The Gradual Fall 2013

December 2013

A Rambler Production

The Holiday Times The Rambler Christmas season highlights cultural differences among campus community

Founded in 1917 as The Handout Publisher: Frederick Slabach

Dr. Kay Colley faculty liaison

Claudia Ikeizumi graphic designer Kelsi Holland Ryan Ellison Sara Popovic Belma Humic advertising designers editors Kelsi Holland Ryan Ellison Sara Popovic Belma Humic reporters Jessica Lopez Ryan Ellison Paula Justice Antonio Gates Lopez Ta’Koia Larry Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers.

December 2013

Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.

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“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.”

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Jessica Lopez

jclopez@txwes.edu

Christmas Day is just around the corner, and some people are getting ready to receive this holiday. Christmas is celebrated around the world, each in their own way depending on their culture and beliefs. Let’s find out how some Texas Wesleyan students celebrate Christmas.

Tara Drake, a junior Criminal Justice major who is half Caucasian and half Hispanic says she is more than ready to celebrate Christmas. She celebrates Christmas Eve with her Hispanic family at her grandma’s house and Christmas day with her Caucasian family. Drake says she enjoys being part of both cultures because she eats a variety of foods, starting from tamales, turkey and stuffing. But for her it’s not just about the food or celebration. Drake says she enjoys spending time with her family and friends “For me, Christmas is the time to get together with your loved ones and being around each other”, Drake said. She also included how much she enjoys giving to others, not only presents but also love and affection.

Although there is one thing she dislikes about Christmas “Cleaning the kitchen after the holidays is one thing I don’t like,” Drake said with a smile.

“Christmas is just full of surprises and memories,” Drake said. She enjoys experiencing both cultures and gets the best of each.

Guadalupe Calzada, a sophomore Political Science major also celebrates Christmas in a particular way.

She was born in the United States but her family is from Mexico. Calzada says she celebrates Christmas in her own way. “The gift opening in the morning, the lights around the house and the Christmas tree are usually some of the American traditions, which our family does as well” Calzada said. But instead, her family prepares the traditional Mexican food; like buñuelos [a type of bread], tamales, pozole, ponche [a warm beverage made of fruits]. Calzada says she enjoys preparing food with her family because not only are they having a loving meal together but they are also sharing an unforgettable moment that will stay in their heart. “I cherish those Christmas holidays when there is snow outside, because we get to play like little kids, running around and most importantly the fact that I get to see those precious faces on my family and friends”. Said Calzada.

Most of the time, people from places who are close together tend to share some typical ideas and beliefs. But things may be a lot different when they are miles apart or when they live on another continent, and then they have a different culture.

Ley Tossou, a business graduate student who was born in Benin West Africa, says she used to put effort every year to have the best Christmas celebration. “You know it’s the typical, we celebrate Christmas with our family and then we go out.” Tossou said.

Although she says sometimes they would give out presents to each other, this is not a tradition, only if you really want to. “In my country Christmas

is a big deal, we celebrate it big, there’s fireworks all night!” Tossou said. In West Africa, the residents do not eat the usual, they prepare fancy food as Tossou calls it; they prepare something completely different. Tossou says one of the things she enjoys the most about Christmas is a traditional cake from Africa. “It’s a cake shaped like a Christmas tree, made of chocolate, it is so tender, colorful and I love it!” Tossou said. She says Christmas is her favorite holiday because unlike other celebrations, Christmas is meant for everybody not just children. It’s the time to be around your loved ones. Although she believes taking down the tree is the worst part of all “It’s a lot of work, plus you get attached to the tree, and it’s so sad to take it down.” Tossou said.

Tossou says she is planning to spend this Christmas with her American friends, although she will miss her family very much. One of the things Tossou misses the most about being close to her family now that Christmas is just around the corner, are the celebrations she would do for do for children with no parents.

Among with her family she would through a party every year for the children and they would give out food, and presents for everyone. “It was kind of expensive but no one should be left behind on Christmas day.” Tossou said.

Christmas is celebrated differently, we all have out own traditions but one thing most people agree on, is that Christmas is a day to be around the people you love.

The Rambler

Holiday Cheer Begins Gates Lopez dolopez@txwes.edu

On November 8th, Mayor Betsy Price addressed a crowd gathered for the official opening of Sundance Square Plaza. The Business Press described the Plaza as being in the very heart of one of the most bustling, desirable and beautifully restored downtown sites in the country. The Sundance Square Plaza was designed as a gathering spot for people to enjoy concerts, relax and appreciate an open space in the middle of a growing urban environment.

