Spirit of Christmas - December 6, 2023 by Southpoint Sun

Holiday Funnies

What is a Christmas tree’s favourite candy?

Orna-mints

What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?

Frostbite

Why did the gingerbread man go to the doctor?

He was feeling crumby

Who delivers Christmas presents to cats?

Santa Paws

What is Sherlock’s favourite Christmas song?

“I’ll be Holmes for Christmas”

What do you call a snowman with a six pack?

An abdominal snowman

What do sheep say to each other at Christmas?

Fleece Navidad

What is Santa’s favourite type of music?

Wrap music

How do snowmen get around?

By riding an ice-cycle

What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective?

Santa Clues

What kinds of pictures do elves post on social media?

Elf-fies

Holiday Recipes from the Southpoint Sun Staff

Mackenzie’s Christmas Cookie Bars

via crazyforcrust.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 2 cups packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms

• 1/2 Christmas sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 3500F. Line a 9”x13” pan with foil and spray well with cooking spray.

2. Mix butter and brown sugar with a stand or a hand mixer until crumbly. Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Mix in salt, baking powder, then flour. Stir in M&Ms and sprinkles.

3. Spread in prepared pan. The mixture is wet so it’s best to spray your hands with cooking spray and then smooth the dough with your hands to get an even layer. Top with remaining mix-ins.

4. Bake for 22-25 minutes until they start to turn golden. Err on the side of under baked with these - they’ll finish baking as they cool and you don’t want them over baked. Slice into bars.

5. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.

Allison’s Jalapeño Popper Dip

A real crowd pleaser!

INGREDIENTS

• 10 slices bacon

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 2 jalapeños, minced

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar

• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Cook bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop.

2. Stir together cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for topping), most of the jalapeños (reserve some for topping), and 1 cup each of the cheddar and Monterey Jack. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Transfer to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack, cooked bacon and jalapeño.

4. Bake until dip is golden and bubbly 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or baguette slices.

Optional: Stir together ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and sprinkle on top of the dip before baking.

Lori’s Crustless Quiche

INGREDIENTS

• 6 eggs

• 1 cup milk (sometimes I will use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup half and half cream)

• 1 cup cheese (grated cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese or mozzarella)

• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional)

• salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup optional ingredients (See Below)

Optional Ingredients:

• cubed ham or crumbled cooked bacon

• chopped broccoli

• chopped tomatoes

• sliced onions or green onions

• chopped spinach

• chopped asparagus

• cooked cubed potato

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 3500F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, cheese and salt & pepper.

3. Stir in any additional ingredients.

4. Pour the egg mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the centre is set, and not jiggly.

5. Store any leftovers in an airtight dish in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Additions: Try different cheeses, add your favourite vegetables, use leftover chopped meats. Remember it is a TOTAL of 1 cup of additions.

• Dish Size: Use a 9” deep dish pie dish. If you double the recipe use a 9”×13” pan. When it’s done cooking: The centre of the quiche should be set and not jiggly. The edges will be slightly golden brown.

Christmas Colouring

Tom’s Scalloped Potatoes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk

• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

• 2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

• 1 cup thinly sliced onions, divided

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted.

2. Coat an 8-in. square baking dish with cooking spray. Place half of the potatoes in dish; layer with 1/2 cup onion and half of the cheese sauce. Repeat layers.

3. Bake, covered, 50 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes longer.

ChristmasCarols

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol Fa la la la la la la la!

See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la!

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together!

Fa la la la la la la la!

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of the favored one.

Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see;

Hail, th’incarnate Deity:

Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings

Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

In a one-horse open sleigh

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold!

Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all gracious King!

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come

With peaceful wings unfurled

And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains

And

The

Yet with te woes of sin and strife

The world hath suffered long;

Beneath the angel-strain have rolled

Two thousand years of wrong;

And man, at war with man, hears not

The love song which they bring:

O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing. For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold,

When, with the ever-circling years, Shall come the Age of Gold; When peace shall over all the earth

Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song

Which now the angels sing.

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow

On a one horse open sleigh

O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way

Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright

What fun it is to laugh and sing

A sleighing song tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride,

And soon Miss Fanny Bright

Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank

Misfortune seemed his lot

We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Joy to the World

Joy to The world! the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room

And heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns

Let men their songs employ

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love

And wonders of His love

And wonder wonders of His love

They bend on hovering wing.

ever o’er its Babel sounds

blessed angels sing.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding And a cup of good cheer

We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, So bring some out here

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year!

