BRazos valley
holiday events
Things To consideR when hosting for the holidays
chRisTmas TRee varieties and care Keep poinseTTias looking great through the holidays
BRazos valley
call 936-825-3195.
Holiday Events Ongoing
Santa’s Wonderland – Open though Jan. 3. At 18898 Highway 6 South in College Station. See millions of Christmas lights. Hayride and horse and carriage tours of the Trail of Lights are available. Every night, musicians from Texas perform Christmas tunes. Shopping and food and drink vendors are also available. Other festivities include a winery, a chance to visit Santa, mechanical bull rides, children’s train rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and showing of Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen. For more details, visit www.santas-wonderland.com or call 979-690-7212. Lights On – 6 to 11 p.m., through Jan. 1, at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station. Enjoy viewing more than 1 million lights that will decorate the 47-acre park daily. “Oliver!” performances – Through Dec. 6 at The Theatre Company, 3125 South Texas Ave., Suite 500 in Bryan. Based on Charles Dicken’s novel. For more information, call 979-779-1302 or visit www. theatrecompany.com.
Dec. 2 “Uncle EB, to Begin With” performances - 8 p.m., Dec. 2-5 and 9-12. Performances by This is Water Theatre, co-located with Texas Chiropractic, 2151 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, Suite 112 in College Station. For more details, visit thisiswatertheatre.com. “Las Posadas” program – 6:30-8:30 a.m. at Reynolds Gallery in Texas A&M University’s Memorial Student Center. The program will present the re-enactment of the story of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem on their search for shelter.
For more information, contact carram_124@tamu.edu or visit bit. ly/1HvIs7J.
Dec. 3 Holiday Magic – 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Sue Haswell Memorial Park, 1142 East William J. Bryan Parkway in Bryan. Free event features train rides, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and games, letters to Santa, sledding on real snow, hot chocolate and cookies. Free shuttle from Blinn College available. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performances – Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 1719, at StageCenter Community Theatre, 201-B W. 26th St. in Bryan. For more information, call 979-823-4297 or visit stagecenter.net. “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas” performances – Dec. 3-6 and 10-13, at Navasota Theatre Alliance, 104 West Washington Ave. in Navasota. For more information, visit navasotatheatrealliance.com or
“Miracle on 24th Street” performances – Dec. 3-20, at Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. in Brenham. For more information, call 979-830-1460 or visit www.unitybrenham. org. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – 7 p.m., at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. Modeled after the tree lighting ceremony on the White House grounds, the ceremony will include musical entertainment, a celebrity guest tree lighter and a public reception. Visitors are also encouraged to take photos of their family in front of the tree throughout the month. For more information, call 979691-4014.
Dec. 4 First Friday – 5-midnight in Downtown Bryan. Free monthly event features live music, vendors, food trucks and more. Shops also stay open late. For more information, see www.downtownbryan.com and www.facebook.com/downtownbryan. Jingle Bell Market – 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5, at Ant Street
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Christmas in the Park – 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 4; noon-9 p.m. Dec. 5; and 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6. At Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station. Daily activities at the free event include a tour of the park on a hayride, free cookies and hot chocolate, and photos
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Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade – Starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 4-5, in Downtown Brenham. Free event features live entertainment and holiday shopping as visitors stroll along the lighted streets. All the shops will be open. There will be a giant slide and other fun things for kids throughout the day. From 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 5, a synthetic ice skating rink will be open to the public, and at 5:30 p.m., there will be caroling and a lighting of the courthouse trees. At 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, the Lighted Christmas Parade will be held. For more details, visit www.downtownbrenham.com.
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with Santa. On Dec. 5 visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, a giant snow slide and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and more. Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. For more details, visit cstx.gov/christmas or call 979-764-3486. Gary Morris Christmas Concert – 7 p.m. at Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University in College Station. Concert will benefit Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of active duty military members and veterans with disabilities through fly fishing. For more details and to buy tickets, see siteline2.vendini.com/site/boxoffice.tamu. edu. “Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bell Batman Smells” performances – Dec. 4-6 and 11-12. Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold performances at the 29th Street Theater, 3705 East 29th St. in Bryan. For more information, visit bvtroupe.com or contact info@bvtroupe.com. Old Fashioned Christmas on the Square – Dec.4-5 in Downtown Caldwell. Event on Dec. 4 includes an outdoor snow slide and real ice from 5-10 p.m.; a Christmas program at 6 p.m.; and the Lighted Rudy 5K Run from 6-7:15 p.m. Festivities on Dec. 5 include a Christmas Parade at noon; outdoor skating from noon to 10 p.m.; Christmas on the Square at 12:15 p.m. (Christmas Pet Show, Christmas wreath judging and gingerbread house judging); covered wagon rides from 12:15-4 p.m.; Elf School and Reindeer Games from 1-4 p.m.; Christmas entertainment from noon-5 p.m.; bike giveaways at 2 p.m.; and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. For more details, visit www.burlesoncountytx.com/ christmasonthesquare.htm or call 979567-0000. Sweet T Vintage Market & Southern Junk Show – 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5, at Greens Prairie Elementary, 4315 Greens Prairie Trail in College Station. More than 40 vendors will provide holiday shopping. For more information, contact sweetTvintagemarket@yahoo.com.
