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Christmas Messages PG5
Top Toys SEE LIST ON
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Celebrating LEARN MORE ON PAGE 8
Top trends this season FIND YOUR LOOK ON PAGE 9
Santa Claus The Legend of St. Nicholas - PG6
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The Classic速
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Christmas Message from Governor Ric Todd At Christmas we celebrate a joyful occasion. It is I would also like to thank all of the public servants of the also a time when a year closes. So it is natural to Turks & Caicos for what they do each and every day to serve look back over 2012 and to look forward to what these Islands. 2013 might bring. Over the past year I have had the honour and pleasure We can all agree that 2012 was an historic year for to meet many of them. the Turks and Caicos Islands. We should all be proud of our teachers, health workers, That elections could take place on 9 November, and our uniformed services, officials in Ministries and our tax that so many voters went to the polls to choose TCI’s collectors. new government should be a source of pleasure and They are committed to delivering the best services they pride for us all. can, and do so for all of us. We should give thanks to all those on the Turks & At this holy time we also pay tribute to church and Caicos Islands, and their peers and colleagues from the community leaders; those who work tirelessly in the voluntary UK and elsewhere, whose hard work and commitment sector, often in difficult circumstances. In a very practical way enabled our return to local democracy. And we must say they sustain the values which nourish our communities while a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the we take time to celebrate the birth of Christ. H.E. Governor Ric Todd elections. I have also had the honour and pleasure to meet many people TCI can look forward to 2013 with optimism. TCI has from across the Turks and Caicos private sector this past year. a growing economy and there is significant inward investment planned. The businesses, both large and small, that deliver the prosperity This country now has modernised laws, a reformed public service which we all enjoy and benefit from here on TCI deserve special and independent institutions for good governance. appreciation. The focus is now rightly on a new government which will take forward Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you, your friends and policies and deliver services in the best interests of the islands and its family, a Holy and Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New people in accordance with the framework of the constitution and the law. Year.
Christmas Message from The Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing’s My fellow Turks & Caicos Islanders, I am very happy to express my warmest greetings and best wishes to all who are celebrating Christmas. This year, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing Christmas is unique and dear to my heart because it marks my first Christmas as Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands and our first Christmas since the restoration of our new Constitution and Ministerial Government. I therefore join with you in celebrating this momentous occasion, recognizing the sense of renewed hope and comfort it brings to us as a people and a community. I again reiterate our commitment and pledge to you that my government and I will do our utmost in ensuring that we will hold fast to all of our promises to you. Christmas season is a time when our thoughts turn to the real source of joy, love and hope who was born in a humble manger more than 2,000 years ago; and as we join others worldwide in celebrating this single life that changed the world, may we also strive to be a positive influence to those around us for the betterment of our Turks and Caicos Islands. Customarily, we celebrate the birth of Christmas with Church Services, family gatherings, feasting and great merriment; but this year I would encourage us to be filled with thanksgiving to God for how He has protected us from storms, pestilences, wars, riots and other evils that could have befallen us. Additionally, as we celebrate remember those who are not as fortunate as we are, it could be our neighbor, family, friend, visitor or even a stranger and let us do our best in sharing our Christmas cheer with them. Right on the heels of Christmas celebrations comes the New Year and I believe that as we look forward to 2013 there are genuine reasons for hope, joy, love, faith and optimism. Some of these reasons include increasing government revenue, reprioritizing spending towards schools and primary health care, economic growth, new investment, increasing tourism, good governance and many others. Remember that faith overcomes doubt; hope conquers despair; and love triumphs over hate. Remember that faith is present when men and women of sound leadership bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. Therefore, let us as a people resolve to honor the Spirit of Christmas; strive to keep it throughout the year 2013 and give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy. Also remember our responsibility and calling to freely and reverently serve our fellow men. This is our charge and this is our purpose and may the joy of the holidays renew our commitment to working together for a future of peace, opportunity, and hope. On behalf of my Family, my Government and myself, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Good Health and a Prosperous New Year. May God bless you and may God bless these beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands.