The Sundance Square Plaza is positioned next to where Fort Worth’s Christmas tree is always placed. This year the official lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas Tree will be on Saturday, November 23rd. The tree lighting ceremony is usually the day after Thanksgiving but this year the festivities begin one week earlier. People who visit the lighting of the Christmas Tree can enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas. Sundance Square Newsletter encourages people to watch for a wonderful new Candyland area in the Sundance Square Plaza along with a colorful Nutcracker-themed Santa Photoset.

After the tree lighting, there will be lots of strolling entertainment, stage performances by the Texas Girls Choir and Fort Worth Symphony Brass Quintet, and appearances by some favorite holiday characters. Sundance Square offers stores for early Christmas shopping.

Another annual holiday tradition in Fort Worth, the Chesapeake Energy

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Parade of Lights, will occur on Friday, November 29th.

The Chesapeake Parade of Lights Program invites people to come to Downtown for a day filled with exciting things to do including holiday shopping in Sundance Square, dining in some of the finest restaurants in Fort Worth, and enjoying a holiday spirit of the holiday parade. According to dfw.com, Fort Worth’s signature parade has grown to become Texas’ largest illuminated holiday procession with nearly 100 professionally designed and produced floats.

With Bass Hall located virtually across the street from Sundance Square, holiday entertainment is a common occurrence in Downtown Fort Worth.

The holiday performances begin with “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” The next performance at Bass Performance Hall is “Home for the Holidays!” which is performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. “The Nutcracker” follows as a holiday tradition for all ages. Whit Smith, offices in a high rise in a downtown Fort Worth office building that overlooks Sundance Square Plaza. Smith said “As a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, and a past Chair of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the opening of Sundance Square Plaza has transformed our downtown. Looking at the plaza from my 19th floor window, you can now truly consider Fort Worth to be a destination point.

Sundance Square Plaza brings to mind the beautiful piazzas located throughout Italy where people walk, play, read, or simply linger. Our new Sundance Square Plaza is truly a jewel in the center of downtown Fort Worth.

December 2013

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From us to you Happy Holidays!

From the Athletics Department

Check out the ramsports.net for next semester athletic schedule

The Rambler

Holidays decorations in the Library celebrating the season..

Right Top: The beautiful Christmas Tree dispayed in the SUB Building.

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Courtesy of Jessica Liptak

Happy Holidays!

May they all be illed with music!

From the Music Department

Having a Holiday party?

Place your order with SUBWAY 3012 East Rosedale Fort Worth, Texas

817-413-9087

December 2013

December 2013

The Holiday Times

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The Holiday Times Holiday Cheer that’s Near Paula Justice prjustice@txwes.edu

Stop jiggling your bells trying to figure out what to do for the holidays.

Nothing will replace the classic traditions of home, but if you’re looking for new traditions or just can’t make it home this holiday season, DFW offers a variety of options for the holidays.

December 2013

For a Texas holiday, Billy Bob’s Texas offers an authentic Fort Worth experience. The self-proclaimed “world’s largest honky tonk” is a one stop shop where visitors can strap on boots and get to stepping. Stepping is something Wendell Nelson, Billy Bob’s Texas dance instructor, knows all about.

“We offer a one of a kind Texas experience at Billy Bob’s,” Nelson said.

“We certainly invite everyone to come out for the holidays-bring the family-and have a great time.”

Billy Bob’s also features live competitive bull riding shows. If you’re feeling lucky (and actually know what you’re doing), you can contact Cindy Reid to reserve a spot.

“Most of the information can be found on our website,” Reid said.

“And, if your questions aren’t an-

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swered, our number and email address are listed to get exactly what you need. We take pride in taking care of our folks.”

Billy Bob’s Texas can welcome newcomers or make the natives remember why he/she loves being a Texan with a shocking full of Texas cheer, good food, music, dancing, and bull riding. The Texas landmark even has a gift shop if you’re looking to get some holiday shopping in.

Located in the historic Fort Worth Stock Yards, Billy Bob’s Texas offers an affordable atmosphere suitable for families, but keep in mind alcohol is available. Visit the website at billybobstexas.com for reservations or more information.

If honky tonking, line dancing, bull riders aren’t kicking up your holiday spirits Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament offers a different kind of excitement.

Take a pilgrimage with the friendly ghosts of Christmas past where you will feast on a four-course banquet in the medieval arena. While you grub like kings and queens, enjoy the olympic games of knights competing in action-packed events including sword fight, joust, and more.

