I live in the Frozen Tundra of the Midwest so Chili is like a warm hug.
I do confess I make it year round, however.
I don't make it really well as it seems to taste different every time I make it but DH & I still love it and always freeze leftovers (which taste even better).
Definitely Kidney Beans and sometimes other kinds of beans, ground beef, spices, onions, cheese, definitely. With Garlic Bread.
When growing up, we wouldn't think of eating chili without macaroni but now, later in life, we like Chili by itself.