Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

several holiday Events across the Brazos Valley, surrounding areas

helping hands

Ways to volunteer in the Brazos Valley during the holidays and year round

strategies for

last-minute shoppers

1729 Briarcrest • Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher • Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing • Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager • Linda Brinkman 979.731.4719 • linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 • jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects • Erika Liesman Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704 • shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer • Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 www.theeagle.com

Say ‘ H appy Holidays’ wherever you are

T

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

he phrase “Happy Holidays” is uttered millions of times across the globe between the end of November and the beginning of January. But even if you find yourself in a foreign, non-English-speaking country this holiday season, you can still pass along this popular greeting thanks to the following translations.

• Danish: Glade feriedage • Dutch: Gelukkige Vakantie • French: Joyeuses Fêtes • Greek: καλές διακοπές • Italian: Buone Feste • Polish: Wesołych świąt 2 | December 14, 2014

• Portuguese: Festas Felizes • Romanian: Sarbatori Fericite • Spanish: Felices Fiestas • Swedish: Trevlig Helg • Turkish: Mutlu Tatiller

5

Carve a turkey like a pro

7

Create an energy-efficient home for the holidays

9

6

Easy ideas for holiday wreaths

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Great gifts for film fans

The role of a lifetime...for many actors

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How to gift the people who aren’t family

How to handle holiday homesickness

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Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

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Several holiday events

across the Brazos Valley, surrounding areas

U

pcoming holiday events in and around the Brazos Valley area include holiday concerts, light displays, plays and a 5K run/ walk.

An event that has become popular is the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) Holiday Pops Concert. The fifth annual concert will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Christ United Methodist Church, at 4201 State Highway 6 South in College Station. The concert will feature holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls.”

“This is an incredible Bryan-College Station tradition, with many families coming to the concert each year,” said Mary Koeninger, executive director of the orchestra. “They have a wonderful time hearing everything from favorites to new songs.”

The concert features the BVSO, a professional orchestra comprised of musicians from around the state of Texas, as well as Metropolitan opera star Emily Pulley, a soprano, organist James Faith, the Santuary Choir and Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church and the College Station Varsity Girls Choir.

Following the concert, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra will host a cookie reception.

Tickets are $25 for adults; students are $10.

For more information on the concert and the orchestra, visit bvso.org or call 979-696-6100.

Other local holiday events include: Ongoing through Dec. 21 “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” – Unity Theatre in Brenham will present “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings.” Play description: Filled with Christmas standards, the boys are back to do their Christmas Special in this sequel to Forever Plaid. Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are riotous versions of “The Ed Sullivan Show,” featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas.

For more information, visit www.unitybrenham. org or contact the ticket office at (979) 830-8358 or Tickets@UnityBrenham.org.

Ongoing through Jan. 1 Christmas lights - Christmas lights are on display each night after dark in Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station.

Ongoing through Jan. 4 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Santa’s Wonderland - Santa’s Wonderland, 18898 Highway 6 in College Station, features an approximately mile-long, winding path of Christmas lights and displays. Hayrides and horse-and-carriage tours are available.

The business also offers food, live music, shopping, a petting zoo, pony rides, a mechanical bull, photos with Santa and Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen.

For more information, visit www.santaswonderland.com or call 979-690-7212.

Dec. 14 “The Christmas Express” – The Navasota Theatre Alliance will present “The Christmas Express.”

Play description: As Hilda and Satch, her assistant, argue over what time it is, Hilda intones, “This is the worst place in the world!” She dreams of faraway places and only finds tedium in running the town’s railroad station. That is, until Leo Tannenbaum drops in out of nowhere the day before Christmas Eve. Suddenly, an old radio that hasn’t worked in years springs to life, the local group of carolers (which normally yowls like a gang of cats being bathed) begins to sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the whole town gets the Christmas spirit.

Coincidence? Is Leo doing all this? This nostalgic theatrical greeting card is full of eccentric small-town characters, wise-cracking their way to finding the true wonder of Christmas. And on the way they make us all wish we could take a ride on the Christmas Express.

For more information, visit www.navasotatheatre. com or call 936-870-8380.

