Special Features - Tis the Season

‘Tis the

Season A Supplement to the

Christmas cookies and holiday hearts ... this is where the holiday starts.

Don’t let dinner be a budget-buster Many people worry about the expenses of the holidays. Those who are already pinching pennies and putting as much toward gifts as possible may want to keep holiday entertaining costs low. It’s possible to do so without sacrificing quality.

Christmas dinner is something families look forward to each year. Some enjoy a roasted turkey; others turn to cultural foods. Others may eat a big meal both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The hosts and hostesses who serve Christmas dinner often open their homes up to a number of guests to enjoy the meal. It’s not uncommon to find 10 to 12 friends or family members gathered around the dining table — and feeding all those people can get expensive.

You can expect to spend $100 or more on holiday foods depending on the menu items chosen; a large turkey alone can cost $25. If cocktails are part of the holiday equation, premium alcohol can run $20 to $30 per bottle. If finances are tight, a big Christmas dinner can certainly put a strain on the budget. To cut costs, consider these frugal tips.

• Shop the sales. Plan the menu in advance and comparison shop the non-perishable items. Stock up on the foods needed that can be stored in the pantry until preparation time. The closer a person shops to Christmas, the higher the prices on certain items may be.

• Choose lower-priced foods. Who says filet mignon has to be served on Christmas? As long as the food is tasty, guests will enjoy it. Consider menu items that can be bought in bulk (less expensive) and turned into delicious meals. A platter of chicken with lemon-butter sauce could win rave reviews over the tired turkey anyway.

Continued on page 3

Thank you for your continued support and wishing everyone much joy throughout the season.

Trim expenses before you trim the turkey this holiday season.

There are ways to enjoy a delicious meal on a budget.

From all of us to all of you Best Wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you in 2013.

From all of us at Delbrook Mechanical

Rimbey Eye Centre

May your holiday come alive with beautiful moments and memories. We really appreciate your making this past year a truly memorable one for us.

With best wishes & thanks to all our valued customers at the holidays.

You make doing business a pleasure for us.

Action Autobody 403-843-3030 Page 2

Merry Christmas!

Monteray Jack’s Family Restaurant

’Tis the Season 2012

Trim expenses before you trim the turkey Continued from page 2 • Don’t overdo it. Party hosts often over-buy food thinking there will not be enough. After crackers and cheese, salad, appetizers, and some other courses, guests may be stuffed to the gills and only pick at the main meal. Scale back the courses and focus on one or two things.

• Fill guests up with vegetables. Starches, such as potatoes and rice, and many vegetables are

inexpensive and filling.

Serve a higher ratio of these foods to meats and poultry.

• Have a holiday pot luck. Hosts can ask guests to bring one food item with them to lessen the financial burden. Friends and family will be more than happy to pitch in.

• Consider store brands.

Many store brand foods are equal in taste and quality to the brand name items — but at lower costs. This

is because store brands are not advertised and don’t have to pay for publicity. This can help budgetconscious shoppers save a little at the check-out.

• Avoid pre-made foods.

Convenience foods, like frozen appetizers or dips, often cost more per serving than if they are made at home from scratch.

Scratch-cooking takes a

little more time, but it is often more economical.

• Skip the meal, altogether. If conversation and mingling are more the speed of the gathering, host a cocktail party instead. Serve finger foods and one or two signature drinks. Less time around the table means more moments for merrymaking anyway.

Christmas tops for cards Sending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across North America?

According to Hallmark, 1.5 billion Christmas cards, including boxed and individual cards, are purchased and then sent every year in the U.S. and Canada.

This makes Christmas the number 1 holiday for sending greetings, followed by Valentine’s Day (144 million) and Mother’s Day (133 million).

Town of Rimbey The Mayor, Council and Staff wish you & your family a Very Joyous Christmas Holiday and All the Best for 2012

...Oh what fun it is for us to wish all of you a happy holiday!

With warm wishes & heartfelt thanks to everyone from all of us at Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Town of Bentley 403-748-4044

’Tis the Season 2012

Page 3

Try themes for your holiday party Parties are an integral part of the holiday season, when friends and family gather to celebrate and give thanks. For holiday hosts, parties are a great opportunity to make the season even more festive with an event that guests won’t soon forget.

The following are just a few themes to make your holiday party as memorable as it is merry.

• Christmas sweater party: Christmas sweater parties have grown in popularity over the last decade, when revelers have tried to outdo one another with the most outrageous holiday-themed sweater.

Give prizes for the most outlandish sweater and let guests know early on so they can begin their hunt for a holiday sweater that’s so ugly or outrageous you can’t help but love it.

• Christmas costume party: Costume parties aren’t just for Halloween.

This holiday season, consider making your holiday bash a costume party, encouraging guests to dress up as their favorite characters from holiday tales like “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas Carol” or any of the host of beloved holiday legends.

• Caribbean Christmas: The weather come the holiday season may be the one thing to put a damper on the festivities.

To combat blue feelings from potentially inclement weather, consider a Caribbean theme for your holiday party this season. Rather than wearing sweaters and long pants, wear beach attire and give the party a touch of the Caribbean. Outfit your home in beach decor and

serve food and drinks reminiscent of the Caribbean instead of more traditional holiday fare like eggnog and gingerbread cookies.

• Film festival: Holiday movies are another tradition of the season, so why not invite friends and family over for a holiday film marathon? Include classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” and encourage guests to submit their own favorites

for consideration.

• Christmas karaoke: For those who love to belt out their favorite holiday tunes, consider throwing a Christmas karaoke party that allows guests to perform their own renditions of their favorite Christmas carols. Purchase a home karaoke set and ask guests in advance of the party if there are any particular songs they’d like to perform.

Season’s Greetings The Magic of Christmas brings peace and happiness.

May you be surrounded by those you love this holiday season.

