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A look inside...
Top Christmas Toys
Top Tech Gifts
Christmas Cookies
Christmas Crafts
Area Christmas Events
Christmas Traditions
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Editor Alex Zapetis
Contributors Joyce Ann Acosta Alexis Nelson Callie Bryan Jenelle Grewell onecreativemommy.com
Publisher Creative ink
Creative Director Sears Hallett
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Hello Everyone, It is finally Christmas time! I am so unbelievably excited for the holidays. They bring such joy to so many families across the globe. The light shows, Santa visits, and gift exchanges create so many remarkable memories. In this issue, we are bringing you some mouth-watering cookie recipes for Santa, the top gifts to add to your Christmas list, some fantastic Christmas events going on in the area, DIY ornament ideas, and so much more. The fun things in this month’s magazine are endless.
Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com
You are going to want to keep this little book handy all month long, because its packed full of ways to spread Christmas cheer!
Photography
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas..
mixthatdrink.com onecreativemommy.com Deposit Photo pg: Cover, 5, 7, 11, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21 22, 27, 29, 36, 37, 40, 41,45, 47 3
Alex Zapetis, Editor alex@creativeinktn.com
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Being a parent comes with many challenges and buying the perfect Christmas present is one of them. It can be tricky picking out the right gift when it seems as if your child has a million toys already. That is why figuring out the hottest and trendiest toys of the year is so helpful. If children all over the country are going crazy for these toys, your kid will probably enjoy them as well. Here are the toys that are going to be flying off the shelves this holiday season.
Candylocks Every year, there is a super popular doll that every little girl dreams of receiving. This year, it is Candylocks. These cute little dolls have bright colored hair that resembles cotton candy, and they smell fantastic. They also come with a wide variety of clothes and accessories to play with.
RYAN'S WORLD Giant Mystery Egg Series 3 If your child spends any time on Youtube, chances are they know the little Youtuber named Ryan. He has reviewed so many toys that he is now making his own. These surprise eggs are filled with toy cars, silly putty, figurines, and so much more.
Treasure X King's Gold Treasure Tomb If your little one enjoys puzzles and to go on quests, then this is a toy you are going to want on your list. It is packed full of features including traps, dig experiences, 3x figures, secret doors and a vault full of treasure.
Hatchimals Pixies The toy that took the world by storm for the last two years is back, but now those big eggs are hatching pixies. The cute glittery pixie is sure to make your child’s heart flutter with joy. 5
Transformers Toys Heroic Bumblebee Action Figure Transformers are always a safe bet to buy your action figure loving kid because they are just so cool. It is both a car and a robot. Make sure to buy bumblebee, he is always a childhood favorite.
Melissa & Doug Turtle Ball Pit For the families with smaller children, buying a ball pit is always the way to go. Every child loves a good old fashioned ball pit. But, this fun pit is in the shape of a turtle. How neat and unique is that?
Crayola Artic Color Chemistry Set Doing family science experiments can be so much fun. If your family enjoys crafts and game nights together, then you are going to want to check out this awesome set. It was designed by a real Crayola scientist, this kit includes overs 40 safe, non-toxic. experiments.
Minnie Walk & Dance Unicorn Plush Minnie has a new friend, and this duo will have your child singing and dancing all night long. When Minnie’s hand is pushed, she will walk and dance. Connect her to her unicorn, and the two will walk side by side.
Treasure X Aliens Dissection Kit with Slime You can’t go wrong with a toy that includes slime and aliens. This mind blowing toy allows your little doctor to dissect an alien to find out what gooey and gross finds are hiding in its stomach.
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Do you have someone in your family that is impossible to shop for? Does the thought of having to find them a present this holiday season stress you out? Well, we are here to help! Below is a list of popular tech gifts that anyone on your Christmas list will surely love.
Tile Mate If you have someone that is constantly misplacing things, then the Tile Mate is the gift for them. Each tile connects to a mobile app and allows you to track it and play alerting sounds from your phone. The tile is about the size of a quarter and can help you keep up with your keys, wallet, and more.
iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot This little robot sells itself. The Roomba automatically vacuums your floors and then recharges itself when it’s done. Who wouldn’t want a device that cuts out one daily chore?
Long Distance Friendship Lamp Do you have a loved one that’s far away? Simply buy a set of these lamps and when your loved one touches their lamp, yours will start to glow. You will feel instantly closer to them even if you’re hundreds of miles away. 7
Furbo WiFi Dog Cam We all have a dog lover in our lives. This camera allows you to see and talk to your pet while you are out of the house. Want to know the best part? It also allows you to give your pup treats while you are gone as well.
Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels Have a heavy sleeper in the family? Is it impossible to get them out of bed? Let your present do it for you! This alarm clock literally rolls away when it’s time to wake up. Who doesn’t love a game of hide and seek in the morning?
Clip on LED Ring Light Now-a-days everyone is using their phones as their primary camera. Whether you use it for selfies, family photos, or even food photography, this light will help improve all of your daily photos.
VicTsing Shower Speaker Who doesn’t love to jam out to some music in the shower or by the pool? This waterproof speaker is an amazing gift for just about anyone in your family.
FitBit Help your loved ones stay on track with their fitness goals by allowing them to keep track of their heart rate, calories burned, and more! They will thank you when it’s officially time to drop some of the holiday pounds.
Ring Wi-Fi Doorbell It seems like it is all the rage to be able to watch your front porch while you are away from home. It will give your loved one a better sense of security as well as being able to make sure their delivered packages are safe.
FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank This neat little survival tool is a radio, flashlight, and phone charger all in one. It can be charged via solar power, a hand crank, or batteries. So, when that next big storm hits, your family members will have the comfort of knowing they are prepared. 8
There is no better time to break out those baking sheets than on Christmas. After all, you have to leave out the milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Cookies are such a versatile dish that can be super simple, or extravagant, but will always be delicious. Thankfully we have some amazing bakers at Fort Campbell that were willing to share some of their favorite Christmas Cookie recipes. Which one will you be leaving for Santa? Italian Rainbow Cookie by Alexis Nelson 8 ounces almond paste • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup white sugar 4 eggs, separated • 2 cups all-purpose flour 6 drops red food coloring 6 drops green food coloring • 1⁄4 cup seedless red raspberry jam • 1⁄4 cup apricot jam 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line three 9x13 inch baking pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, break apart almond paste with a fork, and cream together with butter, sugar, and egg yolks. When mixture is fluffy and smooth, stir in flour to form a dough. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into the dough. Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Mix one portion with red food coloring, and one with green food coloring. Spread each portion into one of the prepared baking pans. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Carefully remove from pan and parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Place green layer onto a piece of plastic wrap large enough to wrap all three layers. Spread green layer with raspberry jam, and top with uncolored layer. Spread with apricot jam, and top with pink layer. Transfer layers to a baking sheet, and enclose with plastic wrap. Place a heavy pan or cutting board on top of wrapped layers to compress. Chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight. Remove plastic wrap. Top with melted chocolate chips, and refrigerate 1 hour, or until chocolate is firm. Slice into small squares to serve.
