Christmas Supplement Dec 2019

christmas The Malta Independent on Sunday 15 DECEMBER 2019

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GIFTS from the HEART

Christmas is almost upon us and for pensioners budgeting for presents needs careful consideration.

The bond between grandparents and those who only see a monetary side to e live in a material world Priceless gifts

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and it's only the older generation who realise just how much value of life has been lost for

the gifts they receive. Whoever, even subconsciously, measures someone’s love, and their own self esteem, on such terms is completely missing the point.

grandchildren should be way above this.

And while every grandparent wants to do whatever they can for their grandchildren, Christmas could be one time to play it down a bit and give something that is ‘priceless’.

Without scorning or mocking the toys and games children go for today, there are gifts they could find equally absorbing, even in our increasingly virtual world. It's often tempting to go for something educational, but resist this and plan presents that are fun, and imaginative and will make them feel loved and cherished. These will turn out to be educational as well, and they will last long after the decorations have been packed away for another year.

And, while not going against the way your children have decided to bring up their own children, there's no need to stick precisely to their suggestions for gifts. If you know your grandchild wants something specific, even if it seems frivolous or a bit odd, be the one to give it. Sometimes a little spoiling can be a good thing.

For many pensioners, and those with drains on their capital brought about by the demands of passing years, choosing Christmas gifts is shadowed by the need to watch the costs. Luckily, grandparents can find many ways to make Christmas extra special and with just their spare time and experience.

Share their interests with a suitably decorated wooden box or tin, perhaps done up to look like a treasure chest, filled with lots of small things that reflect the child’s collections, favourite sport or hobby. Then follow it through by helping them start a collection or research information relating to it.

For four to 12-year-olds there's always a mystery tour 'ticket'. It can take you all on a specially planned trip to somewhere they can run around and see things that are completely different from their usual play places. It is quite possible for them to spend an entire day without even looking at a screen if they are taking part in a treasure hunt for clues leading to where they will be having lunch, or racing about in the woods, or beach combing for treasure washed up on the shore. Never mind about parking, for most children nowadays just going on a bus is a novelty.

And always remember, charity shops, artisan Christmas fairs, studios and galleries around Malta and Gozo. These are positive treasure troves of exciting and unusual presents for younger children, who are not yet cursed by the weight of what others may think, and for the older ones who have matured enough to be proud of their flair and creativity.

Family 'treasures' make very special lasting gifts. Think of the things you have that fascinate your grandchildren when they see them; those they love to

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SOME SIMPLE GIFTS WITH HUGE POTENTIAL

look at or to handle, the ones that have become part of a shared interest. It would indeed be something they have always wanted.

This might also be the year to give some items from a collection, a piece of jewellery, vintage bag, sunglasses or shoes. Something that only you, a beloved grandparent, could give them will always stand out as a gift for ever, not just for Christmas.

A magnifying glass Sponsorship of an endangered animal A disposable camera and a list of places and things to photograph Sample size tins of furniture paint to personalise their bedrooms A small framed photo of you and your grandchild, taken on a special occasion Flower pots and packets of seeds Customised pillow case or cushions Cuddly animal hot water bottle or bean bag A handful of novelty pencils and erasers A family tree kit, and the time to start it off together.

Handmade toys and miniature stockings filled with tiny special gifts

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DECORA

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DECEMBER 2019

RATIONS They take time to put up and it’s sad and dull when they come down, but Christmas decorations fill a home with joy.

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nlike in some countries, only a very few homes in Malta and Gozo are decked out from roof to doorstep, like a Christmas movie set. But, inside or out, there are decorations to suit every style of house and apartment. And it’s fun to choose an overall design or theme then add individual touches of your own.

A Christmas wreath hanging on the front door, or in a window, is a colourful custom that gives your visitors a warm welcome, and their first impression of your decorative talents. You could make your own, with natural plants and fruit, dried or artificial, ribbons, tiny figures, bells, lights and little wooden letters spelling out a message. If time is not on your side or you cannot find the materials you need, there are plenty of beautiful, ready-made wreaths in shops and florists everywhere.

Old farmhouses and houses of character are the perfect settings for lengths of ivy. Find it in the countryside, or go for a realistic copy from a garden centre. It will look wonderful draped around arched doorways, fireplaces and mangers.

Tie some red, silver or gold balls, or real pine cones with white painted tips onto the stems at various intervals for extra impact.

Groups of ornaments, like reindeer, robins, angels or Santas are a good way to make

smaller halls and rooms feel Christmassy. And the traditional presepju, the Christmas crib, still has pride of place in many homes, and can be as detailed or as simple as you like.

