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What makes a Christmas classic?

A deeper dive into holiday movies

Story by David Cook

When it comes to Christmas entertainment, it’s a safe bet to say we’ve all seen the first dozen or so movies that would come to mind if asked to create a Christmas movie list. If you’re looking for something different to watch this Christmas season, we’ll dig a bit deeper to find some new holiday favorites.

This isn’t to say the most famous flicks aren’t good – they’re classics for a reason.

“Our family has always enjoyed Christmas movies because they tend to be full of good feelings and without violence,” Princeton Public Library’s Lisa Shields said.

Some of the following titles are well-known classics, but if you’re not a big film buff or your family has traditionally watched the same few movies each year, this list will hopefully help guide you towards a new favorite.

“I like holiday movies and seeing how they’ve evolved and twisted the common narratives,” said Jacqui Margowski of Mendota.

Movies

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To make it more comprehensive, this list includes both newer and older movies, and all titles were easily obtained through a local library.

A HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949)

This movie raised the question of “Is this really a Christmas movie?” Starring Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh, it’s set during the season, has several scenes of shopping in a crowded department store, a young boy excited for the approaching holiday, and a toy train set which features significantly into the plot. So, it looks like a Christmas movie – but it didn’t feel like the typical one.

Leigh is a war-widowed mother of a young boy and is in a two-year relationship approaching marriage. Perhaps it’s because of an association of Mitchum with his great villainous roles in other movies, but his character seems a sleazy kind of homewrecker

who sort of strong arms his way into her life uninvited. It all ends happily enough, but this one missed the mark for that holiday warmth many people associate with Christmas movies.

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

Starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, this romantic feature is set in a small European leather goods shop in the time leading up to Christmas. It’s the story of two co-workers who are irritated by each other and also unknowing mysterious romantic pen pals. Perhaps this one gets overshadowed by Stewart’s other holiday movie, but this is a deserving classic that’s worth a watch.

JOYEAUX NOEL (2005)

This is a fictionalized telling of the real-life Christmas truce of World War I. The Christmas spirit would not be denied in 1914 when troops facing each other across the deadly no-man’s land left their trenches and called an unofficial truce. It began with

singing from one side and applause and musical accompaniment from the other. Gifts were exchanged, and assistance was promised to help deliver news to loved ones stranded on the other side. Leaders were not amused, and punishment quickly followed the day of peace. This is a powerful anti-war drama for when you’re in the mood for a serious Christmas story.

DECK THE HALLS (2006)

Critics and audiences hated this one, but it was fun. Mat thew Broderick stars as the local ‘Christmas Guy’ who likes everything orderly and on schedule. He’s involved in every aspect of his town’s holi day events and his world is upended with the arrival of the new neighbor across the street.

Played by Danny DeVito, the neighbor decides he wants a Christmas light display visible from space. As the impressive display grows in size, so does his popularity, which increasingly irritates Broderick’s character. This will never be a classic, but it was entertaining enough to watch once,

PHOTO BY DAVID COOK

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary when trying to find a Christmas movie to watch this holiday season, these movies will give you a break from watching White Christmas or A Christmas Story for the hundredth time.

and despite never seeing it before, it felt familiar. Familiarity is comfortable, and being comfortable at Christmas isn’t a bad thing.

LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)

This is almost a Christmas movie by default. It’s set during the holiday season and a few of the many threads weaved by the large ensemble cast pass through Christmas story territory, but the others don’t. That’s not to the detriment of the movie, though, be cause the narrator states in the beginning that the story is about the many forms of love, and it succeeds in that. The fact that Christmas is involved is secondary, but that’s okay because it’s a feel-good movie and the Christmas-y moments make it worthwhile, especially Bill Nighy’s role as a rock star making a holiday come back despite his best attempts to derail it.

LAST HOLIDAY (2006)

This is a movie that looks and feels like a Christmas movie, but really isn’t. Set during the season and in a posh European resort, the production values are luxurious, yet there’s nothing inherently Christmas-y about the story of a woman who mistakenly receives a terminal diagnosis from a doctor. Being frugal and prudent her entire life and believing she’s only got weeks to live, she cashes in all her investments and savings and decides to go out in style.

