www.brainerddispatch.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
More than 100 stories were submitted this year for the Brainerd Dispatch’s annual Stories of Christmas contest. On the following pages, you’ll find the winners in the three categories: Kids, Teens and Adults. Weather drawings submit submitted by local elementary school children are being used as accent pictures to go along with the winning stories. Thanks to all who took the time to submit their stories. Enjoy reading and Merry Christmas!
• Illustration by Julia Wheeler, third grade, Nisswa School
l
st kids
• Illustration by Ella Dircks & Hailey Badger, third grade, Harrison School
On Dec. 24, Santa Claus woke up with
“We may not be able to deliver pres-
a terrible terrible cough. “How am I
ents this year!” Santa said. “I have a ter ter-
supposed to deliver presents coughing?
rible cough. I will wake up every child.
I’d wake up every child! Well, I can’t
If only there was someone small and
just stand here thinking about it,” Santa
quiet to do the job,” Santa said.
thought. “I’ll think about it
”Santa Claus,” a little qui-
By EMILY BASTIAN Age 9, Baxter
as I work.”
et elf named Joey said, “I can
He went downstairs and
do it. I’ll deliver the presents
then coughed, made breakfast and then coughed, ate and he coughed, checked on the reindeer and then coughed,
for you.” “Uhh, OK,” replied Santa hesitantly. So that night when the children of the
coughed, coughed! “How am I going to deliver the presents? I can’t even say ‘ho ho ho’ without coughcough ing!” Santa said to himself on his way to the workshop. When he entered the workwork shop he started to say
world went to sleep, Joey got in Santa’s big red sleigh and took off. He silently went from house to house delivering presents. When he pulled himself out of the last chimney he got in the sleigh and
hello everybody ...
flew off. It took a while because the last
but stopped and
house was near the South Pole. When
coughed.
he finally got back everyone cheered.
one
Every-
looked
Santa.
at
“Joey,” Santa said, “you saved Christmas!”
2
nd kids
The day was Dec. 24 and Santa
By BRAXTON FISCH Age 9, Baxter
was finishing up loading his sleigh with the presents that he has for all
the good boys and girls. He has his list and has checked it more than twice! But
As the elves were just settling
situation and with no, well, not too much
down after another successful year
grumbling, the elves sprang into action and
of toy building and elfing around
for hours worked so very hard to make sure
the Santa-com once again got their attention. Santa explained the
Santa kept his schedule. They did it! It was done! Another elf-tastic
something didn’t seem right.
job! Santa was so thankful he
As he went to park his sleigh so
gave each elf a treat of their
it was ready for take off, he quickly
choice and then invited them
knew what it was that didn’t seem so
to come with him on his sa sa-
right. The skis on his sleigh were out
cred adventure.
of alignment. Most likely happened
So they all went with and
when he came in too hot from a
had the experience of a life life-
landing after a night of delivering
time and they even were able
gifts last year. This was a problem!
to catch a glimpse of some
If he didn’t get this fixed fast he will
children taking a peek and the
not be able to make accurate landland
expressions on their faces made
ings on the rooftops. He had to act
the elves take more pride in the
soon as the adventure grew closclos
work they did for evermore.
er by the second. He needed help • Illustration by Rachel Moore, fourth grade, Lowell Elementary School
and fast! Who other than to call but those who have been there every year — the elves. • Christmas Tree Illustration (top of page) by Ryu Helmer, first grade, St. Francis School
S2
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
STORIES OF CHRISTMAS
www.brainerddispatch.com
l
st teen
The prickly evergreen tree builds up in our living room the day after Thanksgiving. We all
Christmas is only three weeks away! Throughout these days I help decorate my
slept well after a fantastic dinner with brined turkey and a dessert of pecan pie to top it all off — boy
I watch as the shimmering rainbow-hued
ideas for family and friends.
house with twinkling winter deco-
So much thought goes into the joyous
rations. Most weekends are spent
Christmas season. Presents and decorations
baking up a holiday storm in the
consume us for these couple months. Ask
kitchen and settling in to watch
yourself, “What is the real reason for Christ-
Christmas movies. Carols flow out of the rara
mas?” You don’t have to give up gifts and dec dec-
dio and bounce off
orations, baking and holiday shows and mov mov-
By MOLLY WELLS Age 13, Baxter
was I stuffed!
the walls of my house as I ponder my own gift
lights twirl themselves around our tree. Joy topples onto me as I hook a red ornaorna
ies. These all fill us with a
ment on a bough.
happiness that we can’t help
I glance out the front window at
but
possess
during
snowflakes spiraling onto the glistening
this season. True happiness
white ground and cars spitting out slush
and joy though come from
from their tires as they race to the Black
the heart of Christmas Day,
Friday sales to buy Christmas gifts.
