Christmas in Berthoud
2020
BWS
BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot” © Berthoud Weekly Surveyor November 26, 2020
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020 Christmas in Berthoud© 2020 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.
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BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”
440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud 970-532-2852
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Index The advertisers in this magazine are businesses that support the Berthoud community in many ways. Please support them with your patronage.
Christmas coloring contest ...........................................3 Holiday Artisan Sale moves online with new items ...4 Tradition is a major component of Chanukah celebrations ...................................................................5 Why celebrate Christmas .............................................6 Holiday cocktails and mocktails ...................................7 It’s the gift that keeps on giving Clark...................8&9 Social distanced holiday fun this year.................10&11 Our ‘American Pickers’ junket ...................................12 Unusual gifts for Christmas 2020..............................13 Bringing a little Boxing Day spirit to Berthoud........14
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
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A drawing will be held for 2 gift baskets — 1 for ages 3 - 7 and 1 for ages 8 - 12.
Thank you to our sponsors: Kofe House, Metrolux Theatres (Loveland, Rise Artisan Bakery and Simply Shabulous
Christmas Coloring Book
Contest Entry Form
Child’s name:
Age:
Parent’s name: Home address: City: Parent’s contact phone: Parent’s email:
State:
Zip:
Contest open to children ages 3 - 7 and 8 - 12. All entries must be received by Dec. 16, 2020. Contest entries will not be returned. Contest entries may be displayed or published in print and online by this newspaper. Children of newspaper and sponsor employees are not eligible to win. Winners’ parents will be notified by phone and email December 16, 2020. One entry per child. Mail or hand deliver coloring page with completed entry form to: Berthoud Weekly Surveyor Christmas Coloring Contest 440 Mountain Ave. Berthoud, CO 80513
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Holiday Artisan Sale moves online with new offerings By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor
Wildfire’s annual oliday Artisan Sale will look a little different this year due to the restrictions on public gatherings. Instead of the two-day event being held at the Wildfire Community Arts Center, everything will be moved online. The reception will be Nov. 2 on Facebook ive with the usual artist appearances and live music, and the sale that starts Nov. 28 won’t be just one day but over a month through an online directory. “We’re going to leverage it to be more of an online event,” said abi Scott, interim executive director of Wildfire. “We’re still trying to keep things going in the midst of CO ID.” The reception will be -8 p.m., two hours shorter than when it was in-person. Instead of artists being at Wildfire showing their work, they will showcase snowboards in a new type of auction that originally was going to be part of the sale. The snowboards were donated by Donek Snowboards, and 1 Berthoud artists decorated them, mainly through painting with one mosaic. “The snowboard auction is going to be a little more featured than it was before,” Scott said. Before the reception, the snowboards will be on display at some downtown Berthoud businesses, so that art enthusiasts can view them in-person. The reception will include live music from ohn McKay, a Berthoud vocalist and guitarist his performance will be videotaped at Wildfire. “The snowboard auction is strictly a fundraiser for Wildfire to help keep the center open, if you will, while we don’t have as many classes happening,” Scott said. Wildfire’s member-supported dance classes dropped from 6 to offerings, and classes likely will not be offered until early spring. “The only thing we’ve been able to continue is U-Create (Studio) on Saturdays. A few camps and arts clubs started up,” Scott said. The second part of the holiday event is the artisan sale, which this year will be presented as a oliday Artisan Sale Directory. The directory will kick off on Small Business Saturday and be shared during the Facebook ive reception. It also will be posted on Wildfire’s Facebook page and website. The directory will be a way for art enthusiasts to connect with the artists who were originally going to be in the in-person sale. Art buyers can directly contact the artists to make a purchase. The selections will include paintings, quilts and other fiber arts, stained glass, jewelry and 3D printing. Each artist will have one to five pieces listed in the directory. Currently, there are 1 artists in the directory, but more could be added Wildfire is hoping for at least five. ast year, 18 artists participated in the sale, but this year fewer signed up not wanting to meet in-person as the event had originally been set up. “The biggest benefit is that they’re supporting local and supporting handmade artists who basically rely on they’re being normalness in the world. This is a way to support
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them through our limitations through the pandemic,” Scott said. “It’s important we work harder to support our community instead of basically pressing the Delivery or Buy It Now links on the computer.” Wildfire plans to continue hosting the online directory through the end of December and beyond, as well as have it linked to the Berthoud Area Chamber of Commerce’s online resources. “This event hopefully will help artists get through the remainder of the unknown of the pandemic,” Scott said.
