SHOP LOCAL
HOLIDAYS & HOLI-DON’TS
SKIING
Your guide to the best gift shopping spots
Campus opinions on holiday traditions
Shred the gnar this winter
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H olidaily THE DAILY PRESENTS:
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Be local, shop local Why look elsewhere for Holiday treats? By Sean F. Harding Contributing writer Having a tough time conjuring up what gifts to purchase for people on your holiday gift list this year? Have no fear. This year, The Daily did reconnaissance on several local businesses and gives two thumbs up to each of the following fine establishments for all of your holiday shopping needs.
Fremont Vintage Mall (Fremont)
Vintage aviation uniforms and cowboy boots line the walls, while guitars and fashion accessories from decades ago bring forgotten eras back to life. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trading cards and PEZ dispensers bring back memories of when your most important concern was if you finished your homework before watching Nickelodeon. “The Fremont Vintage Mall is a gem,” sales associate Stephanie Oster said. “It’s just a really cool, fun place to explore … It’s always changing, that’s the best part about it.” There’s also old paintings, old boy scout uniforms, Tom Petty posters, and they even have presents for pets. Posters, records, and flannels are everywhere. “This next week, a lot of our vendors are going to start bringing in more Christmas items,” Oster said. “We have a lot of knickknacks for stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts; all sorts of stuff.” The Fremont Vintage Mall will remain open until 8 p.m. during the last two weeks before Christmas to accommodate shoppers and students who have class or part time jobs. “One of the best parts of this job is hearing the stories at the register of what people are buying things for,” Oster said. “Lots of people make cool little things. Like they’ll get Scrabble pieces in their friends’ names, buy cards, or put together packages for them.” “The atmosphere here fuels creativity a little bit,” she said.
Archie McPhee (Wallingford)
Founded by businessman Mark Pahlow, Archie McPhee proudly proclaims on its Facebook page to have been confusing Seattle since 1983. For this article, the most appropriate question to ask is, what doesn’t Archie McPhee have? Looking for a high altitude G-suit to bestow to your better half? Archie has you covered. Is a gorilla costume on the top of your favorite Sasquatch lover’s wish list? Archie has those, too. There’s also a wide array of disguises, librarian action figures, participation awards, world’s best teenagers awards, trophies for literally everything, and tote bags honoring the infamous Wallingford Beast. They’ve also got plenty of Krampus-themed gifts
Contributing photographer Sean F. Harding for the people on your naughty list. The store racks are lined with a wide array of all types of wonders. There are socks for every occasion: Bigfoot socks, socks for antisocial people, rubber chicken socks, and even socks in tribute of the late Nikola Tesla. Names and photos of visiting adoring fans like David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, Dave Matthews and Elliott Smith, and Bill Nye and Tonya Harding can be seen on Archie’s wall of fame. The friendly customer service staff is more than willing to answer any questions you have, or help you find the perfect present for someone truly special in your life. Archie McPhee is located in Wallingford on N 45th St.
Easy Street Records (West Seattle)
Located in West Seattle, Easy Street Records could also double as a school of rock because of the many areas of the store dedicated to rock and roll history, including David
Bowie, Pearl Jam, and Jack White’s Third Man Records. But Easy Street Records offers much more than that. “We have everything that a record store should have for Christmas shopping,” sales associate Ben Fisher said. “We have CDs, LPs, cassettes, books, and attire. Everything a music lover might want or need.” In addition to their large, eclectic collection of new and used music, Easy Street also sells turntables and accessories. For the music lover in your life without a turntable, Fisher suggested that the holidays are a great time to get them one. Easy Street also carries a large catalog of Christmas and holiday-themed CDs and LPs. Among the albums on Fisher’s holiday playlist are “Barenaked for the Holidays” by the Barenaked Ladies, “Christmas Is 4 Ever” by Bootsy Collins, “One Christmas at a Time” by John Roderick and Jonathan Coulton, and the several Christmas albums put out by Johnny Cash. Easy Street is also home to a bar and café that offers a menu full of music-themed goodies like the “Frances Farmer French Toast” and the “Johnny Cash Special.” “I don’t know if UW students are old enough,” Fisher said. “But you can also get a beer from the bar and go through the CD and LP racks. That’s a pretty nice option to have.”
Pike Place Market (Downtown)
I rarely visit Pike Place to shop for myself, but when all else fails, it is an excellent place to buy holiday gifts and souvenirs. Founded in 1907, Pike Place has hundreds of shops and stands owned by local farmers and artisans selling everything from comic books to handmade clothing, jewelry, collectibles, and beyond. If you can stand the crowds for a little bit, Pike Place surely has something for everyone on your shopping list. The feeling of community there, despite the literal boatloads of tourists browsing its aisles, is refreshing. Pike Place is not only a great place to shop, but also a perfect way to spend a rainy weekend afternoon. During your shopping trip, enjoy some hot cider from a street vendor, or grab a bowl of savory clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder. Reach contributing writer Sean Harding at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @pnwpao
Contributing photographer Sean F. Harding
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RETAINING CULTURAL SENSITIVITY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Remember to be inclusive of all faiths this winter
Shabaz Khan The Daily By Alex Visser The Daily For many, the onset of a cold winter brings with it the promise of warm companionships with friends and family. The last month of the calendar year means the observance of holidays and a temporary break from the real world. But despite the magic of the holiday season, the complex social issues of everyday life are not put on hold and, for some, might even be magnified. According to data from the Pew Research Center, over 70 percent of Americans identify as Christian, and less than 6 percent of the population adheres to a non-Christian faith. While Seattle’s population is more diverse compared to the national average, the majority of the city’s population still identifies as Christian, and only 10 percent of residents subscribe to other religions. The issue becomes more complicated when considering the fact that Christmas is even more prominent than Christianity, as a 2013 Pew survey found that 92 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. Despite the holiday’s status as a religious observance, 32 percent of Americans identified Christmas as a personal holiday without religious overtones. With only 7 percent of the U.S. population abstaining from Christmas celebrations, the danger of “Othering” is very present. With 81 percent of non-Christians observing Christmas, those who do not celebrate the holiday are left on social margins. “Othering” occurs when those outside of the social mainstream are portrayed as different and separate from the norm. A 2012 analysis by Michael Krumer-Nevo and Mirit Sedi identifies Othering as projecting an inferiority on those with moral and/or cultural differences. The context of media portrayals contributes to this phenomenon, as “normal” behavior is assumed while “otherness” is explicitly pointed out. Unfortunately, the effects of Othering are not relegated to social consciousness, and public policy sometimes reflects public thought. In 2015, a menorah was removed from the town square of Lakewood Township, New Jersey. The Hanukkah decoration had been placed next to a Christmas tree before local complaints forced its removal, despite the town’s prominent Jewish population, which makes up 59 percent of the community. There have been at least some efforts to mitigate the effects of Othering. In a 2009 edition of “Employment Relations Today,” Lynn Lieber advocated for workplace sensitivity, especially during the holidays. “In today’s global culture, forward-thinking organizations are increasingly recognizing the business value of a diverse workforce and going to great lengths to achieve a multicultural workplace,” Lieber wrote. “Organizations must
