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Purchase any two adult dinner entrèes at the regular price and use this coupon for $3.00 off your total bill. *Excludes Seniors’ and Kids’ Menus and carry-out bakery. Not valid with any other specials or discount programs. Coupon Expires: 12/31/21
Valid only a participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted. Mutilated, tempered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable must be paid by customer. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. 365-744-887 ©2015 Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC
Valid only a participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted. Mutilated, tempered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable must be paid by customer. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. 194-088-857 ©2015 Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC
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Home for the Holidays 3
Contents
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Home for the Holidays 4
Hoisington for Christmas ......................................................... 6 Ellinwood for Christmas........................................................... 8 Larned for Christmas ............................................................. 10 Pawnee County for Christmas ............................................... 12 Claflin for Christmas .............................................................. 13 Choosing a Christmas Tree .................................................... 14 Gift Giving .............................................................................. 15 Cornucopia of Cookies ........................................................... 16 Giving Back ............................................................................ 17 Grow Your Own Decor ............................................................ 18 Outsized Christmas Gear ....................................................... 19 Plethora of Puddings ............................................................. 20 Why Shopping Local Matters ................................................. 21 Perfect Pies ........................................................................... 22 Kansas Wetlands Education Center ....................................... 23 A History of Caroling .............................................................. 24 Setting the Perfect Table ....................................................... 26 Give the Gift of Health ............................................................ 27 Eating Healthy........................................................................ 28 Break a Few Eggnogs this Christmas .................................... 29 Silver and Gold ...................................................................... 30 Whiskey a Go-Go ................................................................... 31 Eat (and Drink) Local ............................................................. 32 Yule Know Your History .......................................................... 33 Tantalizing Tarts ..................................................................... 34 Four Great Tree Motifs ........................................................... 35 Make it a Tropical Holiday...................................................... 36 A Beery Christmas ................................................................. 37 Support Local Arts Community .............................................. 38 Small Business Saturday ....................................................... 39 Fitness Challenges ................................................................ 40 Sharing Family History .......................................................... 41 Drink Smarter ........................................................................ 43 Best Gifts for: Kids ................................................................. 44 Best Gifts for: Family ............................................................. 45 For Pets and Their Humans ................................................... 46
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Merry s a m t s i r h C from ! n o t g n i s Hoi Downtown Friday, November 26 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Come on down! 2021-2022 Upcoming Events
We Invite You To Visit Hoisington!
Nov. 26..................Christmas No Lighting Ceremony Feb. 12 ..... Chamber Banquet Fe Sept. 2-5 ..........126th Annual Se Labor Day Celebration
We Have Gift Certificates Available!
Book Your Party Today!
Happy Holidays from the staff at Mi Tierra!
%SJWF UIF 8F %SJWF UIF 8FUMBOET 8JMEMJGF 4DFOJD #ZXBZ 8 UMBO tour Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge and ESPQ CZ UIF ,BOTBT 8FUMBOET &EVDBUJPO $FOUFS Enjoy all of the amenities Hoisington has to offer. For more information or schedule of events call Hoisington Chamber of Commerce 620-653-4311 or visit our website www.hoisingtonkansas.com. / .BJO t )PJTJOHUPO ,BOTBT
FAMILY RESTAURANT
118 E. 1st, Hoisington, KS 620-292-6009 Home for the Holidays 6
Check out our daily lunch and dinner specials! Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-3pm
ill be Santa w ar the he here to wishes! ’s children
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Always Remember Family & Friends
821 N. Main Hoisington 620-653-2200 t / &MN 4U t )PJTJOHUPO ,4
C & H Liquor Store 269 S. Green Hoisington, KS 620-653-2705
Carol Krug, Owner Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs. 9am-8pm; Fri. & Sat. 9am-9pm; Sun. Noon-6pm
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IURP GA Consultants, Inc. Motor Carrier Safety Consultants
'.$4" t ,$$ tIFTA t IRP t CSA P.O. Box 8 Hoisington, KS 67544 Phone: 620-653-4099 Fax: 620-653-2469 info@gaconsultantsinc.com
Home for the Holidays 7
Merry Christmas Shop Small for the Holidays! Please join us for the 9th Annual Christkindlmarket on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 on the Brick Streets in Ellinwood, KS!
Happy Holidays to our Members & Community!
Merry Christmas & Shop Local for the Holidays! 105 N. Main, PO Box 517 Ellinwood, KS 67526 620-564-3790 nationalbillingservice.com The Historic Wolf Hotel and Events Center Your Local Holiday Events Center
Thank you all for your support this year.
Merry Christmas to all our Friends! 19 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-617-3225
SE A M ST R E SS
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1 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-639-6915
Jennifer Klepper 620-786-9811
historicwolfhotel.com
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 211 E Santa Fe Blvd Ellinwood KS 67526 620-564-3700 www.peoples.bank
American Legion Post 320 We appreciate all your support and business in 2021
Wishing our customers and community a Happy New Year! 111 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-564-3480
Home for the Holidays 8
Book your Holiday Events with us this Holiday Season! 117 E. Santa Fe, Ellinwood, KS 620-564-3252
FMI & Jensen Associates Inc.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 16 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-564-2020
Willkommen 9th Annual Christkindlmarket Sunday, December 5 Downtown Ellinwood We are so grateful for all the support in our small business this year! Think of us for your Holiday Shopping needs.
Happy New Year! 106 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-566-1006
City of
E Support Ellinwood Businesses and Shop Local!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Happy Holidays from all of us at Joiner Properties! 411 Santa Fe Ellinwood, KS 620-564-2818 www.joinerproperties.com
Ellinwood Recreation Commission & Wellness Center 12 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 620-564-2337 www.ellinwoodrec.com
ELLINWOOD RECREATION COMMISSION
Happy Holidays from all of us at Joiner Construction! 411 Santa Fe Ellinwood, KS 620-564-2818 www.joinerconstructioninc.net
Home for the Holidays 9
Larned e d a r a P s a m t s i Chr December 4 11:00 a.m.
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Home for the Holidays 10
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas Movies M ovies EEvery veryy Friday, Saturday And Sunday NNights ighhts AAtt 77pm pm Date Night Every Sunday Night 22-Tickets, -TTickets,, 22-Medium -M Medium Drinks Drinks And A Medium Popcorn For One Low Price c
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Home for the Holidays 11
Home for the Holidays 12
Visit Claflin For The Holidays SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Claflin Area Pride, Inc. & the Independent Township Library MERRY GRINCHMAS PANCAKE FEED FUNDRAISER Free Will Donation Green Pancakes, Ham, Eggs, Coffee, and Water
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
CLAFLIN CHRISTMAS MARKET 408 Main Street “A” Street & West Park Street (Community Center Side) 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Shop Our Vendors Food by Boy Scouts Horse Pulled Wagon Rides 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Free) Music Raffle Sweets by The Pound Library Fundraiser Ugly Sweater Contest @ 2:30 p.m. Santa @ 3:00 p.m. NO ADMISSION FEE
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Home for the Holidays 13
Choosing a Christmas Tree P
every yyear. The needl needles more ffancy ancy eever dles look lookk more rreal like else, m eall and, ea d, jjustt li ke eeverything very ve ryyth thin hingg el else lse, Christmas tech saveven Christm mas trees eess are a e more te vy. There are ttrees rees you ou can control with willll sync your digital digital assistant, ass ant that at w sync theirr lights musicc aand that controlled ligh htss to m mu hat aare cont led by remotes. Take that, disco tinsel tree. When you’re done with your tree for the year, take it down and store it according to the manufacturer’s directions. If your tree is technologically advanced, this may mean considering storing it in a climate controlled closet or other space to avoid damage.
utt utting tting up p th the ttree ree is is a gre great mem or manyy ffamilies. amil i es memoryy ffor N ow ow, there here are a e lots ts to to choose choose from, from, wel welll beyond bey d liv live tree ree or faux. But fear fea not,, we’re we’r here to help lp yo you find the perfect tanne tannenbaum m for your family’s holiday celebrations.
