The Sun Christmas 12.19.18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

SPECIAL HOLIDAY SUPPLEMENT

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 19, 2018

www.osceolasun.com

A season of giving Poinsettia pointers T B he holiday season is known as one of giving. While it is good to make a conscious effort to give back throughout the year, the holidays are a time when we especially like to think of others.

Here are just a few ways you can spread the act of kindness this holiday.

Shop for other families in need. Take your children along. Let them be active participants in choosing the gifts and, depending on which organization you are working with, Give what you already have. Have your children choose a few wrapping the gift. This of their own toys to donate. helps teach children that Christmas is pick a different group to share the about the giving, not receiving, of holiday cheer with each year. gifts.

Carol to those with infrequent Give what you already have. Have visitors. Caroling is a great way to your children choose a few of their spread Christmas cheer to those own toys to donate. This is a nice who might not have anyone to share way to think of others and make the holiday with. The word “carol” room for the new items they are sure actually means a dance or a song of to receive. This can also teach your joy and praise. A festive holiday tune children to be grateful for what they can brighten anyone’s spirits. have and nurture a desire to share Start a sibling secret Santa. Have with others. each family member draw names Surprise those who serve your com- from a hat and give something extra munity. Take your holiday family special for that person. You can even baking tradition one step further and enforce rules to make the activity bundle up nice little care packages. both more distinct and fair, such Drop these goodies off to groups of as requiring that all gifts be handpeople who serve the community — made. Exchange these presents on firefighters, ambulance drivers and Christmas Eve instead of Christmas nurses, for example. You can give to morning to distinguish the gifts even as many every year as you can, or more.

Wishes Merry & Bright Thanks for brightening our year with your support and friendship.

It means the world to us!

right red and green poinsettias are everywhere during the holiday season.

But did you know that they’re a tropical plant that thrives far beyond our snowy visions of Christmas?

Read on to find out how this plant became such a big part of our holiday and how to keep your poinsettia looking bright and fresh.

History In 1825, Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, introduced Euphorbia pulcherrima, a small shrub in the spurge family, to the United States. The poinsettia, as you have figured out by now, takes its name from Poinsett.

The plant first became associated with Christmas, however, long before Poinsett’s time. In 16th century Mexico, the legend goes, a girl was too poor to bring a gift for a celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an angel to pick weeds from the roadside for the church altar. Those weeds sprouted into red poinsettias. Franciscan friars included the plants in their Christmas celebrations, saying the star-shaped leaves symbolized the star of

Pick a poinsettia with dark green leaves and few low or damaged leaves.

Bethlehem and the color red represents the crucifixion of Jesus.

In the early 1900s, Albert Ecke began selling poinsettias from street stands. His grandson, Paul Ecke changed shipping from rail to air and sent plants to television stations for free displays.

He relentlessly promoted the plants and, through exclusive grafting techniques, kept his company in a near monopoly of poinsettia sales in the U.S. through the 1980s.

Choosing and caring for poinsettias Pick a poinsettia with dark green leaves and few low or damaged leaves, Michigan State University says. Colored leaves, usually red, pink or white, should be in

proportion to the plant and pot. Because it’s a tropical plant, exposure to even brief periods of cold temperatures can injure the plant, so make sure it’s well wrapped until you get it inside.

Set the plant near a sunny window, but don’t let it touch cold window panes. Extend the bloom time by switching the plant to a cooler -- 55 to 60-degree -- room at night. Water your plant only when it feels dry and discard any excess water. A droopy plant that drops leaves is too dry while a plant that’s overwatered will have yellow leaves. You can feed your plant with a regular houseplant fertilizer.

Cola de Mono The name of this Chilean holiday drink literally translates into “tail of the monkey.” It’s become so popular, though, that it’s usually shortened to colemono.

It contains aguardiente — literally fire water — strong, clear alcohol distilled from whatever local ingredients are handy.

Aguardiente is mixed with milk, sugar, coffee and cloves to create a drink similar to a white Russian.

Nomenclature Theories abound as to how the drink got its name, but a popular story involves Chilean President Pedro Montt, who served from 1906-1910. He was nicknamed El Mono (Monkey) Montt. He was trying to take an early departure from a holiday party and asked for the return of his Colt revolver, but was convinced to linger. The guests eventually drank up all the wine and mixed up the

first cola de monos, which were quickly dubbed Colt de Montts and evolved to cola de mono. Or so the story goes.

Cola de Mono Makes a party-sized portion.

20 whole cloves 5 cinnamon sticks 1 cup water 1 gallon cold milk ¼ cup instant coffee granules 1 cup white sugar, or to taste 1 teaspoon vanilla, or to taste 1 cup white rum or brandy 1. Simmer the spices in water until reduced by half. Add a cup of the milk, return to simmer, then add the sugar and coffee. Stir until dissolved.

2. Strain the mixture into the remaining milk. Add vanilla and alcohol. Store in the fridge and serve chilled. To make a non-alcoholic beverage, just omit the booze.

May Your Home Be Blessed!

To all our good friends far and near, we wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jean & Erin

JEAN LUNDGREN Cell: 651-308-2221 • Office: 715-294-4373 jeanlundgren@gmail.com • www.jeanlundgren.com

2394 State Road 35 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-2131

MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 19, 2018

THE SUN

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Easy Christmas morning breakfast

Great last-minute gift ideas

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radition is a hallmark of the holiday season. Religious services, family gatherings and trips to see Santa Claus are just a few of the many traditions people adhere to during the holiday season.

Many holiday shoppers also adhere to the time-honored tradition of last-minute shopping.

The perfect gift can sometimes prove elusive, especially as the sand in the holiday hour glass keeps dwindling. These last-minute gift ideas may be just what shoppers need to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones this holiday season.

• Books: Books are often overlooked, especially now that so many readers use e-readers.

But books can be an ideal gift and especially convenient for last-minute shoppers, who can even gift e-books. For example, Amazon, which has thousands of e-books

in its online library, makes it easy for shoppers to gift e-books to Kindle users, who will simply receive an email on Christmas morning informing them that their books are ready to be downloaded to their devices.

• Experiences: A 2017 survey by the global research firm NPD Group found that roughly 40 percent of holiday shoppers planned to give experiences as gifts last year. Experience gifts open up a host of possibilities for last-minute shoppers stuck on what to give those loved ones who seemingly have it all.

• Food/beverage: Television channels such as The Food Network have changed the way many people look at food.

When gifting the family foodie, last-minute shoppers may not need to look further than the latest hotspot restaurant or specialty grocery store for the perfect

C Books are often overlooked but can be an ideal gift and especially convenient for last-minute shoppers.

gift. Take them out for a night on the town or give a gift card they can use at their convenience.

The craft beer boom has created a host of devoted and knowledgeable beer drinkers, so a gift card or growler from a local craft brewery is sure to please people who love hoisting frosty pints.

• Streaming service subscriptions: Many people are cutting the cord with their cable companies in favor of

streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Subscriptions to such services can make ideal and affordable holiday gifts.

A six-month or yearlong subscription likely won’t break shoppers’ budgets and will provide months of entertainment to loved ones.

Last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever, especially for shoppers willing to think outside the box.

Making hard candy While the expression refers to a Christmas so poor the only presents are hard candy, with a little know-how, some science and a lot of sugar, you can make your own hard candy holiday one that shines.

Hardware To make your own hard candy, you’ll need a large, stout pot that holds heat well. Look for a thick bottom and tall sides. Also grab a spoon or spatula that you’re comfortable holding. You might be there a while.

Additionally, head to your local grocery or kitchen goods store and pick up a candy thermometer and make sure

it fits well on the sides of your pan without the bulb hitting the bottom.

Software Grab some bags of sugar while you’re at the grocery and some light corn syrup. These will form the backbone of your candy. Also grab extracts and food coloring to flavor and color your confection. Your finished product will also need a dusting of confectioners sugar, and you’ll need wax paper and airtight containers for storing and gifting, if that’s your pleasure.

Hard Candy 3 ¾ cup white sugar 1 ½ cups light corn syrup 1 cup water

1 tablespoon flavored extract ½ teaspoon food coloring Confectioners sugar, for dusting

flavors and colors. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet and dust with confectioners sugar. Let cool, then break into pieces.

hristmas morning is an exciting and joyous time for families. Children are anxious to rush downstairs and see what Santa has left under the tree, and parents are eager to see the looks on youngsters’ happy faces.

Having a fast and easy breakfast at the ready on Christmas morning allows families to jump right into the festivities rather than spending too much time in the kitchen.

This recipe for “Spiced Yogurt Muffins,” courtesy of the National Dairy Council, Dannon and McCormick, can be made in advance and then enjoyed while peeking into Christmas stockings or watching holiday parades on television. This big-batch recipe is ideal for feeding a houseful of overnight holiday guests.

