Spirit Of Christmas, December 4, 2024

Holiday Funnies

Where does Santa keep his money?

In a snow bank

What do you call a snowman party?

A snow ball

Who is Santa’s favourite singer?

Elf-is Presley

What do elves learn in school?

The elf-abet

What is Santa’s favourite candy?

Jolly Ranchers

What do you get if you cross a Christmas tree and an apple?

A pineapple

What do you call Santa when he takes a break?

Santa Pause

Why was the Christmas tree so bad at knitting?

Because it kept dropping its needles

How does Santa take pictures? With his “North Pole-aroid”

What do snowmen like to do on the weekend?

Chill out

What is a snowman’s favourite cereal?

Frosty Flakes

Holiday Recipes

from the Southpoint Sun Staff

Mackenzie’s Grinch Mimosa via

INGREDIENTS

• 750 ml bottle of Champagne, chilled

• 4 ounces blue curacao

• 24 ounces orange juice, chilled

• 4 strawberries, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour 3 oz of orange juice into each champagne glass (or slightly less than half full).

2. Add ½ oz of blue curacao into each glass. Top each glass with champagne.

3. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice and serve immediately.

TOM’S GINGERBREAD HOT CHOCOLATE

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz oat milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 1 tbsp cacao powder

• 1 tsp coconut sugar

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of cloves

• Pinch of nutmeg

• sprinkle of kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream and marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

1. Add the milk to a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk is hot and begins to steam.

2. Meanwhile, add all of the remaining ingredients except the vanilla extract to a mug. Mix well to completely combine.

3. Add the vanilla extract and hot milk to the mug and stir until the dry ingredients are completely dissolved.

4. Top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows and enjoy!

Mark’s Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 3/4 cup graham crumbs

• 1 pkg cream cheese

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 tbsp caramel syrup

• 1/4 cupped chopped pecans and more caramel syrup for topping

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix graham crumbs, pecans and butter and press into a 9x9 square baking dish which has been lightly greased. Bake for about 8 minutes and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar with mixer, add sour cream, egg, flour, syrup and vanilla, mixing well. Pour the filling into crust and bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Remove and sprinkle pecans on top and drizzle with remaining caramel syrup.

Lori’s Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 egg beaten

• 1/4 cup oil

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup mashed bananas (2)

• Nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 3500F.

2. Grease loaf pan with butter and dust with flour.

3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar).

4. In a separate bowl combine all wet ingredients (egg, oil, milk and mashed bananas).

5. Combine wet and dry mixture. Mix well and pour into loaf pan.

6. Bake for 50 minutes.

Makes 1 loaf.

INGREDIENTS

Christmas Colouring

Melissa’s Peppermint Bark

• 450 g semisweet or dark chocolate chips

• 450 g white chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet or dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt it using a double boiler. Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the prepared baking sheet.

3. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm (approximately 30-45 minutes).

4. Once the chocolate is firm, in another microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in the same manner as the semisweet or dark chocolate.

5. Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and pour the melted white chocolate over the hardened semisweet chocolate. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

6. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer, pressing them in gently to ensure they stick.

7. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let it chill until completely set.

8. Once set, lift the bark out of the baking sheet using the parchment paper and break it into pieces of your desired size.

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

bend

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

They

on hovering wing.

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.

Fun Holiday Party Ideas

Creating memorable traditions during the holiday season can enhance the joy of gatherings with family and friends. Here are some fun ideas to consider for your next holiday party:

THEMED DRESS CODE

Choose a fun theme, such as Ugly Sweaters, to encourage creative outfits among guests. This adds an element of excitement as guests eagerly wait to see what everyone is wearing, and it also adds a visual flair to your gathering.

POTLUCK DINNERS

Invite guests to bring their favorite holiday dish, creating a diverse feast that everyone can enjoy. This not only showcases different culinary traditions but also lightens the host’s workload.

HOLIDAY TRIVIA GAME

Prepare a quiz filled with holiday-themed questions to spark friendly competition. This can lead to laughter and lively discussions as guests test their holiday knowledge.