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Tradition is a major component of Chanukah celebrations
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor Many holidays are celebrated during December, from Christmas to Kwanzaa and the Winter Solstice to Festivus. Chanukah is probably one of the most familiar but many not within the Jewish faith don’t know what it’s all about. Tradition is a major component of the Jewish faith, so it’s no surprise that tradition plays such a central role during the celebration of Chanukah. Although some are quick to note Chanukah is not one of the major Jewish holidays, Chanukah is celebrated in a very public fashion. Chanukah celebrants make the holiday more high profile by displaying their menorahs in prominent locations and participating in holiday meals. Like other Jewish holidays, Chanukah is shrouded in tradition. Chanukah means “dedication” or “induction”
in Hebrew. The holiday begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Jewish calendar and can occur in either November or December. This year the celebration begins on Dec. 11. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah includes menorah displays, traditional foods and games and songs. Chanukah rose to prominence thanks in part to the story of faith and miracle behind its inception. Antiochus IV was a Greek sovereign in control of the region of Syria, Egypt and Palestine, where many Jews resided. Antiochus began to oppress the Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion and desecrating the Jewish Temple. Opposition to Antiochus grew, and a group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son, Judah Maccabee, took on the Syrian army. They were successful in their efforts to combat religious oppression, and the Temple was subsequently rededicated. The Talmud states that, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. This posed a problem because oil was needed to burn the Temple menorah throughout the night every night. However, there was only enough left for one night’s illumination. Miraculously, that oil burned for eight nights, leading to the development of an eight-day festival to commemorate this miracle. Because Chanukah is about the miracle of the oil and the lasting ame, oil and candles factor heavily in the holiday. A nine-armed menorah called the hanukiah is lit, and one candle is lit on each of the eight nights of the celebration. The last branch of the candelabra holds the shamash (servant) candle. The organization Reform Judaism says the traditional song “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)” is sung after the lighting of the candles each night and at other times throughout the holiday. Foods fried in oil, including latkes and jelly doughnuts, are consumed as well. And for the chocolate lovers, gelt, or little chocolate candy in the shape of coins are given to children — adults can snag a few as well. Celebrants play games with a dreidel, a Germanbased spinning top, and giving to charity is encouraged. Chanukah is one of the few times of the year when rabbis permit games of chance. The letters atop the dreidel stand for the first letter of each word in the ebrew statement “Neis gadol hayah sham,” which translates to “A great miracle happened there,” and refers to the defeat of the Syrian army and the rededication of the Temple.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Why celebrate Christmas?
