Christmas Supplement 2017

christmas The Malta Independent on Sunday 10 DECEMBER 2017

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DECEMBER 2017

GOZO Time to be Together

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hristmas is a joyful period and Gozo has once again stepped up to celebrate this beautiful time of year. The official Christmas in Gozo programme commenced on Saturday 2nd December with the illumination of Victoria’s main streets. An awesome, new attraction was also inaugurated on Saturday- the Villa Rundle Garden, in Victoria, was transformed into a fantastic family attraction, with beautiful Christmas lights, decorations and a Santa Claus hut where memories can be captured through pictures.

During this time of year, every village in Gozo is alight with activity, as enthusiastic volunteers decorate village streets and prepare intricate cribs – truly remarkable craftsmanship that adorns Gozo’s small villages with the warm Christmas spirit. Choose your favourite activities from a brim-

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ming calendar, including excellent choir singing and end the festivities by witnessing the arrival of the Three Kings, on the 7th of January 2018.

The programme of Gozo’s Christmas festivities includes various spiritual, cultural and fun filled activities for everyone’s delight. Among the many activities, you may roam around the nativity village at Betlehem f’Għajnsielem, be lulled by the beautiful choir voices participating in Gozo’s second international choir festival, and enjoy the joyous Christmas Parade along Victoria’s main streets.

For a roundup of all the cultural calendar on offer, have a look at our Facebook page Christmas In Gozo or visit www.christmasingozo.com.

Gozo promises to be the joyful destination you need this holiday season, a place where you can enjoy an authentic Christmas experience.

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The Picolle Stelle and their musical director raising the roof together

The joy of carolling at Chrismas

HARK THE LITTLE CHILDREN SING If there is one thing that says Christmas, it’s traditional songs and carols

Sylvana Cini, back row centre, and the choir gather by the Christmas tree

Concert goers filled the basilica

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nd if there is another, it's children. Put the two together and you have the delightful combination that is Picolle Stelle, the children's choir who presented their Christmas Concert in George's Basilica, Victoria, last Sunday evening.

Sitting in on one of the final rehearsals was a perfect joy as the boys and girls sang with so much skill and enthusiasm that they filled the space, quite literally, with the sound of music.

Sylvana Cini, who in the six months she

has been choir director has clearly formed a mutual bond of respect and admiration with her young choristers, explained some of the ethos behind the choir and what it has to offer members.

“My responsibility is to deliver fun and enjoyable rehearsals and obviously I do my very best to reach my desired vision of success. I always try to instill my enthusiasm, musicality and excitement in children because I believe that excellent music will naturally follow.”

The choir was formed in October 2013, under the direction of Ms. Mariella Spiteri

Cefai. It is made up of 30 choristers who are between seven and 13 years old.

Every summer applications are accepted where new children can apply to join the choir, parents can contact Sylvana directly too. “Before joining the choir, new members will have some workshops where I give them a clear vision of what will be done during rehearsals. Such workshops can help children to be more determined to join in”, she adds.

The choir meets once a week, every Saturday afternoon for an hour and a half of rehearsals. These would be for the vast

variety of singing opportunities that the choir has. They sing in operas and musicals held by Teatru Astra, Victoria, at St George’s Feast celebrations and they are usually invited to perform in some events which are organised by the Gozo Ministry, such as Carnival and other public occasions.

“For such performances, obviously, we need to prepare different repertoires and actually this helps the choir to keep on achieving new goals”, Sylvana concluded.

And before their rehearsal got underway some of the choir talked about what it meant to be in the choir and to take part in such an important Christmas celebration.

Eleven-year-old cousins, Kayla Attard and Mariah Tabone, were nervous and excited at the same time, about singing in front of a lot of people. But they like the fact that being in the choir gave them the chance to learn new songs, and that they were all like a team. Yanica, 10, joined because she loves singing and was looking forward to her family and friends being at the concert to hear her. Elisa Tabone, 11, has been in the choir four years and she also enjoys the variety of music she is learning. Some of the songs in this year’s concert, like Joy to the World and It feels Like Christmas, are quite difficult, she said, but she loves the fact that the concert is a way to show people what Picolle Stelle can do.

