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December 2023
Holiday Events
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December 2023
Every Issue 6
Dear Reader
7
Cooking with Kids Cookie Craft
10
8
Light Bright Ice, Ice Baby Honor and Service Festive Faire Fun
Features 10 Keep it Light
All Aboard for a Magical Christmas Free Holiday Flick
16 Watch This. Do That.
Skip the stress and keep it simple this holiday.
Make it a family movie night to remember.
14 Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree
20 Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough
Feeling like an outsider at Christmas time.
How to make easy ornaments together.
24
Calendar of Events
30 Humor Break Santa the Food Critic
7
8 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Bits and Pieces
December 2023
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Dear Reader
W
elcome December!
To take advantage of all the joy that this season brings, peruse our Sharon Gowan Calendar of Events Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us (page 24), for a bounty of local fun. Our listings will point you to all the best stops where you can meet Santa, take in a light parade, do some shopping for crafts, and just generally indulge in all sorts of holiday revelry. Having a simple holiday, doesn’t mean foregoing a spectacular one. Everyone has enough to worry about, especially in this busy month, so flip to “Keep it Light” (page 10) for ways to keep your stress low, your merry quotient high, and your memories meaningful.
the instructions for easy-to-make ornaments in “Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough” (page 20). For an edible project that will keep little hands busy, try our fun “Cookie Craft” (page 7). The holidays are a complex time for many and can bring up a myriad of feelings and emotions. Consider an outside perspective in the heartfelt essay, “Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree” (page 14). Finally, laughter is one of the best gifts that can be delivered, so head straight to the back page for “Santa the Food Critic” (page 30) and don’t forget a steamy mug of hot chocolate while you read it. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
If you are decorating a tree this year, give it a homemade touch by following
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Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us
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Contributing Writers Shannon Carpenter Tiffany Doerr Guerzon Janeen Lewis PJ Library Sarah Lyons Pam Moore
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December 2023
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Cooking with Kids
Cookie Craft Stained Glass You Can Eat By PJ Library
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Stained Glass Cookies
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Jewish temple after it was taken back from the Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. Every year during Hanukkah, Jews light menorahs for eight days to remember the miracles that happened long ago.
Ingredients • ½ cup softened butter • ¾ cup sugar • 1 large egg • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour • ¼ teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ cup crushed hard candy
here’s never been a better time to introduce children of all walks to different cultures and religions.
Did you know that “dreidel” is a Yiddish word, meaning “spinning top?” A legend explains why children play with dreidels on Hanukkah: In the time of the Maccabees, when the Greeks didn’t allow Jews to study the Torah, Jews would learn in secret. Whenever the authorities would approach, children would quickly hide their books and take out their spinning tops. Try this clever and easy sugar cookie recipe together with your kids. Crushed hard candy melts into a beautiful “stained glass” illusion. The recipe can easily be adapted to make any shape holiday sugar cookie. Hanukkah (this year celebrated from December 7 to 15) is a joyous holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. The only ritual component of Hanukkah is lighting www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Tip: Short on time? Use premade dough and skip down to step 3. 1. Using a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. 2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter, and cream the mixture. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
the menorah and saying the blessings. Everything else is optional – fried food, tales of heroism, gifts and gelt (golden wrapped chocolate coins). Ritually speaking, it’s all about the light, and for each of eight nights, bringing a little more of it into the world. And in these extra dark nights, we all need every bit of light we can get. ❖ Find more information at PJ Library’s Hanukkah Hub overflowing with hands-on
December 2023
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out batter about ¼ inch thick. 4. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Cut a small circle in the middle of each shape with a butter knife or smaller cookie cutter. 5. Place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. 6. Remove the baking sheet, and carefully spoon ½ teaspoon of crushed hard candy into the center of each cookie. 7. Bake for 4-5 more minutes, or until the candy has melted completely. 8. Cool, first for 15 minutes on a baking sheet, then move to a cooling rack.
activities, seasonal recipes, downloadable activities, book lists, and much more. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation which delivers more than 670,000 free story books to kids around the world each month. The program hit a milestone in 2022 by shipping its 50 millionth book. Families raising kids from birth through 8 years old, including interfaith families, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be. Sign up at pjlibrary.org.
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Bits & Pieces
Festival of Lights
Light Bright
B
ROXANNE PERKINS
e dazzled at the 13th annual Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights. Each year the show is 100% original and lovingly handmade by the MCBG staff and volunteers who care for this 47 acre treasure. The gift shop will be open and there will be hot cocoa, apple cider, and treats to make the light-tastic visit extra sweet. The event takes place rain or shine every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 17. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the last entry is at 7 p.m. If you want to take photos with Santa and supply him with your wish list, make sure to visit on December 3 or December 10. Adult tickets are $10 and anyone under the age of 16 enters for free. Purchase tickets and find more information at gardenbythesea.org/calendar/festival-of-lights-2023.
Ice, Ice Baby
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Ukiah on Ice
Honor and Service
Wreaths Across America
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he mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. On Saturday, December 16 join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather at more than 4,000 locations in all 50 states to lay wreaths. Local Mendocino and Lake County events will take place in cemeteries in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Middletown, Willits, Ukiah, and more. Find out how you can get involved and participate at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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f you want to make like an Olympian get yourself to Ukiah on Ice. Beginning on Saturday, December 2, the Ukiah Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Celebration will be held and the downtown seasonal ice skating rink will open at 5 p.m. on the Alex Thomas Plaza. The rink will remain open daily, including holidays, through Sunday, January 14. Cost for each skater is $12 and includes skate rental. A full concession stand will be open to purchase treats and snacks. For more info visit cityofukiah.com/ukiahonice.
