The Shopper - December 26, 2024 by Vocella, Inc.

Bittersweet Farewell: Finding Joy in the Post-Holiday Calm

McKenna Layne, THE SHOPPER

The days after Christmas always feel a little bittersweet, don’t they? For at least a month, we’ve been caught up in the holiday whirlwind— making lists, checking them twice, hunting for the perfect gifts and decking the halls with cheer. Then, in what feels like the blink of an eye, it’s over. The presents are unwrapped, the feast is enjoyed and suddenly, we’re left wondering: What’s next?

The best holidays seem to cluster at the end of the year. First, there’s Halloween, with its costumes and treats, then Thanksgiving, overflowing with feasts and family. And finally, the grand finale: Christmas, full of cozy moments and joyful traditions. Topping it all off is New Year’s Eve, a glittering goodbye to the year gone by and a hopeful hello to what’s ahead.

But after the whirlwind of these festive months, it’s natural to feel a little deflated. The rush of baking, wrap-

ping and celebrating fades, leaving a quieter rhythm in its place. And yet, as the hustle and bustle give way to calm, there’s something comforting about settling back into the ev-

eryday moments of life.

This year, I pushed myself harder than usual. I baked enough cookies to feed an army—gingerbread, peanut butter blossoms, monster

cookies and more. I stayed up late making homemade gifts, determined to put a personal touch on every package. And like clockwork, I fought off the winter sniffles while trying to

do it all. Don’t get me wrong—I loved every moment of it. But now, I’m ready to embrace the quiet.

There’s something magical about snuggling up with family in the living room, watching our favorite shows together. Or enjoying simple, homemade suppers at the table—no extended family or friends, just us. These moments may not come wrapped in bows, but they’re gifts all the same.

And let’s not forget that life offers plenty to celebrate beyond the big holidays. There are birthdays and anniversaries, little victories and those everyday moments that make us smile—a sister sneaking up to scare us (again) or a brother’s silly face that melts into a warm hug.

The holidays wrap us in a whirlwind of joy and nostalgia, but it’s the quieter moments that sustain us. As we step into the New Year, let’s remember to savor the simple joys, find fulfillment in the everyday and carry the holiday spirit with us—just without the endless wrapping paper.

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AIRPORT

Williston Basin International (XWA) 14127 Jensen Ln

Williston (701) 875-8594

APARTMENTS

Williston Housing Authority 1801 8th Ave. W

Williston (701) 572-2006

APPLIANCES

Ekblad Appliance 22 W Broadway

Williston (701) 572-3769

AUTO DEALERSHIPS

Red Rock Ford 410 32nd Ave W

Williston (701) 577-2142

BOOK STORES

Books on Broadway 121/2 West Broadway

Williston (701) 572-1433

BOUTIQUES

Dakota Dreamin' Williston (701) 641-2913

CONSTRUCTION

Williston Roofing 904 2nd St. W

Williston (701) 339-2345

COURIER SERVICES

Tony's Transfer Minot/Williston (701) 721-7930

DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY

Model Cleaners 1129 2nd Ave W

Williston (701) 572-3734

FINANCIAL

American State Bank & Trust

223 Main St

Williston (701) 774-4165

First State Bank & Trust 22 4th St E

Williston (701) 577-2113

Stifel Nicolaus 322 Main St.

Williston (701) 572-4527

Western Cooperative Credit Union 1300 Bison Drive

Williston (701) 572-4000

FUNERAL HOMES

Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home 112 4th St E

Williston (701) 577-3738

Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home 218 W Highlan Drive

Williston (701) 572-6329

GARDEN/GREENHOUSES

Handy Andy's Nursery 3515 W Front St.

Williston (701) 572-6083

HEALTHCARE

CHI St. Alexius 1301 15th Ave W

Williston (701) 572-7651

McKenzie Health 3-4th St. E

Williston (701) 577-6377

HEATING & PLUMBING

Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW

Williston (701) 774-0070

Haskin Heating & Cooling 2407 2nd Ave W, Suite D Williston (701) 770-4516

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Williston Home & Lumber

320 26th St E

Williston (701) 572-8356

HYDRO-VAC TRUCK SERVICE

VAC-U-JET 5979 US - 85

Williston (701) 572-0826

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

IESS

314 42nd St West

Williston (701) 572-2393

JEWELRY

Ritter Brothers 319 Main St

Williston (701) 572-2051

LAND SURVEYORS

49th Latitude Land Survey 1411 West Dakota Pkwy, Unit 111 & 112, Suite 2b, Williston (701) 580-2651