Thank you for your patronage.

Rimstone Ridge LICENSED RESTAURANT

403.843.2999 Your business is greatly appreciated Our family to yours wishing you Happy Holidays!

Page 4

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. Rimbey 403-843-2747 ’Tis the Season 2012

Give your Christmas a country feel Christmas decorations can range from grandiose lighting displays to more subtle adornments. Some families may prefer more traditional holiday decor, while others might like the look of modern trimmings.

For those who prefer a rustic look reminiscent of a country Christmas, consider the following tips.

• Start with the tree.

The Christmas tree is the centre of many a home’s holiday decor, and those who want to create a country Christmas can start with their tree. Instead of traditional holiday lights, choose lights that look like candles while adorning the tree with wooden ornaments and strands of popcorn.

• Forgo traditional wrapping paper. Instead of flashy, store-bought

wrapping paper, wrap presents in brown paper and put presents under the tree as early as possible.

Instead of store-bought gift tags, create your own and attach a candy cane or another candy to the gift.

• Think nature with decorations. Items gathered from nature can give a home a rustic appeal during the holidays. Hang a homemade wreath on the front door and include pine cones and clippings from evergreen trees when adding decorative accents around the house.

• Create homemade ornaments. Homemade ornaments can also give a home a more rustic look come the holiday season.

Spend an afternoon creating holiday crafts with the kids and use these instead of store-bought orna-

ments. For those who are especially gifted craftsmen, put your woodworking skills to the test to create decorative wooden stockings that, if not functional, can be replaced with more traditional stockings come Christmas Eve. • Don’t forget the music. Another way to create a country Christmas is to play country Christmas

albums instead of classical or more traditional Christmas records. Nearly every country music star of the past and present has recorded a Christmas song or album, so create a master playlist of country Christmas songs on your digital music player and play it throughout the season to set the holiday mood in your household.

The Staff from Rimbey and Rocky would like to send out warm wishes for a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you Rimbey for your generous support and look forward to serving you in the future.

HOURS: Mon to Fri: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Sat 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

4905-50th Ave. Rimbey, AB. T0C 2J0 • 403-843-8473 ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 5

APPETIZERS Bacon-Crab Mushroom Caps

Warm Chai Toddy

1 can (120 g) crabmeat, drained, flaked ½ cup Kraft Old Cheddar Shredded Cheese ½ cup Kraft Mayo Real Mayonnaise 6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes 36 medium mushroom caps Heat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients except mushroom caps.

Fill mushroom caps with crabmeat mixture. Place on baking sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 min. or until cheese is melted.

Cover and refrigerate until ready.

Makes 36.

Boil 2 cups water with 1 cinnamon stick.

Remove from heat and add 2 chai tea bags and 1 orange pekoe tea bag.

Let steep 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and tea bags. Add juice of 2 oranges and 1 tbsp. honey.

Divide tea mixture among 4 mugs & top each with 1 tbsp. of dark rum.

Garnish with cinnamon sticks and a twist of orange rind.

Cream Cheese Hummus 1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained (reserve liquid) and rinsed 3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 tbsp. lemon juice ¼ cup minced green onions (white and pale green parts only) 1 to 2 tsp. prepared horseradish (optional) ½ tsp. salt In a food processor or blender, whirl garbanzo beans, ¼ cup reserved liquid, cream cheese, lemon juice, green onions, 1 tsp. horseradish, and ½ tsp. salt until smooth.

Taste, and add more horseradish and salt if desired.

Serve immediately or chill up to one day.

Chocolate Orange 2 Minute Fondue Place 1 pkg. (175 g) chocolate orange, broken into segments and ¼ cup milk in a microwaveable bowl.

Microwave on medium for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.

Remove from microwave and stir until completely melted.

Transfer mixture to heat proof serving dish or small fondue pot; serve warm with fresh fruit and assorted cookies, such as graham wafers and shortcake cookies.

• Boarding • Taping • Custom Ceilings 403.843.2336 We would like to thank our customers past and present, and look forward to serving you in the future. ~ Mario & Katherine

“We take pride in a job well done”

MERRY CHRISTMAS Page 6

’Tis the Season 2012

APPETIZERS Quick Cheese Fondue

Mango-Ginger Punch

1 cup dry white wine 2 tsp. cornstarch 2 tsp. dry mustard 1 pkg. (450 g) Velveeta Process Cheese Product, cut into ½-inch cubes 1 cup Kraft Mozza-Cheddar Shredded Cheese Mix first 3 ingredients in medium saucepan. Add Velveeta; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until Velveeta is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently.

Add shredded cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until melted. Transfer to fondue pot or small slow cooker set on low heat.

Serving suggestion Serve with sliced apples, broccoli florets and French bread cubes.

Non-alcoholic version Substitute 25% less sodium chicken broth for the wine.

Makes 24 servings.

1 piece (¾ -in.-square) fresh ginger 1 qt. canned pineapple juice About ¼ cup sugar 1 cup frozen Mango In a blender, whirl ginger and 1 cup water until puréed. Pour mixture into a medium saucepan with pineapple juice and ¼ cup sugar. Stir often over high heat until simmering, 6 to 8 minutes.

Ladle about 1 cup juice mixture into a blender. Add mango and whirl until pureed.

Return to pan. Set a fine strainer over a heatproof pitcher. Ladle punch mixture into strainer, stirring to press out liquid. Discard pulp.

Taste punch; add more sugar if you like.

Serve hot or cold in mugs or glasses.

Parmesan Puffs Mini Swiss Cheese Tartlets Combine 1/3 cup milk with 3 eggs and a handful of grated Kraft Swiss Cheese. Set aside.

Fill unbaked mini tart shells with a few spoonfuls each of chopped ham and tomatoes.