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Holiday Storytime Party – 10-11 a.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station. Enjoy a winter wonderland themed party with crafts, stories and food. Teens will perform a holiday play. Free. For more details, call 979-764-3416 or visit www.bcslibrary.org. Breakfast with Santa – 9 a.m.-noon at Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Enjoy a free, hot breakfast, as well as activities, such as face painting, arts and crafts, coloring activities and entertainment. All participants ages 15 and younger will receive a gift from Santa. For more details, call 979-7643779. Christmas Arts & Crafts Show – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 5-6, at Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. More than 100 vendor booths will sell items such as handmade jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, homemade jellies, salsa and sweets. For more information, visit elmoreproductions. net. Holidays in the Rotunda – 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. Held in front of the museum’s decorated 19-foot Christmas tree in the rotunda. Festivities will include live entertainment and a Santa’s workshop; children will be able to make holiday ornaments. There will also be cookies, hot chocolate and punch. The event is free, but regular prices apply for entrance to the museum. However, visitors can save $1 off admission per person with the donation of a canned or non-perishable food item for the Food for Families Food Drive; collection boxes will be at the main entrance. For more information, call 979691-4000 or visit bush41.org. “Handling Holiday Grief” program – 10 a.m. at The Brew Coffee House, 410 Harvey Road in College Station. Free program on holiday grief presented by Gary Roe, author, speaker and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. Roe will share how to navigate through the holidays, honor loved ones who have died and make the holiday season the best it can be. Helpful resources and refreshments will be available. For more information or to RSVP, call 979-821-2266 or visit www. hospicebrazosvalley.org.
Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Market – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sonshine School - A&M Church of Christ, 2475 Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station. Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There will also be shopping, photos with Santa and a Children’s Christmas Craft Center. For more information, contact info@sonshineschool.org or 979-693-8668. Christmas Shopping for Fair Trade Handcrafts and Gourmet Food – 9 a.m.9 p.m., Dec. 5-6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, 603 Church Ave. in College Station. Work of Human Hands sale offers fairly traded crafts and food produced by smallscale artisans and growers from around the world. All proceeds go back to the people who produce the goods. For more details, contact 979-846-5717.
Dec. 6 Jingle Bell Fun Run – 1:15 p.m. This two-mile run starts at the intersection of University Drive and South College Avenue, and ends at the Texas Avenue and Villa Maria Road intersection. Dogs welcome. The run is not timed, and a shuttle will be available to pick up participants at the end of the route to transport them back to the
starting line. Register at rectrac.cstx.gov. Packet pickup will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 5. For more information, see cstx.gov/christmas or contact 979-7643486 or parks@cstx.gov. Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade – 2 p.m. Route begins on University Drive at Polo Road and turns north on Texas to Sulphur Springs in Bryan. Theme is “Winter Wonderland.” For more information, call 979-703-4421, email info@bcsparade.com or visit bcsparade. com. “Holiday Spirit of Aggieland” concert - 3 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium on the A&M University campus in College Station. Texas A&M University’s Music Activities presents its holiday concert featuring A&M’s Century Singers, the Singing Cadets and Women’s Chorus. Purchase tickets at the MSC Box Office or at siteline2.vendini.com/site/boxoffice.tamu. edu.
Dec. 8 Holiday greeting cards class – 6-8 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Office, 1309 E. Martin Luther King in Bryan. Class
Singing Cadets • Women’s Chorus • Century Singers and
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on creating four hand-stamped holiday greeting cards. Learn how to use just a few stamps to make holiday greeting masterpieces. For more information, or to register, call 979-209-5528 or visit parks. bryantx.gov. Holiday Showcase – 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. Free admission. Shop for gifts; meet local artists and authors and enjoy live music, wine and hors d’oevres. For more information, visit www. brazosvalleymuseum.org or call 979-7762195.