Christmas Crinkles by Joyce Ann Acosta 1 cup all purpose flour • 3⁄4 tsp baking powder • 1⁄4 tsp salt • 1⁄4 cup unsalted softened butter • 1 cup white sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp red or green food coloring • 1 tbsp cocoa powder or matcha powder 1 cup powdered sugar Combine flour, baking powder and salt together, in another bowl, whisk butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients to the mixture. Add cocoa powder and red food coloring for Red Velvet Crinkles. Or add matcha powder and green food coloring for Matcha Green Tea Crinkles.Chill mixture for 2 hours. Form 1 tablespoon of dough into balls and roll into powdered sugar. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.
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Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies by Callie Bryan 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking soda • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup light brown sugar • 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar 2 sticks butter, softened • 2 large eggs 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 ⁄4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks • 1 cup caramel bits or caramel candies, chopped
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and fine salt together in a bowl. In a mixer, beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar and butter together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and caramel bits. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between the cookies. Bake for 13 minutes.
Butter Pecan Cookies by Alexis Nelson 1½ heaping cups pecan halves • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled at least 10 minutes 1¼ cup dark brown sugar tightly packed • ½ cup sugar 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk room temperature preferred 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract • 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cornstarch • ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder • ¾ teaspoon salt ½ cup Heath Toffee bits optional but recommended! Preheat oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecan halves evenly over cookie sheet and bake on 350F for 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven (do not turn off your oven) and set aside while you prepare your cookie dough. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugars. Stir well. Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir until well-combined. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients until completely combined. Add chopped pecans and toffee bits (if using) and stir well. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and drop cookie dough by heaping 1½ tablespoon onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing at least 2" apart. Transfer to 350F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should still look soft/slightly under-done in the centers. Allow to cool completely on baking sheet and they will finish baking through as they cool but will stay nice and soft!
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Every parent knows the extremely overwhelming feeling of your child’s toys piling up. As their collection grows, so does your stress levels. There never seems to be enough room for them, and the thought of adding more to the mix on Christmas day is enough to send anyone up the wall. That is why it is an amazing idea to consider donating a few old toys before bringing new ones in. Asking your child to go through a few of their old toys and select the ones they want to donate is a great way to build character. It teaches them to be kind and caring for the less fortunate at such a young age. Teaching them compassion is one of the best things you can do for your child. Not only is it a remarkable life lesson, but it also helps tidy up your home and clear up some space for the new toys. If you would like to participate in this mission this Christmas, there are so many great organizations in the area that will accept these toys with open arms.
Backdoor Boutique Located on Fort Campbell, this organization helps military families by selling gently used items for a low annual fee. This location has assisted many military families get on their feet by providing them with clothes, household goods, toys, and more at a fraction of the cost. It is located at 2304 Indiana Ave, Fort Campbell, TN 42223 and can reached at 270-956-1566.
Salvation Army The toys donated to the Salvation Army will be sold at a low cost to help fund rehabilitation programs that heal addictions, change lives, and restore families all over the country. They assist approximately 25 million Americans every year and are active in 130 countries.
Goodwill Goodwill prides itself on changing people’s lives through the power of employment, training, and education. The donations made to the store are resold in order to provide jobs for thousands. The Tennessee division is one of state’s largest employers of people with disabilities with more than 85 percent of their workforce reporting some type of disability or disadvantage.
Habitat for Humanity This organization is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and making decent, affordable shelter for all that need it. Since 1992, the Montgomery County branch has amazingly partnered with 98 low-income families and over 225 children to revamp neighborhoods throughout Clarksville and Montgomery County. They can do this by selling donations for a cheap and affordable price.
Local Churches and Daycares Many churches and daycares in the area are always accepting toys for their childcare centers. The toys donated will be loved and played with by many little hands. Call and see if your church or daycare are currently accepting donations. 14
This month the Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club is shaking things up by having their monthly event at Strawberry Alley Ale Works on December 11th at 11am. They will eat a delicious brunch at Strawberry Alley, which will then be followed by shopping with special discounts at downtown Clarksville businesses. Proceeds from this event will be going to their highlighted charity, YaiPaks. They are dedicated to showing the homeless that they are important. This organization partners with caseworkers to assist in transitioning homeless veterans from off the streets and into housing. In order to achieve this task, they help by lifting the initial financial burden, which allows them to focus on their future. Due to generous donations, each veteran is gifted a Tote of Hope. The totes are filled with everything they need to equip their kitchen and the bathroom as they move in. YaiPaks are always accepting donations to help fill these awesome Totes of Hope. A few things that they are looking for are bedding, dishes, utensils, pots & pans, towels, laundry detergent, laundry baskets, toilet paper, paper towels, brooms, mops, buckets, soap, cleaning products, sponges, and trash cans. Donations can be dropped off at their warehouse on Mondays from 9am-12pm or Thursdays from 5pm-8pm or anytime at their dropbox located at LifePoint Church, 1915 Rossview Rd. The dropbox is located behind the left side of the church, under the metal stairs. They also accept financial donations on their paypal account, which can be found at yaioutreach.org/get-involved/. These donations will be used to help them relocate into a larger warehouse so that they can better serve the homeless community in God’s name. 16
Who doesn’t love a handmade so special and irreplaceable. the years, it is a reminder of DIY ornaments are so much together and are typically Thank you to for sharing some ornament ideas
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Christmas ornament? They are When they fill the tree over past holiday memories. fun for families to create easy to make. OneCreativeMommy.com quick and easy DIY with us this month.
Felt Snowmen Ornaments Materials: Felt scraps (I used white, green, and orange.)
Jute, twine, or ribbon Fabric glue (I like Elmer’s Craft Bond) Cotton balls Sock scraps, ribbon, or fabric scraps (for the snowman scarf) Elmer’s glitter glue Small sticks Googly eyes or buttons (for snowman eyes — optional) Hot glue and glue gun (optional)
Instructions: Draw a simple snowman shape on card stock, cut it out, and trace it twice onto white or cream felt. Cut out the felt shapes. Stretch cotton balls out to make a small fluffy layer on top of the first layer of felt. Squeeze a bead of glue around the outside edge of the felt. Cut a piece of jute or ribbon for the ornament hanger and lay it and the stick arms in the glue. Lay the second felt shape on top and press the edges together. Add extra glue as needed. Decorate the snowman with wiggly eyes, felt scraps, and glitter glue.