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he celebration of Christmas has become many things over the years. People have chosen to celebrate in many different ways, often far from the true and original meaning of the Christmas season. Although times and traditions have changed drastically in our world, truth has not changed. As the world loses touch with God’s moral absolutes, many are left feeling lost, lonely and without hope. Yet hope remains as we remember the essence of this season. A gift given over 2000 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem. We were given the most loving and precious gift one could give. We were given the One who eventually would redeem us. Luke 2:1-14 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped im in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their ock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be the sign to you You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” You might be thinking “redeem us from what?” From all the ways that we have wronged God. From our sin. We all have done things that God has clearly told us not to do. We’ve told lies. We’ve stolen things. We lusted after people and possessions. According to God’s book, we should be punished, yet this very same God comes to earth in the form of a human saying “I will take your punishment for you.” I love you so much that I will pay for your wrongs that you might spend eternity with me. That’s why Jesus came. He came to take away our wrongs that we might have an eternal life of peace and joy. And it’s a free gift! Were not saved by our good deeds outweighing our bad deeds. It’s totally free! Romans 10:9 says ... if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him
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from the dead, you will be saved. We’re saved from the eternal conGuest sequences of our sins and made right Columnist before our creator. And through this gift, we’re given: eternal life, a future filled with faith, hope, love, peace, goodness, grace, and truth, and with it, an eternity free of pain and tears. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4) Christmas is about the Son of God Russ being born of a virgin in a humble Mau stable in a faraway place, to bring us that light that shines the brightest in darkness. He is the light of the world and His light still shines in the darkness of this world. The good news of Christmas is this: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) God brought hope to us all that Christmas Day some two thousand years ago. This Christmas season, let’s remember and honor Jesus, the one who gave Himself that we might have hope, peace and salvation. Russ Mau is the senior pastor at Calvary Baptist in Berthoud.
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Holiday cocktails and mocktails
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
Christmas Cherry Mocktail For a pitcher of fun and pretty mocktails try this tasty treat that will appeal to kids and adults alike. 1 cup of grenadine 1 liter of clear citrus soda (I prefer 7UP) or seltzer 18 maraschino cherries For a really fancy looking mocktail rim the glass with red or green rimming sugar and add a fancy toothpick with some cherries on it. White Christmas Margarita I don’t think there is a bad time of year to have a margarita. Try one of these to add a little holiday are to the iconic cocktail. 1 ½ cups of frozen cranberries 1 cup tequila blanco 2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes) 6 tablespoons orange- avor liqueur like triple sec 3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
1 tablespoon superfine sugar Optional rimming salt or finely chopped shredded coconut to rim the glass. Dip the rim of the glass in corn syrup for extra hold. Add all you liquid ingredients and sugar into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 3 seconds or until the shaker frosts over. Pour into salt, sugar or coconut ake rimmed cocktail glasses. Add frozen cranberries for added holiday are. Moscow Reindeer Another holiday twist on a classic cocktail that can be made without or without alcohol. Fresh mint 2 oz. of vodka Juice from half a lime 6 oz. ginger beer or ginger ale for something sweeter Candy canes for garnish Crushed ice Simply leave out the vodka and use ginger ale for an alcohol-free version that’s fun and festive. If you happen to have the copper mule mugs it’s the perfect container. Start out by muddling your mint leaves or put them in a cocktail shaker to be strained out. Fill your mug or shaker with ice, add vodka and lime juice, give it a stir and then top with your ginger beer or ginger ale. Garnish with crushed candy cane and and/or a whole candy cane.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
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It’s the gift that keeps on giving Clark
By Amber McIver-Trawick The Surveyor
Subscription boxes are popular right now and they are a far cry from the one Clark Griswold got (Jelly of the Month Club) in lieu of his holiday bonus. There are hundreds of different categories of boxes to choose from and if you’re at loss of what to get someone special for the holidays you might consider looking into one of these. Bark Box — barkbox.com
