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Christmas Carols
The Christmas Story
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1. On a Christmas wreath, Holly represents what?
2. Which country provides the iconic Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square each year?
3. What was Sir Henry Cole Credited with irst producing?
4. The world's tallest cut Christmas tree was what species?
5. What is the irst line of the Poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
6. Chrismukkah is the merging of Christmas and which other celebration?
7. In 1882, Edward Johnson invented the irst electric what?
8. In many countries Boxing Day commemorates the life of which Saint?
9.In1847,Tom Smithinvented whichChristmas item?
Answers on page 24.
The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of theyear.
The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attentionalsoshouldbegiventothediningtable -whichcanbenefitfromafestivecenterpiece.
Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dressupyourholidaytable.
1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crispwinter'sdaytoventureintoaforestorpark that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreenboughs.Givethepineconesatouchof winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.
2. Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holidaymemoryortwo,orwhatthey'rethankful for.Twirlthepaperstripsaroundapenciltocurl them, and then place the curlicues into a
decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later intheevening,thehostorhostesscanreadsome ofthesentiments.
3. Wonderous forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them onablanketoffauxsnoworwhiteconfetti.
4. Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, suchasholidaythemedmugsorapunchbowl.
5. Glass baubles: Whosaysornamentsshould be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.
6. Birch wood: The crisp white colouring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimictheshapesandscaleofthewood.
7. Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby'sbreath.
8. Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniaturepumpkins.
Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without mucheffortonthepartofhosts.
10. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “Christ the highest heaven adored”?
11. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “It doesn't show signs of stopping”?
12. King Herod was happy to hear about the birth of the Messiah. True or False?
13. How did the wise men know where to ind Jesus?
14. Which drink is a descendant of the medieval British drink Posset?
15. What Christmas treat became popular due to a Brothers Grimm Story?
16. What is the bestselling Christmas of all time?
17. In the “12 Days of Christmas” if you added up all the gifts would there be a gift for everyday of the year?
Answers on page 24.
Theholiday season isasentimental time of year. Nostalgia for past holiday seasons and excitement about what's to come make this a particularly special time of year for millions of peopleacrosstheglobe.
It's not uncommon for Christmas celebrants to include a little history in their decorations and celebrations each year. Some families may read Charles Dickens' early Victorian novella A Christmas Carol together before watching one of the many film adaptations of the beloved
story. Many popular Christmas carols also date back to the nineteenth century if not earlier, adding another degree of nostalgia to the season. Even food can add a touch of the sentimental to Christmas celebrations. This year, holiday hosts can create some nostalgia around the Christmas dinner table by serving this recipe for "Roasted Christmas Goose" courtesy of the Food Network and Mark SlawsonoftheTheWortHotel.
Yields 6 to 8 servings
1 14- to 16-pound goose
1/4 cup sea salt
1 lemon, halved
1 apple, cut into chunks
1 potato, cut into chunks
1 orange, sliced
1 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup cane syrup
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons brandy
3 cups whole chestnuts, roasted and peeled
1 14-ounce bag stuffing mix
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup diced apple
1/4 cup diced onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
CUMBERLAND SAUCE:
11/2 cups beef stock
3/4 cup port wine
3/4 cup ed wine vinegar
3 shallots, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorns
3 ranges, juiced
1. Place goose in a large pot. Add water to cover and stir in the sea salt. Refrigerateovernight.
2.Preheatovento450degreesF.
3. Remove goose from water and drain well. Remove all innards and trim excess fat from the tail. Rub inside cavity with lemon juice. Place apple, potato, orange and celery inside the body cavity. Truss the bird like a turkey.
4. Place the goose in the preheated 450 degree F oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Cook 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Baste the gooseeveryhalfhourwiththeBastingSyrup.
5.CarvegooseandservewithStuffingandCumberlandsauce. BastingSyrup:
6.Mixallingredientstogetherinasmallbowl. Stuffing:
7.Preheatovento350degreesF.
8.Coarselychopthechestnutsandputinalargebowl.Addthestuffingmix, raisins, celery, apple, onion and salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Pour in thechickenstock,butterandcreamandmixuntilevenlymoistened.
9. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until the top is browned and crisp, about1hour.
