2 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
God Bless Us, Everyone!
A Carolina Chirstmas 2010
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lynn Wagner
Gift Giving ....................3-4
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Elizabeth Hyde
• Gift Ideas When Your’re Pressed for Time • Charitable Gift Giving Tips
• Simple Shortcuts for Elegant Entertaining
Holiday Decor ...............7-9
PREVIEWS $10
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• Turn Your Holiday Decorating into a Fun Event
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Annissia Beal Roger Boyd Susan Childress Kim Hayes Sandy Southards Donna Prawel Amy Loflin Amy Reed
• Bake Up a Warm Welcome
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Holiday Entertaining ....5-6 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES
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• Holiday Toys for 2010
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• Christmas Trees: All Shapes and Sizes • Caring for a Live Tree • Mistletoe
Holiday Traditions.... 10-11 • Gifts from the Heart - Make it a Tradition
COVER AND DESIGN Mary Leslie English
SCHOOLFEST MATINEES $12-$14
PAY WHAT YOU CAN!
COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES $14
• Popular Holiday Songs • Have a Family Fun Night with a Movie
ORDER NOW! GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Thanks to all of our loyal readers and advertisers! Merry Christmas!
www.NCShakes.org High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Avenue
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A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS • THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 www.hpe.com
Hot Holiday Toys for 2010 E
• Extreme Micro RC Helicopter: This infrared helicopter is the smallest on the market and can dart and fly around inside or outdoors.
very child wants the popular toys for Christmas. Each year parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles head to the stores in search of those sold-out items and must-have gifts.
So what gifts are bound to be snatched from toy store shelves this season? Here are a few that kids are bound to be requesting.
Giving
• Star Wars Force Jedi Trainer: This toy uses brain wave technology and measures how kids concentrate. Players follow the directions to make their way toward Jedi master.
• Tickle Me Elmo: That loveable Elmo is back in an ‘extreme’ version. He laughs, tells jokes and rolls to the ground in fits of laughter. Elmo can even get back up to a standing position.
• Furby: Furby is back, probably as a result of the popularity of last year’s Zhu Zhu pets. This incarnation of Furby can react with true emotions thanks to
Gift
• Rock Band: The Beatles: Those who love previous incarnations of Rock Band and playing along to favorite songs will enjoy The Beatles version. It’s bound to be “Beatlemaniaâ€? all over again!
• Moon Dough: Moon Sand is a popular molding product that doesn’t dry out. The trouble is, it tends to be messy. Moon Dough is a less sticky version that’s easier on clean-up.
• “Twilightâ€? Action Figures: Based on the popular “Twilightâ€? saga, these action figures are bound to be the next collectibles for kids who love “Bella,â€? “Jacobâ€? and “Edward.â€? Girls and boys can continue to play out the popular tale of vampires and werewolves at home.
new technology. • Furry Frenzies: Also banking on the popularity of Zhu Zhu pets is Hasbro’s version of electronic pets. These creatures can interact with one another and scurry around playsets, which are sold separately. • Dance Star Mickey: In Elmo-like fashion, this doll dances, talks and moves. Kids who are enamored with all things Disney certainly will be requesting their favorite mouse.
Other toys and gaming systems are bound to be favorites again this year. Expect kids to be collecting and trading more Silly Bandz in many different shape themes. Nintendo Wii needs no introduction. With scores of game offerings, this gaming system is still tops on holiday gift lists. Expect to see different high-tech educational items for children, including digital book readers and coloring sets geared toward helping kids learn writing and reading skills. (MS)
Gift Ideas When You’re Pressed for Time
T
he Christmas countdown has begun, and the days will no doubt fly off the calendar like they do every year. Before you know, it’s only a few days until the holiday is here. Those who haven’t yet started shopping may feel pressed for time and worry that they will not be able to find gifts for everyone on their lists -- at least gifts that don’t look like they were afterthoughts. But good gifts can be found in the eleventh hour.
