Wishbook

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Area

Events

December 4-7

Dec 9 - Dec 11

State University Theatre Presents Dancing at Lughnasa

Sherwin Linton Country Music Variety Show

Doner Auditorium @ 7:30

Dec 14

Dec 5

Brookings American Legion Pancake Breakfast

2013 Festival of Lights • Festival of Trees • Santa's Reindeer • Trolley Rides • 18th Annual Parade

Dec 6 Victorian Christmas Ornament Class

Blizzars VS. Austin @ 7:15 State University Theatre Presents Dance at State - A Christmas Celebration Doner Auditorium @ 7:30

SD State Ag Heritage Museum

Dec 15

Dec 7

Performing Arts Center @ 2:00

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Fundraiser for Brookings County Food Pantry

Choral Yuletide

Dec 19 Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers

Volga Parade of Lights

Dec 20

Blizzard VS Bismark @ 7:15

Blizzard VS Coulee Region @7:15

Dec 9

Dec 21

Percussion/Pep Band Concert

Blizzard VS Coulee Region @7:15

Performing Arts Center @7:30

Dec 23 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

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f o s l o b m y S Christmas

it's time "Oh, by gosh, by gollylly. Tasty ho d for mistletoe an presents, pheasants, Christmasin snow." countr ysides covered

Holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday imagery and tradition. While these elements of celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins.

Holly Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honor at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn. To avoid persecution, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evil-repelling holly on their homes to appear like the masses. Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and

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more associated with Christians and Christmas.

Mistletoe Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality). The plant also was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection. When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day. Now largely associated with Christmas celebrations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.

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Holiday Hosting Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun.

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Enlist help.

Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can't pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist.

When hosting a holiday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit

Plan well in advance.

The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you're likely to feel as a host.

Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days lead-

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the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities. ing up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

Hire a cleaning service.

One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party. Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more time-consuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list.

Have a theme for the party.

Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along. Such themes set a tone for the party right away and

often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun.

Pass the buck.

Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare.

Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

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Ch rist mas So ngs

Christmas music has been enjoyed for decades and certain compositions are widely loved and played year after year. Though personal preference often determines a holiday playlist, the following tunes are of the more popular Christmas songs: The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Sleigh Ride

Frosty the Snowman

Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish

Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins

Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne

Mel Torme, Robert Wells

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Edward Pola, George Wyle

Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie

Johnny Marks

Silver Bells

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Jingle Bell Rock

Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

Tommie Connor

Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe

Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Johnny Marks

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

Winter Wonderland

Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram

Feliz Navidad

Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman

Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith

Little Drummer Boy

Jose Feliciano

White Christmas

Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone

Blue Christmas

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Irving Berlin

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Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson

Johnny Marks

Meredith Willson

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Potted Christmas trees produce

Holiday Cheer

Christmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights.

Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration.

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all year long

Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an artificial or real tree.

Those who opt for a real tree may think their only options are the cut trees available at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a potted Christmas tree. Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be trans-

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planted outdoors after Christmas. This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides various benefits to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air filter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Caring for a potted tree takes a bit more effort than a standard cut tree. There are a few

steps that need to be taken to ensure its post-Christmas survival. Select a tree variety that is hardy to the specific zone in which you live and will acclimate to the climate and soil conditions. A local nursery should be able to guide you to the right evergreen.

Because you intend to plant this tree after the holidays, it is a good idea to choose the location where the tree will eventually grow and dig the

hole as early as possible before the ground freezes and becomes difficult to excavate.

Consider digging the hole in the autumn and then filling it with leaves or a tarp until the time comes to plant the tree.

Roughly two weeks before Christmas, you will need to transition the tree for indoor use. Neglecting this step may result in shock to the tree, which can cause it to wilt or die. Place the tree inside of a garage or a shed where it is generally warmer than outside but not yet room temperature. After this two-week period, move the tree inside where it will have a place of honor for festivities. Do not leave the tree inside the house for more than 10 days. It will need to be moved back into the garage and then outside before planting.

Many evergreens are durable, and the majority of the deco-

rations y o u use on the tree should not harm it. But be careful not to tug or break branches.

Use small lights that do not generate much heat; otherwise, you risk damaging the boughs with burns. When the tree is indoors, it's also essential to keep it in an area that gets filtered sunlight and is away from heating vents that may dry it out. A spot in front of the front window may be the best location.

Potted Christmas trees make an eco-friendly addition to holiday traditions. They can be planted year after year, adding some aesthetic appeal to the backyard while benefitting the environment.

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Gifting Holiday gift-giving etiquette can be confusing, especially when it comes to gifting those men and women who aren't necessarily friends or family members, but still help us out in a variety of ways.

• Determine your list.

Think about the people with whom you interact regularly.

• Establish a budget. The holiday season can be costly, so set a firm limit on what you plan to give, perhaps between $10 and $20 each.