Fill each shell to the top with egg mixture. Bake at 400° F for 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 220° C. Mix 50g flour, 150 ml skimmed milk and 1 egg in a food processor or bowl until smooth, then stir in 85g grated parmesan. Can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with a little oil, then heat in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Pour a little batter into each hole and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and puffed.

Season’s Greetings From All of Us to All of You In the spirit of community, we’d like to wish everyone a memorable Christmas with those you hold dear and may you enjoy a prosperous new year.

December 7, 10 & 20!

Late Night Shopping Until 8 PM

– Gift Certificates Available – 4817 - 51 St. Unit B 403-843-6768

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Fitness Centre – Christine Plumb –

www.bodyconnectionsab.com

Our office will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan. 1

From Council & StaŊ of

Ponoka County ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 7

Cook ahead of Christmas to save time Holiday hosts and hostesses may want to put a storage freezer on their wish list this year.

Having the ability to prepare meals in advance and store them easily for later use could prove invaluable — especially for those who are opening their homes for the holidays.

Food and celebrations are unequivocally intertwined. While presents and decorations may be important parts of holiday festivities, food is just as important for hosts who want to throw a successful holiday party.

Those who are welcoming guests to their homes for the holidays may fret over what to serve and how long preparation will take, especially when they’re busy with other tasks. However, stretch-

ing out food shopping, preparation and cooking over a few weeks can make the process much more manageable.

A freezer can be a party host’s best friend come the holiday season. Many foods can be prepared in advance and then frozen until the celebration. Also, having small portions of premade foods can be helpful when visitors pop in unexpectedly and may be hungry for a meal. Just take something out of the freezer and heat it.

Certain tips can ensure foods made in advance are stored properly and heat up quickly.

• Casseroles, baked pasta dishes and vegetables can be prepared in advance and frozen. Be sure to consult with any recipes to see if items can indeed

be frozen if you are unsure how they will fare in the freezer.

• Instead of preparing food and storing it in one large container, separate it into two smaller containers so dishes defrost quickly and dinnertime isn’t delayed.

• Use packaging specifically designed for use in the freezer. These products will offer extra insulation against freezer burn, which dehydrates food.

• Mark packages with the date the foods were packaged as well as what is inside. This makes it easy to keep inventory of what is in the freezer.

• Defrost foods in the refrigerator the night before the holiday meal will be served. Heating foods that aren’t still frozen considerably cuts down

on cook times.

• Many desserts also can be frozen. Freeze pies before they are cooked.

Cakes can be frozen if you freeze the layers separately. Then assemble and frost the cakes before serving. Cream pies cannot be frozen, but you can use pudding in place of cream in many recipes and be able to freeze them. Brownies and other “bar” recipes will freeze and carry well.

• If you don’t want to have everything prepped in advance and enjoy the taste of a freshly cooked meal, consider preparing side dishes in advance and then leave the roast or turkey to cook. Any steps you can take ahead of time will dramatically cut out the time you have to spend in the kitchen while guests are around.

Come in and place your Christmas Wish on our Wishing Tree for a One Dollar Donation. All proceeds go to the Rimbey Food Bank. Patrick and Heather will match all donations received.

Check out our Christmas Catalogue for fabulous gift giving ideas!

And Remember our Photo Kiosik for capturing all those Christmas Memories.

7 Holiday Hours 7 OPEN: Dec. 23 10 am – 4 pm OPEN: Dec. 24 9 am – 4 pm CLOSED: Dec. 25 & 26

OPEN: Dec. 27 & 28 9 am – 6 pm OPEN: Dec 29 & 31 9 am – 5 pm CLOSED: Jan. 1

REGULAR STORE HOURS RESUME JAN. 2, 2013.

RIMBEY Page 8

• 403-843-2020 ’Tis the Season 2012

CASSEROLES Sweet Corn Casserole with Cornbread Crust

Maple Mustard Cedar Plank Salmon

1 tablespoon salted sweet cream butter 1 cup finely crumbled cornbread 1 cup refrigerated fresh diced yellow onions 1 cup heavy whipping cream, ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 (1 pound) package frozen petite cut corn, Steams in the bag.

In an 8- to 10-inch frying pan over high heat, melt butter. Add cornbread crumbs and stir often until they begin to lightly brown and toast, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir several times during the next several minutes (hot pan keeps them toasting).

Meanwhile, in another 3- to 4-quart saucepan over high heat, combine 1 tablespoon cream and onions, stir often until cream evaporates, about 3 minutes.

Add remaining cream, salt, and pepper.

At the same time, microwave corn in unopened pouch as directed for 5 minutes. Snip bag open and carefully pour hot corn into pan with cream. Stir and remove pan from heat.

In a blender or food processor, purée 1 cup of the corn mixture; return to pan; mix, and spoon into a shallow 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle evenly with toasted cornbread crumbs. Bake in a 375° F oven until mixture is bubbling at edges, 8 to 10 minutes.

Soak cedar plank, completely submerged in water overnight.

Marinade: ¼ cup maple syrup 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 2 cloves of crushed garlic ¾ cup olive oil 3 tbsp of dried mustard seed (or 1 ½ tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard) 1 to 2 ¼ pound side of salmon (washed under water and patted dry with paper towel) Sweet onion thinly sliced (purple) 1 cedar plank Vegetable oil to brush the cedar plank before grilling Optional: lemon juice or lemon wedge for garnish Combine first eight ingredients in a bowl and whisk together (becomes thick). Pour into a large zip-lock plastic bag with salmon and onions. Seal, pressing out the excess air and coating salmon with marinade. Let salmon marinade in fridge overnight, turning several times. Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Place salmon on cedar plank that was brushed with vegetable oil (not olive oil). Arrange onions over salmon. Grill for 30-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of salmon. May need a water bottle handy to spray at flames if needed.

