Christmas 2009 Special Issue

Page 2...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

1st grade - Bridgeport Elementary Dear Santa, Santa, your the best. I want a new play-dow maker for Christmas because mine is old. I want a new barbie for Chrisamas because my are broken. I wan’t a new trapling for Christmass because mine has holes. I want a new make-up for Christmas because my is old.

Your friend, Veronica Dear Santa, I hope Yue feel good I What a swim 9100. I Whot a gtrare. I Whot a bike for me. I whot a treapleen. I whot my femlee to be hapie.

Your friend Destinie Dear Santa, Santa you are the Best I want make up so I can Put on. I Want a straightner for my mom. I Want a Wond with Real Power. I want money for my mom and dad.

With love, Yaritza P Dear Santa, I want Hot Wheels. I Want a car four my mom. I want a twehas. I Want a has because myn is nasde.

Your friends, Micah Dear Santa, I want new clothes like a Dress because I want to play with my sisters.

Love, Lexine

wut a matikl I wut a basstt Mathu Perkins Dear Santa, I wont now play stashint two gams. I asaw want mor love for my famaly. I Asow wont a DSi for my sistr becus she bot Avin and the chipmux. I Asow wish me and my sistr had a dog. your friend, Jake Dear Santa, I hope you feel good. I want lots of dlothe. I want a Ds four christmas.

I want a Barbie four christma I want a playdo ice cream Maker four Christmas Love, Kelsey Dear Santa, I hope you are retey for Christmas. I want new shoss like roollr shoss and tvicll toss that do not hav lasess. I want a new bike like a barbey bike. I want a candey jorey. I want a cack mack. your littl girle Abigail Dear Santa, I wahtee a new scooter. I wart a new nrfaun. I wart a new 3 bobik. I wart a new desgam. Santa I will put food four your radier. your friend, Levi Dear Santa, Have a a happy Christam. I want a pink Ds. I want a fasy-up. I want make-up. I want a new clothes. I Love you your frienb, Bella

Dear Santa, I been a good grl. I want lots of toys. I want a donut make for Christ- Dear Santa, I anl for Christmas Barbis Henun mas becuase I don’t have one. I want a Ds for Christmas becuase I like monte nu. I want for Chrismcs a now puppy.

Ds. i want a Dog that swims with love Alexis Dear Santa, I hope I wat a motrasel I want a kitt for me. I want a Fox cor I want Dear Santa, I want new toyss. I want my femle a jaket collh your frah And a big swinneg pool Santa I wood Collin Lick it if you wood git me a bike. your frind Maranda Dear Santa, DiSatw Satu, I am hpp for Sat Kosberys I am fa for mi Con I wut a sabord I wut swmcos I wut a bseei I

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 3

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How are you? Is Rudoph doing Hi! How are u and the reindeers How are you santa? I what a toy Dear Santa, for me. I will put some cookes out. and Rudolph? I will save u some cook- ok? I wont a of clothes.

I want same earrings. I want a How is Mrs Clous?

Love, Cordaie Pardue ies. I what a webkin and a puppy. easy-bake that max mufen. I want Love, Love, some barbie presas. I want some Macey Marburger Danessalara happiness for Mom and Dad. Dear Santa, with Love, Dear Santa, How are your reindeer. I will give Dear Santa, Katlyn you some cookes ad milk.

How has your RanDeer?

How are you dooing santa?

I whant a barbie house. The one My favrite yir is Crismis. I love I have been good. I wanta wii game.

Dear Santa, Crismis. I wont a noow Bike. I will I have been rie good. I want to see with sters would be great.

I hoP You feel Grat I wont a Love, you. I rite want to see you. make you cooes. bascitball so I can Play I aosal Cambryn Ridicck Love, Love, want a Toy car I want a futhall I Emily McDaniel Destny LoveJoy aosul want a cullrrihlouc Isaac 1st grade - Bridgeport Elementary

Dear Santa, I just want you to no that I hope you make it in time for christmas. I want a stuff animailes like a horse named choklet. I want easy-bake for christmas. I want my family to have the best christmass ever. I want a real horse for christmas your friend Anaka Mrs. Romines - 1st Grade-Chico Dear Santa, How is rudolph I wont a robot and a hot wheelsirace track.

Love, Enrancheer Dear Santa, How are you Santa and the reindeer? a doll house for Christmas.

Love, Christal Deleon Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? I will leave you some cookies. I wandwhistle and a doll house.

Love, Heaven Ellen Dear Santa, Hi! How are you? I hope Rudolph is ok? I want a cmander Rex helmit and the Blaster.

Love, Gavin Gee

Dear Santa, How are you? I have a footbll. I have been good I want a football. jrjey.

I love you santa.

Love Kamden Thomas Dear Santa, Hi! How are u? How is Rudoph and the reindeer? I will save ya some cookie. I want a transformer.

Love Shene Wolf

Page 4...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

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by Beth Toombs These days we see a slogan that says, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

“Who is this Jesus?” you ask. “What season?”

Well, let me tell you.

Jesus is the Son of God, and the season is the time of the year when we celebrate His birthday.

A long time ago, more 2000 years ago, in the little town

of Nazareth in Galillee of Judea, a young woman named Mary was sitting by herself, when the angel Gabriel, who was God’s chief angel, appeared to her. Of course she was frightened, and he said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. I have come to give you a message, marvelous news which shall be important to all people. You will conceive and bear a son, and call His name Jesus. He will be great, and reign over the house of David, and his kingdom will have no end.”

Mary was puzzled. She said, “How can this be? I am a virgin. I have never been with a man.”

The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. For that reason, the child shall be called the Son of God.” “And also,

you cousin, Elizabeth, eventhough she is old and has never had a child, is also going to have a baby. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Elizabeth’s baby is the one who grew up to be John the Baptist.)

Mary said, “I am the bondslave of the Lord. Let it be to me as you said.” and the angel departed.

Mary immediately went to see Elizabeth, and when she entered the house and called out a greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth cried, “How is it that the mother of my Lord shall come to me? For behold, when you greeted me, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. You are blessed among women!”

Mary sang a song of praise and dedication. She stayed with Elizabeth for three months, and then went back home.

Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter.

When he learned that she was pregnant, at first he thought he would break the engagement, but an angel came to him in a dream and said, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary for your wife, for the child she carries is of the Holy Ghost.” So he honored his committee to her. He took her to be his wife, but did not h a v e marital relations with

her until after the baby was born.

The months went by, and when Mary was well along in her pregnancy, the governor of Judea made an ordinance that all men should go to the hometown of their ancestors to pay taxes. Joseph was a descendant of King David, so he and Mary had to go to Bethlehem. When they got there, the town was full of people, and they couldn’t find a place t o stay.

F i nally a kindly inkeeper, seeing t h a t M a r y was close to the time to have her baby, said they could sleep in the barn where they would be warm. And there the Baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him in some swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger filled with hay.

Outside of town there were some shepherds tending their sheep. Suddenly a bright light surrounded them, and the Glory of the Lord shone abut them. They were really scared.

But the angel of the Lord said, “Don’t be afraid. I have come

to give you news of great joy which shall be for all people.

Today, in the City of David, a Savior was born, who is Christ the Lord. You will find Him, a little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And about that time, a multitude of angels appeared, praising God and shouti n g , “Glory t o God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men of good will.”

When the ang e l s left, the shepherds looked at each other in wonderment and said, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that God has made known to us.” And they hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, just as the angel had said.

And they told everybody what they had heard and seen. Everybody who heard about it wondered at the news, but Mary treasured all these things in her heart.

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 5

Jackson- 1st grade BES Dear Santa, I would like make up. I Love It. I would like you santa. I can’t I am so Happy santa. I love yo u I Love y santa. I can’t way’t are comeing santa. I just can’t. I can’t what santa.

I Love the Efs. I Love you santa. I Love you. I can’t wate I can’t wat I Jst Love it. I santa and I want you. I Love y Chloe Edudid Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I wot a wii. I wot a cat. I wot a Nurf Gun I wot a ipod. I wot a Dsl. I wot a pupedog. I Love you santa, how is mrs claus. I wot a wii games. I wot srreysinrs. really love all the toys youhavegiven me all sevenyears. I wot a pspgames. Iwot summur sepuw. I sot sumsall. wilyou Bingmy pegesins Hunter Largunt Dear Santa, thak you for have ingererme and will you ples will you germe DS And thak you forthe-famley. I’m a frieind of yours. And thak you for the toys.

And I me so hape that you and nef help my not to Be Bad. and thak you for makien books. haw is me. Clos. your frend Jacob Dear Santa, I love youSantu I wot a Wii. Santusi Brlwot one seet. Gokrtxovor the Best Santu. evrl. Santu will you get me. ask obrFrrcrisi. I love you Santu. haw is misclosis misclos. hllpin glhaw-muchismyPresis. But I love you and wil you git me a PuPPy and wil you git my sistr a lat oP Santu.

Abigile Swans Dear Santa, I wot a DS a gmae cuke umomy for a DS a Pink DS. I wot a ril Papey a white and Black. I wot a fackdolns and fack muney. I wot a PuPyar. laPaPy a brown PuPy. I love you Santa Santa you forth desst Santa I like you deckun you are speshol to me. I like yr toy’s that you make me wre you make me Santayou vizit agin. friend Lexi Victoria Pewitt

Dear Santa, Iwot a cat For Kwismis. I wut a Doe For Kwismis. I yes a c-caw For Kwismis. I yesa Hrs For Kwismis. I wut a Fith For Kwismis. wyt a Zremv For greetnog Iyes a DoL For Kwicmi.

I wut a yes Gosiz For Kwismis. I wut a sck a co For Kwismis.

Faith Prater Dear Santu, I Will wunt a Borbey Bick and pink intoDes with a game that will be a Hiy school musick game an a uthr game that i will wunt an it’s a moreyo game anis mrs.

Clausishelpingmacing the toys and Hos is the elfs an How are you santa Clous an is the elfs being good for you santa clous an my sistrs will wunt a bick to an she will wunt a slumrpords Bick an my little sistr suZette will wunt a Borbey Bick to your friend Rosa Davila Dear Santa, I whut a plashteshen. I wut a new football. I wut a game for my plushteshen. I would like a Wii game for my whole family at Christmas. I wut a dsiy. I wut a game for my dsiy.

I wut a ckicutey for my football. I wut a new basckitball. I wut new shus.

I wut a nice football. Haw is Mrs.

Dear Santa, Dear Santa this christmass I Your friend, Bobby Slaughter dush wut to tel you that Thack you for all Prezets now I I’m genu do sunting for you thas is nis to you.

Dear Santa, If you can git meed. Vo see dear Santa this christmas ca I ples randadevB. and can I have a packgun. get craon mack thack for this holday and can you git me sum ero and a and I Love you annd I wott money pithrof you. and PC ald I with and I wot a : mmoor and Bc your friend, ampiGrfon. and if you can git me a Viviana Galicia mbock-Ginthroidinuonu. and a toy poney and I like you santa, Dalton Howard Dear Santa, can Yiu mack me a Snowhite.

Dres and A Bisickool if you. Have a Dear Santa, Santa I Ixsyoufor Kris I wouldn nuf tamia Bor B House. and a spadr Firet ru KGor KrisI. Santa. grikkstoom. and a toy elves and a fourwheelet my mom likes John Deer fack. Spidr A toy gun and a toy. Hors and a noo ws now Budc. dolldog and cups and plates and pajamas.

Wropere a toy viviana. I wot a : toy glugun. I wot a snuge and o Borbe bres. your friend, Dear Santa, Trinity Ward I Love you Santa For you can you are my des Santa. I am your freind Santa for freind. I love you Santa Dear Santa, I would a ds. and wurd of Zoo. for you are my freind.. I am your freind said Olivia. I am freid wif a and a Book. and a toxdoe. and a BurBi freind name Santa. A freind name dall. and a cren Book. And a 2 plir Santa for he gif me a Jonas Broth- clue en mumu. And a Toy. And a Bok ers. I would like a will game for my curs. And a AUc Book. And a ULIy whole faily Christ mas. I Love you dorll. And a do edall. and abibidall. are my freind de in my freind. I Love And a sesrdall. and a Badrod. And a nini dall. and a gila dall. you.

William sonkell your friend, Olivia Carson

Claus.

Dear Santa, I wudr what you are dowing.

Santa I love the toys you gav me you are sow speshl. I love all of you. Snata tals us randis Santa. I wish i can see you you are a best toys makr I wud like a wii for Christmas. er I wut a mareo game and audr Game mareo in the weje car ras wiu did the randir dit eat my food. your friend, Raegen LeeAnn Hankins Dear Santa, Dear Santa Plez can I have a wi. and Santa can i have a BeBey dog. and Please can i have a noo gotcat. and Please can i have a noo Bick form. and Please can i have a noo Books. and Plese can i have a noo Gun. and Plese can i hav a noo Shot Gun. and Plese can i have a noo MSheGGun. and Plese can i have a noo BCBey dog. and Plese can i have a noo Pisstol.

Your friend Marko Rosalez

Page 6...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Jackson- 1st grade BES continued Dear Santa, I would Like a Doll for christmas I woul’d Like a Ds game. I hope mrs claaus isdaig good. thack you for the Presint I am happy that christmas is comeing soon. some dresh up clois for christmas and I hope you have a good christmas I hope you are doio a good Job have a good christmas. your friend Aliya moreibaiz Dear Santa, I love you Santa. Santa win is it’s cun a snow. Santa can you pie meak toy ples. santa haw or your elfs to in good. I like you Santa. Santa you or his. can I have makup. can I have a camera. Can I hove a Book. Cann I have a peiho! your friend, Brook Armstrong

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I Love yow Santa. I want A new Thanks for all the prezens. I want trans Fomers and a new Ice a trick bike and a air plane that reDear Santa, I want a PeeSand I have to feed creammake and star wars ATET ally flies and I want a cricket gun.

Parker Cook it baby doll the at pees and grurly Nash Hagen firly belsl itrigzrirngs Hannh Montana with Party in the usa. Some Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thank you Santa for giving out clothes Hannh Montana doll.

Dear Santa I wat a xbox 360 and Shelbi cooleylF presents to peele and I bet they like trBoe and a pastachif and a foB and it and a preechat t and can I have a n wiBPrckcaIitob prckr xBox 360 Dear Santa, IsaiaH Stevens Michael Marschall Thank you for all the prizes that you have given me but I still want Dear Santa, Dear Santa, another prize and it is a bike.

I Love you Santa.

I love you Santa, Thanks for all Santa Thank you for the gifts.

Rylee Maggret the presents This year I really want Iwant a bike. a Ipod touch. Santa Please write Dear Santa, Destiny I want a two wheeler bike for back.

Logan Walsh Dear Santa, Christmas. I want an I Pod and I want a Gameboy. Can I have a baby I want a fre tr jcic. I want a car Dear Santa, doll for my sister? with. I want a Land same.

Thank you Santa, for all the gifts. nwn1Fallen Shawn McClan I want a wii and make up and Gamesa Nerfgun and nailpolish. The Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thank you Satu foy bringing pre- boock Snow Whitea max dot cars I watht two NER guns. I want a sents I Want a hitte pet Shop set Barbies Microphone I also littest Pet BB gun. For Chrismas and I want basketball and a few Shop stuff.

Aiden McCom Kaylyn Shallene barbies Jaylon Mogus 1st grade-BES

Dear Santa, can your elf duild me a mp3 player with taylor swift and Hanah montana songs. Pleas thats all I ask for christmas Alexandria Lopez Dear Santa, Lexi Ramiris I want a qsq for Chrimas and a bick.

Dear Santa, Joshua Lang I like the toy that you do wrcke a log time to wrcke sant wiy do you Dear Santa, have to wrck vere wrck time to pley I want a dog. and I wand a Preto Mis santa is fileing betr I hop you tend mahey for christmas will bring mor toy sum time you are Homero the bes I hop you will you sum time you will. sum time you will giv uz phez Dear Santa, can you giuz me a snowye. I love you I want a sPdelman tovix a Bctmco Lexi Lopez tmade.

Leonel Dear Santa, I want a Ds Dagow for crismis Dear Santa, and a Bakugun game and a move that I ask for all the presents I want calld night fo the moo vem batte. to a scooter, presens hall Pollsh, microthe mis one ins, a Pack fo Bakugn phone, clothes, shoes, Monev, and a nev Deshred, a transformrs that can head band. talk and transform that cald Devas Hannah Whitt and OK tmis Prim. I Love you santa and Mrs Close Dear Santa, your friend What I want For Christmis I want Fabian a Power Rangr and two trans formers and I know you are ral I hope the elfs and not sick and I want candy canes and I hoipe you are not sic too.

Ian Fagan

Dear Santa, Thank’s so much for present’s to play with. Thank’s for Christmas.

All I want is a doll.

Aubrey Powers Dear Santa, I want a dolphin for Christmas and a jewelry Box and a Barbie and a nailpolish and a toy elf and a Hannah Monitara doll and mew ueans thanh you for giving praents evenybody and I want a dolphin Book and a ring Santa Ashley Ingram Dear Santa, Thank you for bringing gifs I want a fishingpole the seat sinsahin stashin and a new barbiedoll.

