Stories of Christmas 2010

STORIESOFCHRISTMAS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

SECTION S

BRAINERD DISPATCH

Winning stories for the season More than 100 stories were submitted for the Brainerd Dispatch’s 12th annual Stories of Christmas contest.

On the following pages you’ll find the winners in

three categories: • Kids, up to age 12.

• Juniors, 13-20.

• Adults, 21 and older, as well as a few honorable mentions. Also included in the section are drawings submitted

by area school children as weather drawings.

Thank you so much to all who took the time to submit their stories. Enjoy reading, and Merry Christmas!

KIDS’ DIVISION — First place

A ruby for Christmas

By SAMANTHA FRITZ Age 12, Fort Ripley

It was Christmas Eve. I was helping Mama wrap presents. Five-year-old Laura couldn’t help and was in the other room playing. The fire blazed in the hearth. Baby Edward cried, so Mama went to check on him. While she was away I quickly wrapped the necklace I had made her and carefully placed it under the tree. After we were done, I helped Mama bake cookies for Santa, and we put them on our finest China plate and set them by the hearth (with a glass of milk, of course).

Next was my favorite part.

Grandfather rode up on his beautiful black mare, Storm Runner. I ran out to greet him as it was not yet dark. I helped him untack and put her in one of the stalls in our barn. She danced when she saw her beloved friend Sundance.

Grandfather and I went into the house.

Mother was delighted to see him and we soon feasted on a wonderful meal.

Afterwards we told stories about St. Nick until it was time for bed.

Sometime in the night I awoke to jingling noises on the roof. I went outside in my pajamas. There was a blistering wind, and through the speeding snow I saw a chubby man in a red suit climbing down our chimney. It was St. Nick!

Prancing on the roof were eight reindeer hooked up to a big red sleigh. I wanted desperately to see inside, so I climbed up

Drawing by Jadeyn Brown in the CRES first grade of Mrs. Bertram.

the birch tree and onto the roof, and then into the sleigh itself. It was filled

with toys!

I heard a grunt and looked up. There was St. Nick frowning down at me. I put on my best innocent smile, and he picked me up and set me on his lap. He spoke in a gentle voice and said, “Elizabeth, why are you on the roof and not in bed?”

“Well,” I said softly, “I heard you and was curious.” He then pulled a carefully wrapped present out of his pocket and gave it to me. With shaking hands I opened it to find a glowing ruby (my birthstone). I gave him the biggest hug ever, and then he helped me down off the roof, and I went inside and up to bed.

Then I woke up.

I was so disappointed I was about to cry when I realized I was clutching something in my hand. It was the glowing ruby! It wasn’t a dream after all!

I ran downstairs, and screamed with delight at the sight of a room full of presents! Mama came running holding Edward, Laura came down slowly and groggily, and Grandfather hobbled down stiffly. Mama saw the presents and gasped. Laura screamed with joy too! I ran over and grabbed the necklace I made for Mama. She opened it and she started to cry. I thought I had done something wrong until she said, “Don’t worry, I’m not sad…I’m happy. I love it!”

This was the best Christmas ever.

Drawing by Isabelle Vignieri in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.

KIDS’ DIVISION — Third place

The pickle hunt look and don’t touch. The person who finds it gets an extra present. The pickle Age 8, Baxter is green like the tree so it is not as easy My favorite Christmas tradition as it sounds. involves an ornament in the shape of a During the hunt my grandma plays pickle. Every year on Christmas Eve, my sweet soft Christmas carols and the nice relatives and I gather around my grand- aroma of Christmas dinner fills the air. ma’s Christmas tree hoping to find the I always feel excited when we do this special pickle ornament hidden among tradition. This last year my brother the other decorations. The only rule is to found the pickle and got a huge Hershey

By JOEL DODD

candy bar! Another year my Aunt Hedi was the winner and got a huge box of jelly beans! And one year, my Uncle Chad won and got a pickle ornament just like the one my grandma has!

This year I am hoping to spot the pickle and get the extra present. If not I will still be happy for the relative who gets the extra present.

Drawing by Morgan LeBlanc in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.