Queen Latifah’s charm and beauty easily carry this likable movie, and it has the standard happy ending, so watching it was enjoyable. There’s also a good 1950 British version of this story that’s much closer to noir than being any kind of Christmas film.

TOKYO GODFATHERS (2003)

This animated Japanese feature begins in Tokyo on Christmas Eve when three homeless people who’ve begrudgingly become their own kind of family dis cover an abandoned baby in a trash dump. They rescue the baby, declaring it a Christmas miracle. Desperate to satisfy a maternal instinct, one member convinces the others that they need to find the baby’s mother to know why someone would do such a thing.

The mystery lasts until the new year, and their adventure sees them the recipients of several more small miracles. Each of the character’s painful back stories that drove them to homelessness is explored, and all find redemption and safety. This is a great story and highly recommended.

KRAMPUS (2015)

This Christmas horror story stars European holiday legend Krampus, the ‘or-else’ flip-side to Santa’s generous gift giving. Adam Scott and Toni Collette are parents hosting relatives who aren’t exactly welcome. Eventually, the dysfunctional teasing, fighting, and overall discord, as well as the dismissal of warnings from their old German grandma, result in attracting Krampus and his underlings.

This is PG-13 level horror, so it’s more creepy than gruesome, and it’s even sometimes funny. The friction between the adults is humorous and relatable, and they’re all talented actors, so they nail the dramatic parts.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story of Krampus, there’s a nice animated bit as the grandma tells the story of her childhood encounter with him in their little village that explains everything. With a happy ending and all the appropriate holiday feelings in place, as well as a touch of menacing surveillance by Krampus, this was one I’d be most willing to watch again next year.

Kid-friendly holiday movies & cartoons adults will also enjoy

By Shannon Serpette

If you feel you could re cite every word of the usual cartoons and movies your children watch during the holidays, try introducing them to these lesser-known titles and old favorites.

Cranberry Christmas: This 30-minute cartoon came out in 2008, and it features catchy music by Barry Manilow. The plot focuses on mean, old Cyrus Grape, who doesn’t want local children skating on his iced-over cranberry bog. The children’s friend, Mr. Whiskers, and young Maggie team up to help make the skating area accessible to all the children by finding out who rightfully owns the property.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town: Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tend to get the spotlight each winter. And with good reason – both of those animated adventures are amazing and highly entertaining. But they can sometimes push Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town to the wayside, and that’s a shame. This television movie made in 1970 explores the origin of Santa Claus and will tug at your heartstrings.

Yogi’s First Christmas: This 1980 television movie starred Yogi Bear and Boo Boo, along with many of Hanna-Barbera’s other favorite characters. Snagglepuss, Huckleberry Hound, Augie Doggie, and Doggie Daddy all make appearances. It’s fun for kids to see Yogi and Boo Boo experiencing their first Christmas instead of hibernating through it.

A Flintstone Christmas: This 1977 gem was another great Christmas television special made by Hanna-Barbera. When Santa suffers a minor injury and catches a cold, Fred and Barney have to fill in, delivering presents all around the world. Even kids who have never watched The Flintstones should enjoy this one.

Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer: This Christmas television special was released in 2000, and the title and story come from the 1979 song we’ve all come to know and either love or despise. Since I don’t want to give the plot away, I’ll just say that this one is great fun for kids anywhere from 5 to 12 years old. My kids haven’t watched it in years, but they still remember its catchy music and talk about how much they liked it.

of Holiday Color

by Shannon Serpette

Nothing brightens up a room like an arrangement of fresh flowers. During the holidays, a well-placed bouquet or a big, bold poinsettia can make an attractive centerpiece at a dining table or add some pizazz to a fireplace mantle.

If you’re counting on a festive floral arrangement to liven up your home or party this holiday season, some tips from a professional florist will help with your planning.

Lori Mudge at De’Vine Floral Designs in Oglesby shared the knowledge and experience she’s gained in her 20 years in the industry to ensure you are happy with your holiday order at whatever florist you visit.

First and foremost, she urges people who want floral arrangements during the holiday season to order as early as possible.

“The earlier, the better,” she said.

Before going into your local floral shop, Mudge said it’s helpful to have a budget in mind about what you can afford or what you’re willing to spend on holiday decorations or floral arrangements. The budget will let your florist know what bouquets to show you. And, Mudge said, knowing what that budget might get you will help manage your expectations.

