REG Christmas Time Book

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TIME BOOK

For each GIFT card sold, Co-op will donate $1 to the Canadian Red Cross

2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

WELCOME TO

CONTENTS Christmas classic performed as a live radio play ................................................. 3 Create your own holiday wreath ........................................................................... 4 A safe space to meet Santa ................................................................................... 5 Give this year’s holiday party a unique theme ..................................................... 5 SaskExpress creates nostalgia ............................................................................. 6 Hand-made cards a joy to create and receive ...................................................... 8

TIME BOOK EDITOR Jeannie Armstrong

Christmas calendar of events ..............................................................................12 Wonder, wit and warmth in a winter wonderland ...............................................14 RSO rejoices with Reginans .................................................................................15 German-style Christmas is wunderbar! ..............................................................16

WRITERS Andrew Livingstone Wendy Livingstone

Help for young gift-givers with low budgets ........................................................ 17

DESIGNER Corrie Sherwin

Meet Santa’s seasonal scoundrels ......................................................................19

Midnight mass a long-held Christmas tradition .................................................18

This section was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division.

REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 3

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PERFORMED AS A LIVE RADIO PLAY

by Andrew Livingstone

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is exactly the sort of Christmas classic that Regina Little Theatre (RLT) audiences love, but the story spans decades and features dozens of characters - a difficult undertaking for a small, all-volunteer production. So, the company selected a special version: “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a live radio play.

In this adaptation, the Regina Little Theatre audience can feel as though they are a live, studio audience watching the production of a radio play in the mid-1940s. “There are five actors playing the 52 different roles that are in the show, which is going to be a great challenge for our acting team,” said Dallas Duffus, the play’s director and a member of Regina Little Theatre since 1978.

the corporation, and finally received the approval to proceed. “We were able to produce the play, and I made a new friend in New York,” she said. “And he is thrilled that a company like ours would be doing the play.”

The narrative at the centre of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is ideal for the Christmas season due to its themes of generosity, community and family. “It’s a heartwarming story of a man who grew up in a small town and, for various reasons, stayed in the town and became a pivotal person in the community, and he comes upon some hard times and thinks that life would be

better without him in the world,” said Duffus. “He’s going towards a bridge to end his life, but is assigned a guardian angel in training named Clarence …

“Clarence helps him see that he truly did have a wonderful life, and has a lovely, happy ending where the town all comes together to support him during his trials and tribulations.”

The timeless tale, which will run at the Regina Performing Arts Centre from Dec. 4 to 7 with a matinee on Saturday, is suitable for all ages. “That’s why we add the matinee on the Saturday at the holidays so that, if you want to bring your younger

children, they’re not up late,” said Duffus.

“We start the shows at 7:30, and I expect we’ll be done by about 9:30.”

Duffus predicts that the show will provide an excellent start to the Christmas season. “It’s at the beginning of December, and I think it will help set the tone for people to feel great moving into the holidays,” she said. “It’s fun to bring the community together in this sort of heartwarming way. People will leave here feeling good and feeling inspired about the holidays.”

In order to complete the soundscape of a radio play, the actors will be joined onstage by additional performers. “We are also including a trio of singers to add some sparkle, and there will be a foley table,” said Duffus.

“In the days of radio plays, before there were recorded sound effects, all the sounds were made live during the show. So, we have a team of a couple fellows who are going to be recreating these sounds based on instructions that are in script.

“There are a couple of breaks in the story where we hear from our local sponsors, and we have some radio jingles that are part of the script,” said Duffus. “That’s where our trio of singers will come in and entertain the crowd.”

Production practicalities aside, those quirky inclusions were one of the main reasons why Duffus chose this version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” as RLT’s Christmas play. “When I look for a play, I try and go outside of the box and find something a little unusual, and this just seemed really fun,” she said. “I’ve acted lots with the company and love a challenge outside of the typical farce.”

Indeed, Duffus loved the adaptation enough that she pursued it even when she was told that it would not be possible. When she sought the rights to perform the play, the licensing corporation told her that its relationship with the author had lapsed.

So, Duffus contacted the author, waited for months as he renegotiated his contract with Regina Little Theatre will present the classic Christmas tale, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, as a live radio play, from Dec. 4 to 7. (Photo: Postmedia file photo)

4 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

CREATE YOUR OWN HOLIDAY WREATH The first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ring-shaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs. Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality.

Regardless of how wreaths are viewed, many people like to display wreaths for the holidays.

Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun.

One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath. For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries. Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep the layers coming until you get the desired coverage.

Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow.

The blog A Piece of Rainbow says that creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollar-store laundry basket bottom from the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreath-making materials so they keep their circular form. Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials together. Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose.

Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive.

Many craft stores sell wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring.

These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through.

Wreaths may seem like complicated creations.

But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath. (Metro) Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun. (Photo: Metro)

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REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 5

GIVING CHILDREN WITH SENSORY SENSITIVITIES A SAFE SPACE

TO MEET SANTA

by Wendy Livingstone

‘Tis the season for that classic Santa photo! Even if a few tears are shed or the occasional meltdown happens, for most families, this tradition is an overall happy experience and good memory.

Unfortunately, for some families, that quintessential holiday experience is simply not possible. For children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, a visit with Santa inside a busy shopping centre is simply too rife with sensory triggers, time pressures and other hindrances. So to help make sure these children are included, the Cornwall Centre is following up on the great response to its first Sensory-Friendly event last year with two chances to meet with a very special Santa, in a carefully considered environment.

