Hometown Moments & Memories 2014

Hometown

Hometown Moments & Memories

Great

HOLIDAY TECHNOLOGY GIVING IS BETTER THAN RECEIVING

CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED Batteries Not Included

TIS THE SEASON TO BE

CRAFTY

Guide to Joyous

HOLIDAYS

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Contents IS BETTER THAN 6| GIVING RECEIVING FOR HER 8| GIFTS Plus: Gifts for the Special Helpers in your life

FOR HIM 10| GIFTS Plus: Last Minute Gifts HOLIDAY 11| GREAT TECHNOLOGY PICTURE 12| CHRISTMAS STORY Tips for taking the perfect holiday photo

BY DECADE 13| TOYS A look back at the most popular holiday toys!

RECIPES 16| HOLIDAY A recipe for every course!

WRAPPING IDEAS 20| DIY Out of fancy wrapping paper? Have no fear!

UNPLUGGED 22| CHRISTMAS Non-electronic gift ideas CORNER 24| KIDS Kids’ crafts for holiday fun

CORNER 25| KIDS Don’t forget Team Santa!

TOUCH THAT DIAL 26| DONT Classic Holiday TV Specials TO 27| COUNTDOWN CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST STUFFER IDEAS 14| STOCKING Great stocking stuffers for every age 29| Take this handy list with you!

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Hometown STAFF Executive Publishers H.G. FOX, SR. SUZANNE P. FOX

Creative Director AMANDA QUBTY

Writer MICHELE ROBERT POCHE Editor CARISA ODEN

Graphic Design PHAM QUYNH TRANG

Digital Design VICTOR BETANCOURT

Marketing & Development RACHAEL ODEN

CREDITS 2.4375” x 3.9375”

©2014 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC. PO Box 6986, Metairie, LA 70009 All rights reserved.

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GIVING s Better

Really i

Than

RECEIVING

W

e’ve all heard it since we were kids. But we don’t always learn to appreciate its meaning until we’re a little older. There are so many ways to brighten someone else’s world.

We just need to decide which one works best for our budgets and schedules.

moment to think about which area of service best suits you and choose your recipient carefully so your experience is a positive one. If you’re a little nervous about going at it alone, consider bringing a buddy.You get the companionship and your chosen charity gets an extra pair of hands.

Financial Donations. In today’s technologically-advanced world, it’s the easiest way to give. Most charitable organizations have websites that allow you to donate from your computer or smart phone with the click of a button.

Purchasing Gifts that Support the Community. Want to score a real win-win with your gift? Give something to the receiver that also gives to the community such as tickets to a neighborhood theater production, a painting created by a local artist or a gift certificate to the best mom and pop restaurant in town.

In-kind Donations. Set aside a little time to check your closets, drawers, shelves, attics, etc. because everyone’s got something gathering dust that could best be used elsewhere. Even better, think about the needs of your chosen recipient in advance. Then pick up a few essentials the next time you’re at the store and donate something new.

Volunteerism. Want to help with children, animals, the elderly? Take a

Random Acts of Kindness. These moments in life often present themselves when we least expect them. And they needn’t cost a dime. Is the woman behind you in line struggling to quiet her crying child? Let her go ahead of you. Has the elderly man in the parking lot just dropped his entire bag of groceries? Help him gather them up. There are opportunities to be a hero all around you every day.

Still not sure where to start?

VISIT www.VolunteerMatch.org to select a charitable opportunity that works best for you in your area.

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GIFT IDEAS

Because healthy is the new black.

And red, blue or whatever color she likes best. The Jawbone UP is more than just a fitness tracker. It helps chart her eating habits, sleep and all other activity to promote an overall healthier lifestyle. Available at Amazon.com and Best Buy. Because she needs her own tool kit. From earring backs to stain removers to double-stick tape, the 17-piece PINCH PROVISIONS Minimergency® Kit For Her is exactly what she needs when fashion disaster strikes.Available at Amazon.com and Sephora.

Because every picture on her phone is worth a thousand words.

Help her preserve memories and phone storage by printing 4 x 6 or panorama color photos directly from most Apple or Android devices. No computer necessary. Options available at Sharper Image (Smartphone Photo Cube Printer) and Staples (Vupoint IP-P28-VP Photo Cube).