Christmas Message from The Rt. Rev’d. Laish Boyd Sr. “A Child has been born for us, a Son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) One common feature of the modern world is cynicism, the view that nothing matters any more, nothing is important, everything is a waste of time, nothing is worth fighting for. Many people actually approach life from this perspective. The dictionary defines cynicism as the distrusting of the motives of others, having contempt for standards of honesty and morality, being bitter and sneering toward what others regard as good and wholesome. Many people are cynical because they have been hurt, disappointed or betrayed by someone, because they feel overwhelmed by life or by their circumstances, because they get no enjoyment out of life any more, or because life is simply not turning out the way that they expected it to turn out. What a space to live in!! If you feel this way, then Christmas is for you because Christmas is about the love of God for the world and God sending His son because of that love. The only way to counteract cynicism is with love. Love heals wounds, Love mends broken hearts. Love reconnects what and been divided and restores trust. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but
The Rt. Rev’d. Laish Boyd Sr.
rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The Love of Christ at Christmas can change lives and circumstances. The love that we show to others can do this. The love that others give to us can heal our own hurts and disappointments. Ask God to plant that love in your heart and then live out that love in the way that you live each day. It is my earnest prayer that you experience the love of Christ at Christmas in some small way, and then that you pass it to someone. After all, “a Child has been born for us, a Son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands wishes one and all a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
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Santa Claus The Legend of St. Nicholas The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married. Over the course of many years, Nicholas's popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland. SINTER KLAAS COMES TO NEW YORK St. Nicholas made his first inroads into American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. In December 1773, and again in
1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families had gathered to honor the anniversary of his death. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society's annual meeting. The background of the engraving contains now-familiar Santa images including stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. In 1809, Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories when he referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, The History of New York. As his prominence grew, Sinter Klaas was described as everything from a "rascal" with a blue three-cornered hat, red waistcoat, and yellow stockings to a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a "huge pair of Flemish trunk hose." SHOPPING MALL SANTAS Gift-giving, mainly centered around children, has been an important part of the Christmas celebration since the holiday's rejuvenation in the early 19th century. Stores began to advertise Christmas shopping in 1820, and by the 1840s, newspapers were creating separate sections for holiday advertisements, which often featured images of the newly-popular Santa Claus. In 1841, thousands of children visited a Philadelphia shop to see a life-size Santa Claus model. It was only a matter of time before stores began to attract children, and their parents, with the lure of a peek at a "live" Santa Claus. In the early 1890s, the Salvation Army needed money to pay for the free Christmas meals they provided to needy families. They began dressing up unemployed men in Santa Claus suits and sending them into the streets of New York to solicit donations. Those familiar Salvation Army Santas have been ringing bells on the street corners of American cities ever since.
The evolution of Santa Claus, from St. Nicholas to today’s modern day, jolly, fat man with a full white beard, that can be attributed to Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a long Christmas poem for his three daughters entitled "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas." Moore's poem, which he was initially hesitant to publish due to the frivolous nature of its subject, is largely responsible for our modern image of Santa Claus as a "right jolly old elf" with a portly figure and the supernatural ability to ascend a chimney with a mere nod of his head! Although some of Moore's imagery was probably borrowed from other sources, his poem helped popularize the now-familiar image of a Santa Claus who flew from house to house on Christmas Eve–in "a miniature sleigh" led by eight flying reindeer–leaving presents for deserving children. "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" created a new and immediately popular American icon. In 1881, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Moore's poem to create the first likeness that matches our modern image of Santa Claus. His cartoon, which appeared in Harper's Weekly, depicted Santa as a rotund, cheerful man with a full, white beard, holding a sack laden with toys for lucky children. It is Nast who gave Santa his
bright red suit trimmed with white fur, North Pole workshop, elves, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. A SANTA BY ANY OTHER NAME 18th-century America's Santa Claus was not the only St. Nicholas-inspired gift-giver to make an appearance at Christmastime. Similar figures were popular all over the world. Christkind or Kris Kringle was believed to deliver presents to well-behaved Swiss and German children. Meaning "Christ child," Christkind is an angellike figure often accompanied by St. Nicholas on his holiday missions. In Scandinavia, a jolly elf named Jultomten was thought to deliver gifts in a sleigh drawn by goats. English legend explains that Father Christmas visits each home on Christmas Eve to fill children's stockings with holiday treats. Pere Noel is responsible for filling the shoes of French children. In Russia, it is believed that an elderly woman named Babouschka purposely gave the wise men wrong directions to Bethlehem so that they couldn't find Jesus. Later, she felt remorseful, but could not find the men to undo the damage. To this day, on January 5, Babouschka visits Russian children leaving gifts at their bedsides in the hope that one of them is the baby Jesus
and she will be forgiven. In Italy, a similar story exists about a woman called La Befana, a kindly witch who rides a broomstick down the chimneys of Italian homes to deliver toys into the stockings of lucky children. THE NINTH REINDEER Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was born over a hundred years after his eight flying counterparts. The red-nosed wonder was the creation of Robert L. May, a copywriter at the Montgomery Ward department store. In 1939, May wrote a Christmas-themed storypoem to help bring holiday traffic into his store. Using a similar rhyme pattern to Moore's "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," May told the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer who was teased by the other deer because of his large, glowing, red nose. But, When Christmas Eve turned foggy and Santa worried that he wouldn't be able to deliver gifts that night, the former outcast saved Christmas by leading the sleigh by the light of his red nose. Rudolph's message—that given the opportunity, a liability can be turned into an asset—proved popular. Montgomery Ward sold almost two and a half million copies of the story in 1939.