Gracie Williams Dear Santa, Thank you for giving gifts to my family and friends. Can you get me a bubble gum machine and a makeup kit and a little play dog?

Rachel Tyson

Here’s hoping your holiday season hits all the high notes.

It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you this past year.

Merry Christmas!

GOT TO GO SOLUTIONS 500 W Sherman • Chico 940- 644-5500 • 940-644-5228

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 7

NAME THAT HOLIDAY MOVIE •After the fiasco of trying to vacation at Wallyworld, you can understand why this family sticks close to home and invites family to join them for a holiday respite in this third installment of the Warner Brothers series. Mishaps abound but none funnier than that of manic squirrel that leaps out and “terrorizes” the family.

•A discarded silk top hat magically transforms this icecrystal creature into a fun-loving companion for a young friend.

•This 1942 Irving Berlin musical was intended to feature songs for all holidays of the year, but it was the Christmas number that stole the show and won the Oscar for Best Music: Original Song and led to the movie being considered a Christmas one! It paired up Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire for the first time.

•Jim Carrey’s facial contortions are a bit over the top in

the 2000 remake of the 1966 animated holiday classic, but the residents of Whoville still manage to enjoy Christmas.

•Unrealized dreams and $8000 in missing funds pushes George Bailey to the brink in this 1946 movie, but a guardian angel named Clarence helps George see that even the twists and turns of life can be wonderful if you have the right perspective.

•A beagle decorates his doghouse, the resident philosopher explains the true meaning of the season, and the main character struggles with all the materialism that surrounds him in this holiday classic which first appeared in 1965.

•This 1954 movie was inspired by the success of the bears the name of an Irving Berlin tune first performed in an earlier movie. This time Bing Crosby pairs up with Danny Kaye to romance a pair of singing sisters performing at

a Vermont lodge.

•After an outcry of protest insisting on a happy ending for the Misfit Toys, new scenes were created to show Santa’s sleigh rescuing them and finding homes for them all in this 1964 animated classic. Other Characters include an elf who wants to be a dentist, an abominable snowman, a prospector anmed Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, the guy with the chapped proboscis.

•“Does Santa Claus really exist?” A young Natalie Wood is convinced he does and is holding court in a New York department store in this 1947 film which won four Oscars.

The matter is settled once and for all when the New York Supreme Court and the United States Postal Service both concur.

•There are 33 screen versions of the Dickens’ novelette featuring plum pudding, roaring fires, snowstrewn streets,

carolers, and, of course, the bitter curmudgeon who’s visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The tale reminds us that Christmas isn’t about gifts and money, but rather friends, family and love.

•This 1990 comedy stars Macaulay Culkin as an eightyear-old who mistakely left behind when his family flies to France for a Christmas vacation. Most of the film was shot in the Chicago suburbs of Winnetka, Illinois and Wilmette, Illinois. Any other shots, such as those of Paris, are either stock footage or faked.

•An infant in an orphanage crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve and is accidentally taken to the North Pole. Santa decides to allow the child, called “Buddy” after a label on his diaper, to be raised by a helper who has no children of his own.

•This 2004 film expands a story that can be read in less

than three minutes into a ninety-nine-minute movie. It tells the story of a young boy on Christmas Eve who is hoping for belief in the true spirit of Christmas. After falling asleep, a magical train pulls up in front of his house and he is invited to journey to the North Pole.

•When 9-year-old Jessica stumbles across one of Santa’s reindeer in a remote part of the forest, no one will believe her, not even ther no-nonsense father (Sam Elliot). Jessica nurses the deer back to health in secret and is determined to contact Santa and let him know where his reindeer is, but her efforts only result in public humiliation for her father. Cloris Leachman appears in this 1989 film shot entirely on location in Indiana.

We’re sending our best wishes to the many good friends and neighbors we’ve had the pleasure of serving this year. May your heart and home be filled with good, old-fashioned Christmas cheer.

We look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Decatur Tire Store 1201 N US 81/287 Bus • Decatur • 940-627-3657 Mon - Fri - 7:30 am - 5:30 pm • Sat 7:30 am - 12 noon

Page 8...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Mrs. Kent’s second grade-BES Dear Santa, I am so excitd it’s almost Christmas. I wish I had my Dear Sant, I want a D.S. for Christma. Sims Kingdona for the wii. I Are you working hard this wish I had the starwars for the year? I like you so munch. My wee. I have decorate my room brother doeset. My mom doset with modegraw beeds. We bought chrismas stuff to decoto. My Dad does to.

Love, rate the house. We bought Jacob chrismas lights an little dog outside and a train.

Sincerle, Dear Snta, Ashley Erin I am so excited to wrtie to you. I want a Tpspin Ipod in like a game for the psp in the Dear Santa, I wish I could have a dit bik game is 2009. I like the psp, in I want one things in the tins are for christmas this year. I want a 2009 for a xbox 360. thank a playstation 2, xox 360, SI, you Santa. I like christmas. I D.S, PSP or a 20.2 I beleve in like the first psp in the first you. I hope I make cookies for game for the psp in I like the you!

Sincerely, psp in the psp is so cool.

Chancy Love, Derek Dear Santa, I want a car. I wish for a psp and three games for the psp. I wish four games for my D.S. I want a game for my x box 360.

I want two horses.

Love, Carlos

Dear Santa, I am so excited that it is almost christmas. I want a PSP for christmas. Have i been good this year. Do you have to sleep alot and what time do you leav on christmas eve?

Sincerle, love, Dylan Dear Santa, I want a bike. Santa I been Good. I want a dirtbike. your SO nice. I set up a christmis tree.

Love, Dalton

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I am so excited to write to Thank you for my toy you. I want a baby alive. I want horse. I have been a good oy. I a baby pig. I want a baby sis- want a new computer. ter. I want my dad to be nicer. I Santa Claus, I like you. want a puppy.

Love, Love, Waylon Massa Dear Santa, I want my famly to have the Dear Santa, Have I been good this year? dest crismis. I want a bike I I want a puppy with dress that want a cat I want a D.S. I want are glittery. I want a pink glittry a dog.

Love, ipod. I want to have lot of Mitchell dresses that are glittery.

Love, sarah

Dear Santa, I want all my family to be Dear Santa, I want you to read my note. here. I want to have fun on I wish I had a real bunny. for christmas I want mind flickes chritmas I want a password and a surprisa. sinselee, journal. I was a good child, I Kevin am nice for my family.

Love, Dear Santa, Larna I am so exciied to write to you. I want Sory slidders please. I would also like an ice cream play0dough set please. thank you. Oh oh and i wold also lik moon sand stat o.k. o.k!!! Could I also get the Dora links doll (Teenage Dora) for Chistmas too !!!!! Ha do you think i could get printies?

Love, your bestes friend Ariday

Dear Santa, Hello Santa. Are you feeling goob? Can I Pleas have an can i maybe have a dsi. Please!

Merry christmas.

Love, Ashanti Dear Santa, Santa have I been good. is Rudolph real? for christmas I Dear Santa, I cant wate until chriStmas. want a zuzu pet, also i want a iT is going to be so fun. chil- ipod. I also want magnedix too.

Love, dren laugh and playing with tatu family and fies opening presins and being happy Dear Santa, Santa have I been good this Love, Kryslynn year? What I want for chrismas is, A doll, A ipod, A DSO game, And I want my sister to have a Dear Santa, I want a ds Please I want a puppy.

Love, psp Pleas I want ipod Pleas. I Victoria want a Sherts Ples. I want a srs Pleas Love, Alke

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 9

Mrs. Hill second grade 2-E BES Dear Santa, Santa you are the Best Man Ever!

Would you get me a collection of air hogs.. Santa Oh! and Hot wheels and Big toys of transformers. Please and what is your fvorite kind of cookies and do your raindeers eat carrots? and I want sea goggles for kids and super mega water gun and water balloons and fun slides too.

Love, Andres Dear Santa, I am so excited to writ to you! I want a D.S.I. I want a phone. I want dresses for my dog. Have I beon good?

Love, Payton Dear Santa, I want a ipod I want a Bike I want a scuter I want a labtop I want a Book I want a Chater Book I want a Phone

Dear Santa, I want a thouch skreen Phone I want a DJ hero I ant barbie camping I want a baby alive I want a TV I want a I Pod I want a bike bratz I want a Pop corn macine I want a Hannah Montana dress uP I want a play car to ride in I want a DS girl games I want a wii I want a skatebord with skoles on it I want pace sign clothes, hat necless, earring I want to be magic I want a pink Bean bag I want Pink and black room I want band with a mic Love, Lindsay Dear Santa, I am so excited to write to you!

May I have a camera and a video cambea. Alos games, and a robe.

Love, Jenny

Dear Santa, Can you come to owr play? The Sincerely, Giselle day is December 8th is when we are playing. It is a Chrismas show. Can you tell me if you have a reindeer Dear Santa, I want a marine costume, and I named Rudlph? Can you give me a want the move Marine2, and the furberrys? How are ou doing? Can move Xmantrilogy, I also want a teces you give me a mouse? Can you give tech jersey. I want the move Batman me a ZuZu pet?

Love, an robin. I want a iPhone. I want the Emily move the marine. I love you!!!

Love, Jamreeen Dear Santa, I am so sorry if I did something bad, but I want some stuff. A barbz Dear Santa, What is your reindeers name? I moons and all kinds of drawing stuff. want a wii. I want a texas tech jer- I am thankful for my family and sey. I want Up the video game. I frands. I am thankful for that god want an iphone. I want a texas tech made the heven and eathe. I want helment. I want polar express the candy to. Candy cans and everything. book. I want phineas an ferb the And I blesed you.

Love, videogame.

Peyton Thank You! Love, Sammy

Dear Santa, I like Santa Claus. I want a PSP. I want a trans Formers Race track.

I want a tracer chests.

Sincly, Armonie Dear Santa, Can I know if I been good? I would like a DS an the army game. Do you have evles? Do you like smores?

THANK YOU!!

Love, Cecil Dear Santa, I am so exited to write to you! I have my own mini christmas tree. I’m exited for christmas. My family has a christmas tree. I have five people in my family.

Love, Micah

Dear Santa, I am so excited to write to you. I want a phone. I want a toy gun. I want a paint ball gun. I want a compputer. I want a game box game.

I want a bebe gun.

Love, Ricky

your favorit kinds of cookies?

Love, Haley

Dear Santa, I love chrismas. It is my fravie time of the year. Have I benn good kid. I believe in you. Could I have video camera. And a history book and a science book. Please give me a Dear Santa, Santa I want a DS for chrismis. miystery pize. Thank you!

Love, I want a playdough set. Wat is yor Ava reindeers name? I want a Noe drees.

I want a iPure.

Love, Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a phone. I elizabeth want a pupy. I want some makep. I want a bunny. I want a beaun bag. I Dear Santa, I am so excited to write to y. I love you Sana!

Love, would love for you to bring me a DSI Serenity and a real rabit. And a real puppy. also a new cambra lends, and more wii games that are E rated so tha my hole family can play, what are

Page 10...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Lot’s of makeup. becase my mom Mrs. Spann- 2nd Grade- Chico can put it on me. And make me pretty. And I wan’t a purse. becase I Dear Santa, can put my makeup in my purse.

May I please have a makeup set.

Brianna May I please have a DS. May I please have a DSI. May I please have a psp. May I please have a computer. May I please have a phone. May I please have a camara.

BES -2F may I please have a ipod.

Dear Santa: Ellexase Friddle I whant a Wii can yo bring me won please when you get to the house Dear Santa, Please dont it my cokies. And dont my mom werts hard in sers. she drink my sodas or my milk Put you werts hard I wilie wont you to get can drink a little bit of it and it some her something spellshll four her in cokies put do not it them all. Can thats all I wont you to do fou her in you bring me a lap top? now wuht.

See you later!

I wilie wont a big box av blies Daniel cars in thats waht i wilie wont. Will you can giveme som mor if you wont too.

Dear Santa my name is Jimmy for Dear Santa I want a 4weeller. becase Tanner York I want a when you belive in yourself I can ride it if you give it to me. I want a will. becase I can play It. And anything is p@sidle I will love It verry much. And I want I wish to have a skate board rig to.

I wish to have a skateboard to. I Deare, Santa for Chirshmas I want what a shot gun this year to. I what a Xbox 360 this year. I also whant a a PSP and a slid thouch-screen X bike. I even wish to have a DSi to. phone. I also want one of your I whant a new b$b gun to. Even a raineer I want Blitson. And I want is a Dsi. One more thing I want is fishing pole.

J.J. a baby puppy. To my Deare firend Santa. _____ Dear Santa I would like an electric scooter. Beccause I got strate A’s Dear Santa I want a skateboard. And for the first time of my life. And a a robot smart board. And all the Junie IPhone. And I wold like a laptop.

Love Trinity Bell B Jones book’s. And all teh Honest Abe P.S. get here fast _____ Dear Santa I wish for a musvroty.

I wish for a PSP. I wigh’f arosi. I would realy like a Jeep and a lot of Dear Santa my name is Jimmy.

For this year I want a skatboard a Toy T rasfamers. and legos. I will like a phone. proskatboard _____ Jimmy Third Grade - Bridgeport

Dear Santa, My mom has been work a hole lot can you give my mom some closthes and i wont some closthes and a bike and can you give my dad a new truck santa how is the whether over dear where you live.

Jose rodriguez Dear Santa, I love you santa?

Im 8 years old im a big boy now. Im faster can you give me 10 un eformsare, Rangers and ahtedicks and Angels and Rays and BlueJays and carndlas card, yankees and mets and phillies and chico dragons. and at av and a boston and football and a baseball. your pal, kenyon

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 11

Page 12...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Third Grade - Bridgeport

cake maker.

Lots of Love Dear Santa, for christmas I want Madison A. the movie santa Buddies and a cover for my phone.

Dear Santa, thank you, I want a DSi ans a PS3 and I want a Jessica Whisenant biger 4 wheeler not to big with a good chain. and i want some big dromes Dear Santa, and I want a PSP and I want Night I wont to have for chrismas an Ipod Visen goggles. and i want a tire for tuch plese and I Like to have an coboy my scooter and the my mule. set of clothes too and makeup that had snow on it and a BIG dolphen The resen I want all this stuff is neakness. and A LAPTOP and a lot becese I don’t have it. I am Ethan. I of Jewelry. am 9 years old.

Love Ethan Macias Alexis Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I want a DSi Becuse my old one I will leave milk and cookies out for broke. I want a puppe Becuse my you on Christmas Eve. For Christ- and my brother dog dide. I want a mas I want a trampoline, four geter Becuse mine broke I want wheeler, wii games, mp3 player, wizerd pawers Becuse I wunt to towe laptop, a talking parote and a ham- of my Brother Becuse hes rode and ster. mene. p.s. These are the things I mostly Love want.

Emily Bernardo Christian Daniel Coke Dear Santa, Merry Chismas Mary Christmas santa I want a for willer. for chis mas and This christmas I want a ipod. I now a wii and a air hog. airplane and a they are alot of monye. My sister gater and a flate skene tv sand most got’s one and a gift card. Can I come of all I want money!!!! stay the night on christmas. And Ray bining me dack nest chriatmas. And for the peopl in the hosptle to have Dear Santa, fun on christmas.

I wont this I wont a PsP and a Xbox Have I den good or what Santa.

360 and a PS3.

Mary christmas to you and Mrs. ______ Closs.

Sonsarely Merry Chismas Caci Allen. My age is 10 years old.

I want skates and slay and presints.

Michaela Dear Santa, I would like a four weeler because Dear Santa I want.... somone stol mine. I won’t a xbox 360. a I wont a recever for my teavey. I a long Bow. wont a D.S. game. long Bow aros.

Samuel Franks a Bow target. a Box of 243 shells.

Dear Santa, and a Box of 223 shells.

I would like a electric scooter and sum elBow Pads. a DS ans a p.s.p and a four weeler.

Brody Keith Jones I’m nine I’m going to be ten on August 8 reason I’m righting this is Dear Santa, becoase my mom and dad doesn’t I sooo toadly want an Ipod tuch. have the many for that much things.

There awsome. I also D.S games. or Love 30 webkinz. I also want a gormet girl Azia Grisham

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 13

by Jeannette Ward Have you ever wondered how Christmas traditions started? Why do we put tinsel on the Christmas tree? Why do we decorate with holly and lights? Why do we only eat cranberry sauce at Christmas? And why is the candy cane the sacred Christmas treat?

The creation of the candy cane has many stories as there are colors and flavors of the candy during the present holiday seasons. However, what the original confection treat represents, has never been in question.

It started as a stick of pure white, hard candy that adorned the early 17th century Christmas trees. In those times, the Europeans used food items such as candy and cookies to

decorate the trees. According sented the birth, ministry and to legend, a craftsmen shaped death of Jesus Christ.

