Special Features - Red Deer Family Holiday Celebrations

RED DEER FAMILY

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Happy Holidays from the staff at the Red Deer Express

2 RED DEER EXPRESS

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

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RED DEER EXPRESS 3

Santa comes to town to visit the smallest Red Deerians

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. He got to ride around in a fire truck and the firemen delivered him. We also had an honour guard and a bagpiper who piped Santa through the mall,” said Melody McKnight, marking director at Parkland Mall. “It is great to have Santa on site and he takes wishes very seriously. It is great to watch him with the kids. He is the most patient person I have seen - that is one of Santa’s most magical qualities. Even children who are unsure of him at first end up on his lap. He just has such a gentle presence.”

McKnight said it is exciting to see the kids’ eyes light up when they see Santa on his photo set near Guest Services at Parkland Mall. “It’s a magical moment they are always going to remember.”

She added they are lucky to have Santa at Parkland Mall as he has had to leave the North Pole and has left his most trusty elves in charge.

“The good list is extra long this year, the children have really been behaving, so the elves are extra busy.”

At Bower Place, Santa has also been kept busy.

“He has been very busy so far. Day one when he came in and we had breakfast with Santa on Nov. 15th, it was packed here all day,” said Dallas Hand, retail manager at Bower Place Shopping Centre.

“One of the coolest parts is when Santa comes out of the room he gets ready in, which is right by our Guest Services, and the kids are waiting in the lineup and they see Santa walking by - it is an informal meeting but really neat because they have this look in their eye and they are awestruck.”

Hand said having Santa as a special guest at the mall for about six weeks is something the staff at the mall enjoy as well.

“We work towards this every year, so it’s really a culmination of all of our work.”

The set that Santa sits on is quite intricate. There are several vignettes that have various multiple scenes from elves ice skating to elves feeding reindeer. “It adds that much more magic to the scene and to the event of going to visit Santa,” Hand said.

He added there is also a mailbox on the set and he encourages youngsters to drop their letters off that they write to Santa.

“We encourage people to come down and say hello and to drop their letters to Santa off and we will make sure they make it to the North Pole.”

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 white 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

‘TIS THE SEASON - Aubree Clavelle, 2, gave Mrs. Claus a hug at Bower Place recently.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

Ten Thousand Villages is the oldest fair trade organization in North America. It all began with the spark of an idea in 1946, when American Edna Ruth Byler bought embroidery from impoverished women in La Plata, Puerto Rico. She took the goods home to the USA and sold them to her friends and neighbours. Soon the pieces became so popular that Edna started using the proceeds to purchase more pieces at a fair price. Thus Fair Trade was born!

Ven Sovann

Today, Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans in 29 different developing countries. One of those countries is Cambodia, where the Rajana Association creates hope and a future for its workers.

For example, Cambodian artisan Ven Sovann struggled to find his place in life. Born into a refugee camp following the era of the Khmer Rouge, he traveled from province to province in search of work. It wasn’t until he discovered the Rajana Association that he found both a remarkable project and a home for himself. At Rajana, artisans shape discarded bombshells into symbolic jewellery, and in the process are proudly transforming a legacy of conflict into a brighter future.

Rajana works in partnership with the Halo Trust, a demining agency whose mission is to make the land safe once again for communities throughout Cambodia. “When we make jewellery [like this], we know our country has peace,” says one young artisan.

Rajana is completely owned and operated by Khmer people, providing stable and sustainable income and employment, interest-free loans, and assisting with health and education. Ten Thousand Villages offers remarkable pieces of bombshell jewellery from Rajana, such as the Peace Dove necklace and Tree of Life earrings.

Edna Ruth Byler

In fact, every item at Ten Thousand Villages tells a story. By purchasing fair trade, consumers help to build a world where true social and environmental justice can be achieved. Visit Red Deer’s Ten Thousand Villages store at 4925 48th Street, in the city’s downtown.

4 RED DEER EXPRESS

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Christmastime is a busy season for Rebels’ players

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS The holidays can be a busy time for WHL players.

For many 16- to 20-year-olds, the Christmas season means spending time at home with family and friends, exchanging presents on Christmas morning, and having a couple of weeks to kick back and relax by the fire.

But for the elite-level hockey players in ‘the Dub’, Christmas involves a quick turnaround and a little bit of uncertainty.

