Page 2...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I would like a car. Your friend, Chad would like game. Dear Santa, Dustin W. How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like yo-yo. Happy Christmas. How is the North Pole? This year I your friend, Levi Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a DSI XL Love Santa, Madison would like a red will. Dear Santa, Much love, Emiey How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like pel cat. How is the North Pole? This year I Merrychristmas, Aistina Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a scate bord. Love Logan would like look u like doll. Dear Santa, Love Santa, Kerchall How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like I wut a bick. Happy How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, christmas! Haley How is the North Pole? This year I would like a dol. Kayleigh would like a bick. Merry Christmas, Charity Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like a pet. Merry christmas, Zoe How is the North Pole? This year I would like a nintendoe DSI Love, Jackson would like a zoo zoo pet. Alika Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a peielpet. Merry Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I christmas. Sara would like a new wii game. Sequin Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like a Moyo Bam. Merry How is the North Pole? This year I would like Iwone tow. Christmas, Trevor Carter Bridgeport Elementary 1st Grade
Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like to have a dsi. Love, Naomi
Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a jumbods. Merry Christmas. Blake
Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a car. Your friend, Cason would like a bildr truck. Merry christmas. Tristan Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I Dear Santa, would like a ntindoebs. Love Anna How is the North Pole? This year I would like a small TV. Love, Claire Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like a D. S. Merry Christmas. Dear Santa, Your friend, Keira How is the North Pole? This year I would like a new trampling. Merry Christmas
Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I would like a big carmack. would like a Big TV. your friend, Lane Love, Kyle Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I would like a new DS games. would like a yo-yo. Mogie Happy Christmas, Kolby Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I would like a das would like Bik. Happy Christmas, Mallory Merry Christmas, Jamie Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I How is the North Pole? This year I would like ___ would like champlen, Love, Tanner Merry christmas, Sophia Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? This year I would like car. happy christmas, Kobe
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, 2010... Page 3
Page 4...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-A
Dear Santa, How do you get your rain deer to fly? How meny elfs do youhave? Do youlike your cookie? I would like a xbox! I would like a fore webler! I would like a Pet! I am yaery good. I help other peple. I use maners. Your good boy, Travis
Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? Are you busy at the North Pole? How do you circle the earth in one night? I would like the Wii game, Just Dance 2. I would like the I phone 3. I have been helpful all year. I have been loveable all year. I Dear Santa, have been kind all year. Your friend, Emerson Santa how do you et mavic? how do you get presits for kids? haw do you get rain deer? I want a bik. I want a snow bord. I want a dirt bike. I been Dear Santa, How do you fliy? Wut is your Houes waitting for it. They are cool. I like like? How did you git the klose? I them. thank you, Collin wunt a wyi. I wunt the got corthn for wils I wunt a mine notrsikle. I dowt Dear Santa, push other pipl. Thanks Santa, Jordan Do you have a sled that has ? How do you make toy? and how do you now everybudys name. Santa, may I have a speed bike, and a dert bike. Dear Santa, How are you boing? Whats your faurit And a new bulldog and a Pitbull cookies? How are your vaindeer? I please. I listen at home. And listen want a neo pet, A gocart. and a Nerf at school and do every thing My dad gun. I bin good. I bin going to bed. I says. Love, Mark lisning. Love, Kegan Dear Santa, How do your raindears fly? How are you doing? How do your elfs rap preDear Santa, How is it like to ride a raindeer? How sets so fast? Know I am gowing to do you no if I been good? How did tell you what I want I want a Ipad you get a raindear. May I have a please I want a Iphone please I wnat new chrampeling. may I have a D.S.I. makeup please. KLnow I am gowing May I have a phone. So I can give to tell you 3 reasons I deserve gifts mom a gift. I have always asked for because I know my maners. because it. So I will have sonthing to do at I cook my sister noodles. because I home. I realy want it can I have it. help my mama cook. Love, Avery Love, Maranda Dear Santa, I was wondering if you have a mom and if she makes cookies? I also wanted if you have real reindeer? I really want a psps and spidermena toy for christmas. I have nice to my brthz and I help my mom a lot. Tha you helding kids santa. Your friend, Leonel M.
Dear Santa, How are you? How are the deer? How are the elfs? I want a relle doll hose with relle thigs. I wount Relle Barbies. I wount Relle babys. I’ve trid my best in scool. I’ve trid my best. I’ve tri to be good. Love, Trinity
Dear Santa, How do you make toys? How do yore raindear fly? How is yore home is dong? Can I have a fiddle? Can I have a dog? Can I have a thimble? I have ben good? Too give him a cookie. Foo keeep up my grades. I love you Santa, thankyou. Happy thanksgiving. Love, Georgia
Dear Santa, Are you ding good? And santa how do you keep going. And Santa you are my best Frend. And Santa I like a DS. And Santa I like a Back You Gone? And Santa can you get me a x box 360. I been nice at scool. And I be good all this time. And I truss God. Love your frend, Shane
Dear Saanta, How do your rindir fli? How aer you? Wut aer you doing? Iwutadoll haws. I wut a doll. I wut laptop. I hav bin gud a litll. I hav bin gud. your frend, Kelsey Dear Santa, Do you mak toys? Can you name all your raindres? Do you like to be santa clan? I would like a computer. I would like sum clows from justist. I would like sum earing. I resrf a gift because I help peapl. Because I respec my toys. Because I respec mom dad and you. Love, Reagen Dear Santa, What’s our elf’s name? What does raindeer flying feel like? How old is your elf’s? For my gift’s I want a DSI and a PSP and a X-Box. I deserve gift’s because i’m good and not bad. I believe in you. I’m good. I’m not bad. thank you, love, Janet
Derr Santa, Whare do yoe live? How do youre rander fliy? Wht do like? I whont a wagne Shu. I whont a Ipop Santa. I whont a copop Santa Clos. Becaus I help my mom a lot. Becus I be kid a lot. Becus I folloe rose a lot. Love, Gerardo
Dir Sata, i hop i is on the good list. i wun ___• i wunta DSI • i wanta __ • i wunta ___ or the last___. Love, Domawik Dear Santa, how ar eyou dowing at the north pole. How do rwdeer fliyin the sky? How do you rabeards swing. I want a des game. I want back you gone. I want Desix and a Desi game. I hadn’t been bad at school or at home. I had not been bad at home. I had a gevpac. your friend, Levi
Dear Santa, Is the noorth pol fun? Is the rurber fun? Haw is Roodof? Haw is Ns. Klofs? OW we are dowing a Krisim is play. I wont the port woor my motlkid. I wont a noow bike. I wont a noow bike. I thenk i shoob git the Dear Santa, presins bekus I bin nis. Love Joshua Santa how do the raindeer fly? Santa how are the elves? Santa I would licke a pink poney. Santa I would licke a Dear Santa, How are you? How das the raindeers doll. Santa I would licke a chechobella, fly? How are the raindeers? I will want becaus I beleive in you. Becaus I love a Pellow Pet Laptop Panda Pink 4 my famley. Becaus I have bee whaler. Because whan my mom tolde ____ to be frends with me to klin my room and make evereebotee. Love, Kaitlynn brefftest for my casan sand oneghit. she tolde me to get my littlel sister her blanket and i did what she tolde me to do. Love, Rosa
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 5
Page 6...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
g{x ÜxtáÉÇ yÉÜ à{x áxtáÉÇ 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 have marital relations with her until after the baby w a s 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 to stay. Finally a kindly inkeeper, seeing that Mary w a s close to the time to have her baby, said they could sleep in t h e 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 shouting, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men o f good will.” When the angels 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. This article was originally written by Bridgeport Index proofreader Beth Toombs in 2008, the same year Beth passed away. It is re-published here in both the spirit of Christmas and in remembrance of Beth. Beth Toombs, 1927 - 2008.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 7
Dear Santa, I wunt a snugee. I will save coocees. I wunt a pupee. I will giv milk to Dear Santa, I Like you. I want a BaBy DoLL. I Santa. I Love Santa. I wunt to see also want a woopy DoLL. Please Bring roofoff. I wunt a new haws. Love, Sam B. me some Boots. thank you for Being nice. Love, Katelyn G. Dear Santa, I want a mary crismis. I want an aret stashine I will make you some Dear Santa, I hope I get lots of presint. I will leve cokeys. I hope you like them . Mare sym kykes. Tell Rydolph. I sed hi I Crismis. Love, Kara D. love rydolf. I will lev sym milk. Love, Dakota B. Chico Elementary 1 st Grade
Dear Santa, dos mrs. closs have the ressupy for putato soup. i wod like it if i got a tea set for cresmes. i love you santa. have a grat time at the northpole. Love, Abby H.
Dear Santa, I whant sum erings. I whant sum lip stik and the lip stik is red. The erings has santa an them. I whant sum more erings. This ones have red nows randeer. Love, Savannah G.
Dear Santa, I want to see rudolf. I want a real horse and pony. I want a radio. I Love you and rudof. I want sum Hana montana clos. Love, Rhiannon M.
Dear Santa, I wont roodof. How is Mis Claus. I want a horse. Tell rodof Hi. I want a reindeer. I want a wee. I want a horse. I want a game. I want a basketball. I sol Roodor nose. I love you. Love, Kayleigh S.
Dear Santa, I wil leev you sum cookeez and sum milk frour you. Santa how are you with roodofph? I Love U. I wunt a pillow Pet. Santa I want earings. Love, Kayelifath S.
Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I want a Wii. Tell Rudolf I said hi. I I love you. Can you get a wii with the Dear Santa, I Wunt a xndox thee sixiste. I wunt a will leave you some cookies. monkey game? How are you? Love, Eathan V. Love, Amberann M. we. I Love santa clos. I wunt a bike. I wunt a babey. I wunt a raskor. Love, Hunter S. Dear Santa, I want a P.S.P. and I want a kitten game with my P.S. P. Is roodoph in Dear Santa, a good mood? I will give you milk I sall Roodolfs Nose. I want a xBox and cookies on a Plate. Oh haw is 360. I want a PS 3. I Love Santa. He has toys. rooDoPh? Love, Owen S. Love, Kaldon P.
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, 2010
Alvord Elementary School First Grade-Ms. Maag Dear Santa, I want a rocket. What is your realy name? Wiwarn your I want to dinsr. Win is Crimins? Your frind, Elias Dear Santa, Why did you mack our elves? I want a toy batman. I want a new Ps2. How do you get supplies I want a toy dog Your Friend, Hunter Dear Santa, I want a petshop. I want afon. baby doll. Can I have a barbiedoll. I want a playcar. do you have rader. I want a slid. I want a mucebrs. I want a swing. Your Friend, Hailie Dear Santa, Why do you bring prserts to kids? Santa do you think I am good. Kids that have been good all year should get presents. Your friend, Chance
Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Your friend, Aysia Can I have a trampolene Santa? Can Can I have a big video game xBox360? I please have a globe Santa? Can I Can I have a truCk? Your Fruend, Joe a gutiar? What do your reindeer eat? Your Friend, Jude Dear Santa, Can I have a small pool far ChristDear Santa, mas? Have I ben good far ChristI want a little dog. I want a little cat. mas? I would like a doll far Cristmas. Dear Santa, Your Friend, Makayla I want a horse for Christmas dear Can I have a guitar? Im I on the nis Santa. Can I have a junkyard dog list? Can I have new clos? Your Friend, Audra for me dear Santa? I wont a reindeer. dear Santa. Dear Santa, Your Friend Katie I want a I pot tuch. Have I been Dear Santa, good? I want Hungry hungry hipos. I I want a horse. I want a pool. I want want a ds. I want Dsi. a wosh. I lick Santa becus he is nis. Your Friend, Kaydee Dear Santa, I want petshop. I want a barbie. Have Santa you are nis. Your Friend, Brylee I been good? How does the reindeer? How do you get maied? Dear Santa, Your Friend, Laci Can I have a trampdene Can I have Dear Santa, a pool Do you have elves? Do you I wunt a esos 360. I wunt a jumpelin. have reindeer? I want a dsi. I wunt a pole. I wunt to see santa I Your Friend, Emma Dear Santa, I wonder if you can fit a pup in your wunt a fiheirod. Your Fande Kyndale bag. Do you think your elves can make a real pup? Have I been good? Dear Santa, Your Friend, Isabella I want a dsi. I want a snow Moxi girl. Why do you bring presents? I would like too pet your reindeer! Your Friend, Rachel
stick horse.