Because jewelry should grow on trees. The Menu Louise Christ Jewelry Tree gives your accessories a beautiful place to hang out when not in use.Available in multiple designs at AllModern.com, Lumens.com and Walmart.

Because you want to pamper her all the way down to her toes. The Clairsonic Pedi Foot Transformation Set renews, exfoliates and hydrates her feet for the perfect at-home pedicure.

Available at Sephora, ULTA and Macy’s.

Because who doesn’t want ideas for fun activities? 101 Things to Do Before You’re Old and Boring will have her busy “bucket-listing” with you and just about everyone else in her life. Available at Amazon. com, Target and Walmart.

If men are God’s gift to women, then God must really love gag gifts.

– Maya Angelou –

FOR THE SPECIAL HELPERS IN YOUR LIFE Remember to thank the people who help make our lives easier every day by casting a little extra sunshine in their direction this time of year. A thoughtfully written note, an edible treat (homemade if you have the time) or even a tastefully presented financial gift can go a long way in letting them know they’re appreciated for everything they do for us.

Teachers Bus Drivers Cafeteria Workers Crossing Guards Babysitters Housekeepers Postal Workers Garbage Collectors Think. Who are you forgetting?

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GIFT IDEAS

for Him A Christmas tree - the perfect gift for a guy. The plant is already dead.”

- Jay Leno -

Because it gets him going and keeps him going. The Nike+ Fuelband SE tracks his workouts and helps him compete against his friends in Nike+ Groups.

Water-resistant. Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Apple Store, Nike.com and Amazon.com.

Because he cleans up nicely. The Philips Norelco All-in-One Grooming Kit offers eight trimming and styling attachments and eighteen length settings, giving him the flexibility to create whatever look he’s going for. Available at Sears, JCPenney and Amazon.com.

Because it just might become his favorite kitchen appliance. The Krups BeerTender has partnered with Heineken to give him the ultimate in-home draught beer experience. Available at Crate & Barrel, Macy’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Because he hates being off the grid. Wi-fi hotspot cufflinks keep him stylishly connected wherever he goes. Available at Walmart, Brookstone and Amazon.com.

Because sometimes he needs a little pampering, too. The Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Refuelling Skincare Set includes face wash, shaving cream, body wash, scrub and lip balm. Available at Nordstrom, Sears and Amazon.com.

OMG!

I CAN’T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO GET A GIFT!

Picture it.You’re running out the door to a holiday party.You grab your keys, your cell phone and …. you realize you forgot to buy a gift. (cue your perspiration) Relax. Here are a few great ideas that can work for anyone in a pinch. Just don’t forget your wallet.

• WINE. It’s easy, it’s versatile and it goes with everything.

• FOOD. Just about everything comes in gourmet form these days. Fine chocolates, high-end cheeses or even

bakery cookies can fit the bill.

• GIFT CARDS. Many drugstores and supermarkets now offer entire walls from which to choose. Certificates can also be purchased online and printed at home.

• CANDLES. Because it’s the holidays, a seasonal scent is very appropriate. Or, if you know of another favorite, pick that one up instead.

• LOTTERY TICKETS. Why not? You might change a life. Or least cover the next ticket.

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TECHNOLOGY

Communicating with faraway family & friends. Just because Grandma lives across the country doesn’t mean she can’t “be there” when little Emily unwraps her presents on Christmas morning. With video chat platforms like Skype, Facetime and Google Hangout, family members can visit, share memories, and even gather around the table together for a virtual holiday meal. Most are free and quick to sign-up.

Tracking Santa. Where in the world is Santa Claus? Thanks to apps like NORAD Tracks Santa (noradsanta.org), Where is Santa and Santa Tracker, kids don’t have to wonder anymore. Now they can keep up with the big guy’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve as well as the whole month of December.

Keeping the little ones happy. Waiting in line with your kids to buy a gift? Make an exchange? See Santa? Sometimes you need something besides a tired old candy cane to keep your kids busy.Visit the app store on your smartphone and search “Christmas games” for everything from Christmas Tree Maker to Elf Yourself to Toca Hair Salon – Christmas Gift, where you can give Santa a shave and a haircut.

Shopping. Forgot your coupon? Try the RetailMeNot app. Want to make sure you’re getting the best price? Ask RedLaser. Need a second opinion? Scan the barcode and check Consumr. As we’ve all heard someone say, “Bet there’s an app for that.” So when you’re out holiday shopping and need some answers, don’t forget to check your app store.