• Recognize that not everyone is allowed to accept gifts.

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Some service providers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or presents. Government employees, for example, may be prohibited from accepting cash gifts or gifts that exceed a predetermined amount.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” ― St. Francis of Assisi

for those who help throughout the year or anyone who performs more personal tasks for you may warrant a larger gift. Etiquette suggests giving a gift equal to the price of one session of service, even if that gift is cash.

• Health and child care employees warrant special treatment. A private nurse, nanny or nursing home worker should be gifted for the holidays. Avoid cash gifts with health service providers, opting for a • Gift a little more to per- more personal gift that is a sonal care professionals. token of your affection and Your hairstylists, masseuse appreciation.

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Hand-Painted Holiday Luminaries Skill Level: No experience necessary Crafting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Holiday Crafting

Bring the joy and celebration of holiday traditions from around the world to your home this season.

It’s an Irish tradition to place lit candles in windows. Let this quaint holiday custom add warmth and joy to your home.

Glass containers with hand-painted designs and flameless candles look welcoming in windows or on a table.

Supplies and Tools: • Black marker • Computer and printer • Scissors • Tape • Flat brush • Detail brush • Flameless or wax candles

• White computer paper • Provided templates • Square and rectangular glass containers • Enamel paint: red, green and white

• Create templates using a black marker to draw snowflakes and other decorative holiday motifs on paper. Visit www.joann.com/luminarytemplate to print out additional templates. Cut the templates to fit inside the desired glass containers.

• Tape templates securely to the inside of glass container with design facing out. This will act as a guide when painting.

• Using enamel paint colors, paint over template designs on glass surface. Create snowflakes, trees, words, deer, etc. It may take several coats of paint to attain desired coverage. Let paint dry between coats.

When finished, let the painted design dry completely. Remove templates from the inside of containers. Fill the container with flameless or wax candles to display. Note: If using wax candles, do not leave burning candles unattended. (Family Features)

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Poinsettia

Although poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last long after the holidays have come and gone.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico and C e n t r a l America.

Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The flowering plant was first introduced to the United States by Joel Poin-

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sett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas

plant.

It's important to note that poinsettias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plant's health.

Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That means they will need ample darkness each night in order

to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night.

During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light.

The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off.

The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent.

While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season.

Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant's exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year.

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December

plays host to many religious holidays

Christmas and Chanukah may get the bulk of the attention, but the final month of the year includes other religious holidays. The following are just a few of the celebrations taking place.

Feast of Saint Nicholas Typically falling on December 6, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, or Saint Nicholas Day, is a festival for children in many European countries. In commemoration of Saint Nicholas, giftgiving occurs in some countries on his feast day, while some countries' celebrations are more low-key. The legend of Saint Nicholas, whose reputation as a gift-giver was widely known during his lifetime, is said to have inspired the idea of Santa Claus.

Bodhi Day A holiday that commemorates the day Buddha received enlightenment, Bodhi Day is typically celebrated on

the 8th day of the 12th lunar month.

Bodhi Day. Many celebrants choose to meditate in commemoration.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception This feast, which is celebrated on December 8, celebrates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The day is a Holy Day of Obligation within the Catholic Church.

Chanukah Some may instantly associate Chanukah with exchanging gifts, but this well-known December holiday is not a celebration of giving and re-

ceiving gifts, but a commemoration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is celebrated for eight nights and days, and in some years can begin in late November.

Christmas Celebrated every year on December 25 (though some Orthodox Christians use a different calendar and celebrate on a different day), Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Once celebrated strictly by Christians, the holiday is now celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike.

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By the Numbers

20 2012

The percentage of annual sales jewelry stores indicate are made during the month of December.

150,205

The number of clothing and accessories stores open in the United States as of 2009.

27.2

The amount, in billions of dollars, spent during the December 2010 holiday retail season.

983

The amount, in millions, of Christmas tree ornaments imported from China between January and September 2011.

34.87

The average cost of real Christmas trees as of 2011, Artificial trees sell for an average of $70.55.

4.0

The percentage the National Retail Federation expects retail sales to increase this year.

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The percentage of U.S. retail sales made by only the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states.

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The year when holiday retail sales were the weakest since 2008. According MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, sales in the last two months of 2012 increased by just 0.7 percent from the previous year.

Some financial analysts blamed Hurricane Sandy, an epic storm that caused billions of dollars in damage along the eastern coast of the United States, for the small increase in consumer spending.

8.4

The percentage growth of online sales from 2011 to 2012. Online sales generally make up about 10 percent of total holiday business.

70

The number, in millions, of poinsettia plants sold in the United States each year.

107,000

The projected cost, adjusted for inflation, of all of the gifts in "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

3

The number of years a store-bought Christmas fruit cake can be kept fresh if it is refrigerated.