Group pricing is available if you’re planning to take the family or a group

of friends. Medieval Times is open on Thanksgiving and Christmas day, and seats are filling fast.

Medieval Times reminds us that we are royalty. They do so in a family atmosphere that will leave plenty of money for holiday shopping. Guests are encouraged to call the national contact center for pricing information and reservations.

The king’s court is located in Dallas, Texas. Visit the website at medievaltimes.com/dallas.aspx for a sneak peak at events, the menu and for reservation information.

Billy Bob’s and Medieval Times not quite what you’re looking for? The perfect storybook holiday awaits at Christmas at the Anatole.

Christmas at the Anatole is on display from November 29 to January 4, 2013. This yearly event features a brilliant display of one million Christmas lights, an outdoor skating rink, and live entertainment.

Hangout with Santa and his elves or choose from many scheduled activities. Rudolph and the gang will be there, along with the tallest Nutcracker in Texas. Theatre shows, bounce houses, Christmas crafts and much more are sure to give you a holly jolly time at the Anatole.

Whether you’re in the holiday

spirit or hoping to find it, Christmas at the Anatole has activities that will make even the Grinch sing a few carols. This all things Christmas event is family-friendly and easy on the budget.

North Texas’ own winter wonderland is located in Dallas, Texas.

Check out the website for details and ticket purchases at christmasattheanatole.com.

While you’re deciding on which of these great events you’ll attend, consider those whose Christmas song won’t be as cheerful without your help.

Texas Wesleyan’s School of Arts and Letter is having its yearly Bear Drive. Brighten the holidays for a child with a simple donation of a new plush animal. All types of plush animals are accepted so feel free to pick up a giraffe or turtle or whichever plush friend made you smile as a child.

Also, stop by the West Library to pick an angel from the Angel Tree.

Each of the angels represents an elder person who is in need. Simply choose an angel, purchase your gift, and drop it off at the library. While Santa is making his rounds, he’ll deliver the present just in time for Christmas.

Happy Holidays from

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The Rambler

The Rambler

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Different Culture, Different Food Takoia Larry talarry@txwes.edu

Christmas, a holiday that celebrates the life of Christ isn’t a holiday that everyone celebrates. Everyone prepares dinner differently with their own styles of getting Christmas prepared properly.

After interviewing three different individuals who included an African American, Caucasian, as well as a Hispanic, sources states that Christmas dinner is served in many different ways.

“Dressing, turkey, ham, green beans, sweet corn, rolls, pies, cake, sweet tea etc. are foods my family looks forward to cooking every year for Thanksgiving,” Dotson said.

Each household had a different way of getting the food together and what types of food they would prepare for their families.

LPN (RN) Camille Boal states, “Turkey, ham, broccoli, rice casserole, yams with marshmallows, asparagus casserole, corn casserole, stuffing, gravy, sugar cookies, rolls, pecan pie, buttermilk pie, coke a cola cake, ice tea, and hot cocoa are the foods and desserts her house hold serves every year for the Christmas holiday.”

Every creed has its own way of celebrating the Christmas holiday and preparing their dinner.

Assistant Volleyball coach Marissa Rangel states, “Prior to Christmas, about three weeks before my family makes tamales. We usually make about 12-15 dozen a year. We usually

Courtesy of sxc.hu

One of the American dishes for the holiday is Turkey.

cook them the night before because they take about three hours to make.”

“Everyone gets together at my aunts and we set the table with the dishes that everyone has been assigned,” Senior Sociology major Rayneta Dotson said.

Families go out to ranches and even the family’s luxury home.

“We go to our ranch and once we’re there we go to Wal-Mart and get all the necessary ingredients for the foods we cook on Christmas Eve and Christmas,” Boal said.

Some households have time when

dinner has to be done and they begin to eat, and others just pick a random time during the day to serve dinner.

“Our dinner on Christmas is usually served at about 5 pm,” Rangel said.

Within the three different creeds I interviewed, all had to same response as to when and what they are able to eat except one.

“We normally have snacks out on the table before dinner. (Chips, cookies, and goodies) then dinner is served with dessert being served.

According to Dotson, “My family has always had the rule of eating

dinner first then you can eat some dessert. Without dinner there’s no dessert.”

Everyone celebrates Christmas on Christmas except for those that don’t celebrate Christmas at all.

“My family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. My mom’s side and close family friends are on Christmas Eve while my dad’s side comes on Christmas day,” Rangel said.

Wesleyan Religious Life December 2013

Students and Faculty receives a 10% discount!

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

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The Holiday Times

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