December 2023
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Festive Faire Fun
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njoy vendors, artisans, crafts, cookies, and more at the Grinch-Mas Holiday Faire on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The whole family can visit Santa Claus and take part in the festive fun at the Twin Pine Casino & Hotel in Middletown. Get more information at twinpine.com/ event/grinchmas-holiday-faire.
All Aboard for a Magical Christmas
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id you know that Santa rides the rails too? Board the historic Skunk Train in Willits for a 90-minute journey through some of the tallest trees on the planet and over scenic trestle bridges, while indulging in seasonal treats. The trip includes a visit to The World’s Largest Christmas Tree (an epic decorated Redwood), Mr. Skunk’s Magical Workshop, and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa. Rides run until December 31. Tickets are $10.95-59.95; dogs are $10.95; kids two and under ride free on a lap. Morning and afternoon trips available; make reservations at skunktrain.com.
Free Holiday Flick
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ake advantage of the holiday season and spend all day in your favorite winter jammies at the cinema in Lakeport. PJs are welcome for all ages at the Soper Reese Theater’s pajama party and holiday movie screening. On Tuesday, December 12 join for Tim Burton’s holiday classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas at 6 p.m. On Tuesday, December 19 The Polar Express will be screened at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to all shows. Assisted listening devices are available. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more info visit soperreesetheatre.com/events.
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 9
Spend time with your friends and loved ones, but don’t feel guilty if you don’t go to every party or gathering.
Keep it Light 10 Ways to Simplify the Season
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By Janeen Lewis
t’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, full of friends, family and festivities. But research confirms a different reality-most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families often feel drained of time, energy, and peace. Stressors such as shopping, party planning, financial concerns, and trying to make the holidays perfect can make the end of the year hectic and overwhelming. These ten tips will simplify the season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, or you are just trying to make it to the New Year in one piece.
1. Focus on your reason for the season Why are you celebrating? Is it for spiritual reasons? Maybe you want to spend time with friends and family or enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays. Keep what is most important about the holidays at the center of your celebration. Reconsider any task or commitment that takes your time, energy, enjoyment, or finances away 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife
from your reason for celebrating in the first place. 2. Set firm boundaries around your time With all the holiday volunteering, office parties, and family gatherings, it’s easy to overcommit yourself. This year, pick one project you want to volunteer your time to, or pick a variety of simple acts of kindness you can do with your family. December 2023
3. Let go of Martha One of the most stress-relieving things you can do at the holidays is set the bar a little lower. You don’t have to do everything the way Martha Stewart would to have a beautiful season. Embrace simpler decorations, meals, and gift giving. If you let go of expectations, you may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself content with a celebration you hadn’t even envisioned.
These ten tips will simplify the season and make it merry and bright. 4. Farm out your to-do list At the beginning of the season make a to-do list of what you want to accomplish. If you find that it is too long for the amount of time that you have, consider delegating some of the items. Have groceries delivered, and buy gifts online to avoid the holiday rush. Buy desserts from your local bakery, and shop at stores that provide wrapping stations. No time to clean the house? Hire a cleaning service just for the holiday season or ask for this service as a gift. 5. Gift others with experiences Ask those you give gifts to if there is an experience they would like to have in place of something material. Tickets to the theater? Family passes to an amusement park or aquarium? A relaxing day at the spa? Experiences give friends and family the www.mendolakefamilylife.com
opportunity to make memories and pamper themselves, and they don’t take up valuable closet space. 6. Set a holiday tea time Recent research shows that drinking green and black tea has many health benefits, including promoting relaxation. In keeping with the holiday spirit, sip some calming peppermint tea, or try chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower. 7. Take a hike One way to tell your stress to take a hike might be to actually take one yourself. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that trigger a happier, more relaxed mood. Aerobic exercise outdoors away from screens, phones and to-do lists can clear your mind and help you keep what’s important in perspective.
10 Holiday Hacks to Make the Season Bright 1. If you have an artificial tree, wrap the center pole with a strand of lights before you add the branches. This will make the tree shine brighter from the inside.
6. Store cookies in an airtight tin with flour tortillas between layers to keep cookies from drying out. You can also use a slice of bread.
2. Use a wastebasket to hold rolls of wrapping paper.
7. If you don’t want to put nail holes in your fireplace mantel, fit a tension rod in the wood frame and hang your stockings with shower hooks. You can also purchase nail free stocking holder hooks.
3. Use egg cartons to store small ornaments and ornament hooks. Use wine boxes to store larger, fragile ornaments. 4. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on a cookie sheet. Freeze it for several hours and remove. Cut hearts out of the whipped cream with a cookie cutter and serve in hot cocoa. 5. Put a ball of sugar cookie dough between two sheets of wax paper. Roll it out between the papers so the dough doesn’t stick to the pin. While it’s still in the wax paper, put the flattened cookie dough in the refrigerator until you are ready to cut cookies out.
