Christmas in Berthoud 2018

BWS

© Berthoud Weekly WEEKLY Surveyor November 22, 2018 BERTHOUD SURVEYOR

“Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”

1

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Celebrating Christmas in Berthoud© 2018 is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publisher reserves the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publisher assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents.

It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.

Subscription rates are $37 per year to residents of the 80513 zip code, online subscribers, and $47 per year to zip codes other than 80513.

BWS

BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”

Index

The advertisers in this magazine are businesses that support the Berthoud community in many ways. Please support them with your patronage.

A mountain town for the holidays ...............................1 Wildfire to hold 16th annual Local Artists Market Holiday Sale ............................................................ 4 Did you know? ............................................................. 6 Dressing up for the holidays........................................7 Holiday movie guide ................................................... 8 You better watch out, you better not cry ...................10 Unusual Christmas gifts - 2018 .................................12 Nine activities to keep kids busy ...............................14

440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud 970-532-2252

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

2

A mountain town for the holidays

15-16.

A kid-friendly holiday If you are looking for that perfect spot for the If you’re considering kids, a ski resort is ideal. Whether it’s Keystone spending the holidays away with their Kidtopia or Breckenridge with its from home, there’s nothmany things to do with the kids, heading to ing more magical than the a ski town is a wonderful vacation with the Colorado Rocky Mountains children. covered in snow. There are Kidtopia at Keystone is a playground your many beautiful mountain kids will love. There are events, a snow fort, towns, but which is right cookie time and more. The village is easy to for you? It depends on who navigate with the family, and new this year, the you are traveling with and village has installed warming sidewalks to keep your expectations for a the village walkways snow-free. holiday getaway.

The ski area at Breckenridge is huge, makRomantic holiday ing it ideal for everyone from the learner to the If you plan to travel expert. Plus, it’s simple to find a slope-side place with your partner this Courtesy photo to stay. Grand Colorado on Peak 8 is ideal for holiday season, there’s one families. Not only is it located at the base of mountain town that leaps Columbine Lake at Grand Lake, Colo.

Peak 8, they have some of the best amenities for to mind. families, including four theaters and an arcade.

In the summer Grand Lake is one of the best family destiMulti-generational family fun for the holidays nations in the state, but when it is covered in snow the town For a holiday the entire family will remember forever, Glenquiets, making it one of the best spots for a romantic getaway in wood Springs is the place to go. They have multiple hot springs the state. venues, skiing at nearby Sunlight Mountain Resort, and a Curl up in front of a roaring fire at your Western Riviera restaurant scene that will have everyone from grandma to little rental property and enjoy the luxury of silence and peace. Walk Sally chowing down on their favorite food. hand in hand with your sweetheart over snow-covered wooden Colorado’s largest hot spring pool is here, and families have sidewalks downtown and pop into one of the town’s authentic been making memories at Glenwood Hot Springs since 1888. If pubs for a drink. Or, catch a show at the Rocky Mountain Reperyou want to try something new, the newest hot springs attractory Theatre. This year “Home for the Holidays” is on stage Dec. tion in Glenwood Springs is Iron Mountain Hot Springs. They

By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer The Surveyor

3

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Photo courtesy of keystoneresort.com

Visit the top of Dercum Mountain, at Keystone, to explore the world’s largest snow fort. Complete with slides, climbing nets, and castle towers, the Kidtopia Snow Fort creates a snow-filled playground that tailors to the imagination of kids and kids at heart.

have 16 terraced pools as well as a swimming pool perfect for the kids. They also have a cafe that serves beverages such as beer and wine.

Restaurants to consider are Daily Bread for breakfast, Slope & Hatch for lunch, and Smoke for dinner. If someone in the family is in the mood for steak, go to Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse.

Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is always dependable and has a family-friendly environment.

Home to an award-winning brewery and the incredible Hotel Colorado, a glorious jewel in the town’s crown, it’s hard to beat taking a family holiday vacation to Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Hot Springs.

