Enjoy the Holiday Season
OWNER/PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jay Kana
ART DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Wise (Wise Idea)
CONTRIBUTORS
Natalie Hart
Anna Hobbs
Jay Kana
John Murray Lewis
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Cover Photo:
Prchi Palwe on Unsplash
Table of Contents Photo: Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
© 2024 Modern Mississauga Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the Holiday issue of Modern Mississauga! Editor' s Letter
It’s been a wonderful year here at Modern Mississauga and we’re happy you’ve joined us for the journey.
We’ve got a fantastic and festive issue and encourage you to share it to help support local businesses, including ours.
Looking forward to 2025, we’re excited at what it holds and have forward changes that we’ll be sharing soon so please stay connected with us.
If you’re wondering about the image here, I found it in the clearance bin in 2018 at an Upstate New York Target and it’s become my favourite Christmas decoration for the past six years. I figured he’s earned a place in the magazine this year.
Liz and I thank you for the continued support since 2015 and truly appreciate you, whether you’ve been here since the beginning or are new to us.
However you celebrate the season, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and only the best in 2025.
Warmly, festively and with appreciation,
JAY & LIZ
Click here & bookmark this post for all your Christmas and Holiday events in Mississauga for 2024.
Get Creative
WITH MISSISSAUGA’S FREE RESOURCES
by jay kana | photos by the city of mississauga
Exploring and enhancing your creative side has been made extremely thanks to Mississauga’s “Makerspace” resources throughout the city.
This free-to-access collection of tools can help you launch a podcast, record music and video, improve your your STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math,) utilize 3D printing and sewing machines and more.
It really is an intelligent initiative to eliminate the barrier to entry for those considering delving into their creative side and for those who are looking to take the next step forward in their creativity.
You’ll simply need a library card to register/reserve your space; it’s that easy.
The Hazel McCallion Central Library offers photography and video studio decked out with mirrorless cameras, ring lights, a light box, various background screens and more. The space is designed for creating, filming and editing your vision, with all skill levels encouraged and welcomed. Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more are available on an iMac within the space. The space holds up to six people.
Ready to launch a podcast? The Sound Booths here are well
equipped for you to share your ideas with the world, complete with easy to use software and quality equipment.
Want some company? Bring in a guest to the space or record solo in this two-room capacity space.
The Sound Studio provides several musical instruments, including electronic and acoustic guitars, an electronic drum kit, MIDI controller keyboard, and ukulele and several microphones to record with. The recording and editing software has a very small learning curve and includes Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, GarageBand, and more, all available on the provided iMac within the studio. The space holds up to six people.
Other offerings include access to 3D printing, heat presses, laser cutting, sewing machines, various types of creative software (web design, animation, etc.,) vinyl cutting and more.
There are various library locations for these resources including Courtneypark, Malton Burnhamthorpe, Meadowvale and more.
CLICK HERE for a full list of available resources and locations to launch, relaunch or ramp up your creative side in 2025. Remember to tag us in your social posts with your creative creations!
Ward 5 Councillor
300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
Ph: 905-896-5500 | Cell: 647-403-4918
Natalie.hart@mississsauga.ca. Join Ward 5 Councillor Natalie Hart on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
LEGENDARY COASTS OF EASTERN
newfoundland
Having spent nearly three weeks along the Eastern Coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador this summer created a new appreciation and fondness for this part of our country.
newfoundland
by jay kana | photos by jay kana | Cover photo by rugged rock media
There’s a welcoming warmth in the sea air that swirls around the province. Smiles from strangers, adventure aplenty and charisma and charm await you as you delve into these experiences by land and water. As you plan your visit, here are seven experiences that provide entertainment, excitement and an educational aspect.