15 to meet with Santa. Each child’s visit is pre-booked, so that families do not need to wait in long lines, which can be challenging for children on the spectrum. The event is held before the centre opens to avoid busy crowds, and no music will be played over the sound system.

Thanks to 10-minute time slots, each child will be able to take some time to feel comfortable. In addition to that time with the big man himself, each child will go home with a goodie bag filled with special surprises.

Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 and 15, by calling Cornwall Centre Guest Services at (306) 525-1301.

In partnership with the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) and RMX Digital, the Cornwall Centre will be welcoming these very special guests on Sunday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec.

For children with sensory sensitivities, a visit with Santa isn’t always a positive experience. With these children in mind, Cornwall Centre is reprising its Sensory-Friendly Santa event on Dec. 8 and 15. On those two days, children who are on the autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities can meet with a very special Santa in a carefully considered environment, by appointment. (Photo: Getty Images)

GIVE THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY PARTY A UNIQUE THEME This year, why not choose a fun theme for your holiday party? You can create a great atmosphere while providing entertainment for all ages with a little creativity - and local resources.

You could do the usual “white elephant” gift swap, or hold an ugly sweater competition, but that’s so last year – why not brainstorm a few new ideas?

• Silver screen soiree How about designing your party around a favourite movie? Choose a film or movie franchise that means a lot to you and your crew. Is it something you all grew up on? Or a current favourite?

Whatever cinema theme you choose, let guests know ahead of time so they can choose outfits to represent a character or idea from the movie. Offer a link to an online trailer in your invitation for guests who may not have seen the movie. Plan decorations, food and beverages to go with your movie theme.

Get the movie soundtrack to play during your party and create the right ambiance by renting a popcorn machine for

your guests.

• Small screen inspiration Along the same lines, a TV show theme could be fun. Again, pick a show that you and your family or friends grew up with, or that’s an obsession, a guilty pleasure or even a current fad show you all love to hate! Encourage guests to dress the part, and create a trivia game based on the show, with prizes for the best-informed partygoers.

For entertainment, rent a projector to play episodes on a big screen or on the wall.

• Take a “journey” with your party Choose a place – city, province or country– to be the “locale” for your party. Let the food and music you play be inspired by the location that’s meaningful to you. Your hometown, where you went to college, your first overseas trip or honeymoon location would be good choices. Serve foods from the location you have in mind, whether they’re homemade or purchased.

Or you could journey to another time,

since there’s nothing like time travel to spice up a party. Choose an era from the past, or even go with a futuristic, sci-fi theme for your party this year, and tell your guests to dress accordingly. Have fun and get creative with your ideas for the decor, music and entertainment!

• Step into the pages of a book Let a favourite holiday storybook or novel inspire your party’s attire, snacks and decorations, whether it’s a childhood favourite or a recent bestseller.

You can find games to complement the theme of your book, ranging from giant chessboards or carnival games to sumo wrestling and casino games, at rental locations near you. Give guests a chance to give back to the community by asking everyone to bring a children’s book to donate to a local library or children’s hospital.

• Break free from the party clock Shake up your usual entertaining routine. Do you usually host a dinner party? Make it a festive brunch. Always serve a lunch buffet? Offer your friends

Draw the inspiration for this year’s holiday party theme from the big or small screen. Plan decorations, food and beverages to go with the theme, including renting a popcorn machine. (Photo: BPT)

or family a late-night, post-theater get-together instead.

Don’t have matching dishes, stemware or flatware for a fancy do? No worries ¬– it’s possible to rent what you need rather than spending a ton on items you might only use a couple of times a year.

No matter what creative idea you come up with for your themed party, the good news is that you can rent anything you might need to make your unique party happen.

Find your party supplies at a rental store near you by checking out Rental HQ. (BPT)

6 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

SASKEXPRESS CREATES NOSTALGIA WITH “A CHRISTMAS STORY:

THE MUSICAL”

by Andrew Livingstone

As one of the 20th century’s beloved holiday stories, “A Christmas Story” has earned a place alongside more serious films, and SaskExpress is about to bring the tale to life as a musical. Running in Regina Dec. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11-15 (with a stop in Yorkton on Dec. 16), the production promises proficient performers of all ages recreating the charm of Christmases past with harmony and humor.

Danny Balkwill, artistic director and CEO of SaskExpress, describes the story as, “a heart-warming Christmas tale for everyone in your family.” The appeal of SaskExpress’ musical adaptation might lie as much in the performances as in the story. “I mean, who doesn’t love kids at Christmas, and we’ve got them all singing and dancing their little hearts out.”

Based on the 1983 film, the musical centres around a little boy named Ralphie Parker, who wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. “The show follows his scheming to convince his parents why he needs one so badly and all of the token craziness leading up to Christmas,” said Miranda Sheepwash, a performer in the production

who will play the role of Ralphie’s mother.

The musical version of the tale is written

by Pasek and Paul, the American duo whose music graces films like “The Greatest Showman” and “LaLaLand” and stage musicals like “James and the Giant Peach” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”

“The score is awesome and the songs are so catchy,” said Sheepwash. “Everyone can, for sure, expect all of their favourite parts from the movie as well. You can’t do “A Christmas Story” without the leg lamp and someone sticking their tongue to a pole.”

Performing such a beloved story brings its own joys – and its own challenges. “Anytime you recreate a classic there’s a level of pressure that comes along with the show, as people have such emotional attachments to the movie or book or what have you,” said Balkwill, “but, when you succeed in delivering the show in the right way, it can connect with audiences on such a deeper level as they already have bought in to the story, characters, and overall feeling of the piece going in.”