Courtesy photo

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

4

Wildfire to hold 16th annual Local Artists Market Holiday Sale They all offer an eclectic mix of artistry with unique, one-of-a-kind items that make special holiday gifts,” Jenkins said.

Going to an art show is “Being a recent board member of Wildfire a great cultural experiArts Center, I feel participating in their ence, but during the events helps me keep connected to its comholidays, the experience munity as well as my neighbors and other has a double benefit—seecreative people in the area.” ing art and shopping for Wildfire’s show originally was called handmade gifts. the Holiday Art Show & Sale and changed th The 16 annual Local its name last year to better represent the Artists Market Holiofferings, Ohs said. It started as a way for day Sale hosted by the artists to show their work and offer items Wildfire Community Arts for sale for the holidays, she said.

Center will offer both Last year, 15 artists had their art in the Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the show, and about the same is expected for dance studio and gallery, this year. About 100 to 150 people attendCourtesy photo 425 Massachusetts Ave. ed last year’s show.

“Not only are you sup- The Local Artists Market Holiday Sale is set up for “We sold a lot. It was a good year for porting local artists, but the 2017 annual art show and sale at the Wildfire the artists,” Ohs said. “People get to see Community Art Center.

This year’s show will be Nov. you’re actually giving a their work and want to see more of their one-of-a-kind gift to some- 30-Dec. 1. work.” body,” said Lory Ohs, The show will have a few changes next executive director of Wildfire, which offers visual and performyear when artists will handle their own sales on Saturday, as ing arts classes and events. “If you love to give handmade gifts, opposed to the studio, and a few of their pieces will be up the this is the place to come find nice local artisan gifts for the month before the show. The artists are charged a commission fee, people you love.” similar to a gallery, and this year Wildfire is handling the administration This year, the art show and sale will be one day instead of and promotion. two and there will be musical entertainment during the open“Come out and meet some artists and enjoy the show and ing reception. If there is overflow, the show will expand into happy holidays,” Ohs said. the art room for the U-Create Studio where classes and drop-in

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

days are held.

“We’re changing it from a Saturday and Sunday show to just a Saturday show this year,” Ohs said. “There is so much happening in town, we wanted it to be an event that people can come to and buy some Christmas stuff and enjoy the other events.”

The opening reception Nov. 30 will feature a private showing and sale 6-7 p.m. for Wildfire members and volunteers, followed by the public reception 7-9 p.m. where visitors can meet the artists.

“People like to meet the artists when they buy artwork, so it will be a nice addition,” said Ohs, one of the artists in the show and owner of Ohs Art, where she makes jewelry, pottery, painting and mixed media pieces.

The art show and sale will feature fine art originals, prints, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, clothing, accessories and craft items with proceeds from the sale benefitting Wildfire. The Farmer & Adele also will sell homemade jams, jelly and spices.

David Leonard of Berthoud will provide entertainment, playing acoustic guitar, and the Berthoud High School catering class will serve appetizers.

The show will continue 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 1 and will be open to the public all day.

“It’s a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season and a really nice way to support local talent,” said Charlotte Zinc, a painter and metal artist who co-owns Zink Metal Art and will be bringing her paintings, miniature works, ornaments and handstitched cards to the show. “Receiving a handcrafted gift that was created right at home in Colorado is meaningful and so appreciated, especially in this plastic, throwaway world we’re in.”

Nicole Jenkins, a local graphic designer and owner of Aer-o Studio in Berthoud, will bring her industrial rings that combine elements of toy design with everyday things to create wearable art.

“Berthoud has many holiday shopping events this season.

5

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Did you know?

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his giftgiving before kids wake up on Christmas morning.

The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts.

While that’s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained.

Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

6

7

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Dressing up for the holidays

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor When it comes to dressing up for the holiday party and a gap in the wardrobe, what can you do?

Do you put on the tired black dress and call it good, or do you check out the latest trends to get noticed?

What’s considered party wear can be a regional thing — for Berthoud, dressing up These two shirts at D’s consists of pants and a nice shirt and the Boutique represent popular occasional dress, according to Dorothy King, holiday colors of red, gray, owner of D’s Boutique, 509 N. Seventh St. black and white.

