Christmas Greetings2024
Many reasons to look forward to Christmas
The Estevan Mercury is proud to present our annual Christmas greetings special.
The staff at the Mercury looks forward to Christmas each year, and we hope you are eager to celebrate as well, regardless of the reason.
We are always excited to bring this keepsake publication to you, our readers. We have described it as our Christmas card – a bright, colourful and beautiful Christmas card at that. We put a lot of thought and time into making this publication happen, so we hope you enjoy it.
from local businesses and organizations who share our gratitude for all of the support from the past 12 months.
This is our way of showing our appreciation to you for the support you have shown us during the past 12 months. The Mercury is Estevan’s oldest business, dating back to 1903, and we couldn’t last without the support of our readers and advertisers.
And in keeping with a tradition here at the Mercury, you’ll find out why local people are looking forward to Christmas. Young people are always excited for Christmas, and we have thoughts from Grade 2 students at Spruce Ridge School and the U12 atom athletes with the Estevan Sharks water polo club.
Some of the residents in longterm care at the Lampman Health Centre also gave their reasons for why they’re excited for Christmas. We always enjoy sharing the reflections of the young and the young at heart.
to be excited about next year’s holiday season.
Perhaps you wait for our paper each week. Or maybe you view the local stories online as they happen through our provincial news hub, www.sasktoday.ca. Or maybe you enjoy both the print and digital offerings. Regardless, thank you for the support and for all your feedback.
Please enjoy this year’s Christmas card. If you have family and friends visiting from out of town, we encourage you to share this with them as well.
The staff of the Estevan Mercury would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025.
In this year’s Christmas greetings publication, you’ll find messages
PRESENTED BY:
Christmas is going to be what you make of it. Hopefully, the reasons you’re looking forward to Christmas will come true, you’ll be able to make some new cherished memories, and you’ll have new reasons
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Spruce Ridge School ‘Looking Forward to Christmas’
The students at Spruce Ridge School were asked to participate in the Estevan Mercury’s Christmas Greetings feature. The Mercury sought out answers from the Grades 2A & 2B classes.
Beth Wilkinson
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I love to watch Christmas movies with my sister. Our favorite Christmas movie to watch is The Grinch. We also love to sing together.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Hailey Gonas
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I would like to get a mermaid doll. I am also excited to celebrate my birthday on January 29. We will also go to my grandmas on Christmas.
Age 6, Grade 2A
Braylee
Spencer
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I like celebrating Christmas with my family. I get to eat turkey with my family and make sugar cookies for Santa.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Riley McIntyre
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I like going to my grandma’s house and opening presents. I am also excited to bake cookies and eat them with my family.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Kate Swanson
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I cannot wait to get an advent calendar. I am also excited to watch the movie Elf. I also have lots of fun when my Elf on a Shelf comes to my house to visit. I like to go sledding and make snowmen. I also get to celebrate my birthday four days after Christmas.
Age 6, Grade 2A
Brody Wyatt
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I am excited to open presents. I would like a moon ball.
I am going to try and bounce it to the moon. I am also planning on going sledding with my friend Chris.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Will Garnier
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I like going to the twinkle skate with my family. We also love to spend lots of time outside playing in the snow. We go sledding, build snowmen, and snow forts. We will also open presents and drink hot chocolate.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Casey Schoff
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I get to spend it with my family. We will eat turkey dinner together. I hope we will have Jello for dessert. After we will look at the Christmas lights and drink hot chocolate.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Rosie Pilon
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I get to sleep under the Christmas tree. I will also get to go sledding with my family and have a snowball fight. I think my older sister Ruby will win.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Lennon Ruep
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I love it when we go skating with Santa. I enjoy putting up decorations with my family and building a gingerbread house.
Age 7, Grade 2A
to our families, friends and clients. Thank you for putting yourtrust in us.
