FFor many nationwide, the holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year. However, thousands across the world may not be as fortunate as many of those who celebrate the holidays this December.
Tens of thousands of children may go to bed this Christmas Eve unsure if Santa Claus will visit them this year. And for those experiencing financial hardships, buying presents and gifts for family and friends is just another burden to bear.
However, organizations like the Salvation Army, Founding Futures and the Center for Children and Families (CCFI) have stepped up to offer programs that ensure families can enjoy the holidays with their loved ones without stressing over those monetary or material burdens. Though this time of year can be busy, charity officials urge those considering donating their time or money to never underestimate the effects of small acts and efforts.
“Getting involved is the best place to start. Something as small as donating a book or your time to volunteer in general — I think that really goes a long way for nonprofits, especially during the holiday season,” CCFI Director of Community
Festive Foundations: Highlighting local charitable efforts to support this Christmas
Story by Zack Wright
Engagement Amanda Pulis said. “Any kind of donation, big or small, is dearly appreciated.”
Here’s a look at three local organizations and details regarding how you can support their charitable efforts this holiday season.
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program
Chances are, if you stop by a local Walmart in December, you might come across a big tree decorated with angels and notecards. Each angel scattered on the tree represents a child who you can sponsor to ensure they have gifts to celebrate the holidays.
Appropriately named the Angel Tree Program, Salvation Army’s Lt. Mandy Doggett explained that the tradition started in a Virginia mall in 1979. 45 years later, the program has taken off nationwide, serving thousands of children in need annually.
“This program has been going on for a long time,” Doggett said. “It’s something the Salvation Army has had going for many years and plans to continue to carry out for many years in the future.”
As Doggett further explained, when
angel applications opened online Sept. 24, the list was full by the end of the day. The Norman Salvation Army, which serves Cleveland and McClain counties, helped 226 children last year but accepted 345 angels this holiday season.
“That number went up over 100 angels this year, so it’s definitely a growing need as prices go up with inflation and just the difficulties of life,” Doggett said. “We’re so glad to do what we can to help address this need that is continually growing.
“We’re not just providing toys, but also clothing. Our goal is that every child gets an outfit – we’d love for them to be able to get a pair of shoes if possible and a coat,” Doggett added. “We really try to meet the need of the gift aspect, while also meeting the practical needs as well, which can take some of that pressure off the parents.”
For those looking to support the program and adopt an angel, Angel Trees will be up in local Walmarts Nov. 16. Once gifts have been purchased for the corresponding angels, sponsors can drop off their items at the Norman Salvation Army’s location at 318 E Hayes St. or the program’s distribution center near the old Sears building in Sooner Mall. Gifts will be distributed to families Dec. 18th.
Fostering Futures’ Secret Santa Program
Formerly known as the Citizens Advisory Board of Cleveland County, Fostering Futures is an organization that started when two friends, Sue Durrett and Jaci Williams, came together thirty years ago to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children in foster care.
“Our organization is called Fostering Futures, but our Christmas program is called Secret Santa, and that’s really what started our whole operation back in 1989,” Durrett, Fostering Futures’ Executive Director, said. “I was a child welfare worker, and Jaci Williams was a CASA volunteer. I told her about our challenge of getting Christmas presents for kids who were in out-of-home care, especially the kids in group homes.
“That year, she got 10 friends to write 10 letters asking for $100. We raised $7,000 and met the Christmas needs of 69 children,” Durrett said. “We work really hard to get individual wish lists from the kids so that we have items they actually want — that come Christmas morning, those kids wake up and have something under the Christmas tree just like every other child.”
30 years later, Fostering Futures has grown its Secret Santa program exponentially, serving 845 kids this past year and seeing upwards of 900 kids in past holiday seasons. Although the demand seems to continue growing, Durrett is willing to accept the challenge if it means those children get a special moment to themselves this time of year.
“This is during a time in a child’s life that they don’t feel like they have any control over their life. All these adults are making decisions for them and it can be traumatic,” Durrett said. “So we just want them to know that Santa hears them and can fulfill just about any wish they have — that’s really our goal.
Durrett said she gets a “warm, fuzzy feeling” every Christmas morning and having worked in child welfare for 30 years, she knows what children in the program go through. She said being able to “put a little happiness in their lives” makes a huge difference.
Those looking to help Fostering Futures make a difference this holiday season can visit fosteringfuturesok.org and donate funds towards gifts for children. However,
those who want to do the shopping themselves can choose the shopper elf option, buy the requested items and turn them in by the Dec. 12 deadline.
Center for Children and Families’ Holiday Wishes Program
Similar to the two organizations mentioned above, CCFI also has a charitable program that sources funding from the community to fund gifts for the organization’s clientele. The Holiday Wishes program is a decades-old tradition that aims to empower caregivers and relieve financial stress around the holidays.
“Holiday Wishes began probably a couple of decades ago and has always been really about helping relieve the holiday pressures our parents tend to face,” Pulis said. “We have all of our clients and their siblings fill out an online wish list identifying three items of their choosing, and then we put those wish lists online and have donors in the community that sponsor those kids.
“Those gifts are then handed over to the parents and caregivers, and we’re just empowering them to use those gifts however they see fit — whether they wrap them themselves for Christmas, maybe they celebrate a different holiday, maybe they save them for a little bit later or maybe they’re from Santa,” Pulis said. “We give that power back to the parents, and it’s really humbling for us and the donors because those gifts aren’t from us — they’re from those caregivers.”
In addition to the three gifts outlined on their wish lists, students also receive two to three new books in their bags. For those with younger children, the organization tries to include diapers and other infant essentials.
Pulis encouraged those looking to support the Holiday Wishes program to visit the organization’s official website, ccfinorman.org, and sign up to sponsor a children’s wish list. Besides monetary and material donations, the director said those who cannot give can help by spreading the message and ensuring each child’s wishes are met.
“You can donate new books or new toys. We have several organizations we work with that will do toy drives or book drives to help supplement this program,” Pulis said. “Monetary donations are obviously an easy way to support the program, but I think just helping spread
the word and getting those drives going to make sure our wish lists get sponsored really goes a long way, as well.”
No matter what organization you would like to help or how you can make a difference, consider taking some time to get into the giving spirit and make someone else’s day this holiday season.