Adults • Visit the local liquor store for a bottle of wine in the price range desired. Wrap it in a wine bag or leave it as is with a nice bow. • Pick up passes to a local attraction, such as an amusement park or a museum. Put together tickets for a play paired with a soundtrack of the production. • Food is often appreciated. A box of fine chocolates or one of those edible fruit arrangements will be a tasteful, and tasty, gift. • Fill a large bowl with a scooper, sprinkles, cherries, and other toppings for making ice cream sundaes. • Pick a gift that embraces the holiday spirit. Holiday music, ornaments or table decorations can be used this year or next.
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Children • Pop into a toy store or a department store and pick up a cuddly stuffed animal. • Buy an art set for older children, full of paints and markers. If a complete set can’t be found, make an art package with a bunch of supplies packed into a gift bag. • Choose an educational gift that is still fun, like alphabet flash cards or puzzles. A subscription to a children’s magazine would also work, seeing as children love getting mail. • Few kids will turn down a DVD of their favorite television characters. The DVDs should feature an age-appropriateness rating to make choosing one even easier.
Teenagers • Teenagers can be finicky, so a monetary gift will be one-size-fits-all. • Teenage girls may appreciate a gift basket of delicious scented lotions. • Passes for movies can make date night less expensive. • Consider a gift card or e-gift coupon for digital music downloads. • Give a subscription to a teen magazine so that everyone can keep abreast of their favorite celebrities. (MS)
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4 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Gift
Giving
Charitable Gift Giving Tips for the Holiday Season
to struggle. Human services charities are those that provide direct services to people in need, be it feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless or caring for the elderly, among other services. Prospective donors might be tempted to make a donation to charities with a more nationwide impact, but it’s important for donors to remember the less fortunate in their own communities as well. A donation to a local human services charity could very well go a long way, helping them to avoid cutting services that members of a donor’s own community desperately need.
C
ome the holiday season, the spirit of giving often extends to charitable donations. While it’s understandable to assume charitable donations might diminish when the economy is struggling, according to a 2009 survey from the American Red Cross, such an assumption is not necessarily true. For those who remember the 2009 holiday season, much of the talk concerned saving money. Forecasters predicted far less spending than in more robust economic years as headlines across the nation continued to inform readers of the nation’s unemployment rate. In spite of that, 90 percent of Americans admitted in the Red Cross survey that they planned to donate to charity last holiday season, a quarter of which planned to donate more than $100. What’s more, 39 percent of respondents indicated they were willing to forego another holiday gift and have that money donated to charity instead, while 80 percent said that, if asked, they would be happy to make a donation to charity instead of buying a gift for someone.
• Let the charity decide what to do with donations. Charity Navigator notes that a charity that’s been well vetted and still proven worthy of an informed donor’s money has earned the right to do what it wants with that donation. Avoid donating money for specific activities, as that can actually make it more difficult for a charity to accomplish its overall mission. Unrestricted gifts give a charity more flexibility and the room to allocate funds wherever those funds are most needed. (MS)
These statistics indicate that, even in difficult financial times, the spirit of giving synonymous with the holiday season can still prevail. But giving isn’t always easy, and those looking to make a donation this holiday season should be careful before making their next donation. Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, offers the following tips for prospective donors who hope to make the most of their donation this holiday season. • Look at the leadership. A charity’s success or failure often rests with its leadership. As a result, it pays to look into a charity’s leadership before making any donations. A leader who is passionate about his charity and who has experience and a longterm vision for success is likely running a charity that’s going to make the most of its donations. Check to see if the charity has a committee that reviews the CEO’s performance and pay and whether or not that CEO’s compensation is reasonable or outlandish. To learn more about charity CEO compensation, download Charity Navigator’s annual CEO Compensation Study at www.charitynavigator.org. • Investigate the charity’s track record. A successful charity should have a successful track record. Peruse the charity’s Web site to learn about the charity’s past accomplishments, current projects and future goals. The Web site should paint an accurate picture of the charity’s history as well as its future, including its chances at sustaining its success. Charity Navigator notes a charity’s ability to bring about meaningful and longterm, positive change should be key factors in a prospective donor’s decision about
whether or not to make a financial investment in that charity. • Research the charity’s reputation. The best charities are often transparent. Unfortunately, many charities are not, and some have even found themselves in legal hot water. Charities with a reputation for questionable ethics or ones under investigation should concern prospective donors. If a charity’s Web site appears vague about its accomplishments or financial records, investigate the charity further before making any donations. Scan through media archives, be it online or at the local library, to see if the charity has run into legal trouble in the past or is currently under investigation. Even if the financial records appear sound, the charity’s reputation might reveal otherwise. • Consider donating to human services charities. According to Charity Navigator, human services charities have suffered greatly during the recession. That’s troubling to many, as such charities are the ones that experience the largest increase in the demand for their services when the economy starts
A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS • THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 www.hpe.com
Simple Shortcuts
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5
Holiday
for Easy and Elegant Entertaining Entertaining
t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and often the busiest time, too, as family get-togethers and holiday celebrations quickly fill the winter months. This holiday season, you can save time and avoid chaos in the kitchen by taking a few simple shortcuts.