8. Hang lightweight ornaments on long ribbons from your light fixture or chandelier to make an elegant holiday decoration. 9. Skip expensive candles and potpourri. Add water and natural ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, or cloves to a crockpot and heat. Enjoy holiday scents that aren’t overpowering. 10. To keep Christmas lights from getting tangled, wrap them around a clothes hanger or power cord holder.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 11
8. Reconnect with long lost friends and relatives Meet with an old friend you haven’t talked to for years, and catch up. Take some time off and visit relatives you miss seeing on a regular basis. Surrounding yourself with people you enjoy is powerful when you want to combat holiday stress. 9. Do something kind for someone else You don’t have to overcommit yourself to a charity or fundraiser to be kind. Small random acts of kindness can make someone’s day. Let someone in front of you at the supermarket line or let someone drive their car in front of yours in the parking lot. Send an anonymous Christmas card with cash or a gift
card to a college student or elderly person that you know is struggling financially. Attach quarters in clear storage baggies to parking meters or laundromat machines with a printed,
The thing that we remember the most are the memories we make. positive message. Having a kind spirit chases away stress and keeps the season warm and full of hope. 10. Celebrate memories more than material possessions Finances can cause a lot of stress during the holidays.
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There is nothing wrong with downsizing the amount of money spent on gifts. Making homemade or drawing a name out of a hat and buying one gift for that family member can take the pressure off of buying gifts for everyone. A white elephant exchange is an entertaining and inexpensive way to celebrate. The thing that we remember the most are the memories we make with friends and family. Make some happy memories this holiday season and bid stress goodbye. ❖ Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic.
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or a Santa hat, too. My sticker was no doubt cute, but to me, it was an ugly stamp of my otherness.
Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree The Struggles and Joys of Being Different
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By Pam Moore
am Jewish. My husband was raised Presbyterian, considers himself atheist, and until he met me, had never known a Jewish person. So it was with some trepidation and a few drinks that I told him if he was serious about me, he would have to let me raise our possible children Jewish. Never mind that I wasn’t positive I wanted kids and we’d known each other all of two weeks. I was sure of two things: Dan was awesome and I had no time to date a guy I’d never marry. He asked me what having Jewish children would look like. I wasn’t sure. Seven years and two children later, I’m still winging it. But I had to answer the question, so I started with the one thing I was sure of. We would not have a Christmas tree. It’s hard for me to articulate what it means to be a Jew. It’s much easier to say what being a Jew is not. For me, being Jewish is not celebrating 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Christmas. As a kid, being Jewish at Christmas time meant feeling the pain of being different. In the second grade, my well-meaning teacher handed my homework back with a sticker, a symbol of a job well done. I don’t remember what the sticker was, only that it was different than the red and green Christmas stickers that adorned my friends’ papers. I wanted a candy cane, an elf, December 2023
I used to dread holiday season small talk. I remember being ten years old, lying on my dentist’s mustard yellow chair for a cleaning, sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Inevitably, my friendly dentist asked the dreaded question, “What are you asking Santa for this year?” When
It’s more important to be who I am than to be like everyone else, even when it’s uncomfortable. he removed his instruments from my mouth, I replied, “Nothing.” I did not care to elaborate, and my tone conveyed that. Above his mask, his eyes betrayed shock. After an awkward pause, my mom looked up from her magazine and explained with an apologetic smile, “We’re Jewish.” In high school I attended an all-girls Quaker prep school. Although none of the students were Quaker, practically none were Jewish, either. Aside from being the only one in my class to miss school on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, my Jewishness was a non-issue. Until the school replaced the time-honored Christmas Vespers pageant with the politically correct Lumina celebration. I was thrilled. I wouldn’t have to sing about the birth of our lord Jesus Christ anymore. No longer would I feign excitement over the tradition I secretly loathed. I never told my classmates I was invited to be one of few student representatives on the Lumina advisory committee. When talk at the lunch table turned to www.mendolakefamilylife.com
the tragic loss of the beloved ritual, I kept my mouth shut. I don’t blame 17 year-old me for prioritizing fitting in over defending my identity. As a kid, I wanted a Christmas tree, badly. I was thrilled when a friend’s family invited me to help decorate their tree. I would daydream about what kind of tree I’d get if I were Christian (real, not fake) and how I’d decorate it (with rainbow lights, no tinsel). Even now, when we go to my in-laws for Christmas, I selfishly wish their tree were more festive. Now that I’m an adult, I can have a tree. I can have any kind of tree I want. I can dress it up as fancy as a prom queen if I feel like it. But like I tell myself before taking a bite of my daughter’s leftover chicken nuggets, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Because for me, the presence- or absence- of a Christmas tree in my living room is about much more than home décor. It’s a public declaration of who I am and what matters to me. I am a Jew. I am the greatgranddaughter of Jews who fled Pogroms in Eastern Europe and came to this country with nothing, hoping for a better life As a kid, I have fond memories of sneaking out of services with my brother and my friends for epic games of hide-and-seek spanning our entire synagogue and its grounds. I remember breaking the Yom Kippur fast at my grandmother’s house, the dining room table covered with food; a heaping bowl of warm, fresh bagels alongside platters of lox and cream cheese, my great-aunt’s noodle kugel, and my mother’s chopped www.mendolakefamilylife.com
liver. I remember three generations of grandparents, great-aunts, great uncles, and cousins, taking turns reading the Haggadah at the Passover Seder, while my brother and I joked in whispers
As a kid, being Jewish at Christmas time meant feeling the pain of being different. at the kids’ table. I remember getting together with Jewish family friends who were as much family as blood relatives, every Christmas Eve for Chinese food and ice cream sundaes. I remember going on a teen tour to Israel and feeling totally at home with 40 teenagers I’d never met before, an ocean away from my parents.
I also remember the deep longing I felt for a Christmas tree and a stocking full of Lip Smackers and scrunchies every December. But if I had the chance, I wouldn’t trade that longing for the fulfillment of my childhood wishes, because the sum of all these experiences have shaped my values. I believe it’s more important to be who I am than to be like everyone else, even when it’s uncomfortable. If I can pass that belief on to my daughters, I will have given them a greater gift than anything I could put under a Christmas tree. ❖ Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com.
it only takes putting loved ones first.
