Lincoln's Own Holiday Guide - 2014

Lincoln’s Own

Holiday Guide Great Gift Ideas Holiday Recipes Holiday Fun

For the Whole Family

Dr. Phil

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

Hot Toys for 2014 The Best eCards And More!

1

Fall/Winter 2014

2

Welcome

from the General Manager

Welcome to this edition of “Lincoln’s Own Holiday Guide,” a magazine written specifically for Lincolnites to celebrate the many events that take place in Roger Moody our community during the holiday season.

For those of us who were born and raised here, as well as all those who have come to call Lincoln “home,” the holidays mark a special time of year. Starting with Thanksgiving, on to Christmas and Hanukkah, and finishing up with New Year’s Eve, friends and families gather together to celebrate the traditions of the season, each in their own way.

And it’s a time when many of us help local charities with their work and outreach, contributing time as volunteers and making donations to further good causes. Helping these causes is something we at Channel 8 KLKN-TV put foremost on our holiday lists. From our news team to sales staff and every department of our station’s entire operation, our people go out of their way to support local charities as a way to give back to the community they live in and love.

From all of us at Channel 8 KLKN-TV, we hope you enjoy “Lincoln’s Own Holiday Guide,” and wish each of you a joyous holiday season.

20

INSIDE Gifts 4 Gifts for Men 4 Tech Gifts 5 Gifts for Women 8 Hot Toys for the Holidays

Holidays 6 Channel 8 Eyewitness News Team: Holiday Traditions 12 Christmas Celebrations in Seward

22

15 Stress-Free Party Planning 16 Thanksgiving Quiz 18 The Gift of Giving — Helping Others 20 Small Trees for Any Room 22 Christmas Celebrations around the World 24 Dr. Phil: Making Resolutions a Reality

4

28 Live Holiday Entertainment 30 Holiday eCards

Family Fun 10 Lincoln Children’s Museum Holiday Spectacular 10 Lincoln Children’s Museum Candy House Fun Shop

12

10 Lincoln Children’s Zoo North Pole Express

11 Lincoln Children’s Museum Make Believe Midnight 11 Gateway Mall Visit Santa 11 SouthPointe Pavilions Santa Celebration and Santa Station

26

14 Taking the Ice Ice Skating in Lincoln

Recipes

From the Mr. Food Test Kitchen

26 Caramel Pear Cake

Roger Moody Senior Vice President and General Manager Channel 8 KLKN-TV

3

27 No Bake Cranberry Pie 27 Walnut Brownie Pie

11

“Lincoln’s Own Holiday Guide” is published for KLKN-TV by Harvest Moon Publishing LLC which neither endorses nor is responsible for the accuracy of, any errors, omissions, or mistakes in, or the reliability of any opinion, advice, statement, information or other content contained in this publication, nor for any offensive content. Under no circumstances will Harvest Moon be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage caused by use or reliance on any content contained in or available through this publication. It is your sole responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content contained in or available through this publication.

Gifts for Men

HD Video Camera Binoculars

Experience life’s most thrilling moments — again and again — with compact HD Video Camera Binoculars. Since they combine pristine 10X magnification with a built-in digital camera, you can see all the action in stunning clarity, and shoot high-quality photos and videos of the view with the push of a button. Mac and PC compatible. $99.99 at www.sharperimage.com.

Kelvin.23 The 23-in-one Multi-tool

A single tool that lets you do hundreds of jobs features 23 of the most commonly used household tools yet fits in the palm of your hand. With a cast-aluminum design and rubber-touch handle, it’s sized for most household chores such as hanging pictures, putting up shelving, and assembling flat packed furniture. Tools include a hammer; light; 6-foot tape measure and level; magnetized screwdriver with 16 screw and socket bits (screwdriver can lock at 90 degrees for extra torque). Fits in any drawer or glovebox. $29.99 at www.brookstone.com.

Automatic BBQ Grill Cleaning Robot

Put an end to scrubbing, brushing and scraping your barbecue. The Automatic Grill Cleaning BBQ Robot tackles your charred, dirty grill, whether it’s hot or cool. Simply press a button and its sophisticated computer directs the robot back and forth over your grill with three powerful motors. This rechargeable robot sounds an alarm and shuts off automatically when the job is done. To clean the brushes, simply toss in the dishwasher. $129.99 at www.sharperimage.com.

The Smartphone Planetarium Telescope

This is the telescope that pairs with an iPhone or Android smartphone for easy sighting and viewing celestial bodies. A free app interacts with an iPhone’s built-in GPS receiver to provide you with a handheld map of the heavens, guiding you where to aim the telescope for quickly locating and viewing nearby stars, planets, and constellations. Tapping on the phone screen provides information about the astronomical observations, while the telescope’s 56X magnification and its 12 1/2 mm and 20 mm eyepieces zoom in on the subject. The refractor telescope has a powerful 700 mm focal length and a 60 mm objective lens, and it comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod for stability on rugged outdoor terrain. $129.95 at www.hammacher.com.

TECH PASSWORD VAULT Stop identity theft with the Sharper Image Password Vault. Now you can create strong, secure passwords, and this handy device will remember them all!

The Password Vault is not connected to the Internet, so it can never be hacked. You only need to remember one PIN number to access the files in this pocked-sized lifesaver. You can easily search up to 400 stored passwords, logins, user names and PINs. $59.99 at www.sharperimage.com.

3DOODLER DRAWING PEN The 3Doodler pen lets you draw in three dimensions! You can create 3D sculptures just like flat pictures on paper except that you’re drawing up and out in open space.

Try your hand at the Empire State Building, cars, people, animals, or freestyle. You can also create flat designs that peel off a sheet of paper after they cool.

The 3Doodler is easy to use, just like a hot glue gun. Simply insert plastic drawing sticks in the pen and plug it in.

When the plastic melts (about two minutes), a light on the pen tells you it’s ready to use. Then just press the button and you’re on your way.

The heated plastic flows from the pen as you draw, cooling and becoming solid quickly to form a strong and stable structure. $99.99 at www.the3Doodler.com.