Jesus. Be joyful and grateful that Jesus was born on this
Soon I smell cinnamon and citrus
day and thank him. Without
aromas filling the air and watch as
him, the one who saved us,
sewn stockings begin to descend down
there would be no such thing
the garland striped staircase, soon to
as Christmas Day. Have a joy joy-
be filled with treats and knick-knacks.
ful, grateful and Merry Christ Christ-
A few days later I wake up to my
mas!
singing alarm clock. “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off
• Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, first grade, St. Francis School
to school today. On the bright side,
3
rd kids By SHAWN GOULDIN Age 9, Baxter
It was Dec. 12, time to write Santa a wonderful letter! I put my right hand up to put the letter in the envelope and all of a sudden it was pitch black. It felt like forever. I figured out that I was in the envelope. Then my mom picked up the letter and put it in the mailbox. I was going to the North Pole. I woke up on a small bed. I left smaller and looked like an elf … wait … ELF?! I got out of bed and ran outside down the street and found a place that was loud as a tiger. I peeked in and saw other elves • Illustration by Peyton Hamlin, third grade, Baxter School
working on toys. I ended up in the iPod section with Charlotte. Charlotte was very good and nice. I guess I liked it here! I spent a couple hours here and then went to this restaurant called Elves Tap House. I had the Elfy special. I finished dinner at 6:37 p.m. and then went to bed. I dreamed about the iPod I always wanted forever. I was at home, and in my mind, I heard, “Ho ho ho! All have a very good Christmas and all a good night!
Snow M Ma
Im Memb mb Ee El Coop Coo p
We hope your Christmas shines!
218-828-4770 - 14211 Firewood Drive, Baxter, MN
Hwy 371 N., Brainerd 829-2827
Find us on
001182280r1
001176205r1
May the coming season bring, peace & joy and all good things!
& Ha Happy H Happ app a pp p py Holiday Holidays Holida olidays o day yss to All. to A
14211 Firewood Dr., Bax
~ Luxury Senior Living At Affordable Prices ~
www.brainerddispatch.com
STORIES OF CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
S3
2
nd teen
As we approach the holidays, we have so many things on our mind. What food am I going to make? Are we
By MATTHEW MAYBON Age 18, Baxter
having Christmas dinner here and what am I go go-
abuser makes the victim doubt their own memory/sanity with lines like “That never happened” when it actually did. Another tactic is to reverse role shift, and
ing to get everyone for a gift? However, there is
pretend you abused the abuser, especially
something rather unusual that you should be
when you try to confront them about their
considering. It’s not food, decorations or anyany
behavior. One last common tactic is for the
thing tangible. It’s something difficult to admit.
abuser to try and scare their victim from
It’s whether you are a victim in an abusive rere
upsetting them, with lines like, “Don’t upup
lationship.
set me or I’ll lose my temper.”
There are many forms of abuse; however
So this Christmas, please consider if you
one form is widely overlooked. That is emotional/
suffer abuse from anybody. If you do, go talk
psychological abuse. This form is not always explicexplic
to a guidance counselor, friend, clergy member,
itly realized because it’s typically done in the form
trusted adult, anyone who is not an abuser that
of tiny digs throughout conversations between you
you can confide in. Also, remember that you are not
and an abuser. These digs can be done in various forms,
alone! So spend time with your loved ones this year,
from unfriendly teasing, to flat out insults about personal apap
and I wish you a truly happy Christmas.
pearance. Beyond personal insults, there are also abusers who do severe damage on a regular basis. They might choose tactics
• Illustration by Peyton Hamlin, third grade, Baxter School
like gaslighting, which is a form of mental abuse in which the
Season’s Greetings
• Illustration by EllizaBeth DiGiovanni, third grade, Motley Elementary School
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From State Representative
John Ward
Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year! 001182279r1
(218) 829-0371 | mmfcu.org 001180815r1
:LVKLQJ \RX DQG \RXU IDPLO\ D SHDFHIXO DQG MR\RXV
001176299r1
001180946r1
+ROLGD\ +ROLGD\
S4
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
STORIES OF CHRISTMAS
www.brainerddispatch.com
l
st adults By MARY JANE JOHNSON-OLSON Age 85, Pequot Lakes
It was Thanksgiving Eve, 1951. My
husband,
our
Christmas came (it was won-
2-year-old
derful to be together) and went.
daughter and myself were get get-
New Years was so soon, may as
ting ready to go to Grandma and
well stay!
