pointe! mag - Holiday '09

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H O L I D AY 2 0 0 9

Christmas in Charleston Ornaments, Lights & Garland, Oh My!

Gift Wrapping Made Simple!

Taking Christmas Christmas starts early in our home, often right after Thanksgiving and sometimes even weeks before.

Just as sure as the fall winds start to blow, we feel something begin to shift, a breeze that blows from traditions of the past.

It’s time to start “taking Christmas.”

The idea of “taking Christmas” originated with my wife Dean’s dad. Early in the season, her family would start preparing for Christmas. Even as the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas filled the house, Mr. Freeman somehow knew that for Christmas to really happen, it would take something extra. There was a sense of needing to make internal preparations – an attitude shift, coming off automatic pilot, an awakening if you will. He had figured out that Christmas wouldn’t just overtake you as a casual observer.

You’d have to take it; you’d have to go after it.

And so, from the beginning of December, when we’d stop by their home in Georgetown, Mr. Freeman would often pause, stop everything, and say, “Let’s take Christmas!” That meant something as simple as having a glass of eggnog or sharing a meal together, watching a Christmas special, going to see the lights or just sitting down and talking.

We’ve gotten creative with “taking Christmas” over the years: lying on the trampoline looking at stars and wondering what it was like when the Star of Bethlehem came or special anniversary dates downtown where Dean and I take the girls and tell them the story of our courtship again. As a pastor, I love taking Christmas with our church family, laughing together during a comedy night event, sharing an evening of wassail and Christmas carols, or chatting about how to take Christmas with their families.

Over the years, we’ve realized the wisdom in Mr. Freeman’s endearing Christmas habit. Had he not recognized the need to put a comma into life’s script, to pause and go after something deeper and richer that the season offered, we might never have truly experienced Christmas. Christmas would have happened externally by virtue of the 25th day of December passing on the calendar, but we could have missed entirely sharing with those dear to us the heartwarming reality of the joy and hope of Christ’s love, the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas – when Light came into darkness and Hope conquered despair, where doubt gave way to faith and God declared that you are valuable enough for Him to give the gift of His Son. Do you feel the cool breeze beginning to blow?

The season is changing. It’s yours for the believing. It’s yours for the taking - if, just if, you will pause, gear up, and wholeheartedly take Christmas. I hope you will.

Let’s take Christmas!

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Pointe! magazine asked more than 250 women questions relating to Christmas. Look for these ornaments throughout the magazine Do you have a for their special Christmas item responses.

CONTENTS pointe! in time

O Holy Night................................................. 24

focal pointe!

or tradition passed down from one generation to another?

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13

Christmas in Charleston

Holiday Weddings.......................................... 11 Christmas Freedom........................................ 16 Thinking Christmas........................................ 35 Christmas What If ......................................... 38

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Let It Snow!................................................... 17 5 Steps to Designer Garland........................... 23 Ginger & Spice & All Things Nice.................. 25 Festive Dining................................................ 37

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What is Coosaw Pointe?

Q u e s t io n a n d A n s w e r

Stockings......................................................... 8 Christmas by Candlelight.................................. 9 O Christmas Tree........................................... 12 Waiting for Friends & Family......................... 22 Collecting Kings............................................. 33

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38% answered “family tradition”

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HOLIDAY 2009

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Wake Up...It’s Christmas Morning.................. 27 Just Add Milk................................................ 28 Warm Your Heart........................................... 31

pointe!d question

What is Your Tradition?................................. 19

Ornaments, Lights & Garland, Oh My!

Gift Wrapping Made Simple!

Editors Lori Stephanoff Wanda Litchenberg Brooks Hearn

Layout & Design Kristina Hill Sherie LaPrade Christine Duckett

ADVERTISing Cara Adams

To advertise, go to pointemag.org or contact advertise@pointemag.org.

pointe! can be viewed online in its entirety at pointemag.org

pointe! magazine | cathedral of praise | 3790 ashley phosphate road charleston, south carolina | 843.760.2626 | www.pointemag.org

Christmas inCharleston

www.charlestoncvb.com

Living Christmas Story

12/03/09-12/05/09, 6:30pm-9:30pm Location: Bethany United Methodist Church, Summerville Phone: 873-1230

North Charleston Christmas Festival 12/05/2009, 4:00pm-9:00pm Location: Park Circle Phone: 745-1087 Experience dozens of beautiful Christmas trees decorated by local groups. Enjoy rides, dancing troupes, hayrides, pony rides, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the annual Christmas parade.

Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/05/2009 Location: Marion Square Phone: 724-7305 Join Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Santa Claus in lighting the magnificent 60-foot Tree of Lights.

28th Annual Charleston Parade of Boats 12/05/2009 Location: Charleston Harbor. Parade begins along Mt. Pleasant at 5:00pm; Viewing from the peninsula begins at 6:30pm; Fireworks begin at approximately 6:45pm.

Phone: 724-7305

27th Annual Charleston Christmas Parade 12/05/2009, 2:00pm-5:00pm Phone: 720-1981 Location: The parade begins at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets, proceeds down King Street to Broad Street to Lockwood Blvd.

Holiday Farmers Market 12/06/2009-12/21/2009, Sat: 8am-4pm Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Marion Square Phone: 724-7305 Natural wreaths, fresh greenery, special breads, cookies, and fresh vegetables, as well as the best assortment of art, crafts, and holiday gift items.

Holiday Entertainment and Visits with Santa 12/06/2009-12/13/2009, Mon-Fri: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sat and Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Marion Square Phone: 724-7305 Children’s choirs, church choirs, gospel, classical, folk, jazz, storytelling and more.

Bring your Christmas wish lists to the North Pole Mailbox and visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Elf assistants in the magically decorated park.

The Low Country Singing Christmas Tree 12/11/09 and 12/14/09, 7:30pm 12/12/09 and 12/13/09, 5:00pm and 7:30pm Location: Summerville Baptist Church, Summerville Phone: 873-2440 Cost: $7 ticket Music, drama, lights, and orchestra offer a magnificent presentation.

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The stockings were hung by the chimney with care... –Debra Malone

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or centuries it has been a tradition to hang a Christmas stocking in the hopes that Saint Nicholas would fill it with presents.

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One of the best parts of Christmas morning is discovering what treasures fill our family stockings. With eleven now in my family, this year we are starting a new tradition. Instead of me filling every stocking, each member of our family will bring an item to put in one another’s stocking. The items can be small and simple, like a toothbrush, a favorite candy bar, or special photograph.

Christmas by Candlelight T he gentle, flickering light from candles immediately creates a warm, comforting ambiance in your home. Often the aroma from a particular candle speaks to our heart or brings back fond memories.

Let candles help communicate “Welcome! Come stay awhile.” to your guests, and “There’s no place like home!” to your family. Can’t use real candles? Not to worry, there are plenty of battery-operated candles on the market to fit any setting.

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small.

–Eva K. Logue

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Holiday Weddings f

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a special season of celebration! Families anticipate reuniting, remembering special times and creating new memories together.

It’s no wonder that December is fast becoming one of the most-booked months for weddings.

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–Tracy Perrine

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our wedding decor can be simple during the holidays by using the beauty of the season and what you already have as inspiration.

Reds, greens and winter whites create a festive, traditional color palette.

For something more modern, try royal blue, the “new color” for holiday wedding decorating. Pick colors that make you happy.

Other ideas: use simple red ornaments and a gold paint pen for place markers.

Sprinkle snowflakes or snowmen to decorate a kids’ table. Include poinsettias, the flowers of the season.

Consider incorporating some of your and his family holiday traditions.

Have fun and make it a joyous occasion everyone will remember for years to come. Enjoy the journey of a holiday wedding and the memories of starting your new life together.

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How many Christmas trees (live or artificial) do you have in your home?

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54% have one tree 30% have two trees 16% have three or more trees!

Christmas Tree Test your knowledge 1. True or False: The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.

2. True of False: It is best to use a floral

Tips to preserve your tree 1.

Once you are home and a fresh cut has been made on the bottom of tree, place it in water as soon as possible. Most trees can go 6-8 hours after cutting the trunk.

2. Use a stand with an adequate water-holding capacity (at least one gallon of water) for the tree. The average 6-foot tree has a 4-inch diameter trunk, and can consume as much as 4 quarts or 1 gallon of water per day.