Dear Santa, I want a sock monkey. Can I have a snow globe. can I have a real comDear Santa, I want a go go dog for Christmas. puter. Your Friend, Alexis How old are you? Are you real? Does my mom and dad help you? I want a
Christmasfoto by Tom Stone
Dear Santa, How are you felling at the north pole? I want a scooter and a trampoline. and a ipod staffed animals. Love, Jacob Dear Santa, I what to go to the north pole with you do you like chloklit milk and cookies. Love, Jayci Dear Santa, Can you please get me some real horses? and some pillow pet. and a stuffed animal horse a pante horse. Love, Jayci
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 9
Love You because you give. Please don't four get about my sister. I will get a present. Dear Santa, Love, Dalyce W. I Love you bcus you gav u me a remote control car. Thank you for all of the presents. How is Mis is Clause. I Love my mom and dad. I hop I get Dear Santa, Thank you four the presents. This is a intendo ds. Love, Nathan S. your note. Do you remember my family? I would like a xbox. Love, Connor P. Dear Santa, Thank you four the game and the Intiendo DSi. I hope you are doing well. Please bring something specal for mom. Please bring me a game. Love, Ethan S. Chico Elementary - 1st grade
Dear Santa, I had a very good Christmas. Thank you for the baby dolls. how are you doing? I hope you are doing good. Please remember my mom and dad and brother. I would like a Intiendo DSi and two zoo-zoo pets. Love, Mia S. Dear Santa, Thank you for the presents and the scotler. Are you working hard? Still remember my mom and Dad please. I hope I get a go cart andd dog. Love, Wynn W. Dear Santa, I like the candy. I like the presents. I love you. I like your boots. I like your hat. I like the North Pole. I'm the kid you visit. I like your sled. Please bring me a toy race car. Love, Jessie B. Dear Santa, I love you. Thank you four the presents. I hope that you are happy. I hope you remember my dad. I would like a pistol with bb's. Love, Lucas M. Dear Santa, I still have the horse. Thank you. I love you. You give everything. Santa I
Dear Santa, I love you Santa I think you are the best In the world. I hope you are doing Well. I want you to rememder my Grandma. I hop I can have a Barbie doll. Love, Kayli J.
sents and the doll. I Love it. I hope member my family. I like christmas. you are hape. how is Mrs. Close? I I want zoo zoo pets. Love, Sage T. hope you remember my Mom and DaD. I want a bike. Love, Shannon L.
Dear Santa, I love you Santa. Thank you for the baby dolly you gave me. I hope you Dear Santa, I love you. thank you four the pre- are feeling well. I hope you still re-
Page 10...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-B Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Santa. How are you. people say y bon't iksist is it true. How do you fly. A Ben 10 woch that pops out with a action Figure. Battle Bladers with a hourse. A transformreas & Buble Bee with 4 modes. Ive bine good to my cusen. ive bine good to my sister. Ive bine good to brother. Love, Fabian Dear Santa, How old are you? How tall are you? When is your birthday? I want a ds. I want a pillowpet. I want a vidow girl barby. Because I be good Becaus I am nice. Because I be careful with my stuff. Love, Veronica
Dear Santa, Houe are the rain dier? Houe are you? Houe tall are you? Can I have a X Box 360 and a Will Star Wars game and a Bick. I deserve gives becaee I am good and nice and say plaeys. Dear Santa, From, Gage Have you gave gifts? Are you being good? Are you good? I want a Ipod, ds, phone. I'm good I clen my room. Dear Santa, I will clen my barther room. Love, Makayla Santa is it cold out their How are you doing. What are you doing. a new laptop backe, cupcacks and a new sede player for being good in school Dear Santa, My 3 questian are Can you change being good. I'm being nice. Love, Rachel your eye color? Dose your elfs work hard? Dose Mrs. Clas cook cooky? Santa I want a Ipod. DTR music. Wii games. I deserve it because I Dear Sante, think I am on the good list. I think How hard is your job? Are you real because my brother's and sister say, I'm good. I think I deserve gifts. From, Cristina you aren't? Where do you live? Kinet for xbox 360, a water profed watch that can also glow in dark. Gears of war 2. I share with my brother. I am Dear Santa, Huh culor are your randf. Wuht colr do your elfs were. hal man elf do you haf. Your frand, Isaiah Santa I wont an Ipot. Santa I wont an seede. Because-u I Behav good. Becausu I am good. I whil be nis. Love, Breana
Santa, I want no up bat out your life? How old are you? How is Mrs. Santa Claus? three thing I wanted for Chrisahe XBox 360 Chrisahe a new Will game for Chisahe. A new laptop for Chisahe. I have vane very good. I have vant very good for my Prantes. I whare will vey alaways Be Good. Dear Santa, Love, Crystal Why do you fly. Why do you give away on crismis? wy do you go to poepls houses with out nocining? Can I have a camra, and a D.S.i, and a Dear Santa, Are you a great day? How are the 3Ds. I am good at reading. I do the reindeer? Sanat how tall are you? I rite thing. I'm nice. Patrick want a DS and a DSi and a new bed Because I help my brother Because I help my big brother on math. Love, Tariana Dear Santa, how are you Doing? How are the eleifs? How are the raindeer? i want for chrismas is... gremlings. xBox 360 Dear Santa, Santa are you rele? What do you and xbox camera. and toy robot. Love Santa from Ander do? Is it cold out there? I want a capgun. I want a xbox 360 cnet. I want a laptop. I am bord. My tons Dear Santa, are boring. I don't like my tons. Love Mican How tall are you? How do you fly? How are your raindeer? Three gifts I want for Christmas is a discoball, ipod, and a camera. Three reason I Der Santa, Santa is it fresing out ther? How are deserve these gifts, because I'm nice. you ding Santa? What do you do because I'm helpful. And because I'm there Santa. Santa I wont an xbox. sweet. Love, Candice
nice to my dad. I like to read. Are you douing goud. Are you having From, Sadin fun. I wont a gogo my walling pup. A reel gutar. A x box 360. I am sarey for being a bad girl. Santa is thery Dear Santa, ehey thang i can do for you. What do you do? How do you make Love, Kirstin P. the toys? What are your elfts names? these are some of toys I wont. I wont a zoo dsi tre house. I wont a gogo Dear Santa, my wall kin pup. I wont some zoodls. Why do you bring presents to all the Love Kirsten boys and girls if they are good? Santa why do you not bring presents to all the boys and girls if they are bad? Dear Santa, Santa why is your job so good? Santa How do the elf look like? How do you can I have a DQ blizzrd maker, deliver all of the presents? How do ZhuZhu pets, and orbeez. the 3 reayou know what they what? These are sons I deserve gifts: is to make sure som toys I what. A laptop and red I'm not bad, to make sure I'm good, wii and eseycack. I disrv gifts be- and that to make a good thing for cause I have ben good. I have ben Santa. Love, Chandler nice. and I am good to others. Love, Yarrza Dear Santa, Are you herting fo the hard wrck.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas
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Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 11
How I saved Christmas: a short story by Thomas Stone It was Christmas and we had just moved from one side of the state to the other. We, as in me, my parents, and my younger brother, Todd. Well, I thought moving away from my friends and school was about the worst thing that could ever happen, but when Mom started pulling tree decorations from boxes stored in the basement, something happened that proved things could always get worse. Before I tell you everything, I need to say I am in the fourth grade and pretty smart. Last year, I won second place in my school’s science contest by gluing magnets on the underside of the cardboard box my dad’s checks came in and then making the box hover and move along magnetized strips, sort of like a railroad car. So, I know how to do things other people don’t even understand. My brainpower is some-
thing Todd has not picked up yet, but what do you expect? He’s almost four years younger than me and, if mom would let him, he’d still be wearing pullups. I stopped wearing pull-ups when I was two. Anyway, Todd’s not in the story so much and moving across the state was no big deal to him. But Christmas is a big deal to all of us. That’s why when mom couldn’t find the special ornament, the one that goes on top of the tree and lights up, the one we’ve had every Christmas I can remember, I was afraid Santa wouldn’t come. I know, on face value, it sounds a little silly for someone in my grade to think such a thing would keep Santa from showing up. But look at it this way: Santa is a magi-
cal person, right? How else does he get around to so many places in one night? So, since Santa is magical, so are Christmas trees. It’s so obvious. They light the way for him, sort of like a homing beacon. I can’t say I’ve got it all figured out, but I’m sure I’ve got the general idea. It’s magic. Adults don’t know everything. But mom couldn’t find the shiny star that lights up and goes over the top branch. She said she looked all over but it must’ve gotten lost in the move. “It can’t be lost,” I said, “We need it. Santa needs it.” “Santa will find his way without it,” she said. I looked at dad, but he just sort of grimaced and turned away. “Mom,” I said, “this is serious.” “What is serious is that it’s past your bedtime,” she re-
plied. “Your brother’s been asleep for an hour and if you don’t join him, well, you know how it works — Santa won’t come. Time for bed.” “He won’t come anyway without the star. I can’t believe you lost it.” Dad did that grimace look again but didn’t say anything. I felt the world on my shoulders and barely had the strength to climb the stairs to my room. I went to bed. What choice did I have? Still, I didn’t sleep. But I didn’t squirm either. Instead, I thought about the unpacked boxes in the basement and how maybe one was marked in felt-tip by mom’s loopy handwriting as ‘Christmas.’ I could see it in my mind. It had to be there. It was the only place. Mom came up the stairs and stopped at the door. I pretended
to sleep and she pulled the door almost shut, not so much I couldn’t still hear dad moving around downstairs. Finally, dad shut out the lights but left the tree shining as well as some lighting strips mom had wound around the banister. I heard the stairs squeak and knew dad was on his way up. He sure moved quiet because I didn’t hear anything else. For a while I lay there like I was asleep but all the while thinking about exactly what I was going to do. I finally took a peek at Todd, asleep in the twin bed across the room. He was oblivious. Like a ghost, I slid silently out from under the covers and onto the floor beside my bed. Not a stir as far as I could detect. Stepping across the room on bare feet, I peeked out. Mom and dad’s room was quiet, the door was shut. continued on page 21
Page 12...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Alvord Elementary School First Grade - Mrs. Gaskins
Dear Santa, Do you like to give me the things that i got from mi parents what I Dear Santa, didn’t get. I want an ipod and a bunch How does your reindeers can I have a zuzu pet and a laptop of things. Love, Alisa and a ipod touch and a pillowpet? Casey Dear Santa, How aer yours reindeer and The Nort Dear Santa, How is your reindeer? I want a Big Pole? please Can I have a pillow pet Foot I want a Barbie I want a big and reindeer stuff animals. Love, Laramie Kitchen I want a ZuZu pet I want a game I want a Desipod. Love, Luliana Dear Santa, How are your reindeers? How is Rudolph? Can i have a another zuzu Dear Santa, Do you like cookies? Santa can i have pet? Love, Evelyn a piano? Santa can i have a i pod touch? Dear Santa, Santa can i have a horse? Love, Madi How is the reindeers? can you get me a ipod touch and a Laptop pogostik trampoline han monten wig Dear Santa, How are you? Pole Rudolph zuzu pet? Love, Bailey Nintendodo camera reindeer pillowpet wii Big Foot camera can I Dear Santa, have a byuch of tys? Love, Mason Hi! Do you like cookies? Can I have a reindeer stuffed and animal chocolate candy canes and a big food and Dear Santa, Santa When will you bring me my a ipod touch and toys. Love, Larrison dirtbike? at night tine? Yes i will bring you bike. Love, Dalton
Christmasfoto by Whitney Bridwell
Dear Santa, How is rudolph? please let me have Dear Santa, a nintendods. Can i have a pillow pet. How is the North Pole? can you bring Love, Alex me a ipod and a wii game. I want a pillow pet. I want a zuzu pet. Love, Andrea Dear Santa, Can I please get a laptop and a camera please? oh and I want a susu Dear Santa, pet please. And I want a hoolahoop Haw is the north pole? naw i gest wot a spesh christmas. too. from Katie Love, Kiersten Dear Santa, How is the North Pole? May I have a MP3 Player and zuzu pet stuff and a DSI? Love, Claton Dear Santa, How is the north pole? How loud do you laugh? May i please hace a lap top and a Nintendo Ds. Love, Keithlyn
Dear Santa, How are you felling at the north pole? I want a scooter and a trampoline. and a ipod staffed animals. Love, Jacob
Dear Santa, I what to go to the north pole with you do you like chloklit milk and cookies. Love, Jayci Dear Santa, Can you please get me some real horses? and some pillow pet. and a stuffed animal horse a pante horse. Love, Jayci
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 13
Chico Elementary 1st Grade Dear Santa, How are you? thik you for the computer from last year. please get me a Wii and a Ipod. What is your favorite Cookies? Love, Rigo Dear Santa, I ned a new cat four mi cat sox. He has a frend. I wont a stuffed animal. Haw are you dooing? Love, Jessica Dear Santa, How are you? I want a hamster. I want a laptop. Plees! I want a nintendo D. S. I want a four weeler. I want a baby turtle. I want a Ipod. I want a beach ball. I want a barbydoll. I want a horse plees, plees! I want a pool. Love, Amaya Dear Santa, I want a hamster, laptop, and an ipod. How are the reindeers? what are your favorite cookies? I wnat the sno to go up to my waist please. I what a computer. thank you for my presents. Love, Marcus
Wii games and some New hi heels. I want some Big Zoo Zoo pets. I Love you Santa. Let it Snow Santa please! and a candle for my step dad. I want the eclips and a four Wheeler pink one and a BaBy Dog. Love, Juliana H. Dear Santa, How are you? I want a pink computer. pese! I want a swimming pool. Thank you for the presents. Love, Jackie Dear Santa, I want a hamster and a four wheeler and a wii and a laptop and an ipod. what kind of cookies do you like? I want a pillow pet. Love, Sharon M. Dear Santa, How are you dooing. I dont wot anything. Can you get my mom a pair of slipr. Love, your friend Lazaro
Dear Santa, I hope you have a good Christmas. for christmas mas I would like a big rig, Hot wheels, lego set, toy foot ball Dear Santa, How are you? I want a nintendo DS. player, and biken cloths. Love, Harley I want a laptop. Thank you so much. Love, Anthony Dear Santa, How are you and Mis. Clause? I wont a four wheeler and a wii and a zoo zoo pet. and I wont a robot thet looks like me. Can you say hi to Rudolph I like him and all the other reindeers. What are your favrite cookies and milk? Love, Merry Dear Santa, How are you? can I Pleas have a nerF Gun and a dog and a Hamster and a laptop. how many reindeer do you have? What kind of cookies do you like? Love, Zane
Dear Santa, I want a Tinkerbell toy. I want a watch. I want a puppy. Love, Hannah Dear Santa, I want a motorized scooter. Can I Please have Motor Skates. I want a toy cat. I want a real computer. I would like to have a toy dolphin. I want a goldin watch. I like surfboard. Love, Alana
Dear Santa, I want a hamst. Do you like your North Pole? Do you like your renideers? I wodl like a baribie doll. Merry Christmas Santa. I Lov you Santa. You are doing a good job Santa I like your reindeers. Dear Santa, Love, Shawna H. I want to get My Mom Some new
Page 14...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Alvord Elementary School First Grade- Mrs. Hanks
And a lap top. And a smart board. And a word of the week board. And a kitty fodr. And a bala soot for Ms kitty. And a reel dire. And a sweing. Dear Santa, Love Makinna How are you and Mrs Clase if I am gud wud you git me a dsdsi I will be gud grafl and I wud lick a gam. Dear Santa, Luve Riley Can I have something for Christ. I want some fack nes fum. Christ and a dess and a dessi. and some iwes Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs Clause? How fum christ. Love Nalaya are the Elfs doing? I would like to have a DS a pillow pets and a DS game, also a diary with a lock and Dear Santa, How are you doing Mrs. Claus now I two keys. Love Hope will start I want a bucit of stors. I want a toowilbik. I want a nou will game. Dear Santa, Love Hannah Hi Santa did I be god? I want a swiming pul. And a pone pelow pet.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? How many rany dir do you have? I want a dsI and a Harry potter cas yam with the. glass and the wand and a lap top and a go krt. Love Bryce Dear Santa, How are you down to day Santa? I want a dsi four Christmas. alos I want a diwe fo a doge diwe fer Christmas alos I wan a dog tanw. I alos want a pelowpet dog. Love Andi Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs Clas I would like a gocare ples. I would like a drt bike ples. I would like a tollbox ples. Love Matthew
Dear Santa, I want a Dsi four christmas. and I want a PeloPet four christmas to. and I also want a little pair uuv wegs to. also a Dire to. Love Faith Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs is clos doing for christmas I wout a plafor. I wount a pilopet I wunt a Desiy. I wunta enetinebop it. I wunt a talrswift moove. Merry chrismas Love Kenadee Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a DSI and a DSIXL. But how do you make your Elfs work? Does your raindear pratis flying? Love Nathan.