In the mid 1800’s, an Inthe candy into the shape of a diana candy maker shepherd’s wanted to make a candy that would help his family and friends remember who and what Christmas was really about. So he took the pure white “caned candy” and incorporated symbols of the life of Jesus.

The white stripe in the candy represented the “purity of the virgin birth and His pure, sinless life.” The red crook, stripe on the candy cane to help signifies the blood that it “hang on Jesus shed on the cross. the tree withThe shape of the cane, came out having to string the candy.” However, to represent the shepherd’s shortly after, what started as staff. “Jesus is our shepherd a shape of convenience, turned and we are his flock.” into a sweet candy that repre- And….if you turn the cane

Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients 1 cup butter - softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup finely crushed candy canes 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, with an electric beater on medium speed, cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and the peppermint and vanilla extracts and beat until well blended. Gradually add the flour and salt; mix well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

Coat two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed candy canes and the granulated sugar; mix well. Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls then roll each ball in the candy cane mixture; place on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until browned. Immediately remove from the baking sheets and place on wire racks to cool.

over, it looks like the letter “J” which is the first letter in Jesus’ name.

Through the years, the symbolic message of the candy cane has grown as fast as the popularity of the treat.

It has been said that if the cane has a narrow red stripe it represents the scars on the body of Christ after he was arrested and whipped. The flavor of mint symbolizes the use of the herb in the Old Testament

for purification and sacrifice.

The “breaking of the candy” has demonstrated the “breaking of bread in communion.”

And …..the sharing of the candy is a symbol of the love of Christ.

Maybe that is why it is Santa’s choice of candy he gives to the children when they hop off his lap. The children share their wish list, and he shares the “love.”

Chocolate Candy Cane Bites Ingredients (4) 3-oz. chocolate bars- 2 semisweet, 1 milk & 1 white 1/2 c Crushed candy canes

Directions Using 3 separate bowls for the 3 different types of chocolate, melt the candy bars. Stir half of the candy into the semisweet chocolate. Set aside a little of the candy for sprinkling and then stir the remaining candy into the other 2 types of chocolate. Drop by teaspoons onto a parchment lined tray. Top each with a drop of the milk and the white chocolates. Sprinkle with the candy and allow time to harden.

Candy Cane Fudge Ingredients 1 package vanilla milk chips 1 can Pillsbury Vanilla Creamy Supreme Icing 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 4 drops of red food coloring 2 Tablespoons of peppermint candy canes (chopped)

Directions Put vanilla chips in pan on the stove at medium heat. Continue stirring until the chips have melted. Add icing to pan and continue stirring. Take off heat and add peppermint extract until dissolved. Pour mixture into a pan. Take food coloring and add one drop in each corner of pan.

Take butter knife and begin stirring until the food coloring has been swirled into the fudge. Add chopped peppermint pieces to top of fudge. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until the fudge hardens.

Cut into small pieces.

Page 14...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

The history of Christmas tree ornaments and their significance

by Whitney Bridwell Every year, millions of people hang colorful ornaments on their Christmas trees, but have you ever thought about where the tradition of hanging ornaments comes from?

Several theories have been told and disputed for many years on the origin of ornaments, nearly all of them with religious significance.

One of the more popular theories of the tradition stems from a monk who moved to Germany in the late 7th/ early 8th century to preach. Saint Boniface, known as the Apostle of the Germans, reportedly brought the fir tree to Germany.

Boniface believed the triangular shape of the fir tree represented the Holy Trinity - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Germans quickly took t o decorating the tree, placing white candles upon it.

However, with the arrival of the 15th century, ornaments began to appear in Latvia. The ornaments of the period were roses, which paid homage to the Virgin Mary. This is believed to be the beginning of decorating trees with ornaments.

Fast forward to 1605: people in Strasbourg, a city in eastern France near the German border, began bringing trees indoors and decorating them with paper roses, lighted candles, wafers, nuts, and sweets. The creativity of decorating Christmas trees soon caught on with others in neighboring communities and continued to spread.Individuals and families began to take on their own versions of decorations, using painted eggshells,

cookies, and candies. During this span of time, people began using tinsel as a decoration, a tradition that continues to this day.

Throughout the years, the idea of decorating Christmas trees spread to other countries, inevitably arriving in American homes in the 1800’s. Most ornaments were fruit and nuts.

Fruit symbolized the regeneration of life with the coming of the new season. English homes began using glass beads and hand made ‘snowflakes’ to capture the light inside the homes. Germans began to use gingerbread, baking them into shapes of stars, bells, hearts, fruits, and angels.

Americans added their own flare t o the decorations by stringing cranberries or popcorn to circle the trees.

Until the arrival of the 1880’s, ornaments were left to the imagination of each particular family. But German entrepreneurs saw the potential for mass marketing and income in the world of ornaments.

Glass firms around Lauscha started producing glass toys, saints, molds of famous people, animals, and other knick-knack items to hang from trees and released their creations to the market places.

The ornaments were immediately successful and demand quickly grew in the German town. Due to the unique shapes and the marvelous craftsmanship, Germany captured the world market for Christmas ornaments.

With popularity of orna-

ments booming around the world, F.W. Woolworth, an American mass merchant, began importing the German glass ornaments. By the late 1800’s, Woolworth was reportedly selling $25 million worth of handcrafted glass figures.

Around the same time, manufacturers in Dresden, a city located near Lauscha, began producing pressed and embossed paper ornaments. The paper decorations added dramatic flare with their bright colors, most in animal shapes. These particular ornaments were used for more than Christmas decorations. Many of the designs were used year ‘round for festivals, community events, and weddings. Like their neighboring city, Dresden became a sensation nearly overnight for their ornaments. Orders came from around the world to collect different pieces.

As the popularity of decorating trees with ornaments increased, so did the competition. In 1925, Japan broke the strong hold Germany had on the market place by producing ornaments in large scale with new designs and interpreta-

SUBMITTED BY

tions. Ten years later, Christmas tree ornaments numbering o v e r 250 million

were being imported to America.

America’s love of the German ornaments was soon put to the test, with the arrival of World War 1. German imports were not in favor, so a U.S. businessman named Max Eckhardt decided to capitalize on the opportunity to have ornaments made in America.

Eckhardt teamed up with a representative of Woolworth and made their way to the Corning Company of Corning, New York. The company had a machine that produced thousands of light bulbs out of ribbon

glass, and Eckhardt saw the investment opportunity to start producing ornaments out of the company.

The Corning Company agreed to the idea, and by 1940, were producing mass amounts of the glass ornaments. Eckhardt, who had established an AllAmerican company called Shiny Brite, was the company’s biggest customer.

With the arrival of World War 2, many companies were forced to change their ornament making processes. Many materials previously used were in scarce supply, and companies looked for cheaper ways to produce ornaments. Practices from this time period still hold strong roots in today’s ornaments. Glass ornaments are still produced, but many are now made of plastic.

Christmas tree ornaments play a major role in holiday traditions. The decorative items that line the trees have spanned over 500 years and have strengthened many economies and international business relationships. But, most of all, ornaments provide the warmth of holiday spirit and take us back to Christmas’s past.

GINGER JOHNSON

Sweet n Crunchy Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

1 very large can SAM'S SUGARY SWEET YAMS, drained 1 stick margarine, cut into chunks

1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon, for desired flavor 1 small can crushed pineapple with the juice 1/4 cup crushed pecans

Directions Place drained yams in a saucepan with the margarine, cinnamon, and brown s u g a r ; set fire to low; cover and heat until butter melts-usually 10-15 minutesstirring often to mix all ingredients. Decide whether you prefer to leave the yams whole or mash as you stir. Add the pineapple and crushed pecans and heat until desired temperature. Pour into a serving dish. serves 6-8

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 15

Ms. Pendley-1st Grade-Chico

Dear Santa, Wii and DS. May I have a toy.

Dear Santa, Rudolph wrks. santa dus Radof has I would lick a Barbie Thank you shin grit for the Chrisstmas a DS I ut a horse Thank you, Merry christmas.

Sean I love Merry Nane Dear Santa, Thank you for the Chrismas preDear Santa, sents last year.

Please Bragme a four please Please giv me a new wii Bragmea fon please Bragmed DS. is Rudoph nos shining.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you I bin gud Dusti I love Destiny Dear Santa, Thank you for the Christmas Dear Santa, presents last year. Are the elves Please can I have a apple. I love making good toys? Please can I have you bee good I been good. Santa a DSI. please can I have some toys. Can I Thank you havea howpinsi I Love You. Merry Cassie Christmas Santa. Be a good boy. I love you.

Dear Santa, I love you Thank yo for lotss uf lasteer yeer Name Alex I thank for all presents You for the best Santa thank you Dear Santa, four presents.

May I have a four wheeler Thank you, and or a skatbrd Natalie thank you Jeffrey Brown Dear Santa, Are you busy? Haws roodof? Can Dear Sant you bring me a skate board.

I wt 200 jees thin I wt 200 not thin I Thank you wt a falmey pam.

Darke I love you thank you Sara Na7 Dear Santa, Santa bring can you brug me a Dear Santa, Wii. Santa bring me ya cbosi Could you plese bring me a DS. Santa bring a bono wfith.

Could you plese bring me preset.

Thank you Could you plese bring me a bistcl Gabriel Lovs Santa Janet Dear Santa, Thank you for the christmas presents laste. you brmea horse and a borba and a four wheeler and a Barbie doll and a cat and a DSI and a fasin u of horse and a horse and a sum fith plis drime m watand hiese.

Thank you Varie Candona Dear Santa, Thank you for the christmas presents last wek and is rodoff has is find. DSi Love you Abigail

Page 16...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

T fÉÄw|xÜá V{Ü|áàÅtá T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE I LOOKED ALL ABOUT A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE NO TINSEL NO PRESENTS NOT EVEN A TREE NO STOCKING BY MANTLE JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS WITH MEDALS AND BADGES AWARDS OF ALL KINDS A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT IT WAS DARK AND DREARY I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING SILENT, ALONE CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER NOT HOW I PICTURED AN AMERICAN SOLDIER WAS THIS HERO OF WHOM I’D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT SOON ROUND THE WORLD THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY

AND GROWN-UPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE I COULDN’T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE “SANTA DON’T CRY, THIS IS MY LIFE CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM I DON’T ASK FOR MORE MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP I COULDN’T CONTROL IT I CONTINUED TO WEEP I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHTS CHILL I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD DARK NIGHT THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER WITH VOICE SOFT AND PURE WHISPERED “CARRY ON SANTA ITS CHRISTMAS DAY ALL IS SECURE.” ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT “MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.”

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 17

Letter from an anonymous U.S. soldier Browsing through websites, one site posted a poem we at the Index ran in the Christmas special issue last year and perhaps previously. Staff members here did not write the poem, but felt the significance was valuable, especially concerning those who are serving in our military and are away from their families around the holidays. The poem, A Soldier’s Christmas, received a great deal of attention after someone emailed copies to many of the service members.

The following is a response email from an anonymous U.S. soldier.

“Dear Sir, “I am one of America’s soldiers who received a copy of “A Soldier’s Christmas” over the internet, and I just wanted to thank you for giving some of my friends and family an opportune way to say ‘thanks.’

It meant a lot to me.

“I have not been stationed in the US since 1995, and the nature of my job will keep me overseas throughout my career.

Although I am not always viewed as that soldier with “dusty boots,” I know all too well what it is like to be away from home for so long - especially during the holidays.

“I would like, however, to take this opportunity to thank you, and America, for being the fine, grand, noble Nation that makes each and every one of us out here serving in the military extremely proud of the country and the people we protect.

“You don’t necessarily have to pray for us soldiers, as we have chosen this life....and we sacrifice our life for OUR people and OUR country. No, do not pray for us this holiday season.... Pray for OUR Nation and Her people..... for only then will the life we ‘chose’ be

“Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, My life is my God, my country and my corps.” and with all due respects to the Major, I add.....

America, my country-men, Our flag is our life.....

We’ve accepted your ancestors,Through struggle, through strife.

We’ve come a long way.Yes, a long way to go...

But we’re out here defending.The life that you know.

What you believe, Is not my concern, I carry my weapon.... America learns I’m proud to serve you, wherever I’m sent, For you are Americans... From Allah to Lent And so my dear county-men, I ask of you this, Display our flag, and remember our bliss.

For I am out “here” On this Christmas Day, And I want you proud, LONG MAY SHE WAVE. Thank you, from a service member”

worthwhile.

“Yes, I do pray for peace on Earth....always. But, “There will be wars, and rumors of wars,” so, in the meantime; maybe, just maybe, this year you can put out a suggestion to OUR American people....

We tend to fly our flag on the 4th of July, we tend to fly our flag on Veteran’s Day.... maybe this year, through your website, you could maybe “ask” the American people to put a small American Flag on their Christmas Tree, amongst their ornaments, (or within their own religious ceremony/custom) just to “remember.”

“A small reminder that “we” are free to celebrate whatever holiday, however we please, because of that flag and what She represents. Sir, I have volunteered to protect ALL Americans... Christian, Jewish, Agnostic, even Atheist.... it is my proud honor to do so... and all I ask is that maybe, during this “holiday” season (whether one believes in it or not) is your help in asking “America” to wave Her flag in Unity and be thankful for our Grand Nation.

It would mean a lot to us out here, wherever we are...”

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Page 18...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Mrs. Claborne - 2nd Grade - Chico Dear Santa, I live in Chico and I realy want to see you. I want a D. S. I want a toy horse. I want to not be on the noty (naughty) list. I wawnt to be on the nice list.

Love, Bailey Dear Santa, I want a psp and will you please buy me the movie Shorts. And please and please I’m biggen you. Please buy me a psp game. The game I want is football.

Love, Corbyn Cornell Dear Santa, I would like an mp3 player, a new bike, a puppy, a horse, hotwheels, a road riper, a new track that has hotweels, and a rock guitar and a cd player.

Love Jose Losoyd Dear Santa, I want a new bike, and a baseball bat, and a rifle, and a police car, and a skateboard, and a toy dirt bike.

Love, Brock Durham Dear Santa, I want a PSP for Chrimstmas. I live in Chico. How are you doing? I like you. Chrimstmas is fun. I am being a good boy. I’m good at psp. I have a good day.

Love Raul Nava Dear Santa, I like the things you bring me this Cristmas. I want a watch and megazoid. I want the animal one and a blue watch and a earphone for my mp3 player Santa.

Love, Nico. Pulido Dear Santa, all that I want for Christmas is a bike and gingerbreadd house withdecorations for it. That is all I wont for Chrisstmas.Love Tiffany Wootton

Dear Santa, I love you Santa. I want a playstation. Then I want a robot and a play night. Then I want a dirt bike.

Then I want a new ginger bread house. Santa will you hug me? Yes santa said. I will hug you anytime.

Love Will Tackett

Love, Daniela Velazquez

Dear Santa, I live in Chico, Texas. I been a good girl. I want a PSP and games.

A new DS and DS games. I want a xbox and games. A Wii and Wii games close and a scarf. Snow close and snow boots.

Love, Dear Santa, Rosemary Schaffer I live in Chico, Texas. I want a psp. I want a cool toy race track that jumps over a toy town. Don’t Dear Santa, I love Christmas very much. Have miss my hawse.

Love I been noty or nice? I will like a new Paul Pinneke HotWheels set. I will like a cool “F2” feet Action Figure restling set. Plese don’t miss my home.

Dear Santa, Love, How are you today? Because I;’m Gabriel A. Brooks fine. Santa how do you climb in a chimmey? How do you carrey all those toys on you back? I bet if I Dear Santa, Pleas will you give me a D-Rex climb on the Chimmey I would die.

Love, for Chrismas. I forgot 1 more gift, Taryn Lunsford cristal growing and a ds with games too. I love you Santa. _____ Dear Santa, I want a dsi and a Mario game of Super Mario Smash Brothers. I love you Santa. How are you? Do you relly fly deers? Please buy me the games. and buy my little sister a ds.

Love Maria Rodriguez Dear Santa, What I want is a pink guitar with flowers on it. Because I love singing when I play the guitar. My sister says I play it very good an dI bealeve in myself to do it.

Love, Kambree Hand Dear Santa, I live in Chico. I want a bike with two wills on it and a cheda pad so I can sit on it with no back pack on the front and no string on the handle bars because the string bother me.

Love Sydney Delgato Dear Santa, I live in Chico, texas. How are you doing? I want books. I want clothes.

I want a jacket. I ‘m never gonna fight with my sister and brother.

North Pole Cupcake Cones Ingredients Ice cream cones that are flat on the bottom A baking sheet Any cupcake or cake mix

A bowl A mixing spoon Icing Shredded Coconut Chopped walnuts and raisns

Directions Place six ice cream cones on a baking sheet. Make the cake mix according to instructions and pour the batter in each cone. Leave an inch/ 2 1/2 cms of space at the top. Set oven at 375 farenheit/ 190 celcius. Place cupcake cones in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool for half an hour, then ice and decorate them with coconut, chopped nuts, and raisins. Cover lid and let rice simmer slowly and gently for an hour, or until all the milk is absorbed and swollen up.