5 simple practices to spread cheer this holiday season UNITED ACTS OF KINDNESS:
Story by Zack Wright
UAlthough the holidays are often a time of cheer, giving thanks and quality time with the ones you love, for some, this time of the year can accompany feelings of grief, stress and anxiety.
Because many are often dealing with the highs and lows of the holiday season, it’s important to spread kindness and be intentional about making someone else’s day just a little bit better. To spread the message of kindness and good deeds yearround, First United Bank has established and advertised its official United Acts of Kindness Day.
Inspired by the national Random Acts of Kindness Day, First United Bank Community Outreach Manager Amy Kennedy explained that the bank embarked on a mission four years ago to highlight one day of the year for members and those across its 80 locations in Oklahoma and Texas to carry out random acts of kindness.
“At First United, around 2020, the bank decided to make it their mission to just focus on one day where we all collectively put all our focus into thinking of ideas to support random acts of kindness day,” Kennedy said. “They kind of played off of
the random acts of kindness idea, thought of the bank name and decided to call it the United Acts of Kindness campaign.”
This upcoming year’s celebration will take place Feb. 14, and the bank hopes to commit 1 million logged acts of kindness, surpassing last year’s total of 700,000. Kennedy explained that when the official day arrives, people committing acts and good deeds can log their acts on their official website, unitedactsofkindness.org, and help the organization reach its goal.
Although the official day of celebration is still months away, Kennedy explained that it’s just as important to perform simple deeds and spread joy throughout society due to the struggles mentioned earlier that many deal with this time of year.
“I think the holiday season, while joyful for many, is also very difficult for many people, whether it’s for economic reasons or sometimes people have a more difficult time with the loss of loved ones during that time,” Kennedy said, adding, “So I think it’s just important to try to remember to be kind and see where people may be coming from.
“When someone cuts you off in
traffic, try not to respond to that with an automatic negative, but stop and consider what they might be going through. It can be as simple as that… just showing grace and helping spread that message of kindness with others can really put you at peace,” Kennedy said.
For those looking for inspiration this upcoming holiday season, here are five general tips from United Acts of Kindness’ list of ideas to help spread cheer and brighten someone’s day.
Check on your peers.
Whether you haven’t reached out to a relative in a while, see an employee having a hard day at work, or just haven’t seen a friend in a while, a phone call or conversation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day, especially those dealing with grief or loss. Going out of your way to be there for someone is a great way to spread kindness and empower others to do the same.
Donate what you can.
It is the giving season, so why not consider donating money, food, shoes, clothing or even blood and plasma to
organizations that often need the most this time of year? Whether it’s an old pair of shoes that you’ve outgrown or an old book you’ve read a million times, donations are a great way to do your part and support organizations that serve those in need.
Speak kindly to others.
Your words matter and can have a significant impact — for better or worse — on someone else’s day. Instead of bringing more hate into the world, spread kindness in your speech and interactions with others. Be generous with compliments, forgiving, and considerate with your words,
and try to see the best in people who aren’t always so kind to you.
Show grace and patience.
When someone is having a rough day, the smallest interactions can have a big impact on someone’s emotions. Instead of assuming the worst and reacting out of bitterness, anger or jealousy, take a step back and try to exercise patience. Instead of getting angry and honking your horn at someone who’s cut you off, just let it go and show grace. Two wrongs don’t make a right, and sometimes no reaction can be the most forgiving and kind thing you can do.
Celebrate successes.
Though it is often overlooked, when things are going right, don’t be afraid to celebrate your peers and their accomplishments. Instead of being envious of someone else’s successes, congratulate them and wish them the best. Doing so cannot only grow and deepen your relationships with others, but those same people may do the same when you’ve done well or achieved something in your life.
Blowing grass clippings and leaves into the street may seem harmless but grass/leaves carried by rainwater can cause pollution of our creeks and streams and contribute to flooding in our neighborhoods.
You can help by:
Blowing leaves back onto your lawn and mulching them in place.
Composting your yard waste (grass, leaves, twigs, and hedge clippings).
By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent:
Flooding caused by debris in storm drains.
Pollutants in our waterways (nitrogen, phosphorus, and yard chemicals that are in our yard waste).
The growth of harmful levels of algae in Lake Thunderbird.
For more information, please contact us at environmentalservices@normanok.gov (405) 292-9731
BHow many Christmas stories have we read that had a dog in them? Somewhere on a snow swept street, a momma dog has that litter of puppies, and those darn kids find them the week that Christmas is coming.
They sneak them into the garage, or the washroom, or Sissy’s bedroom, and the plot thickens. Hilarity ensues, and heartstrings are pulled, and that one puppy captures Sissy’s heart, and in the end…somehow, they all find homes. That one puppy becomes the family dog — the best dog ever.
Well, that dog is Bella. Bella is the therapy dog for new Norman Emergency Communications and Operations Center. Inside the gleaming new center, which is the home of Norman’s 911 call center, Bella plies her trade — healing broken hearts, calming a disquieted soul, and being someone cuddly to hug. Because if there’s one thing that probably anyone needs
Bella means beautiful: 911 therapy dog brings grace to a hard job
Story by Ben Fenwick
when facing a crisis, it’s having someone to hug when it’s all over.
Because what 911 dispatchers face every day, often several times a day — is a crisis. In fact, according to the employees there, while any given person may face a lifechanging, traumatic event once or twice in a lifetime, dispatchers go through about 800 in a career.
The pressures you have are constant,” said Susannah Bishop, communications supervisor for Norman’s 911 call center. “Sometimes we don’t have time to get up and go to the bathroom.”
Bishop said Bella is trained to be that (canine) shoulder to cry on, but in a special, specific way — she is trained to sniff out the crisis that the dispatcher is facing, and can tell when to intervene.
“They’re teaching her to smell adrenaline,” Bishop said. “If we get amped up on a call, she can kind of tell by our voices. And she will go over and sit down
next to the person. Sometimes she’ll put her head on their laps. Sometimes she’ll just lean on their legs.”
What this does is signal to the dispatcher that someone knows, someone cares, and someone is there for them. A calmer dispatcher means a person who can better maintain their composure for those others on the line who depend on them –the officer, firefighter, deputy, paramedic, and especially the person in need on the other end of the line.
