Moose Jaw Express Christmas Edition 2019

SPECIAL EDITION DECEMBER 2019

Page B2 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Wishing you a season filled with sweetness.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of the year; there’s a certain sentiment of good will towards others that sometimes seems to slip between the cracks the rest of the year. It’s a time of rejoicing with family and friends, where tradition abounds. Kids are full of wonder and surprise at the magic of it all…sparkling lites, special music, turkey dinner and special treats, and for many, presents under a Christmas tree.

When our children were young, we tried to instill a sense of gratitude for our blessings but moreso not in just the getting, but in learning to give, as well; these are some of the Joan Ritchie life-lessons learnt at a very young age that never seem to leave us.

And it is with special sentiment that we put this extra supplement together each year; a compilation of stories that may resonate in your heart, bring remembrances of times gone by or even a smile to your face. It is a time to show the human-side of our MLAs and writers, all working in their respective duties to make this community a great place to live, just as everyone collectively brings their giftings and abilities to the table of life.

EDITOR

In all of this, we wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year filled with insurmountable blessings!

Joan Ritchie, Editor

Moose Jaw’s only LOCALLY owned health food store

Happy

Holidays

Thanks for the support this past year & best wishes in 2020 1st Tuesday of each month is Customer Apprecation Day All other Tuesdays are 55+ Discount Days

Merry Christmas Wishing you all the Peace, Joy and Love of the Season Thank you for your business in 2019 from all of us at:

16 Athabasca St W Moose Jaw, SK | 306-693-4372

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your crummy neighbors…

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B3

Christmas Inn Offering Camaraderie on Heartwarming Holiday

St. Andrew’s United Church

The Christmas Inn Wednesday, Decemer 25th, 2019 3:30pm St. Andrew’s Social Hall 60 Athabasca St East (west side entrance open at 3:00pm) Please join St. Andrew’s congregation and friends for dinner.

If you would like to volunteer or If you would like to attend Call/text Carol at (306) 690-8001 or Email: cimoran@sasktel.net

Larissa Kurz For most, Christmas is spent surrounded by family and friends and St. Andrew’s United Church wants to make sure that is true for everyone in Moose Jaw. To make this happen, the church hosts its annual Christmas Inn turkey dinner on Dec. 25, with an open invitation to anyone in the city who would like to attend and share Christmas Day with a room full of people feeling the same cheer.

“Really what we’re trying to do is we’re trying to provide a place for community at Christmas. It’s not a great day to be alone,” said Minister Jim Tenford.

The community event has been going on for 41 years, with an exceptional group of volunteers and attendees making the Inn as successful as possible.

“We have a lot of the folks from our church come out and help on that day, but we also get a ton of people that come out from other churches and the rest of the community and Moose Jaw,” said Tenford. “We have some folks where that’s become their Christmas tradition.”

Usually, the Inn sees around 120 guests for the traditional turkey dinner, which features all the classic Christmas fixings — turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and even dessert.

Dinner is served at 3:30 p.m. and often, people arrive early to mingle or enjoy the music or games that have appeared over the years. Mostly, Tenford said, people come early to enjoy each other’s company prior to the meal.

“There’s a lot of folks here that they just see each other on Christmas Day at our dinner. They’ve been coming for 20 years and this is sort of their oncea-year family,” said Tenford. “It is a very social time. It’s not enough to eat at Christmas. You’ve got to be part of a family.”

The Christmas Inn is open to anyone in the community, providing the meal free of charge, with food donated and prepared by generous volunteers.

It was an idea brought to St. Andrew’s by Gerhardt and Dicky Scholten in the late 1970s, who wanted to continue the tradition of fellowship and feasting during the holidays practiced in their homeland of Holland.

It’s always a welcoming atmosphere at the Christmas Inn, which is exactly what Tenford and the organizers from St. Andrew’s are hoping to create.

“People like to be around a loving family at Christmas and so this is their chance to come out, have dinner with 120 of their closest friends,” said Tenford.

Transmission & Automotive MOOSE JAW, SK

As 2019 comes to a close, we would like to thank our customers in helping shape our business over the last 55 years. Thanks for a great year and we look forward to seeing all our past, present, and future customers in 2020. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of the staff @ Andy’s Transmission & Automotive

429 HIGH ST. W • 306.692.4255

Page B4 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.

Devotional: The Promise Wanda Smith

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 There are countless stories told and sermons preached about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her story is unique for sure; she was the chosen to carry, birth and raise the very Son of God. What a miraculous and grand undertaking! The immense responsibility that was placed on her shoulders was incredible. Let’s pick up the story after the angel, Gabriel, delivered the news that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. He built up her faith by telling Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, who had been barren, had conceived a son in her old age. Then Gabriel encouraged Mary with this: “For with God nothing will be impossible.” What a prophetic promise for her to hold fast to as she began this journey with Jesus. That prophetic picture was a priceless gift that would keep on giving her encouragement as she faced uncertainty in the moments, hours, days and years ahead.

When I think of Mary’s response to the news of her pregnancy, we can learn a valuable lesson from her. Here she was facing a major life-shift. In fact, she could have been rejected by Joseph, stranded and financially ruined or even stoned to death. She did not know what the outcome would be except for what the angel had told her yet she chose to believe and fully embraced her mandate. “I accept whatever He has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” Luke 1:38 When we are faced with life-shifts, we have two responses: will we choose to have fear or faith? Mary’s heart was fixed on believing and trusting God in this major shift. She chose to see the

miraculous event as joy-filled and exciting. Even though there were many uncertainties involved in her situation, she chose to believe (and then received the considerable honor to be the mother of Jesus!)

This Christmas, you may be facing uncertainties. A major life-shift may be staring you in the face... you have a choice: to either give in to fear or embrace it by faith. Can I encourage you today? Instead of holding onto those fears, give them to Jesus. Allow His peace to fill your heart and mind as you trust Him in the face of uncertainty. I pray the Prince of Peace will permeate your life and bring peace to every detail so “God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to (you) through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:7 Spend a few moments with Him as you pour out your heart to Him, by faith, trusting that He has a future and a hope for you!

My prayer for you this Christmas: Almighty God, I thank You for these dear readers who have journeyed through life with me “On the Front Porch.” You care about each one, individually and lovingly. In fact, you sent Jesus to earth for each one of these dear ones. The deepest cry of my heart is that You would show Yourself to them in a real, living way. You know every detail of their lives; the good, the bad and the ugly. Give them a word, a promise to hang onto in the moments, hours, days and years ahead. May this Christmas be the BEST they have ever experienced because You are with them. For with You, NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE for them! AMEN!” With love and Merry Christmas dear readers!

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B5

Believe in Santa…just beclause!

A Gift in the Trees Cynthia J. Teixeira

God shows his love for us in many ways. Something that may not seem extraordinary to one person might appear as a miracle for someone else. On Christmas Eve 1997, that is exactly how I saw things, though not at first. At first I was feeling too sorry for myself to see anything but my own unhappiness.

The holiday season is a popular time for couples to get engaged. I had been in three long-term relationships by the time I was 29, but none of them had ever produced a marriage proposal. I had always considered myself a loyal, caring, unselfish girlfriend, and boyfriends often told me as much after the relationship had ended. I always seemed to be “the one that got away,” and I began to feel like I was special only once the relationship was over.

After a while, I started to feel like I just wasn’t worth a lifetime commitment.

At the age of 29, I decided I needed to take my own happiness into consideration. It took a couple years of dating mistakes, but I finally figured out how to respect my own needs and not just worry about the needs of my partner. That’s when, at the age of 31, I met Paul. He was a wonderful person who didn’t expect me to take care of him. He just wanted to be with me, and he respected me for who I was. Everything felt right between us, and I figured I had finally found a man I could marry.

During our second Christmas together, I thought Paul might propose. On December 22, we ventured onto the topic of marriage. Paul said that he did see himself marrying me, but the timing was not good “right now.” I couldn’t help but feel sorry for myself. So many of my friends had received proposals and engagement rings, but I had never received either. I was at the point where I figured maybe marriage just wasn’t in the cards for me.

On the following day, December 23, school was

canceled because of a winter storm. I knew my students would be as excited as I was for the extra day off right before the holiday break. It would also be nice to have a beautiful, white Christmas.

The roads were covered in snow, and the trees were buried under a sheer layer of ice. It was much too hazardous to venture out, so I just stayed inside and reflected on my situation.

By the end of that snowy day, I had come to the conclusion that it wasn’t the proposal I needed. It was simply that I wanted to feel loved and appreciated enough that someone would want to be with me forever. I prayed to God and asked that someday a man would think I was important enough to give me a diamond, the symbol of the commitment that my heart needed the most.

Christmas Eve finally arrived. Paul came to my house so we could ride together to my sister’s holiday party. I was happy to be with him but a little sad knowing he wouldn’t be proposing that night.

By this time, almost all the snow and ice had quietly melted away. I realized that we wouldn’t have a white Christmas after all. It would, however, make the drive to the party much safer.

The gathering was a happy one. My nieces and nephew were a joy to watch as they opened their gifts. Paul and I had a wonderful time with my family. Eventually, after all the gifts had been opened and all goodbyes repeatedly exchanged, we left.

It was a long, quiet ride home, as Paul fell asleep 25 minutes into the trip. The roads were dry and the trees were barren. Yet the stars shone brightly against the black, cloudless sky, adding a touch of beauty to the night.

As I neared my home, a small group of trees caught my attention. They stood out from the rest of the dull, dry landscape. Of all the tress I had passed

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

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on my way home, these were the only ones that had any sign of the recent winter storm upon their branches. As I drove, I wondered how this could be.

The temperature was much too warm. Yet somehow the branches were covered in an incredible layer of ice. I had seen ice-covered trees many times before, but something about these was extraordinary. This was a dazzling light like I had never seen before.