Homemade Santa Claus Christmas Tree Ornaments Materials: 1 macrame ring for each ornament (2″ diameter or slightly smaller)
red and white yarn (the inexpensive kind)
narrow white pipe cleaners (also called chenille stems) blue and red beads (one red and two blue for each ornament) fabric scissors Instructions: Cut red and white yarn into 10-12″ segments (you’ll need 14-18 of each color for each ornament)
Form one piece of yarn into a loop, and slide the loop under the ring Lift up the loop and the two ends. Thread the two ends of the yarn through the loop (over the ring) Continue looping strands of yarn until one half of the loop is covered in red and the other half is covered in white. (We used two or three more white strands than red.) Leave a small space for the pipe cleaner to fit. Thread a blue, red, and blue bead onto the pipe cleaner. Attach it across the middle of the ring (between the red and white yarn) by rolling the ends around the ring. Unravel the white yarn by twisting it gently in your fingers until the threads separate. (Twist it in the opposite direction that the strands are wound together.) Once the threads have separated, carefully pull apart the individual strands. Some kids may need more help with this part than others. One twin wanted help, and the other did it by herself (slowly). Gather the red yarn at the top, and tie it off with a loop of red or white yarn. (This will also be the hanger for your ornament.) Trim the red yarn if necessary. Give Santa’s beard a trim (if desired) by carefully rounding the outside edges.
All Month Drive Through Christmas Light Show Clarksville Speedway - December 1-Jan 1 • open at dusk • clarksvillespeedway.com Each year daily through New Years Day, the Clarksville Speedway lights up the Christmas season! Start a new holiday tradition with your family while enjoying over 1 mile and over 2 million lights from the comfort of your car. Military discount available every night.
Christmas on the Cumberland
McGregor Park, Clarksville - December 1-Jan 1 • 5 - 11pm cityofclarksville.com/384/Christmas-on-the-Cumberland The City of Clarksville is celebrating their 20th year of Christmas on the Cumberland, and it is sure to create some remarkable memories this holiday season. The event will host captivating displays of over one million lights. Visitors will also get to enjoy seasonal crafts, dances, and activities.
GLOW Nashville
Nashville Sounds First Tennessee Park - December 1-3 1 • 4 - 10pm • glowholiday.com Nashville’s Brightest Christmas Experience. As the newest must-see holiday attraction in the Southeast, GLOW Nashville features one of the country’s tallest Christmas trees, millions of lights adorning larger-than-life sculptures, epic ice skating and tubing experiences, a life-size Santa’s Workshop and many more immersive activities designed to create memories for all ages.
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Trees of Christmas at Smith Trahern
Smith Trahern Mansion, Clarksville • 9am-2pm • fceclarksville.org There is nothing like a few gorgeous Christmas trees to get you into the holiday spirit. The Smith Trahern house displays more than 20 Christmas trees. Each room is also beautifully decorated all throughout the house. The trees are open for display Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for a $2 donation. Every tree will be specially designed and decorated by a local club or organization. 19
Fort Campbell Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
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McAuliffe Hall • 5:30pm • campbell.armymwr.com Enjoy holiday music by 101st Division Band. Join in with your family in singing Christmas carols. There will be children’s crafts and and a special visitor from the North Pole. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
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Clarksville Festival of the Nativity
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Clarksville clarksvillefestivalofthenativity.org • 4-8pm A three-day, self-guided, free community event featuring hundreds of magnificently crafted nativity sets and artwork, including a life-size indoor nativity. Enjoy live musical performances each night, with a special offering of Handel's Messiah by the acclaimed Nashville Community Choir, performed at 6 pm on Saturday. May your Christmas season begin with the inspiring 10th annual Clarksville Festival of the Nativity!
Vintage Market Days of Nashville
Fairgrounds Nashville • vintagemarketdays.com/market/nashville • 10am Vintage Market Days of Nashville is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more.
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Clarksville Christmas Parade
Downtown Clarksville • 5pm cityofclarksville.com/377/Clarksville-Christmas-Parade The Clarksville Christmas Parade is celebrating 60 years, and to honor this great milestone, this year’s theme will be Christmas through the Ages. The parade begins at Austin Peay and runs through Historic Downtown Clarksville. It is going to be fun for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it.
Festival of Trees
Janice Mason Art Museum, Cadiz • visitcadiz.com The Janice Mason Art Museum in Downtown Cadiz will feature a number of Christmas trees with various decorating styles. You can view the trees and then enjoy the annual Christmas parade through Cadiz. They also will have ornament making in the basement classroom from 3:30 to 6pm.
Cadiz Christmas Parade
Downtown Cadiz KY • visitcadiz.com • 6pm The perfect way to kick-off the Christmas season with floats, bands and Santa. The parade starts at the Trigg County School Campus and goes through downtown Cadiz. 20
Christy Nockels Christmas Concert
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New Work Fellowship Church, Hopkinsville • newworkfellowship.com • 7pm This Christmas I want to invite you and your family to join me and my family as we worship the King during this holiday season. Christmas is such an amazing time to come together and remember the hope we have in Jesus, and to rediscover the hope He has given us to offer the world. We hope you'll join us for this night of awe and wonder as we worship Him together.
Ugly Sweater Run
Shaw PFC • campbell.armymwr.com • 10am Wear your favorite ugly sweater - or any fun themed outfit for the 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. The run is part of the Tri-City Holiday Run Series. A Photo opportunity at the MWR backdrop located near the Start/Finish line. Pet Friendly (leashed please). Strollers Welcome.
Holiday Express
Smokehaus Restaurant • campbell.armymwr.com • 9:30am All Aboard the Holiday Express! Come in your warm pajamas and bring your blanket & pillow. Children can enjoy cereal, apple juice, hot chocolate, train rides, movies and popcorn, selfies with Santa and cookie decorating.
Spirit Fest
1st Presbyterian Church and Trinity Episcopal Church fpcclarksville.org/spiritfest_microsite • 2pm Join us while you wait for the Clarksville Christmas parade to begin at 5 p.m. Park early and enjoy a variety of activities. There will be kids’ inflatables, Santa Claus, live music, art and gift markets, free dessert and hot chocolate and food trucks.