Dec. 9 Holiday Open House for seniors – 10 a.m.-noon at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Adults 55 and older are invited to a free open house event, where they can enjoy sweet treats and entertainment, as they explore the center’s activities and programs for older adults. Santa will also be available for photos. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx. gov. “The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp” concert – 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University in College Station. For their Holiday Stomp concert, the Sardines infuse yuletide classics with their unique twist on New York, Paris and New Orleans jazz from the era of prohibition and beyond. For more details, call 979845-1234 or visit www.mscopas.org.
Dec. 10
New Year’s Cookie Greeting Card class – 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10-11, at Bryan Parks and Recreation Office, 1309 E. Martin Luther King Jr. St. in Bryan. Participants will learn the art of creating stand up greeting cards out of cookies. Each student will decorate a “card” using his/her own ideas and the cutters that will be supplied for class use. For more information, or to register, call 979-209-5528 or visit bryanparksandrecreation.com. Seventh annual Nutcracker Story Time with Ballet Brazos – 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Clara B. Mounce Library, 201 East 26th St. in Bryan. Dancers in full costume. Cookies will be served. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org or call 979-209-5600. Fall Dance – 7-9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Free event for ages 55 and older. Enjoy an evening of dancing with music by a DJ, light refreshments and door prizes.
Dec. 11 Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Bryan. Lighted entries will wind their way down Main and Bryan streets. See www.downtownbryan. com.
Dec. 12 Home for the Holidays – 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. in Downtown Navasota. The city of Navasota is presenting its fourth annual Home for the Holidays event. Ice skating will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning at noon, the area around
City Hall will feature a Christmas train, snow slide and more. Many downtown businesses will host activities throughout the day, such as pictures with Santa, live dulcimer music and cookie decorating. Several local nonprofits will be holding fundraisers by selling holiday snacks, beverages and crafts throughout the day. The Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. as part of the event, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree at 7 p.m. For more information or to participate in the parade, call 936-8256475. Christmas on the Brazos – 10 a.m.9 p.m. at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Road in Washington. The historic Christmas traditions of Texas in the 1800s will transport visitors into the past. Free and low-cost activities include period music, craft making, readings, food samplings and sale of artisan gifts. The day culminates with the Candlelight Christmas event at Barrington Living History Farm, featuring vignettes of Texan frontier festivities with music, musket firing, dancing and a candlelit tour of the farm. For more details, visit www. wheretexasbecametexas.org or call 936878-2214. Concerts on Carter Creek – 6-7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, 1100 Carter Creek Parkway in Bryan. Houston Chamber Ringers, a professional handbell ensemble, will perform. For more information, contact 979-823-7073.
Dec. 13
Holiday Crafts for Tweens – 2-3 p.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station. Enjoy festive art activities and make a gift or decoration. Supplies will be provided. For students in fifth through seventh grades. Free. For more details, visit bcslibrary.org or call 979-764-3416. Holiday Pops Concert – 5 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 Texas 6 Frontage Road in College Station. Christmas concert will feature Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra brass musicians, organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church performing holiday favorites. For more information, visit bvso.org. Holiday Hoops – All Texas A&M University men’s basketball games from Dec. 13 to Jan. 3 will feature reduced general admission, at $5. For more information, visit www.12thman.com.
Dec. 17 “Melodies of Christmas” concert – 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, at Blinn College’s Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, 600 Blinn Blvd. in Brenham. The Brenham Children’s Chorus will perform holiday favorites, along with “Party in a Pear Tree” and other Christmas melodies. For more information, contact 979-277-3897 or brenhamchildrenschorus@gmail.com. “I’ll be Home for Christmas” performances – Dec. 17-19. Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold performances at the 29th Street Theater, 3705 East 29th St. in Bryan. Will include favorite
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pop, R&B, comedic, country and western, traditional and sacred holiday songs. For more information, visit bvtroupe.com or contact info@bvtroupe.com.
Dec. 18 Polar Express Pajama Party – 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, 4001 East 29th St. in Bryan. Event includes dinner, crafts, story time, train rides and a visit from Santa. Wear pajamas. For more details, visit cmbv.org or call 979-779-5437.
Dec. 19 Breakfast with Santa – 9-11 a.m. at Neal Recreation Center, 600 North Randolph Ave. in Bryan. Free event includes breakfast, holiday crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and pictures with Santa. For children 12 and younger. For more information, visit bryanparksandrecreation. com.