3.

Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

preservative, molasses, sugar, aspirin, or honey to preserve your tree.

3. How many real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. annually?

1-5 million 15-20 million 25-30 million

4.

On average, how many years does it take to grow a 6-7 foot fraser fir?

2 years 5 years

Real Tree Facts

7 years 10 years

k Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. k For every Christmas tree harvested, up to 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring. k There are about 500,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees in the U.S., and each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

k There are about 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S. and

over 100,000 people employed full or part-time in the industry.

k The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. k The North Carolina fraser fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America and is sold in every

state in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan and other points around the world.

holiday 2009

Answer key: 1) True; 2) False, clean water is all that is needed; 3) 25-30 million; 4) It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6-7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years.

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Ornaments, Lights & Garland, Oh My! –Sabrina Morgan

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e’ve all seen those beautiful Christmas trees in the department store and wished we could have one like it. Well, you can! In fact, it can be even better because your Christmas tree will reflect who you and your family are.

So get those boxes down from the attic and follow these simple steps.

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Select a theme.

Shape your tree.

Homemade creations make a delightful “Family Christmas Tree.” Display a special collection of snowmen or sea shells.

Go Green, use pinecones, berries and other natural items. Be traditional, use red and green.

Be daring, use an unexpected color combination like pink, lime, and purple.

If you have a live tree, let it sit for a day to let the branches drop a bit. A little pruning may be needed to make room for tucking some of your larger ornaments into the tree’s interior. If you have an artificial tree, you will need to fluff it out. Go over it, shaping each branch as you go, taking care to make it look as realistic as possible.

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Add lights - lots of them!

Garland & more.

A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every 1 foot of tree. So, if your tree is 7 feet tall, you will need approximately 700 lights. More is better! (Remember to check the labels on your lights and change to another outlet when needed and test your light strands before you begin).

Garland creates movement. Try mixing 2-3 coordinating strands for a fun look. Work in big drops and drapes, layering as you go, leaving free spaces for your next garland. You can also use wide ribbons to create garland effects, pulling and tucking as needed to make it cascade down your tree.

Begin at the bottom and attach the first string of lights to an extension cord. Beginning at the center of the tree, lay on the lights going up one side of the branch and down the other, weaving over and under the tips as you go. Then proceed to the next branch. This will give even lighting and depth to your tree.

If you look closely at the trees you’ve admired, you’ll see that they are chock-full of other things besides ornaments.

Some trees will have other kinds of greenery - like varying kinds of pine boughs. Some will have flowers. Still others will have glittered leaf stems. And a few will have them all! Just remember to stick to your theme when you consider what to add to your tree.

If you love colored lights on your tree, add clear lights from the center to ½ the branch. This brightens your tree’s center and makes it easier to see those ornaments tucked up close to the trunk.

“...your Christmas tree will reflect who you and your family are.”

Add the ornaments.

Place the largest ornaments closer to the center of the tree to give it depth. Then work your way out with medium and small baubles. Finally, add those ornaments that are one of a kind and special to your heart. Give each branch a shimmery icicle or snowflake. Try using artificial snow, mounding it on the ends of the boughs, just like real snow.

Top it off.

Skirt & Enjoy!

Make your tree topper, while you can still work a ladder into your tree without fear of breaking an ornament. A star or angel is nice. But take a cue from that tree that held you spellbound. Try adding in natural foliage, like pine or magnolia. Or try some glittery foliage sprigs and ting ting for a dazzling display.

Wrap the base with a beautiful fabric, a lovely tablecloth, or a purchased tree skirt.

Now step back, turn off the lights, squint your eyes, and look at your Christmas tree.

Perfect!

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Christmas Freedom –Vicki Vincent

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ne of my favorite traditions at Christmas is exchanging ornaments with my girlfriends.

We started this tradition in our Military Home Group at Cathedral and have continued it for over twenty years. I always write the name and year on each ornament I receive and cherish the memories while decorating my tree each Christmas. Being from a military family, I have collected numerous patriotic ornaments that I love using in my holiday decor.

Those patriotic ornaments became especially dear to me the Christmas of 2007. That was the year my youngest son, Justin, was deployed to the war in Iraq. As a military wife, I had become fairly disciplined knowing that my husband would deploy many times, but I was not prepared to send my son to war.