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Ride Through Live Nativity
Grace Church of the Nazarene, Clarksville • clarksvillegrace.org • 6-9pm Park at Northest High School and board buses to the church. Ride on wagons through the live nativity as you hear the nativity story by a storyteller. Live animals are also part of the scene. The choir provides music and you will also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. On Sunday you can drive the nativity in your own vehicle.
Skatin’ on the Square
Downtown Hopkinsville • visithopkinsville.com Hopkinsville will be transformed into Hopkins-chill, offering an array of family-friendly holiday activities downtown, including the 2nd Annual Skatin’ on the Square event. The 2,500-square foot rink, which measures approximately 60 feet long, will be positioned within the Founders Square parking lot and accommodate 80 skaters at a time. 21
German Christkindlmarkt
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Christ Lutheran Church, Clarksville • christlutheranclarksville.org • 4pm Fri - 10:30am Sat Wander through our annual German Christmas market as you browse one of a kind high-quality handmade gifts by local craftsmen, listen to live Christmas music and enjoy a grilled bratwurst or warm mug of gluhwein. You're sure to find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list at Christ Lutheran's Christkindl Market.
Candle Light Christmas
Historic Collinsville, Clarksville • visitclarksvilletn.com • 4pm Enjoy candlelight tours with docents along the grounds. Enjoy carolers, music, period decor, and other activities. Stroll through the earliest Lewis House, the Batson Dogtrot House, smoke house, church/school house, wildlife center and more.
19th Century Christmas
Fort Defiance Civil War Park, Clarksville • cityofclarksville.com • 3:30pm Come join us for a 19th century Christmas party. Visitors will be able to step back in time and create period decorations, visit with a 19th century Santa and decorate the tree. Participants will also enjoy eggnog, cakes, caroling, and more! There are two different time slots for your convenience.
Hopkinsville Christmas Parade
Downtown Hopkinsville • cityofclarksville.com • 3:30pm This Christmas parade is like no other. It takes place at night so that Christmas lovers can take in all the magical light displays like never before. Viewing the floats at nighttime is truly an unique experience. Little ones will be completely blown away. Be sure to visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market prior to the parade as they feature a Christmas Market on the Square from 10am until the parade starts.
Dickens of Christmas
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Downtown Franklin • downtownfranklintn.com • 10am The largest outdoor Christmas festival in middle Tennessee. The festival recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’ stories. Expect to see and interact with many of the characters from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.
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Winter Noise
Makeda Street - 1885 Fort Campbell Blvd • facebook.com/events/1444320525725258 • 6pm Winter noise happens for the entire community who is invited to make a joyful noise to celebrate the Winter Solstice . Meet at Makeda Street - 1885 Fort Campbell Blvd in our fun festive and warm holiday gear singing Christmas carol classics lead by none other than xxxxxx. Who do you think it is? 22
Holiday Activites on Post
Fort Campbell MWR has a ton of fun and exciting events happening all month long. These events are a great opportunity for families to come together and bask in some holiday cheer. You are going to want to mark down December 6th on your Christmas “to-do” list. The gorgeous tree lighting ceremony is back and is set to take place at the Division Headquarters at 5:30 pm. There will be festive music and even Santa will be attending. On December 14, they will be hosting Parent’s Day Out. It will be from 9 am until 4 pm, and it is the perfect opportunity to go shopping for those amazing Christmas gifts. Best part about it? It is on a Saturday. Go out and grab some lunch with your spouse while you’re at it. Registration is required and needs to be completed by December 11th. Other great events include the Ugly Sweater Fun Run on December 7th. There will be options of a 5k, as well as a 1 mile. This event is free for all to enjoy. Registration begins at 9 am, and the race starts at 10 am. It will be located Shaw PFC parking area. For all the families with young kids, you will want to check out The Holiday Express event that is set to take place at the Smokehaus. It is $6 a person, and will feature crafts, yummy treats, movies, and more. It will begin on December 7th at 9:30 am and run until noon. Come in your pajamas and bring your blanket! There will also be the Holiday Happenings celebration that is set to take place on December 11th from 5 pm until 7 pm at the R.F. Sink Memorial Library. It is completely free, and will offer live music, fantastic Christmas stories, and refreshments for all. Finally, Trees for Troops is returning for another fantastic year to Fort Campbell. This awesome organization donates real life Christmas trees for active duty military members and their families. Keep an eye on the Fort Campbell MWR Facebook page for dates, details and time that these trees will be given out.
When do you Decorate? There is a lifelong debate that retail stores, the internet, and families across the country get into every single year. When is the best time to decorate for Christmas? When exactly should your family put up and decorate their tree? It seems like no one can seem to agree. So, we reached out to a few military spouses’ and asked them the age-old question “When do you decorate for Christmas?” This is what they had to say. “We start to decorate after eating Thanksgiving lunch. By Thanksgiving night, just about everything is put up and we are ready for Christmas. My family has done this since I was a little kid.” Tereasa from California “I don’t really have a set time to do it. I just wait until after Thanksgiving. It feels weird to me to be celebrating Thanksgiving surrounded by Christmas stuff.” Carol from Louisiana “Ours go up right after Halloween. On November 1st they go up every single year. The lights and the tree brighten my mood, so I want to enjoy it more than 25 days. I’m just glad I married someone that agrees with this.” Kathy from Texas “I am really lazy when it comes to decorating for any holiday, not just Christmas. I will usually throw a wreath on the door and stick up a small tree about two weeks before and call it a day. I don’t have kids yet, so this hasn’t been an issue.” Brooklyn from Florida “Does Santa not bring the tree for anyone else? This has always been the case for my family. He brings it on Christmas eve and it is there when the children wake up. It brings so much magic to the day.” Bailee from New Mexico “We just do it whenever the kids start asking to decorate. Normally a few days after Thanksgiving.” Jewel from Missouri “My family decorates after Halloween. If I am going into storage to put up our Halloween decorations, I might as well grab the Christmas ones. It saves me from having to crawl back up into the attic an additional day.” Anne from Wisconsin
December Family Fun Events The ASYMCA has so many incredibly fun events for families to participate in this month that you aren’t going to want to miss. The Armed Services YMCA is dedicated to serving soldiers and their loved ones. Last month, the organization selected their winners for the Jack Daniels Operation Ride Home event. They paid for the winning service member’s flight home for the holidays. To keep the giving spirit rolling, they kick things off with their Cookies with Santa event on December 12th at 3068 Reed Ave, which is the Armed Services YMCA location. It begins at 5pm, and there will be yummy treats, a chance to meet Santa, and so much more. You won’t want to miss it! They will also be giving away some free coffee makers for all our coffee loving soldiers out there. The distribution date and time of these 1-2 cup coffee has yet to be determined. Visit the Armed Services YMCA Facebook page for details. Other ongoing programs that the ASYMCA will be hosting this month include the St. Nicholas Society Friends Program, in which they will be sponsoring Christmas gifts to 7 families, the Backdoor Boutique which is a great way to buy gifts and help out, as well as their usual playgroups. These groups meet Monday through Thursday at 10:30am until 11:30am and are for children 4 and under. The groups offer lots of fun holiday activities, such as the making of handprint reindeer and more. For any questions regarding these events, call the Armed Services YMCA at 270-798-7422.
