COVID Killed 'Nutcracker' / Mom's Cookies / Bulls Back / 'Elf'

Merry Christmas Eve!

This will be the last Chicago Daily until next week.

Until then, my gift to you is the recipe for the best cookies I've ever had.

Last year, a Facebook stranger who had been baking my mom's famous sugar cookies ever since I wrote about the "perfect combination of sweet, buttery, crisp goodness that's purely addictive," was devastated after losing the recipe.

She wrote asking me to save the holidays by republishing it. So, I did.

This year, I hope it brings you good cheer.

Mom's Cookie Recipe Brings Cheer To Sad Coronavirus Christmas

Wet And Mild. High: 54 Low: 44.

• Da Bulls are back — from coronavirus quarantine, that is. For the first time since Dec. 1, the Chicago Bulls have zero players in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. (NBC5)
• State Sen. Kimberly Lightford's husband shot at the people who carjacked the Mercedes-Benz SUV they were driving. "I begged them not to shoot us," she said. (Patch)
• Coronavirus killed "The Nutcracker." The Joffrey Ballet cancelled all schedulded shows for the rest of the year after a second person in the ballet company's ranks tested positive for COVID-19. Tickets will be refunded. (Patch)
• Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, stress or loneliness, experts say there are things you can do to cope, including getting enough sleep, not taking in too much caffeine, eating well and moving their body. And if that doesn't seem to work, remember there are people out there who can help. (WTTW)
• There will be no escaping Chicago's coronavirus proof-of-vaccine mandate in the Cook County suburbs. The county is moving in lockstep with the city to target indoor venues where there is the greatest risk of spreading the coronavirus. Starting Jan. 3, patrons of any indoor venue where food or drink is served, as well as fitness and recreation centers, must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated to enter for more than a few moments. (Patch)

Today's Chicago Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Chicago!

For A Good Time, Click:

• The Night Before Xmas Kickback at The Promontory (9 p.m.)
• Chicago’s Best Stand Up at Laugh Factory (7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.)
• Politik at TAO Chicago (10 p.m.)
• Trumpeter Corey Wilkes Quartet at Jazz Showcase (10 p.m.)
• Elf at The Logan Theatre (11 p.m.)

---

Just The Links:

• Stolen kittens "rescued" from an O'Hare Airport trash can have been found.
• Lions sleep 16-20 hours a day. #Goals.
• Did anyone lose their cat in McKinley Park?
• Get your kicks on Route 66 (in Illinois).

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• Governors State University — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Save 15 Percent On FTD’s Christmas Collection (December 25)
• FREE WEBINAR | “The Greatness of Tuscany” Presented by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero (December 28)
• Chicago Scene New Year's Eve Party at The Drake Hotel (December 31)
• First Night Evanston is “Closer Than in Person” with a virtual 25th New Year’s Eve Variety Show (December 31)
• Opening Reception: (un)disclosed with Bryana Bibbs (January 8)
• Spanish for Beginners 2022 JAN Classes Sign up Now! (January 10)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• COVID Sanitizing 708-369-1269 Deep Cleaning for COVID-19 (Details)
• Add your announcement

Loving the Chicago Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at mark.konkol@patch.com

— Mark