Black Friday, family-style

Who needs to shop on a day like this in a city like this?

We did not. But we did get outside.

The day after Thanksgiving also is known here for the traditional Wreathing of the Lions at The Art Institute, and we braved the cold to be there for the first time.

There was pre-wreathing amusement, like this guy - from Cirque du Soleil's new show "Banana Shpeel" - chatting with the kids


and Scrooge from Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" production.


But the hundreds of people didn't come for any of that. They came for this:




More was inside the museum, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago



and a holiday wreaths project inspired by the museum's Victorian photocollage exhibition.



We don't have any lions at home, but Lincoln wreathed a monkey instead.


Levynn wreathed her hideout door.


And Mom wreathed our apartment door.


We also pulled out our Christmas books and our one Christmas game, which is based on the classic Charlie Brown television special.


Christmas must be coming.