Spirit of Christmas 2022

Film fans have their own ideas about the best films to watch during the holidays, but the following movies are some kids and adults can enjoy together:

The Polar Express (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in its more theatrical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more familyfriendly.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021): Based on the book by Matt Haig, this movie is a reimagined take on Father Christmas. It focuses on Nikolas as he goes on an adventure to find a magical town called Elfhelm.

Jack Frost (1998): When a father dies in a car accident, he comes back to life as a snowman in his son’s front yard. Jack learns to keep his promises and make things right with his son - things he wasn’t capable of doing as a human.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004): The Kranks decide to forgo thir annual Christmas party and plan a vacation since their daughter will be out of town. But when said daughter decides to come home after all, chaos sets in as the couple tries to figure out how to put together an extravaganza at the last minute.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997): The Beast does not favour the holiday season, so Belle must change his mind on the matter in this animated Disney offering.

Elf (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and uncover a way to fit in.

Santa Hunters (2014): A young boy teams up with his sibling and cousins to try to capture new footage of Santa in action and prove that the man in red truly exists.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018): This is a newer take on the classic Nutcracker tale. This adventure sees Clara defending the Land of Sweets from the evil Mother Ginger.

Lori’s Spinach and Apple Salad with Bacon

INGREDIENTS

• 2 apples

• A few drops of lemon juice

• 1/4 lb sliced bacon, fried and cut into small pieces

• 1 tblsp Dijon mustard

• 1-2 tblsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 lb fresh spinach, stemmed and washed

• 12 black olives, pitted and chopped

• 2 eggs, hard-cooked and cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS

1. Core and chop apples. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice and toss lightly; set aside.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the mustard and vinegar, salt and pepper, until well mixed. Add the oil and stir vigorously until blended. Set aside for a few minutes to allow flavours to blend.

3. Place the spinach leaves in a salad bowl. Add the apples, bacon, olives and dressing and toss well. Garnish with the egg wedges and serve.

This omelet can be prepped and put together the night before and then finished off in the oven the next day. An ideal timesaver on Christmas morning!

INGREDIENTS

• 8 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 cup onion, diced

• 1/2 cup green pepper, diced

• 1 cup ham, diced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease casserole dish.

2. Beat together eggs and milk. Stir in half the cheese and all remaining ingredients.

3. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

4. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes.

Keira’s Buffalo Chicken Dip

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups shredded chicken

• 1-8oz package cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup Franks Hot Sauce

• 1/2 cup Ranch dressing

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese , divided

DIRECTIONS

Mix chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch & 1/2 cup cheese together in an oven safe dish. Top with remaining cheese & bake for 20 minutes at 350ºF.

Rylee’s Roasted Red Pepper Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 6 red bell peppers

• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 tsp hot sauce (if desired)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 tsp dried oregano

DIRECTIONS

1. Clean the bell peppers, cut them in half and remove the seeds and membranes.

2. Place them on a baking sheet covered in foil, pressing them down to make them as flat as possible. Place the garlic cloves on the baking sheet among the peppers.

3. Place the baking sheet of peppers and garlic under the broiler in the oven and broil for about 15 minutes until the skins are blackened. Remove from the oven and place the peppers inside a Tupperware container and close the lid. This will allow the steam to soften them more. Keep in there for another 15 minutes.

4. While prepping the bell peppers, in a dutch oven sauté the onions with the olive oil until the onions are soft and translucent.

5. After peppers have cooled enough to touch (about 15 minutes) remove from the Tupperware and peel off the burnt skin. (I only peel the burnt parts that were easily removed and left the skin that was still red and attached.)

6. Place the bell pepper, garlic cloves and onion into dutch oven and add chicken stock, hot sauce (if desired), salt, and pepper. Mix with hand mixer until there are no large chunks left. Bring to a simmer, cover and allow to simmer for another 20 minutes.

7. Remove from the heat. Stir in the sour cream. Place the oregano in your hand and crush it up slightly to release the flavor and to make the pieces smaller, then pour into the pot. Stir until completely combined.

8. Serve with extra sour cream and fresh herbs on top if desired.

Christmas Colouring

Mark’s Pickle Rolls

INGREDIENTS

• 1 jar large pickles

• 1 pkg egg roll wraps

• 1 pkg cream cheese

• 1 pkg Club House Dip mix

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

• 5 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut pickles in half length-wise and then carefully carve out middles of the pickle halves. This will form a bit of a pickle boat.

2. Mix cream cheese with seasonings and bacon and cheese. Spoon mixture into pickle halves.

3. Pair the pickle halves together to form a whole pickle filled with the cream cheese mixture.

4. Wrap in egg roll wraps and fry in oil until wraps are golden brown. Serve with your favourite hot sauce.

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

They bend on hovering wing.