“They usually wear a fancy top and nice dress pants. Some people will wear a dress but not very often,” King said. “I don’t think we dress up like we used to around here. It’s more laid back. There’s certain things we do where we dress up if it’s a fancy thing.”

For instance, Berthoud residents may go to a nearby ball or a holiday party requiring semi-formal wear, King said.

“They dress up but they don’t dress fancy. “We’re really casual here.”

King sees the shoppers who come to her store wanting shirts with long tails for a tuxedo-type look, which she says they like to wear to cover up their backsides. They also want to wear layers, such as a short top that rises up over the belt with a long-sleeved lacy shirt on top, or they add a vest with a fur collar to add to what they have on underneath.

Sometimes women will wear an outfit to work and instead of changing will add a cover or vest to dress up their clothing and change their boots into something fancier.

“Most people don’t have time to change everything, so they add accessories at night to dress it up,” King said.

King also sees women follow color and materials trends in what they buy and wear.

The most common colors for the holidays are red, black, gray and white with gray making more of a new appearance, adding that black is an easy color to dress up.

“They’re Christmas colors. “All the women seem to like black, and it goes with everything. Gray is a very popular color this year.”

Common holiday materials are polyester and rayon mixed with spandex, continuing a trend from last year.

“It pretty much depends on what you like. A lot of tops have spandex, so it gives a little bit.”

Once the holiday outfit is assembled, accessories are selected, mainly in silver and gold in bracelets, necklaces and earrings. For instance, the length of the necklace should be matched to the shirt length and neckline, avoiding a short necklace with a low neckline, she said. Earrings can be any length.

“There aren’t any rules. It’s how you feel comfortable,” she said.

The trends in formalwear for the Paris runway are less about comfort and more about fashion and what’s hot.

This year, the trends for holiday formal dress show several looks, said Vanya Marie Lamperes, owner of Vanya Marie “an eclectic closet,” 521 A N. Fourth St. The trends include: • Animal prints, bold and daring.

• Check prints, bold and classic.

• Two-piece suits, in a classic look but with metallic fibers and color mixing.

• Capes for warmth with animal fur trims.

• Disco ball looks with silver metallic accents.

The color red dominated in many of the looks, a longtime favorite for the holidays, Lamperes said.

“As a small boutique owner and in a small town, I have to bring this bold statement down several notches to meet my customers needs and also to keep my prices affordable.”

Lamperes spends extra time on her holiday buying trip each year, looking for affordable yet “high quality functional and sassy items.”

“I will be following the animal prints, red and metallics this holiday season. I already have some of this in my regular fall and winter clothing and will move in to the holidays with the same. Instead of oversized collars and ruffles, I will find the items with less fluff but with the same trending fun fabrics.”

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

T

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Holiday Movie Guide

8

he holiday season is always a terrific opportunity to come together at the movie theaters. The kids are off for Thanksgiving or Christmas break, and several promising new releases are in theaters.

From comedies to moving dramas, epic superhero adventures and tales of the renaissance, the 2018 holiday movie Surveyor guide has a little of everything. Here is Columnist your guide by release date:

“Robin Hood” (Nov. 21)

Aaron Reynolds

I grew up on “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” idolizing the adventures of a clever gang of hoodlums that lived in the woods and stole from the rich and gave to the poor. While the 1991 Kevin Costner movie was not considered well done by many, I still loved it. A remake of the popular outlaw arrives just in time for Thanksgiving and stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx and Ben Mendelsohn. It’s a new folklore adventure for a new generation of fans.

“Mary, Queen of Scots” (Dec. 7) While not everyone is a fan of the Tudors and ancient European royalty, but for those who really get into this phase of world history, “Mary, Queen of Scots” is one of the more anticipated releases in quite some time.

The film tells the infamous tale of Queen Elizabeth I and her bitter family rivalry with “Mary, Queen of Scots.” Academy-nominated actress Margot Robbie stars as Queen Elizabeth I, while Saoirse Ronan tackles the lead role of a woman who took over the throne of her deceased father when she was only six days old.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Dec. 14) “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a brand new take on the popular “Spider-Man” series which has had a barrage of movie releases ever since the original franchise starring Tobey Maguire arrived in 2002.

