Country Christmas

The Caldwell County News Presents…

“A Down Home Christmas”

May your season be Merry & Brigh Bright

Merry Christmas

From

State Farm

Michael Green Phone: 816-583-2178

100 W. Berry, Hamilton, Mo

from

The Braymer Sandwich Shop Robin, Chris (660) 645-2364 645 645& Families

Thank you for supporti ng our family owed business!

Merry Ch M Christmas h from

Bram Funeral Home 816-583-4423 208 E. School St., Hamilton, MO

Snowman Cupcakes

(816) 586-2073

Ingredients 2 cups all purpose flour 2 large eggs 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup water 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 24 large marshmallows 2 to 3 teaspoons milk 1 tube black decorator frosting 1 3/4 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons assorted candies 1 1/4 cups, plus 1/3 cup Daisy Sour Cream, divided Directions Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 medium muffin cups with paper liners. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

In another medium bowl, stir together 1 1/4 cups sour cream and the water.

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla on medium speed for 1 minute Alternately beat the flour mixture and sour cream mixture into the sugar mixture on low speed. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, scraping the bowl occasionally. Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the pans to a wire rack. Cool for 30 minutes. To make frosting, in a medium bowl, beat the remaining 1/3 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup butter on low speed until blended. Beat in the powdered sugar and enough milk until smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting on the cupcakes. Place a marshmallow onto the frosting. Decorate snowman faces, arms and buttons on marshmallows and cupcakes using writing frosting and candy.

Kingston, MO

Table of Contents

Snowman Cupcakes ...…..Page 3 Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe.......Page 5 Lump of Coal Rice Krispie Treats……..Page 7 “The Little Lame Donkey” Story…….Page 8 Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies…….Page 11 Snowflake Slime…….Page 13 Sock Snowman Craft…….Page14 “Twas the Night Before Christmas” ..Page 16 Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies….Page 19 How to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas...Page 20 Santa Letter……..Page 21 Create A Christmas Eve Box.....Page 23 Word Search…..Page 25 Advice From A Snowflake…Page 26 “The Gift of the Magi Story”...Page 27 The Caldwell County News Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh...Page 28 816-583-2116 Christmas Diffuser Blends…..Page 30 Steve Henry –Owner/Publisher Cindy Fickess- billing@mycaldwellcounty.com Debbie Rankin- ads@mycaldwellcounty.com Jessica Fee- fee.ccnews@gmail.com

Jerry’s Automotive & Hardware is wishing you a….

Merry Christmas 660-645 660660 645-2015 645-

100 N. Main, Braymer

Christmas Chex Mix -2 c. pretzel sticks -3 c. Corn Chex cereal -1 ½ c. Cheerios -3 c. Rice Chex cereal -1 ½ c. Kix cereal -6 tbsp. butter, melted -2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce -1 c. peanuts -1 ½ tsp. seasoned salt Bake at 250° for 1 -¾ tsp. garlic powder hour.

-½ tsp. onion powder Stir every 15 minutes.

Let Cool!

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays From all of us at

Busy Bee Cafe

Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Buffet Dec. 20 Christmas Buffet 11 a.m. -2 p.m.

Turkey, Ham & all the trimmings!

Call for Reservations 660-645-2811 111 N. Main St. Braymer, MO

Reindeer Food!

1/4 cup oatmeal 1/4 cup sugar Red and Green Sugar Crystals or Glitter

Sprinkle on the lawn at night.

The moon will make it sparkle bright! As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam. This will guide them to your home!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients •2 cups Chocolate Chips •1 tsp vanilla extract •8 cups whole milk •1/2 cup crushed candy cane bits Instructions 1. Place Chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, vanilla and milk in a slow cooker.

2. Heat on high for 45 minutes, or low for 1 ½ hours.

3. Whisk well and serve garnished with whipped cream and additional candy canes.

Optional Toppings -whipped cream, -marshmallows -crushed candy cane pieces and serve!

Makes 8 Servings

Lump of Coal Rice Krispie Treats

Happyfrom Holidays MFA Exchange

313 N. Davis, Hamilton

816-583-2128

MerryfromChristmas

Walker’s Collison

Hamilton, Mo 816-583 816 583-7934 7934 ASE Certified

Ingredients 3 cups miniature marshmallows 1½ Tablespoons butter 3 - 4 cups rice cereal use 3 cups for softer "coal" 1½ cups crushed Oreo cookies loosely packed (best to leave the filling in) 4 - 10 drops black gel food coloring Instructions In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, heat marshmallows and butter for 60-90 seconds.

