My Christmas card to you: My Christmas Card List I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book, And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look. That is when I realize these names are all a part, Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart. For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime, And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme. While it may sound fantastic for me to make this claim, I really feel that I’m composed of each remembered name. And while you may not be aware of any special link, Just meeting you has changed my life much more than you may think. For once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face. So, never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between. For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you, It’s because you’re on the list of folks I’m endeared to. For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met, And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget. Whether I have known you for many years or few, In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do. And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew, The best gift life can offer is meeting folks like you. So, may the spirit of Christmas that forevermore endures Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.
Merry Christmas Everyone
Renee` 2
December is: National Stress Free Family Holiday Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Write to a Friend Month, Safe Toy and Gift Month, Hi Neighbor Month and Read A New Book Month
The turquoise and zircon are the birthstones for December. Holly, narcissus, and poinsettia are the flowers for the month of December
December is the twelfth and last month of the year according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in almost all the world today. It was the tenth month in the early Roman calendar and takes its name from the Latin word decem, which means ten. It became the twelfth month in a later Roman calendar. In 46 B.C., the Roman statesman Julius Caesar added two days to December, which before then had only 29 days. Winter begins in December in the northern half of the world. Some people call it "the frosty month." But winter does not begin until December 21st and most of December is usually warmer than other winter months. Holidays in December December 1st – Hanukkah, is the Jewish Feast of Lights or
Feast of Dedication. The Hebrew word hanukkah (also written Hannuka; Hanukah or Chanukah) means dedication. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom. December 7th – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
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December 21st – Winter Solstice, which is the point in the Earth's revolution about the sun where the sun reaches its most southerly declination. This is the shortest day of the year and occurs on or about 22 December. It also marks the beginning of the official winter season. December 25th – Christmas - Many people in the United States
celebrate Christmas. The day celebrates Jesus Christ's birth. It is often combined with customs from pre-Christian winter celebrations. Many people erect Christmas trees, decorate their homes, visit family or friends and exchange gifts. December 26th - Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday honoring African culture and traditions. It takes place from December 26 to January 1, a time that some African cultures called "the edges of the time when the year meet" and is traditionally spent in celebration, focus and assessment. The word Kwanzaa, sometimes, spelled Kwanza and means "first fruits of harvest" in Swahili. Maulana Karenga, an African-American leader, proposed this
observance and it was first celebrated between December 1966 and January 1967. December 26th - Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The traditional celebration of Boxing Day included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, needy individuals, and people in service jobs. The holiday may date from the Middle Ages (A.D. 400's-1500's), but the exact origin is unknown. It may have begun with the lords and ladies of England, who presented Christmas gifts in boxes to their servants on December 26. Or it may have begun with priests, who opened the church's alms (charity) boxes on the day after Christmas and distributed the contents to the poor. December 31st - One celebration that runs over into the next month, and the next year as well, is New Year's Eve. This involves saying good-bye to the old year and rejoicing in the new one. In the United States it is often marked by fire-works, dropping a ball in Central Park, parties with dancing and snacks.
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December Happenings All the signup sheets for events are posted in the clubhouse. The Activities committee will be meeting on Thursday, December 2nd at 2 PM. We hope to see more people to the meeting to help us plan future events for our park. Monday, December 6th at 4:30 PM (carpooling) we will be Dining Out for our “Early Bird Dinner” at Red Lion. This is a new restaurant on HWY 27. Come and join us for some good food and conversation.
HOA Board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 7th at 7 PM. This is also Pearl Harbor Day so remember to fly your flag. Sunday, December 12th we will be having a Holiday Gift Exchange at 4 PM. Men need to bring a gift for a man and women bring a gift for a woman. The gift should be no more than $8.00, wrapped and labeled man or woman. Please bring your favorite holiday cookies to share (drinks will be provided). Hope to see many of you for a time of good treats, fellowship and fun. Tuesday, December 14th at 7 PM will be the HOA meeting. Please attend. Wednesday, December 15th at 9:00 AM (carpooling) our Ladies Lunch will be a mystery ride. Sign up early as only 16 ladies maximum can attend. Saturday, December 18th at 8:30 AM we will meet at “R-Place Eatery” for breakfast. Join us for a nice start of the day.