Unlike all of the previous installments, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is not only computer-animated but features an alternative Spider-Man character, as he is not Peter Parker but rather Miles Morales, a black character.

While the Miles Morales/Spider-Man character has been controversial to some, the creator of the original comic book, Stan Lee, has approved of the alternate Spider-Man, and the movie should be a hit for many moviegoers.

“The Mule” (Dec. 14) “The Mule,” starring legendary actor Clint Eastwood almost seems like “Breaking Bad” on the big screen. It’s the story of an elderly man in his 80s who is broke and alone, with the possibility of losing everything, including his home and business, so he begins smuggling illegal drugs for the cartel. Sounds kind of familiar, right?

The movie (which Eastwood also directs) is actually based on a true story of a WWII vet who worked for the Sinaloa Cartel. It is Eastwood’s first acting performance since 2012, and also co-stars Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Pena and Dianne Wiest. Sign me up.

“Mary Poppins Returns” (Dec. 19) I cannot begin to explain how many people are excited for this sequel, especially those who grew up on the 1964 original. Considered by many to be a classic of epic proportions, “Mary Poppins

Returns” stars Emily Blunt in the lead role with appearances from a number of talented actors including Dick Van Dyke, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep.

The sequel takes place 25 years after the events of the original film, in which Poppins returns to London after a family tragedy.

It is sure to be the most popular family movie of the Christmas season and perhaps one of the best of the winter.

“Bumblebee” (Dec. 21) Like it or not, the “Transformers” series is not quite finished.

While the last two action blockbusters from the franchise have been complete busts, Paramount Pictures is looking to reverse their fortune with a spinoff character and story.

Hailee Steinfeld (“True Grit,” “Romeo and Juliet”) stars alongside the “Transformers” sidekick “Bumblebee” and is what you

9

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

would define as a prequel to the original 2007 science fiction film.

It’s the first “Transformers” installment not directed by Michael Bay. Will it swing things around for “Transformers?” Only time will tell.

“Aquaman” (Dec. 21) Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize the lead actor in “Aquaman” as Khal Drogo from the immensely popular HBO series. Fans of “Entourage” will grin at the thought of “Aquaman” finally becoming a reality, as the movie is fictionally produced with the star of the series in the fellow HBO show.

Needless to say, “Aquaman” is long overdue for its own blockbuster movie franchise. Khal Drogo, whose real name is James Momoa, surprisingly gets the lead role and looks like the DC Comics superhero hopped up on steroids. If you love brand new superhero epics, then “Aquaman” is definitely a gift just in time for Christmas.

“Welcome to Marwen” (Dec. 21) “Welcome to Marwen” has the potential to be the most moving of all the holiday releases and an early Oscar-season favorite.

The film stars Steve Carell, who has the rare ability to combine tragedy with comedy in several of the roles he portrays.

“Welcome to Marwen” also features Robert Zemeckis as its director, and he is certainly no stranger to Academy Awards, thanks to his work in “Forrest Gump” and “Back to the Future.”

It tells the fictional story of a man who survives a brutal assault by a group of neo-Nazis and recreates a WWII story with dolls to help with his recovery.

“Holmes and Watson” (Dec. 25) Ever since they first collaborated on the beloved comedies “Step Brothers” and “Talladega Nights,” Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have developed a lasting fraternity that is renewed in the

upcoming “Holmes and Watson.”

Robert Downey Jr. presented a serious, thrilling version of Sherlock Holmes. Will Ferrell, meanwhile opts for a much lighter take as he portrays the famous crime solver, while John C. Reilly operates as Dr. John Watson.

It looks ridiculous, but Ferrell and Reilly comedies always are.

Here is to hoping they can pull off some of the magic from their earlier work together.

“Vice” (Dec. 25) Another possibility for Oscar consideration, “Vice” is generating plenty of buzz, especially considering the guy who plays Dick Cheney in the film really is Christian Bale.