If you haven’t bought flowers in a while, you might be surprised to see that the sticker shock you’ve had at the gas stations and grocery stores has also somewhat hit the flower industry.

“We also have had prices go up,” she said.

Between increasing transportation costs for flowers, labor issues many flower suppliers have had, and the escalating drought situations throughout the world, Mudge said customers might need to be flexible when requesting certain items. They should also understand that their budget may not go as far as it did in prior years.

“We’re not sure if we can get everything,” she said. “This year, it’s going to be very hard.”

She said it’s a good idea for her customers to check the De’Vine Floral Facebook page frequently since she keeps it updated with what they can and can’t get.

Those who don’t know exactly what they want when decorating for Thanksgiving can talk to Mudge for ideas.

“Usually, customers always want a centerpiece,” she said.

These centerpieces are displayed on dining room tables, and they can be designed as big or as small as customers want. For a bright pop of fall color, Mudge said long-lasting mums are always a big hit.

At Christmas, poinsettias are popular, but carnations are another great option, as are roses, because of their vibrant holiday colors and how long they last.

“Red and white are the biggest colors,” she said.

While people sometimes only think of floral shops as a spot to get a gorgeous bouquet, they also offer much more. They sell other items, such as scented candles, baskets, live and synthetic garlands, and lots of décor pieces for every season and holiday.

“We always have décor,” Mudge said. “At Christmastime, we always have 20 trees, if not more. I try to do different themed trees.”

Anyone who wants decorating tips or ideas can ask Mudge, and she’ll be happy to share her expertise. She has had people bring paint swatches into her store so she could help come up with items that would work well in their homes.

“I like giving them ideas,” she said. “That’s why I have a lot in the store. I like doing all different things because everybody has a different taste.”

This decoration uses the beauty of fall’s natural colors to create an appealing visual.

De’Vine Floral in Oglesby has a lot of fall and Christmas décor to choose from.

Décor that conveys a message continues to be popular.

Scarecrows are an adorable fall and Thanksgiving decoration that can look great inside or outside your home.

MAKE MERRY WITHOUT ADDING POUNDS

Healthy eating during the holidays is possible if you plan strategically

Story by Shannon Serpette

The holidays offer the perfect excuse to overindulge with all the big feasts, irresistible cookies, and decadent desserts at every family gathering. When you factor in that rich, creamy egg nog or other holiday cocktails you sip on, those calories start adding up. Many people attend more than one holiday party, giving even more opportunities to pack on the pounds as they celebrate another Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year.

If you’re tired of kicking off your New Year several pounds heavier than you were before the holidays, there are ways to avoid that holiday weight gain without starving yourself and watching with envy as everyone else eats plates full of food in front of you.

“It can seem almost impossible to stick with our healthy food goals when there is so much temptation during these times. The good news is, with a little thought and planning, you can still enjoy all the holidays have to offer while keeping good nutrition and physical activity in mind by following a few of these tips and tricks,” Haleigh Augspols, a registered dietitian with St. Margaret’s Health in Peru, said.

Eat Regular Meals

Who hasn’t skipped a meal or two in anticipation of stuffing themselves full at a holiday party later in the day? When we do this, we think we’re being smart. We believe if we save ourselves some calories now, we can bank them to use later so we can eat anything we want at a gathering.

The problem is, skipping meals can lead to even more overeating than expected, especially if you’re feeling ravenous by the time the party starts.

“It is important to still have breakfast and lunch so you don’t splurge later in the day. Skipping meals may cause you to overeat

Fruits of all kinds are big hits at holiday parties.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Vegetable trays feature healthy, low-calorie choices that often have a satisfying crunch when you bite into them.

and consume more calories than if you ate something beforehand. Don’t arrive to your party on an empty stomach,” Augspols said.

Don’t Make Food-FocusedEverything

It’s tempting to let the star of your party be all the wonderful food you’ll be surrounded by, but if you put an emphasis on having fun, you’ll be better off. If you take the time to plan some family activities that aren’t food-focused, you’ll be less likely to eat until you feel like you’re going to explode.

“Plan events like holiday decorating, caroling, ice skating, or sledding,” Augspols said.