B R O UGHT TO MEND O C INO CO UNTY BY A DVENTIST HEA LTH
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work for a neighbor, or passing out gift cards to community workers. Read this: The movie is based on the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. For additional reading about bullying try Real Friends by Shannon Hale or I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët.
Watch This. Do That. The Fun Doesn’t Stop When the Movie Ends
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By Sarah Lyons ake a cozy winter family movie night to the next level by tacking on these fun and educational activities. Here are some family friendly movies with ideas for snacks, crafts, outings, and books to continue the fun. All of these movies are rated G or PG but please use your discretion and choose movies that you feel are appropriate for your family.
Watch this: Wonder Auggie Pullman was born with facial differences that have kept him from attending school, until now. He quickly shows everyone that what you look like is not as important as what is inside. Auggie is a boy with a lot of heart and will have everyone rooting for him as he faces making friends for the first time. This movie is heartwarming and is a great gateway for difficult conversations about bullying and accepting others who appear different from us. (Rated PG) 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Do that: Talk to your kids about bullying. What qualifies as bully behavior? How do you handle it? How can you help a person who is a victim of bullying? Create that: Make encouraging cards to send to friends who could use a boost and mail or hand deliver your cards. Go there: Declare a “Random Acts of Kindness Day” and spread cheer and good vibes in your community. Try paying for the person behind you in the drive-through line, doing yard December 2023
Watch this: Cars Famous racecar, Lightning McQueen, gets lost on his way to the big race and ends up in the small town of Radiator Springs. His first instinct is to get out of town as soon as possible but the longer he stays, the less he wants to leave. This movie has a great message about friendship and slowing down and appreciating what is important in life. (Rated G) Do that: Set up your very own carwash. This can be a water table with dish soap and sponges for the kids to wash their matchbox cars, a drive through car wash for bikes on the driveway, or get the kids involved and wash the family vehicles. Snack on this: Make stoplights using graham crackers. Spread frosting on the cracker and add a red, yellow, and green chocolate covered candy to make a traffic light. Other ideas could include “tires” (chocolate donuts) “tractor wheels” (Oreo cookies), or “Mack” and cheese. Go there: Take the family go-kart racing, attend a local “touch-a-truck event”, or go to a classic car show. Create that: Create your own race car using a toilet paper tube. Cover the tube in construction paper then add construction paper wheels and stickers. Read this: Fans of Cars will enjoy reading If I Built a Car by Chris Van www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Dusen or My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis.
as watermelon, corn on the cob, or apple pie.
Watch this: Charlotte’s Web After Charlotte learns that Wilbur’s days are numbered, she comes up with a plan to save the pig. This movie is based on the classic 1952 book Charlotte’s Web by EB White and is a sweet tale of unlikely friends. (Rated G)
Create that: Make a spider web craft. Cut the center out of a paper plate. Use a hole punch to cut holes
Do that: What words would you use to describe yourself? What about your other family members? Use a paper plate and attach eight legs (use construction paper) to create a spider. Write your name on the “body” of the spider (paper plate) and write one descriptive word on each spider leg. Snack on this: For a Charlotte’s Web themed snack serve foods such
Snacks, crafts, outings, and books continue the movie fun when the watching is done. around the remaining edge of the plate. Cut a piece of yarn and tie a knot at the end. Have the kids weave the yarn through random holes on the plate to make a spider web. To make it easier to weave, wrap a small piece of tape on the tip of the yarn.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Season is Here
Read this: A read aloud of Charlotte’s Web is a must before watching the movie. If you would like to try some spider themed picture books check out Be Nice to Spiders by Maragret Bloy Graham and I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton. Watch this: Madagascar Alex the lion is the most popular animal attraction at New York City’s Central Park Zoo. Alex and his friends, Claudia, Melman, and Marty, end up on the remote island of Madagascar where they are no longer served daily meals. Alex’s carnivore instincts make his friends,
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Fall is upon us and that means so are respiratory viruses.
Go there: Take a trip to a local petting zoo or farm where you can see real animals. Maybe you will even find a spider hiding somewhere.
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a giraffe, a hippo, and a zebra, seem appetizing. He must learn to manage his instincts while confronted with an island full of eccentric lemurs. This movie is silly and fun for kids while still being humorous for adults as well. (Rated PG)
Do that: Have a dance party. The characters in the movie love to dance so why not play some music and shake it in the living room. Snack on this: Since the four friends land on a tropical island, try serving fresh fruits such as pineapple, bananas, and oranges.
