Celina Magazine - December 2014

CELINA TM

We Are Celina

Holiday | December 2014

THE CITY | THE FAMILIES | THE TRADITION Celina’s Community Magazine Since 2014

.com

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Finding Peace This Christmas | Holiday Tablescapes

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C-Magazine C o n t e n t s

December 2014

FEATURES

20 Meaningful Gifts

Help your children make a wish list

22 Santa’s List Revealed

24 Finding Peace in the Midst of Pain

For many, peace my be hard to find in these troubled times

26 Wow your Guests this Holiday Season

28 3 Tips for Easy Holiday Entertaining

Departments 7 Letter From The Publishers Happy Holidays

On The Cover It doesn’t get much more country than an old Ford truck...and with these beautiful lights, it screams Christmas!! Check out this beautiful display and much more at Legacy Creek’s Country Christmas Wonderland.

Cover photo taken by Chris Fritchie

8 Celina Events Calendar

Events & Activities in and around Celina, Texas

14 Celina Owned & Operated The Animal Hospital of Celina

16 Spotlight

Country Christmas Wonderland

Columns 10 CISD News 12 In His Presence

The True Joy of Christmas

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CELINA TM

THE CITY | THE FAMILIES | THE TRADITION

December 2014 VOL I, Issue 9 Executive Publishers Jason & Heather Reynolds Editorial/Marketing Director Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Jody Capehart Donny O’Dell | Donna Leadford Paster Jack Graham | Dr. Allison Stead Photography Contributors Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Jeannie Naumann Photography Jessica Cadis Photography Chris Fritchie Studios Madison Johnson Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Heather at Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at

469.481.2935

or email us at Sales@CedarbrookMedia.com or visit our website at www.WeAreProsper.com Celina Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 469.481.2935 | www.WeAreProsper.com A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication

Cedarbrook Media Connect | Engage | Prosper

Celina Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. Celina Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. © 2014. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither Celina Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

Happy Holidays!!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we couldn’t be more excited!

December is all about the magic of the season, family, blessings, faith and giving. Everywhere you look, it’s there…the hope, the love and the belief. This is truly the best time of the year for spending time with your loved ones, and our Christmas wish for you is that you cherish these times. The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is fun and exciting, but the true meaning of the Season is about giving, miracles and believing.

As parents, we always want the very best for our children, and we work hard to ensure that we are building incredible memories that they will carry with them always…but sometimes, we get so caught up in the act of building those memories that we miss the importance of the here and now. Our older children have taught us that it isn’t necessarily the big events that they remember…it’s the smaller details, the love, the grace and the sentiment.

Our family shares some really fun holiday traditions, and we’ve decided to add a few new ones this year for our youngest, who is celebrating her 1st birthday at the end of this month. It’s been so amazing to watch the older kids participate in establishing the traditions we’ll keep for her…it is through their eyes that we see the times that are truly memorable and the importance of us just being present and involved. The ornaments we make, the cookies we bake and the gingerbread houses we decorate are all wonderful and fun, but the time we’ve shared is what they remember, and what they seem to reminisce about the most.

So, while you plan your events this month, do so in front of a cozy fire with your family. Grab some hot chocolate, turn on some Christmas music and gather around your tree…involve every member of your family in the planning, and let them all choose something important to them. They might surprise you with what they come up with, and it’ll make for one of the best holidays ever!

And, as always, if you are able, try to include a way for your family to give someone less fortunate a holiday to remember. The blessing your give is more precious than any gift you could ever receive.

Jason & Heat her Reynolds Merry Christmas from our home to yours!!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

Celina!