Or it can be prepared in advance and doled out as needed throughout the week. The muffins also can be made as a treat for holiday office luncheons. Cut the recipe in half for smaller yields.

Spiced Yogurt Muffins (Yield: 50 servings) 6 1⁄2 cups Dannon plain fat-free Greek yogurt 4 cups water, room temperature 1 box (5 lbs) Gold Medal® Muffin Mix, Whole Grain Variety 3 tablespoons McCormick pumpkin pie spice 2 tablespoons McCormick Chipotle cinnamon Combine yogurt and water in mixing bowl.

Whisk until blended. Set aside.

Add spices to dry muffin mix in a large bowl.

Add yogurt and water mixture to the muffin mixture. Mix until just blended. Don’t overmix.

Using a scoop, portion into greased or lined muffin pans. Bake at 350 F for 24 minutes, or 17 to 20 minutes in a convection oven, until the tops are golden brown.

1. Stir together the white sugar, corn syrup and water in your pot.

Cook over medium heat, stirring all the while, until the sugar dissolves.

Then bring to a boil.

Without stirring, heat to 300-310 degrees according to your thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of syrup into cold water. Look for hard, brittle threads to form when it’s ready.

2. Remove the candy from the heat and stir in

Wishing You All the Ingredients of a Merry Christmas!

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patronage. At the holidays and all year, it’s a pleasure serving folks like you!

Thank you for your friendship and support throughout the year. We wish you and your family all the very best at this joyous time of year.

304 3rd Avenue, P.O. Box 516 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-4880 825 US Hwy 8, Ste. 2 • St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-2799

Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls • 715-483-5178

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

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DECEMBER 19, 2018

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Prepare for a sledding adventure Gingerbread cake

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ashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh …

Winter holidays are made all the more merry with the addition of some outdoor recreation. Sleighs and sleds are par for the Christmas course, especially when a bounty of snow is in the forecast.

Sledding has been part of snowy celebrations for ages. Sledding is a funfilled activity, but it can be made an even better time, and a little safer, if revelers learn a little more about it.

Sled styles Sleds come in many different styles, each with its own advantages.

Sleds with metal blades will work like ice skates, balancing rider’s weight on two metal runners.

These sleds can work well during icy conditions or with hard-packed

snow. Toboggans can fit multiple people, which can increase the fun factor and downhill speeds.

Saucer-style sleds are good for one or two people. Foam liners on some saucers can absorb shock for riders, making those downhill bumps a little easier on the backside.

Keep in mind that sleds with steering mechanisms are easier to control, which can equate to safer sledding.

Layer up It is best to dress in layers when going sledding Even if it seems warm at home, it may be colder and windier at the top of hills. Sweating when it’s cold out can increase a person’s risk for hypothermia. According to experts at Timberline Trails, a person who works up a sweat and comes in contact with ambient air when tak-

s ' n o s a Se s g n i t e e r G

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atch up to a holiday tradition with toasty freshbaked gingerbread. Gingerbread refers to a variety of baked goods with a prominent flavor of ginger and sweetened with brown sugar, molasses or honey. They can be fluffy like a cake or crisp like a thin cookie. This makes gingerbread the perfect versatile holiday treat.

Whip up this fluffy gingerbread cake, warm up a cup of tea and watch the snow fall for an afternoon.

Put safety first when sledding. Sled during the daytime so visibility is better.

ing a break will feel an immediate chill. This is called evaporative danger, and can be remedied by dressing in layers and trying to stay dry.

Invest in a helmet Sledding requires the use of a helmet. At high speeds, a blow to the head can cause a concussion or worse.

Let others go first Wait until some sledders have already gone downhill, allowing them to compact the snow, which should make for a smooth ride.

Choose safe hills, such as those that are

free of bare spots, holes, trees, and obstructions, and do not end abruptly at a road. Hills with a long, flat areas at the end make for easy, safe stopping.

Safety first Put safety first when sledding. Sled during the daytime so visibility is better. Keep arms and legs on the sled, and only sled feet-first, advises the National Safety Council.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, sledders can make sure this popular winter activity is as safe as it is fun.

Gingerbread (recipe by King Arthur flour) 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour or 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger or 3 tablespoons fresh grated ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon cloves ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ½ cup unsalted butter, melted ¾ cup molasses ¼ cup water 1 egg 1 cup buttermilk ½ cup diced crystallized ginger (optional)

1. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Add the molasses to the melted butter, then to the dry ingredients, mixing to moisten. Add the water and stir to combine.

3. Whisk together the egg and buttermilk, then stir into the batter. Add the crystallized ginger, if using.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sides just begin to pull away from the pan.

4. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before slicing. It’s best served warm.

from all of us at

Merry Christmas!

715-294-2165 South of Osceola on Hwy. 35

www.osceolaautobody.com

208 2nd Avenue, Osceola 715-294-4640 Catch up to a holiday tradition with toasty fresh-baked gingerbread.

Start Your Engines…

Christmas Is Coming!

Merry Christmas Thomas J Klugow, AAMS®

As we gear up for another holiday season, we’d like to send you our best wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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As we get ready for another Christmas, we’d like to take time out to acknowledge the many customers who have helped make this year a bright one for us. Happy Holidays!

Osceola Cleaners 715-294-3634 • OSCEOLA, WI

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 19, 2018

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31ST ANNUAL

LOVE LIGHTS Shine at Osceola Medical Center - A blessed season to all!

We want to thank everyone who designated lights in honor or memory of friends and family to the Love Light Tree at Osceola Medical Center. The lights will continue to shine in the darkness each night during the holiday season.

IN HONOR Margaret Bader Ron Bader Angie Brassow Pastor Brassow Darlene Brown Laurelei Creuzer* Sara Cutts Windfield DeMenge David Dudash* Elmer Eliason* Paul Eliason* Brody Erlitz+* Todd Fox*

Joan Gear Chad Haidel* Margaret Handrahan Wm J Hanser, Jr* LaVonne Heitman Jack Heyer* Lewis Ingram, Jr+* Lamar Johnson* Richard Kern Clarence Kobs Dale Kobs* Dorinda Kobs Gary Kobs

GROUP LIGHTS Glenn Kobs Lloyd Kobs Bob Kuntz* JoAnn Kuntz Nick Kuntz* Lisa Larson Grandma & Grandpa Lundin Brian MacKenzii* Gary McCurdy* Allen Measner* Ardis Meyer Jeff Meyer*

Andrew Mike* Alajah Moore Antwan Moore Nasreen Melanie Nelson* Jan Niemi Pamela Pederson Dr Arnold Potek* Nancy Potek James Prodger, Jr* Lucy Pullen Bonnie Schmitt Edwin Schulte*

Mike Schultz* Thomas Skow* Dave Smith* Rev Dwaine Sutherland* John Thiel* Grandson Jaxson Tinney Grandson JJ Tinney Samantha Wendt+* ER Nurse

Marlys (Pettis) Haugen Dr Rudy Hecht, MD Robert Heil* Dale Heitman* Vi Heitman Almae Henderson Tootie Henkel+ Ann Hennessey Edward Hennessey* Jeffrey Heuer+ Marvin Heuer Wayne Heuer+ Sharon Highlund LeRoy Hinz Carson Holmquist* Bessie Hoverman Dorothy C Hoverman Lawrence Hoverman Gene Hoy* Mary Ingram Scott P Ingram Lewis Ingram, Sr* Diane Isaacson Evie Jacobson Emma Jahnke John Jenkins Barry Johnson Bill Johnson* Clare Johnson Eleanor Johnson Ev Johnson Leif Johnson Lloyd H Johnson Ollie Johnson* Sue Ann Johnson Marge Kalling Stan Kalling Thelma Kinne Arnold Kobs Gert Kobs Leonard Kobs Brooke Kowarsch* Betty Kralewski

Judy Kratochvil Bert Kraus* Rose Mary Kreft Josie Krenz+ Raymond Kuhl* Sally Kuhl* Mike Kuntz Sr* Carole LaMere John LaMere Lynus LaMere Rita LaMere Arlene Larson Eleanor Larson Ella Larson Harvey Larson* Henry Larson Karlene Larson Lewis Larson Minnie Larson Wayne Ledin* Sheldon Levin Charles H Lewis Charles L Lewis Mary C Lewis Virginia L Lewis John Loescher* LaVerne Loescher Judy Low Guy Ludvigson+ Karl Ludvigson+ Loyd & Shirley Lund Scott Marble Ron Martire Grandma Emma Maypark Cleo McCall Russell McCall Gene McCurdy* Hazel McKenzie Mary McKenzie Steven McKenzie* Kenneth Measner Marian Measner

