Special Features - Red Deer Family Holiday Celebrations

Red Deer Family Holiday Celebrations

Happy holidays from the staff of the Red Deer Express.

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2 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Santa Claus arrives to visit children in Red Deer

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express Santa Claus has arrived in the City and is spreading his festive spirit and bringing joy to those around him.

Santa has been keeping busy as he visits both the Parkland Mall and Bower Place Shopping Centre. Children have been lining up to chat with him and get their photo taken.

“Seeing the kids and their faces when they see Santa and Mrs. Claus is priceless,” said Krista Dunstan, marketing director for Parkland Mall. “They bring so much excitement and magic.”

Mrs. Claus is also making appearances at the mall and Dunstan said families have had a great response to her as well.

At Bower Place, Santa has also been kept busy.

“He has been pretty steady since his arrival,” said Dallas Hand, retail manager at Bower Place Shopping Centre.

“I think for any adult seeing Santa it brings you back to your childhood and the look on the children’s faces when they see Santa, particularly when he is walking down the hall to his set is pretty great.”

Hand said the set that Santa gets to sit on this year is special.

“The set fills up the entire centre court at the mall and there are a lot of moving parts and flashing lights. It’s a very festive setting.”

While he is well known as Santa in Red Deer, he has many names around the world including St. Nicolas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and Sinterklaas. He is easy to spot with his bright red coat with while collar and cuffs, red trousers, black leather boots and snowy white beard.

He lives quietly most of the year with Mrs. Claus in his house at the North Pole. Living nearby are his magical elves and a herd of flying reindeer.

But come Christmas he is very busy and many wonder

how Santa can do so much on Christmas Eve, but he does get a lot of help from his elves who make the toys throughout the year and the reindeer who whisk him through the sky going from house to house.

There’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be done too.

Keeping those lists of children and whether they are

naughty or nice up to date, although there is a rumour that he may now use a computer.

It’s understood that Red Deer children, in fact, virtually all Central Alberta are well behaved, so he’ll be busy delivering all those goodies come Christmas Eve. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

SANTA’S HELPER - Santa was visited by a helper recently at Bower Place Shopping Centre. Houston Schulte, 2, had his turn Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas this year while having his photo taken.

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 3

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Gifts for Grandparents now in its sixth year

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express For many people, the Christmas season includes family get-togethers and lots of opportunities to reconnect with old friends as well.

But for many, including some local seniors, it’s a relatively ‘solitary’ time of year, said Leanne Landry, older adult programming supervisor with Family Services of Central Alberta.

That’s something the FSCA is working to change through the Gifts for Grandparents program – now in its sixth year.

“Who wouldn’t want to help someone who may or may not get a phone call or some recognition on Christmas?”

Last year, more than 450 gift bags were delivered to isolated seniors in Central Alberta just in time for Christmas. This year’s goal is to make Christmas brighter for 500 seniors in the community.

Through various services and programs, FSCA staff came to see there are

many seniors who are either isolated or don’t have family in Central Alberta to celebrate the Christmas season with.

“We have a lot of referrals that come through home support.”

Other agencies in the community provide referrals as well.

She also encourages folks to be on the lookout for seniors who seem to live rather isolated lives in their neighbourhoods, as these residents may be ideal candidates not just for the Gifts for Grandparents program but for other help FSCA can provide yearround as well.

“We want to find the truly isolated seniors.”

Donations are gratefully accepted until Dec. 17th, but will be taken after that date as well, said Landry, who is co-chairing the program along with Lisa Smith.

Suggested donation items run the gamut from slippers, socks, toiletry items for men and women, prepackaged cookies, crackers, jams, gift cards for coffee shops and grocery stores, coffee, tea,

hot chocolate, books, word puzzles and other small gift items. Other ideas include pajamas, mittens, bed linens, bath/hand towels, nightlights, sweater vests and such.

Landry said that really, she likes to simply encourage folks to purchase whatever they feel is appropriate for a gift and drop it off at one of the donation locations.

Cash donations are also welcome, and donations over $10 are eligible for a tax receipt.

Landry said that donations can also be made with the ongoing costs of a senior’s home support services. The agency provides light housekeeping, meal preparations and grocery shopping.

In some instances, clients are struggling with their fees and are on fixed incomes. All donations designated for home support will help relieve some of the financial burden on seniors.

