Special Features - Red Deer Family Holiday Celebrations 2014

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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Santa Claus arrives to visit children in Red Deer

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express Santa Claus arrived in the City last month and is busy 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 each day until Dec. 24th.

Children have been lining up to chat with him and get their photo taken.

“Santa arrived in style at the Parkland Mall. He came in a fire truck with Mrs. Claus and some elves,” said Melody McKnight, marking director at Parkland Mall. “There was lots of happy screaming coming from the kids and they couldn’t believe that Santa was there.”

She added it hasn’t only been children who have visited Santa at the mall.

“We’ve had adults come and get their photos taken with Santa, staff at the mall are getting their staff photos done with him as well and seniors have come to see him also,” said McKnight.

“Everyone of all ages can enjoy Santa.”

At Bower Place, Santa has also been kept busy.

“Santa has been very busy

so far,” said Dallas Hand, retail manager at Bower Place Shopping Centre.

He added the set that Santa gets to sit on at the mall is special as well.

“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,” he said.

“It has a very magical feel and it’s set up like Santa’s workshop so you have the elves building toys and getting prepared for Christmas.

“When people line up to see Santa, the line goes right around the set, so they get to see it from all angles.”

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

FESTIVE VISIT - Jayden Gonzales, 4, takes his turn sitting on Santa’s knee at Bower Place Shopping Centre.

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

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 an iPad. It’s understood that Red Deer

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

4 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Live nativity scene provides Christmas tradition

BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus will be celebrated in Red Deer next week for the 33rd annual live nativity scene.

The event will take place in the parking lot of the Kentwood Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, which is located at 8 Keast Way. Complete with a 28-member cast that includes shepherds, angels and kings, the annual pageant will be running from Dec. 15th - 17th at 30 minute intervals beginning at 7 p.m.

Attendees can expect music and narration, alongside brilliant backdrops and a live indoor musical performance at the longstanding community tradition.

Local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints produce the live Outdoor Nativity Pageant, which began in 1980.

Vesna Higham, assistant director of media relations for the Red Deer Alberta Stake Public Affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explained that the live nativity scene has had quite the history in Red Deer.

Originally starting with 11 cast members, the pageant has been performed in City Hall Park, Kin

www.rdc.ab.ca

Canyon and Heritage Square over the years.

This year it will be performed at the Kentwood Chapel. “The highlight of the pageant has to be the live nature of the nativity and as it has grown over the years it has come to be more than just a nativity scene,� said Higham. “It kind of builds and expands every year,� she said. “And I think that one of the phenomena that we’ve noticed in relation to the expansion of the pageant is that the commercialism connected to Christmas has led to people wanting to come and see a traditional aspect of Christmas that has kind of been lost and this has allowed the pageant to grow.�

The live cast of local youth and adults has also come to include a real donkey named ‘Rodeo Queen’ as well as, “Real, bleating sheep,� explained Higham.

In the past, the event has come with some unusual occurrences that have left memorable impressions in the minds of attendees, including the year that the pageant was held in Kin Canyon and a curious doe decided she wanted to join the festivities as well as an occurrence in the late 1990s when Mother Nature decided to bless the cast and crew with a surprise

winter storm that led to the cancelling of nine performances.

This year’s free event will extend indoors into the chapel where there will be a ‘Cozy

from across the globe will be displayed.

The crèche display and light refreshments open at 6:30 p.m. jswan@reddeerexpress.com

STORY OF CHRISTMAS - Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints perform a live nativity scene last year in which they told the story of the birth of Christ.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Using positive psychology to have a meaningful season

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Christmas carries the connotation of a cheerful season but it can also create stress as one considers food, visiting family and buying gifts – all on top of regular expenses.

Registered psychologist and counselor Renee Joslin came together with Dr. Morne Odendaal and the Primary Care Network during a Health Café session to present five psychology practices that can help refocus and calm a person during the Christmas season. “Positive psychology is really the new science of what people do to make them happier. We wanted to give people some strategies that were actually practical to help people focus on what’s really important over the holidays and create more meaning,” Joslin said.

“What I did in preparing for this is I actually looked at all of the skills we teach in our Happiness Basics program and then thought about how I could make those skills relate to the holidays, focusing on reducing stress and recharging.”

Approaching the season with intention was the first tool presented. Joslin describes creating intent as, “The conscious decision to open yourself to true well-being and happiness, making us more likely to capture uplifting moments and even be on the lookout for them in the future.”

Joslin used research by psychologists Dan Siegel and Barbara Fredrickson, experts in positive psychology, to demonstrate the purpose of intention as it relates

to the Christmas season.

“Dr. Dan Siegel argues that by setting intention, you actually prime your brain to get ready for positive experiences – this can actually spur a positive cycle of happiness. Research by Barbara Fredrickson shows that when we allow ourselves to feel positive emotions, we become more sensitive and open to future positive experiences,” Joslin said.

“WE WANTED TO GIVE PEOPLE SOME STRATEGIES THAT WERE ACTUALLY PRACTICAL TO HELP PEOPLE FOCUS ON WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND CREATE MORE MEANING.” RENEE JOSLIN Joslin recommends creating intent by considering something that one wants to do over the holidays. She said to consider something that will lift spirits, bring comfort or bring joy and then make a plan as to how one will carry out that intention.

