Christmas 2015

THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas Guide November 20, 2015

Christmas Tyme in Aledo Christmas on the Square Events and information to keep us in the Christmas Spirit!

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Christmas Guide

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November 20, 2015 3

Christmas Tyme in Aledo

w Popular snow hill

returns along with other attractions

By Rosealee Hoffman The Community News

C

hristmas Tyme in Aledo, sponsored by The City of Aledo and Aledo Economic Development Corporation, will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2015 with what city officials hope will be the biggest year yet.

“We are excited about another Christmas Tyme 4 November

20, 2015

in Aledo,” said mayor Kit Marshall. “It continues to expand in activities and attendance. This family friendly event enhances “community” and showcases our businesses!”

The party takes place from 5-9 p.m. all over the downtown Aledo area. City secretary Deana McMullen said last year she received estimates that between two and three thousand people attended.

This year’s celebration will feature all the favorites from years past, including last year’s snow hill with

toboggan rides.

“It’ll be back by popular demand,” said McMullen.

“It was a huge hit last year.”

The snow hill will be located inside the Aledo Trail area, along with a

Christmas Guide

number of local businesses and vendors. Another popular attraction, the horse drawn carriage rides, will also be returning. The ride will have its loading and unloading area near The Church at the Crossing will www.community-news.com

The Community News

Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 5

travel a route along Oak Street.

Most of the festival will be centered around the Aledo Community Center, which will host the 38th Annual Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Around 25 vendors will fill the center with local vendors such as 6 November

20, 2015

Sandee’s Simply Homemade Mixes and Marry Samudio’s Hot Tamalez. There will also be jewelry, accessories, home decor, gift baskets and crocheted items.

“It’s a great opportunity to shop local,” said McMullen. “And it’s the perfect place to come for

unique, one of a kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.”

The Community Center will also be home to Santa’s Sugar Plum Land, where children can take photos with Santa. His reindeer will be visiting too, just outside the community

Christmas Guide

center near the city Christmas Tree. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m. via fire truck, where he will join the mayor for the lighting of the tree before settling into his workshop for the night.

Entertainment will be provided prior to the arrival www.community-news.com

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November 20, 2015 7 www.stantonandcompany.net

of Santa at the Community Center, with the Klassy Kloggers dancing at 5 p.m. and Just For Kix dancing at 5:15 p.m.

Shops and restaurants throughout town will be open, offering holiday specials and sales. Sweet Haddie’s will open their yard for seating and serve hot chocolate out of their front window for festival goers. Aledo Church of Christ will also serve their traditional chili and Aledo Christian Center will have caroling and hot chocolate.

And be on the lookout for princesses from the movie “Frozen!”

New this year, in the spirit of giving, Carter Blood Care will have a bus on hand for a donation drive. The Boy Scouts will return with their collection station for Toys for Tots.

Off the beaten path, East Parker County Library will once again serve as a drop off location for letters to Santa, and Holy Grounds will offer a ten percent discount for anyone wearing a Santa hat or ugly Christmas sweater.

For more information, call Deanna McMullen at 817-441-7016 or visit aledo-texas.com.

Christmas Tyme in Aledo Date: December 5, 2015 Arts and Crafts Fair: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Aledo Community Center Entertainment: 5 p.m., Aledo Community Center Arrival of Santa: 6 p.m., Aledo Community Center Additional activities: Inside the Aledo Trail, along Old Annetta Road, and downtown Aledo.

8 November

20, 2015

Christmas Guide

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November 20, 2015 9

CHRISTMAS TYME Touch of Elegance

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Holy Grounds Coffee & Gifts

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A gracious THANK YOU to our sp

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Arts & Craft Fair - 10AM-8PM Entertainment: 5:15 Klassy Kloggers 5:30 Just for Kix

Santa arrives at 6pm for the Annual Tree Lighting with Mayor Kit Marshall followed by a special photo opportunity with Santa for children .

Live Reindeer

Chu of C

For further information please contact Deana McMullen @ 817-441-7016

E IN ALEDO

Holy Grounds Coffee & Gifts are offering a playful 10% off to anyone wearing a Santa Hat or Ugly Christmas Sweater.