Gift cards can be purchased at FSCA in increments of $20 as well.

Landry also pointed out

that volunteers are needed to help in the sorting, packing and delivery of the gifts. In the past, the program has seen overwhelming support from schools, service clubs and individuals and families and online applications are currently being accepted for volunteer positions.

Delivering the gifts is always a popular task for sure, but what’s also needed is help in the sorting and packing of donations, she added.

“We have donations coming in all the time.” She said that sometimes, they are coming in right up until 10 minutes before they close their doors on the campaign’s last day.

“It’s awesome. Sometimes we even get donations after Christmas.”

These are always put to good use – perhaps in the form of a care package - donated to someone who is in need, she said. “We always find a home for things that are needed.”

Meanwhile, Landry said the support for the program has been growing from the start. “The

involvement and response from the schools is unbelievable,” she said.

Kids often help out with decorating bags for the gifts and making Christmas cards.

Support from the business community has also been tremendous.

Families have also been quick to get onboard.

“We have families that volunteer – they talk to

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their kids about volunteerism as well.” As Landry said, it’s a great way to promote the volunteering spirit within a family, too.

“We are so thankful for the community.”

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Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Christmas with the Swans There was a time when I was the youngest member of my extended family.

With three older sisters and many older cousins, I was the youngest person to sit at the Christmas dinner table. Christmas Eve traditions included order-

I am pleased to represent Red Deer South as your MLA and the province of Alberta as Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations.

I have been working hard to represent your interests in 2013, and will continue to do so in 2014.

Please feel free to contact or stop by my office if you have suggestions or would like to share your vision for Alberta.

Red Deer is an exciting, vibrant community that both Jackie and I are proud to be a part of with you. Our family wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2014!

Hon. Cal Dallas MLA Red Deer South Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations

Constituency Office 503 – 4901 48 Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 6M4 Phone: 403-340-3565 • Fax: 403-346-9260 Email: reddeer.south@assembly.ab.ca • http://dallas.mypcmla.ca

Jenna

SWAN ing Chinese food and a fireworks display my uncles and father would light on the lawn of my grandmother’s farm outside of Erskine for all of the neighbours and our family.

Christmas with the Swans looks a bit different these days, as we welcome new members to our family. This year will be me and my family’s first Christmas in Red Deer. This means new traditions are in store.

For the third year, I am no longer the youngest in my family tree, as my sisters have begun to extend our lineage. With the birth

of my nephews, Grayson and Declan in 2011, our family traditions began to change.

This year congratulations are in order to my sister Vicki and her fiancé Troy as we welcomed my niece Olivia to the Christmas table. With these new members to our growing family come new memories. Christmas in our family again revolves around the children, as it once did when I was a child. In the past few years we’ve opted for quiet Christmas Eves around a fireplace playing board games and eating one of mom’s famous creations, rather than the fireworks and Chinese cuisine of the past.

I’ll always cherish those Christmases but even more so I will cherish the sights and sounds of my niece and nephews’ laughter and smiles on these first few holidays with our family.

Although I disagree with mainstream versions of what Christmas means, with the elaborate presents and consumer-driven ideologies surrounding the holiday, I’ve come to embrace the season as a time of appreciation towards my

family.

In a busy, bustling world it can be hard for families to find themselves with all members in the same room.

People get busy throughout the year and when you come from a large family such as mine, it is a rare occurrence you will see all members together at once.

Christmas is one of the only times I am guaranteed the presence of all my sisters and parents at the same time and table. For this reason, I cherish the Christmas season.

What once was four little girls clustered around a Christmas tree has evolved to four women clustered around my niece and nephews, and what a welcome change that has been.

I am grateful for this first holiday in a new city, this first holiday with my new niece, and my first Christmas with my wonderful boyfriend Chris.

Hopefully one day we will have the pleasure of looking back on this Christmas as the first year we started a new tradition and reminisce on the memories that we had on this first Christmas in Red Deer. jswan@reddeerexpress.com

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Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Staying healthy throughout the holidays Living a healthy lifestyle is no easy task - especially when the holidays roll around.

Extra calories and delicious but fattening foods beg to be consumed.

And it seems the hosts to every party will not take ‘No’ for an answer. So how do you stay strong in the face of temptation?