Stir marshmallows and mix in food coloring until you achieve the desired color.

Mix in rice cereal and crushed Oreo cookies.

Let sit for about 5 minutes until marshmallows cool down.

Use a tablespoon to scoop out treats onto a piece of parchment paper.

Cool for 20 - 30 minutes.

Pack treats a little more tightly by using your hands.

The Little Lame Donkey It was a cold night. There was a full moon that lit up the snow-covered meadow where a little lame donkey stood. He’d been there since the spring, when he arrived with a small traveling fair. He was limping then and his owner decided to leave him behind when the fair moved on. The little donkey didn’t mind, at least he wouldn’t have to pull the heavy cart in which the children sat while he took them around the short circuit in the fairground. He was quite content to stay in the meadow. There was plenty of grass to eat and the local farmers who owned the surrounding fields, threw him cabbages, turnips and carrots, and they made sure that he always had plenty of water to drink.

But the little donkey was very lonely, particularly tonight for it was Christmas Eve and all donkeys know about Christmas, after all it was one of his ancestors who carried Mary to Bethlehem. He heard the sound of the village clock in the distance strike midnight and because he felt so lonely he brayed a long, sad bray. Suddenly he heard another sound; this was a different sound.

It was very quiet at first, a jingling, tinkling sound and it seemed to be coming from overhead. The little donkey looked up but he couldn’t see anything through the falling snowflakes. The jingling, tinkling sound slowly faded away to be replaced by another sound, crunching footsteps in the snow. Someone was walking up the meadow towards him.

The little donkey suddenly felt very excited; “Who could it be out at this time on Christmas Eve?” It was a man, a big man dressed all in red. He had a red coat with a hood pulled up over his ears, a pair of red trousers and a pair of black wellington boots and he seemed to be carrying a large sack on his shoulders. As he got closer the little donkey noticed that the man had a big bushy white beard and twinkling eyes. “Hello fellah, how are you?” the man said as he removed the sack from his shoulder and placed it on the ground. The donkey thought he knew the answer before he asked the man the question but nervously he said, “Hello, who are you?” The big man smiled, “Well, I’m known by different names in different places. Sometimes I’m called Sinterklass, some call me Kris Kringle or Saint Nicholas. Here in Ireland I’m called Santa Claus or Father Christmas. I quite like Santa or Father Christmas.” “But I thought you rode on a sleigh pulled by reindeer,” said the donkey. “I do,” replied Father Christmas, “but I’ve nearly finished delivering all the presents for this year, so I’ve let the reindeer go on ahead.

They’ve been working very hard. I heard you braying a moment ago and you sounded so sad and lonely, so I decided to come and see you.”

“Where are you going now?” asked the little donkey. “Well, my final delivery is just outside Westport and I have a couple of chimneys to drop into,” said Father Christmas. “But Westport is about five miles away,” said the little donkey.

“I know,” said Father Christmas, “but it won’t take me long to walk.” The donkey looked down at the large sack next to Father Christmas’s feet.

“I could help you,” he said. “You could lift the sack onto my back and I could carry it for you.”

“But what about your lame leg?” answered Father Christmas.

“I can do it,” insisted the little donkey.

Father Christmas smiled and said, “Very well, if you’re sure, I would be very grateful for your help,” and he lifted the sack and gently placed it onto the little donkey’s back and off the two of them went, across the meadow, down into the valley and headed towards Westport.

They chatted away as they walked and time passed quickly. They made four stops on the way and Father Christmas took mysterious and exciting looking packages from the sack and disappeared down the chimney of each house. They eventually arrived at a little farm just outside of Westport just as the sun began to wake up. Dawn was breaking and the little donkey noticed a wisp of smoke curling from the chimney of the farmhouse. “They’re awake early,” said Father Christmas as he lifted the sack from the donkey’s back. “Time I wasn’t here.” He patted the little donkey on the neck. He placed a smaller sack next to the donkey and said, “Goodbye my friend, take care and I’ll see you again next year.”

The donkey looked around but Father Christmas was nowhere to be seen. Just then the back door of the farmhouse opened and Mrs. Foy came out to feed the chickens. She saw the donkey.

“What have we here?” she said in surprise. She turned back and called into the farmhouse, “Come out here quick, we have a visitor.” Her husband and children appeared in their dressing gowns and slippers. Mr. Foy said, “Where did he come from?”