Live Nothing smells quite like a live Christmas tree. If you choose to go the live route, know that your local Christmas tree vendor may have several varieties from which to choose. Get a tree suited to your family. If you have little hands (or paws) around, pick a tree with softer needles. Look for a tree that’s not so full that you can’t festoon it with decorations; it should have a few empty spaces to show off your cherished baubles. Find one with a straight trunk to avoid complications getting it in the tree stand and it should be fresh. Check for freshness by breaking a needle in half
with your fingers. A fresh fir will snap; fresh pines should bend without breaking. Reusable Trees If bringing a live tree indoors isn’t your thing, the fake trees are getting
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Gift Giving
G
ift giving is now an integral part of how we celebrate the holidays in the U.S. There are different strategies for different families. Some people exchange names and everyone gets one present. Some people only give to children. Still other families encourage the giving of small gifts and necessary items, while others blow it out with extravagant giving. No matter how your family gifts, there’s always a new way to enjoy this holiday tradition. Here are some ways you and yours can up your gifting game. Donations For families who love to give back and for recipients who have everything, consider a monthly or yearly donation. Does your person love sloths? Sponsor a sloth and get them regular updates on how their creature
is doing. Look for organizations that support causes near and dear to your recipient’s heart and do your homework. Make sure the charity you’re considering spends their money wisely by using websites such as Charity Navigator. Services Everyone appreciates the gift of time. By giving prepaid services, such as car detailing or lawn care, you’re giving your loved ones that time back. You may also be treating them to a luxury they wouldn’t normally pay for themselves. Other services to consider: Spa treatments, pet care and boarding, meal delivery and grocery delivery. And don’t forget to add in the customary tip for your area for these service providers. Subscription Services Sure, there’s the bacon-of-the-
month club, but subscription services and boxes have gotten a lot more sophisticated. Now you can find a customizable subscription for just about anyone and anything under the sun. Look for boxes for pet lovers, fashionistas, beauty products and even spices. You can also consider paying for a whole year of their favorite streaming media service.
An Experience One thing that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic is a tendency to value experiences over things. Consider giving your loved ones the gift of an unforgettable experience. It doesn’t have to be a trip out of the country, either. If you have an animal lover to buy for this year, look at getting them a backstage trip to a local zoo or aquarium.
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Cornucopia of Cookies T he holidays and cookies just go together, from platters at Thanksgiving all the way until leaving cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve. According to NPR, the Dutch are responsible for cookies (thanks, guys!). During the Victorian era, hospitality demanded hostesses and hosts with the most would offer visitors something — like cookies — to eat. Parents of the time would leave cookies and milk out for Santa because that’s exactly what they’d set out for visiting children. It was a way of extending the magic of Christmas. Christmas Cookies Recipe is from Williams Sonoma.
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 4 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons almond extract 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Icing 1 cup confectioners sugar 1 drop fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 1 tablespoon milk, or as needed Sanding sugar for decorating Directions 1. In a bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until well combined and creamy, about two minutes. Add the eggs and egg yolks and
continue beating until thoroughly combined, then beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. 2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, about a cup at a time. Mix, using a wooden spoon or the stand mixture on low speed, until just combined. Beware of overmixing. 3. Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten the ball into disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour and up to overnight. 4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Roll out a dough disk to about 1/4 inch. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the
dough. Arrange the shapes on baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Gather up and refill scraps and cut out more cookies. Repeat with the other dough disks. 6. Bake the cookies until golden at the edges, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cookies to racks to cool completely. 7. Make the icing but stirring together confectioners sugar, lemon juice and corn syrup in a small bowl. It should be thick. Whisk in the milk a few drops at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For outlining, leave the icing thicker. To cover the cookies, make it more liquid. 8. Decorate the cookies as desired using a pastry bag with the appropriate tip. Cover with sanding sugar.
Join us this holiday season! Holiday Open Houses NOV. 4–6 Downtown FrostFest Tree Lighting DEC. 3 Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk DEC. 4 FrostFest Illuminated Parade DEC. 18
Home for the Holidays 16
Giving Back T
he holiday season is a great time to be thankful for what we have. One way to put into sharp focus all we have to be grateful for is to schedule some time to give back to others. Remember you may not just be able to walk in and volunteer; giving back may take some planning. Some places require training before you can work your first volunteer shift, so take that into account. Here are some ways to work volunteering into your family’s holiday traditions. Hospitals and Nursing Homes These are great places to volunteer all year round, but especially during the holidays, when people may be stranded in hospitals or nursing homes on their own. Ask the hospitals if you can visit with patients that haven’t gotten any visitors lately. Bring a deck of cards or other games and keep them chatting while you’re there.
these organizations can quickly become overwhelmed with some of a community’s most vulnerable residents. Delivering Meals Find local organizations that deliver meals and groceries to the home bound, and offer to make deliveries or do the shopping for these organizations. You can also help wrap gifts that these groups sometimes give out at Christmas or collect and distribute non perishable foods.
Homeless Shelters Some things you may be able to do are cook and serve meals, pack up toiletries, toys and clothes to hand out, or help entertain children during their stay at the shelter. Consider rounding up your friends and family to bring donations in, too. Look at your area’s domestic violence shelters, too. Incidents of abuse tend to spike along with holiday stress, and
Animal Shelters Don’t forget the four-legged friends, too. Collect donations for your local animal shelter, then volunteer to walk or play with the pets spending the holidays there to take the strain off of shelter staff. Your input could also help a lonely pet find their home for the holidays. If your family is staying around the house, you could also consider being a foster family and letting a shelter pet rest and relax in your home.
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Home for the Holidays 17
Grow Your Own Decor
P
ut a new spin on do-it-yourself holiday decorations by growing your decor this year. These kind of decorations can be left out and enjoyed year-round, and they’re a lot of fun, too. Here are some ways you can go green (literally) this holiday season. Ponytail Palms Also called the elephant’s foot palm or beaucarnea recurvata, the ponytail palm is not a true palm but a member of the family Asparagacae. It’s a native of Mexico and can live to be more than 350 years old. Ponytails are evergreen plants and can get up to 16 feet tall, but are most usually grown as potted ornamental plants. Their trailing tops (which look like a ponytail, hence the name) are great for hanging tiny ornaments in and their wide bottoms (hence the other name) are a great place to hang a tiny tree skirt. Put a few of these down a long table for a whimsical tropical centerpiece. Succulents These water-sipping houseplants have exploded in popularity recently. Succulents come in a huge variety of unique shapes, colors and sizes, and their tiny footprint means they can fit in almost any planter. Grab some Christmas mugs from years past, drill a hole in the bottom for drainage,
and pack them with succulents for easy and low-maintenance holiday decor. Trees Everywhere Of course, Christmas is all about the trees. Look for miniature evergreens you can decorate like the bigger ones for tables, sideboards, counters and mantles. In addition to the regular pine, cedar and fir, look
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for rosemary bushes trimmed into a Christmas-tree shape for a fragrant doppelgänger for your big tannenbaum. Christmas Cactus Another classic holiday plant is the Christmas cactus, schlumbergera. A genus of cacti native to Brazil, these cacti grow on rocks and trees in a high humidity environment, so
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they look a little different than desert cacti. Christmas cacti are so named because they bloom around Christmastime. Flowers range from pink to white and yellow. Christmas cacti are drought-tolerant and need a free-draining and somewhat acid planting media. They also need minimal light, making them ideal houseplants for the deep winter.
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Outsized Christmas Gear L
ast year, in the grips of a global pandemic, the motto for holiday decorating was go big and stay home. This year, outsized gear is going to remain at the top of everyone’s decorating shopping lists. Here are a few things to look for to make your holiday decorating mega fun.
