SARAH HALLER
PHOTO BY THE LITTLE PHOTO SHOP
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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
Please help us feed the hungry in NoVa! WE NEED: fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy and meat (if delivered directly to HoM).
To help keep the food pantry stocked all year, please donate: cans of tomatoes, chicken, tuna, vegetables, soup, beans, fruit and corn; macaroni and cheese; olive/vegetable oil; pasta and sauce; cereal. Check out the link to our website for an Amazon wish list as well: www.houseofmercyva.org
THRIFT STORE & DONATION CENTER: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. FOOD PANTRY & CLIENT SERVICES: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (703) 659-1636 • info@houseofmercyva.org 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas, VA 20109
MerryChristmas!
What are your family holiday traditions? For us, it’s all about the baking.
When Erik and I were dating, we made cookies for pretty much everyone we knew. And since we’re military, that meant shipping containers of cookies far and wide. When we moved to Morris Farm, I eased up on baking because my book club hosted an annual cookie exchange. I’d only make one big batch, but we’d be stocked with a big assortment that lasted the whole season.
Then COVID hit. Erik and I were both quarantined for Christmas 2020. Anna took over baking. First, she made some gingerbread Harry Styles cookies. But I guess she was bored because soon the kitchen was lled with cream pu s, chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar, … there were piles of cookies covering the kitchen table and island by the time I came out of quarantine Christmas morning.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!
CONTENT COORDINATOR
MarianneWeaver,
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MEET OUR Experts
HOSPITAL
Featured Expert: Allan Hardy, MD
Fauquier Health
540-316-3627
FHDoctors.org
Dr. Hardy is board certi ed in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine and he has training in Advanced Endoscopic Procedures from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is seeing patients exclusively at Fauquier Health.
REAL ESTATE
Ashley Tauzier
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
PenFed Realty
Cell: 571-469-0901 | O ce: 703-396-6000
ashley@mynorthernvarealtor.com
Ashley Tauzier is a realtor and 19-year military spouse. Her knowledge of NoVA neighborhoods, builders, schools and community amenities contributes to her value. She prides herself in being attentive and responsive to her client’s needs –striving to make your real estate transaction stress-free, whether you are a rst time home-buyer or a seasoned seller. Ashley looks forward
Dr. Ekoh’s journey started in Nigeria, obtaining his Pre-Bachelors in Dental Surgery before emigrating to the U.S. He received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery and Orthodontist certi cate at Howard University. To keep up with the advances in orthodontic care, Dr. Ekoh regularly attends numerous seminars, and is an active member in several professional associations, including the American Association of Orthodontists. He lives in Haymarket with his wife and four children. “My vision is to make advanced, high quality and cuttingedge orthodontic care available and a ordable to everyone. I believe that great orthodontic care should not only improve the smile, but
Companion Animal Clinic of Gainesville
Companion Animal Clinic’s mission is to provide exceptional veterinary and breeding services while prioritizing the health and safety of every pet. Their doctors have decades of experience providing veterinary care to a variety of animals. They strive to give every client and pet the best
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SPOTLIGHT on VFW POST 12218:
A New Fortitude Veterans in Haymarket
BY TARAH JEFFERY
Chartered March 11, 2023, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12218 in Haymarket was established to engage and support the signi cant number of veterans in our community. Noticing that there was a large hole in Western Prince William County, Ken Wiseman, member of the VFW National Council of Administration, had been proactively reaching out to potential members by participating in local events like Haymarket Day.
As a member of VFW Virginia’s District 8, the newly formed Post 12218 received the prestigious All-American and All-State status for 2023-2024 in just its rst year. These honors are awarded to posts that exceed standard membership requirements, highlighting the exceptional e orts in our community.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VFW
The VFW is a nonpro t organization of eligible veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, the VFW emerged in response to a lack of medical care and pensions for returning servicemen, striving to secure rights and bene ts for all veterans.
RECOGNIZING POW/MIAS
• Law Enforcement & First Responder Awards –honor a law enforcement o cer, re ghter, and EMT from each department.