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Deck the halls without breaking the bank A GUIDE TO A LESS COSTLY CHRISTMAS
'Tis the season for gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and celebrating various holiday traditions, but for some it can also be a time for overspending and buyer's remorse. One of first steps you need to take to avoid going into debt this time of year, is to find out what your overall Holiday budget is and take steps to work within those guidelines. Keeping a strict Holiday budget can be accomplished by making separate lists for everyone an individual will be buying gifts for and setting price limits. The following are tips and techniques for a cost-effective celebration this holiday season: • Use cash when making purchases as it will prompt you to think twice before buying and you can physically see your funds decreasing. • Compare prices at various stores and online before purchasing a particular item.
• Buying online can save money on shipping fees when sending gifts to individuals who live far away. • Plan ahead for next year by purchasing gifts ahead of time during after the holiday sales. • Place items on layaway or pay them off over time using a payment plan. • Give group gifts such as a toy that can be shared among multiple siblings or something that can be used by more than one spouse. • Make gifts by hand. Not only can this be cost effective, but it adds a personal touch. • Swap names and play gift giving games rather than buying an item for each family member or friend. • Start a bank account for next year that is dedicated specifically to holiday funds. • Host a holiday party for friends and family rather than exchanging gifts.
Top 10 Toys for Kids 2012-2013
2. Furby Toys 1. LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer
4. Vtech InnoTab 2S Learning App Tablet
How they Did it
3. Doc McStuffins Time For Your Check Up Doll
5. Vtech Switch and Go Dinos Brok the Brachiosaurus
6. Dream Lites Pillow Pets 7. Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Doll - Harmony B. Sharp 8. Fisher-Price Jake and the Never Land Pirates - Musical Pirate Ship Bucky 9. Power Wheels Dune Racer Ride On 10. Hot Wheels Terrain Twister R/C Vehicles
I'm sure that most of you are like me. You know that Christmas is one of the most sacred of holidays, but it has become such a time of retail commercialization. It has always been a struggle for us to adopt traditions of giftgiving where Ben is concerned, without going overboard, especially because Ben is an only child. I will admit that we have spoiled him rotten in the past. We waited a long time for this precious gift and once he arrived, we couldn't wait to shower him with everything money could buy. As Ben got older and more computer savvy, he began making amazon wishlists (a throwback to the old Sears Christmas catalog I used to dog-ear!). It was crazy all of the items he would put on his wishlist. Probably because he knew he was pretty much guaranteed to get it all. This was actually the Christmas that sent me over the edge. Especially when the credit card bill came in. Talk about regrets. A couple of years ago, we did begin a new tradition though. Using a simple 4-line poem. I explained to Ben that this is how both Christmas and birthday gifts would be chosen for him . . . Something you want. Something you need. Something to do. Something to read. And yes, sometimes the something you need is something you need for school. He wasn't terribly excited about it at first. He knew it meant he wouldn't be receiving gobs of gifts, as in the past. But what it did do was narrow his focus. Now when he presents a request to us for a birthday or Christmas gift, he makes sure it's something he really, really wants. This has freed us up to cut back on the number of gifts we purchase for Ben and made it fun for him to guess what he's getting, too. He's already making a list of what he'd like for his upcoming birthday, and I've caught him thinking in these terms -"I really need some new socks." "I hope I get the next Lord of the Rings book!" "Mom, can an iPod Touch be the thing I want?" (the answer is, "yes, but you might want some alternatives there buddy." It has also freed us up to spend more money on others. From Operation Christmas Child, to sponsoring needy families, we have been able to budget some of those funds that used to go toward spoiling Ben, and bless other kids (and sometimes, adults) as well. This year, I plan to institute this rule for Mom and Dad as well! From http://www.benandme.com