The easiest way to control what temptations you’ll face is to bring the holiday festivities to your house. There, you can plan the menu and know every ingredient in every dish. Don’t want to take a stand against pecan pie topped with whipped topping? No problem. It’s your house, your menu, your rules. Simply don’t make it, and you’ll never have to worry about it.

If you have other people bringing foods, let them handle a dish that is difficult to turn into a fattening temptation. Dole out responsibilities for salad, vegetables and bread. This allows friends and family to contribute something besides double-chocolate bars filled with chocolate and topped with chocolate syrup.

Not able to throw a holiday shindig at your place? Then you’ll want to do a little eating before you leave your house. Eat a snack consisting of healthy foods, such as carrot sticks and peanut butter crackers.

These will help you feel full faster and prevent you from overeating at the party.

Once you’re at the party, begin your meal by downing a glass of water. Then instead of diving face first into your plate, sit back and relax for a few minutes.

The holiday season is about being with family and friends, so instead of turning the focus on food, enjoy the people around

Jack

WHEELER you. As you eat, take time to sit back and enjoy every bite.

After all, many holiday foods aren’t served year-round and you rarely get together with such great loved ones, so make the most of it without consuming the most possible calories. Regardless of what you do to avoid overeating and fighting the urge to fall for holiday temptation time and again, you’ll not get through the holidays unscathed if you’re not mentally prepared for the temptations that will come your way. Well before the holidays descend, you should come up with a game plan.

What will you say when offered a tasty, yet unhealthy treat? How often will you let yourself indulge in holiday cheer, via cookies, cakes, and pies? What will you do to ensure you don’t overdo it? How will you react if you do overdo it?

Who will help you stay accountable throughout the holiday season? Having answers to these questions will give you the upper hand when holiday treats are trying to get to you.

Being mentally prepared for the holiday temptations sure to come your way will give you the strength necessary to hang tight to your healthy lifestyle, regardless of what obstacles may come your way.

As important as the foods you’re tempt-

ed with is, so is what you choose to drink during the holidays. While you may not care for cakes and pies, you may be prone to drink down extra calories in the name of good cheer.

Want to keep yourself from drinking your way to calorie overload?

Then you’ll need to drink limited

amounts of alcohol, punch and calorie-laden eggnog. Instead, opt for water (whether plain or flavored), hot apple cider, hot tea and diet soda. Your mouth will feel refreshed and your belly won’t grow by leaps and bounds.

Jack Wheeler is a personal trainer and owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer.

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As we celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season with age old traditions that include celebrating faith, showing love and appreciation for friends and family and remembering those who cannot be with us, may the Christmas Spirit fill you with the comfort and joy that a baby born over 2000 years ago wanted us to have.

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As always, should you ever have any issues or concerns, please call my office (403) 342-2263, my door is always open.

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6 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Careful consideration when giving pets as gifts

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express With Christmastime just around the corner, people have already begun to consider appropriate gifts for their friends and families and sometimes puppies and kittens are purchased as a Christmas surprise.

However, giving the gift of a furry friend may not always be a good idea, local officials say.

“We don’t believe in giv-

ing pets as ‘surprise gifts’ at any point during the year,” said Tara Hellewell, executive director with the Red Deer & District SPCA. “We have a fairly strict process for our adoptions that reflects that. We would expect the entire family comes in and be a part of that decision-making process. “While we appreciate people have great intentions - likely the person they want to surprise is an animal-lover - we just feel

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that often there is a connection that can be made with an animal and everybody in the family needs to make that connection.

“We want to have the opportunity to educate all of our potential adopters about the animals, what is involved, make sure they know the full costs and that goes year-round whether it be Christmas or not.”

Hellewell added one of the problems with surprising a loved one with a pet is there could be regret, or not everyone would be on board or fully understand the responsibility of pet ownership. The person on the receiving end may not be prepared for everything that comes with owning a pet. “We see people wanting to surrender animals, not usually right after the holidays, but sometime after. But because we have been very good at educating about the merit of not giving a pet as a gift, we don’t see as much as that happening now as we used to.”

