Spirit of Christmas 2021

2021

• Christmas Carols • Colouring • Holiday Recipes

Christmas Is Our Favourite Time of Year!

Share Its Blessings With Those You Love...

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B-2 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

Holiday Recipes from the Southpoint Sun Staff

DIY Holiday Decor Decorating is one of the joys of the holiday season. Families often decorate together, and such traditions may include dressing the Christmas tree and hanging holiday lights around the house.

A day spent making homemade ornaments is another great way to decorate and spend quality time together as a family during the holiday season. Though families can let their imaginations run wild when making ornaments at home, the following are some great starting points that can serve as springboards for holiday crafting sessions. · Snowmen: The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without snowmen. Homemade snowmen can be made out of ping pong balls, which are the ideal size when making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Those who want to go a little bigger can glue wiffle balls or large polystyrene balls together or create their own papier mâché snowmen to display on mantles or on console tables in a foyer or hallway. · Santa Claus: Another staple of holiday decor, Santa Claus has inspired many a DIY holiday ornament over the years. A paper plate Santa Claus with a cotton ball beard glued on can make for a fun Christmas craft, especially for young children who can’t wait for the big guy to appear on Christmas Eve. · Reindeer: Santa would not be able to get the job done each Christmas Eve without his trustworthy team of reindeer. Popsicle stick reindeer projects can be fun for kids of all ages and a great way for youngsters to recognize the efforts of Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, and, of course, Rudolph, among others. · Penguins: Though they might not have a direct link to the holiday season, penguins evoke feelings of cold weather, making them an ideal addition to holiday decor schemes. Make your own penguin family using polystyrene craft balls in assorted sizes and then hang them on the tree or place them around the house. · Cookie cutters: Family baking sessions are a holiday tradition for millions of people. Though that often leads to batches upon batches of tasty cookies, it also means families tend to have a surplus of holiday cookie cutters around the house.

A coat of paint, some glitter and a little bit of string or twine is all families need to transform their extra cookie cutters into colorful tree ornaments.

Roberta’s Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Allison’s Yummy Holiday Spread INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, softened • ½ cup (125 mL) sour cream • ¼ cup (60 mL) mayonnaise • ½ bag (about 6-8 oz) cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped, OR two-4 oz (113 g) cans of salad shrimp • 1 can (4 oz/113 g) crab meat or small pkg of fake crab, chopped • 1 cup (250 mL) seafood cocktail sauce • 2 cups (500 mL) grated mozzarella cheese • 1 medium orange, red or yellow pepper (or a combo of all three), chopped • 3 green onions, thinly sliced • 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped DIRECTIONS

1. Combine cream cheese, sour cream and mayo in a bowl. Spread on ungreased 12” pizza pan or platter.

2. Scatter shrimp/crab over cream cheese mixture.

3. Layer remaining ingredients in the order given over top of the shrimp/crab. Cover and chill.

4. Serve with tortilla chips or assorted crackers.

INGREDIENTS

• 36 medium whole fresh mushrooms • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided • ¼ cup chopped green onions • ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper • 1 ½ cups soft bread crumbs • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning • ¼ teaspoon salt •¼ teaspoon pepper • Grated parmesan cheese to top DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 F 2. Remove mushroom stems from caps.

Finely chop stems to measure 1/3 cup. Set mushroom caps aside.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped mushrooms stems, onions and bell pepper in butter until onions are softened. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Fill mushroom caps with mixture.

5. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 13 x 9 pan in oven. Place mushrooms filled sides up, in pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for 15 minutes.

6. After mushrooms have baked, set oven to broil. Broil until tops are light brown.

7. Serve immediately.

Mackenzie’s Santa Hat Brownies INGREDIENTS

• 12 Two-bite brownies • 12 strawberries • Vanilla icing (homemade or store bought) DIRECTIONS

1. Cut the leaves off the top of the strawberries.

2. Ice the tops of the two-bite brownies with vanilla icing 3. Place strawberries upside down on iced brownies 4. Decorate top of strawberry with vanilla icing to make small round “pompom ball” for your “Santa hat”

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SOUTHPOINT SUN –

B-3

Rylee’s Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 onion, diced • 3 tablespoons red curry paste • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk • 1/2 (8-ounce) package rice noodles • 1 tablespoon fish sauce • 2 teaspoons brown sugar • 3 green onions, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Christmas Colouring

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.

Add chicken to the stockpot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.

2. Add garlic, bell pepper and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Stir in red curry paste and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Stir in chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Stir in chicken. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced, about 10 minutes.

6. Stir in rice noodles, fish sauce and brown sugar until noodles are tender, about 5 minutes.

7. Remove from heat; stir in green onions, cilantro, basil and lime juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Mark’s Creamy Feta Dip INGREDIENTS

• 250g Feta cheese, crumbled • 1 cup of mayonnaise • 1 cup sour cream • 1 clove of garlic, chopped • 1 tsp of Greek seasoning • Sprig of fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dillweed) • Splash of olive oil.

