Welcome to The Chicago Files Holiday Blog Party! I am so happy you are here!
Help yourself to virtual Christmas Tree-shaped pieces of Chicago deep dish pizza! The Eggnog and sparkling drinks are also here! There are butter tarts (a Canadian favorite), Nanaimo Bars (another Canuck delight), sugar cookies, various cheeses, crackers, and lots more!
Oh, and now for a little hint about the surprises I mentioned in a pre-party post earlier this week!
We are going to have a few giveaways! Yes, not virtual, but real! How would you like to win a little Chicago chocolate treat? We’ll do this by random draw, so every link you post will be an entry into the draw. I will be contacting the winners a day or two after the party. Once the winners have responded, I’ll list the names of the winners in a post!
Please join in on this post! Here are the details:
1. Choose one of your favorite posts from your blog. Whatever you’d like to share with the rest of us, whether it be about the holidays, travel, novels, food, personal adventures, blogging, photography, etc…………. You may share up to three of your posts during the party, but please post only one at a time. It’s best to wait awhile before sharing your second and third posts, as it will give others enough time to join in the fun!
2. Paste the link to your post in the comment section of this post; please provide a brief description of the post. If you’d like to write something about yourself or describe your blog, we’d love it!
3. Have fun! Explore new blogs, comment on their posts, follow, reblog and share. Let other bloggers know that you met them here at The Chicago Files Holiday Blog Party! Whether you are new to the blogging world or have been part of it for a while, this is a terrific opportunity for everyone to meet new and awesome bloggers (including them meeting you)!
Thank you so much for being part of our first Holiday Blog Party! Welcome!
Now, let’s get this party started, shall we?
The Chicago Files 
http://lynzrealcooking.com/reflections/desserts-2/mamul/
Happy holidays and what a fun party! Thanks Cher!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Why thank you so much!! I am looking forward to reading lots on your blog and I know others are as well! Happy Holidays to you too my dear! Thank YOU!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Lynz – I couldn’t figure out how to leave a comment on your post, but wanted you to know the cookies sound wonderful and I left behind a “like”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Very kind of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your blog! My hubby and I are fans of Middle Eastern cuisine but have never tried to make anything ourselves. I think your blog may inspire us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad to hear that!
LikeLike
Here is another excellent post by Dr. Rex (Horty)!! Please check it out:
3. To start the day … Give it Away and it Will Come Back … Alan Watts
https://hrexach.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/to-start-the-day-give-it-away-and-it-will-come-back/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well it’s getting quite late here in Europe now, so here is my last post of the day. I am afraid that in this post I reminisce about my teenage years working on a quaint little steam railway in the middle of England and I chose it because it was the only one I could think of with lots of winter scenes! But I guess it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea! 🙂 http://wp.me/p3QEB4-1b Enjoy the rest of your party and thanks for the invitation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chris, thank you so much for attending the blog party! I can tell you that it is actually many people’s cup of tea (including yours truly)! I am off to look at it now as I know others will as well! Thank you so much, and I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Good night from Chicago, Chris! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks Cher, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who likes trains! 🙂 I wish you a wonderful holiday season too! Chris
LikeLike
Chris my dear, there is a very good reason why the main photo on my blog is of an “L” train car!! *grin* Thank you, Chris!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Ha ha, yes I guess I could have worked out that you have an interest in this. It’s a great picture by the way! 🙂
LikeLike
*LOL* Why thank you, Chris! It’s not a public accessible spot, so I am grateful for the pic! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s time for me to head to bed now as it’s getting late here in Ireland! Thank you so much again Cher and thank you to all my fellow party-goers!x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well thank you so much for coming to the party, Laura! It was an absolute pleasure to see you! Thank you for sharing your wonderful posts!! Good night!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
My last entry Sniff. I have to hurry and get Christmas supper on for my friend who has been battling cancer for 8 years On the menu is scallop potatoes . Glazed yam. Hot spicy chicken soup, salad and fresh salsa
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is extremely gracious of you to make Christmas supper for your friend. It sounds like a super supper! 🙂
LikeLike
It was just taking a little break now and waiting for dessert. If you were closer I would have invited you as well.
LikeLike
That is extremely thoughtful of you!! Thank you!!
LikeLike
You’re welcome. By the way you have a web address when you respond to my message which is https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.js underneath your photo
LikeLike
Yes, I have had this happen for about a week now and I cannot get rid of it! I don’t even use polldaddy.com I’ve tried to research as to why it keeps showing up, but so far no luck!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go to your site…down a little ways you will see help. Click on that and follow instructions. Usually there is a person right there to answer your questions and will tell you perhaps why this is showing up on your blog.
LikeLike
I’ll check it out! Thank you for that!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I’m not just a hue person, I can deliver the product also LOL
LikeLike
Hahaha!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Do you still see the web addy? I have tried looking through help but I can’t seem to find anything that relates to it! Thank you!! 🙂
Updates: I think I fixed it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Web addy for poll daddy or the cyclist?
