Christmas in Cincinnati

Christmas in Beautiful Cincinnati

We spent the holidays with my husband Tom’s parents in downtown Cincinnati. Several years ago my in-laws sold their home on Indian Hill and moved to the city, which is located directly on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio. They love the close proximity of the new home to their church, offices, cultural institutions, and shops. Surrounded by seven hills, the beauty of the region was not lost on the early German immigrants; one of the oldest neighborhoods is still referred to as Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati boasts a wealth of museums and performing centers and is a veritable treasure trove of superlative examples of American architecture.

For close to one hundred years the family has celebrated the holidays with an annual Christmas Eve party. The party was originated by Tom’s great grandmother Freida (Mrs. Louis) Hauck in their family home atop one of Cincinnati’s hilltops. Today, members of the “older” generation take turns hosting; this year was my mother and father-in-law’s turn. Comparing family photographs of the gala event from decades past, they have continued with the custom of hosting in the most elegant and lovely of German traditions. Particularly as the family becomes more dispersed with each passing year, the party affords a welcome opportunity to stay in touch.

Gorgeous Table Setting by Janet, my mother-in-law

Super Delicious Cake from The BonBonerie

As guests of my mother- and father-in-law, we were invited to stay at the Westin Hotel, which is located within walking distance of their apartment. The enchanting view from our hotel window:

Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio

In search of breakfast on the first morning after arriving we left the lobby of the Westin, crossed Vine Street and entered the fascinating and fantastical French Art Deco world of the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel and Carew Tower. We quickly found the luncheonette Hathaways, tucked in amongst the shops, a favorite spot of my father-in-law’s, then wandered the public areas of the Carew Tower, eventually wending our way through the lobby and restaurants of the Palm Court of the Netherland Plaza.

Husband Tom

Son Alex

Blanketed by a cold front, the sun shone once during our entire stay; however, that did not deter us from having a grand holiday. Perhaps the next time we visit my mother- and father-in-law in downtown Cincinnati, the weather will be warmer. I plan to bring you additional photos from the gorgeous Hilton Netherland Plaza—the snapshots in this posting and the following are but a modicum of the stunning design elements found there—as well as more photos representative of the beauty that is Cincinnati.

Batsakes~ Genuine haberdashery, located around the corner from the Westin, well-stocked with fedoras, pork-pies, et al.–custom gold-leaf monogramming, stamped inside the hat brim, is provided with purchase!