The point of adopting a pet is to give that animal a forever home. It is important for someone looking to adopt to look as far into the future as possible to make sure that he/she has the appropriate lifestyle to be a pet owner. Does he or she travel a lot, will he or she be moving to a new home

that may not allow pets, or do they plan to have a family? Any prospective pet owner really needs to think long-term.

“Families need to decide what type of pet they are looking for – if they are looking for a cat or dog, or maybe both. If they already have an animal at home that needs to be considered as well – how is that animal going to get along with another one? Families also need to consider how much time is spent at home and how active they are. If it’s an active family then there are a lot of great dogs that would suit them. If they tend to spend more time watching movies at home and enjoy that then we’ve always got the odd dog that would suit that. If they are looking for a cat – then do they want a cat that is more playful and active or one that is more quiet? Owning

an animal is a big responsibility. Ownership is not for a day or a month or a week or a year. It is often very long term.”

Christmastime however, is not always a bad time to adopt animals, as long as it is done in the proper way.

“It’s all about the process and everyone being included in the choice. We do still have strong adoption numbers at Christmas and we don’t discourage people, but because we are so careful to make sure we educate, we don’t find we have an issue with it,” said Hellewell. “When it’s a decision that has been made together and a family is very much oriented to it and it is very much a family gift, then they are more reluctant to want to give up the animal because it was their Christmas gift to one another.”

She added families

should consider what their plans are over the holiday season before deciding to bring home a pet at that particular time.

“We would ask them to consider if they are going to have a lot of company, if they are going to be going away – that is not a good time to be bringing a new pet into the household.

They need time to settle in for it to be successful. But maybe a family is having a quiet Christmas – everybody is going to be together and home, then it might be a good time.”

Having considered the many aspects of pet ownership as a family, an animal could add to the Christmas joy this year - the message is to be prepared. This will be better for everyone involved, both two and fourlegged members of the family. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 7

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Pet safety reminders for over the holidays For most of us, the holiday season is insanely busy! Sometimes we tend to let things slip, but this holiday season we need to make an extra effort to keep our pets safe, and out of the vets ofďŹ ce. Let’s be honest, that’s the last place any of us want to be. So, here are a list of items you can do to help yourselves and your pets.

Exercise – what does this have to do with keeping your pets safe you ask? If they’re tired, they are less likely to go looking for trouble. Plus, we could all use some additional exercise over the holidays. Fresh air, sunshine (hopefully), and some extra bonding time for you and your pooch.

Pets are not presents – in my opinion, adding a pet to the family should be a well thought out and planned decision. Surprising someone with a pet they may not really want, are not prepared for (mentally or ďŹ nancially), may only lead to one thing – more pets in shelters – something our world does not need. Buy a uffy dog toy instead, and then discuss the idea of adding a new four-legged family member. When you are ready to, I cannot encourage you enough to adopt a pet from a reputable shelter or rescue.

Gifts – don’t place food under or on the tree, even if it is wrapped. Danger is all I can say. Our dogs have sniffers like you wouldn’t believe and they can smell those yummy goodies through the wrapping paper. Kind of like how you

Sabrina

THIEME can smell coffee from your bed in the morning. Keep food and stockings in a safe place.

Watch those trees – trees should be fastened securely. If you have a real tree, clean up needles regularly.

As far as decorations go, cats and dogs often love tinsel, popcorn, glass ornaments, candy canes and the like. If ingested they could cause stomach irritation, or worse, severe intestinal blockages.

Stay away from rawhides – each year you tend to see these bleached chews wrapped in red ribbon to make them ever so appealing for Christmas.

The truth is, rawhide is not healthy and can be extremely dangerous for your dogs.

They can cause intestinal blockages and require surgery to remove. This is not something you want to see your dog go through, let alone a cost you want to incur at the holidays or any other time of the year.

Holiday plants – most of them are extremely poisonous to cats and dogs. Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe to name a few. Not only are the plants poisonous, but the leaves too, so you need to watch those as they fall.

Watch the garbage – many of us are cooking machines over the holidays, and our trash bins are ďŹ lled with items ‘FiďŹ â€™ and ‘Fido’ are bound to love, however items such as turkey bones and chocolates can cause sever stomach irritations and even be toxic. So, be sure to empty your trash bins regularly, and keeping them unreachable from our four-legged friends.

Candles – keep them out of reach and be sure to blow them out when you are not home. Hyper pups and whip like tails can send a candle ying.