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Williams County Williston (701) 577-4500 (Auditor)

OILS & LUBRICANTS

Advanced Filtration 4502 139th Ave W

Alexander, ND (701) 770-2275

PAINT

Finesse Painting Williston (205) 441-0009

Etch Your Sketch Williston (701) 609-0839

PEST CONTROL

Pro Safe Services 725 8th Ave W Williston (701) 774-3167

PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL

VAC-U-JET 5979 US - 85 Williston (701) 572-0826

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Rugby Homes & RV Center 321 Gate Ave Williston (701) 572-2250

Arnie's Powersports & Cycle 413 2nd St W Williston (701) 572-3382

RETAIL

Second Opportunity ReStore 2124 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 774-2537

Talon Smoke Shop 1804 W Trenton, ND (701) 572-5110

The TRUNK 4315 9th Ave W St 426 Badlands Town Center Williston

SEPTIC

Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW Williston (701) 774-0070

VAC-U-JET 5979 US - 85 Williston (701) 572-0826

TRAILER SERVICES

MLD Trailer 1909 44th St. West Williston (701) 651-9742

TRANSPORTATION

Northwest Dakota Public Transit Williston (701) 577-6753 Watford City (701) 842-3440

UTILITIES

Mountrail-Williams Electric Coop Williston, ND (701) 577-3765

Sheridan Electric Co-op Medicine Lake, MT (406) 789-2231

WATER TRUCK SERVICE

VAC-U-JET 5979 US - 85 Williston (701) 572-0826 WEED CONTROL Master of None LLC Williston, ND (701)

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: Keeping Cozy Without the Chaos

When winter blows into Williston, it doesn’t just bring snowdrifts and icy roads. It also brings the potential for frozen pipes, drafty windows and more house trouble than you bargained for. But don’t panic—armed with this checklist, you’ll be ready to take on Old Man Winter like a seasoned pro. Or at least avoid cursing while holding a hairdryer to a frozen pipe at 3 a.m.

Check Your Furnace

Your furnace is the MVP of your home during winter. Change the filter to keep it running smoothly—seriously, it’s like giving your furnace a protein shake. While you’re at it, test your thermostat. If it’s older than your favorite 80s cassette tape, consider upgrading to a smart one that can help save on energy costs.

Pro tip: Keep vents and registers clear of furniture and that pile of winter gear that’s mysteriously multiplying by the door.

Seal Those Drafts Drafty windows and doors are like leaving your wallet open in a windstorm. Caulk around windows, add weatherstripping to doors or go old-school and use a door draft stopper. Bonus points for one shaped like a snake— it’s functional and fun!

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are the stuff of homeowner nightmares. Insulate any exposed pipes in your basement, garage or crawl spaces. On particularly cold nights, let your faucets

drip—because a small water bill beats a big plumber’s bill.

Pro tip: Disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and shut off exterior water lines. If you haven’t done this yet… well, now’s a great time.

Check Your Roof and Gutters

Snow and ice love to settle in your gutters and cause ice dams. Clear them out before the freeze sets in. While you’re up there (or hiring someone smarter than you to be up there), check for missing shingles or damage.

Fire It Up

If you’ve got a fireplace, now’s the time to give it some TLC. Clean out the ashes and make sure the flue is clear. A cozy fire is great, but a smoky living room is not the winter vibe we’re going for.

Test Your Safety Gear

Winter is prime time for

carbon monoxide issues, so make sure your detectors are working. Check your smoke alarms too—because nothing ruins a holiday mood like a burnt casserole and a dead battery beep.

Stock Up

Keep essentials on hand: rock salt, snow shovels and emergency supplies. You never know when a blizzard might turn your driveway into the next Olympic bobsled course.

Wrap It Up

Winter can be tough, but with a little prep work, your home will be ready to take it on. And hey, if you get it all done, you can reward yourself with a hot cocoa and a cozy spot on the couch. Just try not to think about how soon spring cleaning will be here.

Giving Your Credit Score a New Year’s Glow-Up Finance

Ah, the credit score. That three-digit number that follows you around like the ghost of Christmas past. If yours could talk, what would it say? Hopefully not something like, "Hey, remember that time you maxed out your card buying a set of collectible Cabbage Patch Kids?" No judgment—we’ve all been there (well, maybe not there, but close).

As we stumble into the New Year, still full of pie and regret, it’s the perfect time to get serious about your credit score. Here’s a breakdown of what it means, why it matters and how you can make it shine like a freshly polished cassette tape.

What’s in a Credit Score?