Write your Letters to SANTA at the East Parker County Library!

Community News

Pecan Street

Your Personal Chef

Aledo FD

Christopher Moore Salon

United Methodist

Mesquite Street

ed rse

Very Merry Things to do:

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Bryant Grain

Take a whimsical carriage ride through Historic Downtown Aledo, enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas treats, and great shopping! Many of our businesses are open late to accommodate you; Red Horse Boutique, The Regal Pony, Christopher Moore Salon, Touch of Elegance, Rock House Salon, The Flower Shop, Your Personal Chef and Urban West too!

Aledo Trail will be enchanted this year with a magical SNOW HILL that is free for everyone tall and small. Boy Scout Troop 1099 collecting Toys for Tots at the Maverick Center.

Great Vendor Booths for added fun, Bobby Rigues State Farm, First Financial Bank, Aledo Lions Club, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Texas Health, Aledo UMC, Impact Athletic Training Center, Camp Gladiator, Kids Corner, Aledo Athletics, Bearcat Plumbing and we have only just begun..

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Grab your family & friends and make your way inside the Photo Booth full of fun props & laughs for a Free photo!

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Lots of eats between the great Church of Christ Chili, Maria Bonita's feasts, Joes Pasta Pizza, Subway, Roasted Corn at Summit too, Sausage on a stick provided by Texas Family Chiropractic.

The Aledo Community Center will be rocking all day long. Begin your Christmas shopping at 10 am with hand made treasures, jams & jellies, jewelry, Christmas decorations, candles, organic scrubs, bows, blankets, upcycled fun and much, much more! Entertainment in front of the Aledo Community Center will kick off at 5 pm with the ever so enjoyable Klassy Kloggers and Just for Kix. Do not miss this!

Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 6 pm, make his way through the crowd to assist Mayor Kit Marshall with the Annual Tree Lighting.

After sneaking away to his workshop, he will be ready for a FREE photo opportunity with all the children. His Reindeer will be here too!!

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Rail Road Crossings Aledo Trail Vendor Great Eats

Christmas on the Square w Christmas

Favorites, Parade and Santa Claus

By Rosealee Hoffman The Community News

12 November

20, 2015

L

ast year, the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce welcomed 15,000 people to the downtown Weatherford area for Christmas On The Square, the city’s annual holiday festival.

This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. The Chamber has coordinated Christmas On The Square since 2005, but the city ran it before that year and it’s been going strong for more than 20 years.

Christmas Guide

“It’s a great event for the entire family,” said Landice Ortiz with the Chamber.

The free festival includes a long list of children’s activities, including a train ride, carnival games, face painting, and of course pictures with Santa. Santa will be www.community-news.com

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Give a gift of a living tree! Fruit trees & shade trees also available!

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TPCL11496

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stationed at First Financial Bank on the north end of the square.

There will also be an entertainment stage at the corner of Dallas Ave. and York Ave, with schedule to be announced.

The Chamber is actively working on creating a “Holiday Marketplace” to coincide with the event.

“This year, vendors will either be selling Christmas gift items or hosting a children’s activity such as carnival games,” said Ortiz.

The day will kick off with a parade up Main Street, starting at the ninth grade campus at 10 a.m.

Judging will be done before the parade.

“We are very pleased and proud to be allowed to give this gift to the community,” said Larry Martin, Commander of the Governor Samuel WT Lanham Camp #586 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, who put together the parade every year. This will be the fourteenth year that the organization has led the effort.

Christmas on the Square Date: December 5, 2015 Where: Historic Downtown Weatherford When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

“We have fun doing it too,” said Martin. “We hope everyone will come out and join us.”

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November 20, 2015

Parade: 10 a.m., Weatherford Ninth Grade Campus up Main Street toward the courthouse.