Dear Santa, Can you get me a ds thiyear and a barbiy and a new barbiyhasovws and a new computer and a pletpetlo. I would you to givu if you can bi me a coloringbook. Love Kayla
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 15
cÉ|Çáxàà|t the Christmas flower by Thomas Stone Known as the Christmas flower, the poinsettia has become a traditional holiday gift. Native to Mexico, the plant grows naturally in tropical forests at moderate elevations. It is found from southern Sinoloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. Over 100 varieties of poinsettia are available through retail with the bulk of sales taking place during the holiday season. The name “poinsettia” comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who int r o duced t h e plant into the U.S. in 1828. The Aztec word for poinsettia is Cuitlaxochitl meaning “flower that grows in soil residue.” The Aztecs made red dye from the plant and used it as an antipyretic. Nowadays, in Mexico and Guatemala, the flower is called “Noche Buena,” in reference to Christmas Eve. In Spain, it’s known as “Flor de Pascua,” or Easter Flower. In both Chile and Peru, it is called the “Crown of the Andes.” Mexican legend tells of a girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. So, the child was visited by an angel who told her to gather weeds from the roadside and place them at the church altar. Poinsettias sprouted from the weeds. Franciscan friars in Mexico have included the plants in their Christmas celebrations since the 17th century. The star-shaped leaf pattern symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of the crucifixion. In the United States, De-
cember 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The Comanche Trail Festival of Lights in Big Spring, Texas is well known among Texans. When the dam was built at the spring, four giant poinsettias were made of welded rebar. Over the years more have been added and now eleven flowers adorn the dam. At Christmas, the leaves of the sculptures are decorated with red Christmas lights, creating a beautiful sight and earning Big Springs the moniker of Christmas Poinsettia capital. The Ecke family of Encinitas, California had a virtual monopoly on the poinsettia business until their growing techniques were revealed in the 1990’s. The key to producing more desirable poinsettias was to create a fuller plant by grafting together two varieties with desired characteristics. The Eckes’ technique resulted in a bushier plant. The Ecke family no longer grows poinsettias on farms in the U.S., but as of 2008, they still controlled 70% of the domestic market and 50% of the worldwide market. They, specifically 3rd generation Paul Ecke, Jr., are credited with turning the family’s enterprise into a commercial success with relentless marketing campaigns.
Page 16...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-B
Dear Santa, Will you like are Crismims show? Are you haveing a fun Crismis? I wunt a dsi. I wunt a a mp. I been triing to be good at school. Have a good crismisms. Sinsily, Drake
D. Sant, How are you'r Ilfs? HOW are you? HOW is you'r life? Can I hAve A Tnia laptop, a _ar move the_ _r fla-srg_nin? I deserv gifts becaus i'm niec, __I shar my toys with my littl brother. Love, Noah Dear Santa, Do you work hard at the North Pole? Are you ready for Crismas? I will like a new game. I will like a football. Dear Santa, Do you bring presiats? Do you have I deserve a game because... I made raindeer? do your raindeer's fly? Do all 100's, I deserve a game because I you give xboxs and games and Mcvir? help my mom do londrey. Your frend, Michael Will you give me an Iphone? Will you give me games? Will you give me 3 gifts extra? Will you give me 3 gifts? Dear Santa, do you give me MaLis? Love, Dayue How was your Autum? Are the reindeer ready to fly on Cristmas Eve? This year is going to be fun! This Bridgeport Elementary 2-E year I would like the Transformers 5 pack with skyburst and the spiderDear Santa, man web shooter. The reasons I deHow are your reindeer! Santa I deserve it is because I'm always thankserve gift because I work hard at ful and helpful to freinds. school and helped my friends. The Your freind, Samuel gift that I want a army sut and sorwd. Santa have a nice trip. Your friend, Andres Dear Santa, Is it cold in the NorthPole? Do you like your elefs? SANTA are yr elefs Dear Santa, good are yr RAINDEER strong? I How does a popout-book go out? How desrv a DS because I bin good this does your raindeer fly? I want a dsi year I wunt a big remote control because sence my last birthday came because I bin good in scool. Stay safe. I aways wanted it. I want a bike beYour frend, Jeffrey cause my last one has a flat tire. I deserve to have a bike becase I help my grandma cook and I clean my Dear Santa, room evrey day. I hope you have a I want to know if im going to get a safe trip. dog from my parents for Christmas? Your freind, Brady Do your elves have big ears? This year I realy want lots of presents! But I have been thinking about it and Dear Santa, I want a rag doll and naboo sea Are your raindeer sike? Are your elv's creaturs. But I think I deserve them small? For Christmas I want a dog because I have been useing my and a cat. I deserve it because I listin maners. Cant wait! to my mom and dad all the time. Your friend, Logan W. Say hi to the raindeer for me. Your friend Hayley
home. Because I was good, and I make 100 on my spelling test. Have a good trip. And have a good time. Your friend, Alexa
Dear Santa, How do you get all the toys? How is it at the North poll? I want zuh zuh pet tracks. I want a baby kitten. I deserve it because I started to make 100ed's insted of 40's on my A.R. tesDear Santa, tes. I worked my hardest. P.S. I can't How are you Santa and elv's? I waite for Christmas. windring if the North ploe cold Santa? Your friend, Grace I whant a American doll for chrimas please. I whant a braby jlt vie tashan for Christmas please. I deserve them Dear Santa, because I love my family. I love my How are your raideer doing? Is life cuesin. I hope you and your slaey get esy at the North Pole? I would like to have a dsi for Christmas. I would to do it. Your friend, Kelli also like a calico kitten too. I have worked hard in class. I have bind my best. Have a nice chrip. Your frend, Shea Dear Santa, I'd like to start out with how is Mrs. Claws? Did you like my poster? Yoi will have my critmas list soon but I Dear Santa, wuld still like a glitariser. And new Are the raindeer all right? Are the shos. And I deserv these thing becus elvs small? Are you sick? I hope you you called me and I have impruved. arn't sick? Are you Fat or Skiniee? I Your frend, Bailey want a fish tank and a freash water Fish and salt water Fish. I dezev them becase I was nice in school. Have a good trip. Dear Santa, Your friend, Aiden How hard is it to deliver presants? How do your riandeer fly? I wold like some fish and a D.S. I think I desiv it because I help my frineds and make 100 on all most every test. Have a marry christmas. Your frined, Brandon
Dear Santa, How do your elvelves help you. Do they get a jumpstart so they can rest? Santa I want a froggy keychain and a microscope so that it can help me with science. l pay attention in school a ____ people person. Signing off, Matthew D. Dear Santa, I cant wait for Crismas. Are your raindeers redy to pull your slelgn? I rily hope I get the movie megumin. I diserved it becuse I helped my mom clean out side. Have a nice trip. Your frend, Alyssa Dear Santa, Make sher the slay dus not run out uv majic. How is er dirs growing? I want a labtop because you get to tipe on it is esum. I wont a ipod so I can listen to music. I deserve these gifts because I bin good and I lisen. Have a safe trip! Love, Ashley
Dear Santa, How do you make toys? Are the rainder good to go to sind the toys? I want a bratz with blond hair. I want a magsen about Taylor Swift. I ben good at school. I clened a pupy and my room. Have a good trip back. Your friend, Victoria
Dear Santa, When you come to my house do you wont a cookie I will bake you one if you want. Are you bringing me toys on your sleigh I want a monster truck Dear Santa, with a boot ____. I been good How are you? Santa and Mrs. Clos? and helped my Mom and Dad I bed Are the Der are rdy? Are evreyone somehmes. I cant wait hil chrishmas. are good. I wate a doll and a doll Your Friend, Garrett J.
Christmasfoto by Thomas Stone
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 17
Memorable Christmas classics by Thomas Stone A book makes a great holiday gift for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a holiday gift for a book lover or just a good read in front of the fire, these Christmas classics are sure to please. “ Ti n s e l a n d : C h r i s t o p h e r ’s Christmas Adventure” by Micah K. Hart is a children’s book but makes for a great readaloud. “Tinseland” is a modern day Christmas adventure s t o r y. Christopher is chosen by Santa to help save Christmas from Grimmire and his evil minions. Memorable characters offer a twist to the traditional Christmas story. A delight to both the young reader and parents. “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” gives us a classic Christmas poem written to be read aloud although illustrations are flawlessly rendered in black pencil by artist Matt Tavares. The Candlewick Press edition is not attributed to Clement C. Moore, the man usually cited as the author, rather the author is Anonymous. Explaining why the author is listed as “Anonymous,” Tavares says the words appear exactly as they did when “Account of a Visit from St. Nichola”’ was first published anonymously in the TROY SENTINEL on December 23, 1823. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is the original tale of how a miserly Scrooge finds redemption through the visits of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The story was first published on December 17, 1843 and to this day remains a popular Christmas tale. The Pickwick Press edition contains water-
color illustrations by P.J. Lynch. Random House offers two special editions of the Dr. Seuss classic children’s Christmas picture book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”. The first is the Party Edition, featuring a bright foil cover with complete text and full-color illustrations. The second, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: A Historical Retrospective,” is for dedicated Dr. Seuss fans. It features the complete original text and illustrations and a 32 page commentary by Charles D. Cohen. Children 4-8, as well as families, will enjoy the story of the Christmas-hating Grinch and the inhabitants of Whoville. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a story about a young couple, Della and Jim, who live in a shabby apartment in New York City at Christmas. They have little money, but share a great love. The story reveals the true meaning of gift giving as both Della and Jim sacrifice to buy a Christmas gift for one another. L. Frank Baum was the author of “The Wizard of Oz,” but he also wrote “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.” It is yet another wonderful fantasy novel that describes the origins of Santa Claus, following Santa from an abandoned baby taken in and raised by fairies to the jolly old St. Nick we know today. A perfect Christmas gift for the avid reader on your list. “The Legend of Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola makes for a great holiday read either in a classroom or home setting. The heartwarming story is based on a Mexican folktale and inspires readers with the true meaning of Christmas. The next four are not strictly Christmas stories but they make great reading for both kids and adults year round. Not
bad gifts at Christmas either. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White is the story of Wilbur the pig and his friendship with the remarkable spider, Charlotte. “Charlotte’s Web” contrasts love and loyalty with the reality of life on a farm. Great writing style and imagination in this 1952 classic. White will make you believe in this impossible story. “James & the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl concerns the story of James Henry Trotter, orphaned when his parents are eaten by a rhinoceros. Left in the care of two wicked relatives, all is lost until a mysterious stranger provides James with a magic remedy. Roald Dahl’s 1961 classic is a surreal adventure across the globe with more than a few strange encounters. The book is probably better suited for children ages 8 and older. “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder with illustrations by Garth Williams. In September 2010, Harper Collins released the
75th Anniversary Edition of this remarkable tale of pioneer life. Drawing on her own experiences, Laura Ingalls Wilder tells the adventures of her life as a young girl living on the prairies, moving from Wisconsin to Kansas and creating a home and community in challenging pioneer circumstances. Although the pioneer way of life is far removed from present day, the story remains fresh and alive. A perfect armchair read to share with the kids. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a tale of three unlikely friends in Victorian England, and centers on Mary Lennox, a spoiled orphan girl who is sent to England to live with her uncle. Left to her own devices in a gothic old manor house, Mary uncovers the house’s secrets – including another child living in the manor – and a secret garden where she learns the value of all living things. Soon, with the help of her friends and her new appreciation for living things, Mary grows and
blooms like the Secret Garden itself. Mysterious, magical, and a celebration of new life, this classic is an enchanting tale to share with children this holiday. For those of you more digitally inclined, don’t forget the thousands of books available as ebooks that can be read on computers, portable reading devices, and iphones. Books make great gifts. These are just a few of literally thousands of wonderful stories intended for people of all ages. Make someone happy this Christmas: give them a book.