learn to recognize and respond appropriately to complicated issues related to holidays and religious observances yearround.” Varisha Khan, communications coordinator of the Washington branch of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), said she sees culture as growing more accepting of diverse religions and holidays, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Since the holidays are a festive time to celebrate life, Khan said we should not take away from a given religious celebration, but should instead show interfaith solidarity. “We tend to focus a lot on the differences between faiths, the differences between Islam and different faiths, when the reality is there are so many similarities,” she said. “Being an American Muslim, to me it’s important that we live in a place that is appreciative of religious diversity.” Having been born and raised in the United States as a practicing Muslim, Khan said she sees a growing community acknowledgment and acceptance toward Islamic holidays, especially within the last few years. “There’s a lot more awareness of asking even about if I’m fasting during Ramadan, where I definitely didn’t feel that as much growing up,” she said. “People are aware that it is the time of month where I would be fasting, so people are more understanding maybe not to offer me food.” Seattle Center has certainly made a push toward cultural inclusivity, as affirmed by its “Festál” series of events, which has brought various international festivals to Seattle for over two decades. This year Festál was made up of 24 ethnic cultural festivals, starting with the Tết celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year in January and concluding with the Hmong New Year Celebration in November. Khan stressed the importance of this type of sharing in the greater recognition of cultural diversity. She said the answer is not to stop people from saying “Merry Christmas,” but to appreciate the religious holidays of all faiths. “By taking things away and focusing on the negative and the differences and the division … we’re perpetuating the climate that we’re in,” she said. “By keeping that message positive, by keeping it accepting and inclusive for one faith, means that we’re being accepting and inclusive of all faiths.” Reach reporter Alex Visser at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @thealexvisser
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Don’t be a grinch, eggnog is great By Sean F. Harding Contributing writer I have a confession to make: I’m a nog-aholic. One the things I look forward to the most during the holiday season, even more than Black Friday and the influx of Christmas music on every radio station, is the seemingly ubiquitous availability of the creamy, holy, underrated, heavenly drink-ofthe-angels known as “eggnog.” Although I don’t remember the first time I ingested this angelic beverage, my first memories of eggnog revolve around the holidays when I was four or five, and my mother served me the creamy, sugary drink. She would always top it with nutmeg, and it was never served before we set up our Christmas tree. Eggnog can change your life. A single cup of the delicious beverage can contain nearly 400 calories however, so eggnog, like anything else in life, should be enjoyed with moderation. Many historians point to medieval Britain as eggnog’s origin. As eggnog began losing its popularity in Europe, we started serving it here in America. While fresh milk, eggs, and cream were scarce in Europe, and therefore expensive, America was full of poor farmers who had an abundance of dairy. Sherry, which was the booze of the elites in Britain, was replaced by the more affordable whiskey and rum in the colonies. At the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, cadets took part in an eggnog riot after the new superintendent, Col. Sylvanus Thayer, forbade cadets from purchasing, storing or consuming alcohol. Predictably, chaos ensued on the academy grounds. Some of the cadets saw Thayer’s new rules as a challenge and riots broke out in the barracks, resulting in the assault of two officers and the destruction of the North Barracks. As a result, nineteen cadets, and one soldier, were courtmartialed. Among those in trouble was none other than future troublemaker, Jefferson Davis. The infamous lieutenant, and future leader of the Confederacy, was also reportedly involved in many other alcohol-related incidents at the academy, but we’ll save those for another story. Also, the first president of the United States was a vigorous fan of eggnog. It’s been widely reported that George Washington and his wife, Martha, threw wild holiday parties up on Mount Vernon that centered around eggnog. The Washingtons had their own eggnog recipe featuring rye whiskey. With a little bit of patience, you can even make Washington’s eggnog recipe yourself. While Eggnog is most famously an alcoholic drink, often spiked with whiskey, rum, sherry, and has even been stirred with tequila in some varieties, it’s also quite delicious as a virgin beverage. Although eggnog won’t necessarily solve world peace (it might), or defeat ISIS (it won’t), who cares? It is still the most delicious holiday drink around. Reach contributing writer Sean Harding at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @pnwpao
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How many eggs could an eggnog nog, if an eggnog could nog eggs? By Ismail Mohamud Contributing writer Eggnog is seasonal, as are many American traditions, like fireworks in early July or pumpkinflavored anything in autumn. What many people don’t know about eggnog is that it’s also referred to as “egg milk punch” or simply “milk punch” when mixed with alcoholic beverages. Now, I’ve tried eggnog before, and the taste reminded me of a vanilla milkshake that went slightly sour. However, when I heard that it’s historically mixed with alcoholic drinks, I understood why it’s so popular. Of course people want to drink during the holiday season, with all the hoopla of unwanted family encroaching on your vacation time, kids out of school causing all sorts of trouble, and piles of snow to shovel before work on Monday. I get it. Kick your legs up and have a pint of
eggnog. Until I realized that some people enjoy eggnog without the distilled spirits… What kind of stress do you have to be under to drink that stuff, cold or hot, without the spike? At best, eggnog without alcohol is equivalent to a day at the beach without proper sunscreen: just uncomfortable. As I said before, eggnog is seasonal… now we know why. Eggnog year-round would be like having a unicycle as your main means of transportation; it just ain’t right. It’d be like sleeping on a waterbed year-round instead of that one time at your uncle’s house over the holidays. Don’t waste your metabolism on eggnog this holiday season, treat yourself to some real authentic holiday beverages: horchatas. Reach contributing writer Ismail Mohamud at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @IshCantStop
Holiday Spritz Cookies: How to bake Scandinavian treats By Elizabeth Yamashita Contributing writer These non-messy little delights are a blast to make for the holidays. The tradition of making Spritz has been around my family for more than 100 years and was handed down to my grandmother from her mother. Since then these cookies have been like a magnet for the Christmas food connoisseur. Its original name is Spritzgebäck, meaning pressed butter cookies. It comes from the Scandinavian tradition and traces back to the 16th century. The cookies don’t make a mess, they’re quick to make, and they’re delicious. The Mirro is a device that prints several different shapes and figures to create the cookie you want. This includes hearts, stars, wreaths, and trees. You will want to make sure that you have enough dough and are turning it correctly. For firsttime bakers, get a good feel for how to twist this Mirro apparatus on a small plate just for practice so you don’t waste the dough. It takes about a half to one turn to
make a proper cookie. If you don’t have access to a Mirro, which most people won’t, you can always try piping them with a sturdy cloth bag and a large tip. The cloth bag is convenient because it will support the stiff dough more than a plastic bag. Traditionally, the cookies are baked in various shapes, but this recipe can also be used to be made into a buttery sugar cookie, as is demonstrated in our video. If you do plan on just baking flat sugar cookies with this recipe, make sure to bake the cookies a little longer until they are golden brown on the bottom. One word of caution is to not make your Spritz cookies into big globs since Spritz are meant to be flat with a bit of crunch. A more modern twist to baking Spritz is using butter and vanilla instead of shortening and almond to get a richer taste, but deciding is mostly up to your taste and your preference. They take about 10 minutes to bake, and one batch makes about five dozen cookies.