• Kalamata Olive or two for garnish DIRECTIONS

1. Put all ingredients, except dill and garlic, into a blender, food processor or Magic Bullet. Blend until smooth. Reserve a small bit of Feta for garnish.

2. Toss in garlic and blend very briefly one last time.

3. Add dill and spoon into serving dish.

4. Garnish with a splash of olive oil and a Kalamta olive and sprinkle some more feta on top.

5. Serve with toasted pita chips, tortillas or even a baguette for a great holiday treat.

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B-4 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

s a m t s i r s h l o C r a C Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol Fa la la la la la la la!

See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la!

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together!

Fa la la la la la la la!

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hark! the Harold Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Hark! the herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favored one.

Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th’incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

In a one-horse open sleigh

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold!

Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all gracious King!

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains

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They bend on hovering wing.

And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

Yet with te woes of sin and strife The world hath suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold, When, with the ever-circling years, Shall come the Age of Gold; When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song Which now the angels sing.

A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Joy to the World

Joy to The world! the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Jingle Bells Let ev’ry heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing Dashing through the snow And heaven and nature sing On a one horse open sleigh And heaven and nature sing O’er the fields we go, laughing all Joy to the world! the Savior reigns the way Let men their songs employ Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits While fields and floods, rocks, hills bright and plains What fun it is to laugh and sing Repeat the sounding joy A sleighing song tonight Repeat the sounding joy Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all Repeat the sounding joy the way He rules the world with truth and Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse grace open sleigh And makes the nations prove Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all The glories of His righteousness the way And wonders of His love Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse And wonders of His love And wonder wonders of His love open sleigh

SOUTHPOINT SUN –

We Wish You A Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding And a cup of good cheer We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, So bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year!

Away in a manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together

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Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel

Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

The First Noel The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest O’er Bethlehem it took its rest And there it did both Pause and stay Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three Full reverently upon their knee And offered there in His presence Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made Heaven and earth of nought And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Up on the Housetop Up on the housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps Good Old Santa Claus Down through the chimney with lots of toys For all the little good girls and boys Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick First comes the stocking of little Nell Oh, dear Santa fill it well Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that will open and shut it’s eyes Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Oh, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

What Child Is This What Child is this, who laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come peasant, King to own Him The King of Kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Oh, raise, raise a song on high, His mother sings her lullaby.

In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas...

B-5

Joy, oh joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, The Son Of Mary.

What Child is this Who laid To rest On Mary’s lap He is sleeping This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, The Son, Of Mary The Babe, the Son of Mary, The Son of Mary

O Come All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, alleluia, All ye choirs of angels; O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav’n above.

Glory to God in the highest glory!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

B-6 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

Holiday Recipes from the Southpoint Sun Staff

Keira’s Chewy Lemon Snowdrop Cookies INGREDIENTS

Hosting This Holiday Season

To the relief of many, the upcoming holiday season figures to feel more normal than it did a year ago. The COVID-19 pandemic saw many families celebrating the 2020 holiday season alone, but the successful rollout of vaccines has put such celebrations back in play in 2021. However, hosting this coming holiday season could still be a bit tricky due to the spread of variants of the virus, eligible yet unvaccinated adults and children, and immunocompromised family members.

The following are some strategies hosts can employ to make this holiday season both special and safe.

Host small celebrations instead of one large one. Families accustomed to gathering en masse during the holiday season may benefit by hosting smaller gatherings instead of one big one. This can be especially important if families include a lot of unvaccinated people, like small children.

Ask guests to wear a mask if anyone is concerned. If anyone on the guest list expresses concerns about the virus, hosts can ask everyone else to wear masks while celebrating indoors. Anyone unwilling to comply can celebrate outside or stay home and visit after concerned relatives have gone home.

Stick to the great outdoors. If the weather is mild enough, families may prefer to gather outdoors to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus. Public health agencies have noted the virus is considerably less likely to spread outdoors, as researchers have learned fresh air disperses and dilutes the virus. So celebrating outdoors this holiday season can provide a measure of protection for family members who are uncomfortable celebrating indoors.

Jim’s Cranberry Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package of PC Appetizer Flatbreads (comes in a pack of 2) • 1 package of smoked salmon • 1 jar of capers • Cream cheese (we like to use jalapeño flavoured!)

• Dill seasoning

• 2 pounds ground beef • 1 cup bread crumbs • 2 eggs, beaten • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ⅓ cup ketchup • 1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce • 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C).

2. Mix together the hamburger, bread crumbs, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder and ketchup. Form into small balls and bake for 30 minutes.

3. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice. Simmer and stir until smooth. Add meat balls and simmer for 1 hour. Serve warm.

BIGGER Stocking

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F 2. Cream butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, honey & vanilla until well mixed, scraping sides of bowl (do not worry if mixture appears curdled at this point).

3. Add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.

4. Chill dough at least 30 minutes.

5. Form dough into small balls and place 2” apart on a cool baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake 5-7 minutes-be careful to not over bake!