Lights, of course, go a long way towards giving your home a gorgeous Christmas glow, and there are so many types to choose from that they are no longer restricted to just the Christmas tree. Weave them through stair rails, around doors and windows and down the centre of the table to add more sparkle to Christmas dinner.

Lots of lanterns, candle sticks, tea light holders or LED candles, either with a Christmas theme or decorated for the season, will add warmth and light in hidden corners and on small surfaces all around the house. Just be sure that no naked flames are left unattended.

And then there’s the tree, here you can have fun with different themes and colour schemes. You can coordinate with the rest of the decorations in the house or let it stand alone, looking splendid and unique, adorned with all sorts of curiosities and magical bits and pieces.

Finally, for colour choices this year silver and gold, blue and white, red and turquoise, orange and yellow and tan and cream have all been mentioned. In other words, decorate for fun and effect for a house full of Christmas joy.

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The Twelve Days of

CHRISTMAS The traditional song, also known as A Partridge in a Pear Tree, refers to the actual 12 days of Christmas, beginning December 25, and has a Christmas message all of its own.

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hese special Christmas days include notable religious and secular celebrations, apart from Christmas Day itself. December 26 is the feast of Saint Stephen, the first

Christian martyr. Others know it as Boxing Day, from the Victorian tradition of boxing up gifts to give to the poor. On this day too, servants received a special Christmas box from their masters and were given a day off and the chance to go home with presents for their families. Today it is also a public holiday in several countries.

Some European countries such as Germany, Poland, Hungary and the Netherlands celebrate Boxing Day as a second Christmas Day. On December 28,the feast of the Holy Innocents commemorates King Herod’s killing of all male children, of two years old and under, in the vicinity of Bethlehem, to prevent the loss of his kingdom to another ‘king’.

December 31 is New Year’s Eve, a time of worldwide

celebrations. And Christmas officially ends on 12th night, or the next day, January 6, which is the feast of the Epiphany and commemorates the visit of the Three Kings or Wise Men from the East with gifts for the baby Jesus.

The song itself has inspired picture books and Christmas cards for centuries. It tells how for each day of Christmas someone sent to their true love a slightly weird choice of gifts.

But these actually illustrate a story from the bible, or are veiled references to Christianity written to help Christians learn and remember the tenents of their faith.

If this is the case, the partridge, being a bird that would sacrifice itself for its chicks, would refer to Jesus as the Son of God. Two turtle doves stand for the

Old and New Testaments.

Three French Hens claim the virtues faith, hope and charity.

Four calling birds speak of the four gospels and their writers.

Five gold rings are for the first five books of the Old Testament, detailing man's fall from grace.

Six geese a-laying records the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming equal the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments.

Eight maids a-milking indicate the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing are inspired by nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Ten lords a-leaping recall the 10 Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping represent the 11 faithful apostles. And 12 drummers drumming are

to beat out the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

Whether or not this is the true origin of this Christmas song, or that there’s any truth in the idea that it was a way of celebrating Christmas in times of repression, it is a rollicking good one, with pointed references to food and wealth.

After all, in times gone by most of the birds mentioned were served roasted or stewed. And valuable gold rings as gifts would always be welcome. But, a donation of milkmaids, dancing ladies, leaping lords and pipers blowing away could be less simple to explain. Then again, the constant repetition of the word Christmas hardly indicates repression.

Perhaps it’s just best to enjoy the song as a good old Christmas tradition, wherever it’s played or sung.

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DECEMBER 2019

FM THEATRE CAST GETS READY TO GO UNDER THE SEA AT THE MANOEL The cast and crew of FM Theatre’s upcoming festive panto The Little Mermaid: The Panto Under the Sea are busy preparing to move into Teatru Manoel: Malta’s true home of panto  for an underwater spectacular for all the family!

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resh from the sell-out musical We Will Rock You and last year’s critically-acclaimed panto Sleeping Beauty, this festive season FM Theatre is staging the classic story of adventure, romance and magic, The Little Mermaid.

The stellar cast is led by Edward Mercieca as the Crustacean Dame, alongside Katherine Brown as the evil sea witch Ursoola Minnofs, Chiara Hyzler as Ariel’s

forgetful fishy friend Doreen, Nikki Cassar as Ariel, Tezara Saliba as Prince Rubinu, Karen Decelis as Fairy Lou Ellen, and Antonella Mifsud and Maria Cassar as the witch’s eel sidekicks, as well as a host of other fantastic characters and familiar faces.

The impressive cast is directed by Chris Gatt, with musical direction by Kris Spiteri, choreography by Luisa Fenech Conti and vocal coaching by Analise Cassar.

