The sidewalk was bustling with shoppers and tourists, while little knots of a flowing audience moved from one animated window display to the next. At this intersection alongside the signature Marshall Field's clock, the windows were telling the story of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in simple hues of orange and amber.

My brother, sisters and their families pressed on toward an undetermined destination, but I lingered for a moment to view the holiday scene from one of the many ornaments peppering the festive street.