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CHRISTMAS

CARD PHOTO

I

remember it like it was yesterday. My kids were still very little.The air outside was as crisp as their adorable holiday ensembles.

Everyone was clean. Everyone was groomed. And everyone was fed. (Because who can smile when they’re hungry, right?)

My husband and I loaded up our little cherubs into the car and drove to the ideal, pre-selected picture spot the moment the sun went down so the Christmas lights would all be aglow for our photo shoot. Everything was perfect. Or so we thought.

From the moment the kids got out of the car, they started to dodge and weave like a pair of Olympic skaters. Did I mention that the “ideal, pre-selected picture spot” was located

PICTURE TAKING TIPS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY CARD 1. Take it early.You’ll have less stress and more time for retakes.

2. Coordinate but don’t match clothing. It’s more aesthetically interesting.

3. Seek natural lighting. Sunlight (indirect to avoid shadows) is always best.

4. Use editing tools. It’s 2014. Many mistakes are now easy to correct.

5. Check your background for trash, clutter, etc. Simpler is always better.

6. Take lots of pictures. Because one of them just has to be good, right?

on the median of a busy intersection? After several failed attempts at crowd control, we finally herded them into an illuminated, horseshoe-shaped hedge. My little escape artists were contained.

“Now we can get this picture taken,” I thought, until I heard my daughter scream, “BEE!!!” And she began crying hysterically and clawing to flee her leafy prison. Which then set off my son.

We were a sight … two distraught children, me chasing behind them and my husband flailing around violently trying to kill an innocent bee. Cars were driving by and honking. “Since when are bees noctural?”

I remember shouting. “Wait. Are bees nocturnal?”

“Seriously?” he shouted back. “I don’t know.

But THIS one is!” he said, stomping it into the grass guiltily.

“Where’s the bee, Mommy? WHERE’S THE BEE?” asked my daughter as I guided her back into the hedge. “It’s okay. Daddy killed it,” I explained.

“He KILLED it?” she screamed in disbelief.

“But he was just a BABY!” And then the crying started again. First, my daughter, then my son and then, well, me.

“Come on.” My husband said, leading us all back to the car. “We’ll try again another day.”

For the record, our Christmas card picture that year was taken one day when the kids were just playing at home. It’s one of my favorite photographs to this day.

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TOPTOYS by

DECADE 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s

Lionel Trains Raggedy Ann Doll Yo-Yo View-Master 3-D Viewer Slinky Mr. Potato Head Etch-A-Sketch Weebles Rubik’s Cube Beanie Babies Nintendo Wii

What will the top toy be this holiday season?

Will it be a wi-fi doll named Cayla that helps with homework? Or an interactive (and sometimes flatulent) monster name Xeno?

Only one thing’s for sure. It’s going to need way more battery power than 90% of the toys on this list.

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AGE

STOCKING STUFFERS

by

0-2 YEARS • Baby snacks/dispenser • Bib & baby spoon • Christmas ornament (to start a collection) • Onesies • Board books • Teething ring

3-4 YEARS

9-11 YEARS

• Sippy cup • Coloring books and crayons • Colored chalk • Stickers • Magnetic letters/numbers • Dress up accessories

• Kids music cd • Magic tricks • Sketch book • Diary • Trading cards • Nail polish

5-6 YEARS • Play dough • Wind-up toys • Matchbox cars • Small animal figures • Play jewelry • Temporary tattoos 7-8 YEARS • Jump rope • Fancy erasers • Card games • Stuffed animals • Scented markers • Small lego sets

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12-14 YEARS • Chapstick/lip gloss • Desk calendar • Bookmark • Hair accessories • Jewelry • Gift cards (iTunes, movie theater, etc.)

15-18 YEARS • Mints/gum • Disposable razors • Perfume & soap • Notecards/stationery • Cell phone accessories • Wallet (with a little spending money inside!)