Whether you’re the go-to host for the holiday festivities year after year, or it’s your very first time to serve up the annual feast, take comfort knowing you have these six time-saving tricks up your sleeve.
• Spice up store-bought. Adding an unexpected, tasteful touch to store-bought foods and beverages is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to wow your friends and family. For example, just a dash of cinnamon-citrus Tastefully Simple Warm Up! Mulling Spice mixed with your favorite apple cider can turn an ordinary drink into a heartwarming holiday experience.
• Seize the day (before). Many hors d’oeuvres can be prepared in advance and simply heated - or reheated - in the oven or microwave on the day of your holiday party. Try combining precooked crab meat, cream cheese and a packet of cheese dip mix the day before your party, and all you’ll have to do on the big day is bake it for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden, bubbly, and so good your guests will never guess your secret.
• Give chopping the axe. This year, there’s no need to wipe away tears as you chop and mince onions and garlic for recipe after recipe. Instead, take help from dehydrated seasoning blends, like Onion Onion from Tastefully Simple, which can be substituted for fresh ingredients in your favorite recipes or mixed with sour cream for a delicious dip in seconds.
• Make your ingredients multitask. When you’re stocking the pantry prior to your holiday party, choose a lineup of flavorful products that offer more versatility than other one-note wonders. For instance, a jar of cranberry-pomegranate preserves can easily do double-duty. First, use it as a tasty glaze for beef or pork, and then serve up the remaining spread with toasted English muffins on Christmas morning.
• Do homemade in a hurry. Nothing says “home” like the smell of bread baking in the oven‚ but who has time for mixing, kneading, rising and so on? It’s easier than you might think to have your homemade bread and enjoy it, too, with Tastefully Simple’s signature Bountiful Beer Bread Mix. This versatile bread mix can be prepared with any
carbonated beverage and takes just 30 seconds to mix together before popping it in the oven.
• Add life to leftovers. Rather than reheating the entire holiday spread for an encore presentation, try using up leftovers in creative yet quick recipes. For example, beef roast can be shredded and added to your favorite just-add-water soup mix, while mashed potatoes are perfect in warm, cheesy casseroles. For more tips and easy recipes for real life, visit (Left) Garnish store-bought cider with a dash of spice and a cinnamon stick to www.tastefullysimple.com. impress your guests. (Right) Freshly baked bread is a holiday crowd pleaser, and (ARA) no one has to know you took help from a mix.
6 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Holiday
Entertaining
Bake a Warm Welcome
T
he holiday season is a time for reuniting with friends and family, and sharing delicious oven-baked recipes. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, or rolling out the welcome mat for overnight houseguests, prepping in advance and simplifying baking tasks helps to create a festive mood that everyone will enjoy, including you.