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Celebrating DECEMBER 26TH - JANUARY 1ST celebrations run for seven days, Kwanzaa has seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. They are: umoja (unity); kujichagulia (selfdetermination); ujima (collective work and responsibility); ujamaa (cooperative economics); nia (purpose); kuumba (creativity); and imani (faith). During Kwanzaa celebrations, a mkeka (straw mat, on which all other objects are placed) rests on a table covered by kente cloth, or another African fabric. On top of the mkeka sits a kinara (candleholder, a symbol of ancestry) in which the mishumaa saba (seven candles, one for each of the seven Kwanzaa principles) go. Also placed on the table are Muhindi -- one ear of corn for each child, symbolizing fertility. The colors of Kwanzaa are black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle, according to the official Kwanzaa Web site. Mazao (crops, symbols of the fruits of collective labor) and the kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup, used to perform the libation ritual) also sit on the mkeka. The unity cup is used to pour tambiko (libation) in JUST WHAT IS KWANZAA? Established in 1966, Kwanzaa remembrance of ancestors. Lastly, aims to reconnect black Americans to African art objects and books about their African roots and recognize their the life and culture of African people struggles as a people by building sit on the mat to symbolize community. It is observed from Dec. commitment to heritage and learning. Each night, the family gathers to 26 to Jan. 1 annually. Derived from the Swahili term, “matunda ya light the candles of the kinara, adding kwanza,” which means “first-fruits,” one candle for each day of the Kwanzaa is based on African harvest holiday. A traditional feast is held on celebrations such as the seven-day the night of December 31. Zawadi (gifts) are usually opened on the last Umkhost of Zululand. Kwanzaa is modeled on the first day of Kwanzaa, January 1. Gifts are fruit celebrations of ancient Africa. It considered part of the "kuumba," or principle and are is now a celebration of African- creativity, American family, community, and encouraged. Traditional presents are books and heritage symbols or items self-improvement. Just as many African harvest that encourage success. Unlike Christmas, Ramadan or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa’s unaffiliated with a major religion. One of the newer American holidays, Kwanzaa originated in the turbulent 1960s to instill racial pride and unity in the black community. Now, fully recognized in mainstream America and elsewhere, Kwanzaa is widely celebrated. This celebration is not a festival originating in any of the 55 African countries nor is it an "African" Christmas celebration. Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January. Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Dr. Karenga created this festival for AfroAmericans as a response to the commercialism of Christmas. In fact one might say that Kwanzaa has similarities with Thanksgiving in the United States or the Yam Festival in Ghana and Nigeria. The word "kwanza" is a KiSwahili (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) word meaning "first."
CELEBRATE KWANZAA IN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT WAYS. Pick and choose some or all of the following activities throughout the seven days of Kwanzaa, saving the feast for the sixth day. Kwanzaa ceremony may include, Drumming and musical selections, readings of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness, reflections on the Pan-African colors, discussions of African principles of the day, or recitations of chapters in African history, the candle-lighting ritual of the Kinara, artistic performances.
Decorate your home or the main room with the symbols of Kwanzaa. Put a green tablecloth over a centrally located table, and on top of that, place the Mkeka which is a straw or woven mat that symbolizes the historical foundation of African ancestry.
Decorate around the room with Kwanzaa flags, called Bendera, and posters emphasizing the seven principles. You can purchase or make these, and it's especially fun to make them with the kids.
Light the Kinara daily. Since each candle represents a specific principle, they are lit one day at a time, in a certain order. The black candle is always lit first. Some people light the remaining candles from left to right (red to green) while other people alternate as follows
PRACTICE THE KWANZAA GREETINGS Starting on December 26, greet everyone by saying "Habari Gani" which is a standard Swahili greeting meaning "what is the news?" If someone greets you, respond with the principle (Nguzo Saba) for that day: • December 26: "Umoja" — Unity • December 27: "Kujichagulia" — Self-determination • December 28: "Ujima" — Collective work and responsibility • December 29: "Ujamaa" — Cooperative economics • December 30: "Nia" — Purpose • December 31: "Kuumba" — Creativity • January 1: "Imani" — Faith. • Non African-Americans are also welcome to participate in greetings. The traditional greeting for them is "Joyous Kwanzaa."