While decorating my tree that year, I decided to use those patriotic ornaments and do a military tribute to him.

It was really more for my heart. I used tons of white lights, substituted wired yellow bows for the gold and filled it in with all of my red, white, and blue flags, stars, patriotic Santas, and other items. For a topper, I took red and blue ribbons with streamers and added three large flags and several smaller flags. It turned out to be a lovely tree, and it sustained this mother’s heart while her son was protecting our freedom to celebrate the season of Christmas.

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Special Note from Editor As a fellow military wife, I ’ve experienced the heartache of watching my husband leave to serve overseas and the overwhelming joy of his homecoming.

We at pointe! wish all our military families a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for your dedication and the sacrifices you make every day to give us the precious gift of freedom all year round.

- Lori Stephanoff

Let it snow!

Let it snow!

Let it snow!

–Lori Stephanoff

In the meadow you can build a snowman! Or - living in Charleston, in my case, on the back porch!

With a little creativity, you too, can build a snowman…for outside or any room in your house.

All it takes:

Any size artificial or live tree White lights 2 rolls of cotton batting (from Walmart $4) Snowman kit (www.lillianvernon.com) 1. Light your tree.

2. Wrap 2 strips of batting around snowman as shown.

3. Form circle face & middle from cotton batting and place onto tree.

4. Insert plastic eyes, carrot nose, coal smile, and wood pipe into round face (wire the pipe onto a tree branch so it’ll stay).

5. Insert buttons into middle section.

6. Wire arms onto the tree coming out from the sides.

If kit does not come with arms, use tree branches.

7. Wrap scarf around neck.

8. Top with hat.

9. Use another roll of cotton batting as tree skirt. www.pointemag.com { 17

pointe!d question: –Brooks Hearn

What is your favorite Christmas tradition, memory, or item that has been passed down over one or more generations?

From the time I was a little girl, my mom, my grandmother and I always made Christmas cookies for Santa.

Then, we’d take pictures of our masterpieces! Since then, I’ve baked cookies with my sons; my mom and grandmother still help. We enjoy eating them as we go. I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything!!!

– Camille Bowdoin

Does Santa bring wrapped or unwrapped gifts to your home?

45% wrapped 18% unwrapped 37% both

Do you shop on Christmas Eve? 68% said, “no way, no way!”

When my granddaughter was three years old, she suggested, “Why don’t we have a birthday cake for Jesus? I can help make it!” We’ve made one every year since then.

We sing and remember that He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

– Janiece Gordon My mom bought each of my girls a Hallmark ornament every year from birth.

Even though she’s gone, I continue to buy them for the girls and now have started the tradition with Landen, my grandson.

– Joy Versetti We celebrate Christmas with our three grown children’s families at our house on the second weekend of December. The grandchildren light every candle, and we’ll have a fire in the fireplace. After a steak dinner, we exchange gifts. On Christmas morning, we go to their houses, drink hot chocolate, eat and enjoy our time together.

– Patsy McDaniel Every Christmas Eve, we’d go to candlelight service at our church. We always got to open one gift that night and then had to wait until Christmas for the rest. On Christmas morning, we’d have coffee cake for breakfast! YUM! – Tiffany Norwood www.pointemag.com { 19

Gift Wrapping Made Simple!

It’s time to start thinking about how you will tackle the seemingly daunting task of Christmas present gift wrapping! Whoa...already? Yes!

If you’re tired of fetching the scissors from the study, tape from the kitchen, and wrapping paper from under the bed—all without –Debra Malone family members spotting you before you can wrap their presents—then it’s time to set up your gift-wrapping station. The main thing is to get organized—that’s the best way to make the most of your time and resources and minimize frustration.

Gather all your supplies into one place.

Take a look around your home or garage for an area where you can “set up shop!” It can be as small as a TV tray in a closet or a gift wrapping container (either an under-bed or upright style). Remember to include: • • • •

Gift wrap and tissue paper Scissors Tape – single and double-sided Tags and gift cards

Go mobile with a wrapping station you can move from room-to-room.

A tall, kitchen trashcan works well.