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Recipe | Appetizer

Shrimp, Crab & Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms INGREDIENTS • ¾ c. melted butter • 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, stemless & fully dry • 1 lb. shrimp, precooked & chopped • 1 can crabmeat, drained • 1 small can artichoke hearts, chopped • ¾ c. Italian breadcrumbs • ¾ tbsp. minced garlic • 1 ¼ c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Recipe | Soup

Winter Squash Soup INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp. olive oil • ¼ tsp. nutmeg • ¼ tsp. ground ginger • 2 tbsp. maple syrup • ¼ tsp. cinnamon • ¼ c. heavy cream • 1 baking potato, • 2 medium onions, peeled and diced diced • 2 cans (14 ½ oz. each) chicken broth • 12 oz. fresh or frozen (thawed) cooked winter squash

1. Preheat oven to 350º. 2. Brush large baking sheet with ¼ c. melted butter. 3.

Arrange mushroom caps (bowl side up) in a single later on baking sheet. 4. In medium bowl, blend shrimp, crabmeat, artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs, garlic, 1 c. mozzarella cheese and remaining butter. 5. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps and bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. 6. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and serve hot.

1. In deep saucepan, sauté onion in oil* for three minutes. 2. Add cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and cook two minutes. 3. Add broth, potato and squash and bring to boil. 4. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are cooked.

Approximately15 minutes. 5. Cool and puree in small batches until smooth. 6. Return to pot to reheat. 7. Add syrup and cream just before serving. *Save time and calories by using onion powder instead then adding all spices at step 3.

Recipe | Salad

Cranberry Walnut Salad

INGREDIENTS • 4 c. mixed salad greens • 1½ c. dried cranberries • 1 c. chopped walnuts (pecans can be substituted) • 8 oz. crumbled cheese of choice (feta, bleu or goat) • Balsamic vinaigrette dressing 1. Put greens, cranberries, nuts and cheese in a large bowl. 2. Drizzle dressing on top of mixture and toss gently.

3. Serve.

Recipe | Entrée

Holiday Ham

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INGREDIENTS • ½ can root beer • 8 oz. can of pineapple slices • 1 small jar of maraschino cherries • ¼ tsp. nutmeg • 2 c. dark brown sugar • 1 tsp. liquid smoke (optional) • 10 lb. precooked spiral ham 1. Preheat oven to 375°. 2. In saucepan, pour root beer, juice from pineapple can, 3/4 juice from cherries, nutmeg and brown sugar. If you want it, add the liquid smoke here. 3. Bring to boil then let simmer, stirring constantly for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. 4. Place ham in foil-lined pan. 5. Using toothpicks, attach pineapple rings to exterior of ham with cherries attached in the center of every ring. 6. Pour heated mixture over ham and bake covered for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. 7. Uncover, baste and cook 30 minutes until edges are crisp.

Recipe | Dessert

Pumpkin Pie

INGREDIENTS • 2 c. cooked pumpkin (canned or fresh, see directions for cooking) • 2 nine-inch pie crusts (or 1 deep dish) • 1 ¼ c. cream • ½ tsp. ginger • ½ c. white sugar • ¼ tsp. nutmeg • ¼ c. brown sugar • 2 eggs • 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

Start here to use FRESH pumpkin 1. Cut pumpkins* in half and remove all seeds. 2. Bake open side down on cookie sheet at 325° for 1 hour or until soft. 3. Remove all “meat” from pumpkin rind.

Start here to use CANNED pumpkin 1. Using hand mixer, blender or food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh or canned pumpkin with all remaining ingredients except pie crust.

2. Pour mixture into two regular pie crusts or one deep dish. 3. Bake pie(s) on cookie sheet at 425° for 15 minutes. 4. Reduce heat to 350° and bake for 45 minutes. (Deep dish may take 5-10 minutes longer) 5. When time elapses, insert knife into center of pie. If it comes out clean, it’s done. *Look for a pumpkin a little smaller than a basketball. It will cook faster and yield enough for several pies. Any extra meat can be stored in airtight bags in the freezer.

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Recipe | Beverage

Open House Punch INGREDIENTS • 1/5 Southern Comfort (can be omitted for non-alcoholic option) • 6 oz. fresh lemon juice • 1 six-ounce can frozen orange juice • 1 six-ounce can frozen lemonade • 3 quarts Sprite • 2 oranges (cut into ¼” slices) • 2 lemons (cut into ¼” slices) • sherbet (optional) 1. Chill everything several hours in advance.

2. Mix liquid ingredients together in punch bowl, adding Sprite last.

3. Stir gently.

4. Add orange and lemon slices and then sherbet (if desired).

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DIY WRAPPING

IDEAS TO SOLVE EVERY UH - OH MOMENT

Help! I ran out of wrapping paper! No problem. Lots of things can double for it. Try newspaper, sheet music or even spare fabric (bonus: it’s green because it’s reusable) for beautifully unique packages.

