Peek Into Christmas 2018

PEEK INTO

Christmas

2018

A supplement of the Pontotoc Progress

2 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

|3

Contents

Table Of

6 Town Of The Town At Christmastime 14 Christmas Memories Linger 22 All Dressed Up For Santa Claus 28 Setting The Perfect Buffett 30 Fruitcake Brings Back Memories Of Home 40 My Favorite Christmas Gift 46 Christmas Crafts 51 Decorate Like Yesteryear 58 Giving Back At Christmas

22

Advertisers

7South...............................................19 Aleigh’s Envy........................................20 AlleyMed..............................................57 Antiques in Pontotoc...........................43 Bank of Pontotoc.................................48 Beth Walker - Crye-Leike......................43 Beneficial Exchange............................49 Boyles Tire & Auto Care....................19 Christian Connections........................57 Circle of Friends...................................8 City Mercantile.......................................2 Crossroads Rehabilitaion....................19 Delta Daisy...........................................60 Distinctive Design.................................8 Endville Storage...................................19 First Choice Bank...............Back Cover Friendship Medical Clinic..................56 Friendship Pharmacy..........................56 Friendship Travel Center....................56 Hamilton Mortgage.............................21 Happy Day Cafe...................................20 4 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Hometown Pizza..................................12 Hwy 15 Grill.........................................24 Image Awards & Gifts.........................60 Jim’s Lily Pad.........................................9 Market Basket.....................................13 Melinda Nowicki..................................62 Merle Norman.....................................49 Michael Jolly - Shelter Insurance......42 MississippiCare..............................55 Montgomery Drugs............................12 Moore’s................................................39 Mossy Oak Properties........................42 Needleart Fabrics & More...................9 One Smile Dental.................................62 Outlaw Steakhouse..............................50 Patty Turk Properties..........................20 Peoples Finance...................................42 Pontotoc Home Center........................10 Pontotoc Loans....................................57 Pontotoc Progress...............................60 Pure Bliss.............................................24

Physical Therapy..................................60 Regional Home Center...........................9 Renasant Bank.....................................4 Ricky Ferguson....................................50 Rogers Furniture..................................27 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic..........20 Spuds....................................................18 Sydnei’s Grill........................................49 The Carousel..........................................9 The Gift Shop.......................................21 The Rack..............................................25 The Red Door.......................................26 Trend To Pretend................................43 True Blue.............................................48 True Valuables.....................................50 Van McWhirter....................................24 Wade.....................................................21 Washington Holcomb..........................25 Wood & Cloth.......................................10 Wood Eye Clinic..................................48 Young’s Tire...........................................3

Our magazine has gotten bigger and better Last year we debuted Peek into Christmas magazine style.

It was well received and this year more merchants are taking advantage of the slick format to show all they have to offer you this Christmas season. But much more than that, there is some good content that is sure to please your pallette and give you things to do on a rainy afternoon.

This is something that we want you to lay on your coffee table or beside your bed so that you can refer to it throughout the Christmas season. Look and see what the store owners in Pontotoc have to offer. Refer to it if you wonder about a community wide event that will take place.

Please enjoy it and with it we wish you a very Merry Peek into Pontotoc’s Christmas!

The Staff of the Pontotoc Progress

On The Cover Santa will soon be ready to fill those stockings full of fun things and fruit and nuts on Christmas Eve. Before his big night of flight he stopped by Pontotoc to help the stores get their things ready for all things Christmas.

PONTOTOC PROGRESS STAFF General Manager Lisa Bryant Managing Editor David Helms Staff Reporter Regina Butler Sports Editor Jonathan Wise Advertising & Editorial Design Chelsea Williams Advertising Consultant Angie Quarles Office Manager Joyce Jolly

Pontotoc Progress 13 Jefferson Street P.O. Box 210 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Phone: (662) 489-3511 Fax: (662) 489-1369 www.djournal.com/pontotoc

Peek Into Christmas 2018

|5

Tour of the Town

at Christmastime

6 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

N

othing says it’s Christmas in the city like lights gleaming and ornaments shining from every nook and cranny of windows of the stores. Take a pictorial tour of the town all decked out while singing this popular Christmas song written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, Dressed in holiday style, In the air there is a feeling, of Christmas Children laughing, People passing Meeting smile after smile, And on every street corner you’ll hear: Silver bells, silver bells It’s Christmas time in the city ring- a- ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day.

Hear the snow crunch, See the kids bunch, This is Santa’s big scene, And above all this bustle You’ll hear Silver bells, silver bells, silver bells, silver bells It’s Christmas time in the city, Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, Soon it will be Christmas day.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

|7

8 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

|9

10 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Christmas on Marion Street

Pontotoc is getting set to offer you the perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas atmosphere on Thursday, December 6, beginning at 6 p.m. with the debut of Christmas on Marion Street.

A snow machine will deliver the atmosphere of fresh fallen snow like you see on a Christmas movie set with cotton like fake snow blown to the street from the roof of one of the stores. Santa will arrive in a sleigh for the kiddies, plus there will be carriage rides for your evening pleasure.

Carriage rides will cost $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 and under.

“We will block off the street and have the fluffy snow everywhere so the kids can get their picture with Santa in

the sleigh in the snow,” said Starr Brown, owner of City Mercantile who is helping to organize the event.

“We wanted to provide something extra special to kick off the Thursday night shopping in downtown Pontotoc.

That particular night several of the stores are going to be open until 9 p.m.,” she noted.

And what would a special Christmas atmosphere be without light refreshments and hot chocolate. “We will have these as well.”

“Also in the works, if we can get them, we are going to have someone selling fresh Christmas trees that night.”

So dress in your Christmas best and get ready to spend a night on the town in the snow with Santa on Marion Street.

Ecru Breakfast with Santa Santa is making a special visit to Ecru to have breakfast with children and their parents at the Ecru Community House on Saturday, December 15.

The small train from the Pontotoc Main Street Association will be providing rides to children who bring a donation item to the breakfast from 8 to 10 the morning. Cost for breakfast is $5 for pancakes, sausage, and a drink. All donated non-perishable goods will be taken to the North Pontotoc School for the children receiving free lunches.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 11

12 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 13

Christmas Memories Linger Far Into

Adulthood

14 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

O

f all the memories that adults remember most for some reason those made at Christmas seem to be indelibly stamped on their hearts. Just say the word Santa Clause and the eyes of even the oldest person light up and get a far way look in them.