KIDS’ DIVISION — Second place

The best Christmas ever

By THOMAS JURANEK Age 11, Nisswa

Jared had a good feeling the morning he woke up on Christmas Eve. He was an eight-year-old boy and his favorite holiday was Christmas. He got out of bed and went to turn on his favorite TV show. While he was watching he saw a commercial for a really cool sled. The sled was blue which was his favorite color! It also had a very unique riding shape. After that his mom told him to turn the TV off and find something else to do. Jared decided to go make his Christmas list.

He started to make his list at the desk in his room. He put the sled on the list and the skateboard he had been wanting, along with a snorkel, a metal detector, a toy airplane that was remote controlled and a new Bible for his Wednesday night class at church. He finished the list and hung it on the bulletin board above his bed.

After lunch his friend Caleb came over and asked if he could go and sled with him at the hill behind his house.

So Jared got his old sled and they went sledding. Jared admired Caleb’s nice sled. After awhile Caleb said that he should go home so Jared went home too.

After dinner his parents read him the story of Jesus being born. He thought the story was amazing and wished he had a Bible so he could read more stories on the miracles of Jesus.

On Christmas morning he couldn’t wait to open presents. When his parents finally woke up he ran downstairs and his mom said to open his stocking first.

In his stocking there was candy and fruit and the snorkel he had been wanting! Then his parents gave him his present from them. When he opened it there was a red skateboard and a metal detector! There was another present in blue wrapping paper. He opened it and there in the box was the airplane and a Bible!

Jared was very happy, yet somewhat disappointed. He didn’t get the sled. His mom asked why he was sad and Jared told them about the sled.

His mom said that it was OK and told him to remember that Christmas wasn’t about getting a lot of presents.

It’s about being together with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. After breakfast his parents said that they could go on the hill in town and build a snow fort and go sledding with his old sled. When Jared went to get his sled there was the new sled he had been wanting right on top of the old one. He was very excited! He turned around and saw his parents in the door.

“Surprise,” his parents said, and Jared ran and gave them a big hug.

After that they went to the hill and made a snow fort and went sledding.

Jared thought that this was the best Christmas ever!

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STORIES OF CHRISTMAS

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JUNIORS’ DIVISION - First place

Once in a lifetime Christmas

By EMILEE MAE STRUSS Age 17, Baxter

There is a special feeling of excitement that comes with Christmas. Anticipation of fun in freshly fallen snow, those delicious cookies that Mom bakes every Christmas, and the warmth of family and friends. For me, that’s Christmas tradition. Usually, my family travels a short distance to get together, but last year the circumstances were just a little different.

My sister, Anna, was on tour with an organization called “Up with People.” She had been on tour for five months, singing, dancing and doing community service.

She loved being on tour, and worked very hard in raising money to get there, but

was beginning to miss home and family.

She had one more show left, which was in Uppsala, Sweden. My mother and I, after several chats, decided that we would make a “once in a lifetime trip” and fly to Sweden to surprise her. It was exceedingly difficult to keep quiet about our secret trip when speaking to my sister on the phone.

My father planned out our trip for us and booked our hotel in Uppsala, Sweden.

We could not believe what we were about to do. The day finally came and we packed up our belongings and hopped on the plane. The plane ride was 16 hours and then came the two hour train ride which transferred to a five hour bus ride.

Reading maps and signs in Swedish was difficult, but luckily, Swedish people are

JUNIORS’ DIVISION — Third place

What a real Christmas is about

also fluent in English.

My heart leapt with excitement when I realized we had finally reached our destination. We were now only blocks away from my sister, and she had no idea. Heels and roller suitcases, my mother and I somehow made our way to the Uppsala Hotel. Due to the six hour time zone difference, my mind was a little puzzled and would not let me fall asleep. With minimal amounts of sleep, my mother and I got ready that next morning and began another journey. We studied acquired maps and eventually found the astonishing performance center, which was called Fyrishov. We could not contain ourselves as we walked through the rotating doors.

Immediately, we began asking everyone in

sight if they knew where the UWP cast was. One man, wearing a suit and headset, knew exactly who Anna Struss was and said, “Follow me!”

As we got closer, the echoing voices became clearer. He took us through a back door that weaved through backstage. We snuck around the stage curtain and were now standing kitty corner to the cast. My sister took a doubletake and then let reality set in. She burst into tears and hopped off stage to hold us both. By the time she let go of us, half the cast was also in tears from watching the saccharine reunion.

