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Festive city
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Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Christmas in the City Kickoff
Friday, Nov. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Downtown Austin
Kickoff Activities
Meet at First Avenue and Main Street at 5:30 p.m. and accompany Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Austinaires, Merry Elf Elfson, and other holiday characters to Town Center stage to light the downtown Christmas displays. • Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus: Bring your camera and take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Town Center Building. Free candy cane treats for the kids. • Live Entertainment: On stage performances including the Austinaires, Taylor Bliese and emcee Paul Pruitt. Sound provided by Imagery Sound. Take in free Kaptain Kirby Train Rides, horse-drawn wagon rides and magic by Jim Jayes. • Musical Entertainment in Town Center: Hear the Ecumenical Bell Ensemble, AHS Flute Choir, and Dan Ulland on the keyboard. • Free Face Painting: Provided by Matchbox Children’s Theatre and located in the Austin ArtWorks Center basement (elevator accessible). • Austin Fire Department: The AFD will have a ladder truck on Main Street. Sparky may even make an appearance.
Scarlet Williamson gives Santa Claus a high-five after getting her picture taken with him during Christmas in the Southwest. Herald file photos
Christmas in the City has always provided holiday cheer in Austin By Deb Nicklay newsroom@austindailyherald.com
Christmas in the City, Austin’s premier holiday event, has been in place a long time, even though it looks far different than it did when it was first celebrated. Back then — over 30 years ago — the celebration was held exclusively in the downtown and was established upon the recommendation of the Downtown Association. The names of business owners Gretchen Ramlo, Bonnie Mogen and Jean Hastings pop up in conversation when people speak of the early beginnings, as well as that of the late Larry Haugen, who was the executive director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce at the time. Ramlo, who operated Gretchen’s, a clothing store, recalled the association was happy with the customer traffic brought in by the newly-created Cedar River Days, a forerunner to Freedom Fest. “Cedar River Days had just taken off,” Ramlo said. “So we thought, ‘We need something for the winter.’” That turned out to be Christmas in the City, established in 1988. There is little question as to the reason for Christmas in the City’s enduring success. Austin merchants
Payton Christianson spreads peanut butter on a pine cone at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, part of Christmas in the East. Christmas in the East is a fairly new addition to the Christmas in the City line-up. dove into the celebration with a sleigh-load of holiday cheer — and a willingness to do lots of work. Memories of the first years are a bit foggy, said Hastings, longtime owner of Hastings Shoe and Repair. “But there has always been a good turn-out, especially by families, I do know that,” Hastings said. “It’s always been a fun night. The music, the kids coming in for treats. I always had doughnut holes, because I knew both the kids and adults would like them.” Meeting Santa was the main event during the first
year, said Ramlo, and he continues to be the centerpiece for the celebration that today encompasses every quadrant of the city and covers four nights. But in its first year, Christmas in the City was held on one night, on the day after Thanksgiving. “There was an alley behind my shop and that’s where we would get Santa ready for the kids,” Ramlo said. As now, the Chamber Ambassadors played a big role in preparations. She said among a host of good Mr. and Mrs. Santa couples, she most fondly
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remembered the late John O’Rourke as being among the best. O’Rourke was the mayor, too, and was one of Austin’s best cheerleaders. “John and his wife just loved playing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus,” she said. “John would have a ball talking with the kids; he’d pull them right up on his lap and start chatting away. But we had to tell him one year, ‘John, you can’t talk to every child for five minutes — we’ll never get through them all!” “I also remember Santa coming down Main, with all the kids following Santa to the stage where he would light the decorations, and they were all holding light sticks,” Ramlo added. Holding the celebration in changeable Minnesota weather wasn’t without its challenges, Ramlo said. “We have had every kind of weather,” she said. “I remember slush — eight inches deep, in the middle of the street. Trying to get through that — ugh.” But the show always went on, although there was one year when Chamber members decided that holding it on Saturday, instead of the Friday after Thanksgiving, might make it even more successful.