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still,

The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem

Descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the East beyond them far

And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star

Three Wise men came from country far

To seek for a King was their intent

And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest

O’er Bethlehem it took its rest

And there it did both Pause and stay

Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three

Full reverently upon their knee

And offered there in His presence

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought

And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

Up on the Housetop

Up on the housetop reindeer pause,

Out jumps Good Old Santa Claus

Down through the chimney with lots of toys

For all the little good girls and boys

Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click

Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking of little Nell

Oh, dear Santa fill it well

Give her a dolly that laughs and cries

One that will open and shut it’s eyes

Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Oh, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

What Child Is This

What Child is this, who laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,

Come peasant, King to own Him

The King of Kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Oh, raise, raise a song on high, His mother sings her lullaby. Joy, oh joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, The Son Of Mary. What Child is this Who laid To rest On Mary’s lap He is sleeping

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, The Son, Of Mary The Babe, the Son of Mary, The Son of Mary

O Come All Ye

Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, alleluia, All ye choirs of angels; O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav’n above.

Glory to God in the highest glory! O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Southpoint Sun Staff

Mallory’s Dill Pickle Dip

I can’t take credit for this recipe as it’s actually my husband Wes who makes it. It’s a favourite among family and friends who often request that he brings it to gatherings, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a Christmas party. It’s easy to put together and the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time!

INGREDIENTS

• 340g cream cheese

• 1 cup of sour cream

• 250g Heluva Good! Dill Pickle Dip

• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella

Embracing modern Christmas traditions Holiday Recipes from the

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our cherished Christmas traditions and explore new ways to infuse modernity into our celebrations. In this article, we present a collection of suggestions for modern Christmas traditions that add a contemporary touch while preserving the warmth and joy of the season.

Virtual family gatherings

Incorporate technology by organizing virtual family gatherings for loved ones who are far away. Use video calls to share laughter, exchange heartfelt messages and create lasting memories, bridging the distance and making everyone feel connected.

Sustainable decorations

Embrace eco-consciousness by opting for sustainable decorations. Use recycled or upcycled materials to create unique ornaments, decorate with energy-efficient LED lights, and choose an eco-friendly Christmas tree option like a potted plant that can be replanted after the holidays.

Digital Advent calendar

Revamp the traditional Advent calendar with a digital twist. Create an online calendar using interactive tools or mobile apps, offering daily surprises like quizzes, mini-games or virtual experiences that build excitement and anticipation throughout the holiday season.

Virtual Secret Santa

Organize a virtual Secret Santa gift exchange with friends or colleagues. Use online platforms to randomly assign gift recipients and set a budget. Ship the presents directly to the recipients’ addresses, and gather virtually to unveil and appreciate the surprises.

Digital holiday cards

Embrace technology by sending digital holiday cards. Utilize online platforms or create personalized e-cards to share warm wishes and festive greetings with friends and family across the globe, reducing paper waste and delivering instant holiday cheer.

Virtual Christmas workshops

Participate in virtual Christmas workshops or classes. Many organizations and individuals offer online sessions on various topics like gingerbread house decorating, wreath making or holiday baking. These virtual workshops provide an opportunity to learn new skills and create beautiful holiday decorations or treats.

• 2 tbsp dill seasoning

• ½ cup chopped pickles

DIRECTIONS

Combine the cream cheese, sour cream and Heluva Good! Dill Pickle Dip and dill seasoning with a hand mixer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and chopped pickles. Serve with Tostitos, crackers or fresh veggies!

Mark’s Almond Butter

Crunch

This almond chocolate bark is a favourite at holiday time in our family. It’s like a Skor bar, only better.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter

• 1-1/3 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp corn syrup

• 3 tbsp water

• 1 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 pkg chocolate chips

• Candy thermometer

DIRECTIONS

We usually roast the almonds very carefully in the oven before we start. Set them aside to cool. Melt butter in saucepan and add sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook on medium heat until mixture reaches 300 degrees on the candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in half of the almonds. Spread on a cookie sheet and then spread the chocolate chips over the hot mixture until the chips melt. Sprinkle remaining almonds over the top. Refrigerate to harden, then break into pieces.

Roberta’s Cranberry-Brie Bites

INGREDIENTS

• 1 prepared pie crust

• ½ cup cranberry sauce

• 3 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 24 pieces

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Lightly coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

3. Unroll pie crust onto a cutting board. Flatten dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Cut 24 2-inch circles out of the dough with a biscuit cutter, re-rolling scraps if needed. Place the dough circles in the prepared muffin cups, gently pressing on the bottom and sides. Prick the dough with a fork. Bake until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven.