Create that: Draw a circle on a yellow piece of construction paper. Add a lion face to the circle. Use a plastic fork dipped in orange paint to create a lion’s mane around the circle. Go there: After watching the movie, head to zoo to see some real life hippos, zebras, lions, and giraffes. Read this: Julius: Fun Facts About Lions for Kids by James Randall Miller is a book full of fun facts for kids interested in learning more about lions. For Kids who are intrigued by zebras check out How the Zebra Got Its Stripes by Ron Fontes. Watch this: Wall-E Wall-E is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying the planet one piece of garbage at a time. But after 700 years he is very lonely. When a probe named EVE arrives, he falls in love and follows her across the galaxy. This movie is heart-warming and has a good message about taking care of our planet. (Rated G) Do that: Walk the neighborhood and clean up trash that you find in common areas. Discuss what items can be recycled and why it is important. Consider planting a tree, flowers, or vegetables in your yard. Create that: Make your own robot. Gather empty cereal boxes, paper towel or toilet paper rolls, and any other found items to design and build your own robot. What jobs would your robot do? Go there: Visit the local arboretum or garden and spend time in nature. Read this: For books for young kids try What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French or The Adventures of an Aluminum Can: A
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December 2023
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Story About Recycling by Alison Inches. Try In a Nutshell by Joseph Anthony for al book about the importance of plants for our environment. Watch this: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs When hard times hit the town of Swallow Falls, its townspeople are stuck eating sardines for every meal. Local inventor, Flint Lockwood, develops a machine that can turn water into food and becomes the local hero when tasty meals start raining from the sky. But things get out of control and Flint and his friends have to save the town before it’s too late. This movie is funny and a joy to watch. It will make you hungry while imagining what food you would like to see fall from the sky. (Rated PG)
like if it snowed ice cream. What is your favorite flavor? Read this: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett and the sequel Pickles Over Pittsburgh are obvious choices before or after enjoying the movie which is inspired
by these books. For kid-friendly books about weather check out A Year in the Wind by Hanna Konola or Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemie. ❖ Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids, including triplets. She loves to read, cook, and watch movies with her kids.
Do that: Have the kids draw a picture of their own crazy weather report. What food will fall from the sky next? Take turns pretending to be the newscaster. Snack on this: Make a batch of spaghetti and meatballs to enjoy before the movie. While you eat, discuss what food you would like best if it fell from the sky and what food you would least like to see. Create that: Make a playdough thunderstorm with gray, blue, and white playdough and yellow pipe cleaners. Use the gray playdough to make rain clouds, the blue to make rain drops, and the white to make hail. You can use the yellow pipe cleaners to add lightning bolts. Let your child get creative and make their own thunderstorm. Go there: In the movie it snows ice cream. Take the family out for ice cream and imagine what it would be www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 19
discolored with flour.) Once the dough is about ½ inch thick, cut out shapes with cookie cutters just as you would real cookies. To create the hole which will be used to hang the ornament, a disposable drinking straw can be used to “punch out” an opening.
Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough Easy Ornaments To Make Together
By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
R
emember the salt dough ornaments you used to make in preschool? Well, salt dough projects have come a long way, baby. You can make realistic gingerbread cookie stars, rustic disks stamped with quotes or vintage images, glow-in-the-dark ornaments, or even keepsakes with your baby’s handprint. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. So get out your rolling pin and dig in to create ornaments that are perfect for gifting or to hang on your very own tree. Find the basic recipe and seven fun variations below.
Basic Salt Dough Recipe: 1 cup flour 1 cup salt ½-1 cup water Instructions: 1. To make ornaments, combine dry ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Add one-half cup water and mix. Continue adding more water and mixing until you get a play dough-like 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife
consistency. Knead the dough with your hands until smooth. 2. Divide dough in half, wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Place the other half of the dough on parchment paper and roll out with a rolling pin, using a non-stick cooking spray such as Pam to prevent sticking. (Using spray instead of flour helps to prevent the ornaments from being December 2023
3. Cutting out the shapes directly on parchment paper will save the shapes from becoming distorted when moving them to a cookie sheet with a spatula. Bake at 250 degrees for three hours. Ovens can vary, so check after two hours by poking an ornament with the tines of a fork. If the “cookie” gives at all, it’s not done. Cool shapes completely before painting. 4. Once you’ve made a batch of beautiful ornaments, don’t forget the ribbon. Try using a length of twine, raffia, or a shiny gold string. Whatever you use, just thread the ribbon through the hanging hole in each ornament and tie a knot to create a loop. Gingerbread Add two tablespoons of cinnamon and two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour/salt mixture in the basic salt dough recipe. Combine the dry ingredients before adding the water. Knead the dough with your hands until you get a play dough-like consistency. Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Instead of sprinkling with flour to prevent sticking, use a nonstick cooking spray on your work surface and on the dough itself as needed. Don’t forget to cut out the holes! Bake as directed. To decorate, apply white 3-D fabric paint as you would frosting and sprinkle with white glitter. Using the www.mendolakefamilylife.com
“chunkiest” glitter you can find will mimic the effect of sugar on “frosting.”
baking. Once the dough is stamped to your liking, bake as directed.
Stamp It Up! Stamping salt dough gives these ornaments a rustic, vintage look. Start by cutting out small and large circles with cookie cutters or quart and pint canning lid rings. Cut the circles out directly on the cookie sheet or on parchment paper for easy transfer. Be sure to cut the hanging holes in each shape before stamping. To stamp, ink the stamp as you would normally, then press the stamp into the dough. It’s a good idea to practice on a piece of scrap paper first. Use letter stamps to create holiday phrases or spell out names. Try a variety of stamps, even non-Christmas symbols such as music notes, birds, or branches. Dark green, black, and brown show up well after
Once the ornaments are completely cooled, you can add more ink to the edges. Using a makeup sponge, rub ink along the edges of each circle to
The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. add to the distressed look. You can also paint the ornaments with a light coat of watercolor paint for a muted touch of color. Glowing Ornaments Add two tablespoons of glow in the dark paint to the basic salt dough recipe and mix well. Then roll out
the dough and cut into shapes as usual. Because these ornaments will glow, you don’t want to cover the surfaces with a lot of paint. Try stamping before baking, or enhance the ornaments with a light dusting of glitter adhered with white glue after baking. Turn out the lights to see the ornaments glow softly. Christmas Cookie Cut Outs Using the basic salt dough recipe, roll out and cut into Christmas cookie shapes. Poke the hanging holes in each, and then bake as directed. After the pieces are cool, use 3-D fabric paint to add the decorative details to create a frosting-like look. Create lines or dots with the paint, or squirt on the paint and spread with a plastic knife. Top with white glitter to resemble sugar.
