Š Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
November 27, 2014
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014 Celebrating Christmas in BerthoudŠ 2014 is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve 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 publishers 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 $32 per year to residents of the 80513 zip code, online subscribers, and $42 per year to zip codes other than 80513.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Index Twas the night before Xmas, sargeant style ............. 3 When God split history .............................................. 4 Christmas at the movies ............................................. 6 The Dish ...................................................................... 7 2014 Christmas in Berthoud events .......................8&9 Did you know? Elmo ...................................................10 A gesture of kindness ..................................................12 Unique Christmas gifts ..............................................14 The man behind the beard .........................................15 Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit ....16
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
Twas the night before Xmas, sargeant style Twas the night before Christmas when all through the town, A Berthoud deputy was driving around. The lights at Fickel Park were hung up with care, Let it be quiet said the deputy in prayer. Guest Columnist
The firefighters were nestled all snug in their cots, Dreaming of fires and how to tie knots. I looked at the street, saw tracks in the snow, I followed those tracks to see where they would go On Mountain Avenue there rose such a clatter, I turned on my spot light to see what was the matter. I drove down the street with my siren and lights, I called for more backup to help me tonight.
Sgt. Jim Anderson
I followed the tracks in the new fallen snow, When I saw something ahead with its nose all a glow. People yelled to me what’s this noise all about, A line of cars were building to the roundabout.
There’s mayhem in the streets and no one could pass, So I turned on my siren and gave it the gas. I chased this trespasser through all of the streets, I soon will have him in my back seat.
I said I’d be dogged to let this criminal escape, But I noticed a pattern that started to take shape. The tracks led up to a reindeer and sleigh, blocking the traffic and their right of way. I pulled out my ticket book to write this guy up, Until I saw him coming and saw him close up. He said I only bring peace to your little town, I gave him a warning and wrote his license plate down. He yelled Merry Christmas to all in Berthoud, All of a sudden I heard a big thud. A sack full of presents for all girls and boys, a note for us “ love one another with joy.”
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
When God split history
hat is Christmas really about? Whatever else you believe about Jesus, you have to admit that his birth is so important that it actually split history into two parts: B.C. and A.D. Some say he was just a good man, a Guest religious leader, a moral teacher, or Columnist maybe even a prophet sent by God. But the Bible goes way beyond that and makes an incredible claim; “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23). This was no ordinary newborn. Never before – and never since – has a virgin given birth. Peter Larson writes: “Despite our efforts to keep him out, God intrudes. The Pastor life of Jesus is bracketed by two Clay Peck impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and Grace Place an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked ‘No Entrance’ and left through a door marked ‘No Exit.’” Only God can do that. Talk show host Larry King was once asked the question: “If you could select any one person across all of history to interview, who would it be?” Mr. King’s answer was that he would like to interview Jesus Christ. When the questioner followed with, “And what would you like to ask him?” King, who is not a Christian, replied, “I would like to ask him if he was indeed virgin-born. The answer to that question would define history for me.” You’re right, Larry, that answer does define history. In fact, God split history with the incarnation. The One who created the vast universe and everything in it, humbled himself to be born in a manager — Immanuel, God with us. Consider those three simple words: God with us. First, he is God. Although he was fully human, Jesus was more than just a human baby. Somehow, in a miracle only God could pull off, the eternal Son of God voluntarily reduced himself to a microscopic cell in the womb of a teenage girl. He lived there in darkness for nine months and then entered the human race he had created the same way each of us did — only not in the maternity ward of a sanitized hospital but in a stable where his first smells were those of animal waste, and first sounds were animal grunts and snorts. God didn’t delegate this rescue mission; he came himself. The extraordinary became ordinary.