“(It’s) a way to channel away our adrenaline so that we can stay calm for the callers,” Bishop said. “So we can get the information we need that keeps the first responder safe and keep the citizens safe. Because if we get emotionally hijacked by a call, it doesn’t do anybody any good.”
So, how did all this start? For Bella, it starts like any hero’s would — with an origin story.
The crate
“She’s part pit bull, part lab, some boxer, and you probably wouldn’t believe it, but some husky and some chow,” Bishop said. “She’s one hundred percent rescue.”
Bishop said that Bella came into her life when animal control people found the dog alone in a crate where she had lived for a year, since she was born. The family who had her had starved her and never took her out or cleaned her or the crate. It was a nightmare.
“She weighed 22 pounds when she came into the shelter. She looked horrible,” Bishop said. “When they surrendered her, they said, ‘Yeah, well our five year old was just supposed to be taking care of her.’ So they left her basically out on a balcony and a club crate for a solid year.”
Because they relinquished the dog, the adults were not charged with animal cruelty. Instead, Bella ended up in Norman’s no-kill shelter, managed by a former detective, Kellee Robertson. Robertson took the emaciated Bella home and carefully fed her small amounts of food, until she began to regain her strength.
When Bella was well enough, the next stage of her life began, in another lockup.
Doin’ time
Then Bella went to prison. Specifically, she went to the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, Oklahoma’s prison for women.
“When we got her in March of ‘22, I had her for a week, and then the shelter had already lined up for her to go to Mabel Bassett to the Guardian Angels program,” Bishop said.
The Guardian Angels program is a nearly 3000-square-foot facility with indoor/outdoor kennels, a grooming area and equipment, washing facilities to keep bedding and towels clean, an enclosed exercise yard, agility equipment and a walking path for the dogs and handlers.
There, carefully selected inmates worked with Bella for several weeks, learning good citizenship and how to be a dog — she had never gotten that chance otherwise. Rescued dogs like Bella live with the inmates, who train them, teach them commands and groom them.
Then she came to dispatch. Since then, Bella has trained off and on (she went in for another certification after this interview) and has taken her position as an essential part of the team. At the Emergency Center, Bella will visit different staff in their offices,
making her rounds, and remains on hand for that much-appreciated head in the lap or walk outside, perhaps a few rounds of catch.
And Bella is there when that call comes in.
The call
There are the worst days. No matter how hard anyone wishes such a day would never come, they do. When that day comes, when one makes that call to 9-1-1, the voice on the other end of the line is there to help whoever it is get through whatever it is as safely as possible.
Some days, it’s too much for even the 911 helper. That’s when Bella the therapy dog steps forward.
The call came over the summer for Norman 911 dispatcher Brianna Jones. On that day, an ATV sideby-side went into the river at the edge of town, taking with it two children, toddlers, who were strapped in and sunk with the vehicle. Despite efforts to save the children, at first from bystanders, then by law enforcement and fire department rescuers, the children drowned. All that time, Jones was on the line with the mother, trying to remain calm and talk with the her. But how could anyone? Jones, who said she is normally not a very emotional person, found out she wasn’t invincible to those calls.
“I did cry during the call,” Jones said. “I tried to contain myself as much as I possibly could, but I stayed on the phone with her until I heard officers and fire arrive, and then I disconnected. They (other dispatchers) took my phones for me, and I went into the breakroom with Bella. While we were in the breakroom, she put her head in my lap and we just kind of sat there for a moment.”
With that, in the quiet heart of an animal who had known great sadness in her own life, and now great love, Jones received it back, and found the strength to get back up and go back to her desk.
“Instead of going home, it more so helped getting that breather and having Bella there and then getting back to work, instead of just going home and sitting with it,” Jones said. “I think every police department needs a dog,” Jones added.
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Oklahoma City Ballet gives holiday tradition a new spin
FStory by Paxson Haws
First performed in the United States in 1944, “The Nutcracker” became a tradition in 1954 with ballet companies across the country — and the world — performing the show during the holiday season.
Oklahomans can attend productions of the classical ballet in various cities across the state, including performances by the Oklahoma City Ballet, which will debut a brand-new production with new characters, sets, costumes, and “a lot more magic” this December.
“We’re not merely staging a performance; we’re crafting a warm, wholesome, holiday story, and a visually stunning masterpiece for our audience,” said Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director.
Jolicoeur-Nye joined Oklahoma City Ballet in 2020 as the rehearsal director and was officially named artistic director in October 2022. Before OKC, he danced professionally in several ballet companies throughout the county, including the Kansas City Ballet, which would introduce him to the costume designer who would help bring his vision for a new production of “The Nutcracker” to life.
“I first met Ryan ten years ago in the Kansas City Ballet and he portrayed my very first Drosselmeyer in ‘The Nutcracker,’” costume designer Holly Hynes said. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this guy,
I have to come back and work with this guy.’”
Hynes was the director of costumes for New York City Ballet for 21 years. She has worked with dozens of domestic and international ballet companies.
Another designer working on this prediction is Eric Wintering, who has created pieces for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Broadway’s “Funny Girl,” and “ Wicked.” Other designers have worked on motion pictures such as “The Greatest Showman,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Moulin Rouge,” as well as theatre productions like “Hamilton,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and more.
“Working with these designers and artists is a dream come true. Oklahoma City Ballet deserved the highest quality production of ‘The Nutcracker’ that will not only wow audiences, but will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Jolicoeur-Nye.
When Jolicoeur-Nye left the Kansas City Ballet, Hynes thought her chance to work with him again had passed. But when he took over as artistic director in OKC, he went to the board about his vision for a new production and specifically asked to work with Hynes as the lead costume designer.
“I’d never been to Oklahoma City, so for me, it was an exotic project,” Hynes said. “I was going somewhere new. This was great. They have a gorgeous new building and just really, a new team of sorts … the new gang is really cooking with gas.”
Hynes started working with OKC Ballet almost two years ago and designed 195 costumes for the production, which surprised even Hynes when someone told her the final number.
For those unfamiliar with “The Nutcracker,” the story starts out with Clara, the main character, at a party where she receives a Nutcracker as a gift. Her brother breaks the toy but it’s quickly repaired by Drosselmeyer, the children’s godfather and a toymaker.
After the party is over and the family retires for the evening, Clara sneaks back downstairs to check on the Nutcracker, falling asleep with it in her arms.