Store your rolls of paper upright and knot the handles of a plastic grocery bag to the side for tape, scissors, tags, and more. Keep it in the hall closet, garage, or guest room and just take it to the kitchen table when needed.

Smart wrapping on a budget.

Save time and effort by using white wrapping paper--the heavy, glossy kind that department stores use.

You can order in bulk online at www.papermart.com. A 24-inch x 1100-foot roll costs less than $50.

It will last for years, and you can use it for all your holidays and celebrations!

White wrapping paper lends itself to an endless array of looks depending on the season, holiday, and occasion! Just take a look around the scrapbook store at the tags, stamps, etc. that can 20 } pointe!

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be used. Don’t know how to tie a beautiful bow? Just bring the ribbon around to the front of the package and use a cute sticker to secure! This “flat” treatment is great for mailing to relatives and friends that are out-of-town.

Creative ideas and special touches. Monograms are all the rage right now. With alphabet stamps and more available at the scrapbook store, you can make your own monograms for each recipient.

Ornaments (or packs of them) from the $1 store can be tied to a ribbon; the colors of the ornament will make a great impact when used as package decoration against white paper!

For gift tags, use basic mailing labels (all sizes) and print your recipient’s name along with a cute piece of holiday clip art.

Use the label to secure your ribbon. You can also substitute strips of printed scrapbook paper as ribbon.

The possibilities are endless.

It’s never too early to get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!

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Wa iti n

a m il y &F

i r e n F d s r fo WELCOME

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reate a great first impression for your family and guests at your front door. Hang a beautiful wreath or a flat-sided basket that can be filled with holiday greenery.

Consider pots of rosemary or poinsettia on either side of the door. Maybe you can make a display of winter items, like a sled or ice skates. If you have the space, why not put a Christmas tree on your front porch and surround it with presents?

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5

Steps to Designer Garland 1

Decide where to place your garland (around your front door, down the banister, across the mantle or a cupboard) and secure it in place.

2

If you’re using artificial garland, fluff it. Then, fluff it again, touching each branch to make it look as natural as possible.

3 4

Add in any natural elements, such as pine boughs or magnolia leaves.

Now add lights, if you wish. Beginning at one end of your garland, lay in the lights using a simple back-andforth zigzag motion, tucking the wires under (to hide them) as you go. Because you’re not wrapping the garland, 100 lights should be enough to do a 9-foot section of garland.

5

Lastly, add your finishing touches. Ribbons can be loosely woven and tucked into the garland. Add finishing bows to the top of each swag or perhaps at the center of your door. Consider adding ornaments at each bow to give it more impact.

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Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

O Holy Night O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

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

O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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fall 20092009 holiday

Ginger & Spice & All Things Nice –Dana Mager

Making a gingerbread house is a creative way to set aside family fun time together and form fond memories along the way.

You may choose to assemble one house together or make it a family competition event with each family member making their own house like the Mager’s story below.

We always have a gingerbread house building contest!

My adult children (ages 18, 21 and 25) are extremely competitive. The winner receives money, and the three gingerbread houses are given to families.

How to host your own contest: Schedule your family gingerbread house making day.

Purchase a starter kit (at Michaels for approximately $10).

Purchase extra candy at dollar store.

Since my children drive, they also gather secret items so that their house will be unique.

Only rule: everything used must be edible.

My kids make their gingerbread house in different rooms of the house so it’ll be a total surprise to all.

Place a time limit (we work on our houses for 4-5 hours!)

Play Christmas music to keep that magical mood flowing.

Take periodic breaks for food and snacking (we order pizza).

When time limit is reached, bring all gingerbread houses to the judges table.

Ooh, aah, laugh together, talk some ‘smack’ and enjoy the moment.

Finally, judge(s) survey and announce the winner.

Last year, I left my home so I would not know who built which gingerbread house, then came home to judge them. However, this year, my neighbor’s entire family will judge the competition since At the challenge of my children, I (the mom) will be competing for the title this year.

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f

f (pg 282)

Ziploc Omelet

Have each person write his or her name on a quart size Ziploc freezer bag with a permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into each bag (not more than 2). Shake to combine them. Select from a variety of ingredients such as: cheese, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc., to add to their bag. Make sure the air is out of the bag, and then shake it up.

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Wake Up...

