A December to Remember As I sat down to write this month’s Editor Letter, I wondered where the year went?! It’s been a busy, exciting year with so many events and activities; it seems like I was just making my New Year’s resolution! Many of us have welcomed our Soldier home and several have had to say good-bye. We’ve lost friends and co-workers to moves and life changes and made room for new people in our lives. No matter if your Family is spending the holidays together or you are separated by many miles, you can create memories to last a lifetime. This year Family and MWR want each and every one of our readers to have a December to Remember. We are highlighting activities in the community and a bit further out for a dose of fun; tasty treats, both traditional and healthy to bring that homey comfort we all love and a few tips and tricks for shopping and finances. Overall health is a topic on our minds, and as Char points out in her column, why wait? I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you this past year and I look forward to a great 2012!
Tara Goodson, Editor mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com
Editor
Inside this issue
Tara Goodson
Contributors
Eden Barnett Alyssa Blakemore Kathleen Boehm CynDe Clack Andrea Latimore Charlene Mazur Keri McPeak
3 A Holiday to Remember Holiday events and activities to create lasting memories.
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Don’t forget to treat yourself this Holiday Season.
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Publisher
Creative ink
Winter Safety Don’t get caught out in the cold without these safety tips.
Creative Director Sears Hallett
12 Have a Holly Jolly Holiday
Advertising
Community events in the spirit of the holiday season.
Jenny Roecker 931-627-4969 sales@creativeinktn.com
14 Healthy Habits by Char Why wait until the New Year to make healthy changes?
Photography
Paula Hallett Lisa Taylor Deborah Young Gaylord Belle Meade Plantation Dollywood alexandreumaguraen Carriestwin77 GW Imagages jtyler LiCreate MarsBars Paladin5240 perrygereday photka
Be your own Holiday VIP
18 Flip My Recipe A new twist on an old favorite. I promise your Family will ask for seconds! pg 26 pg22 pg 8 pg 14 pg 26 pg 24 pg 22 pg 9 pg 10
20 Get in the Game Start a new tradition this year with Family game night.
22 Holiday Treats Serve these tasty treats for holiday parties or Family gatherings.
24 Naughty or Nice Do not let the spirit of the holiday season put you in a financial hardship.
24 Winter Golf Check out the winter golf specials at Cole Park Golf Club.
Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change. MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com. 24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
26 Before you Go Take advantage of great holiday deals by planning purchases in advance.
29 Did you say Bing-O Sportsman’s Lodge and Hooper Bowling Center bring a new twist to an old favorite.
29 Christmas Treasures Don’t whine about that unusual gift, repurpose or re-gift it this year.
How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? ~ Dr. Seuss
A Holiday to The hustle and bustle of the 2011 Holiday Season is upon us. With so much to do and see, you might have a hard time doing everything, but you will be able to find something to enjoy with your Family! Please take a minute to fuel your holiday spirit with festivities and fun this season. We have included a few annual holiday favorites and a couple that are new to 2011.
A Country Christmas 2011: Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville has transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with over a million lights and decorations and the best in holiday entertainment for all to enjoy. Witness new performances of the Radio City Rockettes”10th Anniversary Edition Christmas Spectacular” featuring new scenes, costumes, sets and an unforgettable finale; this year’s show is more magical than ever! If you have never seen the spectacular before, this is definitely the year to go. ICE! Featuring “Merry Madagascar” DreamWorks animated holiday TV special is brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures carved entirely from two million
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pounds of ice and an incredible 20-foot tall slide. Relive the story as you stroll through this amazing attraction featuring scenes with all your favorites from the Island of Madagascar. Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman and of course those wacky penguins guarantee this year’s ICE! will be bigger than ever in the new 40,000 square foot Gaylord Opryland Events Center. Louise Mandrell‘s “Christmas Dinner Party” An evening of non-stop excitement that starts with a Traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings and is topped off by sensational performances from the multi-talented Louise, her band, and special guest Christy Sutherland. Whether belting out favorite Christmas songs, spinning her way through dizzying dance routines or playing countless musical instruments, Louise wows audiences with her boundless energy. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring new show she has created for her final holiday season at Gaylord Opryland. “Holly Jolly Town Square” All new this year is a step back in time to a nostalgic 1950’s town square, complete with all the shops from main street, a holiday kids train, story time with Mrs. Claus at the library, live entertainment and more! Ignite your holiday spirit with wreath-making and food demonstrations, or spread some holiday cheer by bidding on spectacularly decorated trees and fabulous prizes as part of Hall of Trees, a benefit for local charities.
Jackson ® Showboat is offering a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Tickets for the cruise can also be purchased at Leisure Travel Services. New this year, and only offered through Gaylord Opryland, is The “Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” where you can give your holiday getaway some character. Celebrate the season with Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar characters. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, character wake-up calls and even a Holiday Shrektacular in the Delta Atrium with Shrek, Fiona, Po, Puss in Boots, Gingy and the Penguins. It’s the coolest holiday street party ever created and best of all admission is free!
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art: A Season of Celebration Take pleasure in the sights and sounds of the holiday season with Cheekwood as they celebrate their tradition of annual holiday merriment. Enjoy artfully embellished trees representing the many sides of Cheekwood, from art and gardens to music and education. Each specially designed tree will bring a different side of Cheekwood to life. Cheekwood is enchanting, entertaining and educational all year round—celebrate with us!
Belle Meade Mansion: A Century of Christmas -1853-1953 As you tour the lavishly decorated this holiday season you will experience how Christmas
These special events at “A Country Christmas 2011” can be purchased at a military rate at MWR Leisure Travel Services. Opryland also offers “Treasures for the Holidays Craft Show” which has numerous vendors offering many festive crafts and unique gifts from all over the world. You can spend the day taking “Photos with Santa”, going on the “Carriage Rides” and walking through the “Outdoor Nativity Scene”. “A Country Christmas on the Cumberland” aboard The General
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie
Remember! celebrations evolved over 100 years. See how the Harding family celebrated Christmas in 1853 with fresh greens from the plantation, lively music and a simply decorated tree lit with candles. Hear how their antebellum holiday evolved after the Civil War into a grand celebration including massive Christmas trees decorated with tinsel and imported ornaments from Europe. See how holiday celebrations changed in the 20th century with the advent of electric Christmas tree lights, plastic ornaments and even characters such as Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Admission required.