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 21
Chalkboard Shapes Baked salt dough ornaments have an uneven surface, making it hard to create a “real” chalkboard surface. But you can still create the look of chalkboard by painting baked ornaments with matte acrylic in black. When the paint is dry, add a message with a white paint pen, or white 3-D paint. Try writing a phrase such as: “A+ Teacher” for a unique teacher gift! Add Silver and Gold A coat of shiny gold or silver paint will add class to an ordinary shape. After the baked pieces are completely cool, mom or dad can spray paint them in silver or gold. You could even up the glam by gluing on plastic jewels. A strong glue like E-600 will
hold up over many holidays. See what a difference a little metallic paint can do! Keepsake Ornament For a baby (or fur baby!) keepsake ornament, roll out your salt dough to a 1-inch thickness. You will need a thicker dough to make a good mold. Make a deep impression of baby’s hand, foot (or your fur babies paw in the dough). Because you never know exactly where baby’s hand or foot will land, I recommend making the impression first, before cutting out the ornament from the dough. Add baby’s name and the year by stamping the dough with letter and number stamps, or simply writing in the dough with a toothpick. Poke a hole for hanging, then
use a butter knife to cut around your work. Cut a big circle, rectangle, or a free-form shape. Bake the ornament as directed, checking after two hours. The thicker dough will need a longer cook time. Or, for a fun family memory, use large wreath or christmas tree cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Have each member of the family make a fingerprint in the dough. After baking, paint the wreath or tree in green and use a finer brush to paint the fingerprints red. ❖ Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and mom of three kids. Her work has been featured on CNN.com, Parents.com, ParentMap, Grown and Flown, Motherwell and many more. She is also the author of the book Save Money on Groceries Without Losing Your Mind.
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See map & info in this issue! December 2023
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December Calendar of Events Friday 1 FREE Kelseyville Christmas in the Country. Parade of Lights: 6:30
p.m. Followed by a merchant open house, visits with Santa at Lady Luck Garage and a viewing of the Festival of Trees. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 1st & Main Sts,. Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/r5xvkuza. FREE Mendocino Transit Authority Holiday Trolley. Look for route map & schedules at the link and in this issue. Downtown Ukiah. tinyurl. com/3ynwc5zj. Magical Christmas Train. Featuring
children’s storybook reading & visits with Santa. 90-minute round-trip. $10.95–$59.95. Dogs: $10.95. Kids ages 2 & younger ride on lap for free. Runs thru Dec. 31. Skunk Train. 299 E. Commercial St., Willits. skunktrain. com/magical-christmas-train. Annual Festival of Lights. Garden
plants illuminated with holiday lights. No dogs allowed. $10. Ages 16 & younger: free. Fridays–Sundays,
5–7 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 17. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 Highway 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org. Christmas in the Park. Tree lighting,
carols, cookies & hot cocoa. Hosted by Willits Calvary Church. 6 p.m. Bud Snyder Park. E. Commercial St., Willits. ccwillits.org.
Saturday 2 5th Festival of Trees Auction & Party. Decorated holiday trees & other holiday décor on sale. Proceeds benefit Wings of Hope, grief counseling & hospice patients. Tickets $85. 5–10 p.m. Sophie’s Day Spa. 3855 Main St., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/a6cewavw. FREE Potter Valley Holiday Craft Fair. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Photos with Santa (9 a.m.–noon). Headwaters. 10175 Main St., Potter Valley. tinyurl. com/4pxa52sd. Ukiah on Ice: Holiday Ice Skating Rink. $12 includes skate rental. Daily
thru January 14. Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve. Next to Alex Thomas Plaza on School St., Ukiah. Full schedule: facebook. com/ukiahonice. FREE Fort Bragg Winter Wonderland. Music, food, window displays, kids crafts, & more. Noon–6 p.m. Photos with Santa: 2–6 p.m. at the Guest House Museum. 6:30 p.m.: Lighted Truck Parade. Franklin & Laurel Streets, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/4ubrke7u. FREE Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair.
Jewelry, pottery, wreaths, food products, & other hand-crafted items. Lunch available for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Greenwood Community Center. 6129 S. Hwy. 1, Elk. elkweb.org. FREE Ukiah Parade of Lights. 6–7 p.m. State Street between Low Gap Road & Alex Thomas Plaza. Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/hometownholidays. Breakfast with Santa. $10–$13. Ages 2 & under: Free. 9:15–10:30 a.m.: Breakfast. 10:45 a.m.–noon: Santa arrives. 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/ysvk4te8 FREE Christmas in Clearlake.
Parade & Tree lighting. 6–7 p.m. Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. lakecountybloom.com.
Supporting Families in Conflict Zones 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife
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Photos with Santa. No appointment needed. Photos starting at $7. Dec. 2: 3–5 p.m. Dec. 9, 16 & 23: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Dec. 14 & 21: 3–6 p.m. Triple S Camera. 260 S. School St., Ukiah. triplescamera.com.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
FREE Lighted Truck Parade. 6:30
p.m. Franklin & Laurel Streets. Fort Bragg. norcoastrodders.com. FREE Fort Bragg Toy Run. Sign-up: 10:30–11:45 a.m. Motorcycles start at Rollin’ Dough parking lot (18180 Ocean Dr., Fort Bragg). Music, food, raffle at Lions Club (430 E. Redwood Ave., Fort Bragg): $20 with an unwrapped toy, & $25 without a toy. 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. tinyurl.com/2p9atu5p.
years old. Included in 2-hour general play admission. $15/child. Membership options available. Every Tuesday & Wednesday. 10–11 a.m. Mendo LEAP. 203 S. State St., Ukiah. mendoleap.com.
