2014 Christmas Gift Guide by The Adviser

2014 Ultimate

Christmas Gift Guide

24 pages of great

Christmas

Gift Ideas plus Our recipes

Kitchen

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2 Christmas Gift Guide 3

Index

The sweetest gift .................... Page 4

Create a homemade gift to delight with this delicious caramel apple gift idea.

The team at Central Tyre Services is encouraging members of the community to book in for pre-holiday servicing for safe travels this festive season.

Opera in the Alps ................... Page 5 Find out about the orchestral event of the year with Opera in the Alps to be held at Beechworth early in the New Year.

Christmas craft ........................ Page 5 Carols by Candlelight ............Page 3

Take a look back at Carols by Candlelight, one of our favourite local traditions and how it has changed over the years.

Where we get our Christmas customs ....................................... Page 3 From Santa to gift giving, discover where we get our modern day Christmas customs from.

Create your own magic reindeer food .............. Page 4

Welcome Santa and his team of reindeers with some homemade magic reindeer food.

Enjoy a special Christmas time activity with your children with some simple Christmas craft activities.

Shepparton dons a festive spirit ............................Page 6 5

Auto care and holiday preparations ............................ Page 15

VicRoads is encouraging people to book early for their registration appointments as demand continues to increase in the lead up to Christmas.

The Christmas decorations are up and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas right across Greater Shepparton.

The gift of giving .....................Page 8 The Charity Card & Gift Shop is back again this year with all of your Christmas time needs and the opportunity to support local charities and organisations.

Giving joy to those most in need ............................. Page 8 The giving box appeal is providing an opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with those most in need.

Prevent against credit card fraud ............................................ Page 16 Learn some great tips to protect you and your family against credit card fraud while Christmas shopping this year.

Support the Salvos .............. Page 17 Bunnings Warehouse is getting on board this year to support the Salvos and is encouraging shoppers to do the same.

17 I believe in Christmas ........ Page 10 Be a part of the launch of Star FM’s I Believe in Christmas campaign at Home Central this Saturday, November 29 and you could even win a $500 shopper voucher.

All you need is spare change........................... Page 14 This Christmas, Spare Change has all of your Christmas gift ideas and accessories at affordable prices.

Christmas is brewing ......... Page 15 The team at local Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre have all of your home brewing gift ideas covered.

Share a powerful message this Christmas ................................. Page 18 With all of your big brand power tools and backyard ‘big boys’ toys at Shepp City Garden Equipment.

Salon perfect gift ideas ..... Page 23 Enjoy professional salon gift ideas from local Richards Hairdressing.

Christmas Gift Guide

Where we get our Christmas customs The Christmas tree is born The worship of trees in the forest was a common practice of Pagans, who also brought them into their homes and decorated them. This practice was adopted and painted with a Christian veneer by the Church and the tradition of the ‘Christmas tree’ was born. A Mistletoe memoir The Christian custom of ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ was formed as a variation of the ‘sexual license’ undertaken by those who celebrated Saturnalia; a week long period of lawlessness celebrated between December 17-25 by Roman Pagans. Santa’s story The tradition of Santa came from Saint Nicholas, who was only actually attributed to the custom of gift-giving after passing away December 6, 345 CE, when his bones were relocated to a sanctuary in Bari, Italy by a group of sailors who idolised him. There, the ‘Nicholas cult’ came to replace a local gift giving deity, ‘The Grandmother,’ or ‘Pasqua Epiphania,’ who used to fill the children’s stockings with her gifts. Members of the ‘Nicholas cult’ acquired this custom and would give each other gifts during a pageant they conducted annually on the anniversary of Nicholas’ death. The past of presents In pre-Christian Rome, the emperors compelled their most despised citizens to bring offerings and gifts during the Saturnalia ritual and Kalends, a celebration of the day of a new moon (in January). This ritual then expanded to include gift-giving among the general populace, but the Catholic Church gave this custom a Christian flavour by re-rooting it in the gift-giving of Saint Nicholas.

CAROLS MEMORY LANE… Shepparton’s Carols by Candlelight were a little different in 1998. Pictured, Carols by Candlelight 1998 Compeers, Don and Rod Kilgour. If you look closely you can see the use of naked flame candles was still accepted. Photo: Supplied.