See FESTIVE, Page 2
• Jane Taylor Academy of Dance: The Jane Taylor Academy of Dance will perform scenes from “The Nutcracker” and other holiday dances at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Free will donation.
In-Store Activities
• B & J Bar and Grill: Stop by for Christmas treats.
• Bendixen Jewelry: Warm up with hot apple cider and Christmas treats. Twenty percent off all in-stock merchandise. • Coffee House on Main: Check out our flavor of the day. • George’s Pizza: Kids stop in for your red or green glow necklace. • Hastings Shoes: Enjoy treats during the open house. Ten percent discount storewide. • Innovision Eyecare: Stop by for cookies and apple cider. • Lou’s Forever Framing: Stop in for photos with “life-size” elf cutouts, plus ping pong games for children ages 2-13. Receive Christmas mug with treats. • Novedades Cristal: Come in and enjoy a free cup of “Ponche” and tamale. Browse our store for those special Chirstmas items. • Piggy Blues BBQ: Free samples of holiday gelato flavors. Register for prizes. • Rydjor Bike Shop: Stop in to decorate your own Christmas cookie. • Salvation Army: Make a difference by donating to the red kettle. • Salvation Army Canteen: Stop by on Main Street for free hot chocolate. • Spam Museum: Come down and get your letter off to Santa. There will be cookies and face painting by Austin Positive Action Coalition. • Sweet Reads: The Polar Express comes to Sweet Reads. Experience the Polar Express with a visit by the conductor, a craft and a polar treat. • Twice is Nice: Check out three floors of shopping paradise all decorated for the holiday. Twenty percent off all home décor and gifts. • Zonta Club of Austin: “Helping Hands” at the On Track Building. Stop in to place your hand to form a Christmas tree on the wall or window. Treats for kids.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Thanksgiving Extra
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Christmas in the northwest Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. at 18th Avenue Northwest and surrounding area • Arby’s: Stop in for crafts and a treat.
The Austinaires are annual performers during Christmas in the City. Herald file photos
Festive: 31st annual event will kick off Nov. 29 From Page 1 “We got a huge backlash, huge,” Ramlo said with a chuckle. “We changed it right back the next year.” Today, Christmas in the City encompasses four nights. The first night, always held on the Friday following Thanksgiving, is the celebratory kick-off in the downtown. This year the kick-off is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29. Kids, as they have for years, are invited to walk with Santa and others to the stage where Santa flips the switch of the holiday lighting displays. Wagon rides, live entertainment, kids’ train rides and other activities, goodies and crafts prepared by individual businesses are the traditional features. Activities may shift a bit each year. For instance, during last year’s kick-off, kids enjoyed everything from learning a dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy (Bridget’s Dance Conservatory) and making a necklace (George’s Pizza); to writing a letter to Santa (Spam Museum) or making a Polar Express bookmark (at Sweet Reads Book and Candy). Believe us — that is just a small sampling of treats and activities.
Clara Hamer makes her own apple crisp at Super Fresh Produce Bakery during Christmas in the Northwest. At some point — no one really recalls the exact year — it was decided to expand the celebration, to be held on different nights in the southwest and northwest parts of the city, to give those businesses a chance to participate. Finally, a few
years ago, Christmas in the City came to the east end as well, said Jeanine Nelson, who heads up major events for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. The move to expand the celebration is a sign of not only the event’s
changeable nature, but a community’s love of the event. “Christmas in the City has been adapted to meet the needs of the city and I think everyone appreciates that,” she added. Photos with Santa, wagon rides and business treats are offered in the other quadrants as well, with Sterling Main Street being “home base” for the Christmas in the Southwest and Jim’s Marketplace for Christmas in the East. Although the Christmas in the Northwest was initially centered in the now-gone Oak Park Mall, all the businesses have continued with their own offerings, too. Nelson noted that the expansion also allows families who cannot make one event to attend another that is more convenient. The full list of activities being planned by individual businesses in each area is still being compiled and will be printed in brochures to be handed out just before the season begins. This season, the 31st annual event will be held on Nov. 29 (downtown kickoff), Dec. 3 (northwest), Dec. 5 (southwest) and Dec. 9 (east).