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www.youtube.com/TheDaily www.uwpodcast.com/ 1 cup shortening or butter at room temperature ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder Dash of Salt 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract Time: 10-12 minutes Temp: 400 degrees F Yields about 5 dozen Cream butter, adding sugar gradually. Add egg unbeaten — beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients and extract. Fill a Mirro candy press or a piping bag. Form cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake. Reach contributing writer Elizabeth Yamashita at development@dailyuw.com.
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Collegi-ATE: Spice tea
HOLIDAILY
For warmth and comfort
By Cristen Jansson The Daily
Spice tea is one of those drinks that is perfect for cold winter days. It can also be good for when you’re sick, or if you just want a hot drink that isn’t hot cocoa or apple cider. It is great at any time of day, from a nice morning drink to a latenight study companion. In fact, this drink is a part of my family’s college experience. The recipe is from my grandmother, but its actual origins are a mystery. She made it for my dad and sent it with him when he went to college, and now my mom makes it for me. Nothing says “college life” like your parents sending you hot drinks. Spice tea itself is easy to make, all you need are the ingredients, water, and a microwave. The drink itself is mostly just orange Tang and tea, which are both good to drink even by themselves. Spice tea is a culmination of these drinks blended together into one beverage. Instead of clashing, the flavors complement each other to create a coherent, and satisfying, whole. Two of these ingredients are optional. Cloves do add flavor, but they can be expensive to buy, especially on a college budget. The Red Hots especially add a bit of pep to the drink, though their presence is not necessary to enjoy it. But for the full experience, add the Red Hots; they’re also fun to eat by themselves, especially if you are craving something on the spicy side. If you are feeling especially ambitious, you could experiment by adding or subtracting different spices and see what you come up with. Spice tea is not only a drink for the holidays, but a drink for the whole winter, or for whenever the weather turns chilly. Stop shivering and make yourself some today.
Reach writer Cristen Jansson at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter @cristenjansson
RECIPE:
¾ cup instant tea 1 ½ cup Tang 2 cups sugar 1 package Kool-Aid pink lemonade ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon cloves (optional) Red Hots (optional)
Mix ingredients together. Add a couple of tablespoons of the mix to 8 ounces of hot water (or add to taste) and stir until well blended. Store leftover powder mix in a sealed container. Drink and enjoy.
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DIY Gifts for the Holidays How to craft your own handmade treasures By Elizabeth Swanberg Contributing writer
Photos by Caean Couto The Daily
As the month of November rolls into December, so begins the prime time for the gift giver within you to dream. This year, you’ll find the perfect gifts for all the people you love. While everyone hopes to give those they cherish something special, what better way is there to show you care than taking the time to make memorable gifts yourself? Between studying and finals in the next couple weeks, it might be easy to forget that the clock is ticking. To help ensure that you have a special gift for those who matter to you, here are a few simple tutorials.
Snow storm candle holder Dark silhouettes line the base of a snowy jar that will look magical when illuminated
What you need:
A glass jar Black or white paper Sharpie Acrylic white paint A disposable plate Craft glue Toothpicks A rubber band
Instructions:
1. Decide which silhouette patterns will be on the candle. Skylines and trees work well, but if these designs seem too challenging, try a mix of circles, squares, and triangles instead. 2. Cut out the chosen silhouettes, measuring it against your jar, and put aside for later. 3. Spread a small amount of the acrylic paint on the disposable plate. 4. Bundle a handful of toothpicks together with a rubber band so that all the ends point the same way. 5. Carefully dip the bundle of toothpicks into the paint; you want each tip to be barely coated. 6. Press the toothpicks with paint onto the glass jar to create a pattern of small white dots. Continue to add dots all over the jar, reloading the toothpicks with paint when necessary. 7. Allow the paint to dry before gluing the silhouettes to the jar. 8. Add a tealight and turn the lights down to see the snow.
Crystal gemstone soap The gift that cleans and dazzles in one
What you need:
A flexible mold for the soap (i.e. silicon ice cube trays) Block of glycerin soap base (2 lbs.) Soap colorant Essential oil for fragrance (optional) Cosmetic grade glitter (optional)
Instructions:
1. Looking at the cavities in the mold, cut off chunks of the glycerin soap base that will fill two of them. Place your chunks of soap base into a microwaveable bowl. 2. Microwave the bowl for 30 seconds at a time as the soap will melt quickly. Use a spoon to stir the soap, and repeat until it has completely melted. 3. Stir in 3-6 drops of soap colorant to the liquid soap and roughly 10-12 drops of essential oil if desired. 4. Pour the liquid soap into the mold, and let it harden for a half hour in the freezer or an hour on the counter. 5. Push the blocks of soap out from the mold, and begin to cut out crystal-like shapes. Tips for creating crystal shapes: Make some longer crystals; when you stick smaller crystals into the soap, they’ll just sink to the bottom and you won’t see them. For ragged edges take a sharp knife and cut criss-cross patterns into the top of the crystal. Use a toothpick or fork to tear out soap in the cuts for greater emphasis. 6. Now that you have assorted crystals, repeat steps 1-3 to create a base for the crystals to sit in. This time add more colorant, about 8-10 drops of color. 7. Let the soap sit in the mold for about 10-15 minutes, then you can insert the crystal pieces to create a unique pattern. 8. Sprinkle a little glitter on top (or not), and let the soap harden in the mold in the freezer before removing your one-of-a-kind piece!
Indoor plant box
A simple but glassy home to keep tiny plants together
Christmas season is also an opportunity for creativity with these DIY gifts!