Does your furry friend need some extra love this year too? Know someone with a treasured pet who would enjoy seeing their pooch dive into their own monthly surprise? This is the box for you. BarkBox is a monthly adventure, starring you and your dog! With a new theme every month, each BarkBox opens to a world of fun treats and surprises. Themes include holidays, seasonal, destinations, movies and much more. Toys, costumes, snacks you name it, if a dog (or their owner) would like it you’ll find it inside. Hunt a Killer — huntakiller.com
If you enjoy a good murder mystery and work really hard to figure out who ‘dun it on those Dateline specials this is a killer idea. Each box comes with highquality hand-crafted clues that allow you to become a detective in a fictional world that will feel like you are solving an actual murder. For example, you can help solve a cold case from the 1930s. The box includes archival documents and correspondence, character profiles, newspaper clippings, personal effects of the victim and the suspects all to help you find the murderer. Subscriptions are for six months and include six separate cases per season. KiwiCo – kiwico.com
This is a subscription service for the kiddos. Their tagline is “inspiring young innovators” and with a lot of homeschooling going on right now this might be just the ticket. Each month
kids receive a fun and enriching project. Several different lines are available for ages 0-8, 9-13, and 14 and up. Topics include engineering, design, art, crafts, science, geography, culture and play and learn. You can switch lines at any time and mix things up. From building your own ukulele to creating an infinity mirror or creating a masterpiece kids can enjoy learning something new. Crate Club - crateclub.com
This box is an extreme one. The company is staffed entirely by U.S. Special Operations veterans and sends its subscribers survival, tactical, and outdoor gear handpicked by Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, Rangers, USAF and USMC Special Ops. Not only will you receive high-quality, member-exclusive items, but access to online tutorials and tips, too. Winc – winc.com
I subscribed to this service for a year and it was so much fun. It’s an affordable way to try new wines you
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myself I gave several bottles away as easy on hand host/hostess gifts. Bespoke Post — bespokepost.com
Know a guy who has everything? This might be a good option for them. This company provides themed boxes that include everything from cigars, shaving kits, and
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020 might otherwise pass over in a store or that aren’t even available locally. You can step out of what you think is your comfort zone or get a curated box based on you or your giftee’s preferences. You can pause a month, add to or take away from your box which is an added benefit. I ended up with so much wine
bourbon toothpicks to a variety of hot sauces, air pods and a mini cask to age your own liquor or high-proof cocktails. Months can be skipped and you’ll get a sneak peek of what will be found in each shipment to decide if you’d like it and you can cancel at any time. Calm box – thecalmbox.com
I think anyone could get on board with a little more peace and calm in their life. This service provides a themed box of goodies monthly that includes items to help you live, “a calmer more tranquil life.” Every calmbox is packed full of a brand new set of 6-8 full-size mindfully curated items like music, books, candles, personal care items, yummy snacks, motivational reminders, and so much more, to help you unwind and relax. Ready Project — readyproject.com
There are all kinds of meal delivery services out there but this one may help you through a disaster or a possible zombie apocalypse. Food is packaged in easy to open airtight zip-seal pouches and will last for years. Through this company, you have a ton of exibility with how often and how much food you get each month. Each month you receive a variety of food storage meals and survival gear. Options include breakfast, lunch and dinner items including; pasta, rice and beans, pudding, soups, stews and vegetables. Single purchases can also be made and everything from 72hour survival kits up to boxes with 30 days of meals and snacks. This service at universalyums.com is a fun one for kids and adults. Every month you’ll receive a box full of snacks from a different county. You also get a 12+ page booklet with facts and information about your food adventure with trivia, recipes and other surprises. You’ll get to experience both sweet and salty snacks with dozens of delightfully new avors to try. You can give one month up to 12 and you can cancel at any time. Russia, Belgium, Japan, Mexico — so many countries to try with each bringing a unique and tasty way to experience a different culture. If none of those strike your fancy I found subscriptions for embroidery, coffee, gaming, knitting, tea, plants, owers, writing, meat, fishing, cats and cocktails to name a few. If you’ve got an interest there is probably a box for you or your loved one.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Social distanced holiday fun this year
By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer The Surveyor
Right now, we don masks to go out into public and we keep our distance from friends and strangers. These aren’t the things that come to mind when we think about the holidays, but this year, we have to. Thankfully this won’t diminish the Christmas spirit and that’s good because we haven’t needed a cup of good cheer as badly as we do this year. Raise your glasses and strap on the ice skates because the holidays will be merry and bright thanks to these experiences. Gaylord of the Rockies, a multi-sensory Christmas Experience Nov. 20, 2020 - Jan. 3, 2021 In collaboration with Warner Bros., Gaylord of the