Sunday, December 19th we will celebrate our birthdays & anniversaries at 6:30 PM at the clubhouse. Everyone is invited, even if it isn’t you birthday or anniversary month. A movie will follow.
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Saturday, December 25th is our Christmas Potluck Dinner at 1 PM. The HOA pays for the turkeys and hams. We are going to start charging for GUESTS this year. The cost will be: adults $4.00, children age 5-12 $2.00, under age 5 free. You must pay for guests 1 week ahead to Mary Ann Donovasn
Dining by the book will be on Wednesday, December 29th at End Zone. Meet at 4:30 PM (carpooling).
Friday, December 31st from 8 PM -? (at least midnight we will be having a New Year’s Eve Dance with a D.J. from our own park, Ron and Arlene Plouffe. It will be B.Y.O. drinks and snacks to share. The charge will be $5.00 a person. Hope every one of you will come. The last dance was great fun so decided to have them back and hopefully get some more of our residents out.
It’s Here! The Enjoyment Book The Enjoyment Book is still $30 for a year’s two for one specials that include dining, sports events, and services. It’s available at 67 Sargent St., either cash or checks made out to L.H.V. Any questions please call Marilyn Smith at 421-1018.
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HAINES CITY COMMUNITY CALENDAR (For more information call Parks & Recreation Department 421-3700) Farmers Market: Every Wednesday at Railroad Park Friday, December 3rd: Glitter Glisten & Snow - Lake Eva Park 5-9 PM (free) Saturday, December 4th: Haines City Christmas Parade – 10 AM Saturday, December 18th: Cruise In – Railroad Park 5-9 PM Saturday, December 25th: Bike Fest – Railroad Park 4-9 PM
Lakeridge Winery Annual South Lake Animal League Arts & Craft Show $2 donation benefitting the South Lake Animal League. Local Artists and Crafters are invited to display their work. Enjoy live music by incredible bands on outdoor stage throughout the entire weekend. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting. December 11th (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) December 12th (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
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Celebration Events Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers an all new ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM. Saturday, December 4th: “Celebration of Voices” – Celebration Town Center Main Street 2-9 PM Saturday, December 11th: Radio Disney Holiday Concert – 6-9 PM Friday, December 31st: New Years Eve – Celebration Weekend - Central Florida’s Premier Fireworks Spectacular and Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Event. A weekend full of fun with live music, snow, ice skating, and more!
A Sunny Christmas Every year at Christmas time There's not a sign of snow. Instead we spend our yuletide days In the sun's warm cheery glow. We have the best of Christmas things, The lights, the gifts, the bells, (And "snowbirds" who arrive en masse To fill our beach hotels.) The glorious weather fits right in With our happy Christmas mood, And we can also walk and run Without having to be snow shoed. So don't feel bad for your (Florida) friends Who have no snow or ice. We think our sunny Christmas here Is a holiday paradise! By Joanna Fuchs
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Christmas Trivia (Answers given on page 18)
1. One of the most loved Christmas books is 'A Christmas Carol'. Who wrote it? A.
Mark Twain
B.
Charles Dickens
C. Hans Christian Andersen
2. Which well-known author of fantasy fiction also created a book called The Father Christmas Letters? A. Lewis Carroll
C. E. Nesbit
B. J.R.R. Tolkien
D. C.S. Lewis
3. One of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes takes place during the Christmas season. The name A. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
C. A Christmas Carol
B. The Nightmare before Christmas 4. What is the first line of the second verse of 'Angels from the Realms of Glory'? A. Christ by highest heav’n adored
C. Shepherds in the fields abiding
B. Shepherds why this jubilee 5. 'Yule lads' are a traditional part of Icelandic Christmas. What are they? A. Band of thirteen gift giving goblins
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B. In charge of Santa’s reindeer C. Woodcutters D. The best male singers from each village
6. The first commercial Christmas card got a hostile reception from some people because A. It depicted a family, children as well as adults, drinking wine B. A mass-produced card was felt to violate the Christmas spirit C. The ivy leaves bordering the design were once a pagan symbol D. The card’s popularity raised fears of a paper shortage 7. The card was the brainchild of A. Sir Henry Cole
B. John Calcott Horsley
8. One fairly modern Christmas ritual is the British monarch’s broadcast to the people on Christmas day. The first was given by George V in 1932. Who wrote the king’s speech? A. The King
C. Enid Blyton
B. Rudyard Kipling
D. Sir Winston Churchill
9. All through the Christmas season in old England, "lambswool" could be found in the houses of the well-to-do. What was it? A. Imitation snow B. A brew of hot ale with roast apples floating in it C. Material used for knitting Christmas gifts D. Fluffy confection made from almonds and sugar
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Sick List Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers: Olive Craighton – Consulate Rehab Ruth Crocker – stroke Darlene Dinio – heart valve surgery Bruce Lemay – Home th Doris Palte – surgery on Nov. 12 in Ohio David Wakefield – Nov. 5th heart problems If you know of anyone that is sick or in the hospital please let Marilyn Pena (3531782) know so she can get a card to them.
In Memoriam Bob Gillin passed away November 9th ______________________________________________________________
Thanks We want to give hats off to Donna Hunt and her committee for a wonderful Yard Sale. Also for the great weather. Hugs and happy fall to all. David and Mary Schnopp We had a wonderful Yard Sale and need to give a big thanks to Donna Hunt for the many hours she put into the organization of this event. Donna wants to thank all her workers for their help. Thanks to everyone who came to visit me during my hospital stay. Also for all the flowers, cards and well wishes all were most sincerely appreciated. Thank you, Marcyn Seal A big thanks goes to Leon Martin and Bill Patelunas for the new sound acoustics in the club house. I want to thank Donna Chilton for all her hard work while serving on the HOA Board. Good luck with your new job. Tammy Anthis
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DecemberBirthdays 1st 1st 1st 4th 6th 7th 8th 9th 9th 10th 10th 11th 12th 12th 16th 16th 18th 19th 19th
May Cook Ron Cowles Sharon Greenfield Michael Huber Doris Rockwell Christine Dean Steve Maddocks Mary Raymond Ed Tomaselli Pauline Atteridge Hazel VanDyke Scott Cameron Judy Loy Georgiana Palmer Barry Anthis Pete Evans Sue Pickard Rebecca Allred Jack McQuade
20th 20th 21st 21st 21st 23rd 24th 24th 25th 25th 25th 26th 28th 28th 29th 29th
Willard Davidson Helen Sheets Vito Destefano David Lennox Pat Marotti Helen Vernon Earla Herring Kay Levinson Greg Schamerloh Marilyn Smith James Welch Jerry Buttler Betty Pall Steve Pierce David Butcher Victoria Goodwin
22nd
Terry & Renee DeJane 38 years Wayde & Emily Marshall 22 years Fred & Judie Bott 25 years Gary & Earla Herring 47 years
December Anniversaries 2nd th
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10th 11th 20th
Robert & Elsie Torpey 33 years Stephen & Christine Dean 1 year Bob & Debbie Renka 22 years Francis & Elaine Pepe 51 years Richard & Florence Browning 49 years
23rd 24th 28th
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YOUR HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (HOA) NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT Why is it important to pay HOA Dues? Well there are numerous reasons. Your dues are used to help fund various community activities; to purchase supplies (paper plates, cutlery, paper towels, beverages, etc.), in support of those activities; purchase the meats for the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners; purchase decorations for the clubhouse and many other expenses. In addition, our HOA needs funds to purchase office supplies (postage, paper, etc.), pay taxes (we must pay taxes on income received from fundraisers), and pay insurance premiums. Last but not least, paying dues entitles you to vote at our annual meeting in January and at any other time that votes are needed by dues paying members. Of course, the dues alone cannot pay for everything, that’s why fundraisers (yard sales, Share the Wealth, Entertainment Coupon Book, etc.) are also important. Soon, if they haven’t already, one of your neighbors will be knocking at your door asking you to support your HOA by paying your dues of $12 (Such A Deal!!) for the year 2011. But you don’t have to wait for them to ask, your dues can be given to any board member (Walter Strohmaier, Herman Biba, Gail Seal, George Palmer, or Karen Patelunas). Checks should be made payable to the Lake Hammock Village HOA.
SUNCREST SALES CORPORATION AT LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE 36106 Highway 27, Haines City FL 33844
863-421-5764
Fax 863-421-7378
Sales Staff John Bialy (Home) 863-422-0521 (cell) 863-956-6540 Judy Dixon (Home) 863-421-7244 (cell) 863-325-6846 Kay Levinson (Home) 863-422-8543 (cell) 863-206-1675
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The nominating committee has submitted the following list of potential candidates for the Lake Hammock Village Board of Directors for 2011: Tammy Anthis Reta Cramer Richard Gould David Lennox Hank Marion Charles Osborn Ronald Plouffe Gail Seal Walter Strohmaier If you are interested in having your name added to the list please contact Marileigh Osborn 421-6289. Nominations from the floor must be given at the Dec. HOA meeting so that they can be added to the Proxy ballot that will be mailed out in December. No names may be added to the ballot after the proxy’s have been mailed.
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PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD-OF-HEARING Smoke alarms save lives. But those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing cannot depend on the sound of the regular alarm to alert them to a fire. People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should use alarms with strobe (flashing) lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory. The alarms for sleeping areas with strobe lights are required to be of a special high intensity that can wake a sleeping person. Most major smoke alarm companies offer alarms with strobe lights. For information on availability and pricing, go to the manufacturers' Web sites. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of smoke alarms that meet U.L. standard 1971 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include: Ace Hardware Corporation, BRK Electronics, Gentex Corporation, Kidde Fire Safety, and Menards, Inc. Safety tips
Consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or sound to alert people to a fire emergency. The majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping, and because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep, it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up. Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. If there is fire or smoke, get out immediately and go to the designated meeting place. But if you are trapped by fire or smoke, have your TTY/TTD device or other alerting system close to the bed so that communication with emergency personnel is possible should fire or smoke trap you in your room. Alarms with a 10-year lithium batteries eliminate the problem of having to change batteries. The batteries are designed to last the life of an alarm. Ten-year battery alarms still need to be tested in accordance with manufacturers' instructions at least once a month. Alarms that go off because of burnt toast, steam, or other non-threatening sources can be a nuisance and can discourage people from using smoke alarms. Use alarms with a silencing feature that can be pressed to delay the alarm for a short period time. If the smoke does not clear in a certain amount of time, the alarm will sound again.
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Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each separate sleeping area. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so when one sounds, they all sound. Install a new battery in all conventional alarms at least once a year. Test your alarm at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Include everyone in your home and make a home escape plan, making provisions for anyone who has a disability. Practice your plan at least twice a year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christmas Magic Are we too grownup to feel a thrill As we light the Christmas tree? Are we immune to cookies, Christmas cards and Christmas glee? Are we too adult to "Ooh" and "Aah" At the Christmas candle's glow? Are we blasé about our gifts; Do we shun the mistletoe? Are we too mature for carols, For merry or for jolly? Do the decorations leave us cold, The ornaments and holly? Fat chance! We'll never grow too old To love the Christmas magic. A year without a Christmas Would be boring, even tragic. So bring it on! The candy canes, The feasting and good cheer; O Christmas, lovely Christmas, You're the highlight of the year! By Joanna Fuchs