4. Add 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce to each cup, then top with a piece of Brie. Return to the oven and bake until the sauce is hot and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes more. Let cool for 10 minutes.

5. Sprinkle with chives and serve warm.

Melissa’s Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream and/or marshallows for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.

2. In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the hot milk until well combined.

3. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired drinking temperature.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Pour the gingerbread hot chocolate into mugs and top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream and/or handful of marshallows if desired. Serve immediately.

Festive facts about fruitcake

Amid the shelves of holiday wares and delicacies, fruitcake makes its annual appearance. Loathed or loved, seldom anything in between, fruitcake is typically mocked as the ultimate regift. But just like Charlie Brown’s scant Christmas tree, which was initially mocked, it’s time to see fruitcake in a new light. Consider these fruitcake fun facts.

· The first fruitcakes weren’t eaten. According to historians, fruitcakes were initially made by ancient Egyptians, who tucked the desserts into the tombs with their dead so a sweet treat could be enjoyed in the afterlife.

Fruitcake gained popularity as military rations, as everyone from Roman soldiers to Crusaders found fruitcake provided a diverse array of nutrients and an energy boost in battle. Fruitcake also stores well, which can be beneficial for military personnel in battle.

· Fruitcake seemingly is indestructible. While it likely cannot last forever, the website Tastemade says if a fruitcake is kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, cool place, it could be reheated years after being baked. Starch crystals and dried fruit in the cake will release stored water when warmed, rehydrating the cake.

· Historical accounts indicate Romans were among the first people to eat fruitcake, which they might have enjoyed as early as 100 A.D. A version called “satura” was made by mixing stale bread with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and then soaking it in a barley mash and an alcoholic beverage brewed from honey.

· Fruitcake became a popular dish to serve at British royals’ weddings. Queen Victoria, Princess Diana and Prince William served fruitcake at their receptions.

· The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., has a fruitcake on display. It traveled into space on Apollo 11 in 1969, but was never eaten.

· The average fruitcake weighs between two and three pounds. However, the heaviest fruitcake on record, according to The Guinness Book of World Records, came in at 9,596 pounds. Despite the hefty weight of this cake, it’s only around 92 to 160 calories per serving.

Simple ways to involve kids in holiday decorating

Whether they’re looking forward to Santa’s arrival or preparing for various festive activities, children have a lot to be excited about come December. Adults can help to channel that enthusiasm by involving kids when decorating around the house this holiday season. Here are some fun ways to get kids involved in decorating:

Make homemade ornaments. The options are limitless when making holiday ornaments with children. From simple ornaments made from pinecones picked up outside to more complex projects designed for children nearing adolescence, parents can look to the internet to find design ideas and directions for hundreds of ornaments.

Let kids lead the way when decorating the tree. Families that celebrate Christmas can let kids lead the way when decorating their Christmas tree. Kids are likely to spend the weeks leading up to Santa’s arrival gazing in awe at the tree, and knowing they decided where to place the various ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

TRACK SANTA’S JOURNEY ON CHRISTMAS EVE

The NORAD Santa Tracker website has become a popular activity for families on Christmas Eve, allowing viewers to follow Santa’s progress and see when he is expected to arrive in their region. The NORAD Santa Tracker is made possible by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint organization between the United States and Canada that is responsible for aerospace warning and control.

The tradition of tracking Santa Claus began in 1955 when an advertisement misprinted a phone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the calls were directed to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD’s predecessor. The commander on duty that night, Colonel Harry Shoup, instructed his staff to provide updates on Santa’s location to the children who called. Since then, NORAD has continued the tradition of tracking Santa’s journey each Christmas Eve.

Follow Santa’s journey at noradsanta.org

Include kids in culinary décor. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without gingerbread houses and cookies. These traditions provide another great opportunity to involve children in holiday decorating. Set aside some time to make homemade gingerbread houses and decorate cookies, which can be used as decorations before they’re ultimately eaten.

Take kids along when choosing lawn ornaments. It’s not safe to involve children when installing lighting displays, but kids will get a kick out of choosing inflatable lawn decorations and other items to place around the yard. Take kids along when buying new items and then seek their input when placing Frosty, Santa and his reindeer friends around the yard.

DID YOU KNOW...

The poinsettia is named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States in the early 19th century. It became known as the “poinsettia” in his honour.