Rock City on Lookout Mountain: “Red Ruby Christmas”, “Enchanted Garden of Lights” and “Deck the Falls” A holiday tradition in its 17th year. Enjoy beautifully decorated grounds and falling snow outside the Cavern Castle. The air is filled with live music, the smell of hot chocolate, and lots of Christmas Cheer!
Leisure Travel Services offers great prices for local holiday attractions and our website is bursting with wonderful events within anyone’s budget. We hope you will find a treasure that will fill your heart with the magic of the holiday season. For more information please call 270-798-7436.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center: “A Christmas Story” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here in the Andrew Johnson Theatre, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace. This irresistible piece of Americana is guaranteed to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone. More holiday shows listed on their website and our Holiday Newsletter. “The Nutcracker” This ballet tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Nashville Ballet brings to life the classic tale of Clara and her magical Nutcracker doll that comes to life. Tchaikovsky's classic score, performed live by The Nashville Symphony, sets the mood for an unforgettable family holiday tradition!
Smoky Mountain Holiday Celebrations: Experience Christmas at Dixie Stampede and fall in love with the fun and excitement of the grand performances during this spectacular extravaganza! Nothing compares to the Great Smoky Mountains for the holidays as the snowcapped mountains create a winter setting you won’t find anywhere else.
Galt House Hotel:
Dickens of a Christmas Travel back in time to a 19th century English village beautifully restored in Franklin, TN. Enjoy the clatter of horses’ hooves, the scent of roasted chestnuts and the sight of the whole town in Victorian attire. This holiday street festival features more than 250 costumed characters re-enacting scenes from “A Christmas Carol” and other stories by Charles Dickens.
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KaLightoscope Christmas Create special holiday memories with your family and friends during Christmas at the . The 2011 Christmas event is bigger and better as the multi-layered celebration grows. KaLightoscope Christmas is impossible to describe, and will showcase new interactive, lighted sculptures with a discovery around every corner. A brand new attraction has been added this year, the breathtaking and magical Snow Fairy Castle where children can wander through, open secret doors, and write down their Christmas wishes in hopes that the Snow Fairy will make them come true. A world-class dinner show will have you whistling holiday tunes, Breakfast with Santa is a must and shopping in Mistletoe Marketplace will excite givers looking for that unique gift.
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Be Your Own Holiday VIP By Keri McPeak
Everyone knows that the holidays can be a stressful time of the year, especially if you have Family coming to visit. This year make time for yourself to unwind to ensure you keep your sanity. One way to make sure you are your own VIP this holiday season is to put yourself on the list of people you are giving a gift to. Some ideas for treating yourself might be obvious while others may not. Strive to be unique and decide on options that best suit your lifestyle and needs. A lot of the stress that comes along with holidays relates to the home, as many of the holiday’s activities are centered there. Do you have the right décor to make your guests feel at home? How should you decorate for the holidays? How can you get the most out of your holiday decorations? These questions are all elements that add to your holiday stress and go through your mind as you get ready for your holiday guests. To kill two birds with one stone you can get something that will not only be a gift to yourself but a gift that will delight your guests with new home décor or accessories. Many of these types of stores can be found locally. One local store located in Downtown Clarksville is Hodgepodge, and has an array of
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perfectly themed quaint home décor and accessories. Okay, so home décor is not the gift you want to give yourself. What about finally getting that membership to the gym? Exercise will help alleviate the holiday stress and help keep those unwanted holiday pounds off. Estep Wellness Center’s membership is very fairly priced and offers popular classes like Zumba and aerobics; and with their options for a personal trainer, you can finally get an exercise program designed just for you. The more traditional route may be taking a day to go to the spa and being pampered from head to toe. Usually days like this are more fun when shared with a best friend. Spa 201 located inside The Exchange offers a variety of services and packages. Along with spa treatments, other inexpensive gifts that are fun to give yourself can include a new hair style or new make-up. Go to the make-up counters located in The Exchange or a department store and have a representative make you over. There is no obligation to purchase anything and you may just learn a new technique or two. Eden Day Spa and Salon in Clarksville is another great location to pamper yourself. Individual spa or salon treatments to a whole spa package means you can treat yourself however you choose. Maybe you have everything you ever wanted or needed but still want to do
something for yourself. Before you pull out the credit/debit card or check book, think of some other ways you can put that money to use. There are financial gifts that you can give yourself such as paying down your debt, increasing your emergency or “rainy day” fund, contribute to your retirement account, get a will, or donate to a charity. For those who are not sure how to financially give back to yourself, the Army Community Service (ACS) Financial Readiness staff can help you develop a financial plan that allows you to reap the most benefits from your hard work. On a more spiritual level, give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Lack of forgiveness imprisons you and can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. A misconception is that forgiveness is “giving in” or “forgetting the pain someone has caused you”, but rather it is actually freeing yourself from the resentment. Forgiving others takes strength, particularly when you feel wronged, but the effort required for forgiving pales in comparison to the energy necessary to maintain a grudge. You will probably always remember the particular injustice that created such distain, but when you forgive, the intense emotion associated with the event begins to fade. You will feel happier, lighter, and more loving. These renewed positive feelings won't go unnoticed as others will be drawn to you. The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary defines a gift as something given; a donation; a present; the right or power to give. Sometimes we get so caught up in the thought that gifts are something we give to other people, we forget we need to give ourselves something every once in a while as well. As long as the gift is within your monetary constraints, the price or type of the gift does not matter. What matters is you took the time to think about yourself, and acknowledge you are worth taking the time and effort to reward yourself for being who you are.