That Christmas was definitely a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and I would do it all over again any day!

JUNIORS’ DIVISION — Second place

‘Cause I was there Occasionally a ewe would bleat softly, calling for her lamb as it carelessly explored at an uncomfortable distance.

I remember that triumphant day; I As the day proceeded on, many travknow what happened. It changed the elers passed by, heading for the City of world forever, for I saw God’s great David.

I curiously studied those who glory...I know, ‘cause I was there. were passing by...many of which looked I rose that morning before the sun tired and weak from their journey. came to cover the earth with its blanket Around mid-day, a tired young man of warmth. The morning’s dew was cryscame up the footpath, leading a donkey tallized on the grass that my flock was grazing and the cold, bitter wind sighed which carried his expecting wife. I had great pity for them and offered them to its good-byes as it blew its last strong breath. With my staff I stirred the dying stop and rest. At first the man hesitated, unsure whether to keep going on his coals of last night’s fire and slowly gazed across the rolling hills that for so sore, blistered feet or to rest his body as many years my flock has grazed. My old it renewed its strength. He soon accepted my offer and helped his wife off the weary eyes viewed the surrounding donkey. After resting for about an hour, scenery — a landscape that is forever the same. In fact, everything seemed to they paced up and went on their way saying that they needed to reach turn out the same; even the day itself didn’t seem to be any different. I longed Bethlehem by nightfall.

When evening came, the sun’s bright for a change; a change in the day and a face began to slide behind the horizon, change to make my life seem meaningtaking its warm rays with it. The moon ful. and stars soon occupied the surface of Looking up, I studied my flock as the dark night sky. Then a miraculous they peacefully munched the grasses and shrubbery. A lamb suckled its moth- event happened; an angel of God came to me and all neighboring shepherds er’s milk; another bounded playfully.

By KAYLA BLAIR Age 18, Brainerd

By SHAKOTA PETRIE Age 13, Pine River

Christmas to me is fun and exciting and can be a joyful holiday for family and friends to come together to celebrate.

Sometimes people can’t be there or can’t afford it because they lose their jobs or get laid off. However, that’s just the way of life.

Life isn’t fair, and if one of you have kids and one is mad because they didn’t get anything for Christmas, make something for your kids or tell them that you don’t have any money for presents. You can celebrate Christmas as a family and still have fun. You and your kids can make a Santa out of snow or make gingerbread houses and lots of other stuff.

Christmas isn’t just a holiday you celebrate with your family and friends; it’s the time of the year when Jesus Christ was born. Christmas can take away lives and bring new lives in it. Christmas can involve a variety of emotions such as excitement, sadness, happiness and loneliness. Christmas to children is one of the best holidays of the year!

Parents like to tell kids stories about Santa Claus or Frosty the Snow Man. You don’t always have to tell stories about what kids already know, but tell them about your childhood traditions. Tell the kids about something that happened to you that was exciting and fun and they will remember. They will carry that tradition to their children.

I think everyone should have a special Christmas, and they should just be happy.

This will show that their parents care and love them very much. That’s what a real Christmas is all about!

Drawing by Haley Lubovich in the CRES first grade of Mrs. Moore.

saying that a child has been born in Bethlehem who is Christ the Lord!

When the angel disappeared, I trembled with great fear and awe; my old body felt stiff and unmovable. When I was able to move, I looked at the others who had seen the angel, picked my staff up off the ground, turned towards Bethlehem and began on my way. Many of the shepherds followed.

As we reached the City of David, a bright star shone over the stables where a precious babe lay sleeping in a manger. I fell on my knees at the manger’s side; tears of joy seeped from my eyes onto my cheeks and cloak.

That night changed my life and the lives of the world forever; I saw God’s great glory — I know, ‘cause I was there.

To Our Employees and Families May nature’s peace and joy flow into your heart this holiday season, and stay with you throughout the coming year.

W

e thank you for your patronage & hope the New Year brings you good friends & good health.

- Dr. Erica

Erica L. Johnson, D.C.