“Baldknobbers Jamboree” – Blinn College will present “Baldknobbers Jamboree” at 3 p.m. at Brenham High School. Along with the country music and side-splitting comedy that has made the Baldknobbers famous, they will also be performing their traditional Christmas show. The cost is $20.

For more information, call 979-830-4495 or visit www.blinn.edu/foundation.

Dec. 19 and 20 Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department’s Christmas Lane of Lights, 6 to 9 p.m. – The Lane of Lights will be held at Stuermer’s store, at the intersection of Highway 290 and F.M. 1291 in Ledbetter. Visitors can enjoy a hayride through nearly a mile of lighted Christmas scenes, including animated displays. They can also stop to view two historic houses, visit Santa, eat homemade cookies, drink hot chocolate and wassail, walk through the walking trail and enjoy music and singing by the

campfires. Hayride trailers will also pick up and return riders at the Stuermer’s Store. Entry is $8, and children under 2 are free.

For more information, visit www. ledbetterschristmaslaneoflights.com.

Dec. 21 Luxury Brunch with Santa, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Inn at Dos Brisas, 10000 Champion Drive in Washington, will hold a Luxury Brunch with Santa.

The event will include cider tasting for adults, cookie decorating for children, a three-course brunch, a visit with Santa and carriage rides. The cost is $49 for adults and $18 for children. For more information, call 979-277-7750 or to make reservations, visit www. seatme.yelp.com/r/the-inn-at-dos-brisas.

Dec. 31 Round Top Rifle Association’s New Year’s Eve Dance, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Night Shift, a band from Bellville, will perform everything from country, to polkas and waltzes. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit http://roundtoprifle.com

or call 281-788-3278.

Round Top Festival Institute’s New Year’s Eve Gala, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Way in Round Top, will have appetizers and beverages in the Menke House Parlors at 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. and then a concert and dance at the Festival Concert Hall stage.

The Jackie Myers Band will perform. Cost is $125.

For more details, visit www.FestivalHill.org.

Jan. 1 Commitment Run 5K, Walk & Fitfest, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The Commitment Run 5K and Walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. A free health festival, FitFest will also be held. Gyms, restaurants and other businesses will be present to promote healthy living, product demonstrations, health assessments and more.

Register by Dec. 15.

For more information or to register, visit rectrac. cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

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Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

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December 14, 2014 | 3

Helping hands Ways to volunteer in the Brazos Valley during the holidays and year round

By Holli L. Koster Special to The Eagle

W

ith Christmas around the corner, an array of volunteer activities geared toward helping those in need are kicking off throughout the Brazos Valley community.

“The holiday season is a great time to give back, and we have several opportunities posted right now, such as the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign,” said Lindsey Guerin, vice president of Community Impact for the United Way of the Brazos Valley.

Find volunteer opportunities online This year Volunteer Brazos Valley, a partnership between United Way of the Brazos Valley and Brazos Valley Council of Governments, is offering a link to volunteer opportunities year round.

“We connect volunteers and agencies to the resources, opportunities and efforts in our community,” said Guerin, who oversees the program. “Local agencies in the Brazos Valley post opportunities for community members to volunteer, donate, attend events and more.”

For more information, visit volunteerbrazosvalley.org or contact the United Way at 979-696-4483. Local non-profit agencies also are welcome to post volunteer opportunities any time via the website, Guerin said.

“As we approach the holiday season, many more opportunities will open as agencies need help with holiday drives, fundraisers, etc.,” she said.

Feed the hungry When it comes to demand, the Brazos Valley Food Bank sees no slow periods, according to Theresa Mangapora, executive director of the food bank. The food bank, a charitable center of food collection and distribution, needs volunteers year round, but especially during the holidays.

This year the food bank’s backpack program is one of the beneficiaries of proceeds from the Baylor Scott & White BCS Marathon/Half-Marathon Race Dec. 14.

“Volunteer opportunities the day of the event are very hard to come by (this is a popular event),” said Mangapora. “But the Brazos Valley Food Bank can 4 | December 14, 2014

always use volunteers in January to help sort through all the donations collected at this event.”