Holiday lights – watch those strings of lights that many of us hang all over

the house and trees. Chewing these can cause electrocution or intestinal damage if ingested.

If you are getting a lot of company, and you know your pets get stressed, have a safe and quiet place for them to go. Leave them with some great healthy chews or a toy full of treats to keep them occupied.

Long story short, you know your pets best, so keep them in mind when planning your holiday traditions. It is after all our job to keep them healthy and safe. ‘Happy howlidays!’ Sabrina Thieme is the owner of Fetch Haus Pet Boutique and Grooming Salon in Red Deer.

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Wednesday, December 04, 2013

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 9

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

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10 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Histories of our treasured Christmas traditions

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express There are all kinds of Christmas traditions that folks hold dear, but sometimes little is known about when or where they originated from.

“The celebration of Christmas is accompanied by numerous traditions and customs which have developed in many parts of the world over a long period of time,” writes Rudolph Brasch in his book Christmas Customs & Traditions. “No other festival has produced such a wealth and variety of customs, and each one has its own fascinating story.”

First of all, the word ‘Christmas’ is derived from ‘Christ’s Mass’ – the first religious celebrations which honoured Jesus Christ’s birth. Pinpointing a date for the celebration didn’t come until AD 350, when Pope Julius I designated Dec. 25 as Christmas Day. “He did so mainly to counteract the effect of the popular feast held in honour of Saturn – Saturnalia – which occurred at the time of the winter solstice.”

Christmas trees took a long time to become part of holiday celebrations in English-speaking countries. Royalty was responsible for helping to establish the tradition in Britain.

“Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, had a Christmas tree erected in Windsor Castle in nostalgic remembrance of his homeland.

The royal example was soon copied by the general public, and the custom then

spread throughout the world.”

Although Christmas cards may not be as common as they once were, it’s still a popular tradition with many during the holiday season. According to Brasch, the Christmas card was invented by Sir Henry Cole in 1843. “He was a well-known London art dealer who aspired to improve the general public’s taste.

“He came up with the idea of the first Christmas card, a simple yet attractive token of friendship which, he felt, would further enhance this special day.”

Still, it took about 20 years for the idea to really catch on. But by the 1860s, stationery companies were producing thousands of cards and during the following three decades, printers in Britain supplied a whopping 163,000 varieties of Christmas cards.

Poinsettia plants’ connection to Christmas dates back to Joel R. Poinsett, who served as the United State’s first ambassador to Mexico from 1825 to 1829.

“During that time, he came to admire a beautiful indigenous plant with large scarlet leaves encircling small, greenish-yellow blossoms, which the Mexicans had adopted as their Christmas flower. He liked it so much that he sent specimens back home, where they soon flourished.”

As for the presentation of nativity scenes, this custom stretches back centuries to the time of St. Francis of Assisi.

“After receiving permission from the Pope, he erected the first one during Christmas of 1224 in a cave outside of the Italian town of Greccio.” Live animals were included of

course, and it was a “Novel and eye-catching way to celebrate the memory of the child who was born in Bethlehem.

“When people gathered to view the spectacle, Francis stood in front of the manger and recited the Gospel related to the scene, then he delivered a sermon.”

As for St. Nick, the original Santa Claus was St. Nicholas, a fourth century bishop of Myra which is now part of Turkey.

The Dutch, in particular, came to love the legend of Nicholas. In their language his name became Sinter Klaas.

“The British eventually anglicized his name, thus creating the modern Santa Claus.”

Of course, music is an enormous part of the Christmas season from traditional carols to modern classics. White Christmas, one of the most well-known holiday hits, was written in 1942 by Irving Berlin.

“He composed if for the film Holiday Inn, a musical which starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.”

White Christmas went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Song of 1942, and according to Brasch, the sale of its sheet music has never been surpassed by any other single song.

On the traditional side, few carols have resonated quite like Silent Night, first sung

on Christmas Eve in 1818 in the Austrian village of Oberndorf. Father Josef Mohr was preparing for his midnight mass, and found that the organ was out of order thanks to some pesky mice.

“Father Mohr felt that the service would lose much of its beauty and warmth if there was no music. Something had to take the place of the organ.”

He had penned a Christmas poem which he took to the local school master, Franz Gruber who also composed music on an informal basis and played the guitar.