CumberlandSauce:
10. In a saucepan, combine the stock, port, vinegar, shallots, peppercorns and orange juice. Bring to a boil, cook until reduced by 2/3, about 25 minutes.Strainandrefrigerate.Servecoldoverroastgoose. L A G C
By local author and chef TAMARA GREEN
Delicious everyday recipes for the novice, homecook & professional baker. Finally a Joy of Baking style book for celiacs.
220 pages of gluten-free recipes in full colour, featured on glossy paper with easy to read large print.
Where: Available at The Standard Newspaper, 84 Water St., Port Perry. More retail locations to come!
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18. Who says, “God bless us everyone!” 19. Name the child stare who played Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone movies?
20. Which actor plays Scrooge in the 2009 animated ilm “A Christmas Carol”?
21. Besides “Wonderful Counselor” what are the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6?
22. What direction did the wise men come from?
23. How did the shepherds hear about Jesus’ birth?
24. “The cattle are lowing” is the beginning of which verse of “Away in the Manger”?
25. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above”?
Answers on page 24. Answers on page 24
SOFT GLAZED GINGERBREAD
Yields 12 to 20 cookies
DOUGH
33/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
11/2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
11/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.
2. Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner.
4. Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1/3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
GLAZE
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons water
the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
5. If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1/3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes before baking.
6. Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.
7. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and water until smooth.
8. When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.
INGREDIENTS:
Ÿ 500 g gluten-free honey garlic turkey sausages,
Ÿ casings removed
Ÿ 1 cup (250 mL) fresh cranberries
Ÿ 1 onion, chopped
Ÿ 2 tsp (10 mL) fresh thyme, chopped
Ÿ 2 tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar
Ÿ 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
Ÿ 2 tsp (10 mL) brown sugar
Ÿ 1 cup (250 mL) gluten-free vegetable broth
Ÿ 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; about 6 cups (1.5 L)
Ÿ 1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted walnuts, chopped
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13 inch (3 L) baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat a large frypan over medium-high. Add sausage meat and cook breaking up meat until browned, about 7 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add cranberries, onion, and thyme to frypan and cook until onions soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, cooking until almost absorbed.Addbroth,sweetpotatoes,andreservedsausage,tossingtocombine.
3. Spoon into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until sweet potatoes are tender, about 50 minutes, stirring and leaving uncovered after 25 minutes. Sprinklewithwalnuts.
26. Irving Berlin wrote which iconic Christmas song?
27. What was the irst Christmas song to ever be broadcast from space?
28. St. Nicholas was bishop of Myra, a small Roman town in which Country?
29. Which Royal sent for the irst of icial Christmas card?
30. “Jingle Bells” was originally release with what name?
31. Which sauce is traditionally served with pork?
32. Stollen originates from which country?
33. In “Home Alone 2” where was Kevin Lost?
Answers on page 24.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend. He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim. His power and glory evermore proclaim.
34. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “Still through the cloven skies they come”?
35. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem before Jesus birth?
36. Who was the King during the time that Jesus was born?
37. What does the word “Christmas” mean?
38. The Bible tells us there were 3 wise men. True of False?
39. Candy Canes are shaped to represent what?
40. Which fast food chain is a popular choice for Christmas dinner in Japan?
Answers on page 24.
'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead; Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria. Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found; A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there. The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria. O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you. Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
Written in the Huron language by Jesuit priest Father Jean de Brébeuf in 1643 with the title Jesous Ahatonhia ("Jesus, he is born"), and set by him to an old French tune, "Une Jeune Pucelle", this is consideredthefirstCanadiancarol.
The carol has been included in the hymn books of both the Anglican Church of Canada and the Methodist Church. It has also beenfrequentlyrecordedinrecentyears.
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41. What was Jesus wrapped in after he was born?
42. Who says, “It's because I'm green, isn't it?”?
43. Who was the irst singer to record “The Christmas Song”?
44. What is the most recorded Christmas song?
45. “Do They Know It's Christmas” is a song by which charity group?
46. Which song was originally titled “Tinkle Bell”?
47. Panettone, the sweet bread/fruitcake, is originally from which country?
48. Christmas Eve supper is called Wigilia in which country?
Answers on page 24.
Christmas Eve is viewed differently by different people, even those who live under the same Santa-ready roof. Adults may see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must preparefoodforthenextdayorsetuppresents for their children to open in the morning. Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa'svisitandlittleelse.
Parents naturally want to make Christmastime as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The following are some ways to impart more magic into Christmas Eve celebrations.
Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include late-evening or midnight masses that celebrate the birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thoughtprovoking for kids and a unique experience unlikeanyother.
Children like to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up withauniqueofferingeachyear.
Watching television or looking at a tablet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it's time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christmas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem "AVisitfromSt.Nicholas('TwastheNightBefore Christmas)" is a great way to set the Christmas Evemood.
Caroling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit communities can organize family-centric caroling opportunities and roam the cul-de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas singing popular songs.
Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season evenmorespecial.
49. What did Elizabeth's baby do inside her when Mary greeted her?
50. Where did Mary and Joseph lee to after Jesus birth?
51. How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth?
52. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “Hither, page, and stand by me”?
53. Thurl Ravenscroft is the singing voice of which iconic character?
54. Which singer recorded the original version of “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree”?
55. When was the irst recorded Christmas Celebration in history?
Answers on page 24.
SantaClaus—otherwiseknownasSaintNicholas or Kris Kringle—has a long history steeped in Christmas traditions. Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red who brings toys to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve, but his story stretches all the way back to the 3rd century, when Saint Nicholas walked the earth and became the patron saint of children. Find out more about the history of Santa Claus from hisearliestoriginstotheshoppingmallSantasof today, and discover how two New Yorkers—Clement Clark Moore and Thomas Nast—were major influences on the Santa Claus millionsofchildrenwaitforeachChristmasEve.
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds ofyearstoamonknamedSt.Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countrysidehelpingthepoorandsick.Oneofthe best-known St. Nicholas stories is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could bemarried.
Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December6th.Thiswastraditionallyconsidered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland.
Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a
lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especiallyinHolland.
Gift-giving, mainly centered around children, has been an important part of the Christmas celebration since the holiday’s rejuvenation in the early 19th century. Stores begantoadvertiseChristmasshoppingin1820, and by the 1840s, newspapers were creating separate sections for holiday advertisements, which often featured images of the newlypopularSantaClaus.
In 1841, thousands of children visited a Philadelphia shop to see a life-size Santa Claus model.Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforestores began to attract children, and their parents, with the lure of a peek at a “live” Santa Claus. In the early 1890s, the Salvation Army needed money to pay for the free Christmas meals they provided to needy families. They began dressing up unemployed men in Santa Claus suits and sending them into the streets of New York to solicit donations. Those familiar Salvation Army Santas have been ringing bells onthestreetcornersofcitieseversince.
To learn more about the history of the real SaintNicolasgoonlinetowww.history.com.
Though devotees of early holiday shopping do not hesitate to point out how convenient it can be to get all their gifts long before the arrival of Chanukah and Christmas, scores of shoppers still wait until the last minute to begin checking names off their lists. It might be beneficial to shop early, but it's easytoprocrastinate.
Work with store personnel. If a shopping list is lengthy but the time before the holiday arrives is dwindling, speak directly with store personnel, who may offer suggestions but can also help shoppers find what they need. In-person shoppers can speak with a store clerk immediately upon entering a store, while online shoppers can utilize chat functions on retailers' websites for help finding something that's in stock and deliverablebeforethebigday.
Expect competition. Last-minute shoppers who want to avoid crowds should consider shopping during off-peak hours, such as on weekday mornings and afternoons when most peopleareworking.
Shop local. Last-minute shoppers may be flocking to malls and busy downtown shopping districts as they hurry to get gifts for friends and family members with different interests. Shopping at small, local businesses can help last-minute shoppers avoid such crowds. And with less on their shelves and smaller storage rooms, small business owners and their staff also tend to know their inventories inside and out. That can ensure a shopping trip is not spent wandering numerous aisles insearchoftherightgift.
Bag it, don't wrap it. Shoppers who wait until the very last minute likely won't have time to wrap all the gifts they pick up for loved ones. Gift bags conceal gifts just as well as wrapping paper, but it takes a fraction of the time to place a gift in a bag as it does to wrap it in paper. Quality gifts bags also are reusable, which can appeal to anyone looking to create less waste this holidayseason.
Don't forget food. If it's truly impossible to find something late in the season and a gift card feels too impersonal, give the giftoffood.Adultrecipientsalsocanbegiftedabottleofwineor another spirit that can be enjoyed during a holiday meal. Shoppers skilled in the kitchen can whip up a homemade treat, while those without such talents can give a store-bought delicacy or even a subscription to a monthly food club or service.