Charlotte Boyle
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I get to open presents. I will make gingerbread men and decorate my Christmas tree. I also love to watch The Grinch movie.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Noah Salkeld
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I will go sledding with my friend Stellan. I will also get to do lots of fun things with my brothers and sister like skating with Santa and snowmobiling. I hope we get to make a gingerbread house and drink hot chocolate.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Hunter House
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I like to go sliding. After I am done playing outside, I like to drink hot chocolate. I am also excited to open presents. I am hoping to get a Play Station this year.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Ben Samson
Journee Drahun
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because every year we set out cookies for Santa. We will also watch movies every day and drink hot chocolate. If there is enough snow, we will go sledding.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Ivy Byers
I am looking forward to Christmas because I like treats. Elves are kind. Parties are fun at Christmas. Gifts are fun to get. I like decorating. It will be fun.
Age 7, Grade 2B
I am looking forward to Christmas because it is fun, and I am so excited when Santa comes. I am so excited to go sledding. I like Christmas so much because it is so fun. I get to spend time with my family. I like presents and I don’t fall off my sled.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Age 6, Grade 2A
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I love opening presents. I get to make cookies for Santa and drink hot chocolate. My family also likes to go sledding and play in the snow.
Ryker Wilhelm
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I have a hockey tournament. I am going to make a Christmas poster and watch Home Alone. I always have a good time with my family. We will make hot chocolate and snow cones.
Age 7, Grade 2A
Jordynn Drahun
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because I get to go sledding with my sisters. We always make chocolate chip cookies to set out for Santa. I really hope my Nana comes to visit too!
Age 7, Grade 2A
Reid Chase
I am looking forward to Christmas because we will be on a holiday. I can’t wait to get our Christmas tree and decorate it. I am excited to eat Christmas food and go to Christmas parties. Another thing I want to do is spy on Santa and the elves.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Zaiden Burkholder
I am looking forward to Christmas because we have a tree. I like gifts. I like Christmas cookies. My holiday will be awesome.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Kellen Melle
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I love to get presents. I am excited to find the elves. I love to decorate the tree with my brother. My elf is clever and is Santa real? I love to go with my family, and I love to play with my toys when I get them. I love it. I love Christmas.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Kendall Bakke
Photo not available
Eli Powder
I am looking forward to Christmas because I get gifts. I also like to give gifts. I like Santa. Christmas is fun.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Krew Jakulak
I am looking forward to Christmas because I can skate. I want to see Santa. Another thing I like at Christmas is parties. Christmas is fun.
Age 7, Grade 2B
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will just be fun. I hope I can go sledding. I hope I do not fall off my sled. My sled is really fast. I also really want to go skating at my neighbour’s. I like going skating. I’m excited that Santa might come. He is going to give me gifts that I want (a race car for Christmas). Christmas will be fun.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Elden Curtis
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I want to sled and I want to play with my cousins. I want to play with my sister. It will be fun to open presents and I want to drink hot chocolate. I want to see Santa and I want to see my aunty. I want to be with my family. I want to skate and play hockey. I also want to play soccer. I want to see an elf, Santa and his reindeer. I love Christmas.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Stellan Wilson
I am looking forward to Christmas because I hope to see my family this Christmas. My family is waiting every Christmas for me.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Parker Almond
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I am excited to go to a party. I will also play with my friends. I will go with my friends to see Santa. Something else I will do with my friends is eat candy.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Jaxson Jensen
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I am going to go sledding. I am going to see Santa. I am going to get gifts. I am going to eat Christmas food. Christmas will be fun.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Ella
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I am looking forward to sledding. Also, I love getting gifts.
Going to Christmas parties is so much fun! The most fun is spending time with my family. Christmas is so much fun!
Age 7, Grade 2B
Dawsyn Raynard
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I will go to the mall and say what I want to Santa. I like to open gifts. I like to decorate the Christmas tree.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Lucas Connors
I am looking forward to Christmas because I will have a party. I will go skating too! Next, I will play in the snow. Also, it is my birthday at Christmas time too!