Jar of jokes
What you need:
An easy to personalize collection of laughs What you need: A glass jar with a lid Paper
Instructions:
Instructions: 1. On small scraps of paper, write down the funniest memories you have shared with whomever the gift is for. Once you run out, write down jokes, stories, or anything you know will make them laugh. 2. If memes will bring joy to the recipient, copy and paste their favorites into a Word document for easy printing. Cut out each image and fold. 3. Toss the paper in the jar, and shake to mix!
Four picture frames, use two pairs of roughly the same size Foam or cork board Hot glue gun or super glue Assorted small potted plants Tiny string lights 1. Remove the pictures and backings from the picture frame. Use your glue of choice to glue in any frames with loose glass. 2. Line up the four frames to create the box shape you desire, and glue the frames together. 3. Place the rectangular box on top of the foam or corkboard, and trace out a base for the box. 4. Cut out the base, and glue the plant box on top. 5. String lights along the top, and fill with tiny plants.
Reach contributing writer Elizabeth Swanberg at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @EWSwanberg
HOLIDAILY
THE DAILY
UW CAMPUS OPINIONS ON
THE HOLIDAYS IT’S BETTER TO:
WHEN DO YOU START LISTENING TO HOLIDAY MUSIC?
AFTER THANKSGIVING—69.2%
GIVE 86.8%
ONCE THE TREES IN THE QUAD BEGIN TO TURN YELLOW IN EARLY FALL —16%
RECEIVE 12%
I DON'T LISTEN TO HOLIDAY MUSIC — 8% ALL YEAR ROUND — 3.2%
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED HOLIDAY DRINK? HOT CHOCOLATE — 54.8% APPLE CIDER — 27.2% EGGNOG —16.4%
DO YOU PREFER A TANGIBLE GIFT OR AN “EXPERIENCE” (E.G: A PREPLANNED DAY OUT) FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
33.6% 64.8%
TANGIBLE GIFT
WHEN DO YOU TYPICALLY HAVE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING FINISHED? BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY ARE THE DAYS I GET MAJORITY OF MY SHOPPING DONE —10.8% amazon
I PICK UP STUFF THROUGHOUT THE YEAR —11.6%
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU TYPICALLY GIVE PRESENTS TO DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?
3.6%
I'LL PROBABLY BE GRABBING GIFTS UP UNTIL THE DAY OF (77.6%)
HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO HIT UP AN OLD FLING OVER THE HOLIDAYS? VERY LIKELY — 10% MAYBE, IF I FIND THE TIME — 24.5%
NOT LIKELY — 65.1%
HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN A RELIGIOUS TRADITION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
VERY LIKELY 54%
EXPERIENCE
NOT LIKELY 46%
WHO WOULD YOU RATHER BE BEST FRIENDS WITH? FROSTY THE SNOWMAN 24%
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER 50.4% THE GRINCH 24.4%
THE DAILY conducted an estimated 250 surveys online from Nov. 26–27, 2017 with University of Washington students. Student participants represented a variety of backgrounds on campus. The groups represented in this survey include:
Reach contributing writer Shineahah Bogar at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @ShineahahB
- The Navigators UW Chapter - Alpha Gamma Delta
54.8% 41.6%
0–5
5–15
15+
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED WINTER SPORT? SNOWBOARDING —14% SKIING — 32.8% SNOW TUBING —16.4%
SITTING IN FRONT OF A FIRE— 36.8%
- Alpha Sigma Phi - Pi Kappa Alpha
- FIUTS Small Group - Chi Omega
- University of Washington Class of 2018 Facebook Page - Reposted on various UW students’ personal accounts
Monica Niehaus The Daily
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Three holiday movies to keep you up at night
For when you get tired of “A Christmas Story” By Sean F. Harding Contributing writer There’s little that would be more boring than yet another review for “A Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” and “Die Hard.” While I thoroughly enjoy these films, I present to you three holiday motion pictures that are sure to keep you awake and full of holiday cheer:
‘A Madea Christmas’ (2013)
Madea (Tyler Perry) isn’t for everyone. She’s loud, opinionated, vengeful, and doesn’t hesitate to speak what’s on her mind. Did I mention she’s also hilarious? In “A Madea Christmas,” the often-misunderstood Maeda navigates her way to Alabama to visit her racially intolerant friend Eileen’s (Anna Maria Horsford) daughter for Christmas. When Madea and Eileen All photos courtesy photos arrive in Alabama, it turns out Eileen’s daughter, Lacey, is secretly married to a poor white farmer. Lacey’s in-laws, including her father-in-law Buddy, (played by Larry the Cable Guy) and Eileen drive each other up the walls. Madea and Buddy maintain an uproarious back-and-forth dialogue, and Madea’s warm heart and uncompromising personality ensure that no one will have anything but a jubilant Christmas.
‘Gremlins’ (1984)
What isn’t merry about a movie with a cute little Furby that tries to strangle mom in a Christmas tree right before Christmas? Released in 1984, this Joe Dante-directed comedy-horror film starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates and Hoyt Axton starts off, like most good things, in a sketchy Chinese pawn shop, near the fictional town of Kingston Falls. Randall Peltzer (Axton), unable to talk the owner of the shop into selling his mogwai, makes an underhanded deal in an alley to buy the creature from a kid working in the store. Despite the child’s warnings to follow three simple rules for taking care of the mogwai (no bright lights, don’t give it water, don’t feed it after midnight), all hell breaks loose in Kingston Falls when Randall’s son, Billy, breaks all three of these rules shortly after given the mogwai as a Christmas present. This inattention to detail is, of course, what leads to the family dog getting hung up in the Christmas lights, mom running around the house with a knife, Billy’s science teacher getting eaten, and Mrs. Deagle flying out of her window onto her front lawn. So pour yourself a glass of Christmas cheer, turn on the fireplace and the festive lights, then look under all of the beds. ‘Cause you never can tell, there just might be a gremlin in your house.
‘Santa’s Slay’ (2005)
It’s not everyday one gets to see Santa climb up a tree and use a Christmas star to murder people while crashing a Christmas party. In this (obviously) nontraditional holiday horror film, Santa Claus is as jolly as ever and spreads yuletide fear to both the naughty and the nice. This movie isn’t for the easily offended. Written and directed by David Steiman, “Santa’s Slay” stars wrestling icon Bill Goldberg as Santa Claus and the Antichrist, who also happens to be the son of Satan. Long before the era of Rudolph, Santa loses a bet with one of God’s angels and is forced to read letters and deliver presents for 1,000 years. Not one to miss out on making up for lost time, Kris Kringle immediately begins killing people (apparently that’s a hobby of his), regardless of their status on his naughty-or-nice list. “We’re trapped in a closet on Christmas with Santa trying to murder us — how f-ked up is that!” observes chief protagonist Nicolas Yuleson (Douglas Smith), as Santa attempts to hunt him and his girlfriend Mac (Emilie de Ravin) down while they are hiding inside of a closet. If you’ve ever wanted to watch grandpa get run over by a reindeer, hear an endless supply of holiday puns, or just spread some holiday fear, “Santa’s Slay” has it all, and more. Reach contributing writer Sean Harding at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @pnwpao
THE DAILY
Beyond Jingle Bells
The top 5 albums you should be listening to this holiday season By Megan Saunders Contributing writer Peppermint mochas are a-brewing, cookies are baking, and family and friends are gathered around the fire bundled in soft blankets and the warmth of togetherness. There is an extra, lingering feeling in the air of indescribable proportion along with all of this: a happiness that envelops you with love, joy, and festivity. It is a feeling that can only be created by one thing: holiday music. In all of its glory, holiday music can make you feel like the star on top of a tree: bright, sparkly, and glowing with love. Here are some of a few holiday albums that will make your spirits bright!