It is to them that we turn for the traditions that provide the continuity of life that keep those Christmas memories alive and well for generations to come.

Charlene Tallant smiled when she was asked what her favorite tradition was. “Seeing grapes on the door and bananas and one

O

ne of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.

Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus.

Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings.

Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.

Christmas itself is really about a big present that God gave the world about 2000 years ago - Jesus! One of the most famous Bible verses, John 3:16, says: ‘God loved the world so much, that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life.’.

All over the world, families and friends give presents to each other. Most children around the world believe in a Christmas gift bringer. It’s often St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but in parts of Germany they believe that it is the Christkind, in Spain they believe it is the Wise Men and in parts of Italy they believe it is an old lady called Befana.

Presents are opened on different days over the world as well. The earliest presents are opened is on St. Nicholas’ Eve on

small present under the tree,” she said.

“You have to understand,” she explained, “that we didn’t get fruit all the time and having fresh fruit was a special thing, especially grapes. The grapes were strung in a long string on the door so we could pick them and eat them.”

“We always cut our own Christmas tree and decorated it with popcorn strings.”

Tallant said she remembered one Christmas especially, “I got a little green purse.

I’m sure it is somewhere in my house right now.”

“We always got together and ate break-

fast on Christmas morning. And then whoever was there would all load up and go visit my dad, Antha Dolphus (A.D.) Stokes at the Indian Reservation in Philadelphia.

He was a Choctaw.”

Perhaps you have similar memories of Christmas night and cherish the traditions that your parents have passed on to you.

Such as Chelsea Williams, she said she and her mama make Christmas candy together every year.

Here are some traditions and why we celebrate them taken from whychristmas. com.

Opening Presents

December 5th when children in Holland of ten receive their presents. On St. Nicholas’ Day (6th December) children in Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and some other European countries open some of their presents.

Children in the UK, USA and many

other countries, such as Japan, open their presents on Christmas Day, December 25th. The latest presents are opened on January 6th (a month after the earliest).

This is known as Epiphany and is mainly celebrated in Catholic countries such Spain and Mexico.

Idea for you

Before you open your presents this Christmas, why not start the tradition of reading the accounts of the birth of Jesus before all the ripping and tearing begins. It will give the children a perspective of why Christmas is really here.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 15

T

he custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a senior civil servant (Government worker) who had helped set-up the new ‘Public Record Office’ (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper, and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.

Sir Henry had the idea of Christmas Cards with his friend John Horsley, who was an artist. They designed the first card and sold them for 1 shilling each. (That is only 8 cents today, but in those days it was worth much much more.) The card had three panels. The outer two panels showed

Sending Cards people caring for the poor and in the center panel was a family having a large Christmas dinner.

Christmas Cards appeared in the United States of America in the late 1840s, but were very expensive and most people couldn’t afford them. It 1875, Louis Prang, a printer who was originally from German but who had also worked on early cards in the UK, started mass producing cards so more people could afford to buy them. Mr Prang’s first cards featured flowers, plants, and children. In 1915, John C. Hall and two of his brothers created Hallmark Cards, who are still one of the biggest card makers today.

Idea for you

The first known ‘personalized’ Christmas Card was sent in 1891 by Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter and star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. She was in Glasgow, Scotland at Christmas 1891 and sent cards back to her friends and family in the USA featuring a photo of her on it. As she was in Scotland, she’s wearing tartan in the photo!

Annie reportedly designed the cards herself and they were printed by a local printer.

In the 1910s and 1920s, home made cards became popular. They were often unusual shapes and had things such as foil and ribbon on them. These were usually too delicate to send through the post and were given by hand.

Why not have your children make cards to give to family members. The simple art of children makes for a charming look to any Christmas Card holder. You might also have them string yarn through close pins to hang your Christmas cards on.

16 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

J

Start your own tradition with a Jesse Tree

esse Trees are a very old Christmas Tradition and first started in medieval times. They are used to help tell the story of the Bible from creation to the Christmas Story.

The name comes from Jesse who was the Father of the great Jewish King David. One prophecy in the Bible, in the book of Isaiah, says: 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears

with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

Isaiah 11:1-4 (NIV) A branch is a sign of new life and new beginnings. Jesus was a descendent of King David and Christians believe that Jesus is this new branch.

The first Jesse trees were large carvings, tapestries or even stained glass windows put in Churches that helped illiterate people (people who can’t read or write) to learn about the Bible from creation to the Christmas Story. But now Jesse Trees are used as a kind of Advent Calendar. You can use a normal Christmas tree or a banner in the shape of a tree. You read the story from the Bible

and put a new ornament on the tree. Your children can make the ornaments for it to be more special.

Not all Jesse trees are alike, you can choose your own stories, or you can find a book that has them in it. One book called The Advent Jesse Tree, devotions for children and adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas is especially good.

It was published in Mississippi. The devotions have song suggestions and scriptures to accompany each story. You can go online and order it. It has black and white pictures that you have permission to make copies of and let your children color them. This way they are involved in the process of the ornament making.

Go to whychristmas.com for ideas if you don’t purchase the book.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 17

18 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 19

20 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 21

Mary Collins Jefcoat and her mama Anna Claire Jefcoat show off the matching mom and me 12 Days of Christmas pajamas from The Beaufort Bonnet Company at the Carousel.

22 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

All dressed up for

Santa Claus

By: Regina Butler, Pontotoc Progress

H

ow many of us have sweet memories of getting new pajamas or gowns so we can get in front of the Christmas tree and have our picture made in our finery just before Santa

comes?

Well today it is no different. Emmie Chavers at the Carousel in Pontotoc said matching pajama and gown sets for children are still popular.

“Getting pajamas or a gown are a tradition for you to dress up in and get in front of the tree. It is fun to match.”

Chavers said that there are matching gowns for moms and daughters and “matching pajamas for moms and sons. Gowns are really popular this year. And knit fabric is also popular, everyone loves the knits.”

While vintage style clothes are making a comeback, some are being made with non traditional colors. “We are seeing a lot of pinks and blues versus the traditional red and green.”