44

Gifts for Women GIFTS Perfect Bake App-Controlled Smart Baking

THE iPAD PAINTBRUSH This paintbrush lets you create works of art on a tablet computer or smartphone. It uses patent-pending synthetic hairs infused with conductive properties, designed with the same taper, flexibility, and strength as traditional bristles, resulting in the same paintbrush feel and authentic strokes. Identical in size and weight to typical painting implements, the iPad paintbrush simulates painting in acrylic, watercolor, or charcoal media using Apple and Android apps such as PIcsArt, ASKetch, and Brushes.

The other end of the brush has a rubber stylus that enables sketching or handwriting.

It’s made from brass with chrome plating and a soft rubber grip for optimal control. The iPad Paintbrush is compatible with all devices with capacitive touchscreens including iPhone, Kindle Fire, Nexus, Samsung Tablet, and more. $49.95 at www.hammacher.com.

DROPCAM PRO REMOTE VIDEO MONITORING

This cloud-based Wi-Fi video monitoring service helps you stay connected to home, baby, pets and business. You’ll receive activity alerts for motion and sound on your smartphone, tablet or computer and you can drop in live and talk directly with people and pets. Add the cloud recording service to save 720 hours of continuous video.

Set up takes less than a minute. Just open the box and remove the camera, connect to your Wi-Fi network via your computer or iOS mobile phone, name your camera and create an account, and you’re ready to stream! $199.99 at www.brookstone.com.

55

Perfect Bake simplifies baking by combining ingredients by weight alone. There’s no need for measuring cups — just connect the scale to your tablet or phone and its free app for iOS and Android devices gives you real-time instructions for adding ingredients, mixing and baking for perfect results every time.

Perfect Bake comes with hundreds of recipes including cookies, muffins, cupcakes, pancakes, waffles, scones, biscuits, brownies and bars, mug cakes, gluten-free, dairy-free, ice cream, quick bread, snacks — or create and save your own!

Here’s how it works: Choose a recipe and input the number of servings you’d like — it will scale the ingredients for you. Then place a bowl on the Perfect Bake scale and it tells you exactly how much of each ingredient to add. A virtual bowl fills up on your tablet or phone screen as you add ingredients and adjusts the recipe if you overpour. Plus you no longer have to worry about having the right ingredients on hand. Just tell Perfect Bake what’s in your pantry and it will generate a list of recipes that use only what you have available.

You can see compatible devices and a demonstration video online. $69.99 at www.brookstone.com.

The Neck and Shoulder Heat Wrap

This heated wrap is designed to simultaneously soothe sore muscles in your neck and shoulders. The wrap’s slightly weighted edges and magnetic closure provide a custom fit around the neck, shoulders, and upper back to deliver consistent, therapeutic heat in areas that are prone to tightness. The integrated heating element delivers even, deep-penetrating heat that stimulates blood circulation to loosen muscles, helps relieve swelling, and soothes joints. The tethered controller adjusts the temperature to four different levels and the plush, 100% polyester microplush wrap is soft against skin. With twohour auto-off setting. $69.95 at www.hammacher.com.

Indoor Flameless Marshmallow Roaster

Want to create s’mores year-round? This indoor roaster produces campfire-worthy toasted marshmallows without an open flame.

Marshmallows are toasted over a stainless steel electric heater, making it safe and easy to use with children. The roaster’s tray can hold a ready supply of chocolate, graham crackers, or candies for your marshmallow creations. Four included stainless steel forks hold marshmallows securely over the roaster. All pieces hand wash easily. $69.95 at www.hammacher.com.

Bluetooth Talking Gloves

When you’re taking a walk outside or hiking this winter, you can talk on the phone without taking off your gloves!

The rechargeable Bluetooth Unisex Gloves conceal a speaker in the left thumb and a microphone in the left pinky. Just make the “call me” hand gesture, and you’re all set to chat for up to 12 hours on a full charge. Capacitive technology lets you control your device’s touchscreen through the thumbs and index fingers. Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled phones, including all iPhones, Androids and Blackberrys. Includes matching right glove. Charges via Micro USB with included cable. Available in two sizes: S/M (fits most women) and L/XL (fits most men). $79.99 at www.sharperimage.com.

Holiday Traditions Rod Fowler Channel 8 Eyewitness News Anchor Growing up, Christmas was always spent at my Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Their farm was just a short seven miles on a gravel road from ours. As soon as you walked in, you could smell the aroma of baked bread, dumplings and duck. And let’s not forget pumpkin and apple pie for dessert. But that was just the first course of a fun-filled day.

After dinner, all the grandchildren would grab a towel and help wash dishes. The reason was simple; the sooner we got that done, the sooner we got to open presents and then head outside for some tackle football.

Fast forward to 2014. We still have that wonderful meal, but now it’s at Mom and Dad’s. As for those dishes? Yep, my children and all the youngsters help clear the table and grab towels to speed things up a little. As for the pigskin, sure, I’ll play, but I’m quarterback and let’s make it touch football.

From the

Vanessa Brown Channel 8 Eyewitness News Anchor In our house growing up, three things were staples at Christmas time: homemade gingerbread cookies, handmade stockings and hand-picked trees. One of my favorite things around the holidays was helping my mom craft little gingerbread boys and girls. With the help of some dyed frosting, I would doodle pink dresses on the girls and green pants and bow ties on the boys. And because the sweeter the better, I topped them all off with yellow frosted hair and chocolate chip buttons.

Next on the list — those stockings!

My mom hand embroidered one for each of us. She stitched the front with a Christmas scene and had them backed with red velvet. All hung on the mantel, Vanessa as a little girl, amidst our holiday décor. Finally, we frosting gingerbread boys would pick out a fresh noble fir and and girls.

6

Channel 8 Eyewitness News Team dress it with sentimental ornaments (think macaroni, beads and paper).

Those traditions haven’t faded. I still decorate gingerbread cookies, hang my stocking at my own house and pick out a live tree. There are some things you just don’t change!

Luke Dorris Channel 8 Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist All I wanted for Christmas when I was eight years old was a pellet gun. It was all I thought about. My brother and sister made Christmas lists, but I didn’t even make one that year. I just wanted one thing. I also happened to discover the movie “A Christmas Story” — a story about a young boy who also wanted a BB gun for Christmas. This movie is on A LOT around Christmas time, and I watched it every time it was on. Christmas Day came, and I got my pellet gun, and the TV stayed on TBS for the 24-hour continual showing of “A Christmas Story.”

7

TBS still does this marathon showing of the movie every year, and it’s on for the full running every Christmas Day at our house. My family now hates the movie, but the tradition remains.