He walked over to the donkey. “Look at this,” he said, “I think Father Christmas has been here.” He patted the little donkey on the neck and he bent down to examine the sack. By this time the children had become extremely excited. It was Christmas morning after all. They ran over to the little donkey and for a moment they even forgot about the sack bulging with Christmas presents. “Look daddy,” said one of the children. “There’s some tinsel around the donkey’s neck and there’s a label on it.” Mr. Foy looked at the label and read the message out loud, “Here is a special present for you all. He has a lame leg. Please take special care of him for he is my friend. Have a very Merry Christmas!”

Well, they did look after the little lame donkey and they loved him. Mr. Foy who knew a lot about animals helped the donkey’s leg to get better. In the spring he was even well enough to let the children ride him around the farmyard and he was never lonely again. As far as I know, he is still with them to this day.

Merry Christmas

from all of us at Hy-Klas “From meats to sweets we got you covered for your holiday feast!�

Hamilton 816-583-2141 2141

Polo 660 660-354-2122

Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients 1/2 cup butter (only real butter, not low fat), room temperature 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup white chocolate chips 1/2 cup peppermint candy cane, crushed Directions Mix the butter and sugars in a bowl.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Mix the flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until they are just incorporated.

Mix in the chocolate and the peppermint candy cane.

Chill the dough in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before placing it onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet one tablespoon at a time rolled up into balls.

Bake in a 350F/180C preheated oven until just lightly golden brown around the edges, about 8-10 minutes.

Season’s Greetings from

Matt Grant Caldwell County Agent matt.grant@mofb.com (816) 586-3311

Happy Holidays from

Humphrey Dental Group Stanley E. Humphrey, DDS Jacob E. Humphrey, DDS (660) 663-2814

307 S. Main Gallatin, MO

from The Caldwell County News Staff

&

from from

Gary Crossley Ford

Snowflake Slime Materials 2 bottles of clear Elmer’s glue, one bottle of white, silver and blue glitter, foil snowflakes, a bowl and spatula, liquid starch, some washi tape and 3 small mason jars.

Instructions Start by pouring the glue into a bowl, we did clear, then white, then clear Add the glitter. Glitter is serious, obviously. Stir.

Add the starch, we added 1/4 cup to start with and then after kneading for 3 minutes added another dash.

When you knead the slime, I really forcefully knead it. I stretch, and wrap it around into a ball, then knead some more. I like mine really tough and rubbery.

If you like more liquidy slime, add less starch.

Add in the snowflakes (make sure they don’t have sharp sides) and let your helper play for a while so that you can make the lids with washi tape.

How to Dye Pinecones Soak pinecones in 1 gallon of water mixed with an ounce of red food coloring. Let sit over night and then dry on paper towel.

Gorgeous colored pinecones for Christmas decor.

Happy Holidays From all of us at 435 W. 2nd St, Tina, MO 64682 Casey & Amelia Flinn, Owners Barn: 660-622 660 622-4214 660622622

Casey Flinn :816-769-7532

www.TinaLivestockMarket.com

1- white sock 1- colored sock for the hat Rice for filling Rubber bands Buttons Ribbons/yarn/fabric Glue gun Black sewing straight pins Fabric paint or markers How to Make a Snowman From Socks: First, find a few white socks to use for your snowman body. Use any size white socks depending on how big you want your snowman.

Next, cut the sock just above the heel. Turn the sock inside out and tightly close the top of the sock using a rubber band. Turn the sock right side out and fill with rice. Once you’re happy with the size of your snowman, tie the top of your sock with a rubber band. To form the body and head of the snowman, take another rubber band and tie it around the middle, a bit closer to the top (since you want the top part to be a little smaller for his head).

Now, it’s time to decorate your rice sock snowman! Cut the toe off a colored sock to create a small hat for him/her. You could also use the heel part of the sock, or a baby sock. Roll up the ends to create a rim.

Feel free to secure it safely using a bit of hot glue, or just let the hat rest on his head. To add a scarf, tie a piece of ribbon, fabric, or yarn around his neck. You could also cut a small piece of the colored sock if you want the hat and scarf to match. Add buttons to your snowman using a hot glue gun or double-sided tape.

Once your snowman is decorated to your liking, it’s time to bring him to life! There are a few different ways you can add a face: -Eyes: black sewing pins, painting them on with fabric paint, drawing them on with permanent marker, or sewing on small black beads. -Nose: paint a nose on with orange fabric paint, orange sewing pin, orange pom poms, orange painted toothpicks, orange marker, etc.