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Sandals Foundation to Bring Christmas Joy to Hundreds of Providenciales Kids! Christmas came early for hundreds of Providenciales kids this week, all thanks to a unique partnership between Beaches Resort charity arm, the Sandals Foundation and Hasbro, Inc., one of the world’s leading toy manufacturers. The Foundation visited adopted schools Clement Howell High and the Enid Capron Primary bringing plenty of gifts and goodies to hundreds of students. The mid-week festivities offered an array of delicious food and drink and saw a large crowd which included 980 students and 70 teachers from Clement Howell, the largest high school in Turks & Caicos, and another 583 students and 32 teachers at the Enid Capron Primary School. The Sandals Foundation has been working tirelessly throughout the year with United States based toy maker Hasbro, Inc. to collect hundreds of toys for the annual Holiday Toy Drive. General Manager of the Beaches Resort, Don Dagenais was pleased with the annual toy drive and is delighted that the foundation was able to bring so many smiles across the islands. He expressed his contentment by saying, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to bring smiles to the faces of so many children this holiday season, the toys are sure to warm the hearts of the many families facing financial hardship this year all courtesy of the Sandals Foundation” Principal of Clement Howell High School, Gerald Persaud, also expressed his appreciation for Sandals Foundation’s successful Holiday drive. He said, “On behalf of the faculty and students of Clement Howell High we would like to thank the Sandals Foundation for creating a remarkable academic year for our school,” he continued, “We are very grateful, the Christmas treats were certainly a wonderful end to a stressful school year.” Rachel Taylor Principal of the Enid Capron Primary school also commented on behalf of her school, “We are really privileged and pleased to have our sponsor the Sandals Foundation sharing these holiday festivities with us,” She continued, “It is with great appreciation that the Enid Capron Family expresses profound thanks to the Sandals Foundation for once again hosting the Annual Christmas Party,” she continued, “The students look forward to these visits, especially the gifts that bring bright smiles to every student.” Last year, the Sandals Foundation team brought Christmas joy to over 1,600 children at two government schools and the local orphanage. This year the foundation expanded the toy drive to include hundreds of local children delivering toys and smiles to several boys and girls throughout Providenciales this holiday season. In addition to the Christmas festivities, the Sandals Foundation along with Beaches Resort also hosted a Teachers Appreciation day for over 200 government teachers and lecturers across the islands, which included teachers from the two sponsored school and also from Raymond Gardiner High School, Oseta Jolly Primary and the TCI Community College The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org
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1. White Feels Right - Dress yourself in head-to-toe white this season. This includes, but is not limited to, a delicate white shift dress, white diamonds, white spiked pumps and white lingerie pretty enough to let peek through. 2. Statement Waists Peplum is the new black this season, not to mention an easy way to add volume and style to the most basic of silhouettes. The bold dare to wear a power color combo 3. Sexy Lace: Lace guarantees sexiness and its a hot trend this year. Put on a sext dress or pair lace and leather, a combination of hard and soft that will ensure all eyes are on you! 4. All that Glitters: Add a sparkly shoe to amp up that simple but sexy dress. Avoid looking garish when wearing all over sequins by choosing shiny pieces in a modern midnight blue, remember less is more when it comes to accessorizing all over sequin pieces . 5. Nude Awakening: Champagne for champagne - toast the holiday season by donning a nude slipdress in lieu of a LBD. 6. Festive Fetish: While the invites with dress codes for "festive attire" pour in, have a little fun with the hostess by pairing a sexy, unexpected material like PVC or pleather with a more classic one 7. The Big Reveal: Forget backless, thigh high or down-tothere, the new way to show some skin is to bare your middle - but just a chic peek. Be sure to balance the flaunting of your abs with a conservative hemline
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Single at Christmas THE PERKS OF BEING UNATTACHED
As a single girl myself I know that all too often singles can be pitied because they’re on their own at Christmas. Even that sentence, ‘on their own’, sounds wrong. They’re not on their own, they’re just not in a relationship at that particular time. Besides, why should being single at Christmas be so miserable? It’s a great time of year whatever your age, whatever you relationship status. The truth is, that despite the nosey relatives, hand-in-hand couples dominating every ice-rink and those sad looks from your friends, being single at Christmas isn’t all doom and gloom. So before you start despising your single status, try to appreciate the perks of being unattached at this time of year.
Time with loved ones Although you may not be dating someone special, there are other people in your life who you can spend quality time with. Christmas is the one time of the year that everyone gets together to enjoy one another’s company. From the older generations to the little ones, you just can’t beat family time at Christmas. And this year, instead of feeling awkward when they bring up the topic of your single status, why not fill them in on all of the fabulous things you’ve been up to. Say yes to everything Christmas is the ultimate party season so what better time to accept every invitation that comes your way than December. Being single means you have the freedom to do whatever you want to do, which may even make your coupled up friends a little envious. What’s more, you can enjoy getting all glammed up, flirt outrageously and have fun meeting new people.
Indulge yourself Think of the money us singletons can save at Christmas not having to fork out on expensive gifts for our other halves. Ok so it does you mean you don’t get a gift in return but just think of it this way; you can spend your money on buying yourself a gift that you know you’ll love. Christmas is a time of indulgence, so why not start with yourself! Go online Online dating is not only a great way to meet new people, but it’s also a great way to broaden your horizons to see what’s out there. So, inbetween unwrapping iPads and attending parties, why not settle down on the sofa; armed with a tin of chocolates and a stack of Christmas films and sign yourself up to a dating site. New year, new you The great thing about New Year is that it signifies a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. With only yourself to think about you can concentrate on what will make you happy in the year ahead. Whether it’s a change in career you’re looking for, taking up a new hobby, doing a bit of travelling or making some dating resolutions, you’ve got no one else to consider other than yourself. So start planning how you can make 2013 your best year yet! So whatever your relationship status this Christmas, ditch the ‘bahhumbug’ attitude and celebrate in your own special single way; and whatever you do don’t let anyone feel sorry for you. Failing that, why not just hang around under the mistletoe and see what Santa sends your way!