Sheepwash said that the stage version even

deepens the story in some ways. “I’m super excited to tackle the role of the mother!” she said. “She’s so funny and has so much more than what’s just on the surface. I think in the musical, it dives a bit further into what it was to be a mother in the 50’s, which is a cool thing to research as an actor.”

The film features a variety of colourful characters, which requires a similar cast on the stage. “This is a very unique cast as it incorporates adults, children, and even a dog,” said Balkwill. “We have both full- and part-time members which allows us to use people from the community who want to be involved in something special and unique.

All the people for our show are very talented which promises a great quality show for all audiences!”

Sheepwash is equally impressed with her castmates. “We have some incredibly talented kids in this cast, all local to Regina and so excited to do the show,” she said. “I think our youngest is eight years old! Most of them dance or are trained in studios around the city. It’s so cool to be working with these young artists and seeing their passion for

performing. We have some incredible adults too, it’s such a well-rounded group of people.

“Although I have to admit, I do have a favourite cast member though: Bela, the dog. We’re BFFs, but that’s probably because I give great ear scratches.”

The Regina shows will be held at the SaskExpress Theatre at 2272 Pasqua Street. The Yorkton show will be performed at the Anne Portnuff Theatre on Gladstone Avenue in Yorkton.

Miranda Sheepwash (centre) and the cast of SaskExpress rehearse for the past production of “Reel Music.” (Photo: Postmedia file photo)

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HAND-MADE CARDS A JOY TO CREATE AND RECEIVE Pat Jamieson loves Christmas! And, while writing Christmas cards for friends and family is not an activity that most people relish, Pat enjoys it so much that she not only finished this year’s cards several months ago, she also has a head start on the 40 or so that she will be sending out next year. And Pat doesn’t merely place her signature and a stamp on a purchased card and drop it in the mailbox – she makes every single card from scratch.

She works in a studio in her basement, creating dozens of cards each year, not only for Christmas, but also for birthdays, retirements, sympathy, baby welcoming, bon voyage and sometimes even to wish a happy Halloween or happy spring. Each card is designed with materials, colours and a theme that has been chosen to suit the recipient.

“It’s so much fun, I can’t stop,” she says.

“I don’t have windows or a clock in in my workshop and sometimes I come upstairs and it’s dark. I think, ‘Oh, my gosh, I have to start supper – I’ve been down there for five hours!’ I honestly feel like I could sit there for days and days. I’ve never found anything as relaxing.”

While it does require some skill, Pat says that card-making is a wonderful creative outlet for those who are not artistically

talented because there are several aids to creating the artwork. “That’s why I use stamps instead of drawing,” she says. “You don’t have to be artistic because the stamps do the drawing for you.”

In her work area, she is surrounded by all the equipment and materials she needs for her craft: a machine for die-cutting and crimping; a paper cutter to ensure that all edges are perfectly straight; cardstock for the base of the card; plain white, coloured and patterned papers for the card designs and inserts; tiny scissors for cutting out fine details; paints, inks, chalk pallets and pencil crayons for colouring designs; embellishments, such as pearls and ribbons; tape and glues for assembly and for attaching those embellishments; lettering kits; a work surface with a glass top to allow for easy clean-up of inks and paints; and, what are perhaps her most valued tools, hundreds of picture stamps, many of which are from her favourite supplier, Stampin’ Up. Although she has sought to build up her supply of paraphernalia since she began card-making eight years ago, she says that it is possible to start the hobby with a few very inexpensive materials – some cardstock in various colours, white paper, a couple of stamps and an inkpad, a tape runner with

double-sided tape, a pair of scissors and a pack of baby wipes to clean the ink off stamps and fingers.

The card-designing process begins with a picture stamp, preferably one that suits a particular person. In one case, Pat was out shopping for materials and spotted a motorcycle stamp. She immediately thought of a girlfriend at her workplace who rides a motorcycle, and she began to design a Christmas card around that theme.

She tore strips of white cardstock to form a snowy background scene. She then stamped the motorcycle with black ink onto white paper, cut it out and placed it on the background. A second stamp provided the design for a tree, which Pat painted green, cut out and placed on its side near the back of the motorcycle. She then drew a rope between the two to make it appear that the motorcycle was towing the tree home. Plain white paper was then glued inside, where a special, hand-written Christmas message was added.

She gave it to her friend while they were at work, and even though the friend was in another room, Pat could hear her open the card and squeal, “Aaaahhh! I love it!”

That reaction to receiving one of Pat’s cards is quite typical – receiving a person-

by Wendy Livingstone alized, specially designed card is quite a pleasure, and the cards are often kept as cherished gifts. Pat was pleased to notice that, when she was at a friend’s house at Christmastime, he was still displaying a card that she had made for his birthday in August.

At least one other friend saves the Christmas cards that Pat gives her and uses them all as Christmas decorations each year.

Through her years of experience, classes, retreats, online searches and exchange of ideas with fellow card-makers, Pat has developed an impressive bag of tricks that helps her to create striking special effects. One such technique involves using a slow-drying marker that can be applied with a stamp, sprinkled with various colours of embossing powder, and then set with a crafter’s heat gun. When gold embossing powder is used, it creates the look of liquid gold. Another involves mixing shaving cream with liquid ink and rubbing it on with a spatula to create an underwater look.

But Pat also creates her own styles and techniques using materials that she has on hand. “You can improvise on a lot of things,” she says. “It’s just so fun when you come up with something new and you’re proud of it – it just makes it so much fun!”