KAYAKING IN CAPE BROYLE
The good people at A Wilder Experience offer kayak and Zodiac boat tours to explore hidden caves and coves and places only accessible by water in the area. They’ve got a wide selection of kayaks for your exploration, all the safety gear and will ensure you have a wonderful time. Observe local wildlife or soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere around you. The kayak group tour I did was informative, exciting, safe and had excellent guides, who balanced education with safety, ensuring everyone was comfortable, which made for a memorable
half day on the water. If you’re looking for a unique experience with equally spectacular views from someone who’s done it, this is right up your alley…err, waterway.
RELIVE HISTORY AT THE GREEN FAMILY FORGE IN TRINITY
This living piece of history dates back to 1900, when the oversized forge was opened, built by John James Green. The Green family history dates back to the 1750’s as prominent blacksmiths in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, it’s a Registered Heritage Structure and it’s certainly a hot attraction that should be experienced. You can watch professional blacksmiths at work in one of the select few forges still operational provincially. Plus, carefully crafted items are both made and sold on site using authentic tools and methods. The restored forge has earned multiple awards and once you set foot inside, you’re warmly welcomed and transported into a historically key part of the province’s history and heritage.
HARBOUR GRACE’S AIR AND SEA STORIES
The quaint town of Harbour Grace has some exceptional attractions that make it worth visiting. Amelia Earhart’s famous solo flight across the Atlantic and the first woman to achieve this, departed from Harbour Grace. There’s a statue of her in the Spirit of Harbour Grace Park. The Spirit of Harbour Grace is also an actual airplane, a Douglas Aircraft Corporation DC-3 to be exact. With a long history in the aviation world, this plane sits in Harbour Grace, being bought by and donated to the town by resident Roger Pike in 1977. Nearby is the infamous SS Kyle, a steamship that ran aground in February 1967 after a severe storm, winds and waves released the ship from its moorings (where it was being moored for repairs in Harbour Grace) and it
essential experiences
drifted to where it lays now. It wont move on its own again as the hull was flooded. Several plans for the ship have sunk over the decades but it’s still a terrific attraction with a deep history.
SEAGLASS B&B AND STUDIO IN NEW PERLICAN
A colourful and quaint place, New Perlican is charming and vibrant, thanks in part to the multi-coloured fishing stages. More so when you visit SeaGlass B&B and Studio, owned by Karen and Michael. This working stained glass studio & gift shop steeped in tradition carefully creates and sells Newfoundland inspired stained glass, jewellery (stained glass & sea glass) and photography. I was given a quick lesson on how to cut stained glass and thoroughly enjoyed it and encourage you to take one of their stained glass courses. There’s also a bed and breakfast to extend your experience in this beautiful part of the province.
UNMATCHED EXPERIENCES WITH OCEAN QUEST ADVENTURES
Have done two extensive Zodiac tours with them and a sea cave kayaking excursion around Bell Island, the Ocean Quest Adventures experience is astounding. My adventures were full of information and unique views for stunning photography opportunities. I also saw marine wildlife (from a safe distance, of course) and most importantly, their tours ensure the height of safety. The Atlantic Ocean is unforgiving so their dedication to active safety is paramount. There are various types of Zodiac boat tours, snorkelling, paddle boarding and diving adventures, fishing and more. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views paired with historical information for a complete
experience that’ll fill your camera roll. This is the go-to for an authentic experience from the water.
DO IT ALL AT SMUGGLERS COVE IN BURIN
Eat, sleep, adventure, repeat is the best way to describe an experience at Smugglers Cove. Their restaurant, Tom’s Roadhouse, specializes in BBQ and serves up all the classics exceptionally well, with live music and a welcoming atmosphere. Frontier Town whisks you back to historical times through their interactive displays. Plus, you can launch a paddleboat or kayak from the nearby dock for additional adventure. Get on the water with a Zodiac and kayak tour of Burin Island and surrounding areas with top-notch guides. I must say the kayaking portion was simply magical. Recharge through either their glamping pods or loft bunkies on the water’s edge. Stick around for a day or few.