It’s Christmas Morning

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in one large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.

(pg 28 1)

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Chee se Gr its 7 cups water 2 cu

Open the bags and the omelets will roll out easily!

Be prepared for everyone to be amazed!

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ps quic k 2 teasp cook grits oons s alt 1 stic 1 can c hoppe k margarine d 1 smal green chilie s, und l jar pr 1/3 cu ocessed che rained p gra ese 1 teasp oon A ted onion c cent se 1 1/2 po teaspoon gar asoning lic salt und gr at 2 eggs, ed Cheddar ch slightly beaten eese Prehea boil. S t oven to 35 0d low packag ly add grits egrees. Bring a e direc tions. A nd salt. Mak water to a into gr e ac d d next eased 9 x 13 8 ingre cording to pan. B ake 40 dients. Pour -45 mi nutes.

ole r e s s a st C a f k a e Br sausage

(pg 280)

1 pound rescent rolls -count) c a cheese 1 tube (8 rell s Mozza eese 4 ounce eddar ch h C s e c 4 oun 4 eggs milk 1/2 cup to taste pepper Salt and ausage in Brown s . s e e r g e nt rolls d of cresce inkle n to 400 e e v g o a t k c a e a Preh y one p rust. Spr rain. La form a c er sausage. to n a skillet; d p 3 ov sed 9 x 1 cheeses Pour into grea r rolls. Sprinkle a bowl. in r e e p v p o , and pe eat. sausage milk, salt er cheese and m , s g g e v o Mix e r tu . egg mix e 15-18 minutes Bak

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These recipes and more family favorites can be found in the Charm of Charleston II cookbook available at the Cathedral of Praise bookstore.

Just Add Milk s ie k o o C r e t t u B s a m Christ

(pg 233)

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1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

x butter, sugar, and egg Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mi ether flour and baking thoroughly; stir in vanilla. Sift tog . Chill dough. Roll to powder; add to the butter mixture cutters, cut into desired desired thickness. Using cookie kie sheet. shapes. Place on ungreased coo e rack.

Bake 5-7 minutes. Cool on wir

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Frosting: 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons milk

holiday 2009

h mixer; add vanilla.

Cream butter and shortening wit a time, beating well on Gradually add sugar, one cup at bottom of bowl often. medium speed; scrape sides and in, icing will appear dry.

When all sugar has been mixed speed until light and Add milk and beat at medium be colored with paste fluffy. Frost cookies. (This can res. Keep covered with food colorings found at craft sto tainer and it will keep in a damp cloth in an airtight con rewhip before using.) refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Just Makes 7 dozen 2 inch cookies.

Bars e i P n i k p m Pu

(pg 221)

1 1/3 cups flour cked sugar, firmly pa n ow br p cu 2 1/ ded ated sugar, divi 3/4 cup granul tt icks) cold bu er 3/4 cup (1½ st ned or 1 cup old-fashio oats, uncooked quick cooking , chopped 1/2 cup pecans ed m cheese, soften 1 (8 ounce) crea 3 eggs n pumpkin 1 (15 ounce) ca e mpkin pie spic 1 tablespoon pu ine 13 x 9 inch 350 degrees. L to en ov at he re P foil extending il, with ends of fo ith w n pa ur, brown baking ase foil. Mix flo re G n. pa of s edium over side ated sugar in m ul an gr of p cu sugar and ¼ blender or tter with pastry bowl; cut in bu coarse ixture resembles m til un es iv kn 2 Reserve ts and pecans. oa in ir St . bs crum s remaining t mixture; pres utes.

1 cup of the oa n. Bake 15 min pa of om tt bo mixture onto cup sugar, , remaining ½ se ee ch m ea cr e in Beat mpkin pie spic pu d an in pk m eggs, pu medium electric mixer on small bowl with over crust; l blended. Pour el w til un d ee sp ixture. served crumb m re ith w le nk ri sp e rack. mpletely on wir co l oo C . es ut Bake 25 min n. Cut into s to lift from pa le nd ha il fo se U htly ftover bars in tig 24 bars. Store le or. ner in refrigerat covered contai

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f (pg 22 7)