Christmas Guide

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 15

Mini-Train Rides Sponsored by Weatherford Regional Medical Center

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York Ave 5

Pictures with Santa at

North Main

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November 20, 2015

Christmas Guide

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Christmas Guide

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Luke 2:11 November 20, 2015 17

County Christmas Tree w County kicks off

season with tree lighting Nov. 28

P

arker County’s newest Christmas tradition, the Annual Courthouse Christmas tree lighting, will celebrate its third

year with a ceremony at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 28.

Fun for residents and visitors alike, the county’s official tree will be accompanied by a Tree Forest for Angels, where residents can place special ornaments in honor or memory of friends or family members.

In addition to the 32-foot county tree, the courthouse clock tower will be decorated with brightly lit stars, and the west lawn of the courthouse will feature a nativity scene.

County Judge Mark Riley is hoping for another large turnout at this year’s celebration.

Turn to TREE, page 20

Photo Courtesy of Craig Swancy

TREE from page 18

“We noticed last year after the tree lighting the courthouse became a very popular location for Christmas pictures,” said Riley. “Bringing the lights back to the courthouse has really helped bring the Christmas spirit back to downtown Weatherford.

“It is a joy to see all the families enjoying the courthouse and taking pictures, capturing memories to pass down to generations to come.”

A spokesperson for Riley’s office said the courthouse clock tower will also play Christmas music, adding to the spirit of the season.

“The event really gets us all in the Christmas spirit,” said Joel Kertok, Parker County Public Information Officer. “The courthouse just looks amazing at night with all the lights.”

Donna Tillman, chairperson of the Courthouse Lighting Committee, said the group is accepting donations to help with additional light, batteries for

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the window candles at the courthouse, and the Tree Forest for Angels.

edged on social media and recorded in Commissioners Court Minutes.

“Our courthouse is going to be stunning this year,” Tillman said.

“The county’s building and grounds department is already hard at work putting everything together. With the additional lights and decorations we believe the courthouse is going to look better than ever.”

Tillman said additional information will be available by contacting the committee at parkercountychristmas@gmail.com or by following them on Facebook at Parker County Courthouse Christmas Committee.

Donations can be made by check payable to the Parker County Historical Commission and mailed to PCCCC, PO Box 284, Weatherford, TX 76086. Donations are also accepted via PayPal by going to www.paypal. com, click on “Send & Request,” click on “Send Money to Friends & Family,” enter the email address parkercountychristmas@gmail.com, enter the amount of donation and finally click on “Send Money Now.” Cash or check donations can be made at Hartness Print Central on the Square with committee member Lori Bennett or at Holland Lake Nursing Center with Donna Tillman.

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Thank You to our readers, subscribers and advertisers for your continuing loyalty and support. We wish you the best this holiday season and always!

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 23

AdvoCats’ Angel Project T

he Aledo Children’s AdvoCats, who assist families in need year round in Aledo ISD, become especially active during the holidays with their Angel Project, which kicked off in November.

The Angel Project coordinates and provides Christmas gifts for qualified Aledo ISD students and siblings who reside in the same home. Last year, thanks to the generosity of the community and volunteers, the project created a Merry Christmas for 406 children from 167 families, and continues to grow.

Aledo ISD counselors identified

24 November

20, 2015

children in need and AdvoCat coordinators began matching children with shoppers in early November. AdvoCat members and volunteers will shop throughout the month of November and into December before all the gifts are collected and distributed before the holidays.

There are a number of ways you can help: be a shopper and adopt one or more children; make a monetary donation; volunteer at gift drop off; volunteer at gift pick up; or provide refreshments for volunteers on gift drop off and pick up dates.

If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation, email

Christmas Guide

Carlynn Messer at angelproject@aledoadvocats.com. Thank you for your support of children and families in need!

Friday, Dec. 4, 2-4 p.m.: Gift Drop Off at Aledo United Methodist Church Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Gift Drop Off at Aledo United Methodist Church Friday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Gift Pick Up at Aledo United Methodist Church

www.community-news.com

AdvoCats’ Angel Tree Project Ways to help:

1. Adopt and provide gifts for one or more children.

Recommended shopping amount for elementary and intermediate is $75 and junior high/high school is $100.