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(306) 924-4444 & (306) 586-5023 Each of Pat Jamieson’s card is designed with materials, colours and a theme that has been chosen to suit the recipient.

(Photo: Wendy Livingstone)

REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 9

Pat Jamieson finds card-making a wonderful creative outlet. Family and friends cherish the one-of-a-kind cards that Jamieson makes for Christmas and special occasions throughout the year. (Photo: Wendy Livingstone)

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Adult and children’s prices available for all three shows.

www.reginasymphony.com · (306) 586-9555

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE RSO! A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night December 8, 2019 A heartwarming musical story

Home Alone in C Concert December 14,, 2019

Handel’s Messiah December 18, 2019

Fun for the w whole family!

A Regina Holiday Tradition

10 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

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12 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 The festive season has arrived in Regina! Here’s a list of the upcoming must-see-and-do holiday events taking place from now through New Year’s.

Nov. 29 to Jan 10 Christmas Wonders Regina Floral Conservatory Christmas display, 1450B 4th Ave. For more information, call 306-781-4769.

Dec. 1 Christmas Expo Conexus Arts Centre, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Shop for unique gift items.

Dec. 2 Paws for the Season Open House Regina Humane Society, Hwy 6 and Armour Road, Regina 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bring items for the animals in care, such as wet cat food, doggie chews and pet toys. Have your pet’s picture taken with Santa and receive a 4×6 printed photo, a digital copy and a treat for your pet from Santa for $15.

Dec.3 Regina City Hall lights the lights!

Mayor Michael Fougere and city councillors will be on hand when the lights at City Hall come on at 6:30 p.m. Residents will also be able to enjoy cotton candy and hot chocolate, outdoor games, ice-frame selfie stations, face-painting, live entertainment, horse and wagon rides and a visit from Santa. Some road and parking restrictions will be in place, and drivers are reminded not to park at meters with bags over them.

Dec. 4 - 7 It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Regina Little Theatre, Regina Performing Arts Centre, 1077 Angus St. Wednesday through Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinée 1:30 p.m.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Dec. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 - 15 A Christmas Story: The Musical SaskExpress, 2272 Pasqua St. Based on the 1983 movie favorite, A Christmas Story: The Musical chronicles the misadventures of a boy in the 1950s as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams: a BB gun.

An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny

pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

Dec. 5 Remembering Your Loved Ones at Christmastime Regina Floral Conservatory, 1450B 4th Ave., 7 p.m.

An evening of remembrance led by Pam Norman and Lani Knaus. Later, the music of Sharon Gudereit while refreshments and dainties are served.

Tickets, $10, must be purchased in advance. Call 306-781-4769.

Dec. 6 Small Business Party DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Centre, 6 p.m.

Companies from across the city will gather for a fabulous dinner and dance. Enjoy a delicious gourmet holiday buffet, cash bar and door prizes.

Book tickets online or call 306-525-7551.

Lights Across Canada Saskatchewan Legislative Building 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Legislative buildings across Canada celebrate turning on their holiday lights for the season - inside and outside - during the first week of December each year. The family festival at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building features activities, crafts and prizes for children, local choirs caroling, face painting, holiday magic and Santa himself! Visitors may tour the Chamber and the Legislative Library, and fill a goody bag with prizes from various activities. Free admission; suitable for all ages.

Dec. 6, Dec. 7, Dec. 13 Small Business Christmas Party Hosted by Conexus Arts Centre, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Book your company’s Christmas party (or a friends and family get-together) and enjoy a funfilled evening with great food, live entertainment, and prizes.

Dec. 8 Twinkle Star Christmas Market Canadian-Italian Club, 2148 Connaught St., 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

One-stop shopping, with 60 exhibitors.

A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night Regina Symphony Orchestra Riddell Theatre, University of Regina, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

A mysterious stranger helps three disgruntled

children discover the true spirit of the holidays by weaving a tale about our best-loved traditions, from Christmas trees to dreidels, from Santa Claus to Scrooge. With a mixture of popular favourites, traditional music and plenty of sing-a-longs, this family holiday concert is sure to lift even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit.

The Holiday Train stops in Regina Dec. 17 to raise awareness of hunger issues, and money and donations for food banks. (Photo: CP Rail)

Christmas Tea Regina Floral Conservatory 1450B 4th Ave., 12 noon and 1:10 p.m. (light lunch, $20) and 2:20 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (dainties only, $12.50) Music by The Noteables Dec. 10 Boney M: Holiday Favourites and Classic Hits Conexus Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy skating fun at Victoria Park Skating Rink in downtown Regina. (Photo: Wendy Livingstone)

Dec. 11 Grinch Tree Workshop Hosted by Lumsden Florist etc., 345 James St. N., Lumsden, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Make a fresh, fragrant Grinch Tree centrepiece with help and guidance. Includes a beverage from Last Mountain Distillery.

Designed for family groups, drop-in for Discovery Tables, Field Stations and/or scavenger hunts.

The Paleo Pit is open on School’s Out! days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daycare and day camp groups must call ahead and register with the front desk at 306-787-2815.

Dec. 14 Home Alone in Concert Conexus Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m.; pre-concert performance, 6:45 p.m.

Hosted by Regina Symphony Orchestra and Conexus Arts Centre A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ delightful score performed live by the Regina Symphony Orchestra. An 8-year-old boy is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for a Christmas vacation, and he must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family.