The more physical the activity is, the better off you and your waistline will be. Physical activity will burn calories, and if it’s rigorous enough, it might also dull your appetite, saving you even more calories.

Make Fruits andVegetables the Stars

It’s easy to let those calorie-laden side dishes and desserts take up most of your plate because they look so delicious. But try to put the emphasis on fruits and vegetables because you’ll save hundreds of calories with every plate of food you eat.

“It’s always a great idea to fill up half of your plate with fruits and veggies, even at holiday gatherings,” Augspols said. “Make fruits and veggies the center of attention at holiday meals. There are so many fun and festive fruit and veggie recipes online. The fiber from these food groups will help you feel full and satisfied, plus you will be getting a great dose of vitamins and minerals.”

A simple veggie or fruit tray requires no effort on your part, which can be good news when you’re already busy during the holidays. Many grocery stores, like Hy-Vee and Sullivan’s Foods, offer an assortment of readymade trays or you can assembly your own.

Taylor Paull, the manager at Sullivan’s Foods in Princeton, said she is a fan of bringing veggie

Hy-Vee and other grocery stores have a wide assortment of fruit trays.

trays to parties because she knows she’ll have something to snack on while she’s there.

“That’s usually what I bring,” she said.

At Sullivan’s, you can customize your fruit and veggie trays.

“We will make three different sizes of fruit and veggie trays,” she said.

Bring a Healthy Dish toHoliday Gatherings

Sometimes, there aren’t many healthy options at holiday gatherings because people focus on crowd-pleasers such as desserts or creamy, hot dips that they bring in their crock pots. If you want to ensure you have a healthy alternative to snack on, you should bring a fruit or veggie tray along with you to the party, even if you aren’t asked to bring anything.

“The party host will be grateful for the help, and guests will appreciate a healthier menu option,” she said.

Choose Small Portions

Sometimes a small portion of your favorite foods, when eaten slowly, will be enough to satisfy you. It’s perfectly fine to indulge in a couple of your favorites, but the key is to control your portion sizes. Avoid overloading your plate because you’ll feel entitled to eat it all if it’s on your plate.

“Start with a small serving. Choosing small portions allows you to control your calorie intake yet enjoy many different dishes offered. You can always go back for more if you are still hungry,” she said.

Sip Smart

Sometimes we’re smart regarding our food choices but don’t realize how much our beverage choices add to our weight gain.

“Choose water and unsweetened drinks like tea instead of sugary drinks such as eggnog or hot chocolate,” Augspols said. “These drinks

Find Healthy Distractions

You’ll have hours to pace yourself on your eating, so try to slow down. It’s not a race to the buffet table, and your party isn’t likely to run out of food if you decide you want to eat a little more later. To help resist the urge to overeat, find a distraction from the food.

“Talk to people during holiday parties to slow down your eating pace. Sit or stand away from the buffet table. Excuse yourself from the dinner table when you’ve had enough to eat,” Augspols said.

Make a Simple Recipe Swap

If you’re hosting a party or bringing a requested dish to someone else’s family gathering, try to find a way to make that dish healthier.

“Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of butter and cream when making mashed potatoes,” Augspols said. “Use herbs and spices to give foods flavor instead of salt and sugar.”

When baking, she recommends using a blend of 50 percent whole wheat flour and 50 percent white flour instead of all white flour.

“Substitute applesauce, mashed bananas, or canned pumpkin for oil, margarine, or butter in muffins or quick bread recipes,” she said. “Try low-fat plain Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese.”

How to Reduce Your Risk of Bruising with Aesthetic Procedures

Bruising is an unwelcome risk with many cosmetic procedures, particularly with injections of Botox and dermal filler. No one likes to have a bruise on their face, especially when you are a person with work and social commitments. In this article we will discuss how to reduce the risk of bruising from these procedures that result in a better version of yourself. We interviewed Dr. Nicole Norris of Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa to see what she recommends before and after her aesthetic procedures.

What is a bruise exactly and how long do they take to go away? Dr. Norris explains, “Bruises are a collection of blood under the skin that can occur when an injury to the skin ruptures a small vein. The body reacts to bleeding by first sending in cells to stop the bleeding and then cells to clean up the blood. The body’s bruise clean-up process or the time it takes for a bruise to go away is usually ten to fourteen days.”

