Cimarron Christmas 2022

Cimarron Christmas

People in Drumright, Mannford, and Sand Springs, Yale, Oilton, Glencoe, Oak Grove and Cushing. Y’all love Christmas as much as we do, So we made Cimarron Valley Christmas 2022.

For the last three years, we’ve brought you the news, And sports, and photos, and personal views. Your support moves us forward with a gleeful outlook, And provides us the means to create this holiday book.

It’s a gift for you, but it’s not from us, It’s from individuals, and services, and businesses. They all came to us to create and deliver, Messages of hope along the Cimarron River.

So we collaborated and planned and worked through the night, To create these pages and get them just right. It took half a hundred people to get this to you, And magic crept in before we were through.

Unwrapping this gift and perusing these pages, Could bring us together, people of all ages. Maybe bring hope when things look bleak , Maybe bring peace when patience is weak.

It’s a book filled with songs and things that are yummy, Carols and recipes for the heart and the tummy. There’s a few special messages inside this book, So it’s not just about the song and the cook.

Two millenia ago in a far off land, Men followed a star across the sand. An infant born in the middle of night, Brought to the world a peaceful light.

Accept this gift from the sponsors within, Thank them when you see them, they’re all your friends. And from the team at Cimarron Valley Communications, Have a wonderful and peaceful holiday celebration.

Merry Christmas everyone. —the hardworking staff at Cimarron Valley

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la la la la!

See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la! Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la! Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together! Fa la la la la la la la! Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la!

Christmas Breakfast

Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork sausage

1 teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon salt

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups milk

Directions:

Crumble sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.

6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes

8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.

Sleigh Ride

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing Ring ting tingle-ing too Come on, it's lovely weather For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling And friends are calling "Yoo Hoo" Come on, it's lovely weather For a sleigh ride together with you

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap let's go Let's look at the snow We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap it's grand Just holding your hand We're gliding along with the song Of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy And comfy cozy are we We're snuggled up together like two Birds of a feather would be

Let's take the road before us And sing a chorus or two Come on, it's lovely weather For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives These wonderful things are the things We remember all through our lives

Christmas Cheesy Potatoes

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 1/4 cups milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped green

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper, then use a whisk to blend it in. Gradually stir in the milk. Cook and whisk this mixture over medium-low heat until it is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese to the sauce pan and mix until smooth. In a lightly greased 1 ½ quart casserole dish, add the cooked potatoes, green pepper and pimentos. Reserve a few for the top of the casserole if you'd like.

peppers

4 cups peeled, cubed and cooked potatoes

1/4 cup chopped pimentos

1 cup bread crumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the potatoes.

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and the melted butter. Mix well.

Sprinkle the bread crumbs overtop the cheese covered potatoes. If you reserved a few of the green peppers and pimentos, add them to the very top of the casserole.

Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

I’ll be home Christmasfor

I’ll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me

Please have snow and mistletoe And presents by the tree Christmas eve will find me Where the love light gleams

I’ll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams I’ll be home for Christmas You can plan on me

Please have some snow and mistletoe And presents by the tree Christmas eve will find me Where the love light gleams

I’ll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams I’ll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams

Luke 2:1-20

The Birth of Christ

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Rocking around the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop Mistletoe hung where you can see Ev'ry couple tries to stop

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing "Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly" Rocking around the Christmas Tree Have a happy holiday Everyone's dancing merrily In a new old fashioned way

Rocking around the Christmas Tree Let the Christmas Spirit ring Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll do some caroling

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing "Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly" Rocking around the Christmas Tree Have a happy holiday Everyone's dancing merrily In a new old fashioned way

Holiday Toffee

in a mediuM-sized saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, and let cook until bubBling, aBout 2 minutes. pour mixture over crackers in an even layer and bake 12 to 15 minutes. top iMmediately with chocolate chips and let melt. smooth chocolate out into an even layer, then top with red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. cut into squares, then cool until the chocolate has hardened.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring are you listening in the lane snow is glistening

