Aging Times Magazine - December 2022

Senior Living THAT’S A STEP ABOVE

Welcome to December! We cannot believe how time has flown by this year. We reflect and appreciate the time we have had making memories, educating, and providing information to our community. We also are so grateful to see the new year on the horizon, fresh starts, and new journeys to embark on! As we head into the last month of our chapter this year we begin to reflect on all things that this year has brought.

The year itself was a welcoming to all as we left 2021 and the peak of COVID season behind. Not saying COVID is gone by any means but a sense of normality began to settle into our day to day lives. This year many traditions were resumed with the ability to celebrate as a community and celebrate with friends near and far. Travel became something that more people could embark on and experience and experiences were readily available and getting back to in person lifestyle became an option for many.

In this edition of Aging Times, we wanted to bring back some of those traditions we are accustom to and share others from all over the world. Adrienne takes us on an adventure throughout America, Austria, Jerusalem, and many other countries and each country and culture celebrates their holiday season. Living through text to show us all different traditions and family ties showing us significance and sacred celebrations!

In addition to traveling the world and learning of traditions, family heirlooms, and how to embrace the season we also identify that the holidays are not always an easy navigation for all. This month Beth shares just how navigating the holidays with loss and grieving our loved ones. Whether we remember through memory of vision, taste, or smell we carry these moments with us throughout the holiday season.

Amanda’s adventures through European Christmas Markets, hot cider, church bells and apple strudel brings you a sense of home. Her adventures always bring us around the world and provide us opportunity to join in on that fun as well!

We hope this season brings joy, peace, and well wishes as we close out 2022. We look forward to next year’s editorial line up and community involvement.

From Our Family to Yours;

Priscilla & Bruce Kincaid, Founders/Owners

FOUNDERS/OWNERS

Priscilla & Bruce Kincaid

MANAGING EDITOR

Priscilla Kincaid, RN, BSN, MBA

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Priscilla Kincaid, RN, BSN, MBA

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Casey Marshall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth Douglas

Adrienne Freeland

Jeanne Laurine Harry Martinez

Amanda Vallone

CONTACT US

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©2022 by Aging Tree, LLC. Aging Times Magazine is the official publication of Aging Tree, LLC. All rights reserved. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced without the permission from Aging Tree, LLC.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding appropriate use of any treatment.

VA CREATES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO HELP ASPIRING VA MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will establish a Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship Program to assist individuals pursuing graduate degrees in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling.

VA expects to award scholarships in the summer of 2023, providing funding to cover up to two years of graduate studies for individuals pursuing these degrees. Upon completion of their degrees, these mental health professionals will then serve full time for a period of six years at one of VA’s 300 Vet Centers across the country, specifically, in underserved areas that need additional mental health professionals and in states with a per-capita population of more than 5% Veterans.

“In 300 communities across the country, Vet Centers provide Veterans, service members, and their families with quick and easy access to the mental health care they need and deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “These scholarships will help VA ensure all Veterans and service members — including those in historically underserved areas — have access to Vet Centers with highly-qualified, trained and compassionate staff.”

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components and their families. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. In Fiscal Year 2022, 286,907 Veterans, service members (including members of the National Guard and Reserves) and their families received counseling at VA’s 300 Vet Centers, totaling nearly 1.34 million visits and outreach contacts.

VA posted a final rule for public inspection in the Federal Register 86 FR 81094 to create this scholarship program. The rule originates from the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 which created the scholarship program as an incentive to train more individuals in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling. It is also a part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader efforts to support Veterans and improve mental health care access for all.

Learn more about Vet Centers (www.vetcenter.va.gov).