Kenneth Meyer* Sue Miles+ Jerome Miller* Alzy Mondor Imogene Mondor Jody Mullen Clarence Neumann Clem Neumann+ Dorothy Neumann+ Edward Neumann Jeannette Neumann Julaine Neumann Leona Neumann Roger Neumann+ Ted Neumann+ Helen Newcomb Julaine Nicklas Darlene Nieman Christine Niemi Enyard Olson* Lawrence Olson Marjorie Olson Mindy Olson Robert E Olson* Victoria Olson Cecil Palmsteen Joyce Palmsteen Lyle Palmsteen John Pauloweit Walter Pauloweit* Jackson Pearson Fred Peper Irene Peper Ruth Peper Mildred Peters Wallace Peters Grampa John Peterson* John G Peterson Richard (Rick) Peterson* Lute Pettis Mayme Pettis Nick Phillips Jack Pixley

IN MEMORY Dr Richard Addy* Millie Addy Marian Addy Popov Nicole Anderson Shirley Anderson Fern Arndt Jim Arndt Terry Baker* Marilyn Basham Harry Beck* Don Belisle Marian Belisle Vic Belisle Ted Bentz Aaron Berg* Bernice Berg Cari Berhow Bernie Beyl Donna Johnson Beyl Joseph Lee Bibeau* Susan Blanchette Wayne Bork* Evan Bresina Noah Bridges Earl Brown+* Ray & Mabel Brust Helen Casey William Casey Jr* William Casey Sr* Cathy Cesnik Alice Chantelois+ Bill Chantelois Juanita Clark Lehman Clark Bruce Cole Larry Cotter Raymond Cotter Walter James Creuzer* Lillian DeMenge Joan Demulling Sherm Demulling* Esther Doll Warren Doll

Herby Dorr* Roslee Dorr Ruby Dorr Mary Drinkwine Ellie Ekstrand Elsie Ekstrand Joyce Ekstrand+ Ralph Ekstrand+ William Ekstrand+* Art Everson+ Edith Everson Edy Everson Gramma Edy Everson Grampa Art Everson Al Fehlen Helen Fehlen Robert (Bob) Fehlen* Jerry Felling Bruce Fishback Dorothy Fox Lester Fox Baby Gerlach Jo Gerlach Marlin Gerlach* Clarence Getschel Gladys Getschel Cliff Gilbertson Georganne Gore Marlene Gross Amy J Guyan George Guyan Mary Handberg George Handrahan* Michael Handrahan Mildred & Francis Handrahan Clifford Hanson* Iva Hanson Kenneth Hanson+ Clyde Hatch Mabel Hatch Michael Hatch Ronnie Hatch

P.O. Box 218, Osceola, WI 54020 | 715-294-2111 | MyOMC.org

Brandt/Langer Family Family, Friends & Grandchildren of Fern Brunclik CCH Osceola Grow Osceola OMC Volunteers+ Osceola Rivertown Trails Coalition Partners of OMC The Teachers of Osceola

SPONSORS Brad Johnson, MD Dr. Amanda Tembreull Dr. Steven B Schletty Grandstrand Funeral Home Hauge Dental Care J & S General Construction Osceola Family Eyecare James Prodger, Sr* Brian J Raska Herman J Raska+ Melvin J Raska* Norma J Raska Willis Reiter Rosemary Remillard Lyle Rider* Clarence Rother* Floyd Rother* Myrtle Rother Ethel Rud Paul Rud Brian G Salmon Gregory R Salmon* James Salmon* Joan A Salmon Marilyn Salmon Steven S Salmon Pete Schaar Dr Fred & Mickey Schletty Lucille Schmidt Orville Schmidt Richard Schmitt* Delores Sengbusch Robert Shannon* CH Smitty Smith Rosemond Snell Susan Spry Raymond Stachowski Eugene Stauffer* Grace Stauffer Elmer Steffen Francis Steffen Jack Steffen* Lela Steffen Sally (LaSarah) Steffen Curtis Steffen, Sr* Elmer “Amy” Steinmetz

Alice Stober Betty Stouffer Bob Stouffer* Forrest Stuempges+* Terry Stuempges Charlie Svoboda* Elmer Swenson Jeff Swenson* Louise Swenson Dorman Tarman* Edward Tarman Gladys Tarman Jason Thiel William H Thiel* Jack Thielke Barbara A Thompson Dale Thompson Diane Thompson Lyle Thompson* Richard Thompson Ruth Thompson Elizabeth (Betty) Thornton Reds Thornton* Grandma Bernie Tinney Grandpa Ralph Tinney* Gary Tomlinson Jack Ulrich Lena & George Viebrock Dale Waters+ James F West* Marian White William Wick Jr Mary Wirth Avis M Wolter Ernest Wolter Alex Woodworth Gary Yost*

*Military + Multiple lights

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

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DECEMBER 19, 2018

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25 days of traditions

Everyone knows the best gift of all is the gift of time. And what better time of year than the holidays to do things with friends and family? Here are 25 traditions you can practice this December.

Game night. There are holiday-specific games out there, but you can’t go wrong by sticking with a classic. Check out your local toy and game store for some family friendly games.

Christmas movie marathon. Too many choices to go wrong here. From the Griswolds to George Bailey, there’s a classic for your family.

Caroling. Through your neighborhood or through your town, caroling is always more fun with friends.

Holiday baking. There is a recipe for every taste bud and every skill level. Check out online recipes for unique options. Many local grocery stores also offer holiday baking classes. Ask around for times and options.

Christmas lights. Put a little twinkle on your house or on your tree.

Choose a tree. Choosing a Christmas tree is a classic tradition with the added bonus of making your home smell amazing.

Wear Christmas pajamas. They don’t have to match (but it’s more fun if they do).

Christmas cards. Make them or buy them, but please send them out.

Elf on the Shelf. Quickly becoming a cult classic.

Christmas cookie swap. This party’s entire premise is all about you getting to sample cookies. The holiday joy is baked right in.

Angel tree. Be someone else’s Santa.

Advent calendar. Counting down the days can be a fun tradition for the entire family.

Ornaments. Give your kids or loved one a new ornament each year. Over the years, the tree itself will become a family album.

Make hot cocoa. Yum. There are many recipes out there to completely innovate this holiday treat.

Take a drive. Admire others’ decorations.

Volunteer. This is a hard time of year for others.

Turn the act of kindness into a tradition.

Say thank you. To your friends, to your kids, to your mom, anyone that has had an impact on you.

Get a photo with Santa. These will amuse you for years to come.

Take in a show. Or a second-grade Christmas pageant. Support local artists and students by showing up.

Get dressed up. Put on your best and walk the square. There is something special about getting your cheeks pink that sparks joy this time of year.

Get a toy, give a toy. Teach your children to donate unwanted or old toys to others.

Treat those you depend on. Take cookies to the police station, the fire station and to your Post Office.

Make a snowman. Or, if you live in a warm climate, decorate a gingerbread house.

Decorate a gingerbread house. It shouldn’t be an “either/or” situation.

Leave cookies for Santa. He’s got a long night. He appreciates it.

Wishing You a Beautiful Seaon

Getting in the spirit

We all want to feel the spirit of Christmas during the holiday season.

Maybe this involves spending some time building a snowman or attending a special church service. Taking in a holiday performance is a great way to soak up the joys of Christmas and an event you can turn into a memorable family tradition.

No matter how you find your holiday spirit, here are a few suggestions on how to do it up right.

Choose a Holiday Outfit If you look back at photos of Christmas pasts, you may notice how everyone was dressed in their holiday best, even for opening gifts on Christmas morning. While you may not be ready to part with your Christmas morning PJs, try getting dressed up for another holiday occasion, like a party or a trip to the theater.

Choose your Performance Depending on where you live, there may be many options to choose from. You can fi nd performances of “The Nutcracker” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” in your neck of the woods.

If you call a small town home and haven’t seen anything advertised in your local paper, try checking in with your Chamber of Commerce. Most keep a calendar of events.

Make a night of it Plan to go out to dinner before your event. This is also another occasion to show off your holiday best.

Be sure to make a reservation; this time of year many restaurants get busy and even restaurants that don’t normally take reservations switch to this system for a month or two in order to give better customer service.

Wishing You An Old-Fashioned Christmas May you and yours be graced with all the special blessings this season of joy holds. We wish you every happiness as you celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year among cherished family and friends.

With warmth and good cheer from days of yore, we wish you a Merry Christmas and many more.

Thank you for your continued friendship and patronage.

From the of¿ce of...

Dr. Steven B. Schletty

215 Cascade, Osceola • 294-3303 · 755-3303

Delivering Our Best at Christmastime

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As we count our blessings this holiday season and reÀect on the miracle of life, we realize how much ours has been enhanced by knowing and serving all of you. May you and your loved ones revel in the joy of the season, and please accept our best wishes and gratitude.

Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service 941 State Road 35 • Osceola • 715-294-3111 201 N. Adams St. • St. Croix Falls • 715-483-3141

o all of our valued readers and friends, go our sincere best wishes for a merry and bright holiday season filled with peace, joy and contentment. We are so proud to be a part of this fine community, and we consider it an honor to be the local and trusted news source you turn to throughout the year.

Thank you for your readership and support.

Happy Holidays!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 19, 2018

THE SUN

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

The Osceola Elementary School performed their annual concert on Friday. They performed several songs including Christmastime/Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Jingle Bell Rock.

Making candy with family and friends could turn out to be the most delicious Christmas tradition yet! This holiday season, try your hand at peppermint bark.

This is a low-stress kind of candy that is so easy to customize per your taste, includes zero wrapping and looks gorgeous.

Ingredients 12 oz. white chocolate 12 oz. dark chocolate Crushed peppermint candy Supplies 9x12 lipped cookie sheet Parchment paper Saucepan and two metal or glass bowls 1. Before you get started with the chocolates, line your pan with parchment paper. This will make your life so much easier when the candy cools.

2. Grab the dark chocolate and melt it through the double boiler

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Making peppermint bark method. Pour the chocolates into a glass or metal bowl, and place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. This allows the chocolates to melt slowly. Stir until you have a smooth consistency.

3. Next, pour the dark chocolate onto the parchment-lined pan.

Allow the chocolate to spread (or help it out with a spatula) until it evenly covers the surface.

4. Then, grab a second bowl and repeat the same process with the white chocolate. Your finished product will have better results if the dark chocolate is still warm when you layer the white chocolate onto it. Again, you want an even layer.

5. Before the white chocolate cools, sprinkle your crushed peppermint candies on top.

6. Let the whole pan harden in the refrigerator for at least two hours before breaking the can-

dy into pieces. Since the goal is a bark-like form, there is no right or wrong way to do this. These candies can be stored in a bag or airtight container on the counter, unless you live in a warm or humid climate, then the refrigerator is best.

Customize This candy is easy to customize.

First, you can use any type of peppermint candy you want. Don’t go looking for pre-crushed peppermint. Rather, purchase candy canes or peppermint drops and crush them yourself.

Don’t like dark chocolate? Substitute milk chocolate or forgo it altogether. This is one of the few candy recipes that requires only three ingredients and no thermometer. Enjoy its simplicity and yummy taste throughout the Christmas season.

Answers on page 14.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

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DECEMBER 19, 2018

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Wassail from the United Kingdom

Though it sounds like a German word, wassail is a punch from the U.K. It comes from the Old English waes hael, or be hale, referring effects of a cup of the warm, fortifying mulled cider.

It’s made famous by the carol “Here We Come A Wassailing”.

History The earliest versions of wassail were made from sweet mead warmed and combined with toasted crabapples that boiled in the mead until they burst. This drink, called lambswool, was traditionally consumed around Lammas Day, the first harvest festival of the year.

That drink evolved into a mulled wine, cider or fruit juice concoction, spiced and sweetened.

Modern recipes frequently start with fruit juices instead of wine; mulled wine is a separate but similar warming holiday drink.

Wassail bowls Wassail bowls, according to craftsman and researcher Stuart King, were traditionally made

The earliest versions of wassail were made from sweet mead warmed and combined with toasted crabapples that boiled in the mead until they burst.

of lignum vitae or guayacan, a hard and durable wood from South America. They were huge goblets, essentially, usually ornate and perched on a thick stem. Today, we can sub out a good punch bowl or, to keep the drink warm and toasty with the slow cooker.

Wassail 2 quarts apple cider 2 cups orange juice ½ cup pineapple juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2-3 cinnamon sticks Dash of ground cinnamon Dash of ground cloves, or to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer to a slow-cooker on low for party service. For a toasty adult beverage, add a tot of rum or bourbon to the cup.

What Christmas is for Christmas is for singing What would the holidays be without music? From family singalongs to carols on the radio and sacred hymns to mark the season, music is a joyful way to celebrate.

Christmas is for worship For believers, Christmas is a time to celebrate one of the most important moments in history: the birth of Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus’ miraculous birth has captivated generations of Christians and forms the foundation for America’s most beloved holiday every year.

Christmas is for memories The sights, sounds and smells of the holidays are unforgettable.

Whether you’re building new memories with loved ones or reminiscing about times gone by, every December brings another Christmas to remember.

Christmas is for family More than any other American holiday, Christmas brings families together to celebrate the season.

Folks travel from near and far to

spend time as a family and reconnect over food, fun and decorations.

It’s a time when people set aside all their other priorities to focus on what matters most: family connections.

Christmas is for flavors Candy canes, cranberries, eggnog, fruitcake, pie and spices.

These are just a few of the tastes and smells that combine when we celebrate the holidays every year.

Families often have their own cherished recipes, sometimes passed from generation to generation, that become a treasured tradition over time.

Christmas is for decorating Wreaths, ribbons, bows and lights are just a few of the ways we celebrate the holiday season. Many of our most revered decorating traditions also have deep roots and symbolic meanings that stretch back to our long-ago ancestors, particularly evergreen trees and holly wreaths.

Christmas is for caring

Celebrating the Christmas holiday means one thing for many people: expressing love and gratitude for the people around us. It’s a yearly reminder of how we should all strive to take care of one another in all our seasons, not just during the Christmas festivities.

Christmas is for children Many of America’s most beloved Christmas traditions revolve around children. From opening presents on Christmas morning to visiting Grandma’s house and decorating a tree, both the young and young-at-heart get a place of honor every December.

Christmas is for giving Above all else, Christmas is about being generous. From unwrapping gifts and giving away delicious treats to building traditions that bond generations of families together, the Christmas holiday is all about giving. And it started with a beautiful story, as Christians believe, of God’s greatest gift coming into the world.

Go nuts for this cool-weather treat Many nuts get plenty of fanfare, from the almond to the walnut to the peanut — which isn’t even a nut at all! However, without the familiar holiday tune “The Christmas Song,” many folks may not even know about a relatively obscure nut that tends to only turn up around the holiday season.

When Nat King Cole sings “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” he’s referring to the starchy, sweet and flavorful chestnut, which is an edible nut from a tree native to the northern hemisphere.

Chestnuts belong to the beech or Fagaceae family of trees, which are native to the mountainous forests of China, Japan, Europe, and North America. Chestnuts were once staples of North American diets because they could be found quite readily along the Eastern seaboard, where many early settlers first landed their ships. Chestnuts were once were the most popular ingredient in 18th and 19th cuisine and became widely linked to Christmas dinner.

Early American chestnuts were small and flavorful and were abundant in late fall. Chestnuts once had a sweet flavor when eaten raw. However, they took on a nutty essence when roasted. Chestnut street vendors could be found sending off wafting aromas of inviting chestnuts from corner to corner. Unfortunately, a chestnut tree blight in the early 20th century decimated nearly all American Chestnut trees, leading to the demise of the domestic chestnut industry — and perhaps contributing to a declining interest in chestnuts with winter meals.

Today, most chestnuts are imported from Korea, China and Italy. The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center reports that American chestnut production is less than 1 percent of total world production. The United States has 919 farms producing chestnuts on more than 3,700 acres. There may be hope for reviving interest in chestnuts as new research is trying to prevent the Asian blight that wiped out trees long ago.

Chestnuts traditionally pop up in stores during the holiday season. Unlike other nuts and seeds, they are relatively low in calories or fats, but are a rich source of minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. They can be incorporated into many different meals and are worthy additions to a healthy diet.

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The full OHS band performed their Winter Concert on Dec. 4, led by Mr. Art Aytay.

Spiritual Christmas traditions to embrace

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The holiday season is a special and spiritual time of year. arriving in Bethlehem, inns had no vacancies, but Mary and Joseph were given shelter in a stable where Jesus was ultimately born.

Attend church Churches traditionally hold religious services on Christmas Eve and Christmas. These services are joyful expressions of faith, music and community spirit.

But Christmas mass is not the only time to head to church. During Advent, the four-week period preceding Christmas, Catholics prepare

The Reason for the Season As we celebrate the birth of our beloved Savior, may the miraculous spirit of the season fill you with rapture.

From our family to yours, best wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas.

and repent. Advent calendars help count down the days until Christmas.

Set out a nativity scene Make a nativity scene the primary focus of Christmas decorations and encourage children to play with the figures and act out the Christmas story.

Focus on gifts for good Families can focus their energies on faithful endeavors and the spirit of giving that’s synonymous with the season. Do good deeds for others, embrace

peace and love and share special time with others.

Sing carols Spread the holiday spirit through song. Get together with a group of friends or neighbors and go door-to-door, or hold a caroling performance at a centralized location.

Select religious hymns, but also include some secular favorites.

The holiday season is a great time of year to reconnect with one’s faith and spirituality.

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Gift green There are also many companies out there that turn used items into chic bags, phone cases, glassware, blankets and other highly giftable goods.