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown
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Winter Safety By Eden Barnett
The holidays are a time when everyone gets together to celebrate with Family. Decorations, both inside and out, adorn households. Preparations are made for Family arrivals and departures are planned to reach loved ones far away. Warm blankets are unpacked from the closets, and the furnace is finally turned on to keep the house toasty warm. With all of these good things happening, it is hard to remember that with the arrival of winter, a moment spent thinking about winter safety is well worth your time. Whether you are traveling or staying home and simply decorating, there are precautions that need to be taken.
the home a safe environment for you and your Family. According to Scott, “Many of Fort Campbell winter accidents involve slips, trips, and falls.” He suggests taking your time and slowing down while walking around in icy conditions. At home, make sure a supply of salt is available to keep the driveway and sidewalks ice free. Make sure you own a good pair of gloves so your hands stay free of your pockets. It is harder to keep your balance if you slip with your hands in your pockets, a fact which many people do not consider.
Travel Safety For those that are traveling the roadways during the holidays, the most important thing for safety is preparation. It is a good idea to get a mechanic to check your car before going on any long road trips to prevent the chance of breaking down and getting stranded. The car should also be equipped with items that may be needed in the event that the car does in fact break down. Keep in mind items that will be necessary to survive in an extreme cold environment. According to Lonnie Scott from Installation Safety, it is a good idea to, “plan your trip and ensure that you give your plan to a trusted person. Check in with them at selected times and spots; this will help rescuers find you if you do crash into a snow bank.” With that being said, it is extremely important to note that Facebook, or any other social media site, is not a good place to post your travel plans. This provides an easy opportunity for criminals to be aware of your movements and alert them that the house will be unoccupied. Home Safety Preparations also need to be made on the home front for winter safety. There are many things that often get overlooked during this busy time of the year. Here are some tips to help make
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and located conveniently available for use. For those that use generators for emergency situations, such as the electricity going out, extreme precautions need to be taken. Generators produce Carbon Monoxide, a deadly and odorless gas. Make sure that any generators are placed outside and downwind of the home. Scott suggests that when going to sleep at night, the generator be turned off. Carbon Monoxide alarms can be bought and placed in the bedroom to alert you to this dangerous gas. If you are leaving your house for an extended period of time this winter, it is ok to turn the thermostat down, but not completely off. This could lead to pipes freezing and subsequently bursting. Decorating Safety
More home safety considerations that are usually overlooked include furnace and fireplace safety. To prevent fires, make sure a licensed heating person inspects your furnace before you turn it on for the year. Also, make sure any fireplaces are cleared of residue. Batteries need to be replaced in all fire alarms, and fire extinguishers need checked, replaced if necessary
It goes without saying that decorating is a big part of Christmas. There are many safety precautions that need to be taken while making the home festive. The first safety consideration is the Christmas tree. Make sure it is placed in an area away from furnaces, candles, and overhead lights. Scott suggests making sure that any artificial Christmas trees are fire resistant and UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) listed. This means that they have been tested to meet safety requirements. If your Christmas tree is the real live deal, make sure it is kept watered so that the needles do not dry out. Also make sure the base is kept secured and steady so that it does not tip over. Decorating for Christmas involves a lot of lights and extensions cords. Like the Christmas tree, only use UL or FM approved extensions cords and lights. Read the boxes and instructions, it is not ok to use
When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness. ~Bob Hope
indoor extension cords outside and vice versa. The same goes for lights, green labels are for indoor use and red are for outdoor use. When it comes to cord length, Scott makes note, “A cord, based on its gauge, can power certain wattage at specific distances. As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge cord less than 50’ will power 1625W over a 50’ cord length good for only 1250W! When in doubt, simply feel the cord after power has been applied for 20-30 minutes. If it’s warm to the touch, decrease the load. Avoid “daisy-chaining” multiple cords and light strands…you will run a higher risk of fire, overload etc. Keep it simple. Keep it safe.” Lights should be checked for broken sockets and fraying wires. They should also be turned off when you go to sleep or leave your house. Try not to use any metal objects to secure lights. Scott recommends using insulated staples and pre-installed hooks that are safe and convenient.
Winter Survival Kit (IMCOM Safety Brochure: Fall and Winter 2010)
* An ice scraper/brush combination * Small shovel * Sand, salt, or kitty litter (for traction) * Tow rope or chain * A couple of blankets For more information on winter safety, the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Safety Brochure for Fall and Winter is available online at www.scribd.com/doc/38475571/IMCOMSafety-Brochure-Fall-Winter-2010. It contains a more in depth look into each subject we
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* Galoshes and gloves * Flashlight and extra batteries * Jumper cables * First aid kit * Road flares or reflectors * Fire extinguishers talked about in this article, and much more. Fort Campbell safety information can be found at the Fort Campbell Installation Safety Office website. Just remember to stay safe and have a Happy Holiday!
No matter how carefully you stored the lights last year, they will be snarled again this Christmas. ~Robert Kirby
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Have a Holly Jolly Holiday! Fort Campbell “Kids Winter Workshop” December 3 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Guenette Arts & Crafts Center has scheduled a workshop where kids of all ages will have the opportunity to make crafts that are suitable for gift giving. All are invited to participate. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $10 per child. Santa will be there so bring a camera! “Challenge Course Open House and Holiday Drive” December 3 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Join Outdoor Recreation in a Holiday Celebration at the Challenge Course Complex! Staff will be available to assist you on their 4 unique structures. Check out the 50 foot tall Climbing Wall or Alpine Tower and don’t forget the biggest structure, the Odyssey Course. They’ll be taking groups through the Odyssey every half hour, so don’t miss your chance to try out the ultimate jungle gym. Cost is a toy for the toy drive. Preregistration is required by 10 a.m. on December 3rd. “Division Tree Lighting Ceremony” December 6 at 4:45 p.m. Fort Campbell will kick off the holiday season as they light up the Christmas tree at McAuliffe Hall, located at 2700 Indiana Blvd. “Santa Calls” December 11, 17 & 18 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Santa will be making calls to all the good girls and boys. All you have to do is call DW Recreation Center, answer a few simple questions about your child and what he/she would like for Christmas, select one of the three dates and the recreation center will make arrangements for Santa to call your child that day.