A beautiful sight we're happy tonight walking in a winter wonderland Gone away is the bluebird here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song as we go along walking in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man But you can do the job when you're in town

Later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire

To face unafraid the plans that we've made walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman until the the other kids knock him down When it snows ain't it thrilling Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play the Eskimo way walking in a winter wonderland Walking in a winter wonderland walking in a winter wonderland

Crockpot Christmas Candy

Ingredients:

1 – 16 oz jar(s) unsalted peanuts

1 – 16 oz. jar(s) salted peanuts

1 – 12 oz bag(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 – 12 oz bag(s) milk chocolate chips

2 – 10 oz bag(s) peanut butter chips

2 – 1 lb pkg white almond bark or vanilla candy coating

Directions:

Layer all ingredients in a large crockpot (starting with peanuts). Turn the pot on low, cover with lid, and leave sitting for 2 hours. Then, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and leave sitting for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture on to wax paper or non-stick aluminum foil. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!

Luke 1:26-35

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name

JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Yields 8 Servings

Ingredients:

3 cups yams or sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter (melted)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 tbs vanilla

Topping:

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecan

Cook and mash sweet potatoes combine with sugar, melted butter, eggs and vanilla. Mix well by hand or electric mixer. Turn into greased 9x13 inch casserole dish

Mix brown sugar, butter, flour, and nuts sprinkle over top of potato mixture. Bake at 375 degree about 30 minutes or until nicley browned.

Note : Can be made a day or so in advance then warmed up when needed.

White Chocolate Haystacks

Ingredients

• 4 cups chow mein noodles

• 1 cup cocktail peanuts

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

• 1 bag (10 oz) miniature marshmallows

• 1 cup white vanilla baking chips

• 1/2 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting

• 2 teaspoons Betty Crocker™

Directions

Line cookie sheets with waxed paper or cooking parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Spray large bowl with cooking spray; mix noodles and peanuts in bowl. Spray medium microwavable bowl with cooking spray; add butter and marshmallows. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in white vanilla baking chips and frosting. Continue to microwave uncovered on High 30 seconds;

• Decorating Decors Jingle Mix nonpareils

stir until well blended. Pour hot marshmallow mixture over noodles and peanuts; stir until well coated. To form each cookie, drop mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Immediately top with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining noodle mixture and sprinkles. If mixture is hard to scoop, reheat in microwave uncovered on High 15 to 30 seconds. Cool completely, at least 1 hour. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Christmas Blondies

Ingredients

Cooking spray

3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened

1 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9”-x-9” pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat until just combined. Fold in Oreos, M&M’S, and chocolate chips.

2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

8 Oreos, crushed

1/2 c. Christmas M&M's

1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Press batter into prepared pan and bake until golden and still slightly soft in the middle, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Luke 2:8-12

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a

Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Blueberry Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS

For cheesecake base:

2 ¼ cups finely crushed graham crackers ½ stick + ½ tbspunsalted butter, melted

For blueberry cheesecake filling:

2 ⅔ cups full-fat cream cheese, room temperature ½ cupfull-fat plain or Greek-style yoghurt, room temperature (You can also use sour cream.)

¾ cup caster/superfine sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch zest of 1 lemon

3 large eggs, room temperature ½ tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

INSTRUCTIONS

For cheesecake base: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position, pre-heat the oven to 355ºF and line an 8 inch springform pan with baking/greaseproof paper. Mix together the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter, then transfer the mixture into the lined springform pan and, using the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup, compress them into an even layer with an approximately 1 ½ inch (4cm) rim around the edge.

Bake at 355ºF for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool until warm.

For blueberry cheesecake filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 285ºF .

In a large bowl using a whisk, mix the cream cheese and yoghurt together until smooth. Mix together sugar, cornstarch and lemon zest, and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until combined and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until smooth. Add the lemon juice, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth. Add the blueberries and fold them in until evenly

2 cups fresh blueberries

For blueberry sauce: 2 cups resh or frozen blueberries (Note that frozen blueberries might end up a bit softer and mushier than fresh ones.) ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice

distributed.