2. Make a monetary donation.

3. Volunteer at gift drop off help is needed bagging, labeling

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Christmas Guide

www.AledoCryo.com November 20, 2015 25

Make sure gifts arrive on time

C

ome the holiday season, shipping companies work around the clock to ensure packages, merchandise and more make it to their destinations on time. What would December holidays be without gifts under the tree?

In 2013, overtaxed carriers failed to meet Christmas deadlines for many packages. Some analysts say big retailers and carriers may have underestimated consumers’ growing reliance on online shopping — especially for last-minute presents. Since those mishaps, both UPS and FedEx have spent millions on upgrades. More fuel-efficient planes, upgrades to air cargo networks and improved infrastructure and ground shipping operations have helped shipping companies better handle the increased volume.

As shipping companies work harder to ensure holiday packages arrive at their destinations on time, there also are things consumers can do to increase the chances that gifts make it under the tree before the big day.

• Shop as early as possible. If you plan to buy online or ship gifts to family and friends, shop early so the gifts have time to make it to their destinations. Make a list of all the people whose gifts you will need to mail, then shop for their gifts first so you will have ample time for them to arrive on time.

• Double-check all mailing addresses. Make sure you have the correct addresses for all friends or family members you will be sending gifts 26 November

20, 2015

to. An incorrect address can result in packages being returned to sender or floating around in shipping limbo. All of this only decreases the likelihood that gifts will arrive on time.

• Consider a ship-to-store option. A number of big retailers now offer various options that allow customers to purchase items online and pick them up in a nearby store. In-stock items may be available the same day, while others may have to be shipped to the store for a later pickup.

ple, Amazon Prime-eligible products will generally arrive within two business days as part of your annual membership fee. The added cost may be well worth the peace of mind fast shipping provides.

An increase in online shopping as well as families living further apart has led to a high volume of gifts being shipped around the holidays. Plan accordingly so that gifts will arrive on time.

• Enter shipping parameters.

Signing up for either My FedEx or MyUPS gives you a little extra control over how packages are sent to you. For example, you can request that packages be held at a delivery center or you can presign for deliveries. These perks can help limit some lost or delayed packages.

• Use proper postage. Bulky envelopes or large packages are better off brought to the post office for shipping instead of mailing them from home.

Inadequate postage could stall delivery of your items and have them returned to you.

• Research shipping cut-off dates.

Shipping carriers often list the “last days to ship” for their services so that packages will arrive by the date you need them. This way you can plan around the cutoffs.

• Sign up for membership programs. Online retailers, such as Amazon, offer expedited shipping on many products as part of their membership programs. For examChristmas Guide

www.community-news.com

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 27

w The Aledo PTO held its annual food drive

again in 2015, collecting items at all AISD campuses. Several thousand food items were gathered to benefit Parker County’s Center of Hope.

Members of the Vandagriff Elementary School Student Council show some of the items they collected. Shown are (front row) Gabby Soto, Juliana Caggiano and Addie Unterwagner and (back row) Anna Kate and Maddy Flora.

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November 20, 2015

Christmas Guide

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yTouHEr COMMUNITY NEWS Informing. Connecting. Growing.

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 29

Toys for Tots Dec. 4 when members of the group present all the collected toys to the United States Marines for distribution.

Collection boxes will be placed at a number of locations around the area as of Nov. 6, there were six confirmed locations, with more to come. The cities of Willow Park, Aledo and Annetta will serve as drop off spots, in addition to Reading Friends of Aledo, Holy Grounds and The Village at Crown Park in Willow Park.

“What it’s all about is helping families and members of the community in need,” said Kristen Bryan, who helps coordinate the scout troop’s efforts.

“We really promote the spirit of giving this time of year.”

The scout troop will be mingling with the crowd at Christmas Tyme in Aledo as well as manning a collection station for the last of the donations.

Bryan said that new donations of almost any nature will be accepted.

“We will take any increment,” said Bryan. “It can be a big item, like a dollhouse or a bicycle. We have lots of scout dads with trucks.