Giant Ornaments Look for giant baubles everywhere these season. On lawns, on steps and porches, hanging from eaves, any and everywhere, except for on the tree. Because they’re bigger than the tree. Giant Lights This can go two ways. You can have actual physically large lights, which are great additions to outdoor displays. Or, you can have displays dripping with lots of regular-sized lights, inside and out and everywhere else.
longer just on the front doors. Hang huge wreaths up near the roofline for a eye-drawing outdoor display. Wreaths also make great focal points for large interior walls and even doors inside the home. If you’re looking at lighted wreaths, make sure you get the kind with solar panels or battery packs. They don’t pack the oomph that their pluggedin counterparts do, but they’re easier to plan without having to use a power cord.
This year, look for high-tech displays that will connect to each other and even synchronize to music. Giant Inflatables Blow up yard decorations get more and more popular — and bigger — everywhere. Now there are 18-foot-tall Frosties out there just waiting to post
up in your yard. Also look for inflatables with motion, such as hands that wave. Also new this year are inflatables with projection that show lights, clips of movies and more. Giant Wreaths Along with everything else, wreaths have gotten bigger and more elaborate. And they’re no
Giant Lasers It sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but laser displays are growing in popularity every year. Look for lasers to light up towering trees in your yard or the blank canvas that is your garage door. It’s also a great way to add dimension to your outdoor displays or even to put up an impressive display from ground level without climbing any ladders.
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Home for the Holidays 19
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Plethora of Puddings O n this side of the pond, a pudding is usually a sweet, milk-based dessert that’s similar to custards or mousse. In other countries puddings can describe both sweet and savory dishes. We’re not concerned with those here, because holidays mean treats and treats mean sweets. Puddings in the States can also refer to bread puddings and rice puddings, all great choices for your holiday table.
Praline French Toast Bread Pudding Recipe is from Epicurious. 1 pound of challah or brioche 8 extra-large eggs 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Praline Topping 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons maple syrup Directions 1. Generously butter a rectangular baking dish. Set out a large shallow pan for a water bath.
Home for the Holidays 20
2. Cut the bread into 3/4-inch-thick slices. If not using a braided bread, cut the slices into four triangles each. Arrange the bread slices in rows, leaning and overlapping them if necessary. 3. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the eggs on high until light golden and slightly thickened, about three minutes. Beat in the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and nutmeg. 4. Pour over the bread in the dish, lifting the bread up slightly to pour between the slices and letting the custard soak in. 5. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, combine all the ingredients for the praline topping except the syrup. Spread the mixture over the top of the soaked bread, pushing some down between the slices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. 6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap and drizzle the maple syrup over the top. Place the dish in the larger pan and pour hot water into the larger pan until it covers an inch of the sides of the bread pudding dish. Bake until the pudding is puffy and golden brown, about 35-40 minutes. Do not overbake. The top should be spongy, not dry or crusty. Serve hot.
Why Shopping Local Matters
T
here are lots of good reasons to shop local this holiday season. The most compelling, perhaps, is to put your money where your home is. Help grow your community by shopping local and give the hard-working small business owners in your town the opportunity to flourish after the pandemic.
in local shops, you are shrinking your carbon footprint because your purchase doesn’t have to be transported very far for sale. Locally owned businesses may also be expending fewer resources than their larger, national or multinational competitors.
Your Money Stays Local Shopping local is another way to love your neighbor this holiday season. The American Independent Business Alliance says that each dollar you spend locally triples in value to the local economy. Locally owned businesses generally buy supplies from other locally owned businesses. Their staffs eat out in the community and usually live where they work, pumping more money into the local economy. Local business also invests in the community and, most importantly, nonprofit organizations. The National Technical Reports Library has produced data that shows local nonprofits receive 350% more money from its local small
business neighbors than from out-oftown and larger corporate retailers. Among those nonprofits are community shelters, fundraisers and other community partners. Environmentally Friendly When you shop locally made goods
Business Built on Service Because local businesses are staffed by your friends and neighbors, it’s likely that they may offer better customer service than larger counterparts. Also, small businesses generally have to work harder to get you in the door and benefit more from you referring others, meaning it pays for them to treat their customers right. Small businesses offer goods and services tailored to their communities, rather than trying to shoehorn one area into a larger, national plan. This means the products they offer are more likely to work for you and your family. If you do have an issue with your purchase, local businesses may be more likely to make it right for you than national competitors, who have to rely on broad policies to fit a range of scenarios.
Christmas Friday, December 24 St. Patrick - 5:00 PM 7:30 PM St. Rose - 6:30 PM 10:00 PM Saturday, December 25 St. Rose – 9:00 AM St. Patrick – 10:00 AM St. Rose Spanish Mass – 11:00 AM Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Friday, December 31 St. Rose Spanish Mass – 7:00 PM Saturday, January 1 St. Rose – 8:30 AM St. Patrick – 10:00 AM
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Home for the Holidays 21
Perfect Pies T
he holidays are the perfect time for pies. According to the American Pie Council (yes, there is one), pie has been around since ancient Egypt. The first pies were sometimes made in reeds, used for holding the filling and not for eating with the filling. One of the first pie recipes was published by the Romans, and it was for a rye-crusted goat cheese-andhoney pie. Sweet fruit pies didn’t come around until the 1500s, and English tradition credits Queen Elizabeth I with the first cherry pie. Pies came to the New World with European settlers, and the crust was still usually not eaten with the filling. That’s a fairly recent — and delicious — development. Christmas Tree Berry Hand Pies Recipe is from Driscoll’s Berries. 2 cups mixed fresh berries 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 2 tablespoons quick-cook tapioca 1 package double pie crust 1 tablespoon milk 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 large egg 1-2 tablespoons flour Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a
rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 2. Place a round of pie dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out six Christmas tree shapes using a medium-to-large Christmas tree cookie cutter. Cut star shapes out of dough scraps using a small star cookie cutter. 3. Set aside the dough stars and move the dough trees to a cookie sheet. 4. Whisk the egg thoroughly and add the milk, then whisk to combine. Brush the egg mixture lightly around the border of each tree. 5. Place the second round of
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Home for the Holidays 22
dough onto your work surface, then cut out more trees and stars. Dish a rolling pin with flour and roll the cut shapes to make them slightly larger than the first round of shapes. 6. Cut steam vents into the dough trees using a ravioli cutter. Cut them in semi-circles to look like garland. Using a straw, cut small holes to look like ornaments. Set aside the top crusts. 7. Place two cups berries into a medium bowl, cutting large berries into smaller pieces. Add 1/3 cup sugar and two tablespoons tapioca. Stir the berry mixture gently, then spoon it onto the tree bases, leaving a
1/2-inch border around each. 8. Lay the top crusts over the bottom crusts, and then crimp the edges with a fork to look like tree branches. Brush the pies with the egg mixture and decorate with the dough stars. Brush with the egg mixture again. 9. Place two tablespoons sugar into a small bowl. Add the cinnamon and stir to combine, then dust the pies. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the pan. Trim away any berry juice that leaked during baking before transferring the pies to a cooling rack. Serve when cooled.
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Winter Wonder Wetlands! Winter months provide some unique times to get outdoors! Outdoor activities and venues continue to be a safe haven for social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cheyenne Bottoms and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) are synonymous with wetlands, wildlife, birds, and nature. The winter months are no different. There are many great opportunities to experience the wetlands during the winter and holiday seasons! The wetlands in the winter can be an incredible time for a self-guided tour. Thousands of birds, especially ducks, geese, bald eagles, hawks, and sparrows, overwinter at the wetlands. Miles of raised dike roads and county roads provide for an exciting driving tour of the largest marsh in the interior U.S. Do you have family visiting over the holidays? KWEC is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Admission to the Center is always free. For those more inclined for the outdoors, the KWEC nature trail offers a ½ mile walk where birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife are often encountered. And finally, as you shop local for your Christmas gifts this year, be sure to check out The Wetlands Gift Store for some unique gift ideas, such as animal and plant field guides, nature themed books, art, apparel, hoodies, and ‘Made in Kansas’ items. Other unique gift ideas include Insect Shield apparel and gear, including built-in bug repellent. KWEC’s new children’s book Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet, would make a great gift for your littles. Local merchandise from Kansas Earth & Sky Candle Co., Artisan Soaps, MY Studio, Dunworkin Pottery, and several nature photographers also make great gifts. Shipping delays are projected to be a real problem during the holiday season this year. Bypass shipping by shopping local this year! Mention seeing this article in the Tribune’s Home for the Holidays magazine, and receive 40% off a single item purchase throughout the holiday season, excluding consignment items. Take advantage of your 40% discount during the KWEC Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 4! The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, KS along K-156 Highway. Contact the KWEC at 877-243-9268 or visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu to view other activities or events.