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“Preschool Children’s Christmas Parties” December 15 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. R. F. Sink Library will be holding a Christmas Party in conjunction with their weekly story time/craft time. Refreshments will be provided. “Games and Bingo” December 25 & 26 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. DW Recreation Center will be open on December 25 and 26. Throughout the day they’ll be serving a variety of desserts and playing Family friendly games. All ages are welcome with those under the age of 18 being accompanied by a parent at all times.
Christian County
“Pennyrile Polar Express and Christmas Tree Lighting” December 10, starting at 4 p.m. Festivities will be held on E 9th Street, between the L&N Depot and Founders’ Square. At 6 p.m. gather at Founders’ Square for the downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, with holiday music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Clarksville “Christmas on the Cumberland” November 22 – January 1, 2012 Celebrate the holiday season with a spectacular display of over one million lights strung along the RiverWalk at McGregor Park. Admission is FREE. The lights will be on from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“Christmas Parade” December 3 at 10 a.m. Kick off the holiday season with the Hopkinsville Christmas Parade. Parade will be on Main Street from Glass Avenue to 15th Street. Parade is hosted by the City of Hopkinsville, Division of Parks & Recreation, in cooperation with the Hopkinsville-Christian County Jaycees.
“Children’s Holiday Movie” December 3 at 1 p.m. Enjoy this FREE Family movie presentation at the Hopkinsville Community College auditorium. Movie is presented by the City of Hopkinsville, Division of Parks & Recreation, and Hopkinsville Community College.
“Christmas Parade” December 3 at 5 p.m. The City of Clarksville has partnered with the Montgomery County Government this year to co-host the 52nd Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays” and will be a night-time, lighted Christmas parade. Parade route will begin on 8th Street on the campus of APSU and will proceed to College and then to University, from University to Franklin. It will circle around Public Square and then the County Court House and return to Franklin where it will head back toward APSU.
I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending. ~Fred Rogers
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Healthy Habits by Char
“Like” me on my Facebook page; Char’gestions for the Health of It
By Charlene Mazur stick on your thighs. Food gifts this time of year are meant to be sweet, generous and thoughtful, but they tend to outlast their intended stay of pleasure. It isn’t the one traditional Holiday meal or treat that fails you, it’s all of them. Everything in moderation is the goal. These are gifts that keep on giving, right through spring and sometimes even longer. The tools are simple to grasp and have been long reported but are too quickly forgotten. In order to be successful you will need a plan of action. Spontaneity can lead to failure when it comes to building a healthier lifestyle. If you are preparing to shop ensure you eat a healthy and filling meal prior to departure and drink plenty of water while hunting for that perfect present. Know the location of where you are shopping and allow yourself a treat if you’re craving one. The best way to fail a diet is to deny yourself – so moderation is key. When enjoying Holiday parties it is best to again eat something before you attend so that you won’t dive into the cheese or dessert plate. While at the party, only eat on a small plate and only go through the line one time, if you graze you will lose track of what you ate. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories so limit your consumption. Christmas Cookies are a huge seasonal tradition. Try to make healthier versions of your favorites by replacing high calorie ingredients with healthy alternatives. You make time to search for the perfect gift why not take some much needed time to search for a healthy holiday recipe? Remember with most things regarding nutrition, there is usually a better choice. I had a revelation recently, why wait? What is the point in waiting until the New Year to make a resolution that is normally broken quickly? In reality, most people make a resolution for the New Year but do not carry it much further than the end of January. Lack of knowledge, lack of planning and lack of willpower all contribute to lack of success with your resolution. I am going to give you some advice that will help you plan and prepare you for a successful 2012! The first thing I need to do to is give you a little tip or two, so you will know how to resist the gifts of tasty indulgence when the Holiday treats creep up and
While you are busy with the shopping, giving, baking, and spreading Holiday cheer you also need to be thinking about what goal you want most in 2012. Once you have decided on your goal, you will then need to work backward to figure out how to make that happen. If you want to lose 20 pounds, you will need to educate yourself on what it will take to lose 20 pounds. If you want to lose 20 pounds and become healthier then that will take a different plan. Yes, you can lose 20 pounds and still be unhealthy! The best way to victory is to plan ahead. Prepare for what you will need week by week and be successful day by day. Soon it will become habit and come naturally to you. I challenge you to get healthy by making small changes to implement cleaner eating, a more active lifestyle and positive thinking. It really is all about baby steps! Yes, you want the big goal at the end of the year (or before) but what is really the most critical are the successes that you achieve through the daily steps toward your goal. What may seem insignificant in your daily routine could prove incredibly momentous in your journey to a better you. Start today; map out your plan for a better 2012. Write it down and post it in a visual location as a reminder. I promise if you are consistent with your intentions you will feel better, look better and inspire others to do the same. You can do this; everyone can use a little change somewhere in their lives! Have a happy, healthy, active New Year! For daily inspiration and sharing, check out my Facebook page, Char’gestions for the Health of It.
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I know. I'm lazy. But I made myself a New Year’s resolution that I would write myself something really special. Which means I have 'til December, right? ~Catherine O’Hara
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 11. 14. 15. 16. 17. 11. 18. 19. 19. 19. 20. 21. 22. 20. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 27. 29. 27.