For up to date news, events and web-exclusive content visit www.WeAreCelina.com December 2014

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Celina Events

CELINA ISD EVENTS: 12/1 CMS Book Fair Begins 12/3 Donuts with Dad (PreK and K) 12/4 Donuts with Dad (1st and 2nd) 12/8 1st Grade Music Program

Baseball Parent Meeting 12/11 3rd Grade Christmas Music Pro gram 12/13 ACT Test

C.A.R.E. Jingle Jog 12/15 Celina ISD School Board Meeting 7:00pm 12/19 Early Release/Christmas Break 12/22 – 1/5 NO SCHOOL /Christmas Break BOBCATS BASKETBALL: 12/2 @ Farmersville 12/4 @ Farmersville Tournament 12/5 @ Farmersville Tournament 12/6 @ Farmersville Tournament 12/9 @ Bonham 12/11 @ Aubrey Tournament 12/12 @ Aubrey Tournament 12/13 @ Aubrey Tournament 12/16 @ Anna 12/29 @ Sherman Tournament 12/30 @ Sherman Tournament 12/31 @ Sherman Tournament

LADY BOBCATS BASKETBALL: 12/2 Bowie @ CHS 12/4 @ Royce City Classic Tournament 12/5 @ Royce City Classic Tournament 12/6 @ Royce City Classic Tournament 12/9 @ Melissa 12/12 @ Carrollton Newman-Smith 12/29 @ Sherman Tournament 12/30 @ Sherman Tournament 12/31 @ Sherman Tournament

SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS: 12/3 Christmas on the Square 12/5 2nd Annual Christmas Holiday Gift Tour 12/6 2nd Annual Christmas Holiday Gift Tour 12/13 Jingle Jog 12/25 Merry Christmas!!

1/1 Happy New Year 2015!!

CITY OF CELINA: 12/9 City Council Meeting 5:00pm 12/16 Planning & Zoning Board 6:30pm 12/24 Historic Preservation Committee 9:00am CELINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 12/6 Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting –

Fitness 24 Hour Xpress

2750 Preston Road, Suite 119 (The

Shops at Carter Ranch) 12/11 Christmas Reception 3:00pm – 7:00pm

www.WeAreCelina.com

Have an event you would like to add to the calendar?

Email Admin@CelinaMagazine.com

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CELINA Magazine

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CISD News

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his time of year seems to carry magic in the air that makes us all a little more tolerant of others and more willing to give of ourselves to help those in need. I am reminded by a quote from Helen Keller who said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

This quote strongly resonated with me due to the many heartfelt acts of kindness that I have witnessed by our students, their families, and our faculty and staff members who truly understand what Helen Keller was trying to convey.

One must only visit our campuses to understand the depth that this willingness to give to others means. This is evident during the months of October and November when the majority of our campuses hold food drives to benefit the Grace Bridge Food Pantry. The Intermediate, Middle and High School campuses all collected hundreds of canned goods.

Topping the charts was Celina Junior High who had only collected 329 pounds of food, but just two days later, they finished off their drive with 5, 822 pounds! Celina Elementary holds their food drive during the month of December, so their faculty and staff volunteered their time by sorting, packing, and distributing the boxes of food items collected.

These campuses responded to the needs of our community and have provided for fami-

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lies in our area that may have had to do without during the holiday season.

The Celina High School Interact Club worked with the local Rotary Club to collect coins for the End Polio Now campaign, which aims to end polio in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. The money collected was matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Our Junior High students collected school supplies for the students in West ISD, whose school district was dramatically altered after the explosion that rattled their city two years ago. In December, Children’s Medical Center will benefit from the toys collected by our Celina Middle School students and Celina Elementary will hold their “Gotcha Covered” campaign by collecting jeans, jackets, and diapers to coincide with their food drive. These acts of kindness are not limited to our community, but extend to others in need as well.

Last, but not least, it is the gestures from the heart that I hold dear and what makes working for Celina ISD worthwhile. Our faculty and parents have rallied around former custodian and beloved bus driver Doug Pevehouse, who was forced to take an early retirement after acquiring primary lateral sclerosis. PLS is a rare neuromuscular disease that occurs suddenly and progressively weakens the voluntary muscles. Our campuses and com-

munity businesses have “Van Cans,” which is helping to collect funds to purchase a handicapped equipped van for Doug. It is truly a blessing to witness even the tiniest of our Bobcats reaching deep in their pockets to pull out change to add to the Van Can. Just recently, Celina Elementary faculty members are preparing to help one of their own who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The campus went to work immediately by creating a Facebook page for Marcy Lykins, and is planning a future fundraiser in her honor.