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Singer Billy Joel got creative one year with a birthday gift for his daughter. On her 12th birthday she was in New York City, and the pop musician was in Los Angeles. He phoned her that morning, apologized for his absence, but told her to expect the delivery of a large package before the end of the day. The daughter answered the doorbell that evening to find a seven-foot-tall, brightly wrapped box. She tore it open, and out stepped her father, fresh off the plane from the West Coast. Can you imagine her surprise? When God split history he sent the greatest gift — himself, in the flesh, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Second, he is God with us. That little preposition “with” is used 89 times in the Old Testament of the Bible to refer to God being with his people. He wants to be with us. He created us for fellowship and intimacy. Sin interrupted that close fellowship. So Jesus came as God’s solution to the sin problem, to restore lost fellowship. Do you realize how much God loves you? Max Lucado writes: “There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you. He likes having you around … If God had a refrigerator your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen … And the Christmas gift he sent you in Bethlehem? Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you.” Third, he is God with us. It’s a personal relationship that God wants with you. God with us; God with you; God with me. God split history into B.C. and A.D. when Jesus came. And he continues to split history in the case of individuals. Christmas provides an opportunity to think about our relationship with God. God wants to move us each one without-God life to a God-with-us life. I’ve experienced both. For those readers who remember black and white television, think of it this way: The without-God life for me was like black and white television with a cheesy, crackly sound coming from a tiny speaker on the bottom of the TV. There was a lot of insecurity, uncertainty and restlessness in my life. The God-with-us life is like color TV — wide screen, plasma, high definition, with surround sound. My life is filled with peace, security, and awareness that God loves me and is guiding my life and taking care of me regardless of circumstances. I hope and pray that all will experience the God-with-us life this Christmas.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
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Christmas at the movies
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ired of box office block busters with big budgets but no depth? You are in luck, because it’s that time of year when the good movies are released; the ones with Oscar appeal. But this article isn’t going to be about those films — this is all about Christmas at the movies. Surveyor When you are up to your ears Columnist in relatives, a good way to escape the house is to head to the movie theater. This season’s holiday films have it all, from dwarves to big bad wolves, and even Moses. So what’s in the queue for this season? The Bible has had a good couple of years at the movies, and its boxoffice appeal isn’t over. “Exodus: Gods & Kings” opens on Dec. 12. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Christian Bale, this film looks Heidi poised to blow Noah’s ark right out Kerr-Schlaefer of the water. “Noah,” starring Russell Crow, opened earlier this year to mixed reviews and many criticized its Biblical accurateness. No doubt the same issues will arise for “Exodus” when it comes to theaters this December. It has all the makings of a modern-day Hollywood hit — one man (Moses) takes on a mighty empire (Egypt) and sets out across the desert with over 600,000 escaped slaves. Despite having all the right stuff for a classic Hollywood film, it’s highly unlikely the true story of Moses will be told in this retelling, especially considering it’s rated PG13. The true story of Moses definitely merited an R rating. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” will be released on Dec. 17. It is the third and final movie in “The Hobbit” trilogy, based loosely on the book by the same name. The Hollywood version has ventured away from the story written by J.R.R. Tolkien, which can only be expected when a relatively short book is turned into three epic films. In this movie, as in the others, the band of adventuring dwarves encounters conflicts and moral dilemmas, and our hero, Bilbo Baggins, finds himself in the fight of his life. Fans of Middle Earth are sure to be entertained. An entirely different film will hit the big screen on Dec. 19. “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is the third installment in this franchise that’s family-friendly, right down to the PG rating. This is one of the last films starring Robin Williams, who passed away earlier this year, and was also the last film for the late Mickey Rooney. It also stars Ben Stiller, Dan Stevens, Owen Wilson, Ben Kingsley and Ricky Gervais. The storyline spans the globe and unites all the audience’s favorite characters from the first two films as they embark on a quest to save magic. It wouldn’t be the holidays without a Disney film in the mix and “Into the Woods,” Disney’s version of the Broadway hit, is set to open on Christmas Day. This musical fantasy is rated G, so bring along the little ones. The film has a star-studded cast, including big names such as Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and Johnny Depp, just to list a few. Interweaving various Grimm fairytales, “Into the
Woods” is the story of a childless couple, a baker and his wife, who set out into the woods looking for a way to end a witch’s curse. The film’s main characters are taken from “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Rapunzel” and “Cinderella.” Eventually the audience realizes they are being taught a lesson about responsibility and the legacy we leave our children. As in all fairy tales and Disney films, the moral of the story is to be careful what you wish for.