One of the best method actors in this generation gets completely emerged in the unpopular former vice president of a very unpopular administration. Sam Rockwell dishes up a spot-on performance of George W. Bush, and Steve Carell portrays Donald Rumsfeld.

“Vice” is based on personal accounts of what took place during George W. Bush’s time in the oval office. It looks one part very funny, and one part very tragic.

“On the Basis of Sex” (Dec. 25) Aptly timed with the #metoo movement and the stories that are popular in the news these days, “On the Basis of Sex” tells the inspiring and true story of a young lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg who presented a groundbreaking case in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals in regard to gender discrimination.

Felicity Jones plays the title character, while Armie Hammer co-stars as Ginsburg’s husband, who teamed with her to bring the case to the courts. It too should be a hot topic once the Oscar nominations are announced in January.

What holiday movie release are you looking forward to the most? Send me a tweet @zirkelMTN.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

10

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout — I’m telling you why: Krampus

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor There are many beautiful Christmas traditions with origins that date back centuries. Many of the modern customs practiced in the United States are a direct product of the cultural melting pot of our society. From Christmas trees and stockings to mistletoe and even the big man himself, Santa Clause and his eight tiny reindeer, each tradition has added something special to our accumulative holiday cheer. One tradition though, you might be glad didn’t cross The Krampus carrying away naughty children. the Atlantic — the Krampus.

It’s bad enough if your greatest concern to finding yourself on Santa’s naughty list is that you’ll get coal in your stocking. It’s something all-together different if you are told that an anthropomorphic “half-goat” “half–demon” will come to punish you if you’ve misbehaved. This is the premise of the Krampus.

In the folklore of several regions within Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Northern Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia, the Krampus is, in mob terminology, Saint Nicholas’ enforcer. Good behavior is rewarded with gifts from Saint Nick and bad behavior comes as swift justice from the Krampus depending on what area and tradition your family might adhere to. Punishments range from being “taken away”

to being beat with a bundle of birch sticks. Modern families have softened the blow somewhat with threats of the Krampus taking misbehaving children away to be forced to eat vegetables and watch nothing but the news and other boring adult television.

There are also traditional parades and events known as the Krampuslauf or Krampus run. This is a time for individuals dressed as Krampus to parade through town with noisemakers. There are also Krampus parties popping up around the globe, including cities in the U.S., at night clubs and bars, to celebrate the nefarious creature Even in Berthoud you can participate in the Krampus 5K and 10K virtual race. You pick the date in December, some suggestions are Dec. 6 which is the Feast of St. Nicholas, or the night before on the 5th of December which is Krampusnacht — the time of reckoning for those who have been naughty. Proceeds from the race are going to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Since the race is virtual you complete your race any time day or night and log your time on the race website. The race website explains that medals and bibs will begin shipping at the end of November, and after that will ship within two to five days of signing up. You decide the race course yourself, and a shiny medal along with a sweatshirt or t-shirt emblazoned with the Krampus on it is all yours. Visit raceplace.com/ events/43001/krampus-5k-10k-denver to sign up.

Maybe you’ll want to include the tradition of the Krampus in your holiday gatherings or maybe not but either way it’s wise to be on the good list all year long.

11

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

I

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Unusual Christmas gifts — 2018

t’s that time again. Time for my annual list of unusual holiday gifts. This year my theme includes more whimsical offerings. We need more whimsy in the world.

This first gift works for most teens and adults. It’s Keysmart. This handy device rounds up to 14 keys in a compact key fob. It looks a lot like a Swiss Army knife.

All 14 keys fold into a compact aluminum housing. No more jingling keys in your purse or pocket.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can add accessories. These include a 16 GB thumb drive, bottle opener, and what the manufacturer calls a nano light. Nano light translates to a small, slender stainless-steel flashlight.

Keysmart is available on Amazon and some Bed, Bath and Beyonds and Walmarts for right around $20.