The night will include both a silent and live auction to help offset the costs associated with cancer treatments. Both Marcy and Doug have impacted many in this community with an infectious attitude that is filled with hope and a positive zeal for life.

If the beautiful things in life cannot be seen nor touched as Ms. Keller stated, in Celina we have cornered the market on what is felt by the heart and will strive to continue our efforts to help others whether they are across the world or in our backyard.

Donny O’Dell

Superintendent Celina Independent School District

December 2014

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In His Presence

The True Joy of Christmas

By Pastor Jack Graham

As we begin this wonderful Christmas season, we must remember that we are celebrating the most significant event in human history—the incarnation of the Savior of the world.

We seem to forget the true meaning of the season with the materialistic, consumer-driven version of Christmas celebrated in our culture today. In fact, so many people find themselves wondering, “How am I ever going to survive this season?”

There seems to be a lot of pressure and very little peace. Rather than joy, there is depression. Rather than love, there is anger. And rather than contentment, there is frustration.

Don’t just try to survive this season, thrive in it as you let the true joy of Christmas fill your spirit and soul. Can you imagine the smiles that filled the stable the night that Jesus was born?

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:7–11 Can you imagine the joy? The heavens exploded with the glory of God! The shepherds made haste and ran to find the Christ child laid in a manger. And a smiling mother and a smiling father watched and rejoiced in the victory that was theirs.

What a beautiful illustration for us today of discovering the joy of life and the joy of Christmas!

The story of Christmas is also that of humility. Imagine the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Savior of the world born into a humble, simple home to earthly parents from a small village not known for much good.

This Christmas, make it a point not to alter the simplicity and power of that momentous event into the hectic, hurry-worry of our times and culture. Don’t seek the material and the physical instead of the spiritual and the eternal.

Celebrate the simple meaning of the season … and let the true joy of Christmas wash over you.

Dr. Jack Graham is pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, which has campuses in Prosper, Plano and Dallas.

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S&S Pallets Build New | Recycled Pallet’s Columbus B. Fulghum & Michele Y. Fulghum, Owners

11189 Co. Rd. 95 | Celina, TX 75009 | 972.382.8142 December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 13

Celina Owned & Operated

I grew up in Woodville, a town of about 3000 in East Texas. I attended Stephen F. Austin and Texas A&M before entering vet school in the fall of 1986. I graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1990. After graduation, I worked in a busy 5 doctor practice in North Dallas for 12 years and gained quite a bit of experience in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. As a part owner of the practice, I gained valuable management experience on the everyday running of a small animal veterinary practice. After leaving this practice, I worked at an emergency clinic and as a relief veterinarian for the next several years.

My daughter, Kaylyn Schultz, was born in 1994, and is now a junior at Baylor University.

She is also a high jumper for the Baylor track team. My younger daughter, Lauren Schultz, was born in 1998. She is a junior at Celina High School, and participates in volleyball and track (discus and shot put). She also has her eye on Baylor. Sic ‘em Bears! In 2007, I met my client and future husband, Doug Stead, at The Animal Hospital and married in April 2009. Doug worked in the automobile business for over 35 years. The last 24 years of this he was president and managing partner for Sewell Cadillac-Chevrolet in New Orleans. He now assists me in office management of our business. We have two dogs and two

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cats, Tucker, Sammy, Bugsy and Bunny. Many of you have met our clinic kitties, Stillwell and Nikki.

ed dog and cat veterinary medial and surgical services, boarding and grooming, pet food and supplies for over 10 years!

The small town atmosphere, the traditions, and family values that were and are alive and well in Celina all provided the environment I wanted for my kids and for me as well! In 2002, I purchased 15 acres north of Celina, with the hope that someday we might build a house and live there. I had no intentions or plans of starting my practice in Celina at that time!! Over the next several years, the opportunity arose to start my own business here. The predictions of Celina’s future growth was exciting even then. I took a “leap of faith” and sunk all of my assets, experience, my children’s and my future into the goal of opening my own business in Celina. In December 2003, I purchased 1.5 acres on Preston Road to begin the construction of The Animal Hospital. In January 2004, I opened my practice out of a temporary metal building on the north end of the property. Over the next year, while we watched the new hospital being built, we worked very hard to establish ourselves in the community, and to build the base of our clientele. Also during that year, my girls and I moved from Plano to Celina.