Transfer the blueberry cheesecake filling onto the slightly cooled cheesecake base and smooth out the top. Bake at 285ºF for about 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is very light golden brown around the edges, the edges are fully set, and the middle is still wobbly when you gently shake the baking pan. serving plate.

Add the blueberries, sugar and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat with frequent stirring until the blueberries release their juices and soften slightly – you don’t want them to fall apart or become mushy, just slightly softened. Drain the released juices through a sieve and transfer them back into the saucepan. Transfer the blueberries into a separate bowl. Return the juices to the heat and cook until reduced – they should be very viscous and syrupy. Once reduced, pour the juices over the blueberries and mix together. Then, pour the blueberry sauce over the chilled cheesecake and gently spread it out into an even layer.

Merry andChristmas Happy New Year

Cowboy Cookies

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter, not quite melty

1/2 cup brown sugar, smashed down

1/3 cup sugar

1 pretty big egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or a cap full plus a drop or two

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, mashed down

1/2 teaspoon salt — three or four pinches

1/2 teaspoon baking soda — easy does it on this stuff

3/4 cup dried cranberries — nice and plump ones

1/2 cup white chocolate chips the bigger the better

Get busy

In a big ole mixin’ bowl, beat the butter ’n’ both sugars ’til they’re crumbly, should take about 2 minutes. Mix in that big egg and dribble in the vanilla. In a separate, not-so-big bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda then slowly add it to butter sugar and egg concoction and stir it up good. Add the cranberries and white chocolate chips and stir good one more time. Take a gob of dough about the size of your belt buckle — two tbsp. — and plop ‘em two inches or so apart onto cookie sheets coated with some sort of cooking oil or grease or fat. Bake at 375° until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Don’t burn ‘em. Nobody likes burnt cookies and be patient before you take ‘em off the sheets. Wait a minute for them to cool down or your bend ‘em all up gettin’ ‘em off the sheet.

Let it Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful And since we've no place to go Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping And I've bought some corn for popping The lights are turned way down low Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss good night How I'll hate going out in the storm! But if you'll really hold me tight All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying And, my dear, we're still goodbying But as long as you love me so Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

Macaroni:

8 oz macaroni 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)

Topping: 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 tbsp unsalted butter , melted 1/4 tsp salt

Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Instructions:

Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/3 cup flour , plain / all purpose 3 cups milk , warmed 2 cups freshly shredded cheese, gruyere best (followed by cheddar and Colby)

1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese , or more other cheese of choice 3/4 tsp salt

Pasta: Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add macaroni and cook per packet directions MINUS 1 minute. Toss in butter: Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the Sauce.

Topping: Mix together Topping. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Make roux: In a large saucepan or in an ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Add milk: Add about 1 cup of the milk and mix to dissolve the paste into the milk. Then add remaining milk and mix until lump free (use whisk if required).

Add Seasonings: Mix in salt and Seasonings if using. Thicken sauce: Cook, stirring/whisking regularly, for 5 – 8 minutes until thickened to a cream consistency. When the Sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, you should be able to draw a path with your finger. Add cheese: Remove from stove, add cheese and stir – cheese doesn't need to melt. Check salt: Adjust salt to taste.

Assembling: Assemble: Pour Sauce into pot with Macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour back into the skillet or a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping. Bake for 25 minutes or until top is light golden. Don't bake too long otherwise you'll bake away the Sauce!

Serve: Serve immediately!

Little Christmas Gnome

When you see a little gnome at Christmas inside your home.. it’s because he watered your Christmas tree until it grew bigger enough to enjoy and see!

He knew Santa needed the perfect spot to deliver his presents... there;s always a lot! Just where oh where would presents be without a gnome caring for Christmas Trees?

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt • 4 eggs

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar; roll around to coat and shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.

Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are set. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

I'm driving home for Christmas

I'm driving home for Christmas

Oh, I can't wait to see those faces I'm driving home for Christmas, yea Well I'm moving down that line And it's been so long But I will be there I sing this song To pass the time away Driving in my car Driving home for Christmas It's gonna take some time But I'll get there Top to toe in tailbacks

Oh, I got red lights on the run But soon there'll be a freeway yeah Get my feet on holy ground So I sing for you

Though you can't hear me When I get through And feel you near me Driving in my car I'm driving home for Christmas Driving home for Christmas

With a thousand memories

I take a look at the driver next to me He's just the same Just the same Top to toe in tailbacks

Oh, I got red lights all around, uh I'm driving home for Christmas, yeah Get my feet on holy ground So I sing for you Though you can't hear me When I get through Oh and feel you near me Driving in my car Driving home for Christmas Driving home for Christmas With a thousand memories I take a look at the driver next to me He's just the same He's driving home, driving home Driving home for Christmas Driving home for Christmas

Merry Christmas

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning!

Dear Father, let it be, in working or in waiting, another year with thee; another year of leaning upon thy loving breast, another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace; another year of gladness in the shining of thy face; another year of progress, another year of praise, another year of proving thy presence all the days. Another year of service, of witness for thy love; another year of training for holier work above. Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be on earth, or else in heaven, another year for thee.

T H E G R E A T D I V I D E

W I L L C A R T E R B A N D G I A K O B L E E

Naughty Knots

Ingredients

1/2 c. cranberry sauce

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough Garlic powder, for sprinkling 3 oz. brie, cut into 8 pieces 5 tbsp. unsalted butter

Directions

If your cranberry sauce is particularly chunky, roughly chop until small pieces of cranberries remain. Preheat oven to 400º and line a large baking sheet with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 2 pieces. Roll out one piece to a 12"-by-6" rectangle. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Dollop 4 to 5 tablespoons cranberry sauce onto rectangle. With long side of rectangle facing you, tightly roll dough into a log. With a sharp knife, slice down center of log lengthwise so you have 2 strips of dough with exposed cranberry interior. Cut each strip into 2 pieces crosswise. Place a piece of brie in center of strip. Carefully tie a knot around cheese. Transfer to prepared sheet, tucking in any exposed ends to make a

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary

1 chopped fresh sage

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan, divided

neat knot. This will be a messy process, and you may lose some filling, but that’s okay! Repeat with remaining dough. Bake knots until golden brown, 22 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and rosemary and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add sage and salt and stir to combine.

Transfer knots to a large bowl. Pour garlic butter over and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons Parmesan, then gently toss to combine. Arrange knots on a platter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan.

Jingle bells

Dashing through the snow

In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bobtails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight, oh!

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh, hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh Now the ground is white Go it while you’re young

Take the girls tonight

Sing this sleighing song Get a bobtailed bay Two forty for his speed And hitch him to an open sleigh And you will take the lead Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh, hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh Oh, what fun it is to ride In one horse open sleigh!

Classic Roast Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3 1/2-lb.) chicken

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 yellow onion, cut into large pieces

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces

• 2 stalks celery, cut into large pieces

• 1/2 lb. baby potatoes, quartered

• 1 head garlic, halved

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp. melted butter

• 1 lemon

• 1 bunch fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS

Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Tie legs together and tuck wing tips under the body of the chicken. (If you have time, let rest in fridge for 1 hour, or up to overnight.)

Preheat oven to 425°. Fill a 9"-x13" baking dish with onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic and toss together with oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Place chicken on top. Brush chicken all over with melted butter and

stuff cavity with lemon and most of the thyme, reserving a couple sprigs for garnish.

Roast until juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thigh reads 165°, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Tent chicken with foil and let rest 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and carve.

Serve chicken with roasted vegetables.