Things to consider when hosting for the holidays Metro creative connection
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oliday hosts have a lot on their plates. The work of holiday hosting does not begin when the first guest arrives. It starts weeks before, when homeowners begin preparing their homes for overnight guests. Because the holiday season can be so busy, it’s easy for hosts to overlook certain things as the day their first guests are set to arrive draws nearer. But the following are a few things hosts should consider in the weeks before their guests show up. Accommodations It’s hard to overlook accommodations when hosting for the holidays, but it’s best to inspect linens and other items that might go largely unused throughout
Dec. 21 Winter Break Camp – 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Dec. 21-23 and 28-31, at Neal Recreation Center, 600 North Randolph Ave. in Bryan. Daily activities include games, arts and crafts and holiday-themed activities. For more details, visit bryanparksandrecreation. com.
Diets Ask guests before they arrive if they have any particular food allergies or items they need to avoid because of any medications they might be taking. This is especially important for youngsters, who may forget to avoid homemade cookies with nuts despite having nut allergies. By asking in advance if your guests have any food allergies or foods and ingredients they must avoid, you will know to avoid serving particular dishes so no one accidentally eats foods that might make them sick and you can prepare alternative dishes for people who must avoid certain foods. Activities If guests will be staying for
several nights, explore a few local activities so everyone can get out of the house for a night or two. Time spent with family is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but spending all of that time inside in cramped quarters can grow uncomfortable over time. Plan a family night or two out that everyone can enjoy. Pets When hosting for the holidays, let your guests know if you have any pets. Some people have dog and cat allergies, and those allergies may make it
difficult for them to enjoy their stay. Others’ allergies might be so severe that they have to find alternative lodging. Let guests know about your pets when you invite them to stay at your house so no one is surprised at the last minute. In addition, let guests know if they can bring their own pets along to your house. Hosting for the holidays is a great way to welcome loved ones into your home. Considering and discussing a few factors before your guests arrive can ensure everyone enjoys their stay.
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Dec. 20 Holiday Story Hour – 2 to 4 p.m. at Clara B. Mounce Library, 201 East 26th St. in Bryan. Spanish and English. For more details, visit www.bcslibrary.org or call 979-209-5600.
much of the year. Check foldout couches or air mattresses a few weeks before your guests are slated to arrive. This gives you ample time to address any issues and also allows you to comparison shop and find great deals on any items you need to replace. Hosts who are parents to young children may want to discuss sleeping arrangements before guests arrive if kids will be asked to sleep in different beds. Kids might embrace the change, while others might be less enthusiastic. If younger cousins will be staying over, let kids choose their new roommates, which might make them more excited about sharing rooms with their guests. Explaining the situation in advance gives youngsters time to ready themselves for their temporary move.
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Christmas tree varieties and care Metro creative connection
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n evergreen tree decked out in lights and ornaments is one of the universal symbols of the holiday season. The Christmas tree tradition is believed to have originated in Germany in the 15th or 16th centuries, when trees were decorated with edibles, such as nuts and fruits. They were later decorated with candles and eventually lights. Through the centuries, people have trekked to forests, Christmas tree farms and commercial lots to pick the perfect trees for their holiday displays. The National Christmas Tree Association says more than 33 million real trees are purchased each year, making the tree business a billion-dollar industry. While there are scores of evergreen varieties, certain tree types are more popular than others and thus more available for purchase. The following are some of the more popular trees come Christmastime. Eastern Redcedar: Branches of the tree are compact and form a pyramid-shaped crown. The trees should be a dark, shiny green color. The eastern redcedar is not a true cedar tree, but a member of the juniper family. This tree can make a great cut tree
with a homespun look and a pungent fragrance. Leyland Cypress: This cypress is one of the more popular Christmas trees in the southeastern United States. The tree will be very dark green to almost gray in color. It has little aroma. Some people choose the Leyland because it does not produce sap, which is great for those with sap allergies. Colorado Blue Spruce: An attractive blue-green foliage and a good symmetrical form is what attracts many people to the blue spruce. The Colorado Blue Spruce has an excellent natural shape and requires little pruning to look like the perfect Christmas tree. It’s not very fragrant, but the tree needles may give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. Scotch Pine: A classic conical shape and very good needle retention help make the Scotch pine a popular tree to cut for the holidays. Scotch pines also are quite prevalent thanks to the tree’s adaptability to a wide range of climates. Eastern White Pine: A delicate green color and long needles are found on this tree. Another popular pine, the rich fragrance of the white pine may make it preferable to those who like their homes to smell
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of evergreen. Douglas Fir: The Douglas fir is one of the foremost Christmas tree species in the United States. It has soft needles that are dark green in color. Those needles radiate in all directions from the branches to give the tree a full look. The needles, when crushed, have a sweet fragrance. Douglas firs tend to live long when cut. Fraser Fir: Another popular fir for Christmas is the Fraser fir. The needles are bicolored, with dark green on top and silver on the bottom. More fragrant than its cousin, the Douglas, the Fraser also boasts a slender profile, which makes it suitable for
smaller rooms. Christmas tree maintenance Nothing can guarantee the health and appearance of a tree after it is brought into a home. But choosing a recently cut tree that has good needle retention can help. Here are other
tips for a long-lasting tree. Use a sharp saw to cut an inch off of the trunk base to remove the sappy covering that forms from cutting. This will improve water intake. Fill a tree stand reservoir with warm water. Expect
the tree to drink heavily in the beginning. Keep the reservoir filled every day and check to see how much water the tree is using. Place the tree far from heaters or other drying sources.