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 23

24 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 25

26 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 27

Setting The

Perfect Buffet

28 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

T

he family is gathering in, the smell of turkey and dressing is in the air, and grandma’s chocolate pie is waiting on the first one to sample it.

Christmas is about aunts and uncles and cousins all piling into somebody’s house and there being just enough room on the table for the food, because the Christmas tree takes up room too, so everyone has to scatter out and get with their favorite cousin and eat and talk.

The buffet table is one that should be set so that folks can move around and enjoy it.

But there are some precautions you should follow in setting out that table.

Summer Bramlett, who with her husband Ryan, at Sydnei’s Grill spreads many a buffet for the public, had some seasoned advice for setting the perfect buffet and she started with some menu ideas for those of you who are first at setting a buffet.

“Being from the South Christmas Dinner always included chicken and dressing,” said Summer. “Classic southern chicken and dressing is made from cornbread, and if your family is like mine we start making cornbread days in advance. You can’t have dressing without giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. Some of the other staples are Roasted Turkey, green bean casserole, cream potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and rolls,” she said.

“But you can’t forget desserts. The staple is pecan pie, but there is always an assortment of cakes and pies to choose from.”

The important thing about setting your buffet is being mindful of the temperature of your food, particularly poultry when you are setting it out.

“Cooked food should only be left at room temperature for 2 hours,” she pointed out.

“Food left out any longer will start to grow bacteria.”

However, Summer did say that you have a grace period if you put your food in a warmer. “You can leave cooked food in a warming pan or chafing dish for up to 4 hours.”

She encouraged folks to provide a plate that is strong and has plenty of room. “In my experience at family functions we use platters as plates, ha, so we can taste a little bit of everything,” she said.

“So when setting up your buffet always put the main dishes first and then sides. Our family always had a separate dessert table.”

Other tips to help with the perfect buffet table include: Position the table away from the main eating area This ensures people will move around and mingle, two keys to a great party. It also helps to control the crowd that usually congregates around food and drink.

Start the buffet with plates and end it with cutlery and napkins This leaves hands free to hold plates without worries about dropping things! Offer utensils in jars, saving valuable table space, keeping things neat and making them easier to grab. I like to roll everything up -- cutlery and napkins -- into one easy package to pick up.

Think of how the food will be eaten In the case of Christmas, that would mean arranging the gravy and the cranberry sauce after the turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Intersperse old faithfuls amongst new dishes People tend to congregate around the most popular dishes. Spreading them out means there won’t be a mob at one end of the table. Plus people will be more likely to try new things.

Leave the middle of the table for a pretty centerpiece It’s attractive and festive plus it keeps the platters of food towards the outsides of the table where they’re easier to reach and cuts down on people reaching over one thing to get at something else. The less chance there is of dropping the potato salad into the meatloaf and the longer your buffet table is it will look appetizing.

Put a drinks station in a separate area it’s neater as well as being another way to keep your guests moving • For potlucks, it’s nice to label or have your family put their name on the food they brought People love to hear accolades for what they contributed. This lets you know who made those fabulous cookies. Give them a compliment and maybe they’ll share the recipe!

Stacks can be visually appealing Especially for small items like cookies and small muffins; use tiered cake plates to put these items in easy reach.

Present food in easy to grab portions or with serving utensils that can be maneuvered with one hand A ladle with a pour spout for the gravy or an easy to use gravy boat, a long shallow spoon to dig mashed potatoes out of a bowl, tongs to grab a serving of salad, bread and pies cut into slices. If people have to use two hands or cut a slice for themselves, this slows down the line. Plus it keeps the table looking nicer longer.

Peek Peek Into Into Christmas Christmas 2018 2018 | 29 | 29

Fruitcake brings back

Memories of Home

N

By: Regina Butler, Pontotoc Progress

othing says it’s Christmas like fruitcake. Some people prefer the old fashioned fruit cake but most people don’t have the time to make the kind that you have to ferment and feed and let sit for six months.

I remember eating fruitcake on my sisters little dishes after Christmas. She got a little plastic corning ware set and it included a coffee pot. Daddy allowed us to fill her little pot with half coffee and half milk and we ate fruit cake and drank our creamed coffee, feeling quite grown up at ages eight and four.

Robbie Laprade has a recipe from of an unbaked fruitcake that her family asks for by name.

“I got it from my mama,” she said of the recipe. “I make it just about every Christmas, and my son Greg takes half of it to work to share. I don’t think I made it last year because it is so sweet and I have to cut down on my sweets.”

Most unbaked fruitcakes call for graham crackers, but this one is made with vanilla wafers. Fruit like it calls for is available at grocery stores and even some of the dollar stores. Today it is packaged in resealable plastic bags rather than bowls like in yesteryear.

30 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Unbaked Fruit Cake What You’ll Need: 1 1/2 pounds chrystilized pineapple 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained, save juice 1 can cocoanut 1 box raisins 1 pounds pecans 1 pound walnuts 1 cup evaporated milk 1 pound marshmallows 1 pound vanilla wafers crushed What To Do: Put milk and marshmallows together and heat on low heat or in the microwave until marshmallows are dissolved. Mix in other ingredients.

You may need to use some cherry juice to add a little moisture. Dough should be very stiff, it is not baked. Put in a buttered 9x13 pan and freeze.

Cake is very rich and you only need a little. Green and red cherries may both be used to give it more of a holiday look.

I was the fortunate one that inherited this set of cook books that my grandmama had and inside it is a recipe for coffee fruit cake that is easy to make, however, it does take an hour and fifteen minutes to cook.

Coffee Fruitcake What You’ll Need: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1 egg, well beaten 1/2 cup strong coffee 2 cups sifted all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts or mix both) 1/2 cup seedless raisins 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained, save the juice 1/2 cup mixed candied (or dried) fruit What To Do: Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Combine molasses, egg and coffee in a separate bowl.

In a third bowl sift together all dry ingredients.

Add about three heaping tablespoons of dry ingredients to creamed mixture and a fourth cup of liquids. Stir and repeat until all dry ingredients and liquid ingredients are folded into the creamed ingredients. Beat until smooth. Stir in nuts and fruits; pour in to well greased baking dish, either a bundt pan or a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degree for an hour and 15 minutes. For that special touch, mix two tablespoons cherry juice and honey or corn syrup and brush on top. If you wish, place extra fruit or nuts on top.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 31

Breads

Cheese Muffins What You’ll Need: 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 3/4 stick butter, melted 3/4 cup sour cream

Banana And Coconut Loaf

What To Do: Combine flour, cheese, butter and sour cream. Spoon into greased mini-muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen muffins.

