2022 Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

Photo: Rainbow Images-Kelly Carmody

Carols by Candlelight

in the Queens Gardens

TIS the season to be jolly...and to light-up a candle and sing with family and friends until your heart is content in the spirit of Christmas.

Returning to Queen’s Gardens on Sunday, December 18, Carols by Candlelight promises to be a spectacular evening full of Christmas cheer and family-friendly fun led by talented local performers.

Starting at 6.30pm and continuing until 9.00pm, the Carols by Candlelight program will feature a very special visit from Santa Claus himself.

Local community groups and businesses

will provide food and drinks on the night, while the event will be live streamed on the Greater Shepparton City Council website.

By remembering to bring a low chair, rug, cushion or blanket to the Queens Gardens, you can enjoy this much-loved annual event, now in its 48th iteration, with comfort and ease.

Carols by Candlelight is a free, community event and will take place in the Queens Gardens, on the corner of Wyndham and Nixon Streets, Shepparton from 6.30pm- 9.00pm.

By Stephanie Holliday

IF you partake in Christmas celebrations, you've likely seen people adorn the top of their Christmas trees with a decorative star or angel.

But have you ever wondered why we do this or how it became a Christmas tradition? And why an angel, and not just another ornament?

It turns out, this practice comes from the original Christmas story. Angels play a significant part in the first Christmas, they visited Joseph and the Virgin Mary about the upcoming birth of Jesus, and on the night of his birth, angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce his arrival to the world.

Because angels appeared high in the sky on the first Christmas, people began placing angels high on the top of

their trees as a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you've ever seen a star on top of a Christmas tree, there's a similar significance: According to the Christmas story, in addition to angels, the star of Bethlehem (also called the Christmas star) appeared in the sky to guide people to baby Jesus.

No matter what you choose to sit atop your Christmas tree, rest assured both carry equal significance in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The real battle pertains to which child you allow to do the honours.

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TRADITION THAT CAN’T BE MISSED...Carols by Candlelight returns to the Queen’s Gardens on Sunday, December 18 at 6.30pm. Photo: Supplied

AN AUSSIE CHRISTMAS... Get creative and DIY some decor this festive season. Head to your local park and find some fallen pine cones, gumnuts or acacia and get to work with a can of metallic spray paint. Dipping the ends of gumnuts in glitter is also an easy and fun craft activity for kids to enjoy. Photo: Supplied

By

Thoughtful decorations

Stephanie Holliday

CHRISTMAS is here, which means 'tis the season to spend all your money on festive decor and thoughtful gifts, right? Well, not necessarily.

If you can create some stylish and seasonal Christmas decorations yourself, not only will you save some money and have crafty fun in the process, you’ll have unique decorations you can enjoy for years to come. Here are three ideas to get you started:

AUSTRALIANA-THEMED DECORATIONS

One of the easiest and almost free ways to decorate is to collect items we find in our own backyard. Head to your local park and find some fallen pine cones, gumnuts or acacia and get to work with a can of metallic spray paint. Dipping the ends of gumnuts in glitter is also an easy and fun craft activity for kids to enjoy.

TABLE CENTERPIECES

One of the most fool-proof ideas for a table centerpiece is to get a plain, glass vase and fill it with Christmas baubles in your colour theme of choice. For a rustic look, a length of burlap running across the middle of the table with a length of lace or paper doiley placed on top complements a neutralcoloured theme perfectly.

GLITTER FILLED CHRISTMAS BAUBLES

Clear, plain baubles, available from most craft stores, present the perfect opportunity to customise your decorations and create keepsakes for years to come. These baubles have a screw top meaning you can fill them with glitter, feathers or anything you can imagine. Further personalise these decorations by using fabric paint to write family member’s names and the year across them. These also make wonderful “first Christmas” gifts for a baby’s first Christmas.

A SIMPLE GESTURE...The first Christmas Card originated over 150 years ago in England. The founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London Sir Henry Cole was the first to initiate the first Christmas card after discovering that handwriting several holiday greetings to his many friends proved to be a tiresome task. Photo: Supplied

CHRISTMAS just wouldn't be the same without cards. From writing them to all your classmates in primary school and attaching a little candy cane, to sending them across the country and world to loved ones who live afar, they are a muchtreasured tradition.

The first Christmas Card originated over 150 years ago in England. The founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London Sir Henry Cole was the first to initiate the first Christmas card after discovering that handwriting several holiday greetings to his many friends proved to be a tiresome task.

Sir Henry Cole was a strong advocator of the aiding the destitute, so he also wished for the poor and needy to be seen and recognised during this festive season.

In 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned the artist John Calcott Horsely to illustrate the first official card. The card showed a family and their friends enjoying time together while outside their window were images of clothing the needy and feeding the poor.