As I gazed at the beautiful trees, warmth spread through my heart. This was a truly magical moment. No longer was I seeing these winter-decorated branches with the eyes on my face; I now looked upon them with the eyes in my heart and soul. That night -- Christmas Eve 1997--the air was clean and crisp, the sky was entirely filled with stars, and the trees...the trees sparkled with diamonds. Thousands and thousands of diamonds.

In my heart I knew this was God’s way of answering my prayers. I had needed him to show me that there was a man who thought I was worth a commitment, the commitment that is symbolized by a diamond ring. That Christmas Eve, God covered the trees in diamonds for my eyes and heart to behold. It was his way of showing me that he thought I was special and worthwhile enough for an eternal commitment.

AsPaulsleptquietlyintheseatnexttome,completely unaware of the miracle that had taken place, joyous tears of peace and self-worth streamed down my face. I knew that I had found someone who would love me forever, and realizing this was more profound and meaningful than any marriage proposal I could ever receive.

Page B6 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Happy Birthday Jesus

Christmas Traditions Around The World

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. For a couple of weeks every year the world takes on a magic glow, people seem merrier and even winter somehow feels cozy.

Whether you’re celebrating a religious festival, like Hanukkah or Christmas, or a more secular occasion, you’re sure to have your own selection of rituals or customs that make the holiday season so special.

Our favourite Christmas traditions around the world are loud, proud, and guarantee oodles of festive fun.

Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines The Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul Sampernandu) is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando – the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven barangays (villages) take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern.

Originally, the lanterns were simple creations around half a metre in diameter, made from ‘papel de hapon’ (Japanese origami paper) and lit by candle. Today, the lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six metres in size. They

are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.

Gävle Goat, Sweden Since 1966, a 13-metre-tall Yule Goat has been built in the centre of Gävle’s Castle Square for the Advent, but this Swedish Christmas tradition has unwittingly led to another “tradition” of sorts – people trying to burn it down. Since 1966 the Goat has been successfully burned down 29 times – the most recent destruction was in 2016.

Krampus, Austria A beast-like demon creature that roams city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones – nope, this isn’t Halloween, but St. Nicholas’ evil accomplice, Krampus. In Austrian tradition, St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls, while Krampus is said to capture the naughtiest children and whisk them away in his sack. In the first week of December, young men dress up as the Krampus (especially on the eve of St. Nicholas Day) frightening children with clattering chains and bells.

Kentucky Fried Christmas Dinner, Japan Christmas has never been a big deal in Japan. Aside from a few small, secular traditions such as gift-giving andlightdisplays,Christmasremainslargelyanovelty in the country. However, a new, quirky “tradition” has emerged in recent years – a Christmas Day feast of the Colonel’s very own Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The festive menu will soon be advertised on the KFC Japan website and, even if you don’t understand Japanese, the pictures sure will look delicious with everything from a Christmas-themed standard bucket to a premium roast-bird feast.

The Yule Lads, Iceland In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 tricksy troll-like characters come out to play in Iceland.

Have a great holiday Season.

We are here for all your gift-giving needs.

Moose Jaw Canadian Tire 1350 Main St. N • 306.693.0888

Monday to Saturday 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

We Wish You a

Merry Christmas

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B7

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling

The Yule Lads (jólasveinarnir or jólasveinar in Icelandic) visit the children across the country over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Clad in traditional Icelandic costume, these fellas are pretty mischievous, and their names hint at the type of trouble they like to cause: Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), Giljagaur (Gully Gawk), Stúfur (Stubby), Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker), Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer), Skyrgámur (SkyrGobbler), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper), Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper), Gáttaþefur (DoorwaySniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook) and Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer). Visit Iceland this Christmas and catch them all!

Rupert).Adevil-like character dressed in dark clothes covered with bells and a dirty beard, Knecht Ruprecht carries a stick or a small whip in hand to punish any children who misbehave.

Norway Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway, where people hide their brooms. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.

Venezuela

Saint Nicholas’ Day, Germany Not to be confused with Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas), Nikolaus travels by donkey in the middle of the night on December 6 (Nikolaus Tag) and leaves little treats like coins, chocolate, oranges and toys in the shoes of good children all over Germany, and particularly in the Bavarian region. St. Nicholas also visits children in schools or at home and in exchange for sweets or a small present each child must recite a poem, sing a song or draw a picture. In short, he’s a great guy. But it isn’t always fun and games. St. Nick often brings along Knecht Ruprecht (Farmhand

to them, they do so on roller skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less-thantraditional Christmas dinner of ‘tamales’ (a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat, then steamed).

Day of the Little Candles, Colombia Little Candles’ Day (Día de las Velitas) marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. In honour of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards. The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. Some of the best are found in Quimbaya, where neighbourhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement. *https://www.momondo.ca/discover/article/christmas-traditions-around-the-world

Love Christmas, but think it could be improved by a spot of roller-blading? If the answer is yes, visit Caracas, Venezuela this year. Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning – so far, so normal – but, for reasons known only

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Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year

All the best in 2019!

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PO Box 1024, 1224 Ominica St E Moose Jaw, SK S6H4P8 Phone: (306) 692-5151 - Fax: (306) 691-0818 Email: d.roofing@sasktel.net Brad Duncan Owner/Operator

Page B8 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Christmas, my child, is love in action.

Tips for a Successful Redneck Christmas Tip 1 Decorating for Christmas does not have to take a bite out of the wallet; utilize things you already own. An old junker and some light up reindeer are the perfect tinkle tour attraction.

Tip 3 Showcase your talent. After all the hard work you’ve been doing throughout the hunting season, it’s the perfect time to show off your brag tree in holiday fashion.

Tip 4 After all the cocktails, a good host ensures their relatives reliable and convenient transportation to and from the Christmas party. Consider this DIY limo.

Tip 2 Recycling used shotgun shells not only does your part for the environment but is a creative and colorful addition to any front door.

https://thislilpiglet.net/2011/11/6-tips-for-a-successful-redneck-christmas/

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Thanks to all our customers who did business with us this past year!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B9

Santa’s Privacy Policy Laurence Hughes, from McSweeney’s Internet Tendency

At Santa’s Workshop, your privacy is important to us. What follows is an explanation of how we collect and safeguard your personal information.

• Why Do We Need This Information? Santa Claus requires your information in order to compile his annual list of who is Naughty and who is Nice and to ensure accuracy when he checks it twice.

If we find a match, it goes straight on the Naughty List.

• What Do We Do with the Information We Collect? Sharing is one of the joys of Christmas. For this reason, we share your personal information with unaffiliated third parties: the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Hanukkah Harry.

• What Information Do We Collect? We obtain information from the unsolicited letters sent to Santa by children all over the world listing specific items they would like to receive for Christmas. Often these letters convey additional information, such as which of their siblings are doodyheads. The letters also provide another important piece of information - fingerprints. We run these through databases maintained by the FBI, CIA, NSA, Interpol, MI6, and the Mossad.

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Page B10 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Christmas is a time of reflection for me as each Christmas brings cherished memories with its own unique and different reminiscence.

Looking back on the early years of my childhood growing up on a farm with seven siblings, to the most recent Christmas celebrations with our children and grandchildren is part of what I cherish about Christmas.

My early memories are of Christmas supper with aunts, uncles, cousins and our family of four or five kids at that time. The meal consisted of turkey and all the trimmings, potatoes, cabbage rolls, salads and my mother’s signature plum pudding and sauce for dessert. One particular Christmas, I remember a commotion, and although I didn’t understand what was going on, apparently my Dad had a turkey bone stuck in his throat that obstructed his breathing. I was too young to know the seriousness of it all and recall my Dad being rushed to a doctor – some 20 miles away – to have it removed. What was a serious concern at the time ended in a lot of ribbing for my dad as my uncle was quick to accuse him of forking the food down too fast for the digestive system.

We grew up on a farm with few luxuries, however there was always enough to eat, and each Christmas there was a present from Santa. I remember getting

May your stuffing be tasty and your turkey be plump

A Fond Memory

by Warren Micelson Moose Jaw North MLA a football one year and went out to play by myself as my siblings were all too attracted to their own presents. Being a cold, December day, there was little appetite to play outside. I must have kicked that football around the yard for hours.

Growing up on the farm meant cattle to feed and water, cows to milk, shelters to clean, and all the chores that dealt with livestock, chickens, pigs and the like. On Christmas Day, we tried very hard to keep the chores to a minimum so that we could enjoy the Birthday of Christ with our family and relatives, however my Dad was quite particular that the livestock had to be cared for before we could take time for ourselves.

Believing in the Birth of Christ meant that Church was an important part of our Christmas celebration.

In my early years, impassable roads prevented us from traveling during the winter months. In those years as a child, we would pray and give thanks. On or about 1960, country schools were closed, which meant many of the rural roads were upgraded to be passable in winter and the attendance at Midnight Mass became part of our family tradition.

After graduation, my first job was in the operations at CKTV and I was scheduled to work Christmas evening. I was saddened that I would not be home that first Christmas on my own, however I do recall a certain satisfaction when realizing that, although I couldn’t be home with my Mom and Dad and my sibling, I felt a sense of fulfilment in realizing that, because I was working, it allowed some Dad to be able to be with his family and his young children – enjoying the festivities of Christmas.

Christmas has always been special in our home.

One tradition I enjoy is decorating the house with

Christmas lights. Every year I string lights on the huge evergreen trees beside our garage; a task that gets more challenging each year; as I get a year older and the trees get a few feet taller! Our four children, now adults with children of their own, still appreciate coming home to see the Christmas lights and to get together with the camaraderie, the turkey dinner, opening of presents, and attending church. It is what Christmas is about in our home.