Page 18...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Elementary 2nd grade Dear Santa, Santa ar your reindeer healthy? I want a xbox. how long does it take you to get evryone and back. How long does it take to make toys. Do you have lots of elfs? Jaeten R. Dear Santa, Ar your reindeer ok i'm just wandering hows Mrs. Claurs. I Love reindeer expesaly Rudolf. I can't wait til chrismas. good bye. I want 3 new transformers, a building set, coel robots, a monster truck and a romot control monster truck and a 4 inch combine. Laramie Dear Santa, 1. What are doing Santa 2. Ds gamfl with dritbick 3. Camara del 4. I hop you are good 5. I bliv in you. Susanhah Dear Santa, I hope your reinbeer are not sick if they are tell me and tell them I miss them For Christmas I want a Long stricke cs-c, a bean bag and a xbox 360 with a game called Cull of Dude black ops. A gumball muching. A game to the Wii, turtle, and a camera. A toy tanck that shoots out misals. Dimitri T. Dear Santa, Oll your reindeers or strong. im go-
ing to giv your reindeer rudoLgh the one whith a red nose a big bLanket shert. Whut i LEGO Batman end LEGO poles end a rokengrol gitar. Santa I giveng you a dlancket. Santa you live in the north pol. Oh and am I not the knote list yes ____ or no___. Joe
Dear Santa, Ar you have you doing fin I am doing fin to ar you tacking good of the randear. Al i want is thomes tht treron for cresmes and a remokeltrol trak that is elektrek. i hop you ar makeing good timeing today and a for me I waht a good ceremes. Sinserle, Michael W.
Dear Santa, how are u doing whith your raindeers. Are you and Mrs. claus doing fine. Are some raindeers sick. How long dos it take you to mack toy's. I wood Love a scooter for chrismas thank you. but you don't haf to. I allso like a tea set. And a champiling so have a mery chrismas. ps. I wood like some fishis. Alexis H.
Dear Santa, This year I will give the reindeer carits. I hope they like them. also is Rudolf real. also what kind of cookies do you like. What I want for Chrismas is creepy crawlers set, Legos, wreslerset, star wars figures, Lego plane and thats all I want for Chrismas. Landon
Dear Santa, How is your reindeer? I was wondering how you are doing. everone is excited for christmas me to are you !? Thank you for the Christmas present last christmas it is really cool. What I want for Chistmas is a squickes and a four weeler and I want a haman crab and it own stuff and lolaoosey. Kindal
Dear Santa, Do you like to read? Are the Reindeer ok? What is the smollis Reindeer? What do you what for Christmas? Now what I what for Christmas. I what a hawk eye hellcopter & go cartte. Love Austin
Dear Santa, How is the raindear Santa i want to see Roodoff. How is Mrs. Class i herd that she has to pick up affter the elfs. Do you have a ice cristL to power Dear Santa, How are you doing to day? I have a every of Chrismas? So this is want i dog and a cat there name is Scarlit want for Chrismas. A dsi and a spy and Hershey. I went a trampoline and stuff. Thats all i want for chrismas. Laura dirt bike and fish. Lillion
Dear Santa, Do you ride your slay whith the reindeer? I want a doll that is Mrs. Claws. I bleven you. I love Crismas it is the best day ever. Santa you are the best. Santa I wold like to see a pitcher of roodohf the reindeer. Can I have some jewelry for chrismas. I wold like a barbe car for chrismas. I would like a doll house for chrismas. I would like some baribies for chrismas. I would like some buitifull earrings, for christmas. I would like some pencils for chrismas. I would like some lagos for chrismas. I would like some camras for chrismas. I would like some pichchers of Mrs. claws for chrismas. i would like some flower for chrismas. I would like a babby doll for chrismas. I would like some money for chrismas. Kasi H.
walker and the Rupleik ship and the death star 2. I loved the movie about Roodoph how he lerned to fly. I aso I whont a boxor pupy. from pet smart. and I whont a gam; yuoob with Star Wars the game. I hope everybody gets a present so I hope you donot forget to see my room. My room is a mess and you will see sister's room and my brouthers room to. My mom and dads room is to the right and when you get there you will see my dog. Cayden B.
Dear Santa, uor Cristmas I want my famley to Have a good cristmas day. and I hop none of your reindeer get sick and I hop Rudolf is ok? Santa this year Please I wan't my brother to have The best crismas ever. thank you and I wan't my moms dog to have a merry Dear Santa, cristmas. and I my Hol famley to have I hope your reindeer do not mess up a merry cristmas. I hop Rudolf has this yaer. My home is a moble home a merry cristmas. Kaiden and tan and white. I whont a A+A+
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 19
Page 20...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Elementary School Second Grade Dear Santa, This year I have been good. I have two sisters who are very nice. And this chrismas I don’t want just to ask for toys. I want to buy my sisters some things but I dont have enough money I realy want to. Now I will tell you what I want I want a green Lite saber a kong zho a Lego Hary potter wii game and the last thing I want is a kirby toy. By Santa have a merry chrismas. Clayton Dear Santa, I what some close and a xbox 360 and something for my bady sister a pupe and my mom wuse a happy day me and my bruther wuse a football soot and a hemut so we can play football. David Dear Santa, Can I plese have a buney and caghe and a cat. and a moove coled lerman two. A flat scrn tv a remote control truck and remote control monster trucks and remote control cars. Can I have a now forwiller. Can I hae a Xbox 360. Plece can I ahve a nerf gun that is a long shot. Can I have a ipod. Can I have a guitar. Plese can I have a psp and the charger and games. Plese can I have a robotic dinsor. I wish I code see you santa closs. I love you Santacloss. Plese give me all the presints that I poot on the paper. And this is mabe the last thang that I wunt a stuft animals and close with a toy on it. A tv that is 3D. Seth Dear Santa, How are you doing? Are you exited? I sure am! If you could pick out a present what would you pick? I would like my family too be safe. Could I please have a hex bug too? How are your Elves and reindeer oh! And rodolph. I also want a pretty shirt. I believe in you. I marvel at the way you ride around the whole world in one night. And could you help people that are sick. I am sorry for all the bad things I have done. How are things at the factory. Hope you have
a merry Chistmas Thank you Santa Dear Santa, Plese can I have a eletrick gator and Clause. Mia plese can I have a pet bird and I will like a rabodick dinosaur and I’d like a spiy car and a nerf gun and a ds and ds. Dear Santa, Walker How are you doing Santa? I bet you are at the North pole wrking on toes. What I want for chrismis Is a urmote cantrol monstrtruck. A lego star wars Dear Santa, ship. I urmote cantrol spy camra car. I thank you Santa four all your work. And a X Box 360. And sam X Box360 I thank you four bringing Christmis to us. Now I want to talk about games. Kolby thangs that I want to have for Chrstmis. I wood like to have a wii. I like them. they are cool. I like a Dear Santa, How are you doing. Can I please have nuther thang. It is a bike. I wood a xbox 360. I wish I can see you. I like one. And for my sisters and mom thank you are rill. For my xbox can I and dad. My mom and dad does not please have a footbasll game for my have a bike yet. I do not have a lot xbox. Santa ipads are fun can I have to say. But I can name some mour. one please. My sister hannah wants you do not have to give me all of the a guitar. Santa I want a now bike thangs I like But I wood like to tell can you make some of it black and you some mour. I like computers, and white please. I wish I can ride your some makup I like to have some. I sleigh with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, like a nother thang it is a doll house Vixen, Cumid, Cupid, Donne, Blisen, they are cool. and Rootoff. I wish you have a grate Natalie Chistmas. Hayden Dear Santa, Santa how are you. I now your bise but can I plise have a video girl and a huge school cit. And that is al. but there is one mour thing it is not from me it is for my mom. It is a pere of govey and a per of iring and tat is thoc you for tshing. Laney Dear Santa, I’ve been bad in school a lot. my mom gets me in strubel a lot. And I get granded for five days a lot.that is sad a lot to me. and i am being good now santa I will be good now I am being good this week. Ariena Dear Santa, I been good at school. I want horse and cow and cowboy and eighteen willer and a exl a remoeecontrol eighteen willer thin a car set thin a horse set and a cowboy set and a cow set. How are you doing Santa are you happy about Christmas? Jonathan
Dear Santa, How are you today? May I please have a computer, cute clothing, makeup box, makeup, xbox, radio, ipad, ipod, Hannah montana the movie, pj, and a calender. I am going to make you a very special cookie. With lots of Love! I will probley won’t see you. But with lots of Love! Mary cristmas! Laramie
is not any truble. I hope you and misis claus are warm up at the north pole. Oh can you tell Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixson, Comit, Qupid, Doner, Blisin and Roodof the red nose rain deer I said hi Adout the Amaian girl doll I made a little presint and bed Well that is it I hope you and misis claus are ok. Good by Hope you have a Safe travel. Jana
Dear Santa, I wish I could see you but I can’t see you. I think you like cookies and milk and mabey cake but I really want to say I Love you and I think you are real. I realy can’t understand how you move so fast so we can’t see you but I think that is becouse Christmas Eve is ending and thre’s lots of present to give. I wish I could see all the reindeers espeshely Rodof. This year for Christmas I just want three things: 1. DSI 2. Give presents to kids in the hospetle 3. A puppy like Cloe. Sant you are greate! I hope Dear Santa, How are you doing? I hope you and you have a save travle. Alondra misis claus are ok. Santa can I please please have a Amaican girl doll. If it Dear Santa, I want sniekers. Please can I have a basketball. Can I have a soccerball. Can I have play moer. Can I have a play wedeter. Can I have some piragers. I wish I can see you. I am gona give you coockes and milk. I wish I can ride on your slay with dasher, danvcer, prancer, vixen, cumid and cupid, donner, and blisen and Rootoff the red nose Reindeer. Jarred
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 21
How I saved Christmas: a short story
continued from page 11 Not making a sound, I slipped from the room and went downstairs. Not even pausing to take in the magnificence of the tree, I went directly to the basement door, opened it, stepped inside and closed it behind. I held my breath as I listened. Not a peep. It was dark so I took a chance and felt for the light switch. I hit it on the first try and some-
where in the room below, a light came on, shining enough for me to make it down the stairs. The boxes weren’t arranged exactly how I’d pictured. I could see where mom had already gone through them, searching for the star. They all appeared to be open, some sitting atop other open boxes, some with contents partially removed, but none marked
‘Christmas.” For the first time, I thought maybe I got it wrong. Maybe the star wasn’t in any of the boxes. Maybe it wasn’t anywhere except lost. Plus, you know, I had to worry about getting caught walking around after bedtime. But if I didn’t, Santa wouldn’t come. I started to just sit down right there and have a cry but then noticed more boxes, behind the ones mom had already opened. Wind whistled past the basement windows as I pushed aside the opened boxes and all the junk spilling out of them and there it was, just as I had imagined it: a box with mom’s handwriting on the outside and it said ‘Christmas.’ Barely able to keep my pounding heart in my chest, I tore into it. Inside were objects wrapped in old newspaper. I lifted the first out and carefully unwrapped it. I can’t tell you how I felt when I saw that indeed it was the missing star. I took it in hand and tiptoed
back up the stairs. Slowly, I opened the door just enough to peek out and have a listen. It was so quiet I could have heard Todd dreaming had I been in the same room. I pushed the basement door wider and stepped out into the kitchen. I was a ninja on a secret mission to save the world. Everything depended on me. I grabbed a chair from the kitchen with my free hand and padded to the living room where I set the chair beside the tree. Climbing up, I reached out and slipped the base of the star over the naked tree top, then plugged its dangling cord into the end of the topmost string of lights. The star burst into light, blinding me for a second. I had done it. Santa would find his way. The thud of footsteps above roused me. I jumped off the chair and hastily carried it back to the kitchen, accidentally scraping a wooden leg along the floor and causing a sharp sound that pierced the stillness
of the house. Upstairs, a door opened and then hesitant steps came from the top of the stairs. Ducking back into the basement, I bounded down the stairs and looked for a place to hide in case mom or dad came looking. The footsteps paced across the ceiling and I moved into the shadows behind the boxes. Suddenly, the basement door opened. Steps came partially down the stairs before pausing and turning back. Before the door closed, whoever it was flicked out the light. It was awful. I didn’t know what to do. It was darker than the time I cleared out my toy chest and crawled inside to see if I could fit and Todd sat on the lid. It was worse than that. My legs jerked and I felt like I had the hiccups. I jerked again and my foot knocked against boxes, turning one over I guess because I started feeling foam pellets around me. continued on page 31
Page 22...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-D
Cristmas? Santa what do you do after you eat the sweet? For Chirstmas I would like a Justin BieBer CD, a chewy bone for my puppy Wiggles and some slippers that look like froggys. I have been nice to my family and friends I have been nice to m school family. Merry Christmas! Love, Makenna