The card showed the happiness of the Christmas season as well as the need to look toward the destitute. With this first Christmas card, although it was not an extremely popular illustration, the tradition of giving Christmas cards has remained.

Since then, the Christmas Card has remained strong as a popular tradition in sending well wishes in the festive season. Over 100 million Christmas cards are sent each Christmas in Australia alone.

Make this Christmas truly delightful

A CAREFULLY selected, special gift can truly make someone’s Christmas extra delightful.

Finding the perfect card and present for someone you cherish is easy when you visit the friendly team at Focus Cards and Gifts.

Stocking a large range of Hallmark, Henderson and other branded cards, Focus Cards and Gifts are also stockists of a range of Australiana-themed cards and presents, perfect for sending to loved ones overseas.

With a plethora of quaint trinkets, homewares, artisan soaps and so much more, there’s something for everyone on your list, from Nan to your neighbour. Woodwick candles make a great gift for

teachers, friends and anyone else who loves to fill their home with fine fragrance. Unique jewellery is also another item that will be loved and cherished for years to come.

Christmas décor, from traditional through to bush-themed, are also on offer at Focus Cards and Gifts, with a large range of Willow Tree figurines and decorations available.

For the foodies in your life, the store now stocks a range of artisan chutneys, jams, teas and other delicacies.

Focus Cards and Gifts is located at 181 Maude Street, Shepparton, so make a day of visiting the newly unveiled mall and stop in to complete your Christmas shopping.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE...Finding the perfect card and present for someone you cherish is easy when you visit the friendly team at Focus Cards and Gifts.

Stocking a large range of Hallmark, Henderson and other branded cards, Focus Cards and Gifts are also stockists of a range of Australiana-themed cards and presents, perfect for sending to loved ones overseas. Focus Cards and Gifts proprietor Peter Dunbabin and proprietor Shelley Culhane. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Santa Photos and festive fun at the

STRAIGHT from the North Pole to the bustling marketplace, Santa has returned to have his photograph taken with all the good (and naughty) children of Greater Shepparton.

Having disembarked from his sleigh on Saturday, November 26, Santa will be available for photographs until Saturday, December 24.

For a quieter, more calming opportunity to have a photo with Santa, Sensitive Santa bookings are also available for Saturday December 3 and 10.

With few families complete without their furry pets, Santa Pawprints is a chance for pooches and cats to join their owners

alongside Santa for a portrait on Sunday, December 4 and 11 as well as on Tuesday, December 6 and 13.

With bookings essential for all photographs with Santa, please use the QR code provided on the Shepparton Marketplace advertisement on page 23 of the edition to ensure your time with Santa is reserved.

For superb, one-stop shopping and family entertainment this festive season, head to the Shepparton Marketplace, where Santa letters can be posted, Mrs Clause tells interactive stories and where Christmas arts and crafts will delight the children.

Get your letters to Santa ready

CHILDREN

To ensure they reach the North Pole in time, letters must be addressed to: Santa NORTH POLE 9999.

So Santa can reply to letters, please attach a 65c Christmas stamp on the front of the envelope and write your name and address on the back. Please note that Santa can only reply to Australian addresses.

Twinkling lights, Christmas Moooving Art Cows and giant baubles are also starting to appear across the region as the count down to the festive season begins.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to embrace the festivities whist exploring a range of events

and activities that have been put together to celebrate the season and spread joy.

Everyone’s favourite, the three colourful Christmas Cows including Moodolf and the sleigh, will feature at a new location this year outside the Visitor Centre. Many of the towns throughout Greater Shepparton are getting ready to enjoy Carols by Candlelight, with special additions this year including a Christmas Market on the Riverbank of Murchison and the chance to create special Christmas tree decorations in Mooroopna.

In addition to the Christmas Decorations, this year a Winter Wonderland Christmas Hub will be open in Shepparton’s Maude Street Mall to help with all your Christmas shopping needs. Christmas lists, gift wrapping, children activities and cheeky elves will be at the Christmas Hub.

CHRISTMAS FUN IN THE MALL...Twinkling lights, Christmas Moooving Art Cows and giant baubles are starting to appear across the region as the count down to the festive season begins. Salaar and Aryana enjoyed seeing the giant Santa and Rudolph statues in the Maude Street Mall on Monday. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

of the Goulburn Valley have until Friday December 2 to post their letters to Santa by popping them into Santa’s Mailbox, at the front of the Post Office on Wyndham Street.

