Hometown Moments & Memories 2018

Hometown A Country

Hometown Moments & Memories

CHRISTMAS

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Hometown

Hometown Moments & Memories

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A COUNTRY

CHRISTMAS

Hometown

Hometown Moments & Memories

A Country

CHRISTMAS

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Contents

Hometown Moments & Memories

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7. COUNTRY PEAR TART

6. A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

10. GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM 12. GIFT IDEAS FOR HER 14. GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS 16. GIFT EXPERIENCES 18. CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST 20. SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS 22. HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS 24. SONGS THAT SIGNAL THE HOLIDAY SEASON 25. 3 GIFT WRAPPING TIPS AND TRICKS 26. BOTTOMS UP! THREE KINDS OF BEVERAGES FOR THREE KINDS OF PARTIES 27. COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 28. HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST

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COUNTRY TABLE

CENTERPIECE ON A BUDGET

Hometown STAFF Executive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Fox Jumpstart Publishing, LLC Managing Editor Suzanne Polk Fox

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Editor Chad Ruiz Art Director Dianne Waller Production Claire Thomas Design Tra Pham

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A Country

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CHRISTMAS

he celebration of Christmas seems to get more frenetic every year and start earlier as well.

Yuletide decor jostles for space with Halloween pumpkins and Thanksgiving cornucopia placemats, with turkey day celebrations grievously shortened by shoppers gulping down their dinner and dashing out the door to Black Friday sales that now start on Thursday evening. It's time to take back the holidays. It's time for a country Christmas.

There are no specific rules for a relaxed holiday celebration in the country. Just an expectation of joy, love, sharing, and fun.

Decorations can be store bought or homemade, as long as they are stress-free.Wreaths made from tree branches, bright berries found in bordering woods, even flowers growing in the yard if you live in an unusually warm climate.

If you enjoy knitting, homemade stockings, personalized for family and guests, look lovely adorning

the walls. Artwork by the resident children celebrating the season adds a whimsical touch. Holiday cards on the fireplace mantle may not be original but always add cheer. And, of course, a tree -- a green one.Whether it is real or artificial, it should look like a tree and not some strange blue-andwhite, gold or pink mutation.

The tree will be a focal point, so make decorations personal and meaningful.The best ornaments for a country Christmas tree are those that are sentimental, symbolic or edible.

Ornaments that were made by or received from loved ones, which reflect the interests or talents of family members or that can be carefully removed and enjoyed as a snack. Add some lights and colored bulbs for brightness, and you've got an excellent tree for gathering around on Christmas morning and gazing contentedly at all season.

Christmas cooking does not have to be a non-stop marathon of trendy dishes composed of obscure, expensive ingredients.

The be st orna me nts for a co untr y Ch ristm as tr ee ar e th os e th at ar e se nt imen ta l, sy mb oli c or ed ib le.

The best meals are those made with love in a serene environment. Serve a special dinner, one you are comfortable making so that when you sit down with your guests, you can relax and enjoy their company.

Good country main dish choices are glazed ham, beef tenderloin or a roast goose. Favorite sides are mashed potatoes, salads, roasted vegetables and any homemade rolls and desserts.

A few different kinds of pie are always appreciated. Ultimately, a country Christmas is about family, friends, and love.

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Country PEAR TART INGREDIENTS  2 large ripe but firm pears  1 teaspoon plus 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided, plus additional for dusting  2 tablespoons sugar, divided  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon  Organics Organic Ground Cinnamon 1.5  1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg  1/8 teaspoon salt  1/8 cup whole-wheat pastry flour  1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter  2 tablespoons walnut oil, or canola oil  1-2 tablespoons cold water DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and slice thin one pear.

Peel the second pear - leaving

stem in tact. Toss pear slices and whole pear in 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle oil over the mixture and stir with a fork until evenly combined. Add 1 tablespoon water and stir until the dough just stays together when pressed with a fork; add up to 1 additional tablespoon of water if the dough seems too dry. Line a work surface with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, generously dust with flour and turn the

dough out onto it. Form the dough into a small patty, dust the top with flour and roll into a rustic 10-inch circle, adding more flour if necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer the crust to a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat in place. Lay the pear slices in decorative, overlapping circles on top of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Spoon any remaining pear juice over the slices. Pick up the edges of the crust using a spatula and fold over the pears.

