Songbook 2019 by Times Record

S U N DAY, D E C . 1 2 0 1 9

SONGBOOK OO A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE

Sunday, December 1, 2019

| SONG BOOK 2019

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

SONG BOOK 2019

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Sunday, December 1, 2019

| SONG BOOK 2019

THE FIRST NOEL

SONG BOOK 2019

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Sunday, December 1, 2019

| SONG BOOK 2019

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

SONG BOOK 2019

‘Be a Santa’ to the elderly

By Scott Smith

Times Record ssmith@swtimes.com

Most people don’t mean to ignore older relatives and friends, yet there are many area senior citizens who continue to feel isolated, alone and sad, according to one local official. One of the ways people can help make lonely seniors feel appreciated, respected and loved is by participating in Home Instead Senior Care’s 13th annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, which runs through Dec. 12 in the Fort Smith area. The program calls for community members to pick up an ornament with a senior citizen’s name on it and purchase a gift for that individual in need, said Jonathan Fry, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Fort Smith. “This year, we received the names of 75 seniors in the River

One of the ways people can help make lonely seniors feel appreciated, respected and loved is by participating in Home Instead Senior Care’s 13th annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, which runs through Dec. 12 in the Fort Smith area. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

Valley area who are in need,” he said. “These seniors are asking for items like pajamas, warm clothes and non-perishable food items. “And many of the seniors are alone because they have outlived their family and friends, or they don’t have family in the area who

can visit frequently,” Fry added. Ornaments and names can be obtained at the Community Services Clearinghouse, 4420 Wheeler Ave., as well as United Federal Credit Union locations at 5800 Rogers Ave., and 8900 Jenny Lind, both in Fort Smith; 1924 Fayetteville Road in Van Buren; and 630 U.S. 71 in Alma. The ornaments can be found on Christmas trees inside these locations, Fry said. “Really, the Be a Santa to a Senior program makes it easy for people to Christmas shop for others,” he said. “Since people already are out shopping for their families and friends this time of year, it’s so easy just to pick up an extra gift for that senior, and they don’t even have to wrap the gift. Just bring the name and gift unwrapped back to where you got the name.” Home Instead Senior Care staff and volunteers will take care of the wrapping and delivery of the

gifts, Fry said. “With the way that Thanksgiving falls this year — it’s a little later than usual — this will be the shortest amount of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he said. “We’re asking folks to get out as soon as possible and shop for these seniors.” Those seeking more information can call (479) 434-6960 or visit the Home Instead Senior Care (Fort Smith, AR) Facebook age and HomeInsteadSeniorCare.com for information. “For me, personally, the best part is me seeing the seniors react to the gifts,” Fry said. “They are so excited to receive a gift from someone, and they will usually make us wait and watch as they open their gift. Seeing the looks on their faces makes it worthwhile. It’s so rewarding to see the Be a Santa to a Senior program have that kind of an impact on seniors in our community.”

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At A Glance 13th annual Home Instead Senior Care’s 12th annual Be a Santa to a Senior program When: Through Dec. 12. Where: Community Services Clearinghouse, 4420 Wheeler Ave.; and at United Federal Credit Union locations at 5800 Rogers Ave.; 8900 Jenny Lind; 1924 Fayetteville Road in Van Buren; and 630 U.S. 71 in Alma. Christmas trees are located in these businesses and contain ornaments with the names of area seniors. Participants can select an ornament and fulﬁll the senior’s gift need. Call (479) 434-6960 or visit the Home Instead Senior Care (Fort Smith, AR) Facebook page and HomeInstead.com for information.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

| SONG BOOK 2019

Adding greenery to Christmas decorations creates elegant touch Betty Montgomery More Content Now

