Dec 2017 by Greg Gardner

Also available ONLINE at www.jabberblabber.com MEMPHIS, TN

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 10 December 2017

OVER 100,000 READERS EACH MONTH!

This Jabberblabber belongs to:

by:

Happy Holidays Friends!

It's December, a month full of festive celebrations where gift giving is a tradition. The idea behind gift giving in December began centuries ago with Nicholas, a turkish bishop who inherited wealth and shared his riches with those less fortunate. His legend would become what we now know as Santa Claus. I love giving gifts almost more than receiving them, don't you? However, I'm just a kid and don't have the money to buy presents. So, I always make my gifts from the heart and am currently working on something special for each person in my life. One year I wrote each person a poem. Another, I custom painted rocks for their gardens. There are tons of ideas at the library and online for crafts that kids can create to show their love and affection for their loved ones. Adults, in place of one of the toys you‛re planning to give, consider the gift of "experiences", like movie passes from Malco, swim lessons from The Dive Shop, gift certificates for meals at the Cupboard or Panchos or a day of family fun at Golf and Games. For unique gifts that are handmade by local artisans, pay a visit to Otherlands gift shop in Midtown and have breakfast or lunch while you're there. The Jabberblabber team and the sponsors you see throughout this magazine give the gifts of fun and education to tens of thousands of children and families in 25 cities in the Mid-South, each month, throughout the year. Let them know you appreciate them by paying them a visit this holiday season. Peace and Love Jabberblabber

Editor's note: For over 8 years, "Be My Pen Pal" has been a popular and regular feature in Jabberblabber Magazine. Children from all over the Mid-South write letters to Jabberblabber on a regular basis. Our purpose is to improve letter-writing skills as well as promote the use of language, sentence structure, penmanship and postal practices of the US Mail. The format we provide begins with "Dear Jabberblabber" and ends with "Sincerely" with space in between for children to write a letter. Children also send letters written on their own paper. When Jabberblabber receives mail, he reads each one aloud to his team. Then, they handwrite letters back to each child and include a nice shiny sticker! Here are just a few of the many letters he receives on a daily basis:

Dear Jabberblabber, Thank you for being a green person. I finally think I can figure out what green means. It means environment, the surrounding or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives and operates. Just like you say, "Be Green like Me". I agree, we should be green, just stop littering and we'll be King and Queen. Sincerely, you are a great green person! Emorie Sanders, Memphis, TN

Dear Jabberblabber, I love your magazine a whole bunch! My brother and I are in 3rd and 5th grade. Some of it is easy and some of it is hard, like the Genius puzzles. By the way, my brother is in the art contest! I really hope you choose us please! Please send us a letter back! Sophie Palmer, age 8, Memphis, TN

Dear Jabberblabber, My name is Madison Mathes. I live in Memphis, TN. On my mom's side I have 5 uncles and 4 aunts. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I am in the middle. I am green every day in and our of school. I read your newpaper every day. Please write me back. Love, Madison Mathes, Memphis, TN

Dear Jabberblabber, I really like the fun and really educational games and the UCOLORIT contest! The UCOLORIT is my favorite! I like how you make some of the games very challenging. They're so much fun to me! I like the grandparents page because you make bingo challenging for my grandparents, too! I hope you keep on doing well with the Jabberblabber stuff! Sincerely, Farrah, age 7, Memphis, TN

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Inspiring Children & Families to Respect the Earth & ALL of its Creatures

Jabberblabber loves to decorate in December! There’s a green ornament hidden in this magazine. See if you can help him find it!

pg 4 pg 5 pg 6 pg 8 pg 10 pg 12 pg 14 pg 15 pg 16 pg 19 pg 20 pg 22 pg 22

Activity Coloring Contest Dental Puzzle PARENTS PAGES! Edible Art News Channel 3 Weather Calendar Comic Page Golf Maze Find It GRANDPARENTS PAGE! JabberGenius Jabberblabber Spotted U! Answers

Jabberblabber is published monthly by Jabberblabber, Inc. 415 South Front, # 114 • Memphis, TN 38103 P 901.278.5002 F 901.274.3361 www.jabberblabber.com • jabberblabber@aol.com

facebook: jabberblabber family magazine twitter: @jabberblabber

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Editor: Theresa Andreuccetti

Art Director: Nikki Schroeder

Contributing Writers: Gerard J. Billmeier, Jr., M.D. & Uele Siebert Sponsorship Sales: Theresa Andreuccetti and Sam Dunn Volunteers: Angela Andreuccetti and Donna Gafford Jabberblabber Intern: Kaelen Felix

The History of Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was born around 260 AD in Turkey. His family was very rich. When his parents died, Nicholas inherited a huge fortune. He was generous and made good use of his riches, always helping those in need. One day he heard about a man who was in despair. He had become so poor that he could no longer support his family. That night, Nicholas secretly brought a bag full of gold coins into their home. The next morning the poor man could not believe his eyes! Thanks to money from Nicholas he was able to solve all his problems. There are many stories about how Saint Nicholas brought gifts to children with the help of his donkey. In the 1800's, immigrants brought stories of Saint Nicholas to America. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a long Christmas poem for his three daughters titled “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" which created a new and immediately popular American icon. Moore‛s poem is largely responsible for our modern image of Santa Claus as a “right jolly old elf” with a portly figure and the supernatural ability to ascend a chimney with a mere nod of his head! His poem helped popularize the now-familiar image of a Santa Claus who flies from house to house on Christmas Eve in a sleigh led by eight flying reindeer leaving presents for good and grateful children. Will he visit you this year?