The VFW urges all Americans to always remember and honor those who were captured and returned, as well as those who are still missing in action. The VFW is at the forefront of e orts to locate missing service members, collaborating closely with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to recover U.S. troops identi ed as POWs and MIAs. Our post will be setting up a memorial table to acknowledge this important mission.
OUR MISSION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
At the heart of our post is a commitment to support veterans and their families. Collaborating with local partners, we strive to maximize our community impact through various initiatives:
• VA Claims Assistance – o ering free assistance to those navigating the claims process. A veteran does not have to be a VFW member to receive free assistance.
• JROTC Cadet of the Year – recognizes exceptional leadership and achievements among the cadets.
• Scout of the Year Award – honors scouts who exemplify outstanding qualities in their ranks.
• Patriot’s Pen – a youth essay program for grades 6-8, encouraging students to express their views on patriotic themes.
• Voice of Democracy – a unique opportunity for high school students to create recorded essays on democratic and patriotic themes.
• Teacher of the Year Award – recognizes educators committed to teaching Americanism and patriotism.
• Community Service – giving hours of reported community service, along with funding for local organizations to ensure unmarked veterans’ graves receive recognition.
• DOT Adopt-A-Highway Program – enlisting post members to keep the roadsides of Haymarket litter-free.
• Military Order of the Cootie – an honorary organization that entertains hospitalized veterans during their recovery. We currently have seven members in this volunteering organization.
UNIQUE LOCATION AND MEMBERSHIP
Our post’s unique location at Great Mane Brewery has fostered a supportive community environment where members meet regularly while also patronizing a local business. With an average member age of around 50, we represent a diverse and dynamic group committed to making a positive di erence in the lives of veterans. Our member meetings are the second Saturday of every month at 10 a.m., then we usually enjoy some camaraderie afterwards by hanging out and enjoying Great Mane Brewery’s beer.
Join us as we continue to serve those who have served, proving that when it comes to supporting veterans: No One Does More For Veterans! If you are interested in joining the post, please check the eligibility requirements by going to this website: vfw.org/join/eligibility
Any veteran can contact our post adjunct for more information: adjpost12218@vfwva.org
Post Commander Patrick Crowley (red jacket), Virginia State Chaplain Robert Ru olo, and Senior Vice Commander Mike Je ery.
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“Best Christmas Pageant Ever: the Musical” OPENS IN VINT HILL
BY MARIANNE WEAVER • PHOTO BY CATIE MURRAY
This month, Triune Entertainment brings “Best Christmas Pageant Ever: the Musical” to the Journey Theater in Vint Hill, Va. The charming classic story is a story of unexpected grace, kindness and loving thy neighbor. The musical is based on the story by Barbara Robinson with orchestrations by Malcolm Hillgartner and book by Jahnna Beecham.
All of the humor, charm, and heart come together in what promises to be a theatrical event that will linger in the hearts and minds of audiences long after the nal curtain falls. The production is led by director Renée De Ponte, a local professional with many credits from the stage and screen.
De Ponte’s love of the stage started at the age of 5 as an assistant in her father’s magic shows. She studied theatre in New York City at the Atlantic Theater Company at NYU before moving to Los Angeles to form Short Fuse, a theatre company focusing on new works by graduates of the Warner Bros. Writing Workshop. She then worked on independent lms such as “Wild Card,”“Sierra Burgess is a Loser” and “See You on Venus.”She is currently the theater director at Aquinas Learning where she has adapted and directed the plays “Twelfth Night,”“As You Like It,” and “Pride and Prejudice.”
When asked about why this show is so special, she said, “This show has everything you could want in a musical. It’s beautiful, poignant and hilarious but mostly it has a wonderful message to treat others how you want them to treat you, even if they happen to be the worst kids in the world. A hard lesson in this society where we reason that we can take revenge if someone wrongs us or to protect our families at the expense of being kind to others.”
De Ponte’s daughter Zythaly plays Imogene Herdman. The Karcher family of Manassas is another example of De Ponte’s family vision. Music director Carolyn Karcher Scott is joining her sister Veronica Karcher who plays Beth in the show. She teaches music at All Saints Catholic School in Manassas and is also an accomplished performer in Northern Virginia, most recently appearing as Torrey in“Freaky Friday”and Cinderella in“Into the Woods,” both with Upper Room Theatre Ministry.
