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‘Tis the season, to start new traditions EDITOR Taylor Weaver
I said it before and I’ll say it again, what a year that was. It was exactly one year ago that I was writing my Christmas message in last year’s Season’s Greetings book, and the opening theme revolved around how much the world had changed three months into 2020 thanks to COVID. Well, despite birthday wishes, trying to summon a genie out of a magic lamp, and “anti-pandemic rain dances,” it kinda still feels like we’re in the
exact same place we were last year, pandemic wise. In last year’s Christmas message, however, I also stated that, because of COVID, life as we knew it had changed and it was up to us to make the best of it. So now I ask, did you make the best of 2021? And if so, how did you do it? Making the most of something can mean a number of different things to a number of different people, so I hope you lived your best life. I mentioned last year how I usually find myself in Ontario visiting with my mom, brother, childhood friends and family,
or in Canmore visiting my dad. As was the case last year, I’m grounded here in the Border City, and I’m OK with that. So, what is this Christmas looking like for me? As I’ve said in my regular columns in the Meridian Source, I’ve had someone in my life for the past while now, and she’s great. She’s been taking care of two of her nieces as a kinship mom on a full-time basis for over two years now, and I am amazed how much this woman does for these two girls she loves so dearly. That being said, I am taking a note out of Mayor Aalbers’ holiday message
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by encouraging the creation of new traditions. Feeling fortunate growing up the way I did, I feel a responsibility to share and pass on those good, warm, positive experiences. But seeing as how my girlfriend is a self-titles Grinch, I may have my work cut out for me. That’s the plan for me and mine this Christmas. I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season. Oh, Mr. Mayor, Christmas With Boney M. was also a staple in the Weaver household growing up thanks to my grandfather’s excellent taste in music. Ra Ra Rasputin!
Helping Others: a message from Mayor Aalbers
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here are smiling faces outdoors or peeping out of masks, while others may find the holiday season a struggle. For those of you grappling right now, I want to offer our prayers and support. This past year had both its challenges and offered gifts. I pray that there was somewhat of a balance of these for you in 2021. What can we do to help others this time of year and help make their Christmas brighter? There are various charitable organizations in our community stocking boxes of donated food to help those in need. Some have created a Christmas
Wish Book of things they need to support others this holiday season. Donations, which will be used to fill the stomachs and hearts of those who may be in need, are being accepted at various stores around the city. Let’s do our part to help make Christmas a little brighter for everyone. Holiday Memories As the holidays approach and Christmas nears, I often find myself reflecting on childhood memories and more recent memories as a dad. My wife loves the Christmas with Boney M album, whereas I am fond of Here Comes Santa Claus.
Carols remind me of Christmas concerts and elementary teachers working so hard to prepare for that special night. One of my favourite memories is the final part of the Christmas concert when the original meaning of Christmas—the Birth of Jesus—is shared and the audience would break out into song. Here Comes Santa Claus would greet the jolly man himself as he delivered treat bags for all. The past few years as we gather over the holidays, I look at our grown children and remember when they were younger and the great memories
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we made each Christmas. Sleighing, hotdog roasts and ice skating, ice fort building, and the food. Everyone has their special treats that they indulge in during this joyous season. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
A holiday message from our mayor FROM PAGE 4
Over the years, we’ve been blessed to travel and to be with family most Christmas’. We love the opportunities to connect, play games and enjoy each other’s company. Holiday Greeting This Christmas holiday season, whether with our loved ones and friends or with the community, let’s embrace the act of gift-giving and the gift of time by creating new traditions and lasting memories by giving back to a community that provides so much for us. It never ceases to amaze me the support
File Photo we provide each other as we enhance the lives of those living in and visiting Lloydminster – the community we call home. From our family to
yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I especially want to say thank you to our RCMP, fire services, EMS and health care workers
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and pastors who will be working Christmas Day. May your day be blessed. - Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers, City of Lloydminster
Find “teachable moments” this Christmas
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ith children out of school for much of 2021, many parents learned to make every moment teachable. But even if the kids are back in classes, we can still strive to teach them through
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action. It can be something as simple as taking flowers to an elderly relative or shovelling a neighbour’s driveway — your children are always watching and learning. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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Holiday season 101 The holiday season is fast approaching, offering a veritable sleighful of teachable moments. Over the past two years, kids may have gone without hugging grandparents, missed out on playdates, forfeited sports, choirs and field trips. They’ve learned what it means to sacrifice for others. So, with that in mind, let’s keep this season’s teachable moments fun, joyful and collaborative. Here are some ideas. Hold a neighbourhood collection It can be for the food bank or a favourite charity, with your porch as the drop-off point. Have a crockpot of hot chocolate ready to say thanks.
Bake an extra few dozen cookies Invite the kids to help you. Ask them which friends or neighbours could really use a lift, then deliver them together. Build a snowperson on the lawn Instead of doing it outside your home, pick the place of an elderly person who gets few visitors, or outside the window of your local retirement home. Give a family gift Choose a family in need overseas through the World Vision gift catalogue. Invite your children to choose the gift by looking through the pages. Just be ready for some important conversations as they do.
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Be more green this holiday season
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ith all our eagerness to resume Christmas celebrations and gift-giving this year, there’s a chance we could lose perspective — even more so than usual. Especially when it comes to our planet. According to Zero Waste Christmas, only one per cent of everything the average person buys during the season is still in use six months later. The rest has been discarded. Much of it goes to one of Canada’s 10,000 landfill sites.
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During the pandemic, many of us found sanity in the healing green of woods or parks. We tuned in to the cheering sounds of the birds and noticed every flower. So, this festive season, keep protecting the green we have come to notice even more by following these tips. Give back to the planet Take particular care to compost, sort your recycling and even regift items from last year. Thrift shops are filled with treasures. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
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Bake or make A neighbour who brings you cookies, a friend’s child draws you a picture of a snowman. These are wonderful handmade gifts to remember. Buy permanent wrapping Why not invest in a set of reusable gift bags? You’ll have them handy for years to come. No more panicky “did you remember the wrapping paper?” on Christmas Eve. Make the eCard switch Many companies offer cards that move, sing or
simply arrive in inboxes looking beautiful. You’ll find one for every occasion, including Hanukkah and Orthodox Christmas. Consider a virtual gift of love Honour a dear one with a meaningful gift in their name through the World Vision gift catalogue and reflect their unique personality and interests. For example, you can stock a medical clinic overseas as a gift to a medical professional at home. For a chef or foodie, give the gift of food to those who need it most.
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Self-care tips for the holidays T
his time of year can be stressful for anyone, especially while we’re still living in a pandemic without guarantees on how big a celebration we can have or who we’ll be able to see. Lower your stress and enjoy the season to the fullest by following these self-care tips: Create a morning routine During the holidays we’re overworked, overwhelmed and overspending. But taking a few minutes to start your day right can help you feel centred and calm. Light a candle,
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enjoy a cup of tea, read a good book or listen to soothing music or a selfhelp podcast before getting started on your to-do list to find balance and be more productive throughout the day. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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Feel free to opt-out Protecting your time is an important part of selfcare. So don’t be afraid to say “no” to things that stress you out or don’t bring you joy, even if you feel obligated. Are promotional emails pressuring you to spend more? Unsubscribe. Does visiting your aunt always make you feel like a failure? Skip her get-together and send a greeting card instead. Try cutting down on vices Going cold turkey to give up bad habits is chal-
lenging and often unrealistic. Rather than professing to stay off social media entirely, cut down how long you spend and make sure to turn off your phone when you’re with someone or doing another activity. Don’t try to avoid every tasty treat but limit yourself to a few favourites. Listen to something merry Music can have a big influence on your mood. Surround yourself with the voices and music that radiate positivity and lift you up.
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Hosting a stressfree holiday party
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aving a party can be hectic no matter what, but something about the holidays makes us want everything to be even more perfect. Whether you’re hosting your in-laws for the first time or celebrating with the same close circle again, here are some tips for a successful, merry occasion. Plan for the unexpected By definition, planning is something you do ahead of time. But during the pandemic, restrictions can change at any time, mean-
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ing you’ll need to be ready for last-minute adjustments. So, keep a positive attitude and remember some things are out of your control. To be safe, keep your guest list small and ensure appropriate distancing measures are in place should they be needed. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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Give yourself a break from the kitchen Cooking can be stressful if it’s not your passion, especially when you’re trying to make something special. Take the load off yourself and keep things casual by suggesting a potluck, with everyone bringing something themed, like a cultural dish or their favourite holiday food growing up. Decorate with effortless style A beautiful home doesn’t require weeks of work. Go with something bold and easy, like glass bowls filled with colourful ornaments and twinkle lights, or a potted evergreen with a sparkly garland instead of a full tree. Outside, skip the ladder
and lights and hang a big cheerful bow or wreath on your door. Create ambiance with joyful sounds One of the most memorable elements of any holiday gathering is the music: it ignites joy, evokes memories and encourages even the quietist of guests to join in a holiday sing-along. Instantly create a festive atmosphere with carefully curated songs and sounds of the season.
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Simple ways to spread holiday cheer
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any people will tell you that it’s often the little things that really make the holiday season, not big-ticket gifts or luxury splurges. So, start celebrating right now with these posit ive, cheerf u l way s t o experience and share the holiday spirit.
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Deck your halls It’s hard not to feel festive when your home is decorated in sparkly, vibrant garlands, baubles and centrepieces. During the pandemic many are choosing to begin decorating early, so why not make your space merry and bright sooner? CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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Try out some DIY crafts as a family to repurpose pinecones, boughs of holly and evergreen cuttings. Play some music Seasonal songs can make even the biggest grinch feel merry and bright. Singing is encouraged — it’ll boost your mood and help you relieve any stress after a busy day of holiday shopping. Start a new tradition Longstanding rituals are nice but take this year as an opportunity to try something different. Maybe it’s testing out a new cookie recipe, going ice-skating on Christmas day or binge-watching the cheesiest holiday romcoms you can find — whatever it is, make it an activity the whole family can enjoy and will be excited
about for next year. Share what you have It doesn’t take much to give something back and appreciate your blessings. Is your kid’s winter coat too small? Donate it to a local women and children’s shelter. Have a night in with nothing to do? Handwrite holiday cards for old friends. Even the gift of time can make a difference — try booking a virtual chat with a relative in a retirement or long-term care home who would love some company.
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Skip holiday stress this year T
his holiday season, say no to a second helping of stress with these five easy tips: Simplify gift-giving While your gift-giving list may rival Santa’s in length, it doesn’t have
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to be that way. Combine groups of friends or family and draw names for a gift exchange to turn your packed shopping schedule into a single trip. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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Skip presents altogether Research suggests that experiences result in longer-lasting happiness than material possessions. Instead of racking your brains over the perfect gift, consider taking loved ones out for lunch at their favourite restaurant or an evening at the skating rink with hot drinks on you. Call one in While it’s easy to think that doing the holidays right means doing it all yourself, getting some
holiday help shouldn’t be off-limits. Instead of spending all day in the kitchen, put an order into your local bakeshop and take the day off. Rest up If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “the holidays feel like they’re for everyone but me,” you’re not alone. That’s why it’s important to work a little you-time into the mix. Don’t underestimate the effect sleeping in, reading a book or taking a nap can have on your stress levels.
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Easy meals to get you through the holidays
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his time of year can be hectic with family obligations, invites from friends and seasonal concerts and pageants. But dinners don’t have to be a source of stress. From simple shortcuts to sheet-pan dinners, Ingrid Fan, a Loblaws registered dieti-
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tian, shares her tips to make December meals a breeze. The ready-made section is your friend When in a rush to get dinner on the table, the ready-made section of your local grocery store is usually a great place to start. CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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Rotisserie chickens have endless possibilities including serving for dinner with a side salad or quick green beans sautéed with garlic and a touch of olive oil. You can also make quick homemade chicken noodle soup by sautéing carrots, celery and onions in a pot, adding sodium-free chicken broth and removing the chicken from the bones to add to the soup with your favourite pasta noodle or rice. Tip: Add pre-cooked noodles or rice to ensure they don’t soak up all of your broth. Don’t be afraid of the freezer aisle There is nothing wrong with leaning on the freezer aisle to help make dinners quick and easy.
Look for items that are lower in sodium and void of added sugars. This includes frozen chicken breasts and fish fillets, as well as many plant-based options. Frozen vegetables and fruits are also great options for a quick side dish, especially on those busy nights, as they have similar nutrients to their fresh counterparts. Sheet-pan meals Being able to cook an entire meal on one sheet pan is incredibly satisfying and makes cleaning up a dream. Try tossing a protein like salmon or chicken breasts plus loads of veggies and potatoes with olive oil. Set it and forget it as it bakes in the oven, and enjoy a simple cleanup.
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Simplify your holiday entertaining
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he holidays can be stressful as we pr epar e t o host family and friends, but they don’t have to be. There are plenty of shortcuts you can take to simplify entertaining while still providing your guests with a night to remember. Set the table Whether you’re planning a sit-down meal or buffet, a Pinterest-worthy tablescape is likely in the works. Rather than purchasing linens for every holiday, a crisp white tablecloth is always timeless. Bring the holidays to your table by using poinsettias of
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varying sizes. Poinsettias come in so many beautiful shades including classic reds, burgundy, pink and white and make a great parting gift for friends and family to enjoy at home for weeks to come. Cut corners where you can When planning a party, appetizers are generally a go-to and the easiest thing to check off your list. The frozen section of your local Loblaws has everything you need to ensure your guests leave satisfied, from puff pastry hors d’oeuvres to plant-based options. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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At the deli, you can also order ready-made charcuterie boards with a selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers and accompaniments. Serve a signature cocktail Simplify the bar selection to a few options, offering a signature cocktail to ensure you can enjoy the evening and aren’t bartending all night. Try your hand at making this spiced pineapple and cherry rum cocktail to bring some tropical flavour to your celebration: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add a ¼ cup pineapple juice, 1 ounce spiced rum and 2 teaspoons of cherry syrup. Pour over ice into
a stemless wine glass or cocktail glass. Top with one can of PC ginger beer. Garnish with cherries and pineapple wedge. Tip: Make the mixture ahead and serve in a pitcher and let guests top their own cocktail and garnish it. Make gift-giving easy Whether you need a gift for your guests or are looking for a hostess gift to take to a holiday party, pre-assembled gift baskets are a great option for the food lovers in your life. Options include classic holiday chocolates and cookie tins or everything to satisfy a much-needed caffeine fix. Best of all, they come gift-wrapped so you just need to add a card.
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Beauty tips for that big holiday party
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he most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, and the best way to get in the spirit is by experimenting with all things beauty. Makeup is offi-
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cially back, and there’s no better time to be “extra’ than at your long overdue holiday gathering. Here are four ways to bring the glamour to your next event. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
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All that glitters is gold The holidays wouldn’t be complete without sparkle, metallics and shimmer. Using pigmented eyeshadows and highlighters to accentuate the high points of your face is the perfect way to shine at any festive gathering while looking as on-trend as ever. Get creative with your nails What holiday look is complete without nails? Although they are often overlooked, nails are the perfect way to express yourself. Reds, golds, silvers and greys are definitive winter crowd-pleasers, and will complement your makeup perfectly. A red lip never goes out of season You can never go wrong with a classic red lip,
according to Sabrina Madere, Shoppers Drug Mart beauty pro. “To perfect this timeless look, it’s important to incorporate both lipstick and a lip liner to ensure your colour doesn’t bleed,” says Madere. “The Kylie Cosmetics matte lip kit in shade Mary Jo K is the perfect stocking stuffer because you can give the gift of the perfect pout.” Beauty is in the nose of the beholder The holidays are synonymous with so many scents including apple cider, cranberry sauce and grandma’s cookies. This year, add to the family collection by introducing a new scent. For the colder months, a warmer fragrance will act as the perfect addition to the wonderful aromas already coming from the kitchen.
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Create and capture holiday memories
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he hustle and bustle of this time of year can often mean we spend more time stressing about the festive season than actually enjoying it. Here are some tips for being present, having fun and documenting those special memories. Find local activities After many events got
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cancelled last year, municipalities and businesses are stepping up to offer socially distanced outdoor experiences this season. From mulled wine tastings for the grownups to magical drive-thru light shows for the kids, there’s something for everyone. Check your local paper for listings. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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Photograph the season We tend to reserve all our photo-taking for Christmas Day, but holiday spirit shines throughout late November and most of December. Whether it’s picking out the perfect evergreen at the tree farm, decorating your home or wrapping presents, be sure to capture all those treasured moments. Transform your to-do list There are plenty of tasks you must do, so why not take the ones you’re dreading most and turn them into something fun? For instance, if you have no idea what to buy grandma, try having a friendly competition in the family — whoever has the best suggestion wins a small treat or is relieved from an evening of dish duty. Or, hate
baking dessert? Use it as an excuse to sample local bakeries to find a tasty, ready-made pie or cake. Go on a nature walk Take a breather from your obligations and re-energize by connecting with nature. Visit your neighbourhood park after a fresh snowfall for a dose of calm. This is also a perfect time to pick up some pinecones and greenery for your décor and take a few pictures that portray the beauty of winter. Embrace candid moments Stiff, posed portraits are so outdated. Instead of failing to get everyone together for the perfect group photo, casually snap a few pictures throughout a party to capture what the event was really like. This is especially a good idea for kids, who can rarely sit still when they’re excited.
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DIY home decor ideas
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ecorating your home for the festive season is a perfect opportunity to get creative and try some do-it-yourself crafts. Not only will t his be a f u n activity for you (and the kids), but it will make sure your décor is completely u niqu e and somet hing no one else has. Here are some ideas: Pinecone picture frame ornament This is a cute, rustic way to display photos. Go outside to take a picture of a pinecone or snowman, then print and glue
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to some cardstock. Get a pinecone from a nearby forest or your local craft store and use small floral clippers to remove the scales. Then glue the scales to the cardstock to create a frame. Glue on a looped ribbon to the back of the cardstock hangs on your tree. Personalized wrapping paper Instead of buying gift wrap at the store, create your own with a few simple things you already have on hand. Start with brown craft or butcher paper. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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Make stamps out of potatoes by cutting a spud in half, firmly pressing into it with a holiday cookie cutter (like a Christmas tree), and then cutting around the cutter to ensure the shape protrudes. Finally, dip in paint and stamp all over the paper for a handmade look. Ornament vases for place settings Give your holiday table a crafty aesthetic by transforming clear, round, shatterproof ornaments into mini vases. Simply remove the metal caps and use a hot glue gun to fasten a wood round to the curved bottom for the base.
Put a sprig of holly or single poinsettia leaf inside each vase and fill with water, then set on top of the plate at each place setting. Beautiful family photographs Pictures of your family are a fun and easy way to decorate, and they’re super affordable if you take them yourself or enlist a friend to help. Take beautiful, natural images by choosing a location that’s familiar, whether it’s home or a favourite park. Dress in comfortable outfits that are friends, not twins – such as all in white or all in cardigans. Then just have fun and cut loose — the best p ho to s are c andid and organic.
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Merry Christmas!
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
After hearing what the good boys and girls in the Border City wanted for Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus headed back to the North Pole to finish checking the naughty list.
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