“I actually don’t know (what I’m doing) because I’d either go home if I don’t get invited to the World Junior camp or, if I do, I’ll go there,” said Red Deer Rebels forward Ivan Nikolishin, who originally hails from Moscow, Russia.

With the World Juinor Hockey Championship kicking off in Helsinki, Finland on Boxing Day, many WHL players won’t know their plans for the Christmas season until the rosters are finalized in early December.

Nikolishin, who is currently the leading scorer on the Rebels roster with 30 points in 22 games, is a favourite to make Team Russia’s WJC roster, while forward Connor Bleackley and defenseman Haydn Fleury are among the potential candidates for Team Canada.

Newcomer Michael Spacek is a near lock to make the Czech Republic’s final roster.

“Hopefully I’ll be invited to World Juniors and then see where it goes from

“HOPEFULLY I’LL BE INVITED TO WORLD JUNIORS AND THEN SEE WHERE IT GOES FROM THERE, BUT THE PAST TWO YEARS I WENT HOME AND GOT TO SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY. IT’S GOOD TO GET AWAY.”

headed over to Finland, the Christmas season does not provide much of a break.

The Rebs play their final game before the Christmas break at home against Lethbridge on Dec. 19th. The next morning, the players board a plane bound for their hometown, where they get to spend the next five days resting and recuperating.

On Boxing Day it’s right back to work,

as those who aren’t headed to the World Juniors head back to Red Deer, arriving just in time to start preparing for when the Edmonton Oil Kings roll into town on the Dec. 27th.

It’s a tough life to be sure, especially for players who are as young as 16.

But that’s just the reality of life as a Major Junior hockey player. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

CONNOR BLEACKLEY there, but the past two years I went home and got to spend time with my family. It’s good to get away,” Bleackley said.

The 19-year-old High River native said when he does get to go home for the holidays, Christmas traditions aren’t what makes the visit special. “We’re not too big on the traditions. We usually open a present on Christmas Eve but other than that, you know, everybody comes together. I think the most important part is that on both sides of the family we all get to see each other and eat some big meals together and that’s what makes it special.”

And it’s the same for Nikolishin when he goes back home to Russia.

“Our main thing is New Years, so we kind of celebrate that more. But we just all get together as a family and give each other presents and just have a good time,” the 19-year-old said.

Even for those players who are not

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Gifts for Grandparents is making Christmas brighter for seniors

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS Now into its eighth year, ‘Gifts for Grandparents’ will be brightening the Christmas season for many local seniors.

As we all know, for many, the holiday season is a rich time of get-togethers for family and friends. 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.

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.

“Gifts for Grandparents was created to let those seniors know that we care about them,” she said, adding along with a bag of all kinds of goodies, foods and other gifts, there are pamphlets to better inform seniors that Family Services of Central Alberta is there for them throughout the entire year with a number of helpful programs.

“It’s likely we all know someone like Mrs. Carpenter (not her real name). She is an elderly widow. She lives in our beautiful City of Red Deer, and her family all lives in northern Alberta and only visits a couple of times a year.

“She has no car and no nearby public transit, and multiple medical problems.

While the work of many local agencies is admirable and important, the fact remains that Mrs. Carpenter is still socially

isolated. In academic terms, that means she suffers with reduced social networks and a lack of social contact.”

Meanwhile, donations of items and of cash are gratefully accepted. And although it’s certainly been a challenging year for many with job losses sweeping the province, Red Deer is still known for its spirit of generosity. “If any city can do it, we can. And it’s a community-wide initiative - I can’t stress that enough.”

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.

“A lot of the seniors we deal with are also diabetic, so if possible the sugar-free candies are just great, too.”

Donations can be dropped off at Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Red Deer and at the Family Services office downtown (5409 50th Ave.) right across the street from the old Alpha plant. Folks can also drop donations off at the FSCA location in Parkland Mall by the old Sears location and the downtown Co-op.

This year, the goal is to provide 600 gift bags throughout the community just in time for Christmas. Last year, 538 bags were delivered.

The deadline to donate is Dec. 15th, but Landry said items will be accepted beyond that date as well.

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.

The gifts will be delivered to recipients

by Dec. 21st.

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.

Meanwhile, local students are helping out by decorating the gift bags before they are filled with donations and gifts, and Landry also pointed out that it’s a great program for businesses to help out with as well.

Instead of bringing in a gift for a colleague for example, employees might want to consider a donation to Gifts for Grandparents.

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. 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 donations can also be made for 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.