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Home for the Holidays 23
A History of Caroling Y
ou may not have gone a-wassailing, but you’ve almost certainly heard some sleigh bells jingjing-jingling, either in real life or sang ad nauseum (almost) during the holiday season. As it turns out, carols have been around almost as long as Christmas itself. A Hymnal History The first recorded carol dates to around the year 100 with the “Angels Hymn.” It was around then, ClassicFM says, that Christian hymns started to take over for traditional pagan songs sung at the winter solstice. Over time, more Nativity-themed songs emerged, and the Middle Ages brought us “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and other songs. Many of the songs we know today and the practice of
the groups would go around, they would demand free drink and food from residents, and eventually, the caroling would devolve into sort of a drunken shouting match.
singing them in public places comes from the 19th century. Carols We Have Heard Forever, Or At Least Since the 1800s The 19th century is when Christmas started to look — and sound — more familiar to modern eyes and ears. Mendelssohn wrote “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in 1840, not too long after Frank Xavier
Gruber and Joseph Mohr composed “Silent Night.” During this time, a group of carolers was called a wait, and the singers would perform in public spaces for passers-by, who would reward them with food and drink for a job well done. This tradition, eventually known as wassailing (now we know where that came from), evolved into the groups going door to door to sing carols. As
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But Why Do They All Sound Kind of the Same? It’s not your imagination. Christmas carols are almost universally recognizable as Christmas carols, no matter what subject they tackle or what language they are sung in. That’s because many of our carols are based on medieval chord patterns that give them a unique sound, J.W. Pepper says. Minor chords or diminished chords are sprinkled throughout most Christmas songs in a way that give them a distinct feel and immediately identifies them as Christmassy, music experts say.
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Setting the Perfect Table T he holidays are a time to shine and show off your very best, and that includes as sumptuous meals where it’s perfectly fine to push the boat out with the good china and silver. We’ve got your guide to setting the perfect holiday table. Centerpieces For the holiday table that people are going to gather around, choose a long, low vessel to keep the arrangement from impeding conversation. For sideboards, mantles and other areas, feel free to pick taller vases that will draw the eye upwards. Choose floral colors to complement your holiday decor. Jewel tones are popular, and icy whites always look stunning. You can also choose to use evergreens for a touch of holiday fragrance as well. When arranging your flowers, you can use florists foam or you can just arrange the stems inside the vessel to support the other flowers. Choose greenery with different textures to give your arrangement a more natural depth. After you’ve arranged your greenery, add textured flowers (think ranunculus or carnations, flowers with layer upon layer of frilled petals). Lastly, working from bottom to top, add your statement flowers, such as roses or peonies. Using stem length as a guide, spiral upwards through
the arrangement until you reach the top, taking care not to make it so tall your guests won’t see over it at the table. Bring Out the Good China Don’t be afraid to cart out Grandma’s good china for holiday entertaining (remember: she’d want it to go to good use). Just be careful to clean and store it properly afterward. Start by lining your sink with a towel and then wash each piece by hand. While some lines are now dishwasher safe, cleaning these special pieces by hand is one way to
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make sure they stay safe from scratches, chips and breakage. Lay the table with your china and silver, remembering that diners work their way from the outside in with utensils. Napkins go to the left of the plate, along with the forks. Spoons and knives to the right. The butter knife and bread plate go in the top left, with the dessert spoons and forks in the middle. To the right, water and wine glasses. To store your china, wash up all the pieces again, then pack them away with newspaper
or bubble wrap into boxes. Store those boxes in an outof-the-way place that’s not exposed to extreme humidity or temperatures. If you display your china when not in use (Grandma would also approve of that), stack plates with thin cloth or foam between each one. Don’t stack bowls or cups with handles; place them right-side-up or hanging by the hooks. If you’re hanging the plates, place a scrap of cloth between the plates and hanger hooks to keep them from scratching or chipping the plates.
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Give the Gift of Health S taying healthy for the holidays can be made easier by giving gifts to family and friends that promote health. Harvard’s School of Public Health has some ideas for adopting a health theme for your holiday shopping.
Olive Oil This may already be a pantry staple, but splurging on a highquality oil — something many people typically don’t buy for themselves — is a gift that will truly delight the taste buds. Also, consider some special oils, such as hazelnut, walnut oil or roasted pumpkin seed oil, for a special flavor treat. For the true connoisseur, consider giving an “oil of the month” subscription that will please their palate yearround. Herb Seed Kit This easy-to-assemble and
more filling instead. Nuts offer protein and healthy fats with far less sugar, making it a satiating and healthy food gift. Feeling extra generous? Consider giving a “nut of the month” gift subscription, so your loved ones can snack smart all year long.
inexpensive present allows recipients to watch their gift grow, making it both fun and unique. It’s especially great for kids. Pedometer Every step counts especially during the holidays, when time for exercise is at a minimum. Though many phones have a built-in pedometer, having an “old fashioned” one tucked
in a purse or pocket is great motivation to stay active throughout the day, not to mention that keeping your pedometer separate from your phone may help minimize screen time. Nuts While many people gift homemade sweets to friends, neighbors and coworkers, consider going with something
Reusable Lunch Bag Besides being better for the environment than paper bags, reusable lunch bags will inspire your gift recipients to make their own lunches instead of eating out, which may be better for both their waistline and their wallet. Sleep Mask Sleep is important, but it sometimes can be hard to come by. Starting with simple steps can help, including wearing a sleep mask to block out light. Available in many colors and materials, this easy-to-pack present can be taken on trips or kept on a bedside table.
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Eating Healthy
is the season for a superabundance of grub. Whatever Santa delivers on Christmas morning pales in comparison to the amount of calories available throughout the holidays. The CDC offers some tips on eating healthier with temptation at every turn, whether dealing with a chronic health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or not. Don’t deprive yourself. Eat your aunt’s choice pie, but also make sure you’re exercising. Make a Plan You may not be able to control what food you’re served, and you’re going to see other people eating tempting treats. Get out in front with a plan. 1. Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small
3. Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full. 4. Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do have an alcoholic drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines. 5. Plan to stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted. snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served. 2. Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along. 3. If you have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal. 4. Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to manage your blood sugar, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.
5. If you slip up, get right back to healthy eating with your next meal. Outwit the Buffet Table When you face a spread of delicious holiday food, make healthy choices easier. 1. Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table. 2. Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.
Holiday Rarities The holidays are the time you’ll get to eat the rarest of dishes throughout the year. Instead of stacking your plate with everything you can, try to take only the dishes you will eat once a year on it. Prioritize and place small portions of grandma’s pumpkin pie, your uncle’s holiday turkey and other holiday favorites on your plate.
Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic St. Rose Medical Pavilion 3515 Broadway Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511 Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get the right care, in the right place. When you need prompt medical attention, whether your condition is minor or serious, we have the care teams to meet your needs. Experts at the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic at St. Rose Medical Pavilion provide high-quality care for minor illnesses and injuries – from cold and flu symptoms to cuts and sprains. No appointment is necessary. And for serious or life-threatening conditions, our emergency department team at Great Bend Campus provides excellent care around the clock. Learn more about where to go for the care you need at kansashealthsystem.com/greatbend.