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
he Thanksgiving meal is history. Family and friends have left but you still have a lot of turkey left, and are wondering how long you can generate interest in turkey sandwiches. The following stew recipe may Surveyor be just what you are Columnist looking for. Brunswick Stew is a specialty dish which originated in the South. It is often served as a side dish, but is also able to stand on its own as a main dish. Chicken, tomatoes, okra, corn and lima beans are typically among the main ingredients; however root vegetables such as carrots and turnips as well as study leafy vegetables like kale are also welcome additions. Rudy Other meats typically added to the pot are pork and small game — rabHemmann bit, squirrel or maybe a little raccoon. We will be sticking with an all chicken — or turkey — dish. (Although there are a couple of squirrels who continually raid our bird feeder that may want to take note.)
According to The Family Circle Encyclopedia of Cooking, from which this recipe is adapted, precisely where this dish originated is somewhat of a mystery. There are several counties or regions in the Southern part of the country named Brunswick that have laid claim to originating the dish. Cooking historians agree the basic recipe was developed in the early 1800s. Becky and I made this dish recently and we were impressed with the stew’s many and varied flavors.
Brunswick Stew • 2 slices bacon, diced • 3 ½ to 4 lbs chicken or turkey meat, cubed or cut into bite-size pieces • 3 Tblsp. flour • 1 ½ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. pepper • 1/8 tsp. cayenne • 3 medium onions, sliced • 1 ½ cups water • 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes (or 4 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped • 1 bell pepper, any color, seeded and diced • ½ tsp. thyme, crumbled • 1 package (10 oz.) frozen lima beans • 1 package (10 oz.) frozen whole kernel corn • 1 package (10 oz.) frozen cut okra • 2 Tblsp. fresh parsley, chopped • 1 Tblsp. Worcestershire sauce Stove top method: 1) Cook bacon until crisp in a large kettle or Dutch oven; remove bacon and reserve. 2) Shake chicken pieces in flour, salt, pepper and cayenne in a plastic bag to coat well. Brown chicken pieces, in batches if necessary, in bacon drippings. Remove chicken and set aside. Add onions to drippings in kettle and sauté about 5 minutes. 3) Add water, tomatoes, bell pepper and thyme and bring to a boil. Return chicken pieces to kettle, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 45 minutes until chicken is almost done. 4) Add lima beans, corn, okra, parsley and Worcestershire sauce, cover and return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes longer until vegetables are tender. 5) Serve sprinkled with reserved bacon pieces and additional parsley. Slow cooker method: 1) Cook bacon, brown chicken and sauté onions as specified above. 2) Place browned chicken and onions in slow cooker. Reduce water to about 1 cup and add to slow cooker along with tomatoes, bell pepper and thyme; cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is nearly done. Add remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on high for about 25 minutes or until vegetables and chicken are tender. 3) Serve as above with bacon and parsley. Notes: We used the slow cooker method with raw chicken cut in pieces, but the recipe should work equally well with leftover turkey. Cooking times may be reduced when using precooked turkey. If one doesn’t have 4 pounds of leftover meat the other main ingredients may easily be reduced by half. Enjoy.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
2014 Christmas in Berthoud events By May Soricelli The Surveyor Craft Show Grace Place will hold its annual bustling Christmas in Berthoud Craft Show at the church on Dec. 5 from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All vendors will pay a table fee, of which 100 percent will go toward C.I.B. They are also asked to donate an item to a silent auction. There will be 34 vendors at this year’s craft show, with unique items for sale such as handmade jewelry, soaps, clothing, gifts and treats. “It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for gifts that are unique and hand crafted as well as knowing that the vendors are there supporting children in need,” said Christmas in Berthoud organizer, Kim Land. Photos with Santa Hardy Photography will be taking 5x7” pictures with Santa at Grace Place, upstairs in the preschool department, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec 6. Entertainment During the craft show, in the church’s auditorium, guests can attend the big band performance “Nutcracker Suite” by Duke Ellington, performed by The Don Elwood Big Band of Northern Colorado. Tickets are $10 each and all proceeds from tickets will be donated to C.I.B. “I am excited about this