Dear Santa, Can I pet your moustache? Does Rudolf still have a red nose? would you bring me some toys? I have treid to be a good boy. I feed Cooper and work hard at school. I would like a Nintendo DS, a guitar, and a Hot wheels Race track. Maddie wants a princes guitar too. I will leave you milk and cookies and will leave your Dea Santa, reindeer some food. Love, Cody How is the weather at the north pole? How is your rreindeer? how are you doing Santa? Will you please Bring me a wii? Wii you please bring me a Dear Santa, How long dies it take to make a PSP? Will you please Bring me a For raindeer fell better when they get Willer? because I hellp my mom? I sick? How cold is it on Crisstmas day? hellp my dad? For Crisstmas this year can you Merry Christmas Santa Love, Wioper please brin me if you can a cooking kit, a DSI, and 1 game for it and a sewing kit. I deserve these gifts because I fallowd procedures in school Dear Santa, and I tried my hardes in school to Is the noth pole going good? IS Mrs. be quit. Have a Merry Cristmas Claus alright? Will you pease help pore peppole, I wood like a ipod, can Santa Clause HoHoHo. Sinsereerely, Rylee M. I plese have a xbox 360. becuase follod prseegrs, And help peppole at recess. Marry christmas Dear Santa Clause, Love, Jacob O. Did your friend elvs have to hurry for Christmas? Santa Clause how are you doing? May I pleas have some fabric, Santa, Dear Santaclause, How does Rudophs nose lite up? a stufed animal horse, and a sewing machine. I deserve these gifts be- How many elve’s are there? For cause I help friends. I also deserve Chistmas this year, please bring me it because I am good! See you soon a Sonic color’s DS chip, a Skateboald, and a remotecontrol car. I deserve Santa! PS I’ll leve cookis and milk or cof- these gifts because I use my manner, and helped mow the lawn. I wish fee! Love , Laine you a merry Christmas. Sinccerely, Jake Dear Santa, How are you and mrs clause doing? Is it zero degrese? for crismis this year I would like a dsi an new game for my xbox 360. IO deserve these gifts because I helped on frieday at resee. I fllow procedures. mery chrismis you rock santa have a good chrismis! Love, Dernot Dear Santa clause, Santa what do you do after
Dear Santa claus, Do your elves make dales that lock lik me?Do you tack mis claus to deliver gifts to? Can you asck you elves if i can get a gouly box? and a picter of you santa. Helping my mom wen she is sick and ceping my siter away form nifs. I lik the way pur HoHoHo Santa! Love, McKalyn
Dear Santa, How is your elevs How is your raindeer How are you Santa? How is north pole is IT cold Santa. please bring me spuwach woody buzze bat and baseballglove and wiLL. I deserve this gift because paredures. I help my friehs. and I clen my livingroom. Merry cristmas, Love Milton Dear Santa, Are your elves wrking good? Do you have any pets? Please give me asnowbord, a dog. I deserve it because I ded my home wrk. merry christmas you rock! Love, Zach Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? How difficult is your work? I wold like a ipod and I would like snow to fall down. I desrve these gifts because I was the first
outstanding citizen. i also follow proccedures. Merry Christmas. Dear Santa, Love , Ashley How is your elvs doing? How are you doing santa? For christmas this year please bring me a D.Sgame,and a Dear Santa, ipod. I beserve a gift because i take How is Mrs. Claus? How are your the trash outsid. And i help my mom raindeer? for cristmas please bring with my baby brater. Merry me a Iphone 4, TCU bag, and a bild christmas. a bear workshop. I deserve these Love Waylen gifts beacusse I cheer peaple up... and i follow procedures. Merry Cristmas! Love, Alyanna Dear Santa, Have the Elves been working hard? Dus Rudolph have a red nose? I wddlike a greenbaby helmet, a reDear Santa, How can I have a swing? I help mote control car.. monden warfar help my mom with the dishes to Blackops. I Deserve thes gift much. For Christmas this yeras beacause I help Zack at reces and please if you can a Justin CD, a doll Koby at gym. See you later. Your friend, Parker to. I reasons a gif because I am good to my mom and my teacher Mrs. Shepherd to. I love you Santa. Love , Olivia
Here’s hoping the holiday season delivers the best gifts of health and happiness to you and yours. We’re proud to be your bank of choice, and we’ll continue to strive to exceed your expectations in 2011 and beyond.
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Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 23
Bridgeport Elementary 2-D
car game’s and train game’s too and a remote control mustang car? I’ve been good at school every day? I’ve been nice to my friend’s at school? I hope you Will have a good ride going to My House! your Friend, Zachary
Dear Sahta how are the roneDear? it must be fun to rid a ranedearr! how are the elfs doing? I want a remotcuntrol car and a drtbike. I help my Mom do the dishis? and I help my DaD mow the lan. have a happy merry Dera Satna, christmas. Love , Koby Is it fun? are you working hard? plesecan you give me molcindrolhelicocter andd molcontrolhrlye and a laptop! If Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? How is oloprsegrs and i help my mom. Mrs. Claus? If you have a chance Merry Christmas. from , Mason please bring me topsiderso wilcheer. I deserve these gifts because I done all my homework. And I also ben goodin school. Oh and medrry Christ- Dear Santa, Hows root off? What’s the wether mas. Love, Kaylyn over ther? May i Please have a helacopet, a remotcarntrol cars and a New sled I deserve these Gifts because I have good grades, and I Dear Santa, How do elves make presents? How do my home work. Merry Christlong does it take to go around the mas. Love, Isaac world. I would like a small bean bag, rug and jewelry afor Christmas. I help mom with my sister. and I mind my mom. Thank you santa and Merry Dear Santa, What does Mrs’ Clause wear? For Christmas. Love, Ella Christmas may I please have a puppy dog or a toy if you don’t have a dog I deaerve a crayola box because I help my friend and I got awesome Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? how are you? office viset. Merry Christmas and I Please get me a dsi, a hamster and will have cookies for you don’t let the a guinea pig. I deserve these because grinch get you. Love Gabbi i was nice to my mom and my brother. I will give you cookies. Love, Ayia Dear Santa, How or you tday? haw or the reindeer? for Christmas I wud like a Dear Santa, How or your reindeer? How is the GoGo pet. and a dsixl. and the easy wethre? Please bring a skateboard. back pleassir. the reasen I shud get Please bring a Wii because I did my thes thangs is because I wrk hard. and I reed a lot. Merry Christmas work. I also helped my dad. Merry Santa!! Love yor friend, Jaylon christmas! Love , Mathe Bridgeport Elementary 2-C Dear Santa, How is Rurolph doing? How are you doing Santa at the north pole? Can you please bring me a D. S. and D. S. games with the P. A. and I want different shoting game’s too and race
Dear Santa, How are the elves? Do youlike cake balls? For Chrisstmas this year please bring me two Taylor Swift concert tickets, and teacher things, and a Ipod touch. I deserve these gifts because I help my mom with the dishes I also got a awesome office
viset. I hope youhave the Best Christ- Dear Santa, How are the reindeer doing? How are mas ever Merry Christmas! Love Rachel you doing? May I please have a pack of toy frogs, a pack of toy lizards, and some silly bandz? I deserve these gifts because I follow directions at Dear Santa, Are the elves doing good? Have you school, and I amm respectufl to evbeen busy this year? For Christmas erybody. I would like a DS and a camera. I Merry Christmas!! like 100$. I deserve this gift because Love Jacob R. I helpt my Dad and I helpt mom and my Brother. and my Ant. Merry Christmas. Ill leve some milk and Deer Santa, cookeys. Is it fun? are you worcking hard? I Your freind, Viviana wood plase have a playstosnon 2 I desene these gifts because I help my mom and I play with my brother. Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! How is Rudolph doing? why is Your frinend, Tyler W. theNorth Pole called North Pole? For chrismas this year can you please bring me a guitar, a xbox 360, and a Dear Santa, trampoline. I deserve thease How are the reindeer? How is Mrs. prensents because I’v helped people Clause? For christmas this year, can when they are hurt. thank you for you please bring me an Americna the prenstes last year and have a girl Doll bed, and a makeup kit, and safe trip. a Kin doll. I deserve these fits beLove, Caleb cause I read to my little sister
Bethany. I also have good grades. I wish you a Merry Christmas! Yor friend, Aubrey Dear Santa, How are you? How are your elves? Can Ihave a rip skit 60, and Turck, a and helicopter. I deserve these gifts because I help my dad. I also help my mom. Merry Christmas!! Love, Tyler K. Dearsanta, Do you like to go sleding. Is Rudph doing fine. For Chismas this year. Please bring me a rag doll! and a Amicen Grildoll! I deserv these gifts becausa I follow bpersijers and I obade My parints. I am leveing cookies out for you! Love, Makayla
Page 24...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Reindeer Chow Ingredients: 1 stick butter 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter 7 cups Rice Chex ceereal 2 cups powdered sugar Directions: Melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in a roaster and mix. Add the cereal and coat with the mixture. Put the powdered sugar into a separate bowl. Pour the coated cereal into the bowl and cover thoroughly with the powdered sugar.
by Whitney Bridwell One of the greatest gifts from the Christmas season is the memories you make with your family and friends. Each family has their own traditions, from the hanging of stockings to carrolling in their neighborhoods. One of the traditions I hope to carry through my family starts in the kitchen. What better way to bring your children into the holiday spirit than to let them help prepare the holiday feast or make their own Christmas presents. Adding their own personal touch to the holidays will lighten their moods and create great memories to keep for years to come. Here is a collection of recipes you and your child(ren) can make throughout the holiday season (there’s even a surprise for the adults - look for the eye opening cappucino treat at the end). Enjoy!
Cappuccino-Chocolate Bites Ingredients: 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup heavy cream 2-1/2 oz. milk chocolate, finely chopped Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting Directions: Whisk flour, espresso, and salt in a bowl. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle, and mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Add flour mixture; mix on medium-low until dough comes together. Shape into a disk, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and let your mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Roll between sheets of parchment to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out rounds with a 1-1/8 inch cutter. Space 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment. Reroll scraps and cut out. Freeze for 10 minutes. Bake until set but not browned, approximately 10 minutes and let cool on sheets. Bring cream to a simmer. Pour over chocolate and stir until smooth. Press plastic wrap onto surface; refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Whisk to soft peaks, then transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4 inch plain round tip. Pipe about 1 teaspoon filling on bottoms of half the cookies. Sandwich with the remaining cookies. Dust with cocoa and confectioners’ sugar.
Rudolph’s Punch Ingredients: 1- 16 oz. bottle apple juice 1- 16 oz. bottle lemon-lime soda 1- 16 oz. bottle cranberry juice 3 cinnamon sticks Directions: In a large saucepan, mix the apple juice, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda with the cinnamon sticcks. Heat through allowing the cinnamon to fuse the liquid. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve in a mug with a candy cane hanging over the edge.
Reindeer Bread Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teasoon ground ginger 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the icing: 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teasoon ground cinnamon
Directions: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add one egg at a time, mix well after each addition. In a separate bowl, blend together flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and the ginger. Slowly stir 1/3 of the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Then stir 1/3 of the pumpkin puree into the sugar mixture. Next, stir in 1/3 of the flour and then the rest of the pumpkin puree. Finally,, stir in the last of the flour mixture. Gently fold in chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of pecans. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pour mixture into loaf pan and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake for one hour until you can insert a toothpick into the middle and it comes out clean. Cool completely. For the icing, stir together the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream. Add cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until smooth. Drizzle over the bread loaf and serve.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 25
by Whitney Bridwell Never one to catch on to new trends, I somehow managed to piece together several conversations on a popular children’s book, one that is beneficial for everyone in the household. My family, along with numerous others, has decided to start the tradition from this book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, written by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell and illustrated by Coe Steinwart. The multi-award winning book comes with an elf of your very own, nosy enough to watch over your children’s behavior and report back to Santa. Who wouldn’t behave if there was a magical elf watching over them and the big red man himself finds out about any misbehaving?! Told in an easy to read, and understand, format for children of all ages, the book focuses on the magical elf, which your family will be responsible for naming. Throughout the holiday season, the elf will watch over the household from various hiding places, as Santa relies on his little buddy to keep him ‘up to date’ with who should be placed on the nice list and who might fall under the ‘naughty’ category. The book makes note that the elf flies to the North Pole each night after everyone is asleep to report to the boss man, aka Santa Claus, about your helpful deeds throughout the day - if you cleaned your room, listened to your parents, were respectful to your friends and teachers, etc. Nothing gets left out with this little guy. Before you wake in the
morning, the elf will have flown back to your home and found a new hiding spot to watch you from that day. But, he’s very convincing - he cannot speak to you, and must act as if he were just a toy. The elf also comes with a very important rule for you to follow - you must NEVER touch him or his magical powers might go away and he will have no way to get back to Santa to tell him you were behaving and need to be on the nice list. On Christmas Eve, his job is done for the year, and he retires to the North Pole to play with the other Elves, reindeer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus until the following December, when he will once again appear in your home. But the magic doesn’t stop there - head to the elf’s website, www.elfontheshelf. com, and you’ll find plenty of holiday treats to keep you entertained. On the website, you can visit the North Pole, look around Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, head to Santa’s workshop, look around the elve’s schoolhouse, check on Rudolph at the Reindeer stables, walk around Main Street, and work on Santa’s Christmas tree. T h e r e ’s also musical and writing games, recipes, coloring pages, Christmas tags, a Santa tracking device, and Christmas lesson assignments for children in grades kindergarten thru 4th grades, along with information on how the tradition of Elf on the Shelf was started and where you can find the magical creatures.