Grandpa’s home. Weather wasn’t so good but we were excited to be off. We lived in the country,
January was cold and Mom didn’t want us to go home. We
about 30 miles from them. Roads
had electric but no indoor plumb-
fairly good, but happy when we
ing. Now time was getting close
arrived.
for me and the expected baby
Thanksgiving Day, it started
and no way should we go home
snowing. By nightfall, my mom
and risk being alone so we stayed
said we should stay over. Lucky
and Feb. 5, our son was born! We
we did! Had a huge snowfall.
stayed with the folks and Mom
Dad insisted we stay. Our dog was
took care of baby and me. Weath-
home, so hubby went home for
er wasn’t improving and would
the dog and some extra clothes.
not be long before Easter would
Weather did not improve as days went on and folks said we should
be here — we stayed! Finally packed all up and went
stay as Christmas was close and
home, after Easter dinner. Came
like a good idea as I was seven
for Thanksgiving, had Christmas,
months pregnant. It was a cold
then a baby, then Easter and at
and snowy winter!
last home!
Horizon Health Wishes You a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season
001177193r1
• Illustration by Nevaeh Fratzke, third grade, Motley Elementary School
we would be back again. Seemed
001184102r1
Wishing You a Season of
Wonder May every moment of your holiday be magical and bright. We hope the season finds you surrounded by loved ones, laughter and all the makings of new memories you will cherish for a lifetime. We owe our success to the faith and support of our good friends and customers here in the community, and we are grateful to share another year with all of you.
Thank you, neighbors.
Merry Christmas!
7895 Excelsior Rd., Baxter 218-828-2160 001176197r1
STORIES OF CHRISTMAS
www.brainerddispatch.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
S5
2
nd adults
Christmas Eve 1991 found our family with rel relatives at Fort Morgan, Colo., in a rip-roaring
By LOIS CAUGHLAN-MASS Age 71, Brainerd
noticed lights on the road about a mile from the house. The lights didn’t move, so we as-
were all toasty and warm and enjoying the
sumed it was a vehicle that was stuck in the
plains of that part of the country. The coun coun-
fellowship of cousins, Grandma, brothers and
snow. My brother-in-law plowed through
try roads can drift severely and close until the
sisters and spouses, 14 of us in all.
the drifts with his front loader to reach the
blizzard, which can build up steam on the
snow plows come. We “let it snow” as we
stranded car. To his surprise he found a young
At one point in the evening, someone
couple and baby boy who had headed out to their grandmother’s, which was only a short distance from where they lived. They didn’t have boots or warm clothing since it was only a short drive and they didn’t expect to get stuck in the snow. Paul rescued them and brought them back to his house. They were cold and hungry, so we fed them and they warmed themselves by the big wood stove in the kitchen. One of the bedrooms was pro provided for them to have lodging for the night. Overnight the storm had subsided and by mid-morning Christmas day, the snow plows opened up the road so they were able to continue on their journey to their grandma’s. They were very grateful that they had been rescued from their plight in the snow and for the wonderful hospitality. That experience had special meaning for all of us. What a coincidence that we would have strangers, a young couple with a baby boy, as guests in our midst on Christmas Eve.
• Illustration by Addison Hillman, fourth grade, Lowell Elementary School
Soon it will be Christmas and we’re all aglow Thinking of all the good folk that we know– For your support and goodwill, too, We’re really grateful to each one of you! 1014 Laurel Street • Brainerd, MN | 218-829-4112 • www.electricetc.com
001183406r1
Let it glow! Let it glow! Let it glow!
Salem Lutheran Church Cheryl Fleckenstein, Interim Pastor 218-534-3309 21276 Archibald Road • Deerwood, MN
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Merry C Christmas!
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!