The backpack program provides food for children over the weekend in a backpack discreetly distributed every Friday throughout the school year.

Schools are provided 30 backpacks per week to give to children at risk of going hungry over the weekend.

Individuals who cannot participate in the marathon or volunteer can also donate on the food bank’s website, for contributions ranging from $28 for one month (four backpacks) to 12 months of backpacks for $364.

For more information, visit www.bvfb.org/ backpacks or call the food bank at 979-779-3663.

The food bank also offers a mobile food pantry to get food out to low-income individuals and families in underserved rural areas and bags and boxes of food for seniors and families.

Respond to emergencies Looking for a long-term opportunity to give back? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

“The concept is based on what happened in Mexico City in 1985 – the massive earthquake that killed 30,000 people,” said Rick Dysart, Citizens Corps program manager. “You had all these spontaneous volunteers. People with no training and no equipment who rescued over 1,000 people.

One rescuer died for every person rescued.”

The idea behind CERT is that if professional emergency responders train civilians to a basic level, those civilians could then take care of families, neighbors and ultimately the community in the case of an emergency.

CERT is especially important for seniors – a large population that Dysart said often cannot self sustain for longer than 72 hours.

Brazos Valley Council of Governments advertises classes at least four times per year. Classes

take seven to eight weeks to complete.

For more information, visit brazosvalleytxcert. samariteam.com or call Dysart 979-595-2800 ext.

2026.

For seniors For seniors interested in pitching in with charitable organizations over the holidays, Brazos Valley RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), at the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, provides many opportunities to get involved.

RSVP reports senior volunteer hours with legislators at state and national levels, demonstrating seniors’ contributions to the economy and workforce and often attracting federal matching dollars for local communities. The organization also covers volunteers under its insurance for the hours they work.

For more information on volunteer opportunities during the holiday season, visit www. bvcog.org/programs/retired-senior-volunteerprogram or call 979-845-2800 ext. 2021.

Scotty’s House Scotty’s House is the child advocacy center of the Brazos Valley, serving abused children and their families. Scotty’s House has a variety of yearround opportunities available, including family care volunteers who welcome clients and their non-offending family members to Scotty’s House, interacting with them to provide comfort and support while maintaining client confidentiality.

Ambassadors represent Scotty’s House at health fairs and community events by distributing materials and answering questions about the nonprofit’s services.

Prevention volunteers develop educational programs directed toward the community to increase awareness of child abuse and its prevention.

Scotty’s House also seeks medical volunteers, special event volunteers and care committee volunteers – responsible for providing breakfast, lunch or snacks for meetings with local agencies that

work with Scotty’s House.

For more information, visit www.scottyshouse. org or call 979-703-8813.

Family Promise This national organization works through affiliates in 41 states, marshaling existing local resources to provide for homeless families as they work to get back on their feet. Resources include available congregational spaces, donated goods and volunteers. Funds donated to the Bryan-College Station affiliate remain local.

For more information, contact 979-268-4309 or visit www.familypromisebcs.org.

Phoebe’s Home Phoebe’s Home is an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families, also offering case management and non-residential counseling services. Volunteers can contact the center to determine needs, including whether children in residence need Christmas gifts.

For more information, visit www. twincitymission.org/phoebeshome.shtml or call 979-822-2674.

Salvation Army The organization, which donates millions of dollars each year to aid needy families, seniors and the homeless through its red kettle campaign, often is in need of bell ringers to collect funds near businesses around the city.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program provides an opportunity for needy children and elderly individuals to receive Christmas gifts such as clothing, bikes, toys and other items they might not otherwise receive. Each year Salvation Army Angels adorn Christmas trees at Post Oak Mall and other local businesses, through Dec. 19.

The organization’s Red Kettle Fundraiser collects donations throughout the region for the local community. The program continues through Christmas.

For more information, visit www.salvationarmy. org or call 979-361-0618.

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Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Carve a

turkey like a pro METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

R

oasted turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday feasts. That glistening, golden skin and moist meat beneath is the perfect companion to potatoes, string beans and any number of side dishes.