Step 1

After step 2 and 3

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

“All is calm, all is bright”

Golden Age Nursing Home “Let our family take care of your family”

“A skilled Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Facility”

660-645-2243

12498 SE Hwy116, Braymer

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The Children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter. I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new- fallen snow gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; a bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; he had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; a wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

AT CHRISTMAS ALL ROADS LEAD HOME

Season’s Greetings from

Earley Tractor Inc.

Locations Polo: (660) 354-2214 Gallatin: (660) 663-2117 Jamesport: (660) 684-6133 Lathrop: (816) 740-4658

816-632-7277

809 W. Grand Ave, Cameron, MO

Office: 816-583-7333

Safety Tip! Water Christmas ttrees rees Daily and and discard them when they are dry and begin to lose needles to Prevent Fire!

601 S. Davis St. Hamilton, MO 64644

Happy Holidays

www.mywindmillinsurance.com

mark@mywindmillinsurance.com

Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

Ingredients Cookies: 1c. Butter(softened) ½ tsp. baking soda ½ c. granulated sugar ¼ tsp. salt ½ c. packed brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp. vanilla 2 c. all purpose flour ½ c. finely chopped pecans 36 pecan halves or chopped pecans toasted, optional Frosting: 1c. packed brown sugar 1c. milk 1 tbsp. butter 2 c. Powdered sugar, sifted Instructions Cookies 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add in egg and vanilla and beat until combined.

2. Add in flour, baking soda, and salt beat until combined. Stir in chopped pecans.

3. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 350°.

5. Shape into 1” balls and place a couple inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until set, not glossy at all in the middle light brown edges. Cool before frosting.

6. Frosting: combine brown sugar and milk in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter.

7. Stir in 1 ½ c. powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. If frosting is too thin, add more sugar.

8. Spread each cookie with a about 1 tbsp. frosting and top with pecans. Let frosting set before storing.

Happyfrom Holidays Randall’s Towing, Service & Repair (660) 255-4159 2030 SE State Route B, Cowgill, Mo

Merry Christmas from

Mel Gregg Insurance “For all your insurance needs” Polo Chillicothe (660) 354-2314 (660) 646-5200 304 Main St. 415 Washington St.

How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas Fill pot with all ingredients add water and simmer!

3-5 Cinnamon Sticks 2 tsp Nutmeg

1-2 sprigs rosemary

1 tbsp cloves

1 orange sliced

1 cup fresh cranberries

Mary Lue’s Flower Shoppe Sneak Preview

Sat. Nov.21

6:30-8:30 p.m.

*10% off all holiday décor *Wind & Willow” *Refreshments *Door Prize *Give Aways *Wine tasting by Black Silo from Trenton

Christmas Open House

Fri. Nov. 27 & Sat. Nov Nov. 28 9 a.m. -4 4 p.m. p.m Refreshments, Door Prizes, Give Aways Lots of Beautiful New Holiday Décor & Novelties

Main St., Braymer 660-645 660 645 660645-2802 645-

660-240-9070

Dear Santa, Hello! My name is ________________ and I am ____ years old. I live in _________. I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

1.)______________________ 2.)______________________ 3.)______________________ I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

______________

Happy Holidays from

Michael R. Brown Agent The Company You Keep.ÂŽ New York Life Insurance Company 107 N. Davis, Hamilton, MO 64644 P. (816) 583-2185 F. (816) 583-2004 brownmr@ft.newyorklife.com

Merry Christmas

from

Frost Automotive, Inc. (660) 663-2152 or (660) 663-2455

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30 Sat. 7:30-12:30

110 W. Grand Gallatin, Mo

Create A Christmas Eve Box Make Christmas Eve exciting and fun for the whole family!

Create a Christmas Eve box for each member of the family.

On Christmas Eve everyone opens a box. You will need a cute or decorative box and some confetti filler paper or tissue paper, in each box include things like: -Pajamas -Hot Cocoa -A Christmas Book - Reindeer Food -Small toy -Popcorn - A Christmas Movie -Games/ Activities -Cute coffee mug or cup Things everyone can do as a family.

Happy Holidays from‌

BTC Bank

Community Minded‌Just Like You.