Home for the Holidays 28
Emergency Department Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833 Open 24/7
Break a Few Eggnogs this Christmas
E
ggnogg is ggno gg i tthe he modern m der equivalent eq uiva i e of the the early early l medieval me m die di i al al posset, osse os se a hot, hot ot, t milky, milk ilky, ale-like likke drink. driinkk. In In the t 13th h century, centuryy, monks m ks drank a a posse posset of of eggs ggs and an figs and milk, eggs eg and d sherry sherr were foods o of the wealthy, thy, so early eggnogs were hoisted in toasts to prosperity and good health. Sounds like a great wish for the holiday season. New World Nog Time Magazine dates the arrival of eggnog on American shores to the 1700s. The young America was full of farms (and chickens and cows) and cheap rum from the Caribbean and sugar-growing regions. Mexico created rompope, a nog-like drink, and Puerto Rico has coquito, which adds coconut milk. By the 18th century, Americans had eggnog, a name whose origins have been lost to time. It may come from noggin, meaning a wooden cup, or grog, a strong drink.
Ingredients 1 dozen eggs 1 quart cream 1 quart milk 12 tablespoons sugar 1 pint brandy 1/2 pint rye whiskey 1/2 pint rum 1/2 pint sherry
Gen. Washington’s Nog George Washington has a famous eggnog recipe that’s not for the faint of heart. Or liver.
One problem is that he didn’t record the number of eggs to include, but given the amount of liquor, cooks started with a dozen.
Directions 1. Mix the liquor. Separate the yolks and the whites of eggs. 2. Beat the egg yolks, then add sugar and mix well. Add the milk and cream, beating slowly. 3. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold slowly into the mixture. Cool for several days. 4. Drink often.
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Silver and Gold ike the holiday song says, there will be silver and gold decorations on e’ery Christmas tree this holiday season.
from edible gold and silver leaf, gold and silver sprinkling sugar, and sprayed gold and silver paint. You can find any and all of these products on the shelves of your local grocery store.
There are many ways to use these classic holiday colors in your decorating this year and, believe it or not, there’s still some room for innovation. Look for a silver and gold refresher in different finishes, such as matte, and with new textures, such as hammered metals. On the Tree Shiny is right at home on the tree. Festoon your tannenbaum with silver and gold jingle bells to add a festive sound for your holiday parties. Also look for the warmth of gold lights on the tree, or pair silver decor with bright white lights. And nothing says you have to keep it one way or the other. Mix both silver and gold decorations with warm jewel tones for a luxe Christmas look that’s hard to beat.
silvers paired with deep green evergreens or preserved leaves. Put a coat of metallic paint on existing floral accents to freshen them up for a new round of holiday festivities.
In Foliage Accent rich holiday greenery with the warmth of gold pine cones, faux fruit and other accents, or take advantage of cool
On Food Nothing says luxury like edible silver and gold on your food. Add a little bling to your holiday feasts and treats with touches made
Outside You’ve got to be careful with silver and gold accents outdoors. In sunnier climates, the glare can get to be a little much. But gold lights, especially in a monochromatic scheme, is a classy addition to your holiday decor. Also, consider using different sized lights to add perspective and depth to your single-colored display. If you’re looking for silver lights, look for a strings with cool white lights. Pair them with classic blue lights for a great, classic color combo. Inside Nothing says cozy like candlelight. Pair warm or cool white candles with silver and gold candlesticks to magnify their light and provide maximum coziness for a cold winter’s night. Also look for classic holiday decorations, such as glass Christmas trees, sleighs and more in these metallic combos.
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Home for the Holidays 30
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Whiskey a Go-Go
hiskey is a distilled liquor made from grain mash, with the type of grain often defining the type of whiskey. It’s then aged in wooden casket, which can impart a smoky flavor to the finished product. Here are some festive ways to work whiskey into your holiday drink rotation from The Whiskey Wash. Champagne and Bourbon Two of the most festive drinks around. In a champagne flute, pour 4 ounces of champagne or sparkling wine and 1 ounce 90-proof bourbon. Garnish, if you must, with a lemon or orange twist.
The Seelbach Named for the Louisville, Kentucky hotel that threw out F. Scott Fitzgerald. Ingredients 5 ounces bourbon
Bourbon Eggnog Ingredients 4 large eggs 6 ounces sugar 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon allspice 1/8 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 ounces cognac 2 ounces Grand Marnier or vanilla liqueur 4 ounces bourbon 12 ounces whole milk 8 ounces heavy cream 1/2 ounce Cointreau 4-6 dashes bitters Champagne or dry sparkling wine to fill Orange peel to garnish
The Stone Fence Ingredients 2 ounces bourbon 2 dashes bitters 4 ounces non-alcoholic apple cider
Directions To a mixing glass, add ice, bourbon, Cointreau and bitters. Stir. Strain. Into a champagne flute or coupe, fill with champagne, garnish.
Directions Add the first two ingredients to a double rocks glass. Fill with ice and add cider to the top. Stir briefly and serve.
Directions 1. Blend the eggs for one minute in a mixer fitted with a whip attachment or a blender. 2. Add the sugar and spices, blend for 30 seconds. Add the liquors and blend another 30 seconds. 3. Add the milk and cream and blend a minute more. 4. Best when allowed to sit for a day. Serve cold.
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Eat (and Drink) Local W
hen you’re planning your holiday shindigs, make sure you turn to local restaurants, food trucks and cafes for your catering needs.
If you’re not planning a big soirée, make sure you factor them in to your holiday shopping plans by stopping in for a bite while you’re out filling up the sleigh or even gifting gift cards from your favorite local spots. Here are some hints for eating locally that you may not have thought of from USA Today. Bake With Local Grains Holiday baking is a family favorite. This year, look for locally grown grains and flavors to add to your rotation of recipes. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to learn what’s grown nearby, from grits to locally processed flours. Visit the Local Butcher or Fishmonger Big holiday meals call for quality proteins. Locally based ranchers and fisherfolk offer fresh, often organic, meats and seafoods that are well worth every penny. The experts at the butcher’s and fish shops can even tell you how to stretch your dollar by suggesting lower-priced cuts and fish that taste the same (or even better) than their expensive cousins.
While you’re there, ask for any specials they may have and suggestions for recipes. You will probably learn a thing or two and come out with a new favorite holiday dish. Go to the Baker While you’re at the farmers market or out visiting the butcher, check out deals at local bakeries, too. Pick up
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Home for the Holidays 32
some breads to go on your holiday table, or look for showstopping confections with a local flavor that can’t be beat. These make great host or hostess gifts, too, and are always welcome at the office party. Stock the Bar with Local Beer and Liquor Craft brewing is
experiencing a surge in popularity, as is small-batch liquor. Most every town or city nowadays can boast of at least one local brewery, and these are great places to find holiday gifts and libations. Look for small batch or special releases you can only get by dropping by. While you’re there, ask the staff for their favorite cocktail recipe using their wares.
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Yule Know Your History Y ou’ve seen Yule logs on holiday cards, on holiday screensavers and even in the form of a holiday cake. But where do we get it from? Keep reading to find out. Roots The Yule log comes from Europe, where a specially selected log was burnt in the hearth as part of a Christmas tradition. It’s not clear where the Yule log comes from, but there’s a working theory that it stems from the pagan tradition of holding bonfires to break up the long nights of winter. Traditions It’s said that once the Yule log has been lit, it’s bad luck to have to light it again. Another tradition says the Yule log is burnt in pieces each evening from Christmas to Twelfth Night, then the remainder of
log or stump is pulled through the village and winter solstice and burned.
the log is placed beneath the bed for luck and protection from lightning and fire. There are other traditions that have you count the sparks and other things as the log burns to predict your future in the new year. Other Terms The Yule log may also be called the Yule Clog or the
Christmas Block or Gule Block. In Cornwall, England, it was also referred to as Stock of the Mock and in Wales, it’s the Boncyff Nadolig. French folk call it the Buche de Noel, which may derive from the tradition of peasants bringing a log to their lord. In Baltic regions, people celebrate bluka viksana, or log pulling, where a
Cake What would any Christmas tradition be without a cake? The Yule log is also a traditional Christmas cake that hails from France, Belgium, Switzerland and thereabouts. It’s made from sponge cake filled and rolled, then decorated to resemble an actual log. They are often served with one end cut off and laid atop the cake or set on the side to look like a chopped branch. The cake can also be sprinkled with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Usual fillings and flavorings include chocolate, fruit jams, espresso and liqueurs. The cakes can be decorated with fresh berries, leaves and mushrooms made of marzipan or fondant, and chocolate shavings.