Our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy Holiday Season. God Bless You and Your Family! State Representative Phil King
Phil King and his wife Terry reside in Weatherford. Phil and Terry have 6 kids and 5 grandchildren, shown from left to right: Andrew Moseley, Ric Moseley, Kristy King Moseley, Claire Moseley, Daniel Jones, Hannah King Jones, Jacob Holt, Sarah King Holt, Joshua Holt, Mary King, Melody Holt, Isaiah Holt, Terry King, Phil King, Leah King, and Joshua King.
www.PhilKing.com
Pol. adv. paid for by Phil King Campaign, P.O. Box 1913, Weatherford, Texas 76086
Page 26...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Chico Elementary - 2nd Grade Dear Santa, How is your wife? I hope you are doing good. as well. Do you have a reindeer named elroiy? Cane you prity please bring me a D.S.I? Cane I please have a wii. May I please have a kitten. Cane you bring my brother a new phone? I want a nice horse so I can ride it. Merry Christmas, Cassie B. Dear santa, How are you and all the elfves adn Mrs. closs? I very good this year. I am lucking for this year. can you please gimy a giter and for my mom gift sum money? and my sister a Ipod? and my bruther a car that is blue. your friend, Malleriy I. Dear Santa, I hope your doing great? I have a question for you. Can you play DS games whit a DSI? Circle yes or no if you can ok. I wan't a battle gauntlet and a DSI and 2 backugone kits. your friend, Daniel P. Dearr Santa, I hope you have a vare god Crismis, I would lick a puppey and a new car for my mom and a kinex and a thousaand bucks and a Gi joe. your pal, Chase W.
the elvs? So how is the shop. Can you give me and my sister a xbox and a wii? Can you give my dad some money. So can you give my mom a car. Can you bring me a xbox game and a wii game? hohoho, Natalie Dear Santa, How are you? Merry Cresmes. I hope you bring me a D. S. and Gi Joe and Iron Hide and a dog and money. your pal, Sean R. Dear Santa, How are you? Hope you have a nice chirismes. How are the reindeer? Hope you can come to my house. I Hope you give me a DS. I Hope you give me a puppy. your friend, Dusti H. Dear Santa, Hawe do you do? I want a transformer pLease and bumble bee and robot dog. Brady A. Dear sanat, How are you? I wont you to give me a DS and a dress. do you are worm over there. in can you give me a bike, in I want you to give my Little baby a bike to. in I want you to give my mom a dress in a shoes. in I hope you can come in my house have go day. ho ho ho ho ho you are my best friend Jennifer D.
Dear Santa, How are ou doing? Give me a Lego star wars box and a new puppie and a thousand bucks and a new wii game Dear Santa Closs, I hope you have a marry chrismas and a hockey stick. Hoo Hoo, Kooper M. and I wish you a marry chrismas santacloss and mrs. closs to. I want a bike please, I want some money in the card that you give me this year Dear Santa, How are you and all of your elfs. I like last year and some puppies to hop you are doing good. Can you and a xbox 360 please and get my please give me and my sister some Brother one to, get us a new wii game games and a thousand bucks please! to and I want a electric guitar to and your friend, Don W. a drum set to go whith it please santa closs and mrs. clos please and please get my Brother a new bike too. please santa closs and mrs. closs please Dear Santa, How are you and Miss Santa and santa your pal, Destiny L.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 27
Christmas traditions around the world by Jeannette Ward Most Americans know about the most popular Christmas traditions in the United States. As the nativity scenes, Christmas lights and Santa decorations start appearing, people start hitting the malls and the internet, looking for that special gift. But, have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate Christmas? Do they have traditions similar to ours? In Mexico, Christmas is called Navidad. Most residents celebrate Christmas for nine days with Las Pasdas, a word meaning the “inns” or “shelters.” To reenact the trip to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, people dress as Mary and Joseph, and travel from house to house asking if there is “room in the den.” When they are told the den is full, the door opens back up and all are invited in for a party with food, songs, and a Pinata for the chil-
dren. According to folklore, for the baby Jesus, giving gifts in England as Father Christmas. On the ninth night the Babouschka failed to give food to the children as she goes. Father Christmas has myscouple is told “yes, there is and shelter to the three Wise Russia also recognized room for Mary in the stable” Men when they Santa, known as Saint Nicho- tical powers. He receives the and all come in for a meal berequested it, so las, but today he is called children’s Christmas list after fore going to Church to celnow she Grandfather Frost, wearing a the children throw it into the fireplace by “reading the ebrate the birth of the Christ searches the blue outfit instead of red. Child. Prior to the Revolution of smoke.” countryEnglish children are very In Spain, chils i d e 1917, Russians used to stroll dren leave their up and down the streets with patient. Instead of opening shoes on the winstars on the end of sticks that their presents in the morning dow sill filled they called Stars of Bethlehem. when they wake up, they wait with straw, carThe people went to church ser- until after lunch to tear open rots, and barvices and shared a special meal their gifts. These are just a few Christley for the at home. After the Revolution, horses of the Soviet Government banned mas traditions from around the the Wise Men. Christmas, so today, they cel- world, many of which are pracThey believe the ebrate New Year’s Day with a ticed right here in the U.S., the Wise Men reenact special tree decorated like an “melting pot” of the world. their journey to American tree. The children Bethlehem every year. join hands and sing songs One of the wise while walking around the tree men is called as they wait for Grandfather Balthazar, who Frost, and his helper, the Snow leaves the children Maiden, to bring them gifts. gifts. America took many ChristRussia’s gift mas traditions from England, giver is a woman such as the Christmas tree, n a m e d stockings, the wrapped ChristBabouschka. mas present and Santa, known
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Alvord Elementary School Second Grade Dear Santa... What do you want for christmas? Haw are the penguins? Are they great? I want a p.s.p. 17 p.s.p. video games please. Are you fine? H is miss claus? How are the rein deer a espcially rudolph the red nose. I hope you and I have a good christmas. Daidrian Dear Santa... What kind of cookies do you like? How is Mrs. Claus doing? How is rudolf doing How many elves do you have. How many reindeer do you have gliding your slay? How do you deliver all the presents in one night? How do you celabrate cristmas? I want an amazing christmas. I also want a new boy puppy. that is smaller than Daizy. Love, Carson Dear Santa... My name is Amber My mom’s name is Mary I know your name is Santa I love What you bring me and My family If I was you and if someone was bad I would put them on The Nodoe list If the person naughty bad woch the person I would like to have for Christmas a i phone 4 and a picture of Justin Bibber. Amber Dear Santa... How is it their? Beacuse it’s cold Here? I would like a 22 rifie and a Dritbike. How is the reindeer? How are you? How is miss Clus? How is rudeoff. Ace Dear Santa... How do you get in my house? I want a movie. What does Santa what for christmas? I want a dirtbike. What do you like for christmas? I want a DS game it is four willer game. I want a wii game. It is footBall. Have a very good christmas Kaleb
Dear Santa... How are you Santa? How is miss claus? Has it ben snowing a lot? I cant wait for Chistmas Is it fun at north pole? How are you Santa Are you doing good? I want a skooter and a ds game. The ds game I want is a puppy game. I hope you have a good chismas. Tawni
Dear Santa... Does it always snow in the North Pole? Because it snows a lot there. How is Mrs. Claus boing? May I please have a Xdox 360 kinert, DSI, and a IPhone4. Was Thanksgiving a blast? Thank you Santa Dear Santa... Ezra I hope me and my family have the best christmas ever. And you too. How do you get through small chimnese? Do you have magic? Do you ever go Dear Santa... on vacation? I want a x box 360. Call How are you today? How many reinof duty for it. Dirt bike. And well deer do you have? How was your theres so many things that I want. summer? How many cookies do you want? How do you celabrate And you might not get them all. Brady Chrismas? How do you go down the chimmy? How is Mrs. Claus? I want a good Chistmas. I want a ipod touch, dress, cowgirl boots, peace snuggy, Dear Santa... How are you and Mrs. Clause? How and a good time at Chistmas. Thank are the reindeer doing? Good or not good? Oh Santa how is the weather up there? It sure is cold down here. I’m wondering where do you go for vacation? Santa I would like a D.S. Blue please, D.S. games Dora’s cooking club, and my Littest Shop. I would like a doll with Crid, a stroller, and stuff to feed it. And have a Merry Christmas. Katie Dear Santa... I want Halo 2 for x Box 360. How are you doing? I want a x Box What Would you do if you were me? Joey Dear Santa... Do you want me to bake you cookies with milk? I would have fun doing that for you. I think it’s going to be a good Christmas. I think I have been good. Here’s what I want please, a penbo, zoobles spring to life, and a moxy girls magic snow flake world, and a moxy girl, creapy crawlers, webkin, a wii game, shoes, computer, flute, I phone, lava lamp, radio, puppy,
to good kids right? oh I just wanted Aubrey to know. How many presents have you given people? I would say 1,000 presents. I like Comet the best of all your reindeer. Did you name Comet Dear Santa... I wonder how mrs claus is doing. So the reindeer becase calm? Anyway I are the elfs doing a good jod. I hope just wanted to thank you! Taylor they’re doing good. Santa, all I would like is a happy christmas. Noah Dear Santa... I wonde what you want for Christmas. Do you have 1000 Elfes or do Dear Santa... How are you doing? How cold is it up you have more? Tell your reindeer if there? My chimney is full with logs. they can go to 4,000,000 houses & will I get a present? Is it fun up there? let a lot of people behave All I want is TCU stuff, not a lot of it & a nother can I hae a DS game? thing I want is the holy spirit in my have a Mary crismis. Logan heart. Oha yea, & Santa how old are you or is that a secret. Can you tell Mrs. Claus & all of your reindeer that they have a very Merry Christmas. Dear Santa... Andrew I thank you for all the presents you have given us, like earrings. Even my brothers and my mom and dad. Including me! So you only give presents
dress, and a happy time with my you Santa!!!! family. Madelyn
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 • Commercial Insurance
KAKER INSURANCE AGENCY 1104 STEVENS ST. • BRIDGEPORT • 683-2621
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 29
Alvord Elementary School Second Grade Dear Santa... How are you? I am good. How is Mrs. Claus? It is very cold here. Are the rein deer behaving? I want a Pass word journal. I want a game called Screblish. I want a game called Uno. I want some pink nail polish. I want a DSi. I want a bunch of books. I hope you have a good Christmas! Paige Dear Santa... Is the northPole good? How are the elves doing? How are you doing? Are the reindeer fine? San ta what do you want for christmas? I want to know what is good? What I want for christmas is a new puppy, And a horse kit. And lots of toys for my family. The last toy I want is a good christmas. And one more thing, have a good year, thank you. MacKenzie Dear Santa... I was wondering if kids don’t have a chiminy how do you get in their house? How old were you when you became Santa? I would like a new play station. Can I have a guitar paper jam. How are you? I hope you are great. Kyndel Dear Santa... Hi Santa. How arae the Elves and toys? I want a mini motorcycle. I’d also want a NCAA Basketball II. Could you bring my mom earrings. She lost one. Tyce Dear Santa... So hi! How are you to day? Is it still snowing up there? How many elves do you have in your workshop? I want a psp and a football game. But if you don’t have that I guss I just want a happy family for the rest of my life. Brandon Dear Santa... Could I please have Sonic colors game for DSi. I really want one. I
also want a Mariovs. Donky Kong Dear Santa... I hope you have a good good ChristMiny land Mayham for DSi. Dalton mas day. I thank I’er been nice. I think Christmas is the coolest season ever. I think Christmas spirit as been starting to go low. Santa can Dear Santa... How are the elves I hope they’re you get my mom a dog that will never great. For Christmas I would love to grow and that is real. I would love a Have a puppy. could you please get X-Box 360 with 250 GB. Thanks so my brother, peytton the game Black much. Brody ops the call of Duty game. Santa I hope you have a great christmas. Lilly Dear Santa... How are you doing? How are your
reindeer? Are your elves warking to tell you my name. My name is hard. How is Mrs. Claus doing. I Ellie. Santa Claus I hope you had a would like for Chrimus a Tv that would great weekend. Good bye. Ellie fit in my room and for my mom’s leg to heal! Marada Dear Santa... Hi I am Bella is Mrs. Claus and you? Can I please have an American Girl Dear Santa... What is it like at the North Pole? doll and a DSi. My brother wants a Are your elves nice? Do you have a little table to go in his room. My sisreindeer named Rudolph? Do you ter wants a new bed. Bella know what I want for Christmas? I want a new bike and a doggy play toy. I hope I’ve been good. I forgot
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Alvord Elementary School Second Grade
Dear Santa... Hi! How are you doing? How is Mrs. Claus? Have you got any snow yet? Can I start telling you what I want for Christmas? Ok here it goes! Can I have a Nintendo D.S.I. and a American Girl doll? Can I get three chew toys for my three dogs? My brother wants a choo choo train. Railey
Dear Santa... Hi! Santa How are you doing at your big workshop? Are you having a good time at your big workspop? Mrs. Claus? Is she good? Is she helping you get all the presents in the sled for Christmas? I wish I get phone for Christmas and some ZhuZhu pets. The kind I want of the Zhu Zhu pets is a dog. Hannah Dear Santa... How are The elves. I hope I am on the nice list so I can have toys. Santa, can I please have a Dsi? Santa, Dear Santa... Please can I have a lap top for Christmas is my favorite holiday. Can Christmas and a charm bracelet I have a bear workshop and a girl Happy Christmas and Happy Brith reindeer? Oh I for got a thing to tell day Jesus Christ! Bring mom jewelry you-can you get my sister a cat? Annabel and a lap top for Faith. Destiny
Dear Santa... Hi, how are you? How are your elves? Have they been good? Have Have your elves given you a present? I want a xbox 360. I would like a barbie doll for my sister. Asher
bring my a movie? I would also like a can you get her a necklace, a pretty one. Santa I am 8 years old. Have a pool. nice trip to house to house. Merry Christmas! Cody Lanney
Dear Santa... For christmas I want a kitten toy for scruffy. Can I have a wii? How are you? Are Rudlph and deer okay? Dear Santa... My name is Lanney and I am 8 years Tell the elves I said hi. For my mom old. I want to visit your town. I want a ride in your sleigh. Will you Please
Dear Santa... How are you? Is it cold up there? I want ten toys for christmas but my teacher told me I could do tow. I want a paperjam regular guitar. Kris
Christmasfoto by Whitney Bridwell
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.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Christmasfoto by Whitney Bridwell
836 FM 2952 • Chico • 940-644-2759
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 31
How I saved Christmas: a short story continued from page 21 Taking a deep breath, I sat up. Sure, it was dark. Sure, it was scary. But the main thing was that I had saved Christmas. All I had to do now was sneak back upstairs and crawl into bed. Pushing boxes aside, I stepped through the dark, hands spread in front, until I found the stairs. I went up to the closed door and listened. Apparently, dad had returned to bed because all was quiet. I felt for the doorknob and tried to turn it, but it wouldn’t budge. It was locked from the other side. A groaning sound came from somewhere between my throat and chest. In desperation, I switched on the basement light and tried the knob as if the light might change the outcome. Same result as before. A gust of wind pushed on the windows and they whistled some more. I went downstairs again and piled boxes until I could stand even with one of the two windows. I raised the latch and pushed. The window opened easily on hinges that allowed the frame to swing free. It was cold and snow was on the ground from the day before. Clad only in my Darth Vader jammies, I pulled myself up, then out of the window. The frame dragged along my spine until I was out, then it swung back into place with a firm click. I was out of the basement, but locked out of the house. Dad had told me about walking ten miles barefoot in the snow to school every day when he was growing up, so the idea wasn’t completely unfamiliar. Even so, I reminded myself ninjas had padded boots around their feet. Witho u t warning, t h e b a c k porch light came on. I hop-jumped
through and over patches of snow to the front porch where I hid at the corner. From the rear of the house came the sound of the door opening. I backed toward the front door, glancing through the front windows at the shining tree inside with its blazing star at the summit. The crunching sounds of footsteps in snow came from the side of the house. Goosebumps spread over me. In desperation and knowing it was locked, I tried the front door. Like magic, it opened easily as if waiting for me. I stepped into the warmth of my new home and quietly pushed the door shut before bounding up the stairs. Halfway up, I couldn’t resist a last look at the tree. Its light radiated throughout the house. Gifts wrapped in colored paper adorned its base. Mom had carefully wrapped stringed lights around its circumference and hung multicolored bulbs and decorations from its branches. At the top shined the star illuminating the room and spreading its light over all. That’s when I saw the sooted footprints before the old fireplace leading to the hallway and kitchen. I leaned over the banister for a better look and saw the prints leading first to the basement door and then on to the back door. A great laugh erupted from somewhere beyond but I didn’t wait to see who it was. I cleared the remaining stairs and slipped back inside my room. Todd hadn’t moved an inch. Safely back in bed, I pulled up the covers and rubbed my freezing feet together. I listened hard but didn’t hear anything until, suddenly, it w a s morni n g a n d Mom w a s telling To d d and me to get up.
