Holidays in Sisters
are a special time, surrounded by natural beauty, the bonds of a strong community, and friends and family who bring us joy.
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Holiday showcase set in Sisters
The Sisters High School music department invites the community to participate in the Holiday Showcase, Friday, December 13, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters High School. This fun and festive concert will feature bands and choirs from Sisters High School as well as several community performances to celebrate the holiday season.
“The Holiday Showcase is one of my favorite concerts of the year,” said Sisters Middle School and new Sisters High School Choir Director Steven Livingston. “We get to involve the community and really celebrate who we are as a collective.”
This year, concertgoers can expect lively performances, a silent auction, and cookie sales as The Holiday Showcase is one of few fundraisers for the Music Department at the High School. A suggested donation of $5 per person is requested at the door. All the proceeds will be split between the SHS choir and band programs to help support students attending competitions and workshops throughout the state. Especially of interest this year is to raise enough funds to help purchase new uniforms, reduce the cost for students to attend the spring choir trip to Portland, and to help the band program purchase a new-tothe-school euphonium and other replacement equipment needs. Silent auction items include Hayden Homes Amphitheater concert tickets,
A Date Night Basket, a family or senior photo shoot from RISE Graphic Design, a beautiful quilt from Stichin’ Post, and much more.
“Music is a huge part of my life,” said freshman Frankie Borla. “I love playing drums in the jazz band and spending time learning new music.”
Band Director Kayla Golka has enjoyed their new role teaching band at both Sisters Middle School and Sisters High School this year.
“Working with students at all ages and levels to share the love of music is such an amazing opportunity. Music can add so much to students’ lives – including helping them better understand the importance of being part of a team, hard work, and dedication, and can even improve their creativity and lead to success in other areas of their schoolwork,” they said.
The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The community is encouraged to bring their holiday spirit and join in the celebration of music at Sisters High School.
For more information on the holiday showcase call 541-549-4045. To make a donation to the music department, mail checks or money orders to Sisters High School, 1700 W. McKinney Butte, Sisters, OR 97759, “Music Department Donation” in the memo line.
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PHOTO BY RISE GRAPHIC
Commentary…. Finding meaning in Christmas
— By Steve Stratos, Columnist —
As we approach another Christmas, the birth of the Christ Child, how should we celebrate? It is more than Santa and his reindeer, more than sugar fairies dancing in our heads, more than the estimated $1.1 trillion spent in 2023 and more than the annual pilgrimage to church.
As we examine the story in the Bible, what are the implications and how shall we then respond to the child in the manger. Let me share with you four practical implications that the gift of Christmas can have in our lives to make our communities more fruitful:
the child in the manger. This is His gift to us.
The Apostle John introduces his biographical story of Jesus in chapter 1 by saying, “the Word was God…, …everything that was made was made by Him. He was light and life…, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1-4, 14). God became human.
There were many ideologies and multitudes of gods at the time. There were Epicureans, Stoics, Hedonists, and SelfRighteous Religiosity, all looking for the ultimate reality and purpose to live a more meaningful life. Christmas tells us there is a logos, a reason, to live that can bring light, love, and fullness that dispels darkness. God becoming human teaches humans how to live with purpose. The Christ child gives us an intentional way to live that is logical and meaningful. We learn to connect with God. We all could benefit if we found that gift under our tree, a purpose driven life. This is the first implication.
The second implication is Christmas teaches us to get involved by serving others. Christmas is about loving your neighbor. It is about getting involved, serving others, helping the poor, the homeless, the aged, cultivating a caring community. It is about loving those who disagree with you and you them. Our community will flourish when we genuinely care about others and seek ways to serve them. We are better together with motivations of healing and serving. This is why a child is born on Christmas Day. He came to serve. It was the gift of example. Jesus said he came not to be served but to serve and give His life for others. We are to be the gift that promotes others at our expense. These are the values of
The third implication is Jesus brings comfort amid our suffering. We often ask why God allows so much suffering if He is so good. We see brokenness and grieving all around us. We see people mistreating one another in multitudes of ways and we ask “Why.” While we don’t often know the why of suffering, we do know it is not because God doesn’t love us. God sent His beloved son. Jesus enters our world and takes on all the suffering, abuse, misunderstanding culminating in being beaten and crucified for loves sake, for us. God understands and cares about our sufferings.