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Rockies is not letting the holidays get away without a celebration. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be at the North Pole with the elves and narwhal? Or have you ever wanted to see Clark Griswold’s house in person? These experiences will happen at this creative Christmas Pop-up display at this huge hotel. There will be 13 fully immersive displays with replicas of film props, audio clips and more. These displays are just one part of the holiday extravaganza at Gaylord. Millions of twinkling lights will decorate this 85-acre, 1,501-room convention hotel between Denver and Denver International Airport. There will be real snow, an ice rink, ice bumper cars, gingerbread houses and stories from Mrs. Claus. There is even a holiday brunch in which guests of the hotel and visitors can partake with Mrs. Claus and her friends.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020 Go to ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com for details or the park, enjoying the display, as well as the 30-minute call 720-452-6900. music and light show that will take place every night Winter Wonderlights in of the event. The light and music show will feature six Loveland songs as the lights “move” on the 20 foot tall LED mapNov. 14, 2020 - Jan. 1, 2021 pable Christmas tree. Chapungu Sculpture Park is a pretty place to spend a Go to VisitLoveland.org/winterwonderlights/ for more little time, but during the holidays it is dressed up in a information about this free event. riot of colors and song. That’s right, this park, just east Embrace your inner Peggy Flemming at a local of the Promenades Shops at Centerra at U.S. Highway ice rink 34 and I25, is the sight of a holiday celebration like no Longmont other. Ice Pavillions More than 80,000 lights will be on display through will open Nov. Chapungu. Some will twinkle while others will be LED 20. It is a mapped to make snow akes. The lights will illuminate full-service ice the more than 80 African stone sculptures that call the facility offering park home. hockey, skating Each evening, after dark, visitors can stroll through lessons, and facility rentals throughout the winter. However, there is also public ice skating and daily admission is $3.50. New this year, skaters must register ahead of their skate time because the pandemic means only 25 people can be on the ice at one time. Call 303-774-4364 to book. The Ice Rink at the Promenade Shops at Centerra opened Nov. 6. Located at this outdoor mall, admission includes all-day access, complimentary skates and skate assistance. It is $8.50 for children age 12 and under and $10.50 for age 13 and up. For more information call 970667-5283.
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Our “AmericAn Pickers” junket
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y sister Chris and I love to shop and drive across the country visiting ea markets, antique shops and old barns. We call them our ‘junkets.’ Our Nebraska junket is an annual one that runs for three days at the end of September each year. It is 3 miles of shopping heaven. Surveyor On another of our junkets we Columnist drove to New York through so many states Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and ennsylvania and discovered all have so much to offer. When ying you just do not get to see all the places and hidden treasures. We have driven across the country to several destinations but going to New York and back east to visit family stopping in every small town along the way and seeing all the wonderful places and meeting the incredible people has got to be by far the most wonderful part of the adventure. Diane It is incredible the number of places around the country that are just sitting there waiting to be discovered with so many outbuildings ready to be picked through. On one of our junkets, we stopped by Antique Archaeology the store made famous on the television show American ickers in eClaire, Iowa. The shop is located in a little alley next to the Mississippi River. The show which airs on the istory Channel highlights some incredible things on display in the shop. It is a beautiful area but walking through the small shops and seeing some of the wonderful old stuff they have found was incredible. We have been to some of these large outdoor places where you walk for miles and look at old cars and amusement rides. But watching American ickers and seeing their shop and touching some of the amazing things you rarely if ever see anywhere else that are a part of our history was just an incredible experience. The show has been on since 2 1 and follows the owners as they journey around the country hunting treasures. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz explore homes, barns, sheds, and outbuildings all over the country to find one of a kind unique and old hard to find antiques and rare items. They have found old Indian motorcycles, old cars and have restored them. One-of-a-kind posters, signage, children’s toys and so much wonderful and rare stuff. It’s like treasure hunting $37 in the 80513 zip code, $47 elsewhere
American Pickers store in Iowa.