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 19

milk for a snnack by the tree. I want you will come and give my my sister a psp if you can give me one please. and bluther.

What are you going to leave my yor litte texan, brother? Are you going to leave him Dear Santa Claus,

by Kuston For christmas I want a guitar. I a hot will.

Sincerly, Dear Santa Claus, want a bike, and a toy horse. And I Liberty would like a nice friend. I would like I will like to go to the northpole. to see your reindeers to. My famliy I want to see elves. Elves maks toys. would like some presets for them to. Dear Santa Claus, I want for Christmis is X-BOX Thank you for giving kids preYour friend your frend, Celine D sents, being so jully, and being frendly.

Cameron I want a flying remote control, and a moving trane. By the way how many Dear Sante Claus, Dear Santa Clause, This year I want a cool racing elv’s do you got? You dont have to I am thankful for you bring prebike and a remote control dirt bike. say it. sents to my faily and I like your Your litle texan, ranydeers and I will make you some I now some of your reindeer name Robi cookis and milk for Christas.

Comit, Cupid, Blisson, Dancer, Praccer. I will Leave some cookies your frend, Dear Santa Claus, and milk.

John thank you for giving us presents Santa’s friznd Kobey to Arlie my cousin And Julie my other Dear Santa cousin and thank you elves for helpiing I what a toy car wth a reamt santa. I love your big big presents coatroll. I what a dockit rockit and a Dear Santa Claus, I am thankful for the toys and And I Love you santa And Thank you ktm for Willer. I What a the Northpole. I am thankful for the god for this holiday god And i like reemotcontroll JeP. a elec hrit oert elves. And elves I want a Dsi and a your church god. Thank you for the bike. and dvds. I what a wii to. and a charger and a bule bike. And I am little presents and the medium pre- psp. en more thing a ktmoert bike. going to give you presents like milk sents And let all my family in the your frend, whole world And what’s yor reindeers and cookies for Christmas.

Gabriel Your Friend, names A your elves Name.

By: Miguel Garcia A. Dear Santa, Jacob Rosas I am happy That you are checkDear Santa Claus, Dear Santa Claus, ing your list twice. I want more How bo the elves make tvs and 007Ford Ds. I want a remokantrol This year I want a Ipod and a suff ainmal like roudoff and I Thak Dses and some clos jomus thgins air plaan. and a brt Bike. you four The toys and Santa I am gluvs Bikescletbll dall gtar and I will yoor crisaan dote going to set out milk and cookes and give Santa cookies and mild and we

by Cody The cookes have desin They have a mit make even brownies or angjuice snowflak a Chrismess tree and a and me and my bluther and sister ginngerbraed man too. you are The will give the reindeer some foot sow Best Your Friend, Kaylee Jones 2nd grade Bridgeport Elementary

Dear Santa Claus, Thack you frou givihg us to ys and. wate are your reindeers names? and canyougiteme a toytruck. and Iill eve some cookie and milk froe you Your Friend, Tommy Dear Santa Claus, I want a Dsi for christmas and I want my mom to come and see me.

Did youcheck your naughty and nice list twice? What are your reindeers names? Who is on the nice list? What raiindeer do you like the best? Can you get me a Dsi please? I am going to leave you some cookies and some

Dear Santa Claus, Santa thak you for giveing us present I will give you cookie and milk with a nakin do you no what I like a motorcycle and a ds it had diffrent games in cindergarder my techer gave me food for the rainders it had sparkal glider my techer name was Mis Kinkes ThakFully, Angelica

Dear, Santa I will leva choect chip choocks I hop you love thum. Santa I wdat a DS and a game it is calld mayo dad Loechy and glow stashen and something for my mom and dad my mom had never got something and a toy for my dog. and a move can your elves can make toys? your best friend, Cves

Dear Santa Claus, Thank you for the awsome resents and thak you for being a nice santa claus. Santa would you pleas get me a little guitar that is rockinrole tipe with a microphone with it that would be nice. I will leave you mik and cookies the cookies will be home made. Santa I will not be naughty Santa.

Prayerflully, Daja

Dear Santa, I wadsfistin IWnWhsfof you tiat inytinye etp ennm tti wiweiostin nyenwetre. I w for wheeler Fibeme tinyf I wa Ds W fog finyestiw tinye MWhot arretinhfortinemeke tiny m DStiny neltime. Mettkeds I keneweweb tdsmemebenyeny? nyenyenyenme time Destiny

Page 20...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Mrs. Lopers- 2nd Grade- Chico Dear Santa, do you want me to make some cookies for you and what kind of cookies do you want? How is Mrs. Clause doing? I want a D.S. with D.S. games too.

Love Iris Lasiter Dear Santa, Would you like to come to my house. Are you fine this year Santa?

I am trying to be good. Would you bring me a DS, colering book and a book.

Love Sarah Williams Dear Santa, How is the reindeer and Ii want a Electric Pinck Scooter and a cabispach.

Iv been triing to be good.

Love Chloe Schmidt Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clause are you doing good?

Are the reindeer good?

I would lake a new booke and a new bike and I wunt a DS to.

Love Kristin Holbert

Dear Santa, how is Mis Clause and how are you dowing how is the elf how are the reindeeers dowing how is the elestric powr dowing. Wode you like to come to my home how is the North pole dowing can you bring me a psp and can you bring me a mp three player. from Ashleigh Blafk

elfs. I wont a DS and a Wii plese.

Love Lester Edwards Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clause i wanta 4-wheeler and a Ipod and a little rado like Chris and a box of play-doh.

Love Shelby Hood

Dear Santa, I want a _______ and I want a moder scooter and I want a gocart and I want a motersicl and I want a dirt Bik. Love Dylan Calterberry Dear lovely Santa, I do not want that much presents.

How are the raindeer? I will put cookies and milk. I’ll put caritts out on the proch for the raindeer. and all I really want for christmas is a bunch of borde games.

Love Aubrey Willett

Dear Santa Claus, How are you and the raindeer, how is Mrs. Claus how is the wether I’m shore it is cold ther. I would like pleas more santa paws books pleas I would like a mustange. I want it to be tame when it is here.

Love Dear Santa, Jordan Brown How is Mrs. Clause doing? How many days until Crismas.

Dear Santa, P.S. how is Mrs. Clause dowing I wunt I want a for wheeler Love a football and a new fone and a uthr Eric lisird and a piry of panch and a new xbox. love Dear Santa, John Reyes I want a trampoline and will you leave me a few candy cans and a few Dear Santa, presents.

I love you! Please bring me a Billy Morgan coling book. from Dear Santa, Zane How is Mrs. Clause and the elf’s would you like cokies and milk. Wold you bring me a saddle, Mp three, Dear Santa, how are you and Mrs. Clsue boing Bolt, spurs, please.

Love at the north pole. i hope i’m not on Ashley Goodman the noty (naughty) list. I hope wun is on the noty (naughty) list. how is your

Christmasfoto by Jo Gilbreath

MEYERS AGENCY INSURANCE • REAL ESTATE

Wishing you a

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

1205 Halsell St • Bridgeport

683-4008

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 21

A Christmas Joke Earlier this month, a gentleman stopped into the office and had a funny story to tell. I thought it was a lot of fun, so I’ve decided to send it on your way. Enjoy! - Whitney Bridwell A christmas list I want a handsome Ken. I want the island princess. I want a baby crib for Lucy. I want the nintendo D.S. “Hi friends, This is too funny. When my niece Ciara wrote Santa a list this year basically detailing the 4 items she wanted, my boyfriend Jeff decided it was an opportunity to teach her a lesson so he sent her the letter below from Santa’s lawyer.

Enjoy!

-Evelyn” Penguin, Bear & Fox, LLP 6 North Pole Plaza, Suite 2 North Pole, AC 00000 Client: S. Claus, Inc. Re: Christmas List

Dear Miss B----, Our client is in receipt of your undated Christmas list.

Although it is the sincerest wish of our client to honor your request, the vagueness and brevity of your correspondence poses a problem. If our client were to honor your request, which lacks specificity and the traditional salutations, behavioral documentation, and expressions of adoration and belief, our client would be exposed to legal challenges from beneficiaries world wide and could face censure from the governing body of all gift and reward delivery workers, the International Sainthood of Dreamsters.

To rectify this situation, and to insure prompt full or partial consideration of your request, please submit a revised “Letter to Santa” as soon as possible. Please be sure your response satisfies the critical requirements listed as follows: 1) Include a salutation. Example: “Dear Santa,”. A salutation allows our client to route your correspondence to the person you would like to re-

view and consider your request. In this specific example, the salutation can also function to confirm your belief in the addressee.

2) Include behavioral documentation. Example: “I have been a very good/bad boy/girl this week/month/year.” Please note: All behavioral claims are subject to verification. Verification of claims may require a review of all records and files documenting prior behavior, eye witness interviews and direct surveillance.

3) Include expressions of adoration and belief. Examples: “I can hardly wait for Christmas and to see what you will bring me” or “I love you Santa”. Alternatively, our adoration and belief can be expressed at the conclusion of the correspondence by simply signing “Love, Ciara”.

Thank you for your swift attention regarding this matter.

Please address your revised correspondence as before: Santa Claus, the North Pole.

Sincerely, Penguin, Bear & Fox, LLP J. Inthebox Esq. of Counsel

Did You Know?

While the most widely known American version of Santa Claus is often credited to the 1823 Clement Clarke Moore poem "The Night Before Christmas," Santa as we currently know him can be traced back even further, with origins dating as far back as the 4th century. An early Dutch depiction is based on legend of Sinter Klaas, which was brought by Dutch natives when they settled in New York in the 17th century. In "History of New York," famed author Washington Irving, writing under the pseudonym Diedrick Knickerbocker, provided detailed information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. This Saint Nicholas would arrive on horseback every year on the Eve of St. Nicholas. The Christian-era Santa Claus owes much of its origins to Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (now Turkey).

Rich and generous, Bishop Nicholas was said to bring joy to poor children by throwing gifts in their windows. The legendary Santa Claus has evolved over the years, and it should come as no surprise that hecontinues to enchant children no matter the era.

Chico Elementary Third Grade Dear Santa, I want a Isibella doll, Jakud doll, a purrple camra, a my twinn puppy with a pink owt onit.

Love, Harli Dear Santa, How are you dowing. Hoope you are dowing good. Is it cold at the north pole. My name is Machelle and I wus wondering if you colde bring me a babby alive for cristmas. Lete me knowe how mrsis. clase is downing. How are all the raindeer dowing and ou I forgot somthin and how are the elves dowing. I got a quisten for you how do your raindeer fly. Are they magik or are thay just flying raindeer.

Hope you can gite my present for cristmas. Tell evry one at the nothe pole marry cristmas. and say it was from me.

Sinserly Michelle Dear Santa, All I want for ccrissmas is a nintindo DSI whith games and a NEW lady googoo CD withfame monstr and a owl city CD the one

with fire fisc. I have lots fo qustins like ow did rudof git his noise red and how did you shush riandeer instead of thr animels in the world? and I wunt a stak of new and legindre pock imon. Now thet me tell you santa a lot abot my love pokemon I’m a animil lovre may favrit animil in the water is a with shark and a doifin.

My favrit animal and land lath can walk is a cat and my favrit animal that can fly is an egil. thanks for lisnig, your frand, Adrian Breceda Dear Santa, I want puppy’s if you do not have some then I want is a D. S. I want to have a D. S. to play with but I still want puppy’s I like puppy’s to play dress um up I want to put cloth on them.

Santa do youhave 50 or more than 50 elves tell me how much elves you have ___.

Santa I think I sall you at wallmart biening toys and stuff I sall you win I was 7 years oldd but now I am 8 years oldd tell me how old you are __.

Santa tell me how could your deers fly in the sky.

Jacque Banuelos

Page 22...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

wnat moster v.s. alion. and I want madiea part 2 and I want madlea part 1.

Dear Santa, Love, How can you fit through the chimPatrick ney? Why is your favrite color red?

It’s the color of blood. Can I get some nail polish & lipstick? Can I get a Dear Santa, baby alive doll? Can I get a freind This year I wanta longshot csfor my sock-monkey? Can I get some granda rifle with 6 builits. And a new note-pads? Can I get a new tv? Can amy set with 8 ton sie and 40 soldors I get 100,000 dollars? Can I get some and ten toget lonchers. and 4 twinter clothes? I barly have any. Can sherts, and 4 long sleve sherts and 8 I get a new bed for cristmas? pers of jean shorts. and new dvd Love, player adn swit 4 games. and a TRebekah rey and monstors vs alines.

Love Dear Santa, Joma I want for christmas is a play station 3 pleas and psp to and a Dear Santa, horse. I want my family I want a wwe I the iyclops miny projector, a resling set. racing bike and a woulden malk plane

by I can bild. and a wouden ship I can Austin bild. I won a hot wheels trak.

Love, Dear Santa, Arnold I would like a nao robot thats blue for christmas.. Make him where Dear Santa, he can dance that is all. ever since For christmas I would like a rock we learned about him in class I band with everything in it. Another wanted one. I looked him up on google thing is some D.S. games. another and got a youtube video about him tooth brush, and tooth paste. I want and looked up more. I’ve dreamed a bigger T. V. in my room. a noise about . Just thinking about i makes maker of my own. Plus how are the me want him more. My mom and elves? I bet they are busy. dad told me it doesn’t exitst so you Santa have you saved an appecan’t get me it. they told mme you tite for the kids. If you havent you only give the most expinsive stuff to better start. I bet you eat alot of kids who don’t have much. I know cookies in one night. Another thing I you do that but you still give stuff to want is another little puppy. I will take other kids too and it does exist plus very good care of her. If you would you have magic. I hope I get it but I make it a weany dog. I love christas wont care if you don’t get me one time. See if you can get Jesus to let ‘case christmas is about giving not it snow this year. geting.

Love, love, Macy McDaniel your favorit kid Nick Hood Dear Santa, you are a great man and the Dear Santa, elves. Pleas get me qa gocarkt. thank I want a dirt bike and a four wiler you santa nd jesus for givieng us and a psp. I don’t know what kind of christmas. Can you get me a game ccookies you like or milk you like that is called Bakugan on a wii. pleas ether. get me a pet snake and a pet puppy.

I want a Dofle bag and Santa have a good christmas.

Bodies, space Bodies, snow Bodies.

Love, and I want transformers part 2. and Joseph Joey Williams.

I want a liyan in the basment. and I Chico Elementary Third Grade

Dear Santa, I like Christmas because it’s Jesus’ss birthday. for Christmas I would like all the avatar books, avatar toys, avatar clothes, avatar staff, avatar room, avatar games, avatar bed and pillow, star wars toys, star wars clothes, benten toyss, benten cothes, and pokemon toy, Ash’s pokemon, and Ash’s clothes. I know you can’t get all of this marry Christmas and a happy new year.

Love Dameon

Dear Santa, I am sary for the thin I have did for the past year I reey spet my mom and dad. Now dens I am going to cherch and whut I want for Christmas is a Spy vidio. And make theculer arme if it iss made form you Santa I will de glade. from, Tyler Dear Santa, How miny elfs do you have. And wut is your last name. And can a have a laptop and a dirt bike.

Love, P.J.

Dear Santa, For chistmas i want some wekinz polly pocket rolle and coaster resort.

Some polly pockets also i whant a DSI, a phone I whant a baby alive a laptop selend gome 2 cd ice age 3 up monsters vs. aliens Dress up clothes A video camera memory card. and crazy string.

Love, Lindsey

Christmasfoto by Whitney Bridwell

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 23

Mrs. Shawn-1st grade-BES

Dear Santa, I hop you had a good year. I wut a ds trensfrome gam. .And a meck n choll helluckotr. And the otmsis prim thet hass wings, And a Hot will Thack u.

Your friend, Nason Evans

Dear Santa, Did you have a wonderful year?

I would like for you to bring me a helicopter spider-man transformer, lornman transformer, and a wovorine transformer. I hope you will have a merry crismas and a happy new year.

Your friend, Dear Santa, You are the best Gie in the hole Samuel Lara werld I wood like a Pet cat. I wood like a cupacoder. I wood like anuther Dear Santa, I hop that you and your elfs had Christmas. Thax for giting me all a grat yir. I hop I can hav a webkin a thees toys all thees yers.

Your friend, Damo set anb a gad wundrfl crismiss.

Travis VanHoose Your friend, Dawson Longacre Dear Santa, I hop that you have a good yar.

Dear Santa, I hepe you have a wundrfl year. Can I ples have a will. Can I ples plees can I have Shalldrpas a NrFE have a IPod. Cann I ples have a Buch of clos. Can I ples ave a Buch of toy. gun and fooball cleets.

Your friend, Can I ples have a Buch of shos. Can Zach Eudanks I have a Buch of preses. Can I ples hhaf a Mucharil Doll.

Your friend, Dear Santa, Kylie Johnson I hope you’ve had a grayt yere. I wunt Zoo Zoo Pet’s. and baby Anmlls.