Christmas can be a difficult time for many who have lost loved ones. As God grieves with us, we learn to grieve with others. The God who brings comfort in identifying with our pain has too suffered and died. We can find comfort in Him who died for us and share the comfort with others in their grief and suffering.
The fourth implication is the gift of hope the Christ Child brings. In His life He gave us an example of how to live. In His death and resurrection, He reveals the power to do it. He brings hope for the future, a transcendent hope that brings us courage, confidence, and change. Thru His death He made a way to live a life of freedom. He showed us that reality is not limited to the material world that we taste and touch, but He is the Ultimate Reality. We can know Him! We can experience new life thru His resurrection. Can we make Him known not in our rhetoric but in the living hope of a resurrected new life.
Village Interiors
My prayer, my gift this Christmas is a commitment to make Jesus Christ matter in a world that desperately needs what His gift of Christmas can mean for us all. This is God becoming human. Author Bruce Milne puts it this way: “worship Him without cessation, obey Him without hesitation, love Him without reservation, and serve Him without interruption.” Oh yeah, and “Love your neighbor as yourself!”
Merry Christmas!
Steve Stratos is a pastor at Sisters Community Church
Village Interiors is back in Sisters — and ready to help you decorate your home!
For the past seven years, Village Interiors Home Furnishings has been in downtown Bend. But now they have relocated back to Sisters where they started Village Interiors Home Furnishings in 1991.
It’s good to be back home and in the same location as the Design Center on Barclay Drive. Together, Village Interiors can help you with any home decorating needs, from remodeling and reupholstering, to furnishing your home.
From rustic to modern, colorful to classic, Village Interiors has what you’re looking for. Furniture, custom sofas and chairs, accessories, faux floral, custom-to-your-specificsize area rugs, lamps, pillows, art, and more. All of Village Interiors’ items are carefully curated and gathered from all over the world to offer a selection you won’t find anywhere else. Come see all of Village Interiors’ items for the holiday season. They have an amazing assortment of items to help you check off the names on your gift list! Come on in and experience Village Interiors all over again!
There is possibly nowhere south of the North Pole that has more Christmas spirit than the home of Richard and Sherry Flaherty.
Each year in this season, the house at 15686 Trapper Point Rd. blossoms into a spectacular Christmas display — inside and out. Hundreds of decorations, from a train set to an elaborate Italian nativity diorama, to Santas of every size and description fill
— By Jim Cornelius, Editor
though
View the Flaherty’s exterior display this holiday season at: 15686 Trapper Point Rd.
virtually every room of the house. Sherry Flaherty told The Nugget that they started decorating at the beginning of November and it was “quick and easy.” Quick being 10 days or so of work, though Sherry said they went at a relaxed pace. Richard Flaherty has lived in Sisters for about 30 years; Sherry for 13. Each year, they go all-out on Christmas. Richard says with a
Gypsy Wind Clothing
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Shopping at Gypsy Wind is an experience. Seeing and touching the fabric gives you a true appreciation for its beauty. Personalized shopping means you can find just what you’re looking for. The folks at Gypsy Wind love helping men shop for wives, daughters, girlfriends, or moms, and you can always give the gift of a shopping experience at Gypsy Wind with a gift certificate (get a $50 gift certificate for $40 this holiday season).
And if you are planning to change your latitude for a while this winter, be sure to visit the tropical travel room, too, featuring wonderful sundresses for just $39.
Wherever the winds of winter take you this holiday season, be sure that they steer you into the Gypsy Wind.
Christmas….
Editor in Chief —
meaning, like a pair of large stars that was gifted to Sherry by her best friend’s husband after the friend died. Others have been with Richard for 20 to 30 years.
chuckle that “it’s a little over the top.” But that’s part of the fun.
“My first wife was really into it, and we started collecting as we went,” Richard explained. “Along came Sherry, and she loved it, too, and we just went with it.”