Dec. 17 Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train Mosaic Stadium parking lot, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Bring a donation for the food bank and marvel at the festive lights of the holiday train as you listen to free musical performances by Meghan Patrick, Tanika Charles and Kelly Prescott.

Dec. 23 - Jan 5 Royal Saskatchewan Museum 2445 Albert St., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A little something extra offered in the galleries on the dates when both Regina Public students and Regina Catholic students are out of school.

Dec. 31 Noon Year’s Eve Saskatchewan Science Centre, 2903 Powerhouse Drive, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Give your children a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration that seamlessly blends enjoyment and learning.

New Year’s Eve Skating Party Victoria Park Skating Rink, 1 – 4 p.m.

Enjoy outdoor fun for the whole family at the Victoria Park Skating Rink in downtown Regina.

The Skate Shack is open on New Year’s Eve from 1 to 4 p.m. Regular hours are Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Jan. 1 Lieutenant Governor’s New Year Levée Government House, 4607 Dewdney Avenue, 1 – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year in the elegant atmosphere of Government House with Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Russell Mirasty.

Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this listing is correct, but festivities may be subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and details before attending

REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 13

14 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

WONDER, WIT AND WARMTH IN A WINTER WONDERLAND Christmas is an exciting season at the Conexus Arts Centre, with atmosphere and events designed to fill the hearts of visitors with the spirit of the season.

In the past, the centre played host to the Canadian Progress Club’s Festival of Trees fundraiser, but that event has been discontinued, and Reginans must now find new ways to show off their tree-decorating spirit.

“We thought we’ll offer our clients and suppliers an opportunity to decorate a tree and bring it, and we’ll display it, and also that we would decorate trees,” said Lynn Severt, the centre’s director of events. “We are doing a Winter Wonderland.”

The trees will take their places throughout the interior of the building, “even on places like above our portal doors when you go into the theatre,” Severt said. “So, if you look up, you’ll see Christmas trees.”

Organizations and businesses including the Sports Hall of Fame, SGI, Waskimo, Chinese Cultural Society, Molson’s and CJME declared their intention to support the event early, and many others have also become involved. “We do have a lot of trees that are coming in,” said Severt.

Severt has been working on the project since last January, when she noticed the popularity of a similar event in British Columbia.

“I had gone to Vancouver for Christmas, and saw something along these lines there,” she said.

“There were people taking the bus just to get there to go and see these trees, and I thought, ‘We should do that in our building. We have this big building, and we can decorate it all.’”

Unlike the previous tree festivals, this one will not be a fundraiser, and the centre will not sell or auction off the trees.

“The people bring them, they’re decorated, and then they take them back at the end,” said Severt.

Special tours will also allow visitors to take in the (warm) Winter Wonderland, and Severt predicts that everyone, from children to grandparents, will love the decorating. “There’s a variety. We’ve got a Grinch tree happening, and we’ve got Santa, and snowmen, and all sorts of things,” she said.

“I think it’ll be a hit.”

The display will also provide extra seasonal cheer for Christ-

mas events hosted at the centre, such as its Small Business Christmas Parties.

For nearly 20 years, these parties have been an annual opportunity for small gatherings to celebrate the season without having to fuss over hosting or organizing the event themselves. “It can be for anyone. We do have groups of families or family friends and, rather than go to a restaurant, they come here,” said Jennifer McCrum, senior event coordinator at Conexus Arts Centre. “Small corporate businesses, large family get-togethers, friend get-togethers – really, it’s open to anyone that would like to get together as a group.

Tables are of eight, so we can accommodate any size.”

This year, the parties will be held on Dec. 6, 7 and 13, and all three dates will feature comedian John Beuhler, who promises witty material for both older attendees and the social media generation.

A buffet will fill the bellies of attendees with tradi-

tional and seasonal foods and sweet, holiday desserts. “Most of the buffet is gluten-friendly, which is a big thing for a lot of people, and has vegetarian and dairy-free options as well, so it does accommodate most dietary restrictions,” McCrum said.

There will be draws for prizes, and, after the main act and the meal, a DJ from Rhino’s Lighting and Sound will provide the soundtrack

by Andrew Livingstone

for an evening of dancing.

“It’s a really good team-building event, where people get to connect outside of the workplace, get to know each other on more of a social, personal level, which, in effect, makes you work better together,” said McCrum. “It’s a really good chance for everybody to celebrate a family holiday and a happy season and a happy time of year.”

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REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 15

RSO REJOICES WITH REGINANS The Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) strives to provide enriching and relevant concerts for the city, and Christmas is an excellent opportunity for the RSO to both celebrate with Reginans and enhance their enjoyment of the holidays.

“Our goal, whether it’s Christmastime or another time of year, is to be a part of the people’s lives who live in this community, so I think that’s really important,” said Gordon Gerrard, the RSO’s musical director.

“When it comes to December, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it’s a time of gathering with families, and celebrating, and taking some time to create some experiences together.”

On Dec. 8, the RSO will begin the season with “A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night,” which is the first in the Kids series. “It’s a family-oriented event, so you don’t necessarily have to have kids to enjoy the show,” said Gerrard. “We do them out at the Riddell Theatre out at the university, and we have a group called Platypus Theatre who’re joining us, and they’re sort of musical storytellers.”

The RSO has teamed with Platypus Theatre in the past and has found that the acting troupe is particularly entertaining for children and families. “They do great stuff,” said Gerrard. “They’ll involve some local young actors, there’s costumes, there’s puppets.

Basically, they’re telling a story through music and dialogue celebrating not necessarily just Christmas,

by Andrew Livingstone

but all the things about winter that folks in this part of the country have made into their family traditions.”