Carols in its 20s SHEPPARTON Carols by Candlelight was a little different in 1998 than it is now, but it still held that festive time, community spirit. 16 years ago, when carols was still in its 20s, Don and Rod Kilgour were the Compeers and Don was the Chairman of the Carols By Candlelight Committee until 2002 when he handed the reigns over to Bruce Wilson. One big difference between the 1998 carols and today is that the use of naked flame candles was still accepted, but due to fire risks, only battery operated candles are

used today. Don said, “Over the 26 years I was involved with carols, the two most important things were the relationship between and the backing of the Shepparton Brass Band, Goulburn Valley Pipe Band and the Turaton Music Company, as well as being able to provide the best talent of the Goulburn Valley. We had at least 20 different local artists that were featured on the night throughout the years.”

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Create your own magic reindeer food IT’S a nice touch to welcome Santa and his team of reindeers in to land with some special, homemade magic reindeer food. With this simple recipe, you can sprinkle some magical reindeer food around the yard this Christmas Eve and ensure Santa’s reindeer enjoy their stop. Ingredients: • ½ cup porridge oats • 1 tsp edible red glitter • 1 tsp edible green glitter

Method: Mix oats and glitter in a small bowl until combined. Spoon into a snack-size ziplock bag and seal carefully. On Christmas Eve, sprinkle Magic reindeer food outside. Snuggle down in bed and listen out for sleigh bells!

The sweetest gift FOR a homemade g i f t idea w it h a difference, this caramel apple in a jar adds a personalised touch to gift giving this Christmas! Simple to assemble, all you’ll need is some jars, some mini M&M’s, wrapped caramels, twine or yarn, lollipop sticks and small apples. Put the mini M&M’s into the jar, top with 12 wrapped caramels, add the lid, top with the apple and tie on some twine. Add a lollipop stick and cooking instructions (if desired). Once gifted, the caramel apple can be made in the jar by removing the mini M&M’s and placing them in the lid, unwrapping the caramels and putting them back into the jar. Add 1 teaspoon of water to the jar and put it in the microwave for 60 seconds at 50 percent power. Stir and microwave for another 15-30 seconds and stir until smooth. Put a lollipop stick into the washed and dried apple. Dip the apple into the caramel in the jar. Use a knife to spread additional caramel over the entire apple. Dip and roll the caramel apple into the mini M&M’s. Fill in any empty places by adding M&M’s with your fingers. Gently press mini M&M’s into the caramel and refrigerate to set. Ingredients • 250ml, wide mouth mason jar • 12 wrapped caramels • ¼ cup mini M&M’s • Small apple • Lollipop stick • 1 teaspoon water Photos courtesy of www.thegunnysack.com

Christmas

Opera in the Alps SYMPHONY OF SOUND… Australian Vocalists David Hobson and Silvie Paladino will be among the highlights of the 2015 Opera in the Alps event on Saturday, January 17 to be held in Beechworth. Photo: Supplied.

HIGH profile Australian Vocalists David Hobson and Silvie Paladino will thrill local audiences this January at the Opera in the Alps concert, to be held in Beechworth’s Baarmutha Park. On Saturday, January 17, the 2015 concert event will see the talented pair joi ned by Opera S chola rs Aust ralia ensemble and its three finalists competing for Opera Scholar of the Year, together with the Alpha Sinfonia Orchestra and the power of a 100 voice chorus conducted by Guy Noble. There will be a special item written

for the occasion that the audience should really enjoy and will be invited to join in. There will be a number of food and beverage outlets featuring the produce of the region. T icke t s c a n b e pu rch a s e d at t he Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, located in Ford Street, Beechworth, by calling 1300 366 321 or online at www. beechworthonline.com.au. Premium packages for the concert are also available by phoning or faxing Australian Music Events on 9819 7166.

Christmas craft

THIS Christmas, why not create a new family tradition with some fun Christmas craft ideas. The little ones will love putting their own touch on a personalised, Christmas snow globe, which is easy to make and will be a nice addition to your home Christmas decorations. You’ll need: • Water • Jar with lid • Hot glue gun • Egg shells or glitter • Small toy or figurine of your choice. Here’s how: Step 1 - If you are using egg shells, remove the membrane from the inside of the shells. This is important so your water doesn’t

go cloudy. Once the membrane has been removed, crush your eggshells ready to use. Step 2 - Using your hot glue gun, glue your figurine on to the inside of the jar lid. Make sure it’s right in the middle so the lid will still fit on. Step 3 - Fill your jar with cooled, boiled water and sprinkle in your crushed eggshells or glitter. Glitter will give you a sparkly, shimmery look. Step 4 - Flip the lid and do it up on the jar nice and tight. If you are worried about leakage, run a little superglue around the inside of the lid before you do it up. Step 5 - Turn the whole lot upside down and give it a shake. You have your own Christmas snow globe!

