Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

It's a crippling holiday season in Poplar, with subzero temperatures and mounds of snow. Valerie attends to a scared young woman living in a trailer, Nurse Julienne attempts to reconcile an estranged mother and daughter, and Nurse Crane makes an enemy. 

As Christmas approaches, Alan faces humiliation while Celia is excited for the opening of their play. Caroline is beginning to doubt her career and life change, and Gillian and Robbie's marriage continues to prove less than perfect.

Kwanzaa "instills the concept of family in younger generations, and teaches who we as African Americans were, what we went through, and what we have achieved.” Learn more, courtesy the DuSable Museum of African American History.

Cultures across the world have celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and its heralding of change. From ancient peoples in Peru, Ireland, and Egypt to continuing or modern traditions in England, China, and Iran, learn about the festivities.

While everyone drinks eggnog, spiked or not, at the holidays, there are a lot of other festive beverages out there. Try recipes for three unique options: a coffee-flavored one, a tropical drink, and a nutty, minty Christmas shot. 

What Christmas traditions do different cultures, from Brazilians to Slavs to African Americans, have to celebrate the holidays? Hear global folk singers and a legendary children's librarian discuss festive customs with Studs Terkel.

Ghosts of all sorts are showing up in Halifax, as Caroline gets a now job and moves into a new house with Alan and Celia in tow. Gillian begins to fear someone – or something – is out to get Robbie, and Celia takes up a new hobby.

What do Last Tango in Halifax, the Brontë sisters, the Wars of the Roses, cute terriers, and Downton Abbey have in common? They're all grounded in the north English region of Yorkshire. Explore the outsize influence of Yorkshire on culture and history.

"Christmas is all about showing off," says Mary Berry. While this Christmas trifle isn't quite as elaborate as some of the things she and Paul Hollywood make in their Great British Baking Show Christmas Masterclass, it's still impressive, and delicious. 

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?