How about a gift that brings up feelings of nostalgia? By that I mean you were around when the one-and-only Bob Ross did weekly oil paintings on his television show. Not just

12

pretty scenic images, but images Surveyor that contained friendly little trees Columnist or a friendly fence, maybe.

Ross died in 1995, but you can have his image with you at breakfast. This is thanks to a Bob Ross toaster. The two-slot appliance works like any toaster, but each piece of bread is heated to show you a picture of Bob and his famous hairdo.

But wait, there’s more. The outside of the toaster sports a color picture of good old Bob and one on Bob his mountain scenes. Order your friendly toaster from Walmart.com McDonnell or thinkgeek.com for $39.95.

All dads give their little kids horsey rides.

You know, Dad on all fours and the child riding on his back. We played “bareback” but now, thanks to a company called Cashel, your tyke can have a saddle to put on Dad’s back.

Cashel calls the device the daddle saddle.

Go to Amazon.com to check out the cotton, soft-stuff saddle. It has adjustable stirrups, soft saddle horn and cinch strap. The saddle

13 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018 is suitable for riders from age 2 to 6. Get ready 3.5-ounce bag. Find them at the jellybelly. to pay $40.53 on Amazon for this gift. com or maybe your local candy store.

Ever sit down to have a glass of fine wine Many of the gifts I highlight are availand feel bad because your cat can’t enjoy a able through the internet. This next one is sip of vino along with you? Fear not, Apollo probably as near as your local convenience Peaks. Your cat will enjoy these allstore. It’s crickets. Edible crickets. I saw natural, non-alcohol drinks made boxes of these critters on the counter at my with organic beets and all-natural local 7-Eleven when I stopped by for coffee. I herbs. Varieties include catbernet guess it’s an impulse buy. I did not have that and pinot meow and kittendel. It impulse. looks like a five-ounce bottle will Further investigation shows the dried set you back about $10. (That’s crickets come in three flavors — maybe to more than I normally pay for my mask the fact you are eating insects! The own wine.) Buy this product on flavors are sour cream and onion, salt and Amazon. vinegar, and bacon and cheese.

Don’t despair if you only own a dog. Apollo It appears slightly more than a gram of the bugs costs Peaks makes a wine for dogs too. $2. You can figure out a price per cricket yourself if you While on the topic of non-alcoholic beverwish.

Lastly, there’s one on every list. You know, that perages, let’s talk beer — for you and not for your pet. Enjoy the taste of beer anytime of son who when asked what they want for Christmas rethe day with these draft-beer-inspired jelly plies, “Nothing.” Well, this year they can have just that. beans. Jelly Belly, the maker of multiple flavors of jelly A company called Gears Out has a box that contains, beans — cantaloupe, toasted marshmallow, juicy pear well, nothing. (Side note: Why didn’t I think of this?) and chocolate pudding, etc. — has something for The Amazon page says this gift offers an endbeer lovers. Yes, Jelly Belly has draftless supply of nothing, and it goes with everybeer-flavored jelly beans. The beans thing. Even though you are buying “nothing,” are inspired by Hefeweizen lager, there is a price. In this case, nothing costs which the company says is wheat $11.95 for a six-inch by three-inch by oneflavored. inch box.

These are non-alcoholic, of I hope that covers most people on your course, and go for $2.99 for a list. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

14

Nine activities to keep kids busy during the holidays

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor Connecting with family is important during the holidays. The kids are home from school, and although there may be a lot to accomplish and a long list of places to go and things to do, some of those days off might take some extra planning to keep everyone in a holly jolly mood. The following are nine ideas of how to fill the time and hopefully make some good holiday memories along the way.