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, News Releases www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/

VET CENTER ELIGIBILITY

All Veterans are encouraged to seek Vet Center services. Any Veterans and current service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve components, are eligible if any of the following applies:

• Have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility

• Experienced a military sexual trauma (regardless of gender or service era)

• Provided mortuary services or direct emergent medical care to treat the casualties of war while serving on active military duty

• Performed as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat theater or area of hostility

• Accessed care at a Vet Center prior to Jan. 2, 2013, as a Vietnam-Era Veteran

• Served on active military duty in response to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the president, or under orders of the governor or chief executive of a state in response to a disaster or civil disorder in that state

• Are a current or former member of the Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction operation, regardless of the location

• Are a current member of the Reserve Components assigned to a military command in a drilling status, including active Reserves, who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma related to military service that adversely effects quality of life or adjustment to civilian life.

Please contact us, as our eligibility may expand. If we are unable to help you, we will find someone who can. Our services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or service member. If you consider them family, so do we. We also offer bereavement services to family members of Veterans who were receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty.

Source: www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp

National VFW Auxiliary President Jane Reape’s theme: Hands that serve, hearts that care. The Department of Florida VFW Auxiliary President Cindy Estell’s theme is “Champion for Veterans” and her motto is “Strong people stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others.”

Honor all the armed forces. Thank a Veteran for their service U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corp., U.S. Navy, and U.S. Space Force.

Christmas can be lonely for many of our men and women in the military stationed home or abound.

Mail Christmas cards to our military troops add a note and/or add a gift card. Let them know how much we appreciate their service to our country. Our freedom isn’t free. Also, remember that our nursing homes have many Veterans that would love a Christmas card or visit. God bless America, God bless our troops, and Merry Christmas to all.

Membership in the VFW Auxiliary shall be limited to the following family members (age 16 years or older) as shown on the Eligibility Wheel of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of every VFW Auxiliary.

Jeanne Laurine joined the VFW Auxiliary under the eligibility of her father World War II Veteran Elwood Bauerle who served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Indiana in the AsiaPacific theater. Jeanne has served in many VFW Auxiliary positions throughout the years–Department of Florida VFW Auxiliary Membership Chairman 2022-2023 and past National Historian/Media Ambassador 2021-2022. She is also a lifetime member of VFW post 8093 DeBary.

Jeanne encourages others to join and volunteer their talents. We have many programs that help our Veterans, families, and community.

• Americanism Program

• Auxiliary Outreach program

• “Buddy”® Poppy and VFW National Home Program

• Historian and Media Relations Program

• Hospital Program

• Legislative Program

• Membership Program

• Mentoring for Leadership Program

• Scholarship Program

• Veteran and Family Support Program

• Youth Activities Program

There are five Auxiliaries in Volusia:

• DeBary Post 8093

• DeLand Post 2380

• New Smyrna Beach Post 4250

• Daytona Beach Post 1590

• Port Orange Post 3282

• Additionally, in Flagler County, Palm Coast Post 8696

Today we have nearly 470,000 male and female members. More than 3,500 auxiliaries in 50 states, the Philippines, Panama, and Guam.

Come Join Us!

Jeanne F Laurine

Department of Florida Membership Chairman VFW Auxiliary 2022-2023 jeannelaurine5@gmail.com 386-356-1913

We would love to have you join and support our Veterans and families.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INCREASE IN 2023

Approximately 70 million Americans will see an 8.7% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023. On average, Social Security benefits will increase by more than $140 per month starting in January.

Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are higher. The cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.

We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your personal my Social Security account. You can access this information in early December, prior to receiving the mailed notice. Benefit amounts will not be available before December. Since you will receive the COLA notice online or in the mail, you don’t need to contact us to get your new benefit amount.

If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account to opt out by changing your Preferences in the Message Center. You can update your preferences to opt out of the mailed COLA notice, and any other notices that are available online. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one by November 15, 2022 to receive the 2023 COLA notice online.

“Medicare premiums are going down and Social Security benefits are going up in 2023, which will give seniors more

peace of mind and breathing room. This year’s substantial Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is the first time in over a decade that Medicare premiums are not rising and shows that we can provide more support to older Americans who count on the benefits they have earned,” Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi said.