The spirit of Christmas comes to each of us in different ways. The traditions we have shared with family and friends over our lifetime are memories we cherish. Decorating with fresh greenery, putting up a Christmas tree, or just the smell of cedar and cinnamon are things that make memories. Wreathes, garlands, swags, and centerpieces are a tradition at Christmas and making them with fresh greenery adds an elegant touch to the home. There is no limit to how you can put different greenery together to make a wonderful display. You are only limited by your creativity. It is hard to say which type of greenery is my favorite. Magnolia would certainly be at the top, along with boxwood and holly. Cedar, juniper, and camellia branches are also great. I try to use the greens that last the longest in places where they will not get water. I use the others in arrangements with floral foam or flower frogs. A garland of magnolia on the mantel or around a doorway is one of the most sophisticated displays to use at Christmas. The velvety copper underside of magnolia leaves contrasted with the glossy, green of the front side of the leaves, creates a classy look for the holidays. Pine mixed with juniper and cedar is also a lovely combination and can be set off by adding winterberry or colorful Christmas balls, ribbon or twigs that could be sprayed gold or silver. Your use of items from nature is endless and is only limited by your inventiveness. Do not forget that it is nice to add a few touches of greenery on the outside as well. Decorate a statue that is in the garden with a pretty bow, place a garland on the patio or hang some Spanish moss in a tree. These little touches will be enjoyed as you look outside. When it comes to choosing the greens to use, look in your garden

Magnolia, Burford Holly and cedar adorn a ﬁreplace mantel. There is no limit to how you can put different greenery together to make a wonderful display. You are only limited by your creativity. [BETTY MONTGOMERY]

first. Pine, magnolia, cedars, firs, juniper, boxwood, camellia leaves, rhododendron, mountain laurel, holly and other greenery can all be mixed together to make a festive decoration. Herbs are also great because each time you brush up against herbs like Rosemary, a pleasant aroma fills the air. When I go out to cut greenery, I use this time to trim some of my bushes and trees, cutting limbs and branches that need to be removed. I cut boxwoods deep inside the bush to open up the inside in order to let air and light into the bush and to help the boxwood at the same time. I cut branches of magnolia where it will grow back readily. Last year, I discovered a yaupon holly that was straggly. I cut it back dramatically and this year, it will be a major source of berries in the house since the pruning helped make the plant come back to life. There are few plants that will not benefit from

pruning and letting a little sunlight into the shrub or tree. I try to cut branches in the morning when the plant has more water present in the stems. I place them in a bucket of water out of the sun in a cool place to let them soak up all the moisture. This is called conditioning greenery. When they are in the house, I mist the leaves

from time to time with water to give them a little added moisture. You can certainly purchase some of these items from local clubs and churches. There are also mail order places that sell magnolia made into wreaths and garlands and centerpieces. If buying locally, check to see if they look fresh because you would not want to arrange them and then have them die a few days later. I also have learned that decorating for the holidays does not have to be done in a day. Get out your larger items and get them in place and do a little each day for a week. This way you will not get as stressed. If you run out of time, at least you have the big items out and fixed. And remember, you can do just a few simple things and make your home festive. Have a few focal points here and there to make a statement. No matter how lavish or simple you choose to decorate for Christmas, it is a time to be cheerful and enjoy with friends and family. If you are stressed over Christmas, it shows. Relax and enjoy this holiday season with friends and family and enjoy the traditions you repeat each year. Betty Montgomery is a master gardener and author of “Hydrangeas: How To Grow, Cultivate & Enjoy,” and “A Four-Season Southern Garden.” She can be reached at bmontgomery40@gmail.com.

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Including pets in the family portrait? By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Many people consider their dog or cat as part of the family, so why not include them on your holiday card? Getting a great shot can be a challenge that requires patience, a bit of skill and a good eye. “If you plan to include your pet in the family portrait, it’s important to make sure that he’s looking at the camera along with everyone else,” said photographer Dan Johnson of Fox Hill Photo in Phelps, Wisconsin. “While it’s easy for the family to look and smile at the camera your pet doesn’t understand what’s expected, so this will require a bit of help.” Designate one family member as the pet handler. “For a larger dog, this might mean holding him on a leash, but for cats, small Getting a great shot with your family pet in a holiday card can be a challenge that dogs or other small pets, picking them requires patience, a bit of skill and a good eye. [SHUTTERSTOCK] up and holding them can work well,” Johnson said. Avoid your pet randomly “Next, have someone who is not in the and help get the pet’s attention,” Johnroaming about the room. portrait go directly behind the camera son said. “Interesting noises and treats

can work well to get a dog’s ears up, while cats might also be interested in toys or moving objects.” Most pets can’t be counted on to be patient. Have the whole family ready and smiling so that when the pet looks at the camera, the photographer can snap away, Johnson said. Another idea is to make your pet the solo star of the annual card. “This can be a fun undertaking for the whole family, especially if you set up a Christmas- or holiday-themed setting to photograph your pet in,” Johnson said. When composing the shot, be sure to kneel down and photograph him at his own eye-level. “This will make for a much more appealing portrait,” Johnson said. After all that hard work, don’t forget to include your pet in any holiday gift-giving. “A new toy or a bag of treats may be just what your pet has on his list,” Johnson said. This article appears in Nov.-December 2019 Family magazine.