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Tantalizing Tarts
tart is a smaller, shallow pie with no top crust. Typically, tarts have a crownlike edge rather than the fluted edges of a traditional pie. Tarts have a fruit or custard filling — really any filling you can put in a regular pie can go in a tart — and sometimes are served in a personal size, like these bite-sized cranberry tarts that get their form from a miniature muffin pan. No specialized cookware, such as a shallow tart pan, needed here. These festive treats would be perfect at a holiday party or piled on a platter passed around your next get-together. Their ingredients include seasonal favorites like cranberries and pecans, and a sprinkle of zested citrus would add a fragrant garnish. Also consider a bright herb such as lemon thyme for a bright spark of flavor on a cold winter’s day. Bite-Sized Cranberry Tarts Crust 1 1/2 cups flour 3/4 cup butter, softened 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2-3 tablespoons milk
Filling 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 large egg 1/4 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, washed, drained and cut in half
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Home for the Holidays 34
Directions 1. Heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Combine flour, 3/4 cup, butter and cream cheese in a small bowl. Beat at medium speed until the dough forms a ball. 3. Divide the dough into 36 pieces. Place a piece of dough into each ungreased mini muffin cup and press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the cup. 4. Combine sugar, pecans, egg, 1/4 cup butter and vanilla in a small bowl. Place four to five cranberry halves in each pastry-lined cup. Spoon two teaspoons sugar and pecan mixture over the cranberries. 5. Bake 22-25 minutes or until golden brown. Loosen the tarts from the pan while hot by running a knife around the inside of the rim. Cool completely and remove from the pan. 6. Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla and just enough milk to make a drizzle in a small bowl and drizzle over the cooled tarts.
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Four Great Tree Motifs T
here’s a couple of schools of tree decorating. One is to put on every single ornament your children have ever made, ever, top it with tinsel, and go. The other is a carefully curated theme tree, with a palette and everything. If you’d like to give the second one a go, or if you’re just looking for fresh ideas for your tree, keep reading.
Hit the Beach Choose a tree with deep blue-green foliage. If you’re a fan of the real tree, look for a Colorado blue spruce, white pine or white spruce. Start out with a foundation of cool white lights, or go for strands that allow you to change colors and pick a light blue, brilliant yellow or a fiery hot pink. Then layer on ornaments. Look for sea shells, palm trees, flamingos and other tropically themed ornaments. Finish it off with tinsel, if you want, and top your tree with a gold conch shell. Instead of a tree skirt, pull out your summer beach towels to prop your presents on. Tasty Treats Foodies, unite! Don we now all the delicious decor. You can use any lights you want, but kick up the festivities a notch with multicolored strands with cut facets to throw down a gorgeous light show. Then top it off with ornaments shaped like food and drink. Even get
the family involved by tapping holes in bottle caps and stringing them with twine. Popcorn garlands are also at home on this tree (just make sure to keep it away from pets and kids), as are ornaments made from dried orange slices. Into the Woods Choose a real tree with a deep green color and a ton of fragrance. Look for a Scotch pine or Fraser fir. Use warm
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white lights and top those with ornaments of your favorite woodland creatures. From the craft store, grab a bag of feathers (any and all colors work) and string them into a garland with wooden beads. Look for fabric or a ready-made tree skirt in a Buffalo check to top off this warm and cozy look. Gone Fishing Start with a deep green tree with a more wild shape than a
perfectly groomed cone. Any color lights will work with this scheme, but may we suggest a blue strand or two? Next, grab some fishy ornaments — tropical or freshwater or both, Christmastime is full of magic — and, from the sporting goods aisle, plenty of lures, but snip off the dangerous hooks. You can also make your own baubles out of bobbers and top it all off with a dip net. You’ll catch all the presents with this tree.
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Home for the Holidays 35
Make it a Tropical Holiday
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et a warm, sunny vibe on a cold day with a tropically hued holiday decorating scheme. We’ve got everything you need to decorate for a toasty warm beachy celebration this year, from the inside out. A tropical decorating scheme starts with the color palette.
can make pink, purple or teal. If those are outside of your budget, stick with classic color schemes and accent it with inflatables and other outdoor decor in a tropical theme. You can also find premade light sculptures in stores in tropical shapes such as flamingos, beach scenes and more.
A New Range of Christmas Colors Instead of rich jewel tones, you’re going to need some new colors in your holiday decorating toolkit. White, of course, is classic, and accents the warm colors of the tropics. You’ll also want a beachy tan, evocative of the sand, and some teal tones for water. Otherwise, look for pinks, peachy tones and yellows. As far as fabrics and textures, burlap is at home in a tropical theme, as are cool cottons in colors that accentuate your decor.
Outdoor Decor Now you can really have some fun. Stores now carry inflatable Santa-hat wearing flamingos, Santas with sunglasses and palm trees covered in Christmas lights. You can also find the same types of decorations covered in metallic tinsel and sisal if inflatables aren’t your thing. Pair these with oversized ornaments in tropical colors, an awesome lighting scheme and some speakers blaring “Feliz Navidad” and “Mele Kalikimaka,” and you’re all set.
Ornaments Hit up the stores and look for whimsical ornaments on a tropical theme. Anything beachy, palm trees, fruit and more. If you want a more hands-on strategy, head to the craft store and get some shells suitable for crafting and paints. Decorate those shells with acrylic paint and Mod Podge
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or other sealants. This is also a great job for the kids to help with, too, to create some priceless holiday memories. Lights This year’s technologically advanced lights can even change color, so you’re not stuck with either multicolored or white. Look for whites you
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A Beery Christmas
eer — especially craft beer — is having a moment right now. Capture the popularity at your next party with these Christ-massy brews.
Mad Elf from Troegs Brewing, Hershey, Pennsylvania This is a strong Belgian quadrupel (11% ABV) brewed with cherries and honey. This year, Troegs is teaming up with the GIANT Company and Caputo Brothers Creamery to make a Mad Elf Beer Cheese.
All of the milk in the cheese comes from Pennsylvania dairy farms. Jubelale, Deschutes Brewery, Oregon Deschutes has made Jubelale for more than 30 years. It’s based on a malty English winter ale and has notes of spices, toffee and dusted cocoa. Fistmas from Revolution Brewing, Chicago Brewed with ginger and
orange peel, it was first canned in 2010. If you’re in the area, look for the taproom-only Fist of Krampus that changes from year to year. Both are available November to December. Christmas Ale from Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo, Michigan A traditional Scotch ale with a warming 7.5% ABV and a rich malt base to stand up to a cold Michigan holiday season. It’s available September through December.
Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Boston Beer Co. The Winter Lager from Sam Adams is a warming beer with spices. The brew has notes of ginger, cinnamon and orange peel, but it’s a weaker beer than others on the list, at just 5.6% ABV. Esther’s Lil Secret, Warped Wing Brewing, Dayton, Ohio This beer, a collaboration with Dayton chocolate company Esther Price Candies, releases every November. The recipe changes every year, but it’s always dreaming of candy. The 2020 version riffed on Esther Price’s Sea Salt Caramel with a Scotch ale brewed with chocolate, caramel and sea salt.
Over 230 Craft & Domestic Beers to Choose From
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Christmas Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland It’s got ginger, cinnamon and honey and a healthy 7.5% ABV. It pairs well, the company says, with roasted duck, spiced desserts and ugly Christmas sweaters. Christmas Ale is a six-time medal winner in the World Beer Championships.
Celebration Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing, California This is a fresh hop IPA that was first brewed in 1981. It offers up flavors of citrus and pine with a hop bitterness.
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Support Local Arts Community
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oliday shoppers can give the local arts community a shot in the arm by browsing their wares this holiday season. Keep an eye out for local arts and crafts shows, or, if you’re part of an organization that can, consider hosting one yourself for the holidays. Exposure Many talented artists that are just getting started creating can’t afford their own storefronts. They may partner with local businesses to showcase their art or they may join craft fairs around the region. Shop local and give these artists the exposure and funding they need to grow their businesses. Make sure to share posts of your gift (after you give it, of course) on social media to give them an additional boost.
Get Locally Festive Add some local flair to your holiday decor by shopping local artisans’ holiday collections. You can often find ornaments that are great ways to commemorate a special time or place. Think decorated sea shells from a beach town or ornaments with other local references. These make great
gifts, too, even if the recipient doesn’t live in your town. It’s a great way to personalize a gift and make sure family and friends think of you when they’re decorating their own tree. Shopping Local Outside Your Town Chances are, a short day trip away is another adorable town full of quirky gifts that will fit anyone on your list. Hop in the car and make a day of shopping, with
stops at the local coffee shops and eateries for refreshment. You just might discover your new favorite store, right in your own back yard. Another way to shop local is to browse online stores like Etsy and filter the results by geographic location. That way, you can find artisans in your town that may not go to craft fairs or have enough money for their own storefront yet. It may save you on shipping, too.
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Home for the Holidays 38
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Small Business Saturday
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ight between Black Friday and Cyber Monday — two of the largest shopping days of the year — is Small Business Saturday. It was first celebrated in 2010 to call attention to small businesses and draw crowds to shop unique products and services. American Express, part of a partnership that established Small Business Saturday, says that in 2020, Americans spent at estimated $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants. And that was during a pandemic. Shopping Tips for Small Business Saturday Look for special deals, both online and in store. A popular trend among small business owners is to offer steep discounts on gift cards or certificates, which are just the
right size for those people that you never know what to get. Also look for small businesses that are teaming up with nearby eateries or cafes. For instance, one may offer a deal if you
present a receipt from the other. Remember that small businesses doesn’t just mean gifts and crafts. Small businesses can mean your landscaper, house painter or other
tradesperson, too. Also consider book shops, boutiques, service providers, gyms and more. Look into buying services in advance for friends and family members, such as yard services in the spring or ten yoga classes. Buying in advance makes a great gift and really helps the small business owner, who gets to hold onto and use the cash well in advance of providing the services. Branch Out Remember to shop in your town, but don’t be afraid to branch out a little and hit small businesses that are just a road trip away. Browse social media or the newspaper and find nearby businesses that you may not have even heard of previously. Look at this Small Business Saturday as an opportunity to get out of the (big) box and try out some shops and services that are a little off the beaten path.
Barton County Health Department
,BOTBT "WF (SFBU #FOE t t XXX CBSUPODPVOUZ PSH )FBMUI –– Services –– Family Planning Consultation Education, Management and Supplies Abstinence Education Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy and Parenting Services Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative Pregnancy Education and Support Teen Pregnancy Targeted Case Management Teen parent support and encouragement WIC (Women, Infant and Childrens Supplemental Food Program) Nutrition Education Breastfeeding Education and Support Supplemental Foods
Wishing you a Very Healthy Holiday Season!
Maternal Child Health (MCH) Healthy Start Home Visitor Program Education and Reassurance Lead Testing and Case Management Community Outreach Services Call for more information
Healthy Living Laboratory Services Select laboratory services provided Immunizations All Ages Foreign Travel Back to School Off to College Annual Flu Shots Sexual Assault Care Referrals STD Testing Adult Health Well Woman Check Well Man Check Self Breast Exams Blood Pressure Checks Weight/Height Checks BMI (Basic Metabolic Measurements) Education Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Grant Awardee Tobacco Cessation, Healthy Living Guidance Educational Services
Communicable Disease Management TB (Tuberculosis) Testing and Medication Management Education STD Testing, treatment and follow-up Disease Investigation Rabies Investigation Children with Special Health Care Needs Satellite Office Providing specialty medical services and care coordination to infants, children, and youth up to age 21 who have eligible medical conditions. www.kdheks.gov/shcn Child Care Licensing Services Provides guidance and direction with new and existing Child Care In-Home and Public Facilities Car Seat Safety Technicians Guidance and Education on Car Seat fitting and safety Recovery Resource Coordinator Call for more information
COVID Testing By Appointment Emergency Preparedness Disaster Management and Recovery Community Awareness and Response
Home for the Holidays 39
O
Fitness Challenges 30-minute workout, or maybe you decide on a popular location and take an imaginary company “road trip” based on how many miles the company collectively achieves. Incentives and rewards are important and can help inspire your employees to work a little harder during the challenges. Reaching or exceeding the goal could earn employees a jeans day, a healthy catered lunch, gift cards to local companies or other healthconscious items.
ne good way to stay healthy during the holidays is participating in a fitness challenge at work. These positive activities can change the culture of the work environment by continuing into the new year. Think Health provides some tips. Weight challenge A popular fitness challenge for the holiday season revolves around weight management. During the holidays, merely maintaining existing weight could be a winner. But increased physical activity is a great way to keep potential weight gain in check. Here are a few employee fitness challenge ideas for the holidays. Some workplaces award employees “points” if they: • Walk at least 12,000 steps per day. • Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. • Take the stairs instead of the elevator. • Participate in “Mile-Per-Day” for specific aerobic activities. Another option is completing a community event such as a walk or run.
Home for the Holidays 40
Many cities have a “Jingle Bell Run.” Also, have a stretching session for 15 minutes a day. Creating a ‘challenge’ culture The most important factor is getting your team excited for these challenges. Once you have buy-in, your team will start to look forward to the next challenge and have fun in the process. For each challenge, get creative, then set the parameters. Challenges can be completed individually, in teams or as an entire company to reach the overall goal with points awarded for completing a specific task. For example, award one point per
Post meal walks Spending so much time with family, eating meal after meal and relaxing in between, can make your body feel off during the holidays. Physical activity in a crowded home can become nearly impossible. Your secret weapon this holiday season is getting outside and walking around your family home. Gather friends or family together and take a walk after each meal. You don’t have to walk very much or very far, but giving your body the chance to burn some calories during the season can help you feel less bloated and full.
Sharing Family History G
ive religion and politics a rest at the dinner table this holiday season. Instead, do yourself a favor by striking up a conversation about family health history. Thanksgiving is National Family History Day. A conversation like this can be a buzzkill, but simply because you have a family history of disease doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get a disease. Especially if you act on the information. The information could literally mean many more holidays spent together. How to collect a family health history The CDC recommends the following steps: 1. Talk to your family. Write down the names of your close relatives from both sides of the family — parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Talk to these family members about what conditions they have or had, and at what age the conditions were first diagnosed. You might think you know about all of the conditions of your parents or siblings, but you might find out more information if you ask.
organizing the information in your family health history. 4. Share family health history information with your doctor and other family members.
Be upfront with information If you have a medical condition, such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes, be sure to let your family members know about your diagnosis. If you have had genetic testing done, share your results with your family members. If you are one of the older members of your family, you may know more about diseases and health conditions in your family. Be sure to share this information with your younger relatives.
2. Ask questions. To find out about your risk for chronic disease, ask your relatives about which diseases they have had and when they were diagnosed. 3. Record the information and update it whenever you learn new family health history information. My Family Health Portrait, a free web-based tool, is helpful in
Provide documentation Ask and provide family medical records and even death certificates for your family. Collect any information your family members are willing to share with you and keep it somewhere safe in case you need it in the future. Make sure the information is secured and out of the hands of all except your family.