She said that by writing a list, and creating intention, a person is more likely to follow through on that action that brings them comfort or joy.

Secondly, Joslin presented the idea of savoring. She spoke about savoring moments by taking the time to acknowledge smells, sights, textures, sounds and feelings that

come with each moment. She said that this savoring process creates a more meaningful memory in a person’s brain and helps them to enjoy moments more.

The idea of savoring also translated into a suggestion on how to keep from overeating during the holidays. “Savoring involves paying attention to moments of well-being, and letting happiness register in your body and mind for about 15-20 seconds. Neuropsychologist Rick Hansen calls this ‘taking in the good’,” she said.

The third component of the positive exercises was the idea of expressing gratitude. Joslin said it is important to recognize good fortune and focus on positive experiences.

She shared a study by positive psychologist Martin Seligman where 15 severely depressed people were told to write down three positive things that happened to them each day over a two-week period.

At the end of the experiment, 94% of participants had a decrease in depression and 92% said their happiness increased.

Joslin suggested in the Christmas season, people could write down positive things that happen to them each day, store the notes in a collection and read them aloud with family members around Christmas Day to recognize all of the good fortune they had experienced.

She said this practice helps re-focus people on the good in their lives and feel less stress. “The holidays are going to come and go, whether you are here in mind and body or not. If you can really enjoy December 25th, and be focusing on that day,

For more Comfort & Joy this Holiday Season, give the gift of time!

Take a class / fitness program together Host a game night Help someone with their favorite cause Cook someone a meal Host a movie night

you’re going to be much happier. It’s about living in the moment that you’re in – that’s the biggest way to reduce your stress, your anxiety and increase your happiness.”

The fourth aspect of the presentation was giving the gift of time to a person who would appreciate it. Joslin said that the gifts could be small – shoveling a neighbour’s walk – or larger, like volunteering for a couple of hours.

“Doing something kind for someone else actually triggers the same pleasure centre in a person’s brain as food or sex,” she said.

Finally, Joslin reminded the attendees of the Health Café that recharging is crucial to overall well-being and experiencing joy. “I want people to realize that when we really slow things down, and live in the present moment, we are happier. Often, we are thinking about what we should or shouldn’t have done, or regrets in the past, or maybe we get a little too anxious.

“When we aren’t living in the actual moment that we’re experiencing, we can be depressed or we can be anxious, depending if we are focusing on the past or present. I really want people to focus.”

Joslin recommended focusing on one’s breathing and taking the time to allow one to relax. She said by doing these exercises and taking the time to recharge and refocus, a person is more likely to take in moments of joy and to release stress.

Using these tools of positive psychology is a way to gather more meaning, more comfort and more joy in the holiday season. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

The Red Deer Primary Care Network offers Happiness Basics group classes for people who want to be happier.

Learn to make positive changes in your thoughts, actions, relationships & health, and create more happiness for yourself.

Learn at least 13 ways to be happier.

Learn what happy people do, how they think, and purposefully create happiness for themselves.

This is not a therapy group, therefore you will not be asked about your past or your troubles.

See your Family Doctor and ask them to refer you to this free Happiness Basics Group class (2 hours weekly for 7 weeks).

Call 403.343.9100 for more information or go to reddeerpcn.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Patchwork Angels seeking support this holiday season distribute to the youth spending the holiday season at the shelter.

“The one thing these youths need more To someone waking up in a homeless than anything is warm clothing and hoodshelter on Christmas morning, receiving ies especially during the winter,” said Gara care package from the community and cia. knowing there is someone on the outside “We want to try to provide them with thinking of them can make a huge differ- what we know they need this winter, so we ence in how they go forward with their are asking for the community to help us lives. gather 25-30 hoodies.

That’s why local registered charitable “The hoodies are especially needed by organization, The Patchwork Angels are the youth, as they can’t always be carryasking for the community’s support in ing around a blanket and the shelter can’t gathering stocking/care packages for the store those for them, so hoodies are the patrons of the Central Albest way for them to stay berta Women’s Emergency warm.”

Shelter, as well as hooded Since the Patchwork An“DURING THE HOLIDAY sweat shirts for the youth at gels began in 2011, the group SEASON PEOPLE the 49 St. Youth Shelter. has been responsible for disSTAYING IN SHELTERS “We are once again asktributing over 940 homemade WILL OFTEN FEEL VERY and store bought blankets ing the community to pitch in and sponsor a Christmas and 52 hooded sweatshirts ALONE, AND OFTEN stocking, gift or blanket for to the women’s shelter, the TIMES EMBARRASSED one or more of the 25 chilRonald McDonald House, AND THIS GIFT dren that will be homeless the youth shelter, the Red CAN TRULY MAKE A this holiday season at the Deer Humane Society, JuDIFFERENCE IN THEIR Central Alberta Women’s lietta’s Place, Berachah Emergency Shelter,” said Place, Woods Home, Loaves LIVES.” Angie Garcia, executive diand Fishes and the Red Deer rector of Patchwork Angels.

Hospital Children’s Ward.