Sout h Pump ern Livin kin F g u d ge 3 cups sugar 3/4

cup m elte 1/3 cu p evap d butter orated 1/2 cu mil pc 2 table anned pum k pkin spoon 1 s 1 (12 o teaspoon pu corn syrup mpkin unce) 1 (7 ou package wh pie spice ite cho nce) ja co rm 1 cup c arshmallow late chips hoppe d peca crème ns Line 9 inch sq alum uar Stir tog inum foil an e pan with ½ qua ether the firs d grease wel stirring rt saucepan t 6 ingredien l. ov ts co Contin nstantly, un er medium-h in a 3 til mix ue coo igh he ture c at, king candy thermo and stirring c omes to a bo il onstan meter (soft b tly unt . reg il a Remo all stage) - ab isters 234 de ingred ve from heat out 12 minu grees ien and sti tes. ri Let sta ts until well blende n remaining nd 2 h ours o d. Pou r un r in Cut in til complete to pan. to squa ly cool ed. res Makes 3 poun . ds.

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(pg 255)

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Pecan Pie

1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vani lla 1/4 teaspoon sa lt ½ (15 ounce) pa ckage refrigerat ed piecrust 1 1/3 cups peca n halves Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine first 3 ingredients in sa ucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar diss olves. Cool slig htly. Add eggs, vanilla and salt to mixture; stir well.

Bake 50 minut es.

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Do you like fruitcake?

74% said, “NO!” Just a hint... don’t give fruitcake as a gift!

What is your favorite warm beverage during the Christmas season?

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Top 2 responses: 44% hot chocolate 27% hot cider

Warm Your Heart ix m e at l o hoc

(pg 20)

c hot

7) (pg 1

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ilk ry m ugar d d s un 1 po owdered creamer ix p e cup of coffe drink m 1/2 late jar large nt choco 2 / ach 1 insta Fill e d d . n e v u ad abo 1 po f the ix, then . o l l a m ll bine with ir we Com halfway er and st ix, oa m ffia cup ling wat c o c ra ith boi jar w tie with a ctions. n o s re a ill m abric and ixing di F : a f ide ith m stive gift with fe a card w dd r lid cove ibbon. A r or bow

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wassail

{It’s cider w ith a twist } 4 cups unswee tened apple juic e 3 cups unswee tened pineappl e ju ice 2 cups cranberr y juice 1/4 teaspoon nu tmeg 1 cinnamon stic k 3 whole cloves 4 orange ring sl ices

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Mix all ingredie nts in a large po t and simmer. Se rve warm.

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Collecting Kings –Susan Weathers

On December 18, 1892, The Nutcracker Ballet debuted in St. Petersburg with original music composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Based on Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the story and its songs are now Christmas favorites.

In this irresistible tale of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream, toys come to life. The Nutcracker, a toy soldier, becomes a prince and defeats the terrible mouse king.

Snowflakes dance in the Land of Snow, and everything is made of sugar in the Land of Sweets.

The ballet became popular in the United States in the early 1950’s, and its magic and mystery still intrigues and enchants audiences today. Collecting nutcrackers is now a popular Christmas tradition.

O

ur Nutcracker collection began 23 years ago with my oldest son’s first Christmas.

My parents decided to give each of their grandchildren a collector’s item every year for Christmas. They wanted each grandchild to have something to remember them by for years to come.

Each year as we begin decorating for Christmas, all three of my boys want to help unwrap and place each of their Nutcrackers around the house. A few years ago, my husband and I realized that once the boys are married and take their collections to their own homes, we wouldn’t have much to decorate with; so we began giving each other a Nutcracker as one of our Christmas presents.

Our total collection now numbers close to 100.

What started out as a simple way to leave a lasting memory has turned into a very special Christmas tradition!

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Karen St. Marie

Thinking Christmas –Nancy Strickland

“Think you can or think you can’t; either way, you will be right.” Henry Ford, one of the greatest mentors of our history, made that famous statement. I believe he may have been inspired by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, who wrote : “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). One thing I’ve learned is that you wherever your thoughts go, your actions will follow.

So, what are you thinking about this Christmas season? I hope your thoughts are filled with joy, excitement, peace and hope. But if, for whatever reason, you already find yourself dreading this Christmas, I have great news for you!