They can obviously do very well indeed, and luckily there will be plenty of opportunities in 2018 for them to bring more joy to the world around us.

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Foody treats make perfect presents Tick off your gift list simply, by giving everyone something good to eat.

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e all have so much stuff and so little time these days that presents which are good to eat are becoming more and more welcome. The popularity of delicious homemade produce that has encouraged so many pop-up shops, online veggie boxes and anything a farmers’ market can produce, has given us more choice and what we might once have thought of as easy options are now highly desirable gifts, especially when the giver has obviously planned them around individual tastes and health considerations, rather than the fact that they “had to do something with all this year's oranges so marmalade it is, ha, ha.”

The important thing is to use the very best ingredients you can find and stick to recipes you know are failsafe. The joy of these present is when whoever receives them is delighted to have something a bit special.

For really successful food gifts decide: Will you go for sweet or savoury? This depends on what you do best and the preferences of the friends on your present list.

Are you sure you can find all the ingredients easily? A lot of the pleasure and satisfaction of making something for someone will be lost if you have to traipse all over the island searching for some obscure item to bring it to

Don't skimp on ingredients the flavour and turn out will depend on using fresh, unblemished fruit for bottling, jams etc, fresh cream and at least 70% cocoa butter for truffles and chocolates, and good, unsalted butter for sweet pastry, biscuits, cakes and shortbread. If you are making mince pies you will find some bought mincemeat might need bumping up with some extra fruit and a dash or two of brandy.

It's all in the presentation perfection. How long will the gift last for? Anything containing fresh cream, for example, will need to be eaten pretty quickly after it has been made, necessitating last-minute delivery. If you're planning on something to go in a fridge or freezer will there be room for it?

How will you pack, bottle, wrap and transport your presents? Chutneys, pickles, jams, marmalade, and designer vinegars need heavy glass containers, which could break if dropped. Biscuits can crumble and cakes and pies squash easily.

Who will really appreciate your ‘festive fare’?

Single people with good appetites, who have neither time nor inclination to cook for themselves.

Working couples who enjoy a night in without always having

to think about what they are going to eat.

Elderly people who like variety but for whom shopping, preparing and cooking anything but the basics has become a bit of a chore.

Enthusiastic cooks who like sweet or savoury preserves to pep up their dishes.

Anyone who misses good, uncommercial home cooking, or loves the occasional treat of peaches in brandy, home-made real chocolates, truffles, hot scones and relishes that are not based largely on artificial flavour enhancers and preservatives.

Making it special.

Of course, as you are making a gift you will want to go up several notches by adding little extras. Cook in manageable batches so you can control seasoning, sweetening and consistency and not waste oven space.

Once you have chosen what to make it's fun to decide how to pack your present. And here your imagination can run wild.

A good container will last long after the contents have been consumed with enthusiasm.

For obvious reasons of hygiene and practicality, jam jars and kilner jars are best for jams, marmalades, reserves and relishes.

These can be decorated with smart labels and fabric-covered tops and will look really attractive, especially if they are boxed nicely, along with a specially chosen serving spoon and or dish.

Jars of fruit in brandy, brandy butter and cranberry sauce will look authentic in a plain, strawfilled wooden box. Stencil a greeting on the front for authenticity.

Biscuits and pastries need protective wrapping and this can be in the form of a decorative tin or wooden box which will always be useful.

Home-made pâté will look lovely garnished with bay leaves and juniper berries, in a china or pottery container, one with a lid if possible, tied on with coloured tape.

But I can't cook!

Fear not. There are lots of edible presents that can be made without you knowing a raising agent from a roasting pan. Look up home-made sweets online, create some of the amazing fudges, liqueur chocolates, toffees, macaroons and truffles you find there. Pack them into a gorgeous bowl, mug, or box and you're done.

Alternatively breeze through the shops and online catalogues for a decent hamper that has excellent, own brand contents.

When all the Christmas food has been guzzled and no one wants to face the shops again yet, your lucky friends will be very grateful.

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There are a whole 14 days until CHRISTMAS! That's not allowing for the fact that for most people Christmas Eve is a major time for celebration

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t is a safe bet that everyone who was muttering about fake holly and tinsel appearing in the shops before Halloween, it really did, can now be heard bewailing the fact that there is zero time left to finish all their pre-Christmas tasks and they don't know how they will manage.