Locations Albany: (660) 726-3213 Beaman: (660) 829-0006 Bethany: (660) 425-7285 Boonville: (660) 882-3132 Buffalo: (660) 425-0680 Carrollton: (660) 542-9855 Chillicothe: (660) 646-1919 Gallatin: (660) 663-2141 Lamoni: (641) 784-7300 Maysville: (816) 306-0130 Osborn: (816) 675-2111 Pattonsburg: (660) 367-2315 Trenton: (660) 339-7477

n o e c m c p u b a

d p q h e a s t a r

f r u r r r b h h e

t z r i r o m o u w

r f s s y l j l y r

carol

e x a t v u m l t e

e k n m e r k y o a

Christmas merry star

presents tree

e u t a n v t y g t

a o a s s I q v z h

p r e s e n t s m t holly holl

Santa wreath

Happy Holidays from

Midwest Auto & Diesel Repair, LLC

When you want it done right call 816-632-1611!

Advice from a Snowflake *Keep Your Cool *Appreciate Small Wonders *Let Your Plans Crystalize *Take Time to Chill *Sparkle! *Celebrate Your Uniqueness *It’s OK to be a Little Flaky!

-Ilan Shamir-

Merry Christmas &

A Happy New Year! from

Pony Express Bank “Proudly Serving This Community Since 1980”

www.ponyexpressbank.com

Braymer, MO (660) 645-2222

The Gift of the Magi Story Della and Jim were married just a year. They had very little money and their place was poor. But what they lacked in fancy things, they made up for with love. The very next day was Christmas. All the money Della had to buy a gift for her dear husband was $1.87. “What on earth can I buy with that?” she asked. Turning around, she saw her reflection in the mirror.

Stepping up to the mirror, she stared at her reflection. “At least Jim loves my long beautiful hair,” she said, taking a spin. “He calls me his queen!” Then she stopped cold. “Some queen I am!” she said, “with just $1.87 to spend on a gift for my husband.”

Then all at once, Della knew what she must do. Very fast, she put on her cloak and rushed out of the apartment. She ran down the street a shop where wigs were made. A sign read: “We buy hair.” “Tell me,” Della asked the shop woman, “How much will you pay me for my hair?” “Come step inside,” said the shop woman, “and let me see it.” Della stepped in the shop and took off her cloak. Down fell her long, thick hair. “My, my!” said the shop woman, “I will pay you twenty dollars for your lovely, long hair.” At last, with twenty dollars in her pocket and the $1.87 from before, Della could go shopping. But what should she get her husband? The one thing Jim loved best in all the world was his golden pocket watch. It had come from his father, and from his father’s father before that. Sometimes, when Jim did not think anyone could see, he took out that golden watch, turned it over, and rubbed it with care. Della knew this because she saw him do it. Then Della saw the perfect gift, a gold chain for his pocket watch! For $21 she bought the gold watch chain. With that chain hooked up to Jim’s pocket watch, the watch could not fall out of his pocket. And wouldn’t Jim look grand when he took out that golden pocket watch and everyone could see the shiny gold chain too!

That night when Jim came home, Della rushed up to give him the gift she had bought.

Yet when he saw his wife’s short hair on her face, a frown appeared where he had smiled. “Oh, do not worry, husband!” she cried. “My hair grows back quickly.” Then, before she could give Jim her gift, he handed his wife a small box. Della untied the ribbon and opened it. Inside were two beautiful hair combs! They were the very same ones she had mooned over many times in the store windows, but they cost far too much money. Now they were the gift her dear husband had given her. Then, Della handed Jim her box.

“Now your turn,” she said. When Jim opened it and saw the gold watch chain, he had to sit down. “Don’t you like it?” said his wife. “Of course, I do!” “But you see, I sold my watch so I could buy you the two hair combs.” “And I sold my hair to buy you the watch chain!” said Della.

Jim and Della had both given up the one thing they held most dear for the sake of the other. And now they had nothing to show for it. Or did they? “My queen,” said Jim, taking his wife’s hands into his own and looking into her eyes. “My dear husband,” said Della, with love.

Updated version of Story by O. Henry

Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Longer!

Bad news, folks: While you may want your real Christmas tree to stay fresh and last well into the new year, it's all too easy to wind up with a dry, brittle tree before December 25 hits. Just a few days of heat and neglect can be all it takes to dry out your fresh tree. Since that's the last thing anyone wants during the holiday season, the home care experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute compiled the best tips for making sure that your tree looks alive and well on Christmas morning. Most Christmas trees can last at least five weeks or more, as long as you take care of 'em right. So if you decorate for Christmas in late November that means your tree should make it just fine until Christmas. Here's how to keep a Christmas tree fresh longer: 1. Choose a healthy Christmas tree.