ANGIE GARCIA “We know there will be The group accepts do25 children at the shelter nations of homemade and because that is the shelter capacity and it store bought blankets as well as cash and reaches that capacity each and every year.” hooded sweat shirt donations year-round Garcia and the Patchwork Angels are and distributes the donations three to four asking members of the community and times per year to each of the above orgaorganizations to team up and sponsor one nizations. or more stockings to be donated to the “One of the most important aspects is children who will wake up at the Central that through this gift the people receiving Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter on them then know there is someone on the Christmas morning. outside who cares,” explained Garcia.

Stockings are to be gender neutral and “During the holiday season people staycontain items for children ages 4-14 and ing in shelters will often feel very alone, include a small toy, a brush and/or comb, and often times embarrassed and this gift toothbrush, toothpaste, nut-free candy and can truly make a difference in their lives,” anything else you would like to add above she added. the basic list.

To sponsor a Christmas stocking or for This year the Patchwork Angels have more information, email the Patchwork extended their holiday helping hand to the Angels at thepatchworkangels@gmail.

49 St. Youth Shelter as well, and are asking com. jswan@reddeerexpress.com for the donation of hooded sweat shirts to

BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 7

8 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Pets can enjoy the Christmas season, too The festive season is a time for family and friends to gather. We turn our attention on the special relationships in our lives and take some time to focus on them.

Tara

HELLEWELL It’s a great idea to include your pet in the festivities. While they may not understand what all the fuss is about they will know that everyone is in a great mood and that will have a positive impact on them too (GRINCH need not apply)! Gifts under the tree, decadent treats and fare abound. But all that glitters may not be safe for your pet.

Cats love to climb and when that sparkly tree complete with tinsel and hanging decorations enters the house you can literally see felines everywhere limbering up in preparation for their

climb through the limbs towards the star on top! We like to laugh along with their antics, but what won’t be so funny is the cost of the surgery to remove the tinsel obstructing your pet’s intestine after they feast on the decorations you hung.

Whether it’s your dog or cats first Christmas or a senior pet who you think should know better, there will be tasty temptations at every Christmas turn.

We recommend you avoid feeding your pet any ‘human food’ and stick to the array of treats designed for their sensitive digestive systems.

Chocolate treats, rich dairy products, bones and leftovers in the garbage could cause harm.

Be cautious and keep your furry family member safe. I was once the proud owner of a rescue dog named Whisper. She was fond of Christmas because she came with a predisposed love of cocktails. We found this out the hard way at a festive family gathering.

Mysteriously some guests found

their glasses half full while Whisper sneakily enjoyed a snifter too many. Alcohol can be very dangerous to your pet so please invite your guests to keep their drinks out of the reach of all critters.

There is debate over bringing home a new pet during the festive season. Until recently it was accepted practice to purchase a surprise puppy or kitty as a gift for the family.

The sad reality is that so did the suffering of the poor animals left in tiny cages in large scale breeding facilities (puppy mills). These poor creatures were expected to turn out litter after litter in deplorable conditions to support retail sales. They received no love and affection, and no walks through a winter wonderland.

While puppy mills are still an issue in our country, what has changed is the awareness surrounding them. Thanks to social media and the work of welfare agencies, attitudes towards selling pets in pet stores have changed. As a society it seems

that we no longer see this as an acceptable practice. Online sales do continue to be strong and as a result our shelters are overrun with the lost and unwanted animals of this sad industry. If you believe that mills should be illegal then write to your local member of parliament and share your views.

Only when we speak up can we support change and bring hope to our furry friends.

If you are considering bringing home a new pet we encourage you to consider a few factors. Is this the best time for you and your family? Does everyone agree to support the demanding needs of the pet? Does your current budget allow for the expected and unexpected cost? Most humane societies and SPCA’s have a similar process to ensure that all adopters understand the needs of the pet and help to find a great fit for your situation and lifestyle. Choosing to adopt an animal from a rescue shelter can be so rewarding and is a gift in

itself. The love of an animal will undoubtedly bring so many benefits from loving companionship to increased exercise (burning off the Christmas cookies)!

Today while I write this at the Red Deer SPCA we are offering pet pictures with Santa. They are awaiting their turn for that special picture to share on Christmas cards, to send to family or to take pride of place on the mantle.

We really do love to share in this most wonderful time of the year with all our family members, including the furry ones. I’m so grateful that in December our shelter sees the most generous of gifts given to support the ongoing care of animals awaiting adoption and that we can support the volunteers and community members who love and value companion animals.

We wish you and yours a wonderful season filled with the presence of animals who are loved and safe in your home.

Tara Hellewell is the executive director of the Red Deer & District SPCA.

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POOCH PORTRAITS - Iggy gets his photo taken with Santa at the SPCA.

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 9

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Helping your pets survive the Christmas Season ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…wait, what is that in the Christmas tree? Is it Santa Claus?

No, it’s Fluffy climbing the tree!

Dr. Lisa

LOMSNES & SADIE Christmas is a happy time of year, but it can be dangerous for your four-legged family members. Christmas trees need to be put in a stable tree stand and tied down, or put the tree in an area where your pets cannot climb it or tip it over.

Decorations and wrappings such as ribbon, tinsel and small ornaments can cause intestinal obstruction and require emergency surgery so keep those tempting ‘toys’ out of your cat’s reach!