Child, Youth & School Services **24 Hour Care (opening FY-12) Bastogne (CDC) (270) 412-4485 Eagle (CDC) (270) 412-3303/3304 Gardner Hills (CDC) Part Day Preschool (CDC) (270) 412-6767 Polk (CDC) (270) 412-4471 Tennessee (CDC) (270) 412-4477 Waters #1 (CDC) (270) 439-7993 Waters #2 (CDC) (270) 439-7996 *CYSS Directorate (270) 798-6539 Family Child Care (FCC) (270) 798-4959 *Kids on Site (Estep) Parent Central Services (CYSS Central Registration) (270) 798-0674 Billy C. Colwell Center (270) 412-2315 *Gardner Hills (SAS) *Werner Park #1 (SAS) *Werner Park #2 (SAS) School Liaison (270) 798-9874 SKIESUnlimited Center (270) 412-5455 Teen Club 24/7 (270) 956-1033 Youth Center (Taylor) (270) 798-3643 Youth Sports (270) 798-6355 Community Services Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director (270) 798-9322 Family Resource Center (FRC) (270) 956-2935 Financial Readiness (270) 798-5518 Lending Closet (270) 798-6313 Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) (270) 412-6000 Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) (270) 798-0277 Backdoor Boutique (270) 956-1566 Family Center & Co-op Daycare (270) 798-7422 Dining & Entertainment 19th Hole (Cole Park) (270) 798-1822 Conference & Catering Center (Joe Swing) (270) 798-2175 Community Activities Center (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610 Dawg Haus (270) 798-0766 Southern Buffet (Cole Park) (270) 798-4610
30. Sportsman’s Lodge 32. 33. 31. 34. 35. 36. 37. 27. 82. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 83. 38. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 36. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61.
(931) 431-4140 Recreation & Leisure Baldanado Pool (270) 798-5207 Dolan Pool (270) 798-5350 Gardner Indoor Pool (270) 798-6310 Singles Pool (270) 798-4247 The Zone BOSS Program (270) 798-7858 Bowling Center (Hooper) (270) 798-5887 Golf Club (Cole Park) (270) 798-4906 Challenge Course (270) 412-7855 Adventure Program (270) 412-7854 Archery Range (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, North (270) 798-2175 Dog Park, South (270) 798-2175 Hunting & Fishing (270) 798-2175 Paintball (270) 956-3118 Parks & Pavilions (270) 798-2175 Riding Stables (270) 798-2629 RV Park (Eagles Rest) (270) 798-2175 RV Park (Flechers Fork) (270) 798-2175 Skeet Range (270) 412-4015 Small Arms Recreational Range (270) 798-3001 Recreation Center (Dale Wayrynen) (270) 798-7391 Sports & Fitness Estep Wellness Center (270) 798-4664/4023 Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Office (270) 798-3094 Fratellenico PFF (270) 798-9418 Freedom Fighter PFF (270) 798-7355 Gertsch PFF (270) 798-2753 Lozada PFF (270) 798-4306 Olive PFF (270) 798-4101 Softball Complex, North (270) 798-3320 Softball Complex, South (270) 798-3320 Trades & Services Army Education (270) 798-5886 Arts & Crafts Center (Guenette) (270) 798-6693 Auto Service Center (Air Assault Auto) (270) 956-1101/1100
62. 60. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 78. 80. 81. 84. 85. 68. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91.
Auto Skills (North) (270) 798-5612 Engraving Etc. Specialty Store (270) 798-0171 Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) (270) 798-6806 Library (R.F. Sink) (270) 798-5729 Veterinary Services (270) 798-3614 Travel & Lodging Army Lodging (Richardson) (931) 431-4496 Army Lodging (Turner) (270) 439-2229 Leisure Travel Services Office (270) 798-7436 Miscellaneous Services 101st Airborne Division Headquarters (270) 798-9793 Blanchfield Army Hospital (270) 798-8055 Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (270) 798-7161 Commissary (270) 798-3663 Division Parade Field Fisher House (270) 798-8330 Gate 4 Visitor Center & Vehicle Registration (270) 798-5047 Gate 7 Visitor Center & Vehicle Registration (270) 956-4495 In/Out Processing & MWR Public Relations (270) 798-7535 MWR Director (270) 798-9953 MWR Unit Funds & MWR Collections (270) 798-6818 Museum (Don F. Pratt) (270) 798-3215/4986 Wilson Theater (931) 431-3636 The Exchange Airfield Mini Mall (270) 640-4614 Community Town Center Class Six (270) 431-3622 Military Clothing Store (270) 798-4212 Pizza Hut Delivery (270) 439-1113 Exchange (270) 439-1841 Exchange Administration Office (270) 439-1846 Firestone (270) 439-1865 Gardner Hills Mini Mal1 (Burger King/Subway) (270) 697-1020 Kentucky Shoppette (24hr gas) (270) 439-1914 KFC & Taco Bell (270) 439-6353 Troop Mini Mall (gas) (270) 431-2410
Flip My Recipe!!epiceR yM pilF Char’thoughts The tradition of stuffing as a side dish for the holiday feast has a long history handed down from generation to generation. This twist on tradition offers a little something unexpected. The sweet, tart and bit of spice offers a blend of flavors that will send your taste buds soaring and the texture tops the traditional version due to the density of the bakery fresh whole-grain bread.
Traditional Bread Stuffing with Herbs ½ cup (1 stick) margarine, substitute butter 5 large celery stalks, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 tsp dried thyme ¾ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper ½ tsp dried sage 1 can (14 ½ ounces) chicken broth 2 loaves (16 ounces each) sliced firm white bread, lightly toasted and cut into ½-inch cubes ½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1. 2. 3. 4.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In 12-inch skillet, melt margarine or butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and cook 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in thyme, salt, pepper, sage, chicken broth, and ½ cup water; remove skillet from heat. Place bread cubes in very large bowl. Add celery mixture and parsley; toss to mix well. Spoon stuffing into 13-inch by 9-inch glass baking dish; cover with foil and bake 40 minutes or until heated through.
Health Benefits of the “Flip” on Tradition Cranberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Apples are also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants as well as flavanoids and fiber - they also help prevent asthma, heart disease, and some cancers; lower LDL cholesterol and are good for diabetes and weight management. The addition of carrots offers a shot of vitamin A, for beautiful skin, cancer and stroke prevention, anti-aging, and improved vision. Bringing heat to the dish with the chili powder offers a natural fat burner and a twist to this traditional dish.