AsIreminisceaboutChristmasoverthepastdecades, I appreciate the great advancements our society has made…how the years have favoured us with wealth and prosperity. We are able to provide more abundantly and enjoy more richness. Our means of travel are vastly improved to allow us to travel near and far for family get-togethers and other luxury trips. I appreciate the work and sacrifice of those that came before us, who taught us values and provided as they could. I appreciate the people who accept working schedules on Christmas Day to provide care and services, and the women and men in our Armed Forces who can’t be home for Christmas.

I also appreciate we can still enjoy the peace and goodwill passed on through the generations. The peace and joy that was presented to all mankind on that first Christmas morning.

Enjoy Your Christmas with your family, and celebrate what has become traditional to you in the peace, love and joy at this most special time of the year.

On behalf of my family,

MerryChristmas

Chad Taylor Dealer Principal

Cody Connatty Operations Manager

Jordan Lloyd Pre-Owned Manager

Business Manager

Adean Suidak Accounting Manager

Ryan Taylor Auto Body Manager

Miles Sundeen Parts & Service Manager

Modi Rushabh Product Advisor

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B11

The Little Christmas Star Pedro Pablo Sacristan

Of all the stars that shine in the sky, there had always been one that was brighter and more beautiful than the others. The whole sky’s planets and stars looked on in admiration, wondering what could be the important mission that this star was to carry out. And the star itself did exactly the same, aware of its own incomparable beauty.

The speculation ended when a group of angels came to the star: -”Hurry. Your time has arrived, the Lord calls upon you to carry out an important mission.”

And the star went as fast as he could and found out that her mission was to show where the most important event in history would take place.

The star was filled with pride and dressed herself in her most beautiful costume of glint and bedazzlement. She proceeded to follow the angels, who would show her the right place. The star shone with such strength and beauty that she was seen from all parts of the World, and so much so that a group of wise men decided to follow her, knowing that she must be pointing to something important.

For days, the star followed the angels, showing the way, and she was eager to discover what place she was going to illuminate. However, when the angels stopped, and with great joy said “Here it is!” the star could not believe it. There were no palaces, no castles or mansions, no gold or jewels. Only a small, half-abandoned, dirty, smelly stable.

-”Oh, no! Not that! I can not waste my shine and beauty lighting up a place like this! I was born for something greater than this!”

And though the angels tried to calm her, the star’s fury grew and grew, and so much pride and arrogance bubbled up inside her that she began to burn.

And thus she consumed herself and disappeared.

Well, what a problem! There were only a few days left before the big moment, and they were without a star. The angels, in a panic, ran to Heaven to tell God what had happened. After thinking for a moment, God said: -”In that case, search for the smallest, most humble and joyful of all the stars you can find, and bring it here.”

Surprised by the order, but unquestioning, because the Lord often did this kind of thing, the angels flew through the heavens in search of the smallest, most joyful star. It was a tiny star, as small as a grain of sand. He knew so little that he gave no importance to his brightness, and he spent his whole time laughing and chatting with his friends, the biggest stars. When this star was brought to the Lord, he was told: -”The most perfect star in creation, the most wonderful, the most brilliant has failed due to its pride. I thought that you, the most humble and joyful of all the stars, should be the one chosen to take its place and light up the most important event in history: the birth of baby Jesus in Bethlehem.”

The star was filled with so much emotion and joy that he had already arrived over Bethlehem, led

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Serving Moose Jaw & Area for over 43 Years and Looking Forward to Serving You in the New Year

by the angels, before he realised that his brilliance was negligible and that, however much he tried, he could not illuminate things much better than a firefly could.

-”Ok,” he said to himself.

-”How come I didn’t think before accepting this assignment? I’m the smallest star there is! It is totally impossible for me to do as well as that great shining star ... The shame of it! I’m going to mess up an opportunity that all the stars in the heavens would have loved to have had ...”

Then he thought again, “all the stars in the heavens.”

Of course they would love to take part in something like this! And without hesitation, the start took to the skies with a message for all his friends: -”On December 25th, at midnight, I want to share with you all the greatest glory that can exist for a star: to light up the birth of God! I will await you in the little town of Bethlehem, by a small stable.”

And indeed, none of the stars rejected this generous invitation. So many stars joined together, that they formed the most beautiful Star of Christmas that would ever be seen, even though the little star couldn’t even be seen amid all the brilliance. And happy at his excellent service, and as a reward for his humility and generosity, God transformed this little messenger into a beautiful shooting star and gave him the gift of granting wishes and every time he did, his beautiful trail gleaming in the night sky was seen. https://freestoriesforkids.com/children/storiesand-tales/little-christmas-star

Page B12 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

How They Forecast a Cold Winter One day in early September the chief of a Native American tribe was asked by his tribal elders if the winter of 2011/12 was going to be cold or mild. The chief asked his medicine man, but he too had lost touch with the reading signs from the natural world around the Great Lakes.

In truth, neither of them had idea about how to predict the coming winter. However, the chief decided to take a modern approach, and the chief rang the National Weather Service in Gaylord Michigan.

‘Yes, it is going to be a cold winter,’ the meteorological officer told the chief. Consequently, he went back to his tribe and told the men to collect plenty of firewood.

A fortnight later the chief called the Weather Service and asked for an update. ‘Are you still forecasting a cold winter?’ he asked.

‘Yes, very cold’, the weather officer told him.

As a result of this brief conversation the chief went back to the tribe and told his people to collect every bit of wood they could find.

A month later the chief called the National Weather Service once more and asked about the coming winter. ‘Yes,’ he was told, ‘it is going to be one of the coldest winters ever.’

‘How can you be so sure?’ the chief asked.

The weatherman replied: ‘Because the Native Americans of the Great Lakes are collecting wood like crazy.’

Grandpa’s Christmas Story Grandpa decided that shopping for Christmas presents had become too difficult. All his grandchildren had everything they needed, so he decided to send them each a cheque (check).

On each card he wrote: ‘Happy Christmas Grandpa’ P.S. ‘Buy your own present!’

Conclusion: Now, while Grandpa enjoyed the family festivities, he thought that his grandchildren were just slightly distant.

It preyed on his mind into the New Year. Then one day he was sorting out his study and under a pile of magazines, he found a little pile of cheques (checks) for his grandchildren. He had completely forgotten to put them in with the Christmas cards.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B13

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How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas?

Why did Frosty ask for a divorce?

How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?

What do you call an elf wearing ear muffs?

Why don’t crabs celebrate Christmas?

What’s every parent’s favorite Christmas Carol?

What do you call Santa when he takes a break?

What do you call a cat on the beach on Christmas Day? Why do Christmas trees like the past so much?

Where does mistletoe go to get famous?

Why does Santa always enter through the chimney?

What do you call a snowman that can walk?

What do hip-hop artists do on Christmas?

What do you call a frog hanging from the ceiling?

What is the popular carol in Desert?

Differentiate between Christmas alphabet and ordinary alphabet?

What’s a good Christmas tip?

What a big candle says to a small candle on a Christmas Eve? Why did the kids start eating the puzzle on Christmas?

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?

É ÉÉ

1. He was hooked on trees his whole life. 2. His wife was a total flake. 3. Nothing. It was on the house! 4. Anything you want. He can’t hear you! 5. Because they’re shellfish. 6. Silent Night. 7. Santa Pause. 8. Sandyclaws. 9. Because the presents’s beneath them! 10. Holly-wood! 11. Because it soots him. 12. Snow-mobile. 13. Unwrap. 14.

Mistletoad. 15. Camel ye Faithful. 16. The Christmas alphabet has Noel. 17. Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.

18. I am going out for dinner. 19. Because their uncle said that it was a piece of cake! 20. Deep pan, crisp and even!

May the joy and peace of the holiday season bring happiness that lasts all through the upcoming year!

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Merry Christmas

The First Christmas And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David): To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped

him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in

AND HAPPY

NEW YEAR

a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

-- Luke 2:1-16

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The Story of Christmas Spiders Stephanie Herbek

In a quiet cottage in the woods lived a gentle widow and her eight children. The widow worked very hard to keep her children warm and well-fed, but money was not plentiful. When the air grew crisp, and the snow began to fall, the widow knew Christmas was coming. But instead of feeling joyful as the holiday approached, she felt sadness and sorrow. She knew that she did not have enough money to buy her children any gifts to open on Christmas morning.

“I cannot afford new toys or books,” she thought, walking home through the woods one night. “What will I give my children?”

On Christmas Eve the family ate their simple Christmas dinner together, and the widow tried to conceal her worries. After tucking her excited children snugly into bed, she pulled her chair close to the fire and tried to erase the visions of their little disappointed faces from her mind.

After all, what fun is Christmas morning without gifts to open?

“Perhaps a Christmas tree would make my children happy,” the widow sighed.

She put on her coat and hat and walked through the woods in search of the right tree. She chose a small but beautiful evergreen, chopped it down with her

husband’s ax, and brought it to the cottage.

Forhours,thewidowcarefullydecoratedthefragrant tree branches with colorful fruits, bits of ribbon, and Christmas cookies. Then she blew out her candle and went to bed, hoping the tree would make her children’s empty Christmas a little bit brighter.

While the tired widow slept, tiny spiders crept from the cracks and corners of the cottage. They had

watched her hard at work, decorating the tree for her children. Onto the branches they jumped, spinning delicate strands of silky web which gracefully covered the small tree from trunk to top. It was a beautiful sight.

When the family awoke on Christmas morning, they could not believe their eyes. The webs of silk had been turned into pure silver, covering the tree with dazzling brightness! During the night, Santa Claus had come with gifts for the children and saw the tree covered with spider webs. He smiled as he saw how happy the spiders were, but knew how heartbroken the widow would be if she saw her tree covered with spider webs.

So he turned the silky webs into pure, shining silver. The next morning, as the widow watched her children sing and dance around the beautiful shining tree, she knew it would be a wonderful Christmas after all!