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Get the whole family involved in 2022! Discover new ways to improve your family’s overall wellbeing. Great Bend Events Center Saturday, January 15 10:00 am - 3:00 pm tribune.com
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Holiday Holid drinking ng can be a Grand Canyon-sized pothole to maintaining your health during the holidays. If drinking alcoholic beverages is part of your holiday revelry, practice moderation and use these tips from the Mayo Clinic to help you make good choices. Drink water between alcoholic drinks. Not only will this help keep you hydrated, but also it will help slow down your drinking pace and keep you comfortable in a social setting. (No one has to know it’s not alcohol.) Use low-calorie mixers. Nocalorie soda or tonic water, or lemon and lime wedges, can help reduce added calories. You can also make healthier ingredient swaps without sacrificing flavor. For instance, use low-fat milk in
your eggnog and cut the amount of cream in half — or skip it entirely. Practice moderation. Enjoy and savor your drinks by sipping slowly. Being mindful can help you reduce your overall calorie intake without feeling restricted. What is the definition of moderation? No more than one standard drink a day for women of all ages and men older than 65, and up to two standard drinks a day for men age
65 and younger. Keep the focus on family and friends. Remember the reason for the gatherings: a time to celebrate with those you love. Remember that alcohol may increase appetite and lead to eating more. A little planning can go a long way when you’re in the mood to munch. Fruit and veggies with dip are always good options to have on hand. Lightly buttered popcorn, nuts and whole-wheat
cr cra crackers acke cke w with th cheese hee eese se aare re aalso lsoo go ls ggood od snac snack nack a k staples. aplles SSet ap et rrealistic ealilist ea stic i h holiday lid iday ay go goals. al An all-or-nothing l not othi hing ng approach roac ro ach h rar rarely l w works. ks. Bee hones honest s with h yourself urs an and d set a plan an befo before an event nt wheree dri drinking ng might m ta take place. It can be easy to drink a few more beers or cocktails during the holidays, being surrounded by family and friends. Do not take a chance with alcohol. Use these tips to plan ahead before you celebrate the holidays this year. • Make sure you have a ride home or a place to sleep if you find yourself getting too intoxicated to drive. • Do not assume you can have a cup of coffee, a light nap, and be okay to drive home afterward. If you plan to leave a party early, you should stop drinking early. • A drink an hour can be a good way to slowly pace yourself and drink in moderation. Have one drink per hour accompanied by plenty of water.
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Home for the Holidays 43
Best Gifts for: Kids
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Accessories Talk to their parents and see what they’re getting for their children this year, then see if it’s possible if you can buy the accessories. For instance, if the child is getting a guitar under the tree, offer to purchase a guitar strap, extra strings and picks. If they’re getting a phone, pony up for a case and charger. You get the point. Not only will these get you a gold star from the kid, but their parents will appreciate the help, too.
hen we celebrate the holidays, in many ways, we’re celebrating
children. It’s the time of year when toys and other gifts for children go on sale, and it can get overwhelming to buy for the kids in your life. Fortunately, we’ve got these outside-the-box ideas to help you win the gift-giving crown. Cash Yeah, it feels impersonal, but if you’ve got a teenager or an older child, cold, card cash is what they’ll want the most. For bonus points, give it as a savings bond or in the form of a savings account that’s already stocked for them. Alternatives are gift cards to their favorite restaurant or store, especially if they have a hobby you’re unfamiliar with. You can also stock their favorite app store for them to spend on the latest games or music.
Experiences Set yourself apart from the usual gifting crowd by giving the kids in your life experiences instead of material things. Take them for a day at the beach or an outing to the museum. The point is to get them outside of their comfort zone or to tick off a goal
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Home for the Holidays 44
on their list. Maybe it’s a trip to their favorite sporting event or a trip to let them get hands-on with one of their interests. Talk to their parents about things the child’s really wanted to do that you can deliver and then make a day of it with just you two together.
Classes Kids today have lots of extracurricular activities, and, chances are, there’s a class or two the kids in your life have been wanting to try. Pony up for extra martial arts classes, swimming lessons or even a foreign language or music tutor. Find out what the kid’s really been wanting to learn and give the gift of knowledge.
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Best Gifts for: Family
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amily are amily ar those thos closest to us butt aalso are oft o een the he hardest ardest d t pe p people op ple to o bbuy holiday ggift holid ftss ffor. r. If you’re ou’re having ha in a tough h tou time buying uy for everyone ev r ne in your y family, mily, consider onsid suggesting suggestin gift-giving iving plans like ke drawing d awing ng names or gifts on n a the theme or within i a certain budget. And consider these ideas for giving the best family gifts ever.
kit mayy be just justt the thing. hi g Put together toggether a gardening g r niingg b ga boxx w with it ceramic ce miic pots pots t (bonus ( onus (b points: p ints: Paint them po th hem with ith everyone’s veryo y ne’s name me in acrylic paint, then th he sseall it with a waterproof clear coat), tools tool and d seeds see s s so they ey can can grow gro their own o memories m ies oncee the d days ys warm rm up. Craft Night Paste together some good times by creating a great family craft box. Put in paints, crayons, colored pencils, coloring books for all ages and maybe throw in some how-to books and supplies to help your favorite family find a whole new hobby. Some things to consider: Modeling clay, loom weaving and paint-by-numbers kits.
Mugging for the Holidays Get them through a cold winter’s night with a mug full of hot cocoa. Look for personalized or monogrammed coffee mugs emblazoned with either the first letter of everyone’s name or the first letter of the family’s last name. Complete the gift with bags of cocoa mix and gourmet marshmallows. Movie Night Get a popcorn bowl and fill it up with movie theater-sized boxes of their favorite candy, popcorn seasonings and cards for rentals to a local movie service such as Netflix or Redbox. Looking to make a bigger impression? Include a streaming device so they can watch their favorites all year long.
Growing Memories The long, cold nights of winter may not be when you think of flowers, but for families with a green thumb, a gardening
Family Game Night Look for a sale on classic family games — think checkers or Scrabble — and make a pile along with plenty of snacks to keep everyone fueled up for a whole night of family fun. For extra oomph, include some coupons or gift cards to have dinner delivered as well. Mom and Dad will thank you for it.
It’s That Time Again! ine is Deadl sday, e Wedn ber 8 Decem pm! 5:00
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www.gbtribune.com Look For Your Letters To Be Published In the Great Bend Tribune December 24 (Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 to be published) The Tribune reserves the right to edit or not publish any letter at their discretion.
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Home for the Holidays 45
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Home for the Holidays 46
For Pets and Their Humans
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on’t forget our feathered and fourlegged friends this holiday season — and their humans. If you want to impress a pet-loving person, turn up with a great gift for their animals. A great way to start is by making a trip to the local pet store and ask for some advice. Or you can start with these ideas. Gifts for Pups Treats. Lots of treats. Some local bakeries may make special pup cakes and cookies just for doggies, and a selection of those will make any pup happy. While you’re at the pet store, look for other things like pet outfits, collars, harnesses and leashes. If your friend’s dog is particularly fuzzy, pick up some grooming supplies like brushes, combs and shedding spray. Food and water dishes are another excellent idea, and you can find a variety of bowls in different materials and styles to suit every decor.
Gifts for Cats With the kitties, start with toys. Anything that sparks a cat’s instinct to hunt is a great toy. Keep an eye out for small balls and crinkly toys, feathers and wands they can
chase, scratchers and, for the advanced cat owner, interactive cat toys. Laser pointers are another popular option. Cat furniture is a great gift, like scratching poles or loungers, but make sure their person has plenty of room for it. Gifts for Birds Another pet that loves a toy is a bird. Look for toys that are appropriate to the type of bird your friend has; you may want to look for toys that help keep their birds’ beaks and claws properly maintained. Other ideas are dried fruits and seeds appropriate for your favorite bird’s diet, nesting boxes, perches and cage accessories. Fins, Fur and More You’re going to see some common refrains for these uncommon pets. Treats and toys are great ideas no matter what pet you’re buying for. Just make sure with the experts at the pet store that the ones you’ve picked out are appropriate for the pet you’re buying for. Many pet stores also offer things like outfits, even for our scaly friends, and grooming tools for all kinds of pets. Ask the experts in the store to help you put together a show-stopping gift.
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