Some of the decorations have personal
The couple recounted a recent visit from a family from England who walked past the house. The young children were enthralled by the outside decorations, so the Flaherty’s invited the family inside to see the rest of the fantastical display.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Richard. “I wish there were more kids.”
The couple welcomes visitors to walk or drive by to take in the display.
“We love sharing what we have,” Sherry said.
Si ers Folk Fe ival
Save the date! The Sisters Folk Festival is back for its 28th year on September 26-28, 2025. Please join us for a multi-genre, intimate discovery festival that brings amazing artists to seven stages throughout downtown Sisters — where All The Town’s A Stage.
Sisters Folk Festival proudly brings both high-profile and lesserknown artists, songwriters, and bands together to perform in a variety of settings, including expansive tents, a historic former church, and courtyard venues at local establishments.
Three-day festival tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The initial 500 tickets will be offered at a holiday price of $195 (limit two per person), the next 800 tickets will sell at the early bird price of $210, and the remaining inventory will sell at an advance price of $235 for all three days of performances. Ticket prices now include all fees. Information and tickets at www.SistersFolkFest.org.
Give the gift of music this season — and be sure to secure your spot at the festival, which is sure to sell out again this year.
E Sun Ranch Dr Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Santa loves his furry friends…
Chloe sat for her portrait with Santa Claus last week at Cascade Pet Spa. Proceeds from the photo shoot were donated to Furry Friends Foundation, which helps families in need to provide for their pets. Photoprovided.
The
Family & friends afar will appreciate a gift subscription to The Nugget Newspaper... the gift they get to open again every week!
Order online at NuggetNews.com/subscribe or by phone at 541-549-9941.
Nugget Poetry Corner
A Time to Die
Alissa Cowan~Inspiredby Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
We don’t like to think a bout our last day on this ear th
It’s all we’ ve ever known fr om the day of our bir th
When all is said and done, and we br eathe our last br eath
When we ar e at peace within and lay down to r est
What happens w hen we c lose our eyes and don’t answer anymore questions?
When we don’t look bac k, when ther e ar e no more, “I forgot to mentions”?
Then people bounce bac k for a day to see the last smiles
To receive hugs fr om those who could tr avel the miles
Then the br eathing gets heavy and tu rns to the worst
Those fe w last moments befor e leaving this ear th
That final br eath to release the one
Their body is earthbound and their spirit set fr ee
No mor e pain or suf fering, a ne w life is meant to be
The Heavens open wide, the light shines so bright
All the memories, all the stories, re gr ets and hopes, ar e done
All w ho have gone before them gather to say ‘it’s all right’
The Heavens rejoice as a ne w one comes home
While we ar e left on this ear th, feeling alone
Grief, anger, unbelief, it happened so suddenly
One moment they wer e her e and now they ar e fr ee
Lor d, comfor t us in our grief, help us not to fear
May we cr y without shame and mour n, as You’ ve allowed, with our loved ones near
It’s a beautiful honor to witness a life well lived and full of days
We ar e thankful that we could take par t, now with the Lord they can pr aise
With total peace that sur passes all under standing
No mor e str esses, from w hat life on ear th w as demanding
Jesus! Yeshua! Fr eedom inside
The very essence of Love, now to abide
A Portrait of Splendor
Edie Jones
Ice cr eam cones – v anilla – poking up through the blue.
The Three Sisters Mountains. A spectacular view. White, compact, with ledges exposed. Ice fields, yes – no meadows or roads
Shar p thr ough the sky, pr otruding above, a por tr ait of splendor – cherished – and loved, by all of us here, who linger, and gaze, at winter s’ fir st snow – in awe – amazed.
Advent
Edie Jones
Advent is her e, a time to reflect.
A time to give thought – and car efully select what’s impor tant and what’s not.
A time for change, expand, and grow, slow down, go inw ar d, and r eac h deep, to decide with our hear ts w hat to kee p.
How do we pr epare for that wonder ous day – w hen a ba by slept in a cr adle of hay? What must we do to open our minds, to His message of peace and love?
The gr ace, that comes fr om above. As we aim to – keep – and let go, may this time of reflection help us go slow, and thoughtfully move with car e.
Advent is her e so we can pr epare, and leave behind w hat we ventur e fr om to be r eady – when the Christ c hild comes.