3pm & 5pm Lessons & Carols December 28th • 9:00 a.m.
Merry Christmas!
schroedersappliance.com 16603 State Hwy 371 North
13968 Cypress Drive • Suite #4 • Baxter, MN 56425 P: (218) 829-2844 • F: (218) 829-7945
The beauty of the winter season reminds us of how blessed we are in so many ways, including the friendship of neighbors like you.
Happy Holidays! Skiing - Tubing Snowboard - Full Rental Shop www.mtskigull.com 9898 County Road 77 SW, Nisswa, MN 56468 218-963-4353
May your home be filled with
love, laughter and good health this holiday season. Thank you for choosing Lakewood Health System.
Laurie Hall
326 W. Laurel St. Brainerd, MN (3 blocks South of Walgreens)
828-0460
001183363r1
at 5:00pm @ H e r i t a g e C h u rc h
218-829-3624
001182707r1
Christmas Eve Service
Brainerd/Baxter
001174539r1
(Just North of the Pine Beach Rd)
001182708r1
001175824r1
www.agencyonemn.com
001182054r1
Thank You!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
STORIES OF CHRISTMAS
www.brainerddispatch.com
3
rd adults
This time of year comes with mixed emotions for my children,
pleted the task, and plugged the extension cord into the ga-
as their father passed away only three days after Christmas in
rage outlet to admire his work. It looked lovely!
2007 at the age of 47. We keep his memory alive with stories, and this one in particular always makes us smile.
Later that evening, my father stopped by for a visit, and as he left, we walked him to the garage and pointed out the lights
As a young couple expecting our
that had been placed earlier that day.
first child (which turned out to be
Agreeing that it was probably time to
By JODY WEBER Age 50, Backus
twins) and decorating our first house
extinguish them for the night, I moved
for the holidays, we had many minor
toward the outlet, only to turn and see
squabbles about how elaborate the decor should be. I des-
my husband wading through the waist deep snow to unplug
perately wanted exterior lights, but a large snowfall had left
the cord from the lights! My father simply shook his head at
us with banks that were waist deep in most places and using
me as we burst into laughter. The look on my husband’s face
a ladder would be nearly impossible. We finally agreed on
when he finally realized what he had done was priceless!
putting strings of lights in the sparse little maple trees in our front yard.
Our twins, Jeremy and Rachel, were born on Christmas Day that year, and will turn 23 this year. They, along with
Being very pregnant and unable to trample through the snow, I encouraged my husband from the garage as he com-
younger siblings Jacob and Rebecca, cherish the Christmas memories they have of their dad.
wishes you a safe and healthy holiday season
e thank you for your patronage and hope the New Year brings you good friends and good health.
- Dr. Erica
Erica L. Johnson, D.C.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
218-822-3855 Trails Head Business Center, Just E. of Super One
13968 Cypress Drive • Baxter, MN
invites you to our Candle Light Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 and 6:30 pm on December 24th. A celebration for the whole family!
THANK YOU FOR
SEEING US!
Merry Christmas
Best wishes to our patrons, friends & neighbors
Baxter ~ 218-825-1976 • Crosby ~ 218-546-5108 800-952-3766 GREATRIVEREYECLINIC.COM
001176202r1
TM
Brainerd • Baxter
001183453r1
37218 County Road 66 in Crosslake www.crosslakeefc.org 218-692-4141
May happy holidays be in your sight. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We appreciate your trust and the confidence you have placed in us.
A special thank you to all our customer's for your kind patronage this year!
Baxter - 14133 Edgewood Dr. N. • Brainerd - 417 8th Ave. NE
To find out what all the buzz is about, call 218-829-9342 http://north-central-minnesota.mosquitosquad.com/
The Log Church in Crosslake
Happy Holiday's to All We Hope It's Merry & Bright
— OPEN 24 HOURS —
No bugs. No bites. bites No kidding!
NChiropractic F A M I LY
• Illustration by Rebekah Soukup, first grade, St. Francis School
Better Fresh, Better Value, Better than ever.
001174475r1
W
001174338r1
• Illustration by Andie Anderson, first grade, Garfield Elementary
001180827r1
S6
Thank your for your continued confidence in our care. We hope to see you in 2015!
828-9545 toll free 877-338-3937 7870 Excelsior Rd.
(across from Super One)
Baxter
001180806r11 001180806