How to get your home ready for

Holiday Guests

When families gather for the holidays, many people often find themselves playing host to distant relatives. The following are a few ways hosts can prepare their homes for holiday guests.

Take inventory of linens Overnight guests mean you will need extra bed linens, blankets and pillows.

Take inventory of your linen closet, and inspect each set of sheets to make sure they are still usable. If your linen closet is fully stocked with quality linens, clean them in the days leading up to your guests' arrival.

Buy some night lights You might be familiar enough with your home's layout in the dark, but your guests likely won't have that

same sense of familiarity. Purchase a few night lights so guests can easily get around in the middle of the night.

Childproof your home if necessary Kids can be curious, so move hazardous materials to high shelves that kids can't reach, and make sure any prescription medications are also out of reach of youngsters. If your home has any staircases, consider asking your guests to bring baby gates to reduce the risk of kids falling down.

Stock up on toiletries and other essentials Replenish your supply of toiletries before guests arrive. Stock up on toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the days leading up to the holidays. In addition, consider buying kitchen items like paper towels and napkins.

Clean out the closets If your hall closets are largely used for storing miscellaneous items, clean them out for the coming days to make room for your guests' coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and shoes.

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Menufor thePlanning first-time host Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates.

Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting.

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When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following.

Get a head count. Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which

means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have confirmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list.

Decide which type of party you want to host. The type of party you want to host also will influence what you serve.

A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu.

Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite

dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course.

Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests' needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyone's demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate snack if you cannot provide one for them.

Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When

planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions.

Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years.

Don't overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it's easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don't have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare.

Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking.But there are a variety of steps first-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like old pros.

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Do good by

Donating The holiday season is one firmly ensconced in the tradition of exchanging gifts. To address storage issues, some families choose to make charitable donations of some of their past holiday finery in preparation for the arrival of new gifts and goodies.

The average person has many belongings he or she may not need.

According to the Self Storage Association, there are 2.3 billion square feet designated to self-storage space in the United States, and one out of every 10 households in the country rents a unit. Many fi-

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nancial analysts say that the self-storage industry is essentially recessionproof. That's because once a person moves items into storage, they're not likely to move it out anytime soon.

Many of the items relegated to selfstorage units across the nation could be holiday gifts from years past. But rather than store items that will never see the light of day, why not help a good cause and donate such items to charity?

gather used or new toys and other items to give to the less fortunate. Begin with churches and synagogues and inquire if they sponsor or host a collection program. Schools also may hold item swaps to help raise money for parent-teacher associations or to donate to charities.

If you cannot find an organization that serves as the middleman for donations, take it upon yourself to solicit safe houses, hospitals, veteran groups and more to see if they will accept your items.

Make it a tradition Families can make donating items prior to the holidays a tradition so that it is something that everyone anticipates and looks forward to.

Much as you would decorate the home or shop for fancy holiday clothing, you can set aside a day for sorting through infrequently used items and preparing them for donation. Doing so can teach children the benefits of generosity, which often goes hand-in-hand with the season.

Work with an organization There are certain organizations that

Set limits on new gifts Encourage family members to give back while gifting as well. While one or two new items will be appreciated, you may want to specify that donations to charities that you support, or helping to fund extracurricular activities, is your preference.

Organize storage spaces Once clutter has been removed, use this opportunity to install new closet organizers, storage bins, shelving, and any other methods of organization that you

prefer. Sort and categorize existing toys and items so that new ones can be added neatly.

Involve children in the donation process When donating items, bring the kids along so they can see how their former toys and books will be put to use by other children who may not have the same advantages. It will serve as a good lesson and may help children walk away with a heartwarming experience.

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Safety tips for holiday Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season. Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn't followed precautions like these offered by CSA Group: Creativity is key but not at the cost of safety -- be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when arranging electrical items, such as lights and electronic decorations. Be sure to turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working with outdoor wiring, and never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet indoors.

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Decorating

Your next door neighbor dressed up as Santa is funny. Counterfeit decorations are not so funny. Look for the mark from an accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group, on animated displays, light strings and extension cords. Ensure decorations are marked and certified for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Keep the mood light but not fiery -- Choose flameresistant decorations and don't place open flames or candles near flammable materials, such as wreathes, trees or paper decorations.

Never nail or tack lighting strings to a wall, as this may damage insulation and create a shock or fire hazard.

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Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks that could damage wiring to hold light strings in place.

Cozy up -- Keep warm by the fireplace but be sure your gas appliances are in good working order. If the pilot light or flame goes out, turn the gas off and wait five minutes or longer (see the manufacturer's instructions) before attempting to relight. Be alert for unusual odors or flames when your gas fireplace is on, often indicating that the fireplace is not operating properly.

In such cases, contact your dealer or licensed technician for servicing.

Make sure your house is capable of handling the electrical load of multiple lights and decor. If in doubt, contact a licensed professional to inspect your electrical system.

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