Age 6, Grade 2B
Lucy Turnbull
Isabella Louttit-Schad
I am looking forward to Christmas because it will be fun. I am excited to decorate my tree. I also hope to see Santa. I like to give presents to my friends. I like to play in the snow.
Age 7, Grade 2B
Tyce Emmel
I am looking forward to Christmas because I can set up the tree. I can go sledding too. I am excited to play with my friends. Another thing I like at Christmas is opening gifts. Christmas is fun.
Grade 2B
Age 7, Grade 2B Kersey Wilson
I am looking forward to Christmas because Santa will come to my house. I also am excited for the elves to come. I am excited to decorate the tree. I’m also excited to spend time with my family. When I get up on Christmas morning, there will be presents under my Christmas tree. It will be fun.
Estevan Sharks Water Polo Club - U12 Atoms
Forward to Christmas’
My favourite thing about Christmas is spending time and playing games with my family. Having fun and joy.
8 years old Simon Hall
I‛m looking forward to spending time with family, baking and decorating Christmas cookies with my sisters. And opening presents.
11 years old Meredith Knoll
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because it‛s joyful and I get to spend time with my whole family. Oh, and the presents, got to love those presents!
10 years old
I‛m looking forward to hanging out with my family, opening my presents and making snow forts.
9 years old Raymond Johnson
What I am looking forward to this Christmas is I love the feeling of waking up Christmas morning, getting to open presents, seeing my dog and cat open presents, seeing my parents open their presents, visiting my grandparents, and I also love all the Christmas baking, both making and eating.
10 years old
I am looking forward to Christmas this year because of all the presents and having a break from school to spend time with family and friends, playing video games and eating lots of Christmas food and desserts like sugar cookies.
10 years old
ChMerryristmas
Ralph Enzo Panlilio
I am looking forward to all the presents I will receive. I will try to wake up at 3 a.m. to catch Santa and celebrate Christmas with my family.
9 years old
Eli Sclear
I like Christmas because I get to spend time with my family.
11 years old
Jaxon Reinhardt
Trepanier
The things I‛m looking forward to for Christmas are making Christmas cookies and watching Christmas movies like National Lampoon‛s Christmas Vacation, but what I‛m most excited for is having the whole family together this year and of course the presents.
10 years old Grace
I‛m looking forward to Christmas this year because I like spending time with my family. Christmas is not all about the presents, it‛s about being with the people you love. But I do enjoy picking out and giving gifts.
11 years old
Jaxson Ward
Since Christmas is in winter, I like staying inside and playing video games. I also like seeing what other people get and what I get. I like going sledding with my friends and I love Christmas trees; they look so nice. I also love advent calendars and Christmas decorations.
10 years old
Ayla Smelt
I get to see my family. I like opening gifts. I also like seeing my family‛s reactions to the gifts I gave them and the other gifts they get.
10 years old
Gavin Tinant
I am looking forward to Christmas because I like to get new toys and presents. I will get to see and visit with my friends and family. Being able to watch my favorite Christmas movies, like The Polar Express, Elf and Home Alone. I like to drive around and look at the Christmas lights and go to Woodlawn to see the light displays.
10 years old
Lampman Health Centre ‘Looking Forward to Christmas’
What I am looking forward to the most this Christmas is spending time with my family. Family means everything to me, and I come from a big family. We all get together around the holidays and play lots of games. I look forward to seeing if I get a gi . Even if it is a small gi , it means someone was thinking of you. Also, I am looking forward to all the music and the entertainment and seeing all the kids singing from the local school. Another thing I look forward to is the food. We always have special foods for the holiday.
Lillian Berger
What I am looking forward to the most this Christmas is getting to go home over the holidays to see the kids and grandkids. We are going to make a big chicken and ham for those who do not like one or the other. I am not expecting much for gi s, just seeing my family is what counts. I love to listen to Christmas music; it wouldn’t be the same without it. I look forward to the kids coming to sing carols and the Christmas party.