Gift Guide

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Shepparton dons a festive spirit THE streets and park areas of Shepparton have donned a festive spirit, with Christmas decorations being strewn throughout the city. From the aluminium tree at the Queens Gardens, the wrapped gifts at Victoria Park Lake, the baubles and Santa’s sleigh in the Maude Street Mall, to the newest decorations to hit the streets, the glittering bauble-filled stars and the traditional Christmas tree in the Maude Street Mall,

Shepparton has come alive with Christmas in time for the festive season. Greater Shepparton City Council’s Manager Investment At traction, G eraldine Christou said, “Our Festive Decorations Advisory Committee members should be congratulated for coordinating an impressive display of festive decorations in our community. I encourage you all to explore the area and see exactly what we have on offer

this festive season, and remind you all to support our local businesses this Christmas by shopping locally. “I would also like to thank John Crawford Painting for working with Council to refurbish existing decorations.” “Also, keep your eyes on Victoria Park Lake for a new, upcoming illuminated surprise.”

Enjoy earth’s new-age mightiest heroes in time for Christmas ONE of Marvel’s highest grossing films of 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy is now available on DVD. Marvel fans will love the comically unconventional group of super heroes tasked to battle an escapade across the cosmos. Peter Quill, a man of the ‘80s, finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict spanning the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe attempting to earn his title of Star-Lord with a team of ex-cons that includes a genetically engineered raccoon (Rocket Raccoon), a sentient alien tree of royal descent (Groot), a human who died and came back as a killing machine (Drax the Destroyer), and a powerful assassin who vows revenge against her master (Gamora). Together they bring the fight to Ronan the Accuser for their own varied personal reasons, Nebula and her pirates, and their grandmaster, Thanos. To celebrate the release, Marvel together with The Adviser are giving you the chance to win a copy of Guardians of the Galaxy just in time for Christmas. To enter simply write your name, address and telephone number on the back of an envelope and send to: Guardians of the Galaxy The Adviser, PO Box 1664, Shepparton, 3630 Competition closes Friday, December 5. Winners will be notified. Good luck! Note-one entry per person.

Christmas Gift Guide

Little Rhymes for Little People LI T T LE Rhymes for Little People by Author, John Stewart Westlake is an enchanting collection of rhymes that aim to educate children about the different kinds of animals and other land and sea creatures. The book, which features beautiful colour illustrations from Sophie Scahill, contains

twenty-one illustrated rhymes, each one about a different kind of animal or sea creature. Children will be delighted and amused by the rhymes, and the illustrations create a unique world where they get to learn more about the animals that roam this earth.

Elephants Have Wings ELEPHANTS Have Wings by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro is inspired by the ancient story of the blind men and the elephant. Inspired by the strength, courage and

endurance of the mythological and spiritual elephants, Elephants Have Wings is a magical story of two children embarking on the great journey of discovering the humanity in all of us.

For your chance to enjoy these beautiful titles this Christmas, simply write your name, address and telephone number on the back of an envelope and send to: Books for Christmas The Adviser, PO Box 1664, Shepparton, 3630 Competition closes Friday, December 5. Winners will be notified. Good luck! Note-one entry per person.

Christmas Gift Guide

CHRISTMAS FOR A CAUSE… Pictured from left, Charity Card & Gift Shop President, Val Bamford and Secretary, Jeanette Berry. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

The gift of giving THE local Charity Card & Gift Shop is now open in the lead up to Christmas and with a great range of Christmas cards, gift ideas, traditional Lions Club Christmas cakes and puddings as well as decorations, Christmas wrap and much more, the store provides everything you’ll need, while at the same time, supporting important organisations and charities. Charity Card & Gift Shop President, Val Bamford said, “We’ve got everything you could think of really. We’ve got lovely little handmade cards and gifts and a large amount of our stock is donated by local community groups. “It all adds up. We usually average around $20,000 per year which is donated back to organisations and charities who participate. It’s worth it. “When a customer comes in, they are able to choose the organisation who they want

to support such as Motor Neurone Disease, Shepparton Lions Club, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Vision Australia, Soroptimist, Parkinson’s Disease, World Vision, Royal Flying Doctors, Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council and more. “It’s well worth while. The community is good at supporting us, we love it. Some people come in and they’ll buy a card from every organisation or some people want to support one or the other. It’s a great set up. “We are also very appreciative to Jenny Houlihan who has allowed us to use her former shop space in the Centrepoint Arcade. Her generosity is very much appreciated.” The Charity Card & Gift Shop is open until December 19 in the Centrepoint Arcade, 276 Maude Street, Shepparton, so come in store for all of your Christmas cards, wrap and accessories and show your support.