From that day forward, people have hung strands of shiny silver tinsel on their Christmas trees in honor of the poor widow and her tiny Christmas spiders. https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/inspirational-christmasstories9.htm

WISH YOU A WE

MERRY

CHRISTMAS AND H PPY A

NEW YEAR

FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF THE

636 Main Street North - Moose Jaw, SK S6H3K4

306-692-6438

Page B16 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Combine loads of good wishes, heart full of love and armfuls of hugs.

The Wishing Star Davey looked out the window at the falling snow.

Usually he loved snow, but today he was sad. It was Christmas Eve, and the snow was so deep that it might ruin Christmas for Davey. Because of the snowstorm, Davey was afraid that his older brother Josh would never make it home for Christmas.

“And I have such a special present for him!” Davey said to himself. “If only he could get here!” With his best crayons, Davey had drawn a picture of the barn on their farm. He was going to give it to Josh for Christmas to hang in his room at college.

Davey turned away from the window with a sigh.

Just then, Dad called, “How about some help shoveling the driveway? We’re going to try to make it into town to finish our Christmas shopping. We also have to buy our tree, don’t forget.”

Davey ran to get his boots and coat. He followed Dad out into the snow. Davey picked up his small shovel and set to work, while Dad used his bigger one. Helping Dad shovel the snow made Davey feel better.

Soon, Davey and Dad and Mom were on their way to town. Because of the snow, they had to drive slowly. “I brought my picture for Josh with me,” Davey said as they rode along. “Maybe I can find a frame to fit it when we get to the store.” “Good idea,” said Mom. “I’ll help you look.”

When they got to town, they went to the Christmas tree lot. Davey was the first one out of the car. He ran over to a beautiful, glossy, tall tree. “Look at this one!” he shouted to Mom and Dad. “Josh will love this tree!” Then he remembered. Josh probably wouldn’t be home at all. Davey felt sad again.

Mom and Dad came over to see the tree Davey had found. “That’s a great tree, Davey,” said Dad with a smile. “I think you’re right. It’s the one we should get.” Mom added, “And even if Josh doesn’t get here to see it, he’d still be happy we have such a beautiful tree.”

Later, at the store, Mom took Davey to the counter where picture frames were sold. Davey looked at all the frames. Finally he said, “I like this wooden one.

It reminds me of the wooden barn in my picture.”

The wooden frame was just the right size for his picture. Davey was very pleased. “I’m getting this just in case Josh makes it home for Christmas,” he said. Mom patted him on the shoulder. “I know how much you want Josh to be here tonight,” she said, “but it is still snowing hard. I really don’t think he’ll make it. So you mustn’t be too disappointed.”

“At least I can wish he’d come,” Davey said. As they were about to leave the store, Davey saw a crowd of people. “What are all those people looking at?” Davey wondered. He ran to get a closer look.

Looking around the man in front of him, Davey could see what was at the center of the crowd.

It was Santa! Children were sitting on Santa’s lap and talking to him. “Can we get in line, please Dad?” begged Davey. “Well, we’re kind of in a hurry. We need to be back home before the snow gets too deep,” said Dad. “But since this is Santa, I guess we can spare the time.”

Davey gave Dad a big thank-you hug and ran to get in line. It seemed to take forever, but at last it was his turn. When Davey climbed up on Santa’s lap, Santa said, “Well, well, and what would you like for Christmas?”

“I wish my brother Josh could get home for Christmas,” Davey said. “But the snow is so deep that Mom and Dad don’t think he can make it.” “I don’t usually deliver people on Christmas Eve, just toys,” said Santa. “But I’ll tell you what. Tonight, before you go to sleep, make your wish on the biggest, brightest star in the sky. That’s the Wishing Star.”

“Will it really work?” Davey asked Santa. “Well, you never can tell about wishes, so I don’t make any guarantees,” said Santa. “But it surely doesn’t hurt to try!”

On the way home in the car, Davey saw that the snow was coming down harder and harder. When he and Mom and Dad were almost to the house, Davey talked about Santa’s Wishing Star. “We all make wishes every now and then,” said Mom, “but sometimes they just can’t come true.”

“I’m going to try, anyway,” insisted Davey. That night after dinner, Dad put the Christmas tree in its stand, and Mom and Davey joined him in decorating it with colored lights and balls and lots of tinsel.

While they were working, Davey thought sadly, “It would be so great if Josh were here to see our beautiful tree.” Dad put a golden angel on the very top. “I think this is the best tree we’ve ever had!” he exclaimed.

Davey went over to the window and looked out.

The snow had stopped falling. And there, right overhead, was a star Davey had never seen before. It was big and bright and sparkling. It was the biggest and brightest star in the sky, just as Santa had said.

Davey looked at the star and said, “Wishing Star, please let my Christmas wish come true. I wish that Josh would come home tonight, so we can all be together for Christmas.” Then Davey closed his eyes and wished as hard as he could.

Too soon, Davey heard Mom’s voice. “Time for bed, little one. If you go right to sleep, it will be Christmas morning before you know it.” Davey hung his stocking by the fireplace. He kissed Mom and Dad and started up the stairs to his room.

Just then, the three of them heard a sound outside the front door. “Who could that be?” asked Dad. Suddenly the door flew open, and there was Josh!

Davey raced to the door, flung his arms around his brother, and gave him the biggest hug he could manage. Josh had made it home after all. Davey’s Christmas wish had come true!

Later that night, when Davey was finally in bed, he looked out his window. Sure enough, the Wishing Star was still high in the sky. “Thank you, Wishing Star,” he whispered. “I knew you could do it.

You’ve made this my best Christmas ever!”

2007 Publications International, Ltd. https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/inspirational-christmasstories14.htm

We would like to thank you for your support in 2019 and we wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

OUR CHRISTMAS HOURS We will be closed Dec 24/25/26/27 & Jan 1 Regular Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Dec 23/30/31 and Jan 2 (306) 693-7536 • www.chowmcleod.com • 48 High St.W., Moose Jaw S6H 1S3

Management and Staff of

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Love was born on Christmas morn.

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B17

Poinsettias at Christmas Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as ‘Taxco del Alarcon’ where they flower during the winter.

The ancient Aztecs called them ‘cuetlaxochitl’. The Aztecs had many uses for them including using the flowers (actually special types of leaves known as bracts rather than being flowers) to make a purple dye for clothes and cosmetics and the milky white sap was made into a medicine to treat fevers.

(Today we call the sap latex.)

The poinsettia was made widely known because of a man called Joel Roberts Poinsett (that’s why we call them Poinsettia!). He was the first Ambassador from the USA to Mexico in 1825. Poinsett had some greenhouses on his plantations in South Carolina, and while visiting the Taco area in 1828, he became very interested in the plants. He immediately sent some of the plants back to South Carolina, where he began growing the plants and sending them to friends and botanical gardens.

One of the friends he sent plants to was John Bartram of Philadelphia. At the first Philadelphia flower show, Robert Buist, a plants-man from Pennsylvania saw the flower and he was probably the first person to have sold the poinsettias under their botanical, or latin name, name ‘Euphorbia pulcherrima’ (it means, ‘the most beautiful Euphorbia’). They were first sold as cut flowers. It was only in the early 1900s that they were sold as whole plants for landscaping and pot plants. The Ecke family from Southern California were one of, if not, the first to sell them as whole plants and they’re still the main producer of the plants in the USA. It is thought that they became known as Poinset-

tia in the mid 1830s when people found out who had first brought them to America from Mexico.

There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettias and Christmas come together, it goes like this: There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.

‘Pepita’, he said “I’m sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy.”

Pepita didn’t know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said.

She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena’, or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’.

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/poinsettia.shtml

Caring for Your Poinsettia Poinsettias need bright, but filtered light, away from strong sun and draughts.

They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F).

Be careful when transporting poinsettias from the shop to your home in the winter, as the cold outdoor temperatures can damage the foliage. Always ask if the shop can wrap the plant in paper right around the top of the foliage, or put it in a plastic bag so that it is completely protected.

Sometimes a poinsettia will start wilting once you get it home, and continue to deteriorate, no matter what you do. This could be due to the plant having been stored in cold conditions in the shop before you bought it. Unfortunately,

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season

there is little you can do about this. Buying plants from reputable suppliers is therefore recommended.

Water poinsettias sparingly as overwatering can damage plants. As a rule of thumb, only water when the surface of the compost has begun to dry out.

The flowering life of plants is extended by humidity, so mist plants regularly.

Feed monthly with a low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?PID=146

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Merry Christmas We made sure Santa can read that Naughty and Nice list!

Bryan Roach (306)690-3555

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Page B18 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

May all your days be happy and bright and all your Christmases be white.

Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays

180 2nd Ave NW

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HOLIDAY HOURS Christmas Eve - 11am to 4pm Christmas Day - CLOSED New Years Day - CLOSED January 6-12th, 2020 - CLOSED

23 High St W | 306.692.6066

White Christmas by Bing Crosby Best-selling Single of All Time

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “White Christmas� by Bing Crosby is not only the best-selling Christmas/holiday single in the United States, but also the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales in excess of 50 million copies worldwide. “WhiteChristmas�isa1942IrvingBerlinsongreminiscing about an old-fashioned Christmas setting.

The first public performance of the song was by Bing Crosby on his NBC radio show The Kraft

Music Hall on Christmas Day, 1941; a copy of the recording from the radio program is owned by Crosby’s estate and was loaned to CBS News Sunday Morning for their December 25, 2011 program. He subsequently recorded the song with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers and for Decca Records in 18 minutes on May 29, 1942, and it was released on July 30 as part of an album of six 78-rpm discs from the musical film Holiday Inn. At first, Crosby did not see anything special about the song. He just said “I don’t think we have any problems with that one, Irving.� The song established that there could be commercially successful secular Christmas songs—in this case, written by a Jewish-American songwriter.