First, note that if you prefer to buy your tree from a garden store or roadside lot, it likely came from out-of-state and has been exposed to drying winds in transit. So if you’re looking to start with the freshest possible tree, opt to pick one up from your local Christmas tree farm. Either way, it's essential to know how to choose the best Christmas tree. Follow these tips on how to shop for a Christmas tree: • Look for a healthy, green tree with the least amount of brown needles.

• Select a tree displayed in a shady location. Avoid picking from a sunny area.

• Run a few branches through your hands. The needles should feel pliable and not fall off.

• Raise the tree a few inches, then drop the trunk into the ground. Very few green needles should fall off, but it's fine if the tree loses a few brown ones.

2. Trim the trunk (and then trim it again).

When you purchase a Christmas tree, make sure the seller makes a fresh cut straight across the base of the trunk to aid water absorption.

This gets rid of any dried-over resin that might block the tree from absorbing water. When you get home, if you're not putting your tree up right away, place it in a bucket of water. (Note that you should always store real trees in an unheated garage or area that’s protected from wind and freezing temperatures.) When you're ready to bring it inside, make another fresh one-inch cut off the bottom of the trunk. Once inside, place it in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

3. Make sure your Christmas tree always has enough water.

Don't forget to regularly give your Christmas tree water — too little can cause resin to form, which means the tree won't absorb water and it will dry out quickly. Here's an easy way to figure out how much water your tree needs: For every inch of the trunk's diameter, fill the stand with one quart of water. Even though you've heard people talk about adding things like bleach, corn syrup, aspirin, and sugar to the water, tree preservatives and additives are probably unnecessary.

Most experts agree that plenty of plain water is all you need to keep a tree fresh. Just remember to check the water level daily — it should always cover the cut end of the trunk. Refill as needed.

If you lower the temperature in the room, it can help slow down the drying process (and therefore result in your tree requiring a bit less water), according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

out at a much quicker pace.

If your home is prone to dryness, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the room. The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends the Vornado EVAP40 Humidifier for large areas (like the living room!).

It performed well in our tests and can add enough moisture to the air to keep your tree fresh longer.

4. Keep it away from heat sources.

Sure, there's nothing more lovely than a beautifully decorated Christmas tree beside a roaring fireplace — but, along with sunlight radiators, air ducts, and stoves, a regularly used fireplace could contribute to your tree drying

5. Take your tree down before it dries out.

If you wait too long, you'll have more dead pine needles covering your floor than you want. The easiest way to clean up fallen needles is by using your vacuum's hose.

Skip the fancy attachments and just use the end of the hose to draw needles directly into the bag or canister.

When you're officially done with your tree, you have a couple of options. You can start a new compost pile with it, recycle it, or turn it into mulch yourself. You can also ask your town about what disposal options it offers for more eco-friendly ways to get rid of your Christmas tree.

By Carolyn Forte and Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Good Housekeeping Institute

Season’s Greetings

Northwest Ag Services, Inc. Inc Randy Howell 816-935-8391 Drew Thomas 816-284-2309

623 S. Washington, Kingston, MO 64650

Candy Cane 4 drops Peppermint 3 drops Bergamot

Joy to the World 3 drops Joy 3 drops Orange

Tree Magic Deck the Halls 2 drops Frankincense 3 drops Frankincense 3 drops Myrrh 2 drops Myrrh 3 drops Wild Orange 3 drops Sandalwood 2 drops Cedarwood Warm and Spicy 3 drops Clove Gingerbread 2 drops Orange 4 drops Ginger 2 drops Clove Winter Blues 1 drop Cinnamon 5 drops Orange 2 drops Cedarwood 2 drops Ylang Ylang Hibernate 2 drops Lemon 2 drops Peppermint Winter Wonderland 2 drops Lavender 4 drops Peppermint 3 drops Bergamot 2 drops Cypress Holiday Joy

3 drops Frankincense 3 drops Orange 2 drops Peppermint

Holly Jolly Christmas 4 drops Cinnamon Bark 2 drops Blood Orange 3 drops Vanilla

Wrapped in Comfort 3 drops Orange 2 drops Cassia 2 drops Cedarwood

Season’s Greetings from

The Hamilton Bank Clear Vision, Strong Purpose

Hamilton, Mo (816) 583 583-214 583-214 2143

Breckenridge, Mo (660) (660 (66 0) 644-5815 644-5815 644

www.hamiltonbank.net

Lathrop, Mo (816) 528 528528-4200

Grain:660-645-2215 Station: 660-645-2721

Braymer, MO