January 2023 marks when other changes will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2023 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2023.

Be among the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications.

You can find more information about the 2023 COLA here. Harry Martinez, Social Security District Manager Phone: 1-866-964-7396 | www.ssa.gov

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

We are here for surviving family members when a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits. This includes surviving spouses, surviving divorced spouses, children, and dependent parents.

The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings, the higher their benefits. That’s why it’s important to make sure your earnings history is correct in our records. You can do this by creating a personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. A personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you immediate

access to your earnings records, benefit estimates, and Social Security Statement.

You may also want to visit our Survivors Benefits page at www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors. This page can help you understand your and your family’s Social Security protections as you plan your financial future.

Please visit www.ssa.gov or read our publication, Survivors Benefits, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084. pdf for more information. You can also help us spread the word by sharing this information with your family and friends.

ARE YOU PROTECTED AGAINST THE FLU?

For the last several years, we've all been so worried about contracting COVID-19 that there has been little talk about the flu. The flu has long been considered a severe risk for senior citizens. According to the CDC, 90% of flu-related deaths occur in patients over sixty-five. If you fall in that category and are concerned about your risk of severe flu symptoms, there are three things you can do to protect yourself.

of senior citizens who get the flu shot can reduce their risk of hospitalization

On average, 12,000 seniors die of flu yearly in America, so the risk for unvaccinated people is high. If you're unsure about getting the shot or have questions, speak to your doctor. The best place to get personalized medical advice will always be a visit with the doctor who knows you best.

One of the reasons that the holidays are such a flu-heavy time of year is that we spend more time visiting with friends and family, and in some parts of the country, people spend lots of time inside, avoiding frigid temperatures. When we gather many people together in tight quarters, it's easy to see how the germs your grandkids pick up on the school playground could get passed through the family.

Be sure to COMMUNICATE with your family so they know how important it is that you avoid contact with anyone with the flu.

Over the last several years, we've all become experts in hand washing, and this is the perfect time to let your new skills shine!

ENSURE

you're washing your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you must visit with someone with the flu, ensure you're in a well-ventilated or outdoor space and avoid hugging and kissing when possible.

The flu is a dangerous illness to people of all ages, especially seniors and those who are vulnerable with pre-existing conditions. We hope this advice will help you stay healthy through the holidays and into the new year.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.

BEYOND STEM CELLS GET BACK TO LIVING YOUR LIFE

Everyone knows as you age your joints start to give you more trouble, preventing you from doing the things that you love. Playing with your grandchildren, traveling, taking walks with your spouse, playing golf, and many other activities that your painful joints are preventing you from doing.

You are probably worries and tired of taking drugs with dangerous side effects. You may have had cortisone shots which can lead to further joint destruction. You may have even been told that you will have to have dangerous joint surgery that could result in infection, serious complications and even amputation.

There is now another choice.

Dr. Joseph Rosado became medical director at Complete Wellness Medical Centers to offer responsible pain management options so that patients can avoid dangerous pain drugs and surgery. Patients can now get their life back using the latest biological treatments to improve their joint pain and function.

Here at Complete Wellness Medical Centers, we offer an alternative to drugs and surgery to get your life back and enjoy the activities you miss because of chronic joint pain. Our Joint Rescue Program uses the latest biological treatments for arthritic and “creaky” joints.

Many of our patients are returning to an active lifestyle and can now do things that they missed doing. This is an in-office procedure with no down time.

This is an elective program, and many components are not covered by insurance because the insurance companies do not care about what’s best for you.

Call now for a complementary consultation to see if you are a candidate for our Joint Rescue Program to get your life back.

To schedule your appointment, please call 386-734-2592 and consider visiting us online to learn more about what we do and help relieve pain for our patients at completewellnessmedicalcenters.com.

Why is it that the holidays stir up such deep emotions?