Brett Edwards Channel 8 Eyewitness News Sports Director On my dad’s side, we would have a choice of chili or oyster soup — obviously I opted for the chili. On my mom’s side, we’re Danish and we carry on their customs and traditions.

We sing before we eat; then after we eat and before we open presents, we hold hands and sing Christmas songs while dancing around the tree. This includes a Danish song that’s all in Danish. I know the words, but don’t ask me to sing it on air!

Hot Toys for

I

t’s the time of year when you can bet that little children are having visions of sugarplums and dreaming of what toys they’ll receive for the holidays.

To help you choose the perfect gift for the little ones in your family, we went to the experts at Toys“R”Us for a few tips. Here are some of their ideas for this season’s hot toys.

The Home Depot Big Builders Pro Workshop from Step 2

Watch your little builders create their own construction projects with this interactive playset.

Nearly 3-feet tall, the workbench features a real working light, lots of storage space, and play tools including a dual-action drill, handsaw, screwdriver, working vise, and other accessories. Kids can build up to four different projects with faux wood pieces (included). Required: two AA and three AAA batteries (not included). Now available exclusively at Toys“R”Us. Ages 3 years and up. $79.99

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy Piano Young children ages 6 months to 3 years will love this piano that features a puppy with a light-up nose and four light-up keys for musical learning fun! The piano has three modes of play — learning, music, and bilingual — so babies and toddlers can press the keys to hear 12 songs that teach them about colors, numbers, animal sounds, parts of the face, and greetings (or they can make up their own tunes.) Required: “AA” batteries (not included). $18.99

Little Live Pets Bird Cage Love Birds Double Pack from Moose Toys

This portable bird cage is home to two little love birds, where they can sit and swing together. The birds are interactive and respond to noise and touch by chirping. The more they play the happier they become, whistling a special tune the whole time. Kids can press the button on the birds’ chests to record up to ten seconds of sound and the birds will repeat it back in a sing-song fashion.

Required: two AAA batteries (included). Ages 5 years and up.

Now available exclusively at Toys“R”Us. $29.99

8

the Holidays R/C Smoke-Breathing Ice Dragon from Animal Planet Using a wireless infrared remote control, kids will love bringing this smoke-breathing animatronic dragon to life. It features life-like walking and head movement, light-up eyes, and a ferocious roar. And, for an extra-special effect, the dragon simulates breathing smoke when water is added.

Required: three AA batteries (included) and two AAA batteries (not included). Ages 5 years and up. Now available exclusively at Toys“R”Us. $34.99 LEGO FUSION Town Master from LEGO Systems Inc. This construction and virtual simulation game allows players to create and run their own LEGO town, first by building it brickby-brick, then capturing a picture and importing it into a corresponding free iOS and Android

9

LEGO FUSION app-based game. Kids can construct their town from the ground up, building everything from houses to businesses, such as a pizzeria, fire station, and bike shop. Gamers and builders alike can complete errands and missions, including catching robbers, fighting fires, and skateboarding. To keep the mini-figure citizens happy, players can solve problems through physical building and earn points to gain access to more structures, and even run additional towns. No batteries required. Ages 7 to 14 years. Now available exclusively at Toys“R”Us. $34.99

Charmazing Color Me Up! from Wooky Entertainment

Charmazing is one of the most popular trends this year.

The design-it-yourself jewelry craft line features expandable, stackable bracelets and collectible charms. Using their imaginations, budding fashionistas will enjoy hours of bracelet and accessory-making fun with more than 100 stylish and symbolic collectible charms to customize their creations.

Children can also share their collections with the free iOS or Android app.

No batteries required.

Ages 8 years and up. $14.99

T

Family

his is a great time of year to have fun with the kids while making lots of happy holiday memories. Here are a few of Lincoln’s seasonal activities and events your children will enjoy.

Lincoln Children’s Museum Holiday Spectacular www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/events Friday, December 5, 5-8 p.m.

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit Santa’s Workshop, take part in fun holiday activities (including a snowball fight), and enjoy treats, live music and dancers at the Holiday Spectacular. The Museum will close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 p.m. to get everything ready for Santa.

Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m. to greet guests before heading to his Workshop on the Museum’s lower level. Santa’s Workshop is a magical place for children to get a hands-on glimpse of the world’s best toy factory and visit with Santa until 7:45 p.m. Guests are welcome to take photos using their own cameras and devices. The Workshop will remain open through Wednesday, December 24, so don’t worry if you miss Santa at the Holiday Spectacular, he’ll be dropping by again on Saturday, December 6, 13, and 20 from 1- 3 p.m.

Holiday Spectacular’s entertainment includes costumed characters like Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch, members of “The Nutcracker” ballet, carolers, a holiday decoration station, a special reading of “The Polar Express,” cookies and milk, and an indoor snowball fight! Museum membership or regular admission applies.

Lincoln Children’s Museum Candy House Funshop

www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org December 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21 Thursdays 10 a.m., 5 and 6 p.m.

Saturdays 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 p.m. | Sundays 1, 2, 3 p.m.

Bring the family and build your own holiday candy house! The Museum supplies the 15” house frame, frosting, and a variety of candies and decoration toppings (they’ll even clean up the mess when you’re finished). Families can purchase one house to work on together or everyone can create their own. Cost: $25 per house for members; $30 per house for non-members (includes two free admissions). Take-home kits are available for $25 (call 402-477-4000 to reserve kits).

Lincoln Children’s Zoo North Pole Express www.lincolnzoo.org/events December 6, 7, 13, and 14 Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Don’t miss this year’s North Pole Express at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Board the holiday train at the depot and take a ride to the North Pole (visiting lots of your favorite Zoo animals on the way). Once you arrive at Santa’s Workshop there will be hot chocolate, cookie decorating, fun activities, and Santa himself will be on hand to visit and have photos taken. (All activities will be held indoors.)

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 5 and may be purchased at the zoo or online. This popular event may sell out so get your tickets early!

10 10

Fun! Lincoln Children’s Museum Make Believe Midnight

www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org Wednesday, December 31 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Make Believe Midnight is the perfect family-friendly party to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2015 with party favors and hats, a dance party, the famous Bubblewrap Stomp (an exciting version of indoor fireworks), a special program featuring Father Time and Baby New Year, and the Red Carpet photo backdrop. Then, at 8:00 p.m. everyone joins in for a countdown and ball drop followed immediately by more than 2,000 colorful balloons showering over everyone in the room. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this popular event either online or in person at the Museum beginning November 21.