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Keep poinsettias looking great through the holidays Metro creative connection
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long with the fragrant evergreens and twinkling lights synonymous with the holiday season, poinsettias make up a key component of holiday decorating. Unlike holly and some of the other greenery that is commonly associated with the holidays, poinsettias do not naturally thrive in the colder temperatures. These plants originate in southern Mexico and were considered an exotic plant when first introduced to the United States by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettias can be fickle plants and ones that gardening novices may find challenging to maintain. The plants are comprised of green foliage, colorful (often red) flower bracts, and the actual flowers of the plants, which are the red or green buttonlike
parts nestled in the center of the bracts. Because they are a tropical plant, poinsettias can be damaged by exposure to low temperatures, even if they are only exposed for short periods of time. They should be wrapped and protected against the elements when brought home. For maximum plant life, poinsettias need to be placed near a warm, sunny window, or another area that has ample amounts of light. They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees F and should be kept away from warm or cold drafts. Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don’t let the plant sit in water. Over- or underwatering can cause leaves to drop prematurely and wilt. If your home lacks in humidity, you may need to water the plant more
A gift epiphany for Three King’s Day Metro creative connection
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lthough many people are ready to take down their trees and pack away their holiday decorations once Dec. 25 has come and gone, millions of people wait to remove such decorations until the Epiphany, which occurs on Jan. 6 each year. The Epiphany, also referred
to as Three Kings’ Day, celebrates the day the Three Magi visited the baby Jesus and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Although any Christian can celebrate the Epiphany, the holiday is most embraced by the Hispanic community in the United States and in Spanishspeaking countries. In Latin America, for example, many
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frequently. Poinsettias do not need to be fertilized while the plant is in bloom. The Ohio State University Extension says poinsettias can be reflowered the following Christmas, but unless a yearlong schedule of care is observed, the results usually are not good. You can speak with a gardening expert or consult online resources for the proper care schedule. Caring for a poinsettia year-round involves gradually drying out the plant and storing it in a cool location. The plant later will be moved outdoors and then back inside and pruned to keep a full shape. Poinsettias are short-day plants, which means they flower about 10 weeks after the daylight shortens to about 12 hours or less. Therefore, to have the plant in full flower by Christmas, it will have to be kept in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. from the first part of October until Thanksgiving. Many people find the
affordability of poinsettias makes it more convenient to buy new ones each year than try to foster regrowth. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans or animals, but they should not be ingested due to the potential for allergic reactions. Poinsettias can help remove pollutants from indoor air, which is advantageous during the winter months when doors and windows are typically kept closed. Select plants that have dark green foliage and no low or damaged leaves. This ensures the best success for keeping poinsettias looking healthy and vibrant throughout the holiday season.
children receive gifts on Three Kings’ Day, rather than Christmas. Certain traditions are essential to Three Kings’ Day. In the week preceding, children may write letters requesting gifts they would like, especially if they have behaved well over the last 12 months. Children also are urged to share how they intend to improve their behavior or practice good deeds to others in the upcoming year. Figurines of the three wise men are placed in nativity scenes on Jan. 5, and children may
leave out grass or other food to feed the animals of the magi, particularly the camels. Those visiting another person’s home on Three Kings’ Day may want to bring the gift of a “King’s Ring,” also known as a Rosca de Reyes. This is a sweet bread shaped like a wreath that is adorned with candied fruit. A figurine of baby Jesus may be baked inside. Tradition states the person who finds the figurine is expected to host a party on Candlemas on Feb. 2.
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