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The pros and cons of real vs. artificial Christmas trees By Katey Psencik

It's December, which means it's time to start decorating your home for the holidays. But should you go to the local Christmas tree farm, lot or tent or should you go to the store and buy an artificial tree? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tree. Artificial trees Pros: It's cheaper. Sure, you may shell out some serious cash when you make your initial purchase, but since you're not having to pay for a new tree every year, you can get your money's worth. It's easy. Haul it down from the attic, unfurl the branches and voila! Your decorations are up. Plus, you can buy it pre-lit. Anybody who's ever tried to string lights on a tree can attest that it's not a task for the faint of heart (or the impatient). Buying a pre-lit tree saves time, money and maybe a few fights with family members. Â You can buy them in fun colors. Fiber optic tree? Shiny, pink, metallic tree? A tree covered in fake snow? You can buy 'em all. Cons: It could have negative environmental effects. If you buy an artificial tree, the American Christmas Tree Association recommends keeping the tree for nine years to offset the environmental impact. It looks the same every year. If you like some variety in your life, once you commit to an artificial tree, you commit to the same style, size and appearance for years.

Real Christmas trees smell wonderful in a home, but they can also be a ďŹ re hazard if not properly cared for during the holiday season. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

Real trees Pros: Shop local. If you buy a real Christmas tree, you're supporting tree farmers in your community. You can recycle them. Often cities will collect Christmas trees after the holiday to recycle them, or you can turn them into mulch or firewood to use in your home. It smells nice! Why buy a Christmas

tree-scented candle when you could have the real thing? It's fun. Going to the Christmas tree farm with your loved ones and picking out the perfect tree can make for a fun holiday outing, and let's face it, chopping down your tree is extremely satisfying. Cons: They're more expensive. According to a study by Square and the National Christmas Tree Association, real trees

cost an average of $73. They require upkeep. You have to make sure they stay watered and healthy, and you have to clean up the needles that fall onto your floor. They can also be full of sap, which means decorating can get sticky. They're a fire hazard. According to a 2017 study from the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas tree fires tend to be more deadly than other fires.

SONG BOOK 2019

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Family Time: Stay safe on the road for the holidays More Content Now

During the next weeks, millions of American families will be getting in their cars and hitting the highway in order to visit family and friends for the holidays. While parents and children a like look forward to the excitement of spending time with loved ones, eating big family dinners and eventually opening presents, preparing to get from your home to your holiday destination safely, can easily be an afterthought. According to the Insurance Information Institute, speeding, alcohol, time of day and weather, are factors in all crashes, but are exaggerated during the holiday season. The Insurance Information Institute also reported that 50 more people, on average, die in traffic crashes during Thanksgiving week than during other weeks of the year. One way parents can help prepare for a trip safely is to plan when to leave. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more people travel

During the next weeks, millions of American families will be getting in their cars and hitting the highway in order to visit family and friends for the holidays. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving then travel on the actual day. With the Christmas holiday happening in the middle of the week in 2019, choosing the best day to travel can depend on several factors such as work schedules and school schedules.

TouristMeetsTraveler.com suggests the best day to hit the road is Dec. 25, as many travelers will have already reached their destinations. Tips for keeping your kids safe in the car during holiday travel: • Stick with what you know: Try to

use your own child's car seat when possible. Working with a familiar seat that is already adjusted to fit your child is the safer option. • Know the law: Be sure to check booster seats laws if you're traveling across state lines and have a child at or near booster-seat age. Booster seat laws vary state-by-state and range from as young as four to as old as eight. In general, most kids don't fit seat belts correctly until they reach about 4-foo-9 in height and are 8-13 years old. • Careful packing: The holidays can amount to the addition of gifts and other holiday-related items. Be sure to put heavier items low in the load space, secured so they can't become a projectile during a crash or emergency braking. • Expect the unexpected: Plan for the worst. Think ahead to pack additional snacks, games, cell-phone charge cords and contact information. Also be sure to have cold-weather gear for everyone in your car if traveling in cold climates.

