Obviously you never know what you have until it's gone. Growing up in Chicago, I never really understood what I'd be missing out when I grew up and left. Luckily, I get to return (Kanye West style) to a place that has given and taught me so much. During the holidays, I try to enjoy all things I gave up when I moved away.

The Train

Yeah, the thing you thought was dirty and gross. It's actually extremely convenient and not everywhere you need it to be out in this big crazy world. The city of Chicago has so many conveniences that you'd think ever city has, but not so much. You long for the cheap ride, the performers in the subway and even the people who try to sell you their mixtape.

Portillo's

The sad thing is, is that literally no one knows what this is. Cake shakes, Chopped Salads and every other gem on their menu is simply a sweet memory until you reunite with the sassy staff and unique decore.

The City when it snows

Although snow is a menace towards January and February, the magic of the first few snows and the Christmas lights along Michigan Avenue is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. When you can walk through the whole city as the snow falls and all of the people rush around with shopping bags. Especially on Christmas Eve when it's deserted and it's an intimate moment with one of the busiest places in the city.

The Bean

Oh what a magical tourist attraction. It's simple in concept, but I know that so many of my prettiest views of the city were witnessed in that very spot.

REAL PIZZA

PSA: PAPA JOHN'S AND HUNGRY HOWIE'S IS NOT REAL PIZZA. Granted, it's got me through some tough spots, but it's nothing compared to Lou Malnatti's or Pizzano's. It doesn't need to be deep dish, it just needs to be hand made. There's a soul to Chicago pizza that unfortunately some people will never taste. Cherish it, it's the best.

Family

Fine, that's cheesy whatever. I feel no shame. I grew up with a majority of my family within a ten block radius. My best friends are my cousins. It's bound to happen when we have a family even about once a week. I long for bringing my grandfather his morning coffee, my grandmother a chai latte and helping them around the house. We all do everything together, all the time. I miss them all so much that here:I talk to my parents each about twice a day, I make sure to email or call my grandparents every other day, and I'm in constant contact with my cousins. Yes, I'm very thankful for technology when it comes to these relationships, but nothing is quite like being all together, all the time. It's truly something I aspire to provide for my children. It's one of the things I'm most thankful for.

Of course everyone thinks that their hometown is one to be envied. That nothing is quite like growing up there, however, this is simply because they'll never know what it's like to live in the magical, crazily climated, often too crowded, "Clean New York" that is our wonderful Chicago. I mean Frank Sinatra wrote multiple songs about it, so obviously we win.