The song initially performed poorly and was overshadowed by Holiday Inn’s first hit song: “Be Careful, It’s My Heart�. By the end of October 1942, “White Christmas� topped the Your Hit Parade chart. It remained in that position

until well into the new year. It has often been noted that the mix of melancholy—�just like the ones I used to know�—with comforting images of home— �where the treetops glisten�—resonated especially strongly with listeners during World War II. A few weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Crosby introduced “White Christmas� on a Christmas Day broadcast. The Armed Forces Network was flooded with requests for the song. The recording is noted for Crosby’s whistling during the second chorus.]

The song would feature in another Crosby film, the 1954 musical White Christmas, which became the highest-grossing film of 1954.

The version most often heard today on the radio duringtheChristmasseasonisthe1947re-recording.

The 1942 master was damaged due to frequent use.

Crosby re-recorded the track on March 19, 1947, accompanied again by the Trotter Orchestra and the Darby Singers, with every effort made to reproduce the original recording session.[7] The re-recording is recognizable by the addition of flutes and celesta in the beginning.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B19

Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts.

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I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I’m dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the ones I used to know May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may…

Thank You

Moose Jaw and surrounding District for your generous support during the Christmas season and year round.

Merry Christmas.

The equestrian unit would like to thank SOUTH COUNTRY EQUIPMENT for the use of the John Deere Gator for the 2019 Parade Season The Shriners would also like to thank everyone for their generous support over the years.

“Having Fun & Supporting Kids” ( •

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Page B20 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Rotary Carol Festival Rings in 75th Anniversary with Three Evenings of Music Larissa Kurz Moose Jaw Express

The Rotary Carol Festival is the longest-running annual event at Zion United Church, and this year the show was as entertaining as ever.

After 75 years, the musicians and choirs of Moose Jaw continue to step forward and offer their talents for the festival. What first began as a carol festival for the schools has evolved into a community gathering, bringing together all ages of music lovers.

Each of the three nights of the Festival features a different collection of performances, with a sing-along carol with the audience in between each performer.

The admission to the Festival was once again by donation, and all proceeds will be put towards programs supported by the Rotary Club, like the Rotary Track Club.

Accapella women’s choir Bel Coro, directed by Wanda Reid.

The Oxford St. Singers from Central Collegiate, performing “Glow.”

The Treble Makers, a choir from Empire School.

A group of students from Miss Penny’s Studio, with their voices, violins, ukeleles, and sleigh bells.

The Zion Bell Ringers opened the evening with their performance.

What kind of Christmas present would Jesus ask Santa for?

The Zion Ensemble provided ambient music for those settling into their seats before the show.

Central student Ava O’Bright, accompanied by her mother Jody Hendry on the piano.

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B21

Local trio Desperate for Haggis performed a modified sea shanty and the favourite “Christmas in Killarney.”

Zion’s organist Bruce Learmouth and Rotary Club member Brenda Johnson led the crowd in a sing-along carol between performers.

Central Collegiate Concert Choir, directed by Kelsey Gibson, with a rendition of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

Page B22 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

A Christmas goodie from me to you. Eat it quick before i do…

Christmas Stories with Morals How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss It’s one of the most famous Christmas stories for a reason. Funny and completely original in the way only Dr. Seuss could ever be, the heart of the story captures the true meaning of Christmas for children and adults around the world. It’s always a treat to see the story brought to life in the classic movie, but you can’t beat reading the story the way Dr. Seuss intended. The heartwarming tale illustrates the goodness in people; a reminder most of us could use more than once a year.

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens Dickens’ classic story seems as old as Christmas itself. That’s because it was written during a time when the holiday was being more intricately defined in Western society. The protagonist in his story, Ebenezer Scrooge, was in many ways the original Grinch, but through a few haunting visits to his past, present and future, Scrooge undergoes an uplifting transformation. Classic Dickens themes also reflect on the reality of poverty, class struggles, social justice and humanitarianism.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Robert L. May Not many people know that the classic Christmas character made its first appearance in a book. The concept of the story seems simple, and the lyrics of the song adapted later are probably ringing in your head right now. Rudolph is different from the other reindeer.

He is teased because of his bright red nose, but in the end it is his bright red nose that saves the day, leading Santa and his crew through the harsh winter weather. It’s a great lesson for young kids starting to socialize.

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis As cherished by adults as it is children, this high fantasy novel takes place in the magical world of Narnia in a perpetual winter complete with Father Christmas (who comes bearing weapons and tools for warriors instead of toys). The adventurous tale dives into deeper contemplations about the nature of good and evil, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. It’s the perfect book for Christmas. Although, praised as one of the best novels in history, it’s never restricted to any specific season.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B23

What is Christmas Spirit?

Krystal D’Costa (December 21, 2016)

Where does the idea of Christmas spirit come from and why does it hinge so much on behavior?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Once we’ve had our fill of turkey and welcomed the holiday season properly, we’re constantly encouraged to get into the Spirit of the Season. This phrase is most heavily tied to Christmas in particular, but it would be hard to deny that similar themes aren’t attached to other December holidays. In general, we’re encouraged to be joyful, charitable, generous, kind, and forgiving—which are all behaviors that run counter to our inclined responses to the stresses caused by holiday shopping, holiday travel, and general holiday interactions. Where does the idea of Christmas spirit come from and why does it hinge so much on behavior?

The message of Christmas spirit is derived from a fewgeneralexperiences.Thefirstisanactualspecter.

In the seasonal classic A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by several apparitions who force him to confront his miserly ways and open his heart. If there is anyone who does not embody the alleged Christmas spirit, it is truly Scrooge: In response to a request for a charitable donation, he famously asks whether the prisons and the workhouses are not still open for those who seek charity; and says, for those who cannot get to the workhouses or would rather die than seek out these places, “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”

He manages the office coal supply and refuses his workers anything but the smallest fire to stay warm.

He nearly refuses his workers the day off for Christmas—at first negotiating for a half day and stating that he would dock them half a day of pay. When he relents to the full day off, he demands that they come in earlier on the next day to compensate for the lost time.

When Scrooge gets home on Christmas Eve, he is visited by the spirit of his former partner who warns him of the coming of three spirits. One of thesephantomsisChristmasPresent—ajolly,jovial, generous essence. In the original version of the story, he appears with a great feast and is decorated in the trappings of the season. His purpose is to take Scrooge around town and show him that both the wealthy and the poor seek solace in the cheer of company on this day. That is, people are invested in sharing and being grateful for whatever they have, and looking for merriment in each other’s company, regardless of their means.

The Ghost of Christmas Present bears a resemblance to St. Nicholas, who is the physical embodiment of

Christmas spirit—and our second example for consideration. Our present image of Santa Claus comes from a few different sources. He is a combination of the Dutch Sinterklaas and the British Father Christmas—both of whom appear to be rooted in the real life Saint Nicholas of Myra, who was a saint and a Bishop with a reputation for secret gift giving. For example, he was known for putting coins in shoes left out for him. The tradition of Saint Nicholas’ Day (Dec. 6) spread to many countries, and on the eve of this festivity which marks his death, presents are exchanged. Sinterklaas makes the distinction between good and bad children. He has a helper named Zwarte Piet who punishes bad children by beating them. (In some traditions, he also abducts very bad children.) Children leave their shoes by the fireplace with some hay or a carrot for his horse, and Sinterklaas leaves them chocolate coins or some other token. A sack is also often placed outside of the house or in the living room with presents for the family. Father Christmas, on the other hand, had nothing to do with gifts—though he has since merged with representations of Santa Claus, he was originally created to be the personification of good cheer.

symbolizes hope and beginnings, knowledge and safety. Lights create a beacon for others who are out in the dark and cold; they imply generosity and charity.

The code of generosity, kindness, and charity toward others is enforced by no one other than ourselves. There are places where this code is strong, and these places (or people) are said to have strong Christmas spirit.

The code of generosity, kindness, and charity toward others is enforced by no one other than ourselves.

There are places where this code is strong, and these places (or people) are said to have strong Christmas spirit.And there are places where the opposite is true.

This variation is acceptable provided that the rest of the local community buys into it. After all, we are the sum of the individuals around us who generate the collective force that governs and organizes our social structure. There are minimums that we need to acknowledge in terms of Christmas spirit but it isn’t an all-or-nothing requirement. When we “act out” Christmas spirit, we’re making visible this collective force, and we give it power.

The third form of Christmas spirit exists in the forms of Christmas decorations. Lights and evergreens in our homes drive away the imagery and meaning associated with the colder, longer days that mark the end of the growing season. Both figuratively and literally, on the darkest of days, people wish for light. As the days grow shorter and sometimes colder, and the earth stands barren until growth can begin anew, people’s thoughts turn to warmth, life, and light. Light drives away the darkness. It

Taken together, the lessons from these examples pack a powerful punch. We have a moral watchman, the embodiment of good cheer, a gift giver, and symbols of safety and home. They provide strong guidelines on how to behave in a specific context, which in this case is the holiday season.

We have been taught through these traditions what we should expect and how we should behave during this time of year in particular. Why this time of year? Undoubtedly these principles should be present all year round, but the emphasis here on connectivity with your neighbor is probably tied to the natural rhythms of the seasons. In much of the Northern Hemisphere, where these traditions have their roots, the end of the year is the period following the harvest. Our ancestors would finally have time to visit with others and open their homes to guests. As it is also the darkest time of the year, we’re psychologically looking to others for warmth and comfort.

It is this power that charities draw on during this time of year when they set up shop on the sidewalk to collect donations. By being physically present, they’re invoking the moral code. For those who wear Santa hats or whose donation kettles are red, they’re presenting symbols of Christmas spirit that we technically should not avoid, regardless of what we ourselves may believe. With the growing secularization of the holiday season, the Christmas spirit is something we should all be able to relate to because it speaks to the social-rights and social obligations that we have to each other in order to maintain a civil society.