“I think we had a late night visitor,” she said. “Better come see what he left.” Todd and I stumbled downstairs, both of us walking over the sooted tracks, eyes locked
on the prizes carefully laid out before the tree. “Santa was here!” squealed Todd. “And maybe someone else too,” said Mom as she eyed the
shining star. I looked at Dad and he looked at me a long time before finally grimacing again and pointing me to my presents.
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want a new DS game and a DSI please. When is it going to be Christmas? I miss you and your presents! You are the best Santa in the world Dear Santa... I can’t wait for christmas! Especially and the only Santa in the world. That cause I get to spin time with my fam- is why I Love you. Love, Gracie ily. I hope you are having fun ihn the Northpole! I bet your elves are working hard. I hope I am not on your naughty list. This is going to be the Dear Santa... How do your elves make the toys? I best Christmas ever. Love, wish I new how to make toys just Jocelyn like your elves. I like Christmas a Ps. I want a laptop computer! lot. I wish I Lived in the North pole. How are your elves and you? When is it going to be Christma? I hope I am on the good list. I also want a Dear Santa... I hope you got my letter. I am being dirtbike and a phone. Tucker a good boy today. Did you see what I wanted on my letter? When you come to my house will you bring presents for the hole family? That’s Dear Santa... good. When winter comes it will be I have been a good boy lately. How fun. P.S. you are the best Santa ever! hav you been I want a DSI for ChristLove, Camron mas. I am going to give you cookies and milk. Also I want a bike too. oh and Merry Chistmas. Love, Ethan Dear Santa... I love christmas because we can celebrate Christmas with our family. We can do snowball fights. I want a ro- Dear Santa... bot for christmas. I would love if you How are you doing Santa? How are could let it snow for twenty days. the elves doing? Do you know what I want for Christmas Santa? I want Merry Christmas Santa. Love, Josh moxiegirls, a guitar, I want new colors, new Ds gams a new calendar. Happy Christmas. Love, Micah Dear Santa... I would like a nutcrarker. So I can crack nuts. Also I would like a new camera on my xbox 360. So I can Dear Santa... play a new game. I hope you have a When is Christmas Santa? I Love Christmas. I want my playstation 3 good Christmas Santa. Love, Ty Sunt. I want my presents Santa. I can be happy on Chitmas. Merry Christmas Santa. Triston Dear Santa... Are you getting ready for Chrishtmas? I am. Can I have a dirt bike or a new bike a I can give my Dear Santa... old bike to my brother because he I love Christmas because you get to wants it and I want a dog. Or a puppy. celebrate Christ. It is Jesus’ birthday on christmas. Santa you are Have a happy Christmas. Love, James extremly awsome. Speaking of christmas I want a miny drum set, pillow pet, any one but the dog. but MERRY CHRISTMAS! Dear Santa... love, Gavin how are your elves and you doing. I Alvord Elementary School Second Grade
Dear Santa... I can’t wait for Chistmas to come. I bet your are workig really hard on the toys. I think it is cool up thre at the North Pole. I hope that I an not on your naughty list. I bet the reindeers are very good. I hope I get all the toy I want. I wish I had every present in the world. Like a DSI for Chistmas. Chistmas is my favorite holiday. Love, Kayla Dear Santa... How are you? Do you have a Lot of kids on your good List? Do your elves make toys for the Little Kids? Are you having fun at the North Pole? I think at the North Pole is cold. Because there is a lot of sown. I want to say Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho! p.s. I want a D.S. game. Love, Carliegh
Dear Santa... How are you doing? I bet your elves are making a lot of toys. I would like a air soft gun for Christmas. I want the big Star Wars Car too. I think Christmas is the best holiday. I want to ride one of your rein deer. I will see you on the 24th. Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Love, Parker
I I get every thing I want for Christmas. Is it cold at the North Pole? Are the elves building stuff right now? Have a happy Christmas! Love, Reece
Dear Santa... How are you and your elves doing? Santa your the one I Love you. Thank you for everything Santa. I want a computer and a D.S.I. Santa. I Love Dear Santa... how you make the toys. Santa what How are you? Are your elves work- is one of the elves nams. I like you ing? Can you give me a ride on your Santa your the best. sled? If you can not that is ok. I want Karissa a DS game and a puppy. Or maybe a new home for us. My mom probably will not let me have the puppy. Dear Santa... But if she says yes I will take her. I To give me a bike. I want a robot monkey. I will leave you some cookhope you have a good christmas. Love, Kayla ies and milk. Love, Michael Dear Santa... How are you doing? Howis Rudolph?
Christmasfoto by Thomas Stone
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 33
Bridgeport Elementary 2-C Deer Santa, Is Rudolph oky? do you work even when it is not crismas? Santa can I have a gogos a Black Zuzu set, and a spong bob boding bash game. i dezerv these gifts becuas I help a friand. and I havent got in troble a lot. Merry Chrismas. Love, Rayanna
Dear Santa, How many kids haved asked you for presents it’s year? Are you busy it’s year. may I have an easy back, a TV, and an Ipod. I deserve these gifts because I do chores I takeout the trach. Merry Christmas. Love your friend, Jessica
bring me a wii and bunnies and a doll. I desreve those gifts becuaus. I also help my mom whith my baby sister and I clean my room. Merry Christmas. Love, Alice
Dear santa, How is the weather? How is rudolph? I wont a pet dog. I wont a hamster. I deserve ther gifts because I help my dad work. I also I heir my mom wosh Dear Santa, How are you Santa? What are you the dishes. Merry Christmas. Love, Angela B. doing? May I please have a flexforce. I deserv this becase I help my brother with his homework. Merry Christmas. Love, Haydeh
Dear Santa, Hav you bin working hard? Haw rudolph doing? I wota remote cohtl helicoptr. I wodlik a remote controlplun I wod like a remote control hoverlraft. I helpe dad and mom. I got an awesome office visit. Merry Dear Santa, How are you doing? How are the elves christmas. Love, Lannon doing? for christmas this year please
Dear Santa, How is teh elves doin? Are you working hard? May I have a Iphone? and some Hanna Monnta CDs. I been helping my Mom and Dad I been very good. Merry Cristmas i thnk we are going to make some cookeis. Love, Shelbi C.