From there, Clara dreams up an elaborate world where she enters a fight scene between the Nutcracker and an army of mice, saving the Nutcracker from defeat. The Nutcracker turns into a prince and Clara travels with him throughout The Land of Snow and The Land of Sweets before
awakening from her dream.
“(This production) is going to be very similar, I think, to other Nutcrackers in that people will have a familiar look when they look at the ballet,” Hynes said. “But then we play with the story a little bit.”
Normally, it’s just Clara who enters into her dream world, but for Jolicoeur-Nye’s production, Clara’s sister and brother go on the journey with her.
“Eventually, there are other people that show up in this world. And I’ve never seen
that before, so I’m really excited by the parts of it that are different,” Hynes said.
This production is set in 1906 — later than most versions is the story — and Hybes said this period of fashion was fun to draw inspiration from. She said she used a lot of color in the first act for “an exciting, rich display” of costumes.
As the story enters The Land of Sweets, Hynes said she really got to be creative with her designs.
Traditionally, Hynes said, these scenes
“
“We’re not merely staging a performance; we’re crafting a warm, wholesome, holiday story, and a visually stunning masterpiece for our audience.”
- Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director
give the audience a taste of traditional folk dancing from different countries. Over the years, she said the ballet world has tried to be more respectful of different cultures and has worked to embrace the cultures of countries and not display stereotypes.
“So, we are celebrating the desserts of the different countries,” she said. “That’s been really fun. How do you take a dessert and turn it into a three-dimensional costume?”
Some countries were easier than others,
like the Spanish section which is often referred to as hot chocolate already, but for others, she had to find desserts with colors that could translate into fabrics well.
Hynes and her team swatches over 4,000 different fabrics, working with 18 artisans and makers to bring the 195 designs to life. Inspiration to design so many costumes, especially for a show and characters Hynes has designed costumes for many times, come from all over the place — from the fabrics to the music and beyond.
With her expertise and experience, Hynes has gained a reputation for knowing her way around “The Nutcracker” and creating incredible designs for shows around the world.
“Designing costumes for ballet, it is a living art form,” she said. “I do something and it can hang on a hanger and you can see it, or it can be in a glass case in a museum and you can admire it. But it really isn’t its whole person, its whole character, until it’s on a body and it’s moving.”
To see Hynes’s designs, purchase a ticket for the ballet’s performance on its website. The show will premiere on Saturday, Dec. 14, and have a show every day with its final performance on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Store of Cleveland County provides cheer for low income families
Story by Archiebald Browne
TThe Christmas Store of Cleveland County has always been about the community for the past 55 years. As an all volunteer non-profit, the organization gives low income Cleveland County residents the opportunity to shop for themselves and loved ones during the holiday season.
The Christmas Store of Cleveland County, sets up food, toys and household goods around Christmas time where families who qualify can shop at a fixed quota.
Eligibility is based on income, number of people in a household and their ages. Those who qualify volunteer two work hours at the store to prepare it for everyone.
The energy during shopping week is meant to be cheerful. There will be Christmas music playing and the store will be decorated in Christmas colors.
This is the store’s final year in its current facility and is looking for a permeant home.
Justin Davis, executive director of
the store, said there are multiple types of jobs clients can do. The store has a department called HUGS that makes things for deployed troops around the world like signed cards or paintings. Other jobs include packing grocery bags that would be offered to households and decorating.
Davis said the store qualifies about 500 families a year. He said it aims to provide a great experience to all those involved.
“As long as they work their two hours, they get a shop ticket, and they will get to come back and shop for everybody in their household,” Davis said. “A lot of times we have some very large families, you know, 10 plus. Then we have some that maybe it’s just a senior that lives by themselves and they’re shopping for themselves.”
The Christmas store offers a wide range of goods that families may need during the holiday season. The store runs all on donations. Throughout the fall, donation days were held on Thursdays.
“We have bikes, we have toys, we have
food, we have toiletries, all kinds of stuff that you’ve shopped for,” Davis said. “And that’s kind of been our thing. Instead of us, you know, pretty much creating a bag they can have, we let them get what they need.”
For some of these families, it is the only time there are able to get presents during Christmas. Davis said he has heard stories of clients not knowing what else they would have done if it wasn’t for the Christmas Store.
“We’ll have lots of hugs, lots of tears, that shopping week. It’s all 500 of them that come in one week, and it’s an amazing environment. “It’s an amazing thing just to be a part of,” Davis said.
Donations for The Christmas Store of Cleveland County can be delivered to The Norman Transcript from Nov. 11 to Dec. 6. The office will be open for drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What can you do for your pets during the holidays?
Story by Sam Royka
WWith the paw-liday season right around the corner, pet owners may wonder: what about Fido’s stocking?
Around Norman, there are several ways you can treat your pet to a jolly new year. For those with travel plans, a pet sitter or boarding kennel could be an option to entertain furry friends while you’re gone. Different kennels around town offer time outside, as well as separation between quiet, nervous pets and loud, rambunctious ones.
Kennels in Norman include Annie’s Ruff House, which is located on three acres, as well as Bed n Bones Kennel with free pet cameras, and the OK Canine Corral with multiple locations. There are also many options for non-overnight dog daycare with supervised playtime that guarantees an interactive visit for your pup.
However, before booking a holiday stay, there are a few things to note.
If possible, pet owners should book at least a month in advance, especially for big dogs that need more room, according to Scott Little at the OK Canine Corral. The holidays are a peak season for kennels and dog groomers alike.
Logan Agan, marketing manager at Rose Rock Vet and Pet Resort, recommends people call for a reservation “as soon as they know their schedule,” especially if pet owners want a specific suite. For example, Rose Rock’s “villas,” which have TVs so that dogs can watch the Disney Channel, are in limited supply and are often reserved quickly.
If a haircut and a bath are on the to-do list, there are also quite a few pet salons in Norman. These include Walt’s Perfect
Pups, The Sparkly Spot and Pretty Puppy Parlor, among others. Many salons will have special holiday accessories available.
“They look like human ties, but they just have a Christmas decor on them, if you will. So snowmen and reindeer and red ones and green ones. And it kind of just became this thing that all the clients look forward to each, each year,” said Walter Morgan, who started his mobile grooming shop Walt’s Perfect Pups eight years ago.