Giving joy to those most in need this Christmas LEADING community service provider K ildonan UnitingCare is once again partnering with Target Australia in an effort to spread Christmas cheer. The Giving Box appeal will encourage fellow Australians to buy gifts and make donations to help children who otherwise may have nothing to unwrap on Christmas morning. Kildonan UnitingCare expects to see an increased demand on their support services this Christmas, including emergency relief calls from families experiencing an unexpected crisis. With the holiday season just around the corner, an overwhelming number of families in Australia will be feeling anxious over the lack of resources to buy Christmas gifts for their children. The Target and Kildonan UnitingCare Giving Box appeal (formerly Operation Santa) will run right up until Christmas Eve, 24 December. The appeal is now in its 23rd year and, thanks to the support of generous Australians, has distributed over 1.7 million gifts. A large Giving Box is now on display at the front of the Shepparton Target store and Target stores across Australia, and shoppers are encouraged to place unwrapped gifts inside or take a bauble gift tag to make a donation at the register. “T here a re many fa m ilies i n ou r communities who are going to find it really tough to provide gifts for their children this year. We rely on the generosity of the public to dig deep, so please support the appeal. We make sure that all donated gifts go to local families,” said Catherine Robertson, Kildonan

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES… Pictured from left, Kildonan UnitingCare representative, Sarah Press and Target Shepparton Store Manager, Micheal Suster. Photo: Supplied.

UnitingCare National Appeal Manager. Kildonan UnitingCare staff and volunteers collect the gifts and ensure they are distributed to those most in need in time for Christmas morning. Target Shepparton Managing Director, Stuart Machin said, “We encourage all our customers to help Target and Kildonan Un it i ng C a re to br ig hten someone’s Christmas this year by donating a gift or gift card at your local Target store.” If you would like to donate, you can bring your gift along to the Shepparton Target store or to reception at Kildonan UnitingCare, formerly United Care Cutting Edge at 21-225 Wyndham St or contact Sarah Press on 5831 6157.

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I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS… Pictured at the newest Home Central store, Early Settler (from left), 96.9 Star FM Hosts, Tommy and Stace with Early Settler Store Manager, Fiona Butler and Assistant Manager, Lisa Attwood. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Home Central believes in Christmas HOME Central is the place to be this festive season with plenty of things to see and do. On Sat u rday, November 29, Home Central will help launch Star FM’s I Believe in Christmas campaign, with every member of the public who donates a new toy on the day to be placed under the Christmas tree in any of the Home Central stores going into the draw to win a $500 shopper voucher. All toys donated throughout the I Believe in Christmas campaign are distributed to those most in need by The Salvation Army. VALAD Property Group’s (Developers of Home Central) Development Executive,

Chris Piasente said, “Star FM’s I Believe in Christmas campaign is a fantastic initiative which we are proud to throw our support behind. Of course, members of the local community will have plenty of chances to donate new toys to the campaign, but they must be involved on Saturday, November 29 if they want to be in the chance to win a $500 shopper voucher.” Home Central will also be celebrating the festive season with their next Pop Up Garden event to be held on Saturday, December 13. Chris said, “Our Pop Up Garden event to be held on Saturday, December 13 will

be our biggest event to date. We will have special guest appearances ‘live’ on the Pop Up Garden stage and we will also be giving away $3,000 worth of Gift Vouchers! Simply spend $10 on the day at any of our Home Central stores and you’ll get the chance to take away a $50 Gift Voucher. “Star FM will be broadcasting live at both events and we are anticipating a fantastic atmosphere in the spirit of celebrating and giving to mark the festive season.” This festive season, join in on all the fun at Home Central, 290 Benalla Road Shepparton, opposite Bunnings.