Keep calm and read on, unless you are one of the lucky people who finished their Christmas shopping in August, and has a team of elves on loan from Santa to wrap presents and magic up a vast family dinner. We have some practical hints to ensure that you will love Christmas no matter what and no last minute dramas will ruin your perfect day.

The decorations are probably up already, but do just check that poisonous ones like real mistletoe and poinsettias are out of the reach of children and pets.

And remember that both real and artificial trees can be lethal for pets if their branches are chewed and very distressing for everyone if they are pulled over and crash to the ground. Spritz them with a mixture of water and pepper sauce and animals will keep their distance, which is good because foil-wrapped Santas, and other chocolate baubles can be death to dogs.

Always hang tempting tree decorations out of reach.

Since toddlers pick up and chew anything they find, sweet decorations, musical Christmas cards and toys with coin-size lithium batteries, which are especially dangerous, and the small contents of Christmas crackers may be choking hazards for young children. Clear up leftover snacks promptly and don't leave glasses of booze around for tots or ’tweens to swig.

Provide a good-sized box or basket to put wrapping paper and ties in, make a space away from the action for breakable presents and don't be in too much of a hurry get mechanical presents or gadgets going.

Anticipation makes the excitement of Christmas last longer. Wait till there is plenty of time to read all assembly and safety instructions thoroughly.

However, setting up large items like play apparatus before Christmas morning will save a lot of nagging for it to be done immediately. But, if there are bikes, scooters and other wheelie presents that need helmets or practice before they can be used, don't let children take them out until the accessories, and the necessary safe space is available.

Toymakers have got better at including batteries with most of their items, but now is the time to make sure you have spares for torches, stove lighters, alarms detectors and, of course, the all-

important remotes.

Candle light is magical on Christmas Eve and night. Make sure you have plenty of different candles, and keep tapers and matches nearby; it's never a good idea to wander around carrying lighted candles, or leave them in an empty room no matter how long they can last. There are some very clever artificial ones around for areas you do not spend much time in.

Have spare light bulbs readily available too. Hallways and outside areas cannot afford to be left in darkness when a bulb goes, especially if some of your visitors hardly know their way around.

Christmas lunch or dinner is not a bake-in competition. Wear a smart but comfortable outfit and a stunning apron and linger over its creation by welcoming offers of help; they will be genuine, everyone has too much personal stuff going on to make idle promises of aid.

Muster any special tools you will need before you realise you cannot remember where you put them last year; it is easier than improvising with an awkward substitute. Although mince pies cut out with a jam jar lid will probably taste fine in the end.

Take it all at your own speed and hot pans, boiling water and the carving knife will stay under control.

You will, naturally have appointed someone to keep your guests entertained and the children, who usually hang around like starving orphans waiting for you to dish up, should be too engrossed in their presents to worry about when they will eat.

If you are going to be away the usual security arrangements are probably even more important at Christmas. As are road safety factors. You may stick to soft or low alcohol drinks but there will be others on the road with less sense of responsibility. Give yourself extra time for every journey, long or short. Block out distractions such as street decorations and excited kids. Be more prepared than usual to give way to other traffic and pay even more attention than you

normally do at all crossings and junctions, it will be worth it.

And home or away, now is the time to top up first aid boxes and cupboards and make sure they can only be reached by someone old enough to use them properly.

It is also the time to check that: You have all the contact numbers you need on speed dial.

There is a spare full gas cylinder, heating source and made-up bed – just in case.

The car petrol tank is full, in case an unscheduled journey is

necessary You have potted plants, boxes of luxury chocolates, or useful unisex gadgets, toys, or novelties, suitably wrapped to present to callers who turn up at the last minute bearing gifts for you.

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DECORATING with Whether you favour family favourites or bring on the bling, Christmas decorations can make your home a holiday haven

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u Natural is the way to go if you are a true traditionalist.

Lengths of ivy, it grows like a weed even in Malta, or go for a realistic copy from a garden centre, draped down staircases, around fireplaces and the arches and mangers in old farmhouses look wonderful with some red, silver or gold balls hung from the stems at various intervals. Small ivy rings circling tea lights or candles make pretty decorations for a dining table centre or individual place settings.