Triune Entertainment’s“Best Christmas Pageant Ever: the Musical”has six performances on December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29 at Journey Church in Vint Hill, Va.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit triuneentertainment.com/bcpe.
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Saturday, Dec. 7
PATRIOT HIGH SCHOOL
PTSA HOLIDAY MARKET
@ Patriot High School, 10504 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville
Start your holiday shopping early
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Cost: Free patrioths.pwcs.edu
Saturday, Dec. 7
CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND: THE 78TH GREATER MANASSAS
CHRISTMAS PARADE
@ Center Street, Manassas
Time: 10 a.m. • Cost: Free gmchristmasparade.org/parade
Saturday, Dec. 14
HAYMARKET CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATION AND CRAFT BAZAAR
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. • Cost: Free townofhaymarket.org
Saturday, Dec. 14
NOKESVILLE COMMUNITY
CHRISTMAS PARADE
@ Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville
Time: 4 p.m. • Cost: Free
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Sunday, Dec. 15
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
@ Celebree School, 10368 Bristow Center Drive, Bristow
Breakfast and pictures with Santa and his elves.
Time: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. celebree.com/bristow-va
Thursday, Dec. 19
CHRISTMAS LADIES NIGHT
@ Sunshine Ridge Farm, 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville
Enjoy drinks, dancing, live DJ, and shopping from local vendors/food trucks. Tickets get you entry into the ra e and your rst drink or ight.
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 online; $15 at the door thewineryatsunshineridgefarms.com
Friday, Dec. 20
BAD SANTA PARTY
@ Sunshine Ridge Farm, 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater for the fourth annual Bad Santa Party. Meet Bad Santa, take pictures, and enjoy 10% o your tab.
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. • Cost: Free thewineryatsunshineridgefarms.com
Saturday, Dec. 21
HOLIDAY JEEP EVENT & BASIC GOODS DONATION DRIVE
@ Buckland Farm Market, 4484 Lee Highway, Warrenton
Buckland Farm celebrates the season at the market, brewery, winery and ice cream shop. Collection for Help Us Grow Strong, which provides basic needs for persons experiencing homelessness.
Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. • Cost: Free bucklandfarmmarket.com
Tuesday, Dec. 31
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AT SUNSHINE RIDGE
@ Sunshine Ridge Farm, 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville Live DJ, party favors, a fully catered dinner, photobooth, and two glasses of sparkling wine
Time: 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. • Cost: $80 thewineryatsunshineridgefarms.com
Tuesday, Dec. 31
NOON YEAR’S EVE
@ Vint Hill Community Center, 4235 Aiken Drive, Warrenton
Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve with us! Bring the family for a fun- lled event featuring a festive atmosphere, an exciting balloon drop, and a chance for kids to ring in the new year.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon • Cost: Free fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-h-z/ parks-and-recreation
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c l e i li : SARAH HALLER
BY MARIANNE WEAVER
PHOTOS BY THE LITTLE PHOTO SHOP
About 20 years ago, Sarah Haller agreed to style her friend’s bachelorette party. As they say, the rest is history.
“They all were so happy and felt more con dent,” she said. “That’s when I fell in love with helping people see their inner beauty.”
The Reston native attended Paul Mitchell The School in Tysons Corner. She supplemented that training by assisting a master stylist in a Reston salon.
“She taught me everything about clients and hair that schools don’t teach you,” she said. “During that time I also gained book knowledge and had a blast with all my school friends. The entire experience was a great time in my life with memories I’ll cherish.”
For several years she worked at a salon in Fairfax. While there, she won many paid educational trips to the L’Oréal Professionnel in SoHo, NY, where she learned new techniques popular in European salons.
Today she is a master stylist and also o ers Fairy Hair services for local parties and events. For more information, nd her at Instagram.com/ sarahstarstylista or contact her at 571-252-0808.
AT HOME …
Sarah moved to Gainesville to be closer to the open outdoor space and local parks.
“I love this area because it lends itself to be closer to Shenandoah and small towns,” she said.