Creative ways to budget for a cheery holiday season State Point Media
The holidays are fast approaching, making now the time to consider some wise strategies to get the most out of the season, without wreaking havoc on your personal finances. Americans are projected to spend between 3.8 percent and 4.2 percent more this holiday season over 2018, according to the National Retail Federation. Plugging in the 2018 estimate of $1007.24 spent per person, this year’s spending average could rise to $1,049.54 — in many cases, money that families don’t currently have. Nearly 60 percent of Americans don’ t have $500 in savings, according to CNN.com and the average credit card debt per household (as of May 2019) is $8,402, according to The Balance. Even with above minimum monthly payments of $250 and a (below average) 12 percent interest rate, CreditKarma.com calculates that it
would take 3.5 years to pay off that debt. For a merry holiday season that leaves you in good financial standing, consider these savvy spending strategies. •Game the Gift Card System: Gift cards don’t have to be used only for what their name implies. Buy them for your own use from stores where you later plan to holiday shop. By spending a little at a time, the expense of the season won’t sting as much. To get even more bang for your buck, buy gift cards at discounted rates from online consumer-to-consumer markets specifically for offloading unwanted gift cards. •Go Digital: Download shopping apps to your smartphone that will scan prices on any given item across the sites of major retailers. This is one of the easiest ways to score the best deals available shopping online without doing so much as lifting a finger.
•Buy Now, Pay Later: Like the shop now, pay later concept? Investigate your workplace benefits. Many voluntary benefits packages include services like Purchasing Power, a specialty e-retailer that gives workers the opportunity to shop thousands of products, buying brand name items now and make mana g eable payments over time on those items through payroll deductions. This can simplify the task of holiday budgeting. “The holidays are one of the most expensive times of year, particularly when there’s travel involved or those wish-lists are stacked with big-ticket items,” says Elizabeth Halkos, chief operating officer for Purchasing Power, LLC. “This solution empowers you to pay over time right from your paycheck, while reducing your exposure to the pricey pitfalls associated with other payment options that include fees and interest.” Ask your employer if an employee purchase
program and other financial wellness benefits like PurchasingPower.com are available to you. •Track Your Brands: Do you or your gift recipients have some favorite brands or stores? “Like” and follow these companies on social media for access to exclusive promotions and coupons. •Set Limits: Consider instituting family-wide spending limits on gifts, or suggest a “Secret Santa” gift exchange. This can relieve both financial and social pressure associated with being the biggest spender. Spending limits can actually be more fun than they sound, encouraging gift-givers to get creative, artistic and resourceful. Don’t forget that the meaning of the season is not to rack up costly debt. Using new strategies and innovative tools, you can budget for a joyful holiday season and enter the new year on solid financial footing.
• Asa Auto Plaza of Austin: Kids can make a new Christmas ornament, take pictures by the tree with fun props, and enjoy a Christmas treat. • Cricket Wireless: Stop in for Christmas crafts for kids. • Fairway Mortgage: Stop in to make a tea light snowman ornament. • Games People Play: Stop in for great deals storewide. Enjoy homemade donuts and face painting. • Holiday Inn Austin: Make a “snowman in a bag” and go home with a tasty “make and take” treat. • Hy-Vee: Come in for cookie decorating. • Kwik Trip (14th Avenue location): Stop in for samples of hot chocolate and cookies. • Maurices: Kids stop in to get your free holiday coloring book. Enjoy refreshments and also receive exclusive holiday coupons. • Perkins Restaurant: Kids eat free (one child per adult) and can register to win a $25 gift card. • Pet Supplies Plus: Stop in for pictures with Santa. Pets also welcome. • Pizza Ranch: Kids 12 and under eat free per paying adult. There will be winter/Christmas themed activities planned for all children who wish to participate. • Shoe Sensation: Come enjoy Christmas movies, a photo op with the Grinch, in-store specials and a sock toss donation to support our troops and veterans with the chance to win a gift card. There will also be a Santa letter drop box; Santa’s team will reply to all letters. • Stadheim Jewelers: Bring the family for children’s bracelet making. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and register to win a $50 gift certificate. • Super Fresh Produce and Bakery: Apple crisp and caroling. Stop out for kids to make their own apple crisp to take home. Enjoy a Christmas music sing-along with Josh Whalen. • Thad Kusick Edward Jones: Stop in and enjoy Christmas cookies, apple cider, coffee and listen to the Austin High School Music Ensemble group. • The Pet Authority: Stop in for a free bakery treat for your pups, plus buy-one-get-one 75 percent off on all toys and bagged treats.