The crust will not meet in the center. Place the whole pear in the center. Bake the tart until lightly browned and bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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C O U N T R Y TA B L E

CENTERPIECE ON A BUDGET

An easy rustic centerpiece project that starts at the dollar store.You should be able to make it for under $10.00. All of the items were purchased at the dollar store except the wood slab and the paint, which can be obtained from a craft or home store. When you are shopping for the items, keep in mind that you can change anything with a likeitem to customize it to fit your taste. For example, you may not find the floral picks of cranberries, but you may find a garland with cranberries and pinecones.You can substitute this item easily.

There are also different kinds of moss, so don’t stress, just use the one that works best for you.

SUPPLIES  F our small clay pots  W hite, brown, silver, gold and paint  S ponge  F our candles from the dollar store  O ne bag of pebbles from the dollar store  O ne bag of moss from the dollar store  F our ornaments - you can either make these or buy them at the dollar store.  A slab of decorative wood from a craft or hobby store - or a one by six from your local home store.

 O ne sprig of small pinecones from the floral section at the dollar store.  One sprig of cranberries from the floral section of the dollar store.

THE PROJECT IS EASY TO ASSEMBLE.  F irst, paint the clay pots. Sponge on the white.

Follow with small specks of brown, silver and gold, and wipe with clean sponge until you get the desired antique, weathered look.  P lace pebbles in the bottom of the pot.  P lace the candle on top and stuff the moss around the candle.  P ut a dab of hot glue on the sprigs of cranberries and pinecones and poke them down into the moss.  H ang an ornament from each from one of the cranberry or pinecone sprigs and secure with hot glue.  T he ribbon around the candles is an optional add-on and allows you to expand your creativity.  P lace the finished candle pots on your wood base.

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Gifts

for HIM

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE BEST IDEAS FOR YOUR SPECIAL GUY. IF THEY DON’T HAVE IT, I’LL BET THEY CAN GET IT FOR YOU.

Temperature control ceramic mug by Ember.

Family game night is on! For the guy who looks for the nostalgic side of things, this Portable Backgammon set by MoMA design will be a hit.

Do you still have albums that you would love to play? Get the music lover a sleek turntable that is as stylish as it is functional.

How about a book of the month club at your local bookstore?

If they can’t set it up for you, simply buy 12 books that he would like and give him one a month!

Remember, it isn’t about the money. Make sure this holiday is memorable with a gift that seems like it was made especially for him.

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Gifts

for HER If jewelry is what she wants, but your budget Is tight, check with your local boutique for Kendra Scott jewelry. Stylish and popular, the necklaces come in all colors, making It easy to choose the perfect gift.

Never have trouble finding your keys again! The handy, rechargeable handbag illuminator will assist in finding whatever lurks in the bottom of even the largest tote.

From cookie jars to coffee mugs, everything personalized is the going thing.

Hands and toes, treat her to a spa day before the holidays to get special holiday decorations on her nails.

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RUSTIC CANDY LAND Your kids are going to love playing the game you grew up playing.

Gifts for KIDS

Kids love to play! Keep them entertained with toys that encourage communication, art and physical play. Leave the technology at school and introduce them to toys you used to play with.

CRAYOLA COLOR WONDER MAGIC LIGHT BRUSH Encourage creativity with this award-winning, mess-free painting set.

TRICKY TRUNKS GAME Where can you find a hilarious game that is educational without using electronics? The Tricky Trunks game is just that, it's tricky, it's fun and it's educational! Family game night will be a blast!

JETSON JUPITER SCOOTER Get your kids outside with a futuristic, fold up scooter that has more than 100 LED lights!

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DATE 16 NIGHT VOUCHER Take the dinner and a movie night to the next level and schedule dinner and a massage or a second honeymoon at a bed and breakfast.

Gift Experiences

GUIDED CITY TOURS Book a ghost tour or a historical behindthe-scenes tour at your local museum.

SCENIC CRUISES Take a weekend cruise or charter a houseboat on a lake. If you own a boat, plan a port-hopping weekend.

GIFT-GIVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS ALWAYS EXCITING, BUT GIFT EXPERIENCES HAVE BECOME EVEN MORE POPULAR. INSTEAD OF A MATERIAL ITEM,YOU CAN MAKE MEMORIES MEAN TWICE AS MUCH WITH AN EXPERIENCE YOU CAN ENJOY TOGETHER OR AS A FAMILY. FIND ROMANTIC, RELAXING OR RARIN'-TO-GO GIFTS THAT CREATE UNFORGETTABLE TALES FOR EVERYONE!