Last-minute shopping may look different than it used to, but scores of shoppers still wait to buy gifts for their loved ones. A handfulofstrategiescansimplifylast-minuteshopping.
56. Who said “Glory to God in the highest, and peace among those with whom He is pleased.” in Luke 2:14?
57. What is the name of the angel who came to Mary in a dream?
58. Where did Mary lay baby Jesus after He was born?
59. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “But say a prayer, pray for the other ones”?
60. What was “O Holy Night” the irst Christmas song to ever be broadcast on the radio?
61. Which sauce is traditionally served with turkey?
Answers on page 24.
Certain sights and sounds are ingrained in the holiday season, from twinkling lights to carols piping over retailers' sound systems. Amid the shelves of holiday wares and delicacies, fruitcakemakesitsannualappearance.
Fruitcake,sometimes referred to as plum cake or Christmas cake, can be prepared in various ways. However, a dense bundt-type cake dotted with dried, candied fruit and often soaked in rum or brandy has become the standard. Loathed or loved, seldom anything in between, fruitcake is typically mocked as the ultimate regift. But just like Charlie Brown's scant Christmas tree, which was initially mocked, it's time to see fruitcake in a new light. Consider thesefruitcakefunfacts.
The texture of fruitcake can vary from cakelike to more of a sweet bread like brioche. Italians dig into panettone, Germans delight withstollenandJamaicansserveblackcake.
The first fruitcakes weren't eaten. According to historians, fruitcakes were initially made by ancient Egyptians, who tucked the desserts into the tombs with their dead so a sweet treat could beenjoyedintheafterlife.
Fruitcake gained popularity as military rations, as everyone from Roman soldiers to Crusaders found fruitcake provided a diverse array of nutrients and an energy boost in battle. Fruitcake also stores well, which can be beneficialformilitarypersonnelinbattle.
Fruitcake seemingly is indestructible. While it likely cannot last forever, a fruitcake kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, cool place, could be reheated years after being baked. Starch crystals and dried fruit in the cake will release stored water when warmed, rehydrating thecake.
Historical accounts indicate Romans were among the first people to eat fruitcake, which they might have enjoyed as early as 100 A.D. A versioncalled"satura"wasmadebymixingstale bread with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and then soaking it in a barley mash and analcoholicbeveragebrewedfromhoney.
Fruitcake became a popular dish to serve at British royals' weddings. Queen Victoria, Princess Diana and Prince William served fruitcakeattheirreceptions.
The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. has a fruitcake on display. It travelledintospaceonApollo11in1969,butwas nevereaten.
Fruitcake is delicious when made with the right ingredients. The neon-colored, dry and overly sweet fruit that many bakers use is the problem with poor cakes. But proper ingredients like brandy, glace cherries, apricots, figs, and dates can make for a delicious fruitcake.
Theaveragefruitcakeweighsbetweentwoand three pounds. However, the heaviest fruitcake on record, according to "The Guinness Book of World Records," came in at 9,596 pounds. Despite the hefty weight of this cake, it's only around92to160caloriesperserving.
Regardless of its unfavourable reputation, fruitcake remains an unwavering holiday tradition. The website Serious Eats reports that more than two million fruitcakes are sold each year.
by Janod
63. The birth of Christ is referred to as The…
64. This is the beginning of the second verse of what Christmas carol, “In Bethlehem, in Israel the blessed babe was born”?
65. Who says, “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population”?
66. The Bible tells us Jesus was born on December 25th. True or False?
67. Elvis isn't going to have a white Christmas he's going to have a....
68. Which real-life person is Santa Claus based on?
69. In the movie It's A Wonderful Life, what happened every time a bell rang?
Answers on page 24.
Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick uptheirChristmastree.
There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial Christmas trees that can be stored and taken out each year. Others make a yearly expedition to a tree lot or a Christmas tree farm to find the perfect fir or spruce. Historians believe a man named W.V. McGallard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings at his Mercer County, New Jersey farm in 1901, essentially establishing the first commercial Christmas tree farm. By 1908, customers could visit the farm and choose trees for $1 each. McGallard helped create an entirely new industry that now accounts for 350 million trees being grown and sold in the United States everyyear.
Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for families and other tree shoppers to maximize theirtimespentlookingforatree.