A

“Or it can be something as small as a hair bow.”

ledo Boy Scout Troop 1099, which promotes service to the community year-round, will kick those efforts into high gear this holiday season with their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

The troop is responsible for collecting donations from all of eastern Parker County. The toy drive will culminate 30 November

20, 2015

The troop will also accept cash, gift cards and any new, unwrapped toy.

It’s all part of the mission of the boy scouts to encourage giving back to the community.

“That’s what boy scouts is all about,” said Bryan. “We want to Christmas Guide

reach out to people and promote the Christmas spirit.

“We encourage people to give in any way.”

Toys for Tots Drop-off Locations Aledo City Hall, 200 Old Annetta Rd., Aledo, 76008

Annetta City Hall, 450 Thunder Head Ln., Annetta, 76008

Willow Park City Hall, 516 Ranch House Road, Willow Park, 76087

Holy Grounds, 108 Jearl St., Aledo, 76008

Reading Friends of Aledo, 10303 Bankhead Hwy., Aledo, 76008

The Village at Crown Park, 180 Crown Point Blvd., 76087

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At the Movies 25 years old in 2014, yet the film remains as popular as ever.

• The role of Cousin Rocky had no lines in the film.

Fans of “Christmas Vacation” can no doubt quote their favorite lines from the film, but the following are a few tidbits that even the most ardent “Vacation” fan might be unfamiliar with.

• In the “Lampoon” films that preceded “Christmas Vacation,” Rusty was the older child of the Griswold clan.

However, he is the younger sibling in this film.

• The movie is based on a story titled “Christmas 59,” which was written by the same man, John Hughes, who wrote and produced the film. The film pays homage to this story when Clark Griswold is rummaging through the attic and finds a movie reel named “Christmas 59.”

• Frank Capra III worked as an assistant director on the film.

In one scene of the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which was directed by Frank Capra III’s grandfather, is on a television in the background.

w ‘Christmas Vacation’ still a

top pick for holiday flicks

H

oliday films hold a special place in many people’s hearts, and perhaps no holiday movie of the last 30 years has resonated as much as “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The oft-quoted holiday favorite turned 32 November

20, 2015

• Actress Mae Questrel (Aunt Bethany) provided the voices for Betty Boop and Olive Oyl in the 1930s. “Christmas Vacation” would be her final film.

• “Christmas Vacation” featured a handful of “Saturday Night Live” alumni. In addition to the film’s star, Chevy Chase, SNL alums Randy Quaid, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-Murray appeared in the film.

Christmas Guide

• “Christmas Vacation” marked the directorial debut for Jeremiah Chechik, who went on to direct “Benny & Joon” and 1998’s “The Avengers.”

• The movie had a large budget ($27 million) for a comedy with no special effects.

• Surprisingly, “Christmas Vacation” had its own sequel that few are familiar with. The made-for-television “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure” was released in 2003.

• Cousin Eddie’s fashion style, in particular the sweater/Dickie combination, was the brainchild of actor Randy Quaid’s wife.

• No part of “Christmas Vacation” takes place on Christmas Day. The film culminates with the antics that take place at the Griswold home on December 24.

• Brian Doyle-Murray, who played Frank Shirley, is the brother of another famous comic actor: Bill Murray.

• “Christmas Vacation” was the only movie in the series up until then that did not feature Lindsey Buckingham’s song, “Holiday Road.” www.community-news.com

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours 817.840.4444 PlainsCapital.com 2015 PlainsCapital Bank

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The Community News

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 33

Sounds of the Season Coder Elementary School The Coder choir will carol at the district’s employee come-and-go party Dec. 8, nursing homes Dec. 15, and the Board of Trustees meeting in Dec..

McCall Elementary School The McCall choir will present their winter concert at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 at McCall Elementary.

McAnally Intermediate School The McAnally band will present its annual winter concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at McAnally Intermediate.

The McAnally choir will travel to different Aledo ISD campuses on Dec. 15 for caroling.