Well, I have paper but it’s birthday-themed. So wrap it inside out, hand it to your child with a box of crayons or colored markers and let him or her get to work.Your recipient might like the wrapping even more than the gift!

Okay, except my kids aren’t home! Even if there isn’t a child in sight, you can still decorate that plain white package by covering it in spray adhesive and rolling it in confetti, glitter or even something as crazy as Fruit Loops.

I love it, but I don’t have a gift box. You have a pantry, don’t you? Cereal, crackers and other foods all come in boxes. Use one for a very unique package. If you’re feeling creative, cut it up and reverse it to create your own label-free box.

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CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED Batteries Not Included Looking for some non-electronic gift ideas for your kids? It’s easier than you think.All you need to do is identify a personality type.And remember that some kids can fall into more than one category.

FOR THE SCHOLAR Books, magazine subscriptions, science kit, microscope, telescope (iOptron® iExplore™ 50AZ Refractor Telescope,Target) FOR THE ATHLETE Favorite team jersey/cap, ball, bat, mitt, cleats, pads, helmet, weights, air pump FOR THE ARTIST Brushes, paints, charcoals, pastels, clay, sketch pad, model kit, easel (Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel, melissaanddoug.com) FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE Camping gear, binoculars, archery set, bike, scooter, skateboard, roller blades FOR THE MUSICIAN Small instrument, sheet music, instrument accessories (New Beginners Acoustic Guitar with Case, Strap,Tuner & Pick,Walmart) FOR THE BUDDING CHEF Cookbook, apron, utensils, pots, pans, measuring cups, “gourmet” ingredients FOR THE ENGINEER Screwdriver set, wrenches, hammer, level, measuring tape, building set (LEGO Creator Grand Emporium,Toys R Us) FOR THE FAMILY-ORIENTED Board games, movie passes, gift cards to an ice cream parlor, DVDs, popcorn tins JUST FOR THE BOYS Cool athletic shoes, designer clothing, wallet, cologne (Nike Free 5.0 running shoe, Nike.com) JUST FOR THE GIRLS Designer clothing, purse, hair tools, perfume, nail polish, cosmetics, jewelry (40 Well Make Up Kit, Claire’s)

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TIS THE SEASON

TO BE CRAFTY

Just as the Evergreen grows steady and strong so do your family members and the holiday traditions you share together. Create this handprint family tree every December to watch the changes and growth that take place in your home year after year.

HANDPRINT TREE Supplies • green construction paper • pencil • scissors • glue • markers • decorating accents (optional) 1. Trace each family member’s handprints four times on green construction paper.

2. Cut out the handprints.

3. Pointing the fingers downward to resemble needles, begin making the top of the tree by gluing four of the smallest handprints together side by side. (see photo) 4. Continue attaching handprints, from the smallest to the largest, to create the cone shape of an evergreen tree until all have been placed.

5. Decorate using markers, sequins, glitter, fabric or whatever other supplies you have to personalize your family tree.

The holiday season can seem like an eternity to your children. Help them keep track of the passing days by making this unique Countdown to Christmas calendar.

SANTA’S BEARD COUNTDOWN CALENDAR Supplies • red, white and tan/peach construction paper • pencil • scissors • glue • googly eyes • ruler 1. Create Santa’s hat and head by tracing and cutting out the pieces needed on construction paper. Assemble as shown.

2. Create Santa’s face by attaching googly eyes and red paper nose.

3. Create Santa’s beard by measuring twelve inches in length on white construction paper then, using the ruler, marking every half-inch from the top to the bottom.

4. Draw lines at each mark to create sections across the beard’s width. (There should be twenty-four sections total when you’re done.)

5. Number each section starting with one at the top and twenty-four at the bottom.

6. Glue Santa’s head and beard together.

7. Invite your children to cut off one section each day, starting at the bottom, so they’ll always know the answer to “How many days ‘til Santa???”

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Don’t Forget

TEAM SANTA!

Reindeer Food

The good news is that reindeer aren’t picky.They’ll eat just about anything you leave out for them. So it’s a great time to clean out your pantry … and refrigerator … and, well, maybe even craft closet. Plus anyone from age two to ninety-two can make reindeer food.You just need to think (and see, smell and taste) like a reindeer.