Well, when we consider the many traditions concerning the holidays – from the food and the music to the decorations and festivities – it is difficult to not be reminded of those who are no longer with us. Those who have touched our lives forever leave their mark in our memories.

Honor Them

Most families have some traditions centered around food. In my family, we always had steaks on the grill on Christmas eve, along with loaded baked potatoes. My mother would garnish the steaks with plenty of garlic. Even though my parents are no longer living, we still carry on the tradition and make a toast to them before dinner.

Appreciate Family That You Still Have

The silver lining of experiencing loss is often that the surviving family members can become closer. In realizing the preciousness of life, we treasure our time together.

Create New Traditions

Consider fun new activities that you can turn into new traditions. Consult your family to get ideas or activities that they might like to start. Sometimes the grandkids will like to chime in and it makes them feel important that they, too, can contribute to family traditions.

Maintain Healthy Habits

When grief hits you, there may be times you have to give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Saying no to some holiday festivities is allowed. Most will understand if you simply do not have the energy to devote to celebrations. This is normal. Allow yourself a nice balance of time with others and time for yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat sensibly, and try to avoid overexertion.

Remember that our loved ones who have passed would want us to find joy and appreciate the magic of the holidays. In this way, we honor their memory.

Beth Hearn Douglas is a marketing communications professional and freelance writer with a passion for quality senior care and health care. Her online portfolio is www.douglasmarketingworks.com.

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

THE HISTORY OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

New Year’s Resolutions Week Activities

Make a Resolution: Many of us have given up making New Year’s resolutions to avoid the embarrassment of realizing nothing’s going to change. To break that cycle, this year, make goals that are completely realistic.

Make Commitments You Can’t Undo: Buy a gym membership, and go shopping for healthier food choices. It’s easier to stick to those commitments than waste your money.

Party and Be Merry: The most important resolution you can make on New Year’s is to start it right. Host a gettogether in your home or hit the club. Having a good time will give you the motivation you need to stick to your resolutions.

Why We Love New Year’s Resolutions Week

You Can Hold Yourself Accountable: If you’ve been struggling with some bad habits and don’t feel good about yourself, this is the time to reflect on these things. Time to stop guilt-tripping yourself and set a plan to reach your goal.

It’s a Good Time to Restart: Ever get a burst of motivation and start making all these plans only to wake up uninterested the following morning? Well, there’s no better time to start than a new year.

Everyone is On the Same Boat: You’re not the only one making resolutions and struggling to keep them. Discuss your plans with your friends and keep yourselves in check.

5 Fascinating Facts About New Year's Days

1. Most People Give Up by February: The number of people keeping their resolutions goes down every week with about 80% completely giving up on their resolutions by February.

2. Nearly Half of Americans Make Yearly Resolutions: About 45% of Americans consistently make New Year’s resolutions every year.

3. Each Country has Strange Traditions: The Spanish attempt to eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of midnight, the Danish throw plates against their front door, and the Estonians attempt to eat a lucky number of meals.

4. The Color of Your Underwear Matters: Latinos wear yellow underwear for good luck and Italians looking for love wear red on New Year's Eve.

5. New Year’s Day and Car Theft: New Year's Day is one of the holidays when vehicles are most likely to be stolen.

The tradition of celebrating the start of the year began about 5,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. They celebrated ‘Wepet Renpet (opening of the year) in midsummer during the annual flooding of the Nile River as this meant their lands would be fertile. Though there’s no evidence they made any resolutions, they celebrated as we do now, with alcohol and food. It was later that traditions surrounding this holiday became non-secular.

The first people known to make New Year’s resolutions are ancient Babylonians. They resolved to pay back debts and return borrowed objects. It was even more important for Babylonians to keep their resolutions as they were making them not to themselves but to the gods. Failing yourself is one thing, but breaking a promise you made to a god is a toughie. Ancient Romans celebrated the new year as well.