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965) What says “hello” to the holiday season better than “Charlie Brown Christmas?” Known as the tale of a young boy who detests the commercialization of Christmas and finds the true joy of the holiday season, the 1965 film “Charlie Brown Christmas” is an American classic. From Charlie’s melancholy moments of contemplation, or Lucy and the Peanuts gang’s upbeat Christmas pageant rehearsal, each scene is set perfectly through the innovative, jazzy inflections provided by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The album is truly unforgettable, with hits such as “Oh Tannenbaum,” “Linus and Lucy,” and “Christmastime is Here.” Even if you aren’t a Peanuts fan, you are sure to enjoy these classic sounds of the season.
“The Greatest Holiday Classics,” Kenny G (2005) If you love modern jazz and holiday joy, look no further than Kenny G’s 2005 album “The Greatest Holiday Classics.” Saxophonist supreme and former Husky (Class of ‘78) Kenny G compiles sixteen well-known classics such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Joy to the World,” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” in this album, as well as lesser-known but just as festive hits “The Chanukah Song” and “Miracles.” The smooth sounds create a calm, laid-back feel for your holiday festivities but not without the inherent passion that comes with all music by Kenny G. So sit back, relax, and let your heart be filled with seasonal bliss.
“Merry Christmas,” Johnny Mathis (1958) As the first of Johnny Mathis’s six Christmas albums, “Merry Christmas” does not disappoint. If you’re looking for the original, classic sounds of the season, this is your type of holiday music. Notable in this album are songs “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” and “Blue Christmas.” Not only will this record fill your living space with the sounds of sleigh bells and hoof stomps to transport you to the North Pole itself, the classic piano will connect young and old souls alike through sweet nostalgia of the holidays of the past.
“When My Heart Finds Christmas,” Harry Connick Jr. (1993) Now famous for his musically focused daytime talk show, Harry Connick Jr. caused quite a buzz back in 1993 with his first Christmas album, “When My Heart Finds Christmas.” Connick Jr., known for his multi-genre talents in singing and composition, includes well-known songs such as “The Little Drummer Boy,” “O Holy Night,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in his mix. He and his band also flawlessly perform title track “When My Heart Finds Christmas,” “I Pray on Christmas,” and “The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day,” all of which he composed. “(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus,” also composed by Connick, is an upbeat hit that makes you want to get up and dance with holiday joy, not to mention that it also tells an adorable story of a young boy who gets to ride on Santa’s sleigh.
“Merry Christmas,” Mariah Carey (1994) Saving the best for last! At the ripe old age of 24 years, Mariah Carey reinvented the way we celebrate the holiday season. Carey’s gospel-infused pop-meetsR&B sound that makes her so popular translates directly into “Merry Christmas.” Impeccable range and flawless whistle-tones are not left out either, and she gives classics such as “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,” and “Silent Night” a new, more soulful sound. There’s no forgetting her self-written modern Christmas classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” A holiday anthem that resonates with all ages, this hit encompasses the pure festivity, joy, and happiness the season brings. Mariah is the definition of merry. Reach contributing writer Megan Saunders at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @UWMeganSaunders
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HOLIDAILY
THE DAILY
BEST BOOKS FOR THE WINTER BLUES
Lift your spirits with literature this season By Chamidae Ford Contributing writer
It is wintertime again in Washington, and there’s no avoiding it. With the constant rain and freezing cold, sometimes you just want to stay in. If you’ve watched everything on Netflix and you are now wondering what to do, here are some winter-themed books to keep you occupied until the sun comes back.
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“The Road” by Cormac McCarthy If you are a fan of dystopian literature and enjoy books that make you question the human race, you will love “The Road.” This post-apocalyptic book takes place during a nuclear winter. The two main characters, a father and a son, are walking south to try to reach the sea. Billions of people have died, society has collapsed, and wildlife has been reduced to almost nothing. The majority of the survivors have resorted to cannibalism. This book follows the pair’s morbid journey to a hopeful salvation.
“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
“Christmas in the City” by multiple authors
If you want something simple but interesting, this book is a perfect trip down memory lane. The book follows four children who find a magical wardrobe that takes them to a land called Narnia; a land filled with mythical creatures, where winter has reigned for 100 years. In a review from The Guardian, the reviewer mentions how “Lewis has a clear and vivid writing style, which makes it easy for the reader to follow and remain engrossed.” You won’t get bored reading this.
This anthology is made up of 14 different stories by 15 different authors that all revolve around romance and Christmas. If you like a “guilty pleasure” romance novel, this is perfect. Although they have similar themes, all the stories are extremely different, varying from past lovers reconnecting, strangers from different states, and brief flings that turn into more. These short stories will put you in the perfect mood for finding love this holiday season.
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer This book is for all outdoor lovers and people who enjoy a mystery. “Into the Wild” is a true story about a young man named Chris McCandless who tries to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. He began his journey in April, and in September his body is found by hikers. This story focuses on Krakauer’s attempts to figure out why Chris did what he did. Thomas McNamee, a writer for The New York Times, reviewed the novel in 1996. “As Mr. Krakauer picks through the adventures and sorrows of Chris McCandless’s brief life, the story becomes painfully moving,” McNamee said. This story is a tribute to a young man who lost his life trying to find himself.
Reach contributing writer Chamidae Ford at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @chamidae_ford
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“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens If you love the holidays and want to get into the spirit with a classic, this book is perfect. This is the classic tale about Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who hates Christmas and just about everything else. He is visited by a series of ghosts who urge him to change his life before it is too late. While most of us know that story, many haven’t actually read it. This is a great time of the year to read the original story that inspired thousands of adaptations.