Blackburn Rolls

What You’ll Need: 1 package yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided 1/2 cup shortening 6 cups self-rising flour 2 cups buttermilk Melted butter

What To Do: Mix the yeast, warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside. Cut the shortening into flour and add remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Stir buttermilk and yeast mixture into flour mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight or until doubled in size. Roll out and cut. Place on greased cookie sheet and brush with melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen rolls.

Banana and Coconut Loaf Makes 1 medium loaf

What You’ll Need: 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar Grated peel of 1 unwaxed lime 2 extra-large eggs, beaten 3 medium bananas, very ripe (about 1 cup peeled) 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (not fat-free) 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda A good pinch of sea salt 1 8 x 4 x 21/2-inch loaf pan, greased and base-lined with parchment paper

What To Do: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Put the coconut in an ovenproof dish and toast in the heated oven for about 3 minutes until a light gold color. Let cool until needed.

Put the butter into a large bowl, add the sugar and the grated lime peel. Beat well with a wooden spoon or electric mixer. Gradually

32 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

beat in the eggs.

Using a fork, mash the bananas fairly roughly so they keep a bit of texture. Add to the bowl together with the coconut. Halve the lime and squeeze out the juice, then add 1 tablespoon of the juice to the bowl with the yogurt. Mix in gently.

Set a strainer over the bowl and sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt onto the mixture. Mix in well, then scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.

Bake for about 1 hour until golden and a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Carefully remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack. Serve thickly sliced. Best eaten within 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Meats

Spiced Pork Loin What You’ll Need: 1 (3- to 4-pound) pork loin Whole allspice Whole cloves Ground cinnamon Honey Salt and pepper

What To Do: Use a spice grinder to grind the allspice and cloves. Combine these with cinnamon and honey to make a rub. Rub the meat all over with the spice rub and cook at 325 degrees until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Let the pork rest 30 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.

Slow-Cooker Chicken with Gravy What You’ll Need: 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon parsley 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1 (4- to 5-pound) whole chicken 1 stalk celery, cut in thirds 2 to 3 thick slices of onion 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons water Salt and pepper

What To Do: Combine paprikas, seasoned salt, garlic powder, pepper, parsley and thyme in a small bowl. Set aside.

Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry. Brush chicken with olive oil and rub seasoning into chicken.

Place celery and onion slices in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Place chicken in the pot, breast side up. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken and place on a small pan. Broil 3 to 4 minutes to crisp the skin (optional). Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

For the gravy, pour the pan juices through a sieve. Place the broth in a small saucepan. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk about 2/3 of the cornstarch into the drippings/broth and let cook on high. Depending on the amount of liquid you may need to add more of the cornstarch slurry to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

What You’ll Need: 2 sticks butter, divided

Haluski

5 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed Salt and pepper 1 cabbage, chopped or shredded 1 white onion, chopped 1 bag egg noodles, cooked

What To Do: Melt 1 stick of butter in a large pan and cook potatoes until browned and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove potatoes from pan and set aside.

Add remaining 1 stick of butter to pan and saute cabbage and onions until translucent and starting to brown. Add in cooked pasta and stir. Add browned potatoes. Adjust seasonings.

Note: This was originally a meatless dish. You can add kielbasa, pork or another meat to the mixture, if desired.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf What You’ll Need: 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup vinegar 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 2 pounds ground beef 1/2 pound ground pork 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper

What To Do: In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar and mustard. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine ground meats, eggs, onion, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and 1 cup of the sauce. Pack into a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Pour remaining 1/4 cup sauce over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Talicine

What You’ll Need: 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 can stewed tomatoes 1 can Mexicorn 6 ounces egg noodles Water

What To Do: Brown beef and onions. Drain. Put in a saucepan and add tomatoes and corn. Simmer a few minutes, stirring, until mixed well.

Top with egg noodles. Let juices simmer through until done. You may need to add some water.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 33

Vegetables

Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad What You’ll Need: 1 package long grain and wild rice 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 3 ribs celery, thinly sliced 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained 1/2 cup sweet-and-sour dressing 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts

What To Do: Prepare rice according to package directions and let cool. Combine rice, cranberries, broccoli, onions, celery and pimientos. Add dressing and stir gently. Stir in peanuts just before serving.

Strawberry Nut Salad What You’ll Need: 2 small boxes strawberry gelatin 1 cup boiling water 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen sliced strawberries, thawed 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 3 medium bananas, mashed 1 cup chopped nuts 1 pint sour cream Lettuce leaves

What To Do: Combine gelatin with boiling water in a large bowl, stirring until dissolved. Fold in strawberries with juice, drained pineapple, bananas and nuts. Place half of the mixture in a 8x12-inch serving dish. Refrigerate until firm. Combine sour cream and the remaining unrefrigerated strawberry mixture and spread over the refrigerated mixture.

Refrigerate. When ready to serve, cut into squares and serve over lettuce leaves.

Christmas Salad

What You’ll Need: 1 package mini-marshmallows 1 can crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup chopped pecans 2 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons sugar, divided 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 cup milk 1 (8-ounce) container whipping cream

What To Do: In a large bowl, combine marshmallows, pineapple and pecans.

In a saucepan, combine eggs, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, vinegar and milk and cook until thickened. Add this mixture to the marshmallow mixture.

34 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

In a medium bowl, whip the whipping cream, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and mix well. Add whipping cream mixture to the marshmallow mixture. Keep refrigerated.

Corn Chowder

What You’ll Need: 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil 2 large onions, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2 (14-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen 1 large potato, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated skim milk Salt and pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 container real lump crab meat (optional)

What To Do: In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add celery, bell pepper, garlic and cumin and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, thyme and lay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add corn and potatoes, return to a simmer and cook until all the vegetables are tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

Place cornstarch in a small bowl and slowly add evaporated milk, stirring until smooth. Stir the mixture into the vegetables and return to a simmer. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, until the chowder has thickened. Add the crab meat, if desired. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Discard the bay leaf and serve immediately.