For this concert, the RSO will also team with a special guest: conductor Maria Fuller, a rising star from Saskatchewan. “She was just named as the only finalist from North America to compete in an all-female conducting competition in Paris next spring, so we’re pretty excited for her,” said Gerrard. “She’s a fantastic pianist, and she’s known to everybody in this community. Her sister actually plays in the orchestra, so it’s a bit of a homecoming, and it’s her first time conducting the RSO.” Like “A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night,” there will also be a strong visual component to the RSO’s Dec. 14 performance. On that date, the orchestra will perform the music from the 1990 Christmas film “Home Alone” at the Conexus Arts Centre. “It’s one of the great soundtracks by John Williams, who is probably the best-known film composer in history,” said Gerrard. “We’re going to show the entire film from start to finish, and the orchestra will provide the soundtrack live in front of your very eyes.”

Performances of musical scores in tandem with their source films have proven very popular for many orchestras in recent years, and the RSO has experimented with the format too. “Most of them are, I would say, more from the Golden Era, so we’ve done a couple of Charlie Chaplin films, that sort of thing,”

While screening the 1990 Christmas film “Home Alone”, the Regina Symphony Orchestra will perform the live musical score on Dec. 14 at the Conexus Arts Centre. (Photo: RSO)

said Gerrard. “This is the first time that we’ve presented one of these big blockbusters, so we’re pretty excited.”

“Home Alone” doesn’t just boast a score from the greatest soundtrack composer of our era – it’s also a lot of fun, and Gerrard expects that parents will enjoy sharing it with the younger generation. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from families, and I think there are a lot of people who might be bringing their kids who maybe don’t really know the movie yet,” said Gerrard.

Finally, on Dec. 18, the RSO will present its annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” “Handel’s Messiah is just one of those holiday traditions that has become a part

of so many families’ experiences of Christmas and the holidays, so it’s always a pleasure,” said Gerrard.

“Once again, we’re collaborating with the Regina Philharmonic Chorus, and we’ve got four fantastic soloists who are coming from all across the country, so it will be another great night.”

It is no surprise that classic pieces like “Messiah” and modern generational touchstones like the music of “Home Alone” are so popular during the holiday season, says Gerrard, for music is integral to Christmas. “There’s no Christmas without music, honestly,” he said.

“It’s become just a part of how we celebrate.”

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(306) 924-4444 & (306) 586-5023 The Regina Symphony Orchestra teams up with Platypus Theatre to present “A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night” – the first presentation of its Kids series. (Photo: Platypus Theatre)

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16 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

GERMAN-STYLE CHRISTMAS IS WUNDERBAR! Traditional celebrations are near and dear to the hearts of the German people, none more so than at Christmas. At Regina’s German Club, this cherished celebration is a four-week-long event as the organization makes merry with music, food and fellowship for all ages.

On December 1, the club invites local residents to its Christmas concert at 1727 St. John Street. The 45-member choir presents its repertoire of Christmas songs (“Weihnachtslieder” in German), which includes a variety of traditional, contemporary, and children’s Christmas songs. This popular annual concert has been hosted for more than 60 years.

“Christmas is a very big thing in Germany.

It’s my favourite season, and I love singing the songs,” said choir president Alvin Knoll.

Most, but not all, of the lyrics are in German.

“About 99 per cent of our music is in German, but our repertoire does include some Latin and English pieces,” he said.

The choir members wear traditional clothing but, because their heritage traces back to various parts of Germany, the styles do not reflect any one particular region: the men dress in white shirts, black, buttoned vests and red, patterned ties; the women wear red vests called Mieder and black dirndl skirts with white, lacy, dirndl blouses.

After the choir performs, there’s an opportunity to socialize and enjoy coffee and cake at tables decorated with traditional evergreen branches, pinecones and red candles. Refreshments are included with door admission to the concert.

During the holiday season, the choir also performs at several seniors’ care homes and the Rotary Carol Festival at Knox United Church.

But, each year before the concert takes place, German Christmas festivities in the city have already begun. This year, Nov. 23 marked the first event: the Christkindl Market. Vendors gathered at the German Club to sell handmade items, Christmas gifts and sweet treats, including the distinctively German Christmas cake: Stollen, a loaf made with almonds, raisins, and various spices and flavourings such as cardamom and lemon zest, and then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Traditionally, the German Christkindl Market takes place outdoors, but most of the local club’s booths are indoors due to the colder Saskatchewan weather.

The market ushers in the Advent season, a time of preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. Many German households and churches display a wreath, most often made of evergreen boughs, with four candles representing the four Sundays leading up to

by Wendy Livingstone

Christmas day.

The custom of the Christmas tree (“Tannenbaum” in German) began in Germany, and it remains a vital part of the country’s celebrations. So that it might be enjoyed throughout the Christmas season, a 12-foot tree, with modest straw ornaments, glass balls, chocolate candy and electric candles is displayed throughout Advent at the German club.

The traditional German tree was decorated simply. “[It] might seem plain by today’s standards,” said Knoll. “It was anything hand-made: straw stars and folded paper stars, wooden nativity figurines, some oldstyle tinsel.” Real, lighted candles were once placed on the trees, but electric candles are now used in the interest of safety.

The last event at the club before Christmas will be the Christmas party (“Weihnachtsfeier” in German) on Dec. 7. Club members, family and friends are invited to celebrate together with a dinner featuring a German menu and special program. “We have the children performing, a group of musicians playing, Christmas poetry and stories and, of course, some carolling. Sometimes St. Nikolaus, whose special day is Dec. 6, makes an appearance. He’s all dressed up and brings candy and good things for kids,” said Knoll.