It was Julius Caesar who altered the calendar, naming the first month of January after the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings, transitions, time, and endings. All in all, a suitable name for the start of the year. Similar to the Babylonians, ancient Romans made promises to the gods. These promises revolved around behaving well and performing good deeds.

Celebrating the new year was popularized by Christian Methodists who revolved the holiday around religion. In 1755, John Wesley — an English clergyman — created the Covenant Renewal Service. The service is held on the first Sunday where people read scripture, sing hymns, and say prayers from the Methodist Worship Book. The purpose of this is to renew and strengthen your faith in God.

These days we view New Year’s as a secular holiday, going out and throwing parties. We promise to change not to our pagan gods but ourselves. Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around self-improvement, though many are unsuccessful.

The custom of making New Year’s resolutions has been around for thousands of years, but it hasn’t always looked the way it does today.

SAVING MONEY WITH THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT

The Inflation Reduction Act will save money for people with Medicare by improving access to affordable treatments and strengthening the Medicare program. Here’s what the law means for you:

Lower Drug Costs & Improved Part D Coverage

• The cost of a month’s supply of each Part D-covered insulin will be capped at $35, and you won’t have to pay a deductible for insulin, starting on January 1, 2023.

• If you get a 60- or 90-day supply of insulin, your costs can’t be more than $35 for each month’s supply of each covered insulin.

• If you take insulin through a traditional pump that is covered under Medicare’s durable medical equipment benefit, that insulin is covered under Medicare Part B — these benefits go into effect on July 1, 2023.

• Get more information about this new insulin benefit at www.medicare.gov/coverage/insulin.

• If you have drug costs high enough to reach the catastrophic coverage phase in your Medicare drug coverage, you won’t have to pay a copayment or coinsurance, starting in 2024.

• Extra Help affording prescription drug coverage (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program) will expand to certain people with limited resources who earn less than 150% of the federal poverty level, starting in 2024.

• Your yearly Part D out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000, starting in 2025. You’ll also have the option to pay out-of-pocket costs in monthly amounts over the plan year, instead of when they happen.

Medicare Will Negotiate to Get You Lower Drug Prices

For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate directly with manufacturers for the price of certain high-spending brand-name Medicare Part B and Part D drugs that don’t have competition.

• In 2023, we’ll announce the first 10 drugs selected for negotiation.

• Negotiated prices for these first 10 drugs will be effective in 2026.

• Medicare will select and negotiate costs for:

• 15 Part D drugs in 2025 (effective in 2027).

• 15 Part B and Part D drugs in 2026 (effective in 2028).

• 20 Part B and Part D drugs in 2027 (effective in 2029).

• 20 Part B and Part drugs in 2028 and every year after.

• Manufacturers that don’t follow the negotiation requirements will have to pay a tax, and will have to pay penalties if they don’t fulfill other manufacturer requirements.

Better Access to Vaccines

Starting in 2023, people with Medicare Part D drug coverage will pay nothing out-of-pocket for even more vaccines, including the shingles vaccine, that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Source: www.medicare.gov/about-us/inflation-reduction-act

SACRED, SIGNIFICANT, AND SOMETIMES SILLY

Holiday Traditions Around The World

December is like the exclamation point at the end of each calendar year, and not just for those of us waiting for a plump, red-suited visitor to slide down our chimneys. This month the world celebrates more holidays than any other time of the year. All around the world, people from all walks of life celebrate with unique and, in some cases, eyebrow-raising traditions. Perhaps that's why we call it the most wonderful time of the year. So buckle up, and let's dive into the warm, wonderful, and sometimes weird holiday traditions the world is celebrating this month.

