Even if you’re not reveling in capitalistic excess tomorrow, you likely will have the day off. And so will everybody else. So, today, on Christmas Eve, get your affairs in order. Have a drink. Relax. Like this:
1. First of all, get your last-minute shopping done.
Liquor stores were made for this sorta’ thing. Pop into Ezra’s. Put a bow on a bottle of Akashi White Oak Blended Whisky. Take a drive to Sprout Home (Surely you know someone who’d appreciate a fancy terrarium?). Or check out our Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Guide.
2. Make one last stop at your local.
We’ll be at Sportsman’s Club. Leave a 100% tip. Write “Happy Holidays” on the receipt. Enjoy buybacks next year. By the way, here’s our Holiday Tipping Guide for Chicago.
3. Enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
If you’re not enjoying dinner at home, you should be enjoying this Italian Christmas Eve tradition. These three restaurants are open and celebrating: Nico Osteria, RPM Italian and Piccolo Sogno Due. Another dining option: Chinatown, where the holidays more or less mean nothing. Strings Ramen Shop has normal hours today. As for Christmas Day, try our favorite Chinatown gem Chi Cafe.
4. Or bust out the slow cooker.
Make some giard. Go slow and low on a boneless chuck-eye. Grab a few Gonnella Soft Italian Rolls. And boom: Italian Beef for days. Here’s your recipe.
5. And then: Reading chair. Music.
This year, we’re recommending Kay Martin and Her Body Guards. Risque Vegas lounge act from the ’50s. She’ll put you in the holiday spirit. And there’s always our annual Merry Chrismix.
6. Fix yourself a cocktail.
We recommend this cocktail from Goose Island. All you need is a six-pack of Festive Ale, some dark rum and molasses.
7. Relax with a nice, long read.
Our friends at Longreads just debuted their annual best stories of the year, including “I Smoked Pot With David Brooks,” “Who Wants to Shoot an Elephant” and TV reporter Miles O’Brien on what it’s like to lose an arm.
8. Light a cigar.
You did buy a few stogies from Biggs Cigar Emporium, right?
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