S

Journeying to Bethlehem, a long and tiring trek

Every bed was full that night, no matter where they checked table is empty, someone said, a place to lay your head

U C H R I T

S S

ntil a baby was born in there, a manger for a bed omeone special and holy, the angels all said hristened Emmanuel, a name chosen by God ow noble for one born in a situation so odd emembered now in prayers and churches all around the world mmortalized in stories and songs learned by every boy and girl acrificed upon the cross to forgive us all our sins

he Son of God who was born for us, who died and was born again

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Oh, woah Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven and nature sing Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Oh Joy to the world! The Savior reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods Rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat the sounding joy Joy to the world then we sing Let the earth receive her King! Joy to the world then we sing

Let the angel voices ring Joy to the world then we sing Let the men their songs employ Joy to the world then we sing And repeat the sounding joy He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove And glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders, wonders of His love And wonders, wonders of His love Joy to the world then we sing Let the earth receive her King! Joy to the world then we sing Let the angel voices ring

Written in the stars

Tonight, I look up at the stars in the sky And remember another star, from days long gone by That shone oh so brightly, to show men the way To a small baby laid in a manger of hay

This baby was sweet, all shiny and new, But he means so much more to me and to you We know him as Jesus Christ, or Emmanuel And his story is one we have long loved to tell Because it is a story of the best of man

Of mercy and sacrifice and God’ s all-knowing plan

It is a story of love beyond measure Of a Father who gave us His most precious treasure

I think of all this, as I look at the stars I think about the love of this God of ours And I close my eyes and cross myself, and I pray That I will remember this love every day

Christmas Coffee

Ingredients:

10 c. water

1 1/4 c. ground coffee

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

Whipped topping, for serving Sprinkles, for serving

Directions:

Pour water into coffee maker. In a medium bowl mix together coffee grounds, sugar, and spices then pour into coffee filter. Brew coffee according to coffee maker directions.

Pour into coffee mugs and top with whipped topping and sprinkles to serve.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you

shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel"

(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Baked BLT Dip

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon, cooked

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• Additional green onions, cooked bacon, tomato, and lettuce for garnish, if desired

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Crumble bacon into mixture and stir. Add cheddar cheese, green onions, and tomato and mix well. Pour into a shallow

dish or pie pan and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling. Garnish with additional green onions, tomato, and crumbled bacon. Serve with corn chips.

for Christmas I want a hippopotamus

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

Only a hippopotamus will do

I don't want a doll, no dinky Tinkertoy

I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?

He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue

Just bring him through the front door

That's the easy thing to do I can see me now on Christmas morning

Creeping down the stairs

Oh, what joy and what surprise When I open up my eyes

To see my hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

Only a hippopotamus will do No crocodiles, or rhinoceroseses

I only like hippopotamuseses And hippopotamuses like me too I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

A hippopotamus is all I want Mom says the hippo would eat me up But then teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

The kind I saw this summer at the zoo

There’s lots of room for him in our two car garage

I’d feed him there and wash him there And give him his massage I can see me now on Christmas morning

Creeping down the stairs

Oh, what joy and what surprise When I open up my eyes

To see my hippo hero standing there I want a hippopotamus for Christmas Only a hippopotamus will do No crocodiles, or rhinoceroseses

I only like hippopotamuses And hippopotamuses like me too

Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun Now the jingle hop has begun Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square In the frosty air. What a bright time, it's the right time To rock the night away

Bourbon-Glazed Ham

Ingredients

1 fully cooked smoked bone-in half ham (9 to 10 lb)

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground mustard

1/4 cup bourbon or apple juice

Directions

Heat oven to 325°F. Spray shallow roasting pan or 15x10x1inch pan with cooking spray. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow pan. Score outside of ham in diamond pattern; insert cloves into diamond shapes. (To make inserting cloves easier, use small paring knife or toothpick to make small holes before inserting cloves.) Insert ovenproof meat thermometer in thickest part of ham. Bake 1 hour. In small bowl,

stir together brown sugar, mustard and bourbon. Brush 1/2 of brown sugar mixture evenly over ham. Bake 30 minutes. Brush with remaining brown sugar mixture. Bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until thermometer reads 140°F. If pan drippings start to burn, add up to 1/4 cup water to pan. Remove ham from oven; cover with foil and let stand 10 to 15 minutes for easier carving.