Have an original poem that you’d like to share?
Email submissions to jess@nuggetnews.com. Publication is subject to space av ailability and disc retion of The Nugget Newspaper
— Story by Bill Bartlett, Correspondent
Cooking tops Sisters holiday traditions
Readers continue to share their favorite celebrations and activities surrounding the holidays and a clear favorite has emerged — baking.
Gingerbread house photo by Tabitha Cottrell
Hayride photo by Jim Cornelius
Take Mayor Michael Preedin for example.
“My favorite holiday tradition is making my grandma’s clam dip that is best with wavy potato chips – perfect addition on either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day where grazing on food is encouraged and counting calories is discouraged,” he said.
“Gingerbread cookies? That’s easy peasy,” she said waving her hand as if swatting away the idea. “Houses. That’s where the action is,” she said gleefully.
City Manager Jordan Wheeler weighed in: “Christmas for me is a time to spend time with and enjoy precious moments with my family and a lot of our traditions revolve around food! Our annual holiday rituals include baking and decorating cutout cookies for Santa with my daughters, making homemade eggnog and cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, and traveling north to visit family and share in the cooking of Christmas brunch and dinner. As my daughters have grown it’s been fun to watch them recognize and look forward to all the wonderful and cheery traditions of the season.”
Linda Goebel, from Black Butte Ranch, tickled us with this one: “Not sure you want this in your family newspaper. My Grandfather loved to make mixed drinks. During the Great Depression on Christmas mornings, when there was precious little under the tree, he made French 75s for the family — before breakfast!
“A French 75, named after a [French] cannon … is made from a mixture of gin, lemon juice, and sugar in a highball glass. Champagne is then added and ice. Mighty good. And after one of these who cared what was, or was not, under the tree? Thanks, Grandfather! We always have French 75s at Christmas — but not before breakfast!”
“Over a three-week period, our grandchildren in Bend and Redmond — seven in number — put their creative genius to work in making bird houses, doll houses, playhouses, all from gingerbread recipes. Icing acts as the concrete and shingles. Gum drops make doors and windows. And M&Ms make doorknobs and other fixtures. Marshmallows for chimneys.
“They’ve used peppermint sticks, licorice — the list is too long to tally,” she said. “This year we’re going to try lighting some.”
One after another mentioned some tasty delicacies like red velvet reindeer cake. Or, the Johnstons’ Kransekake — a Scandinavian celebration dessert that literally means ‘wreath cake.’ The tower of ringshaped cookies whimsically decorated with royal icing is worthy of being the center of any celebration.
Snowy Pinecones are made with crunchy cereal exteriors and creamy peanut-butterand-chocolate-hazelnut centers that don’t need baking.
The Hartmanns in Cloverdale bake an ugly sweater cake every year.
The Roths in Sisters don’t celebrate Christmas, but that doesn’t stop them from baking. Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms are their favorite to celebrate Hanukkah. Each cookie is coated in festive sprinkles and pressed with a chocolate gelt coin — a traditional Hanukkah present — while still warm.
Same with the Aarons who make decorated dreidel cookies. A dreidel is a spinning top, with four sides, each marked with a different Hebrew letter.
The gift that makes everyone’s dreams come true, with no returns!
STITCHIN’ POST
A gi card opens up a world of options! We have fabrics, yarns, art & quilting supplies, books, pa erns, gi s, and more! 541-549-6061 | www.stitchinpost.com
For Ruth Crew, it’s all about gingerbread.
If food helps make the season merry, Sisters will have a joyful holiday indeed.