Cedar plank can be used only once.

S PREAD J OY

Merry Christmas

A LL A ROUND !

With our best wishes for the season, goes our appreciation for your generous support.

We owe our success to you, our friends and neighbours and look forward to seeing you again in the year ahead.

We all join in to wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

EckRim Agencies

403.843.4546 ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 9

Another holiday season is on the menu and we hope it’s satisfying in every way!

Wishing you a season of much happiness.

It’s always a pleasure doing business with friends like you.

Thank you for dining with us this past year.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

THANKS

James Grill & Bar 403-843-3236 Rimbey

J.K.C. Meats 403-843-4383

Everything is possible when you have the support of good friends. Thank you for being ours.

Have a wonderful holiday!

403-843-2228

To all of those who’ve stopped by here, Chris C. Simpson, BComm, CA

403-843-4666

Wishing you with all sincerity, peace joy and prosperity along with good tidings and gratitude too.

Cause I couldn’t have done it without you! (gift certificates available)

PAtty Alexandre Mystic Touch Therapy 403-843-6111

Thanks to all our customers and their pets.

Wishing you the best for the holiday season & the new year!

Groomer: Neil Phillips

PAWSITIVE GROOMING 403-307-2446

We’re making a list of all the people we’d like to send a big thanks to this year and your name is on it!

In The Holiday Spirit here’s to our customers, for making our spirits bright this Christmas Season. Thank you for choosing us.

With best wishes for a very joyous and merry season from all of us to all of you.

Sidestreet Liquor Store Page 10

’Tis the Season 2012

Devouring festive fruitcake facts The holidays and fruitcake have long been intertwined. Fruitcakes are often mocked, detested and discarded. Few gifted foods create such strong derision. However, fruitcake is tradition. And as most people know, Christmas is all about tradition.

Fruitcake is an enduring tradition, most simply because the food, well, endures. Most fruitcakes will last eight to 12 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.

If frozen, their lifespan could be endless. Jokingly, many families have said fruitcake is the only food durable enough to become an heirloom.

While mocked, it may entice a few people to know just how fruitcake has become a holiday treat.

The oldest references to fruitcake date back to Roman times. Ancient crusaders and hunters consumed fruitcake made with preserved fruits, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, raisins, and honey.

Fruitcake was a durable

commodity that could persevere on long trips. Because of its combination of ingredients, fruitcake was also a good source of energy, much the way a trail mix is good for today’s hikers.

In the 1700s, Europe-

ans baked a ceremonial fruitcake at the end of the nut harvest. It was saved and eaten the following year at the harvest, with the hopes it would spur another successful harvest.

Fruitcake evolved to more of a delicacy in the 1800s, even being served with tea in high society. It is rumoured Queen Victoria waited a year to eat a gifted fruitcake as a show of restraint and moderation.

Fruitcake can be an integral part of a holiday celebration, and not because it’s being used to block drafts from under a door. Instead of giving fruitcakes as gifts, they should be served as part of the holiday feast. In addition to the sugar cookies and pies on the Christmas table, celebrants can serve slices of fruitcake featuring their favorite ingredients.

In the spirit of the season...

Without your support we wouldn’t be a part of this wonderful community nor have this opportunity to wish every one of you a happy, healthy and memorable holiday season.

Season’s Greetings from Management & staff Rimbey Implements 403-843-3700 alyork@rimbeyimplements.ca ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 11

Boost holiday spirits with holiday “spirits” The holiday season is a festive time of year when opportunities to entertain abound. The search may be on for the ideal food and beverage recipes to tie into the holiday season.

White Christmas Hot Chocolate 3 cups light cream or half-and-half ¾ cup vanilla candy melts, chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur Combine 1 cup of the cream with the candy in a saucepan. Melt over low heat, being careful not to burn.

Add the remaining cream, vanilla and cinnamon until everything is heated. Add the liqueur and stir.

Garnish with more cinnamon. Serve warm.

The Candy Cane 1 ounce vodka 1 ounce peppermint schnapps ½ ounce heavy cream Dash of grenadine for color

Think about diet drinks

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into glasses filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a candy cane.

Sweet Santa Shots 1 ounce Midori liqueur ½ ounce grenadine syrup Carefully layer the grenadine syrup and the Midori liqueur in a shot glass to have red and green layers.

Holiday Sparkle 2 ounces apple cider 1 ounce club soda Cinnamon stick Mix cider with club soda and serve in a tall glass with a cinnamon stick garnish. A refreshing and nonalcoholic drink option.

Alth Although food and presents may be on tthe minds of holiday hosts and hoste hostesses, they may want to give some cons consideration to beverages as well. To be accommodating a to the most number o of guests, include sugar-free beverages when celebrating the season.

Acco According to a study by Tala Fakhou houri, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prev Prevention, diet drinks are overtaking sugary beverages among many heal health-conscious men and women.

Diet drinks include calorie-free and low-calorie sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks, carbonated waters, and sports beverages.

When hosting guests for the holidays it is important to make available a wide variety of beverages. Put filtered water in a pitcher with some cucumber or apple slices for a refreshing flavor. For those serving soft drinks, have diet varieties on hand for people who are counting calories. All-natural fruit juices may be a wise choice for parties with children in attendance.

Whitgan Creations & Gifts 4810 51 Street, Rimbey • 403-843-4474

Holiday Tic-Tac-Toe Buy Honey Blossom Body Butter or 3 pack of soap and get a Pure Honey or Honey Blossom lip balm 50% OFF. (Great stocking stuffers)

Buy one hoodies, get $5.00 OFF a second.

GET 50% OFF any regular priced item!!

Buy a 500mL of Lampe Berger fragrance and get

Buy a Pook Touque or Hockey Sockey and get initial embroidered FREE.

15% OFF a second.