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because I get worn out from the repetitive Christmas music played in every retail store for two months, said Kristin Daniels, media arts coordinator for Grace Place. “This big band is quite unique.” Saturday, Dec. 6 there will be a lineup of free entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including Berthoud Dance Company, Landon Peck (classical guitar), The Studio Company, the Berthoud High School Bridge-Between Show Choir, and possibly more. “The Berthoud High School show choir did a great job last year and I anticipate the same this time,” said Daniels ”Reunited” On Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., the Stoesz family presents a feature story, called “Reunited,” of their recent adventure in Ukraine where their adopted children were reunited with biological family members on a Ukrainian television show. Everyone is invited to hear their story, see the family interviewed by Pastor Clay Peck about the experience, and view clips from the T.V. show recording. “It is interesting to look back and show people how miraculous it is that all this has been possible and what has been accomplished,” said Kris Stoesz. According to Ukrainian Orphan Outreach directors Clarke and Kris Stoesz, the whole trip was a unique experience and their children will share some of the emotions that went along with that experience. The organization is disappointed this year to not be hosting “The Old Russian Shoemaker”
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
performance by Ukrainian orphans, due to the difficult political climate surrounding Ukraine. Funds normally used to bring the performance here are being focused on helping refugees in the war-torn country. “It’s really very sad,” said Kris. Parade of Lights The Berthoud Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the Christmas Parade on Mountain Avenue. Anyone who wants to participate can register on the C.I.B website. “We’re changing it up this year from years past to avoid cancellation due to weather,” said Deanne Mulvihill, chamber director. The lineup will be on Eighth Street and Mountain Avenue at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 6. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and go east down Mountain Avenue to Second Street. Floats will then “wagon-train” to L&M Garden Center afterward with a sheriff’s department escort, where the floats will be on display during the evening festivities. The contingency, if bad weather is a factor, will be to cancel the parade yet still display floats despite bad weather. This will avoid last year’s dilemma of canceling the parade, and those who worked hard on their display being disappointed in not being able to use them. “This gives people something they know they can put on their calendar regardless of the weather. No matter what, the floats will be on display and events will be held at L&M,” said Mulvihill. “There are no strict cancellation guidelines at this point. We will just wait to see if it’s sub-zero type weather.” Residents can go to C.I.B. website or call the chamber office the day of the parade to check for cancellation. Community festival A fun-filled festival will conclude all of the Christmas in Berthoud events and will be held at the L&M Garden Center after the parade. They will host a bonfire, entertainment, a visit from Santa, display the lighted parade floats, and host
a meal presented by B.U.M.s of Berthoud. Once again all proceeds will be given to C.I.B. Last year, L&M’s efforts raised $1,300 and a little over 300 pounds of food. “We would really like to exceed that this year,” said Arla Rohrer of L&M. Guests can park at the L&M garden center. The bonfire will be held across from the garden center near Brookside Gardens. Dinner will be available for purchase at the L&M’s indoor facility from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be provided by B.U.M.s of Berthoud. Musical performances will accompany the evening by Beth’s Music Studio of Windsor. “It will be an eclectic range of music performed by the students of the studio,” said Rohrer. “They are excited about playing for charitable events.” During the course of the event, silent auction items will be on display and available to bid on. There will be a dozen valuable items or more ranging from Colorado Eagles tickets, gifts from local vendors, spa treatments, and music lessons. Winners will be announced around 8:15 p.m. Children can visit Santa and get their faces painted. L&M’s focus is on giving the children of Berthoud an enchanting Christmas experience, all while raising money for those in need of gifts for the holidays. “It’s all for the kids,” said Rohrer. The school’s coin drive winners and Passport to Christmas drawing winners will be announced at 7 p.m. at the Garden Center. “Come out and support the community, help the neighbors, especially if you had a good year. It’s OK to help and it’s OK to ask for help, said Arla Rohrer. “We all fall upon hard times at least once and we can be a support through that.”
Did you know?