Friday 8 FREE 36th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair. Live entertainment, craft booths
& raffle. Food available for purchase. Dec. 8: 3–6 p.m. Dec. 9: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Dec. 10: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Willits Center for the Arts. 71 E. Commercial St., Willits. willitscenterforthearts.org Merry Christmas Scrooge. This Christmas Carol Panto is an original, locally written play that adapts the old Dickens classic through the eyes
FREE First Annual Holiday Bazaar Lake County Fairgrounds. Artisan crafts, vendor & food booths. Dec. 2- 3: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lakeport Fairgrounds Lewis Hall. 210 Martin St., Lakeport. facebook.com/ calakecountyfair.
Sunday 3 FREE Laytonville Holiday Bazaar.
40+ arts & crafts vendors. Food for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Laytonville Tin Gym. 200 Brandscomb Rd. Laytonville. tinyurl.com/4zs768rs. FREE Lower Lake Hometown Holidaze Street Fair. 10 a.m.–3
p.m. Main St., Lower Lake. tinyurl. com/2ps2v35j. FREE Lighted Boat Parade.
6:30–9 p.m. Noyo Harbor. 19101 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/3rns9udm. Christmas Through the Ages.
Works by Praetorius, J.S. Bach, Vaughan Williams, followed by a selection of carols. $25. 3–5 p.m. Mendocino Presbyterian Church. 44831 Main St, Mendocino. tinyurl. com/y3yyj9u2.
Tuesday 5 Circle time. Weekly themed dances,
songs & stories designed for 0–5 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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of Santa’s Elves. Twenty children from ages 6–17 bring a familiar tale to new life. Singing, dancing, & audience participation. Pay what you will at the door. Dec. 8–9: 7 p.m. Dec. 10: 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
booths. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mendocino County Fair. 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. tinyurl.com/35xwkjtp.
FREE Family Fun at ARRC. Open
FREE StoryWalk & Crafting Party.
FREE Annual Community
Take a short walk, read a StoryWalk book with your kids, and do a crafting activity afterward. Free parking. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Clear Lake State Park Visitor Center. 5300 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/5n7a9nwk.
Christmas Celebration. Presented
gym. Kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Activities for the whole family to enjoy. Fridays: (indoor soccer only) 4–8 p.m Sundays: Noon–4 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. 1640 S. State St. Ukiah. Info: carter@ukiahrec.org.
Saturday 9 FREE Giant Memory Match Game.
For 3 & up, match giant cards with pictures of famous book characters to win stickers. 2-3 p.m. Fort Bragg
Library. 499 E. Laurel St. Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Coleman Hall. 46501 Old State Hwy. Gualala. tinyurl.com/2p8chuxp.
FREE Christmas in Middletown.
FREE Anderson Valley Holiday
Lighted car show, craft & food vendors. 4–8 p.m. (Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.) Library Park. 200 Park St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/yc59rztx.
Bazaar. Artisan crafts, vendor & food
®
A Holiday Concert for the Coast.
Featuring the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers and the sounds of four and a half octaves of handbells and chimes. $20–$25. Ages 7–17: free with a paying adult. 3 p.m. Gualala Art Center.
by the Rotary Club of Clearlake. Everyone invited for a free meal. Gently used-coats, warm clothing & blanket giveaway. Santa will be on hand for photos, elves will be handing out candy & toys. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Burns Valley Elementary School. 3620 Pine St., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/2dtmzaj2.
Sing Out!
15TH ANNUAL SING-ALONG A Community
First Presbyterian ChurCh oF ukiah
ChristmasEve s
Music Gathering
erviCe
FREE EVENT - ALL ARE WELCOME
SUN. DEC. 17 5:30 First Presbyterian - Corner of Perkins & Dora
Cookies & Come sing Carols with the Hot Cider little ones & enjoy some Christmas Spirit & Cheer!
5:00Pm
in Person & online
For More Info. Denise Beckler (707) 468-9235
Family-friendly worship service of carols, scriptures, and candles.
514 W. ChurCh st., ukiah ✶ WWW.FPCukiah.org 26 MendoLakeFamilyLife
December 2023
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Sunday 10 Christmas Concert in the Redwoods. Featuring Scotty
Wright vocal, Simon Rowe piano, Pierre Archain bassist, Gabe Yanez drums. $25–$100. 4 p.m. Gualala Art Center. 46501 Old State Hwy. Gualala. tinyurl.com/ye23uu6z. FREE Makers & Bakers Holiday Fair. Hand-craft items from local vendors, plus baked goods. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. casparcommons.org.
Tuesday 12 FREE Pajama Movies. Come in
PJs & watch a flick. Dec. 12: The Nightmare Before Christmas. Dec. 19: Polar Express. Donations accepted.
Drinks/food for purchase. 6 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Saturday 16 FREE Twin Pines Grinch-Mas Holiday Faire. Family fun. Vendors, artisans, crafts, popcorn & more. Dec. 16–17: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Twin Pines Casino. 22223 CA-29, Middletown. tinyurl.com/bdesbn9h.