Page 12

Buy two metal signs, get the third HALF OFF.

(Depending on how busy we are, you may have to come in another time)

USB SALT LAMPS Buy one and get a bag of polished gemstones 50% OFF. (Great stocking stuffers)

Buy a bag of 100g tea and get the second one

25% OFF. PURSES, SCARVES AND WALLETS Buy one and receive 25% OFF an ear curl, ear cuff or hair wrap.

’Tis the Season 2012

INSTRUCTIONS: On the chart there is a game board with 9 options to receive great holiday sales.

Pick 3 in a row to receive an additional 10% off your total purchase along with all the other great savings you will make. You can use more than one row but each coupon only once. Coupon expires Dec. 15.

Has gift wrapping become a lost art?

wrapped presents takes some of the magic out of the holidays. Carefully wrapped gifts show that a person put in time and effort to present a gift in a way that is sentimental and personal. Although it may take mere minutes to pry away the paper and find a treasure inside, there’s something to be said for paper-wrapped

Seasons Greetings from

GULL LAKE GOLF COURSE

For your business, we are truly grateful and for your friendship we feel doubly blessed Your friends at

Gull Lake Golf Course Eamon, Carla & Staff 403-843-3322

gifts. It means the gift-giver sat down, pondered the paper design and carefully chose the bow or ribbon with the recipient in mind.

Here are some reasons to save the gift bag for another time.

• Wrapping can be green, too. Wrapping paper can be reused if it is carefully removed from a gift. You also can create your own

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Have we become a society too busy for gift wrap? When a birthday arrives or the holidays come around in full force, where do most people turn? To the ultra-convenient gift bag, that’s where.

It’s true that wrapping paper seems to make a rebound come Christmas, when stores begin to devote aisles of space to holiday supplies. But even when shiny foils and smiling Santas beckon customers from the tightly packed rolls, many people still choose gift bags.

Gift bags do have many advantages. They are easily portable, generally inexpensive and come in some very clever designs. They’re also touted as a “green” product because they can be reused.

But there are plenty of people who feel the elimination of intricately

’Tis the Season 2012

wrapping paper by decorating brown postal paper with a rubber stamp or having children color their own special murals.

Don’t overlook newsprint as wrapping as well.

• Paper is more cost-effective. You are bound to get more bang for your wrapping buck by choosing wrapping paper.

• Wrapped gifts travel better. No one wants to receive a gift bag that has been wrinkled and crushed into some amorphous shape.

• There’s something magical about wrapping paper.

The anticipation, the drama, the build-up to peeling aside wrapping paper and revealing the gift has brought smiles to children’s (and adults’) faces for generations. It is hard to improve on something that has been successful for years and years.

There’s so much to be thankful for at this splendid time of year, including the friendship of people like you.

Please accept our gratitude and warm wishes for a beautiful and joyous holiday season.

5043 - 50 Avenue, Rimbey

403.843.4999

Hunting • Fishing • Camping Supplies Page 13

Make your own Christmas ornaments Decorating is a big part of Christmas. Bins are taken out of the attic or garage, and decorations are once again given their opportunity to shine for several weeks before being packed away again.

Among the many decorations families use to deck the halls are ornaments that were made by hand. This year creating homemade ornaments can be a crafty project that helps families make new holiday memories.

Photo ornaments Fun photo ornaments showcase how a family has changed and grown over the years. Experiment with different ways to create these ornaments.

You can glue a photo to a ceramic ornament and cover it with decoupage glaze to set it permanently. Try purchasing clear,

glass ornaments, then remove the top of the ornament, which is usually spring-loaded, before slipping a photo inside and replacing the top. You also can laminate a photo, punch a hole in the top and affix a ribbon.

Ceramic ornaments The popularity of paint-it-yourself pottery has led to an increase in ceramic and crafts shops

across the country. During the holiday season such shops offer many holiday items that can be painted. Often the store will then fire the pieces after they are painted so that they are shiny and hardened for display.

Those who want to do their painting at home can visit their local craft or hobby shop, where typically there are unfin-

ished ceramic ornaments that can be painted with acrylic paints found right in the next aisle. A finishing coat of clear glaze will help protect the ornaments from year to year.

Wood crafts Many of today’s craft centres have expanded to include sections devoted to unfinished wood items.

Everything from letters to animal cutouts to boxes and rocking horses can be purchased and finished.

Turn keepsake boxes into painted and ribbonadorned gift boxes. Turn small decorative pieces into ornaments for the tree.

Paint and affix wood initials onto stocking holders to identify to whom each stocking belongs. Crafty individuals also can turn plain wood plaques into signs with clever sayings, such as “Park your sleigh here.”

RIMBEY HEATING LTD. * Heating * Cooling * Custom Sheet Metal * RIMBEY HEATING & STAFF ARE PAUSING FOR A MOMENT TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR BUSINESS AND FRIENDSHIP MEANS TO US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Merry Christmas Furnace Replacement Program For Low Income Seniors

Phone: 403-843-3997 • Fax 403-843-3960 Page 14

’Tis the Season 2012

Here Comes Christmas... and that means our warmest wishes can’t be far behind.

Happy Holidays and Heartfelt Thanks to ALL our Neighbours, Customers and Friends this Holiday Season.

Aspenworks Mechanical

All the best to you and yours this holiday season.

Thank you for your continued patronage.

From the management & staff at

Rimbey Wishing you the very best during the holiday season. Our staff would like to thank you for all your business in 2012 and hope to see you in the new year.

All the best to our customers

& friends this holiday season.

From: Kelly & Theresa Giesbrecht Jay & Darla Hohn

Cast-a-Waste Inc. 403-704-0469

Bluffton Veterinary Services Bluffton, AB Tel: 403-843-8463 Fax: 403-843-8465

Thank you for your continued support and wishing everyone much joy throughout the season.