Remember to factor in things like shipping when considering the impact of a gift on the environment. If it has to be flown in from overseas,

it may not be as green as you think.

For a really green holiday, the best idea may be to simply give less. Do a gift exchange instead of buying for everyone in your family and don’t be afraid to regift items or give only handmade goods. Otherwise, look for locally made, battery-free gifts to minimize your impact on the environment.

Give green We’ve already learned that buying less is a great step toward a sustainable Christmas.

But you can also give to charities in the name of your friends and family, particularly those that are hard to buy for. There are several websites for evaluating charities; whichever one you choose, make sure the charity is reputable and lines up with the interest of the person you’re making a gift for.

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ake your Christmas celebrations extra green by using these easy and simple sustainable ideas.

Reduce, reuse, recycle Most communities have a Christmas tree recycling campaign that starts just after the holiday is over. These programs are either curbside, where you just leave your tree outside and the municipality picks it up, or drop-off, where you take your tree to a collection point. If you don’t have a program in your area, look for local garden centers that will mulch your tree for you to use in your yard come spring.

Some nonprofits will also collect your tree for a small fee.

Don’t forget about wrapping paper, either.

Many companies offer recycled wrapping paper options in a variety of patterns. And, of course, you can always drop off your used wrapping paper, boxes, and other paper trimmings off at your local recycling center. Read your labels, though, and make sure you’re recycling the right things. Many bows, for example, only contaminate the recycling bin.

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he holiday season is a special and spiritual time of year. It can sometimes be easy to get lost in the more commercial aspects of the holiday season, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with shopping for gifts that will show your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them.

For those who want to focus on the spiritual side of this special time of year, the following suggestions can help in those efforts.

Share the story of Christmas The Gospels of Mark and Luke offer differing accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ. Both indicate that Jesus was born to Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. Mary became pregnant through immaculate conception, as she was a virgin when visited by an angel who informed her that she was to carry God’s son.

At the time of Christ’s birth, all Jewish people had to be counted by Roman soldiers for tax purposes. That required people to return to their places of birth. As a result, Mary and Joseph set out on an arduous journey to Bethlehem. Upon

Have a very green holiday

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A holiday meal for every diet

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lanning holiday celebrations around people with special diets can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.

Keep reading for tips on keeping the dietary drama on low for your holiday feasts.

Communicate Most people with special diets are used to

either accommodating themselves or helping others to accommodate them. You can’t help the occasional attitude, but what you can do is thoughtfully ask your guest what their preferences are.

If it’s a potluck, invite them to make a dish for everyone; you might be surprised how good it is.

Wishing you and your family

Never say that someone will never know meat, dairy or wheat are in a dish. Sneaking in certain foods can make a guest very ill.

Vegetarians Vegetarians, simply put, don’t eat meat. Some people may be pescatarians, in which they eat fish or shellfish. When cooking for vegetarians, be careful what you use for flavoring dishes. For instance, don’t add bacon to a largely vegetable side dish, and

(including your fourfooted ones)

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avoid using chicken or beef broths in their food.

Instead, substitute spices or vegetable broth for a punch of flavor your guests can stomach.

Vegans Vegans don’t eat any foods derived from animals. This includes milk, butter and eggs, staples of holiday baking and cooking. The good news is there are substitutions for many of these products; ask your local grocery store for suggestions. Plan plenty

of vegetable dishes and choose salads and dressings without cheese or cream.

Gluten-free Gluten is a mixture of two proteins found in some grains. It’s what makes bread dough stretchy. But it’s not just bread you have to watch for. Gluten hides in a variety of foods like soups, pasta, cereals, sauces, rouxs, salad dressings, malt, food coloring and beer.

Your local grocery

probably has a gluten-free aisle or section where you can buy onefor-one flour mixtures, gluten-free crackers and cookies, pastas, and other items to round out your menu. Also remember to avoid cross-contamination.

Don’t prepare gluten-free dishes around grain-based dishes that have gluten, and provide separate utensils for the gluten-free versions of any dish.

Holiday movie lineup

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he holiday season brings many traditions — holiday baking, decorating and parties, to name a few. But when the day is done, continue the holiday cheer by cozying up on the couch with a great holiday movie.

Alone or surrounded by your favorite people, here is a sampling of holiday movies you should watch at least once.

Animated A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Follow the whole Peanuts gang as Charlie Brown tries to understand what Christmas is all about.

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We hope your holiday is filled with reasons to celebrate.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A Tim Burton holiday masterpiece follows Jack, a skeleton bored with his own holiday of Halloween, who tries on Christmas for size.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (two versions) (1966 and 2000): Incomparable and fantastic in their own way, both will undoubtedly make your heart grow three sizes.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): If you ever doubted that Kermit the Frog and Charles Dickens could create magic, this film is here to prove otherwise. Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Ebenezer Scrooge make this film a casting win.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This stop-motion animation is a classic. It’s time to introduce a whole new generation to Rudolf and his misfit friends.

The Polar Express (2004): This recent classic features breathtaking animation and Tom Hanks as the voice over for several characters, following a young boy on a train ride to the North Pole. Wonders never cease for those who believe.

Feel-Good Family Movies A Christmas Story (1983): We all had that one toy we wanted desperately as a child. For Ralphie Parker, this was

the Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and “this thing which tells time.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): Clark Griswold has big holiday plans.

But like most plans, things don’t go as expected. In other words, disaster, Griswold style.

Home Alone (1990): Left at home at Christmas by mistake, Keven McCallister is left to fight off two reckless burglars with creative pranks only a child could imagine.

Elf (2003): Buddy the Elf is lovable and full of so much Christmas cheer, he will remind any Scrooge of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Family Man (2000): One Christmas night, Jack wakes to find his lavish bachelor lifestyle replaced with the life he would have had, had he stayed with

his college sweetheart.

Think a modern twist of the “what if” plot of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen provides a whole new (comedic) possibility to the origins of Santa Clause.

Prancer (1989): A farm girl finds a wounded reindeer she believes is Prancer, hoping to nurse it back to health in time for Christmas.

Classics It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): George Bailey has a wonderful life, and he will leave you feeling like yours is pretty great, too.

White Christmas (1954): Starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, two of the greats remembered year after year for their renditions of Christmas classics.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994): It’s OK to believe in Santa — after all, faith is what Christmas is all about.

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Host a Christmas card party

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Parties fill the Christmas season, so why not host one of your own?

Gather friends, families and neighbors to put together one-of-a-kind creations for others.

Even those friends who may not have your enthusiasm for crafts will soon be overtaken with the joy that comes with giving to others. Providing hot cocoa, Christmas cookies and holiday music never hurts either.

Here is what you need to get started: Gather Supplies Shop sales and craft stores to gather supplies for your cards. In this situation, it is best to buy more than you need; any left over supplies will be used at some point or another and will not go to waste.

Encourage others to bring odds and ends; someone’s fun ribbon paired with another person’s sticker collection could be just what Santa ordered.

Choose Recipients This is the most fun part. Choose people or groups of people to receive the fruits of this

ermans often toast the holiday with a traditional cup of mulled wine, or in German, glüwhein.

There are many variations on this drink, but the basics are usually hot red wine mixed with spices and fruits, probably citrus.

There’s even a version called feuerzangtasse, or fire cup, featuring a flaming cone of sugar on top.

You can make your own mulling spices or look for ready-made packets and mixes in your local grocery or liquor store near the wine. Serve your mulled wine in cups or mugs rather than your stemware.

Shop sales and craft stores to gather supplies for your cards.

labor.

There are many people who would smile at a homemade card (perhaps their only gift), so it might be hard to narrow down the list of recipients. Women’s shelters, hospitals, nursing homes and organizations that handle sending items to active military personnel are all great choices.

Get the Kids Involved Whether they are your own or the children of loved ones, encourage the kiddos to participate.

Sending Christmas cards is a celebration of the season and a celebration of love and support and you don’t need to be familiar with people in order to give those sentiments.

Just remember that

writing notes and cards need some thought and focus to keep the sentiment meaningful. Give the younger members of your craft team some context for who the cards are for. Children rarely need to be told what to say when it comes to sharing their hearts, so don’t worry, they will turn out adorable.

Pets and holiday gifting

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German Glüwhein

urry, finned and feathered friends help make a house a home. These companions are more than just pets; they’re often cherished family members.

So it should come as no surprise that, come the holidays, people want to lavish extra attention on their animals by way of presents.

The American Pet Products Association says pet owners spend billions of dollars on their pets each year. The majority of pet owners plan to gift their pets on holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas. DogTime.com says that pet presents are not a North American phenomenon, either. Pet owners in the United Kingdom are expected to spend the equivalent of $46 U.S. per pet on gifts.

While dog owners are more likely to buy their pets gifts, cat owners have been closing that gap over the years. Some pet parents even offer Christmas cards or hang Christmas stockings for their pets.