Thanksgiving Extra
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Break out the turkey
Pacelli Elementary students share some of their favorite parts about Thanksgiving
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
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Christmas in the southwest Thursday, Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m. at Sterling Shopping Center and surrounding area • Apollo Liquor: Come in and enjoy wine tasting and a meat tray for the “big kids” out and about.
Maw Soe
Emilia Churchill
Diego Ortiz Reyes
Casimir Asoggba
• Apollo Superette: Stop by for cookies and hot cider. • Berg’s Nursery & Landscaping: Come at 5 p.m. and check out our furry barnyard friends and the petting zoo. Enjoy hot apple cider, cookies and Christmas specials storewide. • Cornerstone Church: Come jump in our inflatables, make Christmas crafts, meet some Austin Bruins hockey players and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. • D&G Ace Hardware: Stop in for cookies and check out Hallmark. • Dairy Queen: Stop by for some refreshments.
Jocelyn Hernandez By Eric Johnson newsroom@austindailyherald.com
It’s hard to find anything to really dislike about Thanksgiving. Family and friends. Turkey, stuffing and, without argument, pumpkin pie. By now, most everybody knows at least a little bit of the origins of this holiday. According to the History Channel’s website, it’s widely considered that first meal, that would later be celebrated as Thanksgiving, was in 1621 when Plymounth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. This feast went on for three days and while no official account exists of what was on the menu, we can still imagine the potential for the food that was served. Two centuries later, President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Today, great food is usually accompanied by football and perhaps the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. At Pacelli, seven students, representing the seven elementary school grades, gave us their ideas as to what they enjoy about their particular celebrations.
Madeline Klankowski
Maw Soe Kindergarten Maw was pretty quiet at first and wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to say. With a smile she nodded when it was suggested we come back to her. When we did she was ready. Maw enjoys spending time with her friend next door. “Sometimes, I like having a play date at her house.” Things aren’t quite so traditional as Maw said her meals will sometimes consist of things like rice and eggs. Emilia Churchill First grade Emilia was ready for her turn, and it didn’t take long to give an answer as to what she liked most about Thanksgiving. “Having my cousins over and playing with them,” Emilia answered as her favorite thing to do over the holiday. After, and maybe before, Emilia and her cousins retreat to the basement to play with her mom’s toys, which she had when she was their age. Diego Ortiz Reyes Second grade Diego had a two-fold answer. He informed us that he looks forward to
Joey Schulte
the chicken and tortillas that are served. After that, it’s time to head outside and get some serious play time in with friends and family.
ing with her cousins, regardless of the weather. Madeline Klankowski Fifth grade Klankowski is a family girl and she lists the members of her family coming to town as one of her favorite things. Not only that, it usually results in not just one, but two Thanksgivings — one each for both her mom and dad’s side of the family. The turkey is fine, but there is also the pie, and Madeline was quick to say that she’s not too picky. And then there is being able to chip in. “Helping my parents make food is fun,” Madeline said.