“Mohr asked him whether he could quickly set this poem to music so that it would be ready that night. He should do so for two solo voices to be accompanied by guitars.”

It only took a few hours for Gruber to come up with the simple yet elegant tune, and the song was sung that night for the first time. Its popularity spread quickly across the country and eventually throughout Europe. A century passed and singer Bing Crosby, as he had done with White Christmas, lent his golden voice to the melody and a truly global classic was born.

“Almost 100 years later, Bing Crosby gave it world fame.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 11

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Wonderful, warm memories of Christmas Christmas is most definitely my favourite time of the year.

There are so many things that I love about this season and it’s difficult to pinpoint one specific memory or tradition that I have.

Christmas has been a favourite holiday of mine for as long as I can remember. I remember as a child waking up with my younger brother and sister and tiptoeing down the stairs to make sure Santa wasn’t there on Christmas morning.

Usually we would send my brother down to make sure Santa wasn’t in the living room or the kitchen.

Once we saw that he ate his cookies, drank his milk and that Rudolph’s carrot was gone, we would rush to our stockings

Erin

FAWCETT and open them.

Unfortunately for my parents, this usually happened at about 5 a.m. and being so excited, it was hard for the three of us to contain ourselves.

After we finished opening our stockings, we would wait patiently for what seemed like hours until my parents got up and then we would all have breakfast and open presents.

My mom was very sneaky one year and came into each of our bedrooms while we were sleeping and turned our clocks back one hour.

That Christmas morning we had slept in longer than we normally do anyways – I remember when I looked at the clock beside my bed it was 7 a.m. and I leaped out of bed to wake up my siblings and we rushed downstairs.

As soon as we saw the kitchen clock – set to the correct time of course, an hour ahead of what we thought it was – we were confused!

My mom told us when she got up what she had done and none of us were too impressed.

But I have to admit it was brilliant!

Even now I can barely sleep on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning is always an early one too.

Over the holiday season, I also have memories of piling into the car with my family driving through neighbourhoods in search of decorated houses.

Looking at lights and listening to Christmas music along the way was always a favourite memory of mine too.

With hot chocolate in hand, my husband and I still try and do this every year as well.

Now that we’ve all grown up and new children have come into our family (I have two nieces and one nephew), Christmas is definitely all about them.

It’s so much fun to see the magic of Christmas through their eyes and relive the excitement I had as a child.

They are one of the reasons the holiday season is so special now and I cherish every minute with them.

A few things that I really look forward to each Christmas season is baking and hosting our annual Christmas get together.

I love to bake and I love to try new recipes.

It’s so much fun to search for the perfect recipe and there is definitely no shortage of Christmas goodies to choose from.

I normally do my baking the week of Christmas, just in time for the big day.

It’s a busy few days leading up to Christmas for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Another thing that I really look forward to is our annual Christmas get together.

Since my husband and I began living together many years ago, we have hosted our families at our house either on Christmas Eve or a day or two before.

We play Christmas music, eat yummy food, visit and just enjoy each other’s company.

It’s a great time for both sides of our families to catch up.

The kids play during the evening and it’s wonderful to spend time with them as well.

My favourite part is chatting with them about their excitement of Santa coming!

Christmas time for me is filled with wonderful memories and it’s about spending time with those I love.

Every year brings new memories and more fun. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring! efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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12 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

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with photos, mementos, cards and such – all kinds of moments come to mind.

The living room of our Eastview home was always decorated in fine holiday tradition. As a child, I recall my favourite moments being in the evening when the lights on the tree would be glowing and making the room appear much more magical.

Of course, family was and is integral to our celebrations. Both sides of the family were visited in those years – one set on Christmas Eve; the other on Christmas Day. So it was a tiring couple of days for sure. But it was that ‘good’ kind of tired.

Other memories are quieter but are just as important to me. One of my favourites is recalling how we would pile into the frozen car on Christmas Eve to attend the 11 p.m. service at Gaetz United Church.

I can still remember the effects of the candles on the stained glass windows, the carols that were sung and the true meaning of Christmas being shared through a message and scripture readings. I remember those services like they were just days ago – surrounded by all the grown-ups and taking in the wonder of it all.