An added advantage, at an expensive time of year, is that this look can be obtained almost for free. Take a country walk and

see how many twigs and broken branches covered in lichen there are lying around, begging to be made into gorgeous garlands and artistic arrangements. Pine cones are all over the place to use in topical decorations or to transformed into festive reindeer, Santas, snowmen or robins with the help of some glue, paint and a little imagination.

A table centre made from a small piece of Yule log, a few trails of smallleafed ivy, a sprinkling of chalk dust, instead of snow, and some tea lights is remarkably simple and effective and won't obstruct your diners' view of each other or the circulation of food and drink!

For natural tree decorations that stand out among the fairy lights tie coloured ribbon or metallic twine around oranges studded with cloves, thread dried cranberries on thin wire and bend into circles, stars, hearts or stocking shapes. Nuts, pomegranates, fir cones and dried teasel heads, painted or dipped in dye, as you like, can all be hung on a Christmas tree, which probably needs to be real, or even made from driftwood, if you are really sticking to a natural theme.

And remember, it is possible to get real candles and holders, and nothing beats the effects they give, but never leave them burning in an empty room.

Another tree idea is a branch with several spindly twigs on

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h a difference which to hang small decorations and shells, dried flower buds, strings of pop-corn sprayed silver or gold and maybe some bright foil-wrapped sweets for visiting children.

It is also fun to rummage around car boot sales, charity shops, bazaars and some of the tiny general stores that survive in our villages, for older decorations and novelties.

After all, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a little bit of kitsch.

You may, however, prefer allout glitter and glitz, with shiny lanterns and glass baubles; silver and gold tinsel, twinkling to dazzling effect, and metres of coloured lights, either rainbow or this year's fashionable colour, hung not only on the tree but around the front door, windows and staircases too, or bundled into huge glass vase as an effortless but glamorous piece of artwork for shelves and lobbies.

The tree should be extra bushy and in turquoise, silver, pink, purple or black for a full-

on wow factor when covered in stars, luxurious crackers, silk bows and huge sparkling glass ornaments, like pears, icicles and birds of paradise. Finally, a glowing star, or angel figurine in brocade robes, set at the highest point, will complete the stunning look.

The really important thing, though, is not what all the 'how-to' articles and style pundits say we should do, but how we want our own home to look and feel at Christmas time.

That means letting all the traditions and sentiments that mean the most to us stand out; to welcome guests, to remind us of Christmases past and the joy of Christmas present and to bring hope for Christmases yet to come.

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Follow that STAR The Magi by Henry Siddons Mowbray,1858–1928

The three wise men, have an extremely important place in the Christmas story, so who were they?

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f the four gospel writers only Matthew mentions the wise men from the east, and his aim was certainly to convince those reading his account of Jesus's birth how their visit fulfilled one of the many Old Testament prophecies, and showed that Jesus was the Messiah that had been promised.

The three are described as kings, wise men or magi, who were, in fact wise men who gave council and advice to actual kings. The word magi is from the Greek word, magos, and an ancient Persian word, magupati, which was a title held by priests in an ancient Persian religion such as Zoroastrianism. It is probable that they came from one of the countries now known as Iraq, Iran, or Saudi Arabia. Another theory is that they were kings from the Yemen, since the kings of Yemen were Jews at that time.

They were certainly men of great learning and were obviously astrologers; this was a time when astronomy and astrology were one and the same science.

They would have been watching the skies, looking for the alignments that would foretell the birth of the prophesied leader. And when they saw a particularly powerful set of astrological portents, they interpreted it as the announcement of the birth of their king.

The tradition that there were three wise men, would have come from the mention of the three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, all incredibly valuable and prized gifts for a king. Their names, Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia, and Gaspar of India, come from an Armenian tradition; but according to Syrian tradition they are named Larvandad,

Hormisdas, and Gushnasaph. But early Christian art depicts varying numbers from two to 12, In fact, there could have been several more, plus their caravan of servants.