“My call out to Red Deer would be that this year - more than any - try to dig down and try and do what you can for the seniors of our community.”

For Landry, working with seniors has brought an incredible richness to her life.

“The conversations I have with seniors in my life - in the hustle and bustle of your life and all that you go through they’ve always gone through something more difficult. And they have such a great ‘big picture’ attitude.”

For more information on how to help out, or to arrange for drop-off of donations, call 403-343-6400 or check out www.fsca.ca. editor@reddeerexpress.com

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HOHOHO - Santa Claus listened to Christmas wishes at Bower Place recently. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the mall for the Christmas season last month.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

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RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Seasonal celebrations in various cultures

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS There are a wide variety of cultures represented in Red Deer, with many celebrations being held through the winter season.

Christmas celebrations are popular so people may not be aware of the many celebrations and holidays taking place at this time of the year. Throughout December and January people are celebrating events based on cultural practices and faiths from around the world.

“It’s important to celebrate the many different events to be inclusive. Red Deer is very welcoming to all of the different celebrations that happen around and in December,” said Sadia Kahn of the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E).

“There are events that speak to the Christian faith, but there are a lot of other communities living in Red Deer as well that have their own celebrations at this time.”

Various celebrations include, but are not limited to: - Bodhi Day, Dec. 8th - a Buddhist celebration of the Day of Enlightenment experienced by the historical Buddha.

- Pancha Ganapati, Dec. 21st - a Hindu five-day festival in honour of Lord Ganesha, popularly celebrated by Hindus in the United States.

- Hanukkah, Dec. 6th- 14th in 2015 - this Jewish holiday is observed for eight days and eight nights to celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calen-

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE THE MANY DIFFERENT EVENTS TO BE INCLUSIVE. RED DEER IS VERY WELCOMING TO ALL OF THE DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS THAT HAPPEN AROUND AND IN DECEMBER. THERE ARE EVENTS THAT SPEAK TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER COMMUNITIES LIVING IN RED DEER AS WELL THAT HAVE THEIR OWN CELEBRATIONS AT THIS TIME.” SADIA KAHN dar, which may occur anywhere from late November through December in a Gregorian calendar.

- St. Lucia Day, Dec. 13th - a Swedish Celebration that recognizes St. Lucia, a young Christian girl martyred for her faith. It is a cultural celebration that welcomes all Red Deerians to celebrate and learn more about the Swedish Culture.

Jan Underwood of C.A.R.E said that there are a number of events happening around the City in December held by groups such as members of the Interfaith Group, Red Deer Cultural Services and the Cultural Heritage Society.

These events include the International

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Christmas Tea at the Cronquist House, Dec. 2nd from 1p.m. to 4p.m, hosted by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society and the Russian Children’s New Year Party, Dec. 19th at the Red Deer Public Library Dawe Branch from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“I think that being welcoming and inclusive to the people of many different cultures living in Red Deer, means being aware of other faiths and cultural celebra-

tions, sharing and participating in their celebrations, and accepting their different beliefs,” Underwood said.

Events and celebrations are posted on the Red Deer City events calendar, the Central Alberta Refugee Effort web site (immigrant-centre.ca), the Red Deer Public Library web site and the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society web site. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Live nativity scene just in time for the season

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS For the 34th year in a row, the Kentwood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are playing host to a live nativity scene.

The event, which began last night and continues through to Dec. 3rd, features a full cast of characters acting out the Christmas story.

“I think the nativity scene is the heart of what Christmas is about,” said Carolyn Bondy, one of the organizers of the event.

According to Bondy, the live nativity scene will also feature a number of live animals, including a donkey that Mary will ride on, as well as live sheep for the shepherds.

“It’s outdoors and there’s Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus and there are live animals,” she said.

This year, as with previous years, the event will also feature over 300 decorative nativity sets, or creches, that will be

on display inside the chapel itself. “It is a collection of people’s nativity sets that they bring out for Christmas and they have very kindly offered these very precious Christmas ornaments for this display,” she said, adding the collection has creches from all over the world.

“There’s Canadian ones with Eskimos and there are ones from Thailand and there are ones from Africa. It’s really cool. It’s a really nice display.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been putting on the live nativity scene since 1981, but only recently joined up with the ornamental nativity set display.

There are three performances of the live nativity pageant on each night beginning at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. outside the Church, which is located at 8 Keast Way. The ornamental display will be open from 6-9 p.m.

Bondy said that there will be bails of hay avail-

able for attendees to sit on, as well as cookies and hot chocolate inside for those who need to warm up a little bit.

“There’s also a movie indoors depicting Christmas stories,” she said.

The free event is open to anyone who wants to attend.

“It’s a really fun activity, open to the entire community and the surrounding area,” Bondy said, adding the event is also wheelchair accessible.

“My favourite part is having people come and enjoy the Christmas story and to ooh and aahh over the creche display. People really enjoy seeing the creches from different parts of the world,” she said.

Many of the creches that will be on display are unique pieces, which Bondy said really adds to the experience.

“It’s a great gift that we’re able to give the community,” she said. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

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CHRISTMAS TRADITION – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints hosted their annual Nativity Pageant for the public last year.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

RED DEER EXPRESS 9

Pet Feature Enjoying a stress free holiday season with your dog Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It gives us the opportunity to spend time with family, friends and our pets. If you are anything like me, your dogs are a part of your family and are included in many holiday activities.

Here are a few tips to help you and your dog have a relaxed, calm and balanced Christmas.

Exercise your dog before guests arrive - often holiday visits can involve a more heightened state of energy from you and your guests, whether you haven’t seen these people in a long time or just the overall excitement this time of year brings; because of this it is important to exercise your dog by taking them on a nice long walk or even playing a game of fetch in your backyard. Your dog will be more likely to behave in a calm and relaxed state if they have their exercise needs met before your guests arrive.

Sometimes your guests may not be dog people and could be nervous or unsure around a new dog which is understandable but a calm dog can often help this type of guest relax and enjoy their visit.

The basic rules of introducing your dog to guests - there are three basic rules to help your dog greet guests in a calm submissive state - no touch, no talk, no eye contact. For the first five to 10 minutes ask your guests or people you are visiting not to touch, talk or make eye contact with your dog. This will help with your dogs excitement level as well as help your dog respect your guests personal space and your guests will respect your dogs.

Once your dog is calm and relaxed your guests are more then welcome to give them as much love and affection as they want, that way you are rewarding your dog for being in a calm state of mind.

Provide a quiet place to retreat - with all the excitement, noise and activities going on around your dog be sure that they have a quiet safe place to retreat to when they are ready for some down time.

It could be their crate in a different room or a dog bed in a quiet area of the house.

Feel free to leave a few of their favourite toys or treats. It is important that our dogs have the space they need when they are feeling overwhelmed or are needing a quiet place to rest.

Lisa

KOKOTAILO Traveling with your dog - traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun but be sure that the same guidelines apply to help your dog achieve a calm and relaxed state while on the road. Exercise your dog before your road trip or flight and when you arrive at your destination be sure to implement the no touch, no talk no eye contact rule for the first few minutes to help your dog adjust to their new surroundings. Also bring their crate or bed so that they have a familiar place to

retreat to. Don’t forget to have a current ID tag on your dogs collar and up to date information if your dog has a microchip just to be safe.

Enjoy the holidays - through all of the hustle and excitement this time of year brings don’t forget to enjoy the holidays.

Live in the moment, be balanced and appreciate everything around you including your dog. The best gift we can give our dog is to be balanced and present with them right next to us especially if days like this don’t always happen on a regular basis. When your energy is calm, relaxed and in the moment your dog will only benefit by being present and calm with you.

Lisa Kokotailo is a dog behaviour specialist and owns Copper Run Canine in Red Deer.

GETTING READY - Bella prepared to have her picture taken with Santa at the Red Deer and District SPCA in Red Deer recently.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

Copper Run Canine Dog Behaviour Specialist | Boarding | Walking Red Deer, AB 403.318.4803

www.copperruncanine.com

Meeting All Your Small Animal Needs •Dr. Greg Linnell •Dr. Craig Kosheluk • Dr. Charlotte MacFarlane

Ph: 403-346-8288

Fax: 403-346-8286

Located in the Clearview Industrial Park (Clearview Drive - 1 km south of Landfill)

10 RED DEER EXPRESS

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Bringing joy to those who need it this holiday season Winter holidays are often a time of joy and closeness for families - but what about for those who have no one to celebrate with?

Holidays can be a very lonely time to many marginalized people. They could be living in poverty, unable to celebrate.

There are lonely residents of nursing homes and hospitals, and even immigrants to the City whose family and traditions are a long way away.

This year, I encourage you to spend some time with someone who is needing a little holiday encouragement.

It is easy to get caught up in family dinners, meeting with friends or simply relaxing with a loved one. It is just as easy to give an hour of your time to people who would greatly appreciate the effort.

There are a number of ways to do something kind for the lonely over Christmas.

Volunteer at a retirement or nursing home, or even the Red Deer Hospice.

Many of these people would appreciate a

Kalisha

MENDONSA card, a story or just some time getting to know someone.

Many people think to donate money to service shelters, kitchens or other projects - a donation of time is worth much more.

For people who don’t celebrate Christmas, they could feel isolated or disengaged from their other traditions.

Some people simply choose not to celebrate, but the gift of time and friendliness is always in season. Check out the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E) for ideas of local celebrations that you may be able to be a part in, or support.

The Golden Circle Resource Centre could be a great place to connect with elderly individuals over the holiday season. It’s

not just about them, either. Volunteering makes you feel good and establishing some kind of contact with a lonely person is extremely rewarding. Maybe you’ve lost a parent or grandparent this year - use that experience and give your time to someone who may be missing their child or grandchildren. This experience could be beneficial to both people and will leave you feeling pleasant about sharing your time with someone who needs a little extra joy.

Volunteer Central is a great way to connect to places in the community that may be seeking a few extra smiling faces during the season - year-round opportunities can also come from a seasonal experience.

There are many people in the City who are underprivileged and homeless. I might suggest grabbing a friend, making up some care packages - hand-warmers, snacks, water bottles, mittens and a Tim Horton’s coffee gift card - and pass them

out around the City.

Ask around - it’s easy to find somewhere to get involved when you take the time to look.

Remember that small gestures such as a shovelled sidewalk for a neighbour, a well placed pay-it-forward note or even a kind smile can all go a long way.

Animals can always use some extra loving as well! Find a local shelter and see if they can use some assistance through the season.

If you aren’t spending time with family on Christmas, maybe connect with some friends and decide to spend it together doing something good for other people.

Volunteer at a dinner, take part in some crafts or use your talents to entertain at a seniors’ facility.

There are a ton of ways to share the holiday season with lonely people. All it takes is a little bit of research and some time to invest. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Histories of our treasured Christmas traditions

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS Every Christmas season, folks around the world enrich their celebration of the season by honouring a number of traditions that sometimes stretch back centuries.

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

Join us as we celebrate and remember the lives of those we loved and cherished in this memorial service.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 7:00pm Eventide Funeral Chapel 4820-45 Street, Red Deer Free to the community • All welcome Light refreshments •Live music • Readings and Reflections Non-perishable food will be collected and donated to local area food banks.

For more info call: 403-347-2222 eventidefuneralchapels.com

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.”

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 ‘live’ 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.”

According to www.

FestiveNativities.com, nativity sets as we know them today found their roots in the 1300s. “They started as display pieces for Italian churches. Often made out of terracotta, these early nativity sets were displayed year round.”

“Over the years, the nativities spread to practically all Christian countries, each region adding its own influence and unique style. Traditions were also developed in some countries, most notably in Central American and Mediterranean countries.

“The home nativity was picked up more than anybody by the Germans, where Catholic and Protestant families alike display them in their homes. It is still tradition in Germany to display all parts of the nativity set with the exception of baby Jesus, who is only displayed after Christmas Eve, as before that time he is not yet been born. Most other regions, including America, do not follow this tradition.”

Of course, music is an enormous part of the Christmas season from traditional carols to modern classics.

Few carols have resonated quite like Silent Night, first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818 in the Austrian vil-

lage of Oberndorf. Father Josef Mohr was preparing for his midnight mass, and found that the organ was out of order.

“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.” That evening, the men could hardly have imagined the world-wide impact their Christmas hymn would ultimately have on the world.

Meanwhile, Mohr’s legacy certainly lives on. According to www.

SilentNight.web.za, his final resting place is a tiny Alpine ski resort, Wagrain.

“He was born into poverty in Salzburg in 1792 and died penniless in Wagrain in 1848, where he had been assigned as pastor of the church. He had donated all his earnings to be used for eldercare and the education of the children in the area.

“His memorial from the townspeople is the Joseph Mohr School located a dozen yards from his grave. The overseer of St. Johann’s, in a report to the bishop, described Mohr as, “A reliable friend of mankind, toward the poor, a gentle, helping father.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

RED DEER EXPRESS 11

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12 RED DEER EXPRESS

RED DEER FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

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