10 HOLIDAILY
Crocheting for beginners
THE DAILY
Making warm hats, just in time for winter quarter
By Julia Houppermans Contributing writer
Have you ever looked at other people’s warm, fuzzy, potentially homemade hats and wished you could make them too? Ever received a pair of amazing wool gloves as a present and wished you could reciprocate? With the holidays approaching, and an astounding lack of homework to do while on break, you can learn how to crochet. Aspiring crocheters often go to Google first, where they get bombarded with information about yarn thickness, types of stitches, and the optimal techniques for holding each kind of hook. I didn’t learn that way; instead, a friend just handed me a hook, gave me some yarn, and made sassy remarks until I figured out how to crochet. In accordance with that learning style, enjoy this simplified guide to crocheting, excess terminology and jargon not included.
Getting supplies
You can go to a local craft store to get yarn, but if you want cheaper yarn for beginners, I strongly recommend Fred Meyer. They have a massive aisle in the craft section full of yarn in all sizes, colors, and prices. They also sell hooks. You can find “Super Saver” bundles for yarn for as little as $3.50 and, depending on your store, a massive variety of more expensive yarn. Look for something that looks “normal”; that is, don’t buy yarn with bits of fluff sticking out everywhere. If you want more details, check out this guide. Once you spot a type you like, read the label and check the size. It should, ideally, be somewhere from a “three” to a “six.” If not, it might be too thick or too thin to easily work with. I like to use a “five.” Next, go to the hook section, and buy a crochet hook of a similar size. You want it to be within the same number as your yarn. For example, I have a 5.5 hook, and size 5 yarn. Last, make sure your hook isn’t a Tunisian crochet hook. This type is used differently, and is not something you should get for your first time. Once you’ve gone back home and tucked yourself in a cozy chair by the fireplace, it’s time to crochet. I’ll be giving instructions from the right-handed perspective. If you’re left-handed, just switch it around.
Crocheting
Pick up the crochet hook in your right hand. Next, take the end of the yarn ball, and tie the end in a circle around the shaft of the hook. If you want to be technically correct, tie a slipknot. If you don’t know how, any knot will do, as long as it’s a loop around the hook. Make sure it’s not too tight. You should be able to slide the loop forward and backward on the shaft easily. Next, you need to grip the crochet hook. There are a lot of techniques for this, but for now, let’s use a basic one. Put your thumb on the flat spot (or thumb rest), and rotate the hook such that both the hook and your
thumbnail are facing up. Move the loop so it’s between the hook and your thumb on the shaft. With your index finger, hold the loop in place, making contact on the right side of the shaft. Rest the hook on your other three fingers, with your middle finger directly below your thumb on the other side. With your left hand, grasp the yarn about an inch and a half away from the shaft. Wrap it counterclockwise around the shaft near the hook, stopping when you’ve gone over and around the bottom. The yarn should now extend away from the hook in the same spot it was originally. Using your right index finger, slide the original loop and the new loop towards the hook. Once they make contact, use your left hand to pinch the original loop (with the knot), and pull it over the hook. You’ll notice that to do this, you need to pass it over the first loop. This is fine, in fact, it’s what you’re supposed to do. With your new single loop left on the shaft, try it again. See if you can make a chain of loops. You might have to move your index finger up the chain as you make progress, in order to keep a firm hold on it. Make sure not to make the loops too tight. It should be really easy to slide them back and forth on the shaft.
Making a hat
So, you’ve made a lovely chain of loops. Now what? It’s time to make a hat. Hold the chain up to your head, and make sure it can go all the way around. A bit bigger is okay, but a bit smaller is not. Once you’re satisfied with the length, use your left hand to grab the end of the chain (look for our original loop, with the knot), and slide it onto the shaft, entering over the hook. Now, make a new loop using the yarn the same way you made the chain. You should have three loops on the shaft now. Pass the back two (the start and end of the chain) over the newest loop and over the hook. You should now just have one loop and a completed circle. Circles are all well and good, but how do we make it thicker? If you look at your circle of loops, you’ll see each individual loop. Stick the hook through a loop. Now, you have two loops on the shaft. Make a new one the way you’ve been making new loops for a chain, and pass over the back two. Do this again with the next loop. For the
Nikeesha Gooding The Daily rest of the hat, you should always be passing two loops over one new one. So you’ve been doing this for a while and your hat’s probably starting to resemble a tube. The final step is narrowing it at the top. To do this, instead of sticking the shaft in every single loop, we occasionally skip them. Start out by skipping every 10th loop, then a few circles later try every fifth. Be sure to put the hat on often as it’s really easy to narrow too quickly or too slowly. If it doesn’t end up resembling a hat, that’s okay. My first attempt looked like a piece of modern art. What if your hat’s too short? Maybe you finished narrowing it, but it only goes down about an inch on your head. That’s what happened to my second hat, but it can be easily solved. Just flip it over, and start adding yarn on the bottom. Armed with these basic concepts, you can make all sorts of things with no patterns required. And by all sorts of things, I mean circles. Lots of circles. For rectangles, an easy modification is required. Instead of making a circle after you make the chain, just rotate your chain, and start poking the hook through the existing loops. You may need to add loops on the edges; experiment and see how it goes. If you want to make complex items like sweaters, it’s time to learn patterns. For those, look to the internet! Happy holidays, and happy crocheting.
Reach contributing writer Julia Houppermans at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @jhoupps
Top six holiday lights displays for Huskies
A guide to finding holiday cheer near the UW Seattle campus
By Leslie Fisher Contributing writer Are finals looming over your head? Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the beauty around you this holiday season. There’s plenty of cheer to be found around Seattle, especially when it comes to festive lights and decorations. Here are some of the best holiday lights displays near the UW. 1) Candy Cane Lane Location: Northeast Park Road and 21st Avenue Northeast (just off of Ravenna Boulevard) Admission: Free (donations accepted) This Seattle holiday icon is just a fifteen-minute walk away from the northern edge of the UW campus. Walk or drive through between 4 and 11 p.m. to see adorable Tudor-style homes decked out with lights, sleighs, reindeer, and (of course) candy canes. Visits are free, although there’s an opportunity to donate at a canned food station at the end of the route. 2) Wildlights Location: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N Admission: $10 If you love animals, this is the lights display for you. Wildlights is Woodland Park Zoo’s annual holiday celebration. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every night, the zoo is lit up in spectacular colors. Aside from radiantly decorated trees and arches, you can spot LED elephants drinking in the pond and shimmering
bumblebees in the butterfly garden. For a particularly dazzling experience, pick up the free glasses at the entrance. The display will be open every night until New Year’s Day except Dec. 24 and 25. Watch out for the kiddies; as usual, the zoo will be full of small children and families. 3) The Christmas Ships Location: many (see schedule) Admission: Free to view from the shore The Argosy Christmas Ships Festival is a Seattle tradition dating back to 1949. A troupe of ships covered in holiday lights sails around Puget sound, stopping at various locations to perform music for viewers on shore. The ships will be at Golden Gardens at 4:20 p.m. Dec. 16, as well as other locations throughout the month. You can find the schedule online. 4) Westlake Center Location: Westlake Center, 400 Pine St Admission: Free This convenient display is just a few minutes away from the UW by Link Light Rail. You’ll find one of the largest Christmas trees around, the stunning Macy’s Star, a carousel, a weekend holiday market, and other decorations around the streets. While you’re there, you may want to check out Macy’s holiday window display on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Olive Way. The annual display includes six toy train sets, an ice rink, and a moving ski lift with an impressive snowy backdrop.