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GIFT GIVING DESTINATION… Pictured from left, Shepparton Spare Change Store Manager, Peng You and Floorman, Abdullah Ali. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

All you need is Spare Change this Christmas WITH a huge range of Christmas stock and gift ideas arriving every day in the lead up to Christmas, Spare Change is a fantastic and cost effective destination for all of your gift giving needs. Store Manager, Peng You said, “We have a huge range of gift ideas in store to suit every member of the family and with our great low prices, all you’ll need is spare change. “In store you’ll find everything from white goods and household furniture to photo frames, mirrors, auto care, household appliances, books, entertaining accessories, décor and much more. Come in store and browse the range for yourself, it’s amazing what you’ll find. “Christmas time is all about giving and here at Spare Change we believe in the gift of giving, which is why we will be making a donation of children’s books to our local Goodstart Early Learning Centre. It’s our way of sharing some joy this Christmas here in our local community.” To enjoy the range at great low prices, call in to the store where ‘all you need is Spare Change’, at Shop 1, 2-8 St Georges Road, Shepparton.

Auto care and your holiday preparations IF you’re planning an exciting road trip this Christmas or summer holidays, the team at Central Tyre Service in Shepparton together with Goodyear Autocare are here to help with all of your preparations as well as some handy tips on how to ensure you and your car are ready to tackle driving in the hot weather. Central Tyre Service Co-owner, Rod Poliness said, “It’s important to always check the basics before heading off on a road trip. That includes oil, windshield washer, tyre pressure (which ideally should be checked once a fortnight) and don’t forget to check your spare tyre too. “Tyre balance and wheel alignment should also be checked every 10,000km and be sure to closely inspect your tread and sidewalls for cuts and abrasions, bulges, unusual wear and road damage.

“It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your gauges while travelling. If the temperature needle budges, pull over and let the car cool down. Summer driving is challenging, but with good planning you can ensure the health and safety of your vehicle and your family. “Here at C entral Tyre S er vice we understand that the festive period can be financially draining on local families, but to help with December costs, Goodyear have introduced a special offer. From now until December 31, if you buy four selected Goodyear tyres you’ll get a free $150 eftpos card, which is great news at this time of the year.” For more information or for all of your holiday preparation needs, call in and see the team at Central Tyre Service, 117 Welsford Street, Shepparton or phone 5821 9555.

Christmas is brewing THE BEST IN HOME BREWED GIFTS… Pictured, Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre Proprietor, Paul Phillips. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

FOR the beer lover in your family, Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre have the perfect gift idea for you this Christmas, with a huge range of home brewing kits, equipment and accessories to choose from. Proprietor, Paul Phillips said, “The range is enormous now. You can get anything you like including Australian or international beers, heavy beers, light beers, stouts, pale ales, lagers, ciders etc. You can literally make your favourite brand of beer at home, at a fraction of the cost of commercial beers and it’s better for you, there’s no preservatives. “There are more than 50 brands of popular beers to choose from and you can even mix and match to create your own unique flavour blends. “Basically, if there’s a commercial beer on the market which you enjoy, we can tell you the recipe and how to make it.” Kits start from $12 and go up to around

$25 and a complete start up kit, which is simple to set up and easy to use, starts from $90. Home brewers have the option to keg, stubby or bottle their beer at home for easy storage and convenience. Paul said, “The quality of product available today is absolutely fantastic. It’s much better than it was, even 10 years ago. So if it’s been a while since you’ve had a go at home brewing or if you weren’t happy with the results at the time, come in and see us and we can help from start to finish. “You can even make your own cheese with our home cheese kits, which are ideal for accompanying your delicious freshly made home brew.” For more information, call in and see the team at Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre, 119 Corio Street, Shepparton or phone 5821 2051.

Christmas Gift Guide

ROAD TRIP PREPARATIONS… Pictured from left, Central Tyre Service Tyre Technician/Wheel Aligner, Fergus Beischer and Tyre Technicians, Grant Crosby, Trevor Muir and David Austin. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

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Prevent against credit card fraud in the festive season WITH the Christmas season upon us, a timely reminder to secure your credit/debit cards is being given by local police. While theft of a card has been made more attractive to thieves in recent years, with purchases able to be made without a PIN and via ‘pay pass,’ it is even more important to ensure that your card is in sight at all times. Shepparton Police Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Glenn Gibson said, “There are various ways that your credit/ debit card can be stolen and used by the thief to make purchases. This includes theft from motor vehicles, houses, mailboxes and personal property such as handbags. “Theft is more likely to occur when credit/ debit cards are left unsecured. Thieves will break into a car, house or mailbox if valuables and personal or financial items are left in plain sight or otherwise easily accessible. “There are more transactions at Christmas time so it is important that you are sure that these transactions are indeed your own. “Some simple tips can be followed to help prevent theft of your cards such as keeping credit/debit cards on you or securing them in a safe or hidden place, do not leave credit/debit cards or other financial documents in your car, lock your mailbox to prevent the theft of mail, be aware of your personal security when using ATMs, put away your credit/debit card and wallet immediately after a transaction at an ATM or when making an in-store purchase, avoid using public computers for online shopping and banking and regularly monitor your account transactions. “In the event of theft, report the theft of