Holiday Hazard Checklist Lights, decorations and toys are a wonderful part of the holidays. But if you have young children, you need to take special precautions to make sure they're safe. Here are expert tips to ensure that your family's holiday season is happy, healthy and hazard-free. BRIGHT IDEAS FOR LIGHTS • Indoors or outside, always use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory that indicates conformance with safety standards. • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. • Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. • Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores). • Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks. • Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire. TROUBLE-FREE TOYS • Before buying a toy or allowing your child to
play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully. If the toy is appropriate for your child, show him how to use it properly. • Follow recommended age ranges on toy packages. Toys that are too advanced could pose a safety hazard for younger children. • To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated. • Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long. • Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children. • Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies. FOOD SAFETY • Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits. • Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands. • Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same. • Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it. • Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separate, and use separate utensils when preparing them. • Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on
the countertop. • Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. SAFER TREES AND DECORATIONS • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. • When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. • Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. • Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children. • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use nonflammable holders and place candles out of children’s reach. • Take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food, which may tempt a child to eat them. • Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificialsnow sprays.
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Was Jesus Really Born on Dec. 25?
Or do we celebrate Christmas then because of the pagans? Here’s a thought for the harried among us who are unready for the arrival of another Christmas season: There was a time when some scholars argued that the holiday should be observed in the spring. Just imagine three more months of shopping! It seems to us a matter of course that Christmas should come on Dec. 25. But over the past 2,000 years or so, the timing of Jesus’ birth— which, as the bumper stickers like to remind us, is the original reason for the season—has generated considerable controversy. In fact, there has been enough uncertainty about when to celebrate Jesus’ birthday that some Christians have chosen not to celebrate it at all. The Bible offers little help in resolving the question: No dates are offered in the Gospel stories. There isn’t even a reference to the season of the year. Some readers have thought they detected a clue in the evangelist Luke’s mention of shepherds tending their flocks at night as they hear the news of Jesus’ birth. To some, this suggests not a December birth, but one during the spring lambing season, when the animals would be free to roam out of their corrals. But wait: Advocates for a December Nativity answer that sheep reserved for temple sacrifices would have grazed unfettered even in deepest winter. Clearly, any dispute that hinges on knowledge of Middle Eastern livestock practices of antiquity is not going to be resolved easily. Why should it matter? The earliest Christian writers were more interested in Jesus’ death and resurrection than in his birth. The oldest of the Gospels, Mark’s, makes no mention of Jesus’ birth. Later, Matthew and Luke offered extravagant detail—stars, wise men, mangers—but no specifics about timing. This didn’t stop others from making their own guesses. The theologian Clement of Alexandria, writing around 200, mentions some of the dates that had by then already been proposed as the true date of Jesus’ birth. Spring Nativities were popular, with dates in May, April, and March being proposed. Dec. 25 is not mentioned as a possibility. So how did we end up celebrating a wintry white Christmas? The church only settled on a Dec. 25 Christmas in the fourth century. The standard explanation is that the early church conflated its celebration of the Nativity with pre-existing pagan festivals. Romans had their Saturnalia, the ancient winter festival, and northern European people had their own solstice traditions. Among the features: parties, gift-giving, dwellings decorated with greenery. The reasoning goes that the growing church, recognizing the popularity of the winter festivals, attached its own Christmas celebration to encourage the spread of Christianity. Business historian John Steele Gordon has described the December dating of the Nativity as a kind of ancient-world marketing ploy. But some put forward another, less well-known explanation for the Dec. 25 date—one with appeal for anyone uncomfortable with a
connection between Christmas and the old solstice festivals. According to some scholars, Christmas was set near the winter solstice not because of any pagan traditions but based on a series of arcane calendrical computations. This argument hinges on an ancient Jewish tradition that had the great prophets dying on the same dates as their birth or, alternatively, their conception. Thus, to follow this peculiar assumption, the first step in dating Jesus’ birth would be to date his death, which the Gospels say happened at Passover. The early Christian writer Tertullian calculated that the date given for Jesus’ death in John’s Gospel corresponds to March 25 in the Roman calendar. Many Christian churches came to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, marking the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin Mary to tell her that she would become the mother of Jesus, on this date. Adding nine months to this date produces a Dec. 25 Christmas. This alternative explanation is sometimes deployed to dismiss the notion that the holiday had pagan roots. In a 2003 article in the journal Touchstone, for example, historian William Tighe called the pagan origin of Christmas “a myth without historical substance.” He argued at least one pagan festival, the