Most paintings and crib scenes include the wise men. They make an impressive group and the combination of them with the shepherds and angels illustrates the belief that this child came as a saviour for all mankind. But there are also priceless works of art devoted to their visit alone. This is makes perfect sense since it is widely held that by the time they actually completed their journey, Jesus had long since left Bethlehem and was already a toddler.

Travelling afar The star the wise men observed appeared at the time of Jesus’ birth, so many months would have passed before they arrived at Bethlehem. By some reckoning the baby was eight months old before they had decoded the astrological message they believed heralded his birth. Calculations suggest that the portent began in 6 BC, on April 17, with the heliacal rising of Jupiter in the morning, and its lunar occultation in the constellation Aries, at noon. It lasted until December 19 6 BC, as Jupiter stopped moving west, paused, and began moving east, as compared with the stationery stars in the background.

Matthew also mentions at least one significant event of their journey. As 'kings' in their domains it was only to be expected that they would pay a courtesy visit to the king of their destination, Judea, and probably enquire as to the precise location of the child they sought.

King Herod, who may well have been

A stained glass window depicting The Three Kings in the Cathedral of Tours, France. feeling that his position was a tad insecure, was livid at the thought of a possible usurper. Feigning a desire to worship the child himself, he requested that on their return journey the visitors would tell him where the young child was, so he could also honour him.

Herod's real intentions, of course, were nothing short of horrific and the three wise men were warned, by God, in a dream, not to contact Herod again. They returned home by a different route. The Holy Family escaped after Joseph had a similar dream. But the little boys aged two years and under, who are today honoured as the Holy Innocents, were not so lucky.

There is no biblical mention of the three wise men after their momentous journey. But several different legends say they all became Christians and were subsequently martyred for their faith.

The whereabouts of their remains is the subject of several legends, although none is considered as an established fact.

Did St Helena first discover their remains on her pilgrimage to Palestine and the Holy Lands, and take them to Hagia Sophia church, in Constantinople and then to Milan? And when the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I, known as Barbarossa, seized Milan, were the relics removed to the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral where they are venerated to this day?

Or are they lying side by side, bodies intact, hair and beards still remaining, in three beautiful tombs in the city that was once Saba, in Persia, from where their journey may have commenced, as described by explorer Marco Polo who claims he was shown the tombs of the Magi in the south of Terhan in 1270?

The feast of the Epiphany So significant was the visit by such important personages to 'a humble Jewish family' that Christianity in the west celebrates it as a feast on January 6. Some Eastern Orthodox churches also celebrate Christmas on January 6 and the visit of the three kings on January 7.

During these celebrations, appropriately enough, children receive presents said to have been brought by the three kings.

In Gozo, the elaborate arrival of the three kings, all the way from Malta, is celebrated at the Bethlehem Village in Għajnsielem, in early January.

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The little star of BETHLEHEM The star in the east is a significant symbol of the Christmas story but the jury is out on what exactly this star was.

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t appears in so many forms, on greetings cards, shining over presipju and crib scenes held aloft by children in nativity plays and taking the place of a fairy or angel on top of a Christmas tree. Ideally it is a shining example of the happiness Christmas brings; in fact it is an astronomical event as wonderful as the message it was seen to herald.

The star might not even have been a star; it could have been a planet. But to the ancient astronomers planets, or wandering stars, had a great mystical significance. There were two astronomical conjunctions of planets, Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces, which some call the astrological sign of the Jews, and Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces, apparently occurring at the estimated time of the birth of Jesus. Only St Matthew

mentions the star, briefly and simplistically when referring to the three wise men who saw it in the east and followed it until it stood over the house where Jesus was. If this account is to be taken literally the star was not a natural phenomenon because no star would move in such a way.

But, even if St Matthew was enhancing the story a little that

does not rule out a natural event. In fact, a similar effect could have been the result of a bright meteor or falling star, exploding meteors can be awe inspiring, although they do not last long enough to lead anyone anywhere.

Many astronomical occurrences would have been taking place around the time that Jesus was born but, of

course, we cannot be sure when that was. Calculations from early studies, made only centuries later, are hazy. But today it is estimated to be no later than 4 BC. At that time, astronomical records were only kept by those in the countries which today we call China and Korea.

