Countdown to Christmas 2026
A reporter home in Chicago for Christmas profiles a superfan about to attend her 500th Bears game, and falls for the fan's firefighter grandson along the way.
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A reporter with a polished city wardrobe: a burgundy tweed coat for the Christmas market, a varsity-trim sweater at the practice field, and navy sequins for the gala.
Tossing bags (cornhole, to everyone outside Chicago) at the downtown Christmas market.
On the sideline of the Bears' practice field, mascot included.
Game night at the neighborhood bar.
The gala, in Bears navy and orange.
A Chicago firefighter and lifelong Bears fan. Field coats, flannel, and a navy-and-orange team hoodie when it counts.
Pretzels at the Christmas market with Avery.
Football in hand at the Bears' practice field.
Walking into the neighborhood bar.
A backyard party strung with lights and Bears pennants.
The superfan headed to her 500th Bears game, and Matt's grandmother. Red tartan knit and a market stall full of cookies.
At a Christmas market stall, in the photo that ends up in the paper.