All I Want For Christmas

Everybody

stops and stares at me

These two teeth are gone as you can see

I don't know just who to blame for this catastrophe

But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as can be All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

My two front teeth

See my two front teeth

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth

Then I could wish you, "Merry Christmas"

It seems so long since I could say "Sister, Susie sitting on a thistle!"

Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only whistle All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

My two front teeth

See my two front teeth

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth

Then I could wish you, "Merry Christmas"

It seems so long since I could say "Sister, Susie sitting on a thistle!"

Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only whistle

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

My two front teeth

See my two front teeth

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth

Then I could wish you, "Merry Christmas"

Santa’s Soup

Santa's Soup Mix

• 2 cups mixed dried beans

• 1/4 cup dried minced onion

• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Santa's Soup

• 8 cups water

• Santa's Soup Mix

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 2 medium stalks celery, chopped

• 2 lb smoked ham shanks

Directions

To make Santa's Soup Mix: In 1-pint glass jar, layer dried beans, dried onion, chicken bouillon, cumin and garlic powder. Store tightly covered at room temperature up to 2 months. Give with gift card that includes Santa's Soup recipe.

To make Santa's Soup: In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat water and Santa's Soup Mix to boiling. Boil 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover; let stand 1 hour. Stir in carrots and celery. Add ham shanks. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 2 hours or until beans are tender. Skim fat if necessary. Remove ham shanks; remove ham from bone. Trim excess fat from ham. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Stir ham into soup; heat until hot.

Silver Bells

Silver bells (silver bells), silver bells (silver bells) It's Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), hear them ring (hear them ring) Soon it will be Christmas day City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style

In the air, there's a feeling of Christmas Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile And on every street corner you'll hear Silver bells (silver bells), silver bells (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), hear them ring (hear them ring) Soon it will be Christmas day Strings of streetlights, even stop lights blink a bright red and green As the shoppers rush home with their treasures Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch, this is Santa's big scene And above all this bustle, you'll hear Silver bells (silver bells), silver bells (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), hear them ring (hear them ring) Soon it will be Christmas day Soon it will be Christmas day

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos

They know that Santa's on his way

Everybody knows a turkey and some Mistletoe help to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies On his sleigh And every mother's Child is gonna spy to see if Reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I'm offering this Simple phrase to kids from One to ninety-two Altho' it's been said many times Many ways “Merry Christmas to you”

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, alleluia, All ye choirs of angels; O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav'n above. Glory to God In the highest glory!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas Let your heart be light From now on our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas Make the Yule-tide gay From now on your troubles will be miles away Here were are as in olden days happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us to gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together If the Fates allow Hang a shining star upon the highest bough And have yourself a Merry little Christmas now.

SPINACH GRATIN

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Cut fresh spinach in half and cook in a large pot of boiling water for 30 seconds until wilted. Rinse the spinach under running cold water until cool to handle. Drain it in a colander and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until melted butter turns bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add flour and stir well to combine. Stir in heavy cream and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Stir constantly and turn the heat down to

medium. Bring the mixture to a simmer until smooth and thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in spinach and toss well to coat. Cook for 1 -2 minutes until heated through.

Transfer spinach mixture to a 9-inch square baking pan and top with mozzarella and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can place it under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until melted and golden. Keep a close eye on the broiler because things can burn quickly.

Santa

Claus

You better watch out

You better not cry You better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is Coming to

is coming To Town

He’s making a list, He’s checking it twice, He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping And he knows when you’re awake

He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake You better watch out!

I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He’s making a list And checking it twice Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice

You better not cry You better not pout, I’m telling you why ‘Cause Santa Claus is coming to town Oh let’s go!

Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping And he knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake You better watch out! You better not cry You better not pout, I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town You better watch out!

He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry Better not pout

You better not cry You better not pout, I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming I mean the big fat man with the long white beard Is coming to town

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

You better watch out

You better not cry Better not pout

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

¾ cup warm 2% milk, or as needed

½ cup softened butter, cut into chunks

¾ cup maple syrup, or to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

Mash potatoes with a potato masher. Slowly mix in 1/2 cup warm milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in butter and maple syrup until well blended and butter is melted. Serve warm.