Page B24 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Being together is the best gift of all.

Dysfunctional Family Bingo!

Dr. Christine Majeran Chiropractor and Certified Life Coach

It’s Christmas!!

Get out those bingo blotters because it’s time to play Dysfunctional Family Bingo! Here’s how you play: you and your closest friends get together and print out the Dysfunctional Family Bingo card (just google it and pick your favourite or use a blank template and write your own squares.) As the holiday season progresses, start playing. Whoever gets Bingo first gets lunch or a bottle of wine!

Here’s some ideas for squares: Mom puts on a tight fake smile while Dad tells the same jokes for the thousandth time.

Long time family friend Drunk “Uncle” Jack starts getting handsy.

Hyper-critical sister-in-law delivers one of her passive-aggressive comments that sounds like a compliment but really isn’t (“I really admire your ability to come up with such interesting decorations”).

Grandpa starts talking about how great Trump is.

Grandma asks (again) when you’re getting married or having kids.

Your Uncle tells you how much he paid for his car. Again.

Your sister brings her own snacks for her kids be-

cause “we’re trying to limit the amount of chemicals our kids eat”.

Your niece brings up the documentary she saw on turkey farms just as you start carving.

So. Much. Fun!

Dysfunctional Family Bingo can provide a good laugh over drinks with your friends. But sometimes the real dysfunction doesn’t seem very funny and can leave you feeling angry, stressed or hurt. We all have our buttons and our families, more so than anyone else, know just how to push them. But here’s the thing: your buttons are your own creation. No one else put them there. I don’t care what your mom said to you or how your sister-in-law acts, if you’re hurt, that’s on you. Which is fantastic news!

Our feelings don’t just come out of nowhere and no one can make us feel anything. Our feelings are created by the thoughts we choose to think. Yes, I said “choose”. No one can plant thoughts into your brain. No one else has mind control powers over you. Now you might be saying, “she clearly has never met my mother in law: she makes me so angry!” and although you may be right—I probably haven’t met your mother-in-law—she doesn’t make you angry. Your own thoughts about her make you angry. She makes a comment about how m u c h time your kids play

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video games and you think, “she is judging my parenting, she thinks I’m a bad mom” and that makes you angry. And guess what? That may be exactly what she means when she says that but it only hurts you if you believe it and make it mean something about you. It only hurts if you believe that you’re a bad mother. Instead, you could make it mean that she doesn’t understand what raising kids is like in 2019 or she doesn’t know what really goes on in your house, she only sees what she wants to see.

So this holiday season, let’s let everyone be exactly who they are instead of thinking that they shouldn’t say this or they shouldn’t act like that. And instead of wishing everyone else would change, focus your energy on changing your own thoughts. And when your great-aunt tries to force a kiss on your son against his will, BINGO!

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B25

Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled.

Repurposed Green Dress was Hit For Christmas Concert Joyce Walter Moose Jaw Express

The invitation to the Christmas party clearly outlined the dress code: business suit with tie for the gentlemen and cocktail dresses for the ladies.

The ticket for the festive party at a local hotel pointed out that blue jeans were not permitted — men should wear suits or business casual, with ladies attending in dresses.

All the advertising for the pre-Christmas dinner, for which each ticket cost in excess of $100, admonished attendees to dress appropriately.

Perhaps it is appropriate that sponsors of events attempt to become the fashion police for such occasion — that conclusion coming after seeing several men show up at a posh Christmas dinner and dance wearing orange combination coveralls.

Butdespitethoseattemptstoshovelmeintoacocktail dress or a dress of any kind, this guest will abide by a personal dress code that means dressy, with perhaps a sparkly top and satiny trousers but not a dress in sight. Of course, I know enough to leave the jeans at home, unless the title suggests jeans and diamonds as the required attire.

Looking back on Christmas events, I was not always adverse to dresses and skirts.

That aversion grew proportionately with the size of various body party and the unwillingness to put them on public display. A loose top and flowing pants cover a multitude of aging sins.

The annual Christmas concert in my rural community was the fashion event of the year. That event was an opportunity for the students to don new clothing, suitable for public stage appearances, and certainly for the girls, in competition to see which of us would have the most dazzling outfit.

In those days that did not mean a trip to the city’s many dress shops. Rather it meant the sewing machine came out and mothers began creating new outfits from bolts of material saved for that purpose.

Or it might mean a dress being repurposed for wear by someone else in the family.

Such was the case with that green skirt I wore to one of the school Christmas concerts. It started out as an adult dress handed down by someone to my Mother who thought it might make its way into a homemade quilt back. It felt like velvet and was definitely a suitable colour for Christmas.

I have a long skirt in the closet and even a shorter one in there somewhere, but despite what the invitations might say, my days of cocktail dresses are gone — along with my slim figure and legs that don’t require knee-high compression stockings.

Visualizing those stockings with a short cocktail dress would indeed produce a Kodak moment.

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Over the years fashions for Christmas events have included long dresses, fancy short dresses, palazzo outfits with gobs of material on the legs and cinched in waists for the tops, dressy pants with sparkle on blouses matching the sparkles in the updo hair, and combinations of all of the above.

That year she didn’t have any new material socked away, so she turned her attention to her quilt stash and came up with that green dress. She measured and snipped out stitches and measured some more and kept sticking me with pins as she marked appropriate spots where new seams would appear.

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Finally she finished her seamstress magic and voila, I had a new skirt for the concert. But wait, what else had she made — yes it was a matching vest adorned with sparkly edging. With my skirt and vest complemented by a white blouse I went off with pride to take my place on stage with my fellow students.

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Page B26 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Save Santa a trip: be naughty.

Here’s hoping your holiday is the best!

I appreciate your support during the past year.

- Tim

Merry Christmas &

New Year!

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Sobering Thoughts from a Boxing Day Celebration in the 1950’s Ron Walter Moose Jaw Express

Drinking alcoholbased beverages was always part of my family’s social life, even at Christmas.

From the time I was atoddler,everytime we had a drink I was allowed to take part.

It was only a drop or two but I felt special to drink with the

grownups.

While my peers in school couldn’t wait for the age to legally go in a bar that was no big deal for me.

Lest you get the wrong impression, drinks were rare in our house. We couldn’t afford much for many years.

A brown jug of port wine for special occasions and sometimes medicinal purposes was stock. When times got better, a bottle of Whitehorse whiskey

was added. It was awful tasting stuff, burned all the way down.

I digress but this reminds me of the time my parents and my future wife’s parents met to plan our wedding.

Of course, my father said we would have wine at the post wedding reception Absolutely not, my future mother-in-law recoiled at the notion. She was a charter member of the anti-booze Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.

She won the day. My father felt better when my father-in-law to be invited him out for a smoke where they shared sips from a mickey of whiskey, chewing mints before returning from the smoke.

Our southern Alberta rural community used alcohol as a socializing substance. To refuse a drink was considered impolite, even arrogant.

It was a Boxing Day celebration when a friend brought a stranger with him. I think his name was Fred. Fred seemed a nice fellow, if quiet.

He declined an alcohol drink on arrival, choosing coffee as the alternate. And he rejected the hospital-

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ity drink several times including one for the road even as my father, the host, pointed out Fred was not driving home.

Once Fred and our friend left my father wondered out loud why Fred refused a hospitable drink.

An uncle who knew Fred explained.

“Fred used to drink a lot. A couple of years ago he was plastered driving home from a party. He ran head on into a car and killed a young woman. She was only 20.

“He hasn’t touched a drop since.”

“Oh my God,” said my father. “He has to live with that for the rest of his life.”

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B27

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Staying Close to Home Scott Hellings Moose Jaw Today Digital Editor

This will be the first year in a long time that I won’t be travelling somewhere during the holidays.

That suits me just fine.

Travelling can be a challenge at the best of times. I’m sure at one point we’ve all asked ourselves the importantquestions like, “How do I pack all of this into a carry-on bag? Is there any way I can get by without pants?

Will they have pants when I get there?” Or, “How do I create a road trip playlist that will be fun but will also hide my embarrassing guilty pleasures?”

I’ve also been led to believe that you can accidentally get on a plane not once, but twice, without one of your children. (It’s okay though — I’m told everything worked out fine).

For several years, I attended school in Edmonton and then had to come home for Christmas. That is a long drive. Of course, the weather changes at least twice during the trip, so you never know what

to expect from the roads. As a result, I’ve had to spend more than one night alone in a hotel room in Lloydminster. That’s not necessarily a bad thing per se, but sitting on a hotel bed watching Friends reruns and eating a vending machine Snickers is not my idea of a fun night in.

My first year, however, I took the bus. It was certainly an experience. We were late leaving because no one could find our bus driver. He was at the bar next door. It seemed like a foreboding start to what turned into one very long night (the bus left at midnight). The trip itself was fine I guess, although I will add that I have not stepped on a bus since.

For several years now, I have been travelling to my in-law’s farm near Gull Lake. While I always enjoy the visit, I never sleep well when we’re there.

Perhaps it is the blast of warm air continuously blowing in my face from an unfortunately-placed air vent?

Regardless, it will certainly be nice to spend Christmas in my own bed this year.

Six years ago we left on New Year’s Day to travel to the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat. It essentially served as our honeymoon. While the trip was nice, it did take three days of travel (thanks to delays) to get there. During our visit, I also man-

aged to lose my glasses in the ocean, which left me essentially blind for the remainder of our vacation.

I assume Montserrat is a lovely place to visit — but all I could see was blurry splotches.

This year, we are staying put because you simply can’t convince me that travelling with a five-monthold seems like a great idea. Personally, I couldn’t be happier. My wife is happy. The baby is happy.