Quick and Easy Breakfast Bites Stay-over guests will appreciate a delicious breakfast when they rise the next morning. Make everyone feel at home with a hearty and savory breakfast casserole, such as an egg, cheese and bacon strata. This simple dish can be assembled the day before guests arrive, stored in the fridge and baked in the oven in the morning. The Rachael RayTM Whisker Balloon Whisk is ideal for whisking eggs to fluffy perfection, which can help the strata rise higher during the baking process. Serving your breakfast buffet-style to accommodate a large gathering? Then consider baking your egg dish in the handsomely styled Infinite Circulon 10.5-inch Covered Buffet Casserole, which can easily be presented from the oven to the table. It features an innovative anodized aluminum nonstick design that is oven safe to 500 degrees F, compatible with all cooktops -- including induction -- and dishwashersafe. You can keep your casserole perfectly warm using the portable and family-friendly Infinite Circulon Portable Induction Burner. This energy-efficient, countertop appliance only heats the pan, keeping the rest of the smooth glass surface cool to the touch for safe use around small children. A sweet addition to savory foods, homemade muffins are comforting and practical for the holidays, since they can be baked in advance, then frozen and defrosted as needed. Bake seasonal and delicious fresh apple, cranberry or pumpkin walnut muffins using a durable pan that’s easy to lift and clean, such as the new Anolon Advanced Bronze 12-Cup Muffin Pan with Silicone Grips. The interior and exterior features an elegant bronze colored nonstick that offers optimum food release, effortless cleaning, and due to the light-colored surface, baked goods will not overbrown. Wide rims and comfortable silicone grips let you lift the pan with confidence and ease.
Holiday Cookie Bake-a-thon This season, ask guests to provide you with their favorite cookie recipe before their arrival, so you can prepare some or all of the dough in advance. (Most cookie dough can be frozen and thawed when ready to use.) When guests arrive, the party starts in your kitchen with everyone participating in the cookie cutting, shaping, baking, and decorating. Paula Deen’s 2-Piece Enamel on Steel Mixing Bowl Set -- available in speckled blue, red and orange colors -- are stain and chip-resistant, and perfect for mixing up batches of cookie dough. If you need to spruce up your collection of cookie sheets before your baking extravaganza, the BonJour Commercial Bakeware line includes large 14 x 16-inch Cookie Sheets featuring a light-colored nonstick surface on the outside to prevent delicate cookies from over-browning and a professionalquality, darker nonstick surface on the inside to release cookies effortlessly. Always Room for Pie There’s always room for a generous slice of homemade pie, and there’s never a bad time to serve pie. Keep a few pies accessible and within easy reach on kitchen countertops for houseguests to savor whenever they need a quick snack. You can also celebrate the tradition of holiday pies by encouraging guests to participate in a pie swap that can take center stage for dessert time. Baking pies is easy with the help of a few essential baking tools that simplify the task of handling pie dough. Professional bakers are partial to the handle-less, tapered design of French rolling pins, which allow you to easily pivot and roll out delicate, thin dough with perfect control. The new BonJour French Rolling Pin, crafted of natural beechwood, offers this pro-style design at an accessible price. In addition, the new BonJour Silicone Pastry Mat provides an ideal work surface to roll out dough, while keeping kitchen countertops protected and clean. The flexible and durable silicone-coated fiberglass mat features imprinted measurement guides to effortlessly roll-out perfectly sized piecrusts every time. When you’re ready to place the dough in the pie dish, be confident that your creation will make a stunning presentation in Paula Deen’s 9-inch Stoneware Pie Dish. With the look of hand-thrown pottery, the oven-to-table Pie Dish has a decorative swirl pattern on the exterior and a glossy glaze finish that’s available in a new soft Robin’s Egg Blue. Add a finishing touch to your holiday piecrusts with Paula Deen’s Pie Press
Cutters in seasonal Maple Leaf, Holly Leaf, Pumpkin and Apple designs. Simply roll out the dough, press the cutters firmly to cut the desired shape and depress the spring-loaded handle to release each piece. Don’t forget to finish pies with an egg wash or a touch of melted butter before they hit the oven. The Rachael RayTM Pastry Brush Set in bold orange is designed with silicone bristles for easy clean-up.
(Clockwise) Bonjour Stoneware Ramekins; Rachael RayTM Pastry Brush Set; Anolon Advanced Bronze Muffin Pan; Paula Deen Pie Press Cutters; Paula Deen Enamel on Steel Mixing Bowl Set; Circulon 25th Anniversary Cake Pan Set
A Delicious Ending Add a special touch to the big family meal by serving custard treats with a seasonal twist, like eggnog or pumpkin creme brulee, prepared and served in pretty individual-portion ramekins. BonJour Stoneware Ramekins. You can impress guests by caramelizing sugar toppings tableside with the easy to use BonJour Chef’s Torch. Featuring a sleek design in brushed metal finish, the torch
is easy to fill with butane and features an extra-long nozzle for a high-powered, antiflare flame. It includes a fuel gauge window so you know when it needs to be refilled. For more info, visit the following Web sites: www.anolon.com, www.circulon. com, www.bonjourproducts.com and www. potsandpans.com. (MS)
A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS • THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 www.hpe.com
Turn Your Holiday Decorating into a Fun Event
T
he holidays seem to come around earlier every year - and with the economy still in a funk, everything about this season takes careful planning and budgeting. If shopping early makes the holidays less stressful, then planning early for decorating your home brightens the family’s mood and makes this time of year more fun. When you’re decking the halls, you should remember what the holidays mean - spending time with family and friends and those you love. “Family is the most important thing in my life - and I think most people feel that way,” says Jaclyn Smith, whose Kmart home collection includes fun and inexpensive holiday decor. “So taking time to have family gatherings in comfortable, inviting and beautiful surroundings is very important. It’s during these gatherings that new memories are made and old ones are remembered.” Smith has some pointers for helping to make this time of year as joyous - and stress-free - as possible.
1. Choose one high-impact piece or setting and decorate around it. Whether it’s an extravagant centerpiece for your dining room table, a festive mantle or a warm and welcoming entryway, decide on one area where you’ll go all out and choose accent pieces to complement throughout the rest of the house. For example, if you want to make your dining room the focal point, take a large clear vase and fill it with one type of seasonal item: ornamental balls, either multicolored or all the same hue, work well; so do pinecones, small Santa figurines or small wrapped “gifts” (wrap wooden blocks from your children’s toy box). Once you’ve decided on the theme, follow it throughout the house. 2. Make decorating one of your regular traditions. Involve the kids in as much as is appropriate for their ages. Some of their best holiday memories will be the time spent decorating with the family. Emphasize for them that these moments are what makes this time of year special (not just, as many kids seem to think, tearing open gifts). As much as kids love the other “fun” aspects of the holidays,
Holiday
Decor
they also love to help string popcorn, hang tinsel, decide where decorations will be placed and just being part of the process. 3. Have a home-decorating party. Make decorating an event - choose one day on a weekend, or even a few hours, for the “family decorating party.” You can even create “invitations” to your fabulous fete. Make hot chocolate and cookies (let your kids help in the preparations) as special snacks for before, during or after. Set up a few areas where kids can engage in crafts - making those popcorn garlands, creating easily constructed ornaments, whatever your kids would enjoy. Most importantly, just have fun with it. 4. Light up an entryway. Make your home inviting to guests by adding some sparkle to the doorway. You can go all out, and hang lights around the outside of the doorjamb and along the porch railings. Use LED lights to save energy and money on your electric bill. Stores like Kmart have wonderful selections to match any theme you’ve chosen. Or you can choose to make it as simple as a lighted wreath adorning your front door. If you go with the latter, you can fashion your own with small strands of LED lights made especially for that purpose, or you can purchase a ready-made lighted wreath. However you decide to adorn your home, keep in mind that the process should be a pleasure for you and your loved ones, not an additional stress. Seasonal accessories should be happy reminders of the best parts of the holidays: the love, the warmth, the beauty. And don’t worry if you don’t think you’ve got an eye for interior decorating, there’s no wrong way to dress up your home for the holidays. You can purchase items that are already coordinated from a themed collection, or you can mix and match your own. Don’t make it a competition with the neighbors, either. Remember, it’s all about what makes you and your family happy, not about what anyone else thinks. (MS)
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8 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Holiday
Decor
ALL IN STOCK MERCHANDISE ON SALE 10% OFF OR MORE!!
Christmas Trees
Come in all Shapes and Sizes
C
hoosing the perfect Christmas tree is in many ways like choosing a favorite music group or a favorite movie. Opinions vary greatly, and no choice is every truly better or worse than another. Some like a tree that pleases the eye, while others go strictly for the aroma a given tree can provide. Families often let kids do the choosing, which can throw all previous standards of judgement out the window.
Those with a deeper interest in Christmas trees may be interested in learning there are actually a few different species to choose from.
Fraser Fir
One of the most popular Christmas trees, Fraser fir is a uniformly pyramidshaped tree. Strong branches are turned slightly upward and needles are dark green, flattened and feature a groove on the upper side and two broad silverywhite bands on the lower surface.
Scotch Pine
The Scotch pine is well-suited to handle heavy ornaments thanks to its stiff branches. With excellent needle retention, the Scotch pine holds up well throughout harvest, shipping and display.
Balsam Fir
As a Christmas tree, Balsam fir has several desirable properties: a dark-green appearance, long-lasting needles and attractive form. It also retains its pleasant fragrance. Balsams are so fragrant that their needles were once used for stuffing “pine pillows� to act as a natural deodorant.
the touch and radiate out in all directions from the branch. They have a sweet fragrance when crushed. Blue Spruce Blue Spruce, or Colorado Blue Spruce, is an attractive tree often used for Christmas trees or ornamentals. It has a narrow, pyramidal shape and coneshaped crown. As trees become older, they often take on a more irregular appearance. The tree is very popular thanks to its symmetrical form and attractive blue foliage. Blue spruces are often used as living Christmas trees (bought with root ball intact and planted afterward). (MS)
END OF YEAR
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Douglas Fir
Since the 1920’s, the Douglas fir has been the primary Christmas tree used in the Pacific Northwest. The needles are dark green or blue- green, are soft to
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A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS • THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 www.hpe.com
Caring for a Live Christmas Tree
Mistletoe:
P
hances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads.
erhaps due to the the Christmas season essentially starting the day after Thanksgiving, more and more families now purchase their Christmas trees earlier than ever before. That means trees take increased effort to care for to ensure they make it to the big day. To be certain your tree holds up through the long Christmas season, consider the following tree care tips.
• Trees, even healthy ones, will have their share of needle loss. However, if the tree is faded, if the bark on branches is wrinkled, or exterior needles fall off at even the most gentle touch, the tree is excessively dry. Be sure to keep the tree watered to avoid excessive dryness.
• Cut trees will absorb water more readily from their stand if they are given a fresh cut prior to submerging the trunk. A tree that has not been freshly cut will still absorb water, but at a slower rate. A thick, crusty sap forms on the end of the trunk and can hamper water absorption.
• According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it is not necessary to add anything to the water of Christmas trees, like aspirin, bleach or fertilizer. Plain tap water will extend the life of a tree for weeks. Other additives can actually hamper water absorption and tree moisture levels.
• Look for large tree stands that can accommodate at least a gallon of water. A tree drinks at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter per day. A larger stand ensures the water will last longer between refills. Also, check water levels regularly. There are
products on the market that will automatically add water to tree stands in case you forget. Many people avoid real Christmas trees because they feel they are “killing� a tree and harming the environment. In fact, Christmas trees are raised on farms and harvested for this specific purpose. For every tree harvested, at least three are planted in its place. Each year there are more trees available than the last. Cut trees can be recycled after the season and impact the environment far less than artificial trees made of non-biodegradable metal and plastic. (MS)
A Staple of Holiday Decor
C
Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was believed to bestow life and fertility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac. Mistletoe would later take on a more political meaning, as the ritual of cutting the mistletoe came to symbolize the emasculation of the old king by his successor. The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertility and is often associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th century England, a young lady standing underneath the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eternal friendship. History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace. When standing underneath the mistletoe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss. (MS)
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10 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Holiday
Traditions
Gifts from the Heart
T
he richest memories of Christmas aren’t of things you’ve bought. Something plucked from a store shelf at the last minute doesn’t say much about the giver or the receiver. Christmas is a time of traditions and togetherness, and it’s a little bit different for every family. While the holiday you’re celebrating is the same as what other people are enjoying around the world, you create your own Christmas with the traditions you keep through the years. That’s not to say that the only traditions you observe are the ones that have been passed down generation after generation. With every year comes a new opportunity to make lasting Christmas memories -ones you’ll want to repeat in years to come. Gift giving doesn’t need to be impersonal, either. Whether you’re a savvy crafter or a new hand at making your own presents, creating handmade gifts is a sure way to give something that comes from -- and goes right to -- the heart. For the giver, there’s the pride of making something beautiful and fun, especially for your loved ones. As the receiver, what could be more meaningful than a gift that someone put their time, effort and skill into, just for you? And gifts like these might just become holiday traditions. Create a sweet tradition Since baking is a time-honored Christmas ritual, many spend time in the kitchen, readying sweet treats that guests can nibble on or to give as gifts. One of the most essential necessities during the fun and occasionally messy task of making cookies is an apron, making it a perfect gift for avid bakers. Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, columnist, podcaster and blogger at CraftSanity. com teamed up with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores to design a holiday gift: two aprons at once -- one for mom and one for her little baking helper. Of course, they can be used all year round, but keeping mother and daughter holiday aprons in a box with Christmas cookie cutters that get pulled out for the holiday season will give them even more meaning. In future years, those little baking helpers might grow into mom’s aprons and pass their own versions down to their own junior bakers. Gifts that really keep giving Even some items that you might not expect
Make them a Family Tradition
to pass down can become a holiday tradition. A simple project you can create as a family is just part of the fun: together, you can make re-useable gift tags to give your Christmas even more character. They can adorn this year’s gifts, and be addressed to specific gift recipients and then be wiped clean. If you use them within the family, you can keep them with your Christmas decor, and if you use them on gifts for people outside your household, they’re a bonus gift that your receiver can share with their friends and family, too. By following these project instructions from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, you can add to your holiday traditions and create your very own Christmas. For more information, go to www.Joann.com. Reusable Gift Tags (Fabric and wood) Supplies and tools: (for fabric tags) * 1/4 yard holiday-themed fabrics in various prints * 1/4 yard solid white fabric * HeatnBond Ultra Hold iron-on adhesive * Peltex fusible stabilizer * Trim to coordinate with fabrics * Tacky glue * Hole punch * Washable fabric marker * Iron and ironing board * Scissors Directions: (for fabric tags) 1. Cut out the provided patterns. 2. Cut pieces of holiday print fabrics, white fabric and Peltex slightly larger than each pattern. 3. Fuse print fabric to one side of Peltex and white fabric to the other side of Peltex. 4. Use marker to trace around pattern on white side. 5. Fuse HeatnBond to wrong side of printed fabric and cut out shape pattern for the front. 6. Using pattern as guide, fuse print shape onto white side. 7. Cut tag out along drawn lines. 8. Glue trim onto tag as desired. 9. Use hole punch to create holes at top of tag. 10. Write recipient’s name on tag with washable marker.
11. To reuse, eliminate the writing by dabbing it with a damp cloth. Allow to dry and write new message or name. Supplies and tools: (for wood tags) * Chalkboard paints: blue, black, red, green * Ready-to-finish wood shapes * Acrylic paints in colors of choice * Paint brushes: 1/2 inch flat, detail * White felt * Gold papers * Star punch (and/or star template) * Gold glitter glue * Tacky glue * Scissors * Chalk Directions: (for wood tags) 1. Paint each wood shape as desired. Let dry. On the area that will be written on in
A Greensboro Holiday Tradition Join Clara on her magical journey to the Land of the Sweets! Friday, Dec. 10 Saturday, Dec. 11 Sunday, Dec. 12 Friday, Dec. 17 Saturday, Dec. 18 Sunday, Dec. 19
7:30pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 3:00pm
chalk, apply one or two layers of chalkboard paint. When dry, write on surface, following manufacturer’s directions. 2. For clothespin tag, follow directions in step 1, leaving clip end free for decoration. Cut and/or punch stars from felt and paper. Decorate with glitter glue and allow to dry. Layer the stars onto the clothespin; glue in place. Decorate clothespin with glitter glue. (ARA)
Tickets $15-$35 A $1.50 theatre restoration charge is added to the price of each ticket.
#ALL s - & PM PM
WWW #AROLINA4HEATRE COM
Tea with Clara
Join us before the performance for special sweets & to have your picture taken with Clara
3UNDAY $ECEMBER TH PM 3ATURDAY $ECEMBER TH PM Tickets $15 | Call (336)333-2605
Popular Holiday Songs
A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS • THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 www.hpe.com
Make Time for Family
Have a Holiday Family Movie Night
11
Holiday
Traditions
Even if you and your family won’t be going caroling this holiday season, that’s no reason you can’t enjoy some the following popular songs synonymous with the jovial holiday spirit. * Santa Claus is Coming to Town * The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * Winter Wonderland * White Christmas * Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow * I’ll Be Home for Christmas * Jingle Bell Rock * Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer * Little Drummer Boy * Sleigh Ride * Silver Bells * It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year * Feliz Navidad * Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree * Blue Christmas * Frosty the Snow Man * A Holly Jolly Christmas * I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus * Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) * (There’s No Place Like) Home For the Holidays * Santa Baby * It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas * Carol of the Bells * Wonderful Christmastime (MS)
F
amily movie night has joined tree-trimming, baking and shopping as part of the holiday tradition. Nearly 90 percent of Americans plan to celebrate the season with a movie this year, according to a recent survey by movie rental provider redbox. From “Shrek Forever After” and “Toy Story 3” to “Grown Ups,” “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and “The Last Airbender,” movies bring the holidays to life and families together. It’s easy to have family movie time and celebrate on a budget with DVD rentals costing only $1 a night when rented from redbox kiosks. Follow these tips to create a festive movie night: • Set the mood. Dim the lights, put the snacks within reach and rearrange the seats to make sure everyone in the family has the best seat in the house. • Relax. Tonight’s your night to take a break from holiday stress. Kick off
your shoes, change into something cozy and grab a few extra pillows and fluffy blankets. • Unplug. Put your cell phone on “silent,” turn off your computer and power down any other distractions - no cheating allowed. You’ll be more focused on the movie and, more importantly, spending time with your family. • Schedule an intermission. You’re at home, so you’re in control. Minimize interruptions by scheduling a break halfway through the movie to refill snacks and shake out your legs. • Make it fun. Incorporate a game into the movie watching experience. For example, every time Ken has on a new outfit in “Toy Story 3” or Katara bends water in “The Last Airbender,” chow down on a handful of popcorn. For more celebration ideas, visit www.watchamovietonight.com, an online destination for families looking for ways to add more family time into
their holiday schedules. You also can find free redbox rentals on speciallymarked boxes of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn this holiday season to make it even easier to host a fun and festive movie night. (ARA)
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Featuring: Arts Evangelica, a 35 Piece Symphony Orchestra, Cast, His Kids Choir, Handbell Choir, & 55 Member Chorus in a Dramatic Candlelight Performance. Four nightly performances Thusday, Dec. 9, 2010 through Sat., Dec. 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM and Sun. Dec. 13, 2010 at 6:30 PM Tickets $10.00 each plus donation of 2 cans of food benefiting CBC Food Bank
Tickets available at
CBC and Lifeway Christian store (off Wendover)
Expires 12/15/10
Information Line: 336-841-4480 ext. 41
%ASTCHESTER $RIVE s (IGH 0OINT 869-3499
Community Bible Church
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4125 Johnson St. High Point, NC 336-841-4480
12 www.hpe.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE • A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Peace On Earth
...And many thanks to you, our neighbors and friends at this special time of year.
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