Many holiday chefs have received compliments on the appearance of a freshly prepared turkey sitting on the holiday serving platter. But those same chefs may not know how to properly carve up their masterpieces after the grand presentation has been made.

Place the turkey on a large, sturdy cutting board. Do not cut the turkey in the pan you used to cook it. Remove the string that may be tying the legs together.

Turn the board so that the back of the turkey is facing you.

Choose a sharp knife to carve the turkey. A long, narrow knife may work best. Serrated knives may tear the turkey meat, so it may be better to use a flat knife.

Some people prefer the ease of an electric knife. This is entirely your choice.

Cut through the skin on a leg and gently bend the leg as you slice through to expose the joint. Cut through and remove the entire leg. Then separate the drumstick from the T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

thigh. Repeat on the other side.

Cut the thigh meat parallel to the thigh bone and place on your serving platter.

To slice the breast meat, insert your knife in the center of the breast bone and cut down until you reach the ribs. Then slice the breast meat in toward your initial cut so you are cutting across the grain of the meat. This will keep the meat tender. Another idea is to remove one side of the breast and slice across it to produce smaller pieces for serving.

Find the wish bone and place it on the side to dry. Children typically like to break the wish bone.

Find the joint of the wings and remove them in a similar fashion as you did for the legs. They are small enough that they should not require extra slicing and can be placed whole on the serving platter.

Drizzle the sliced meat with any reserved cooking juices to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

Since turkey is usually the star of many holiday meals, it pays to know the correct way to carve turkey for celebrations.

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Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

December 14, 2014 | 5

Easy ideas for

holiday wreaths METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

W

reaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic.

Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials.

The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You’ll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets that will be attached to the wreath. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.

“Say cheese” wreath Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments.

Fruitful wreath Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath.

Use leaves to fill in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath.

Holly vine wreath Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and stems with berries.

Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few minutes to make and then hang.

Metallic wreath Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eye-catching piece that can adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal.

Bells or glass ornament wreath Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened.

Floral wreath Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist’s wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carnations are durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life.

Cinnamon wreath This wreath looks beautiful and gives off that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe.

JEWELER - ROBBY COLWELL, ‘81

6 | December 14, 2014

Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Create an

energy-effiCient Home for the holidays METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

‘T

is the season to be festive, and that usually means stringing up hundreds of twinkling lights to create a welcoming glow on dark winter nights. Some people view the holiday season as their chance to go all out with regard to decorating their homes with an abundance of lights, inflatable lawn ornaments and maybe even some mechanical figures.

While these decorations certainly may be symbols of the season, it’s easy to forget just how much energy and resources they consume. A typical strand of lights uses around 300 watts of electricity. Multiply those figures by the dozens of strings of lights people use and it’s easy to see how quickly energy usage can add up.

In addition to lights, lit candles, animated dolls, wreaths, trees, and scores of imported ornaments contribute to the energy consumption per household.

Even so, environmentally conscious individuals need not skip the holiday décor and entertaining. Fortunately, there are various ways to be energy efficient with holiday décor this season.

Switch to LED lights. LED lights consume a fraction of the energy traditional incandescent bulbs do.

While a standard string of 50 lights consumes 300 watts, LED sets only consume four watts. This not only saves T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

energy, but also considerable amounts of money over the course of the holiday season.

Use fiber-optic decorations. Fiber optic items are lit by one light. The illumination carries through the fiber optic cables to the entire decoration.

Use a power strip and timer. Plug decorations into a power strip (be sure to follow the recommended power load for safety) and hook everything up to a timer so lights are not on when no one can see them.

Check light strands. Always inspect lights for frayed wires and any damage. Frayed lights are less efficient and pose a considerable safety risk.

Enhance decorations. Use mirrors and reflective ornaments to give the appearance of more lights without actually adding more.

Turn off ambient lighting. Christmas tree lights or the lights framing a picture window should be sufficient to light up a room. Keep lamps and overhead lighting off while the tree is lit to save money and energy.

Lower the thermostat. When entertaining, turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Having extra people in your home will raise the temperature. Similarly, heat generated by the oven and other cooking appliances can warm up a home. Don’t waste energy by keeping the heat turned on high.