Using the holidays to volunteer and help your surrounding communities is a great way for your family to make a difference. Making this special holiday more about giving than receiving can really warm one’s heart. It can give the month of December a whole new meaning. There are several organizations in the Fort Campbell area that are always accepting new volunteers. Whether you do it one time, or make it a weekend routine, volunteering your time is a perfect way to spread some Christmas cheer. Tennova Hospice This program focuses on meeting the needs of patients. They are partners with the “We Honor Veterans” program and are always looking to recruit active military and Veteran volunteers. Tennova Hospice also has a children’s grief support group from 6-16, as well as provide grief support through Camp Willow Creek each year. The organization is always welcoming volunteers with license in cosmetology, pet therapy or any other special service obtained. The patients are sure to love it, and it will help bring a smile to their faces. Please go to 311 Landrum Place; Suite A500 Clarksville, TN to volunteer. Loaves and Fishes Loaves and Fishes is a non-profit created to feed the hungry of the Clarksville TN area. This amazing soup kitchen serves around 150-200 meals daily. They are always accepting helping hands in assisting this mission to run smoothly. They also accept food donations. To volunteer, contact them through their website loavesandfishestn.org USO Fort Campbell Located in your own backyard, the USO Fort Campbell is always looking for volunteers to help assist them in bringing a little more magic to the daily lives of military families. Volunteers ensure that the USO is a warm and welcoming environment for the soldiers and families that need it. To sign up to volunteer, go to volunteers.uso.org Serenity House Woman’s Shelter Inc This organization prides itself on providing transitional housing and supportive services for homeless mothers and their children. The Serenity House allows Mothers and their children to stay in a safe caring environment while they work towards independent living. They are always accepting volunteers and say “no time served is too small”. To volunteer, contact them at serenityhouseshelter.com Urban Ministries Clarksville Urban Ministries was founded on June 28, 1984 with the desire to assist in meeting basic human needs of those who were living in the Clarksville/Montgomery County area. Not long into the mission, they saw a need to protect victims of domestic violence. That is why in 1991, 29
they created the SafeHouse Domestic Violence Shelter as a sanctuary for battered women and their children. To volunteer and join in on this mission, to go clarksvilleurbanministries.com/volunteer/ Aaron McNeil Center The Aaron McNeil House, Inc. strives to promote the wellbeing of families in the Hopkinsville/Christian County community through Crisis Relief and Adult Educational programs. They offer help to families with basic needs including food, housing, utilities, and medication. They also help with Job Readiness Training, and budget counseling. If you would like to lend a helping hand, go to aaronmcneil.org/volunteer-information/ Manna Café Ministries Manna Café Ministries is dedicated to serving the people in need in Clarksville/Montgomery County through a soup kitchen on wheels, food box distribution, and other vital resources. In 2018, they remarkably distributed 2 million pounds of food. To help serve this cause, go to mannacafeministries.com/volunteer/ For more organizations that are always in need of a few more giving souls, go to www.volunteermatch.org
Santa Shot 1 part grenadine syrup 1 part green creme de menthe 1 part peppermint schnapps Pour grenadine to about 1/3 of your shot glass. Carefully layer equal parts of the creme de menthe, then the peppermint schnapps. (Don't worry if the schnapps and creme de menthe blend together, as mine did.) You can garnish it with crushed candy canes, if you want.
Eggnog Martini 2 1â „2 ounces eggnog 1 ounce vanilla vodka 1 ounce amaretto Caramel syrup Brown sugar Cinnamon Stick Fill a shaker with ice and pour in the eggnog, vodka and amaretto, and shake until chilled. Rim a chilled martini glass with a mixture of caramel syrup and brown sugar (you can either pour both on a saucer and rub the glass in them, or dip the glass into the caramel syrup from one saucer and the brown sugar in another if you're struggling to get it to stick). Strain the mixture into martini glass, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
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Chocolate Peppermint Stick 1 1/2 ounce white creme de cacao 1 ounce cream 1 ounce peppermint schnapps 1 teaspoon grenadine 1 mini candy cane Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the creme de cacao, cream and peppermint schnapps. Shake well until chilled. Strain ingredients into a chilled martini glass. Slowly drop the teaspoon of grenadine right in the middle so it settles to the bottom. Garnish with a small peppermint candy cane (or, optionally, crush the candy cane and sprinkle it on top) and serve.
Cafe Nelson 3 4 3 4
⁄ ounce Baileys ⁄ ounce Frangelico 5 ounces hot black coffee 1 1⁄2 ounces whipped cream 1 teaspoon sugar
Pour the coffee into an Irish coffee cup with the liqueurs. Add sugar to taste (hint: less sugar-obsessed palettes may not want any). Float the whipped cream on top and serve. You can garnish this drink with a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon or chopped hazelnuts on top.
Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com
Red Rudolph 1 2
⁄ ounce orange curacao ⁄ ounce cinnamon schnapps 1 ⁄2 ounce vodka 6 ounces cranberry juice
3 4
Heat the cranberry juice until it’s hot. Pour everything else into an Irish coffee mug and then slowly add the hot juice. The temperature of the drink will be warm. Top it with whipped cream and garnish with sugar sprinkles on top. 32
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The USO Fort Campbell Holiday Week is quickly approaching, and you aren’t going to want to miss it. They will have a fantastic line up of events and programs starting on December 6th , so it’s time to get excited. They are kicking off their Holiday week with Soledier Socks, a company with a mission to serve our military by offering a complimentary pair of socks to our active duty military for every pair of socks purchased. The Soledier Socks event kicks off at lunch on Friday, December 6th at 11:30 a.m. at the USO building. During this event, each child will get to color/design their own pair of socks. The lucky winner of the sock coloring competition will get their design printed on a pair of socks named after their soldier. It will be a day that is guaranteed to bring lots of smiles. Some of the other fun events that take place during our Holiday Week are the USO Fort Campbell’s annual Great Gift Give Away, Movie Night, Smores with Santa and Holiday Dinner. All of the events are open to our active duty, guard, reserve and dependents. Registration for these events will be online. The USO Holiday Week runs from December 6th through December 13th. Be sure to follow USO Fort Campbell on Facebook to stay up to date on the most current happenings and learn how to register for the programs. Happy Holidays!