According to data from PricewaterhouseCoopers, shoppers between the ages of 17 and 21 are willing to spend more than anyone else ($70) on holiday gifts for their pets.

Gifting pets has become the norm, but various animal welfare organizations advise that giv-

Glüwhein ¾ cup water ¾ cup sugar 1 cinnamon stick 10 cloves ½ cup orange juice 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds 1 750mL bottle of red wine

1. Mix the water, sugar, spices and juice together in a saucepan. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until syrupy.

2. Add the wine and cook until warmed through.

Serve in warm mugs with rounds of orange.

Note: This is a basic recipe. Feel free to adjust to your tastes by lessening or adding sugar, adding other spices (ginger, star anise), other flavors (vanilla), or fruits (lemon, apples).

Holiday color trends

W iing companion i animals i l as pets t should be avoided. Pets given as gifts may be at a higher risk for surrender to shelters by families who miscalculated the amount of time and money that’s necessary to care for pets. Welcoming a pet into the family is often a personal decision, and one that should be weighed carefully by all members of the household.

e’ve seen purple everywhere in 2018, and holiday displays won’t likely be any different. In fact, the Pantone color of 2018 is ultra-violet, a dramatic and eye-catching shade of purple. Here are some more combinations you’re likely to see around the trees.

Eclectic Anything goes in this mix-and-match decorating style that combines colors, styles and cultures for a gloriously glam holiday look. While it may look extraordinarily complicated, the key to eclectic style is really to keep things as simple as possible. Don’t look for fancy card holders, just stick them up with plain old tape. Do try to group together like colors once in a while to give the eye a break and remember that these spaces have to be lived in, too. Place your decor accordingly.

Rose gold Another color that’s been everywhere is rose gold. Pair this soft pink metallic with vivid purples for a dramatic look or pale pink for a toned down, feminine look. Look for rose gold versions of traditional metal holiday decor, like candleSEE COLOR, PAGE 16

How to make the holiday season more eco-friendly

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ith so much to do, it can be easy for people celebrating the holiday season to forget about the environment.

But no matter how hectic the holiday season can be, there are always some simple opportunities to make it more eco-friendly.

• Create an eco-friendly party theme. Many holiday parties have themes. For example, “ugly sweater parties” have become so popular that many clothing manSEE ECO-FRIENDLY, PAGE 12

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Top-selling gifts from years past

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any children who grew up in the 1980s hoped to find a wrapped Cabbage Patch Doll under the tree on Christmas morning, and many parents went to great lengths to procure such dolls for their children.

Cabbage Patch Dolls are just one example of a toy creating a shopping frenzy. Over the years, many toys have become the must-have presents of their times. The following is a history of some of the more popular gifts from bygone years.

1984: Transformers were a must-have present in 1984. Originally produced by a Japanese toy company, Transformers were eventually produced by Hasbro and became so popular they were a toy that spawned an animated series (not the series leading to the toy) and later block-buster live-action movies.

1985: Just about every child, and maybe even adult, wanted a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas in the 1980s. The system ushered in a new era of gaming, and helped make Super Mario Bros. a household name. NES continued its success for several years, selling seven million systems during the 1988 holiday season.

1986: Introduced the previous year, Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic bear that would tell stories from a cassette tape inserted in his back.

1990: Were you a fan of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, or Raphael? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were named after Renaissance artists, but they were just pizza-eating teenage heroes at the start of the 1990s. Kids obsessed over these action figures and the animated series that featured them.

1992: Barbie has always been a popular holiday gift, but her reinvented Barbie Dream House was something girls were clamoring for in the early 1990s. Barbie’s trendsetting home featured a ringing telephone, a working doorbell and a fireplace that lit up.

1993: The Talkboy was a portable audio cassette player and recorder made popular by the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

1995: Beanie Babies were a popular line of collectibles that enjoyed their heyday in 1995. Rare Beanie Babies would later be worth hundreds of dollars.

1997: Tamagotchi made its appearance and became a premiere virtual “pet.” Industry insiders estimate that, at the height of its popularity, 15 Tamagotchis sold every minute across North America.

1998: Building on the Tamagotchi success, Furbies were poised to become a hit as well. And they did, as 27 million Furbies were sold in 1998 alone.

Pokémon cards, Razor Scooters, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and many other gifts have reigned supreme during the holiday shopping season. Last year L.O.L. Surprise Dolls were the sleeper hit, and who is to say which gift will capture the hearts of kids this year?

Gingerbread goodness

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ingerbread is a broad term that can describe anything from a firm and crispy cookie to a moist, soft cake.

Traditionally, gingerbread is seasoned with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and other aromatic spices.

Molasses and brown sugar counteract the spice with sweetness.

North Americans have been baking gingerbread in various shapes or forms for more than 200 years, and the recipes even pre-date the American revolution.

ufacturers now intentionally produce colorful sweaters that might otherwise draw the ire of fashionistas. Hosts planning to throw an ugly sweater party can easily transform such festivities into something more eco-friendly by encouraging guests to purchase their sweaters from thrift stores. A Christmas tree planting party is another eco-friendly party theme that can benefit the planet and revitalize local forests at a time of year when they might be depleted due to the demand for natural Christmas trees.

• Serve locally sourced foods. Food is often front and center during the holiday season. Whether hosting family and friends at home, dining

out or catering an office party, patronize businesses that sell only locally sourced foods. Locally sourced foods are much more eco-friendly than foods that must be shipped from afar before they land on your dinner table, and such foods tend to taste fresh as well. If serving at home, use reusable dishware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic utensils.

• Reuse decorations year after year. Decorations need not be discarded once the holiday season ends. Come the new year, inspect holiday decorations and store those that made it through the season unscathed. Doing so benefits the planet and will save you the trouble of shopping for new decorations next holiday

made for centuries, Germans are often credited with creating gingerbread houses, according to Smithsonian. They were probably modeled after the witch’s candy cottage in the German fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.” Even though gingerbread can be made any time of year, it is particularly associated with the Christmas season, with gingerbread men and other fanciful shapes turning up on cookie platters.

Comfortable winter entertaining ideas Winter entertaining need not end once Christmas and New Year’s Day have come and gone. Getting together with friends and family is still possible even if the weather outside is frightful. When Mother Nature takes a chilly turn, those who don’t want the party can consider the following entertaining ideas.

• Indulge in sweet treats. Comfort foods can make even the most blustery winds easier to tolerate. Invite people over for a dessert party.

At a dessert pot luck party, everyone brings along a favorite decadent dessert, from molten lava chocolate cake to warm bread pudding. Serve alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Adults can enjoy the added punch of spiked beverages, which can warm everyone up instantly.

• Host a “snowed in” party. Spending a day cooped up inside when the roads are covered in snow might not be your idea of fun, but invite a mix of friends and neighbors who live nearby over, and this impromptu party can make the cabin fever

ECO-FRIENDLY: Simple suggestions for the holidays FROM PAGE 11

However, gingerbread dates back even further to the Shakespearean era, with The Bard having mentioned it in one of his plays.

Gingerbread’s name can be trace to medieval England and once referred to any kind of preserved ginger. The term went on to reference ginger-flavored cakes in the 15th century, and gingerbread eventually became popular throughout the world.

Even though gingerbread cakes and cookies have been

season.

• Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995?

Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights.

The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

An eco-friendly holiday season is easier to realize than many holiday celebrants may know.

Comforts foods can make even the most blusery winds easier to tolerate.

disappear. Ask guests to bring one food item or beverage. Light a fire in the fireplace and set out some cozy throw blankets. If possible, invite everyone outdoors to build a snowman.

• Get physical. Get physically active with friends or family members by staging mock Olympic events in the yard. These can be fun “sports” created by participants or variations on fun winter activities.

Sledding races, snowball dodging contests, ice skating obstacle cours-

es, and much more can make for an entertaining afternoon.

• Get cooking. Cooking can certainly pass the time, and it can be even more enjoyable when done in the company of others. Send out an invitation for friends to stop by for a meal or plan a meal prep party.

• Host a movie marathon. Handpick some favorite films and invite everyone over for a movie marathon. Fill the family room, home theater room or living room to capacity and host a

group for a film fest. If space permits, set up one room with a children’s movie for youngsters, while the adults retire to another room for movies that are more their speed. A buffet table set up with assorted snacks will help keep bellies full while guests watch some favorite flicks.

Winter days and nights are ripe for entertaining possibilities. These events help squash the cabin fever that can sometimes develop during the colder times of year.

Holiday state of mind

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ot everyone has a joyful, happy holiday. The stress of parties, gift-buying, travel, family and expectations can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions. Here are some ways to keep yourself centered this holiday season.

you’re prone to seasonal changes in mood. Even indoor lighting, like fluorescent lights, can help. Punch up your exposure by taking a quick walk outside on a sunny day.