LikeLike
The Web addy for poll daddy! I don’t know who that cyclist is! *LOL*
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I gave you the addy in a prior message. I don’t see it on this message. I know you are tired of all the mess that occurred during your Christmas party so I am sending you a maid to help you clean up. lol
LikeLike
Oh good! It worked! I have no idea how it kept happening, but I finally was able to delete it. Thank you for the clean-up crew!!! *LOL*
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Now you can sit back and enjoy your Christmas party. Oh! Garcon peel me a grape. LOL
LikeLike
And I shall do just that!!! *LOL* I think I would like two grapes!! *LOL*
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can have as many grapes as you like. He is yours until clean up is done lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now how on earth can I refuse that? *LOL* Thanks!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very hard I would imagine. Enjoy! lol
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Happy Holidays! With the release of the new Star Wars movie less than a week away, I was thrilled to discover today that my girlfriend has mastered the Jedi Mind Trick. How cool is that??? 🙂
https://moviewriternyu.wordpress.com/2015/12/12/how-my-girlfriend-used-the-jedi-mind-trick-on-me-from-switzerland/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Austin!! Welcome to the party! Thank you so much for joining us! Ah, very cool indeed!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for hosting. I’ve already visited a couple of new blogs. Great party!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why thank you, Austin! You have a stellar blog my dear! I know people will absolutely love it!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are welcome to come on by any time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you are always welcome here as well! Cher-ing is my name! (thanks to you!) *LOL* Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just took another spin around the party. 🙂
LikeLike
Awesome!! Did you manage to grab some Chicago style deep-dish pizza? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No. I have to run in the morning. 🙂
LikeLike
*shuffles goodies to the back of the table* How about a glass of water? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m new to the blogging community, learning as I go. Having a great time and meeting lots of fantastic people with so many interesting blogs. Here’s my humble submission to the party. http://wp.me/p6Wbzk-1
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well a very big welcome to not only the party but to the blogging community!! I am so glad to meet you! We have some incredible bloggers who I know will be happy to meet you as well!! Thank you again for coming!! Please make yourself at home! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the meal and the good companionship. I have made some new friends–and have added to my reading pleasures. Congratulations for a job well done. You can get out the Corn Huskers lotion to apply to your keying fingers. Jim O
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, James! It was an absolute pleasure to have you attend the party! *LOL* Corn Huskers lotion, huh? *LOL* Well my keying fingers are a bit worn down this evening, I must say! But it has been worth it to have the blog party! Cher xo
LikeLike
Since Christmas is the Season of Giving, I’m giving Donald Trump a piece of my mind…
https://moviewriternyu.wordpress.com/2015/12/12/a-christmas-letter-to-donald-trump/
LikeLiked by 1 person
*LOL* You tell ’em, Austin!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi! I know I’m late, but I’m glad to see there are still some goodies left! Thanks so much, Cher, for hosting a great blog party. My blog is eclectic by design (or lack of discipline) and this post combines musing and poetry: https://topofjcsmind.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/hearing-my-name/.
LikeLike
Welcome, Joanne! You aren’t late at all! It’s an all-day party!! Thank you so much for stopping by!! I love your blog!! I love eclectic!! Thanks so much and there are definitely goodies still available!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cher! You are a great host as well as a great blogger!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well Joanne my dear, you just made my entire week! Thank you, thank you!! Cher xo
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Top of JC's Mind and commented:
Cher of The Chicago Files is hosting a bi Holiday Blog Party this weekend. Check it out!
LikeLike
Hi Cher, I’m so sorry I am late to the party, but I have a good excuse.
You see, I have just published my Charity Christmas Tree topper challenge. Last year the good folk of Planet Blog helped me raise £250 which I donated to The Alzheimer’s Society, here in the UK. This year my challenge is raising money for The Dogs Trust. Here’s my link to the post.
http://hughsviewsandnews.com/2015/12/13/hughs-photo-challenge-week-8-charity-christmas-tree-topper-challenge-help-me-raise-250-for-the-dogs-trust/
I hope you don’t mind me using your blog party as an invitation to your party goers and followers to join in my challenge and to show us all what is on top of their Christmas Tree?
Thank you so much
Love and hugs to you,
Hugh 🎅
xx
LikeLike
Hi my dear Hugh! Always, ALWAYS welcome here my dear! Absolutely, I am thrilled to help with the invitation and let’s see if we can get that challenge growing!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, Cher.
Merry Christmas 🎅
xx
LikeLike
My pleasure, my dear! Merry Christmas to you, Hugh!!! Cher xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is the party still rolling? Well, it’s always fun when Cher’s around and look at these other bloggers!!! Wow, Christmas came early!!!