Thus we know that possible comets appeared in 5 BC and 4

BC. But the Chinese regarded comets as signs of evil and bad fortune. It is unlikely that astrologers or Magi, as the wise men were called, would have followed such a star. But then, the three wise men, who it is thought came from the middleeast, a vast distance away, do mention seeing a star in the east.

The Christmas star may also have been a star that had not been noticed before. Known as a nova or supernova, such a star will suddenly brighten radiantly, and in China, in the spring of 5 BC, one that had been seen for more than two months was recorded. But that would not have led the wise men in the literal sense because of its position in the constellation, at that time.

It would take an unexpected and totally indisputable archaeological find to confirm once and for all just what conjured up the original Christmas star. There is no scientific explanation of its physical properties, history's records are vague and religion relies on the inspirational image of a miraculous apparition.

But what does that matter?

Messages come in many guises and as long as they contain the hope of peace and goodwill they can be received with joy.

WREATHED IN SMILES A Christmas wreath hanging on the front door or in a window draws attention to a home where celebrations are important

An artificial wreath withbattery-operated-led lights, and snow effect can look very good

A wreath made from Eucalyptus leaves, pine and succulents, a few red berries will add extra colour

With a splash of paint and some Christmas ornaments and a bicycle wheel you have a very unusual wreath

A bright and beautiful wreath makes your house stand out

Old Christmas cards cut into holly shapes make for a truly original wreath

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berries suggesting drops of blood. But most wreaths were made from different pines and evergreens which symbolise eternal life.

Today the choice is between real or artificial leaves and the arguments for or against either would fill more than just this supplement. One thing is certain though, making your own wreath is not as hard as you might imagine. There are lots of sites with full instructions online, as useful guides, but you can also muddle along in your own way. And the patience it takes will be outweighed by the satisfaction you'll get when the beautiful wreath adorning your front door is all your own work. Just think:

Sustainability: by all means use artificial bases, woven willow is one of the best and it can be recycled if you decide to change styles each year.

Oasis works well if you are using fresh greenery and berries since it can be kept moist throughout the Christmas period. A remodeled wire coat hanger has the advantage of a readymade hanging hook and it is easy to attach decorations to a circular ring of soft wood, like balsa, with drawing pins, small tacks, paper clips and glue.

robins, wooden painted or varnished wreaths with little reindeer figures, artificial candles, angels, bells, stockings, stars or a Santa figure would look charming on any front door. Ultra modern doors could take wreaths including coloured or monochrome glass balls, icicles, or metallic star shapes, or made entirely of Christmas flowers. Large town houses have doors needing full wreaths of dark pine, juniper and ivy berries with rich satin or velvet ribbons and braids.

The doors of charming old 'farmhouses' lend themselves to wreaths of traditional greenery with natural pine cones and perhaps a few tiny brass or 'gold' Christmas ornaments and charms attached.

Creativity: Here there are no limits. It's your wreath.

Coloured fabric with a Christmassy pattern, made into balls, stuffed and sewn together in a wreath shape; holy and ivy leaves cut from old Christmas cards and glued at random on a frame, or old jigsaw puzzle pieces, painted in metallic, primary or luminous colours are just some ideas. Wreaths featuring dried fruit, seeds, nuts, beads and banners can all look festive too. Everyone who is interested can have a hand in making a Christmas wreath. Then, not only the front door, but other doors in your home can all show the same warm welcome to all who enter.

his colourful custom will give your guests a warm welcome, and like most decorations it has a history, probably stemming from an ancient belief that trees had spirits and the branches of life-giving evergreens needed to be protected during the winter cold.

The Romans made gifts of green branches for New Year which subsequently became wreaths, symbolising perfection. The round shape, representing the warm, enduring sun, later became a Christian emblem for unity, joy and victory. A wreath of holly once represented Christ's crown of thorns, with the red

Traditional preference: Like decorations there are endless themes on which to base a design. Traditional Christmas greenery, with berries and

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MERRY CHRISTMAS from the

PARADISE BAY RESORT

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hristmas at the Paradise Bay Resort is a truly special affair, as we offer our guests outstanding service, fabulous food and lots of festive

cheer. December is deďŹ nitley all about fun and celebrations. And here at the Paradise Bay Resort, we have all sorts of ways to make the most of Christmas and New Year, from lunches

with family, friends and colleagues to partying in style, with our calendar of Christmas and New Year events.