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It also o ers ample space and dog parks, where she enjoys spending time with her dogs Bianca, a 10-year-old Maltese, and Boo, her 8-year-old son. She adopted them about two and a half years ago from Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
“They are a handful but the absolute loves of my life,” she said, adding that she picked the Maltese because they were the perfect t for her lifestyle and home life. “They are extremely loving, very a ectionate and absolutely love children and people. They came to me with their names from their previous owner and I decided to keep them.”
In her spare time, she takes the dogs hiking and exploring new parks, especially the new Rollins Ford Dog Park.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
By Allan Hardy, MD, Fauquier Health
I began medical school many years ago – way back in the 1990s. Back then “Friends” was a top TV show, Jordan was winning championships, and politics was very messy. OK, some things don’t change, but what DOES change is medical terminology. We name, re-name and sometimes seem to invent new diseases based on new clinical ndings.
Many of you have heard of “fatty liver”– and most medical professionals knew this condition as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The in ammatory version was called Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“steato” – fat, “hepatic” – of the liver, “itis” -in ammation) also known as “NASH.” I’m writing in the past tense because these names have been replaced by a much longer term:
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
If you’re still awake then you will notice the term “Metabolic Dysfunction Associated.”
The purpose of this name change is to correctly assign the importance of this diagnosis. If you have fatty liver/NAFLD/MASLD studies are revealing you ALSO have:
• a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease
• a higher risk of dying from non-liver cancers (any cancer outside of the liver)
Care for the entire family.
Now in a convenient location, Dr. Ghuman and Dr. Wong offer care for the entire family. T hey see all ages from birth to aging adults and even offer same day availability. From annual exams to chronic disease management, and more, their goal is to help you and your family stay healthy.
• a higher risk of dying from liver cancer
• double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease
• and double the risk of developing diabetes type 2
Not only is fatty liver becoming the most common cause of endstage liver disease and the greatest need for liver transplants but it appears to now be serving as the proverbial canary in the coal mine, signaling impending doom right around the corner. “Metabolic dysfunction” describes what is happening (or about to happen) once you have fatty liver. Certainly not EVERYONE will follow this course, but your chance of having medical problems in the near future is higher.
What can you do about this? Well rst of all don’t drink too much alcohol – we now know that even a healthy liver can only handle one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. The next advice is that if you have obesity (excess body fat) then losing 7-10 percent of your total body weight or more will not only remove fat from the liver, it can help mild liver damage to reverse! I’ve had patients over the years heal the scar tissue ( brosis) in their liver after losing excess body fat. The third recommendation is to avoid high-fructose corn syrup and added sugars in the diet. Fructose is metabolized primarily in the liver and studies have shown it may cause more liver in ammation than other types of sugar. Fructose also stimulates hunger by increasing levels of Ghrelin (hunger hormone) secretion from the stomach so it drives you to eat/drink more than you should. This creates a vicious cycle to promote weight gain and even more excess fat in the liver. Fat in the liver can be seen on an abdominal ultrasound and measured by a simple test called Fibroscan. Scar tissue in the liver can be measured using a test called Elastography (o ered here at Fauquier Health).
JennaWong, DO Family Medicine Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine
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GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025
BY MARIANNE WEAVER • PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Gainesville High’s class of 2025 is something special: They are the rst class to attend GHS for all four years of high school. As they move toward graduation, this group of seniors are celebrating all of the landmarks. Here are some fall sports highlights.
The varsity football team nished the season with an 8-2 record. Senior quarterback Colton Kilmer led the league with 2,967 total yards, 29 touchdowns and 136 completions, a 70 percent completion percentage.
Both the boys and girls cross country teams won the Cedar Run District championships. Senior Caroline Tribett was the district champ.
The eld hockey and volleyball teams also nished the year with winning records. Field hockey nished the season with a 10-6 record while volleyball nished with a 15-5 season.