DRIVE BACK IN TIME AT VERNON’S ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM IN SWIFT CURRENT
Home to some of the rarest cars in North America, all cars featured were made no later than 1970 and highlights the golden era of automobiles, along with their evolution. Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Lincoln and Chrysler are a few of the many brands with inclusions here. Convertibles, wagons, muscle cars and more make this fascinating destination that much more attractive, with a logical layout to maximize your experience. My visit saw guests as young as 8 to over 80, all soaking in the modern time machine that Vernon has elegantly curated. Every vehicle is delicately and authentically restored, giving guests a special experience.
BREATHTAKING BEAUTY
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The Modern Mississauga team warmly wishes you & yours a very Merry Christmas & allthe best for 2025!
GIVING BACK
by
Giving back during the holidays can be done in various ways, rooted in thinking of and supporting others. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or widely broadcasted. Subtle actions can be the most impactful. Here are four ways to do that.
CONSIDER DONATING TO THE FOOD BANKS MISSISSAUGA
In mid-November, Mississauga’s City Council passed a motion to declare food insecurity an emergency. In 2019, Food Banks Mississauga served 1 in 37 residents. Now they serve 1 in 13, highlighting the dire needs of our community members. 2023, food banks distributed over 9-million pounds of food; 55 per cent more than 2022. Unfortunately, Mississauga has the fastestgrowing rate of food bank users in Ontario and more than the provincial average.
Food Banks Mississauga with a network of over 60 agency members served over 56,000 food bank visitors from June 2023 to May 2024, which is 58 per cent over the previous year. More than 420,000 visits equals an almost an 80 per cent year-over-year increase, which why if you can, it’s so important to consider donating your time, food or money toward Food Banks Mississauga to help things from getting worse.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
We’ve written extensively on this over the past few years and it continues to be something we’ll do. If it can’t be all of your shopping, consider adding it into the mix as our small business community needs
our help year round, especially during the holiday season. You can also support their social media channels through engagement as well.
BE KIND, BE PATIENT
There can be added stress during the holiday season and sometimes, our patience will be tested. A gentle reminder to pause before reacting to a challenging situation as we only know our side of the situation. If you can help someone somehow through kindness, please try and do so. It just might make their day or even their entire season that much better.
CHECK IN ON FRIENDS & FAMILY
A quick text, email or call to connect or possibly reconnect with friends and family members can carry plenty of positive weight. It could be a funny meme, asking to get together or even a simple “checking in to see how things are going” note; take advantage of the numerous communication mediums available. Chances are they’ll be happy to hear from you.
jay kana | photo by marilee and the sea on unsplash
gift guide
guide
For the book lover, food enthusiast, wine and whisky drinker, and those who want convenience around their home, we've got the best gifts for them in our 2024 Gift Guide.
CONTINUED...
10 Best of the
As Canada’s leading book authority, Indigo proudly curates its annual “Best Books of the Year” list, highlighting exceptional literary works of the past year. Indigo is thrilled to share 2024’s top 10 books, including titles by two Canadian authors— The Knowing by Tanya Talaga and Real Ones by Katherena Vermette—in addition to a number of LGBTQ+, Indigenous and Pan-Asian voices.
#10 A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS: DELUXE EDITION - ANN LIANG
Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic novel steeped in myth about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds as the fate of two kingdoms hangs in a delicate balance.
#9 THE MINISTRY OF TIME: A NOVEL - KALIANE BRADLEY
A time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingenious exploration of the nature of power and the potential for love to change it all: Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilarating debut novel by Kaliane Bradley.
Best Books the Year
#8 REAL ONES: A NOVELKATHERENA VERMETTE
From the author of the nationally bestselling Strangers saga comes a heartrending story of two Michif sisters who must face their past trauma when their mother is called out for false claims to Indigenous identity.
#7 THE KNOWING: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS - TANYA TALAGA
From Tanya Talaga, the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Seven Fallen Feathers, comes a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada.