The cat is happy (I think). Besides, I’m not sure our vehicle is large enough to transport all the food, gifts, and everything baby related.

While it won’t be the same, I recognize that traditions morph and change over time as needed. Perhaps our new family will start our own traditions…or maybe everything will return to normal again next year. One way or another, I look forward to spending Christmas with my family.

They say a change is as good as a rest. As a new dad, I need all the rest I can get. I’m happy to stay home.

happy holidays Our hours of operation for the holiday season will be: December 24, 2019 Closed at 3:00pm December 25, 2019 to December 27, 2019 CLOSED December 31, 2019 Closed at 3:00pm January 1st and January 2nd CLOSED We will be open January 6th, 2020 Regular Business Hours

Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

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Page B28 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

May the magic of Christmas warm your heart.

My Favourite Christmas Memories

There is something special about the Christmas season.

I remember the feeling of anticipation as a child – waiting and wondering what Santa would leave in our stockings and under the tree.

I also remember feelings of peace on Christmas Eve, and the joy of waking up with my family for the excitement of Christmas morning.

I remember time at home, or a home away from home with family and loved ones, preparing delicious and home-cooked Christmas meals.

When our kids were young, I loved experiencing Christmas through their eyes – their excitement and curiosity nothing short of magical.

Today, Marjorie and I cherish the opportunity to experience it all again as grandparents, without all of the pressure to provide a perfect Christmas.

Greg Lawrence MLA Moose Jaw Wakamow While each of us have our own unique traditions, celebrations and memories, I think these are the kinds of things most of us can relate to.

Looking back, I have a few favourite memories.

I believe Christmas is all about family and friends gathering and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. One year, a long time ago now, my bride Marjorie had an awesome idea.

Due to what we thought was the over-commercialization of Christmas, we decided that we would focus on celebrating the birthday of our Lord. After going to our kids and explaining what we wanted to do, they jumped right in.

Instead of preparing the traditional Christmas meal, we ordered KFC and picked up a cake at the local Co-op that read “Happy Birthday Jesus.” Instead of running around town and visiting all day, we stayed home in our pajamas, played games with our boys and just had a fun birthday celebration.

Another memory, which also holds a special place in my heart, also involved family and friends. It may have even been the following year, as it was definitely around the same period of time. We were living in Estevan and it was definitely a transient

town. We had many friends from church and work that were either from far away or whose families had moved away. So, we decided to have everyone over for supper – Marjorie and my mother-in-law cooked all day, it was a lot of work but worth it.

We ended up with 22 adults and at least 10 kids between the ages of 4 and 15 (in fact, it may have been more, it was a long time ago and my memory isn’t what it used to be).

We had everyone from my friend Reuben and his wife (90+ years old) from church to one of our drivers and his family from Newfoundland and all of their children. After supper, a few guitars were pulled out and we sang Christmas carols for a couple of hours while the kids played.

Whatever this Christmas season brings for you, I hope that the lights, the sights and the sounds of season produce memories you will cherish forever.

On behalf of my wife Marjorie and my family, I want to extend best wishes for the Christmas season.

Please drive carefully as you travel during the holidays.

Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B29

Local Christmas Eve Service Captures Simplicity of Holiday Spirit Larissa Kurz Moose Jaw Express

For nearly 25 years, families from Tugaske and the surrounding communities have gathered on Christmas Eve for a special kind of holiday service, one that creates a unique connection to the spirit of Christmas.

Rather than hosting a Christmas Eve service in the church building in nearby Eyebrow, as most communities do, Tugaske hosts their service in a charming, rustic barn at a local farmyard.

The rows of pews are made with straw bales and wooden beams, and the invited guests that truly make the service special are the live animals — which in past years have included goats, sheep, pigs, horses, calves, and even occasionally chickens.

Including the animals in the congregation gives the service a novelty that can’t be found anywhere else.

“One year, the sheep came along and took the papers

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from the worship leaders and started to eat them,” said Kathy Russell, who hosts the service with her husband, Jim, at their farm.

Kathywritesandorganizesaskitthattellsthenativity story each year, which is acted out by members of the community. There is also live music, provided by local musicians on the keyboard, guitar, and even one year, the flute.

The service also includes the traditional Christmas scripture and music, as expected, and finishes with hot chocolate and Christmas oranges for those gathered.

The barn service takes place every other year, and the Russell’s have happily played host for the last decade, spending a great deal of time making their barn welcoming for those who attend the service.

The rustic setting adds a special depth to the service,

with the close quarters and live animals mirroring the setting of the original Christmas Eve in that famous stable.

“It’s the animals and it’s the quietness, the simpleness of it that makes it special,” said Kathy. “It’s as close of an experience as we will get to how we think the story actually happened.”

For this community, the barn service has become a tradition during the holidays. Those who live in the area bring their visiting family members to the service, filling the barn to capacity each and every year.

“It really just takes you back to the true meaning of Christmas, away from the commercialism, and it creates a quiet space for people to reflect, after and before the rush of Christmas Day,” said Kathy.

Page B30 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Joy is not in things; it is in us.

Beaver Tails, Roasted Wolverine for Pioneer Christmas Joyce Walter Moose Jaw Express

Christmas in pioneer days was celebrated much differently than today, especially in the kitchen where cooking was done over a fireplace heat, or in modern homes of the day, using a buffalo chip and wood-powered stove.

What were delicacies then would send many of us today rushing away from the table, delicacies such as stuffed beaver tails or roasted wolverine.

Various books have been written outlining what life might have been like in those pioneer/settler times.

One was Mrs. Clarke’s Cookery Book, published in 1883. Two of recipes are from her book.

••• Bread Sauce Take giblets from the fowl. Place in 1 pint of water then add 1 onion, 10 whole peppers and 1 blade of mace.

Simmer 1 hour then strain over 1/4 lb. of bread crumbs. Place in a stew pan, cover and let stand over low heat without boiling for 1 hour.

Beat with a fork until smooth. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring until thick.Add 2 tbsps. cream and serve hot.

Serve to enhance roast porcupine, haunch of bear, fox or moose.

••• Christmas Pudding Stone 2 lbs. Valentias (plums) Pick and wash and dry 1 lb. currants Chop 2 lbs. beef suet Have ready 1/2 lb. brown sugar

6 oz. candied peel, cut thin 2 1/2 lbs. flour 6 eggs 1 quart or more milk 1 oz. mixed spice 1 tbsp. salt Put flour in large pan, add plums, currants, suet, sugar, peel, spice and salt and mix them well together while dry.

Beat the eggs well in a large basin and add a portion of the milk, stirring at the same time.

Make a well in the middle of the flour and pour in milk and eggs. Keep stirring till all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add more milk if necessary and stir up again, The batter should be rather stiff.

Have a good stout cloth ready. Wet and flour it well, lay it over a pan and pour in the batter and tie it firmly up.

When the water in the copper or large kettle boils, put the pudding in and let it boil gently for five or six hours.

Turn it carefully out of the cloth. Serve with or without sauce.

••• One of the popular cookies of more modern times was the Jim Dandies Cookie. A recipe from a 1949 Christmas suggests one method of preparing these old-fashioned treats.

••• Jim Dandies 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup shortening

1 egg, unbeaten 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice 2 tbsps. milk 2 sqs. unsweetened chocolate, melted 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries 18 large marshmallows, halved 1 cup hot water for dipping knife Icing: 2 cups sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup butter 10 large marshmallows 1/4 cup cocoa 1 tsp. vanilla To make the cookie batter, mix and set aside flour, salt and baking soda.

Cream brown sugar and shortening well. Blend in egg and beat well.

Stir in half dry ingredients. Add cherry juice and milk. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. Mix well.

Blend in melted chocolate and fold in cherries.

Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 6-7 minutes.

While cookies are baking, cut marshmallows in half, dipping knife in hot water to prevent sticking.

Remove cookies from oven and press marshmallow halves, cut side down, on each cookie.

For the icing, boil sugar, milk, cocoa and butter.

Cook 6 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat and add marshmallows and vanilla. Beat by hand to spreading consistency. Spoon immediately over marshmallow halves. Let cool on cookie sheet then remove to container and store in refrigerator.

Makes about 36 cookies.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B31

Submitted by Heather Shepherd

Once a year a dig out my mother’s old Five Roses Cook Book (1915) and look through the recipes. The book is well-stained on her favourite recipes and also contains many little drawings that my brother made. There are many recipes that reflect that time…National Cake (White, Red and Blue); cakes without eggs, Mock Mince Pie and many more.

Please see one page that gives some information regarding cake making and baking.

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Page B32 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Kinsmen Safe Ride Program Ready for Another Busy Holiday Season Larissa Kurz Moose Jaw Express

The Kinsmen Safe Ride program is at its busiest over the holidays, offering transport home for partygoers from company Christmas parties, weddings, and more.

The program is a staple of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club and has grown so popular that for the first time this year, the service group has officially teamed up with the Moose Jaw Kinettes Club to handle the amount of requests they’ve received.

“It was such a busy program that we were struggling to meet the demands of the community with our one club, so putting the two clubs together seemed to be a good fit,” said Allen Proust, member of the Kinsmen and the Safe Ride committee. “This way, we have two pools of people to pull from for the Safe Ride driving service and bartending, which we do as well.”

Safe Ride is available to book for specific events for a fee, and the Kinsmen and Kinettes will provide two drivers and a van of their own to ensure that party-goers — and their vehicles, if desired — make it home safely at the end of the night.

The service is exclusive, meaning the volunteers will only be offering rides to the hired event’s guests and will stay at the party until their services are no longer needed.

“We try not to step on the toes of the taxi drivers and the guys that are in the business of doing a ride to and from a destination,” said Proust. “We try to do our own entity of staying at the party, like we were hired to do.”