Be careful with wrapped chocolates under the tree - your dog can sniff out this delicious treat and he will have it unwrapped and eaten in no time.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. When ingested, chocolate may cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, pancreatitis (a very painful upset stomach that may require intensive medical treatment), seizures and in severe cases even death.

You must contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate.

Plants such as mistletoe and poinsettias are also poisonous to animals. Mistletoe berries can cause upset stomach and even cardiac problems and poinsettias have an irritating sap that may cause blistering to the mouth and tongue, as well as intestinal upset.

Always make sure plants are safe for your pets before you bring them home, or keep them in a safe area your pet can’t reach.

Christmas is a time for enjoying delicious food, but think twice before you share with your pet!

Holiday scraps could result in an emergency trip to the vet - things like turkey trimmings, gravy, and other rich, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.

Avoid fancy treats that are high in sugar or fat - do not be fooled by Christmas commercial specials! Your pets might enjoy these tasty holiday treats but they won’t enjoy the vet visit that may be needed afterwards.

Instead, offer safe, healthy treats that benefit your pet by cleaning their teeth, freshening their breath and that are highly digestible.

Talk to your veterinarian about safe and healthy ways to treat your pet this holiday season.

Protecting the health and safety of your furry family members will ensure many more Merry Christmases to come!

Dr. Lisa Lomsnes is a veterinarian at Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital in Red Deer.

Save a Furry Life!

Please visit reddeerspca.com to see how you can give today.

Purchase your 2015 City of Red Deer dog license at the SPCA and you will directly support in-shelter vet care!

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10 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Making Christmas brighter for local seniors

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.

That’s something Family Services of Central Alberta is working to change through the Gifts for Grandparents program – now in its seventh year.

Leanne Landry, manager of Community Relations for Family Services of Central Alberta, said that via a number of Family Services support initiatives, it became clear that many seniors live in isolation.

She is working with Sandra Epp, who is manager of adult services, on the project this year.

“We continue to have great pride in Gifts for Grandparents because it’s a population that we feel sometimes gets missed,” explained Landry. Along with serving seniors who they come in contact with through the course of their work, they also take referrals from other agencies and members of the community at large.

Landry encourages residents to refer folks in their communities who perhaps recently have lost a spouse or don’t seem to have much company.

Donations of items and of cash are also gratefully accepted. 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. “We always try to prepare a list, but at the same time it’s really whatever you think a senior would enjoy.

“We accept donations here, and we are thrilled to have Shoppers Drug Mart onboard again as well (as drop-off locations).”

Last year, more than 530 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 600 seniors in the community. “It’s grown progressively since we started this initiative.”

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 year-round as well.

“We also have lots of schools onboard this year, so it’s really a community effort,” said Landry. Epp agreed, adding that schools typically approach the FSCA early on as they want to get started on decorating the bags which the donations will be delivered in.

“The kids like to personalize the bags, and they also do Christmas ornaments and

cards,” said Landry. “So in the bags there is a lot of product, but there is also that personal touch with any homemade decorations.”

Businesses have also been getting involved. They’ve had some offices and businesses take this on as their project. Instead of bringing in a gift for a colleague, people donate to Gifts for Grandparents.

“We’ve had some organizations tell us they are going to put a box in their office, and have the Gifts for Grandparents as (their charity) of choice for this year,” said Epp. Families are also signing up to help out as well. “We throw Santa hats on the people and they head out, knock on doors and deliver the gifts. That’s a very rewarding piece of volunteering right there,” said Landry. “We also need people to sort the product. We bring it down to our workshop downstairs, so we need ‘elves’ for our workshop, too.”

Landry pointed out that donations can also be made with the ongoing costs of a senior’s home support services. The agency provides light housekeeping, laundry services, meal preparations and grocery shopping to isolated in seniors in need.

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. To that end, gift cards can be purchased at FSCA in increments of $20 as well.

The deadline for donations is essentially Dec. 13th, although organizers are hesitant to put down a strict cut-off date.

Sometimes, gifts are coming in the door shortly before they are packed and sent out to a local senior. The key is to call and find out what would still work in terms of a timeline.

“Christmas is a time for sharing love and being together, so I think that’s also why it’s been so successful. It’s very much a community-driven initiative,” said Landry. “People that come to the table are very willing to give not just financially but also with their time as well.

“That’s what Gifts for Grandparents is all about – that warm feeling you get by helping your neighbour.”

For more information on how to help out, or to arrange for drop-off of donations, call 403-309-5834, 403-309-8213 or check out www.fsca.ca. editor@reddeerexpress.com

Season’s Greetings

from all of us here at DLC Regional Mortgage Group, we would like to thank everyone for making 2014 a great year!

We are very excited for 2015!

Wishing W ishing a H Happy, appy, S Safe afe Holiday Season!

H oliid da ay yS eason!

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 11

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

‘Weight gain season’ is now upon us Like it or not, it’s here. Some folks have been adamant that it not start until after Nov. 11th, and some places have it fired up before Halloween is over - yup, the ‘holiday season’ is here. But let’s be honest – it’s really ‘weight gain season’ and it runs from the end of October until New Year’s.