And ever o’er its Babel sounds

The blessed angels sing. 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 And heaven and nature sing 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

Repeat the sounding joy

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

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 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 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 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? 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.

Festive Centrepiece Ideas

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. While the main living areas tend to get the most decorating attention, the dining room table can also benefit from a festive centrepiece.

Explore these simple ideas to dress up your holiday table:

Frosted pine cones

Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into the woods or a park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the ground and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the centre of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

Freshly cut

Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

Glass baubles

Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

Birch wood

The crisp white colouring of birch bark is right at home with holiday décor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

Fruit and vegetables

If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centrepiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

Holiday thanks

Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various coloured pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favourite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the centre of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

Holiday Recipes

from the Southpoint Sun Staff

Mackenzie’s Christmas Rice Krispies via lovefromtheoven.com

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 6 cups of mini marshmallows

• 1 tbsp of half-and-half milk

• 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal

• 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (preferably green and red)

• 3 tbsp Christmas sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt butter on low heat in large pot. Add in marshmallows, stirring often, until melted. Mix in half and half milk and remove from heat.

2. Add in the cereal, M&Ms and sprinkles - mix until combined.

3. Press mixture evenly into a dish.

4. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares with sharp knife.

Tom’s Shortbread Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter softened

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 cups all purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two lightly coloured baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour. (Be sure to fluff your flour before measuring to get an accurate measurement.) Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms. It will look like crumbs in the stand mixer, but when squeezed together in your hands will hold its shape.

3. Form dough into a ball and roll in between parchment paper to 1/3-1/2-inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles (or any shape desired) and place onto prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are barely golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on hot baking trays before transferring to cooling racks.

5. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

How To Pet Proof Your Home

The following pet-proofing strategies can ensure holiday decorations and displays aren’t compromised by four-legged friends this season:

Secure the Christmas tree. Pets may be mesmerized by a glowing Christmas tree, and that can pose a significant safety hazard and underscores the importance of using a sturdy stand. Fastening the tree to a wall can also add a further layer of protection from tip-overs.

Block off the base of a live tree. Drinking water from a tree stand could increase the risk of the tree tipping over and the water could upset the stomach of pets if the tree was treated with pesticides prior to being brought home. When decorating with a live tree, make sure the base of the tree where the water will be is blocked off. A small fence around the tree could keep curious pets away. The room where the tree is located should be locked or inaccessible when pets are home alone.

Inspect and conceal light wires. Wires can become frayed over time, and that could pique pets’ curiosity. Lighting wires should always be inspected prior to decorating and frayed or damaged wires should be thrown away, even if it means replacing lights. If wires are still sturdy, conceal them along the base of the wall using a cable concealer, which prevents pets from chewing on them. Avoid lighting candles. Candles should not be lit in homes with pets. Even candles on shelves that are seemingly beyond pets’ reach can be hazardous, as pets, especially cats, have a way of accessing spaces they seemingly shouldn’t be able to reach. Use electric candles in lieu of traditional ones.

Melissa’s Eggnog Latte

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup coffee or 2 shots espresso (hot)

• 1/2 cup eggnog (hot)

• 1/4 cup milk (hot and frothed)

DIRECTIONS

Combine coffee or espresso with eggnog. Top with frothed milk.

Optional: add cinnamon or chocolate shavings on top of froth.

TIPS FOR HOSTING HOLIDAY GUESTS

They’re back! Family, friends and acquaintances are once again taking up residence in guest rooms and on pull-out couches as loved ones gather to celebrate the holiday season. That’s welcome news after many skipped large gatherings the past few years. But hosts must ask themselves: am I ready to host house guests? Here are some strategies to prepare for hosting guests this holiday season:

Discuss plans in advance

Every traveler is different. Some people thrive on making lists and following itineraries while others like to fly by the seat of their pants. It’s reasonable to ask potential house guests how they envision their visit, including if they plan to stay long and if it will include sleeping over. This way you can make accommodations accordingly, particularly if guests request to borrow a vehicle or want to see the sights.

Create some extra privacy

While some homes are equipped to handle guests comfortably, smaller homes may not be equipped with such luxuries. Folding screens can be used to create a barrier and add some privacy in open spaces where guests will be staying.

Ask about food preferences

Ask guests what they typically eat and then fill the pantry and refrigerator with some of the items they mention. Be mindful of any food allergies or preferences your guests may have.

Stash away travel samples

Travel-sized soaps, shampoos and lotions can make guests feel more welcome. Stock up at the grocery store or pharmacy and leave them in the room where guests will be staying.

Stock up on new linens

Treat guests to fresh fluffy towels and new bed linens, especially if it’s been awhile since you have restocked these items.

Be mindful of bedtimes

Consider guests’ preferences about bedtimes. While you may be a night owl, some guests may hit the hay much earlier, particularly older relatives or those with young children. If need be, make an effort to be quiet when kids or early birds are staying over.

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