INGREDIENTS • BASE: You’ll need at least one grain like oats, breadcrumbs, cereal, wheat germ, etc.

• SHINE: Include something bright to help them see it like red sprinkles, glitter*, etc.

• SCENT: Cinnamon is best but ginger, nutmeg or allspice works, too.

• CHUNK: Throw in a few bigger things like nuts, raisins or marshmallows.

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or a large plastic bag. Once blended, sprinkle outside in nine little piles … one for each reindeer, including Rudolph. *Don’t worry. The reindeer know not to eat the glitter. No one knows how.They’re obviously just very smart animals.

Treats for SANTA

RUDOLPH COOKIES Santa will love these special cookies when he stops by your house on Christmas Eve.They’re also great for class parties, play dates or just when you’re craving a little sweet snack during the holidays.

INGREDIENTS • refrigerated sugar cookie dough • pretzels • chocolate chips • Red Hots (or another round, red candy) 1. Preheat oven according to sugar cookie directions.

2. Slice sugar cookie roll into ¼ inch discs.

3. Place on greased cookie sheet.

Be sure they are well separated.

4. Using two pretzels per cookie, create antlers.

5. Using chocolate chips and Red Hots, create eyes and nose.

6. Bake according to sugar cookie directions.

TIPeaSte all of Santa’s reindeer, To cr r noses. Only e us black candies fo se!

Rudolph gets a red no r, use ee ind re To create baby s. ist tw l miniature pretze

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DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!

Y

ou can’t go shopping … or to a party … or to see Santa EVERY day in December, right? So get a fire going, pour yourself some eggnog, and belly up to your old friend, TV. Christmas just isn’t Christmas if you don’t take in these classic holiday specials at least once a year.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). Created from wood, wire and fabric, the original puppets used for the show were only 4 to 8 inches tall.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). At the time of production, Kathy Steinberg (“Sally”) had not yet learned to read so her lines had to be fed to her one word at a time.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966). Dr. Seuss himself wrote the lyrics to all the songs.

Frosty the Snowman (1969). It was Jimmy Durante’s final film.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970). When shown today, censors often cut the scene when the tyrannical leader burns all the children’s toys because it’s been deemed “too traumatizing.”

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974). In 2004, the swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy released a cover of the infamous Heat Miser/Snow Miser anthem.

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY

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Countdown to

CHRISTMAS 1

2

3

4

5

Get a Christmas tree.

Hang a wreath on your front door.

Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, mulled cider or eggnog.

Send someone a holiday card.

Stop and talk to an elderly person.

Saturday

6

Sunday

7

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Create a homemade ornament for a friend.

Sing a Christmas carol.

Burn a seasonal candle in your home.

Shop with a friend.

Have someone over for dinner.

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Take in some nearby Christmas lights.

Call an old friend to catch up.

Talk to an excited child about Santa Claus.

Build a gingerbread house.

Listen to holiday music in your car.

Saturday

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Clean out your closet; then donate to a local shelter.

Bake with a loved one.

Overtip your waiter.

Wear something red. Or green.

Or both!

Pay the toll for the car behind you.

Sunday

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Wrap presents.

Give a little gift to your mailman.

Watch It’s a Wonderful Life.

24 Take a quiet moment to appreciate what you have.

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Shopping List

 Spouse ___________________________________________________________________

 Children __________________________________________________________________

 Mother ___________________________________________________________________

 Father ____________________________________________________________________

 Sisters ____________________________________________________________________

 Brothers __________________________________________________________________

 In-Laws ___________________________________________________________________

 Grandmothers ______________________________________________________________  Grandfathers ______________________________________________________________  Aunts ____________________________________________________________________

 Uncles ____________________________________________________________________

 Cousins ___________________________________________________________________

 Nieces ____________________________________________________________________

 Nephews __________________________________________________________________

 Friends ___________________________________________________________________

 Neighbors _________________________________________________________________

 Bosses ____________________________________________________________________

 Co-Workers _______________________________________________________________

 Teachers __________________________________________________________________  School Staff (cafeteria, bus, etc.) ______________________________________________  Household Helpers (housekeeper, babysitter, etc.) _________________________________  Service Workers (mailmen, garbage collectors, etc.) _______________________________

 Clergy ____________________________________________________________________

 Pets ______________________________________________________________________

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