Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

In Scandinavia and especially Sweden, the feast day of Saint Lucia is an important celebration of light during the short days of winter. How do Swedes, Chicagoans, and Nobel Prize winners enjoy the feast day?

Because Hanukkah commemorates a miracle in which a single day's supply of lamp oil lasted for eight days, fried foods are traditional for the holiday. And what's more ubiquitous than latkes? Try both a cheese version (the original), and a classic potato one.

Beginning December 11, WTTW Prime will broadcast the global affairs interview program Amanpour on PBS, hosted by CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. Look back on some of Amanpour's major exclusive interviews and accomplishments.

Journalistic chops aren't Paris Schutz's only talent. The Chicago Tonight broadcaster also plays piano, sings, and writes songs, including his own "schmaltzy Christmas tune." Hear him perform "Lonesome Christmas Night."

The Washington Post published its first issue 140 years ago on December 6. Over its long history, it has given us a memorable gaffe and a popular march, inspired a classic toy, and led huge investigations. Look back on some of its defining moments.

65 years ago on December 5, a deadly smog descended on London. Transportation stopped, people fell into the Thames, and an estimated 12,000 people died. Today, New Delhi has similar problems. How serious is pollution today?

They have been a tradition in Chicago for over one hundred years, and seemingly everyone has fond memories of going to see them. See some of your favorite Christmas windows and learn how they're put together in this episode of Chicago Stories from 2000.

There's a new Chicago River Tour with Geoffrey Baer, but the TV program isn't the only way you can explore Chicago's vital waterway. You can also take your own audio tour of Riverwalk, enjoy 360 videos, watch an animated history of the river reversal, and more on our companion site.

The Holiday Train is now in its 25th year, while the bus is in its fourth. Both offer photo sessions with Santa, colored lights, and bright decorations. Find their schedules here. 

You survived making a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but what do you do now with the heaps of leftovers? Try repurposing your extra turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy in this homey, single skillet shepherd's pie. 

How much do you know about turkeys, tofurkys, turduckens, and all the other dishes you only eat at Thanksgiving? 

"When you're born into this world it's very hard to realistically change your life," says the director of the newly updated Frontline: Poor Kids. "Kids can escape into their dreams; adults escape into alcoholism or drugs. They didn't choose that."

If you're making an outstanding turkey, you don't want to waste any of that fantastic flavor that drips off into the pan. Instead, turn those rich drippings into gravy, using a broth made from the giblets and neck bone of your bird.

Turkey is arguably the most difficult part of a Thanksgiving meal to make, especially if you brine it in a liquid salt mixture. Try this dry-brine recipe, which is easier to manage, less messy, and more effective. 

Pregnancies abound amongst the Durrells' friends, but their timing – plus a crime of passion – means the doctor has his hands full. Leslie, Louisa, and Spyros all step in as nurses, with various degrees of experience. As usual, Larry misses it all.