{"id":6195,"date":"2020-12-15T16:28:15","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T16:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/2\/?p=6195"},"modified":"2020-12-22T17:15:11","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T17:15:11","slug":"holly-day-cheer-activities-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/2\/illinois\/arlingtonheights\/blog\/holly-day-cheer-activities-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Holly-Day Cheer for a Jolly End of Year: Holiday Activities and Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whew, this year has been challenging! At Assisting Hands, we are doing our best to fill our hearts with extra festive spirit as we continue to find new ways to thrive in a world very different from last year.<\/p>\n

Even though this year our celebrations may be different, at Assisting Hands<\/a> we believe that we can still enjoy our old traditions for the season. In fact, we may appreciate them even more! In light of our new world, we can find joy in memories and traditions, as much as we can find joy in looking ahead to the future. To get you started, here are some fun holiday activity ideas and traditions from us here in the Assisting Hands office!<\/p>\n

Holiday Lights in the Chicago Suburbs<\/h2>\n

One of my favorite traditions is looking at holiday lights! While we may not be able to do special downtown trolley tours or travel to see the lights at Disney World this year, we can still easily and safely enjoy holiday lights in our own backyard this season. Here are some fun spots to view lights from the safety of your car…or if you want to get out for a little walk, be sure to bring some hot cocoa to keep you warm!<\/p>\n

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  1. North School Park Display in Arlington Heights<\/strong>
    \nN Evergreen Ave and E Eastman St, Arlington Heights, 60004In Arlington Heights, be sure to check out this grand walk-through display. And for a bonus, you can check out the Christmas tree in Downtown Arlington Heights at Harmony Park on Vail Ave and Campbell St!<\/li>\n
  2. Rosemont Lights Display <\/strong>
    \nW Higgins Rd and Scott St, Rosemont, 60018You can park and walk around this gorgeous display, complete with a little petting zoo, and even Santa\u2019s cottage where you can sneak a peek inside! If you are driving around Rosemont, you can also look for lights at Westin Park, Rosemont Theatre, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Village Hall, Burgermeister Park, and Dunne Park.<\/li>\n
  3. Home Display in Rolling Meadows <\/strong>
    \n4504-4507 Magnolia Dr., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008Lights on Magnolia is a 30 minute light display synchronized with music on 5 houses on Magnolia Dr. in Rolling Meadows. They are accepting Venmo donations that go to the All Saints Food Pantry and also non-perishable food donations. You can find more information on their website:     Light on Magnolia<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Lights Around Wheeling <\/strong>You can check out Flag Park, Friendship Park, Lehmann Fountain, and lights sprinkled around other locations as well, such as the Wheeling Police Station.<\/li>\n
  5. Home Displays in Des Plaines<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Drive around Westfield Gardens in Des Plaines between Mt Prospect Rd, Wolf Rd, and Dempster Street to see some fully decorated homes.<\/p>\n

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    1. If you are interested in drive-through light displays with admission prices, you can check these out:Winter Light Show at Goebbert\u2019s Farm<\/a>
      \n      Illumination at the Morton Arboretum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Holiday Recipes<\/h2>\n

      We all know that the holidays are made for cooking, baking and making treats and sweets. Especially now that we are mostly stuck at home, what better time than now to get creative in the kitchen. I asked around the office for some family recipes and here\u2019s some ideas I came up with to share with you!<\/p>\n

      1. Coquito<\/h3>\n

      Coquito is a coconut eggnog-like drink from Puerto Rico and it is oh, so delicious. Here is a recipe from one of our lovely office staff. You make coquito by mixing and chilling the following ingredients:<\/p>\n