Dog groomers also typically have vaccine requirements.
Vaccine requirements for dogs vary slightly between kennels, but generally include bordetella, distemper, and rabies. Little also recommends the flu shot for dogs, but says it is not required.
The Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort requires DHPP, recent bordetella, and rabies shots for dogs. Cats staying there need vaccines against FVRCP and rabies. For puppies and kittens less than four months old, there is an additional shot requirement.
With cold and flu season in full swing, Alameda Animal Hospital, Southwest Animal Hospital, and other local vets provide care with a warm heart.
When vets close for the holidays, emergency services are available at “the veterinary emergency center on Highway 9 or Blue Pearl in Oklahoma City,” said Agan.
It’s also worth noting that many kennels and vets also offer grooming services and have dog treats for sale.
For those stuffing paw-shaped stockings, locally made treats are available in person at various spots around town as well as online.
Pawsitively Organic is a Norman treatmaker that sells their all-organic treats online at https://www.pawsitivelyorganic. net/pet-treats-online/. Another Normanbased option is Rocky’s Famous Treats, available online at https:// rockysfamoustreats.myshopify.com/.
Agan recommended keeping table scraps away from pets “and to remind owners, to remind their family that comes over” to not sneak those table scrap treats during holiday meals, saying they can cause a variety of GI issues.
For pets with sensitive stomachs, there is a specialized store in the area for healthy treat options.
“We have lots of organic treats. Everything’s going to be on the more natural side. We don’t carry any rawhide, so everything is digestible. And then, for our food, none of it has wheat, corn or soy, so it’s all going to be higher quality,” said Abbagail Colvin, store manager at Pawtopia Nutrition.
At Pawtopia, there will also be an opportunity for pets to have their picture taken with Santa at the store during the holiday season.
The Doggie Dorm, another kennel in Norman, is also hosting pet photography. Every person that comes in for dog daycare will also receive an opportunity to get a couple of pet portraits with holiday backdrops, according to Holly Rolofson, owner and operator of The Doggie Dorm.
For a different take on pet portraiture, Pinot’s Palette in downtown Norman will be hosting a guided canvas-painting event on Dec. 12, titled Project Pet, in which you paint your own pet.
WWith the addition of a 40-foot-tall leg lamp statue in 2022, Chickasha is embracing the idea of being known as a Christmas town.
While a statue of the infamous leg lamp prop from the movie “A Christmas Story” popping up in an Oklahoma town may seem random, the lamp directly connects to a former Chickasha local — at least, according to legends.
Noland James was an artist from the area who worked at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Visual Arts for 30 years. James passed away in 2020 at the age of 89, and according to his obituary, James believed a previous art project of his was the “prototype” for the movie prop.
During his time at OU, teachers were required to create their own artwork. Early in his career, James used the legs of an old mannequin to create a lamp and the torso to create a waste basket. According to his obituary, a man looking for a job at OU became enamored with James’ lamp. A few years later, this individual would work on the production team from “A Christmas Story,” which created the hosiery leg lamp featured in the 1983 movie.
Today, James’ leg lamp can be viewed at the Grady County Historical Society Museum in Chickasha.
Story by Paxson Haws
Though his obituary does not name this individual, production designer Reuben Freed has long been known as the designer of “A Christmas Story’s” leg lamp, which is based on the writings of Jean Shepherd.
In an interview with the YouTube channel A Christmas Story Family, Freed talks about the origins of the prop, adding that the idea came from Shepherd.
Freed said when he asked Shepherd and others involved in the movie what this prop was supposed to look like, they simply said it was a “lamp with a leg or a leg with a lamp,” and Freed had to work from there.
“I’d never seen anything like this before,” Freed said in the interview. “I’ve seen a (lamp) shade like (the one used in the movie) and I’ve seen individual mannequin legs before, but I hadn’t seen the whole thing together like that.”
At some point, Freed said Shepherd brought up an old Nehi Bottling Company advertisement. The advertisement featured a glass bottle and a single leg with a black high-heeled shoe protruding from behind the bottle.
“So, that was explained to me and I kind of twigged on it because my memory was like, “I remember I have seen such a thing, but I have no idea where I saw it.”
And for Freed, that was it. That’s where
the inspiration for the lamp came from.
Freed said there were about 10 lamps made for the film but only three were used as production said it had filmed all the scenes needed after intentionally smashing a third lamp. So, the remaining lamps were put into storage.
“Tragically, no one wanted the leg lamps,” Freed said in the interview. “… See, it’s funny how our point of view has shifted from now until back then. Back then, we would have thought, ‘What is this? It’s like having a stereo record player with no speakers. Why is this (a) thing? Why a leg lamp?’”
No original leg lamps from the movie exist today, according to Freed, as they were all destroyed. Martin Malivoire, who worked on special effects for the film, had the lamps stored at his personal studio. When he moved to a bigger studio, Malivoire instructed his father to destroy the lamps with a forklift.
“They drove a forklift over all of these leg lamps and that was the end of that,” Freed said. “Who would have thought? What is the value of that? It was inconceivable because this was a pop culture piece of art and pop culture had not been invented yet.”
And, boy, has that lamp become an iconic piece of pop culture.
Chickasha businessman Tim Elliot, who first pitched the idea of creating a giant leg lamp in downtown Chickasha in 2018, first watched “A Christmas Story” around 2013 after his wife told him about it.
“I watched it, and then I watched it again,” Elliot said. “Because I could have been any one of those characters.”
A few years later, Elliott traveled to Las Vegas with his wife in their motorhome, stopping at several small tourist attractions along the way, attractions that bring hundreds or thousands of visitors into these small towns throughout the country.
So, he was inspired to find something that could be built in Chickasha to garner attention from travelers. During a branding meeting for the city, Elliot pitched the idea of a 100-foot leg lamp at the end of Main Street. He was met with gasps and laughs.
But in 2020, his idea became a reality… sort of.
Jim Cowan, president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, returned to his hometown that year to help boost Chickasha’s economic development. The Chickasha Economic Development Council was still looking for ways to improve the city and since Elliot was a member of the council, he brought the leg lamp up to Cowan.
“Well, it’s COVID, and we’re just like… sometimes these weird ideas, maybe they’re going to work because the world’s coming to an end and what’s it matter anyway, right? That was just such a strange time.”