Photo by Diane Wells
and ea marketing and if you don’t mind digging in the dirt, you will love picking too. To see them on T then to get to see the shop in their location in Iowa was so much fun. They also have a location in Nashville as well. If you are ever in Iowa, near eClaire you need to stop by and see the Antique Archaeology shop and take a few minutes to look through all the wonderful finds and treasures and one-of-a-kind items. Some of these items you may never see anywhere else. I would say it is worth the trip.
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Unusual gifts for Christmas 2020
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hristmas is fast approaching so it’s time to think about gifts. With the dark cloud of COVID-19 still hanging over us it, may be hard for many to get into a festive mood. Since this year has been so restrictive and a downer for some of us, I start with some items that fit the mindset of many sour. Surveyor I think it’s no coincidence that Columnist in searching the internet and catalogs, I find that dill avoring is prevalent. Yes, dill as in pickles. If you are so inclined, you will readily find dill- avored gifts including vodka, popcorn seasoning, peanuts and sun ower seeds, On a sweeter note how about dill- avored cotton candy, Popsicles, snow cone syrup and candy canes? For those spending more time than usual at home, maybe a paintby-number kit would be fun. In the Bob case of the one offered by canvasbyMcDonnell numbers.com, you pick the image to paint. Just upload a picture of your family, your house or whatever and they turn into something you can paint. A 12-inch by 6-inch canvas costs $50, and they have a variety of sizes up to 24-inch by 32-inch for
$120. If you are not artistic and have a pet, send a photo of your furry friend to crownandpaw.com. They will send you a painted portrait of your animal. Themes are available so your little buddy can be an astronaut, an athlete, a pirate, an angel and many other clever ideas. Usually, this type of list offers something for that person who has everything. This year, my item is Aqua-notes. Found on amazon.com, this is a pad of waterproof paper and a pencil. Who hasn’t had that brilliant idea when in the shower, tub or hot tub? The pad of paper has a suction cup so it will be handy for all these needs. It also writes in the rain. A pack of two, forty-page pads costs $18.49 Speaking of handy items, www.thegrommet.com has a magnetic bottle holder. What a way to keep your favorite beverage handy by attaching this holder to your grocery shopping cart, bicycle, school locker, golf cart and other metal objects. The holder comes in many colors and the price is $17 at www.thegrommet.com/. A new item I saw a couple of weeks ago on the Shark Tank television show might make a good gift. It is called Hug Sleep (www.hugsleep.com). The best way I can describe it is a lightweight stretchable bag that one sleeps in. Their website says, “a first-of-its-kind solution designed around the science of deep touch pressure therapy that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The Hug Sleep comes in various sizes. It has been marked down from $110 to $79.99. Being optimistic, I hope many of us can travel more in 2021. To chronicle your adventures, try a Scratch the World Travel Map. This 23-inch by 33-inch map features country and state borders. When you travel to another state or country, just take a coin and scratch that area off the map. Get your map at amazon.com for $23.99. My last offering for Christmas 2020 is something we should have had a year ago. It’s a large (48-inch by 16-inch) poster calendar. But wait, there’s more. It’s made of Bubble Wrap. Each day has a large poppable bubble. Priced at $24.99 from Amazon, it seems worth it to pop every day of the year one-by-one. Happy COVID-19 Christmas.