Dear Santa, and a smort bord.

I hope you had the best year ever.

Your friend, Grace Hiler I love you Santa. This year I would like a new scewter not a reguler one.

One that gos faster, a peaino bord, Dear Santa, I hop you have a gat crismis this and some Junie B Jons Books. Thanks yir. I wont a Bre and a rill Pet hapstr. for a spechel year Santa.

Your friend, and a Pet puppy.

Emerson Coleman Your friend, Chelsea Price Dear Santa, I luv krismas and I kangt wat Dear Santa, Thanck you for evrething. I luv for you to kum. I wunt a remot kuntrl You. I Wod like a Zoo Zoo Pet and a cor, and a spidrman. Mare crisms.

Your friend, dirgon.

Landen Brazier Your friend, Waylon Wiley Dear Santa, Have you had a gat yir. I wut ia Dear Santa, Santa I houp you have a grat Day cat and dog. I wut a hot wills.

Your friend, today. i want for Christmasa five zoo Tyler Keener zoo pets and a teen titinns move and a babeburthr. Thak you Santa!

Your friend, Dear Santa, I hope that you had a wadrful Janet Coursey year all Thise years. I wold like zoozoo pets. I wold like a Bike, and a Amican Dear Santa, I wish you have a good krismis. I gril. If u can’t make zoozoo petss wish I have a treehass. I wish I have thats ok. Thank you so much for all a Junin B Jones. I wish I have a hotwill. thise pracet.

Your friend, Your friend, Ella Herschler Caleb Franks

Page 24...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Mrs. Shawn-1st grade-BES Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thank yo for my ds. This year I hop you are haveing a prfeck yer. I wud like a I Phon, Aliv Baby, coulb I Please have GiJohe the Game and a jump rope. Thankc Santa for 2? Have a merry Christmas to all.

Love, the pezes.

Daniel Your friend, Jessica Williamson Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thank you for babesdolls. This I have been a good boy. I would year could I pease have a xbox. have like a Lightening Mcpueen for Christ- a marecrismus. mas. I also want a robot. I love you Love, and be safe.

Tory Your friend, Mathew Andrews Dear Santa, Think you for my make-up. This year could I please have four welr.

Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. I would Have a Merry Chrismas.

Love Rachel like some presents under my tree at Anderson home. I just want some toys that you have. You are a good guy. I love you.

Tyler wants a guitar. Carson weants Dear Santa, Thank you for all the presen’s. a big cow. Maddie wants princess toys. I want spiderman toys. Please This year could I please have a gocrt?

Have a Merry Christmas. hurry.

Love, Your friend, Kooper Cody Webster Dear Santa, I can eat candy canes. I want a truck boat and a cow for Christmas.

Your friend, Garrett Jobe Mrs. Daniel - 1st Grade-Chico Dear Santa, Thank you for my Thomas and the action canyon.

This year could I please have the toy Titanticke?

Have a Merry Christmas.

Love, Layne Dear Santa, Thank you for allthe toys This year could I please have a dritbick.

Have a Merry Chrismas.

Love, Preston Dear Santa, Thank you for my make-up. This year could I please have all the toys?

Have a Merry Christmas.

Love, Lilly

Mrs. Ballard-1st grade-BES Dear Santa, flber Santa I to is RVdolphdolhe?

I shhaw are excited theelflkfs, I amrck sididthaet christmas is almost here. I wwant a wii Jeffrey Plumlee Dear Santa, How are you Doing? Are the reindeer haveing a good time? and How are your reindeeis Doing Do you have lkot of toys? Do you? I would like to have make-up and I would like to have a DS. Lindy Mcwilliams Dear Santa, What have you been doing? Have any f your reindeery have anyy fawns?

We made this at school. Can I have my earess pierced?

P.S. I left you some cookies and Rudolph a carrat.

Laine Longacre

Dear Santa, Sow are you doing Santa? I am Hggay Becuse I want a DST. I amm Dear Santa, glad Becuse Christmas. Wat have Thank you for my Nintendo DS. your reiddeer deen doing?

This year could I please have xbox?

Tariana Cervantes Have a Merry Christmas.

Love, Dear Santa, Timothy How are your reindeer doing?

What are you doing today? I am Dear Santa, having fun at school. I want a toy Thank yo for mac in crismis. This train. year could I want a rmot toy car.

Your friend, Have a merry christmas.

Jacob Richey Love, Eli Dear Santa, How are You doing? are the ReDear Santa, indeer doig Gad. I rid hrsis.

This year could haf x box.

Arianna Halley Love Bedepmetain I love Santa. Dear Santa, hoaw are you dowing? are you Dear Santa, haveing a goed time at the Thank you for my dirtbike.

NorthPole? are your reindees haveing This year could I have a puppy? a good time at the NorthPole? are Love your elrves haveing a good time a Taylor the NorthPole? Your frids Noah. I learning about you at the NorthPole.

I wat a dinSoer Spiter.

Noah

Dear Santa, How are you rdaing? Are? the reindaar havng a good time? I am planting a seed. I wou lkie to have a toy car.

Brady Hamilton

elves doing today? I am doing relly good at sohoo! I want an x-box. I want a bike. your frind Brady M, P.S. I will leave a corrot for Rudolph.

Brady Martinez

Dear Santa, Have any of your female reinndeer given birth to baby reinrer?

Will you give anyone a pencil I am planting samthing in at school. I woul liike padstu ic pets. forme you vary specpalfend Baley Phillips

Dear Santa, I what a qockit rockit for chrisfmas. How are you doing? Are te elfs making the toys right now.

Tucker Woods Dear Santa, How are you doing? Are the reindeer having a good time? I am being good and nice. I would like a xbox 360. p.s. I will leave you cookes and a carrot for Rudolpf.

Ayla Foskey

Dear Santa, Are you hvae a good day How are you to day? Santa? low are your elves? tow are yu doing Rudolph? I am good. I wunt a DS? p.s. I will leave a cookies carrot for Rudolph?

Emily Freeman Dear Santa, Is Rudolph having a good ttiime?Did your mom reindeer have Dear Santa, How are you doing? Id hoe the a boby? I am having a good time. I kid are doing good. I Want a PD-i-P wont a wii.

Brittany Landers I am having a good day at skcal Kody Rogers Dear Santa, What are you doing? How are Dear Santa, have the children been good this Your reindeers? I’m being good all year? me and Hunnter have been weekend. I want a crayola art kit.

Crystal Mosley good this year. I want a type fo a Game. I want a ril pupe. I want a jack-inthe-box. that is all I Love you Dear Santa, How are you Doing? Are the reSanta Makenna Gantt indeer haveing a good time? I can’t wait until Christmas. How are the elves Doing? I want some Picos.

Dear Santa, Chandler Spill How are you ding? How are your

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 25

Mrs. Myers, 2C, BES Dear Santa, Hello there! How is Mrs. clause? For Christmas please bring m the new baKugon that trans forms with the other baKugons. but can I really have the baKugon? and I deserve it because i helped my friends.

Love, your friend Freddy Dear Santa, Hey Santa, How is the North Pole. what I want for Christmas is an iphone and I want a itouch ipod and some DS games I deserve thes because I help my mom with my sister.

Love, Tori Dear Santa, Hi There! How are you doing? Haw are the elves doing. Can I please have a dirtbike an a four-wheeler be cuse I have Been good and Beck us I clean in the living room and I did what my mom and dad said Merry ChriStmas Love, Colby Dear Santa, Hey there! How is the weather out there? What kind of cookies do you like? For Christmas please bring me the new madden NFL game for my PSP and please bring me an Adrian Peterson rookie card.

I deserve these gifts because I have been following pocedures. Merry chritmas.

Your friend Kyler Dear Santa, Hello Santa How iS the NorthPole. What is your favorite cookie? I want a new chair.

I deserve these gifts becouse I have been working hard in school. I hope you have a Merry Chistmas.

Sincerely, Andrew

Dear Santa, Hey there! How is the North Pole? How are your elves? For christmas, plese bring me a doll and shoes. I deserve these presnts because I help my mom clean our house. Have a lovely christmas. sincerely, payton

please bring me a cupcake maker! Also I would like a American Girl Doll! Also I would like a gift card for walmart. Also I would like a gift card for Target. I deserve it for helping my famliy a lot with Thanksgiving stuff and chritmas stuff too. So have a great and wondefol chritmas!!!!!

Dear Santa, Love, Hey there! Our you ready Landry for chrismas? For chrismas

Dear Santa, Hey there! Is it cold up there? Are the elves nice? Are you redey for Christmas? For Chris can I please hsve a DSI and Amercandall. I deserve a gift because I work hard at school and I help my friend!

Love, Taite

Dear Santa, Hay! Have you got letters all ready? How is Dancer?

How is Mrs. Clause? For Cristmas if you would please bring me a dSi and I would aso like a ipod! And I deserve these gifts because I work really hard to make ever one happy! Have a Special Cristmas!

Love, Halle

Page 26...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Kindergarten Bridgeport Elementary

Dear Santa, I cat, dog blue ipod Laci

Dear Santa, dsi gemz

Dear Santa, I wut MRKR, I wut a MuceBR I wut a WOCSTK Kyle

Dear Santa, I wot a cat and jllebox and Dog. Zoe

Dear Santa, DIFRP IEPB OIgOOy Cutter

Dear Santa, Hdor ruorit Kuz I o o t sspreizit. I o tuchatomr Ruboh

Dear Santa, pinktiket prte Bry, jire Lilly

Dear Santa, I would like a kitty cat and a mouse.

Kiire

Dear Santa, I wnet a blue hors a and a rose neclis and a queen Kristen

Dear Santa, How r you and wut kind uv kooce doo you like? and I wut a exbox and a bapak and book.

Jacoby

Dear Santa, I wut a prensma fol qisms a nsLeb ent I wut a noo bansho I mol Prez fol ix a binnso.

Seguin

Dear Santa, satu ar you dooen good and I wood like the oktmisprim frum the tras fomrs2and the Badlehood Erick

Emily

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 27

Third Grade - Bridgeport Dear Santa, Hey How are you doing?

Have you seen Rudolph today? For Christmas this year, could I pleas have a DSI? and 13 little cars for my little puppys. And a puppys game?

Thank you and have a verry good day!!

Love Love Emily age 8 1/2 Dear Santa, Hey. How are you doing. How is Rudolph today. How is Mrs. Clase.

Does backed you cookies. For Chirsams this year chould have a Ameracen Girl boll, a I Pod touch, and a pair of High Hills. Thank you and have a good Day. Love Amaily Jo Stapp age 9

Dear Santa Merry Christmas! My name is Casey! How are you doing today? How is Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Cuped, Comet, and Blitzen?

How is Mrs. Claus? How are all the elfs? I am 9 years old. I have 1 sister, and 2 brothers. I have a mom and dad and 7 animals. What I want for Christmas is my family to be together on Christmas. After the wonderful gifts my family and I will pick up the wraping paper. Thankyou for readng this letter. Have a safe trip!

Love, Casey Age: 9

Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? How is Rudolph, have you seen him today?

Thank you for bring me the bike last year. this year I would like a PSP for Chrmas. I will like a army game for my Xbox 360. I will like some games with that PSP. Thank you! Have a safe trip back home.

Dear Santa, Love, Austin Hey, how is cuped Today? age 9 for crismas this year, could I have a say HI to Rudolph for me. ramot cun tror car. How is your day today have you seen cuped today at Dear, Santa all.

Love Hey! How are you? How is all of your Noah age 8 reindeer? have you seen him today?

How is Mrs. claus? thank you for the poolstick you gave me!This year Dear Santa, I would like a DSL, Xbox360 and Hey! How are you doing playstation 3. Also a sign football from Have you seen Rudolph today?

For christmas this year, could I the gaints and cowboys. And a sign please have a ripe stik for christmas? baseball from New York Yankes and How is Mrs. Claws on this good day Boston Red Sox.Thank you! Have a today. Thank you and have a nice day! safe trip back.

Love, Love Rami Stetson age 8 age 9 Dear Santa Hey! How are you doing? Have you seen Braser today? for christmas this year can I please have a ring and a neckles and a Braslet Plese can I have that and if You can’t get that it is ok.

Love Brianna Key Myrick agl 9

Dear Santa, Hey How are you today? Have you seen Rudolph today? Is He Feeling good. Is Ms. Clause feeling good.

Is the Elf warding hard for Christmas this you. For Christmas this year, could I please have a PSP and a game. thank you and have a great day Love, Daniel age 8.

Dear Santa I hope you alwase get a reward for giving kids that don’t have toys and other people! But you Pat Jog in the air I hope your are safe flight!! Oh and make sure you have rudolph to guide your sleigh oh and can I please have a videogame pleas!!! oh and a nutcracker thank you!!

Love Noel I’m 8 Dear Santa, Hey, How you doing? How are all you’re reindeer? Have you seen Bltzen today? Thank you for my Wii last year. This year I would like an Ipod touch or a LG xon. Thanks alot!

Love always, Markan Sinclair age: 8 1/2 Dear Santa, Hey how are you? How is Mrs. Claus have you seen her today?

Thank you for my Air hogs 0

gravity. Texas Tech hat, and all that candy. This uear for my suggestions I would say an Xbox360, UFC undisputed, and a thing called an Air hog switchblade. Just a little stuff to ask for huh? Any way. thank you! And have a safe trip.

Love, Tanner F. age 8 Dear Santa, Hey! How are you? How are all the reindeer. You know Dasher, Dacner, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Thank you for my DS last year. This year I would like DSI, A phone like nashes, a ipod like brookes, that nail plug into your computer, my own computer and a new kitten!

Thankyou Love ya, Whitney Hager Age 8

Dear Santa, Hey! How are you? Did you see Rudolph today? How is Mrs. Claus?

Do you like Gingerbread? For Christmas this year, could I please have a Laptop? Thank you.

Love, Samuel AGE 9 Dear Santa, For christmas I want a ipodtouchso I can hear music when I do my Homework at my house. And so my brother can’t anoy me Student Charles Rene Martinez school Bridgeport intermidiate sxhool Steven street dear Sant I was good this year. I want a touch celphone. For I can ccall everyone even my cosins. And I wish you can put games for the cellphone touch.

Dianodo Sandora

Page 28...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 29

Third Grade - Bridgeport

games on the wii, a dog, a play stasion 2 games, D.S. games, a psp, sps, earrings, video games, some hilits in my hair pink, blue, yellow, white, red, black, brown, puple, ornge, green, sparkles. books, markers.

Love Reagan Lanciano age 9

Dear Santa I want a skateboard with portective gear, I want a skateboard because I allready have a bike. I want a drum set because it don’t have any music things.

Sensierly Calvin Ford I almost forgot my age Dear Santa, is 8 years old. I want a Nintendo D.S. for Christmas. Because I haven’t have one ever.

Dear santa, My name is Martha That’s because I want a D.S. for Rosales I am 9 years old. For Christmas.

Sincerly, Chrismas I want a intindo D.S.i Thank Shalyn, 9 you so much santa.

Martha Rosales 9 years old Dear Santa, I would lik a telascope and a four Dear Santa, I wud love a new telescop and a weler I would like a telascope so I durtbick ans a new bick ans a new can see in the sky and I would like a four weeler so I can ride in the woods. play stashen game.

Fabien Fraga, 9 Matthew age 10 Dear Santa, I want a Nintindo DSI. For I can lishin Dear Santa, My name is Romeo Vargas. I am to music. I also want a new wrester. nine years old. This is what I want For I can have a colectiean. I also for Christmas. I want a telescope. want a spy gaget for I can spy on So I can see the planets and stars. I my brother.

Love your friend, also want two remote control dirt Romeo, 9 bikes. So my sister and I can race with each other.

Love your friend, Dear Santa, Romeo Vargas, Nine I want A desk from santa. And a telescope. And a Liv Doll named Kaity.

Dear Santa, This chrismas I want a Because I like them all. My name is PSP game and it is called the hulk Makenzi. I’m 8 years old. My teacher the game and I want it because.....it is Mrs. Jenkins.

Makenzi is the BEST!111 I saw a tiny video on my Ironman game?

ON my Ironman game I saw people Dear Santa, Hi. How are you doing? How’s make the game of HULK!!!!

Love, Dylan Butler Rudolf, Dixon, Blitzen, Prancer, Dancer, and the others? What I want for christmas is a Super Mario Bros. on Dear Santa, I want a PsP Michal Jacksen cd, mp3, Gameboy. It’s the one I lost. How is and Games for my Game boy and Mrs. Clause? Are the elves okay? for my playstaiont and a pitbull and You’re very specail. love, a mastev.

Bryson your friend Age 9 Erick Mendoza my age is 8 Dear Santa, I want for chrismas a iPod, a jonas Brothers game, Phone,

Dear Santa, How are you doing today. is cold at the North Pole. What do you like the most do you like peach cobbler and milk or do you like cookies and milk better. but if you decide call my mom. how are Rudolph and Dasher and Dancer and Blizen Cupid and Vixen Connet and Donner doing. this year i would like. a go-cart and thats all I wont this year Love Tallan age 8 Dear Santa, Hey how is your ran dera doing? this year I wood Like to have a nano Ipod and a scatboes and a fore weler and a shot gun. and the feweler in 4x4. how is rodof. my age is 9 yers age.