Christmas is our favourite time of year – filled with lots of

activity, laughter and good food. We want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a warm welcome to the hotel, a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

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Presents for the pampered pet Turkey scraps and doggy-choc tree baubles are not enough. Pets today have a high place on our Christmas lists

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hile giving pets as gifts is not recommended, there is no doubt that family pets will find their stockings bulging on Christmas morning. The number of online sites and pages in international publications devoted to presents for pets is amazing. It is obvious that one of the ways we like to indulge ourselves at Christmas is by spoiling our beloved pets.

And considering all the current items in the many pet shops throughout the island, it seems the sentiment here is much the same.

Is this healthy? Certainly it is. Pets, as an integral part of a family or the sole companion of a lonely recluse, are vital to the welfare of their owners.

Statistics and research prove beyond doubt that people with pets are healthier, happier, live longer and are less likely to succumb to depression than those without.

At this time of year, when thinking of others is so important, we don’t skimp on our children, but we do remember and encourage them to think about those who need help and do what we can. Giving pets a treat need not prevent us from helping those who rescue and care for animals. One thing leads to another.

It’s fun to time a replacement bed, collar and lead or toy for Christmas. And while a pet will not know the difference if it tears layers of old Christmas paper off a bone or edible treat it would have had anyway, everyone enjoys watching its efforts.

Including family pets at Christmas helps keep the excitement level reasonable. Children can learn important safety lessons by being responsible for seeing that

lights, decorations and food that could be dangerous to pets are kept out of their way.

Someone must feed and exercise the dog as usual and, providing it doesn’t object, dressing it up to go out in a new coat or some reindeer ears will be fun. Cats and dogs need grooming but sprucing them up for Christmas visitors will make the job special. And popping in on nervous pets who are sheltering away from party guests, so they don’t feel neglected, can provide some quiet respite during noisy celebrations.

In fact, what all pets really want for Christmas is the company of their owners. So whatever you put under the tree for them, spending some extra time with them will make Christmas that extra bit better.

And, just one more thought for the animals with no devoted owners, they are in homes all over the island which struggle to give them the care they need. This year, your lucky pets probably won’t mind a bit if you replace some of their Christmas treats with a donation to one of these homes, as a thank you for the Christmas you and your pet will enjoy together.

FOR THE PET WHO HAS EVERYTHING Humans are not the only beings whose wish lists can err on the ridiculous or the extravagant but here is a selection of pet presents that would tick most boxes.

The glow in the dark ball so there's no excuse not to take the dog out to play and a glow in the dark harness, or coat would be both useful and smart.

An internet connected camera and treat dispenser for absent owners to watch their pets come for a treat when they call. How confusing this is for the dog we are not told.

The Hide-A-Squirrel toy lets your dog discover how to ‘hunt’ squirrels and be rewarded by finding them in a plush tree trunk. Owners replace the squirrels each time; that’s if there is anything left of them. And is there a chance it could actually encourage puppies to steal small pieces of clothing?

Dog shoes may sound like a naff idea, but made of waterproof, breathable and comfy fabrics they protect a dog’s paws from thorns, broken glass, hot pavements or cold wet puddles; and its owners floors and carpets from muddy paw prints.

A curious cat will love a push and pounce chase game. It has glowing balls that roll around on modular tracks which have handy 'peepholes' for a cat to reach in and stop or push the balls about.

The layout can be varied, or extended with new modules.

Cats who like to hide away sometimes will love a tiny house with scratching post facilities.

Rabbits, rodents and birds might appreciate a new home, with two storeys or at least room to run or fly about, plus some toys to keep them amused.

Most pets would adore a luxury bed, their own swimming pool, bespoke feeding bowls and mats, shiny ID tags with a tracker system so they can’t get lost, or their portrait painted for their fond owner to keep forever.

And for the pet who likes to travel, there’s a huge choice of carrying bags, pets’ pushchairs and even trailers, to be pulled behind an owner’s bicycle.

12

DECEMBER 2017

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