1. Check out what the library has going on. We are really fortunate in Berthoud to have an incredibly active library with lots of fun and interesting programming. Fridays in November and December are Lazy Lego afternoons from 4-5 p.m., and on Saturdays tweens and teens are given an opportunity to get crafty starting at 1 p.m. Even taking a couple of trips during the time off from school to pick out holiday-themed books to read together as a family is a great time to spend quality time with each other plus it engages those brains. For more information, and to see what else is going on at the library, visit berthoud.colibraries.org 2. Indoor activity centers — When the weather gets a little less than accommodating and you’re stuck indoors, these are great options to get out and get active. Think along the lines of indoor putt-putt, laser tag, and even bowling. For older kids, schedule an afternoon in an escape room like Colorado Escape

in Greeley where you have to solve puzzle clues and various challenges to “escape” from a themed scenario in a set amount of time. Visit a trampoline park like Fly High in Fort Collins. To save some money make sure to check out websites like Groupon or LivingSocial to get discounted rates on these types of venues, whether you are here in Colorado of elsewhere.

3. Of course, living in the amazing state of Colorado there is no shortage of things to do outside, weather permitting. Taking a walk, going on a hike, skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing on a sunny day is a great way to get some exercise for the whole family, but is also a good way to burn off extra pent up energy. If there is snow on the ground, building a snowman or a snow fort or going sledding are also great options.

For a more exotic sledding experience visit Rocky Mountain National Park and sled in Hidden Valley where you’ll have access to a warming hut on the weekends as well as heated restrooms — if you don’t have the gear you can rent sleds and tubes at various stores in Estes Park.

4. Put some music on. When I was a kid one of my favorite memories was when my dad would get out his records and let us rock out to songs like Electric Light Orchestra’s “Roll Over Beethoven.” Listening to that music opened up my musical

15

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

appreciation to everything from classical to classic rock. It’s amazing what a good time can be had just enjoying each other’s company and listening to some good music.

5. Whip up some holiday treats together. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of preparing to go somewhere to celebrate or hosting guests taking the time to cook with kids isn’t convenient. But setting aside some time in the kitchen specifically with the kiddos can be a fun learning experience. There are hundreds of fun baking and holiday treat ideas. From building a gingerbread house together (which you can purchase in pre-baked kits with all the decorations included) to cake pops and rice crispy treats, there are lots of easy and fun recipes appropriate for all ages.

6. Karaoke — You don’t have to invest in a bunch of equipment or be able to carry a tune in a bucket to enjoy some athome karaoke stardom. There are hundreds of videos available on YouTube you can access for free. There are also many websites that for free for a nominal fee give you access to thousands of cringe-worthy sing-a-long songs of every genre imaginable.

If you have something like Apple TV or an Amazon Fire TV stick, streaming the words and the music through your TV is a breeze. Satellite cable providers have also got into the karaoke game. For example, Xfinity’s Stingray Karaoke can be accessed for only $6.99. There are even karaoke apps you can put on your phone. Stream the tunes through a Bluetooth speaker or just let it play on your phone. It might be a little embarrassing, but you are sure to laugh a lot and have fun with your family while doing it. Bring up Disney tunes for a family-friendly ses-

sion that every generation can enjoy.

7. Never underestimate the power of playing games together. Board games, card games, charade’s, any game can bring a family of any age together. It takes up some time, plus you’ll actually interact with each other while having fun together.

8. Make slime — Slime never goes out of style. Kids like slime. and its kind of fun for adults too, and apparently its popularity in the K-5 crowd has reached a high point. There are recipes all over the internet, from foamy-slime to slimyslime to fluffy stuff that looks like snow (8 cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of olive oil will make a tub of “snow” to play with for hours.) (Bonus tip: add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to make your concoction Snow-dough smell great). It’ll keep kids busy and in one place for an extended period of time. If you don’t have the patience or time to collect the ingredients there are also kits available with everything you need to make an assortment of slimy goodness.

9. Take some time this holiday season to volunteer. Serving others can do amazing things for you and your family’s perspective on life and really does give you a new-found appreciation for the things you have. Whether it’s volunteering at a homeless shelter to serve a holiday meal, sending a care package to service men and women deployed during the holidays, picking up some extra toys to donate to Toys for Tots, or sponsoring a family through an organization like SERVE6.8’s “Adopt-AFamily” program where you meet tangible needs of families in Northern Colorado who might need some extra assistant during the holidays, volunteering brings your family together and makes the world a better place.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2018

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

16