GAVLE GOAT IN SWEDEN

In a small town called Gavle, Sweden, a forty-foot-tall goat is erected each year on the first day of Advent. The goat has a metal frame on top of which approximately a mile of rope is used to tie straw to create the shape of a goat's body. The goat got its start in 1966, and as much as the goat itself has become a tradition in the small town, so too has the destruction of the beast. You heard that right. To date, 38 out of the 56 goats have been destroyed in one way or another, most by arson. The funny thing is, authorities have used all kinds of means to protect the goat from fencing and fireproofing to military guards and CCTV, and nothing stops the motivated vandals from having a go at the old billy. Maybe they should embrace it as what it is, part of the tradition!

KRAMPUS IN AUSTRIA

As legend has it, St. Nicholas didn't travel alone. Around here, we know him to be accompanied by adorable elves, but in Austria and Germany, he's said to have a traveling companion that is more demonic than elvish. Krampus was the son of the Norse god of the underworld, who punished the bad kids while St. Nicholas was doting upon the well-behaved. Historically, Krampus was believed to appear at the beginning of Advent. Today he's remembered in horror movies and drink-fueled parades called Krampuslauf, where celebrants scare (and sometimes chase) onlookers. While it's not exactly the heartwarming holiday tradition we're accustomed to, it's popular nonetheless.

HANUKKAH IN JERUSALEM

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is the holiest place in the world for people of the Jewish faith. The significance of the site makes celebrating Hanukkah there extra magical. Hanukkah is a special Jewish holiday commemorating the Jewish people's reclaiming of the temple after the Syrians conquered it in 168 B.C.E. In the Jewish faith, Hanukkah was only a minor holiday. Still, today it's celebrated as one of the biggest rivaling Christmas in popularity. Celebrating Hanukkah in Jerusalem, the Jewish holy land, must be a marvel. From the delicious, traditional treats to the menorahs in the window of every home, this holiday certainly earns the title Festival of Lights.

KWANZAA IN AMERICA

It's a common misconception that Kwanzaa is a traditional African celebration. In truth, it is a celebration created by an American college professor in the 1960s. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, based it on an African harvest festival. The purpose of the first celebration was to unite and empower the African American community in Los Angeles, California. The celebration of Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and extends through the new year. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa represents a theme: Umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Although invented in the United States, today, Kwanzaa is celebrated worldwide just as intended, as a celebration of Black culture centered around great food and fellowship.

Hanukkah

Kwanzaa

Krampus

Boxing Day in England

In 1871, during Queen Victoria's reign, December 26 was officially marked as Boxing Day in the British realm. The holiday, still celebrated to this day in England and the other British territories, was intended as a day for the wealthy to box up gifts and give them to the poor. Often household servants were given gifts by their employers or even given the day off to celebrate. Boxing Day is still a national holiday, but the focus has shifted to be more of a national shopping holiday than a giving one. It's like Black Friday but the day after Christmas. And while many people have resorted to extra shopping on this day off from work, many still commit to giving to the less fortunate on this day. Perhaps we could bring this celebration of good will to our holiday season this year.

Thirteen Yule Lads in Iceland

Icelandic Christmas culture rivals Austria's in its sheer creativity. Unlike our single Santa Claus, Icelandic children wait all year for the 13 days leading up to Christmas, during which a different Santa-like character (or Yule Lad) shows up each night and puts candy in the shoes of good children and rotten potatoes in the shoes of bad children. Like Snow White's dwarves, the thirteen yule lads have distinct names and personalities. Spoon Licker, Sausage Swiper, and Door Slammer are just three of the creative characters Icelandic children have to look forward to this month.

Simbang Gabi in Philippines

The final holiday is called Simbang Gabi, and it's celebrated from December 16 through Christmas Eve. Simbang Gabi is a Catholic holiday celebrated in the Philippines. However, it originated as a Spanish holiday called Misa de Gallo. Celebrants of the holiday attend an early morning mass each day for the nine days leading up to Christmas. Common folklore associated with Simbang Gabi is that when a person attends all nine services, God may honor a request made during the service.