The end of the night can get busy, so Proust offered some advice to party-goers to make things a bit easier.

“Some people plan ahead and will get picked up by a coworker and then they have less vehicles at that party, which makes our job a little easier at the end of the night,” said Proust.

Volunteers work on tips from those who utilize the service, and all the funds raised will remain in the community to fund local programs and functions that the Kinsmen and Kinettes operate in Moose Jaw. “It’s to kind of support the groups and functions that we fund in the community, so all the money stays local, that we make off the project,” said Proust.

The Safe Ride program is highlighted most during the holidays, but the program is actually available

We are open to serve you at both locations from: South Hill Dec 24, 9:00am to 5:00 pm Dec 25/Jan 1, CLOSED Dec 26, 10:00am to 6:00 pm Dec 31/Jan2, 9:00am to 9:00

Downtown Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 9:00pm Sunday 9:00am to 9:00pm

from September to June, and occasionally by demand through the summer.

TheKinsmencontinuetheprogrameachyearlargely for benefit of the community, and to get out into the community in a good way.

“It’s not a real big moneymaker, but it’s more a good community service that gets a lot of recognition for what it is,” said Proust.

The groups have eight vans rented for the holidays and are still open to bookings. Those interested in having the Kinsmen Safe Ride service at their party can email mjkinsaferide@gmail.com to inquire about availability, or contact Allen Proust at 1 (306) 630-3022.

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B33

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.

“Wing in the New Year” with the City of Moose Jaw and SGI The City of Moose Jaw is proud to once again partner with SGI to provide safe, FREE transportation to help you “Wing In The New Year” with a FREE ride on Moose Jaw Transit.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the program which offers free Moose Jaw Transit service from 7:55 p.m. December 31, 2019 through 3:15 a.m. January 1, 2020.

Not only will Moose Jaw Transit make all regular stops across the city,

special pickups will be made on 1st Avenue Northwest to accommodate New Year’s celebrations at Mosaic Place. Plus, the City of Moose Jaw is encouraging all who utilize the free transit service to take a “Safe Ride Selfie” and use the hashtag #CityMJSafeRide on Twitter or Instagram for a chance at winning prizes like free Moose Jaw Transit passes and gift cards to local businesses.

Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie said, “The holiday season is about

enjoying time with friends and family, and we’re looking forward to Moose Jaw Transit being a good “Wingman” on New Year’s Eve.” “We want everyone to enjoy their New Year’s Eve, but we also want everyone to make it home safe,” said Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave. “So, while you’re planning your festivities, also plan ahead for a safe ride home. SGI is proud to sponsor ‘Wing in the New Year’ as another great option.” Para Transit is

also available for free as part of the “Wing In The New Year” campaign – to book this service you can all Moose Jaw Transit: 306-694-4488 or email: transit@MooseJaw.ca.

The City of Moose Jaw appreciates the support of the “Wing In The New Year” sponsors: Moose Jaw Police Service, Moosejawexpress.com and Moosejawtoday.com and Moose Jaw radio stations.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year at our Open House!

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Page B34 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B35

Page B36 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

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The Three Kings Henry Wadsworth H. Longfellow

Three Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar. Three Wise Men out of the East were they, and they travelled by night and they slept by day, for their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.

The star was so beautiful, large and clear, that all the other stars of the sky became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near of the Prince foretold in the prophecy.

Three caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, three caskets of gold with golden keys; their robes were of crimson silk with rows of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, their turbans like blossoming almond-trees.

And so the Three Kings rode into the West, through the dusk of the night, over hill and dell. And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast, And sometimes talked, as they paused to rest, With the people they met at some wayside well.

“Of the child that is born,” said Baltasar, “Good people, I pray you, tell us the news; For we in the East have seen his star, And have ridden

fast, and have ridden far, To find and worship the King of the Jews.”

And the people answered, “You ask in vain; We know of no King but Herod the Great!” They thought the Wise Men were men insane, As they spurred their horses across the plain, Like riders in haste, who cannot wait.

And when they came to Jerusalem, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, Sent for the Wise Men and questioned them; And said, “Go down unto Bethlehem, And bring me tidings of this new king.”

So they rode away; and the star stood still, The only one in the grey of morn; Yes, it stopped –it stood still of its own free will, Right over Bethlehem on the hill, The city of David, where Christ was born.

And the Three Kings rode through the gate and the guard, Through the silent street, till their horses turned And neighed as they entered the great inn-yard; But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, And only a light in the stable burned.

And cradled there in the scented hay, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, The little child in the manger lay, The child, that would be king one day Of a kingdom not human, but divine. His mother Mary of Nazareth Sat watching beside his place of rest, Watching the even flow of his breath, For the joy of life and the terror of death Were mingled together in her breast.

They laid their offerings at his feet: The gold was their tribute to a King, The frankincense, with its odor sweet, Was for the Priest, the Paraclete, The myrrh for the body’s burying.

And the mother wondered and bowed her head, And sat as still as a statue of stone; Her heart was troubled yet comforted, Remembering what the Angel had said Of an endless reign and of David’s throne.

Then the Kings rode out of the city gate, With a clatter of hoofs in proud array; But they went not back to Herod the Great, For they knew his malice and feared his hate, And returned to their homes by another way.

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More Holiday Traditions from Around the World

A Cobweb Christmas: Ukraine Ukraine’s strangest festive tradition is not one for arachnophobes! Where we would have baubles, tinsel and stars, Ukrainians use decorations that mimic the natural formation of spiders’ webs shimmering with dew.

The tradition goes back to a folktale about a poor widow who could not afford to decorate a tree for her children. Legend has it that spiders in the house took pity on the family’s plight, and spun beautiful webs all over the tree, which the children awoke to find on Christmas morning. Spiders’ webs are also considered to be lucky in Ukrainian culture.

Pickle in the Tree: Germany The Christmas tree tradition embraced around the world today is believed to have started in Germany back in the 16th Century, so it comes as no surprise that our Teutonic cousins still have some funny customs relating to the festive trees. One of these is to hide a pickle somewhere within the branches of the tree and give a gift to whichever child in the household finds it.

Some claim that the tradition may not be German after-all. One legend says that the Christmas pickle originated in Spain when two young boys were held as prisoners inside a pickle barrel. Saint Nicholas rescued the boys and brought them back to life. Either way, a pickle on the Christmas tree is a tradition we can totally get behind.

Festive Sauna: Finland Many homes in Finland come equipped with their own sauna, and at Christmas time this cosy spot becomes a sacred space associated with long dead ancestors. On Christmas Eve, it’s customary to strip

naked and take a long and respectful stint in the sauna, which is also believed to be home to the legendary sauna ‘elf’. After the sauna session, Finns head out to the evening celebrations - while spirits of those ancestors take their place.

We don’t know about you, but this tradition sounds awkward for those big Christmas family gatherings...

Shoes by the Fire - The Netherlands Every year in in the days leading up to December 5th, Dutch children eagerly place their shoes by the fire in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with small gifts and treats in the night. Traditionally, carrots are left in the shoes for the companion of Sinterklaas, a white horse named Amerigo.

In the olden days, naughty children would receive a potato in lieu of gifts, but potato punishment is no longer considered an appropriate scare tactic.

Fried Caterpillars: South Africa When you think of Christmas food, minced pie and turkey are often high on the list. In South Africa, however, it’s the creepy crawlies that local children look forward to. Fried caterpillars on Christmas may seem like one of the weirdest Christmas traditions around the world, but these caterpillars aren’t just the

run-of-the-mill variety you find in the garden. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth, or Christmas caterpillar, is covered in very festive hues - giving all who swallow a little extra luck in the coming year.

The Poop Log: Catalonia, Spain Easily the most outlandish Christmas tradition on this list, meet Tió de Nadal, the Christmas log. Tió de Nadal is made from a hollow log, with stick legs, a smile, and a red hat. Every evening between December 8th and Christmas Eve, the children feed the log small treats with water, and leave him under a blanket to keep him warm.

On Christmas Eve, things get weird. Children are tasked with beating the log with sticks while singing traditional songs which include amazing lyrics such as “Poop log, Poop nougats, Hazelnuts and mato cheese, If you don’t poop well, I’ll hit you with a stick, Poop log!”. After Tió de Nadal is properly beaten and serenaded, the log magically poops out presents and candy - where he is then considered useless and thrown in the fire for warmth.

https://www.holidayextras.co.uk/travel-blog/wanderlust/unusual-christmas-traditions.html

May your heart be filled with laughter, your soul with joy and your home with love this holiday season!

V

of Moose Jaw

140 Main St N 306.694.5766 www.remax-moosejaw.sk.ca

Katie Keeler

Sonya Bitz

(306) 690-4333

(306) 631-8471

REALTOR ®

REALTOR®

Beth Vance

Frank Hammel

Lori Keeler

Kaitlin Hammel

(306) 631-0886

(306) 684-9491

(306) 631-8069

(306) 684-4675

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®

Page B38 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

You don’t need visa when you got Santa!

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019 – Page B39

Christmas This Year in Moose Jaw Photos by Ron Walters Moose Jaw Express

Page B40 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2019

Christmas is a time for families.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for 33 Years of Giving Christmas is the season for giving and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to thank its many donors and volunteers who contributed to helping save lives at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Many individuals, businesses and organizations in Moose Jaw made generous donations to equip our regional hospital with state-of-the-art equipment.

Your donations have saved and enhanced lives.

Thanks to the generosity and support of donors and volunteers over the last 33 years the Foundation has raised more than $37 million dollars to help dedicated health care professionals save lives. This was only made possible by your support.

In the spirit of the holidays, please consider making a donation to help us continue to save lives. Every donation makes For more information on donating to the Foundation, please visit mjhf.org or call the Foundation at 306.694.0373.

Please consider including the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year!

Equip your hospital today for a healthier tomorrow.