Season’s Best

The Board of Directors & Staff wish you and your family all the best for a safe & happy holiday season.

From ALL of us at GLDC Gas Co-op Ltd.

From all of us at Delbrook Mechanical

We want to offer you our best wishes and sincere gratitude this holiday season. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you.

Thank you for your loyal business and hope you enjoy the merriest holiday ever!

Franz’s Tire Service Inc.

Happy Holidays

Selling most popular brands of car & truck tires!

Mobile Service Available

Jack’s Auto Repair 403-843-4005

403.843.3929 • Franz Hunkeler

’Tis the Season 2012

Page 15

DESSERTS Cookie Fudge 1 pkg. (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate 1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk 2 tsp. vanilla 10 Oreo Cookies, chopped Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Microwave chocolate and milk in large microwaveable bowl on medium 2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after each minute. Stir until completely melted.

Add vanilla; mix well. Stir in chopped cookies; spread onto bottom of prepared pan.

Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into 1-inch squares. Makes 25 servings.

Easy Tiramisu 2 Tbsp. Maxwell House Instant Coffee Original Roast ¼ cup boiling water 18 Honey Maid Graham Wafers, divided 1 tub (250 g) Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread ¼ cup icing sugar 3 cups thawed Cool Whip Light Whipped Topping 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder Dissolve coffee granules in boiling water. Arrange 9 wafers in single layer on bottom of 8-inch square dish; drizzle with 1 tbsp. coffee.

Beat cream cheese spread and 2 Tbsp. of the remaining coffee in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Add sugar; mix well. Stir in Cool Whip; spoon half over wafers in dish.

Repeat layers of wafers, coffee and cream cheese mixture.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Makes 16 servings.

Creamy Lemon Pudding Cheesecake 1-½ cups crushed Nilla Vanilla Wafers (about 40 wafers) ¾ cup plus 1 Tbsp. sugar, divided 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 4 pkg. (250g each) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened 2 Tbsp. flour 2 Tbsp. milk 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs 2 pkg. (4-serving size ea.) Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding 1 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping Lemon slices (optional) Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix wafer crumbs, 1 tbsp. of the sugar and butter; press firmly onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Beat cream cheese, remaining ¾ cup sugar, flour and milk in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Add dry pudding mixes; mix well.

Bake 65 to 75 minutes or until centre is almost set.

Run knife or metal spatula around side of pan to loosen cake; cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Remove side of pan. Top cheesecake with whipped topping and lemon slices, if desired, just before serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Makes 16.

Need a unique Christmas gift or Shopping trip with a sister sister? ?

Come and enjoy the season at our store!

We have a beautiful selection of Christmas Gift Ideas 7 Antiques & Furniture 7 Jewelry 7 Glassware 7 Furs 7 Bird Feeders 7 Garden and Home Décor 7 Handcrafted Art 7 Quilts & Knitting

Thank You For Your Continued Patronage.

To our valued customers who have helped us along the way...

The very best to you and yours this Holiday Season.

Thursday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Rge.Rd. 23 & Hwy 53 403.843.7743 www.sisters6.com

SILVERBELT SEPTIC SERVICE – Les, Barb & Megan Belt –

Gift Cards Available Closing for the Season Dec. 23 7 Reopening May 2013

Page 16

’Tis the Season 2012

403-843-2840

DESSERTS Flourless Chocolate Snow Cookies

Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookies

½ cup ground almonds ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla 112 g dark chocolate, about 4 squares, chopped, melted and cooled ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup icing sugar Whisk almonds with cocoa, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter with brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until light and fluffy, about 3 min.

Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in cooled chocolate. Fold in almond mixture until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is firm enough to roll, about 10 min.

Position oven racks in top and bottom thirds of oven.

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place granulated and icing sugars in 2 separate small bowls. Scoop dough and roll into tbsp-sized balls. Coat with granulated sugar, then icing sugar. Place on prepared sheets 1 in. apart. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven, switching and rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies crack, 12 to 14 min.

Remove sheets to a rack and leave for 2 minutes. Cookies will look undercooked but will continue to bake as they sit. Remove to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

Makes 26 cookies.

1 cup butter, softened 1½ cups sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 2/3 cups flour ½ cup cocoa powder 1¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder 8 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor 1 cup white chocolate chips ½ cup chocolate chips Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add in Bailey’s one tablespoon at a time. Add flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.

Fold in all chocolate chips.

Refrigerate dough 4 - 6 hrs. Makes 30 - 40 cookies.

Roll into balls and set on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 -10 minutes.

Merry Christmas With Wi h bbest wishes i h to you and d yours for a season that’s filled with delights.

It’s been a real treat serving you this year and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Be safe this holiday season. Please don’t drink & drive.

As we ring in the new year, we also celebrate your friendship and support.

It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.

From the Management & Staff

403-343-1672 ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 17

DESSERTS Gingerbread Cheesecake

Maple and Pecan Baklava

18 Ginger Crisps (cookies), crushed (about 1-¼ cups) ¼ cup butter, melted 3 pkg. (250 g each) Cream Cheese, softened ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup molasses 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground cloves 3 eggs 4 squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped ½ cup whipping cream Heat oven to 350°F. Mix crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add molasses, vanilla and spices; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until centre is almost set.

Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Microwave chocolate and whipping cream in microwaveable bowl on high 1 min; stir. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 seconds Pour over cheesecake.

Makes 16 servings.

500 ml (2 cups) maple syrup 250 ml (1 cup) sugar 250 ml (1 cup) corn syrup 250 ml (1 cup) water ½ box 250 g phyllo pastry, thawed 125 ml (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted 1.5 litres (6 cups) toasted pecans, chopped Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).

Butter a 33 x 23-cm (13 x 9-inch) baking dish.