Later that year, Cowan would read Noland James’ obituary.
He went back to Elliott to ask about this
leg lamp idea Elliott had. Cowan said James had been instrumental in helping start the Chickasha Festival of Lights, a drive-through holiday light show, and helped design the archway and serving on the festival’s committee, so the idea did not seem as farfetched as it was two years prior.
“Long story short is, I found an inflatable company and we had a 40-foot
“
We have really leaned into the whole idea of being Christmas Town… It’s become part of the fabric of who we are.
- Jim Cowan, president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce
— because that’s the largest they could do — customized leg lamp inflatable,” Cowan said.
It garnered state and national attention almost immediately, getting a shoutout from Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. News stations flocked to Chickasha and fans of the movie started traveling to see the lamp, some traveling for several
hundred miles.
Since it was just an inflatable at the time, Cowan said they constantly had to take it down because it couldn’t handle the Oklahoma wind, leaving visitors disappointed. A second inflatable was purchased in 2021 while Cowan and others in the community looked at options for a permeant structure.
“A group of business people in town, everybody donated money and we raised $1.4 million in six months and this was in 2022,” Cowan said. “We started in like February and by November, the permanent one was done and now it doesn’t blow down anymore. It’s up year round.”
There are still some skeptics in Chickasha who are not fans of the leg lamp, Cowan said, but the economic impact is already substantial. Since it was installed in November 2022, the annual number of visitors to downtown Chickasha has increased by 76% and it can be traced to $5 million of economic development investments, Cowan said. One store in town, Downtown Mercantile & Chickasha Visitors Center, even has an agreement
with the film distraction company to sell officially licensed merchandise for “A Christmas Story.”
Obviously, the holiday season is when the town sees the largest increase in tourism as visitors come for the Chickasha Festival of Lights but Cowan said a shuttle bus has been added for visitors to have
easy access to both attractions. He said ridership was less than a thousand in 2020 and now ridership is “well over” 2000 people.
“We have really leaned into the whole idea of being Christmas Town,” Cowan said, “… It’s become part of the fabric of who we are.” T
City of Norman celebrates holidays through festival and ugly sweater fun run
Story by Archiebald Browne
TThe City of Norman hosts two annual holiday events to continue its aim of creating an inclusive community with family-friendly fun.
Norman will host Winterfest on Main on Saturday, Dec. 7 and an Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, Dec. 15 to celebrate the holidays.
Bright new changes are coming to this year’s Winterfest.
Winterfest on Main will be held downtown immediately following the Norman Christmas Parade at approximately 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free to attend and is created to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The festival will take place on Main Street for the first time after being held at Legacy Park. It will feature food trucks, photo opportunities with the Grinch and Santa Claus and shopping deals with local businesses.
A tree lighting ceremony and a drone light show are also set to go on during
the festival.
The drone show will last around 15 minutes and feature holiday-themed songs and designs created by organizers in the sky.
Jeff Moody, a program coordinator with the City of Norman, said Winterfest on Main will be a combination of holiday events the city puts on every year.
“We’re kind of calling this our inaugural because we are changing some things over. Because we used to have the Winterfest, which was the firework show, and then the tree lighting ceremony used to be at Andrews (Park). So instead of doing that, we got a new gigantic tree that’s gonna go right behind the James Garner statue,” Moody said.
Festival goers can expect participation from local businesses.
“We are also going to work with some other businesses in the main downtown, really because the parade route goes from Norman High all the way down to
the railroad tracks. But we’re going to get the rest of downtown Main involved with it,” Moody said. “We’re gonna get a lot of involvement this year. We’re gonna have it kind of be almost like a small town Christmas block party almost.”
The Ugly Sweater 5K will take place at Legacy Park with the run going down the service road.
Prizes will be given to an individual and a team or family with the best ugly sweater. The run is free, however, those who register and pay $22 will receive a shirt and a medal. Those who register and pay $30 will receive a long-sleeved shirt, medal and a timing chip.
“There will be serious runners, but any level of athletics is definitely welcome,” Moody said. “You don’t have to run the whole time. It’s just a good fun thing to do — just get out and run and have fun and get cool swag that comes with it.”
Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Crest on Ice
November 9th – January 6th
Location: Crest Foods | 2550 Mt Williams Dr | Norman
Enjoy a holiday ice skating adventure in Norman during Crest on Ice. Located in the Crest Foods parking lot, this seasonal rink features 4,100 square feet of real ice. Bring your own ice skates or rent a pair at the rink. This festive attraction is perfect for all ages, so don’t miss out on all the winter fun.
Red Earth Treefest
Weekdays, Nov 15th – Dec 3rd
10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown OKC’s BancFirst Tower | Oklahoma City
Celebrate the holiday season by viewing Christmas trees created and decorated by Oklahoma Native Tribes during the annual Red Earth Treefest inside Downtown Oklahoma City’s BancFirst Tower. This nineweek holiday attraction at the Red Earth Art Center will feature Christmas trees adorned by handmade ornaments showcasing the diverse Native cultures that make Oklahoma unique.
LEGO Club
November 21, 2024
Location: Del City Library | 4330 SE 15th Street | Del City
Del City Library’s LEGO Club is back! Join other LEGO fans to engineer some fun. Imagine, create, play, and learn as we build with LEGOs. LEGO Club is the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Recommended for ages 6-12.
2024 Oklahoma City Santa Market
November 22 & 23, 2024
9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park | 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd | Oklahoma City
This market will feature more than 180 vendors, photos with Santa, silent auction and more. You will find a wide range of home decor, arts and crafts, holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothes, food goodies and much more. Free admission and parking.
Chickasha Festival of Light
November 23 – December 31, 2024
Location: Shannon Springs Park | 2400 S 9th St | Chickasha Recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. Drive through the displays and gaze in wonder at dazzling light scenes, animated displays and even a computer-animated light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. The centerpiece of the Chickasha Festival of Light is the iconic 172-ft Christmas tree that can be seen for miles around. You’ll find this festival is more than just a drivethrough experience. Get out of the car and experience a thrilling view from a horse-drawn carriage on a magical ride through this park of lights. Kids will enjoy having their photo made with Santa Claus, and everyone will want to visit the food truck park for delicious treats.