Just stopped by to check out the awesome company, to say hi, to wish you a happy Sunday, and to share…again. 🙂
Oh and here’s a recent post http://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/11/05/go-home-star-wars-youre-drunk/
Big hugs and hope this week is good to everyone!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna! Yes, the party is still rolling and I couldn’t be happier!! Yeay!! Happy Sunday to you my dear! Another wonderful post by you!! Thank you so much for coming and for being YOU!!!! Big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Thank you for the invitation Cher and perhaps I could share today’s post. As part of my book launch for Tales from the Garden I offered to write some personalised fairy stories.. I wrote this for Annette Rochelle Aben for her family. So if you do go over to read the story you will also get to meet Annette. https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/tales-from-the-garden-the-time-capsule-personalised-story-for-annette-rochelle-aben/
You can find out more about me and my interests and the books I write in About Me in my menu. – I promote other authors as much as possible on the blog in various features and will have new ones lined up for 2016. I hope you will pop in and find out about them in the New Year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why thank you so much for coming! Wonderful post, and I know other bloggers will be very happy to find you!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
There is a blog party going on at Chicago Files and a great opportunity to introduce your blog and meet others to follow. thanks Cher
LikeLike
This is such amazing…wow!
LikeLike
Great idea, Cher… and new blogs for me to discover!
I’ll share this one… http://scvincent.com/2015/06/04/indie-success-10-things-that-really-matter/
LikeLike
Hi Sue! I am so glad you are here! Thank you for posting this!! Please feel free to mingle, have some virtual deep-dish Chicago pizza, and lots of other goodies!! Thank you, Sue! Cher xo
LikeLike
Pizza drew me… I’m a sucker for good pizza 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, I am not kidding when I say this is the best pizza in the world! I have never had better pizza than here in Chicago!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Yet anothwr reason for me to travel 🙂
LikeLike
I agree, Sue!!!! 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun, Cher! Thanks for the invite. Looking forward to meeting some of you attendees!
This was one of my favorites. While it might not seem very holiday-ish, it might give a few some gift ideas!
10 Things You Should Have in Your Bathroom if You’re Over 50
http://fatbottomfiftiesgetfierce.com/2015/08/13/10-things-you-should-have-in-your-bathroom-if-youre-over-50/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome to the party and to The Chicago Files! I am so glad you are here! Thank you for posting your link! Please help yourself to the virtual deep-dish Chicago pizza, lots of goodies, and fantastic bloggers!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for putting together this party!
As a Family Lawyer who represents a lot of children, I hear all the time how children of divorce wish the holidays could be like – this post voices their requests.
http://shelharrington.com/what-children-want-their-divorced-parents-to-know-about-the-holidays/
Now I’m off to make some new blogging friends – thanks, again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Shel!! It is wonderful to meet you! Thank you for coming and posting you link! Please have some virtual deep-dish Chicago pizza, and Canadian Nanaimo Bars! Lots of wonderful bloggers to meet!! Thank you, Shel! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a treat! Thank you Cher for being the perfect host! I’ll come back and get to know a few more folk 💛
In the meantime I’d like to share my tips for surviving family gatherings over the holidays:
http://findyourmiddleground.com/2013/11/25/surviving-the-holidays/
xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Val! It is so lovely to see you! Thank you so much for coming to the blog party! I love your blog, and I know others will as well! What a great post for this time of year!! Please help yourself to virtual Chicago deep-dish pizza, Canadian desserts!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
As my diet says I may eat no more pizza, I will thank you for a lovely party and say how much I am enjoying your guests, Cher… and leave you with a bit of daftness that may raise the odd smile:
http://scvincent.com/2014/12/30/12-things-your-grandparents-said/
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know exactly what you mean, Sue! *LOL* Why thank you so much! It has been wonderful having you here! Thank you so much for sharing with us!! I love daftness!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Oh, and smiling of course!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
And after the odd glass of Christmas cheer… it seems the right way to go 😉 x
LikeLike
Indeed, Sue; indeed!!! 😉 Cher xo
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope I’m not too late for the party! I just read about it on The Top of JC’s Mind. Here’s a holiday post I enjoyed writing last year: https://joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/star-trek-to-bethlehem-reflections-from-a-christian-trekker/ Thanks for letting me share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You aren’t too late at all, JoAnna! And bless The Top of JC’s Mind for telling everyone about the Holiday Blog Party! Thank you so much for sharing this post! I know others will really enjoy it!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Sending the very best wishes for a most Merry Christmas to you dear heart.
peace in our time, Eddie
LikeLiked by 1 person
And right back at you, dear Eddie! Thank you so much!! I hope you have a blessed Christmas! Agreed; peace in our time, Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello again! I’m back again for another visit, and another slice of lovely virtual pizza. Pizza which, unlike ‘real life’ pizza, does not add to my already generous hips! I had such a great time my last visit, I can’t wait to see what new blogs await my discovery. And here is another humble little link from me: http://wp.me/p6Wbzk-2P
LikeLike
Welcome back my dear! Awh, I’m so glad you are here! Thank you for posting this link!!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person