Casimir Asoggba Third grade Casimir looks forward to one of his friends coming over to spend the holiday with him. While he looks forward to the food, he especially looks forward to what happens with leftovers — turkey sandwiches. It’s hard to disagree with Casimir on that one. Sometimes ice cream and cookies are even involved after the feast. After that, Casimir and his family takes the leftovers and shares Joey Schulte them with family and Sixth grade friends. Joey takes in the food, but he doesn’t waste any Jocelyn Hernandez time when it comes to eatFourth grade ing it. His favorite food Like so many others, from the holiday are ham food is right up at the sandwiches. After the forefront for Jocelyn, in food, Joey takes part in particular the turkey. Af- what he described as, “the ter that, Jocelyn enjoys biggest game of hide and heading outside and play- seek ever!”
• Faith Church: Living Nativity with campfire, snacks, games and caroling. • H&R Block: Stop in for cookie decorating. • McDonalds Restaurant: Join us for a Happy Meal decorating contest with the winner getting free Happy Meals for a year (one per week). Enjoy some free hot chocolate, guitar music by Kameron, and holiday horses (weather permitting). • ReMax Results: Stop in and get a Christmas treat bag. • Sterling Drug Main Street: Kids stop in to receive a free gift from Santa. • Sterling State Bank: Horse-drawn wagon rides in the parking lot. Come in for cookies and apple cider and enjoy music from the Austin Big Band.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Thanksgiving Extra
Holiday party menu ideas for the grill State Point Media
Wow your friends and family by using a wood pellet grill and smoker to create every dish on your holiday party menu this season. Wi t h t h e s e t i p s a n d recipes from the chefs at Louisiana Grills, you can craft festive gourmet dishes infused with sophisticated hardwood Photo provided flavor. • Smoke outside in cooler temps for two to four Appetizer course Smoked cheese is a sa- hours. • Wrap well and let rest vory delicacy that offers a delicious flavor profile refrigerated for at least 24 when served alongside hours. crackers or bread. Unfortunately, the “smoked” Main course Purchasing high-qualflavor of store-bought ch e e s e t y p i c a l ly o n ly ity meat can make a sigcomes from liquid smoke. nificant dif ference in With a cold smoking cab- the overall flavor of your inet on your wood pellet dish, so be sure to select grill, smoking cheese the locally-raised, grass-fed old-f ashioned and au - meat. Livestock raised on thentic way is uncompli- grass-fed farms have lowcated, particularly when er amounts of lactic acid using one from Louisiana in their muscles, which Grills, as it produces lay- offers superior taste and ers of delicate flavor by texture. For your party’s circulating cool smoke centerpiece, consider this around the cheese, and Grilled Pork Tenderloin eliminating the need for with Blackberry Sauce recipe for a gorgeous roast rotation. Cold smoking cheese that’s rich in holiday flavor. tips: Ingredients: • Let it reach room tem• 1 pound pork tenderloin perature before smoking. • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • Keep the temperature • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher inside the cabinet below salt 90 degrees F.