Roman Natalis Solis Invictus, instituted by Emperor Aurelian on Dec. 25, 274, was introduced in response to the Christian observance. The pagan festival “was almost certainly an attempt to create a pagan alternative to a date that was already of some significance to Roman Christians.” According to Tighe, the pagans coopted the Christian holiday, not the other way around. But even to some Christians, Christmas has always seemed like a version of a pagan feast—and therefore unworthy of observance. The early church father Origen argued against celebrating Jesus’ birthday: “It is only sinners like Pharaoh and Herod who make great rejoicings over the day on which they were born into this world.” The Puritans of 17thcentury Massachusetts famously banned the holiday, in part because they found no Biblical authority for celebrating the Nativity on Dec. 25. (They also feared the Saturnalia-esque disorder and rowdiness that seemed to go with the holiday.) Quakers, too, abstained from celebrating. Harriet Beecher Stowe has a character in her 1878 novelPoganuc People explain why his family doesn’t observe Christmas: “Nobody knows when Christ was born, and there is nothing in the Bible to tell us when to keep Christmas.” There is something familiar about all these erstwhile Christmas controversies. The holiday is still prime time for disputation. At this time of year, more than any other, the sacred and the secular spend a lot of time jostling for space, and eventually, accommodating each other. So, believers need not be threatened by Christmas’ putative pagan roots. If the church repurposed the old solstice feasts, it only goes to show its power to bend the broader culture to its pastoral purpose.
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Keep your sanity and stay out of trouble this Christmas holiday Here are 15 tried-and-true tips to help you avoid the most common travel pitfalls this holiday season. 1. GET SOME SHUTEYE Before a trip, it’s tempting to stay up late packing and clearing off your desk. But sleep-deprived travelers are cranky travelers. And cranky travelers are apt to find everything about travel irritating. So get a good night’s sleep. 2. RECON MISSION Do as much as you can before you leave home. Reconfirm airline reservations the night before your trip and again before you walk out the door. Print out your boarding pass and, if you can, print a luggage tag for checked baggage. You might save time and money: through January 31, 2012, for example, United Airlines passengers who pay their checked bag fees online will get a 20 percent discount on the fee for the first checked bag. 3. ARRIVE EARLY Whether you’re traveling by train, plane, bus or car, get an early start. Generally, airlines advise being at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight. On the busiest travel days, lining up even earlier can’t hurt. Keep this in mind for your return trip as well. 4. LIGHTEN UP During the past year, many airlines instituted — and most still have — fees for checked bags. Check your airline’s Web site for the latest fees and rules, and then consider leaving those extra outfits behind. 5. DRESS FOR SUCCESS — AND SPEED At airport security checkpoints, you’ll still need to remove your shoes, your coat, big belt buckles and other metal objects. Computers in TSAapproved cases, though, can now stay in their carriers. Got loose change? Bag it so you don’t lose it: since January, travelers have left almost $400,000 at checkpoints nationwide. 6. TAKE THAT OUTSTRETCHED HAND The TSA’s Black Diamond Self-Select program, now at 45 airports, lets passengers pick a security lane that matches their travel style: expert, casual or family. If you don’t want to feel rushed, head for the family lanes, which will be operational at every U.S. airport by Thanksgiving Day. 7. KNOW WHAT TO PACK Travelers still end up giving up tons and tons (and tons) of prohibited items at airport security checkpoints. All travelers — novice, expert and everyone in between — should take a moment to read through the TSA's long and detailed list of what is permitted and prohibited as carry-on. 8. KNOW WHAT NOT TO CARRY Bringing your special dish to Thanksgiving dinner? “Pumpkin pies
shouldn’t be a problem, although they may be subject to additional screening,” says the TSA’s Nico Melendez, “but more than three ounces of jams, jellies, sauces or other food items that might be considered a liquid or a gel won’t fly.” There should be no problem, though, taking any of those items on a train. 9. KNOW HOW TO PACK TSA officers may ask you to unwrap gifts in your carry-on bag, so carry presents and wrapping paper separately. X-ray machines can’t always see through piles of books, CD’s and other dense items, so spread them out in your bag. 10. KEEP WHAT YOU’VE PACKED If TSA officers discover a prohibited item in your carry-on, you can voluntarily give it up, return to the ticket counter and put the item in your checked baggage (good luck with that), or mail the item home. Some airports have postal centers, some airport shops stock padded mailers, and many airports now have mail-back kiosks conveniently located right next to the security checkpoints. 11. BRING A SURVIVAL KIT Stock it with earplugs and an eyeshade, healthy snacks, a charged cell phone and a backup calling card, a small flashlight, sanitizing wipes, entertainment (books, DVD or music player, cards, etc.) and some extra cash. 12. STAY ENTERTAINED Weather, mechanical breakdowns, air-traffic control glitches, and a host of other uncontrollable events can leave you stuck at the airport. Your survival kit (above) can help, but so will a map of the airport and a printout of the facility's amenities, shops and restaurants. 13. PLAN FOR PROBLEMS Load your cell phone with your trip information and the phone numbers of your airline, hotel, car rental agency, and ride home. Back it up all up on paper and make sure someone at home has a copy of all that information. 14. KNOW HOW TO COMPLAIN If things go wrong, try not to yell at the people who are working the holiday and just trying to do their jobs. If you can’t calmly resolve a problem on site, take good notes, get names, take pictures, and follow up immediately with a phone call and/or letter when you get to your destination. 15. KNOW THAT YOUR KIDS KNOW HOW TO TRAVEL Whining, crying, unhappy kids in an airport, on a train, or in the back of the car are no fun. Make sure your young ones are prepared for an adventure. Bring along toys, books, snacks and activities. And chat with your kids about what the travel day will be like, what it means to travel, and how to behave in public. Here’s to a stress-free, problem-free holiday!