Stuffed Peppers

What You’ll Need: 8 medium bell peppers 2 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/3 cup chopped onion Salt and pepper 1 stick butter or margarine 3 cups cooked rice 1 medium jar Cheez Whiz 1/3 cup ketchup 1 cup brown sugar

What To Do: Wash peppers, cut off tops, scoop out insides and set aside. Brown meat and onion together, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Combine butter, rice, Cheez Whiz and beef/onion mixture and stuff into peppers. Combine ketchup and brown sugar and pour over peppers. Cover peppers with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Glazed Carrots What You’ll Need: 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled, quartered and cut into 2-inch lengths 1 1/2 cups good brown stock or canned beef bouillon 2 tablespoons sugar 6 tablespoons butter Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

What To Do: Place carrots in a 2 1/2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan and add stock, sugar, butter, salt and pepper. Boil over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze. Correct the seasonings. Turn carrots into a hot serving dish or arrange them around a roast and sprinkle them with parsley.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 35

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cake What You’ll Need: 1 box butter cake mix 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix 1 cup oil 4 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 1/4 cup water 1 cup sour cream 6 ounces chocolate chips

What To Do: Combine all ingredients well and pour batter into a greased Bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes, but don’t let cool completely. Turn out onto a serving plate.

Washboard Cookies What You’ll Need: 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (7 ounces) packed light brown sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tablespoons milk 1 cup (3 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut

What To Do: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg together in a bowl. Using a stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and milk and beat until well combined. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture and coconut, and mix until just incorporated.

Transfer dough to a counter and, using your floured hands, roll dough into a 15-inch log, then flatten top and sides to measure 3 inches by 1 inch. Wrap log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 45 minutes or up to 3 days.

Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch-thick rectangles and space them 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Using floured fork, make crosswise indentations in dough slices. Bake until toasty brown, 15 to 18 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let cookies cook on sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Makes 36.

Pear Ginger Pie

What You’ll Need: 6 cups peeled, sliced pears 1/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 to 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped

36 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Chocolate Chip Cake 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Zest and juice of 2 lemons Pastry for double-crust pie

What To Do: Combine pears, honey, gingers, flour, lemon zest and lemon juice and pour into one unbaked pie crust. Place second unbaked pie crust on top and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.

Mimi’s Chocolate Pie

What You’ll Need: 1 cup sugar 3 slightly heaped tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons cocoa 2 cups milk 3 eggs yolks 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 baked pie shell MERINGUE 3 egg whites 6 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

What To Do: Combine sugar, flour and cocoa. Add milk and egg yolks, either using a small hand mixer or a blender. Pour into a black skillet and cook over medium heat until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. When butter has melted, stir and pour into baked pie shell.

For the meringue, beat egg whites until stiff, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Gradually add sugar and then vanilla. Cover pie with meringue and bake at 350 degrees until browned.

Butter Cake with Caramel Icing What You’ll Need: CAKE 2/3 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups cake flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups heavy cream CARAMEL ICING 2 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1 cup whipping cream 1 teaspoon light corn syrup 1 stick butter 1 teaspoon vanilla

What To Do: For the cake, in a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla and beat for 5 minutes on high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until fluffy. On low speed, mix in flour, baking powder and salt alternately with cream. Grease and flour two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans. Divide batter among pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.

For the icing, put 2 cups sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup in a large boiler. While the mixture is cooking, brown the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Add the browned sugar to the whipping cream mixture and cook to the soft ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Stir until cool enough to spread (a wet knife will help in spreading). Spread icing between layers and on top and sides of cake..

Sugar Cookies What You’ll Need: 1 pound butter or margarine 1 pound confectioners’ sugar 2 eggs 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla

What To Do: Cream butter, gradually adding confectioners’ sugar, mixing well.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, until light and fluffy. Sift and measure flour. Add cream of tartar, soda and salt to sifted flour, then sift all the dry ingredients together. Add to butter mixture, then add vanilla. Mix well. Roll dough into 5 cylinders and wrap each in wax paper. Chill in the refrigerator or freeze for later.

Slice into 1/4-inch slices and bake at 350 degrees until done. Makes about 8 dozen cookies.

Toffee

What You’ll Need: 1 pound real butter 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped and divided 6 plain Hershey bars, broken into pieces

What To Do: Combine butter, sugar, water and salt in a heavy pot. Cook to the hard crack stage on a candy thermometer. Add 1 cup chopped pecans the last few minutes. Pour into a large buttered cookie sheet. Sprinkle chocolate bars over the hot mixture and smooth it as it melts. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces..

Butter Cake with Caramel Icing & Sugar Cookies Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 37

Side Dishes

Spicy Grits Casserole What You’ll Need: 3 cups chicken broth 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup uncooked grits 3/4 cup grated Pepper Jack cheese 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes, undrained

Macaroni and Cheese

What To Do: Bring broth, half-and-half and salt to a boil. Add grits and cook until creamy. Add cheeses. Mix well and add tomatoes. Pour into a greased casserole and bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Top with more cheese, if desired.

Serves 8 to 10.

Chicken and Green Beans Combo What You’ll Need: 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken 1 package long grain and wild rice, cooked 1 can cream of celery soup 1 small jar sliced pimientos 1 onion, chopped 2 cans French-style green beans, drained 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained

What To Do: Mix all ingredients in order given and pour into a large greased casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serves 12.

Yellow Squash Casserole

What You’ll Need: 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced 1 cup water 2 small onions, minced 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 1/4 cups Ritz cracker crumbs, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

What To Do: Combine squash and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until squash is tender.

Drain well and mash. Drain again and set aside.

Saute onion in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender. Combine squash, onion, cheese, 3/4 cup cracker crumbs, salt,

38 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

pepper, bacon and eggs.

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Makes 6 servings.

Macaroni and Cheese What You’ll Need: 12 ounces macaroni 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup milk 1/2 stick butter 1 can cream of chicken soup

What To Do: Boil macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain.

To the hot pasta, add cheese, eggs, milk, butter and soup and mix well. Pour into a greased casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 39

My Favorite

Christmas Gift

40 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Kids young and old find pleasure in remembering that special gift that Santa left for them under the tree once upon a time ago. Here are several remembrances from some folks across Pontotoc. And you can figure out if they are young or old. It might surprise you.