Set Realistic Expectations Don’t paint Norman Rockwell holiday scenes in your head, and especially avoid comparing yourself to other family members, advises the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Instead, adjust your expectations and try to focus on positive accomplishments and experiences.

Stay Away From the Drinks Alcohol is a depressant, and while it may be tempting to reach for a drink to relax at a party or after a stressful day, don’t do it. NAMI reports a 20 percent overlap between people with anxiety or mood disorders and substance use, even though alcohol and drugs can exacerbate their symptoms.

Here Comes the Sun Make sure to make time to soak up some rays, especially if

See Your Therapist If you’re in therapy, stay there. With a busy holiday schedule, it

can be difficult to keep appointments. But make your therapist a priority. The holidays, with travel, family and more, can bring up a lot of emotions. Make sure that you’re coping with them in a healthy way. Keep up with your medications, too, and make sure you get any prescriptions filled before you hit the road.

Rest Up Yeah, we know. Busy.

But try hard to stick to your regular sleep schedule and routines.

If your batteries are running low, don’t be afraid to take a day to recharge. However, don’t isolate yourself.

Spend plenty of time with supportive, caring people.

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Norman Rockwell Christmas

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ertain holiday images have been ingrained in the minds of the public. Coca-Cola’s smiling bearded Santa Claus, in his now universally recognized red coat, helped create a model from which all other Santas evolved. And an early 20th century artist and illustrator helped to establish the feelings of the Christmas season for millions with portraits featured on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell was born in New York City in 1894 and dreamt of becoming an artist when he was young. Rockwell received his first commission at age 17 and illustrated for Boy’s Life, the monthly magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1916, Rockwell was hired by The Saturday Evening Post. When Rockwell began working for the Post, his humorous and dead-pan depictions of American life tugged at the heartstrings of the public — even if they weren’t so adored by art critics.

Rockwell spent 47 years working for this iconic magazine. Rockwell produced paintings for the Post and other publications that depicted key

images in American history, including Charles Lindbergh’s crossing of the Atlantic, the Moon Landing and World War II. However, some of Rockwell’s most beloved work pertains to his holiday scenes.

Rockwell used real people as his models, and every detail in his reproduction paintings of photographs was fastidiously planned, say biographers. Over time, Rockwell’s paintings helped define an idealized vision of American life and Christmas celebrations. Even now people seek to emulate the merriment and magic exemplified in Rockwell’s imagery — from tired toy store clerks to a boy discovering Santa kissing his mom to the great holiday dinner. Rockwell produced 29 Christmas covers as well as greeting cards and other holiday scenes.

The holiday season would not be the same without the work of artist Norman Rockwell. His influential images helped reflect a glorified version of American life and have helped to make the holiday season even more special for millions of people.

Holiday mindfulness

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indfulness comes from Buddhist meditation and means keeping a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and environment through a gentle, nurturing lens.

Sound complicated? It isn’t. Keep reading.

Acceptance Practicing mindfulness also means practicing acceptance, says the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them; in these moments, there is no right or wrong way to feel. During mindfulness, your thoughts should tune in to the present moment rather than turning to past events or imagining the future.

It Does A Body Good According to the center, practicing mindfulness can improve sleep and feelings of depression, help you cope with stress, helps the mind focus and increases compassion. It may even help you eat less and improve your

immune system.

Put it into Practice Here are some ways to practice mindfulness from the Greater Good Science Center. During these exercises, pay attention to your breathing, especially when you’re feeling a strong emotion. Also, pay attention to all your senses in the moment. Recognize your thoughts and emotions to not define you.

Mindful breathing: Take slow, even breaths in and out. Pay attention to the physical sensations of the breath as it flows in and out.

Body scan: Pay attention to each part of your body in turn, from head to toe.

Walking meditation: Focus the movement of your feet as you take a path 10 paces long, back and forth.

Feel your feet touching and leaving the ground.

Loving-kindness meditation: Extend compassion toward people, starting with yourself, then someone close to you, an acquaintance, and so on, until you get to all beings.

Get crafty with homemade ornaments

Anyone can have fun molding their own ornaments, letting them dry and then painting them. Use cookie cutters to get perfect holiday shapes. Craft stores sell various types of modeling clays and lightweight modeling materials. Or, make your own salt dough.

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andmade gifts, trinkets and treats help make the holiday season special.

Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, gift-givers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects.

Ornaments and decorations are one such idea.

Here are some clever and, not-too-time-consuming craft projects to try this holiday season.

• Mini sleighs: Create miniature replicas of Santa’s famous sleigh.

Paint several popsicle sticks to form the main body of the sleigh and glue them together. Put one at the top perpendicular to the others to serve as the steering rudder. Two silver-painted popsicle sticks placed on their thin sides act as the blades of a sled.

• Popcorn garland: Garland made of popcorn is a classic handmade holiday project.

For a new twist, toss

We’re All Smiles at Christmas

Where Santa learned to fly.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas The signs are everywhere; From mistletoe and strings of light; To magic in the air; And if you look up high in the sky, You may see Santa’s sleigh — Delivering our warm wishes For a merry holiday!

Osceola Airport • Osceola, WI 715-294-4500 www.OsceolaAero.com

With friends and neighbors like you, we have every reason to smile at the holidays and all year!

We hope you have a merry and bright Christmas and a dazzling New Year. Best wishes to you and yours!

the popcorn with food coloring and allow it to dry before stringing for some bright color on the tree.

• Photo ornaments: Print out several different photos that you love. Purchase round or square thin wood pieces from a craft store and attach the photos with Mod Podge®. When dry, drill a hole through the top and thread with twine.

• Advent calendar: Make an Advent calendar to count down to Christmas by covering a foam board with fabric.

Use paper tags or small ornaments and write a number on each for each day of the month. Hang these all from the board.

As each day passes, move the tag or ornament to the tree.

• Wooden snowflakes: Have children collect small twigs from outdoors, as well as holly leaves and some sprigs of evergreen. Arrange similarly sized twigs in the shape of snowflakes and

glue together, or tie with twine. Embellish with stickers, glitter, dried berries, and more.

• Dough ornaments: Anyone can have fun molding their own ornaments, letting them dry and then painting them.

Use cookie cutters to get perfect holiday shapes.

Craft stores sell various types of modeling clays and lightweight modeling materials. Or, make your own salt dough.

• Reindeer bottle topper: Put to use any wine corks you have lying around. Attach googly eyes and a small fuzzy nose to the front of a cork. Insert twisted, brown pipe cleaners to make the antlers up top.

Add ribbons, small snippets of faux fur or any other extras you desire.

• Sweet sentiments: Use old Scrabble® letter tiles to form a favorite holiday phrase, like “Joy to the World.” Glue the tiles together and hang from the tree on a piece of ribbon.

The Hush of an evergreen forest, the serenity of a silent snowfall, The crisp winter air, the clear winter sky.

These are the gentle joys, the quiet beauty of this peaceful season.

To wish you peace, joy and happiness at Christmas and always.

SYNERGY Candi Mueller 208 Cascade Street & Joe Aspenson Osceola, WI Office: 715-294-4490 • CandiHomes.com

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 19, 2018

www.osceolasun.com

The most downloaded holiday songs

Music is integral to many celebrations during the holiday season.

Whether you’re planning an office party, hosting friends and family at home or simply looking to get in the holiday spirit, you might want to explore this list of the most downloaded Christmas/holiday songs on iTunes.

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey 2. Mary, Did You Know? — Pentatonix 3. Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 4. Mistletoe — Justin Bieber 5. Christmas Canon — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 6. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee 7. Believe — Josh Groban

8. Last Christmas (Single Version) — Wham!

9. Jingle Bell Rock — Bobby Helms 10. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Andy Williams 11. Hallelujah — Pentatonix 12. Wizards in Winter (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 13. Winter Song — Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson 14. Hallelujah — Lindsey Stirling 15. Last Christmas — Taylor Swift 16. Feliz Navidad — José Feliciano 17. Santa Tell Me — Ariana Grande 18. A Holly Jolly Christmas — Burl Ives 19. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) — Nat “King” Cole 20. Hard Candy Christmas — Dolly Parton

4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday Families big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together.

For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes.

At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones.

Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for firsttime hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season.

1. Prepare a familiar dish.

Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy on themselves by choosing dishes they’ve

made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hosts’ own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare.

2. Share some cooking duties.

Another way to simplify cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side dish or dessert. Guests who live nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance.

3. Only make what guests are likely to eat.

Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash.

Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly.

4. Start early.

If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents.

Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together.

Hosts can employ various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season.

Out in the cold

W

hen the weather outside is frightful, it can be easy to take a pass on your outdoor workout. But don’t do that! Keeping as close to your routine as possible is important to staying healthy and managing stress levels during the holiday season. Luckily, there’s plenty of gear out there to make a winter workout more pleasant.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER

Happy Holidays from our family to yours. See our holiday hours below or visit MyOMC.org/hours.