Healthy Twist to Traditional Bread Stuffing with Herbs 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 5 large celery stalks, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 2-3 carrots, finely chopped 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp sea salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped 2 apples (McIntosh, Cortland, Gala or Golden Delicious), cored and chopped 1 ½ tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, plus ½ cup as needed 2 loaves (16 ounces each) bakery fresh whole grain or wheat bread, cut into ½-inch cubes ½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped *Use Organic for ingredients when possible 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium high. Add celery, onion, and carrots and cook 8-10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in thyme, rosemary, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add cranberries and apples and stir well to combine. Remove skillet from heat. Place bread cubes in very large bowl. Add celery mixture and parsley; toss to mix well. Stir in broth. Stuffing should be moist but not wet; if needed add additional ½ cup broth. Stir in sage. Coat a 13-inch by 9-inch glass baking dish with olive oil cooking spray and add stuffing. Drizzle with an additional 1 to 1 ½ cups broth. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil and bake until the top is lightly browned 10 to 15 minutes more.
Leftovers? Just stuff it... Cut an acorn squash in half and remove the seeds. Brush the inside with pumpkin seed oil or extra-virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Bake (cut side up) at 400’ until tender, about 35 minutes. Fill each with ½-1 cup stuffing. Bake for 5 to 10 more minutes, until browned. Drizzle 1 tsp pumpkin seed oil or extra-virgin olive oil over top of each half.
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GET IN THE GAME
By CynDe Clack
You’ve heard people talk about having a Family game night, but why is Family game night such a good idea? Especially when finding the time is so hard to do now that Families spend too many hours at work, school or involved with some other kind of extracurricular activity! Playing Family games helps fine tune the brain’s ability to process information. This is true not only for young children, but also for older adults who are stroke victims. All games teach life skills such as cooperation and teamwork, responsibility, perseverance and patience, honesty, understanding and accepting both winning and losing and making choices and accepting the consequences of the choices you make. Different games teach different types of other skills. With Yahtzee you get math skills such as counting, totaling and record keeping; vocabulary and spelling with Scrabble; Sorry gives you counting, colors and strategy; Clue is great for memory and deductive reasoning; Jenga brings eye-hand skills, perception, observation and concentration; and Payday teaches money management skills. These are just a few examples of what games are available, and this time of the year is a great time to pick up a few games if you don’t have them already. Every store in town will have a large selection of games going into the holiday season and you’ll be able to find deals on everything from the classics to the hottest trend in gaming – DVD games.
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The best way to get started is to get the whole Family revved up. Make a big deal about a “new game” and set up a Family game night. What could be better on a Friday night than cleaning up after dinner and setting up a board game right on the dining room table? Choose your seats, get some snacks and start rolling the dice or dealing the cards. Once you get them hooked, they’ll come back to the table fast enough. If your teenager insists that the phone is more important than participating in some Family fun, tell him or her to ask the friend over. The more the merrier! To keep your Family game night interesting, let different Family members choose the game. In fact, you might share the duties of being “in charge” of the night so everyone gets a turn to create the event, (of course Mom and Dad can assist the youngest players). When it’s their night, they are responsible for picking the game, setting up the game, and cleaning up the game. By using this method, you are teaching the kids leadership skills. They are setting the tone for the night in the game that they choose, and in being the leader, they have certain responsibilities like set-up, clean-up and conflict resolution when they act as the referee for game disputes. Family game night can become Family game day when you take your activities outside. There are so many great games to play outside when the weather is nice - hundreds of deviations of the game Tag, Wolf in the Henhouse, Mother
May I, Frisbee, Badminton, and Croquet - just to name a few. Remember that you as a Family have the right to modify games to fit your needs. For example, you can simplify Monopoly if you have younger children by playing for a set time limit, and/or by omitting the small bills. Keep in mind many younger children who cannot read; but they can play many games with the rest of the Family. Clue, Monopoly and Yahtzee are all fun games if an older sibling or an adult plays with them as a partner and mentor, helping with the reading or totaling. Take the ages of the game with a grain of salt. You know your Family and what each member can do. Make your game night something the entire Family looks forward to. With over 5,000 games on the market at any time, the sky’s the limit but keep in mind that all good games have a few things in common; they’re easy to understand, they’re different every time they’re played and they take an appropriate amount of time. It doesn’t really matter what you play, as long as everyone can feel like a participant. Poor losers are a pain, but poor winners are undignified. There should be no gloating on Family game night. Make it a practice at the end of each game for every player, including the winner, to say “good game” to every other player and “congratulations” to the winner. It’s about playing the game, being together, and having a good time that matters most.
Since I'm always working, my best holiday memories are definitely when I can just go home and spend time with my family. ~Chris Brown
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Holiday Treats By Kathleen Boehm
Nothing brings the feel of the holidays to the forefront of our minds more than the smell of cookies, cake and bread baking in the oven. Memories are made around the kitchen creating goodies for Santa, Family, and friends. It’s also a great time to express your creative side and bake from the heart. The best part is getting to share those great recipes with others, expanding your Families treasure box of goodies for future years. Military Families have an extra opportunity to experience many different treats. I have been lucky enough to collect my unique cookie collection from close friends, military functions, Family favorites, Spouse club, and cookbooks from all across the world. Here are a few of my favorites that I hope you add to your own holiday recipe book. Holly’s Cranberry Caramel Bars Holly P.