“My favorite gift was a tractor, dirt bike, jeep and four wheeler.”

Brett Wiggins “Transformers”

John Luke Parker “My dog, Cap, who is a Golden Retriever.”

Zeke Daniel

“My red and white Herford named Annabell.”

Hoyt Tutor

“The My Life Doll.”

Alivia Stutsy

“Choo Choo train.”

Charlie Stutsy

“My Light Bright board that you play with in the dark.”

Claylee Chism

“My Barbie® Dream House.

It was three stories with the elevator.”

Kaylee Gray

“Getting a bike for Christmas, but I had to share with with my three sisters. I’m the one who asked for it and I had to share.”

June McKnight

“This little yellow flashlight that turned into a lantern. I used it to go bobcat hunting through the house with my little dog Lady.”

Jonathan Butler

“When I was about six or seven my three older brothers got an army set and guns to play with and I got a doll. I threw a fit so my mama and daddy went and got me an army set and guns to play with my brothers.”

Joyce Jolly

“When I was 11 years old I got a little doll that rode a yellow skate board named Fluff.”

Regina Butler

“My brown teddy bear when I was six years old.”

Lisa Bryant “Train”

Channing Reynolds

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 41

42 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 43

Santa Visits

44 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Around the Town

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 45

Spend Time With Your Children Doing These Neat

N

Christmas Crafts

eed some Christmas crafting ideas that you can whip out in a hurry? Or do you need something to keep your kids busy on a cold day after school?

Christmas is a month away, but the day will slip up before you know it.

One of the most special gifts you can give is your time with your kids.

Medallion Snowflakes

These charming medallion snowflakes can be made and put on your packages as embellishments or hung from your window. These little snowflakes make a great gift idea for an elderly person to hang from their window. Perhaps it will bring memories of snow ball fights and sledding down the hill on crystal clear winter nights with all their friends.

From these instructions, you can make 2 snowflakes from a single piece of 8.5Ă—11 paper.

SUPPLIES: white paper scissors stapler pencil tape INSTRUCTIONS: Cut your paper in half lengthwise. Start by folding the paper in half, then half again and again, so that there is an even number of pleats created. Then re-fold the paper into an accordion.

Cut off one pleat to use as a template, then staple the center.

Draw your snowflake pattern on the template you created, and cut it out.

Trace the design on the stapled paper and slowly cut out your design.

Pull the paper apart and tape together.

Tip: Do not get too fancy with the design, unless you have monster hands or really sharp scissors, as you’ll be cutting through several layers of paper. Please see 1dogwoof.com for more ideas.

46 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Mason Jar Ring Ornaments This idea comes from sadieseasongoods.com. If you have some of grandmas old rusty mason jar rings tucked back in your drawer or if you want to you can buy some from the store.

Take any jute or braided cotton, all purpose twine or even ribbon. Tie a knot around to mason jar lid to keep it in place and wind it tightly around the lid. When you are finished tie another knot and add some hot glue to keep everything in place. If you are not in a hurry, you can put ElmersÂŽ all purpose glue on it and hold it in place with a clothes pin while you are making another one. The glue will dry in half an hour, and you can have several made and by that time the first one is dry.

Take some pretty ribbon or even yarn and add the bows with the glue. The bow should be on top of the knot to hide it. Before you put the bow on, tie yarn or thin ribbon around it to hang it on the tree, then attach bow and any other thing you want to add.

You could use these on your packages instead of bows.

Paper Chain And if you have especially small children, paper chains make a wonderful Christmas project. Get red and green construction paper. Cut strips one inch wide across the paper, which means each strip will be 8 1/2 inches long and one inch wide. Start by making a ring of one of the strips, gluing the ends over each other. Now slip a strip of paper into that ring and glue the end to form another ring. Keep doing this and you will have a colorful paper chain that children can easily make as long as they wish.

These add an old fashioned charm to your tree or they can put it on their tree.

Pine Cones Take a walk in the woods with your kids and gather some pine cones. They can be used for several different kinds of projects.

You can either let the kids paint them red and green with acrylic paints or you can give them a little bit of liquid glue and let them paint it on then sprinkle glitter on that.

While you are out gathering pine cones for your tree decor, you could also gather some small twigs to make a centerpiece for your table. Spread craft glue on them and douse them in glitter.

Tuck them on the tree or in your centerpiece on your table or in your wreath on the front door.

Christmas Card Holder or Calendar

Here’s an idea you can put together and it can be used either for your calendar the next year or to hang your Christmas cards on.

Create a back board and nail four jute or nylon strings to it. Put three clothes pins on each string. You can either print the calendar for next year on card stock and hang them three to a line on it or you can use it to put your Christmas Cards on. It would make a unique idea gift. Use the picture as an idea for how you can put the boards together. If you use the narrow boards screw them to two long boards on the back. The height and width of the finished board should be at least 18 inches wide and 22 inches tall.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 47

48 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 49

50 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Decorate for Christmas like

Yesteryear

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 51

In this age of manufactured, pre-packaged decorations many children hardly know the significance or meaning of the hand made decorations from long ago. Let’s explore some of those and perhaps you want to use these ideas to create the new tradition of making Christmas ornaments with your mama or grandmama.

T

The History of the Christingle

he idea of Christingles came from a Moravian Church in Germany in 1747. The minister, John de Watteville, gave children at the service a lighted candle with a red ribbon around it. This represented Jesus being the light of the world and the final prayer of that first service was “Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs like Thine become”. The custom went around the world with the church. Missionaries brought the Moravian Church to England in the 1700s. In Moravian churches, the Christingle Service is usually held on the Sunday before Christmas or on Christmas Eve. Christingle means ‘Christ’s Light’ and it is a symbol of the Christian faith. Lots of churches hold Christingle services around Christmas time. The custom of giving out lighted candles in these services began in Germany in 1747 but it wasn’t introduced to the Anglican Church in England until 1968.

Christingles are made up of different parts, each one being there to remind us of something.

• The orange represents the world.

• The candle reminds Christians of Jesus who they believe to be the light of the world.

• The red ribbon goes all round the ‘world’ and being the colour of blood, reminds Christians that Jesus died.