Elmo may have a lock on most popular holiday gift of all time Special to the Surveyor
Though there is no official data that declares the best-selling holiday toy for children of all-time, it’s fair to assume the lovable “Sesame Street” figure Elmo is high on the list of most popular holiday toys. Much of that popularity can be traced to the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996. Though not the first Elmo doll, Tickle Me Elmo became the must-have gift of 1996, when parents searched far and wide for the doll that laughed when users tickled its stomach. During the holiday season of 1996, many people paid far beyond market price just so their children could wake up on Christmas or Chanukah and have a Tickle Me Elmo doll to call their own. Since 1996, Elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and each Elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the holiday season. Released in 1998, Walk-N-Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock-N-Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and SHOUT Elmo (2005). In 2006, Mattel, the company that produces the Elmo dolls, announced a special commemorative Elmo to mark the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo. That, too, sparked a buying frenzy, as some reports indicated private sellers were selling the latest Elmo, known as TMX Elmo, for thousands of dollars.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
A gesture of kindness
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any years ago, on a Monday evening in December, my family casted votes on whether to have a meal at home or go to a local restaurant in Berthoud. Given that the day had been long, mom was tired, the restaurant was close by, and no meal was planned, we loaded up in the truck and headed out for dinner. It was not long after we sat down to enjoy our meal that two young men entered the restaurant; they appeared to be about 18 years old. As they entered the dining area, I noticed one of the young men wore a T-shirt with an image on it. Guest At first I couldn’t make out what the image was, but Columnist then it became clear. On the front of his shirt were two hands, large and obvious; one hand had a middle finger sticking up while the other hand had its index finger pointing outward — a gesture to the world. At first, embarrassed to look at the crude gesture on the young man’s shirt, I thought, “Does he know what he is wearing?” Maybe he grabbed the wrong shirt as he hastily left his house. Inside, I knew this wasn’t true. Then just as quickly, I became aware of my children. How would they feel if they saw the rude gesture on the young man’s shirt? As the hostess directed the young men to a table James T. Skeen for dinner, the situation became more uncomfortMS, LPC able. Hoping they would be seated in a far corner of the restaurant, it was now apparent they would be sitting close to my family and in my children’s line of sight. Slowly, my embarrassment smoldered in to anger. Who was this person to make such a vulgar gesture to my family? What had we done to him? What gave him the right to make the world an ugly, cynical and mean place? As these thoughts began to churn inside me, I knew I would confront
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the young man before I left the restaurant — and not in a good way. Inspiration can be an unpredictable thing. Anyone who has lived by it knows it cannot be ignored. It may come at the strangest times or in the most inopportune moments, but it is pure and true and speaks directly to our heart. As the end of our meal approached and I began to steel myself for the confrontation that I was planning with this young man, it was then that inspiration found me. It was simple and direct and I could not believe what was being suggested. I pushed back hard as the thought grew inside me but to no avail. I was stunned at what I was about to say. As our server handed me our final bill, I asked her if she could re-figure our tab. I then pointed to the young men and said, “Would you please tell them that their meal is paid for this evening.” Confused she clarified what I had requested and I affirmed it again. Understanding now what I had asked, she proceeded over to the young men. Though I could not hear the server’s words, as the young men looked our direction, I knew what she had told them. Then, the most phenomenal thing happened; all the aggression, all the malice, all the retaliation I had felt the moment before was washed from my body and I experienced a sensation of peace I had not felt in a long time. Suddenly and unexpectedly, my heart began to fill with love for these two young men and, even though I had never met them before, and would probably never meet them again, I felt connected to them. As we finished our dinner, gathered our things and began to exit the restaurant, we passed near the table where the young men sat. As we walked past, the young man wearing the shirt with the gesturing hands looked at me and with sincerity said, “Thank you, nobody has ever done anything like that for me before.” Immediately my mind recalled the words of Jesus — “Love your enemy.” By following the promptings of the heart, my feelings changed, my body was cleansed of anger, and I understood beyond my intellect that light really does rule over darkness, that good is stronger than evil, and that a simple act of kindness can supersede all the ill-will and meanness humankind can project at one another. I also understood what Jesus was trying to teach all of us; we have the power to make the world a better place to live, one kind gesture at a time. May this Holiday season be filled with good will toward men and peace on Earth.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
Unique Christmas gifts I