and Dijon mustard, stirring frequently over medium heat until thickened. • Fire up your Louisiana Grill and set the temperature to 225 degrees F. Place the pork tenderloin directly on the grill grates and smoke for 1-2 hours, flipping once, until the temperature in the middle reaches 145 degrees F. • Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly and serve • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly with the fresh blackberry ground pepper sauce. • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder A sweet finish • 6 ounces thinly sliced End the night on a sweet bacon note by smoking your fa• 1/2 cup fresh blackber- vorite cobbler or pie. Place ries, washed and dried it in the grill and bake for • 1/4 cup seedless black- 40-45 minutes, or until the berry preserves topping is golden brown. • 2 tablespoons balsamic Add a festive touch by vinegar serving with your favor• 1 tablespoon Worcester- ite gourmet holiday ice shire Sauce cream. • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon For more tips and recmustard ipes for holiday meals Instructions: and more, visit louisi• Pierce the pork tender- ana-grills.com. loin all over with a fork and By preparing your holrub with olive oil until ful- iday party menu with a ly coated. Season well with wood pellet grill this year, salt, pepper and garlic pow- you can impress your loved der. Then, wrap in bacon ones with an extraordiand let rest at room tem- nary wood-fired feast. perature for 30 minutes. • Next, puree the fresh blackberries in a blender and strain into a saucepan. Add in seedless blackberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Christmas in the EAST Monday, Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m. at Jim’s MarketPlace and surrounding area • Austin Eagles Club: Come make a craft and have your picture taken with Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. • Emerge Fitness: Stop in for children’s “reindeer” holiday-themed games and activities. • Hardy Geranium: Come and enjoy cookies, cider and crafts for kids and see Santa. • Huffman Flooring Design Center: Stop in for cookies, beverages and photo booth fun. • Jay C. Hormel Nature Center: Have your photo taken with Santa by the fireplace. Enjoy refreshments and a cookie and make a tree ornament. • Jim’s MarketPlace Foods: Stop in for a coloring contest, cookies and cookie decorating, cider and hot chocolate. • Star Liquor: Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate with or without spirits.
Find more local events online at www.austindailyherald.com/ community-calendar
Thanksgiving Extra
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
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SEASONAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Saturday, Nov. 30
• VFW Post 1216 Turkey Jam, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
• First Farmers and Merchants Christmas Open House, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in for refreshments and register for door prizes.
Thursday, Dec. 5
• U.S. Bank Holiday Open House, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in for coffee, hot apple cider, cookies and holiday treats. • Family Eye Care Center Open House, 4-7 p.m. Open house to welcome Dr. Dessie Mason and showcase our new building addition. Enjoy cookies, cider and crafts. Helen Holder’s Nativity collection features a vast variety of scenes, many of which are from different countries. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Heart of the season Helen Holder’s Nativity collection invites people into the spirit of Christmas
cis of Assisi, who sought permission from Pope Honorious III to reflect the Nativity how we see it today. It was a manger scene complete with live animals, according to the Franciscan monk St. Bonaventure, who is thought of as writing down the only historical account of St. Francis’ Nativity. It was used in companion to St. Francis’ preaching of the birth of Christ. However, for those who study the Bible, they may notice that the Nativity we see today isn’t exactly how the Bible relates it. Of the four gospels in the New Testament, only Matthew and Luke talk of the birth.
By Eric Johnson newsroom@austindailyherald.com
Like so many things, Helen Holder’s collection of the Nativity started with just one — a simple scene she created in 1968 using origami. Similar to that first scene, Holder had another simple idea of just buying one every year. To date, her collection has 930 Nativity scenes, so it doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that it went well beyond one a year. “I said to myself that every year I would buy myself a new one,” Holder said through a growing smile. “But once you start looking ... there are just so many.” To walk into the Holder’s house is akin to walking into an art gallery. There are Nativity scenes everywhere, ranging in size and style as well as country of origin. On a coffee table there is a Nativity from Nigeria next to a more traditional set one might find in most any store here in the United States. There are Nativites that hang from the walls, perched on a piano or a bookcase. Everywhere
See NATIVITY, Page 6
Helen Holder holds just one Nativity scene out of 930 in her collection. you look is a new vision of an old story depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, surrounded by Mary and Joseph, the animals of the manger and wise men who came from far off lands.
“All of the different varieties and ideas people have, it says to me that Jesus came for everybody,” Holder explained. The Nativity was first staged in 1223 by St. Fran-
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Friday, Dec. 6
• Festival of the Nativities, 4-8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Celebrate through sacred Christmas music, scripture, fellowship, and lighted displays of nativity sets. The event is free and includes a children’s craft area, a scavenger hunt for unique nativity scenes and holiday refreshments.
Saturday, Dec. 7 • Merry Tuba Christmas, 11 a.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Austin’s 10th annual celebration of the holidays with tubas, euphoniums and sousaphones. All are welcome to enjoy this free event. • Festival of the Nativities, 4-8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Celebrate through sacred Christmas music, scripture, fellowship, and lighted displays of nativity sets. The event is free and includes a children’s craft area, a scavenger hunt for unique nativity scenes and holiday refreshments.
Monday, Dec. 9
• “A Christmas Carol” Reading and Discussion, 6 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Featuring Summerset Theatre co-director Randy Forster. $5 per person.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
• Home Federal Savings Bank Holiday Open House, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy coffee, apple cider, cookies and popcorn while visiting with Santa.
Friday, Dec. 13
• Accentra Credit Union Holiday Open House, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join Accentra as we celebrate the season with holiday refreshments and prizes. • Bremer Bank Holiday Open House, noon to 4 p.m. Stop in for a holiday coloring contest and enjoy snacks and warm beverages.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Thanksgiving Extra
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
SEASONAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Saturday, Dec. 14
This Nativity is from France, one of 50 sets from other countries.
Nativity: Collection open to public From Page 1 In Matthew’s account are the wisemen, while Luke speaks of shepherds only, but they are never mentioned as being together anywhere else in the Bible. It also doesn’t mention the various animals that would have been kept in the stables. But for Holder, much of what the Nativity relates is spiritual. “There is a lot of tradition mixed in to Nativities,” Holder explained. “The historical part isn’t really the important part. Helen Holder’s Nativity collection features a vast variety of scenes, many of which are from The idea is to make it a different countries. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com personal thing.” “The fun part is differ- of an important event to Holder didn’t recognize it The collection as a true hobby until 1970, ent sets trigger memories Christians around the It takes a lot to store when she spent nearly of their own Christmas,” world. Holder said. “It’s inter930 Nativity scenes. It re- $200 for a set. quires 102 containers to be “When I spent $180 for esting to see which ones precise. the Hummel set in 1970, I capture their attention.” This year, Helen said The collection takes on decided this would be my that all of the Nativity average three weeks to set hobby,” she said. up. Helen’s husband, Bill, But amongst all of these scenes should be up by will bring a small num- in her collection, there is Nov. 16. People who wish ber of containers up at a one that stands out among to visit the home and her collections should call time, returning them to the rest. the basement after Helen One year Holder as- 1-507-433-2643 and have has removed and placed signed members of her that dollar bill ready. the scenes. family a part of the NaOf these scenes, 50 are tivity for them to draw Reason for the season Helen and her husband from different countries, or create.They were then though they are not all assembled to give a real care a lot about the Nativity, not just as a colethnically representative family feel to the scene. of those countries. The “... everybody has a lection or hobby, but a as smallest Jesus of the col- piece,” Holder said with a a sign of faith. Helen herself is current secretary lection is part of a scene broad smile. of Friends of the Crèche, that was carved into a waa group dedicated to termelon seed, while the Open to the public largest is two feet tall. The idea of opening p r o m o t i n g a w a r e n e s s Helen’s collection has the collection to the pub- and appreciation of the grown with scenes pur- lic wasn’t in the plans at crèche (French for “crachased from traveling, first. In those early days, dle”) tradition. Having a Nativity in stores, catalogs and auc- the Holders only invited tions, just to name a few. friends over to see the the house at Christmas She also gets more than collection, but as interest n o t o n l y d i s p l a y s t h e a few from friends who grew, the couple decided Ch ris tian faith of the know of her collection. they could do some good s e a s o n , b u t i t i s a l s o “A lot of people think of by letting people come a chance for people to put themselves into the us,” Helen said. “It’s real- tour the Nativity scenes. ly amazing what people The first year was in scene and be a part of it. “Jesus came specificalfind.” 2002, on the same night Holder does admit the as Christmas in the City. ly for you,” Helen said. unpacking of over 900 Na- For a small donation of $1, “You look at this event tivity scenes is a balanc- the public could take the and put yourself into it.” And as people put ing act sometimes. tour. All the money from “The boxes are put out the donations goes to the themselves in that moment, it acts as a window and some things go in Salvation Army. the same place, others go As people take in the connecting the person where I have space,” she e n o r m o u s c o l l e c t i o n , directly to Jesus. The Nativity is a said. Holder starts to notice cerWhile the collection tain reactions, and in that chance for each household to actively be a part officially started in 1968, she finds the most joy.