• The kabob sticks represent the four corners of the world.

• The sweets (or sometimes dried fruit) remind Christians of God’s gifts to the world including kindness and love.

• The foil is only there to catch waxy drips from the candle.

52 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 orange • 1 small candle (a birthday cake candle will be fine) *note, if you want it to be super safe, you can carve the hole big enough to hold a battery operated led candle, or look for a battery operated birthday candle.

• enough red ribbon to go round an orange with a small overlap (or a bit more for a bow like ours) • 2 kabob sticks, these will be thrust through the orange and adjusted to have an even exposure on each side.

• a few sweets or some dried fruit such as raisins or sultanas • small piece of foil measuring about 1.5 by 1.5 inches square • pencil to make a hole in the orange, or knife to carve larger hole WHAT YOU DO: Carefully push the pencil into the top of the orange to make a small hole, or carve a circle out big enough to hold the led candle.

Push the kabob sticks through the orange in two different directions slightly above the fattest part of the orange.

Put fruit on each of the sticks.

Take the foil and gently wrap it around the candle at the bottom before firmly wedging the candle into the hole that you had made in the orange. Once in position mould the foil into a shallow cup shape to catch any drips of candle wax, if you are using a lighted candle and to protect the battery of the LED candle.

Tie the ribbon round the orange and fasten with a bow, or just overlap the two ends, and secure with a pin to keep it in place.

If you want to light the candle make sure a grown-up is there to help you as lighting candles can be dangerous.

P

Orange Clove Pomanders

lace a fresh orange onto a flat surface. If you do not have a fresh orange, you can also use fresh tangerines, lemons or limes.

Insert whole cloves into the orange, covering the entire surface. Push the cloves into the orange, pushing the pointed end in first. Continue pushing until you reach the bud of the clove. You can arrange the cloves randomly, or you can create a decorative pattern with the cloves.

Cut a length of ribbon to measure 18 inches long. Lay the ribbon out flat, horizontally.

Place the prepared orange into the center of the ribbon, then bring the ribbon up on either side. Tie the ribbon into a knot at the top of the orange.

Twist the ribbon ends around each other so that the ribbon can be wrapped perpendicularly around the orange. Tie the ribbon into another knot. You can tie the loose ends onto a tree branch or doorknob during the holidays. Orange clove pomanders can even be used for years after they have dried out.

B

Popcorn Cranberry Garland

efore doing this craft, make sure you go through your cranberries and pick out only the freshest ones that are still slightly green. A mushy cranberry will not do well.

Pop your own corn. Buy a bag of corn and pop it according to instructions about a day or two before you do the stringing. Older popcorn holds together better. Now, you will want to pop some fresh corn and have it in a separate bowl to enjoy while you do this craft.

Even if you don’t want to string this on your Christmas tree inside, put it on your branches outside for your feathered friends to enjoy.

Thread a needle with 24 inches of nylon thread. Nylon thread is more durable than cotton thread, and will allow you to hang up the

garland without fear of breakage. Knot the end.

Insert the needle into a piece of unflavored and unsalted popcorn.

Push the needle completely through the popcorn, and pull the popcorn down to the knot as you would a bead on a string. If you use large, full pieces of popcorn, the garland will look more decorative.

Insert the needle through a whole, fresh cranberry, and push the cranberry down to the end of the thread. The cranberry will rest on top of the popcorn. Repeat this process, alternating popcorn and cranberries, until the entire thread is full. Knot the end of the thread, and hang the garland on your tree.

Now have you ever wondered why we have some of the decorations that we do at Christmas and where they got started?

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 53

Candy Canes

T

he Christmas Candy Cane originated in Germany about 250 years ago. They started as straight white sugar sticks.

Sometime around 1900 the red stripes were added and they were flavored with peppermint or wintergreen.

Around 1920, Bob McCormack, from Georgia, USA, started making canes for his friends and family. They became more and more popular and he started his own business called Bob’s Candies. Bob McCormack’s brother-in-law, Gregory Harding Keller, who was a Catholic priest, invented the ‘Keller Machine’ that made turning straight candy sticks into curved candy canes automatically!

Sometimes other Christian meanings are giving to the parts of the canes. The ‘J’ can also mean Jesus. The white of the cane can represent the purity of Jesus Christ and the red stripes are for the blood he shed when he died on the cross. The peppermint flavor can represent the hyssop plant that was used for purifying in the Bible.

Holly and Ivy

H

olly, Ivy and other greenery such as Mistletoe were originally used in pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth.

When Christianity came into Western Europe, some people wanted to keep the greenery, to give it Christian meanings but also to ban the use of it to decorate homes. The UK and Germany were the main countries to keep the use of the greenery as decorations. Here are the Christian meanings.

Holly: The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn.

Ivy: Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows.

This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our lives. In Germany, it is traditional that Ivy is only used outside and a piece tied to the outside of a Church was supposed to protect it from lightning.

Laurel: Laurel has been worn as a wreath on the head to symbolize success and victory for thousands of years. It symbolizes the victory of God over the Devil.

When should you take the greenery down?

I

t is traditional to take down the decorations after Twelfth Night (5th January) on Epiphany (January 6th). But during the middle ages, greenery (including Mistletoe) was often left hanging up until Candlemas (when Christians celebrate Jesus going to the Jewish Temple as a baby) in early February.

Read more at whychristmas.com

54 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

T

Candles

here are many different reasons why candles are associated with Christmas, although no one knows when they first became connected!

They were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations a way of remembering that spring would soon come.

One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Jesus is sometimes called ‘the Light of the World’ by Christians. This might have started the custom of the Advent Crown and Advent Candles.

Candles are also used during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of light which is also celebrated during winter. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle is lit in a special menorah (candelabra) called a ‘hanukkiyah’.

Today they are used in the winter festival Kwanzaa, where a special candle holder called a kinara, that holds seven candles is used.

Perhaps the most famous use of candles at Christmas are Carols by Candlelight Services. These are services when the church is only lit by candles.

Candles were also originally used to decorate Christmas trees, until safer electric lights were invented.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 55

56 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 57

Giving back at

Christmas Salvation Army brings Christmas Cheer to the little angels By: Paige Kohl, Special Correspondent

E

very year around Christmas time the Salvation Army gets in gear to bring joy to the community. The people who work at the Salvation Army know how difficult it can be around the holidays and that some parents can use a helping hand which is why they have the angel tree.