Will

Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? Have you seen Blitzzen today? I hered he was good! For christmas this year, could I please have a laptop ans to have a best chritmas ever, I wish everybody get’s what they want if you could please have braby dream house. And if you could please help me with your magic make lots of friends!

Thank you! And have a safe trip....

Love, Jerica age 8 Merry Christmas!

that you Open and put your hand too. Have a good day and a good trip too Santa.

Love Genesis Reyna age 9

Dear Santa, Hi! How are you doing? Have you seen Rudolph today? for Christmas this year, could I Please have bunny, horse, another dog and a hot tub. so how is mrs. clause and the Elf’s. and How big is the north pole? do you and mrs. clause get on the slay togther and go have fun on it? well have a great christmas this year. by! Thank Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? Have you you! have a safe trip.....

Love seen Rudolph today?

Izabelle For Christmas this year, could I pleas age 8 have a dog that is a little Black puppy that is a girl. And I want a phone that it is red and it is a rectagle.

And I want a competer ans a cammra

Page 30...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

The Doll and the White Rose

by Whitney Bridwell A woman walked into the Index to submit a story sent to her by her son in Huntsville.

Her son, Michael Walker, did not pen the story himself, but the message was inspirational and an uplifting reassurance of the Christmas spirit.

The story, The Doll and the White Rose, lends an emotional reminder to stay safe this holiday season. Enjoy.

The Doll and the White Rose author unknown “I hurried into the local department store to grab some last minute Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people and grumbled to myself. I would be in here forever, and I just had so much to do. Christmas was beginning to become such a drag, but I hurried the best I could through all the people to the toy department. Once again, I kind of mumbled to myself at the prices of these toys and wondered if the grandkids would even play with them.

I found myself in the doll aisle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a little boy, about 5, holding a lovely doll. He kept touching her hair and he held her so gently. I could not seem to help myself. I just kept looking over at the little boy and wondered who the doll was for.

I watched him turn to a woman and he called his aunt by name and said, “Are you sure I don’t have enough money?”

She replied a bit impatiently, “You know that you don’t have enough money for it.” The aunt told the little boy not to go anywhere, that she had to go get some other things and would be back in a few minutes. And then she left the aisle. The boy continued to hold the doll.

After a bit, I asked the boy who the doll was for. He said, “It is the doll my sister wanted so badly for Christmas. She just knew that Santa would bring it.” I told him that maybe Santa was going to bring it. He said, “No. Santa can’t go where my sister is. I have to give the doll to my Momma to take to her.”

I asked him where his sis-

ter was. He looked at me with the saddest eyes and said, “She has gone to be with Jesus. My Daddy says that Momma is going to have to go be with her.” My heart nearly stopped beating.

Then the boy looked at me again and said, “I told my Daddy to tell Momma not to go yet. I told him to tell her to wait till I got back from the store.” Then he asked me if I wanted to see his picture. I told him I would love to. He pulled out some pictures he’d taken at the front of the store. He said, “I want my Momma to take this with her so she won’t ever forget me. I love my Momma so very (much), and I wish she did not have to leave me. But Daddy says she will need to be with my sister.”

I saw that the little boy had lowered his head and had grown so very quiet. While he was not looking, I reached into my purse and pulled out a hand full of bills. I asked the little boy, “Shall we count that money one more time?” He grew excited and said, “Yes. I just know it has to be enough.”

So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it. And of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said, “Thank you Jesus for giving me enough money.” Then the boy said, “I asked Jesus to give me enough money to buy this doll, so Momma can take it with her to give to my sister and He heard my prayer! I wanted to ask Him for enough to buy my Momma a white rose, but I didn’t ask Him, but He gave me enough money to buy the doll and a rose for my Momma. She loves white roses so very, very much.”

In a few minutes, the aunt came back, and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking about the little boy as I finished my shopping in a totally different spirit than when I had started. And I kept remembering a story I had seen in the newpaper several days earlier about a drunk driver hitting a car and killing a little girl and the mother was in seious condition. The family was deciding on whether to remove the life support. Now surely

this little boy did not belong with that story.

Two days later I read in the paper where the family had disconnected the life support, and the young woman had died. I could not forget the little boy and just kept wondering if the two were somehow connected.

Later that day, I could not help myself and I went out and bought some white roses and took them to the funeral home where the young woman was.

And there she was holding a lovely white rose, the beautiful doll, and the picture of the little boy in the store. I left there in tears, my life changed forever. The love that little boy had for his little sister and his Mother was overwhelming.

And in a split second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him and ripped the life of that little boy to pieces.”

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Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 31

Chico Elementary Third Grade Dear Santa, I want a Isibella doll, Jakud doll, a purrple camra, a my twinn puppy with a pink owt onit.

Love, Harli Dear Santa, How are you dowing. Hoope you are dowing good. Is it cold at the north pole. My name is Machelle and I wus wondering if you colde bring me a babby alive for cristmas. Lete me knowe how mrsis. clase is downing. How are all the raindeer dowing and ou I forgot somthin and how are the elves dowing. I got a quisten for you how do your raindeer fly. Are they magik or are thay just flying raindeer.

Hope you can gite my present for cristmas. Tell evry one at the nothe pole marry cristmas. and say it was from me.

Sinserly Michelle

like ow did rudof git his noise red and how did you shush riandeer instead of thr animels in the world? and I wunt a stak of new and legindre pock imon. Now thet me tell you santa a lot abot my love pokemon I’m a animil lovre may favrit animil in the water is a with shark and a doifin.

My favrit animal and land lath can walk is a cat and my favrit animal that can fly is an egil. thanks for lisnig, your frand, Adrian Breceda

Dear Santa, I want puppy’s if you do not have some then I want is a D. S. I want to have a D. S. to play with but I still want puppy’s I like puppy’s to play dress um up I want to put cloth on them.

Santa do youhave 50 or more than 50 elves tell me how much elves you have ___.

Santa I think I sall you at wallmart biening toys and stuff I sall you win I was 7 years oldd but now I am 8 years oldd tell me how old you are __.

Dear Santa, Santa tell me how could your All I want for ccrissmas is a nintindo DSI whith games and a deers fly in the sky.

Jacque Banuelos NEW lady googoo CD withfame monstr and a owl city CD the one with fire fisc. I have lots fo qustins

Page 32...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

cause I have been good I been good at school. I will leave you some cokies ut for you. I love Dear Santa, Hey there! How are you Christmas!

Love, What kind of cooles do Hannah you like I will like the Babe game of DS an Princess on Ice DS game I Dear Santa, Are you reoudy for CFYT I deserve it because I Clean an Work You are Wonder- would like a book an a DS. I ful I Will Some Coolk And deserve it because I help my have a super ChriStmun! mom Christmas Love, Love, Juan Brittany Mrs. Myers, 2C, BES

Dear Santa, Hi How are you who is note you are a Great guy I believe in you. I dont think your fat.

Please bring me more Baclgun and Nerf fure swords. I have help following procedures I work hard. I did my homework Do you want gingrbread cookies.

Love, Kirby Dear Santa, Hello Santa! How are the elves? How are you doing? For Christmas, please can you get me for Chistmas a dragon webkin. Also I will like a cake bakery set. I deserve these gifts because I help my brother stay out of trouble. Have a awesome Christmas!

Sincrely, Jacob Dear Santa, Hey there! How is Mrs. Clauos doing? How are the elves doing? For Christmas, please bring me an iPhone. I also want a American Girl doll.

I deserve these gifts because I have been wanting these gifts for my whole entire life. Have a Mary Christmas.

Love, Emily Dear Santa, Hello there! Is it great up there? How are the Elves! For Christmas I would like a H-SM doll house and a skateboard and sume dolls to the doll house. I deseve these gifts be-

Dear Santa, Hey there Santa! How is Mrs. clause doing! Are you redy for christmas, plese bring me an itunes gift card, ipod, Dog outfits. I deserve these gifts because I have been good at school, Ill leave out some cookies.

Love, Kalee Dear Santa, Hey there! How is Ms. clause doing? Are you ready for christmas? mini play staion and a dog fore minich ruprp bishch I deserve it becase I take care of my baby sister. I rake the leaves. Thank you, jingle Bulls, jingle Bulls, jingle All the way Thake you for the presents and have a great chitmas!

Love, Cole Dear Santa, Hi Santa How are doing!

Keep wroking. Hare elvs ok!

Please can I have A PSPE PS Please. I am a good kid. I will leave a chocolate cake out. It will be cold and good Santa But the chocate cake is for you Santa. And I want an XBOX 360 Games ok Santa.

Triston Dear Santa, Hello Santa, how is the North Pole and how is Mrs, Clause? How is the Rudolph doing. For chrismas, please bring a Poster of Keith urban. and some things else It is a

swiming pool. I deserve these gifts becuse we help at school!

I hope you have a good day at christmas eve.

Love, Andrea Peace Dear Santa, How are yur elves? Are you ready for christmis?? I thank you are busy. How are you doing? you liv far away. I want a wii and a DS and a X box 300.

Love, Jayce

Ms.Shepherd, 2D-BES Dear Santa, How do you feel when you give gifts to boys ad girls? How many elves do you have?

When and Where did you get your reindeer? Oh and Santa what do you think I would like for christmas? I think I should get a gift because I helped my brother when he fell off his skate board. To re pay you for the gift I will leave you milk and cookies.

Love, Cate

IT’S A HOLIDAY TRADITION TO WISH A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE WHO’S STOPPED BY TO SEE US THIS YEAR. IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING YOU.

J. D. Coffman Tank Trucks 503 W. Sherman • Chico, Tx 940-644-2664

Dear Santa, Hey there santa! Do you have the presents ready? How is mrs. clause? Can I please have a Play Val Kanow and a magic Kit and please please please give me a gold fish and gold fish food and one more thing can I please have a can roBot I Deserve the gifts Because I help my mom do the dishes and I am good student at Bes Love, Abigail

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 33

The history of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by staff writer The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was brought to life in 1939 by a gentlemen named Robert L. May. At the time, May, 34, was a copywriter for the department store chain, Montgomery Ward. He was asked by the company to come up with a Christmas story that could be given away to shoppers as a promotional tool around the Holidays.

For years, the chain had been spending big bucks on buying and giving away coloring books to their loyal patrons, so with penny pinching in mind, department heads came to the conclusion that creating a giveaway book of their own would be a way to save money.

May had been known around the office for writing children’s stories so the folks at Ward’s had their man. May, relating to hisself, realized that, as a child, he was teased for be-

The next obstacle was to ing small, shy and somewhat a mis-fit. At this point he knew name this awkward reindeer.

Several his character had to be names someone that were folks would tossed want to cheer around. for, somewhat The name of an underdog.

Rollo was What better than a considdeer who was ostraered, but cized by the reindeer later decommunity just because he had a glowing red nose.

Although department heads shuttered at the thought of a red-nosed reindeer, (red noses were associated w i t h drinki n g and drunk nounced because people at that time) that just seemed to they soon overcame cheerful. The next name their hesitancy after May had an artist friend sketch deer was Reginald, but that was too “British.” Then the name from the local zoo.

Rudolph came to mind, and there was no looking back. In 1939, 2.4 million copies of the Rudolph booklet were distributed even though wartime paper shortages hindered printing for the next several years. By the time 1946 rolled around, 6 million copies had been given out to patrons.

Although May had created the story, he was a paid employee of Montgomery Ward, so they held the copyright and he received no royalties. This was hard for May because he had lost his wife to a terminal illness about the same time he created Rudolph, and he was in debt due to medical bills that racked up during her illness.

May conjured up enough courage to ask the corporate president to turn over the copyrights to Rudolph, and fortunately for him, they were turned over in 1947. This secured May’s financial future.

With the copyright in hand,

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was printed commercially in 1947 and shown in theaters as a cartoon the next year.

Most Americans know that with the cartoon that is so familiar to every child old enough to watch, is a song that goes right along with the story.

Johnny Marks, Mays brotherin-law, developed the words and lyrics, that no artist would touch. That was until Gene Autry’s wife urged the famous singer to record the song.

The song sold 2 million copies that year, and went on to become the second best selling song of all time, underneath Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” as number one.

The 1964 television special about Rudolph is an all-time tradition for many families this time of year. It remains a holiday favorite and Rudolph himself has become a great Christmas icon.

Page 34...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

just pick one. If you cant pick one of Dear Santa, I would like a real gun for thes boardarwo R. C. helocopter.

Love, Chritmas. Then I want a forwhiler Dear Santa, Gene for Chritmas to ride on it. My name I want a guiutar for Christmas. I is Isaac I have blond hair I have green also want a Jet pack. and an xbox eyes and I live in Decatour and I am 360. I also want a play station three. Dear Santa, I would kicke a alsom meadl eight years old. I like to go hunting And a lab top. I also watn bakugon.

And a psp. I also want a robbot. And ditektor. And a Alsom movie camra. and ride stuff. Oh, and I want a And a brickwith dimonds that i can pocket rocket to.

DJ Hero.

Love Love, breacke open and a fown. And some Isaac Rowan sox aquit ment. And a seckrit afint out fit and a tureshr chest with rill gold medle coyns. And a treshur map.

Dear Santa, I want a DSI can you please give And a pirate costume.

Love, me one and can the DSI be a hot Domanick pink color and I want a phone, and I want a game for my dsI and I want a doll that could sing can you please Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a breing me everything please. camera you can take videos and picMerry Christmas Love, tures with! That will be so cool if I Debbie had a camera of my own! Then I can take pictures of everything in the world! I can’t wait till christmas is Dear Santa, Can I please have a DSI. I also here. I will be so much fun!

Sinserly, want some shoes and coats and some Lexi close and a movie called Santa Buddyes Love, Dear Santa, I hope tha you loved last Katia PS. Have a nice Christmas christmas. Me and my family did enjoy it very well. I want a bass gitar Dear Santa, I want a mini flat six string. Please buy it at gitar screqan T.V. I also want my two sis- senter. That is all I want.

Sincerly, ters Kaci and Kodi to get one. I want Devin Begley to thank you for the stuff you put in my stocking. on Christmas Eve. I also want to thank you for the wii that Dear Santa, I want a macbook, a mactop, a you game me last year. I want on the T.Vs dish network. Have a good littlesst petshop carrying case, a littlest pet shop seal and duck plush, Christhmas.

Love, an lps v.i.p. four pretend backstage Kinly passes, and a PSP with games for the PSP. By the way, how are you and Mrs. Claus? How are the reinDear Santa, I’ve love you to bring me a movie deer? How are the elves? I show alot called Santa buddies, High School of concern, don’t I? Your true freind, Musacol 2,3 movie or somthing I Jessica Richey would like that will be a good for me to have somthing to do with Christmas. I would like a chrisstmas toy Dear Santa, I want a zero grvity microw for me and my sistee too.

Love, rumotrol car. and a four weeler and Adafne 10,000 dollers I hope I get my wish Santa is reel cause when i wake up its all thare Dear Santa, Love I hop this is not to much. A p.s.p.

Branden and game. If thaat can not happen a go cart with a moter. Im not chusy Chico Elementary Third Grade

Dear Santa, I want a blue shratinirn and a blue Blojiere. I want a big stuff animal that is a bear. I want a boy Barbey and a girl Barbey and a playhouse. and some makeup skooter.

Love Kenzie

Dear Santa, it must be hard for your elvf to work. but i want for chrismas is spy gear but it looks like you nead a rest from all you did chrismas is fun but ___ I wood like al the spy gear.

Derek

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 35

by Whitney Bridwell The story behind the song Silent Night goes back in time nearly 200 years and half a world away. It begins in Austria with assistant pastor Father Joseph Mohr. He had penned a poem while assigned to a pilgramage church in Mariapfarr, Austria. When he moved to become assistant pastor at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf in 1817, he brought his poem with him.

Christmas time approached and with Midnight Mass coming quickly, Father Mohr went to the home of Franz Gruber, a schoolteacher / musician for the church, and asked for help adding a melody so that the congregation would have a new Christmas song. As with most churches of that time, organ was the preferred choice of instruments. There are several speculations on why the song was written for the guitar.

Some say the organ in the church was broken. Others believe that Franz and Father Mohr simply liked the sound of the guitar better.

Later that evening during Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the two men, backed by the choir, stood in front of the main altar and sang “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” for the first time. They were unaware of the impact the song would make on the world for years and generations to come.

Over the next few years, a master organ builder and repairman named Karl Mauracher, traveled to Oberndorf to work on the organ several times. While working at St. Nicholas, he obtained a copy of the composition and took it home with him to the Ziller Valley. Some friends of his were traveling families of folk singers and incorporated the song into their repertoire.

One of the families, the Strassers, made their way to Leipzig in December 1832 to perform a Christmas concert and during this period, several notes were changed and the

carol evolved into the melody we know today.