Gateway Mall Shopping Center www.gatewaymall.com

Visit Santa at Gateway Mall Shopping Center

Saturday, November 15 through Wednesday, December 24 Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Santa will be coming down from the North Pole to visit Gateway Mall this holiday season. He’ll be located in the Center Court and would love to chat and take photos with all the children who stop by.

Photo by Matt Elwood | Elwood Photography

SouthPointe Pavilions Shopping Center www.southpointeshopping.com

Santa Celebration

Saturday, November 29, 6-8 p.m.

Santa will be arriving at SouthPointe Pavilions’ Center Courtyard to kick off the holiday season. Festivities include lighting the giant Christmas tree in the Courtyard and illuminating more than 60,000 lights throughout the Center. The whole family can enjoy fun activities, music, refreshments, live reindeer, costumed performers, and photos with Santa.

Santa Station

Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 24 Fridays and Saturdays, 12-8 p.m. | Sundays, 12-5 p.m.

Christmas week:

Sunday, December 21 and Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, 12-8 p.m.

Children can visit Santa at his cottage and have a nice chat about their wish lists. Each child will receive a treat bag which includes a letter to Santa that they can send at the Mistletoe Mailbox (located in the SouthPointe branch of First National Bank). Santa will be answering each letter personally. Digital photos with Santa may be purchased or families can take their own photos at no charge. The Santa Station is located between Barnes & Noble and Talbots.

11

O

Christmas

n the evening of Saturday, November 29, after a day filled with holiday fun, people will bundle up in their winter coats, hats and scarves to line the streets of downtown Seward to watch parade floats pass by, hear marching bands play, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the culminating event in the 4th annual Seward Christmas Festival and Lighted Parade.

And, to the delight of every child along the parade route, Santa himself will make an appearance atop his own float, seated in his sleigh and pulled by two members of his famous reindeer team.

This annual event promises to be filled with family fun and Christmas festivities. It all begins with Santa’s arrival in the town at 10 a.m.; followed by fun activities at the Olde Glory Theatre and Winter Wonderland; then the day is topped off with the evening’s parade.

12

Photos courtesy Seward Chamber of Commerce

Celebrations in Seward

Many of Seward’s shops and restaurants will be extending their hours for dining and holiday shopping. Here’s a rundown on the day’s activities.

Santa Arrives on the Square | 10:00 a.m. - noon

Welcome Santa to Seward as he arrives at the Courthouse Square — on a fire truck — and makes his way to the Santa House where he’ll be available for visits until noon. (He’ll be back after the evening parade and will stay until 8:00 p.m.) There will be live reindeer on the Square, a fruitcake toss, and reindeer games, as well as the Winter Wonderland just west of 418 Seward St. (Check the website for Winter Wonderland days and hours).

Afternoon Fun at the Olde Glory | 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

There are plenty of holiday activities including horse and wagon rides, crafts for the kids, sweet treats, and musical entertainment at the Olde Glory Theatre and Community Hall

13

at 4th and Jackson.

Seward Lighted Christmas Parade | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Bundle up for the Lighted Christmas Parade and enjoy dazzling and and creative floats (including several from the old Star City Parade), singers, bands, lots of surprises, and Santa!

The parade route starts at 1st and Seward Streets and continues to City Park on 14th Street.

For more information go to www.sewardne.com or call 402-643-4189.

Taking the Ice I

ce skating dates back thousands of years (unearthed primitive skates date to 3,000 B.C.). Once a means of winter transportation over rough ice on frozen rivers, skating developed into a sport and an art form seen in the power and grace of today’s hockey and figure skating.

Ice skating is great fun — and great exercise — so bundle up and try a few bunny hops and figure eights on any of Lincoln’s ice skating venues. (Be sure to check websites for details and current schedules.)

Railyard Ice Rink

350 Canopy Street I 608-513-2709 www.skatetheyard.com

Every holiday season, the center of the Railyard’s courtyard becomes a 4,200 square foot ice skating rink. Located in the West Haymarket just across from Pinnacle Bank Arena, the rink is open seven days a week and admission is free. Skate rentals are available for all ages.

Lincoln Stars Ice Box

1800 State Fair Park Drive I 402-474-7827 www.lincolnstars.com

Skate the same ice the Lincoln Stars do! The Ice Box arena offers public skating sessions and ice skating lessons.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation

1800 State Fair Park Drive I 402-441-7847 www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/skating.htm

Lincoln Parks and Recreation provides skating opportunities at seven local lakes: Bowling Lake • NW 48th & W. Cuming St. Holmes • 70th & Normal Irvingdale • 20th & Van Dorn Oak Lake • Sun Vally Blvd. & Charleston Peter Pan • 32nd & W Peterson • 4400 Southwood Drive Pioneers Park Nature Center • 3201 S. Coddington Ave. 14 14

Stress-Free Party Planning

T

here’s an art to hosting a memorable party without causing yourself extra stress. If you’re hosting a holiday get-together this season, follow these steps for a party everyone will enjoy, including you!

STEP 1: Plan For a casual party, start preparing two to four weeks ahead. Make a list of who you want to invite and decide when to mail or email your invitations. (Two week’s notice is usually plenty for a casual get-together, but for holiday parties, send your invitations a month ahead.)

This is also the time to plan your food and drink menu.

Make lists of any items you’ll need to special order. If you’re preparing any of the food yourself, decide what you can make in advance. Most baked goods, for instance, can be made up to a month ahead and kept in the freezer.

STEP 2: Consider Others Little things mean a lot, so take time to consider the special needs of your guests. If some are diabetic, include one or two sugar-free desserts. Your vegetarian friends will appreciate a meatless choice on the buffet table.

STEP 3: The Party Once your guests arrive, relax and have a good time.

Nothing sets the tone for a party more than the attitude of the host, so have fun and your guests will enjoy themselves too.

Party Countdown Calendar

4 Weeks Ahead: • Send out invitations • Plan menu • Take inventory of serving equipment, tables, chairs, etc.

• Make shopping lists 2 Weeks Ahead: • Start those long-term cleaning projects • Prepare baked goods or do-ahead menu items to freeze • Special order meats or other hard-to-find ingredients 1 Week Ahead: • Order flowers or create your own centerpieces • Confirm your guest list; call friends who haven’t RSVP’d • Purchase beverages and non-perishable food items • Finish heavy cleaning projects around the house 4 Days Ahead: • Make room in refrigerator • Create a cooking and serving plan 3 Days Ahead: • Shop for perishable foods and store them properly • Prepare dips, spreads, etc. that can be made in advance 1 to 2 Days Ahead: • Remove the last of the clutter from your house, (even if that means boxing it up and hiding it away until after the party).

• Clean the bathroom your guests will use and vacuum and dust any rooms party-goers are likely to see.

Party Day • Prepare remaining menu items • Clear out any last minute clutter • Put out centerpieces and serving dishes • Set mood lighting and music • Leave at least 30 minutes to relax before guests arrive 15 15

R

Thanksgiving

emember the days of elementary school when we made Pilgrim hats and colored drawings of pumpkins for Thanksgiving? We’ve celebrated this holiday all of our lives, but have you ever wondered how much we really know of its history?

Just for fun we’ve put together a quiz to test your knowledge of this annual feasting day when gratitude is uppermost in everyone’s minds. Find out if you qualify as a Thanksgiving expert!

1. The first Thanksgiving observance was held in America in the year:

a. 1619 b. 1621 c. 1635 d. 1644

A little known fact about More than one million people come Thanksgiving is that it was not to the shore of Plymouth Harbor each year to see Plymouth Rock, which the Pilgrims, but a group of 38 marks the landing point of English settlers who celebrated the Mayflower in 1620. the first Thanksgiving in America the day they arrived: December 4, 1619. The tiny group gathered at the Berkeley Plantation on the James River, near what is today Charles City, Virginia. They established a charter that the anniversary of their arrival should be observed each year as a day of Thanksgiving to God. (Answer: a) 2. In what year did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving?

a. 1615 b. 1620

c. 1621 d. 1625

The Pilgrims set ground at Plymouth Rock (in what was later to become Massachusetts) on December 11, 1620. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving the following year after their first harvest in the New World. (Answer: c) 3. Why did the early New Englanders set five kernels of corn on their plates every Thanksgiving Day?

a. As a symbol of five years of continuous, plentiful harvests. b. As a reminder of difficult years when food was scarce. c. In hope of five more years of good harvests. d. In homage to corn, the most fruitful crop in their fields.

From the time the Pilgrims landed until their first Thanksgiving celebration, they had seen the devastating loss of 46 of the original 102 people who had sailed on the Mayflower. During that first harsh winter, the Pilgrims’

The Wampanoag Indians — the tribe credited with helping the New England settlers during their first year — traditionally cooked their dinners over an open firepit.

daily ration of food had been only five kernels of corn, supplemented by food generously donated by Native Americans. Later, New Englanders remembered this hardship by placing five kernels of corn on each of their plates every Thanksgiving. (Answer: b) 4. Thanksgiving is a holiday when people of all backgrounds and cultures come together to celebrate. This is because:

a. Cultures all over the world join in celebrating Thanksgiving Day. b. The foods represented in harvest celebrations originated in different countries. c. It is traditional to give Thanksgiving toasts in a variety of languages. d. At the first Thanksgiving, the Native Americans who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter brought food and joined in the celebration.

It is well-known that without the kindness of Native Americans the Pilgrims met in the New World, the settlers may not have survived their first year in the wilderness. On the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving Day, 91 Native Americans attended, contributing five deer to the feast. (Answer: d) 5. What U.S. President moved Thanksgiving back a week from the fourth Thursday in November to the third?

a. Abraham Lincoln b. Theodore Roosevelt c. Franklin D. Roosevelt d. Dwight Eisenhower

In response to pressure from business and retail groups who were concerned that consumers didn’t have enough time 16

Quiz to shop between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Franklin Roosevelt moved the national holiday back one week in 1939. Congress reversed his decision in 1941 when it ruled that the fourth Thursday in November would once again be the legal federal holiday we know today. (Answer: c) 6. What well-known author and editor strove for many years to promote the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day?

a. Charlotte Bronte b. Susan B. Anthony c. Sarah Josepha Hale d. Emily Dickensen

New Hampshire-born Sarah Josepha Hale was a famous editor in the late 1800s, editing both “Ladies’ Magazine” and “Godey’s Lady’s Book.” She is credited with persuading Abraham Lincoln to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday in November 1863.

Most people today do not realize they know the words to one of Hale’s most famous poems, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” (Answer: c) 7. Why is pumpkin pie a Thanksgiving staple? a. Because fruit pies are out of season. b. Because apple pie was reserved for Independ ence Day celebrations. c. Because the Pilgrims couldn’t bear to eat a pie made from corn. d. Because of the abundance of pumpkins at at harvest time.

The Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving probably did not include pumpkin pie since their flour supply was depleted long before the celebration. Nor was there any milk or butter to create such a dessert. But based on their traditional place in harvest festivals, pumpkins take center stage in America for Halloween jack-olanterns and Thanksgiving Day pies. (Answer: d) 8. Who was the first U.S. President to proclaim a day of national Thanksgiving?

a. George Washington b. John Quincy Adams c. Abraham Lincoln d. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Although he did not establish a regular national Thanksgiving Day holiday, George Washington was the first president to issue a proclamation for a Thanksgiving celebration throughout all 13 colonies in 1789. (Answer: a) 17

The Gift of Giving —

T

he holiday season brings a celebration of loved customs and the gathering of family and friends. It is also a time when thought turns to giving; to helping others who are in need. The Lincoln/Lancaster County community has a strong tradition of reaching out to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and those who face each day alone. If you’d like to donate or give of your time this year, opportunities abound through organizations that make life — and the holidays — a little brighter for those who are struggling.

CASA for Lancaster County When children in our community must be removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect, they find themselves in the juvenile court system where strangers make decisions that deeply affect their lives.

They may be frightened, distrustful, and often don’t understand what’s happening to them. These children need an advocate, someone who cares about them and will speak for them. And that’s what CASA of Lancaster County volunteers do.

Since 1999, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) has provided the voice for children in the court and foster care system, earning their trust, bolstering their self-worth, and helping them attain a stable, permanent home.

If you’d like to become an advocate for an abused/ neglected child, or if you’d like to help financially, you’ll find details at www.casa4lancaster.org.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) is “to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of Lincoln’s working poor and homeless through outreach, advocacy, education, and the provision of food and shelter.”

Those turning to MTKO for help will find compassion, love, and a complete support system to help them regain their dignity, empowerment, and integrity. In addition to two meals per day, MTKO provides health and vision care, alcohol and drug services, basic and emergency needs, life skills training, transitional housing, 18 18

Helping Others this Holiday Season counseling, and crisis assistance.

MTKO hosts an annual Holiday Fiesta Luncheon which provides a festive experience for many who would have no celebration otherwise. “Holiday donations keep our doors open 365 days a year,” says MTKO executive director Susanne Blue, CMSW. “We are so grateful for the community support we receive and for the army of volunteers who help us daily!”

If you’d like to support MTKO’s work, visit their website at www.mtkserves.org.

CEDARS Home for Children Many children and young people in our community are at risk due to abuse, poverty, and neglect. They may also be victims of dangerous family crises in their homes such as violence, mental illness, criminal activity, or substance abuse.

CEDARS Home for Children reaches out to these vulnerable children and provides a safe haven, hope, and healing, as well as the skills they need to overcome the challenges they face. It also offers help for families to heal and possibly reunite.

The annual CEDARS Holiday Gift Drive makes it possible for generous individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations to give these children toys and gifts and bring a little holiday joy into their lives. To help, go to www.cedars-kids.org.

People’s City Mission Since 1907, People’s City Mission has sheltered, fed, and provided vital services to the homeless and impoverished in Lincoln/Lancaster County, helping tens of thousands last year alone. Men, women, and children have received compassion, a safe haven, nutritious food, health services and, through the Homeless Prevention Center, those living at or near the poverty line receive free food, clothing, personal care items, toys, furniture and household items.

People’s City Mission provides holiday cheer through its Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Basket programs, Thanksgiving and Christmas meal programs, and the Starry Nights Christmas Tree Festival and Gala. To help, visit www.peoplescitymission.org.

19 19

Big Brothers Big Sisters Since 1904 Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped at-risk youth overcome adversity in their lives — poverty, single parent homes, parental incarceration — by carefully matching up each child with a caring adult who serves as a role model, mentor, and friend.

Research shows that children are greatly benefited by having a Big Brother or Big Sister. Their school work and family relationships improve and they’re less likely to skip school or become involved in substance and alcohol abuse.

These benefits are the result of the organization’s one-toone mentoring that helps each child achieve educational success, higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, and avoidance of negative behavior.

If you’d like to reach out to a child in our community and help change their life for the better, or if you’d like to help financially, go to Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters at www.hbbbs.org.

The Salvation Army of Lincoln, Nebraska The Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign has become a mainstay during the holidays.

For nearly 150 years, The Salvation Army has aided desperate men, women, and children of all ages, as well as the sick and disabled, by providing food, clothing, shelter, and social programs to help them overcome difficulties and make progress in their lives.

Donations from The Red Kettle Campaign bring the joy of the season to people in our area who would otherwise go without. Needy families receive Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for the children; shut-ins in nursing homes and hospitals receive gifts; those struggling financially receive financial assistance for basic necessities such as utilities; and the homeless are given a real Christmas dinner.

The holiday season is the most important time of year for raising funds for these activities. If you’d like to give financially, be a Red Kettle bell ringer, host an online Red Kettle, or to find other ways to help, you can visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/lincoln for information.

Small Trees for Any Room

W

hen it comes to Christmas decorations, the focal point in nearly every house is the tree — the beauty of the tree itself, the serenity of the lights, ornaments hanging from every bough.

But you don’t have to confine the Christmas tree to a single room. Small trees (two to three-feet tall), real or artificial, are easy to decorate and make a great addition to your Christmas décor.

It’s fun to pick a theme for your little trees. For example, a “Kitchen Tree” can be decorated with cookie cutters, gingerbread figures, Christmas cookies, red apples, cinnamon sticks, measuring cups and spoons, teacups, and garlands made out of food (popcorn, gummy bears, or dried fruit).

Here are some other themes to consider. Just use lights, ribbons, a tree skirt, and other ornaments that work with the theme and colors.

A Natural Tree

Use ornaments that come from nature such as pine cones, berries, and bunches of holly leaves. If you’d like, you can add ornaments of woodland creatures: deer, rabbits, squirrels, even bears.

Christmas Card Tree

This is a great way to display your Christmas cards as they come in and it’s perfect for the front hall. Just punch a hole in the top of each card and tie it to the tree with a ribbon or yarn.

Single Theme Tree

You can have all kinds of fun decorating trees by using variations of just one type of ornament such as stars, angels, birds, and fairies. Complete it with pretty ribbons cascading down the sides and a topper that’s a bigger version of the theme.

Family Memory Tree

Copy family photos and glue the copy to squares of wrapping paper (the same

paper for each photo) and cut to give the photo a 1/2” border. Punch a hole in the top and tie with ribbon.

You can include everyone’s baby and childhood photos, photos of memorable moments (losing a first tooth, prom, first car, weddings, family gatherings, etc.), and pictures of pets.

Enchanted Sea Tree

Use ornaments from the sea: fish, mermaids, shells (add glitter for sparkle), starfish, and boats. If you add garlands, ball ornaments, a topper, and tree skirt, make them all variations of sea blues and pale greens.

North Pole Tree

Kids will love this “all things Santa” tree.

Use ornaments of Santa, sleighs, reindeer, elves, polar bears, penguins, miniature gifts; you can even attach the kids’ wish lists.

You can also add a handmade advent calendar so the kids can count down to Christmas. Wrap 25 little boxes, or use small gift bags, each with a piece of candy

20

or a little toy in it (enough for each child no matter whose turn it is to open it). Mark the outside of each one with the dates (December 1 to 25); then starting on December 1, the appropriate bag is opened each day.

Crystal Tree

Use crystal-like ornaments, on a white tree with white lights. Add silver and white shiny ornaments and garland for a dazzling display.

Snowman Tree

You’ll need a white tree, white lights, a couple of lightweight sticks or branches, a large round styrofoam ball for the topper (the snowman’s head), a hat, a scarf, mittens, and three or four colored ball ornaments (for buttons). Draw the snowman’s face on the round ball (or glue buttons for eyes, mouth, and nose). Attach the head to the top of the tree. Hang the ball ornaments in front to look like the snowman’s buttons. Attach branches for arms.

Add hat, scarf, and mittens and you’re finished. And this snowman won’t melt!

21

C

Christmas Celebrations

hristmas is one of the most cherished holidays in the world.

The message of peace and kindness to our fellow beings resonates in the hearts of people from every corner of the globe.

Christmas traditions worldwide encompass both the secular and sacred and while many are very similar to the celebrations we know and love, some are very different.

AUSTRALIA

Australians have many Christmas traditions that are similar to ours — Christmas trees (or decorating with sprigs from the Christmas Bush — a native plant with green leaves and star-shaped red flowers), light displays, gift giving, attending church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and family gatherings with a big Christmas dinner.

A popular Aussie tradition is “Carols by Candlelight” when people all over the country gather outside in the evenings to light candles and sing Christmas carols under the stars.

Christmas comes in the middle of summer in Australia and a

popular children’s song started the tradition that, because it’s too hot for reindeer, Santa’s sleigh is pulled by “six white boomers” (six white kangaroos) named Jackaroo, Snow, Bluey, Curly, Desert Head, and Two-Up.

GREECE

In Greece, the Christmas season is a solemn and sacred time of year. The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6 with Epiphany.

Greek customs include attending Midnight Mass, singing kalandas (Christmas carols) handed down for centuries, and feasting at family gatherings. Traditional Christmas dinner includes pork or lamb (although turkey is becoming increasingly Greek treats served at Christmas popular), baklava, melomakarona celebrations include baklava. and kourabiedes (cookies), and christopsomo (bread of Christ), made on Christmas Eve. Many Greeks burn a yule log continuously from Christmas to the Epiphany. The yule fire began as a way to ward off mischievous and sometimes malevolent goblin-like creatures called kallikantzaroi. In Greek folklore it was believed that these unpleasant visitors arrived on Christmas to harass and frighten people. The fire kept the kallikantzaroi from entering the house through the chimney. On the day of Epiphany, these goblins

22

around the World return to their underground domain.

DENMARK During the Christmas season, Danes decorate with advent wreaths and candles, mistletoe, holly, and evergreen boughs. The tree is usually brought into the house and decorated the day before Christmas.

“Juleaften” (Christmas Eve) starts with a late afternoon candlelight church service, followed by Christmas dinner in the evening.

Festivities include lighting real candles on the Christmas tree, dancing around the tree holding hands while singing traditional Christmas hymns and songs, and opening gifts brought by “Julemanden” (the Danish version of Santa Claus) who is usually a family member dressed up for the role. The evening ends with cookies and marzipan, hot chocolate for the children, and glogg (mulled wine) for the adults.

Folk tales tell of “Julenisse,” little gnomes who are known for pulling pranks on Christmas Eve. That’s why many Danish families set out a bowl of rice porridge for the Julenisse so they’ll behave.

23

Find M o Onlin re Lincoln e at sO Holida wn Guide.c y om

FRANCE The French don’t usually set up Christmas trees, but a popular tradition is to display a crèche, or Nativity scene, inside their homes. These decorative pieces often include other figures in addition to the Holy Family, Wisemen, shepherds and animals.

You may find town dignitaries, bakers, farmers, and local characters represented.

Families gather on Christmas Eve to attend a midnight church service to sing Christmas carols and hear church bells. Then they A church in Triel-Sur-Seine, France displays a return home Nativity scene during the Christmas season. to partake in “Reveillion,” a late meal that — depending on what part of France you’re in — might include baked ham, roast turkey with chestnuts, roast goose, oysters, lobster, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and wine, followed by a chocolate sponge cake yule log call “buche de Noel.”

Before going to bed, children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, eagerly anticipating a visit from Pere Noel (Father Christmas) who will fill the shoes with presents and, if they have a tree, hang small toys and treats on the boughs to be discovered on Christmas Day.

W

hether you want to lose weight, quit smoking, get your finances in order or spend more time with your family, Dr. Phil has advice to help make your resolutions stick.

Remember, winners do what losers don’t want to do. Have passion, take action, and you’ll get what you’re after. t Set a very specific goal. Do you want to work out 30 minutes a day four days a week? Resolving to “be happy,” for example, is not specific enough. If you want to spend more time with your family, make an appointment every week to spend time together. For example, Sunday night can become “game night.” Define exactly what you want in clear terms. t Set a goal that has a measurable outcome.

“Getting in shape” is not quantifiable. Without a goal that is measurable, how will you know when you’ve made progress or even reached it? t Assign a timeline. “Someday” is not a day of the week. The difference between a dream and a goal is a timeframe for making it happen. A deadline can also help motivate you and prevent you from procrastinating. t Choose a goal you can control. You don’t control how much you weigh. You can influence it, and you can control the things upon which your weight is based, but you do not control the number on the scale. In identifying your goal, strive for what you can really create — not just what you fantasize about. t Program your life with a strategy. Willpower is a myth. It’s emotionally powered, and emotions are fickle.

Wanting to do something — no matter how badly you want it — won’t make it happen. You need a plan and you need to change something in your lifestyle. Realistically assess the obstacles and resources involved, and create a strategy for navigating that reality. Your environment, your schedule and your accountability must be programmed in such a way that all three support you. Life is full of temptations and opportunities to fail. Without programming, you will find it much harder to stay the course. t Identify small steps. Major life changes don’t just happen; they happen one step at a time. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Steady progress through wellchosen, realistic, interval steps produces results. Know what those steps are before you set out.

24 24

Making Resolutions a Reality t Create accountability. Without accountability, people are apt to con themselves. If you know precisely what you want — and there are real consequences for not doing the assigned work — you are more likely to continue in your pursuit of your goal. Find someone in your circle of family or friends to whom you can be accountable.

Make periodic reports on your progress. t Set your environment up to help you succeed.

If you’re trying to quit smoking, for example, the one thing you need to control is your environment. Set your environment up so that it does not support your habit.

Don’t keep cigarettes in the house. Don’t buy them at all, or you’re programming yourself for failure. Your lifestyle supports your habit, so you need to change your lifestyle.

Yes, there is a physical addiction. But it’s also a choice.

Don’t use the addiction as your permission slip to keep doing it. Remember that you don’t break habits: you replace one behavior with a new one. t Change your lifestyle. If you’re trying to get in shape or lose weight, for example, make sure you have a plan and start making a lifestyle change. It is difficult to be overweight without a lifestyle that supports it. Willpower will not make things change. “Gym memberships don’t take weight off,” says Dr. Phil. “Using them does.” Do not feed loneliness with food, he suggests, and be sure to clean up your environment by getting rid of “impulse foods.” You can’t eat what’s not there.

Watch The Dr. Phil Show weekdays at 4 p.m. on Channel 8 KLKN-TV

25 25

With the holidays upon us, we all want to serve something special — and memorable — at our holiday gatherings. Here are some ideas from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen that are sure to enhance your holiday table!

Caramel Pear Cake Serves: 16 Cooking Time: 35 minutes Ready In: 35 minutes

What To Do: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and pour into prepared baking dish. Arrange sliced pears in 2 rows on top of cake batter.

3. Bake 32 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 20 minutes.

What You’ll Need: 1 (18.25-ounce) package spice cake mix 2 fresh pears, pared, halved, cored, and thinly sliced 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons water 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

4. In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, water, and butter to make caramel glaze. Spoon glaze over cake and sprinkle with walnuts. Let cool completely.

Note: If you’d like to vary the taste of the cake a bit, use pecans instead of walnuts for a Louisiana praline touch!

26

No Bake Cranberry Pie

4 hours, or overnight. Thaw 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Walnut Brownie Pie

Serves: 8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 4 hours Ready In: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves: 8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 55 minutes Ready In: 1 hour 5 minutes

What You’ll Need:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (16-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained and squeezed dry 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

What To Do: 1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and butter. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, forming a crust.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, with an electric beater on low speed, beat cream cheese, cranberry sauce, pineapple, and walnuts until well combined; spoon into pie crust.

3. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and brown sugar.

Spoon over cranberry mixture, cover, and freeze at least

27

What You’ll Need:

1 refrigerated rolled pie crust (from a 15-ounce package) 1 (18.3-ounce) package brownie mix 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, divided 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

What To Do: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place pie crust in a 9-inch deep pie plate, flute edges, and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, prepare brownie mix according to package directions; stir in 3/4 cup walnuts and almond extract.

3. Pour batter into pie crust and sprinkle remaining walnuts on top.

Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out dry. Serve warm.

Fin Mr. Fo d More od R Online ecipes at Linco Holida lnsOwn yGuide .com

Live Holiday

L

ive theater has a special way of bringing holiday magic to life. Here are some of the great shows to choose from this season that will appeal to the whole family.

Lied Center for the Performing Arts 12th and R Streets, Lincoln, NE 402-472-4747

www.liedcenter.org

Elf: The Musical

Monday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly show is based on the hit holiday movie about Buddy, an orphan who was raised as one of Santa’s elves.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

by Chip Davis Tuesday, November 25, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the country’s favorite holiday traditions featuring beloved Christmas music and fantastic multimedia effects.

Yo-Yo Ma

Thursday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma shares the brilliance that has garnered him 15 Grammy Awards.

LSO Deck the Halls (Pops) Sunday, December 7, 5:00 p.m.

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra once again brings the spirit of the season with traditional Christmas music including the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah; a holiday medley featuring local Suzuki music students; and Lincoln Midwest Ballet dancers performing selections from The Nutcracker. An audience sing-along tops off the evening.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Saturday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 14, 2:00 p.m.

Don’t miss Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s 30th anniversary performance of the holiday classic.

Christmas with the King’s Singers Thursday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.

Christmas classics and carols are performed a cappella by one of England’s most celebrated vocal ensembles.

28 28

Entertainment Lorie Line and her Fab Five: 25th Anniversary Christmas Special Sunday, December 21, 3:00 p.m.

This year’s anniversary show promises to be memorable. Lorie will feature the best of her holiday music and a special vocalist will join her onstage.

Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live!

Buddy’s Big Adventure Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.

Take a fun-filled journey back to the age of dinosaurs — and the trains they rode in! Jim Henson magic abounds with special effects and unique puppeteered characters. Based on the hit PBS kids’ show. Be sure to come early for FamFest with free food and fun activities.

Pinnacle Bank Arena 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr., Lincoln, NE 402-904-4444

www.pinnaclebankarena.com

Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Fantasy

Friday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 23, 1:00 p.m.

Your favorite Disney moments come to life as beloved characters from Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Disney/Pixar’s Cars, and Pixie Hollow take to the ice with great skating and dazzling special effects.

Lincoln Community Playhouse 2500 S 56th Street | Lincoln, NE | 402-489-7529

www.lincolnplayhouse.com

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 12-14 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 18-21 Check website for details.

29 29

Holiday eCards

I

t seems that there’s always just a little too much to get gone during the holidays; and each year it seems harder to find time to send traditional greeting cards. One solution, that’s also a lot of fun, is to send holiday eCards instead.

You can pick out one to send to your whole list or pick different cards for everyone. Then all you have to do is enter the recipients’ email addresses, hit the “Send” button, and you’re finished!

Holiday eCards include funny and irreverent, beautiful and religious, and everything in between.

You’ll find cards that talk, sing, dance, and repeat what you tell them to say. You’ll even find video cards you can attach your own face to.

Most people are aware of Hallmark and American Greetings eCards, and here are a few more that offer unique holiday greetings:

www.jacquielawson.com

Intricate, animated and interactive eCards created

by British illustrator Jacquie Lawson. Possibly the most beautiful eCards online.

www.jibjab.com

You’ll find a variety of formats but check out the video eCards in which you’re the star of singing and dancing videos (simply upload photos of your face or other people’s faces). Picture your recipient as Pharrell singing and dancing to “Happy.”

www.bluemountain.com

There is a wide range of options here highlighted by talking cards with human and animal characters that say what you write for them, singing cards, and printat-home cards.

Each website is different but some of the features they offer include address books to store all your emails in, eCards for every holiday and occasion, free trials, auto renewals, and 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year memberships (ranging from $12.00 to $20.00 per year). Just be sure to read each website’s “Terms of Service” for cancellation options.

30

31

32