All USO events are for our Active Duty/Guard/Reserve Service members and their families and are offered FREE of charge. The USO says the events are their way of saying thank you to them for their service. 34
Christmas traditions are one of the most memorable parts about the holiday. They are the things that we all look forward to and remember as we age. Each family has their own set of special traditions that are passed down from many generations, but it is always so much fun to adopt a few new ones. Here are a few fascinating and family friendly Christmas traditions to add to your celebration routine.
Build a Gingerbread House Who doesn’t love the smell of sweet gingerbread and royal icing to fill their home? Whether you bake your gingerbread fresh, or buy a kit from the store, creating a unique house every holiday season is a great way to spend a December night.
Write Letters to Santa Santa loves to receive letters from good girls and boys for the entire holiday season. Write those special letters that share all of your present wishes and send them on their way to the North pole. Maybe Santa will write one back as well.
Create Christmas Cards Every Mom out there loves to have any reason to dress up the entire family and get some amazing pictures taken. Sending out yearly Christmas cards is a great way to accomplish that goal. A huge bonus to keeping up this yearly tradition is being able to see your family age and progress over the years.
Visit a Tree Farm Going to a local tree farm and hand selecting this year’s Christmas tree is such an exciting moment for everyone in the entire family. It is a yearly trip that you will be able to look forward to every December. Not to mention how wonderful fresh cut Christmas trees smell in your home. 37
Elf on the Shelf If your kids are old enough to enjoy the craziness that these little elves bring into the home, this tradition can be fun for the entire family. Just look up the unique way to start this fun and family friendly tradition.
Make Homemade Ornaments Every parent loves having homemade keepsakes from their children just as much as children love to create them. Having a day dedicated to making a new DIY ornament for the tree is an excellent way to slowly build up a collection of irreplaceable and special ornaments.
Get Matching Pajamas Getting new pajamas every year around Christmas time is a tradition as old as time. Now, families are kicking it up a notch by getting matching PJ sets. Not only is this idea so adorable, but it also helps to make some great Christmas morning photos.
Hide a Christmas Pickle This tradition is quite old, and many families have different ways of playing. One way is to hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first family member to find it wins a prize or gets to open a family gift on Christmas morning.
Special Christmas Breakfast Find a recipe that is absolutely delicious and set it aside for one time a year. Only creating this special breakfast one day a year truly helps make it a great memory as you grow older. It is something that could be passed down for generations.
Have a Holiday Movie Night What is better than getting warm and cozy on the couch while watching some of the best Christmas movies out there? Add a little bit of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, and it is a perfect night. Make sure to create the best movie playlist you can. 38
The most hazardous time for anyone to drive is in dangerous winter conditions. The Clarksville and Hopkinsville areas receive fairly moderate holiday seasons, but there are still occasions where snow and ice can become a problem. If you are planning to travel over the holidays preparing for winter driving can help make a trip much safer, can assist with an emergency or could even prevent injury or a fatal accident. Be ready for the winter drive by taking your vehicle in for a winter check up. Before the trip, check the weather and leave early if required and let others know your route and arrival time. Plan your traveling for daylight Pre-Winter Drive Vehicle Check List: hours because after the sun goes down, driving Check battery life and condition. becomes even more hazardous. When the sun Change your oil. sets, ice reforms and it becomes harder to see Measure your tire tread depth. Take a penny such that Lincoln due to the reflections of snow and ice. is facing you and upside down. If you can put the penny in the tread and still see the top of his head, then your tires need to If you are a Soldier and headed on a trip make be replaced before doing any heavy travel. sure you use the Travel Risk Planning System Purchase new windshield wipers. (TRIPS) which can be found at Fill your antifreeze container. safety.army.mil/. Have a full tank of gas. Always keep your command aware of your plans.
Emergency Vehicle Kit: Flashlights • Jumper cables Abrasive material to use for removing a car stuck in snow or ice (sand, kitty litter, floor mats) Shovel • Snow brush • Ice scraper Warning devices (flares) • Blankets Phone chargers • Snacks
The holiday season may include social gatherings that include alcohol. If you plan to drink, plan for a designated driver or plan to sleep nearby. Bottom line: don’t endanger yourself or others by getting behind the wheel when you have been drinking. Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.
If your car breaks down, pull to the side of the road: Place bright markers on the antenna or windows. Shine the dome light. Stay in your car. If you run your car make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and run it just enough to stay warm.
Other Safety Tips For Winter Driving: Slow down! Stopping distance increases in winter conditions and speed is a killer. Clear ice and snow from lights, windows, and license tag. No peephole driving! Allow more space between the vehicles in front of you. For every 10 mph, you should leave one to two car lengths between you and the next vehicle. Ensure that everyone is buckled up and use those child seats properly. Get plenty of rest for the trip. Stop at least every three hours. Rotate drivers if possible. 40
It can be difficult when the holiday season rolls around and your family is on a tight budget. Many families across America are living paycheck to paycheck, and funding Christmas can seem almost impossible. If you feel this way, do not panic. There are so many budget-friendly ways to celebrate this special day.