CHRISTMAS CHEER IS HERE...Santa has returned to Shepparton Marketplace to have his photograph taken with the children of Greater Shepparton. Santa will be available for photographs until Saturday, December 24, including ‘Sensitive Santa’ bookings also available for Saturday December 3 and 10. Sonny had his chance to see Santa this week and dressed up for the occasion. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

The Greatest Show is coming to Trawool for NYE 2022

SPECTACULAR EVENT, NOT TO BE MISSED... The Trawool Estate is hosting ‘The Greatest Show,’ a dinner and live entertainment extravaganza. From 7pm, enjoy live interactive performances from a wonderful cast including the incredible Matt Hetherington. Renowned restaurant Wild Water restaurant is also relaunching on December 15, with newly welcomed executive chef Athol Wark. Photo: Supplied

AN oasis overlooking the pristine Trawool Valley, the National Trust-listed Trawool Estate is excited to relaunch their renowned Wild Water restaurant from December 15.

The new menu features essences of indigenous ingredients, whilst utilising local produce, all in the art of telling a story through each dish. Newly welcomed executive chef Athol Wark has developed his expertise all over the world, most recently heading up the food program at El Questro in the Kimberly. Mr Wark has a love of Australian wild foods, the perfect accompaniment to a backdrop of spectacular views.

Following a successful NYE event last year, The Trawool Estate is hosting ‘The Greatest Show,’ a dinner and live entertainment extravaganza. From 7pm, enjoy live interactive performances from a wonderful cast including the incredible Matt Hetherington.

$179 tickets include live entertainment in Wild Water restaurant, a decadent five-course meal, a five-hour drinks package and entry into the Turbine After Party. Accommodation in the hotel or luxury glamping tents within the Estate grounds can also be added, with spots limited. For lovers of Ayala Champagne or the famous Trawool Cocktails, extra drinks packages can also be purchased.

For family friendly fun after the mad-rush holiday season subsides, on Fridays through to Sundays, head to The Herb Garden Pizzeria all summer, and even on NYE, for a lively yet casual experience with great vibes, delicious drinks and most importantly, wood fired pizza.

Trawool Estate is located at 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy,

All bark, lots of tasty bite

MINTY, Chocolately goodness that takes hardly any time or ingredients to prepare? Where do we sign-up. Peppermint bark even makes an eye-catching gift wrapped in cellophane to add to hampers or give away on its own in a lovely glass jar.

INGREDIENTS

■ 350g milk chocolate, chopped

■ 350g white chocolate, chopped

■ 1/2 Teaspoon peppermint extract

■ 8 candy canes, crushed

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a sheet tray with baking paper.

2. Fill the bottom of a large pot with water and bring to simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, then place a large heatproof bowl on top. Add semi-sweet chocolate and stir occasionally until chocolate has melted. Stir in extract.

3. Pour onto prepared sheet tray and spread into an even layer with an offset spatula. Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.

4. Over the same pot of barely simmering water, place another large heatproof bowl. Add white chocolate and stir until melted. Pour over set semi-sweet chocolate then top immediately with candy canes. Refrigerate until set, about one hour.

5. Break apart any way you wish and enjoy!

GREATER Shepparton City Council is seeking applications from local community groups to be involved in this year’s Christmas Community Gift Wrapping service.

Gift wrapping services will be taking place in the Christmas Wonderland hub in the Maude Street Mall from Saturday 3 to Saturday 24 December from 10:30am to 4.30pm, with Council calling for community volunteers to help coordinate.

Local community groups or not-for-profit organisations can volunteer team members to run a shift and in return will receive a $300 donation from Greater Shepparton City Council in addition to all the gold coin donations received from the allocated gift-

wrapping shift.

Greater Shepparton City Council mayor, Councillor Shane Sali encouraged local community groups to apply.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for locals and community groups to receive donations and share the festive spirit,” Cr Sali said.

“The Christmas wrapping service provides even more reason to shop local these holidays and support local businesses and community groups.”

To apply, visit www.bit.ly/ GreatersheppGiftWrappingEOI with applications open until Friday, November 25. For more information, please contact Greater Shepparton’s Place Manager on 5832 9700.

WRAP IT UP...Local community groups or not-for-profit organisations can volunteer team members to run a shift and in return will receive a $300 donation from Greater Shepparton City Council in addition to all the gold coin donations received from the allocated gift-wrapping shift. Photo: Supplied

ALL I want for Christmas is food... delicious, succulent roasted meats, sweet smoked ham and glorious turducen; a mouth-watering package of three festive meats all rolled into one.

With an exceptional reputation for specialty meats and traditional European small goods, Krueger's Fine Meats and Smallgoods is without question a foodie’s store of choice when it comes to ordering pre-cooked beef, lamb, chicken and pork for Christmas.

With boneless Virginian and Prager leg ham on offer along with pre-cooked pork and turkey breast fillet, pre-ordering your Christmas table masterpiece is as easy as picking-up the phone or visiting the

friendly staff at one of Shepparton’s longest standing, independent butchers.