SECURE YOUR CARDS… From left, Traffik Sales Assistant, Meg Gemmill, Shepparton Police Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Glenn Gibson and Customer, David Lee. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

the card to your bank or financial institution immediately, and also to police. “Refer transactions that appear on your financial statement, which you know you did not authorise, to your bank or financial institution, as well as to police.”

For additional tips and checklists on preventing thefts from motor vehicles and homes, and protecting yourself from theft in public and online crime, visit www.police.gov.au.

Register your ride now to beat the Christmas rush ACCOMODATING DEMAND INCREASE… Pictured, Vic Roads Regional Director for North Eastern Victoria, Bryan Sherritt and Shepparton Branch Office Manager, Andrew Gullick. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

LOCALS are being encouraged to get in early to make a booking to register their car, truck, motorcycle, boat or trailer or risk missing out in the lead up to the Christmas holiday period. VicRoads Regional Director, Bryan Sherritt said that in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the VicRoads Benalla, Cobram, Shepparton, Wodonga and Wangaratta Customer Service Centres always experience a ‘boom’ in new registrations. “Most locals wouldn’t be aware that our offices take bookings from all over the state. “With the increased demand, we find that at this time of year people need to allow up to two weeks to book an appointment. “In the lead up to Christmas registration appointments can double, so our message is book now to avoid disappointment,” Mr Sherritt said.

While VicRoads sees a significant increase in registrations generally, the real spike is in the registration of boats due to the proximity of offices in Benalla, Cobram, Shepparton, Wodonga and Wangaratta to popular holiday spots on lakes and waterways. “D e spite t he of f ic e s’ at tempt s to accommodate this increase in bookings, this alone does not guarantee a registration appointment. “If you plan to hit the water in your new boat or jet ski or take a road trip in a caravan to visit family or camping with your trailer, then our advice is to get in early to make sure your ride is registered and able to be enjoyed over Christmas.” For more information about registration and licencing and locations visit vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 71.

Christmas Gift Guide

Support The Salvos WITH 100,000 Australians expected to turn to The Salvation Army (The Salvos) for help this Christmas, Goulburn and Murray Valley residents are encouraged to assist the organisation that helps so many. Locals are invited to bring Christmas cheer to Australians in need by supporting The Salvos at Bunnings Warehouse Echuca and Bunnings Warehouse Shepparton. Salvation Army Spokesperson, Dr Bruce Redman said with many

Australians doing it tough and unable to afford basic essentials, the Christmas period is the ideal time to show your support. “We encourage Goulburn and Murray Valley residents to give generously to The Salvos this year, as their assistance will allow us to provide food parcels, presents and other essentials to people and families in need. “We urge residents to visit their local Bunnings’ store and support The Salvos through a range of activities,” said Dr Redman.

CHRISTMAS CHEER… Pictured from left, Plumbing Expert, Mike Scutchings, Team Member, Shae Stewart, Outdoor Living Expert, Jeremy Dyke, Activity Organiser, Michelle Ellis and Timber and Hardware Assistant, Joey Bridges. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

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HANDY GIFTS, BIGGEST BRANDS… Pictured, Shepp City Garden Equipment Apprentice, Rielly Pethybridge. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Share a powerful message this Christmas YOUR local team at Shepp City Garden Equipment have all of your power equipment needs covered this Christmas with a great range of specials to keep the handy man or woman around your home happy. Shepp City Garden Equipment stock a huge range of outdoor power equipment with everything from Echo trimmers including five year warranty for just $199 right through to ride on mowers starting from $2,299 and zero turn mowers starting from $3,999. Until the end of November you can enjoy ‘trade in, trade up’ deals with $50 trade in on your old mower (going or not) when you purchase any quality Masport mower. Proprietors Michelle and Russell are proud to be Shepparton’s Masport President Dealers

and Victa Gold Dealers in mowers. Russell said, “We specialise in the sales, service and repairs of small engines, parts and accessories with a great range to choose from in store. We service what we sell, as well as other makes and models. So come in store and check out some of our great prices on equipment this Christmas.” With sales, service and repairs on all of the biggest brands of chainsaws, brushcutters, push mowers, ride-on mowers, edgers, hedgers, chippers and engines, Shepp City Garden Equipment have all of your outdoor power equipment needs covered. Open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm Saturdays. Call in and see the professional team at Shepp City Garden Equipment, 42 Benalla Road, Shepparton or phone 5821 0045.