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BREAKFAST A SPECIAL BREAKFAST ON CHRISTMAS MORNING IS SURE TO CREATE MEMORIES YOU WILL NEVER FORGET! LET THE KIDS HELP WITH THE ASSEMBLY OF THESE EASY SANTA AND RUDOLPH PANCAKES! What You Will Need:  Pancake Mix - prepared  Canned Whipped Cream  Strawberries - halved  Bananas - sliced  Blueberries

FOR RUDOLPH The easiest way to draw your pancake batter into the pan is to place it in a zip lock bag, twist the excess bag and hold the bag upside down to snip the corner. Carefully, turn the bag over and draw the antlers into the hot pan. Make a round pancake overlapping the antlers. When the batter starts to bubble flip the pancakes.

Have the kids top the cooked pancake with bananas and blueberries for the eyes and a strawberry for Rudolph's red nose.

FOR SANTA Make round pancakes for Santa's face.

Once cooled, have the kids make the beard with whipped cream. Use blueberries for eyes and the strawberry halves make the red hat. Don't forget the whipped cream pom-pom at the end of the hat!

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MAKING

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS SALT DOUGH CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS ARE THE STUFF OF WHICH CHRISTMAS MEMORIES ARE MADE BECAUSE THEY LET KIDS EXERCISE THEIR CREATIVITY. NOT ONLY DO THEY GET TO PLAY WITH DOUGH, BUT THEY CAN MOLD NEW SHAPES AND PAINT THE DRIED DOUGH ANY WAY THEY LIKE. BEST OF ALL, YOU CAN FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE THESE ORNAMENTS RIGHT AT HOME.

BASIC SALT DOUGH RECIPE • 1 cup salt • 2 cups flour • 1 cup water • 1 paper drinking straw Sift the salt and flour together in a large bowl. Add in half the water and mix. Add the rest of the water slowly, a little at a time.

Knead the dough like you would for making bread until the dough becomes nice and smooth. Let the kids get their hands dirty, but remind them that this dough isn't the same as cookie dough, it won't harm them but it won't taste good either.You will want to knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, and it can take as long as 10 to get the right consistency.

Making The Ornaments Sprinkle a little flour on your table and roll out the dough to 1/4 thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes. Using the drinking straw, put a small hole in the top of the Christmas ornament for hanging.You can use a toothpick or pencil to draw lines into your ornament. Now, pop them into a 325-degree oven for 30 minutes. Turn off oven and let them sit for an additional 30 minuets.You can also let them airdry for several days if you prefer.

Ideas For Decorating Once your salt dough Christmas ornament is dry, you can decorate it.You can paint it, color it with permanent markers, or use craft glue to add sequins or ribbons.

If you want to preserve your Christmas ornament, spray it with a clear sealer. Do this after painting and before gluing on any extra decorations.

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Holiday LEFTOVERS STUFFED WAFFLE TURKEY SANDWICH WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT HOLIDAY FOOD, THE THOUGHT OF LEFTOVERS IS NOT FAR BEHIND

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here are lots of creative things you can do with turkey and most of them involve leftover cranberry spread and of course, bread. Here's a different take on the leftover turkey sandwich by replacing the hum-drum regular bread with bread made from leftover stuffing. It doesn't matter the season, this meal is good whenever you are fortunate to have leftovers.

INGREDIENTS  Leftover bread stuffing  Leftover turkey- sllced  Leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole  Leftover cranberry spread  Shredded cheese DIRECTIONS M ake a waffle using leftover bread stuffing H eat mashed potatoes and turkey. C ut the waffle in half to make a top bun and bottom bun.  S pread the hot mashed potatoes on the waffle and sprinkle with cheese. P lace the turkey on top.  S pread cranberry spread on top bun.  S erve with leftover slaw or vegetables.

We like the variation of using swee t potato casserole instead of mashed potatoes and cheese.

This is one leftover meal you will love!

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Songs

THAT SIGNAL THE HOLIDAY SEASON Michele Robert Poché WE’VE ALL SAID IT. “IT’S JUST NOT CHRISTMAS UNTIL I HEAR (NAME OF SONG).”