5) Garden d’Lights Location: Bellevue Botanical Gardens, 12001 Main St in Bellevue Admission: $5 For those able to travel a bit farther, Bellevue’s Garden d’Lights is worth the trek. This annual display at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens features over half a million lights in the shapes of plants, animals, and waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you may also be treated to a music concert with community groups such as the Bellevue Youth Symphony Flute Choir or the Hana Hou Ukulele Group. You can skip the line by buying tickets online. While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out Snowflake Lane, which features dancing elves and falling snow, or the spectacular holiday decorations at Bellevue Square Mall. 6) Mountlake Terrace Lights Display Location: 227th Street Southwest and 42nd Place West in Mountlake Terrace Admission: Free (donations accepted) This neighborhood celebrates the holiday season every year with 25 unique and beautifully lit houses. You’ll find endless icicles, reindeer, snowmen, and colorful trees. While it’s a bit of a drive from the UW, it’s definitely worth the trip. Residents collect donations for the local food bank. While you’re in the area, also visit the cul-de-sac at 228th Place Southwest, which in past years has been home to several other fantastic home displays.
Ava Hoffman The Daily Amongst the light-swaddled shrubs, the Westlake Center downtown has also put up their annual Christmas tree. Reach contributing writer Leslie Fisher at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @lesliefish3r
HOLIDAILY 11
THE DAILY
Shredworthy
How to maximize your pow intake this La Niña winter By Samantha Bushman The Daily The winter forecast is in, and the predictions are stoked with a chance of pow. Last winter saw the UW shut its doors for a snow day, but what’s in store this year for those ready to hit the slopes? Don’t get your hopes up for recordsetting snowfalls; La Niña only guarantees a weather abnormality, not necessarily heavy pow. Luckily for us, this year the Canadian Rockies are expected to have above average precipitation, and the Pacific Northwest should be on par with snow levels we’ve seen in the past. That means at least one powder day is all but guaranteed. If all else fails, sit back and live vicariously through athletes in the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympic games. Big air snowboarding was recently added to the roster, allowing viewers to watch competitors flip their way to victory, or the hospital. Can’t make it to South Korea and hate being a couch potato? No worries, there are lots of local ways to get your annual dose of pow.
Snoqualmie
Closest to Seattle is The Summit at Snoqualmie, often referred to as “Snocrummie” for its low elevation and high percentage of slush and rain. The Summit however, is a classic for those looking for a quick, hour-long trip into the mountains. Boasting a huge park scene and four base areas, there’s a variety of terrain suitable for any level of skier or boarder. You take a chance skiing at The Summit, because even if the weather forecasts snow, it often dumps rain. Shred here for a “sticky quicky,” not a long satisfying day of trails. Hidden gems include “Ditch” and some rare but accessible off-piste powder.
Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass
Two hours out, and for a fuller day of gnar, are Crystal Mountain and Stevens
Pass. While Crystal boasts the largest square footage of on-trail terrain in the state, Stevens is known to have a local, less touristy vibe. While both have moderate parks, Stevens reigns supreme with its mandatory park education program. Crystal is well-known for hosting big mountain competitions, with access to backcountry and long trail runs. It’s also heavily tourist-oriented, meaning expensive food, full parking lots on busy days, and easy runs all the way from the top. The lines go quick though and on a bluebird (sunny) day you can clearly see Mount Rainier. Don’t pay for the gondola and prepare for a long day of exploration. Stevens also has its fair share of backcountry, and tends to be less skiedout. Take a ride on the back side for
groomers underneath power lines that literally buzz as you turn beneath them. There’s nothing like that familiar hum of technology!
Mount Baker and White Pass
Even farther out are Mount Baker and White Pass. Baker is popular due to its close proximity to Western Washington University, and White is heavily community-based, consisting almost entirely of families who’ve been shredding for years. Hit up Baker with your Bellingham buddies or road trip to White for a satisfying day of fast skiing and great views.
Whistler Blackcomb
If you’re feeling adventurous or like to drive, Whistler Blackcomb is the gem of
nearby resorts. Without traffic, the car ride to Canada only takes around four hours. Get up bright and early for a 3:30 AM departure and you’ll make it through Vancouver before rush hour AND make first gondola. Although Whistler is a large, heavily trafficked and expensive place to visit, they offer student season passes that pay for themselves in only four days. For any regular shredder, this is a deal. For the first timer, pay for the experience of riding the Peak2Peak and then take advantage of the lower drinking age to grab poutine and a cold Canadian beer. For students, funding a trip to the snow is often an issue. Lift tickets can cost upwards of $100 a day, not to mention gas, food, and having the right equipment. Luckily, most resorts understand and provide student discounts on passes and rentals. Stevens, Whistler, Snoqualmie, and Baker provide college season passes and lift tickets, while Crystal unofficially gives discounts on day passes.
UW groups
On campus, there are plenty of resources to get you connected with other shredders and even provide the gear you might lack. For beginners, consider taking lessons with Husky Winter Sports. Taught by other students passionate about shredding, they provide a unique opportunity to learn and connect within the UW community. For the more casual or experienced shredder, consider joining Husky Snow Club. They operate a one-time fee rideshare system that operates mainly through their Facebook page and connects you with other people driving up to the mountains on any given day. Many local institutions like Evo, Sturtevants, REI, and second hand stores sell and rent gear, while UW’s gear garage provides rentable avalanche equipment. When going into the backcountry or anywhere off trail, this is a must-have. Sometimes the possibility of deep pow makes us forget about safety. It’s important to be prepared and responsible. Wear a helmet, never ride alone, and know your limits. Getting ready to watch Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Shaun White go for Olympic gold this winter means there’s sure to be no shortage of stoke on the hills. Whether you’re just starting out, watching from afar, or getting ready to send cliffs, make sure to take advantage of this year’s presumed pow.
Photos by Case Tanaka The Daily Snowshoeing near Mount Hood Meadows, yet another ski resort close to home in the Pacific Northwest.