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INGREDIENTS 2 cups milk 1 medium ripe banana, peeled and cut in chunks 4 Tbsps. granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1 medium egg 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Fruity Eggnog
A Publication of The Turks and Caicos SUN METHOD 1. In a blender, blend together the milk, banana, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and egg at high speed. 2. Add ice cream to mixture in blender and whip for a minute. Serving Suggestions: Serve over cracked ice, sprinkle with nutmeg and decorate with cherries. Serves: 4
Caribbean Glazed Ham INGREDIENTS 1 lb. (5 kgs)ham 1 bottle marmalade 2 tsps. grated orange rind 2 cups fresh orange segments 5 medium ripe bananas 2 Tbsps. fresh lime juice 1/4 cup brown sugar 15 whole cloves 2 Tbsps. vinegar METHOD 1. Bake ham in preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F, (15 minutes for each pound). 2. In a saucepan over low heat, heat marmalade until it is of a syrupy consistency. 3. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, remove marmalade from heat and blend in orange segments, banana slices and lime juice. 4. Spoon mixture over ham 15 minutes before it is finished baking. 5. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and vinegar, brush this over ham. Bake ham for a further 15-20 minutes.
Black Cake (Trinidad & Tobago) Fruit Cake (Jamaica) INGREDIENTS 1 cup prunes 1 cup mixed peel 1 tsp. lemon rind 1 tsp. rose water 2 tsp. vanilla 4 medium eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup soft margarine
Punch a Creme
A Christmas drink from Trinidad and Tobago
1 cup raisins 1cup currants 1/2 cup cherries 4 Tbsps. browning 3 cups flour 1tsp. baking powder 1tsp. mixed spice 1cup rum 3 cups port wine
METHOD 1. Blend fruits (prunes, raisins, currants, cherries, and mixed peel) with 1-cup rum, and 3 cups port wine. 2. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between each egg. 4. Add vanilla, rose water and lemon rind to mixture. 5. Add Flour and mixed fruits alternately to the creamed batter and add browning. 6. Pour mixture in a greased and lined 9-inch covered baking pan. 7. Steam for 1 hour at 180˚C/350˚F. Then reduce temperature to 150˚C and steam for another 1 1/2 hours. 8. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Notes: Soak pudding, with additional wine to keep pudding moist.
Sorrel Drink INGREDIENTS 3 cups sorrel sepals 1 oz. (30 grams) ginger, crushed 1 piece dried orange peel 6 whole cloves 6 cups boiling water 2 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup white rum (optional) 1 Tbsp. white rice
METHOD 1. Place sorrel, crushed ginger, orange peel and cloves in a jar. 2. Pour on boiling water and allow to steep for 24 hours. Strain and sweeten to taste. Add rum if necessary. 3. Pour into bottles adding a few grains of rice to each bottle. Notes: Rice added to sorrel helps to hasten fermentation. After sorrel is made allow to remain at room temperature for at least one day before drinking.Serves/Yields: 6-8
INGREDIENTS 6 medium eggs 2 Tbsps. condensed milk 2 Tbsps. evaporated milk 1/4 cup (60 ml) rum 1/2 tsp. lime rind (zest) 1/8 tsp. angostura bitters 1/8 tsp. nutmeg METHOD 1. Blend together eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, lime rind, bitters and nutmeg, then strain. 2. Put to chill in the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving time. Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled Punch a Creme over crushed ice sprinkled with nutmeg. Serves 4
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A Publication of The Turks and Caicos SUN