What I am looking forward to the most this Christmas is looking outside my window and watching the birds or a blue jay. I love to watch the birds and Henry the squirrel all day long. I also look forward to every morning I wake up and get to enjoy the day. I look forward to seeing anyone who comes to visit during the holidays. It is also my grandson’s birthday Christmas Day. I look forward to listening to my music and enjoying my shows over the holidays.
Isabell Byers
What I am looking forward to the most this year is each one of my kids coming to visit and getting to spend some time together. Hopefully no one must work during Christmas, as I know many do, and we can just enjoy our time together. I have everything I need so presents are not on the top of my list. I love to listen to the Christmas music as my mother use to sing and yodel. My husband played guitar and sang as well so music means a lot to me. I look forward to a nice Christmas meal. We did gather altogether in Frobisher, I hope we can be together again all at once.
What I am looking forward to the most this Christmas is the presents I will get. Spending time together as husband and wife for Christmas eve and Christmas day. I hope to see all my family and cuddle up to watch Christmas movies. Also look forward to all the music and the kids coming to sing Christmas carols. Santa coming to visit with gi s and lots of chocolate. I am mostly looking forward to my mom’s cooking. The sugar cookies and my dad’s herring salad. Vera & Faron Doud
The seniors at Long-Term Care share their personal stories and reasons for cherishing this festive time.
Judy Armstrong
Sophie Gress
By Christine Jones
It is the age-old debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? For those who might need a little nudge to join the “Yippee Ki Yay” club, let’s dive into the festive details of this action-packed thriller.
First off, let’s set the scene. Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve, in the glitzy confines of Nakatomi Plaza, where employees are throwing a festive holiday party. If that isn’t enough holiday cheer for you, then I don’t know what is. Imagine the sight: sparkling decorations, a ginormous Christmas tree and jolly Santa Clauses aplenty. It’s practically a Hallmark card, offering a side of bullets and explosions.
Now, we can’t forget good old John McClane, played by Bruce Willis. His character embodies many of the classic themes of Christmas. Love? Check. He’s trying to win back his estranged wife, Holly, despite being caught in a sticky situation with a group of very naughty terrorists. Acceptance? Oh, he learns to embrace his new life, even if it means scaling down elevator shafts like a modern-day Santa Claus. And remember the spirit of forgiveness? McClane gives us a masterclass by not only confronting the bad guys but also reconciling with his family. Talk about redemption. Let’s sprinkle in a bit of humour too. Picture McClane as our unconventional Santa, running around with a metaphorical sack full of goodies. Instead of toys, he’s got guns, witty remarks and a few Christmas light strands for good measure. He’s dishing out justice to the naughty while ensuring everyone knows he’s just a regular guy – one who just happens to be battling terrorists on Christmas. What’s more festive than that?
It’s also worth noting that Christmas is mentioned a whopping 18 times throughout the film. Can you say, “holiday spirit”? From the scene where Holly reassures their daughter that “Santa and Mommy will try to get Daddy to come home for Christmas,” to the various Christmas carols that punctuate pivotal moments of the movie, this film is dripping with yuletide references. Those carols aren’t merely background noise; they add layers of emotion that would be missed if set to any other soundtrack. As John McTiernan, the director, aptly stated, “...the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie.” So why not sip your eggnog, throw on your ugly Christmas sweater, and relish in the fact that Die Hard unabashedly embraces the spirit of the season? So, there you have it. With Christmas decorations, themes of family and a plot that revolves around love and sacrifice, Die Hard doesn’t just deserve a seat at the Christmas table – it deserves the Christmas crown! Next time someone tries to tell you it isn’t, throw on your best McClane impersonation and yell, “Yippee Ki Yay,
Help Santa Clause find his way to the gift.