Aledo Middle School The AMS choir will join the Aledo High School choir for a concert at Aledo High School at 7 p.m. Dec. 15.

Aledo High School The AHS choir will join the Aledo Middle School choir for a concert at Aledo High School at 7 p.m. Dec. 15.

The Aledo High School Band will perform a winter concert on Dec. 10, time TBA. The group will present 34 November

20, 2015

SPECIAL TO THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Chad Hetreed and Nicholas Losos are shown at last year’s Aledo High School Band Christmas Concert.

some Christmas selections along with a preview of this spring’s upcoming TMEA Honor Band program.

Trinity Christian Academy

Weatherford College Weatherford College will present a performance Handel’s “Messiah” Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alkek Fine Arts Theatre.

Grades second through 12 at TCA will be performing at Christmas program at Trinity Bible Church at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10.

Christmas Guide

www.community-news.com

Did you know? F Though there is no official data that declares the best-selling holiday toy for children of all-time, it’s fair to assume the lovable “Sesame Street” figure Elmo is high on the list of most popular holiday toys. Much of that popularity can be traced to the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996. Though not the first Elmo doll, Tickle Me Elmo became the must-have gift of 1996, when parents searched far and wide for the doll that laughed when users tickled its stomach. During the holiday season of 1996, many people paid far beyond market price just so their children could wake up on Christmas or Chanukah and have a Tickle Me Elmo doll to call their own. Since 1996,

Elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and each Elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the holiday season. Released in 1998, Walk ‘N’ Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock ‘N’ Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and SHOUT Elmo (2005). In 2006, Mattel®, the company that produces the Elmo dolls, announced a special commemorative Elmo to mark the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo. That, too, sparked a buying frenzy, as some reports indicated private sellers were selling the latest Elmo, known as TMX Elmo, for thousands of dollars.

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 35

w Keeping the magic of

Traditions

Santa alive

H

e had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.

And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. - “A Visit From St. Nicholas” Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Santa Claus. Santa will forever be ingrained in the holiday season, serving as an endearing symbol of the season regardless of your religious affiliation.

Parents typically go to great lengths to ensure their children enjoy the holiday season. By keeping the magic of Santa alive, parents can add a special touch to the holiday season for their youngsters. Children may become more skeptical of Santa around the time they turn 10, but there are plenty of ways to encourage this spirit to live on year after year.

• Read an uplifting story. The holidays are ripe with stories that tug at the heartstrings. Parents can take their children to the library and rent a Christmas tale or take home a book of holiday stories, reading a different one before bed each night. Encourage children to write their own positive stories of what the holidays mean to them and read them aloud to family and friends. The book “101 Ways to Keep the Spirit of Santa Alive: For 36 November

20, 2015

“Kids” From 1 to 92” by John Hagerman is a great way to get everyone in the house enthusiastic about Santa.

• Keep the magic flowing.

Children who believe in Santa for an extra year or two often come from families that keep the magic of Santa alive. In addition to the standard traditions of leaving cookies and milk out for the jolly old man, come up with new ways to evoke the essence of Santa. Spray peppermint air freshener around the tree and other places Santa is sure to visit. Use a large boot to make a footprint in a plush rug. Find a way to trigger noise on the roof to give kids the impression that Mr. Claus himself has arrived. Extra measures to keep Santa alive can help everyone enjoy the holiday that much more.

• Take advantage of opportunities to spend time with Santa. Parents and children alike have many opportunities to spend time with Santa during the holiday season, including photo opportunities at the mall and personalized videos sent directly to youngsters’ email accounts. Elf dolls and breakfast with Santa at a nearby restaurant are other opportunities to spread the magic. Make the most of these opportunities over the course of the holiday season.

Christmas Guide

• Spread some Christmas cheer.

Santa’s job is to bring presents to the world’s children. Channel the notion that giving is better than receiving and spend time giving back to others as a family. Schedule a day when you can distribute gifts at a senior center or arrange to bring gifts to a foster child. Bake cookies and deliver cellophane-wrapped dishes to all of your neighbors. These activities put the emphasis on giving.