In January 2005, we opened the doors of our permanent building! This is where we are located today. In this location, we have provid-

I have always had the belief that having a very competent and compassionate staff and providing people with excellent quality pet care is the key to building this business and to assure long lasting relationships with our clients and their pets. The people that work at The Animal Hospital love what they do! Heather, Lissa, Tanya, Bobi, Robyn and Aleta are truly the reason for our success! We believe in greeting people and pets by name, and making this a place in which people want to return. We believe in assisting and advising people from the beginning to the end of their pets lives.

We understand this unique bond and the love that pet owners have for their dogs and cats.

Everyone at The Animal Hospital of Celina is so grateful for our success and for the many friendships, new and old, we have made over the years. Our primary goal is to provide our community with continued top notch pet care and to be the veterinary business that people recommend to their friends, neighbors and family. Thank you, Celina!!

The Animal Hospital of Celina Owner – Allison Stead DVM 400 N. Preston Rd. Celina, Texas 972-382-4433 or 972-382-VETS (8387)

PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH NORTH CAMPUS PROSPER, TEXAS

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g Christmas Village: Free Activities for Kids & Families g Bethlehem’s LIVE Nativity g Santa’s Workshop g Gingerbread House g Christmas Train Rides

A New Family Christmas Tradition for the Entire North Texas Region! prestonwood.org/northernlights

g Family Photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Gingerbread Man and the Sugar Plum Fairy g LIVE Nightly Performances by Area School Choirs, Bands and Musical Groups

Prestonwood B aptist C hurCh

1001 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper, TX 75078 | 972-820-5000

Happy Holidays!

972-471-9681 Extended Hours 7am-6pm In-Network With Most Insurances 821 N. Coleman St., Ste. 120 Prosper, Tx 75078 December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 15

Spotlight

A

magical new tradition awaits you and your family this holiday season…Country Christmas Wonderland! This destination will make for an unforgettable evening, so put on your cowboy boots and get ready for an outdoor adventure.

Best of all, there is no need to drive into Plano, Richardson or Dallas, because this little gem is just north of 1461 off of Legacy!! A genuine country atmosphere, complete with a darling log cabin, awaits your entire family!

As you arrive at Legacy Creeks’ Country Christmas Wonderland, you are greeted with a serene, rustic landscape and thousands of twinkling lights. The fun immediately begins as you drive past the Christmas tree farm filled with 6-12’ Michigan Frasier Firs! Then, you can visit the petting zoo with miniature horses, cows, pigs, goats, guineas, peacocks, bunnies and more while you wait for your turn on Rudolph’s Storybook Adventure hay ride. After that, get ready for your trip down the Christmas Legend Trail – right into a Christmas Wonderland, including the Gingerbread Village, Candy Cane Fun Maze, Nativity Scene and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland – complete with snow and all! You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the North Pole skating rink, hot chocolate, campfire stories

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with S’mores and Christmas Carolers. Once inside the charming cabin, you can shop and eat, watch Christmas movies and for the grand finale, have your photo taken with Santa Claus! The decorations in and around the cabin are phenomenal…and the wreaths and goodies in the gift shop are delightful.

Each piece of Country Christmas Wonderland’s adventure is carefully planned and guests are scheduled upon arrival for their events during the evening. No waiting in line

for hours just to be rushed through the picture with Santa. Your children will have the opportunity to have a chat with the Big Guy, who is the most genuine Santa Claus EVER, and this experience, along with the setting and decorations are worth the entire trip!

Your entire family will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season right here in Prosper/Celina! As you are planning your Holiday schedule, make sure you dedicate an evening or two to Country Christmas Wonderland…you won’t be disappointed!!

For more information or to check for hours and special events, please visit www.CountryChristmasWonderland.com.

Looking for a way to give back to the community and teach your children what the Christmas season of giving is all about? Country Christmas Wonderland has partnered with Cornerstone NCT and will be an official drop-off location for Cornerstone Christmas’ toy drive! Also, if you have a special December birthday, there’s not a better venue in the area for your party! And, if your child’s school is looking for a magical field trip opportunity, complete with a Santa photos, contact Melissa Price today at 214-578-8794.

**TICKETS**

$8 Adults, $5 Kids, FREE for Kids 2 & Under

Magical!

Make Your Christmas

214-578-8794 Pictures with Santa | Petting Zoo | Rudolph’s Storybook Adventure hay Ride | Nativity Scene | Candy Cane Maze Frosty’s Winter Wonderland | Gingerbread Village Nor th Pole Ice Skating Rink | Christmas Movie Screening Campfire Stories with S’mores | Reindeer Bar Concessions with Hot Cocoa | Christmas Lights & Carollers

Cindy Spiger & Abby Hall

TITAN FENCE AND SUPPLY CO. 940-365-9999

Hosted by Legacy Creeks at 13836 Private Rd. #5405, Prosper, Texas

| CountryChristmasWonderland.com December 2014

WeAreCelina.com

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PCA North

Pre-K3 — Grade 5

1001 W. Prosper Trail Prosper, TX 75078 prestonwoodchristian.org/north (972) 798-6780

December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 19

Meaningful Gifts

by Mrs. Donna Leadford

One of the great things about being in education for the past 32 years is that I’ve seen a lot of great parenting. Though my own two little darlings are now amazing grown men, both of them kind and compassionate, I often see parents who are so purposeful, I want a “doover” in certain areas! Several years ago, I met a family who celebrated Christmas with an intentional gift giving plan for their children based on the scripture Luke 2:52.

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man."

This year, we want our family to give gifts based on Jesus’ childhood. We know from reading Luke 2:52 that Jesus grew in wisdom or developed his mind; stature or became stronger and more physically fit; and in favor with God and man which means He learned even better how to love God, His family, friends, and people He had never met! Since it is Christmas, and we are celebrating Jesus’ birth, don’t you think it would be a good idea if our Christmas list helped us to grow in the way Jesus grew?

Read Luke 2:52 to your children and ask them to put a lot of thought into four gifts on their Christmas wish list! One gift is to help develop the child’s mind; one gift is to develop the child’s physical fitness; one gift to strengthen the child’s relationship with God and others.

The final gift category is just for fun!

I will help you with this, but I really want to hear your ideas. As you get ready to make your Christmas list, I want you to think of a gift that will help you develop your mind; a gift that will help you grow stronger; and a gift that will help you in your relationships with God and others!

And – since Christmas is about celebration, what if you chose one other gift you want just for fun?

As your children create their Christmas wish list, lead them through a devotional like the one below.

I think this Christmas idea could be the start of a great family tradition, maybe one you even use when you are a mommy or daddy!

Let’s read the Bible so we can be reminded of the night Jesus was born. (Read Luke 2:1-20) We know Jesus was born, and we celebrate his birthday at Christmas time. We know Jesus was a man who died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. We celebrate this at Easter. But, did you know, the Bible also tells us about some things that happened “in the middle?” The Bible tells us what Jesus’ life was like when he was about your age. (Read Luke 2:52

On Christmas morning, instead of hurriedly opening packages with great abandon, take turns opening gifts one category at a time.

Discuss each, the intended purpose, and how it will be put to good use. Time spent with family on Christmas is priceless. I hope sharing this giving plan will make your time together more purposeful, intentional, and focused on the example of the ONE whose birth we celebrate – and fun!

Merry Christmas!

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Mrs. Donna Leadford is the Principal of Prestonwood Christian Academy North in Prosper, TX, serving students in PreK-3 through Grade 5. www.prestonwoodchristian.org/north

Gift ideas Wisdom: books, educational DVD, educational software; science kit, telescope, puzzles, building kits, art books and supplies, inexpensive musical instruments

Stature: pogo stick, bicycle, basketball goal, soccer ball; anything that will get your child moving in fun and safe ways!

Favor with God and man: Bible; children’s devotional book; Bible memory game; Seek to find items to develop your child’s spiritual growth no matter their age.

(972)382-4433 or (972)382-VETS (8387)

www.mycelinavet.com

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery All Dog and Cat Breed Grooming and Boarding

Allison M. Stead DVM

Herrin Real Estate, LLC

Specializing in: Homes, Land, Farms, Ranches, Commercial, Investment, Leases in North Collin, Grayson, Cooke and Eastern Denton Counties

972-382-4747 HerrinRE.com

Billy Herrin Buddy Minett Carmen Braddock Coryann Johnson Frank Cannon Joe McBride Loula Pingleton Patti Ann Hale Randy Yates Tom Harper Vaughan Christner

400 N. Preston Rd. Celina Tx 75009

Celina is Open for Business

Networking Events | Referrals Government Collaboration | Events Exposure | Education | Discounts 312 W. Walnut Celina, TX 75009

972-382-3300 www.celinachamber.org December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 21

Light Up Her Holiday

Give the gift of stellar style with sparkling crystals and celestial designs. PANDORA’s new Winter Collection offers charms, pendants, rings and earrings inspired by the starry beauty of the night sky. Create and combine expertly crafted, hand finished jewelry in .925 sterling silver and 14-karat gold to celebrate the wonder of the season. For more gift ideas or to locate an authorized retailer, visit www.pandora.net.

T

FAMILY FEATURES

his holiday, take some tips from the big man with

the jolly red hat. Whether shopping for family and friends young or old, you’re sure to find something for

Down Home Comforts

Give a special gift to someone who loves where they come from. Customized with your choice of U.S. state, both items are sure to warm anyone’s heart this season.

The Personalized Home State Embroidered Cotton Throw Pillow is priced at $47.00 and the Personalized Embroidered Home State Throw in grey or ivory is priced around $50.00. Perfect for a hostess gift or the person proud to show off their chic taste in decor. To purchase, visit www.Overstock.com.

everyone on your list with these gifts, specially selected from Santa himself.

Safety, Fun in a First Phone

Give the gift on every kid’s list with added peace of mind for parents. The new TracFone LG Optimus Fuel Android smartphone with the SpongeBob bundle comes with content for kids, including fun wallpapers and videos. More importantly, it includes a free one year trial of the Family Guardian parental control app, allowing parents to manage and monitor usage for a safer experience. For more information on TracFone, visit TracFoneParents.com

A Book for Your Cook

In this new full-color edition of Smoke & Spice, the definitive book on smoke-cooked barbecue, outdoor cooking experts Cheryl and Bill Jamison serve up many new and updated recipes, lots of color photos, and loads of BBQ wit, wisdom and lore. Completely revised throughout, this James Beard Cookbook Award-winning title, which has sold more than one million copies, has the latest information on the tools, fuels and techniques of firstrate “Q.” For more information, visit www. harvardcommonpress.com.

A Personalized Touch

This holiday season, ship your gifts with The UPS Store to send a little bit of yourself to friends and loved ones. Starting mid-November, use the Delivering Holiday Happiness App to create a personal video your gift recipient can watch when they receive their package. Plus, the Pack and Ship Guarantee delivers extra confidence, so you can have more peace of mind. Happy Holidays from The UPS Store. For more details, visit happiness.theupsstore.com.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

CELINA Magazine

| Holiday

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www.FamilyFocusedCare.com | 23 December 2014

WeAreCelina.com

Finding Peace in the Midst of Pain this Christmas

by Jody Capehart

At Christmas we hear the words of the carols paint a picture of peace on earth, silent night, all is calm and all is bright. Yet for many, peace may be hard to find in these troubled times.

Let us look at the true story of one who found peace in the midst of deep personal pain at Christmas.

silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.”

The year was 1861. Tragedy and sad times came not only to our country, heavily embroiled in the Civil War but also to the family of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It seemed there would be no peace again this Christmas.

He lost his beloved wife Fanny in a tragic fire in July that year and he was severely burned as well.

1863: (His journal remained silent, there were no entries.)

Peace continued to elude him and this is what he wrote in his journal for each of the following Christmas entries: 1861: “How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.”

1862: “A ‘Merry Christmas’ say the children, but that is no more for me.”

On the anniversary date of Fanny’s death in 1862: he had written, “I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in

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Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Almost a year later, Longfellow learned that his oldest son, Charles, who was a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac, had been severely wounded in battle.

Then from each black accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

1864: On Christmas Day, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote these words that would later become one of our most beloved Christmas carols.

It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow suffered great pain and loss, just as the country did during

the Civil War. Everywhere people were dying, there was little food, people were losing their homes…could there be peace at such a time?

Can we truly find peace this Christmas?

We, just like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, will continue to find hopelessness and despair if we look around us. It is only when we look up to God and then within that we find real peace.

Praise and prayer open the doors to finding inner peace. This Christmas, everything seems to be vying for our attention and may be a prioritity! Sometime in the middle of the muddle, we simply need to stop and prioritize our priorities.

Find a quiet place and begin to list the many things you can praise God for and as you list them, peace begins to permeate your heart.

Pray for others. There is JOY when we put Jesus first, then Others and Your needs last. May the healing power of praise and prayer open the door for peace to come to you this Christmas.

CHRISTMAS GIFT TOUR 2014

HOLIDAY GIFT TOUR STORE

Friday, December 5, 2014 • 10am-5pm Saturday, December 6, 2014 • 10am-5pm PROCEEDS SUPPORT CELINA STUDENTS THROUGH C.A.R.E. AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING ON THE SQUARE

C.A.R.E. Our Future In Bloom

CAREing through Service

Jody Capehart is Head of School at Grace Academy of North Texas, a Christian and Classical school in Prosper. They are enrolling for Pre-K to grade 11 at this time. Grace will be soon be announcing news about their beautiful 48 acre campus in Prosper for students in PreKgrade 12.

CELINA’S MAIN STREET PRESENTS

CAREing through Service

Some people may be asking that same question today.

We live in a time of wars, people losing their homes, jobs, and we hear news of tragedies each day.

December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 25

/// Community

How to Wow Guests This Holiday Season

T

he holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to go all out for your guests. From decor tips to hosting secrets, it only takes a few special tweaks to make your party the talk of the season.

“Holiday entertaining all comes down to incorporating your personal touch within your space,” said decor and lifestyle expert Jillian Harris. “If your style is more casual, then a cocktail party may work best, or if you want to step it up a notch, a formal sit-down dinner is the answer. In the end, no matter what, if you put your stamp on the event, you’ll be sure to leave an impression.”

Put your own unique spin on this year’s holiday parties and decorations with these tips: Small changes can make a big impact Pick your favorite two or three rooms in your home and add a few key pieces to transform the space, while staying true to your budget.

When in doubt, remember to focus on the high-traffic areas, such as the entryway, living area or dining room. And don’t forget the kitchen. With all the holiday cooking – and eating – that lies ahead, you’ll want to add some fun into one of the busiest rooms in the home.

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Color bright If you’re in love with one specific look or color, then commit to it and go all out. For example, decor from Pier 1 Imports’ Season’s Sparkle Collection looks stunning all on its own. Layer silver table linens with silver chargers, napkin rings, holiday accents and more to make a simple, yet elegant statement.

Themed Christmas trees Themed trees are so fun and easy to pull off.

Start by picking a core ornament that you love and get about 20 ornaments, depending on the size of your tree. Choose two or so accent ornaments and get 10 of one and five of the other. Finish with coordinating tree picks.

And who says you have to stick with just one statement? Set up your main tree in a common space, and then keep guests guessing with smaller trees in unexpected places. You can still make a dramatic, seasonal impact in even the tiniest spaces with decor like the Pier 1 Imports’ Pre-Lit Half Tree, added Harris.

Let your party be a reflection of you Prefer an intimate evening with your closest family or friends? Don’t be afraid to plan a sit-down dinner. A beautiful buffet will make the evening just a little less stressful. With the right decor and serving dishes, it’ll enhance even the most elegant affair.

If you prefer to mingle, and want to extend the invitation to a larger group, go for a come-and-go cocktail party. Start by ensuring that you have enough stemware for all of the guests, easy access to food on a variety of serving dishes and plates of festive appetizers for snacking. Then it’s time to have some fun at the bar. Make everything look super-special by investing in a glamorous tray, and don’t forget bar accessories. A cocktail shaker, ice bucket with tongs, festive towels, bottle opener and jigger are must-have pieces.

Set the mood with seasonal fragrances No matter your party style, the perfect holiday candle, such as Apple Crisp, Holiday Forest or Silver Snow, all from Pier 1 Imports, will get guests into the holiday spirit as soon as they walk in the door.

Overall, find what speaks to you, and let that dictate how you move forward with the rest of your holiday decorating. For more ideas to glam up your home, visit www.pier1.com.

DISCOVER GRACE! A Classical Christian Education

Open House Every Wednesday 10:00 AM

\Mrs. Jody Capehart, Head of School\

WWW.GRACEACADEMY-NT.ORG

4255 E Prosper Trail \ Prosper Tx 75078 \ 469-287-7111

Grace Baptist Fellowship Celina Presents

Living Nativity December 20, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m.

15062 W. FM 455 | Celina, Texas | 972-382-4482

www.GraceBaptistCelina.org December 2014

| WeAreCelina.com 27

3 Tips for Easy Holiday Entertaining

The holidays are a time for connecting with friends and enjoying quality time with family, but if you find yourself hosting an endless stream of guests, it can also be a time of hectic preparation and hours spent in the kitchen.

Make your life easier with three tips for easy, elegant entertaining.

a classic choice, like Cambria Estate Winery’s Katherine’s Vineyard, with its subtle tropical and citrus aromas and lovely balance of oak and vanilla flavors. For red, consider lighter-bodied reds like a pinot noir which will match a variety of dishes.

Be prepared

An elegant holiday party doesn’t require weeks of preparation or intricate, multicourse dinners. Spend some time in the days leading up to your party preparing dishes that can be cooked ahead of time, and then simply re-heated when needed. Think potato gratins or mashes, roasted vegetable soups, gravies and trifles for dessert.

If you have wine and cheese on hand, you’ve already cut your job in half. Stock up on a few different cheeses and wine varietals so you’re always prepared for any impromptu visits.

Add sliced fruit or grapes, some crackers and roasted nuts and you have a beautiful spread ready in minutes for any surprise guests.

Looking for something warm? Keep a supply of your favorite store-bought appetizers in the freezer and simply pop in the oven when needed. Dress up with a simple sauce or garnish for a homemade touch.

For wines, choose perennial favorites that pair with a variety of foods. One white and one red are often sufficient. A chardonnay is

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Simplify, simplify, simplify

Alternately, for big family dinners, serve dishes buffet or family style that are just as delicious at room temperature as piping hot. For example, barley salads and sliced beef can be served warm, and can be perked up with heated sauce. Finally, choose one food-friendly wine to serve throughout the meal, such as Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir which is sure to impress with its red fruit and dark ber-

ry aromas that carry through for a lush, fruity finish. This wine pairs equally well with light and dark meats, as well as roasted vegetables and even chocolate desserts.

Make it unique

Add a special touch to any get-together without elaborate decorations. Create your own festive look by using similarly colored platters, plates and glasses and mixing in fresh flowers and foods found at the local farmers market. Or give more meaning to your party by selecting products that do their part to give back. For example, Cambria gives $100,000 to women making a difference in their communities with the winery’s Seeds of Empowerment grants. Highlighting giving programs is a thoughtful way to make your party more memorable and feel even more special to guests.

Every hostess can throw an elegant holiday gathering by following just a few simple tips.

For more ideas to enhance your celebrations, visit www.cambriawines.com.

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