Regardless of your circumstances, this can be the best Christmas ever!

How you might ask? By changing the way you think.

First, know what you’re thinking. Just because a thought goes through your head doesn’t mean you have to give it permission to stay there. Wrong thoughts can come from past experiences,

misunderstandings and miscommunications, and even from the enemy of our souls. Once you’re aware of what you’re thinking, you can choose whether to reject or accept a thought.

Second, rethink what you’re thinking.

Make sure your thought life lines up with the truth. If it doesn’t, then reject the old, negative thoughts of past Christmases and replace them with the positive promises found in God’s Word, the Bible.

Over fifty years ago, a book called The Little Engine That Could, spoke to a generation of children. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” And what was the result? The little engine did! The success of that little engine with correct thinking shows us the power of a man or woman who can control their thoughts.

Perhaps your thoughts about this Christmas season so far have been more like Scrooge’s “bah humbug” than Tiny Tim’s “God bless us, every one!”

Whatever your circumstance, I encourage you to examine your thoughts. Make each one of them agree with God’s word. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If you do, God’s best will follow.

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Proverbs 23:7

Just as you will never rise higher than your confessions (the words that you speak); you will also never rise higher than your thoughts. Every thought matters.

I think you can have the best Christmas ever!

One filled with excitement, joy and peace. I think you can, I think you can, I think you can! Now it’s your turn.

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What is your favorite Holiday movie?

Top 4 responses: It’s a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street The Polar Express Elf

Festive Dining C

hristmas decorating is all about creating a mood to allow memories to happen. Lots of wonderful memories are centered around foodespecially during the holidays. So don’t forget to set your table to enhance these times. Consider setting your breakfast table with holiday dishes and leaving it set up after each meal. That way you build excitement and anticipation for each meal your family shares. If you have a formal dining room, go all out. Create a tablescape using your best china and silver. Layer on beautiful placemats and napkin rings. Add a pretty package on each plate to welcome your guests. Create a centerpiece with greenery, a grouping of candles, some shiny baubles, and you’re done!

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if…

Christmas What –E. Otto Tilley

I

remember as a little boy, my imagination running wild with “what ifs.” They were adventurous, dangerous, and exciting.

I was always the hero, but I never imagined being able to walk right up to the ‘prize’ and claim it. There was always an enemy to be vanquished, some dastardly fiend that would have to be fought and conquered.

What did you imagine as a little girl?

What did you dream about? Who were you going to be when you grew up? Did you imagine your life to be so much bigger than what it is now?

What if these imaginary adventures weren’t just the fanciful works of a child’s mind, but a training program installed into your DNA to prepare you for real life? Perhaps there has been some evil force hard at work in your life to convince you that the dreams and imaginations of a child have no place in the world of an adult.

Could it be that you’ve been deceived into giving up your most powerful weapon against a mediocre life - the ways of a child?

Imagine with me an evil force fighting hard to keep you asleep to the power of your dreams and imaginations, because concealed in those dreams is who you really are and what you’re meant to be. If this were true, then Christmas would be the ultimate battle between the forces that seek to keep you asleep and the childlikeness that is seeking to set you free.

Every moment would be a choice: embrace the wonderment of Christmas or succumb to the mundane. Perhaps the enemy of your destiny would choose to bombard your senses with commercialism and

38 } pointe!

holiday 2009

busyness in an attempt to blind you to the moments of true life happening around you at any given moment: an innocent question spoken by a child, a starlit sky, the sweet embrace of a loved one, the aroma of cookies fresh from the oven, the magic of decorating a tree, the excitement of wrapping a gift, or the beauty of flames dancing in a fireplace.

What if there’s an agenda to make sure that you miss Christmas? So that when it’s all over, you’ll almost be glad for the relief so you can get back to your normal life. Could there be a plan to cause Christmas to be little more than just another holiday in another busy year of your life? Imagine waking up to the truth that your imaginations and dreams are being held captive, and Christmas can set them free.

Are you willing to fight for your dreams and allow the wonder of Christmas to invade your soul and set them free? All you have to do is remember the secret of Christmas that you held as a child.

Are you willing to say, “I Believe?”

All of this is obviously just a figment of my imagination… but what if…?

It isChristmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. –WT Ellis