Color the drawing below. Use lots of creativity while choosing your colors.

UCOLORIT CONTEST

December 2017

SEND in your masterpiece for the

UCOLORIT random drawing!

Make sure to follow all directions! The winner will receive a Jabberblabber bookmark, folder and sticker. The winner will be announced in March 2018!

Name ______________________ Address ____________________

City _______________________

State__________Zip__________ Age________

Complete the form and mail to: Jabberblabber 415 South Front, #114 Memphis, TN 38103

Congratulations to the September winner: Joseph Nardo, Memphis TN, age 9

Make Kindness The Key To A Healthy Holiday

by Uele Siebert

Winter holidays kindle joy and goodwill that few other celebratory seasons can inspire. There is truly so much beauty and tradition to behold from around the world, and so much of what we value and admire about humanity culminates in the multitude of winter holiday observances that take place this month. While many of us hold dear the importance of celebrating this season according to our beliefs, upon closer inspection we will find a unifying message of peace and glad tidings at the core of many of this season’s celebrations, regardless of faith or country of origin. When we view the holidays as an opportunity to celebrate our shared humanity and our commitment to peace and goodwill for all, we are giving ourselves and others a gift that goes far beyond pretty wrapping paper and bows. Indeed, when we pause to remember why we observe the holidays this time of year, it can be quite simple for us to extend our love and kindness beyond our immediate circles to embrace what is good for the whole. This holiday season is the perfect time of year to practice kindness, as the wealth of good cheer and merriment makes it a whole lot easier to step out of our comfort zones. Sure, we can attribute some of the season’s joy to the abundance of gifts, food, and parties, but at the heart of all of the sharing and celebration is a fundamental spirit of love and gratitude that inspires the best in us. The natural outpouring of generosity that we see this time of year is evidence that we are capable of putting aside our perceived differences and focusing our efforts and intentions on all that unites us as living beings. As such, we come to truly recognize that we are more alike than not, as we all desire to live in peace and dignity, and that we are united in our commitment to treat others with the respect we insist upon for ourselves.

The kindness and generosity of spirit that we hold for others nurtures a positive and healthy self-esteem in us as well. Have you ever noticed the difference between a person who is positive and optimistic in contrast with someone who struggles to find the good in much of anything at all? One can see, without judgment, the physical and energetic differences between the two. Another example can be seen in plants that receive proper light and watering, as opposed to being neglected through lack of care. In effect, what we cultivate in ourselves is what we will give to others and to life, which is why it is important that we are mindful to nourish our hearts and minds on that which sustains and uplifts us.

Simple kindness keeps us connected to ourselves and all of life. What’s more, it doesn’t cost a thing and is available to us all year long. Make a new tradition this holiday season by practicing kindness in all situations, not just the ones that are reciprocal. For instance, if you find yourself losing patience in the checkout lane at the market, choose a heart centered directive that will ease the tension for yourself and others feeling the same frustration. As easily as we can choose a negative reaction, we can create a positive response. So, this holiday let’s truly be the change we wish to see in the world. For good health and abundant wealth, choose a gift that is well received everywhere -- kindness! Uele Siebert is the mother of one and an advocate for attachment parenting. Raised on Big Blue Marble, she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Studies from the University of Memphis, and is passionate about cultural relevance and representations in education and media. Uele honed her love of the homegrown as former co-owner of Mothersville, and owner of Groovy Foods. She is now an advisory board member of Jabberblabber Magazine.

Parents and Kids

DR. B

DECEMBER TOPIC: WINTERTIME COLDS

By Gerard J. Billmeier, Jr., M.D., FAAP

Last month in this column, we talked about the importance of the flu vaccine in preventing a potentially serious condition, influenza. With the return of winter weather, and the regular attendance of school by our children, respiratory illnesses of all sorts are much more common. What can be done to avoid or at least minimize the effects of such seasonal maladies? Truly, the most common respiratory illnesses that circulate this time of year are not flu-related but the common cold and its first cousin, parainfluenza virus infections. There are currently no vaccines to prevent these infections, and treatment is limited to symptom relief and supportive care.

How can we prevent or lessen the effects of such illnesses as the common cold? A few sensible rules to remember are: â&#x20AC;˘ Have your child remain at home if fever accompanies a cold.

â&#x20AC;˘ Show children how to "arm-cover" their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. â&#x20AC;˘ Remind children to frequently wash hands with soap and water.

Influenza vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent getting the flu. All persons six months of age and older, who do not have contraindications, should receive the current flu vaccine. The latest version of flu vaccine is available through your pediatrician, family physician, local health department or pharmacy. And remember, your example as a parent or grandparent goes a long way in influencing others. Let others know you have received the flu vaccine as have your children. Last year in Tennessee 46% of our population was immunized for flu which serves as a significant rate in producing "herd immunity" and protecting children in general. Caution about antibiotic use: Please be reminded about the judicious use of antibiotics for such illnesses as common colds. If your physician concurs that your child has a viral respiratory illness, chances are good that an antibiotic has no place in treating such a condition. Try to avoid pressuring the doctor for an antibiotic prescription in this instance. One third of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are not necessary. Their overuse leads to bacterial resistance, increased health care costs and ultimately more severe illnesses.

Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy and safe winter season! Parents

See if you can find the 8 differences in the two photos. Sponsored by:

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There is a container of Pancho’s Cheese Dip hidden somewhere in this magazine. See if you can find it.

My favorite gift to give is: