Are you aware of your privileges, such as good health and a good-paying job? Do you want to express your gratitude by bringing comfort to people less fortunate than you this holiday season? Use these four ideas as inspiration.
1. Volunteer. Plenty of organizations need “helping hands” in the run-up to the festive season. You can wrap toys for underprivileged children, cook meals in a community kitchen for financially vulnerable families or collect food for Christmas hampers. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to getting involved in your area!
2. Visit someone in the hospital. Spending Christmas in the hospital is tough. You could bring a little joy to someone in the hospital by visiting them on December 24 or 25. Bring them a greeting card, a few sweets or a gift. Take advantage of your visit to do an activity with them like walking down the corridor and chatting, playing cards or watching a Christmas movie.
3. Lend a hand. Do you have a few hours to spare in your busy schedule? Use your free time to spread happiness and gratitude around you. For example, you could show your generosity by clearing snow from an older person’s driveway, helping someone with limited mobility put up their outdoor decorations or buying groceries for an exhausted caregiver — the possibilities are endless!
4. Invite someone over for Christmas Eve. For various reasons or circumstances, such as divorce, moving, illness and work, someone in your circle may be spending Christmas alone. Whether it’s a family member, neighbour, colleague or friend, open your arms and home to them. Invite them to celebrate Christmas Eve or Day with you. Your hospitality is sure to warm their hearts!
No matter how big, acts of mutual aid and solidarity can make all the difference in making Christmas a happy time for those less fortunate. What kind gestures will you make this year?
Shopping for Christmas gifts: get the best deals
Subscription boxes: the gift that keeps on giving
Subscription boxes are the perfect way to treat a loved one to a surprise gift every month. Here are eight unique subscription box ideas to consider.
1. Snacks. Whether your friend or family member has a sweet tooth or prefers savoury treats, get them a subscription box that delivers tasty snacks right to their door.
2. Cosmetics. If your giftee loves the lat est in beauty care, they can discover new beauty products and brands with a monthly cosmetics subscription box.
3. Hot sauce. For spice lovers, a hot sauce subscription box is a fun way to sample different flavours and heat levels.
4. Clothing. Is your loved one a fashionista? Many sub scription boxes offer personalized clothing selections based on their style preferences and measurements.
5. Books. The bookworm in your life will love receiving a curated selection of reading material each month.
6. Plants. Let your green-thumbed friend bring nature indoors with a plant subscription box that delivers a new houseplant or succulent to their home on a regular basis.
7. Crafts. Does your loved one have a creative side? Gift them a craft subscription box that provides all the materials and instructions for a new project each month.
8. Home decor. Add a touch of flair to your interior design-obsessed giftee’s living space. A home decor subscription box will bring them stylish and unique items.
With so many options, subscription boxes make thoughtful and exciting gifts that truly keep on giving.
Do you want to avoid going over budget this gift-giving season? Here are a few tried-and-true ways to keep costs down and get the best gifts.
START EARLY
Nothing beats the feeling of getting all your Christmas shopping done early and avoiding the stress of crowded stores. Starting in Novem ber allows you to take advantage of pre-holiday sales and ensures you’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
SHOP SALES
Many businesses offer major discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep an eye on your preferred stores and websites for special deals on everything from electronics to clothing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to snag some incredible bargains and stretch your budget even further.
USE THE INTERNET TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Subscriptions to newsletters from your favourite brands are a savvy way to stay informed about upcoming sales and exclusive deals. Plus, price tracking apps can help you monitor the prices of big-ticket items, ensuring you snap them up at the best possible price.
Consider supporting the retailers and makers in your area to find thoughtful Christmas gifts.
Cranberry and thyme mocktail
This festive non-alcoholic drink is a must when raising a toast at Christmas or New Year. Cheers!
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the cranberries in an elegant glass. Then, pour in the cranberry juice and simple syrup.
2. Place a spoon in the glass, curved side up. Very gently pour the club soda over the spoon (this creates a beautiful two-toned effect).
3. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 1
• 6 frozen cranberries
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Club soda, to top it off
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 12
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking pwd
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup golden raisins, divided
• 1 cup regular black raisins, divided
• 1/2 cup spiced rum (or spiced simple syrup for a non-alcoholic version)
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• A few walnuts, coarsely chopped
• A few fresh mint leaves
PRÉPARATION
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar for five minutes. Add the flour and baking powder and mix until smooth. Divide the mixture equally into two separate bowls. In the first bowl, add the vanilla extract and mix well. In the second bowl, add the cocoa powder and half the regular and golden raisins, then mix well.
3. Line two rectangular baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour each mixture onto a baking sheet, and place in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes.
4. Carefully lift each cake with the parchment paper and place on cooling racks. Brush each cake generously with spiced rum. Let stand for about an hour, until completely cooled.
5. Meanwhile, mix the icing sugar and milk. Set aside.
6. Using parchment paper, invert the chocolate cake onto the vanilla cake. Remove the parchment paper from the top. Using the lower sheet of parchment paper, roll the cake tightly onto itself to form a log with a swirl inside.
7. Pour the icing mixture over the cake, then garnish with the chopped walnuts and remaining raisins. Decorate with the mint leaves.
Cranberry pistachio fudge
Fudge is a sweet treat that’s synonymous with the holiday season. Will this Christmas-coloured version become your new classic?
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 20
• 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups 35% heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small skillet, dry roast the pistachios. Once lightly browned, remove the pistachios from the heat and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar and heavy whipping cream. Bring to a boil.
3. Heat the mixture until it reaches 110 C (use a pastry thermo meter). Remove the mixture from the heat immediately and low to cool for 30 minutes.
4. Whip the mixture for three minutes with a hand mixer until smooth and no longer glossy.
5. Add the roasted pistachios and cranberries. Stir gently to incorpo rate.
6. Pour the mixture into a large rectangular or square baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. Cut into 20 pieces and serve on a pretty plate.
5 Christmas wreath ideas to make yourself or with
Creating Christmas wreaths is a wonderful way to bring festive cheer to your home while spending quality time with family. Bring your crafty loved ones together to try one of these wreath projects.
1. CLASSIC EVERGREEN WREATH
Gather fresh pine, fir or spruce branches to create a traditional evergreen wreath. Start with a wire frame and attach the
branches using floral wire. Add pinecones, red berries and a bow to complete the classic look.
2. ORNAMENT WREATH
Recycle old tree ornaments to create a shiny, colourful wreath. Use a foam wreath form and hot glue to attach those baubles and beads. Mix different sizes and shades for a vibrant display.
3. FELT TIE WREATH
Tie strips of green felt around a wire wreath frame, securing them with hot glue. Layer the ties to add dimension and texture. Embellish the wreath with buttons or bows for a whimsical touch.
4. POM-POM WREATH
Upcycle your unused yarn stash with a pom-pom wreath. Attach the pom-poms to a wire or foam wreath form with hot glue, ensuring they’re tightly packed for a lush look. Finish the look with decorative elements like ribbons or bells.
5. PAPER SNOWFLAKE WREATH
Cut out various snowflake designs from white paper and glue them to a cardboard ring. Layer the snowflakes to create depth and dimension. This simple, budget-friendly wreath adds a delicate, wintry touch to your decor.
Making Christmas wreaths with your family is a fun and festive activity that fosters creativity and brings everyone together.
As the winter season approaches, your home transforms into a cozy retreat adorned with festive and inviting decor. Watch for these 2024 winter decor trends.
• Gemstone hues. Deep shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple are all the rage this Christmas. These colours bring opulence and warmth to your space. Pair them with metallic accents for a bold statement.
• Alternative Christmas trees. For a unique twist on the traditional Christmas tree, try a wall-mounted tree shape made of fairy lights or stack books or wooden pallets into a pine-shaped pyramid. Let your imagination run wild!
• Glass decor. Fill vases and bowls with ornaments, lights or greenery for stunning centrepieces. Their transparency allows for versatile decoration options, enhancing your holiday decor.
• Minimalist chic. Embrace simple, clean lines with minimalistic decorations. Think sleek candle holders, understated wreaths and subtle tree ornaments that make a strong impact without overwhelming the space.
• Handmade. Support local artisans by incorporating handcrafted items into your holiday decor. These unique pieces often have a story behind them and make excellent conversation starters.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Fun ideas to spice up your Christmas gift exchange
The traditional Christmas gift exchange can sometimes feel predictable, but you can add excitement and fun to this holiday tradition with a little creativity. Use these ideas to inspire your next festive gathering.
1. SECRET SANTA WITH A TWIST
Add an element of playfulness by setting a theme for the gifts, such as “handmade,” “something cozy” or “gifts that start with the letter ‘S.’” This encourages creativity and makes the unwrapping more surprising.
2. WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE
In this lively game, each participant brings a wrapped gift, and numbers are drawn to determine the order of gift selection. The catch? Others can “steal” gifts, leading to a hilarious and unpredictable exchange.
3. MYSTERY BOX EXCHANGE
Each participant fills a box with several small, themed items. During the exchange, participants pick a box without knowing what’s inside. It’s a fun way to discover a variety of surprises in one package.
4. GIFT AUCTION
Use play money or tokens for this game. Each person brings a wrapped gift, and participants bid on them in an auction-style exchange. This adds an element of strategy and competition to the gift-giving process.
These unique gift exchange ideas can transform your Christmas celebration into an event filled with laughter, creativity and delightful surprises.
Safety tips: outdoor festive decorations
Outdoor Christmas decorations can transform your home into a festive wonderland, but only if you prioritize safety while creating your holiday display. To ensure your decorations are both beautiful and secure, take these precautions.
LOOK FOR “OUTDOOR USE” LABELS
Use only lights and ornaments designed for outdoor use. Unlike their indoor counterparts, these are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, which could pose a fire hazard if exposed to moisture.
VERIFY THE CONDITION OF THE CORDS
Carefully inspect all electrical cords for frays or cracks. Using damaged cords can lead to electrical shocks or fires. It’s also crucial to use outdoor-rated extension cords and ensure they can handle the power load of your decorations.
SECURE ALL DECOR
Secure lights with clips or hooks instead of nails or staples. These alternatives prevent damage to the cords, reducing the risk of electrical issues. Additionally, firmly attach all decorations to prevent them from being blown away or knocked over in the wind.
DON’T OVERLOAD A CIRCUIT
Spread out your decorations across multiple outlets to avoid overloading the circuit. Overloaded circuits can lead to blown fuses or even fires. Protect all electrical connections from moisture by using weatherproof covers and elevating plugs off the ground.
TURN THEM OFF
Always turn off your outdoor decorations when you’re not home or before going to bed. An outdoor timer can help automate this process.
Finally, monitor the weather forecast. If severe weather is expected, remove or secure your decorations to prevent damage.
The right mix of tunes will set the tone and ensure everyone has a great time at your holiday get-together. Follow these tips to craft a playlist that hits all the right notes.
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Consider the age range, music preferences and cultural backgrounds of your guests to ensure your playlist appeals to everyone. For a family gathering, you might want to include a mix of classic and contemporary hits. A more formal event might call for evergreen jazz or instrumental music.
2. PICK A THEME
Decide on the ambiance and vibe you want for your gathering. Whether it’s an elegant dinner party or a lively holiday celebration, tailor your playlist to match the mood and theme of the event.
3. MIX THINGS UP
Incorporate a variety of genres and tempos to keep the energy flowing throughout the gathering. Blend in some crowd-pleasers, classics and a few unexpected choices to surprise and delight your guests.
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT APPS
Utilize music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music or
Pandora to create and share playlists with ease. These apps offer a wide selection of songs and allow for collaborative playlist creation, making it simple for guests to add their favourite tunes. Happy playlist-making!
Festive spritz
This sparkling and colourful cocktail is the perfect way to get your party started with style.
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 1
• 2 ounces bitter liqueur (Aperol or Amerme lade-style liqueur)
• 3 ounces sparkling wine
• Club soda, to top it off
• Ice cubes
• 1 orange wedge
• A few fresh mint leaves
DIRECTIONS
1. Pour the bitter liqueur and sparkling wine into a pretty glass. Top it up with club soda.
2. Add a few ice cubes and then garnish with the orange wedge and fresh mint.
Pan-seared scallops with grapefruit
Want to serve charming bites to impress and delight your holiday guests? Try these pan-seared scallops!
Place the scallops on a plate lined with paper towels. Pat the scallops dry with a second paper towel. Set aside.
Cut the grapefruit segments into small pieces and place in a bowl. Add the olive oil, honey and the needles from one sprig of rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently and set aside.
Heat the butter in a frying pan over high heat. Place the scallops in the pan, making sure they don’t touch each other. Sear the scallops for three minutes. Turn the scallops over and sear for an additional three minutes. Meanwhile, spoon the butter over the scallops in the pan.
Spear the four remaining sprigs of rosemary into four scallops and place them on a plate. Place a second scallop on each plate. Add a piece of melba toast, a quarter of the grapefruit salad and the safflower petals. Season with salt and pepper.
An unexpected gift for Grammie
BY SARAH BEAUREGARD AND JOHANNIE DUFOUR
TRANSLATED BY JASMINE HEESAKER
Snowy Dell is home to a magnificent nature park where young and old alike can enjoy countless winter activities. The villagers can try out ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing and more. There’s something for everyone! One of the main attractions is the pretty chalet. Villagers use it to warm up, read, play and enjoy other indoor activities.
Little Sally has reserved the chalet for the day to run a pop-up boutique. She wants to raise enough money to buy a Christmas present for her grandmother, Francesca, whom she adores. She’s brought everything she needs to make hot chocolate and baked cookies to sell to park visitors.
The gift is rather expensive — it’s a snowmobile helmet. Francesca misplaced her old helmet the last time she moved. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have enough money to buy a new one. She’s sad she won’t be able to enjoy her favourite pastime this winter.
Sally knows she’ll have to sell a lot of cookies and hot chocolate to reach her goal. However, she’s highly motivated! She happily calls out to passers-by.
“Who wants to have a treat and do a good deed at the same time?” she asks with a big smile.
People approach her, their curiosity piqued. Sally explains why she opened her pop-up shop. Touched by her story, the visitors are generous. They also promise not to reveal her secret project to her grandmother. After all, everyone in Snowy Dell knows Francesca!
Sally’s pop-up boutique is a resounding success — it’s beyond her wildest dreams! At the end of the day, she counts all the money she made. It’s more than enough to buy the snowmobile helmet!
On Christmas Eve, Francesca unwraps the gift from her granddaughter.
“Oh, thank you, Sally, you’re going to make me cry!” she says, taking the helmet out of its box.
“Merry Christmas, Grammie! Think of me when you go snowmobiling,” she replies, giving her a BIG hug.
BY SARAH BEAUREGARD
AND JOHANNIE DUFOUR
TRANSLATED BY JASMINE HEESAKER
This afternoon, the Snowy Dell choir is performing at the village Christmas show. Meredith, Adam and Marilyn are excited and a little stressed. They’ve been rehearsing a lot over the past few weeks, but this is the first time they’ll be on stage. Plus, the show is sold out, and the hall is packed!
The staging is particularly well done. A thick, soft white carpet that resembles snow covers the floor. When the children sing, big paper snowflakes fall from the ceiling. Everything went perfectly at the dress rehearsal.
As soon as the show starts, the crowd applauds enthusiastically. One number follows another. First, there’s dancing, then a comedy bit and a magic show. The children in the choir are getting more and more excited, because it will soon be their turn! They’re singing three classics: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Sleigh Ride and Let it Snow
“Are you ready?” Meredith asks her friends.
“I think so…” replies Adam, hesitantly.
“I can’t wait!” exclaims Marilyn, bouncing in anticipation.
A few minutes before going on stage, everyone checks their outfits and picks up their songbooks. Turning to the first page of his book, Adam opens his eyes and mouth wide.
“You guys! This isn’t the right songbook,” he says, panicking. “It’s all written in French! I’ll never be able to sing without the words!”
Unfortunately, the children don’t have time to search backstage for a songbook written in English. The announcer is already introducing them!
“Have faith in yourself, Adam,” whispers Meredith. “You know the songs by heart.”
“Yes, I’m sure everything will be fine,” adds Marilyn.
The girls are right. Adam has sung the songs dozens of times and easily remembers them by heart. No one would guess he isn’t reading the lyrics from his songbook!
Enhanced by the snowflakes falling from the ceiling, their number is a great success. Returning backstage as friends and family applaud their efforts, the children make a promise to each other to perform again next year! - THE END -
BY SARAH BEAUREGARD AND JOHANNIE DUFOUR
TRANSLATED BY JASMINE HEESAKER
Every year, the village of Snowy Dell gives out gifts to children with a little help from Santa Claus. He distributes the gifts on a small electric train that meanders through the streets. However, the famous man with the beard has a jam-packed schedule as the holiday season approaches. He needs a helping hand to get the job done in record time. Clara, Marco, Theo and Nora have been chosen to help him this year. The four friends are excited as they board the train with Santa. All day long, they knock on doors and hand out presents to their neighbours, cousins, classmates and more. They also meet children they don’t know, who seem very nice. Everyone is so happy to see them that they feel like they’re spreading smiles!
“Thank you so much for your help, children,” says Santa as he takes them back to the station.
“It was our pleasure, we had a great day,” replies Theo. His three friends nod in agreement. Then, they wave goodbye to Santa.
“Ho, ho, ho, but you forgot your presents!” exclaims Santa.
The children can’t believe it. They’ve had so much fun, they haven’t even thought about their own gifts!
“Yippee! A science kit!” exclaims Clara as she opens hers. “I’ll be able to try lots of experiments!”
“I got the pencils I wanted for my comics!” rejoices Marco, grinning from ear to ear. “And you, Theo?”
“Candy and chocolate baking supplies,” replies the boy. “I’m in for a real treat!”
The three friends turn to Nora, who looks at her gift with tears in her eyes.
“Uh, don’t you like it?” asks Clara.
“Oh no,” says the little girl, “I LOVE it! It’s the figurine I’ve been missing to complete my dinosaur collection!”
The children are doubly pleased. They’ve spread joy and received wonderful gifts. They’ll be talking about this special day for a long time.
Exploring the block party, one
BY SARAH BEAUREGARD AND JOHANNIE DUFOUR TRANSLATED BY JASMINE HEESAKER
Like every year, the village of Snowy Dell has planned several activities to keep families entertained dur-ing the Christmas holidays. Today, Claudia, Gabriel and Damien are spending the day at the block party.
The friends curiously approach the game booths. They see the great prizes, especially the plushies they could win for demonstrating their skills. To make sure everyone has a good time, the organizers have given each child a coupon that lets them take part in one event of their choice.
Claudia stops in front of a booth where you must pop balloons with darts.
“I’m going to use my coupon here because there’s a dartboard at my grandmother’s house and I’m pretty good,” she says.
“Do you see what’s ahead?” asks Damien, all excited. “There’s
an obstacle course where you have to carry sandbags. I want to try it because I’m strong and fast!”
“Look over there!” exclaims Gabriel. “There’s a game where you throw snowballs at moving targets. That’s my kind of challenge—I’m one of the best players on my baseball team.”
After drinking hot chocolate to build up their strength, the friends head off together to the three booths they’ve chosen. When one tries their luck at a game, the other two cheer by shouting and clapping. It works!
Thanks to her darts skills, Claudia manages to pop enough balloons to win the plushie robot of her dreams.
Damien impresses everyone by getting around the obstacles while carrying heavy sandbags. His victory earns him a magnificent giant cactus—but it’s not a prickly one.
Finally, Gabriel concentrates hard on hitting the targets with his snowballs—and he succeeds. He wins a super-soft plushie snowman. Proud of their exploits, the three friends jump for joy.
At night, the children fall asleep smiling with the plushies they won at the block party.
Lemon tarts
These delicate tarts will steal the show at your next holiday party!
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 4
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon icing sugar
• 1 pinch salt • 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon ice water
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs • 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• One lemon, cut into thin slices
• A few fresh mint leaves
DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, whisk together the unsalted butter, 1/3 cup icing sugar and salt until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolks, water and flour until a dough forms.
2. Using your hands, knead the dough into a smooth, uniform ball. Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each ball with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
4. Roll out the dough to about five millimetres thick. Cut out four circles (12 centimetres in diameter) from the dough and place in 10 centimetre-diameter moulds, making sure to fold the edges to cover the moulds.
5. Place the moulds on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
7. Heat the lemon juice in a saucepan. Add the egg and sugar mixture and bring to a boil. Maintain a gentle boil for about three minutes, or until thickened.
8. Remove from the heat, add the butter and stir until the lemon filling is smooth and has an even consistency.
9. Pour the filling into the four previously cooled crusts. Sprinkle with icing sugar and garnish with a lemon slice and mint leaves. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Orzo and grilled chicken salad
This gourmet salad is an absolute explosion of flavours. Try it for yourself!
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 6
• 2 chicken breasts • 3 cups cooked orzo
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered • 1 cup red pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup French shallots, chopped
• Juice of one lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Season the chicken with salt and paper and cook it on the barbecue or on a ridged grill pan. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the orzo, tomatoes, red pepper, feta cheese, basil and shallots.
3. Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and add to the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
Salmon and broccoli quiche
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 4
• 1 store-bought pie shell
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup small broccoli florets
• 1 cup salmon, cut into small cubes
• 1 French shallot, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides of the pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Add the broccoli, salmon, shallots and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the crust and bake for 40 minutes or until the middle of the quiche is firm.
4. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
This delicious quiche is easy to whip up. Enjoy!
Fig and prosciutto canapés Candy cane martini
Serve these refined appetizers to your guests this Christmas to whet their appetites. Expect compliments!
INGREDIENTS
Servings: 12
• 12 slices baguette bread
• 150 grams blue or goat cheese, to taste
• 12 slices prosciutto
• 6 fresh figs, quartered
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, each cut into 3 equal parts
• Freshly ground pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Spread the cheese evenly over each slice of bread.
2. Top with a slice of prosciutto, two fig quarters and a sprig of rosemary.
3. Season generously with pepper and serve on a pretty plate.
This minty martini is a throwback to childhood Christmases of yore. Serve it at a holiday cele bration, or enjoy it with a loved one by a crackling fire.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
• 6 ice cubes
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 2 tablespoons white vermouth
• 2 tablespoons crème de menthe
1-1/2 teaspoons spearmint cream
• 2 candy canes
• 4 red maraschino cherries
• 2 green maraschino cherries
Directions
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the ice cubes vodka, vermouth, simple syrup and crème de menthe. Shake for about 30 seconds or until well blended.
2. In 2 martini glasses, strain the candy cane martini mixture (without the ice cubes).
3. Garnish each glass with a candy cane pierced with 2 red and 1 green maraschino cherry.
O LittLe tOwn Of BethLehem
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light, the hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels
AwAy in A
mAnger
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing the poor Baby wakes but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes I love thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky and stay by my side, ‘til morning is nigh.
keep, their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and Peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of His heaven. No ear may his His coming, but in this world of sin,
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray
Bless all the dear children In thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with Thee there
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell, o come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
The First Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took it rest, and there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those wise men three fell reverently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Pictures with Santa Claus: tips for a successful experience
During the month of December, it’s customary for parents to bring their child to meet Santa at the mall or a Christmas market. Here’s how to make sure your child’s visit with St. Nick goes off without a hitch.
PREPARATION
Take time to prepare your child for this unforgettable encounter. Explain what’s going to happen in a way they can understand. For example, you could say, “We’re going to wait quietly. When it’s our turn, you’re going to sit on Santa’s lap. You’ll say hello and tell him what you’d like for Christmas. Afterward, we’ll take a picture or two, and then we’ll leave so the other kids can see Santa, too.”
WAITING IN LINE
No one likes to wait in line — especially little ones! Plan to have ways to keep your child busy for several minutes. Small toys, snacks, juice boxes and books will do the trick. This way, your child will be less likely to get impatient, and your turn will seem to come faster.
REACTIONS
It’s quite possible that your child will start crying or want to hide behind you when they get close to Santa. If your little one is shy, acknowledge their emotions and reassure them. You can offer to sit on Santa Claus with them or to talk to him by holding his hand, for example. Above all, don’t force your child and don’t try too hard to take THE perfect photo — think of the other families waiting their turn.
Merry Christmas to you and your little darling!
WHAT’S THE RIGHT AGE?
According to experts, the ideal age for a pleasant first encounter with Santa Claus is between three-and-a-half and four years old. Younger children often have an instinctive reaction of fear to this imposing, exuberant figure.
Chair Glenda Rye and The Board of Directors wishes everyone a Very
Tips for a successful gingerbread house Decorate, assemble and enjoy! ��
Decorating a gingerbread house is a classic holiday activity. Whether you want to bake your own or buy a ready-made kit, follow these tips for guaranteed success.
DOING IT YOURSELF?
Here are a few tips for making your very own ginger bread house from scratch:
• Find a gingerbread house template, either in a book or online. Choose models with straight lines to make the pieces easier to assemble.
• Prepare a recipe designed specifically for making gingerbread houses — not cookies.
• Once the dough is baked, carefully cut the outlines of the pieces according to the chosen template.
• Decorate the four cooled “walls” to your taste and use the icing to glue them to the base (e.g., a piece of cardboard), then wait for everything to set before carefully placing the roof.
USING A READY-TO-ASSEMBLE SET?
Here are a few tips for putting together a store-bought kit:
• If you have multiple family members, share the sections among the group to adorn with icing and candy decorations.
• Wait for the decorations to set before assembling and finishing. It’s best to give this honour to the adults.
To keep the fun going, you can also get creative by adding decorations around your gingerbread house. You might add a quaint fence made of pretzel sticks or a family of snowpeople made of marshmallows. The only limit is your imagination!
Office Christmas parties: 5 golden rules
1. Show up. Attending your office Christmas party shows respect for the organizers and supports team spirit. Arrive on time so you don’t miss out on important moments, like speeches or gift exchanges.
2. Dress appropriately. Follow the dress code if one is specified on the invitation. When in doubt, opt for festive yet professional attire. Avoid anything too revealing or casual.
3. Mingle and network. Don’t spend the whole night with the same people you always hang out with. Use this opportunity to socialize with colleagues you might not interact with daily. It’s a great way to build relationships and enhance team spirit.
4. Moderate your alcohol intake. If alcohol is served, drink responsibly. Overindulgence can lead to embarrassing situations and damage your professional reputation.
The office Christmas party is a time for celebration, camaraderie and holiday fun. With the right balance of merriment and professionalism, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your bonds with co-workers. Follow these six rules to ensure your office Christmas party is enjoyable and memorable:
5. Mind your manners. Be polite to everyone, including waitstaff and event organizers. Your behaviour reflects not only on you but also on your company.
Very Happy Holiday
Finally, leave at an appropriate time but avoid being the first or last to depart. Thank the organizers and express appreciation for the effort they put into planning the party.