#6 NEXUS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF INFORMATION NETWORKS FROM THE STONE AGE TO AI - YUVAL NOAH HARARI
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Sapiens comes the groundbreaking story of how information networks have made, and unmade, our world.
#5 THE BRIAR CLUB: A NOVEL - KATE QUINN
The New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye and The Rose Code returns with a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, DC, boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.
#4 JUST FOR THE SUMMERABBY JIMENEZ
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick! This witty, slow-burn rom-com is the "ideal beach read." —Elle
#3 INTERMEZZO: A NOVELSALLY ROONEY
An exquisitely moving story about grief, love and family, from the global phenomenon Sally Rooney.
#2 THE SERVICEBERRY: ABUNDANCE AND RECIPROCITY IN THE NATURAL WORLD - ROBIN WALL KIMMERER
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass, a bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on the lessons of the natural world.
#1 HERE ONE MOMENT: A NOVEL - LIANE MORIARTY
From the beloved author of Big Little Lies, Apples Never Fall, and The Husband’s Secret comes a moving novel of love, marriage, family, and trying to find certainty in a fragile world.
forwork ...
CHI® COMPACT GARMENT STEAMER
You’ve spilled hot chocolate all over your favourite blouse and head to the closet only to find your backup outfit is not fit for the festivities. Get wrinkles out on the go! With this Compact Handheld Garment Steamer, wrinkles don't stand a chance with 800 watts of power and 5 minutes of continuous steam in any orientation. This compact, lightweight, portable steamer heats up in 35 seconds, so you never have to wait. Weighing just 1.1 lbs. and its own special travel bag, this is the ideal solution for road warriors, destination weddings, and more!
HAMILTON BEACH STAY OR GO® 10 QUART SLOW COOKER
This Hamilton Beach® Stay or Go® 10 Quart Slow Cooker has an extralarge stoneware crock that holds a 10 lb. turkey or 12 lb. roast and serves 12+ people. It has a clip-tight lid that reduces messy spills. Plus, the lid and crock are dishwasher safe. It features over-sized full grip handles and the wrap around heat cooks food evenly and consistently.
HAMILTON BEACH FLEXBREW® 5-IN-1 ADVANCED COFFEE MAKER
This advanced coffee maker takes flexibility to new heights. It brews everything from a bold espresso to a full pot, making it the ultimate gift for coffee aficionados who love experimenting with their brews, whether hot or cold. Equipped with fast brewing capabilities, a single cup of coffee is ready in less than 2 minutes. No two coffee drinkers are the same – so when you make coffee at home, the flexibility to customize how and what you brew is key. From fresh grounds to pods, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 5-in-1 Coffee Maker gives you the options to please fans of all types of coffees and quantities. This combo coffee maker lets you brew a full pot using your favourite grounds on the carafe side or make a cup for yourself using a singleserve pod or grounds on the single-serve side.
GRANT’S WHISKY
Grant's Triple Wood is matured in three types of casks—Virgin Oak for spicy robustness, American Oak for vanilla smoothness, and Bourbon refill for a touch of brown sugar. This process creates a rich, smooth, and mellow whisky. The nose offers clean notes of ripe pear and summer fruits, while the taste balances vanilla sweetness with malty and light floral tones. The finish is long, sweet, and subtly smoky, making for a perfectly balanced experience.
REWILD WINE
Light-bodied and dry, Rewild Pinot Grigio showcases fresh pear, citrus, and Granny Smith apple aromas. The well-concentrated palate features good varietal definition with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Crafted with sustainability at its core, this veganfriendly wine reflects Rewild's commitment to protecting the environment while delivering a vibrant, flavourful experience.
& play
SAILOR JERRY RUM
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum honours
Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of old-school tattooing (1911-1973). His legacy lives on through this medium amber rum, offering a rich sensory experience. Aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, toasty oak, toffee, chocolate, and vanilla lead to a dry, medium to fullbodied taste. It balances warm sweet, spiced fruit, oak, and caramel with subtle hints of nut. The finish is long and warm with a peppery note, making each sip memorable.
THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 YEAR OLD
Launched in 1993, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 was the first whisky created using what is today known as “cask finishing,” a process first created by The Balvenie’s Former Malt Master David C. Stewart in 1982. This twelve-year-old scotch gains its character from maturation in two different cask types. Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours of nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness, and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 makes for the perfect gift for the friend that loves a taste of history.
on the plane...
PORTABLE POWER BANK
If your travels are outdoors and or keep you away from a power source for hours at a time, having a convenient portable power bank/charger is a must-have travel tool.
QUALITY EARPLUGS
Sleeping in a new accommodation or trying to nap on the journey can be made easier with a quality set of earplugs. “Loop” style earplugs are gaining popularity for their effectiveness. Whichever style you pick, invest in yourself for peace, quiet and more enjoyable travel.
NECK PILLOW
Get some rest en route with a neck pillow, especially if you’re in the middle seat. Glasgow brand “Trtl” have created a new style that’s receiving fantastic feedback that should be considered. Get better quality sleep along the way to arrive refreshed.
RFID BLOCKINGTRAVEL WALLET
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking travel wallet keeps your passport and other key documents safe by blocking radio waves from thieves. It’s a higher investment up front but worth it for the added layer of security.
PACKING CUBES
Stay organized and end rifling through your luggage for a certain item. Packing cubes are affordable, maximize luggage space, can be used to isolate dirty laundry and is an ideal addition for any traveller.
PORTABLE LINT REMOVER
If you’ve got pets, this is a must-have. Whether you opt for a reusable one or sheets, this compact tool helps you look your best, without pet hair or lint on your clothing.
UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER
International travel is rising in popularity and since nearly all of us travel with North American based electronics, having a universal travel adapter will help keep you charged along your journey.
AIR TAGS
Knowledge is power and knowing where your luggage is at all times is increasingly important. Having to “check” your luggage is a part of travel for most of us and with a set of air tags, you’re able to track its location and reduce the potential stress of misplaced luggage.
REFILLABLE LIQUID TUBES
With airline regulations limiting how much liquid you can bring with you, a set of refillable liquid tubes is the easiest and most convenient way to bring your soap, shampoo, creams and other liquids with you.
for travel on the go...
Just in time for playing Santa, bookstores are flooded with tempting new cookbooks. You will find something for every taste bud and type of cook imaginable, and for treating yourself.
books for
HALF BAKED HARVEST QUICK & COZY
Tieghan Gerard is a recipe developer, blogger, food photographer and a New York Times bestselling author of three Half Baked Harvest cookbooks. Her specialty? Comfort food. Her eye is on meal prep in a hurry. Many recipes are one-pot doable, most in under forty-five minutes. All are tasty delicious. Clarkson Potter $44
ZOË BAKES COOKIES
Baking show host, pastry chef and teacher Zoë François features recipes for cookies and bars for every imaginable occasion. What makes the book special is the section Cookie Academy, where she explains how the recipes work and what different quantities of key ingredients such as flour, sugar or eggs do to a cookie. The cookie monster at home or on your gift list will love you for this one. Ten Speed Press $39.99
BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS - A MEMOIR
After 13 bestselling cookbooks, the celebrated television host and Instagram sensation Ina Garten shares her remarkable story. Barefoot Contessa fans who have
been eagerly waiting for this book won’t be disappointed. It’s an intimate, behindthe-scenes look at how much luck, love and labour went into making everything she does look effortless. To quote a Barefoot Contessa catch phrase, “how great is that!”