Our Sunday school class would also take part in the annual Christmas concert at the church too – a fun, lively evening of celebrating the season with lots of proud parents snapping photos of their kids onstage.

Another highlight for me as a boy was visiting City Hall Park, which at the time featured a nativity scene complete with Mary, Joseph, the wise men and of course the baby Jesus. But I was also drawn to the quiet, unassuming display. Nestled in the midst of the brightly-lit park with strings

Mark

WEBER of lights decorating the nearby trees, it was a rather powerful sight to behold.

One of the best things to me about Christmas as a child was how little it changed year by year. I loved the predictability of it. We did the same things year after year, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. From the food to the decorations around the City, to the sights and sounds that make Christmastime that much more terrific - each Christmas was indeed a gift in and of itself.

These days, as a guy in my mid-40s, the season is just as special. It’s different now in many ways, however. My grandmother passed away earlier this year, and her absence has certainly affected things. Other circumstances in my life these days – some extremely challenging – tend to pull things into a more serious light.

But somehow, someway – the comfort and peace of the season is still there. If you are willing to take the time to look for it.

As I get older, I also appreciate more fully what Christmas really points to – the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope, grace, salvation and joy that He brought and brings to our world. Presents are wonderful but their appeal – let’s face it – fades quite quickly. It’s the deeper meanings of the season that mean the most. editor@reddeerexpress.com

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 13

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Film favourites for the festive season A few years back, an organization called ‘What To Do With The Kids’ compiled a list of the top holiday films to enjoy over the Christmas season.

Organizers polled followers and asked them to give their lists of the top Christmas or holiday movies or television shows that the whole family can watch.

The list was well received and judging by the feedback was very popular. Two years later however they decided to ask their followers again and there has been quite a shift in popularity of some of those classic movies.

Looking at the new list, it seems that black and white movies are now out.

Many parents suggested that once the movie started, the kids would complain about the colour, or lack of it.

And many families have said that although they enjoyed watching the old black and white movies in past years, they tend to agree with their kids that it has very little appeal today.

The Frank Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life dropped from second to third place while Miracle on 34th Street went from a tie in fifth to eighth place.

Animated features are as popular as ever but many adults commented that they were not able to watch them on regular television as they normally would because of their busy schedules so they opted to purchase a copy on DVD. Many parents commented that they had purchased DVD or Blue Ray versions of their favourites but made an effort to only bring them out during the holiday season.

Most respondents however had said that they still do get the family together to watch at least one holiday movie.

It’s an important part of the holiday season and a great way to spend time together as a family.

With more than 1,400 entries, What To Do With The Kids® presents the updated Top 10 Family Christmas/ Holiday Movie or Television Shows.

1. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 – animated) – (#1 in 2011) 2. The Polar Express (2004 – animated) – (#8 in 2011) 3. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – (#2 in 2011) 4. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964 – animated) – (#6 in 2011) 5. Elf (2004) – (not ranked in 2011) 6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 – animated) – (#4 in 2011) 7. The Santa Clause (1994) – (not ranked in 2011) 8. Frosty the Snowman (1969 – animated) – (#7 in 2011) 9. The Grinch (2000) – (not ranked in 2011) 10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – (#5 in 2011)

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11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – (#8 in 2011) 12. A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – (#10 in 2011) Here are the movies that are no longer on the list: A Christmas Story (1983); A Christmas Carol (1951); White Christmas (1954) and Home Alone (1990).

Other gems worth noting include The Nativity Story (2006).

The movie retells the true story of Christmas in a manner that feels authentic.

With fine direction, great sets and superb acting, viewers get a feel for the experiences of Mary and Joseph as they prepared for the birth of Jesus. Thanks to the superb acting and having been filmed overseas, there again is that sense of realism – it helps viewers to imagine what life must have been like in those days.

Another treasure is The Bells of St. Mary’s (1949) which features Bing Crosby as unconventional Father O’Malley.

He is sent to a school which is on the verge of being closed, but works together with Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) to save the facility.

It’s a gentle, sweet-natured story with one of the more endearing renditions of the nativity scene ever to hit the screen.

Launched at the beginning of 2011, What to Do With the Kids is geared for grown-ups looking for activities for the children. The web site features games, crafts, special events, party ideas and parents can download activity sheets, birthday cards, party invitations and personalized awards.