Invest in rechargeable batteries. According to Energy Quest, 40 percent of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season. To power those many gifts and devices, use rechargeable batteries which can be used again and again.

Change your cooking practices. Smaller appliances use less energy. Put those toaster ovens, slow cookers and electric fryers to good use. Only use the oven if you are cooking a large meal.

Holiday Gifts & Lifestyle

Wait until the dishwasher is full. Pack in the dishes from holiday meals, and only run the dishwasher when it is full.

Reuse items whenever possible. Many items around the house can be put to good use as decorations, holiday servers or gifts. Take inventory of what you have before you go out and purchase new decorations.

December 14, 2014 | 7

Holiday films to lift your spirits METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

M

Great gifts for

film fans S

ome people can’t wait to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and try out a new recipe, and some people are movie buffs who can’t seem to get enough of their favorite films.

For the latter, a holiday gift that plays to their passion for the big screen can make the season that much more special. The following are a handful of gift ideas that are sure to leave your loved one star-struck this holiday season.

Vintage movie poster: Many film fans adorn the walls of their homes with movie posters, so a vintage movie poster from your friend or family member’s favorite film makes a great gift. Go the extra mile and have the poster custom framed so it’s ready to be hanged on the wall the moment your loved one opens his or her gift.

Surround sound system: This gift will require a considerable financial commitment, but no home theater system is complete without a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Surround sound systems give movie buffs the full movie theater experience from the comforts of home. If a surround sound system will bust your budget, consider splitting the cost with family members who are also looking to indulge this particular film fan’s passion.

Outdoor theater screen: For film

8 | December 14, 2014

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

buffs who miss the glory days of drive-in movie theaters, consider a portable outdoor movie theater screen. Such screens are large enough to entertain the whole family, whether it’s a backyard movie night on a warm summer evening or during a camping trip when film fans can relax under the stars and watch their favorite films. Screens won’t be too useful without a projector, so make sure your loved one already has a projector or suggest a family member purchase the projector and then present both gifts at the same time.

Streaming subscription: Few people now watch films on DVD, as streaming services have become the go-to means to watching the films of the past and present.

Sign your loved one up for a subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, and he or she will have instant access to thousands of films.

Books: If your favorite film aficionado is not just enamored with movies but the behind-the-scenes business of making films, stuff a book or two into his or her stocking.

Numerous books have been written about the nuts and bolts of moviemaking, and even more memoirs or tell-alls have shared the Hollywood gossip or insider details that few film fans can resist.

any families have their own unique holiday traditions, but some traditions transcend familial lines to become an integral part of many people’s holiday celebrations. One of the more popular traditions during this festive time of year is to watch a favorite holiday film with family and friends. With that in mind, the following are some of the most beloved holiday movies ever to make it onto the big screen.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Perhaps no holiday film is more beloved than this 1946 Frank Capra-directed classic. Screen legend Jimmy Stewart plays a desperate businessman contemplating suicide during the holiday season. But a guardian angel helps him realize all the good fortune in his life by showing him what life might have been like if he had never existed.

“White Christmas”: This 1954 song-anddance film stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a pair of longtime friends and ex-military men who fall in love with a sister act team that includes famous singer (and aunt to George Clooney) Rosemary Clooney. Crosby and Kaye join forces to save the failing Vermont inn of their beloved former commander.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Natalie Wood

stars in this 1947 classic that follows the trial of Kris Kringle, who claims to be Santa Claus and must prove otherwise to avoid being institutionalized.

Nominated for Best Picture at the 1948 Academy Awards, “Miracle on 34th Street” won three of the prestigious statuettes, including a Best Supporting Actor Oscar® for Edmund Gwenn, who played the jolly old man in the red suit.

“Bad Santa”: Though not quite as heartwarming as many holiday films, this 2003 black comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as miserable, alcoholic con man “Willie,” who poses as a mall Santa Claus so he can rob a department store safe on Christmas Eve. But in spite of its rather raunchy take on the holiday season, the film is ultimately a story of redemption as Willie befriends a bullied youngster and begins to turn his life around.