218-822-3855

13968 Cypress Drive • Baxter, MN Trails Head Business Center, Just E. of Super One

Coping with grief.

Support group.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center will be hosting a series of Grief Support Meetings* Every Monday (7 Sessions) Jan. 10—Feb. 21, 2011 Contact St. Joseph’s Medical Center for more information: (218) 828-7442 Sessions at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, 523 N. 3rd St., Brainerd. Conference rooms in lower level by cafeteria. There is no charge for attending. *Coping with Grief is a series of meetings. You are encouraged to attend all meetings scheduled in each series.

Registration for each series will be taken at the first meeting.

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STORIES OF CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 24, 2010

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A D U LT S ’ D I V I S I O N — F i r s t p l a c e

A Christmas to remember

By MIKE HOLST Age 69, Crosslake

At Christmas time I often think back to a Christmas 60 years ago when I was just six years old. There are those who would say it’s uncanny to be able to remember things that long ago and at that young age.

I have found that you remember what you want to, even when it’s not a good memory.

Memories are made by you and they are erased by you.

There is a good memory to me that comes to mind, but to many it is one they would have erased. It was Christmas Eve, 1947 in the small town of Staples, Minn. I had three sibling brothers, the youngest just months old, while I was six. The Great War had been over for many months.

Factories that had run night and day for years were idle now, the soldiers were back home now and no longer needed their wares. Jobs were hard to find. My father worked as a soda jerk in a confectionery up town for a quarter an hour.

We lived in the upstairs of a house that was more like an attic than living quarters.

Our clothes were cast offs from neighbor kids and relatives. We had no toys and no

place to play if we did have toys. But I do remember that year a Christmas tree. It was a real tree with bubble lights and popcorn balls and icicles. One thing was lacking though — it was bare underneath it. No gifts. I remember looking under it each day, but each day it remained bare. Then Christmas Eve came and the six of us gathered around that tree. Dad read to us the story of Jesus’ birth, and then he disappeared for a moment. When he returned he had a wooden sled with steel runners. It was obvious it wasn’t new and had been refurbished. He said it was for all of us boys. I remember my mother holding my baby brother, nursing him and crying softly. I remember the lights on the tree reflecting in dad’s wet eyes also.

Since then I have experienced Christmases that could only be described as lavish. But I remember very little about those Christmases. You see I had seen the true spirit of Christmas those many years ago, and that was the one I wanted to keep in my mind. I had witnessed two people who gave so little that night, but loved so much. The sled wore out and was cast Drawing by Jason Staley inthe CRES class of Mrs. Simmonds. away, but that night will live on in my memory until God stills my mind.

A D U LT S ’ D I V I S I O N — S e c o n d p l a c e

Humble beginnings his little house burning and no one around. Where was his family? Had they Age 66, Merrifield perished in the fire? His anguish was So many people long for the “good old relieved when he saw the oxen outside the days” but when I count my blessings I am barn and found his family safely huddled very thankful to be living today. My story together in the barn. Reunited again, they is one handed down through a few genercried so hard they could not even talk. ations. It belongs to my great-great-grandThis was to be their first Christmas in parents who left Sweden in 1854. My their own home in the new land but now Drawing by Noah Chambers in the CRES first grade of Mrs. Moore. great-great-grandfather, Bengt Akkeson, their rejoicing had turned to tears. had been a seaman in the Royal Navy.

Their experience reminds me of anothwas going to walk to the little shopping ly missing her. The family was out in the When he, his wife and two children er precious family who spent the first village of Hutchinson to buy something cold and snow with only some blankets arrived in New York after a treacherous special to celebrate their good fortune. The wrapped around them. They all went over Christmas in a stall. We come from humjourney over the Atlantic, he was grateful children waved good-bye with much to the barn, turned out the oxen and made ble beginnings and what we enjoy today to get any manual work he could find. The excitement and anticipation. It was a good a bed for themselves in the oxen stall. should never be taken for granted. family worked their way west until they distance to Hutchinson and it got to be When Mr. Brown came home he found finally reached Minnesota where they late before he came home. homesteaded 80 acres and built a house Mother Brown started getting the chiland barn. It took them six years but by dren ready for bed. But they had a cat the end of 1860 they rejoiced to be able to that liked to hide under the bed so the celebrate Christmas in their own home in oldest boy took a light to check under the the new land. bed. He got too close to the straw mattress They were happy to be Americans and and set it on fire. The fire raged through had learned the English language. Bengt the house so fast that in two minutes the had even changed his name because peowhole house with its thatched roof was ple here found it hard to pronounce. He ablaze! Mother Brown got all the children chose a sturdy American name: John out of the house and then headed back in Brown. They now had four children, ages to rescue as much as she could. However, 10, 6 and 2-year-old twins. the gun was hanging on the wall and as So on Christmas Eve 1860 John Brown she approached the gun went off, narrowBy NORMA HALL

Merry

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Ch ris

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Here’s wishing all our patients and their families a season that’s merry and bright. We consider it a privilege to serve you and thank you for entrusting us with your dental care.

DR. CLINTON L. ROBERTS, DDS 13495 ELDER DRIVE SUITE 100 BAXTER, MN 56425 (NEXT TO HOME DEPOT)

218-454-0523

Have a Dazzling Holiday Season!

May the glow of the Season Warm the hearts and homes of you and yours throughout the coming year.

We deeply appreciate your support as customers and friends. Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

2 short blocks off Hwy 210 on 8th Street Brainerd, MN 56401

We’re checking our list of people to thank, and your name is on it.

Merry Christmas!

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A D U LT S ’ D I V I S I O N — T h i r d p l a c e

The spirit of Christmas

By KATHIE HARMAN Age 49, Pequot Lakes

That Christmas feeling comes early for me each year, but this year it hit me full force as my husband and I enjoyed the Nisswa Lights Celebration on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The weather was windy and cold as we parked our car and headed toward the center of town with our heads bent downward. The Christmas lights were about to be lit as we arrived and the wandering crowds were thick on the sidewalks.

People gathered next to smoky bonfires on the Paul Bunyan Trail to warm themselves and as they milled about I could hear their jovial conversation. They waited to give a cheer as the countdown began. Illuminating the darkness were the bright reds, greens, blues, whites, and golds from the thousands of light bulbs strung around us. I imagined that many small towns across our country were celebrating the season in similar fashion on this very night.

We wandered into several busy stores as holiday sales were tempting, but we continued walking through the festive throng until we hit Ganley’s to grab a bite to eat. The quaint cafe was teeming with families and visitors, sipping on warm cups of coffee and gulping down a sandwich and generous triangles of pie. I could hear the constant buzz of light conversation, and luckily there was one empty table that seemed to be waiting just for the two of us. We happily sat down to satisfy our hunger and warm ourselves from the biting cold outside.

It has been a rare event for my husband and me to spend time alone while we’ve been busy raising our two boys for the last 19 years. We now find ourselves on the cusp of realizing that they prefer not to spend every moment with their

Drawing by Katie Churack in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.

parents as they search for their independence. In return, we have begun our own journey to what people call “the empty nest” in our near future and we are rediscovering each other again as a couple.

We smiled at each other across the narrow table as we waited for our meals to arrive when another moment of Christmas spirit appeared. A small group of warmly dressed Christmas carolers stepped into the restaurant to sing for us.

They sent smiles among their audience and my heart was warmed by the joyous

verses from familiar carols and I caught myself humming along with them. As I looked around the room I couldn’t help but think how much it looked just like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting.

Tears sprung into my eyes and I felt a little embarrassed to be so sentimental in public. My husband is used to this from me and he gave my hand a quick squeeze and a crooked smile from across the table to let me know he loves me for letting my emotions show by such cozy scenes. He calls them my “Hallmark moments”

because of the touching Hallmark card commercials on TV that I tend to tear up while watching.

After a couple more songs, the carolers wished everyone a merry Christmas and headed outdoors to continue spreading their holiday cheer. Not too much later we paid our bill and walked hand-in-hand outside, just in time to witness the colorful fireworks billowing up into the night sky to welcome another Christmas season to lake country.

A D U LT S ’ D I V I S I O N — H o n o r a b l e m e n t i o n

A Christmas memory At Grandma Johnson’s house, Where all her children gathered With small ones and their spouse.

By MARIA BURMAN Age 76, Aitkin

My fondest recollection of Christmas long ago Is of a Christmas Eve one year When roads were filled with snow.