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Calling all younger people 55-75 to serve on the Board of Directors of our HOA. The older folks, 80 plus, need a rest. The younger folk with their fresh minds and ideas need to come forward to take control and run our HOA, according to Florida Corporation laws. Our HOA is the main body that protects our park residents in disputes with park owners in matters of rent or land use changes. The owners know they have to follow the law when they are dealing with a valued and strong HOA. So you folks who are not yet members please join us morally and financially to help make us a strong HOA and protect our chosen way of life. A word about Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida, Inc. (FMO). FMO is a state wide organization that works for the benefit of all manufactured home owners. They provide legal advice and maintain a lobbyist in Tallahassee for our benefit. They are responsible for the creation of FS 723 and adjacent legislation. Therefore, it is important that we support FMO with our membership. Annual dues are $20. From time to time volunteer teams of residents will be going around the park visiting everyone about joining and supporting our HOA and FMO. Please welcome them. George Palmer
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year We're wishing you a Christmas Full of laughter, love and light, With delicious holiday foods To excite your appetite. We're hoping you receive Delightful gifts to make you smile, With family and friends To love you all the while. We wish you a Merry Christmas; May your Christmas dreams come true, And when Christmas is over, Happy New Year, too! By Joanna Fuchs
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Newsletter Information All newsletters can be viewed in color on the web site at www.floridacommunities.com (click on Lake Hammock at bottom of page). Just a reminder any information for Gator Tales needs to be submitted to me by the 20th of every month. Tammy Anthis (Editor) Gator Tales Staff: (863) 353-1959 Nancy Belski 50 Sargent St Mary Ann Donovan tanthis@tampabay.rr.com Richard & Marion Spiegel ____________________________________________________ Answers to Christmas Trivia Game on page 9-10 1. B 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. A 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. B
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If you have changes for the 2011 telephone directory please let us know by sending in this completed form.
LAKE HAMMOCK VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Resident Telephone and Lot Number Directory 2011 UPDATE Date:________________ Name (1st resident)_____________________________ Birth date___________ Name (2nd resident)_______________________________Birth date___________ Name (3rd resident)_______________________________Birth date___________ If married please provide wedding anniversary date:________________ Address: _____________________________ Telephone number(s) _______________;_______________;_______________ Please send your updated information to Tammy Anthis (50 Sargent St.) tanthis@tampabay.rr.com or Lori Johnsen (151 Glen Este Blvd.) lfjohnsen@hotmail.com The 2011 directory will be ready for distribution in early January. Please have your update to us before 12/25.
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Halloween Potluck Pictures
23
24
Welcome Back Dance
25
December 2010 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday 1
5
12 4:00 PM Gift Exchange Bring a gift and cookies to share
19 6:30 PM Birthday/ Anniversary Celebration
Kwanza
Friday
2 Hanukkah 8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 11:00 AM Line Dance 2:00 - Activ. Meeting 7:00 PM Bingo
3
4
9:30 AM Water Aerobics
7:00 PM Ladies’ Poker
10
11
9:30 AM Water Aerobics
7:00 PM Ladies’ Poker
17
18
7 Pearl Harbor Day 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 7:00 PM HOA Board Meeting
8
9
8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes
8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 11:00 AM Line Dance 7:00 PM Bingo
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14 10:00 AM Shuffleboard
15 8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 9:00 AM Ladies Day Out 7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes
16
22
23
8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes
8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 11:00 AM Line Dance 7:00 PM Bingo
29 8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 4:30 PM - Dine by the Book 7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes
30
31
8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 11:00 AM Line Dance 7:00 PM Bingo
9:30 AM Water Aerobics
9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Men's Poker
20
7:00 PM HOA Meeting
9:30 AM Water Aerobics
21 First Day of Winter
7:00 PM Men's Poker
10:00 AM Shuffleboard
27 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Men's Poker
28 10:00 AM Shuffleboard 6:30 Texas Hold'em
Saturday
8:30 AM Coffee/Donuts 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 7:00 PM Men’s Poker Dominoes 6 9:30 AM Water Aerobics 4:30 PM Early Bird Dining 7:00 PM Men's Poker
7:00 PM Movie 26 Boxing Day In Canada
Thursday
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8:00 AM Men's Breakfast 11:00 AM Line Dance 7:00 PM Bingo
9:30 AM Water Aerobics
8:30 AM Breakfast R-Eatery 7:00 PM Ladies’ Poker
24 Christmas Eve 9:30 AM Water Aerobics
New Year’s Eve Dance 8:00 PM
25 Christmas Day 1:00 PM Meal