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THE FIRST NOEL

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Feast your eyes on stunning gingerbread creations

By Lisa Elia

More Content Now

Hansel and Gretel werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones tempted by the home-baked warmth and comfort of gingerbread. Amateur bakers vying for first place at The National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, have visions of gingerbread â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not sugar plums â&#x20AC;&#x201D; dancing in their heads. For them, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about working their magic with spices and sugar into grand temples of gingerbread. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At first, it was not intended to be a competition, but as a community display of gingerbread houses from about 12 local bakers,â&#x20AC;? said Tracey Johnston-Crum, the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public relations director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until a guest asked which one was the winner that it became a competition, and took on a life of its own.â&#x20AC;? Now in its 27th year, The National Gingerbread House Competition is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebratedÂ â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and

Judges look for intricate details and pieces that tell a story to determine a winner for The National Gingerbread Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Ashville, North Carolina. [OMNI GROVE PARK INN]

competitive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; baking events. This year, the gingerbread confections will be on public display from Nov. 20 to Jan. 4. Contestants arrive on Nov. 17, and the next day, nine judges pick the winners by 6 p.m. Last year, there were 190 entries, and on average, the competition attracts 150 to 175 entries a year,

Johnston-Crum said. About 150,000 visitors see the displays each year. The rules arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t complicated. Basically, everything must be edible, except the base, and the pieces must be 75 percent gingerbread. There are four categories: Child, youth, teen and adult, and the three winners in each category compete for more than $28,000 in cash and prizes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a national contest, but entries from Canada have competed, as have contestants from 32 states. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled by the competitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, because everything conceivable in gingerbread has made appearances, from the White House to Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tower Bridge to Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark to a pirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ship to panda bears. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You think you have seen everything, but every year I am surprised by what people come up with,â&#x20AC;? Johnston-Crum said. The best pieces tell a story or show a contestantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sentimental attachment to a movie, book or person. One entry that stood out was a replica of a contestantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country store in

Daylight, Tennessee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The details were incredible and unbelievable, from the labels on the canned goods to the produce, the potbelly stove and the candy station,â&#x20AC;? Johnston-Crum said. Another memorable display recreated iconic images from the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Story,â&#x20AC;? including Ralphie in his pink bunny pajamas, the leg lamp and the Red Ryder BB gun. Whatever designs contestants come up with, the judges are usually won over by the participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion and attention to detail. And nothing escapes their eagle eyes, from the tiny, Moscow mule copper mugs gracing a table at which reindeer were playing poker to the realistic-looking candles made of white chocolate standing next to a gingerbread clock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever is near and dear to the hearts of our contestants and what they truly love will manifest itself into their gingerbread entries,â&#x20AC;? Johnston-Crum said. For more information, visit omnihotels.com/grovepark.

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Family Time: Tips for spending more time with your kids More Content Now

Between work, school, extracurricular activities, making dinner, helping with homework, there can seem like there are not enough hours in the day. With everything going on it can hard to squeeze in quality time with your kids. If you feel like you don't spend enough time with your kids, you're not alone. According a recent survey conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crayola Experience, more than half of parents say they are too busy to have fun with their kids. Surveying 2,000 parents with kids ages 3-16 across the country, the researchers found that 78% of parents wished they had more time to spend with their kids. The poll also found that 40% of parents admit they have missed at least one important milestone in their child's life, and that 82% of parents said their child has complained at some point about not spending enough time with them. "Even when parents do spend time with their kids, the children often feel their parents' aren't fully present in the activity — and parents agree," said Vice Preside of Crayola Experience Victoria Lozano. Here are some tips for spending more time with your kids, according to Parents.com: • Practice parenting meditation: Try to stay in the moment, focusing

With everything going on it can hard to squeeze in quality time with your kids. If you feel like you don’t spend enough time with your kids, you’re not alone. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

on seeing your kids, hearing them, understating them and being amazed by them. • Take pajama walks: Before bed, weather permitting, take your kids on a "pajama walk" to help them decompress and mellow before going to bed. Get your kids completely ready of bed (teeth brushed, faces was, pj's on)

and then take a slow stroll around the neighborhood. • Have a taco night: Try using themed dinners when time allows. You can have a taco night, a pizza night a Chinese night or a pancake night. You can also increase your time with your child by having them help with the preparation of a dinner night.