A credit score is like your financial GPA, ranging from 300 to 850. The higher, the better—think "A+" versus "well, you showed up to class." It’s calculated using five main ingredients: Payment History

(35%): Pay your bills on time, and your score loves you. Miss a payment, and it’s like spilling gravy on your grandma’s antique tablecloth.

Credit Utilization (30%): This measures how much of your available credit you’re using. Keep it under 30%, or in other words, don’t treat your credit card limit as a personal dare.

Length of Credit History (15%): Older accounts show stability, like sticking with the same hairstylist for decades.

New Credit Inquiries (10%): Too many inquiries can ding your score—banks like to see you as a discerning shopper, not a credit-hungry Tasmanian devil.

Credit Mix (10%): Having different types of credit (cards, loans) adds a little extra shine to your score.

Improving your credit score doesn't have to be complicated. One of the easiest ways to stay on track is by paying your bills on time. If

you’re prone to forgetting due dates, setting up auto-pay can help ensure you never miss a payment, which is crucial for maintaining a good credit score.

Another effective strategy is to focus on paying down high-interest debt first, then use the "debt snowball" method to tackle smaller balances. By eliminating one debt at a time, you’ll stay motivated and make steady progress. It’s also helpful to monitor your credit score regularly with free apps like Credit Karma, which let you track your progress and spot any issues early. Lastly, check your credit report for errors—mistakes happen more often than you might think. You can dispute any inaccuracies through AnnualCreditReport.com, ensuring your credit score is as accurate as possible.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to better credit and financial health.

Health & Wellness

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Lighten Up This Winter

As winter stretches its cold, gray fingers across Williston, some of us find ourselves feeling more sluggish, a little more down, and not exactly in the mood to tackle the holiday leftovers. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. And no, it’s not just an excuse to blame the weather for your mood—SAD is a real condition that affects many during the colder, darker months. But don't worry, with a little understanding (and maybe a few lifestyle tweaks), you can manage it and get back to enjoying the season. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a type of depression that happens at a specific time of year—usually in

the winter months when sunlight is scarce. It’s like your brain gets the winter blues, but on steroids. Symptoms include feeling down or irritable, lacking energy, having trouble sleeping, and finding it harder to focus or get motivated. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Why Does It Happen?

While no one knows exactly what causes SAD, experts think it’s all about light—or the lack of it. With shorter days and cloudier skies, your body’s internal clock (or circadian rhythm) gets thrown out of whack. Less sunlight also affects the production of serotonin, the brain chemical that keeps your mood in check. Add that to the fact that winter makes us want to hibernate, and you've got the perfect storm

for SAD.

Signs to Watch For SAD’s symptoms can be sneaky, but here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Feeling tired or sluggish, even after a full night’s sleep.

• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy.

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.

• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or overly guilty.

• Cravings for carbs (hello, comfort food!).

If you notice these signs, especially during the darker months, it might be worth talking to your doctor.

How to Fight Back

Luckily, SAD can be managed, and there’s no need to just ride out the season in misery. Here are a few tips to

help lift your mood:

Get Some Sunlight: Even if it’s cold, try to get outside during daylight hours. A brisk walk can do wonders for your mood. If natural light is in short supply, consider a light therapy box that mimics sunlight.

Stay Active: Exercise releases endorphins, which are your brain's natural mood boosters. Try to get moving, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block.

Talk About It: Don’t bottle it up. Talking to a friend or a professional can help you feel understood and less isolated.

Maintain a Routine: Keeping a regular schedule can help stabilize your mood and give you structure. When to Seek Help

If your symptoms are severe or don't improve with lifestyle changes, it's time to seek professional help. Therapy, medications, or a combination of both can work wonders for managing SAD.

Wrap It Up

Eat Well: Avoid carb overload (we know it’s tempting) and focus on a balanced diet. Foods rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, and antioxidants can help your mood.

Winter in Williston might not be the easiest time for your mental health, but understanding SAD and taking action can make all the difference. So, turn on that light, go for a walk, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help. After all, winter’s tough enough without the added weight of feeling down.

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Through a Lutheran Lens

THE JESUS UNDERNEATH: A SPIRITED UNDERSTANDING

PASTOR ZACH HARRIS FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

“Where is Jesus?!” The question rang out for the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. You see there is an extra-large Manger scene under the Christmas tree in the sanctuary at First Lutheran, but the manger itself sat empty for four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve—the logic being Jesus isn’t born until then! But for those who were really upset, I had to confess, the little Jesus figure was simply wrapped up in the red cloth tree skirt swirled around the base of the Christmas tree. Even when you couldn’t directly SEE the Jesus, he was right there underneath all along!