7. Let cool on baking sheet for at least 2 minutes.

8. When cookie is completely cooled, toss in powdered sugar to coat.

Mallory’s Smoked Salmon Flatbread

INGREDIENTS

You’re Gonna Need a

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (not melted) • Zest & Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/4 cup honey • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 3/4 cups flour •1 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt •1/2 cup powdered sugar

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1.Bake the flatbreads in the oven at 350 degrees F until they start to brown a little bit on top.

2. Let the flatbreads cool to a point that you can spread cream cheese without it melting. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on your flatbreads.

3. Add a layer of smoked salmon slices (you can spread them out, just as long as each piece of flatbread has some salmon on it once you cut into pieces).

4. Use a fork to scoop some capers out of the jar as to not include the juices, and sprinkle them onto your flatbreads (you can use as much or as little as you like).

5. Garnish with dill seasoning. Cut into pieces, serve and enjoy!

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SOUTHPOINT SUN –

B-7

FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE B-8

Tom’s Homemade Hot Chocolate INGREDIENTS

• 1 1⁄2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 1 1⁄4 cups milk • Chocolate curls to decorate DIRECTIONS

1. Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher.

2. Place the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened.

4. Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth.

5. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly.

6. Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately.

Lori’s Peanut Butter Cookies • 1 cup butter or half and half shortening • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 cup white sugar • 2 eggs • 1 cup peanut butter • 3 cups flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. salt

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Cream butter, sugar, eggs.

2. Add peanut butter and mix well. Then mix in dry ingredients until well combined.

3. Roll into balls, place on cookie sheet and flatten a bit with fork, not too flat, leave them a bit thick so they will be soft in the middle when they’re cooked.

4. Bake at 375 F for 5-10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen or less depending on how big you make them.

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B-8 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

How To Care For Fresh Holiday Wreaths

Here are some tips to help holiday wreaths last as long as possible.

• Choose a wreath wisely: When shopping for a wreath, choose freshly cut greenery that you assemble yourself; otherwise, look for wreaths made from freshly cut boughs with their foliage intact. Make sure not too many needles or leaves are falling off. Heavily decorated, preassembled wreaths may be convenient, but ornaments can make it challenging to give the wreath the moisture it needs to survive.

• Location, location, location: Where you hang the wreath is key to its longevity. Wreaths and garlands hung indoors likely won’t last as long as those hung outside, as indoor heat can prematurely zap moisture from the wreath. It’s probably best to hang fresh wreaths outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the greenery. Slightly shaded spots are best. If your front door is bathed in full sun for hours, hang an artificial wreath there instead of a fresh one.

• Maintain airflow: Another factor that can affect the wreath’s longevity is an ample flow of oxygen.

Wreaths tend to last much longer when kept on an outer door. Wreaths sandwiched between a front door and a storm door will probably perish faster due to lack of oxygen.

• Moisture/water: Once the wreath is hanging on a door or elsewhere, spritz it with water every few days to prevent it from drying out.

Picking The Best Fresh Christmas Tree Come the holiday season, perhaps no tradition evokes the warm and fuzzy “feels” more than a family outing to pick a Christmas tree. Whether it’s a trek to a live Christmas tree farm or a short drive to the nearest pre-cut tree lot, the process of selecting a tree that will serve as the crown jewel of the entire season is a great way to make lasting memories.

Selecting a tree is a yearly ritual and each person has his or her set of criteria for what makes the ideal Christmas tree. These tips can help families find the right tree.

Choose your species Do some homework on the type of tree you want prior to buying the tree. Balsam fir and fraser fir are popular Christmas tree varieties, but there are many others, such as noble fir and Norway spruce. Balsams are known for having the most fragrant smell, but frasers tend to keep their needles the longest. For those who prefer a douglas fir, keep in mind that they sometimes drop their needles prematurely due to foliar diseases like needle-cast fungus.

Measure your space Trees in the field or in a lot may look much smaller than they do when brought into the living room. Don’t make the mistake of selecting a tree that is too large for your home. Measure your room from floor to ceiling and subtract the height of the tree stand and tree topper. It’s equally important to measure the width of the area where the tree will stand and allow for ample space for foot traffic around the tree.

Space for ornaments In addition to aroma and needle longevity, look for trees that have a desirable shape and allow for adequate space between branches. Trees groomed to be lush and full will look beautiful unadorned, but once ornaments are added, full branches may cause those ornaments to hang low or even fall off. Trees with sparse branches allow for ornaments to hang straight.

Perform a needle check Every tree will drop some needles, and most evergreens hold their foliage.

However, if 50 percent of the needles are lost when you swipe your hand down three to five different branches around the tree, the tree likely is not a good choice.

In addition, avoid a tree that has glaring defects in the trunk as it can impede water flow through the tree.

Melissa’s Chocolate Martini Serves 1

• 11/2 oz chocolate liqueur • 11/2 oz Irish cream liqueur • 3/4 oz vodka • Chocolate syrup for rim

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Place chocolate syrup on a shallow plate and coat rim of martini glass with syrup. In a cocktail shaker, shake the liqueurs and vodka with ice for 30-45 seconds, then strain into martini glass.

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