Bring refreshments. Couple Christmas tree shopping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other filling treats can
keep everyone satisfied and energized while
Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting displays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out potentially scenic spots to view holiday lighting displays nearby. Neighborhood Facebook or other social media groups often tout homes that put up eye-catching displays. Ask around for addresses and plan your own tours.
Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hungry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it's typically a good idea to wait sometimeforboughstoopenbeforedecorating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occurrence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.
Watch a classic film. Many different holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. While putting up the tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meagerevergreenatthesametime?
Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertaining way tospendtimetogetherasacoupleorfamily.
Calling Birds Drummers Drumming
French Hens
Lords a Leaping Maids a Milking Partridge In A Pear Tree
Geese a Laying
Golden Rings
Ladies Dancing
Pipers Piping
Swans a Swimming
Turtle Doves
2. What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
6. What other thing do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
7. What is one the other most popular name for Santa Claus?
10. Who wrote, “Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more?
12. What is the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel in It’s A Wonderful Life?
13. What are you supposed to do when you find yourself under the mistletoe?
1. In Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge?
3. Where was baby Jesus born?
4. Elvis isn’t going to have a white Christmas he’s going to have a...
5. What is the most popular name for Santa Claus?
8. In which modern-day country was St. Nicholas born in?
9. Which popular Christmas beverage is also called “milk punch?”
11. What words follow “Silent Night” in the song?
12. Which one of Santa’s reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?
Bakersville, the Animated Gingerbread Village, is returning once again, to the Scugog Memorial Public Library, this December. This hasalwaysbeenaverypopular eventinourcommunity,andif you have ever wanted to enter a creation,now is yourchance. To make the village authentic, we ask the entries be made of gingerbread, no battery operated accessories, and please try to keep the base size relativetothecreation.
Anyone can submit an entry, there is no fee and it is a non-judged event. Kits are welcome, but original designs arewhatmakethe villagetruly unique. So, gather up all your left-over candy and start baking!
Bring your entry to the library, between Monday, November 27th and Thursday, November 30th, during the library's operating hours.
Each building should have a title and a completed registration form. There is no fee to attend.
The Bakersville committee will accessorize the event, so there are no extra elements required, such as figurines, trees, or battery operated decorationsetc.
No idea how to make gingerbread? Stop by the Library for a gingerbread recipesheet.
Make sure to come to the library during the holiday season, starting Saturday December 2nd until Wednesday, January 3rd, during regular library hours, to view this spectacular animateddisplay.
For more information, look for us on Facebook: Bakersville: Animated Gingerbread Village, call Tracy (905) 442-0363 or check out the library website: www.scugoglibrary.ca.
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QUIZMAS: 1) The Crown of Thorns. 2) Norway. 3) Christmas cards. 4) Douglas Fir. 5) “Twas the night before Christmas”. 6) Hannukah. 7) Christmas lights. 8) St. Stephen. 9) Christmas crackers. 10) “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. 11) “Let it Snow”. 12) False. 13) They follow the star. 14) Eggnog. 15) Gingerbread house. 16) “White Christmas”. 17) No, there would be 364 gifts. 18) Tiny Tim. 19) Macaulay Culkin. 20) Jim Carey. 21) Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 22) East. 23) An angel of the Lord appeared to them. 24) The second. 25) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. 26) “White Christmas”. 27) “Jingle Bells”. 28) Turkey. 29) Queen Victoria. 30) “One Horse Open Sleigh”. 31) Applesauce. 32) Germany. 33) “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”. 34) New York. 35) They had to go to their hometown to be registered for the census. 36) Herod. 37) Christ’s Mass. 38) False – there is no mention of the number of wise men. 39) A shepherd's crook. 40) KFC. 41) Swaddling cloths. 42) The Grinch. 43) Nat King Cole. 44) “Silent Night”. 45) Band Aid. 46) “Silver Bells”. 47) Italy. 48) Poland. 49) Leaped for joy. 50) Egypt. 51) About three months. 52) “Good King Wenceslas”. 53) The Grinch. 54) Brenda Lee. 55) December 25, A.D. 336. 56) The heavenly host/angels who appeared to the shepherds. 57) Gabriel. 58) In a manger. 59) “Do They Know It's Christmas”. 60) Yes. 61) Cranberry sauce. 62) Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. 63) Nativity Story. 64) “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. 65) Ebenezer Scrooge. 66) False. 67) Blue Christmas. 68) The Christian bishop St. Nicholas. 69) An angel got his wings.