A large, special meal is part of the Christ-

mas celebration in homes in many countries, and Germany is no exception. As the families of Knoll and his wife, Berbel, are from different regions of Germany, they grew up with different traditional meals at Christmastime. He grew up enjoying turkey and she grew up savouring a pork dish called Kassler. That has not caused a rift between the two, though. He prefers Kassler now, so it is served as the special Christmas Eve meal, and turkey is served when friends drop by in the following days. In many Germany homes, goose is very popular.

Although beer is often associated with Germany, Knoll said most of the country enjoys wine equally, and homemade wine – which he makes with grapes he grows – is a part of the celebrations at the Knoll house. “I’m doing what my grandmother and my mother did,” he said. “Germans love to make wine.”

During the Christmas season, Glühwein, a hot mulled wine, is a favourite.

If you would like to include some German customs in your holiday plans, drop into Regina’s German Club at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 for the Christmas concert, or check reginagermanclub.ca for other events that are open to the public. Knoll said, “There’s all sorts of things happening from now until the end of the year.”

The 45-member German Club Choir will present a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs at the annual Volksliederchor Christmas Concert, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Most, but not all, of the lyrics are in German.

(Supplied photo)

Photo: Wendy Livingstone

REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 17

HELP FOR YOUNG GIFT-GIVERS WITH LOW BUDGETS

It’s great to find that perfect gift on sale when Christmas shopping, but, even at bargain prices, many young gift-givers have difficulty partaking in the annual tradition that so many of us take for granted. That is why Regina’s St. Augustine School hosts the Santa Store, also known as Christmas on Edgar Street.

Each year, the school collects new and gently used items and allows the students to buy them as gifts for family and friends.

Most items cost one dollar with a special Santa Buck available for any students who may not have extra money, even for the one dollar price. The Santa Bucks are available from the principal, community school coordinator or classroom teacher.

“The affordability of the program alleviates any students from not feeling like they can be part of the whole Christmas spirit,” says St. Augustine’s Principal, Candace Chicilo.

“Donations run the full gamut of indoor household items, from kitchen and cleaning, cookware, furnishings to, of course, clothing, jewelry, and toys for children.

Board games and books are welcome, as well as dad-type gifts. Any of these items may be gently used – upon discretion of the donor.”

Because the school does not have space to store items, donations may be dropped off at the front door of the school at 2343 Edgar St. on Dec. 17 only. “We have little elves available to carry any donated items from the front entrance of the school to the Santa Store area, which is our gymnasium,”

by Wendy Livingstone

says Chicilo.

Then, available staff members and several volunteers begin their work. Like Santa, they have just one day to handle all the gifts and display them in an orderly fashion.

The gifts are set out on tables in the gym and sorted into categories, ready for the student shoppers to make their selections on Dec. 18. Once the students have had an opportunity to shop, the store is opened the next day, Dec. 19, to families of the students so that they too can make purchases. At the end of the second day, all items are bagged and donated to a local charity.

“We would really have no idea how many items there were, but the students had a lovely variety of options,” says Chicilo. “Last year we filled our whole gym with donations.”

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18 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST

MIDNIGHT MASS A LONG-HELD CHRISTMAS TRADITION For centuries, Christmas Eve has been an important date for Catholics, and an occasion that culminates in the joyous midnight mass celebration.

“For me, it’s just that time to bring family together,” said J.P. Belanger. A lifelong Catholic, Belanger was nominated for the Archdiocese of Regina’s Lay Ministry program in high school, has since served as a chaplain for the Air Cadets and now works for Youth for Christ in one of their transitional homes.

“We all have very busy lives, and, especially throughout the year, it’s really tough to keep that in perspective and keep that in focus, so Christmas is a nice opportunity.”

As the name suggests, the event used to occur at midnight, but many churches provide multiple services in one evening, allowing attendees to choose the hour that best serves their schedules. “In my church back home in Moose Jaw, they actually have three separate masses going: they usually run one at 7 o’clock… one at 9 and… one at 11,” said Belanger. “The more traditional or older people tend to come to the later mass.”

The program includes the basics of a typical Catholic mass – blessings, readings from the Bible, the gospel, the homily, prayers, and the Eucharist – but with additional elements to mark the more celebratory occasion. “Essentially, midnight mass is the

mass that just celebrates the actual birth of Christ,” said Belanger. “It is much more of a spectacle evening, because it is the second most important feast day for the church – second only to Easter.”

The spectacle is enhanced through atmospheric flourishes that are especially emphasized at Christmas. “They also will include a blessing of the reeds, and they have incense going, and they have the priests with reeds going around through the pews and blessing everyone,” said Belanger.

In that elevated atmosphere, the voices of the attendees come together to sing the songs of the season. “They’re usually joy-based, like “Today, the Lord Is Born”, “We Three Kings”, “Silent Night” – those kinds of classic holiday ones,” said Belanger. “Catholic services will always have their classic hymns and psalms, and that kind of thing, but, as the years have gone on, those hymns have been rewritten and updated, creating a much more joyful sound. I was in choir for a very long time, especially during those bigger holidays. It was always a joy to be part of that choir just to bring that joyful sound.”