The roads were drifted high with snow that year on Christmas Eve, And the moon shone bright On that starry night When we were set to leave.

We always spent our Christmas Eve

Wishing you a season of Peace & Goodwill

As we traveled through the night.

So, Daddy hitched the horses Up to the wooden sleigh And filled the box up to the top With soft, sweet smelling hay.

The bells upon the horses Rang sweetly, clear and bright, And we sang the Christmas carols

I don’t recall the presents Which were piled beneath the tree, But the sounds and snow of that Christmas Eve Are a precious memory.

Merry Christmas

Assisted Living • Memory Care Advanced Care • Respite Care

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Call Today (218) 828-3691 www.edgewoodvista.com

14890 Beaver Dam Rd Brainerd, MN

A smile. A joke.

A festive meal.

Christmas is truly about caring and sharing and we’d like to take a moment to share with you how much we care about your friendship.

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With best wishes for a very merry season to all of you.

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STORIES OF CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 24, 2010

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Drawing by Jordon Carlson, fourth grade of Mr. Kautto, and Jaden Stangle, first grade of Mrs. Gedde, Staples Elementary School.

KIDS’ DIVISION — Honorable mentions

Christmas traditions

By ELLE JURANEK Age 9, Nisswa

Everybody has many Christmas traditions from going to get a Christmas tree to having a big baking day! But whatever the tradition is we all have to admit, traditions are pretty special!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is helping my mom bake all of our favorite holiday treats!

My favorite treat we make is peanut butter balls!

Yummy!

Another Christmas tradition I really like is reading an Advent story. This year we are reading Bartholomew’s Passage.

Finally, I like putting up decorations with my family.

My dad and brother usually put up the lights outside while my mom, sister and I put up our Christmas trees. Drawing by Melanie Severson in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.

I especially like decorating our kid tree with all the decorations we have made.

Christmas traditions are very fun for everyone no matter how young or old.

Christmas traditions will always be a very treasured memory for me.

Merry Christmas Best wishes to our patrons, friends & neighbors

Thank your for your continued confidence in our care.

We hope to see you in 2011!

828-9545 toll free 877-338-3937 7870 Excelsior Rd.

(across from Super One)

Baxter

Family

By JACKSON LINEHAN Age 9, Baxter

In my family our Christmas tradition is we always drive to Minneapolis to see our family.

Vroom, vroom, vroom.

As soon as we get there me, my brother and sister burst out of the car as fast as a tsunami. My grandpa makes very good roast beef.

After that we open presents oldest to youngest. Finally the kids go downstairs to play XBox 360 and the adults open their presents.

The next day, we go home.

Something tasty

Drawing by Adam Cady in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.

By ANDREW BECKER Age 8, Baxter

Do you know what food my family and I eat every Christmas? Well, every Christmas my family and I have waffles. They’re as fluffy as a cloud. The best part is that there is a river of syrup going down the side of the waffles. When we lived in Los Angeles my grammy and papa came over for Christmas breakfast. We would open gifts and Dad would make waffles on his waffle iron.

That’s how we started our family’s Christmas tradition. You can pick either maple or boysenberry syrup. Most of our family likes maple syrup. When our family starts eating it’s yum, yum, yummy!

The buck starts cheer!

Happy holidays from everyone at Deerwood Bank.

Blackduck | Northome | Brainerd | Baxter Deerwood | Garrison | Grand Rapids | Bemidji

www.deerwoodbank.com

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STORIES OF CHRITSMAS

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JUNIORS’ DIVISION — Honorable mention

Where did the snowman go?

By TIFFANY CARLSON Age 14, Backus

Once, a long time ago there was a little boy named Fred. He went outside to play in the snow. Then, he said to himself, “I will make a snowman.”

Fred started to make his snowman. When his mom called him inside to eat, he was almost finished making the greatest looking snowman. After he was finished eating, he wanted to go outside and make the rest of his snowman. All he had left was the head. Fred placed rocks for his eyes and a mouth. His mom handed him a carrot for the nose. He found a great hat and scarf. His arms looked like they had real hands. Fred enjoyed his snowman everyday.