Crown $45
EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS
Just because it’s a busy weekday doesn’t mean dinner can’t be easy and delicious. New York Times Cooking editor-inchief, Emily Weinstein has selected 100 fast, flavour-packed recipes from the newspaper’s vast collection created by the trusted members of their culinary team. You’ll find fifteen-minute recipes, like Beef
Short Rib Rice Bowls and sheet-pan miracles for easy clean-up, such as Feta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes. 10 Speed Press $48
CHUCK’S HOME COOKING
Family-favourite recipes from Chuck’s kitchen to yours. The star of his own cooking show, Chuck’s Day, the co-owner and executive chef of two Montreal hot spots, Garde Manger and Le Bremner, Chef Hughes shares his favourite go-to recipes that he cooks for his family at home on busy weeknights, for weekend treats or special occasions. Simply executed dishes that showcase great ingredients is what this gem is all about. Penguin Canada $40
for cooks
LE SUD
Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur
The next best thing to vacationing the south of France could be immersing yourself in Rebekah Peppler’s latest book. It’s all about the charms of the region and the cooking and eating happening there today. Chock-a-block with rich stories, stunning photographs of food and countryside interspersed with bright, mouth-watering recipes, it’s a deeply personal exploration of the region for you to capture at home. Chronicle $53
SIMPLY JAMIE
For 25 years, Jamie Oliver has been inspiring people to cook. He shows you
how easy it is with his latest book, Simply Jamie Fast & Simple Food. Five chapters are packed with over 130 failsafe recipes under the headings Midweek Meals, Weekend Wins, Trusty Traybakes, Cupboard Love, and Perfect Puds. Famous for pairing down the ingredient list and for his effortless style of cooking, this is a delicious gift for novice cook. Random House $45
TACO NIGHT
Who doesn’t love tacos? And what could be more fun than a Taco Night when everyone makes their own? Or better? Deborah Kaloper’s latest book gives you all the ingredients and tips you need for whatever type of taco appeals, whether it’s vegetarian,
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST.
HAPPY GIFTING & HAPPY COOKING!
by anna hobbs
vegan, seafood, poultry or meat. Some are traditional. Some are new and unexpected. All are delicious. Smith Street Books $26.95
THE ARTFUL WAY TO PLANT-BASED COOKING
You won’t find a more enticing way to embrace plant-based cuisine than what Trudy Crane and Chloe Crane Leroux, a Canadian mother/daughter duo, share in this stunningly beautiful book. They found their inspiration in the richness of the food and culture while travelling in Spain and France. It’s a treasure for longtime vegans and anyone curious about the benefits of adopting a healthy plant-based diet. Simon & Schuster $47
THE MEDITERRANEAN DISH: SIMPLY DINNER
Suzy Karadsheh is the founder and CEO of The Mediterranean Dish, a food bog for eating and living the Mediterranean way. In her latest book she celebrates the bold flavours of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. 125 recipes or delicious nutritious meals – some traditional, others her contemporary take on classics. Clarkson Potter $48.
SANTA CLAUS: THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE
by john murray lewis | photo from istock
Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Mahatma Gandhi... no matter what we call him, there's no denying one simple truth: everyone on earth has been tenderly kissed by Santa Claus.
But where did he come from? Why does he kiss so tenderly? This holiday season, let's finally separate the "man" from the "myth."
In the Beginning...
The baby who would become Santa Claus was born Carlos Santana on January 1, 1900. Young Carlos Santana could play the guitar before he could walk or talk. Some say he even preferred the taste of a silky smooth lick to breastmilk. When he played the guitar, his family would say, "Please, Carlito, drink some milk instead." Carlos just kissed them tenderly and continued playing. Believe it or not, this was the beginning of Santa Claus.
A Shocking Turn of Events
By the age of 8, Carlos Santana had already released 9 platinum albums and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A long, successful career seemed certain, but all that changed the moment his beloved brother Jorge was shanked by a delinquent Fender Stratocaster that skipped bail. Shattered, Carlos resolved to give up music forever. "I can no longer give the people the sweet gift of guitar sounds," he told his sobbing parents. "But I can give them something even sweeter: the gift of tender kisses." Later, his parents died of diphtheria.
