform an hour seasonal music, followed by hot cider. Free Admission.

Chicago Cultural Center Open House Saturday, December 21, 1-6pm (Randolph & Michigan Ave.) A whole afternoon of great arts programming in the beautiful downtown landmark—families welcome!  Stop by and see the Millenium Park tree at the same time. RSVPs encouraged.

Lessons and Carols for Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 4-5:30pm Rockefeller Chapel (59th & Woodlawn) The Rockefeller Chapel Choir and the Rockefeller Children’s Choir sing carols old and new at this beloved candlelit service. Members of the Children’s Choir present the Christmas story in the traditional tableau. Free, but it’s popular, so get there early.

Food Assistance Resources

Chicago Food Bank. A great organization for either donating, or accessing info about food assistance programs. org

“Love Fridges” have food for taking any time. Leave extra food or help yourself. There are 2 in Hyde Park, at 55th & Woodlawn (Augustana Church), and 52nd & Hyde Park Blvd (Congregation Rodfei Zedek Synagogue).

CARES Winter Break Supplemental Grocery Pick-Ups
If you or someone you know will be experiencing food insecurity during the winter break, please fill out this short survey from Community Action Reaching Every Student to receive  details about a grocery distribution event.

UChicago Announcements

PhD Winter 2025 Childcare Stipend Application      
The PhD Childcare Stipend application for Winter Quarter 2025 is open, closing Jan.10. Students who received funding in Summer or Autumn 2024 Quarters need not reapply for Winter unless their number of dependents has changed. For more information or questions, please contact gradhelp@uchicago.edu.

ELI Winter Registration
Registration for the English Language Institute’s Winter courses is now open, closing Jan. 10. While they won’t offer their great class for partners again until Spring quarter, they want you to know that partners are welcome at the many themed conversation groups! Make friends as you gain English fluency.

Reading Corner

Country Living makes the bold claim that these are the “Best Christmas Books of All Time” to read with your kids. See if you agree! Christmas Stories

Newsletters are usually on the 2nd week of the month, and we’d love to include your ideas.  Email Laura at lmacgregor@uchicago.edu

Laura MacGregor 
UChicagoGRAD Parenting Community Coordinator