OKC Broadway presents: A Magical Cirque Christmas
November 25, 2024
Location: OKC Civic Center Music Hall | 201 N Walker Ave | Oklahoma City Watch cirque artists perform dazzling stunts and see magicians perform tricks with a bit of holiday magic during this thrilling seasonal spectacular.
Explorers Day Camp
- Thanksgiving Break
November 25th & 26th
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Sam Noble Museum | 2401 Chautauqua Ave | Norman Explorers Day Camp at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History invites kids ages 5 to 11 on an adventure like no other. Dive into the museum’s exhibits, where ancient civilizations, fossils, and creatures from distant eras come alive. Kids will engage in hands-on activities, crafts, and games that ignite their curiosity while our trained education staff and expert guides share fascinating stories and lessons.
Chickasha Festival of Light
Crest on Ice
Lights From the Heart
November 27 – December 31, 2024
5:30pm-10:00pm
Location: Purcell Lake | 1400 Chandler Rd | Purcell
Get ready to gaze upon a twinkling holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. This drive-through wonderland of Christmas holiday lighting can be seen each year from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve. Be sure to bring your camera for a special photo with Santa on Saturdays in December until Christmas.
Turkey Day 5K
November 28, 2024
8:30am
Location: Norman High Football Stadium | Norman
Taking off from Norman High School’s football stadium, runners will get to see a quaint part of town and run for a good cause. There is also a one-mile fun run for those looking for a more relaxed run than the 5k. Lace up your tennis shoes and hit the pavement before diving into your Thanksgiving feast this November.
Downs Family Christmas Lights
November 28 – January 1, 2025
6:00pm
Location: 2900 72nd Ave SE | Norman
The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in Oklahoma. Each year since 2007, nearly two months of work have gone into creating a
wonderful display with two “mega trees” that are 70 feet tall, ten mini trees and 20-foot long arches, all created out of over 280,000 lights. Each strand of lights is synchronized to a specific playlist of cheerful Christmas songs. You’ll want to stop and watch the lights gleam with the music. Drive through this display with your radio set to 99.9 FM to see the show in action.
Opening right after Thanksgiving, this charming farm offers a range of locally grown trees that you can cut yourself or have ready-to-go. Create a memorable outing by wandering through the tree-lined paths, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and bring home the perfect tree to decorate with your loved ones.
Norman’s HOLIDAY CRAFT + GIFT shopOrama!
November 30, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Cleveland County Fairgrounds | 615 E Robinson St | Norman
Make your holiday shopping special with unique handcrafted art, home decor, sparkly jewels, vintage styles, modern trends, one of a kind designs, boutiques, gourmet foods & more.
Small Business Saturday
November 30, 2024
Location: Plaza District | 1726 NW 16th St | Oklahoma City
Join us for Shop Small Saturday in the Plaza and support your favorite local shops, restaurants, and small businesses in the Plaza!
Light the City
November 30, 2024
Location: 200 N Midwest Blvd | Midwest City
Kick off the holidays at the Light the City event in Midwest City. Each holiday season, the Mayor of Midwest City, along with children from the community, have an official ceremony to light the tree. Stick around after the tree lighting for Christmas carols, live performances, a visit from Santa, tasty snacks and hot cocoa.
Lights from the Heart
Downs Family Christmas Lights
Light the City
KC Philharmonic presents:
Star Wars - Return of the Jedi
November 30, 2024
2:00pm
Location: OKC Civic Center Music Hall | 201 N Walker Ave |
Oklahoma City
Join the OKC Philharmonic Orchestra for an epic performance of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” This famous score, written by John Williams, will be played live along with the movie. Don’t miss this immersive and thrilling cinematic experience at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City this November.
Lights on Broadway
November 30th & December 7th
3:00pm-7:00pm
Location: OKC
Automobile Alley |
Oklahoma City
Get in the holiday spirit at the sixth annual Lights on Broadway event in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley. Marvel at the magically lit local businesses while enjoying family-friendly activities, such as face painting, carriage rides, caricature drawings and balloon art.
DECEMBER EVENTS
Saints Santa Run
December 3rd & 7th
8:00am
Location: 1000 N Lee Ave | Oklahoma City
Take a festive walk or run through the streets of downtown Oklahoma City at the annual Saints Santa Run. This event, part of Downtown in December, includes a 5K race, a one-mile fun run and a free Santa Claus Kids’ Dash. Runners will enjoy live music, face painting, a photo booth, a build-your-own-trail-mix bar and more. Don’t forget to wear your most festive attire to claim a prize at the costume contest following the races.
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents
December 5 - 22, 2024
Location: 2920 Paseo | Oklahoma City
Enjoy some fresh winter air while taking in an amazing performance from the talented troupe of actors from the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park perform Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker.” Watch as some of Austen’s most beloved characters and famous love stories come to life before your eyes. Unlike many other kinds of productions, audience participation is encouraged. So, bring your dancing shoes and warm up your caroling voice as you take part in this interactive performance. Whether you’re dressing up in your best costume or just coming as you are, the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s performance of “Christmas Cracker” this December is not one you’ll want to miss.
Norman Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade
December 7, 2024
6:00pm
Location: Downtown Norman | Norman
Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose, but you won’t want to miss this Norman holiday tradition. The Norman Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade features bands, floats and horses. Set in a festive spirit complete with a variety of Christmas characters, this annual holiday parade will also feature an appearance by Santa Claus.
Oklahoma City Holiday Fair
December 7th & 8th
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park | 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd | Oklahoma City
Finish your Christmas shopping and decorating in early December at the Oklahoma City Holiday Fair at the OKC Fairgrounds. Artisans and vendors of all kinds will bring their most festive goodies to help you drum up holiday cheer. Support small businesses as you cross items off your Christmas list at this free two-day event.
Holiday Workshop
December 7, 2024
10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens | 301 W Reno Ave | Oklahoma City
Create something festive to display indoors or outdoors at the “Evergreen Wreaths” workshop at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. You’ll learn how to design a fantastic modern evergreen wreath in this seasonal, hands-on class. Specialized instruction will guide you to create a large wreath fit to adorn any holiday display.