This isn’t a ‘bah humbug’ letter, but why have this next two months ruin your next six months? What if you started now with a plan to handle these next few months so that you could still enjoy it, but not regret it?

All it takes is a two part plan that you put in place now before the craziness starts in full force and you can get through this with some self respect and pants that still fit.

Step one - plan to exercise. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” We always see the same pattern at our gym - the weather gets cold and blustery out and we get super busy. Then as the holiday season gets ever closer, the numbers drop and drop and drop - too much going on, no time, etc. etc.

This year do something different. Make exercise a priority, put it first. Schedule it in. And let’s be honest, promising yourself isn’t enough, so set yourself up to win and this is how: • Get a good friend, someone who is enthusiastic and a strong supporter and partner up. Arrange to meet for a set time and place for each workout, (with consequences if you miss). Make sure you have common goals and are encouraging to each other. It’s best if you are at similar fitness levels too. Make a set of rules - you miss; you donate money to my charity or lose points in a contest, or put money in a jar and the one with the most points etc. at the end wins the jar, something like that.

• Even better - join a boot camp or class series. The kind that have a monthly renewal or a stronger commitment are best because you will stick with it. Training on your own is not for everyone. A strong support system like boot camp with new friends that will be there and be happy to be there each and every class is so motivating. The instructor will make sure you get a great workout and all you have to do is show up.

• If you really want to dig in and get great results start working one-on-one with a personal trainer. It is their job and their passion and commitment to make sure you stay on target and survive the weight gain season.

Scott

McDERMOTT Step two – your eating plan. You are going to be presented with dozens and dozens of opportunities to indulge and eat more calories than you could ever burn off. I am not saying you cannot enjoy a few things here and there, but eating until you are so full you are in pain is not going to serve you in January. Ask yourself this - what’s more uncomfortable - sticking with just a few treats or having to face a 20 lb weight gain in the New Year? Instant gratification or long-term pain?

Heading to a party? Bring some healthy fruits, veggies or nice centre-pieces to the party this year instead of baking three dozen treats and taking half of them home to eat yourself. As soon as you get to the party, start drinking water (add some cranberries or lemon) and snack on veggies (it’s nearly impossible to over-eat raw veggies) so that your hands are busy and you will be less likely to grab the heavy calorie foods. When you get to the buffet line, load up on veggies, greens and some lean meats First, filling your plate and then just have a few little taste samples of the heavy foods like stuffing and gravy. Again, drink water with your meal, too.

(Remember that alcohol has seven calories per gram, nearly double that of carbs and protein and nearly as much as fat. Enjoy, but keep it limited.)

If you are like me, eggnog is a problem. It’s yummy, but so loaded with calories, as are all of the fancy coffees and lattes and holiday drinks. Go easy on that stuff.

Stick with hot apple cinnamon tea or coffee with some Stevia in it instead of sugar.

Look, you aren’t going to be able to avoid all of the treats, or tray after tray of snacks, and maybe you don’t want to be that person who stands out as the one who won’t join in on the eating, so here’s the plan - have one treat and then see how long you can take to eat it. Seriously, can you make it last five minutes? 10 minutes?

Your host will see you several times with a treat in hand and assume you are just like everyone else, popping them in every five seconds at 200-400 calories each. One treat equals 30 minutes of burpees, so choose wisely.

You just have to decide what happens to you this season - a few extra training sessions to burn off some fun or a 20 lb weight gain that will be with you for months and months, possibly years. Remember, we have been conditioned to indulge, it’s in our genetics – our ancestors were trying to survive winter in a cave. You are not in that situation so you need a plan to resist the urge to fatten up for January. Stay strong! Arrive in 2015

in better shape than you are today! Resolve to be healthier and happier, with more energy and more life energy than ever before.

Be the one who swims upstream, avoids the crowd and bucks the trend. Be the example of how to live a full and healthy life, instead of conforming and complaining with everyone else.

Scott McDermott is a personal trainer and owner of Best Body Fitness in Sylvan Lake.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 13

14 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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 fol-

lowing 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

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came to admire a beautiful indigenous plant with large scarlet leaves encircling small, greenishyellow 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

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 15

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Giving back a new family Christmas tradition Christmas is my most favourite time of year. I love the season, the fancy holiday coffees, the buildup, the music, the cheerfulness in the air, the hustle and bustle and most importantly the time with family and friends.

Erin

FAWCETT This year my family began a new tradition and it’s definitely one that is going to stick for years to come. We enjoyed it that much.

To help keep the volume of gifts under control years ago my extended family on my mom’s side decided that we would draw names so that each person only purchased one gift for one person.

This year we decided to do things a little differently and it was better than any gift any one of us could receive.

We decided, as a family, to put together backpacks for the homeless.

We stuffed 16 backpacks full of goods (one backpack for each family member). As this was our first go at doing something like this, it was kind of a trial and error to see what worked, but our

first attempt was definitely a success.

Each of my family members purchased two different items and got 16 of each item. My husband and I were in charge of getting hand warmers, Chapstick, individual soups and dried fruit.

Other items we included were beanies, socks, scarves and mitts as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, deodorant, bars of soap, emergency blankets, canned items with pull tabs, apple sauce and fruit cups, crackers and peanut butter, among others.