Cardamom Pistachio Cookies Michaella B. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled 1/2 cup superfine sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 egg yolks • 2 cups flour • 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cardamom seeds, crushed using a mortar and pestle (or substitute seeds for cardamom powder instead, add more than 1 tsp for a stronger taste) 1/4 cup sparkling decorative sugar 1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat for one minute. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolks and beat an additional minute. 2. Sift together the flour and salt. Spoon the flour mixture into the butter mixture and add the cardamom. Beat on low speed, then increase to medium and mix until the batter is combined. 3. Spoon the dough into a cookie press and press out onto ungreased baking sheets. Or roll the dough into a log, wrap in parchment paper and chill for two hours before slicing into rounds and arranging evenly onto the cookie sheets. In a small bowl, combine the sparkling sugar and the pistachio nuts, and then sprinkle some on each cookie. 4. Bake just until the edges of the cookies start to turn a pale golden color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet, and then remove carefully to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool. When they are completely cool, store in an airtight container. They may be kept frozen up to two months. For another layer of flavor and a decorative spin add a few stripes of melted dark chocolate on the end of a fork and drizzle on top of cookies.
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1 cup fresh cranberries 2 tbsp Sugar 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided ½ tsp baking soda 2 cups uncooked regular oats ½ cup sugar ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup butter, melted 1 (10 oz) pkg. chopped dates ¾ cup chopped pecans 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together cranberries with 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl; set aside. 2. Combine 2 cups flour and next four ingredients; stir in melted butter until crumbly. Reserve one cup of this mixture. Press remaining mixture onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. 3. Bake for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with dates, pecans, and cranberry mixture. Stir together caramel sauce and remaining 1/3 cup flour; spoon over cranberries. Sprinkle with reserved 1 cup flour mixture. 4. Bake 20 more minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars. Eggnog Cookies Mrs. Fields Cookie Book 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. ground cinnamon • ½ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 ¼ Cups white sugar • ¾ Cups salted butter, softened ½ Cup eggnog • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract •2 large egg yolks 1 tbsp. ground nutmeg 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine in a medium bowl flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well with a wire whisk and set aside. 2. Cream the sugar and butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl to form a grainy paste. Add eggnog, vanilla, and egg yolks and beat at medium speed until smooth. 3. Add the flour mixture to the large bowl and beat at low speed just until combined. Do not over mix. 4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, 1 inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until bottoms turn a light brown. Transfer to cool, flat surface immediately with a spatula.
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Naughty or Nice By Alyssa Blakemore
Visions of sugar plum fairies may be dancing in your head this holiday season; but don’t let the reality of scams, credit card fraud, and identity theft get pushed to the side. The holidays serve as primetime for criminal activity both in-stores and on-line. As you consider your purchases, beware of the ploys, plots, and schemes behind offers that seem too good to be true and you can outwit the Grinch that is identity theft. If you enjoy the convenience of
on-line shopping, take precautions before you enter your card number. Anti-virus software and a quick check at the Better Business Bureau will help safeguard your money. Once you are ready to pay, consider using a credit card for your purchases. Credit cards often carry additional insurance in case of identity theft. Using a credit card also ensures against the loss of available funds to you as your bank investigates any fraudulent charges. Many banks and credit card companies offer services such as “SecureCode” or “ShopSafe”. These services provide you with safe online shopping. Check with your financial institution to see what they offer. On-line shopping does not present the only opportunity for scam artists to retrieve your personal information. As we succumb to the giving spirit of the Christmas season, we will be presented with numerous opportunities to make donations to those less fortunate than ourselves. Unfortunately, fake
This Holiday Season, swing your way to Cole Park Golf Club and take advantage of some great winter specials. Now through the end of
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Winter Golf
March, Cole Park Golf Club is offering $1 holes to include green fees and cart rental. Covering over 350 acres of land, Cole Park Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course. It offers a variety of scenic terrains to challenge all golfers. The course is also equipped with a driving range, a putting and chipping green used for short range training and a three hole practice area that is free to all Soldiers. If you have never played the game, now is the time to learn. PGA Master Professional, David Normand offers packages on both one-on-one and group lessons. He incorporates the use of video technology and state of the art software to enhance the learning process. Lessons typically last one hour and can be scheduled by emailing david.normandjr@us.army.mil or by calling (270) 798-4906. If you are a golfer that finds yourself looking for golf balls under trees and in bushes, why don’t you head to the Golf Shop instead? Restock your supply and check out the variety of latest merchandise from club sets including irons, woods and putters to apparel like
charities have become all too common in recent years. Whether they are in the form of door-todoor solicitations, phone calls, or mailings; be sure to thoroughly research the organization before writing a check. Although phishing is a common scam all year round, the holidays represent an opportune time for creativity in retrieving your personal information. Keep a wary eye out for e-mails from unknown senders in the form of holiday e-cards or special offers in your inbox. Avoid suspicious downloads or links to external sites. Also common around the holidays are e-mails pretending to be sent from companies with links containing false tracking information. If it looks “odd or unusual”, take the time to check it out before you react. The best skill you can employ in protecting yourself against holiday scams is to educate yourself and remain alert to any red flags you encounter. Be sure to also check with Army Community Service Consumer Affairs Office for additional information.
shoes, gloves, bags, balls and tees. All which make for great stocking stuffers; in addition, the Golf shop offers gift cards. Cards can be used on merchandise, green fees and memberships. Golfing in December can be cold, but don’t let the cold weather stop you from taking advantage of all that Cole Park Golf Club has to offer this Holiday season. For more information on winter specials and lessons, contact Cole Park Golf Club at (270) 798.4906.
$1 holes are offered Monday-Friday excluding holidays. Any mention of this article to Cole Park Golf Club staff, patron will receive 10% off all merchandise now through December 31.
Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money. ~Author Unknown
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Before You Go By Tara Goodson I know it seems like your Soldier just got home, and for many of you, that's true. But the next deployment or training is right around the corner. Start planning those gadget purchases now and you won't have sticker shock right before they leave. The holiday season is the perfect time to scope out purchases that will come in handy while your Soldier is far away in distance, but close to your heart. Keep in mind the Army will supply the basics, but many times those fun items or the things they like aren't included in Army issued gear. MP3 players are a popular purchase among Soldiers. Several people I spoke with said having their own music handy allows them to escape temporarily, at least mentally, from the stressors of war. With a simple Google search, over 1000 different types came up. Prices range from an inexpensive $30 to an outrageous $1299! Ideally the one you purchase should have enough space to load a variety of their favorite tunes and be sturdy enough to withstand the jostling and sand. Smart phones are multi-purpose and can store a wide range depending on size. With all the new releases, take your time and do some research. Don't forget to buy a couple of extra ear buds, as those are the things that have to be replaced most often! Throw in an iTunes gift card and you will make someone pretty happy. An inexpensive digital camera is a must have during deployment. Sure you could spend over $1000 on a digital SLR, but what happens when it gets jostled, dropped or sand gets inside it? You have a lovely $1000 paperweight. A camera that is easy to tuck into a pocket or ruck sack can give you priceless insight to the time your Soldier spends away. Always ensure regulations regarding geotagging and OPSEC are followed! Yes, those pictures are fantastic; but remember if you post it online and tag it with a location; you have just made your Soldier (and the unit) vulnerable. Photos of their team, locals and scenery are always appreciated. We want to see you hard at work and hard at play! But please keep the pictures appropriate and tasteful.
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Maybe you like to spend your down time reading? Instead of lugging around books or magazines, consider an e-reader. The Kindle, Nook and Kobo are popular choices and it's easy to find e-books online. You can upload Army pubs, sci-fi, magazines, journals and everything in between. Many of which are available for free. The convenience of having hundreds of publications available instantly is worthy of the initial price. Do your research on battery life, weight of the device and how often you are required to update the operating system. Maybe you are married to a gamer? Game consoles and games are conveniently bundled in a handy package this time of year. Amazon even has a handy console buying guide if you are completely lost. If you already have the newest systems, games are always appreciated. My husband rattled off 10 games he would like to purchase or rent within the next few months. That adds up quickly! His alternatives to new purchases are Game Stop and GameFly. Both have used games available for purchase, plus the bonus for Game Stop is the ability to resell them when boredom or defeat sets in. Computers are another popular purchase this time of year. Laptops, netbooks and tablets are the most convenient and portable options available. In October’s BOSS Life, three tablet computers were compared and constrated. You can check out back issues at www.fortcampbellmwr.com. Each tablet compared has its benefits, drawbacks and pricing system. Laptops are nearly as thin as tablets now and netbooks are handy for basic needs. Whether you choose a tablet, netbook, laptop or any other option available; comparison shopping will only benefit you.
Whatever you choose to purchase prior to deployment, make sure you research each item thoroughly, price compare and plan in advance. Happy shopping!
Remember This December, That love weighs more than gold! ~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
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Did You Say BING-O!
By Andrea Latimore
Christmas trees and decorations are not the only things being dragged out from the attic this time of year. All around the world millions of people are using anything from pennies to markers to stamp their cards on a quest to yell, Bing-O! December is officially recognized as Bingo Month. Originally called “beano”, the game dates back to the 1920s. It was a country game where a pitchman or caller
reached into a bag and pulled out wooden chips marked 1 through 90. The players would respond by checking their cards. If they had the number that was pulled, they would place a bean on the number. This happened until the player covered a line on their card either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Once achieved, the player would shout out “Beano”! Toymaker, Edwin S. Lowe, renamed the game after he overheard someone accidently yell out “Bing-O” instead of “Beano”. Lowe along with Columbia University math professor, Carl Leffler increased the number of combinations and invented over 6,000 bingo cards. Today the game has evolved and is played by all ages. As an opportunity to participate in Bingo Month, visit either Hooper Bowling Center or Sportsman’s Lodge to play a game of iPlay iWin Bingo. It is an electronic version of bingo played on a handheld touch-screen device that offers players
a chance to win cash. This device can be checked out at the cashier counter with the desired amount of money to play. Frequent players can win additional prizes by obtaining a bingo punch out card. Ten punches can be redeemed for a free soda while playing bingo. The more winnings you have the more prizes you can win. This holiday season celebrate the favorite past time game of Bingo. For more information about iPlay iWin bingo and prizes call (270) 798-7535.
Christmas Treasures By Kathleen Boehm Why in the world did your friend or Family member get you that “unique” gift? Did they get Christmas and Halloween confused? Because the gift they gave you was more trick than treat! We all get them around the holidays… you know what I am talking about - funky gifts. That really hideous picture frame, a sweater you wouldn’t be caught dead in or even a sewing kit (when you don’t even know how to sew). What are you going to do with all that stuff? Don’t leave it collecting dust on the back of your closet shelf; it’s simple really, just repurpose and/or re-gift it. The craze to take anything old and make it new is alive and going strong, and there are plenty of resources promoting this exact idea. For example, how about a framed picture that matches nothing you own? Pull the art out, pop out the glass, and grab your favorite can of spray paint. Once you’ve changed the look of the frame itself, the sky is the limit as to what you can fill it with. It’s even better if you find a way to both recycle it and then re-gift it! For next to nothing you can flip
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the frame into a mirror, fill it with one of the kids’ artwork or a Family photo and make it a heartfelt gift to send to loved one. Ugly sweaters have become a popular item in the past couple of years but you never thought you’d get one, right? That beautifully wrapped gift you had such high
hopes for – you guessed it – ugly sweater. Start a new tradition with an ugly sweater Christmas party. Some spiked eggnog, cookies, and a little festive music is all you need to rock out that turtleneck and knitted ensemble your gift giver thought was a fantastic idea. The ugliest sweater winner gets the distinction of the title until next year and, BONUS, their prize is the fruitcake your mother-in-law gave you. I bet laughter will be flowing all night long! Last but not least, if there is just no way to fit that Suzanne Somers Christmas Album into your life, try throwing a White Elephant party on December 26; which happens to be National Whiners Day! Who knows? One person’s bad Christmas album could be another person’s Santa decorated toilet plunger or singing mounted fish. Just remember to take off all the tags and price stickers, and try not to give it back to the person who gave it to you (serious oops!). We don’t need anyone whining.
The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. ~Johnny Carson