Which procedures do you do that are most at risk for bruising? “Any time I inject a needle into the skin, there is a risk of bruising. The two most common procedures that I do in my medical spa with needles are Botox and dermal filler. Botox is used for relaxing expression lines around the eyes and forehead. Dermal filler is used to replace collagen in the cheeks, lips, jaw line and lines around the mouth. I always ask my patients to schedule these procedures at least two weeks before any event that they have in order to make sure bruising has resolved.”

Are there medications that increase the risk of bruising with cosmetic procedures? “Patients who take ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, prescription blood thinners and some vitamins are at highest risk for bruising. It is best if patients stop these medications five days prior to their cosmetic injectable procedure, only if it is allowed by their physician.”

Is there anything you recommend to prevent bruising? “Alcohol consumption should be limited the day before the procedure for best results. I also have some patients who have found that taking an herbal supplement called Arnica montana a few days before and after the procedure causes less bruising. Bromine which is found in pineapple is also a natural way to prevent bruising.”

Can you tell us if you have any other tricks that help you to cause less bruising after cosmetic injectable procedures? “In my medical spa, we have a device that allows me to see the veins under the skin. I use this device on my patient prior to a Botox or dermal filler procedure to map out the veins so that I can avoid them with my injections. Using this device has helped me to reduce the incidence of bruising dramatically!”, concludes Dr. Norris.

If you are interested in a consultation with Dr. Norris to learn more about cosmetic procedures that enhance your beauty with the least amount of bruising, call Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa at 815-780-8264.

of the

Flavors Season

These holiday-geared recipes will not be as unhealthy as traditional fare

By Shannon Serpette

If you enter each holiday season fearful of how much weight you’ll gain, take heart: This year can be different. By making some smart swaps for your favorite recipes or drinks, you’ll still be able to enjoy the flavors you’ve come to love this fall and winter season. Instead of having several glasses of wine, make the wine spritzer we’ve listed here for a lighter dose of holiday cheer.

Here are some recipes for satisfying drinks and food that will help you enjoy your holidays without all the guilt.

BEET AND APPLE SALAD

INGREDIENTS

4 large beets (2 and 1/2 lbs)

5 thyme sprigs

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (and a little extra for drizzling, if needed)

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

3 Tbsp prepared horseradish

1/3 cup chopped salted pistachios

1 thinly sliced green apple

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375. In a baking dish, lightly drizzle the beets and thyme with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and then cover with foil and roast them for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Let them cool before peeling the beets and cutting them down into bite-size pieces.

In a big bowl, whisk the vinegar, mustard, and remaining olive oil together. Add the horseradish, season with salt and pepper, add in the beets and pistachios and toss. Top with the apple and serve.

HONEY MUSTARD GLAZED CARROTS

INGREDIENTS

10 to 14 full-sized carrots

2 Tbsp stone ground or honey Dijon mustard

3 Tbsp honey

Salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the stems off of the carrots, wash them, and put them on a baking sheet. In a bowl, whisk the mustard and honey together. Drizzle half of the mixture on top of the carrots, using a spatula to spread it around. Season with salt, according to your taste. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, take out of the oven and drizzle with the other half of the honey-mustard mixture.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

INGREDIENTS

3

fresh Brussels sprouts,

3 Tbsp

1

kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Divide Brussels sprouts between two greased baking pans. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat them well, and roast until tender, which will take 20 to 25 minutes. Put them in a bowl and add the cranberries.

CRANBERRY WINE SPRITZER

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Chill all ingredients in the refrigerator before making your drink. Stir the cranberry juice, wine, and soda water, and add ice to your cup. Add in some fresh cranberries for a festive look and some tartness. You can experiment with different garnishes, like rosemary sprigs, raspberries, or lemon or lime slices. The fresh fruit will give your drink a much-needed nutritional boost.

ROSEMARY GIN FIZZ

INGREDIENTS

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 small lemon, juiced

1/2 tsp honey

1 and 1/2 oz gin

3 oz club soda

DIRECTIONS

In a small glass, muddle the rosemary sprigs, lemon juice, and honey. Add ice to your glass, and then pour the gin over top of the mixture and add your club soda.