The other family, the Rainers, performed the carol for Emperor Franz I and Tsar Alexander I. The Rainers made their way to America in 1839 and performed at the Alexander Hamilton Monument outside Trinity Church in New York City, giving Americans the first opportunity to hear the piece.

Joseph Blezacher, the Court Opera singer from Berlin, reported that by the 1840’s the song was a favorite of the Royal Cathedral Choir and King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

By the time the song had gained popularity in Europe, Father Joseph Mohr had died and never took credit for his composition. Franz Gruber wrote to music authorities in Berlin stating he was the composer, but met with much doubt as most had thought it was the work of Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven. Many people believed this until 4-5 years ago when a long-lost arrangement of “Stille Nacht”, written in Father Mohrs handwriting, was authenticated. In the upper right hand corner of the ar-

rangement, Father Mohr had written “Melodie von Fr. Xav. Gruber”. The original composition is probably the closest to the arrangement sung at Midnight Mass in 1818.

The Gruber family moved to Hallein during Franz’ lifetime and it is now the site of the Franz Xaver Gruber Museum. It contains several furnished rooms in his former home and exhibits including Father Joseph Mohr’s guitar.

Gruber’s grave is outside the house and is decorated with a Christmas tree every December.

Father Mohr’s final resting place is a tiny Alpine ski resort in Wagrain, where he had transferred to another church.

He died penniless as he had donated all his earnings to be used for eldercare and the education of children in the area.

His memorial from the townspeople is the Joseph Mohr School, located a dozen yards from his grave. Silent Night has truly become “The Song Heard ‘Round The World”.

Silent Night (English) (This is the version often heard in this part of the world, though there are nearly 200 versions.)

Silent Night, Holy Night All is calm, all is bright ‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in Heavenly Peace Sleep in Heavenly Peace Silent Night, Holy Night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia: Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born Silent Night, Holy Night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth:

Page 36...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Ms.Shepherd, 2D-BES

Dear Santa, Hey! how are you doing up there. How cold is it? Please can you bring me a Ipod touch.

I have hleped my grandparents mow. Hve a great christmas.

Love, Jadon

Dear Santa, Hi! How are the elves?

How are the riendeer? Can you bring me a Barbie set? I would also like a new puppy. One more thing a new Barbie car.

Have a nice trip to all the Dear Santa, homes!

Hello! How are you! Are Love, Catherine your elves working hard? Are your reindeer ready for Chritmas? please can I have a Dear Santa, Hey there! How are the computer? And can I have a elves? Is it cold up there? desk? I deserve thes presents please bring me some candy? because I am somtimes I am I would also like a dirt bike? nice to my family. And I will one more thing it is a phone? I leave you cookies and milk.

Love, have helped my dad mow the Tanner yard. Have a safe ride here.

Love, Corbin Dear Santa, Hello! Is it really cold at there? I want an ipod touch. I Dear Santa, How are you dooing up cleaned my room. I will save there? Do you have the pre- you cookies.

Love, sents ready yet? Can I pleas MaKane have heelies becas I deserve these presents becas I help my dad skin dear. Merry chistmas. Dear Santa, Hello Santa! How cold is it?

Love, Fisher How red are you? I would like an fx lighsaber and lego stuff.

I deserve these because I hold Dear Santa, Hello! How si rudof. I want the door. be warm.

Love, for a dirtbike. I help my dad Zane Love, Trevor Dear Santa, Hello! Do you have the toys Dear Santa, Hello! How are your elves ready? Do you have the sleigh doing? Please bring me some ready? please get me a clone toys. I helped my brothers and orchatace. these gits. I leave sister. Hve some good cook- miclk and cookies.

Sincerly, ies.

Colt Your friend, Nolan Dear Santa, Hey there! How Rudph doDear Santa, Hello! How are your elves ing? Are you relly for Christdoing? Are the reindeer ready? mas. Please bring me some I Please me an ipod touch. I would likes shirts, and then a would also like an ex-box 360. jaket.

Love, I deserve these gifts because I Shannon have helped my aunt. Have a good ride to the homes.

Sincerely, Dalton

Dear Santa, Hello! How are the elves?

Is your favorite holiday christmas? Please can I have a wii. I deserve it because I clean my room. I will leave you milk and cookies Love, Maycie Dear Santa, Hello! How is Mrs. Clause?

How are the elves? Please bring me a puppy. I would also like a new camera. One more thing a miniy ipod touch. I deserve my wishes because I help my sister with her homework.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Cassady Dear Santa, Hey there! When is your Birthday? How are the reindeer and elves? Please can I have a

ipod for Christmas? I besere Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Closs! How is this gift because I worked hard.

Love, the elves? Is it cold up thre?

Macy Please bring me a horse. I deserve becos I follow procedurs at school. Have a safe trip on Dear Santa, Hello! Are the elves ready for Christmas Eve. Sincerely, Christmas? Are you ready to Destiny give presents for kids? Please bring me cowgril Bratz doll.

And anorther boy Bratz doll. I Dear Santa, Hey there! How is mes deserve these gifts becuse I help my family sometimes. Clause. Are you making the toys yet. please give me an Have A great Christmas.

Love, ipod. I would like some readJenna ing glasses. And please give me a nice surprise. I deserve a present because I help my Dear Santa, Hello Santa. Are you fell- mom clean house. Enjoy the ing goob? Can I Pleas have an milk and cookies. And have a can I maybe have a dsi. Please! merry christmas.

Love, Merry christmas.

Anna Love, Ashanti

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 37

The magic and myths of mistletoe

by Berta Slagle Morris “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe…” Mistletoe inspires love and peace. It gives permission for quick, stolen kisses while standing under a dangling mistletoe plant.

Mistletoe is magical and has much power, or does it?

There is more to mistletoe than Christmas kissing. It has its place in folklore, tradition, and medicine. The plant has a long and interesting history in human tradition and lore dating back to 200 years before the birth of Christ. And many of its traditions and uses are accepted by the general public today.

If you check Webster’s dictionary, the encyclopedia on the library shelf, or “Wikipedia” online, the answers will be similar. Mistletoe is a parasitic, having no true roots which take water and nutrients from the plant they grow on. The mistletoe also produces chlorophyll and draws energy from the sun, allowing the plant to remain green throughout the winter months.

A myth in mistletoe’s past comes from Britain. In the first century, the Druids believed that mistletoe could perform miracles, from providing fertility to humans and animals to healing diseases and protecting people from witchcraft.

The Druids would cut mistletoe off oak trees in a special ceremony five days after the new moon following the winter soltice. They believed that the mistletoe would become contaminated if it touched the ground, so they used a special white cloth to catch it. The Druids then sacrificed two white bulls while prayers were said, and priests gave out the mistletoe sprigs to the people, who believed they would then be kept safe from evil spirits and storms.

In more modern times, mistletoe plants have a home in medicine. European mistletoe has been used as an antidote to poison, and to treat seizures and headaches. It’s cur-

rently being investigated as an anticancer treatment. However – a word of caution - Mistletoe can be quite poisonous and it’s unwise to experiment with homemade preparations!

In herbal lore, mistletoe is associated with communication, self confidence, romance, and an end to violence. Ancient stories tell of enemies who encounter each other underneath trees bearing mistletoe.

The enemies lay down their arms, embrace, and agree to a truce until the next day.

Leonard Perry wrote in A Kiss Under the Mistletoe, “This act of goodwill is yet another possibility for why we kiss under mistletoe: abstaining from violence and exchanging greetings under the plant may have prompted the custom of kissing.”

Hanging mistletoe over a doorway during the holiday season is a tradition for wouldbe kissers worldwide. How this happened is vague and may be contributed to the many legends that are believed to be related to mistletoe kissing.

One legend stipulates that a couple who kisses underneath mistletoe will have good luck, but a couple neglecting to perform the ritual will have bad luck. Specifically, it is believed that a couple kissing under the mistletoe ensures themselves of marriage and a long, happy life, while an unmarried woman not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for another year. And who among us wants to take the chance of losing our chance for love?

Bringing the tradition to modern times, perhaps marriage is not the goal, but rather a loving relationship could be the prize for the magical

mistletoe kiss. Younger generations may not have been t o l d about the correct mistletoe etiquette. It is said that the male removes a berry from the plant w h e n he kisses a girl. When all the berries are gone,

NO MORE KISSING underneath that plant!

The magical, romantic cause behind the power of mistletoe kissing could very well stem from a myth created by eighth century Vikings who believed that mistletoe had the

power to raise humans from the dead. This belief is from Greek mythology, but carries its mystery to our modern civilization. Why? Because we want mistletoe to be magical and powerful.

This particular mythical account relates to the resurrection of Balder, the god of the summer sun. Kathy Reshetiloff wrote about mistletoes popularity rooted in myths, legends.

Her account of the Balder myth can be found in The Bay Journal (December 1994.)

According to Reshetiloff, “Balder had a dream that he was going to die. His mother, Frigga, the goddess of love and beauty, was frantic about his dream and said that if he died, everything on Earth would die.

To ensure her son’s safety, Frigga went to all of the elements — air, fire, water and earth, as well as to all of the animals and plants — and asked them not to kill Balder. In the same way a child would be heckled these days if his mother asked kids not to pick on her child, Balder was teased and had things thrown at him.

It was thought that, because of his mother’s power, he was immune to harm.

Balder’s only enemy, Loki,

found a loophole in Frigga’s request for her son’s safety — mistletoe. Mistletoe grows on the tree it attaches itself to, and therefore has no roots of its own and could not be affected

by Frigga’s request. Loki made a poisoned dart with mistletoe, and tricked the blind brother of Balder, Hoder, into shooting the arrow that killed Balder.

For three days, all the elements tried their hardest to bring Balder back to life, but failed.

Finally, the tears that Frigga cried for her dead son changed the red mistletoe berries to white, raising Balder from the dead. Frigga then reversed mistletoe’s bad reputation, and kissed everyone who walked underneath it out of gratitude for getting her son back “ This myth gives a reasonable basis for mistletoe kissing. And who does not want the thrill of that stolen kiss…the rules and reasons do not matter...the mistletoe hanging from our doors adds a unique, combined feeling of excitement and laughter to our holiday season ...and it is quite possible that the magical “mistletoe kiss” can be the start of a lifelong relationship between kissers who believe.

Do you believe? Is mistletoe a part of your holiday tradition?

Tips for selecting, displaying, and taking care of mistletoe during the holiday season • Selecting the right mistletoe for you to display during the holiday season comes down to simply the area you live and where you can find it. If you are cutting the mistletoe yourself, you will want to cut off a 4-6 inch long bunch of mistletoe to hang.

• You will want to tie a ribbon around the stem to hang the mistletoe and begin the process of drying it.

• You will want to remove any berries from the mistletoe before hanging it. If the berries are left on as the plant begins to dry, the berries will fall off onto the ground.

• You also will not want to handle the leaves on the mistletoe too often. This will cause them to dry out more quickly and fall off.

Immediately pick up any dead leaves that may fall onto the ground.

Page 38...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

for everyone who does not like candied fruit

Dump Cake

submitted by

Patsy Wolverton

Wanda Rose

Directions

Christmas Cake Ingredients

Ingredients 1 pkg coconut 1 can crushed pineapple cut up 1 banana 1 white cake mix 1 cup milk

submitted by:

3/4 cup oil 1 1/3 cup mashed ripe bananas 1 small can crushed pineapple Jar of maraschino cherried, drained

2 eggs Vanilla flavoring ( 1 large tsp) 1 cup sugar 2 large spoons oleo 1 can mixed fruit (small)

Directions

Directions

Use electric mixer and greased squared pan (or spray with pam) Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Use cake icing or whipped cream after cake cools.

Santa's Victorian Candy Canes

1 tsp. vanilla 2 1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs, beaten 2 1/2 cup flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup pecans, chopped

submitted by

Shannon Green

Mix sugar, bananas, eggs, pineapple and cherries in large bowl.

Stir in oil, sift together dry ingredients and add to first mixture, stirring well.

Add nuts and vanilla.

Mix well by hand, not mixer.

Grease bundt or tube pan with solid shortening and dust with flour.

Pour batter evenly into pan.

Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes at 300 degrees.

Cool before inverting pan.

Ingredients A candy thermometer 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Directions Mix the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Place a candy thermometer in the mixture, and cook without stirring until the thermometer reaches 265 farenheit. Turn off the heat and add the peppermint extract. Divide the mixture in half by carefully pouri n g part of it into another pan. Add the red food coloring to one of the pans. While waiting for the candy to cool, grease three cookie sheets (two as working space, and the third to provide a non-stick surface for the canes to cool). Butter your hands, and use a buttered spatula to cut off a portion of one of the clear taffy. Have a helper do the same with the red taffy. Pull and fold the pieces repeatedly on your cookie sheet until they appear glossy, then roll them into an 8-inch long coil. Give the head of the cane a twist before setting it aside to cool on the third greased cookie sheet.

submitted by:

Mom’s Pineapple Pie Carla Munn Ingredients 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup crushed pineapple 1 stick butter (undrained) 2 T. flour 1 cup coconut 1 t. vanilla 1 9” or 10” unbaked pie shell

Directions Combine sugar and melted butter.

Add flour, vanilla and 1 egg at a time.

Add pineapple and coconut and mix well. Put in unbaked pie shell and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown.

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 39

submitted by:

Judy Smith

submitted by:

Crunchy Lime Jello

Shannon Smith-Green

Ingredients 1 large pkg lime jello 2 cups boiling water 12 oz. mini marshmallows 3 oz. pecan pieces 1/2 lb. green cabbage, shredded 2 cups crushed pineapple (drained) 1 1/2 cup salad dressing 1 carton whipped topping

Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients

Directions Dissolve jello in boiling water. Stir in marshmallows until dissolved-cool. Add nuts, cabbage and pineapple. Fold in salad dressing. When jello becomes thick, fold in whipped cream-pour into mold.

submitted by:

Margaret Lockhart

Crusty Pecan Pie (No Crust)

Ingredients 1 cup pecans (chopped) 1 cup sugar 20-24 Ritz crackers (crushed fine)

1 tsp. vanilla 3 large egg whites beaten stiff Cool whip

Directions Combine pecans, sugar, crackers and blend together.

Add vanilla.

Beat egg whites till stiff and fold into other ingredients.

Blend till moist.

Pour into ungreased pie pan and bake at 350o for 25-30 minutes.

Completely cool.

Top with Cool Whip.

1 2/3 cup (10 oz. package) Nestle Chocolatier 62% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Morsels 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp. Nescafe Tasters Choice 100% Pure Instant Coffee granules 1/3 cup granulated sugar 8 large eggs powdered sugar whipped cream

Directions Preheat oven to 325ยบ. Grease bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Line bottom with wax paper. Grease paper. Place morsels, butter, water and coffee granules in saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Stir in sugar until smooth. Remove from heat.

Beat eggs in large mixer bowl for 5 minutes or until volume doubles. Fold 1/3 of beaten eggs into chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining beaten eggs 1/3 at a time until thoroughly incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 33 to 35 minutes or until cake has risen (center will still move and appear underbaked) and edges start to get firm and shiny.

Cool completely (center will sink slightly). Cover cake. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

To Serve: Thirty minutes before serving, remove by running a knife around edge of cake. Invert cake on wax paper. Peel off paper on top of cake. Turn cake right side up on serving platter. Dust with powered sugar.

Serve with whipped cream.

Page 40...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Mrs. Spann- 2nd Grade- Chico Dear Santa, I really lick the toys you brot last year. Thank yo for the magic crystals. May I hav a Rexy T-Rex Dinosor?

Merry Christmas, Duncan Wiley Dear Santa, i have been bad this year but, I will be good for theyear. Santa, pleas give me a DSI and a ps3 and a psp and money and a rockband world 3 anda flat screen tv and a xbox 360 and dirtbike. How are you doing up their merry christmas santa clause. from your friend, kolbyray Mcmurry

Dear Santa, Dear santa my mom neds sum money and i want a gitar may i hav a par of claws nutherng els wat hav are your elvs get me anytang els you wont your pal Logan Hastings Dear Santa, My mom has worked hard please give my mom a brake. oh and my dad to please give my dad a new truck. and my sister she needs some toys. and I need some toys, horses, how ar you and your elvs. your pal, Marilyn Amador

Dear Santa, May I have a gocart plees, santa Dear Santa, and will you get my brouther poster I love you are the best I want a or a game plees, are you feeling good guit get my dad a job and my mom Santa? Will you wrap the presents? money and gif my femly. from Mallery Dailyn Dear Santa, I bin a nice girl for a long time can I have a computer and money.

Dear Santa my Mom has bin working hurd can you bring her a massage and a flat screen TV. Audrey Dear Santa, Dear santa I love you i have been a nice boy, to nother pepple. dear santa, i don’t care if you geve me any thing at you want to bring. me and a drum even rock banenen ctar and psp even money and a car toy even foowler toy and a football. eddie Dear Santa, How do the elv’s build the dirtbikes do they buy tools do you have stores. I wanta dirtbike. May I have a psp may i pleas have a playstation 2 I want it to come with a transformer game. I love you santa.