FM Theatre’s The Little Mermaid – A Panto Under The Sea will be staged at the Teatru Manoel, Valletta, with performances on 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019 at 8pm and on 2, 3, 4 January 2020 at 8pm. There will also be matinee performances at 3pm on 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019, and on 2, 3, 4, 5 January 2020. Booking details and further information are available online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, via email on

MARINE LIFE attractions for children M editerraneo Marine Park promotes marine life conservation against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Offering entertainment alongside a learning experience unique in its kind. As Malta's only marine park, The ‘Mediterraneo’ is a leading island attraction with tourists and locals alike. Boasting an enviable coastal location, the park promotes interactive participation with a varied selection of marine mammals including dolphins and sea lions; parrots and reptiles.

Enjoying Malta's sunny climate, The Mediterraneo Marine Park remains open all year round. The park is conveniently located just off the main coast road, enabling good transport links from most hotels and tourist accommodation. Part of the Costa Edutainment group (since July 2012), The Mediterraneo Marine Park advocates animal welfare through an interactive learning environment inspired by their motto "Education, Emotion and FUN". Visitors

may participate in various animal interaction programmes which provide superb entertainment whilst increasing awareness and conservation

responsibilities.

The park has three main programmes which are held daily: The Dolphin Presentation, The Sea Lion Presentation and the

Parrot Presentation. All of these presentations offer an amazing experience to aid a better understanding of the animals and an appreciation of

their individual characteristics.

The highlight of any visit to The Mediterraneo Marine Park has to be the Dolphin SWIM programme – a truly unique and once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed!

Some of the other species that visitors can also expect to see include: a Coati, Green wing Macaw, Amazons, Snakes, Tortoises, Iguanas, Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Spiders, Scorpions and Lizards.

DIDACTIC PROGRAMMES FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY STUDENTS Specific educational programmes based on four animal areas: Reptiles, Parrots, Sea Lions and Dolphins. TEAM BUILDING DAYS Ideal for Corporate Companies/Organisations wishing to have their personnel teams indulge in a relaxing and fun outing.

For enquires please email your requests on: info@mediterraneopark.com or reservations@mediterraneopark.c om Baћar iċ-Ċagћaq, Malta +356 2137 2218 +356 2137 6519 info@mediterraneopark.com www.mediterraneopark.com

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THE MOST WONDERFUL TREE of the year For this year, Christmas trees are really branching out, trendy baubles are appearing and old favourites are taking their traditional places. How will your tree look this year?

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here are hints that midnight blue, possibly with white and/or silver are the decoration colours for a 2019 tree. Rather nice and, certainly an improvement on the predominance of purple and pink that was seen not so long ago. What to hang on it depends on where you are on the family tree.

If you are at the top, your tree will probably bear the fruit of many happy family celebrations.

Decorations handed down from your own parents, the first ones you bought as a married couple, pieces carefully crafted by the children, edible, iced biscuit figures made by the grandchildren, and tiny gifts to open after tea.

Your lights will either be permanently on or they will twinkle almost imperceptibly. And they will be white or pale amber.

If your tree is standing in your first independent home it will most likely have quirky, sentimental ornaments, chosen for

fun or bought at a Christmas fair. If you're on a budget, natural items like pine cones and real fruit will look suitably Nordic and rustic. Or you could go fullon kitsch with bumper boxes of shiny, dangling shapes and lengths of sparkling tinsel. Your lights will snake through the branches in a clear tube, each bulb effectively lighting the one ahead, in perpetual motion. Foilwrapped chocolate decorations will be scattered like snow balls on the branches, for admiring guests.

If you’ve gone ‘woke’ this year your tree will be artfully hung with ornaments indicating racial and social awareness, made under the guidance of community websites. Ethnically and gender neutral Santa figures, cranberry chains and vegan peppermint canes may swing from the branches, lit by rainbowcoloured fairy lights; along with recycled crackers containing carbon neutral novelties and politi-

cally correct mottos.

Finally the comfortable and culturally mature professionals will be admiring this year's imported pine, as it tips the ceiling garnished with bespoke tulle bows and antique glass balls, crystal and/or wooden carvings of country birds and wildlife, all hanging from silk cord ties among tiny bottles of designer gin, for guests to take home. The lights will be bee's wax candles.

For a welldressed tree If you have a real tree, stand it in a container that can be topped up with water regularly, to help prevent needle drop.

Untangle and check lights well before you hang them, to avoid having to find replacements at the last minute.

Arrange the lights all over the tree before your hang other decorations.

Do not plug more than two sets

of lights into the same socket.

And never tamper with them when they are switched on.

When hanging decorations, keep them well clear of light bulbs.

Choose a theme, natural rustic,

full Santa’s grotto or warm and traditional or metallic. Rose gold is a trend that is big in interior design right now and a metallic look e an original and simple way to give your tree some real sparkle this year.