A Christmas Secret: Spirits of a Different Kind

Holiday Edition: A Speakeasy Christmas

Like every good Holiday story, it was Christmas eve and the snow was falling. It was covering all of Chicago and made everything look pure, fresh and innocent.

Aunt Margaret was having her annual Christmas party and as last year and the year before, it was a little lame. As you might imagine, there was the same cheese and crackers and fruitcake. Beyond that there was the gossip on everything in the neighborhood and church. That's when your favorite cousin Joey slipped you a folded note during dinner. Like the sneak he is, he carefully tucked it underneath your hot chocolate and saucer. Something tonight was going to be different.

On the note was a single word. "Poinsettia". Below that was an address you didn’t recognize, but it wasn’t in the area.

While the house hummed with conversation and gossip, you walked to the door and threw on your coat and wrapped your neck in a festive red and white stripped scarf. It went perfectly with your green sweater. You figured this was the right touch of holiday spirit. As you snuck out the door, the neighborhood was quiet. Most of the families were having dinner and putting the little ones to bed. Everyone was preparing for Christmas morning. But not you. You had other plans.

You walked down the street and came to a door that looked like all the others and was covered in snow But this was the address. When you knocked on the door as your cousin Joey instructed you, a small window slid open. As you looked out the window, you saw an older man wearing a Santa bowler hat staring at you. You whispered "Poinsettia,"  

The door opened and inside was a world unlike one you’d seen before. This wasn’t the typical underground bar. This was something special. It was a magical Christmas wonderland that had an electric vibe to it. Green garland wound around the mahogany bar, and festive glass ornaments and strings of lights cast a warm glow.

Looking around the place you saw a small Christmas tree in the corner, decorated with tiny liquor bottles, mini corkscrews and shot glasses. Tinsel throw on the branches sparkled as the colorful lights reflected off them. It was a festive setting that took you back to your childhood. 

In the corner, the band played a jazzy version of "Silent Night" that was upbeat but not overpowering. One of the band members playing the trumpet wore a Santa hat tilted to the side with a big bright Santa’s jacket

As you walked up to the bar, it was alive with Christmas spirits. Spirits of a different kind. The most popular drinks that night were served in glasses rimmed with crushed candy cane and mixed with nutmeg and cinnamon. You carefully considered for a moment on your first drink. A "Christmas Conspiracy" the bartender said. It was made with whiskey and a touch of peppermint, that was festive and strong enough to warm you from the inside out. 

Everyone was dressed in their holiday best. Men in suits with subtle Christmas touches of green and red. Women wore beaded dresses that sparkled and were festive, but not too festive. This night was special, but it was still a place of secrets.

You couldn't help but think to yourself and laugh. You remember when you left your aunts. Everyone was preparing for Christmas morning. Putting the kids to be and leaving milk and cookies for Santa. But not you. You were here in a hidden bar in a hidden world. You thought, this is where the real spirit of the season was being celebrated. Everyone here was having fun with no judgment.

As you looked around the room you saw a small group of men playing cards, Christmas music was playing softly in the background and glasses filled with your favorite holiday spirit were clinking. People were toasting "Merry Christmas," and they laughed about being on the naughty list.

This is what it was like to celebrate Christmas, prohibition-style.  This was a celebration of friendship, and taking in the special moments most of the world didn’t see. It was you and your speakeasy family enjoying secret holiday spirits that truly make the season bright.