• Christmas in the County, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mower County Historical Society. Join the MCHS for an old-fashioned Christmas. Silent auction, horsedrawn wagon rides, kids activities, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food stand, bake sales and much more. A raffle drawing will be held at 3 p.m. • Santa at the Y, 6-8 p.m. at the Austin YMCA. Pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, bounce house, pizza, cookie decorating, pool inflatables and gymnastic gym. Free for members, $20 for non-member families.
Sunday, Dec. 15 • “Home for the Holidays” with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m. at Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School. Celebrate the holidays with our great symphony orchestra and guests, the MacPhail Austin Community Chilren’s Choir, along with narrator Lisa Deyo. Program includes “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Bill Holcombe, “Song of the Sandman Dream Pantomime” from “Hansel & Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck, and “On Christmas Day” by Steven Amundson. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.
Monday, Dec. 16 • Jacob Burkhart Jazz Concert, 7 p.m. at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Enjoy an evening of holiday and nature-themed jazz featuring former Nature Center summer intern Jacob Burkhart. The concert is free, but please RSVP by Dec. 15. Concert will be in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519.
Thanksgiving Extra
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
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SEASONAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Friday, Dec. 20 • “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 7 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. The audience will catch the Christmas spirit as the six children in the notorious, horrible Herdman family volunteer to star in their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant, and end up teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets $10 for adults, $6 for children. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinareaarts. org or www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org, or call 507434-0934.
Saturday, Dec. 21 • “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 7 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. The audience will catch the Christmas spirit as the six children in the notorious, horrible Herdman family volunteer to star in their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant, and end up teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets $10 for adults, $6 for children. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinareaarts. org or www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org, or call 507434-0934.
Sunday, Dec. 22
4 ways to give the gift of music over the holidays State Point Media
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to bring the gift of music into others’ lives. Here are four thoughtful ways to do so: • Holiday Caroling: Spread cheer and musical joy by caroling in your community. Some caroling groups perform at nursing homes and shelters, while others pound the pavement with the purpose of raising money for a good cause. Consider forming your own charity caroling group and donating the proceeds to the coffers of a local music education program. • Gift an Instrument: Give a loved one the tools needed to create music at home. Whether you’re shopping for a novice or a professional, today’s portable digital pianos are equipped with smart features that will suit your recipient’s needs.
thusiasts tickets to a show. Many venues offer gift certificates, which will give recipients the opportunity to select their own gifts. • Host a Movie Marathon: When it comes to most holiday movies, it’s all about the soundtrack, and some of the most pivotal scenes hinge on song and dance. For your holiday party this year, considering hosting a movie marathon. Invite all your friends and family to enjoy the sounds of the seaPhoto provided son. You can even bill it as With a sleek glossy panel the characteristics of a sing-along. and unibody chassis, the each of the 88 notes. While music powerfulPX-S1000 from Casio, for • Gift a Performance: ly enriches lives every example, evokes a high- Check local listings for day of the year, the holiend acoustic grand in a upcoming concerts and day season presents some slender design that’s not perfor mances and give special opportunities for much larg er than the your favorite music en- making and enjoying it. keys themselves. A fully weighted Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard provides an uncompromising piano touch with a proprietary key scaling system that reproduces
• “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 2 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. The audience will catch the Christmas spirit as the six children in the notorious, horrible Herdman family volunteer to star in their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant, and end up teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets $10 for adults, $6 for children. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinareaarts. org or www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org, or call 507434-0934.
Find more local events online at www.austindailyherald.com/ community-calendar
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