“A Christmas Carol”: Those looking for a more traditional take on holiday films need look no further than this 1951 adaptation of the Charles Dickens novella, which tells the tale of bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is haunted by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

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The role of a

lifetime

...for many actors METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

F

irst published on December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter miser whose Christmas Eve encounters with the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come spark a transformation from a penny-pinching near-recluse into a benevolent do-gooder.

The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has endured for nearly 175 years, and figures to remain a staple of the holiday season for years to come.

But as much as audiences enjoy the tale of Mr. Scrooge, so, too, do actors enjoy giving their take on this memorable miser.

Nary a year has passed since the classic tale was first adapted for the stage in 1844 that an actor, be it amateur or professional, has not portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge, and such portrayals have taken place on the stage, the small screen, the silver screen, and even the radio. Some manifestations of the old miser have been true to Dickens’ version, while others are modernizations of the legendary writer’s original story. The following are some of the more memorable performances from actors tasked with playing Ebenezer Scrooge.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Alastair Sim: Considered by many film critics to be the best version of Ebenezer Scrooge to ever grace the stage, screen or airwaves, Sim’s 1951 performance is still celebrated to this day. Sim would reprise the role 20 years later in the Oscar®-winning animated version.

Albert Finney: The England-born Finney won the role of Ebenezer Scrooge despite being just 34 years old at the time the 1970 musical adaptation was made. Finney would win a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film, which was titled “Scrooge.”

Tom Ricketts: Though not necessarily as renowned a performance as some others who would follow in his footsteps as Ebenezer Scrooge, Ricketts’ efforts are memorable because his 1908 performance came during the silent film era. The 15-minute short version of “A Christmas Carol” marked Ricketts’ first onscreen role after he earned a reputation as a great Shakespearean actor in his native England.

Reginald Owen: Like Ricketts, Owen’s performance did not garner any special acclaim, but it did mark the first American feature length attempt at telling the Dickens

story. The role went to Owen after the legendary Lionel Barrymore, who holiday film fans may know as the mean-spirited “Mr. Potter” from the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was forced to drop out of the film due to a medical condition.

George C. Scott: Scott’s 1984 turn as Ebenezer Scrooge is memorable for all the right reasons, as the made-for-television tale starring this Oscar® winner is widely considered one of the best adaptations of the story ever made. That success may not have come as a surprise to industry insiders 30 years ago, as the version starring the “Patton” actor was directed

by Clive Donner, who served as film editor on the acclaimed 1951 big screen version.

Bill Murray: Though his character was not named “Ebenezer Scrooge,” Murray played a Scrooge-like character in 1988’s “Scrooged,” a hilarious modernization of the classic tale. In the film, Murray plays a heartless television executive who undergoes a Scrooge-like transformation while planning a live adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” for his station.

Charles Dickens’ memorable novella “A Christmas Carol” has endured for nearly 200 years. That endurance can be credited to both Dickens’ unique storytelling and the numerous actors who have memorably brought Ebenezer Scrooge to life.

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gift the people who aren’t family METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to

C

ome the holiday season, many people find it’s not just family and friends on their shopping lists. Coworkers and acquaintances often land on such lists as well, and it’s not always easy deciding what to get those people who aren’t close friends or family members.

Boss: Gifting the boss is a sensitive subject and should be dictated by company protocol.

If you are the only employee to buy your boss a gift, it may seem like you are trying to curry favor. However, if everyone else is gifting and you fail to offer a gift, you may be caught off guard.

Some business etiquette experts say that it is customary for bosses to give gifts to employees but not the reverse. However, employees who are especially close with their bosses or who work closely with them each day may want to offer a small token of appreciation.

When selecting gifts for bosses, do not give anything too personal, such as clothing, perfume or jewelry. Food or gift cards are a safer bet. Experts say a gift in the range of $10

10 | December 14, 2014

to $25 is adequate. Chipping in for a gift with other employees may be the best course of action so you don’t inspire resentment among coworkers.

Babysitter or nanny: Caregivers play important roles in the lives of children.