This past weekend we all got together and stuffed the backpacks.

We met at my aunt and uncle’s house in Calgary and to make the gathering more festive, we decided to do a Christmas potluck as well.

It was such a special time – lots of laughs were had and there was pure joy in everyone’s faces. The spirit of Christmas was brightly shining.

Of course we always have such a great time getting together, but the cherry on top was that there was purpose – a very important purpose. Ultimately, we are helping those who are less fortunate.

I sat back a few times and just took in my surroundings – my uncles joking back and forth, my

cousins chatting about the latest in their lives, and it really made me realize how lucky I truly am.

It’s these moments in life that really count.

This was such a great way to kick off the holiday season. And to spend time with my extended family who I don’t get to see that often, was such a treat in itself.

We will carry this tradition going forward and it will always be

something we look forward to.

It makes you feel so good when you help others whether it be buying someone’s coffee behind you in the lineup or opening a door for a mother who has an armful of children. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme or grandiose.

Small acts of kindness go a long way. That same positive feeling is still there.

As I get older (and maybe a

little wiser) I continue to learn what life is all about. And there is no better time than Christmas to get little hints of that.

Making new traditions and getting excited for the old ones that make the season what it is, is such an important aspect of the Christmas season for me and I’m so grateful I have a great family to share that with too. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

16 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Family recipes for over the Christmas season Hot chocolate This recipe is easy for kids to make. It also makes a great gift idea. Have your kids decorate a couple of airtight jars or containers to put the chocolate mixture in. Then have then print out the recipe; add 2 tbsp of mix to 1 cup of hot milk. Attach it to the jar and give it away.

Hot chocolate mix 3 1/2 cups of white sugar 2 1/4 cups cocoa 1 tbsp salt Add the above to a large bowl and whisk to mix well.

Store in an airtight container.

Classic sugar cookies This recipe makes 18-20, four-inch cookies, be sure to allow time for the dough to cool in the refrigerator, one hour or more. You can divide up the cookies and have each child decorate them.

4 cups sifted all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

just until it’s soft enough to roll, about 5-10 minutes, keep the other disk in the refrigerator.

Roll out between two pieces of parchment paper

Get Cooking with Marina

to 1/4 inch thick. Remove top layer of paper. Cut out the cookies with your favourite four-inch Christmas shapes. Transfer the shapes to a baking sheet

lined with parchment paper to bake.

Bake, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through until the edges are golden for about

15-18 minutes. Let them cool on sheets on the top of wire racks. Let the kids be creative and decorate. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.

COLDWELL 2 large eggs 2 cups white sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract parchment paper decorations, colored sugar, sparkles and small candies Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a small bowl. Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and mix at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.

Mix in eggs and vanilla.

Reduce to a lower speed.

Gradually mix in flour mixture. Divide dough in half; flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until firm – about one hour.

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds.

Let one disk of dough stand at room temperature

FESTIVE IDEA – Bonnee Gregg and Krista Vandenbrink, co-owners of The Breathing Room, decorate their yogi-inspired Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express tree which was on display at the Festival of Trees this past weekend.

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 17

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

It’s the deeper meanings of the season that mean the most I’m one of those people that just can’t resist digging out the Christmas music in, well, mid-October. Much to the chagrin of many family members, co-workers and friends. I can’t help it. I love the season with all of its charm. Music essentially mirrors what it’s all about, and it helps me settle into the Christmas spirit.

Mark

WEBER Ultimately, for me, the word that comes to mind when I think of Christmas is ‘warmth’. My parents made every holiday season as special, memorable and fun as possible – I have nothing but a collection of wonderful memories of childhood Christmases. And to this day, it’s by far my favourite season.

Looking back, I don’t have so much a specific year in mind that stands out in terms of Christmas. It’s more like looking through a big book of memories packed with photos, mementos, cards and such – all kinds of moments come to mind.

Even school became a relatively fun place to be, with parties and the rehearsals of our annual Christmas productions.

Teachers seemed to grow quite a bit more relaxed as the holidays approached and it wasn’t lost on us kids.

Another highlight - the living room of our Eastview home was always decorated in fine holiday tradition. As a child, I re-

call 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 Christmas 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.

Even though it was usually freezing cold out and the car wouldn’t want to start, it was exciting for a youngster like me to be venturing outdoors at such a late hour.

I can still remember the effects of the flickering candles on the stained glass windows, the carols that were sung and the true meaning of Christmas being shared through a simple 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 and colourful evening of celebrating the season with lots of proud parents happily snapping photos of their kids onstage.

Another local 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

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ROMANTIC EVENING - Patrick and Katie Wozney enjoy an evening on the trails at Heritage Ranch for the Winter Nights Lights Tour. The tour is host to thousands of Christmas lights and is the perfect romantic setting for any occasion as guests are pulled along in a horse-drawn Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express carriage or sleigh. drawn to the quiet, unassuming display.

Nestled in the midst of the brightly-lit park with strings of lights decorating the nearby trees, it was a rather powerful sight to behold.

Ultimately, one of the best things to me about Christmas as a child was how little it changed year by year. I loved the comfortable predictability of it. We did virtually 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 last 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

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18 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Ten Thousand Villages a great place to shop for a cause

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Ten Thousand Villages is much more than an eclectic store – it is a place to become involved in developing communities around the world.