EVERYBODY HAS ONE, BUT THAT “ONE” IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY. SO CRANK UP THE SATELLITE RADIO, POP IN A CD OR FIRE UP THE OLD PHONOGRAPH. WE’RE SHARING A FEW OF OUR OWN FAVORITES TO HELP YOU DIAL UP YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT. White Christmas – Bing Crosby (1942) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry (1949) Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt (1953) Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley (1957) The Chipmunk Song – Alvin & the Chipmunks (1958) The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole (1961) It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams (1963) Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Guaraldi (1965) Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (1975) Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby (1977) Wonderful Christmas Time – Paul McCartney (1979) Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid (1984) Last Christmas – Wham! (1984) All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey (1994)

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WRAPPING TIPS & TRICKS NOTHING SAYS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS BETTER THAN GIFTS WRAPPED IN HOMEMADE PAPER

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Think budget. Brown kraft paper is cheap, sold by the roll at the post office or office supply store. Any place packaging is sold.

White packing paper (used for moving) can be found at bulk shopping centers and office supply stores. Both are available in bulk rolls.

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A little paint goes a long way. Paint your own holiday scene on your paper. There’s nothing more country than hand-painted paper. Keep it simple and stick to one color - or one theme, you will be pleased with the artistic appeal under the tree instead of a hodgepodge of different ideas.

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Top it off. Take a stroll outside and snip your holly bushes to adorn your packages. Tie the greenery onto the package with twine. Don’t forget the pinecones. Paint the tips white and sprinkle with clear glitter for a nice frosting look.

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BOTTOMS UP! THREE KINDS OF BEVERAGES FOR THREE KINDS OF PARTIES

Tis the season to raise a glass to family, friends and future. But with so many parties, social gatherings and other festive occasions, how can you possibly be ready for all of them?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Holiday Tea

(12 servings) INGREDIENTS: • 12 c. water • 12 whole allspice • 3 cinnamon sticks • 2 tsp. whole cloves • 1 2 tea bags (unflavored or complementary, e.g., orange or cinnamon) • 1 c. sugar • 1 c. cranberry juice • ½ c. orange juice • ¼ c. lemon juice • 12 orange slices DIRECTIONS:  Pour water, allspice, cinnamon and cloves into pot and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat, add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.  Use strainer to remove all contents from water.  Add juices and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Serve hot, garnished with orange slice.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS: • 6 half-ounce pieces of your favorite chocolate • 2 tsp. of your favorite hot cocoa mix • 1 ½ tbsp. sugar • 1 ½ cups milk • 3 cups ice •w hipped cream • c hocolate shavings DIRECTIONS:  Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in double boiler.  Add cocoa mix and sugar, stirring constantly until blended. Remove from heat.  Slowly add ½ c. milk, stir until smooth, then cool to room temperature.  Pour chocolate mixture, remaining milk and ice into blender and blend on high until smooth.  Serve in large glass, and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Champagne Punch

(20 servings) INGREDIENTS: • 1 12-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed • 1 12-oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed • 1 12-oz. can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed • 1 2-liter bottle ginger ale, chilled • 1 2-liter bottle champagne, chilled * DIRECTIONS:  Mix juice concentrates in large punch bowl.  Add ginger ale and champagne.

Stir gently.  Chill with frozen plastic ice cubes. (Regular ice waters it down.)  Garnish with floating orange, lemon and lime slices. * For non-alcoholic beverages, omit champagne and double ginger ale.

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COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Saturday

Sunday

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Take Vintage Photos For Christmas Cards

Make Hand Stamped Christmas Cards

Make Your Own Christmas Potpourri

Make Your Own Hand Stamped Wrapping Paper

Make Christmas Confections

Make Your Salt Dough Ornaments

Mail Your Christmas Cards

Saturday

Sunday

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Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Bring Flowers to Your Church

Take Gifts To Teachers

Make Your Christmas Centerpiece

Write Letters To Santa

Hang Some Christmas Lights

Go Christmas Caroling

Saturday

Sunday

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Visit Santa and Take a Picture

Host an Ice Cream Social at a Nursing Home

Decorate a Gingerbread House

Watch a Christmas Movie

Make Christmas Candy

Do Your Make Ahead and Freeze Prep for Christmas Dinner

Host A Christmas Get Together

Saturday

Sunday

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Do Final Touches to Decorations

Have Friends Over to Bake Cookies

Monday

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HOLIDAY Shopping List  Spouse ______________________ ______________________  Children ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

 Mother ______________________ ______________________  Father ______________________ ______________________  Sisters ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Brothers ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  In-Laws ______________________ ______________________  Grandmothers ______________________ ______________________  Grandfathers ______________________ ______________________

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 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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