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas traditions; food, family and friends CHRISTMAS is a time for family and friends, for tradition, gifts and treats and especially for food. We all have our own Christmas traditions whether you eat turkey, ham or a great ‘Aussie’ roast lamb and it’s interesting to take a look around the world to see some of the food traditions which other countries enjoy. Regardless of country of origin, culture or religion, a common theme throughout the world is the importance food plays in Christmas traditions. Every country has its staples – the foods that are a classic and a must have for every table. Here is a brief look at a few countries with especially interesting Christmas dinner traditions: France - In France, the Christmas season is called Noel and it begins on the 6th of December. On Christmas Eve, children leave out shoes for Le Pere Noel (Santa Claus) to leave gifts. There is lots of feasting and familial gathering on Christmas night, which is also called Le Reveillon, a late supper that happens on Christmas Eve, or early Christmas day, after midnight mass. Bûche de Noël is a French classic. Once a popular Christmas tradition in France, the yule log is an iconic image of Christmas. And this cake has taken its place as a dish that symbolises the holiday season. Germany - Christmas in Germany begins on December 6th and it always opens up with making gifts, decorations, and delicious sweet treats. Children leave letters on their window sill for Christkind–an angel who bears gifts. And on Christmas Eve, the tree is set up and

wreaths are hung to celebrate the coming of Santa Claus. Pfeffernüsse Cookies, covered in powdered sugar and full of a mix of warm spices, are a Christmas tradition ‘must have’ in Germany. Glühwein is an important part of the holiday experience in Germany. This mulled wine recipe, prepared with cloves, lemon, and cinnamon is a necessity that tastes just as good, if not better, than the already-made wine bought in authentic German markets. Italy - In Italy, Christmas is a very quiet and family centered holiday. Children send letters to their parents telling them how much they love them as opposed to sending letters to Santa Claus. And unlike many other countries, it is not just the 25th of December that holds significance. There are many holidays leading up to Christmas, most of which centre around grand feasts in dedication to important saints which make this season very special in Italy. Amaretti and its slight almond taste really captures the essence of the holiday season and with only a few ingredients, are quick and easy to make. Sweden - While Christmas Eve in Sweden is full of celebration, feasting, and gift giving, one of the biggest holiday celebrations is that of St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on the 13th of December. Children dress in white dresses and carry around candles to celebrate the day long celebration. It’s a fun day full of singing and jubilation. Lussekatter, a delicious little bun of sweetness is eaten every year in Sweden on St.

Lucia’s Day. These moist and gooey buns are delicious. Greece - In Greece, Christmas is a very religious holiday. On the night of Christmas Eve, families go to midnight mass and hang sprigs of basil to keep away the evil spirits known as the Killantzaroi. It is also a day of great family celebration and togetherness. Kourabiedes are a melt in your mouth Greek specialty. These shortbreads are bursting with flavour, the almond extract giving them an unexpected kick. And the more than generous coating of powdered sugar makes each bite look almost too good to eat. Russia - Because the Russian Orthodox calendar follows the old “Julian” calendar which is different than the current Catholic calendar, the Russian holiday season runs from December 31st until January 10th. Christmas Eve is a day of fasting until the first star is

seen in the sky. After that, families enjoy their Christmas dishes in a “common bowl” to symbolise the unity they share. Russian Tea Cakes are a delicious butter cookie recipe with added walnuts to add a little crunch to the sugary goodness. Canada - Canada is full of Christmas traditions as it is a country with a very diverse background. Some celebrate it with French traditions, others with English or German traditions. But one thing that ties all provinces together is the plethora of food eaten on Christmas Eve. Nanaimo Bars offer three layers of deliciousness. The bottom offers a sweet crunch, the middle gives us a smooth and rich custard, and the third provides just the right amount of chocolate sweetness for any chocolate-lover.