A Christmas Story The Musical
Dec 13 – 15 & Dec 20 - 22
Location: The Sooner Theatre | 101 E Main St | Norman
This family-friendly show captures the heartwarming and hilarious moments of the classic holiday film in an unforgettable theatrical experience. With performances across two weekends, this is an ideal holiday outing for families, friends, or date nights. Gather your loved ones, enjoy the show, and relive the holiday magic of Ralphie’s adventures.
Saints Santa Run
Lights on Broadway
RACE’s Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 13 - 15, 2024
Location: OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater
7777 S May Ave | Oklahoma City
Come experience RACE’s Hip Hop Nutcracker, a unique and exciting twist on the holiday classic! Featuring beats by DJ Nymasis, RACE Collective dancers, and youth dancers from OKCPS and local dance programs, this dynamic performance reimagines the Nutcracker through a fresh, urban Oklahoma lens. https://www.racedance.com/races-hip-hopnutcracker
Firehouse Art Center Family Fun Day
December 14, 2024
11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: The Firehouse Art Center | 444 S Flood Ave | Norman Family Fun Day with children’s art instructor, Jane Lawson, featuring free activities.
Ballet Under The Stars
December 14, 2024 – May 11, 2025
Location: OKC Civic Center Music Hall | 201 N Walker Ave
Oklahoma City
Visit okcballet.com/performances/ for more information
Drop-In Art: Photos with Santa & Holiday Frames
December 21, 2024 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Oklahoma City Museum of Art | 415 Couch Dr
Oklahoma City
Jolly Saint Nick is making a special trip to OKCMOA to take photos with all visitors! Take photos with Santa in our lobby, then visit the studios to decorate holiday-inspired picture frames. This activity is free with admission or for Museum members. As a reminder, kids 17 and under always receive free admission to OKCMOA! Visit Museum elf Jingle Gingerfluff in the galleries for Elven story time at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm! Finally, round out your visit with a stop in our Museum Store for lastminute gifts, $2 cookies, and free hot chocolate!
OkiCon - Weekend Pass
December 27 - 29, 2024
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center | 2501 Conference Dr | Norman
OKiCon is OKC and Norman’s premiere anime convention held over New Year’s Eve Weekend. Get your OKiCon 2024 Tickets at Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel and Conference Center.
Curiousiday: Illumination Imagination
December 14, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Sam Noble Museum | 2401 Chautauqua Ave | Norman
Explore the world of light and bioluminescence during this Curiousiday event. Discover how living things use light, from deep-sea creatures, insects, to mammals. Join in a journey of scientific exploration and holiday celebration as we learn about the bright wonders in our natural world. This event is open to the public, and included for free with a general admission museum ticket.
OKC Community Chanukah Festival
December 29, 2024
Location: Scissortail Park | 300 SW 7th St | Oklahoma City
Join the Chabad Community Center at Scissortail Park as they present the OKC Community Chanukah Festival this holiday season. This celebration is free and open for all to enjoy. Experience the giant menorah lighting, live music, kosher fair food and booths of carnival entertainment. The festival will also feature holiday characters that will delight children, so bring the whole family to this special event in Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park.
OKC Boat & RV Show
January 10 - 12, 2025
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park | 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd
Oklahoma City
The one and only OKC Boat & RV Show coming to the Bennett Event Center at the Oklahoma State Fair Park this January. Get your outdoor equipment and other related products and services you need to be ready for your next outdoor adventure. Friday is VIP Night with free samples of food and drink while supplies last (ID required).
RACE’s Hip Hop Nutcracker
Ballet Under the Stars
Recipes Easy Overnight Pancake Casserole with Streusel Topping
INGREDIENTS
Pancake Casserole:
• 1 (2 pound) package frozen pancakes, cut in half
• 5 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Streusel Topping:
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2. Prepare casserole: Prick each pancake half several times with a fork. Place in the prepared baking dish in 2 to 3 long rows, overlapping in a shingled formation. If you are using homemade pancakes or pancakes from a mix there is no need to poke holes in them.
3. Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar and salt. Pour over the pancakes. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours, to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5. Prepare topping: Combine pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Or try grating cold butter directly into the flour mixture. Some recommend doubling the streusel recipe if you like extra sweetness.
6.Remove pancakes from the refrigerator and uncover. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked throughout, about 55 minutes.
8.Serve with warm maple syrup.
Hot Spiced Cider
INGREDIENTS
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (can omit if too sweet for your liking)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon whole allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 large orange, sliced with peel
• 2 quarts apple cider
• Cheesecloth with twine
DIRECTIONS
1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Place all solid ingredients in a cheesecloth for easy removal. Assembly all the ingredients including cheesecloth with spices into crockpot and slow cook on low for four hours.
3. Remove solid ingredients (inside the cheesecloth) and serve hot.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• ¾ cup butter, melted, divided
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Combine hash browns, Cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, ½ cup melted butter, onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish.
4. Add remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and cornflakes to a saucepan over medium heat; stir gently until cornflakes are coated in butter.
5. Sprinkle cornflake mixture on top of casserole.
6. Cover casserole and bake in the preheated oven until hot and top is crispy, about 40 minutes.
Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 5 teaspoons honey
• ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• 6 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 lemon wedges
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, butter, and honey. In another bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, pecans, and parsley.
2. Season each salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with mustard-honey mixture. Cover the top of each fillet with bread crumb mixture.
3. Bake for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at thickest part, or until salmon just flakes when tested with a fork. Serve garnished with lemon wedges.
Sweet Potato Casserole
INGREDIENTS
Sweet Potatoes:
• 4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping:
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. To prepare the sweet potatoes: Put sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Mash drained sweet potatoes with a fork. Add eggs; mix until well combined. Add sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt; mix until smooth. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
4. To make the topping: Mix brown sugar and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture is coarse and looks like peas; don’t overmix. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until topping is lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
INGREDIENTS
Cheesecake Layer:
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
DIRECTIONS
Pumpkin Layer:
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves, or more to taste
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg, or more to taste
1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. To make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition.
3. Spread 1 cup batter in the graham cracker crust.
4. To make the pumpkin layer: Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the remaining batter; stir gently until well blended.
5. Carefully spread on top of plain cheesecake batter in the crust.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are puffed and the surface is firm except for a small spot in the center that jiggled when the pan is gently shaken, 35 to 40 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven, set on a wire rack, and cool to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours.
8. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving, preferably overnight.
Happy Holidays &
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