• Fix it together: Use home improvement projects to spend time with your kids while teaching them about tools and life at the same time. • Get there on foot: When you need to take your child somewhere nearby, take the opportunity to walk and have conversations with your child while you are getting to your destination.

SONG BOOK 2019

4 unique ideas for holiday gift exchanges By Katey Psencik The Austin American-Statesman

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of doing the same olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; song and dance with your friends and family year after year, here are some ideas for the same White Elephant exchange (number-drawing, gift-stealing and more) you know and love â&#x20AC;&#x201D; except with themes based around wherever your loved onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests lie.

or so, and everybody goes home with a cute scarf. Everybody wins (except if you get that really cute scarf stolen from you TWICE, which happened to me last year and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still upset about it). Cookies, candies or other bakes goods

A good friend of mine has hosted a cookie exchange the last couple of years, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect Christmas party. Scarves Each person brings two dozen homemade cookFor the last several ies, and at the end of the years, my girlfriends and party, everybody gets to I have gotten together at take home a variety of my place to take part in a cookies. This would also scarf exchange. Everybody work with your favorite brings a scarf under $25 holiday candies or even

cakes, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got serious bakers in your circle. Records, or movies The cool thing about doing a music or movie exchange is that you can set whatever parameters around it you want. Ask your guests to each bring a record they loved growing up, or their alltime favorite movie. Games Card games and board games are making a comeback, and there are so many fun ones itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to keep up. Exchange your favorite games, then spend the rest of the evening playing them all.

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IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR

SONG BOOK 2019

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Food for Thought: Tips to save on holiday dinners More Content Now

Hosting family and friends for holiday dinners is a joyous occasion for many, but looking at the receipt from the grocery story prior to your loved ones breaking bread can make some cringe. According to previous surveys, the average American spends an average of $150-$175 on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and a majority plan to pay for those dinners by themselves. Although hosting your family and friends for the holidays can be expensive, there are ways to cut costs when you go to the grocery store to pick up food and supplies. Here are some money-saving holiday tips to feed your loved ones without going broke, according to CheatSheet. com: • Contributions: Have your family and friends contribute to the bill. Make your request in advance so your guests won't be caught off guard. • Have guests bring meals: If some

• Simplify the menu: Cooking simpler dishes with fewer ingredients will save time and money. You'll also have few dishes to wash. • Look for deals: Check online for grocery deals and coupons. Compare prices among the stores to get the best price. • Budget: Set a dollar amount for your meal and try to stick to it.

According to previous surveys, the average American spends an average of $150-$175 on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. [PHOTO BY OSSEOUS VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS]

guests can't afford a contribution to the bill, you can request they bring beverages, meals or side dishes.

We invite you to join us this Advent season!

Lessons andd Carols L C l Dec.b15,b11:00am

Candlelight CommunionɺService Dec. 24,b5:00pm

SundayɺServices bDec.b1, 8, 15, 22, & 29b 9:00am- Casualb 11:00amb- Traditionalb

Phil and Tasha Blackburn, Co-Pastors 116 N. 12th St. Fort Smith www.1pres.org b 479-783-8919

EASY RECIPE • 7-Up Pound Cake • Serves: 12-16 • Pound Cake • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine • ½ cup vegetable shortening • 3 cups granulated sugar • 5 large eggs • 3 cups all-purpose flour • Pinch salt • ¾ cup 7-Up soda • Lime Glaze • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice • Zest of 1 lim

Steps To make the pound cake: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour one 9-inch bundt pan. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and vegetable shortening, then gradually add the sugar. Continue to cream until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then mix in the flour until fully combined. Mix in the salt. Remove the mixer and gently fold in the 7-Up, taking care not to overmix the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 ½ hours. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto serving plate and let it cool completely. While the cake is cooling, make the lime glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, lime juice and until well-blended and smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Let the glaze set before serving.

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Start a holiday tradition: Anything that makes memories is a good idea By Melissa Erickson From writing letters to Santa, cookie baking and game night, to read-aloud storytimes and chopping down your own Christmas tree, family traditions create memories, teach values and bring a sense of belonging and connectedness.