FREE Symphony of the Redwoods Sing-Along Handel’s Messiah. The
audience is encouraged to sing along. 3–5 p.m. Mendocino Presbyterian Church. 44831 Main St., Mendocino. symphonyoftheredwoods.org. FREE Mendocino Makers Holiday
Market. Retro wagon, festive tunes, artists, crafters & makers. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Rotary Park. 44960 Main St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/ycyu2d7n. Vision of Hope Village:GIVE Breakfast YOUR CHILD a Christmas joyat the Ranch. Hayrides with Santa. Santa’s Workshop withexperience ful learning & cider for the whole family. Wine of discovery with: the elves from Autism,full Advocacy tasting & complimentary food pairing. • Exploration of own & Intervention. $10 suggested $20 interests & abilities members. $35 non-members. 11 donation. $5 for ages under 12. 8 • Experiential learning a.m.–4:30 p.m. Seating available: 11 a.m.–noon. Photos with Santa: with field trips, arts a.m. 1 & 3 p.m. Six Sigma Ranch • Senior Respectful and caring 9 a.m.–noon. Kelseyville & Winery. 13372 Spruce Grove Rd. learning community Center. 5235 3rd. St., Kelseyville. • Peace education Lower and Lake. tinyurl.com/mwfzxt4p. thebloom.news/big-calendar. Open House mindfulness
• Earth stewardship
Wednesday, April 13 Call for more information
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OPEN ENROLLMENT January For application and more information: 707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net GIVE YOUR CHILD A JOYFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE FULL OFwww.treeoflifeschool.net DISCOVERY WITH: • Exploration of own interests & abilities • Experiential learning with field trips, arts • Respectful & caring learning community • Peace education & mindfulness • Hands-on & multicultural learning experiences • Earth stewardship
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For application and more information: 707-462-0913 businessmanager@treeoflifeschool.net • www.treeoflifeschool.net www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 27
FREE Wreaths Across America.
Christmas Celebration Concert.
There will be ceremonies to honor veterans across America. Local cemeteries in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Willits, Ukiah, Hopland, Upper Lake, Kelseyville, Lower Lake & Middletown will participate. wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Performance by the Lake County Symphony and the local band, the Funky Dozen. $25–$30. 2 p.m. (Dress Rehearsal: 11 a.m. $5. ages 17 & younger: free) Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
FREE Ukiah Winterfest. Craft vendors, food, activities, Santa & Grinch photos. Noon–4 p.m. Downtown Ukiah. facebook.com/ ukiahrec.
share. Libations available for purchase. 7:30: Mask making for masquerade. 8:30 p.m. Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. casparcommons.org. “New York” New Year’s Eve Party.
Thursday 21 FREE Tales of the Winter Solstice.
Sunday 17
Storytelling performance featuring the talents of Linda Pack. 6–7 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St. Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
FREE Sing-Out Annual Sing-Along.
Sunday 31
All welcome. Christmas carols around the Christmas tree. Free hot cider & cookies. 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church. Parking Lot. 514 W. Church St. Ukiah. fpcukiah.org.
ARCADE AT KONOCTI VISTA CASINO
Three course set-price menu and the Bassics Quartet plays live music. 6–9:30 p.m. Celebrate New York at 9 p.m. when the ball drops in New York City. Blue Wing Restaurant. 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Reservations required: 707-275-2233. tallmanhotel.com.
Caspar’s New Year’s Eve. Family
friendly. Performance by Mama Grows Funk providing dance tunes. $30. Ages 12 & under: free. Must be accompanied by adult. Bring appetizers, snack foods, or desserts to
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Humor Break
But maybe next Christmas you can convince your mother to ease up a little bit on the holidays and give Santa a peanut butter cookie. And did you know that your father does not suffer from any disease that requires him to eat gluten-free? If you can pass that along to your mother, that would be swell.
Santa the Food Critic Turns Out He Would Have Preferred PB Cookies By Shannon Carpenter
T
o the wonderful Carpenter Family,
Your Christmas cookies were so wonderful and thoughtful! I do appreciate you worrying about my sugar intake. Is that a hint of nutmeg and sawdust I taste? Yum, so scrumptious. You can tell your mother, who’s on a health kick, that maybe she can ease up on your dad. One cookie isn’t going to give Santa a heart attack. I know your dad made a pretty big deal saying that Santa would prefer peanut butter cookies, but you made the right call. I’m Santa, and definitely not your dad. That would be crazy, right? Who wants delicious peanut butter cookies on Christmas? I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a kale cookie. 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife
That really hit the spot. I wouldn’t think you could match the taste of seaweed, but you were able to pull it off! Well done! It’s amazing what one can do with soy-based almond flour this time of year. Of course, I would have enjoyed more than just one, I am Jolly old Saint Nick after all, but I understand that portion control helps with willpower. My corner of one cookie was very filling. I know you heard a lot of colorful words on Christmas Eve night when you should have been sleeping. That was just your dad, again I’m not him, staying up late trying to catch me. He’s a strange fellow, isn’t he? And just so you know, the phrase “What the heck is this cookie? Where are my good cookies!” is an adult euphemism. It means Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth. December 2023
I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a kale cookie. Finally, it was very thoughtful of you to leave warm milk out for dad. I mean Santa. Me, I’m Santa and not dad. But it was very environmentally friendly of you to let entropy heat up the milk by leaving it out all night. Bacteria are people too, and I loved every bit that I chugged down just so you could see the lip prints on the glass. Have a very Merry Christmas this year. I’m off to the next toy that I have to put together because apparently buying little playhouses that require power drills seemed like a good idea to your mother. Again, thank you for the sugar-free, gluten-free, taste-free kale cookies. They were fantastic doorstops. HO HO HO, Santa (Who is still not your dad.) ❖ Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad manual. www.mendolakefamilylife.com