In parallel fashion, having used Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” as the basis for my Advent services on Wednesdays, I had my final reveal at the last service. As a prop, I had put together a Lego diorama which looks like three of the characters and a winter setting from the story perched on top of the book itself laid sideways with the author and title clearly visible on the spine. What no one knew was that the spine also has a drawer built into it. And when I opened the drawer, inside was a little Jesus figure. To which I noted: though neither scripture nor God is mentioned directly at all in the story, the Spirit of Jesus is underneath all along!

As it turns out, through a rather interesting string of happenstance (which most likely I will tell at some future time), I discovered a work of Dickens that I had no knowledge of. Written specifically only for his children as a manuscript, “The Life of Our Lord,” is a concise retelling of the Gospel of Jesus that Charles Dickens read to his children each Christmas. It was not to be published, but only for his children. When the last child was still alive, he bequeathed the manuscript to his children giving permission to

publish upon his death, having kept the promise of keeping this writing only for the children as long as they had lived. So ,in 1934, this small book denoting Charles’ faith was published to certify that his Christian faith, which seems to be inferred by many who read his works, was most likely indeed implied by the Jesus that was right there underneath all along! There are other authors who have come to the forefront of my attention during this holiday season for varieties of reasons. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was profiled both in a major motion picture and in a fairly recent book that caught my attention, has the distinction of being the subject of the longest single volume book that I ever recall reading: his biography by his good friend Eberhard Bethge (at close to 1,000 pages for a class on Bonhoeffer in Seminary). His legacy is seen by many as being simply a spy and conspirator against Hitler. Interestingly, his occupation is as a Pastor, theologian and ultimately Seminary instructor and author whose most noted quote is:

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him, come and die.” Yet the obvious connection is: that even given the unseemly choice of sinning by inaction against Hitler’s killing spree or action in an assassination attempt—the messiness of his whole life is a testament that Jesus was right there underneath all along!

And then there was a book about the journey of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis which I will talk about in more detail in a couple of weeks. However, both of which have biographies that clearly are undergirded by their Christian faith. And where many have thought they saw Christian analogies in their stories when they first were published, now it seems quite evident that Jesus was right there underneath all along!

And lastly, prompted mainly by the most recent version of a retelling of that Dickens’ classic in “Spirited” which is both a comedy and a musical, I have found a thematic thread running through the works of one of the stars, Ryan Reynolds. In “Spirited,” he co-stars with

Will Ferrell and quite literally enacts a plot of redemption for someone thought to be unredeemable. But, that thread of redemption is one that seems to follow so much of Ryan’s works. It hit me when I was rewatching another of his Christmas movies, “Just Friends”— in which he plays a music producer trying to redeem not only his present self’s sell-out to the Hollywood lifestyle but his past’s insecurities—that so many of his characters are in the redemption business: the change from self-delusion to self-discovery. Just in past month in movies played on various channels you could see this in: “The Proposal,” “Free Guy,” “The Adam Project,” “If,” and, most notably, “Deadpool and Wolverine” for the greatest change from anti-hero to straight up Super-Hero, or as he sacrilegiously calls himself—“Marvel Jesus” saving the multi-verse! Yet even potty-mouthed Ryan Reynolds (who also helped to save a whole town called Wrexham, but that’s a real-world story) has more to him than one might think, having grown up

WILLISTONGRAPHIC.COM

as a strict Catholic, dare I say, with perhaps Jesus underneath all along! So, as this comes out the day after Christmas, there may already be those who have put all the decorations away. The presents are all opened. The trees are down. Even the manger scenes have been boxed up and put in the basement. But that Christmas Spirit doesn’t have to be. Because like so many examples, and maybe even you: just because you can’t see him front and center, doesn’t mean he’s not still in your basement. Once that Spirit that Jesus gives starts working, my guess is Jesus is right there with you underneath all along!

Pastor Zach Harris has been an ordained minister for 33 years and currently serves First Lutheran Church in Williston. His column, “Through a Lutheran Lens: A Pastor’s Perspective,” will appear regularly in The Shopper.

Closet Chaos to Closet Calm: Tips for a Functional Wardrobe

Ah, the closet—a magical place where clothes you forgot you owned, questionable fashion choices and that one sweater you swear shrunk on its own go to mingle. If opening yours feels like a game of Tetris, it’s time for an intervention. Lucky for you, the New Year is the perfect excuse to wrestle your wardrobe into submission.