Clinic hours

Walk-In hours

Osceola (O) & Scandia (S)

at Osceola

Clinic Pharmacy

Monday, Dec. 24

8 a.m. - noon (O) 7 a.m. - noon (S)

7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Christmas Day

closed

closed

closed

Monday, Dec. 31

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (O) 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (S)

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Layer Up Dress in layers before going out, the Mayo Clinic says. Dressing too warmly for the type of exercise you’ll be doing is a mistake, as is not wearing enough clothes to guard against frostbite and hypothermia.

Layers are the answer.

As you exercise and start to sweat, strip off layers.

As you cool down, put them back on as needed.

The Mayo Clinic says to start with a layer of thin, synthetic material to wick sweat away from your body. Next, add fleece or wool for insulation, and, finally, a waterproof, breathable outer layer.

Protect Hands, Feet and Face Cold temps draw blood (and warmth) to your body’s core, leaving your hands, head and feet open to frostbite.

Wear glove liners made of wicking fabric under heavier gloves or mittens for the best protection, the Mayo Clinic advises.

Dress in layers before going out.

Remove the outer layer when you get sweaty.

For your feet, buy training shoes a half size or a size larger to allow for extra socks. Use a hat or headband for protect your ears. If it’s super cold outside, wear a scarf or a ski mask to protect your nose and face.

Warm Weather Tips That Aren’t We usually talk about drinking plenty of water and wearing sunscreen during the summer, but these are important

tips for the winter, too.

Sweating while you’re working out combined with the drying power of winter’s wind can make you dehydrated just as easily as summer’s beating sun.

And it’s easy to get sunburned in winter, too, especially if you’re exercising in the snow or at altitude. Make sure your sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB rays and that your lip balm has a sunscreen, too. Protect your eyes from snow and ice glare with dark glasses or goggles.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 19, 2018

THE SUN

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Quick holiday workouts

4 holiday party must-haves

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arties are highly anticipated events come the holiday season. Office parties, gatherings with friends and family celebrations are just some examples of the many soirees that dot the social schedules of millions of people between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Office parties might be governed by certain organizational protocols, but parties with friends and families come with no such rules. That said, holiday hosts might want to keep their guests’ expectations in mind when planning their get-togethers. While there’s always room to try something new, the following are some must-have items when hosting holiday parties.

1. Holiday foods and beverages It goes without saying that holiday hosts will be expected to provide food for their guests. But certain foods, such as gingerbread cookies, can put everyone

in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget that staple of the holiday beverage menu: eggnog. Eggnog can be made with and/or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday beverage.

2. Decorations Decking the halls is a holiday tradition, and hosts should make an effort to string some holiday decorations before welcoming guests into their homes. A Christmas tree might be the most ubiquitous decorative item come the holidays, so hosts can make their tree the centerpiece of their decor. Hang some mistletoe around the house, which also can be adorned with season-specific plants like holly and poinsettias. If kids are attending the party, a kid-friendly decoration station can even be set up to ensure the youngsters have fun and stay busy during the festivities.

3. Music Christmas music can go

a long way toward getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Utilize iTunes or music streaming services such as Amazon Prime Music or Pandora to ensure that the holiday hits keep coming throughout the party.

4. Games Games can be a great way to keep guests occupied during the party. From a safety perspective, games that engage guests might prevent them from overindulging in alcohol at a time of year when the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says drunk driving incidents are at their highest. Games in which participants can win holiday-themed prizes might be especially enjoyable for players.

Holiday parties are highly anticipated parts of the holiday season. Hosts can take their parties to the next level by incorporating certain must-have items into the festivities.

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ime is short during the holiday season, but that’s no excuse to skip out on working out. Try some of these

tips: Use Intervals Interval training alternates between different exercises, usually with varying degrees of effort, speed or strength. This alternation between more-intense and less-intense workouts can bring big benefits. Interval training can burn more calories, improve your aerobic capacity and can be done without special equipment.

Bodyweight Exercises Bodyweight exercises are much what they sound like.

They use the body’s natural weight to build strength in muscle groups. No special equipment or extra weights are needed. An example of a bodyweight exercise is a chin-up, sit-up or a push-up. However, you can also do twists, squats and balance exercises. Start out with two sets of 10 reps and only increase the sets or reps when it becomes easy.

Going for a Walk

Look at your holiday errands and see if you can walk to any shops or stores you plan to visit.

If you have to drive, park as far from the store as possible. Skip the elevators and take the stairs.

Anything to get your step count (and your energy levels) up.

Don’t Ignore the Core Getting your arms and legs moving is easy, but keep a care for your core muscles, too. Your core muscles are in your torso and help with balance, posture and strength. Some exercises to help your core are planks (balance your weight on your toes and forearms and hold the position), kneeling extensions (on your hands and knees, extend one leg and the opposite arm out and hold for a count of 10), and chair crunches (on your back, place your lower legs on a chair and your hands behind your head, then slowly curl upwards).

If you’re not used to exercising, build up slowly. In time, you may find that regular exercise not only gets you in better shape, but helps you deal with holiday stress.

OUR CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR YOU It is our prayer that you would focus on your quality of life, eternal life. We sometimes work on the quality of this life, while forgetting that there is eternal life. A healthy diet and exercise may improve our lives here for a couple of years, but in fifty, one hundred, on thousand, or even one million years, will that really matter? It is our prayer that you would call on the name of the lord in humility, and seek Him with all your heart, take in a daily diet of God’s word and exercise obedience, so we may have the pleasure of worshipping with you at the feet of our blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hope to see you in a million years!

“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

James 4:14b

Major & Minor Repairs • Domestic & Foreign

GUARANTEED REPAIRS

522 East N. Ave., Dresser

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 19, 2018

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The perfect Christmas tree

COLOR: The color of 2018 is ultra violet FROM PAGE 11

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he “perfect tree” means different things to different people, and the merits of a fir versus a pine, tall and slim versus short and wide, are argued at length each year.

But one aspect of Christmas trees on which people tend to hold a strong stance is material: Are you a “real” Christmas tree believer? Or do you prefer an artificial tree?

To help you decide (or sway you in a different direction), consider the following pros and cons of both Christmas tree types.

Artificial Trees Benefits Convenience: Each year, this tree is simply taken out of storage and assembled. Its shape is always “perfect,” it won’t molt its needles, and it never needs to be watered.

Cost: While the initial investment might be pricey depending on the size and style you choose (pre-lit, dusted with fake snow, or ornamented with pine cones, for example), it is a cost that is only incurred once, rather than every year.

Drawbacks Non-biodegradable: This means when you throw it out, it will be in

sticks, but also in tree ornaments or even whole trees.

Blue & white Classic deep blues and crisp whites have long been a trend in decor.

Update this scheme for Christmas by pairing these colors with shades of holiday green and

the landfill forever.

Sizable carbon footprint: More than 85 percent of artificial trees are made in China and shipped to the United States.

Fire hazard: They not only burn easily but act as an accelerant — causing much more damage than if a live tree were to burn in your home.

Live Trees Benefits Made in the U.S.A.: According to the USDA, almost all of the 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year are grown in the U.S. Eco-friendly: Live

trees are recyclable.

Smell great: A natural deodorizer, there is really nothing like the scent of fresh pine or balsam fir.

Drawbacks Cost: Your cost will depend on the size of tree you choose as well as where you live, but most trees run anywhere from $20 to $200 — a reoccurring cost as one tree will only last the current holiday season.

High maintenance: Needles will begin to litter the floor almost immediately, and live trees must be watered heavily every day.

Donate a new, unwrapped toy and help us bring smiles to the faces of local children in need. We will wrap and deliver all the gifts before Christmas. Cash donations will be accepted through December 24 at MidWestOne Bank.

304 Cascade Street, Osceola Member FDIC

frosty silver. Look for the usual navy in with a hint of winter frost in pieces like wreaths and ribbons. Choose greenery that tends toward the blue, like eucalyptus, succulents, silvery olive, and some cypress.

Monochromatic Pick a favorite hue and go all out. From the ornaments, to the wrap-

ping paper, to the lights, make everything the same color or same family of colors. This can be a particularly striking look when employed with rich jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red. Accent, as always, with classic white to add extra oomph.

We Hope You Get Your Fill of Good Times This Christmas!

Merry Christmas & Many Thanks From Our Entire Crew

Cascade Oil Company

Serving Great Food, Fuel & Tom and Sheri Salewski 97 Cascade Street, Osceola • 715-294-4086 Convenience Items

Drop off locations: MidWestOne Bank Bill’s Ace Hardware Dick’s Fresh Market PY’s Bar & Grill Hiawatha National Bank The Looking Glass