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Bringing a little Boxing Day spirit to Berthoud
time with stores offering big post-Christmas discounts. Many would get up early to queue outside shops in the hopes of picking up items missed off If you are American, their wish lists. Over the last few years, the rise of the chances are you may the American black-Friday shopping in November have heard of people has become popular in places like Canada and the celebrating ‘Boxing Day’ UK. This has led to a steady decline of bargain on occasion. This might hunters on Boxing Day. Most people now prefer to have been through TV, spend their Christmastime relaxing instead. film or maybe when havCharity still remains a big part of the day for ing a chat with your local Brits. Many will join in with sponsored runs and Berthoud Brit (because Photo from huffingtonpost.ca a few brave souls will even take part in the ‘Boxthere are quite a few ing Day dip.’ A feat that involves dressing in fancy of us now), but what is dress and taking a plunge into the freezing cold sea all in the this very British holiday all about, where did it come from in name of charity. Interestingly a similar event now occurs on the first place, and is it something that Berthoud locals should New Year’s Day at the Boulder Reservoir. consider celebrating this year? The holidays will look a little different for many of us this Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas, not just in year. Quite a few in Berthoud will find ourselves at home on the UK, but also in many other countries that were once part of Dec. 26 when we might normally have been elsewhere. The the British Empire such as Australia, New Zealand and CanaBoxing Day idea of relaxing with those you love and live with, da. Dec. 26 is a national holiday in these places but if it falls on enjoying some downtime, and offering charity to those in need a weekend (such as this year) the following Monday or Tuesday sounds like a great way to finish what has been a tough year for is given as a holiday instead, ensuring at least two days off many. work to celebrate Christmas. This would be reason enough for 2020 might possibly be the perfect year to bring a little Boxmany to adopt this tradition but the roots of the celebration go ing Day celebration to Berthoud, even if all that means is a cozy back deep into history. Dec. 26 at home, having a break from the world, filling yourself Ask a British person where Boxing Day comes from and you with leftovers, and leaving some cookies on your neighbors’ may be surprised to get a variety of answers. For such a widely porch. In that sense, you might have already been celebrating observed holiday, there is an interesting amount of controversy the spirit of Boxing Day for years, without even knowing it. and disagreement about its beginnings. For many, it’s simply a By Lizzy Rogers The Surveyor
part of Christmas, as essential as the tree covered in glittering lights or crackers (of the exploding variety) accompanying the feast and not something they have ever really questioned. The term “Boxing Day” was first recorded in 1833 while Queen Victoria held the throne in Britain. During this time period, the upper classes usually required their servants to work on Christmas Day. Because of this, the staff was traditionally given the following day off. Their employers would often fill ‘boxes’ with leftover food, money, and gifts that the servants would take home to their families to celebrate with. This is the most common explanation of how ‘Boxing Day’ came to be and a description of this tradition was given in a diary entry as far back as 1663, just without the name at that point. Other theories are based on a similar idea of charity. One makes connections to the church placing collection boxes out during the Christmas Day service. These were then opened and distributed to the poor the following day to celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, a Christian martyr known for charitable acts. Another theory claims that the day is based on a nautical tradition. When setting sail in the past, ships would often have a sealed box of money on board for luck. If the voyage was successful the captain would give the box to a priest at Christmas who would open it and hand it out to those in need. Whatever the origins of the day, most now tend to celebrate it in a similar, unsurprising and possibly familiar way. After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, most Brits will use the extra day off to relax with family and friends, especially those not seen the day before. Many will meet in the pub (although possibly not this year) or relax at home with traditional festive foods such as mince pies, fruitcake and Christmas leftovers. Despite the name having nothing to do with an actual boxing match, watching sport has become an essential part of the day for many. A number of leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland hold football (soccer) and rugby matches, while Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are known for cricket matches on Boxing Day. Dec. 26 was considered a shopping holiday for quite some
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2020
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Surveyor contributors and staff Ryan Armagost Caroline Creager Mark French Katie Harris Becky Hemmann Rudy Hemmann Dan Karpiel Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Jim Kilpatrick Kristine Leonard Bob McDonnell Angie Purdy Lizzy Rogers Amber McIver-Traywick Diane Wells Shelley Widhalm
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