Thirty-one days? In stressed-out holiday time, that’s not even enough time to think, no less shop, decorate and party plan. But really, working in some holiday cheer with your remaining ’08 to-dos is as easy as breaking it down by day — starting today!
Dec. 1:
Dress up your pad with the festive yet un-cheesy holiday decorations at Persona(3823 N. Southport Ave.).
Dec. 2:
Check out the limited-time $45 prix-fixe menu at Spring (2039 W. North Ave.). Plus, spend $100 this month and you get a $25 gift card.
Dec. 3:
Find a New Year’s Eve date at Flirting for Disaster, a benefit for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St.). $20-$25.
Dec. 4:
Raise your glass to Repeal Day and the end of Prohibition at Fion Wine & Spirits (426 W. Diversey Pkwy.) with a free scotch tasting.
Dec. 5:
Streamline your ugly holiday sweater search at uglysweaterstore.com, founded by two Chicagoans.
Dec. 6-7:
Score indie gifts at the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk St.).
Dec. 8:
Get white truffles at Merlo on Maple (16 W. Maple St.) while you can — the fragrant fungi will be gone by month’s end.
Dec. 9:
Pump up your party appetizer arsenal at the Pizza Cooking Class at Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina St.). $20.
Dec. 10:
Get sudsy in public at Bubble Bath IX with samples of more than 75 champagnes and sparkling wines. $50. Bin 36 (339 N. Dearborn St.)
Dec. 11:
See “Cadillac Records,” about Chicago-based record label Chess Records, starring Beyonce Knowles, opening Dec. 5.
Dec. 12:
Turn the tables on winter cocktails and opt for sake during the 12 Sakes of the Holiday at Kohan Japanese Restaurant (730 W. Maxwell St.).
Dec. 13:
Order your secret Santa giftee a three-hour cruise from CityLights at Navy Pier. VIP passes for 2009 cruises are only $16 until Christmas. 312-238-9615.
Dec. 14:
Order tickets to one of two ’20s-themed NYE dinners at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club (3700 N Halsted. 773-525-1111), and get 10 percent off the price.
Dec. 15:
Sample several new restaurants at A Taste of New on the Scene at Sam’s Wines & Spirits (50 E. Roosevelt Rd.). Includes wine.
Dec. 16:
Grab a bottle of Anchor Brewing Co.’s 2008 Christmas Ale at Weegee’s Lounge (3659 W. Armitage) before the spiced ale runs out — usually by early January.
Dec. 17:
Alleviate holiday stress during St. Practice Day, featuring St. Patrick’s Day specials, such as $3 green beers, at Mahoney’s Pub & Grille (551 N. Ogden Ave.).
Dec. 18:
See up-and-coming crooner Bon Iver tonight at The Vic (3145 N. Sheffield Ave.), before his intimate shows are held at not remotely intimate places.
Dec. 19:
Warm up with the Crimson Hot Toddy ($14), made from scratch by mixologist Todd Appel at Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St.).
Dec. 20:
Party at a decked-out bar. We’ve got our eye on the Blue Line (1548 N. Damen Ave) in Wicker Park.
Dec. 21:
Savor the strudel and score quality last-minute gifts at the 13th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago (50 W. Washington St.), which ends Dec. 24.
Dec. 22:
Have dinner at 312 Chicago (136 N. La Salle St.) before longtime executive chef Dean Zanella steps down Dec. 31 to open his own spot.
Dec. 23:
Snag a bottle of organic eggnog from Trader’s Point Creamery at Green Grocer Chicago (1402 W. Grand Ave.).
Dec. 24:
Sip on a snifter of Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Co., on tap at The Shire Public House (3328 N. Lincoln Ave.).
Dec. 25:
Gift yourself a 12-mile Christmas Day Bagel Ride that ends with brunch at The Bagel Restaurant and Deli. Meet at Waveland Clock Tower (3700 N. Recreation Drive).
Dec. 26:
Watch Brad Pitt age backwards during “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” out Christmas Day.
Dec. 27:
Haven’t been to the Morse Theater yet? Catch local trumpeter Corey Wilkes with Black Slang at Dec. 27.
Dec. 28:
Brake out the skates and head to Millenium Park’s ice rink. It’s yours till 10 p.m.
Dec. 29:
Dig into the mini-cupcakes at Duchamp (2118 N. Damen Ave.) before you make your New Year’s resolutions.
Dec. 30:
Chill out by the fireplace and reflect on the past year at new Uptown bar The Wild Pug (4808 N. Broadway).
Dec. 31:
Bid farewell to 2008 at Congress Theater with Justice, the best dance party imaginable to close out the year.