t seems like only a few months ago I was sharing the 2013 list of unusual Christmas gifts in this space. However, truth be told, it was a year ago. Here are this year’s entries in the odd and unusual gift category. Maybe there is something here that you may want to give to someone you know. Let’s start with neckties. I know they are a more traditional Surveyor Father’s Day gift, but who doesn’t Columnist like a unique tie anytime of the year? My choice is from the personalizationmall.com website. It’s a photo tie with space for three photos and names. The black and gray background offsets the pictures of kids or grandkids — or your cats, I guess. The tie is made of 100 percent poly-satin — whatever that is. It will set you back $22.95. It’s possible to get the females Bob on your list a personalized scarf too. This fleece scarf comes in difMcDonnell ferent colors and styles and can be made with sayings such as, “Cheer Mom,” or to include a child’s name on it. Another one has a megaphone with a child’s name under it, and yet another one for “Proud Army Mom” or “Navy Mom.” These scarves are available at customizegirl.com. Kids like to build tents or forts, including my grandchildren. They have a castle fit for their princess-like personas. Well, hearthsong.com has an indoor/outdoor tent that might work for boys or girls. This one is an officially licensed 1960s Volkswagen pop-up tent. It sets up immediately — no assembly or tent stakes — when the kids take it out of its VW wheel bag. The tent measures 65 inches by 21 ¼ inches by 30 ¼ inches, which is enough for three small children. The pop-up shelter costs $60. The next item showed up under the toy category, but I think it is more for adults. I know that, if I still worked at a desk in a cubicle, I would want one or two of these in my workspace. What I am talking about is the six-inch tall “Big Bang Theory” television show figures. Not just figures, but bendable figures. Sheldon, Raj, Leonard and the rest of the guys are available. Don’t worry; there is one for Penny
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too. Each one costs $13.95 at gaggifts.com. Switching from historical to high-tech, this next gizmo came to my attention through an advertisement for Best Buy. Essentially, it is a drone. Not just any old drone, but one that has wheels and can fly. They call it a mini-quadcopeter with detachable wheels. A plus is that it can be controlled by your smartphone. All this for just $99. This year’s list of unique items concludes with a stocking stuffer; forget the candy cane or orange in the hosiery found hung by the chimney with care; this year go with the wasabi lip balm. It’s like regular lip balm but has the flavor of the horseradish-like vegetable traditionally served with sushi. Purchase it at mcphee.com for a $2.95 per tube. Oh, they claim it doesn’t have the “kick” that real wasabi has. If you’re not sure about including wasabi in the stocking, baconfreak.com offers bacon-flavored lip balm for the same price. Good luck finding the right gifts for those you know who’ve been naughty or nice.
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2014
The man behind the beard Special to the Surveyor
Every Christmas Eve, children go to bed eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. This merry gentleman is purported to visit the home of every good girl and boy, delivering gifts and cheer along the way. Before the modern evolution of Santa Claus lived, there was a very real and generous individual named Nicholas. In the third century, Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myrna in present-day Turkey. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, believing that giving should be done secretly and sacrificially in Jesus Christ’s name rather than one’s own. Stories told of Nicholas paying the dowry for poor daughters to enable them to get married. He reportedly put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. It is believed Nicholas helped to restore the hope of hundreds of people in his community, making him a beloved and revered Bishop. Throughout his ministry, Nicholas fervently shared his life and fortune with others. Nicholas continued to be revered and commemorated by many Christians even after his death. His charity and unselfish works helped inspire generations of the faithful, and he eventually was named the patron saint of everyone from merchants to sailors to pawnbrokers. No one really knows what St. Nicholas looked like. But
in 2005, a forensic laboratory in England reviewed historical data and photographs of the remains taken from St. Nicholas’ grave in the 1950s. Researchers concluded that he was a small man, perhaps no more than five feet in height, with a broken nose. This image certainly does not fit with the robust frame and other imagery awarded St. Nicholas in more modern years. St. Nicholas is believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus, which was a name taken from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contracted form of Sint Nicolass, or St. Nicholas. Tales of the real St. Nicholas’ giving spirit were blended with a fictional personification by New York-based newspaper writers who blended the St. Nicholas name with the appearance of a Dutch town citizen. The goal was to reach out to the primarily Dutch immigrants living in New York at the time. This jolly elf image was given a boost by the publication of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which was published around the same time. Eventually, the merry Santa Claus portrayal began to outshine the more accurate St. Nicholas version as a religious man, fostered by political drawings and caricatures that depicted Santa as a chubby sort in a red suit. That image prevails to this day. Beneath the Christmas symbolism, the beard and the presents associated with Santa Claus lies a tale of generosity that originated with St. Nicholas.
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Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit Special to the Surveyor The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will celebrate Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with loved ones this holiday season. • Each year, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone. • In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed Dec. 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible. • Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbors to a long and healthy life. • Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older. • Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents. • Santa has his own official postal code; it’s H0 H0 H0.
• The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas. • Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999. • Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870. • Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard. • Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female. • Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. • Many people may be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants. • Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.