SECRET SANTA GIFT EXCHANGE

Set a budget and draw names for a fun gift exchange among guests. Consider setting a theme for the gifts, such as “homemade,” “funny,” or “eco-friendly,” which can add an extra layer of creativity to the exchange.

FESTIVE PHOTO BOOTH

Set up a backdrop with props for guests to take fun holiday photos. This creates lasting memories and provides a great way to capture the spirit of the season.

HOLIDAY KARAOKE

Host a karaoke session featuring classic holiday songs that everyone can sing along to. This activity encourages participation and can lead to some unforgettable performances.

COOKIE DECORATING STATION

Let guests decorate cookies with an array of toppings, adding a creative touch to the gathering. This hands-on activity can be both fun and delicious, perfect for all ages.

CHRISTMAS BINGO

Create bingo cards featuring holiday-themed items for a fun game during the party. This activity is easy to set up and can keep guests entertained throughout the evening.

Holiday Recipes

from the Southpoint Sun Staff

Roberta’s Holiday Roasted Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts - trimmed and halved

• 2 large carrots – peeled and sliced into 1/2” pieces

• 2 large parsnips – peeled and sliced into 1/2” pieces

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary

• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme

• Salt and pepper

• ½ cup toasted pecans

• ½ cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Scatter veggies on baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary & thyme.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes, shaking half way through.

4. When done baking, toss with pecans and cranberries.

JIM’S CHRISTMAS PUNCH

INGREDIENTS

• Ice • 4 cups apple cider

• 1 (750-ml) bottle Prosecco

• 1 (12-oz) can ginger beer

• 1 ½ cups (12 oz) unsweetened cranberry juice

• 1 ½ cups (12 oz) vodka

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large ice-filled pitcher, combine apple cider, Prosecco, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and vodka. Add apple, orange, and cranberries and stir to combine.

2. Divide punch among glasses. Garnish with a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick.

Tip: Apple cider, cranberry juice and vodka can be mixed 3 days ahead; refrigerate. Right before serving, add ice, ginger beer, Prosecco and fruit.

• 1 apple, any kind, sliced into rounds

• 1 blood orange, sliced into rounds

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, plus more for serving

• Cinnamon sticks, for serving

Holiday Word Search

Allison’s Crockpot Jambalaya

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef or chicken broth

• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

• 3 celery ribs, chopped

• 2 medium green peppers, chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

DIRECTIONS

1. In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine tomatoes, broth and tomato paste. Stir in celery, green peppers, onion, garlic, seasonings and pepper sauce. Stir in chicken and sausage.

2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is no longer pink.

3. Stir in shrimp, cover and cook 15-30 minutes longer or until shrimp turns pink.

4. Serve over rice.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce if desired

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices (andouille is delicious in this)

• 1/2 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined

• Hot cooked rice

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.

You can follow Santa’s journey at noradsanta.org

Holiday Bucket List

o Bake holiday cookies

o Attend a holiday market

o Reconnect with a long-lost friend or family member

o Buy gifts from a local small business

o Make handmade ornaments

o Watch Christmas movies

o Try a new holiday recipe

o Send Christmas cards with personalized, handwritten notes inside

o Host a secret Santa gift exchange

o Go caroling

o Make a holiday-themed cocktail or mocktail

o Attend a Christmas parade

o Make a donation to a local charity

o Go to a holiday play or concert

o Wrap gifts in a creative way without using traditional wrapping paper

o Decorate a gingerbread house

o Wear matching Christmas pajamas

o Host a holiday party

o Look at photos and watch videos of your favourite holiday memories

Holiday Recipes

Mallory’s Stuffed Mini Peppers

INGREDIENTS

• 12 mini sweet peppers (assorted colours)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

4. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.

5. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is slightly golden.

7. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange on a festive platter and enjoy!

OPTIONAL: You can also drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can customize the filling by adding cooked sausage, spinach or different cheeses.For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

DID YOU KNOW...

In some traditions, mistletoe is seen as a protective charm, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to homes.

Word Search Answers