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BSA
DISASTER DAY 2024
BY ERIK WEAVER
In October, BSA Troop 581 held its 16th Annual Disaster Day and it was a great success! Hosted by the Gainesville United Methodist Church, the troop invited Cub Scouts from the local area to meet our local rst responders and learn a little about rst aid. There were re trucks, an ambulance, motorcycles, police dogs and a helicopter. The Scouts also set up rst aid training scenarios to teach the Cub Scouts about rst aid and why the Boy Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.”Troop 581 would like to thank the Prince William County Fire and Police Departments, the Nokesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, the Manassas Park Police Department and the PHI Air Medical Manassas Air Rescue 1 who all participated and made this year’s Disaster Day the best one ever!
Making To ler Mealtime Fun withSpoon la la
BY TATIANA FOSTER
Back when my teenage boys were chubby-cheeked toddlers, mealtime often presented quite a challenge. Many small kids have their own eatingrelated struggles. Even my practically perfect rst-born daughter had her share of hurdles — a ying spoon here, an anti-pea puree micro-outburst there — but her little brothers took it to a whole new level. They weren’t picky eaters; rather, they lacked interest in the process. They were simply too busy, too curious about the world beyond the highchair. Learning self-feeding? Forget about it! (Oh, how I wished I could.) Fortunately, my inner storyteller awoke and came to the rescue. I instinctively came up with stories that I would tell my kids exclusively during their feedings. These stories, told mealtime and mealtime again, soon became something my boys looked forward to. With this new routine in place, my twins’ highchair time became much more manageable, fun and engaging.
As years passed by, my own children’s toddlerhood in a rearview mirror, I kept hearing about other parents’ feeding challenges, each one a ashback of my own past trials. I found myself wondering, “What could make mealtime more enjoyable for young children? Not everyone has an inner storyteller.” One day I had a vision — a mealtime board book paired with matching character-inspired real life spoons and forks! How fun and functional would that be?!
After I had the idea, I knew I had to bring it to life. And that’s how Spoon la la was born.
About a year ago, I started with handdrawn sketches of a spoon and a fork, then handcrafted the rst prototypes out of molding clay, while the mealtime story began taking shape in my mind. Today, fully developed, manufactured, and safetytested, Spoon la la utensils feature a unique, self-standing 3D design with ergonomically
All Spoon la la products are proudly made in the USA and safety-tested in American labs.
crafted handles for an easy grip. Their ability to stand upright invites a child to reach for them intuitively. With the tops elevated, the utensils provide a more hygienic mealtime for kids and a bit less mess for parents. They come in carefully selected, toddler-friendly colors that organically add positivity to the feeding process. Spoon la la utensils match the characters of the accompanying board book titled “Love your spoon, Love your fork,” which I wrote and illustrated myself. The delightful rhyming story encourages little ones to use their own spoon and fork. This engaging connection helps kids get excited about mealtime, encourages self-feeding, fosters a positive attitude towards eating, and adds a touch of fun to their table-time adventure. Moreover, Spoon la la products create a new routine and o er a bonding opportunity for kids and their parents or caregivers.
As I was nalizing the spoon and fork designs and crafting the story of SpoonyCat and Forky-Dog, I contemplated my budding company’s values. One priority was manufacturing in the USA. With small children in mind, I wanted products that were high-quality, safe and reliable, which could be ensured by producing them domestically from US-sourced materials. I was fortunate to nd a manufacturer for our utensils in Connecticut and a quality board book manufacturer in upstate New York.
My other key requirement was sustainability. That’s why Spoon la la eco-friendly utensils are crafted from recycled, food-grade, BPA-free plastic (such as milk jugs), helping to reduce waste in land lls. They are durable, reusable and recyclable — a win for families and the planet!
Although Spoon la la was my vision, my whole family — my husband and our three children — were involved in every step of the process. From the utensil design details to color selection, from word choices in the story to illustration elements in the book, they played an invaluable role in bringing Spoon la la to life.
Creating Spoon la la has been a long and exciting journey, and we now have products that are unique, safe, eco-friendly, made in the USA, dishwasher-safe, and simply adorable! They are currently available on our website, spoon-la-la.com. To celebrate our recent launch, we are o ering an exclusive 15% discount to our Bull Run Mountain neighbors. Just enter the code LOCAL15 at checkout. My family and I put lots of love, care and consideration into Spoon la la. I wish these products had been around when my own children were young enough to bene t from them, but I’m thrilled to o er them to other families now. Share the love of Spoon la la with your little ones!