In a saucepan, bring the maple syrup, sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil. Simmer until a candy thermometer reads 105 °C, about 30 minutes. Let the syrup cool.

Cut the phyllo sheets in half to make rectangles of the same size as the baking dish.

Place 5 sheets at the bottom of the pan, brushing with butter between each sheet. Sprinkle with about 250 ml (1 cup) of pecans. Cover with 3 more phyllo sheets brushed with butter. Sprinkle again with pecans. Continue to alternate layers of dough and pecans with the remaining ingredients.

Do not fill the pan more than three-quarters of its capacity.

Bake in the middle of the oven for about 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Right out of the oven, pour all the syrup over the baklava (for the sweet tooth), or about three quarters of the syrup if you want a slightly less sweet baklava. Let stand overnight before cutting into pieces.

Wishing you all things merry and bright at this festive time of year.

Thank you for warming up our year with your friendship and support.

Happy Holiday’s, everyone!

Christmas Greetings We hope that you will take the opportunity over the holidays to enjoy the love and fellowship of both your family and friends and to reflect on the true meaning of the on.

Christmas season.

Farm & Real Estate a Specialty

Clayton Cole 403-845-8655 cell 403-845-4042 Page 18

JOE ANGLIN, M.L.A. Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Sundre Constituency

’Tis the Season 2012

DESSERTS Triple-Layer Dessert ¾ cup Oreo Baking Crumbs ¼ cup non-hydrogenated margarine, melted 3 squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted ¼ cup canned sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans 2 cups cold milk 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) Chocolate Instant Pudding 2 cups thawed Cool Whip Light Whipped Topping, divided Combine baking crumbs and margarine in 8-inch square pan. Press firmly onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan; set aside. Mix chocolate and condensed milk until well blended; pour into crust.

Sprinkle with pecans; set aside.

Pour 2 cups milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Spoon 1½ cups of the pudding over pecans in crust. Add 1 cup of the whipped topping to remaining pudding; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Spread over pudding layer in crust; top with the remaining 1 cup whipped topping.

Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Makes enough for 12.

As we prepare to ring in the holiday season, we’d like to extend our gratitude to all the kind people who have called on us this past year.With best wishes for a joyous and meaningful holiday season.

Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes 12 Oreo Cookies, crushed 2 Tbsp. non-hydrogenated margarine, melted 1 pkg. (250 g) Philadelphia Light Brick Cream Cheese Spread, softened ¼ cup Kraft Light Smooth Peanut Butter 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1 square Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted Heat oven to 325º F. Mix cookie crumbs and margarine; press firmly onto bottom of 8-inch sq. pan.

Set aside.

Beat cream cheese spread, peanut butter and sugar with mixer until blended. Add egg; mix just until blended. Spoon over crust. Bake 18 to 20 min. or until centre is almost set; cool.

Drizzle chocolate over cheesecake in criss-cross pattern. Refrigerate 5 min. before cutting to serve.

Makes 16.

Take A Bough... It’s Christmas!

Come visit Napa’s Winter Tool Land Great gift ideas for the tool enthusiast.

Season’s Greetings to One and All From the Staff at

Midwest Propane 403-843-8430

’Tis the Season 2012

Page 19

DESSERTS Luscious low-fat Lemon Cheesecake

Perfect Lemon Bars

Crust: 2 cups ground Nilla cookies 3 tablespoons melted butter Filling: 2 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 lemon, zested and juiced 2 cups Greek yogurt To prepare the crust, mix cookies and butter together. Gently press cookies into the bottom of a pie dish and around the edges. Chill crust in a refrigerator while you prepare the crust To prepare the filling, put cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix until creamy. Gradually add sugar, (about ¼ cup at a time) and mix thoroughly between each addition. Add eggs (one at a time) and scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Add vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice and yogurt with a wooden spoon. Stir vigorously.

Pour filling into the crust. Preheat oven to 350º F and bake cheesecake for at least 45 minutes. Once done, remove and let sit to cool, at least 5 minutes.

Chill cheesecake for 5 to 6 hours. Serve with fresh whipped cream, if desired.

Serves 8

Crust 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar ¼ tsp salt 1 tbsp lemon zest ½ cup butter, room temperature Filling 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cups sugar 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed and strained Preheat oven to 350º F. Line 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Make the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest. Cut butter into chunks and add to flour mixture. Blend in with an electric mixer at low speed until mixture forms coarse, sandy crumbs. Pour into pan and press mixture down (with your fingers or the back of a spoon) into an even layer. Bake for 16-19 minutes, until just lightly browned around the edges.

While crust is baking, make filling. Whisk together all filling ingredients in a large bowl. When the crust comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour in filling mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until filling is set and does not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken. Cool completely before slicing. Top slices with icing sugar to serve.

Makes about 24 bars.

With well wishes at Christmas

Holiday Greetings

Our wishes run as deep as our gratitude for you, our neighbours and friends.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Rimbey Medical Clinic

Season’s Greetings!

403-843-2256 Page 20

’Tis the Season 2012

RIMBEY

DESSERTS Caramel-Pecan Brownies

Chocolate Almond Tarts

4 squares Baker’s Premium 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate ¾ cup butter 1-½ cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup flour 1-½ pkg. (269 g each) Kraft Caramels (51 caramels) 1/3 cup whipping cream 2 cups pecan halves, divided Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on medium 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar and eggs; mix well. Stir in flour until well blended. Spread half the batter into prepared pan.

Bake 20 minutes or until top is firm to the touch.

Meanwhile, microwave caramels and cream in medium microwaveable bowl on high 2 minutes or until caramels Spread caramel mixture over brownie layer in pan; cover with remaining brownie batter. (Some caramel mixture may peek through.) Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake 25 minutes or until top is firm to the touch. Cool in pan on wire rack. Use foil handles to lift brownies from pan before cutting to serve.