Decorations are a big deal when it comes to Christmas. The problem is, everyone knows how expensive it can be. One of the main things to focus on is your tree, and there are multiple options on how to get one for almost nothing. Every year, Trees for Troops gives military families real Christmas trees for free. For times and location visit campbell.armymwr.com. If you can not make it to this event for any reason, consider looking at discount stores such as Dirt Cheap, Ollie’s, or Bargain Hunt for an artificial tree. They are usually very affordable at these locations. Walmart also sells a 6 foot tree that is very wallet-friendly. When it comes time to buy ornaments for your new tree, stop by the Dollar Tree. They sell a wide variety of Christmas decorations that will help you and your family get into the holiday spirit. Also, creating a few DIY ornaments is not only great family fun, but it can help bring your tree to life. When searching for Christmas events to attend, make sure to search for free light shows around town. There are so many businesses and homes that love to decorate for this wonderful holiday. There will also be fun and free holiday parades going on in surrounding areas that your family can attend and enjoy. Another great budget-friendly Christmas tradition to participate in is the baking of Christmas cookies. Baking can be inexpensive, and it is an awesome way for your kids to feel involved in a sticky and messy tradition. One of the main things families tend to stress about when December 25th approaches is being able to afford presents for all of your loved ones. It can seem like the list of people that you want to buy gifts for is always growing. If you are on a tight budget this year, consider gifting homemade presents or baked goods. Grandparents would adore a homemade ornament from their precious grandchildren. Other friends and family will be ecstatic to open a box filled with delicious fresh baked cookies. Who doesn’t love a present that they can eat? Buying presents for your children and spouse can get a little trickier, but don’t fret, there are many great options on how to shop on a budget. Return to the discount stores around town throughout December. They are often restocking their stores with new toys and merchandise. It also never hurts to check your favorite online stores like Amazon daily to catch a good flash sale here and there. Christmas isn’t about how much money you spend or how big your tree is. It is about gathering together with the ones you love the most and making some unforgettable memories. Don’t stress out and go broke over this one day. Your family will still love spending that special day together, and that is all that matters. 41
Christmas is a prime time to travel when a loved one is in the military. Many service members get to spend a few days off of work and can go wherever they please. These few weeks are a perfect time to load up the suitcase and go on an amazing getaway. Take advantage of it being the holiday season and take a trip to a place that has a remarkable Christmas celebration. Here are a few great ideas to look into for this December.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee The gorgeous Tennessee mountains are the perfect place to spend a few days away. This thriving city is always alive and well and has so many great things to offer its guests. Consider renting a cute little cabin to really make this trip all warm and cozy. They also have a wide variety of winter events such as the Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights, the Festival of Trees, and so much more.
© gatlinburg.com
© stonemountainpark
Stone Mountain, Georgia Stone Mountain is a city located outside of Atlanta, Georgia that is beautifully decorated for Christmas. They help create magical holiday memories by offering an unforgettable Christmas parade, Christmas shows and musicals, a snow mountain, a remarkable lightshow, and other great events. 43
© stonemountainpark
Disney World If you have never been to Disney World during the holiday season, it is time to put it on your bucket list. This already magical theme park completely transforms into a winter wonderland. There are lights, trees, and decorations on every corner. They also wow guests with breath taking light shows and parades. It is the perfect way to spend a few days away.
© DisneyParks
Washington, D.C The nation’s capital really goes all out for Christmas. The city is beautifully decorated and there is always a holiday event going on around town. It is recommended by many to stop by and check out the National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace exhibit. It is truly an unique experience. © thenationaltree.org
New York City You can’t have a holiday vacation guide without mentioning one of the biggest holiday celebration towns in the country. Stay in town through New Years and participate in the most well-known New Year’s Eve celebration in the world. Watching the ball drop in person is a time in your life that you will never forget. © NYC & Company © NYC & Company
Chicago, Illinois If you are looking for some snow, this city is the way to go. Chicago is so busy during the holidays that the huge and extravagant light shows just don’t stop. Travelers are recommended to check out the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo and St. Lucia Festival of Lights in Andersonville. © Choose Chicago © Choose Chicago
Branson, Missouri This town was named ‘America's Christmas Tree City and Live Music Show Capital of the World’, and for good reason. Branson goes all out for Christmas, and it is a vacation that will blow you away. Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas entertains guests with amazing live shows and performances, as well as Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride. © Branson CVB
© Branson CVB
Your head is pounding, the sneezing is constant, and you can’t breathe out of your nose. These symptoms are something we unfortunately become very familiar with during the cold winter months. Common colds invade almost every house this time of the year, and there is nothing worse than being sick on Christmas. If you wake up one morning with a stuffy nose and body aches, then you may want to try a few of these great tricks that are said to ease your symptoms. Stay Hydrated Water is truly a miracle worker when it comes to our overall health. When you are battling a cold, you want to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Not only will this prevent dehydration, but it will also aid in loosening congestion. Rest It can seem almost impossible around the holidays to stop and rest, but it is something your body really needs. Laying down and allowing your body to focus on fighting off this nasty bug is one of the best things you can do. Use Saline Drops One of the worst things about colds is the inability to breathe out of your nose. It can make sleeping at night almost impossible. Using saline drops in your nose helps break up mucus and clear airways when combined with the use of a nasal bulb. This method can be used in people of all ages, young and old. Run Humidifiers The use of a humidifier in your home can really be a game-changer. These machines help add moisture to your home, which will loosen up your congestion. The quicker you get all the junk out of your passageways, the better you will feel. Manage Pain Using over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can get you through the achy pains that come with the common cold. Also, cough drops and vapor rubs can assist you in managing your sore throat and stuffy nose. Vitamin C Studies now reveal that taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. But, taking vitamin C daily before catching a cold may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C is recommended for children and adults that may be frequently exposed to the illness, such as those attending daycares, schools, or hospitals.
Can you believe it is almost time to ring in 2020? It seems like 2019 just began. As always, you want to bring in this New Year with a bang, so go out and have some fun this New Year’s. Here are just a few of the events that are going on in the area that you are going to want to check out. Get ready to shout “Happy New Year!”
Afternoon New Year's Eve Celebration at Magic Wheels Fun Center Come on out on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 2pm to 5pm at Magic Wheels Fun Center. Located at 1671 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, Tennessee 37042. This event promises to provide all the fun of staying up late, without having to actually do it. It is perfect for all the families with small children that are wanting to celebrate the holiday together. There will be a ball drop at 4pm that you aren’t going to want to miss.
New Year’s Eve 2019 Party at O’Conner’s Irish Pub A local bar in Clarksville will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party that will come complete with some great drinks, and live music from the band ‘Neil Brock and the Cover Up’. The party begins at 9pm and will end at 1am. The bar can be found at 1198 Tylertown Rd, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040.
My Kinda Party New Year's Eve at Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar Located at 307 Broadway Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37201, this country star’s bar is ringing in the New Year in an unforgettable way. There will be live music, a countdown to midnight, and some amazing food and drinks served. The bar will open from 6pm and close its doors at 3am. Tickets are required and can be purchased on the event’s Facebook page.
Light It Up at Luke's 32 Bridge NYE Party This party will take place from 6pm until 3am at 301 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201. Tickets are required, and can be purchased on the event’s Facebook page, but this event is one any country fan will not want to miss. This rooftop bar will be the perfect place to ring in the New Year with a few close friends.