Check out www.whattodowiththekids.com.

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14 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Celebrating the magic of the season in

Disneyland

DISNEY ICONS Mickey and Minnie can be seen in the holiday spirit as they greet guests at Disneyland Park.

CHEERFUL GLOW – More than 50,000 lights decorate the façade of ‘It’s A Small World’.

C

BY ERIN FAWC FAWCETT Express Red Deer Exp

HOLIDAY SPIRIT – A 50 ft. Christmas tree covered in vintage-style ornaments can been seen as guests enter into Disney California Adventure.

The magic is alive at Disneyland this holiday season.

The park has been transformed into a winter wonderland complete with tall, decorated Christmas trees, beautiful wreaths and holiday music for guests to enjoy. It is truly a sight to see.

Christian Leon, a representative with Disney, said park officials begin decorating for the holidays in October. This year, a number of new holiday features can be enjoyed by guests at the park as well.

“This is the biggest year in terms of how we have treated the holidays,” said Leon. “We want our guests to feel like we do during the holidays – warm and fuzzy. We want to show people how Disney celebrates the holidays.”

One of the highlights, located in Disney California Adventure, is the breathtaking show ‘World of Color’.

Officials recently debuted a new holiday version of the water and light show.

Hosted by Olaf the snowman from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures’ animated feature Frozen, the ‘World of Color − Winter Dreams’ combines new animation with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney Pixar films.

The show includes new music and special effects, along with new methods for utilizing the massive ‘stage’ of water, colour and light on which ‘World of Color’ is presented.

More than eight million guests have enjoyed the original ‘World of Color’ since it opened in 2010, part of the five-year expansion of Disney California Adventure.

The breathtaking, award-winning nighttime show brings animation to life on Paradise Bay, as 1,200 powerful fountains create one of the world’s largest projected water screens.

The new ‘World of Color – Winter Dreams’ features additional, advanced technology. An ultra high-definition projection system presents a sharper version of the show, with more than four times the resolution of the classic ‘World of Color’ system.

Nearly 700 high-power LED strobe lights now line the structure of the California Screamin’ roller coaster, each with four individual control channels. Additional moving lights appear within the ‘rays’ of Mickey’s Fun Wheel on Paradise Pier and the show glistens with 10 mirror balls on the speaker and lighting towers. Adding fun in the viewing area are six ‘snow generators’ which create giant, floating snowflakes in six different designs.

Disney also teamed up with Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre to produce a new song for the show entitled Glow which features a virtual honour choir. The choir was formed by choosing from more than 1,400 submissions from across the U.S. and is made up from 150 members.

“This is the first time we’ve changed the whole show for the ‘World of Color,’” said Leon.

In addition, another must-see while at Disneyland Park is the spectacular fireworks show, called ‘Believe…in Holiday Magic’, which can be seen nightly. At the end of the display snow falls to the ground – truly allowing guests to feel the magic of the holiday season.

“We want people to believe in the holiday. The snow falling down feels like Disney magic,” said Leon.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 15

FESTIVE Nutcrackers march down Main St. in Disneyland as part of ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ parade.

Even a few of the rides at the park have added some holiday flare.

One of the classic rides at Disneyland, ‘It’s a Small World’, has been transformed from the inside out in the spirit of the holiday season. More than 50,000 lights have been put on the exterior of the façade and inside the ride, although the classic elements remain, some holiday-themed cheer in the form of displays and Christmas carols have also been added.

The Jungle Cruise has also changed to the Jingle Cruise where guests can enjoy the holiday antics from the boat skippers.

“This is brand new and we want people to have a boatload of fun,” said Leon. “We have changed the crews and the names of the boats to be more festive.”

Other highlights in the Disneyland Park include the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and the Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Meanwhile, the holiday season is also being celebrated in the Disney California Adventure Park as well via oversized holiday ornaments in A Bug’s Land, ¡Viva Navidad! which features Latino holiday cuisine, entertainment and colourful décor, among others.

Disneyland is a family-friendly destination anytime of year, but there is something about the holiday season that makes it even more magical than it already is. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Photos supplied by Disney

SPECTACULAR – Disney recently debuted ‘The World of Color – Winter Dreams’, a water and light show that left the audience in awe.

16 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

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