Ten Thousand Villages is one of the oldest and largest fair trade organizations in North America, according to their web site. It is a non-profit organization that is governed by the Mennonite Central Committee and is a recognized member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

For local volunteer Rita Penman, Ten Thousand Villages was a way to fulfill her desire of helping children on a global scale, something that she cares deeply about.

“I get to help children in developing countries. I get to support them through the sale of whatever crafts that people send to us. Seventy per cent of the artisans are women – Ten Thousand Villages allows them to support their families in countries where women are not employable. They are also working at home – they get to be around their kids and take care of them,” said Penman.

“These sales also provide empowerment for the people that are making these goods.

There is empowerment through employment – these people craft to be able to feed and educate their families.”

Penman has been a volunteer with the local chapter for a number of years. Most of the people who work for Ten Thousand Village stores are volunteers, with the exception of some managers and the part-

PRETTY PLACE – Store manager Tina Bale decorates one of four Christmas trees in the downtown Red Deer Ten Thousand Villages, using handmade artisan crafts from around the globe. time employees who are around during Christmas season.

For Penman, an important aspect of working with Ten Thousand Villages is

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the opportunity she gets to share the stories behind the crafts with customers who come into the store.

“The customers are terrific and come from all walks of life, and are interested in learning about how these crafts are made, what country they come from and what the purpose of Ten Thousand Villages is, and how that actually benefits the people in the developing countries where these crafts come from,” she said.

Currently, Ten Thousand Villages and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are working to raise funds for the MCC program of Living Gifts. Through this program, people can donate to a specific cause or program that is outlined in the brochure catalogue.

Some of the options that can be supported through Living Gifts are irrigation systems, wildlife such as chickens and goats, education programs, health care, the humanitarian crisis of Syria and even immigrant consultations that will allow a person to potentially immigrate to Canada or the United States.

“What makes Ten Thousand Villages unique is that it operates with a fair-trade industry that is governed, and you can believe in it. You can believe that it is a good organization that is helping a lot of people in the world,” said Penman.

The goods sold in Ten Thousand Villages originate from over 30 countries worldwide, with more than 100 individual artisan groups contributing to the everchanging collection of items available. The artisans are supported in entirety before the goods even leave the country of origin.

Tina Bale, manager of the Red Deer store, explains how the artisans are paid and how Ten Thousand Villages is committed to supporting the communities that produce goods for sale.

“Fifty per cent of money being given to artisans is given to them up-front so that they can buy supplies, because many people can’t afford to do that. The other 50 per cent comes when the items are ready

to be shipped – that means that every artisan is paid in full before their product even comes to Canada,” Bale explained.

“None of the money made in Canada is sent back to them post-sale, the artisans are paid ahead of time. The money that is raised in the stores here is re-invested in those communities.”

Bale said, “The goal of Ten Thousand Villages Red Deer Society is when we make a profit, to re-invest that back into missionary organizations and programs that better communities.”

Bale has been with the Society for a long time and she says that one of the things she really appreciates about how MCC acts is that they are engaged in the needs and wants of the people they are helping. The group asks those they are helping what would benefit them the most, and what the community needs.

For example, MCC provided a loan to a group of women in a rural village who said that they wanted to use the money for a big-screen TV. The women eventually used that TV to create a community centre where people could pay a small amount of money to view FIFA World Cup games on TV. They paid back their MCC loan in record time and were able to create a long-lasting community centre that helped them provide steady income to their families.

“We are currently underway with our MCC Living Gifts program. Ten Thousand Villages does not keep any profit from that program – it goes straight towards other MCC programs (such as education and sustainability development) within communities,” she said.

Each donation and category in the Living Gifts program is outlined with specifics of how much of the donation is allocated to what part of the program, and how it benefits the recipients.

Ten Thousand Villages is located in downtown Red Deer with extended hours for the holiday season. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 19

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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 com-

mented 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) 2. The Polar Express (2004 – animated) 3. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) 4. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964 – animated) 5. Elf (2004) 6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 – animated) 7. The Santa Clause (1994) 8. Frosty the Snowman (1969 – animated) 9. The Grinch (2000)

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) 11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 12. A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) 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.

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20 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Christmastime with the Swan family There was once a time when I was the youngest member of my extended family.

With three older sisters and many older cousins, I was always the youngest person to sit at the Christmas dinner table.

Christmas Eve traditions included ordering Chinese food and a fireworks display that 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 to sit and be in awe of.

But long gone are the days of large family Christmases on our grandmother’s lawn watching the big bangs and eating ginger beef.

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 second in Red Deer and believe it or not – some people may not like it if we started shooting off fireworks on my parent’s front lawn in Anders.

This means new holiday traditions are in store.

Jenna

SWAN 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, and my niece Olivia in 2013 our family traditions began to change.

This year congratulations are in order to my sister Vicki and her husband Troy as this will be there first Christmas as a married couple and we couldn’t be happier to have Troy be a part of our family.

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 fire place 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 through-

out 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 that 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

Thank you for your generosity.

In the spirit of the season, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the support you have shown us this year.

Wishing everyone a Joyous holiday season and a very happy New Year.