It's easy for us to get caught up in the insular bubble that is our United States holiday traditions. These days big box stores begin decorating for Christmas before Halloween, and the month of December can feel like a free fall where we slip and slide from one seasonal activity to another. How fascinating is it to step back, get some context, and see that as our lives are taken over by red and green everything, people around the globe are lighting candles, scaring children, and in some places giving gifts to those less fortunate? The truth is, none of us is locked into our holiday traditions. So this year, why not do a little research of your own, find some traditions that resonate with your family, and live the month of December with more intentionality than ever before? And remember, if you choose to light a forty-foot-tall straw goat on fire, have your phone handy to call the fire department if necessary. On behalf of the team at Aging Times Magazine, I'm honored to wish you happy holidays and a blessed new year.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.

Simbang Gabi

Thirteen Yule Lads

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‘TIS THE SEASON… TO BE JOLLY

There is a chill in the air. You’re holding a mug of hot mulled wine or cider to keep you warm. You hear the ringing of local church bells, the hustle and bustle of city life, and the music of a local band. The smell of raclette (melted cheese) on brioche and the slightly sweetened apple strudel fills the air. Everything around you feels as if you stepped back in time hundreds of years… You’re in a European Christmas market!

I have had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to travel during the holiday season to many destinations, but for me, one of the very best and most festive experiences is visiting a European Christmas market. In 2019, I had the pleasure of leading a group of travelers on a Rhine River Christmas markets cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. During the day we enjoyed learning about each destination on a walking tour, bike tour, or tasting tour. But at night, we enjoyed walking around the Christmas markets, drinking our mulled wine, snacking on the local delicacies, and doing some holiday shopping.

This year I’m finally going back to Europe with a Roseborough group to kick off the holiday season and visit the most famed markets along the Danube River. We start in Prague, Czech Republic, and will make our way onto Nuremberg, Germany; Vienna, Austria; and Budapest, Hungary, just to name a few.

Traditions are one of my favorite things to learn about when I’m traveling. Did you know that much of Europe celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 5 or 6? I love this tradition because when I was growing up, we also celebrated St. Nicholas Day. As kids we would be in awe when we woke up with a few coins and snacks in our boots (yes, boot—I grew up in Buffalo, NY). Something I didn’t learn about until visiting Europe was Krampus. For good little boys and girls, there is St. Nick or Santa who bears gifts and treats and spreads joy… but for those children who misbehave, there’s a menacing half goat, half demon creature who beats them with a broom. Oh man, am I happy I never met the likes of Krampus! He is enough to get any bad kiddo to behave.

Whether you have been naughty or nice, it’s interesting to learn about the traditions of Europe during the holidays. So many of us have European heritage, and it’s fun to experience traditions that may have been passed down through your family in person with the locals in the old country.

If traditions are not at the top of your list, maybe the food and drink is? Everything is homemade and lovely and tastes so incredibly delicious. And if food doesn’t do it for you, there’s shopping, history, architecture, palaces, castles, and so much more.

If you are looking for a festive experience during the holidays, I 100% recommend going on a European river cruise. The markets are open the last week in November till Christmas Eve. I feel going in the middle two or three weeks is the best experience. The markets and stall owners have worked out the kinks during the first week, and they start running out of gifts by the last week.

No matter when you choose to go, though, you should have a magical and enchanting time. When you want to start planning your European river cruise adventure, give me a call. I will be happy to help.

Amanda Vallone is the co-owner of Roseborough Travel Agency in DeLand. She is passionate about helping people experience the world around them. She was awarded and or recognized for the 40 under 40, President’s Excellence in Business, Future Leaders in Travel, Best Travel Advisor, and Best of the Best awards over the last 10 years.

By Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1. Believer in karma

Smiles from ear-to-ear 11. Love mo.

Brainstorming products

I-Across' country, often 16. Amazement

Computer's main circuit card

Common British drink

Lacy mat

Father oflndira Gandhi

Get one's brain back on track

Most recently produced

Ark's landing place

Beer, after a shot

A quart and a little bit more 32. "Aka" kin a pattern

Turkey serving, sometimes 36. Comeback sound

Look down one's nose at 38. "Give that cigar!"