Proudly smoking all their own hams in store, you can also pre-order all local Australian ham on the bone as well as fresh turducen.

With a smorgasbord of premium and cured meats available from Krueger’s Fine Meats and Smallgoods, your pre-ordered charcuterie board will never taste as good and is the perfect way to start your Christmas festivities with delectable flair.

Passionate about her Christmas offerings, Emma said, “While you should get your Christmas orders in as soon as possible, you won’t find quality and customer service to beat us, and by all means, please try!”

READY TO TAKE ORDERS NOW...Emma of Krueger’s Fine Meats and Smallgoods has a delectable range of pre-cooked and fresh meats to wow every Christmas table. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

McKellars to showcase local art

IN support of three local, exciting and renowned artists, McKellars Picture Framing and Wall Art at 175 Corio Street is proud to present a selection of local art, with originals, prints and limited prints on offer.

One of Australia’s most celebrated oil painters, Drew Gregory, is a super-realist artist, capturing the nation’s landscapes, seascapes as well as iconic still-lifes melding over 40 years of experience with an innovative style that has been exhibited all over the world.

With an offering of superb limited-edition Gregory prints, McKellars has a wide selection of fine, Australiana oil paintings this Christmas.

If acrylic on canvas is more your style, McKellars also showcases an array of breathtaking originals by Yorta Yorta artist, Tom Day III.

Merging the old and the new by using traditional and contemporary art forms throughout his pieces, Day’s work adorns many buildings throughout Victoria.

And of course the very famous local artist, Tank, is also on display at McKellars, ready to enliven any wall with delightfully playful, surreal and intriguing art.

With new, original Tank pieces, prints as well as signed and numbered limited edition prints, McKellars is a veritable treasure trove for anyone who enjoys surrealist art or the quirky provocation of Tank, himself.

McKellars Picture Framing and Wall Art is well worth a visit to peruse the amazing works of these acclaimed artists. Works are available to purchase, and the team is knowledgeable and passionate.

SHOWCASING EXEMPLARY LOCAL ARTISTS...Stuart Gowty and his team at McKellars Picture Framing and Wall Art are passionate and knowledgeable and proudly present works from local artists Drew Gregory, Tank and Tom Day lll (artworks listed from left). Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Before you start

Boil 90x90 cm2 unbleachable calico cloth in a saucepan for 30 minutes Let cool to handling point and wring out. Smooth ½ a cup of plain flour over the cloth. Method Mix fruit and almonds with rum and leave overnight in the fridge. Add sugar, water, butter, bi-carb soda and fruit to saucepan. Heat over gentle to moderate flame until butter is melted. Mix in both flour (sifted) and lightly beaten eggs. Add mixture to the cloth. Tie very tightly with string, leaving a loop to hang pudding by. Boil for six hours. Check water level frequently. Hang in an airy place. Tie extra cloth and string up with rubber bands so that the extra cloth and string don’t rest on the sides of the pudding. Boil on the day for two hours. Leave in calico to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

YOU WILL BE WOWED AT TRELLY’S...With a broad range of ever popular Yeti products and so, so much more, you can find the perfect gift idea for the whole family at Trelly’s Outdoor this Christmas. Come in and meet the super-friendly and expert staff today, (from left) Brad, Justin, Trevor, Mary and Steve.

ONE of Australia’s most impressive and extensive fishing, camping and hunting stores, Trelly’s Outdoor at 209 Corio Street is a veritable treasure trove of Christmas gift ideas.

A pro-retailer of fishing tackle and hunting rifles second to none, the super-friendly and knowledgeable staff at Trelly’s know Christmas shoppers will be ‘wowed’ by their huge range of quality-for-money Yeti drink bottles, stubby holders, coffee cups, eskies and camping apparel.

A hugely popular brand, Yeti products are an excellent gift idea to tuck under the tree and at a price to suit everybody.

Bringing a smile to any intrepid camper, hunter or fisherman on Christmas morning, Trelly’s also stock an exhaustive range of

freshwater fishing tackle and lures suitable for local angling as well as an impressive range of firearms, ammunition and accessories.

With a premiere range of night vision equipment, superb Jetboil Cookware, outdoor clothing and timely mozzie repellents and zappers to choose from, Trelly’s is the first and best port-of-call for Christmas gift shopping this season.

Excited to greet shoppers at the door, Trelly’s proprietor Steve Threlfall said, “We invite you into have a look at our ‘wow’ selection of equipment, clothing and outdoor essentials.

“If you haven’t been to the store before, make sure you get in here and if you haven’t been for a while, make sure you come back to see our extended range.”

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto