Magical Christmas 2022

T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplumbs danced in their heads, and momma in her kerchief and I in my cap had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave a luster of midday to objects below, when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeers;

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen! On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall! Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, so up to the house-top the coursers they flew with a

sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.

And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; a bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddlar just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; he spoke not a word, but went straight to his work.

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose.

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

“Advent”

By Rainer Maria Rilke. Translation: Mamalisa

English: There in the wintry forest the wind blows a ock of snow akes like a shepherd, and many a r-tree guesses how soon it will be pious with holy lights, and listens. Towards the white path it stretches out its branches, ready, and braving the wind and growing toward that one Night of Glory.

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) was an Austrian poet and novel ist, often recognized as one of the best German language poets. His writings evoke strong emotions, and, in my mind, “Advent” has always perfectly wrapped up the excitement that is felt by many during the holiday season. Despite the cold and dark season surrounding them, the holidays have their unique way of bringing warmth and glad tidings. “Advent” is a welcome reminder to slow down and enjoy the anticipation of an otherwise hectic and nan cially draining season. Enjoy the little things.

“Weihnachten”

by Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff. Translation: Barry Tobin

The market and streets stand still and ghostly, Each house in all the silence glows, Along the lanes my thoughts come with me, As the festive spirit ever grows.

In every window a housewife places A toy with colours of faith a gleam A thousand children’s enchanted faces Silently wonder their happy dream.

Now away I wander beyond the wall Out to where the elds are free, To towering beauty, to holy awe, To the grand and silent world I see!

The stars weave round and all the spheres And in that solitude of snow Are songs such as an angel hears –And oh, the time of grace I know.

Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788-1857) was a German poet, novelist, and playwright. Many of his works have been widely popular throughout German history, up to and including modern day. “Weihnachten” uses vivid imagery to remind me of a time when life was simpler, my age was in the single digits and Christ mas was a time of childlike wonder and comfort. A big part of the Christmas (Weihnachten) season in Germany are the Weihnachts markts, which are mentioned in the poem. Weihnachtsmarkts are large-scale open air markets full of food, drink, and other festive items.

THINGS

TO DO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Ah, the holidays! Whether you like to get into the Christmas spir it as soon as possible (we won’t judge you for getting started on decking the halls early or wait to kick off the holiday season on December 1st, there are no shortage of ways to get festive. One of the best parts about Christmas is that it brings everyone you love together into one place — so why not dedicate as much time as possible in the leadup to the holiday to making memories you’ll cherish forever? The following 37 Christmas activity ideas are a great place to start when it comes to planning your holiday season. So put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and let’s dive in!

CREATE A FUN FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

Kick off your holiday season by gathering up your family (furry friends included!) for a Christ mas-themed photoshoot. There are plenty of ways to make snapping your Christmas pictures a spe cial occasion — no matter if you’re hoping to get a more traditional shot or are planning to have plenty of cheeky fun. Start by getting everyone’s wardrobe ready, then nd your perfect location. A few ideas could be to head up to a nearby mountain for a bit of wintery fun and working in fun props to give an at-home photoshoot some festive air. Feature the nished photo in your annual holiday cards, in text messages to friends, virtual backgrounds for video calls, and emails to extended family.

HEAD TO A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Sure, you could pick up a Christmas tree at the local mega-store or park ing lot pop-up, but the holiday season is about creating memories! A fun Christmas activity for adults and kids could involve driving out to a Christmas tree farm and hand-selecting the tree that you think will look best in your home. In some cases, you may even need to cut the tree down and trans port it back to your car. While the process takes longer, we have a feeling the memory will last a little longer too.

DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Decorating the Christmas tree is an activity that always sparks some good family bonding. It can be exciting pulling sentimental ornaments out of storage and nding the perfect spot for them on the tree. So dial up the festive fun by putting on some Christmas music (or even your favorite holiday movie) in the background and having plenty of cider and eggnog ready to sip on as you hang

ornaments. Oh, and don’t forget to drape a festive tree skirt around the base of the tree to provide the perfect frame for all of your

volved by getting a second, smaller tree. That way, they can reach and decorate this tree to their heart’s delight! It’s among our very

and other decor on your mantel, to swapping your usual throw pillows and tea towels for something more festive, there are plenty of ways to get cre ative.

It is widely accepted that the weekend or two after Thanksgiving is the best time to hang your Christmas lights before the rest of the holiday season becomes too busy. (But, like we said earlier, we won’t judge you if you can’t wait until the calendar of cially ips

Make this Christmas chore extra fun by scheming for ways to make sure your house has the best holiday light display on the block. This is a great way to show off your creativity and spread holiday joy! A monochromatic theme can be classy and elegant. Or, perhaps your household will opt for the old-fashioned multicolor bulbs and a reindeer on the lawn. It is never too early to at least start thinking about what design or color scheme you may want to feature!

TURN YOUR HOME INTO SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Decking the halls in the main areas of your home is always a fes tive and fun experience. From hanging personalized stockings

In addition to decorating your living spaces, it nev er hurts to bring a bit of festive cheer to your gift wrapping station! When it comes time to wrap gifts, think of fun ways to display all of your wrapping paper and other supplies, turn on some Christmas tunes, and make sure you have a plate towering with holiday treats nearby.

If you want to go above and beyond, you can also host an elf train ing session for a fun way to teach your family how to wrap gifts (and to lighten your own gift-wrapping load).

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Here’s a fun Christmas activity idea for those with type A person alities, or if your family and friends are spread across the country. Grab a calendar and start to plan a virtual meeting with 12 different friends or family members spread out over 12 days. Send out your meet-up requests in advance so you can have your “12-Days of Christmas Calls” all nalized well in advance. This will make the two weeks leading up to Christmas seem to y by.

Happy Holidays

Aspen Planers Ltd.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

FOR KIDS AND THE WHOLE FAMILY

When it comes to planning Christmas activities for kids, remember to keep your family’s personality in mind. Are you a crew of ener gizer bunnies? Then pack your days full of outdoor activities. Are you more low key? Plan a few festive nights in to help recharge your batteries between Christmas parties. Here are a few of our favorite ideas the whole family can enjoy.

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Nothing beats a craft that you can eat when you’re n ished! Many supermar kets sell gingerbread house kits around the holidays. These kits will usually include the bare essentials to build four walls and a roof, so make it personalized and festive by heading to the candy aisle and se lecting a few custom treats that will add to your child’s design of the gingerbread house. Here are a few ideas on how some popular can dies may be incorporated:

• Plain or peanut butter M&M’s - can be used for colored roof tiling.

• Gumdrops - can be used for colored roof tiling.

• Small candy canes - can be used for wall decorations or fence posts.

• Shredded coconut - can be used for snow on the roof, or dyed green for grass.

• Pretzel sticks - can be used for fence posts or logs for a log cabin.

• Red vines - can easily be bent and wrapped around corners and edges.

• Marshmallows - can be used to make snowmen or little snow bundles

MAKE GINGERBREAD MEN OR SUGAR COOKIES

Is there anything quite as nostalgic as baking Christ mas cookies? Turn your afternoon in the kitchen into an opportunity to make heart-warming memories by getting your family involved. Depend ing on how old your child is, they may be able to help you make the cookie batter. Let them decide if they want to add in chocolate chips, coconut, cinnamon, and even food coloring. Pick out some holiday-themed cookie cutters and let your child play pastry chef. If you have any leftover candy from the gingerbread house decorating, be sure to add them to the sugar cookies.

MAYOR + COUNCIL + STAFF

T H I S H O L I D A Y S E A S O N

LEFT TO RIGHT (accompanied by RCMP members),

TOP ROW: Councillors Adam Etchart, Paul Petroczi, Wendy Margaret Charney, and Manuel Olguin.

BOTTOM ROW: Councillor Dana Egan, Mayor Michael Goetz, and Councillor Claire Newman.

F

ACRYLIC PAINTING BY AMANDA PRYZNER DUNN

Happy Holidays

BUILD A SNOWMAN

If you have snow on the ground, this is a must-do activity for the kids! Arm them with some car rots, charcoal, twigs, and clothing like hats, scarves, and mittens — then see what their creative minds come up with.

If you live in a beach destination, bring the shovels and buckets to the sand and construct a sandman. Sunglasses, sunscreen, water oaties, and a Santa hat really pair nicely with a sandman. Lastly, if you don’t have snow or sand to use as a medium, you could have your child tape three white paper plates or white balloons together. Give them a box of markers or crayons and design a fun snowman that can be displayed in the liv ing room or on your child’s wall.

WATCH A CHRISTMAS MOVIE

Does your child have a favorite Christmas movie? If not, this might be the year to start a tradition of watching the same holiday movie every December. Many cities host showings of Christmas movies as part of their holiday community activities, but if you’d rather stay home, there is no shortage of movies you have access to. Just be sure to add some extra fun to an at-home movie night by wear ing Christmas-themed pajamas and prepping some of your favorite holiday treats to have on hand. Here is a list of popular kid-friendly Christmas movies:

• Frozen

• Elf

• Jingle All the Way

• I’ll Be Home for Christmas

• A Christmas Carol

• Home Alone

• Polar Express

• The Grinch

• The Santa Clause

• Arthur Christmas

MAKE POPCORN TINSEL

You don’t want to go overboard on this one, or else your whole house will smell like popcorn. Get out the thread and needle, pop some popcorn (preferably non-buttered) and let your children cre ate a lanyard of kernels that can adorn the Christmas tree or Christ mas mantle. You could even pair this activity with watching one of the Christmas movies recommended above.

GO FOR A CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DRIVE

Make some hot cocoa, pour a cup for each member of the family, and head out in the car in search of the best Christmas light dis plays for some memorable family bonding. You may know a cou ple of neighbourhoods that always go above and beyond each win ter. Some cities and towns even have a professionally made light display or experience that charges admission. If you are lucky, you will come across a light display that is synced up with music for one of the most memorable Christmas activities for families.

LAUNCH A CANDY CANE HUNT

Think of this Christmas activity for kids as the wintertime equivalent of an easter egg hunt. All you need to do is spread some candy canes around the house (and perhaps rope in an older child to help you hide them), and then set your little ones loose to collect them in a Christmas stocking. Then, give out a prize for the largest collection to add to the excitement!

MAKE HOLIDAY POPSICLES

Making your own Christmas popsicles is one of the most colorful Christmas activities for kids on our list. With a simple popsicle mold and a few ingredients, you can make this activity come to life. And if you’re looking for what to do on Christmas eve to dis tract the little ones from all those gifts, this is it!

To make an all-green popsicle: In a blender, mix pineapple, ba nana, apple juice, spinach, and coconut milk. Add in more spinach if you desire a darker shade of green. Pour the mixture in the mold and freeze.

To make an all-red popsicle: Use all the same ingredients as above but substitute strawberries, raspberries, or cherries in place of spinach. You could even use a combination of all three of those options!

To make a half-green half-red popsicle: First, start with the green mixture and ll the popsicle mold halfway. Freeze the mold overnight. The next day you can then ll the rest of the mold with the red mixture and freeze again for at least four hours.

Phone: 250-315-3000

GRANDMA

Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe. She’d been drinking too much eggnog, and we begged her not to go. But she forgot her medication, and she staggered out the door into the snow. When we found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, she had hoof-prints on her forehead, and incriminating Claus marks on her back.

Now we’re all so proud of grandpa, he’s been taking this so well. See him in there watching football, drinking root beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. It’s not Christmas without grandma, All the family’s dressed in black and we just can’t help but wonder: should we open up her gifts, or send them back? Send them back!!

Now the goose is on the table and the pudding made of fig and the blue and silver candles that would just have matched the hair on grandma’s wig. I’ve warned all my friends and neighbours better watch out for yourselves, they should never give a license to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

SILENT NIGHT

Silent night, holy night all is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing hallelujah Christ, the Savior is born Christ, the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at thy birth Jesus, Lord, at thy birth

Come they told me Pa rum pum pum pum A new born King to see Pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring Pa rum pum pum pum To lay before the king Pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pa rum, pum pum pum

So to honour Him Pa rum pum pum pum When we come Little boy Pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too Pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring Pa rum pum pum pum that’s fit to give our King CHORUS

Shall I play for you Pa rum pum pum pum on my drum Mary nodded Pa rum pum pum pum

Pa rum pum pum pum

played my drum for Him Pa rum pum pum pum

played my best for Him CHORUS

Then he smiled at me Pa rum pum pum pum Me and my drum

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. and since we’ve no place to go Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping and I’ve bought some corn for popping. The lights are turned way down low. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss good night how I’ll hate going out in the storm, but if you’ll really hold me tight all the way home I’ll be warm!

The fire is slowly dying and, my dear, we’re still goodbying, but as long as you love me so Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

O HOLY NIGHT

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. ’Til He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by his cradle we stand. O’er all the world a star is sweetly gleaming, now come the wisemen from out the orient land sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, with all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, his power and glory ever more proclaim! his power and glory ever more proclaim!

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, with a corn cob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the Snowman is a fairy tale, they say. He was made of snow but the children know, how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman, was alive as he could be. And the children say he could laugh and play, just the same as you and me.

You know Dasher, and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall The most famous reindeer of all ... Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer, had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows!

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names; they would never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say: Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then how the Reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee; Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, You’ll go down in history!

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light, the hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep,

their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and Peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of His heaven. No ear may his His coming, but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will

receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell, o come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

Mer r i tt Bread Ba sket So u p B o wl So ciety

We wish everyone blessings this holiday season

A heartfelt thanks to the many contributors throughout the year to enable us to assist so many. Without the weekly contributions of our local Save-On Foods and Loop Resource it would not be possible, we are very grateful for this ongoing support.

With many thanks to the contributors of 2022:

Nicola Valley Food Bank

Nicola Valley Metis Society

Scw’exmx Child and Family Services

Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 96

Highland Valley Copper Bench Elementary lunch program fundraiser D. Caines

City of Merritt Nicola Valley Community Gardens

In 2022 we will finish the year with approx. 4000 patrons served & almost 2500 hours of volunteer service

And to St.Michael’s Anglican Church for the generous use of their facility We also thank all the donors that do so that wish to remain anonymous and those that drop bottles off at the Return-It Depot as a donation to our cause.

Every Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at St. Michael’s (1990 Chapman St.)

We have available soup, sandwiches, an assortment of pre-cooked items and of course desserts. We also provide weekly sharing to a handful of other organizations that provide food security to their clients.

To the many that visit us and leave with a smile and a thank you, we truly appreciate your gratitude.

AWAY IN A MANGER

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing the poor Baby wakes but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes

I love thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky and stay by my side, ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children In thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with Thee there

The First Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took it rest, and there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three fell reverently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

Hark! the herald angels sing, “glory to the newborn King!” Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; with th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Hark! the herald angels sing, “glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord. Late in time behold him come, offspring of the favored one. Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see; hail, th’incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, “glory to the newborn King!”

Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die: born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “glory to the newborn King!”

GOD REST YOU, MERRY GENTLEMEN

God rest you, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, for Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born upon this day. To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy! For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas Day.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry, this blessed Babe was born. and laid within a manger, upon this blessed morn; The which His mother, Mary, Nothing did take in scorn.

From God our heavenly father, A blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.

“Fear not,” then said the angel. “Let nothing you affright, this day is born a Saviour of virtue, power, and might. So frequently to vanquish all the friends of Satan quite.”

The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm, and wind, and went to Bethlehem straightway, this blessed Babe to find.

But when to Bethlehem they came, whereat this infant lay, they found Him in a manger, where oxen feed on hay, his mother Mary kneeling, unto the Lord did pray.

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brother hood each other now embrace; this holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy! For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas Day.

Mer r y Christmas Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Holiday

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne. We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird, Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along, walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman, then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He’ll say: Are you married? We’ll say: No man, but you can do the job when you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire, as we dream by the fire to face unafraid, The plans that we’ve made, walking in a winter wonderland.

AULD LANG SYNE In business since 1967 May Christmas war m your heart the whole year long! 1974 Quilchena Ave. 250-378-5575

In the meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend that he’s a circus clown We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman, until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling, though your nose gets a chilling We’ll frolic and play, the eskimo way, walking in a winter

Everybody pauses and stares at me. These two teeth are gone, as you can see. I don’t know just who to blame for this catastro phe! But my one wish on Christ mas Eve is as plain as it can be!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth!

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth, then I could wish you “Merry Christmas!” It seems so long since

I could say, “sister Susie sitting on a thistle!” Gosh oh gee, how happy I’d be, if I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth.

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth, then I could wish you “Merry Christmas!”

GRINCH PUNCH

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 (0.13-oz.) packet Kool-Aid Lemon Lime mix

1 (0.13-oz.) packet Kool-Aid Lemon Lime mix

4 c. water

4 c. water

4 c. ice

4 c. ice

3 c. lemon-lime soda

2 c. pineapple juice

2 c. vodka

3 c. lemon-lime soda 2 c. pineapple juice 2 c. vodka

1 c. ginger ale

1 c. ginger ale

Lime wedges, for rimming Red sanding sugar, for rimming

Directions

Step 1

Lime wedges, for rimming Red sanding sugar, for rimming Directions Step 1

In a large pitcher combine Kool-Aid and water. Step 2

In a large pitcher combine Kool-Aid and water. Step 2

In a large punch bowl, combine ice, kool-aid, soda, pineapple juice, vodka, and ginger ale. Step 3

In a large punch bowl, combine ice, kool-aid, soda, pineapple juice, vodka, and ginger ale. Step 3

Use a lime wedge to rim glasses and dip in sanding sugar to coat. Pour punch into glasses to serve.

Use a lime wedge to rim glasses and dip in sanding sugar to coat. Pour punch into glasses to serve.

Appetizers

CRANBERRY WHIPPED FETA DIP

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. toasted chopped pistachios Crackers or crostini, for serving Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk orange juice and 1 tablespoon honey until combined, then bring to a boil. Add cranberries and thyme sprig and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and become saucy 7 to 8 minutes. Remove thyme and stir in orange zest. Let cool.

Step 2

Ingredients

1/3 c. fresh orange juice, plus 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest

2 tbsp. honey, divided

1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries

1 sprig thyme plus 2 tsp. chopped thyme leaves

6 oz. feta cheese in brine, cut into small cubes

1 clove garlic, grated or minced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse feta, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme until feta is broken up into small crumbs. Add cream cheese and pulse until combined. With motor running, drizzle in oil and blend until mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3

Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl. Top with cooled cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon honey. Serve with crackers alongside.

Step 4

Make Ahead: Dip can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

PIGS IN A BLANKET WREATH

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls 24 mini hot dogs

1/4 c. Dijon mustard

Egg wash 2 tsp. poppy seeds rosemary sprigs (for decoration) Ketchup, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Slice crescent rolls lengthwise into thirds. Brush all over with dijon mustard. Place a mini hot dog on the thick end of each triangle and roll up.

Step 2

Arrange the pigs in a blanket, side by side, in a circle on the baking sheet. They should be touching!

Step 3

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crescents are golden. Let cool for at least 20 minutes.

Step 4 Lay rosemary sprigs around the inside of the wreath and place a small bowl filled with ketchup in the center.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups water ¼ cup butter, melted 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons bak ing powder 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour water and melted butter over the dry mixture. Stir with a fork to make a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured sur face, then knead gently about 10 times. Pat into a flat circle, about one inch thick. Warm a greased frying pan over medium heat.

Place dough in the pan and cook until browned, about 15 minutes per side. Can also be baked on a greased baking sheet at 350 degrees (175C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

Entrées

OMA’S GERMAN WIENER SCHNITZEL

Ingredients: 2 pounds veal 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 eggs 1 tablespoon vegetable oil salt and pepper to taste 4 cups bread crumbs 1/8 cup oil for frying

Directions:

Cut the veal into steaks, about as thick as your finger. Coat in flour. In a shallow dish, beat eggs with 1 table spoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the veal with egg mixture, then with crumbs. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Fry veal until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.

PORK AFRITADA

Pork Afritada is a stew that is very popular in the Philippines. It is one of the most com man dishes served on special occasions and is always best eaten with white rice. When ever there is a spread, Pork Afritada will al ways command all of your guests’ attention with its vibrant appear ance mixing different colours from the car rots, green peas, hot dogs, and potatoes. It’s appearance is only second to its avour as the mash of different ingredients creates a very comforting taste that will leave anyone wanting seconds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder cubed

1 Knorr Pork Cube

3 hot dogs sliced

2 carrots sliced into small wedges

2 potato cube 8 oz. tomato sauce

3/4 cup green peas

1 tomato cubed

4 dried bay leaves

1 onion chopped 6 cloves garlic chopped

3 cups water

3 tablespoons cooking oil

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a cooking pot.

2. Once the oil gets hot, saute onion & garlic until onion softens.

3. Add pork Saute until brown.

4. Pour tomato sauce and water. Stir and let boil.

5. Add Knorr Pork Cube. Stir. Add dried bay leaves. Cover and cook in medium heat for 30 minutes. Note: Add more water if needed.

6. Add hotdogs. Cook for 10 minutes.

7. Add carrot and potato. Cover and cook for 8 minutes.

8. Add green peas. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

9. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

10. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.

CHOCOLATE, PEANUT & PRETZEL TOFFEE CRISPS

Ingredients

40 Saltines

3/4 cup butter, cubed

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup cocktail peanuts

1 cup broken pretzel sticks

3/4 cup M&M’s minis

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with foil; grease foil. Arrange Saltines in a single layer on foil.

In a large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Spread evenly over crackers. Bake until bubbly, 8-10 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Allow chips to soften 2 minutes, then spread over top. Sprinkle with peanuts, pretzels and M&M’s minis; shake pan to settle toppings into chocolate. Cool. Refrigerate, uncovered, 1 hour or until set. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Cassava Cake is a very ethnic dessert emphasizing the use of the Cassava root. The dessert boasts a very complex texture with a creamy custard-like layer and a spongy cake base. It is definitely one you’d want to have to cap off a festive meal and is best eaten while still hot.

Ingredients

2 lbs. cassava grated 2 cups coconut cream 12 ounces evaporated milk 3 eggs

3 tablespoons butter melted 1/2 cup quick-melt cheese shredded 14 ounces condensed milk

Topping ingredients: 1 cup coconut cream 7 ounces condensed milk 1 cup quick-melt cheese shredded 4 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Combine the wet ingredients in a mixing bowl start ing by cracking the eggs. Beat until smooth. Pour the evaporated milk, condensed milk, butter, and coconut

milk. Whisk everything together until the mixture smoothens.

3. Add the grated cassava and ½ cup cheese in the bowl where the wet ingredients are at. Mix well.

4. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking pan. Bake for 1 hour.

5. Prepare the topping my mixing all the toping ingre dients in a clean bowl. Mix everything together. Set aside.

6. Pour the topping mixture over the baked cassava. Put the baking pan back in the oven. Continue baking for 350F until the topping thickens. Note: You will notice that it will burn a bit, that is normal.

7. Remove the baking pan from the oven. Let the cas sava cake cool down.

8. Slice the cake into serving pieces. Serve for dessert.

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

3 tablespoons molasses

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Place heavy cream and marshmallow creme in a food processor; process 10 seconds. Add remaining ingredi ents; process until thickened, about 30 seconds. Transfer to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze until firm, 8 hours or overnight.

4-1/2 cups sugar

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1/2 cup butter, cubed

2 packages (11-1/2 ounces each) milk chocolate chips

4-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 3 cups chopped walnuts, toasted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 ounces white baking chocolate, melted

Directions

Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil; coat with cooking spray. In a heavy Dutch oven, combine sugar, milk and butter. Bring to a rapid boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in chocolate chips, marshmallows and chopped chocolate un til melted. Fold in walnuts and vanilla. Immediately spread into prepared pan. Drizzle with melted white baking chocolate; cool completely.

Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Remove foil; cut into squares. Store between layers of waxed paper in airtight containers.

In the west pie is a staple of any festive occasions but it is also quite popular in the Filipino culture, specifi cally, Buko Pie. This baked good creates a very sweet filling out of young coconut. In the Philippines, it is popularly sold in the Laguna province where arguably the best version of it is sold. Needless to say, when served to guests, you will have a definite hit in your hands.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup butter

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

6 to 8 tablespoons cold water

2 cups young coconut meat

3/4 cup granulated white sugar

1/2 cup cornstarch diluted in 1/2 cup young coconut water

1/2 cup evaporated milk

Instructions:

1. Create the crust. Combine flour and salt then mix using a balloon whisk. Add butter and shortening then mix using a pastry mixer. Gradually add cold water a tablespoon at a time while mixing the ingre

dients. When everything is completely mixed, gather the mixture and divide into two equal parts. In a flat surface flatten each of the dough and roll using a roll ing pin until wide enough to fit an eight or nine inch cake pan. Note: Sprinkle flour over the flat surface to prevent the dough from sticking or use a silicon mat. Arrange the first dough over the cake pan. This will be the base. Set the second flattened dough aside. This will be needed after arranging the filling in the cake pan.

2. Make the filling by heating a saucepan and pour-in the milk. Let boil.

3. Add the granulated white sugar and stir.

4. Put-in the young coconut meat & cook for 3 min.

5. Pour-in the cornstarch diluted in young coconut water and stir thoroughly while cooking. Cook until the texture thickens.

6. Turn-off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Arrange the cooked filling in the cake pan.

9. Put the second crust over the filling, seal the sides.

10. Create holes on the secondary crust using a fork.

11. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the color turns golden brown.

12. Let cool and serve. Share and enjoy!

GERMAN BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients: 375 grams of unsalted butter 250 grams of shortening 3 eggs

750 grams of flour 375 grams of sugar Juice of ½ lemon 1 tbs of rum (or rum aroma)

Directions:

For best results, all ingredients should be at room tem perature.

Mix all ingredients together, kneading into a cohesive and smooth dough. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Divide the dough into eight equal parts, and leave parts you’re not using in the fridge.

Roll out one part of the dough to about ” thickness, and use cookie cutters to make cookies. Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 355F (180C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Repeat until all dough is used up.

Cookies taste best plain, or dusted in a mixture of sugar and powdered sugar.

VANILLEKIPFERL (GERMAN VANILLA CRESCENT COOKIES)

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, spoon and level

1 pinch of salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes

¾ cup powdered sugar

¾ cup finely ground almonds, or hazelnuts or walnuts ½ vanilla pod, seeds scraped out or 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine flour, salt, cubed butter, powdered sugar, nuts, and vanilla seeds. Mix at medium speed until a crumbly dough forms, about 1.5 minutes. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1-2 table spoons milk.

Use your hands to press the dough together and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for one hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the chilled dough into a log approximately half inch thick. Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch pieces, form the pieces into small tubes and taper the ends into dull points. Bend each one into a crescent. Place the cook ies on the baking sheet about an inch apart.

Bake them one cookie sheet at a time for 12 to 15 min (depending on the size of the cookies) until the edges are golden. They should not be brown. Scrape out a vanilla pod and combine it with pow dered sugar. Sift the mixture over the hot cookies. Let them cool completely, then give them a second dust ing of sugar.

Keep fresh for approximately 2-3 weeks in a con tainer.

Lower Nicola Indian Band School

Season’s Greeting” from everyone at Highland Valley Copper

A virtual smile and kind words you hear, an email greeting from loved ones near, a gift of kindness from those held so dear, can make this a joyous season this year. May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the New Year!