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 ¾ all purpose flour ¼ tsp salt For Filling: ¼ cup slivered almonds ¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 eggs 3 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp corn syrup Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray 2 regular muffin pans. Set aside.

Beat butter with granulated sugar and vanilla in a large bowl, with an electric mixer, until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes Stir in flour and salt until combined and dough comes together. Pat dough together and scoop about 1 tbsp into each muffin cup. Using fingers, press dough into the base of the cup and just up the sides, forming a slight lip about ¼ in. high. Set pans aside.

Whirl almonds and chocolate chips in a food processor until coarsely ground, about 1 min. Beat egg with brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until thick and pale, about 3 mins. Stir in corn syrup.

Fold in chocolate-almond mixture. Scoop 1 tbsp of chocolate mixture into each dough-lined cup.

Bake in centre of oven until chocolate melts and crust turns golden, about 12 min. Cool completely in pan on a rack. Carefully loosen edges and remove. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

Season’s Greetings

With OUR GRATITUDE Because you deserve it!

With OUR THANKS Because you make it all worthwhile.

We’d like to deliver a load of best wishes to our customers and friends along with a bundle of thanks.

With BEST WISHES for a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Have a great holiday!

Glad tidings to you wherever you travel this wonderful holiday season and beyond.

BRIX CONSTRUCTION INC.

403-843-2622

403-704-3545

’Tis the Season 2012

Page 21

DESSERTS Chocolate Cookie Bark

Chocolate Turtles

1 pkg. (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate 1 pkg. (6 squares) Baker’s White Chocolate 2 Tbsp. Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter 10 Oreo Cookies Place semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate medium microwaveable bowls. Microwave until completely melted, following directions on package. Add peanut butter to white chocolate; stir until well blended. Crumble half the cookies over chocolate in each bowl; mix well.

Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixtures onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet, alternating the colours of the chocolates. Swirl gently with knife.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into 14 pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Makes 14 servings.

430 ml (1 ¾ cups) lightly packed brown sugar 60 ml (¼ cup) corn syrup 60 ml (¼ cup) 35% whipping cream 125 ml (½ cup) sweetened condensed milk 30 ml (2 tablespoons) butter, salted 500 ml (2 cups) pecan pieces, toasted 454 g (1 lb) semisweet chocolate, chopped In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 240° F, stirring occasionally.

Remove from the heat and let cool.

Lightly butter a marble slab or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

For each turtle, place a few pieces of pecans, the equivalent of 1 whole nut, on the baking sheet.

With two spoons, spread approximately 7.5 ml (1½ teaspoons) of caramel over each serving of pecans. Gently reheat the caramel along the way, if necessary. Let cool completely.

In a double boiler, melt half the chocolate. Remove from the double boiler.

Peel half of the turtles off the slab or parchment paper, then dip them, one by one, into the melted chocolate, holding them between two forks. Melt the remaining chocolate and repeat with the remaining turtles. Place on parchment paper and let stand overnight.

Wrap ... and give as gifts!

Good Tidings To You!

No matter how you say it, we hope your holiday is perfect in every way.

Thank you for your loyal support

PAUL MCLAUCHLIN Division 4 Councillor 403-843-2675 Page 22

’Tis the Season 2012

Tips when buying a natural Christmas tree Many people have strong opinions regarding which type of Christmas tree they want to purchase. Some cannot live without a natural, freshlycut Christmas tree, while others prefer the convenience of artificial trees.

Those who insist on a natural tree might want to consider the following tips when buying what’s likely their biggest decorative item of the holiday season.

• Ask when the tree was cut down. Precut trees may be cut down weeks before they’re sold. So if you’re buying a precut tree, chances are the tree was cut down much earlier than you think. This doesn’t mean the tree won’t make it through the holiday season, but a tree that was cut several weeks ago should have some of its bottom trunk removed

before it’s placed in the stand. This will make it easier for the tree to consume water.

• Have the tree wrapped before taking it home. A tree should also be wrapped in twine before taking it home.

The twine should be tight enough to keep the tree’s branches from blowing in the wind when you attach the tree to the top of your vehicle.

If possible, keep the tree

wrapped in twine as you place it in the stand. This makes the tree easier to control.

• Choose the right location. When looking for the right place to set up your natural tree, it’s best to choose a spot that’s cool and free of drafts. The tree should not be placed near heat sources, including appliances, fireplaces or vents, because such heat sources create a safety hazard and can make it difficult for

the tree to retain moisture.

• Place some covering on the ground beneath the tree. Even a freshly cut natural tree will shed needles over the course of the holiday season. Before placing the stand in the location you’ve chosen, put some type of covering, such as a tree bag, beneath the stand so it’s easier to gather all those needles once the holiday season has ended.

• Remember that natural trees are thirsty. People who have never had a natural Christmas tree in the past might be surprised at just how thirsty natural trees get. The stand’s reservoir should have lots of water, which should never dip below the stump. Be sure to check the water in the reservoir at least once per day to maintain adequate water levels.

Have a one of a kind Christmas !

They say that no two snowflakes are alike, but one thing we know for sure is friends like you are rare, indeed!

Many thanks and blizzard of best wishes to all of you this holiday season.

The Management & Staff ’Tis the Season 2012

Page 23

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! Get all the best gifts at Rimbey TV & Electronics 403-843-2460 • Tablets • Net books • GPS • Xbox and xbox kinect/games • Wii systems and accessories • PS3 systems and accessories • Gameboys • Sony PSP’s • Remote control toys • Remote starts • Home theater systems • Plasma LCD and LED tv’s

AND ALL THE KNICK NACKS AND STOCKING STUFFERS YOU COULD NEED FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING Page 24

’Tis the Season 2012