Once you have found a sitter or nanny who you trust, you want to ensure you keep that person content. If you regularly use a nanny or sitter, money is always a great gift. For a full-time nanny, one week to one month’s pay is adequate. For a regular sitter, consider a gift equal to two nights’ pay.

Coach or club leader: Children today are involved in many different activities, and chances are parents’ schedules are filled with sports games and practices. A small gift of $10 to $20 can show your appreciation to a coach or club leader. This is another instance when it might be nice to pool your resources with fellow parents to purchase one large gift.

Mail carrier: If your mail is delivered by the same mail carrier week after week, you may want to spread some holiday joy. Mail carriers

have an extra workload during the holidays, when they are tasked with delivering packages and greeting cards in addition to more routine mail. Civil servants may be forbidden from receiving cash. In such instances, a gift card makes a great gift.

Trash collector: Hauling garbage is neither an easy nor glamorous job. Many garbage collectors appreciate a tip for their hard work. Take notice of who collects the trash from your home. If it is the same people

each week, take the time to personally deliver an envelope with a small tip of around $20.

Hairstylist: If you are a regular for frequent treatments and color in a salon, show the stylist you appreciate his or her work with a cash gift. If you want to give a wrapped present, avoid tools of the trade or anything that is too personal. Stylists are on their feet much of the day, so a gift for a massage appointment or pedicure may be just what they need.

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How to handle holiday

HomeSiCkneSS

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T

he holiday season is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, but not everyone can make it home to see their loved ones on the holidays. Commitments to work or school prevent some people from heading home for the holidays, and such situations often inspire feelings of homesickness.

Holiday homesickness may not fully hit some people until the day of the holiday, when people separated from their families miss both the company of their relatives and the holiday traditions they have enjoyed since childhood.

But there are several ways to conquer holiday homesickness so you can still enjoy this festive time of year.

Make technology work for you.

Though you might not be able to sit at the holiday dinner table with your family this holiday season, that does not mean you still can’t lay your eyes on your those closest to you.

Arrange to video chat with family members sometime during the holiday. If you’re shipping gifts home, ask your family members to open

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their gifts during your video chatting session so you can see the reactions on their faces when they open their presents. This can allow you to enjoy the thrill of seeing a loved one open the perfect present, even if you happen to be thousands of miles away as he or she tears off the wrapping paper.

Volunteer in your community.

Another way to combat holiday homesickness is to volunteer in your community. Knowing you’re doing your part to make someone else’s holiday special can make it easier for you to be away from family on the holiday. Whether you feed the homeless at a local shelter, distribute toys at a nearby children’s hospital or visit an assisted living facility and spend time with an equally homesick elderly person, putting a smile on someone else’s face is sure to put a smile on your own face as well.

Stay true to traditions. If your family adheres to certain traditions every holiday, then do your best to maintain those traditions.

Watch that holiday movie your family always watches or cook that special dish you only

enjoy during the holiday season and invite your friends who also won’t be leaving town to join in the fun.

Participate in community events.

Loneliness on the holiday can contribute to feelings of homesickness, so make an effort to celebrate the holiday with your community. Many communities host special holiday events, be it tree lighting ceremonies, parades or local theater

performances of classics such as Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Participate in these events, which can lift your holiday spirit and ensure you aren’t spending the holiday alone at home.

Holiday homesickness can be a tough pill to swallow, but there are many ways for men and women to enjoy the holidays even if they won’t be able to see their families.

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Strategies for

H

oliday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those people who have completed all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends. Others shop in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on December 24.

Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic proscrastinators.

But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of such stalling this holiday season.

Consider eGift cards. Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption

last-minute shoppers METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

code to the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card.

Ship to store. Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-to-store services. This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers.

Avoid gimmick gifts. Skip the “as seen on TV” aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts. Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn’t have any good ideas.

Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work for your schedule, but expect to

10

$

pay more if you shop online and require shipping. You will probably need to expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time. Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts.

Online retailers like Amazon may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. Check store hours. Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of last-minute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to skip the crowds. Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as “early bird” or “night owl” specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating.

Shop smaller retailers. One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall.

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