Her relative?

Ecrulike shade

Makes a concession

Fight divisions

Reach a place

Need water

Holes in the head?

Dressing type

Septet plus one

Not hale

Ones expecting special deliveries

Some cells for women

First step of a contest

Stand by for 61. What to do when following 62. Who a dictator answers to 63. Value

SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY SUDOKU

The goal of Sudoku is to fill in a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3x3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9. At the beginning of the game, the 9x9 grid will have some of the squares filled in. Your job is to use logic to fill in the missing digits and complete the grid. Don’t forget, a move is incorrect if:

• Any row contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9

• Any column contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9

• Any 3x3 grid contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

Holiday Facts We’ll Bet You Didn’t Know

Toys for Tots was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1947. A handmade doll was the first donation, and more than 5,000 toys were collected during that first drive.

Christmas trees usually grow for nearly 15 years before they can be sold.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD RECIPE

TITSIE JOSIE’S KOLACKY PASTRIES

Kolacky have been in our family for years, “Titsie” (another word for aunt in our family) used to make these cookies every year; it was her special touch of jam and preserves we all looked forward to each Christmas. The bite of the cream cheese mixed with the sweet tastes of jam bring back so many memories watching her make these in the kitchen. We hope this recipe brings you some of the joy and memories it has brought to our family!

Directions

1. Allow your butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature this is important for the dough to set appropriately!

2. Blend Butter and Cream Cheese with a stand mixer or hand mixer until creamy

3. Once creamy slowly add in flour, let the dough get thick and stop your mixer. Once it is too thick for the mixer mix by hand.

4. Once mixed refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours to get firm.

5. Once dough sets, Preheat your oven to 350 Degrees

6. Flour your surface and rolling pin just enough to roll out your dough and keep from sticking.

7. Roll out your dough to approximately 1/8” and cut your dough into squares approx. 2x2 so they are small enough to pinch together.

8. Turn the square onto a diagonal and put approx. 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle. Don’t overfill otherwise your filling will bake out of the pastry.

9. Fold the diagonal corners to make the pastry.

10. Bake in the oven on a non-stick pan at 350 degrees for approximately 18-20 minutes until golden brown (just like a regular sugar cookie on the bottom).

11. Let the cookies cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

12. Enjoy! Kolacky go great with a nice hot cup of cider or coffee!

Ingredients

2 cups flour 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature 2 3 oz packages of cream cheese at room temperature

Pastry Filling or Preserves 2-3 jars to mix flavors such as blackberry, raspberry, and apricot

Cooker Hot Cider (makes 4 servings) Ingredients

0ranges

apple

Slow

Directions

Pour your apple cider into the slow cooker.

Add in cinnamon sticks and brown sugar stir to combine.

gallon of apple cider

cinnamon sticks

cloves or more to taste

cup brown sugar or maple syrup

Stick the cloves into the outside of the orange right into the peel.

Place the whole orange with the cloves into the slow cooker

Allow to cook on low 4-6 hours

You can also slice your oranges and place whole slices, apples or even cranberries to mix up your flavors.

Serve with a Cinnamon Stick if you would like!

Does your family have a "go-to" family recipe and a story to share?

Aging Times is looking to share a family heirloom within our magazine each month and we need your families story to make it perfect!

If you have a recipe to share and a story please submit via email to marketing.agingtree@gmail.com. We want to share your story and recipe with our readers!

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MEMORY CARE

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INDUSTRY JOBS

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ITEMS FOR SALE

Used Books: The Book Nest used book store in Deltona Library is open every day. Something for everyone: kids, teens, large print, paperback and hardbacks. Also DVDs and CDS. All proceeds support library programs. Deltona Library, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, 386-624-8767.