This year, the angels have already been put on the tree and are ready for adoption.

You can come and choose a boy or a girl and the age you would like to adopt as well.

Gifts can be bought and brought right back to the Salvation Army store on Reynold’s Street and the family will be called to come and pick up the Christmas joy for their children.

If you ask the ladies at the Salvation Army what they love about the angel tree they say what’s most rewarding is seeing the children of the community have a wonderful Christmas.

The angels are ready for adoption and the deadline to bring your gifts back to the Salvation Army is Saturday, December 15.

58 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Photo Credit: jsmith | www.life979.com

O

Christmas Kettles

ne of the ways that the Salvation Army helps people is through the kettles that will be going out the week of Thanksgiving. If you want to help out there is always a need for bell ringers.

The kettles will be at War-Mart, Save-A-Lot and and First Choir Bank. So if you are shopping for Christmas, getting food for dinner or making a trip to the bank there’s always a chance to donate.

All donations in the Christmas kettle go to help the community with any needs they have.

Peek Into Christmas 2018

| 59

60 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Christmas

PARADES

One of the most delightful times of the season is when people in each community gather along the streets to see their baby or grand baby coming down the street in the parade. Christmas parades are a tradition that gives an opportunity for folks in the community to visit and enjoy a night outside with the pretty lights aglow. Pontotoc knows how to give a parade. Several communities in the county will have parades starting Saturday, December 1. Below are the communities and the things they have going on in connection with their separate parades. These appear in the order in which they will be marching down their respective Main Streets.

Sherman

Sherman’s parade will be Saturday, December 1, at 2 p.m. Line up will be at 1 p.m. at the old Barclay building. Forms for participation may be picked up at Town Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Nov. 28, 5 p.m. A form is not necessary to enter, but your float won’t qualify for judging. This will give organizers a chance to see how many floats are entered.

Toccopola

Toccopola Christmas Parade will be December 1 starting at 5:30. There will be food and entertainment afterwards in the Community Center.

Any individual or Church that would like to enter a float or whatever you can, please call Hope Herren @419-3789 or Bart Ratliff @ 213-6623.

Ecru

The Town of Ecru will also have their parade on December 1 beginning at 7 p.m. Entry forms can be picked up at the Ecru Town Hall. For more information, call 662489-3881.

Pontotoc City

The Pontotoc County Chamber/Main Street Association is ready to have Santa and all his helpers coming down Main Street in Pontotoc in Pontotoc Christmas Parade.

Now before the Christmas parade starts Santa will be at the community house to listen to all the secrets of the boys and girls telling him what they want for Christmas.

Serving as the Grand Marshall’s for the City Parade will be Pontotoc’s man and woman of the year, Grant Reynolds and Melissa Chavers, selected by readers and featured in the Best of Pontotoc section.

The Christmas Parade is set for Monday, December 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“You can expect to see anything from dancing around

Saturday, Dec. 1

Sherman - 2 p.m.

Toccopola - 5:30 p.m.

Ecru - 7 p.m.

the Christmas tree, to seeing all the little ones’ Christmas joy and more with the parade’s theme,” said Ellen Russell, Chamber/Main Street Director.

“All area clubs, churches, organizations, schools, bands and businesses are encouraged to participate in this community, family oriented parade.”

“Make sure you turn in your parade application by Monday, November 26, the deadline, so you will not miss out on the excitement,” Russell said.

For applications, persons may call or come by and pick up an application at the Chamber/Main Street office located at 109 North Main Street.

The chamber’s phone number is 662-489-5042 and the email address is ellenmsa@pontotocchamber.com All commercial and non-commercial entries are $20, cars in a club are registered with the one entry, horse riders should also be associated with a club ($5 each), wagons $10. The horse parade will follow Santa down the street.

Now before that parade we are sure you will be hungry so make sure you stop by the Library and have some good warm soup.

Thaxton

The Thaxton Christmas Parade will held on Friday night, December 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The line-up will be the same as in the past years, on Hunter Road.

Entries should be here 5:00 p.m. for the starting lineup. If you live on Hunter Road this road will be closed to traffic at 5:00 p.m.

If you would like to place an entry in the parade you may call these numbers - Bryson Dillard-760-2169; Johnny Coleman-419-2665; Cindi Webb, Hooker Construction-489-2567; or Sammie Jaggers-489-4888.

We hope people from our community will take part in the parade by entering floats, decorate your gators, tractors, antiques cars.

Also, we are asking people in the surrounding areas, in county or outside the county to call and place an entry.

Monday, Dec. 3

Pontotoc City - 6:30

Friday, Dec. 7 Thaxton - 6:30

Peek Peek Into Into Christmas Christmas 2018 2018 | 61 | 61

62 | Peek Into Christmas 2018

Christmas Calendar Tuesday, November 27

-Community Christmas Tree lighting featuring the Pontotoc High School Jazz Band at the Community House - 6 p.m.

Friday, November 30

-Pontotoc High School Jazz Band concert at the Pontotoc Community Theater - 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 1

-Sherman Christmas Parade - 2 p.m.

-Toccopola Christmas Parade - 5:30 p.m.

-Ecru Christmas Parade - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 3

-Soup at the Library before the parade beginning at 5 p.m. You can eat there or get it to go.

-Pontotoc Christmas Parade - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 6

-Christmas on Marion Street - 6 p.m.

Friday, December 7

-Thaxton Christmas Parade - 6:30 p.m.

-Live Drive-through Nativity at Algoma - 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, December 8

-Rudolph Run through town - 8 a.m.

-Live Drive-through Nativity at Algoma - 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, December 15

-Breakfast with Santa in Ecru -Wreaths Across America Ceremony, Pontotoc Court Square - 11 a.m.

Please pick up wreaths between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Pontotoc Habitat for Humanity if you wish to deliver your own.

-Pontotoc Community Theater Play - “Believe” - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 17

-Pontotoc Community Theater Play - “Believe” - 2 p.m.

Monday, December 24 -Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 25 -Christmas Day

Monday, December 31 -New Year’s Eve

Peek Peek Into Into Christmas Christmas 2018 2018 | 63 | 63

64 | Peek Into Christmas 2018