Reach writer Samantha Bushman at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @sammi_bushman
12 HOLIDAILY
THE DAILY
December brings consumer cheer
“Christmas creep” has ruined the holiday season By Rachel Morgan Contributing writer As early as October, store windows start to turn red and green. As soon as there is room on the shelves, the holiday season is ushered in quickly by tinsel, snowflakes, and blinking lights. The problem is, it’s not just tinsel that begins to appear. Large ornaments can be found hanging from the ceiling, and mannequins can be found outfitted in classic Santa hats. Department stores and malls set up massive Christmas trees and a station where families can pay to take their picture with Santa. Stores sell pre-wrapped gift sets to encourage easier gift-giving. Black Friday conveniently gives retailers a chance to advertise major sales to bring customers into the store, just before the holiday season. There is no escape from the red-andgreen, consumerism-driven frenzy that is caused by Christmas. You don’t have a choice as to whether or not you want to take part: If you are a consumer, you are sucked in. This is not a new problem. These marketing strategies have been in place for years. The 1974 short film “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” satirizes the phenomenon. In the film, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts wander into a department store in April searching for easter eggs, only to be presented with Christmas decorations and a banner displaying a countdown until Christmas. This marketing phenomenon is known as “Christmas creep.” The foundational idea of Christmas creep is that due to economic downturns, retailers have began to push up the start of the holiday season in order to gain a larger profit. While this may be beneficial for retailers, consumers in recent years have taken to social media to express their outrage for Christmas creep. Searching “#ChristmasCreep” on Twitter provides a lengthy page of search results consisting of angered consumers ranting about certain aspects of Christmas showing up too early. With increased anger revolving around
Christmas creep, some stores have made efforts to reduce the early infiltration of the Christmas season. This year, Target made efforts to reduce holiday advertisements until after Thanksgiving. The company abandoned its “Ten Days of Deals” sale that normally occurs in November to help consumers focus on Thanksgiving. However, they still introduced Christmas merchandise to the shelves at the beginning of November. Other retailers, such as Nordstrom, have committed to waiting until Black
Friday rolls around to put up decorations, letting consumers enjoy Thanksgiving before being bombarded by Christmas advertising. While some chains are trying to tone down Christmas consumerism, retailers such as Walmart are amping up their marketing in order to make a profit. To compete with Amazon, Walmart has committed to throwing holiday parties at their stores, as well as offering free twoday shipping and other options for store pick-up.
Andrew Estey The Daily Due to these aggressive marketing techniques, the Christmas season will continue to start when stores start to put out wreaths, lights, and trees, whether it be in September or December. The only power we have as consumers is to choose where to spend our money when it comes to Christmastime. Reach contributing writer Rachel Morgan at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @rclmorgan
Different organizations to help you help others
How to do good around the holidays By Devon Fleming Contributing writer It could be called the “true meaning of Christmas.” Maybe it’s that bashful yet fantastic look on your face when your mom opens the wind chimes you made for her. It could even be that jolly relative who says, “But it’s Thanksgiving, can we just not talk about Trump today?” Whatever the manifestation, there seems to be a general consensus to avoid divisiveness in the spirit of holiday cheer and to try a little harder to think outside yourself. Beyond your own household, you can channel that yuletide glee into the community as a whole, more specifically, the community experiencing homelessness this holiday season. Seva UW, a nonprofit providing an all-inclusive space at the UW while serving underprivileged communities, held a Holiday Langar on the Ave. They prepared and distributed meals to those in our community who are currently experiencing homelessness. Seva’s president, Harnoor Mahal, said it is especially important to keep the whole community in mind throughout the holiday season. “The holiday season is a time of year that is super family-oriented. It is really tough and isolating to experience it alone, but when you are also without food, it is even more lonely,” Mahal said. “As a community, we need to uplift people that need uplifting, whether that means giving donation or just having a conversation.”
Seva’s efforts target groups that face injustices as a whole. Last January, they fed over 100 people at the Langar, creating an environment for people from all different backgrounds to share the same space. However, as busy college students, it can be hard to find time to get involved. “The most important thing is realizing that the people around you are human,” Mahal said. Education Transforming Community Health (ETCH) is a UW organization offering weekly health education to adults experiencing homelessness in Seattle. Sessions are held every Sunday, usually in homeless shelters. Last Sunday, ETCH discussed tools for avoiding the flu as well as the importance of dry socks in Seattle’s cruel, winter rain. Program coordinator Sammy Lavitt said although college students don’t always have time or things to contribute to the community, they can still keep the community in mind. “People can feel very invisible. Even the smallest thing, like a hello or a smile has the ability to make someone’s day,” Lavitt said. While December brings holidays, it also brings a cold reality of lower temperatures. Megan Mayes, director of development at Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), said helping those experiencing homelessness is especially important throughout the holiday season. Because a large percentage of the community sleeps outside, DESC provides shelter to thousands of men and women in the Seattle area.
This housing-first model operates with the philosophy that shelter is the first necessary step to supporting the most vulnerable community experiencing homelessness. Once the initial issue of shelter is solved, DESC can continue to support the community with health and employment services. Mayes contributes to the conversation about remembering the Seattle community in its entirety throughout the holiday season. “People would think about it if they themselves had to sleep outside, but somehow it fades to the background when it’s someone else,” Mayes said. Truly seeing everyone around you can spur important conversation and action. On the role of college students in this endeavor, Mayes said, “Anyone who cares about these issues is important to the cause.” Students can contribute by dedicating their Christmases to fundraising for a homeless organization, creating a Facebook fundraising campaign, or simply bringing up these important issues at the holiday dinner table. Because UW students may have more exposure to the homeless population or information on the subject discussing it with their parents can oftentimes further the causes of organizations like DESC. Mary’s Place is an organization in Seattle that works to empower women, children, and families experiencing homelessness with housing opportunities and employment resources. According to Linda Mitchell, director of
communications at Mary’s Place, UW students can contribute to community involvement this season in a variety of ways. Mary’s Place welcomes students who wish to lead a holiday craft, help with homework, or even read to children staying in the shelter. Mary’s Place also has its own events for student involvement. On Dec. 14, an Amazon Symphony Orchestra concert will benefit the shelter. Each of these organizations provides avenues that help UW students seize opportunities to consider the Seattle community this holiday season. It’s easy to agree that December inspires a spirit of community, but it’s harder to actually consider how that attitude could be utilized to spread positivity. According to organizations at the UW and in the Seattle area, the conscious choice to consider the homeless community in this season holds important significance. Whether your choice manifests itself in a smile to someone you pass on the street or in participation in a community-wide event, the real importance lies in the refusal to just stand by. Reach contributing writer Devon Fleming at development@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @devon_fleming18