First, you have to confront the beast. Take everything out. Yes, everything. Pile it on your bed like you’re hosting a garage sale. This will force you to deal with it before bedtime unless you enjoy sleeping under a mountain of mismatched socks and old prom dresses.

Now, channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself: “Do I actually wear this?” If it hasn’t seen the light of day in the past year, it’s probably time to say goodbye. That bedazzled jacket you swore you’d wear to a karaoke night? Donate it. Those jeans from 15 years ago that you’re definitely going to fit into again? Let them go. If you’re on the fence

about an item, try the “reverse hanger trick.” Hang it with the hook facing backward. If it’s still that way in six months, it’s time to part ways.

Consider donating your gently used items to local thrift stores in Williston. Second Opportunity Restore and Wise Penny are both excellent choices where your clothes can find a second life. Not only will you help clear space in your closet, but you'll also contribute to local causes and help neighbors in need.

Once you’ve downsized, group your remaining clothes into categories: shirts, pants, dresses, sweaters, etc. Within each category, organize by color or season—whatever feels logical to you. Bonus: it makes finding that one black sweater way easier when you’re running late.

Hooks, baskets and bins, oh my! Use them to corral accessories like scarves, belts and hats. Invest in slim velvet hangers to maximize space and stop your clothes from slipping onto the floor (where they’ll live for weeks). Sea-

sonal items, like bulky winter coats, can go in storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space for your everyday wardrobe.

The key to a functional closet is maintenance. Take five minutes each week to straighten things up—put

clothes back where they belong and deal with that pile of laundry before it becomes a second Everest.

Now, stand back and admire your work. Your closet isn’t just organized; it’s functional, fabulous and ready to take on 2024 with you. And

thanks to your donations to local thrift stores, someone else might find their perfect treasure among the items you’ve let go. Just don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve suddenly got nothing to wear—it’s a universal law of closet clean-outs.

Job Listings & Classifieds

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FARM & RANCH

HAY FOR SALE, BIG ROUNDS, GRASS-ALFALFA Fairview MT area. Call 406 366-2361 p-tfn

Housing Authority

Of the City of Williston

The Housing Authority of the City of Williston is now accepting applications for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, and 4 bedroom units. *Income, eligibility, and admission preferences apply. Applications are available at The Housing Authority of the City of Williston located at 1801 8th Ave West Williston, ND 58801 Monday-Friday 9am - 4pm (701) 572-2006

In the Kitchen

Snowed In, But Well Fed: Budget-Friendly Winter Meals That Won’t Break the Bank

Winter in North Dakota is no joke. Between scraping ice off your windshield and braving the arctic tundra to grab the mail, the last thing you want is to spend a fortune on groceries. But fear not—this isn’t a sob story; it’s a success story. With a little creativity and a lot of butter (always butter), you can whip up meals that are as comforting as a fleece blanket and just as easy on your wallet.

Soups to the Rescue Soup isn’t just a meal— it’s a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s cheap. Start with a humble bag of dried beans or lentils. Add some broth (homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, store-bought if you’re realistic), a few chopped veggies and maybe some leftover

ham or sausage. Suddenly, you’ve got a hearty meal that could feed an army—or just your family, who eat like one.

Pro tip: Save your veggie scraps (carrot tops, onion skins) in the freezer to make your own broth. It’s like recycling, but tastier.

Casseroles: The Midwest’s Answer to Everything

There’s a reason casseroles are a winter staple: they’re warm, filling and made for stretching a tight budget. Grab a box of pasta or rice, a can of cream-ofsomething soup, some frozen veggies and whatever meat you’ve got on hand. Toss it all in a dish, sprinkle with cheese and bake. Voila! Dinner is served, and nobody has to know it only cost you about $5.

Bonus points for adding crushed crackers or chips on top for that crunchy, golden layer that screams, “I put in extra effort” (even if you didn’t).

Breakfast for Dinner: Because Why Not?

Eggs, pancakes and potatoes aren’t just for the morning. Breakfast-for-dinner is cheap, quick and universally loved. Whip up a batch of pancakes (throw in some cinnamon for flair), scramble a dozen eggs and fry some potatoes or toss together a hash. Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got a diner experience without leaving the house.

A

Sweet Ending Craving dessert? Apple crisp is your budget-friendly hero. Use those apples that have been sitting on the

counter since October, mix them with sugar and cinnamon and top with a simple oat-and-butter crumble. Bake until bubbly, and serve with a scoop of ice cream (if the kids haven’t eaten it all). Winter might freeze everything in sight, but your meal budget doesn’t have to. So grab your crockpot, preheat the oven and let the cold winds howl. Dinner’s covered.