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

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 second Christmas in Red Deer.

Jswan@reddeerexpress.com

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 21

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

How to survive hectic holiday shopping The holidays are a whole lot of fun – there are parties, snacks and plenty of chances to unwind. There’s absolutely no downside except, of course, going to the mall.

At this time of year, the mall is hot, crowded, and unpleasant but, shopping experts at RedFlagDeals. com have put together a list of tips that will help you handle it like a pro.

Go against the flow. Going to the mall after a day at work or on a Saturday or Sunday means crowds, crowds, and more crowds.

Try hitting the mall before work for more convenient parking, less people – and the first crack at newly restocked shelves.

Good things come to those who wait. For friends or relations that you won’t see until after the holidays, consider holding off on shopping for their gifts.

Yes, if you head out on Boxing Day the mall will be just as hot, crowded, and unpleasant, but the deals might be better.

Layer up. In our completely (un)scientific opinion, the mall runs about

45C all winter. So if you’re headed to the mall, dress lightly, in easy-to-remove

layers. And bring something to stuff that heavy winter coat in.

Shop online. It’s awfully convenient and comfortable to shop online, so do

as much of that as you can.

And even if you’re shopping in-store, make sure

you research prices and items online first. www.newscanada.com

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22 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Christmas traditions for my family I have happily reaped the benefits of multiple Christmases for nearly two decades and have a number of Christmas traditions.

My parents have been divorced essentially my whole life, and this worked out very well for holidays.

Not because I got more presents, but because I get more family time.

The traditions that I hold with my father’s side of the family have changed a little

Kalisha

MENDONSA bit as I’ve grown. As a child, my brother and I would attend midnight masses with our grandparents, head home, open a single gift and

head to bed.

In the morning, we would gather our father and stepmother Amanda, sit around our tree – always decorated beautifully

by Amanda – and pass around the stockings. We would open the rest of our gifts and relax around the house, usually with some of Amanda’s baking. Once a year she would treat us to our favourite family snack – Five Star Bars.

Some years, I had so many dinners I never wanted to see turkey again. (Just kidding, turkey is the absolute best food ever.) Dinners with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles were always fun. I have a large European family and when we all get together it can be a pretty good time.

As I’ve gotten older, I have changed from playing with toys with my cousins to enjoying a glass of Christmas

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wine with the adults. I still love Christmas, regardless of presents, because I get to see my family that has grown and spread around Calgary.

In Red Deer, Christmas with my mom holds its own traditions. In Red Deer, the season opens with baking lots and lots of baking.

My mom and I would bake cookies and chocolates and send them out to all of the branches she managed. We would keep the rest and each year we tried new designs for chocolates and new cookie recipes. Our house always started to smell good around the first week of December and I loved spending the time with my mom.

As a kid, we make tons of crafts for our tree. Each year, my brother and I would pester our mom to drag out the decorations and we would spend hours going through them as we filled the tree.

It wasn’t the flashiest tree, but this was always one of my favourite things. I love looking at the crafts I remember from my childhood and hearing the stories from my mom that go with each decoration. I loved those trees.

In recent years, my mom ditched the big tree and opted for a palm tree – she hates winter and wanted to be reminded of beautiful beaches. To me, a palm tree doesn’t count, but it makes her happy and that’s okay with me.

Since my mom’s fiancé has joined our family, I have had even more cousins and aunts and grandparents to spend time with.

They are all based in Manitoba, but we usually figure out a way to see each other.

They are a great group of people so I’m happy to add those visits to my Christmas tradition list.

The dinners at mom’s tend to vary and now carry a Ukrainian influence, thanks to my stepfather Todd. I could do without the cabbage rolls, but have quite taken to the delicious stuffing presented each year.

Presents have never been the central idea of

my family’s Christmases.

Sure, I won’t deny enjoying them but what I like the most is the spirit and closeness that my family carries through the season.

Christmas movies are an essential in my life. I have three Christmas movies that I watch at least once every December: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 cartoon version), The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Elf are a musthave to get me in the holiday spirit.

Growing up, neither of my parents lived an affluent lifestyle, but there was always a Christmas dinner and time spent together.

I love seeing my siblings, and each year my family seems to grow some more.

In recent years, I have incorporated some new traditions that include my boyfriend and his family.

They love to get together for dinners and now I am always invited. Their family is so loving and welcoming that being with them over the holidays makes everything even more special.

I know lots of people who don’t care much for Christmas, but I love it. I grew up knowing the religious reasons for Christmas but the meaning I take from it is that it is a time to be with my loved ones and reflect on the previous year.

My last personal tradition is to take time to write out all of the things I went through that year, positive and negative, and reflect on how I have grown and what I have accomplished. This gives me a sense of what I want to work toward and where I am in my life.

Going forward, I think I’d like to include a little more giving back. I have had difficulties in my life that make me aware of the people who need a little bit more help to get through the winter, not just Dec. 25th.

I believe that Christmas is a time for people to look back and appreciate what they have. I don’t care if I have presents, dinners or whatever else as long as I get to enjoy the season with the people I love in my life. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, Red Deer Express 23

New Year, New You Publishing Wednesday, January 7th

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24 Red Deer Express, RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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