Keeping the tradition of Santa Claus alive can help adults and children alike enjoy a more festive holiday season. www.community-news.com

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November 20, 2015 37

Opportunities to Give w Numerous organizations can

use our help in helping others

T

he spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving, and there are numerous needs in the community.

The following organizations would welcome gifts and service from the community.

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats The AdvoCats’s Clothes Closet is in need of winter clothing donation items: coats, gloves’s and hats; and accessories and jewelry. They also are in need of donations of ladies and men’s size, new, packaged underwear for students in need, specifically men’s boxer or boxer briefs and ladies hipster and bikini; and socks in all sizes.

Aledo Children’s Advocats’ Clothes Closet 209 E. Oak St. Aledo, Texas 76008 817-441-2707 www.aledoadvocats.com Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CASA Hope for Children Court Appointed Special Advocates is an organization that stands up for children whose families are caught up in the judicial system.

The group is working again this year 38 November

20, 2015

Christmas Guide

www.community-news.com

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 39

with Hudson Oaks Fire Department to coordinate two Angel Trees at the Hudson Oaks Walmart. Anyone interested in bulk or group donation can contact CASA coordinator Francis Wampler directly to make arrangements.

In addition, CASA is looking for sponsors for its Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Central Christian Church from 9-12 a.m.

Pancakes, sausage, and bacon will be served, as well as a hay ride with Santa and craft tables for the children. Four different sponsorship levels are available: Toyland ($1,000), Santa ($500), Mrs. Claus ($250) and Elf ($100). Any donations will go toward purchase of breakfast items and any other supplies needed.

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CASA Hope for Children 701 Palo Pinto St., Suite 701-F Weatherford, Texas 76086 817-599-6224 www.casahopeforchildren.org

Center of Hope Center of Hope in Weatherford is collecting items for Christmas food baskets. They have been doing this program for more than 10 years and have impacted thousands of people in Parker County. This opportunity not only provides a special meal, but shows families that someone cares and is praying for them. The items needed most are turkeys, hams, and hens (or money donations for these items.)

Donations can be taken to:

40 November

20, 2015

Contact: Catherine Tietjen

Freedom House Freedom House provides services to victims of family violence. They have a Christmas Store where clients’ children may pick out and wrap a gift for a parent or care giver. They are accepting small inexpensive gift items until Dec. 12. Suggested items might include small jewelry, candle sets, bath and body lotions, picture frames, billfolds/wallets, ornaments, purses, glove and scarf sets, flashlights, small tool sets, inspirational books, journals or knickknacks. Items not used for Christmas are used throughout the year for other events, such as birthdays. Freedom House will be closed for Christmas Dec. 24-27.

Christmas Guide

www.freedomhouse.org

Grace House Ministries Grace House Ministries provides pregnancy assistance in Parker County.

Their biggest need is financial. They are saving money to build a brand new clinic where they will continue to provide free pregnancy tests, free limited sonograms, and additional services.

Current needs are Similac Sensitive Formula and Similac Advanced Formula for their pregnancy center boutique, stamps, and standard office paper.

Grace House is also looking for financial sponsors for next year’s Pure Truth scholarships. They award the www.community-news.com

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Christmas Guide

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November 20, 2015 41

scholarship to local high school seniors who have been positive change agents in their schools. Last year they gave out two $1,000 scholarships and 2 $500 scholarships.

Grace House Pregnancy Assistance Center 112 West Russell St. Weatherford, Texas 76086 817-599-4700 www.gracehouseministries.net

Manna Parker County Santa’s Helpers Angel Tree Program: Angels can be picked up at the Weatherford Police Department, Aledo branch of First Financial, nearly all the Weatherford banks, Bagley insurance company, and the Manna headquarters. Gifts need to be returned between Dec. 2-11.

Weatherford Senior Center and Meals on Wheels Angel Tree at the Senior Center – Senior Angels can be picked up at the center and returned no later than Monday, Dec. 14. When picking up the angel you will be given a Santa Bag to put gifts in and a gift suggestion list.