FRIENDS & VINE WINE BAR & SHOP
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family! 30 wines by the glass, three ight levels and 350+ bo les. Gi cards and gi “stockings” available. 541-965-3284 | friendsandvine.com
ROOTBOUND FOOD CART
Give the gi of a fresh, locally sourced, healthy meal this holiday season. Local women-owned food cart located at e Barn. 541-595-8246 | rootboundfoodcart.com
MAKIN’ IT LOCAL
Treat yourself and give the gi of art this holiday. Celebrate Oregon arts and the Love of Local at Makin’ it Local. 541-904-4722 | www.makinitlocal.com
LUCKEY’S WOODSMAN
Give a gi card for our restaurant farm-to-table food and camper kits. $10 o when you buy $50 worth of gi cards. We cater holiday meals too! 541-904-4450 | www.luckeyswoodsman.com
LAKE CREEK LODGE
Spread some cheer with gi cards for a relaxing stay in a cozy cabin, some delicious pastries, or some cool merchandise! 541-588-2150 | lakecreeklodge.com
SHIBUI SPA
Give a Gi of Wellness! A Shibui Spa gi certi cate is the perfect way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you. 541-549-6164 | shibuispa.com
SISTERS GROOMERY
Give the gi of grooming! Treat your pet to premium care. Holiday appointments and gi certi cates available. Book now! 541-639-2891 | sistersgroomery.com
TAKODA’S RESTAURANT
Our gi cards make great stocking stu ers! We welcome you to dine in with friends or take-out for quick and delicious holiday meals at home. 541-549-8620 | www.takodassisters.com
Holiday Events in Sisters Country
Thursday • December 12
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
Winter Storytime, a performance by Black Butte School, 6:30 p.m. at Camp Sherman Community Hall, 13025 Metolius River, Camp Sherman. Students will perform two short plays: “ e Mitten” and “ e Real Deal.” Free and open to the public. Information: 541-595-6203
December 12-15
“What the Dickens” Play presented by Silent Echo eater Company ursday, Friday, Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. at Sisters Middle School, 15200 McKenzie Hwy. Tickets & information: www.silentechotheatercompany.org
Friday • December 13
Holiday Showcase at Sisters High School auditorium, 7 p.m. A showcase of acts from within our community. Suggested donation of $5 to support choir and band programs.Information: steven.livingston@ssd6.org
Thursday • December 19
C4C Hosting Let’s Sing! at Sisters Senior Living, 4–4:45 p.m., 411 E. Carpenter Ln.; then at e Barn, 5:15 p.m., 171 E. Main Ave. Sip cocoa, celebrate, play games, and sing at this free family-friendly caroling party! Info: www.citizens4community.com
Winter Concert presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 7 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Saturday • December 14
Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/ sistersbakeryoregon
Winter Dance Recital: City Sidewalks presented by Sisters Dance Academy at Sisters High School auditorium, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets & information: www.danceinsisters.com
Holiday Watercolor People Blobs Class 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Sisters Library, 110 N. Cedar St. Lee Kellogg will teach you how to make people from blobs of watercolor paint. All levels of skill welcome. Turn your new skills into greeting cards! Information & registration: dpl.libnet.info/ event/12267195
Saturday • December 21
Pictures with Santa at Sisters Depot, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., by donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Parents can take free photos while kiddos tell Santa what they wish for. Come early to reserve your spot. Info: www. sistersdepot.com
Santa Claus is Visiting Sisters Bakery, 251 E. Cascade Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Photos, letter writing, and treats. Information: www.facebook.com/ sistersbakeryoregon
Sunday • December 22
Breakfast with Santa at Sisters Depot. Seatings at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Reservations required: www.sistersdepot. com
Tuesday • December 24
Visit with Santa at Spoons, 473 E. Hood Ave., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Information: 541-719-0572
Wednesday • December 25
Sunday • December 15
Breakfast with Santa at Black Butte Ranch Lodge. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., reservations required. Information: BlackButteRanch.com/Holidays Winter Concert
presented by Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir. 2:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Highway. Concert is free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments.
Wednesday • December 18
Solstice Book Flood community gathering and paperback book exchange at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., 6–7:30 p.m. Information: paulinaspringsbooks.com
Community Christmas Dinner at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station, 301 S. Elm St. Information: www.sisters re.com
December 26-31
Carriage Rides at Black Butte Ranch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets required, book early at: BlackButteRanch.com/ Holidays
Tuesday • December 31
New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring Company Grand with Kota Dosa at e Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., 8 p.m. Tickets & information: www.belfryevents.com
Winter in Paris with Haute Melange at Ski Inn Taphouse, 310 E. Cascade Ave., 6–8:30 p.m. Tickets at the door. www.sisterstaphousehotel.com