NYE Sparkling Wine Dinner in the Winery If you are searching for a more romantic way to celebrate the new year with your spouse, then this may be the event for you. Located at The City Winery, 609 Lafayette St, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, this fine dining experience will be one you can’t forget. It will offer a 4-course dinner, wine pairings, and complimentary valet parking. Dinner will start at 10pm on December 31st. Tickets can be found at CityWinery.com No matter what you decide to do on New Year’s, please remember to never drink and drive. Every year, around 10,000 people lose their lives due to this irresponsible decision. For your safety and the safety of others, have a designated driver or use a driving service such as Uber or Lyft. You don’t want to miss all that 2020 will have to offer. 47
Keep Your Fur Babies Warm By Jenelle Grewell
Your pets can be affected by the frigid temperatures during the winter season. Even with a coat of fur, your fur babies could be in danger from extended periods in the chilly air. Keep your Family’s pets in mind this winter and keep them safe and warm. Consider the fur Fur isn’t perfect. If it gets wet, it loses a lot of its ability to insulate and keep your pet warm. Make sure your pet has access to a dry, warm and draft-free shelter. Also think about the length of your pet’s coat. Short fur offers less protection than long fur, but the simplest conclusion is that if it is too cold for you outside, then it is too cold for your pet. Should you dress your pet for winter? While putting on winter coat on your pet sounds like the perfect solution, keep in mind certain factors. Don’t just put a coat on your pet and allow them to go outside alone. If their coat gets wet, they are at a higher risk of frost bite. Your pet may also try to get out of the coat, and that puts them at risk for suffocation from the coat.
Outdoor cat safety
Potty breaks for your pup
For outdoor, feral or abandoned cats, the cold winter months can be extremely harsh. That is why it is very important to start transitioning them to indoors several months before winter. It is best to start in late spring or early summer, when you can still leave a door or window open.
Most dogs use the restroom outside and when temperatures drop, be sure to make going the bathroom safe for them. Keep a small area of your yard shoveled of snow and clear a path to this spot if possible. Encourage your pet to use this area of the yard so they avoid treading through the snow and ice.
Start by leading the cat inside with treats and food, but leave the door or window open so it can escape easily. Once the cat gets used to being inside, start feeding them inside with the door closed but open the door as soon as they want out. You want the cat to see that coming inside is safe. After the cat is used to being inside, make sure you provide a stimulating environment with toys, play and cat trees. If the cat can’t transition to inside, you still need to be able to provide them with shelter. Make sure the shelter is warm and dry with fresh water. You can use something like a wooden box or even a cardboard box that is lined with foam board, old blankets or plastic on the sides and then line the bottom with old sleeping bags, coats, fleece and even hay. Check the bedding regularly to make sure it is not wet. Place the shelter under a covered porch or garage if you can and raise the refuge off the ground. Also get a bird bath heater to keep your kitty’s water from freezing. All of these tips for your kitty shelter also applies to a shelter for your pup.
When letting your dog out, stay close by and let them back inside as soon as they are finished. For really harsh weather, you may want to consider having inside options. Pee pads or pee patches with fake grass are great choices. Some smaller breeds can be trained to use a litter box. Be patient, training your dog to use the restroom indoors doesn’t happen overnight. Hypothermia symptoms and treatment Here are the symptoms of hypothermia in your pet: • • • • • • • • •
violent shivering, followed by listlessness weak pulse lethargy muscle stiffness problems breathing lack of appetite rectal temperature below 98 degrees coma cardiac arrest
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, begin hypothermia treatment: • •
•
bring your pet into a warm room give your pet a solution of 4 teaspoons of honey or sugar in warm water to drink, or if unable to drink, 1-2 teaspoons of corn syrup on the gums. This should give your pet an energy boost. Call your veterinarian.
Another danger to the cold is frostbite. Frostbite happens when a part of your pet’s body freezes. Watch for:
Make sure to monitor your pet’s paw pads. It doesn’t take long for their paws to freeze, and salt can cause even more damage. Boots can be the solution, but first get your dog ready for boots by slipping baby socks onto their feet until they are ready. Check that the dog boots are a snug fit, but not too tight for risk of cutting off circulation.
• • • • •
Consider age
•
Boots, coats and being outside in general are meant for healthy, adult pets. Puppies, kittens and older pets should not allowed outside. Kittens, puppies and older pets lack the fat, metabolism and the full coat of fur needed to stay warm.
•
pale, gray or blue skin at first red, puffy skin later pain in ears, tail, or paws when touched skin that stays cold shriveled skin
For frostbite treatment:
•
Apply warm but not hot water to frostbitten area for at least 20 minutes. Handle the affected area very carefully. Don’t rub or massage. Call your veterinarian immediately.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your fur Family safe and out of the danger this winter. Their needs are simple and easy, and with a little love and care, your pets can enjoy winter too.
Gander Memorial Relocates Thirty-four years ago, on December 12, 1985, the 101st Air Division suffered its largest loss in its entire history. Fort Campbell troops were returning home from Cairo, Egypt via Cologne, West Germany, and Gander, Canada on the Arrow Air Flight 1285. Many single soldiers made the decision to give up their seats on this flight to married service members to help ensure that they made it home to be with their families for Christmas.
Fort Campbell has recently relocated its Gander monument to help make more space for visitors, as well as concerns for the trees. Over the years, the trees were growing too close together, which could be harmful for their health. The monument was previously located at Wickham Avenue and Screaming Eagle Boulevard, but it now resides off of Tennessee Avenue, Normandy Boulevard, and expands to Wickham Avenue.
All 256 Canadian Sugar Maple trees, which were planted to honor every life that was lost on this tragic day, have been replanted at the new monument area behind Pratt Museum. The gorgeous stone monument that list every soldier’s name was also moved for the expansion. There has also been a walking path added, as well as the names of soldiers on stones at every tree foot. The expansion Gander Memorial overlooking Gander Lake, Gander Canada and relocation of this special All but twelve of the 248 monument will allow more servicemen onboard were members visitors the opportunity to come and of 101st Airborne Division. Most of pay their respects. them were soldiers with the 3d Battalion, 502nd Infantry. A few To rededicate and honor the fallen, of the others were from other there will be a special ceremony held Forces Command units; and one on December 12, 2019 at the new was an agent from the Criminal location. This ceremony is held every Investigations Command. year, but this year’s will be sure to be extra special. For more information There are currently two monuments regarding this monument or to honor the lives lost on this day. ceremony, contact the Don F. Pratt One is at the crash site that overlooks Museum at 270-798-4986. Gander Lake, and the other memorial was erected at Fort Campbell. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the flight from Gander, Canada never made it home. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft stalled, crashed, and burned about half a mile from the runway. This horrible accident killed all 248 soldiers and the 8 crew members on board. It is believed that the crash was caused by ice on the aircraft’s wings.