© Best Version Media
Eight Holistic Tips for Enjoying a Healthier Holiday Season
BY JULIE BATCHOS
As a holistic wellness coach, I believe in nurturing both body and mind through mindful choices, especially during the holiday season. With so many festive gatherings and indulgent foods, nding a balance th at supports your health can help you enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are some strategies to help you celebrate the season without sacri cing your wellness.
1. Don’t Skip Meals. It may seem like a good idea to save calories by skipping meals before a holiday gathering, but this often leads to overeating. Instead, have a balanced snack, such as a small handful of almonds, fruit, or yogurt, to keep hunger in check.
2. Bring a Nourishing Dish. Take control of your options by bringing a healthy dish to share. Opt for colorful vegetable platters, saladsor a fruit tray arranged in a festive pattern. This ensures you have a nutritious option and encourages others to make healthier choices.
3. Pick Your Favorites Mindfully. Before lling your plate, take a moment to scan the options. Choose a few of your holiday favorites that truly bring you joy. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and appreciating the avors.
4. Be Intentional with Beverages. Hydration is key during holiday festivities. Choose water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a citrus twist over sugary or alcoholic drinks. If you’re celebrating with alcohol, alternate with a glass of water between each drink to stay hydrated and help moderate consumption.
5. Prioritize People Over Food. Socializing is at the heart of holiday gatherings, so make it a point to shift the focus from the food to the people around you. Once you’ve eaten, step away from the bu et or snack table and engage in meaningful conversations.
Here is a crowd-pleasing recipe that provides a healthier twist on a holiday favorite.
HEALTHY SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 large, sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
6. Stand Your Ground with Food Pushers. Well-meaning friends and relatives may insist you try every dish but remember that it’s okay to politely decline. Practice con dence and assertiveness, and don’t feel obligated to eat something if you’re not hungry or it doesn’t align with your goals.
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth.
Stir in maple syrup, almond milk, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
7. Listen to Your Body. The goal is to enjoy your meal and feel satis ed, not stu ed. Eat slowly, giving your body time to recognize fullness cues. When you feel content, step away from the food and remember that leftovers are always an option for later.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans and coconut sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes.
8. Release Guilt and Embrace Balance. If you do indulge more than you planned, don’t stress. One meal doesn’t de ne your health journey. Simply get back to your healthy habits for your next meal and nd ways to incorporate movement into your day, whether it’s a walk, some yoga, or even dancing with family members.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and celebration. By approaching it with mindfulness and self-compassion, you can savor all the festive moments without feeling weighed down. Remember, wellness is not about restriction — it’s about choosing what feels good for you. Embrace the holidays, enjoy your favorite dishes mindfully, and celebrate each moment with balance and gratitude. Here’s to a season lled with health, happiness, and holistic well-being.
© Best Version Media
THE ADVENT WREATH
BY REV. MONSIGNOR WILLIAM SAUNDERS
A good, pious way to help us in our Advent preparation has been the use of the Advent wreathe. (Interestingly, the use of the Advent wreathe was borrowed from the German Lutherans in the early 1500s.) The wreathe is a circle, which has no beginning or end: So we call to mind how our lives, here and now, participate in the eternity of God’s plan of salvation and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. The wreathe is made of fresh plant material, because Christ came to give us new life through His passion, death, and resurrection. Three candles are purple, symbolizing penance, preparation, and sacri ce; the pink candle symbolizes the same but highlights the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, when we rejoice because our preparation is now half-way nished. The light represents Christ, who entered this world to scatter the darkness of evil and show us the way of righteousness. The progression of lighting candles
shows our increasing readiness to meet our Lord. Each family ought to have an Advent wreathe, light it at dinner time, and say the special prayers. This tradition will help each family keep its focus on the true meaning of Christmas. In all, during Advent we strive to ful ll the opening prayer for the Mass of the First Sunday of Advent: “Father in Heaven,… increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of His coming may nd us rejoicing in His presence and welcoming the light of His truth.”