The Journey North
Eventually Carlos Santana left home, hitchhiking first to San Francisco and then to Helsinki. It was in Helsinki that he took the name "Claus," as letters O and R were strictly forbidden in Finland at the time. Contemporary accounts describe him as "Waifish,
like he would slide straight down your chimney if you gave him the chance," but also "Impossibly rotund, more sphere than man." These were hard times for Carlos "Claus" Santana. He soon learned that the famously aloof Finns of Helsinki did not appreciate his tender kisses. Then one night, he had a dream. A reindeer appeared in his fireplace, its antlers freshly shed. The reindeer offered Claus a present; Claus accepted, and when he opened the package he found the antlers inside. Then the reindeer kissed him tenderly. This is when Claus Santana realized what he'd been missing: a kiss, no matter how tender, is just a kiss without a present to back it up. He leapt out of bed. His legend was about to take flight.
A Date with Destiny
Claus sold his platinum records and used the money to buy many traditional presents such as glockenspiels, birdseed, and mechanical crabs. He traveled by night, placing presents in people's socks and then kissing them tenderly as they slept. But one day, Claus stopped by the Helsinki Present Shop and saw that it was closed. A sign on the door read, "OUT OF STOCK." After doing some research on AltaVista (the Google of the time), Claus learned that someone had privatized the world's only present manufacturing facility in the North Pole. Claus Santana knew what he had to do.
A Legend Is Born
Before he left for the North Pole, Claus took a long look at his Yamaha SG2000, which, despite everything, had followed him on his journey from guitar virtuosity to tender kissing and presentgiving. Slinging it across his back, he jumped into the air and landed
CLAUS: MERRY
at the North Pole. What he saw there rattled him to his very core: crazed guitar man Eric Clapton perched atop the world's only present factory, hogging all the presents and playing the very Fender Stratocaster that murdered brother Jorge all those years ago. Claus Santana drew his Yamaha and the rest, as they say, is history: riff after riff of rock and roll music so thunderous and filthy that eight reindeer arrived to listen. In fact, one of them was the reindeer who appeared to Claus in a dream. They nodded at each other, and then Claus Santana played a chord so hot that his entire guitar turned into a sleigh, which is the origin of sleighs, and the beginning of global warming.
Defeated, Eric Clapton turned to the man once called Carlos Santana. He removed his fluffy white beard and perky red hat. Eric Clapton said, "You are the Santa Claus now."
Santa Claus merely replied, "It's called the gift because it's a present." With that, he kissed Eric Clapton the most tenderly of all, and Eric Clapton melted into a puddle. Since then, Santa Claus has traveled the earth in his Yamaha sleigh with his eight mystical reindeer, distributing presents and tender kisses to all of the world's men, women, and children on December 24th, the anniversary of Ryan Seacrest's birth.
And that is the truth about Santa Claus.
MALTON MINUTES
by natalie hart | photo by freepik
The holiday season is in full swing once again. For most of us that means extra juggling in our schedules. Work, family commitments, school events and gathering with friends and family. It can feel a bit overwhelming, but that’s where your local businesses can help out.
From that special unique gift, fashion for events or that sweet treat to see you thru to the end of the errands there is always an answer here in Malton. We have some incredible foodie choices, for everything from take out, catering and casual dining there is something for everyone. Why not try something new for one of your pre holiday gatherings?
Our park lights will once again light up the night at Paul Coffey and we hope that you will enjoy the display while
you are out in the community. This year our food banks in the community need our support more than ever. If you are able to support with your time, a donation, or contribution please do so. The need is great and you can really make a difference. Giving the gift of support to others is a wonderful way to celebrate any holiday.
2025 will bring many great changes to our BIA and we cannot wait to celebrate them at Canada Day with all of you!
we bring good ideas to light.
BRANDING
DESIGN
PACKAGING
DIGITAL wise idea.