This is also the occasion in which some attendees may perform parts of the Nativity narrative themselves. “The midnight mass is when they used to do the whole play, with all the kids involved, and bring in Joseph,

and Mary, and the shepherds, and the wise men, and just kind of making a big spectacle of it,” said Belanger. “They’ve kind of dialed back on that in recent years, but… the children will go to the 7 o’clock mass, and that’s usually when they possibly have a nativity play.”

More substantially, the evening’s readings centre around the story of Jesus’ birth, but that tale is told differently in three of the Canonical Gospels, so the priest must choose which of them to focus on in a particular year. “In order to hit almost everything in the New Testament, they actually have a three-year rotation, so it just depends on which gospel it happens to be…

For Catholics, midnight mass is a joyful celebration of the birth of Christ. Traditionally held at midnight on Christmas Eve, many churches are now providing services at different times throughout the evening.

(Photo: Getty Images)

by Andrew Livingstone

John is the only gospel that doesn’t have a birth story,” said Belanger. “They have different focuses as well, so [the priests] kind of embellish, and they draw from whatever gospel it is that particular year.”

Although Easter is officially a more important date in the Catholic calendar, Belanger says that Christmas holds a special place in his heart. “It’s a time for joy and coming together,” he said. “It’s a nice story, and it’s a story that everybody knows. It’s definitely one of my favourite times of the year to go to mass, because they try to keep it as uplifting as possible, because it is kind of the beginning of the Church.”

MEET SANTA’S SEASONAL SCOUNDRELS:

REGINA LEADER POST - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 19

KRAMPUS, BELLSNICKLE AND OTHER CHARACTERS The holiday season features many generous, benevolent characters who bring gifts to deserving children. There are other entities associated with the Yuletide however – dark figures who would rather attack than assist, who dole out blows rather than bounties.

As winter advances and the days grow colder and darker, the appearance of cruel creatures may seem appropriate, but they also serve our sense of justice. Surely there are many people who deserve gifts, but aren’t there some who we think might benefit from a fright… or even a little rough treatment?

Punitive characters also allow the gift-givers to remain more purely positive. After all, if Santa Claus has a devilish assistant, then the jolly old elf doesn’t need to be the one slipping lumps of coal into the stockings of bad children.

St. Nicholas apparently has a long-standing habit of neutralizing ne’er-do-wells and enlisting them to his cause. For example, he is said to have become the patron saint of children when an innkeeper showed unspeakable cruelty to three young boys, and St. Nick had to expose the crime and restore the boys to health. In most French-speaking parts of Europe, however, that isn’t the end of the innkeeper’s story.

Rather, the innkeeper became known as Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper.” As a dark reflection of Père Noël, Père Fouettard has a shaggy black beard and hair, wears black clothing, and carries a whip or a stick with which to strike the deserving — and the unwary.

Although Père Fouettard is unkempt and intimidating, he is at least human, which can’t be said for some of the other seasonal scoundrels.

One monstrous Christmas character, Krampus, has received a lot of attention in recent years, appearing in films and TV programs that range from comedy to horror. The demonic half-goat/halfman is covered in hair, a long tongue lolls from between his fangs, and he often carries a basket or sack on his back with which he threatens to carry away children.

Many Krampusse have been known to congregate in Alpine communities for parades through town, but this frightening creature’s primary duty is to accompany St. Nicholas throughout central Europe on the eve of Dec. 5 (St. Nicholas’ Day).

Fortunately, Nicholas keeps Krampus in chains so that he cannot run wild. He can, however, rattle his chains menacingly, and he has been known to smear people with ashes or whip them with the birch branch that he often carries.

In the Berchtesgadener Alps, Krampus is joined by a strange comrade: the Buttnmandl. Each

Buttnmandl looks like a giant walking sheaf of grain, with a belt of cowbells and traditional Larve mask completing the fearsome picture. On St. Nicholas’ Eve, Nicholas, the Christkindl, or an angel travels to homes in the area followed by an entourage of Buttnmandln and Krampusse.

The benevolent figure gives gifts as the Buttnmandln and Krampusse wait, and, when he’s finished, the monsters step in. They sometimes use branches or braided whips to dole out punishment, but they are also known to carry out unmarried youths and toss them into the snow.

Fortunately, their cowbell accessories mean that they cannot sneak up on anyone, and their unwieldy coats of grain undermine their agility, so escape is certainly possible.

If you feel that Nicholas’s questionable choice of companions reflects poorly on the old saint, then you may not be surprised to know that Nicholas himself has dangerous doppelgangers. Ruklaus (Rough Claus), Pelznichol (Fur Nicholas), and Aschenklaus (Ashy Claus) are all borderline villainous versions of Santa Claus, more concerned with whipping people (or hitting them with a bag of ashes) than with rewarding good behaviour.

When these thugs do distribute treats, they scatter the goodies across the floor, which forces children to scramble on hands and knees and provides them with another opportunity to strike.

It was Pelznichol who made the trek across the Atlantic and amalgamated with other traditions during the 1700s to give the New World its own Christmas troublemaker: the Bellsnickle. Thanks to the influence of Celtic mummery, a harness of sleigh bells replaced furs as the central feature of his costume, though a mask (or blackened face) and flaxen wig completed the look.

Bellsnickles continued to scatter treats and rain down blows on the children who bent to scoop them up, but, eventually, the ruffians expected payment from parents for the performance.

Perhaps that’s why we see so few Bellsnickles today — when seasonal scoundrels charge to scold youngsters, parents might as well reward or punish their children themselves.

by Andrew Livingstone

According to central European folklore, Krampus is a horned creature that punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. (Getty Images)

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20 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 - REGINA LEADER POST