Weatherford Senior Center & Meals on Wheels (administered by the Parker County Committee on Aging) P.O. Box 817 1225 Holland Lake Road, Weatherford, Texas 76086 Phone: 817-596-4640 pccoaonline.net

Their needs at this time are items for their Food Pantry for seniors. The pantry is stocked year-round and grocery day is twice a month, but needs can be met at any time during the month. Suggested items for the pantry are canned meats (tuna, ham, chicken or Spam), canned fruit, peanut butter or instant oatmeal.

Items requested (new only) include: jacket, shoes, jeans and shirt and a toy of the child’s request. If the child needs sleepwear, socks or underwear that may also be included in the request.

Manna Parker County is always in need of food donations.

Manna Parker County 129 East Spring St. or P.O. Box 9 Weatherford, Texas 76086 817-599-6569 mannastorehouse.org mannastorehouse@sbcglobal.net Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

42 November

20, 2015

Christmas Guide

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 43

Unstressing W

ith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the holiday season can be hectic.

Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and make the holiday season more manageable.

• If you don’t have plastic clips to hang lights around windows and to the eaves of your home, inexpensive clothespins will work just as well. If you’re concerned about the color of the wooden clips, paint them holiday hues before stringing the lights.

• Put a bath mat, rug-side down and rubber-side up, beneath your Christmas tree stand. This allows you to spin the tree as you hang lights and ornaments without damaging the floor underneath. It also makes it simple to undress the tree once the season is over. Use a tree skirt to hide the mat.

• Store one or two strings of lights in a plastic shopping bag to keep the strands from getting tangled. Hang the bags from a hook in a garage or stack them in a storage bin.

• Use plastic zip ties to attach garland and lights to bannisters. They’re easy to assemble and will not damage the bannisters.

• A paper towel holder can be screwed to the wall in a craft room to neatly hold spools of ribbon. Simply pull the length you need from the spool and cut for easy decorating.

• Mount a tree stand to a piece of wood with screws or glue. This prevents spills from reaching the floor while stabilizing the tree.

• Old maps make interesting gift wrap and are a nice change of pace from commercially produced paper or newsprint.

• Squeeze artificial tree portions into concrete form tubes. First wrap the tree portions in twine and then slip them into the concrete sleeves.

Each tube can be stowed in attic or garage rafters, freeing up precious space.

• Wrap duct tape or another type of sticky tape around your hand. Pat over fallen pine needles that accumulate around the tree. In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the tape around a broom or a floor sweeper.

• Use empty squirt bottles to make baking and cooking easier. Pancake and cookie batters can be squirted from the containers for less mess.

• When traveling for the holidays, use a brightly colored suitcase or flashy tape to make your suitcase stand out from others at the airport.

44 November

20, 2015

Christmas Guide

• Place hardened brown sugar in a baking dish, cover it with a moist paper towel and either microwave it on high for 20-second intervals or place it in a 300 F oven for five minutes. This will soften the sugar, making it easier to use the sugar to prepare your favorite holiday cookie recipes.

• Save plastic bread ties, which can be used to make tags for the wires on certain devices. Such ties also can be used to organize decorating components and to keep your place on a roll of tape.

• Measure the inside of your picture window and construct a wooden frame to its dimensions. Staple holiday lights to the frame and then easily slip the frame in and out of place each year.

• Hang a live wreath or some boughs of evergreen in your home to give it that fresh pine scent if you have an artificial tree.

• Color-code storage containers so you can easily find holiday decorations in the attic or basement.

• Pack for a holiday excursion using a collapsible clothing storage hanger for closets. Fold clothes on each fabric shelf and then collapse it into your suitcase. When you get to your destination, unfold and hang it in a closet so all of your clothes will be at the ready.

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Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 45

Gifting w Gift exchange

dos and don’ts

C

hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner.

That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping.

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes.

Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit.

It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points.

DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it.

Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open.

Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you

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know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary.

When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended.

DO make sure everyone is aware that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution.

Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities. They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion. www.community-news.com

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

The Community News

Christmas Guide

November 20, 2015 47