One evening after playing all day with his snowman, it was time for Fred to go inside to take a bath before bed. The next morning, he went outside and his snowman was gone. Fred was very sad. His mom said, “If you want to make another snowman I will help you.”

Fred said, “No.” One year later Fred was coming home from school and he saw the snowman that he had made last year.

Fred asked his mom, “How did my snowman come back?”

His mom said, “He came back from the North Pole.”

Fred said, “How can he do that? He doesn’t even have legs or real arms.”

His mom said, “Santa Clause brought him back.” Fred asked his mom if Santa would bring him back next year.

His mom said, “Yes he’ll take your snowman every year and bring him back to you every year.” Fred was very happy now. He went to school the next day and all his friends were jealous.

“That’s okay,” Fred said, “I will share my snowman with you.”

Now all his friends were happy.

Drawing by Ashlyn Rogosheske in the CRES first grade of Mrs. Moore.

Merry Christmas May all your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season.

THANK YOU FOR

SEEING US!

It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you this year, thanks!

At Crosby Eye Clinic, we enhance the quality of your vision and the quality of your life.

We’d like to join our neighbors in spreading His message of peace and love this Christmas.

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.

We hope you enjoy a moving and memorable holiday season with the ones you love.

Baxter 218-825-1976 206 W. Washington (Tyrol Hills Center) Brainerd

(218) 829-2100

Crosby Remer 218-546-5108 218-566-2020 800-952-3766 crosbyeyeclinic.com

Baxter

13283 Isle Drive

Brainerd

200 South 6th Street

(218) 829-0371 www.mmfcu.org

Happy Holidays

from all of us

Rod, Marlene & Diane

Holiday Treats Being Enjoyed By All! Merry Christmas From All Of Us At Excelsior Place M

Find us on

601 W. Washington St. • Brainerd (218) 825-8800 • www.pnbmora.com

14211 Firewood Dr., Baxter • (218) 828-4770

Friday, December 24, 2010

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Age Group 1-4 Winners

Age Group 5-8 Winners

Age Group 9-13 Winners

1st Place

1st Place

1st Place

Charlee Ann G. - Age 4

Brady H. - Age 8

Evelyn S. - Age 13

2nd Place

2nd Place

2nd Place

Brooke S. - Age 4

Austin B. - Age 8

Cara H. - Age 10

3rd Place

3rd Place

3rd Place

Eva C. - Age 3

Lindsie M. - Age 7

Jesse B. - Age 12

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Carter D. - Age 1

Emme B. - Age 5

Beau S. - Age 11

8S

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jason Allord Susie Alters Michael Aulie Curtis Avant David Bade Roy Banks Timothy Bautch Darren Beach Joseph Bexell Vivian Bexell Michael Bialka Tim Bogenschutz Nathan Brown Martin Chisholm

Emily Coghlin Jessica Crawford Andrew Cutkay Jeff Dummer Laura Ellingson Matthew Erickson John Gagliano Adam Gilson Andrew Goble Scott Gomon Mitchell Hallan Lisa Henry Shawn Hess Teresa Hirst

Delynn Howard Kelly Humphrey Linda Hurst Lena Hyatt Zachary Isle Amanda Johnston Dianna Kiehlbauch Steven Kohls Celeste Koznick Kari Lake Elizabeth Lehner Jeremy Lemoine Joseph Lindholm Natasha Lockwood Nikki Lyter

from all of us at the

Charles Marshall Derrek Matson Frank Mattson Terence McCollough Brook McPherson Leora Miller Roy Miller Jeremy Millsop Gregory Moon Sarah Nelson Michael Nelson Denton Newman Jr Jodie Norquist Sabrina Ogborn Kathryn Olson

Jamie Olson John O’Rourke Marva Pearson Brian Peterson Andrew Pucko Brock Reynolds Renee Richardson Kristine Roberts Gina Rudolph Peter Schuldheisz Phillip Seibel David Sims Tiffany Smith Lucinda Spilman

Carla Staffon Susan Stark Katherine Starr Jennifer Stockinger Rodney Swanson Lester VanHorn Ryan VanHorn Jason Walkowiak Jill Wasson David Wentzel Ashly Wiersgalla Bradley Willemsen Ann Windorski Darin Young