Love Cayden Dear Santa, How are i and the efs at the north pole give me anythang u want you can thank of

Dear Santa, How are you up North? I am eight years old. I want the Toney Hawk video game. I also want a remote control Walle and the screcher.

Will Jones Dear Santa, i love you. You are nice. You buy us presints. and you give us toys. How are you and your elfs? How is your wife?How are your raindeers.

Keylee Sutton Dear Santa, my sister connar needs a cat, my sister jules needs a dog. Meryy Sharon needa doll. Dalton needs a psp. My mom needs a new car. My dad needs a new truck. My step Dad needs a new grill. I need a pig. A real one. Is it cold? Tell Mrs. Claus I said hi. your pale Georgie

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 41

Third Grade - Bridgeport

Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? How is Ruddolph, have you seen him today?

Is his nose still bright? Thank you for my bike you got me last year1 But this year I want a teddy bear that lights up and a Miley Cyrus Cd Thank you and have a safe trip around the world!!!

Love Christine age 9

Dear Santa, Hey1 How are you this chrismas santa. I hope you will have a grate chrismas this year! I am Devin. I am 9 year odd. Thankes for last chrismas.

This year I would like I would like to have a xbox 360, a Lego Staras for a xbox 360, and a DS. Thank you! Have a safe trip...

Love Devin Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? How is Rudolph, have you seen him today?

Dear Santa, Thank you.... how is mrs. Santa doMy name is Faith.

How are you? Have you ever got a ing tell her I sad hi?

This year I would like a exercise present? Does anybody up at the will for christmas and Thats all I North Pole ever get sick?

Rudolph, have you seen him today? would like thank you I hope you have This year I would like a.....dog all to a excellent trip Love myself. A goldfish. Maybe some more Karie Rae Chapman jewelry. age 8 Love Faith age 9 Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing? How is the reindeer, have you seen them Dear Sata, Hey! How are you doing? How is today?

Ruddlph. hav you see him and How is Thank you for all the stuff you’ve gave the erfers and mrs. clows doing is us on Christmas.

This year I would like a PSP and she making mufes for you or cookes.

This year I would like a skorder and a PlayStation 2. And sum games.

Thank you! Have a great trip all a copter. and a basketball yort. and over the world. a DS gams.

Love Than you! have a safe trip worad the Tyeler Cooper word age 8 Love Amelia age 9 Said happy crismas + Rudolph Dancer Dasher Blitzen Prancer Cupid Vixen Comet Donner Dear Santa, How are you doing? Did Mis. claus make you a good breafest? Have you seen Rudolph? Is his nose still glowing? Thank you for the new PJ’s last year. This year I would like a PSP so I would have a biffint hand held game to play. Wii be caues I play with my frind and I want to have one of my own. Spung Bod tv game that houks up to your tv.

Thank you have a safe trip arond the wold.

Love Holli 8

Dear santa, Hi! How are you doing? Is Mrs. Clause doing good? How is Rudolph today?

For christmas this year, could I please have a DSI and some of the games that go with it and a bick and a globe Thank you! Have a safe trip Love Leilani age 8 Dear Santa, Hey! How are you doing Thank you for my baribes from last year.

This year I would like a skatebord, a helmet, elebow pads, and nee pads.

I would like a dollhouse with a eleviter.

These year I would like small and medium baribes. These year I would also like a dollhouse. Thank you!

Have a safe trip.

Love Lacy Jean McClure age 9 Dear Santa, Hey How is you’or day in the North Poll. can I Have a bow Arrow.

Love Kevin Largent I am 9 yers old.

Dear Santa, Hey How are doing? Have you seen comed today? for Chistmas this year can I please have a remote controle hellacopter for histmas and if it cost to much buy something ells. how old

are you? because i’m 9 years old and Thank you and have a great if you Pick me thanks and Marry christmas!!!!

Love Chistmas.

Briana Cramer Love age 8 Deymun age 9 Dear Santa, How are u doing? How is Rudolph today?

For christmas this year, could I please have, a dog, a Phone, or a cat, and I also want a labtop.

Out of Eternity, out of His love – God gave his best gift – Jesus came from above, He came as a baby, homeless and poor And centuries later, still knocks at the door.

He’s God’s gift of life as he’s been from the start With no need for an inn, if there’s room in your heart.

This Christmas and always, we wish you blessings, Brought only by his abundant love.

Merry Christmas!

Tressa, Carl & Christi

Auto • Home • Farm • Liability • Commer cial Insurance

KAKER INSURANCE AGENCY 1104 STEVENS ST. • BRIDGEPORT • 683-2621

Page 42...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Did You Know?

Though it might seem as though it's been around forever, the beloved holiday song "Frosty the Snowman" actually wasn't produced until 1950.

Written by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson, the song was first recorded by legendary country singer Jack Autry and the Cass County Boys. Once they finished penning the now classic Christmas tune, Rollins and Nelson shipped the lyrics to Autry, who just a year earlier achieved great success with another holiday favorite, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." While Autry's version remained the most successful, and arguably most recognizable, version of "Frosty" for many years, its success in terms of charting was actually outdone just a year ago. The peak position for Autry's original version on the U.S. Pop Singles chart was #7 back in 1950. However, the 2007 rendition by former American Idol participant Kimberly Locke reached #1 on the Billboard U.S. Hot Adult Contemporary chart. The television adaptation of "Frosty the Snowman" remains astaple of the television schedule each holiday season

May the twelve days of Christmas brighten your heart and home, creating goodwill, joy and fond memories to last the whole year through.

We feel fortunate to have you among our circle of friends.

Thanks for being so good to us this past year. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Bridwell Publishing Co. Publisher: Keith Bridwell Photo Editor: Jo Gilbreath Pagination Director & IT Tech: Francine West Reporters: Whitney Bridwell, Jeannette Ward, Berta Morris Photographers: Jo Gilbreath, Jeannette Ward, Francine West

Have a safe and happy holiday!

836 FM 2952 • Chico • 940-644-2759

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 43

Chico Elementary Third Grade Dear Santa, I hope you and Mrs. Claus and the elves are having a good time up at the north pole. A good thing just popped in my head to tell you at the denton mall when I was with my cusons Mason Heather and Jessa and Jager and My mom and dad and Brother. We got to see you or one of your elves I dont know. But I didn’t get a turn to see whoever that was at the mall only jager. So I will just tell what I want right now. I want a avon or a american girl doll and that little cat at wal mart named lulu.

When my mom and dad get with you or one of your elves they will tell you things on my list that youcan get me.

P.S. When my dad find your # he

Dear Santa, I wunt a dol and a wii. We wil love Breanna leve a cup of milk on the table with a plat of cookie. lasht yer I had the dest cchrismes ever I wus hapy of Dear Santa, I wanta bike a doll. I want some wut you dot me lasht yer the hol jelery. I want a playhouse a play oven flamley lict the presents.

De a piano a gaitor and a play baby.

Paige love, Kylic Dear Santa, I would like these things 1 pot Dear Santa, I want to come see you. I was touch balle scooter, phone, babby happy last time. So you are at the stuff, school stuff for my kids, hannah Nothpole I want to go ther I lvoe you Montana the moive, new mofan, a Santa but my Dad wunt lit me so new bike, clothes for my dogs, clothes I’m amaering if you pic santa. I stor for me. Dear Santas, i bin really good. loveyou. A maize gries, a DSI, some I thing but do you thig I was good.

Love, games that ceers me up but ps3 Reagan games love, chloe will let me call you.

Christmasfoto by Jeannette Ward

Christmas Greetings!

Our Sincerest

Since 2007, we have seen years of tremendous growth in Wise County, and of many changes in county government have been necessary to meet those challenges.

During that time, it has been our great privilege to serve as the voice of Wise County people from the courthouse to the State Capitol.

At this wonderful time of year, we want you to know how thankful we are that you have given us the privilege to represent you throughout the year, and to send our wishes for a grand holiday season to you and your loved ones, and for a healthy and prosperous 2010.

Thanks for your trust and confidence.

Wise County Judge

Bill & (Mrs.) Kim McElhaney

Page 44...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Indian Pudding

Submitted by:

Shannon Green

Potato Soup Ingredients

(melted) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup raisins 1 tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger (optional)

Directions

Directions In a large sauce pan, cook and drain bacon. Add potatoes, celery seed, salt and pepper, carrot, onion, parsley and broth.

Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Combine flour and milk until smooth. Add to soup. Bring to a boil for about 2 minutes. Add cheese. Stir until melted. submitted by

Shannon Green

Christmas Lebkuchen Ingredients 2 eggs 225g almonds 10g cinnamoon 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 4 eggs yolks 225g dried peel (thinly

Shannon Green

Ingredients 2 cups low-fat (1% milkfat) milk 1/4 cup dark molasses 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 large egg whites 3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

6 bacon or turkey bacon strips, diced 3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth 1 small carrot, grated 1/2 cut small chopped onion 1 T. parsley flakes 3 T. flour 3 cups milk 8 oz. chopped velveeta 1/2 t. each: celery seed, salt and pepper

submitted by

sliced) 1 teaspoon nutmeg 450g sugar 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 175g butter 700g flour

Directions Melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar, spices, chopped almonds and well beaten eggs. Add flour and baking powder. Roll dough out thinly and cut into shapes. Place half an almond in the centre of each biscuit, and brush the top of each biscuit with the white of an egg. Bake at 180 degrees celcius until brown.

Preheat oven to 300 F. In a medium-size saucepan, combine the milk and molasses. Stir in the cornmeal. Cook, stirring constantly, over moderate heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until thick. Set aside. In a medium-size bowl, combine the egg whites, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir into the cornmeal mixture. Stir in the raisins and ginger (if using). Spoon mixture into an 8-inch round baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes.

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 45

by J.D. Clark Last night, a group of friends and I went driving around to view the Christmas lights that are on display in our area this year.

As we enjoyed the elaborate displays at some homes, I began to think about my annual Christmas story for the paper and what I would write about this year.

I wondered where and how the tradition of Christmas lights started and decided that would make an interesting holiday piece.

To my surprise, a quick Internet search revealed piles of information about historic Christmas lights. In fact, there are numerous collectors of antique Christmas lights that are incredibly knowledgeable about the topic.

Let’s jump back to 1879, when Thomas Edison invented the world’s first light bulb.

Edward Johnson, the vice president of Edison’s electric company, experimented with lighting and electricity and in 1882 became the first person to electrically-light a Christmas tree.

The tree was displayed in the foyer of his New York City home, which was located in the first section of that city to be wired for electricity.

Johnson adorned his tree with 80 lights encased in glass eggs of red, white, and blue.

A reporter named Croffut visited Johnson’s home and wrote about the tree in the Detroit Post and Tribune, widening the awareness of a possible new holiday decoration.

Two years later, in 1884, Johnson improved his tree lighting design and decorated his tree with 120 lights in globes of different colors. This time around, the New York Times did a story on the tree, complete with detailed technical descriptions.

In 1890, Edison’s company published a 28-page catalog that for the first time included lighting for Christmas trees as a genuine product.

President Grover Cleveland displayed the White House’s first electrically-lit Christmas tree in 1895, and the nation took notice.

By the next Christmas, high society members were hosting Christmas Tree parties. These events were quite elite; typical lighted trees at that time cost $300, which is equivalent to $2000 in today’s currency.

In 1900, Edison began advertising his miniature tree lights in popular magazines, which could (oddly enough) even be rented. Edison’s ads claimed that the lights had “no danger, smoke, or smell.”

At the time, however, electricity did not have the widespread public distribution that we know now. If a person lived

outside of a major city and wanted an electrically-lit tree, he or she had to supply their own power from household generators.

A “wireman” also had to be hired to light the trees, because few people were willing or able to perform the intricate job of hand-wiring all the lights on the tree. Because electric socket outfits had not yet been invented, the tree lighting had to be hand-wired each time.

Battery-operated strings of lights, which were smaller but less expensive, were also avail-

able for people who wanted to attempt the hand-wiring themselves. In fact, Popular Electricity Magazine featured a piece for children detailing how to light a tree with battery-powered lights.

In 1903, however, Christmas tree lighting changed. The General Electric Company (GE) introduced the first sets of pre-wired sockets, which they called festoons. GE attempted to patent the festoons, but the court system decided that the idea was based on knowledge possessed by “any ordinary

wireman,” so the design was not patentable.

GE’s failed attempt to patent the festoons left the market wide open. Many companies began to manufacture and sell the strings of lights, and the Christmas lighting industry was born.

Incidentally, the cost of GE’s first string of lights was $12 per string of 24 lights.

While this amount may not seem expensive today, in 1903, the average weekly wage was approximately $13.20.

Page 46...Merry Christmas to you, 2009

Merry Christmas to you, 2009. . . Page 47

Chico Elementary Third Grade Dear Santa, For Christmas I would licke a ipod the one i can tuoch with my Fingers.

And a dimond braslet with herarts and snowflakes an it far each of my family. And a little doll just like me. love Journey

cristmas. and bring my mom new makeup for cristmas. and my ant new idens for cristmas. and I would like a few more things. bring my cousenin a new gameboy and my other sousenin gnew prises and prins casel. and my gradmoter a new tv and a new neckless. and grandfather new wach new vest.

P.S. Santa you are the best person I ever met.

Love Alyssa Wilson

Dear Santa, I would like a men ring saped like a hart and a nekles with a oreng dimend in it and a book case and Dear Santa, teh Hannha Montana the movie c-d.

I want a horse a real one in a love fence and I want culection of rocks Michaela shiny one’s and alecrick skoter you can go as foast as you want and a Dear Santa, orange bike with banana handle bars I would like a puppy, a ps2 kung fu and new clothes and a pumkin pie panda game. A motorcycle batterie and plasma tv in my room and in my A noa robot a bebe gun a brother, a brother’s room. tree house a monkey a pocket nife a Love white christmas.

Danielle Love, P.S. Merry Cristmas Santa Ryan Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I wont for christmas a dirt bike I want a phone that is green and a robbot a turky a raindeer a sea white. I wnat the movie called the horse tall dog a short turtle a monBlindside. I want another movie called key a lion a raccon a car. I want to planet. I want the movie called G- shot a deer i want a gun. I want an force. I want the sound track of ape. southern voice by Tim Magraw. I Love kason want a miniture dirtbike. I want a P.S. how is mrs. claus real military set. I want a 20-2. I want a DSI. I want a pet parrot. I Dear Santa, want a little brother. I want a real I want to stufed ty toys the kind Johndeer Jeep. I want an eltrical is a dragon and the blue jay one and motor cycle. I want a play station 3. also I want a princes and the frog I want a game for my wii called call Barbie doll also I want a ice cream of Duty mondern warfare2. I want a necklace also I want a new nintendo double barle shotgun. I want a cat. I DS game the game I want is the want a vanilla colored lab named buck. sonic x game and also I want a anmal Love, drawing kit and a stuffed pet shop Hank bailey online and I wanta black labe real life dog. I also want a car.

Dear Santa, Love I want for cristmas is a slidfone Hannah Buckner tat slips up and a sticker kit an 5 dollar bills an a docter kit play set. and a big witte bord I mite have a good cristmas if you bring me that stuf be I hope youhave a good

Dear Santa, How are you doing? Is Rudolph helpin up there? My mom sure is buyin a lot fo gifs.. My granma wokeup at four in the morning and stoped at eight at night.

P.S. How is mrs. claus?

Love, Dear Santa, Cheyenne Hood I wish you a very merry christmas to you and your raindeer. I want to get a wii, easy bake, play doh, get to Dear Santa, I would like mountain bike, a mingo to my granny house and get warm iature sports car, and a nascar 09 and coze in a blankit.

Love, for playstachion 2, how are you toReena day? I hope you have a good ChristP.S. I will leave you a cookie for mas and a Happy New Year.

Meary Christmas, you and your raindeer.

Love, Jarrod Dear Santa, for cristmas I want the ride and Dear Santa, for Chrismas I whouet like a grow poney and one of your raindeer bell’s other than that you can get nutendow D. S. and a eve clopes me anything you want to. And I want vuer and a robow dog and a pupy and a peret and insepet of choclet to if you will stay alive for ever.

Love chip cocoes we are leaving you shoger Calli coces.

Love, Dakota Dear Santa, I wont some police station games and a p.s.p and games for the p.s.p.

Love Justin Romines P.S. i hope i gite this

Dear Santa, I what a laptop for chrismis so what are you doing today. nowhan will talk to me so how are you doing so far are you ready for chrismis this year whell so willyou breing a laptop to me could you be mean too us no you would not.

Love, J. D. Dear Santa, I like your deer but my favirot is rudolph the red nose deer. I want a beeby gun, tubesock, pocket rocket, four wheeler and a dirt bike for christmas. christmas is my favorit holiday. I want a puppy to. I want transformers revenge of the fallon the vidioe game. love zane