Dear Santa, How are the reindeer Dowing? Is it fun ribing the sledg. Iwould like a remotcartrol arplan and helacopter and a DS chip. I deserve thes gifts becas I a was nel p my Dad and I an his topepoule. Merry Christmas. Love, Dawson
Christmasfoto by Thomas Stone
Page 34...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
other sister to have some new shoes and some new pants. I want those little laptop. My hole family wants a xbox 360. I hope that everyone has Dear Santa, I help my Mom put the Christmas a great christmas. Araceli tree. I help my Dad too with the baby. On Christmas 25 I would like a DSi xl, DSi, music box, pink heat scarf, wii, psp. I want for my baby sister a Dear Santa, music box, rubber ducky, scarf. I want I want my mom to have the best for my Dad a gun, hody, scarf. I ant birtday she ever had. I want kristin for my mom a shirt, skirt, scarf, to have a puppy. I want uncle juiner to have a good Christmas too. I want iphone, ipod. Nallely Cate to have a new puzzle, crayons, cookie monster danceing doll if you can find one and a new coloring book. All I want is a baby Alive, Dsixlgames, Dear Santa, I help my mom clean the house and a new carrier for my Dsixl, baby stuff, my bedroom and make the bed. I restrant stuff, stars stuff, liv doll, wnat my mom and dad to have a makeup, new ours sruff and the whol first I want my mom to have a new sires of cooking mama. I want every macheris cause she has said that one to make it to Christmas partys. she wanted a new maches. Then for I also want cooking mama baby and my dad I helpt him fix the swing set craft cooking mama. I hope you can and other thing to I want him to have make it to around the world. O and a tohl box and his truck to be fixt. can you make a stop at Mrs. Darlas Then for my sister that is in the 5th house and Mrs. Lindas house. I also grade to have some new shoes and want a Ipod and an Iphone to play a new jaket that is realy cool. My games on when I get bord. Love, Reighlee Paradise Elementary School Second Grade
Dear Santa, For Chrstmas I would like a trumpet, phone, an America girl doll that can go on the caputer, my own iphone, and get one for Alex, my own caputer, a fariy collection. Santa I was verey good this year so was my sister. I think Amelia my sister would only like baby stuf cus I know she likes baby santa I and Amelia will try our best to not peek in momy’s closet and fined our Christmas presents. I have been doing chorse this year. I have been helping mom put up Christmas decorations. I will try to promis to leave Hot cocoh and a cookie for you Sant Nic fethesnavethah Love, Ava and Amelia Dear Santa, I went a PSP. I think you are hamsom. I went a new Pare of shose. I am thakfull. I help my mom. I help my brother. You are whochering you. I like rodoff. I went a Ipad. Eric
Dear Santa, I have been a gud boy this year. I wunt a drum and a guitar and Ituch I woch mas my bruther and I help my mom with the lonjey. and I help my dad with the horss too. Clayton
hard that you kissed my mom. I Love christmas so much. Tayte
Dear Santa, I have help my grama put up the Christmas tree. Santa I went a PlayHose for kids. I wont a new trampling. I wont a Santa Pals D-v-D. I Dear Santa, How old are you are you 20? I have wont a Big truck like thos at walmart. Keigen ben good. I have clend my rom. I have swept the cichin. for christmas I wut a macupset. Trinity Dear Santa, I’ve been helping with my pets. this year. I want stuff that they have at Justice. I want a Ipod tutch screen. Dear Santa, I was very good this year. I hope I It’s ok if you don’t get me a Ipod. get that bike. I love Christmas Santa. tutch screen. I want a Justice bag. Dont be late at all. Thanks for all And clothes too. What do you do in the summer? I’ve been trying to be the pesents. Your frend Nash good this year. Your friend, Hailey Holt Dear Santa, I whant to go in your sled. I what a Ipad. Plesd!! I Love you. I thack you are cutt! I have been hellpfull. and I
Merry Christmas to you, 2010. . . Page 35
The magic and myths of mistletoe By Staff “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe…” Mistletoe inspires love and peace. According to tradition, 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 a place in folklore, tradition, and medicine. The plant has a long and interesting history dating back 200 years before the birth of Christ. Many of its ancient traditions and uses are still in use by the general public today. Mistletoe is a parasite, taking water and nutrients directly from the plant it grows on. Mistletoe also produces chlorophyll by drawing energy from the sun and allowing the plant to remain green throughout winter. One myth about mistletoe 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 from oak trees in a special ceremony five days after the new moon following the winter solstice. They believed 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 spoken and priests gave out the mistletoe sprigs to their 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 as well as a treatment for seizures and headaches. It’s currently 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 P e r r y 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 would-be kissers worldwide. How this came to pass 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 kiss 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 that chance? In 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 told about the correct mistle-
t o e t h e from kisses ber-
etiquette. It is said that male removes a berry the plant when he a girl. When all the ries 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 mistletoe’s popularity rooted in myths and 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. The myth gives a reasonable basis for mistletoe kissing. And who does not want the thrill of that stolen kiss? The mistletoe hanging from our doors adds an element of romance to our holiday season. It is 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 36...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Elementary Kindergarten Class Dear Santa, I love you so much. Thank you for giving me all the sweet presents. Love you Santa. Santa, I want a skateboard and I want a motorcycle, like a toy one. Love you Santa and I wish you never went away. Santa, I want a lot of presents. I want a Santa hat and I want the same clothes and beard as you. I like you. I want you to bring me a puzzle. Ok, that’s all. Love, Mason Dear Santa, I want a stroller and a game and a DS that turns and has a monkey on it and I want a buggy and that’s all. I miss you Santa Claus. I want to see you Santa. I want to sit on your lap and I want to say “How are the reindeers, how are you Santa? I hope you take care of the North Pole and don’t let the North Pole leak.” And that’s all. Thanks, Nevaeh Dear Santa, I love you. I want a Bumblebee Transformer. I wish I could see you. I want a remote control car. I wish I could go up in the North Pole and see you. I wish I could live with you. I wish I could have an iTouch. I wish I could bring my DSi to school all day. I love you Santa Claus! Marcus
surf board. It comes with the shirt, else, I want a toy giant Batman roDear Santa, I want a Wii. I want an iPod. I want the pants, and dress so she could bot. I want a squishy red eyeball. And that’s all. have it for after the beach. a laptop. I want a pet turtle. Love, Chase Love, Zadie Bye! Calvin Dear Santa, I wish I could go be an elf. I really want a dirt bike and I want Bay Play. I wish I could be with you. I wish I can get my dollars every day whenever I have a good day. I wish I could start a fire while camping. I wish I could have a bunch of books. I want some fishing stuff. I wish I could not move my clip. I love you Santa. Love, Merrick Dear Santa, I want a helicopter that has a video camera and pictures and I want a dirt bike on Christmas and I want a helicopter that turns into a jet. I want a helicopter that shoots real bullets. Thanks! Lando
Dear Santa, I miss you and can I please have a bucket of fried chicken? Can I have one of your Rudolph Red Nosed reindeers? Can I have the same clothes as you? Can I ride to the North Pole with you and then when we come back can you spend the Dear Santa, I want a dinosaur that can catch night with us? And that’s all. another dinosaur and go in the Bye and I love you, Nathan swamp. I want a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It could turn into a helicopter, a boat swamp, and a car. It’s something on Star Wars it something, a life saver. Dear Santa, I want some stickers, Barbie stickThat’s it. Bye! Cole ers. I like you. We need more BandAids at home, because we keep running out. I need a computer because I have to share. Do you like stuff Dear Santa, I like the presents. I want a skate- from me? Bye! Caitlyn board. Are the reindeer magic? Bye! Kennith Dear Santa, I like you. Can I have a present? I want a pink Barbies and, I want a DS. Bye! Libraty
Dear Santa, I want a ladybug Pillow Pet. I want to Dear Santa, sit in your lap and hug you. Love, Kynlee I want a whole bunch of video games and an Xbox and a Wii. I want 100 Batman movies. I want something Dear Santa, I play with my friend Jessie when she comes to my house for a sleepover. Jessie and me sometimes go to my room and play Barbies. I want a new Barbie for Christmas, the one that comes with a swimsuit and
Christmasfoto by Jeannette Ward
Dear Santa, I so want a skateboard really bad for Christmas. I want an iPod touch and a real phone and a TV for my room. The end. Thanks! Ethan
Dear Santa, I want an iPod. I want Ninja Pets. I want a Ball Pet. I want a Christmas hat. I want a Lamborghini too. I love you. I want a golden bell that shakes for Christmas. That’s all. Love, Asher Dear Santa, I love you. I want a Barbie doll. Thanks! Summer Dear Santa, I want a unicorn Pillow Pet and a Zhu Zhu pet and the Rapunzel that has the castle with it. The Barbie with the pool and the puppies. I also want some Ttwinkle Toes that have a little purple rose attached to it. Have a good Christmas! Shelby
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 37
Christmasfotos by Whitney Bridwell
Page 38...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Gingerbread Cookies
Tortellini 1 packet of tortellini 125g butter 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 cup grated parmesan cheese freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon salt Boil the tortellini in a large pan of boiling salted water for apporximately 10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain. Place cream, 3/4 of the cheease and butter into pan and bring to boil. Pour sauce over tortellini. Sprinkle with parsley and rest of cheese.
12 oz. jar Grandma’s dark molasses 1 cup packed brown sugar 2/3 cup cold water 1/3 cup shortening 7 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground allspice 2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Using electric mixer, cream molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening. Mix in remaining ingredients. Divide dough into four flat portions, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. Heat over to 350º. Roll 1/2 “ thick and cut out into desired shapes. (This dough is much drier and firmer than sugar cookie dough.) Place on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake 10-12 minutes. Decorate with special icing.
Overnight Fruit Salad Angels on Horseback 12 oysters in shells Coarse rock salt or aluminum foil 3 slices lean bacon 2 tablespoons minced parsley 1 clove garlic (minced) 1/4 cup dry white wine (with or without alcohol) 12 drops hot red pepper sauce Buy the oysters the day you plan to cook. Ask your fishmonger to shuck them, leaving them on the half shell and reserving the liquor. Cover the oysters and liquor and refrigerate. Preheat the broiler. Line a broiling pan or shallow baking pan with the rock salt or a layer of crushed foil. Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise, then lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the parsley with the garlic. Place the oysters in their shells in the prepared pan. Top each oyster with a piece of bacon, then about 1/2 teaspoon of the parsley mixture. Top each oyster with a little white wine, oyster liquor, and a drop of red pepper sauce. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 3 minutes or until the oysters curl at the edges and the bacon browns. Serve immediately.
Ingredients 1 small head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups) 1 15oz can pineapple chunks, well drained 2 11oz cans mandarin orange sections, drained 2 cups seedless green grapes 1/3 cups light raisins 1 1/2 cups cubed Edam cheese 1 8oz carton lemon yogurt 1 cup dairy sour cream
Directions: 1. Place cabbage on bottom of large salad bowl. 2. Top with pineapple chunks, mandarin orange sections, grapes and raisins. Sprinkle cheese atop. 3. Combine yogurt and sour cream; spread over salad, sealing to edge of bowl 4. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. If desired, garnish with lemon and lime twist, curly endive, and a grape.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 39
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 to 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 b o r d e r, began bringi n g 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 to 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 knickknack 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 ornaments 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 stronghold Germany had on the market place by producing ornaments in large scale with new designs and interpretations. Ten years later, Christmas tree ornaments numbering over 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 All-American 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.
Page 40...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Indian Pudding Paradise Elementary School Second Grade Dear Santa, When 2nd grade is out side. When peple are hurt we stop the game and help them. Yesterday I helped my mon and ny brother do the dishes. I picked up the liveing room. How cold is the North pole? I wish that I can go ride on your sled. I no all the randers names Dasher Dancer Prencer Viexn Comet Cuipd Doner Blizen. They are cool. I would want a playsashen 3 and a Donld Driver NFL All star juresu amd a new dog. Sincialy, Pacer Dear Santa, I whould like a 22 rifle and 2 packs of 22 ammo. Next I want a erecter set. Then in my stocking I want a snickers bar, a brand new flash lghit that shines good. and little erecter set. Grant
Dear Santa, I hlep my mom pout the tree. I am goud far my mom and dad. December is my faio months santa. I like a pligyy dog and a toy car. I like playtacen 2. Love, Aleandro Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I have been heplflo this year. This Christmas I wan a d.s. and a new play stashen 2 game and a new wii game. Love, Keifer Dear Santa, I want a xBox 360 connert. My borther wants a bb gun. I do to. I have been helping my mom do chors And my dad work. Love, Nicolas
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 (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 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.
Did you know? Come Christmastime, children all around the world await the arrival of Santa Claus. Although many of his abilities are the result of folklore, there actually was a Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas. The real St. Nicholas lived in Turkey. He was a bishop in the town of Myra during the fourth century. According to Dutch legend, Sinter Klaas, or St. Nicholas, brought gifts at Christmas, either through an open window or down a chimney. This legend is the basis of the Santa Claus we know and love today. St. Nicholas takes on many personas depending on the country in which his tale is being told. For most, he is a plump and jolly man with a penchant for cookies and milk.
Here’s hoping your stocking is stuffed with peace, love and joy this Christmas, just as we’re overflowing with best wishes and gratitude for all of you. WISE READY MIX
2205 16th Street • Bridgeport, Tx. • 940-683-4255
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 41
the presens. I loved the bone pillow. I wish I could ride with you. I wish to have a toy helicopter. Dear Santa, Love, Kaden T. How do you get the reiandeer to fly? Hey Santa last Christmas I loved all the stuff I got. Have I been good this year? I wish you could bring me Dear Santa, good presints. Can you bring me a How are you doing? If you have time kitten? You are nice to bring me a ples bring me a helicopter. I have laptop. I hope you bring me a puppy. you a suprise at my house. It is on Love, Emily M. the table. Love, Gariel M. Chico Elementary 2nd Grade
hoping you coulde bring me a air Hoke plane with 4 windows and a floting thing that you grab the handel bars. I hope you have a good trip. Love, Jeffrey B.
toys? If you don't mind will you give reindeers? Can you bring me a D. me a snugy and a pillow pet. I also S? How do you make the reindeers want a basketball net. I hope you fly? Have a merry Christmas. Love, Janet C. have a good trip. Love, Danielle G.
Dear Santa Claus, Santa are you real? Reindeers you are nice to bring me a toy. Can I have a DS? Can I have a plane? I hope you have a good time. Love, Calib J.
Dear Santa, How can you make the reindeers fly? If you have time can you make me a puppet set, a webkinz dolphin and a makeup set. Thank you Santa. Love, Macey M.
Dear Santa Claus, How are the raindeers today? Are Dear Santa, Dear Santa claus, they eating really good? I hope they How do your reideer fly and how do Dear Santa Claus, have fun flying to evrybudys house. I you get around the world? I wase Santa how do the elfs make all the Santa how are you doing with the hope ya get me a pillowpet. and a IPhone and a zebra Snuggie. I will leave you a candy house. It will be so good to eat and I like the cookies. Love, Destiny S. Dear Santa, So how is it going over there? I wonder if you can bring me an Iphone and a Pillow pet and some Makeup if you have time. Santa how do you make the reindeers fly? Have a safe trip. Love, Cristal D. Deor Santo, How are you doing? How do you fly around the world? I want a Stuffed toy and a toy dog that walks. I hope you have a merr christmas. Love, Kayia C. Dear Santa, Santa Claus is good. I can read one book. the santa claus book is very long. I love Santa claus. I want you to bring a bike for me. Love, Alessandro V. Dear Santa, How are your reindeers Santa? I was hoping you could get me a pillow pet. If you have time could you get me a knife set also. Love, Dustin Y. Dear Santa, How can you get the reindeer to fly? I wish to see you some time. Have I been good? Last Christmas I loved
Dear Santa, Hod did you get your name? If you have time can you get me a snuggie and a pillow pet. That is all I want. I might make you cookie. Love, Lidia L.
Page 42...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
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 c o u l d 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 g o where my sister is. I have to give the doll to my Momma to take to her.” I asked him where his sister 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 m y Daddy to t e l l 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 t h a t money one more time?” He grew excited
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. S h e loves white
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 serious 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 a n d away from roses so said, “Yes. I him and very, very much.” ripped the life of In a few minutes, the just know it has to be enough.” that little boy to So I slipped my money in aunt came back, and I pieces.” with his and we began to count wheeled my cart away. I could 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
Merry Christmas to you, 2010. . . Page 43
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 44...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
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, 2010... Page 45
Chico Elementary - 2nd Grade Dear Santa, How are you doing? is Mrs. Claus felling good I was wondeers ware sick if thay are, that will be bad becouse how are you going to get the presets to good children? I would like to have a baby doll that looks like a rell one. please bring me a baby horse at wall mart thar are a little hors that says I love you mommy. I have been wanting it since I was two that's my favorit pet. I would like a guitar. I love to sing I Love to sing I Sing every day and if I had a guitar than my dad can tech me he has a guitar and he sings songs and plays it all the time it's his faverit thag to do. Love, Lindy M. Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clos? Ihave trid to be good. Please bring me lots of presits. I will like to have easebake. I been miding and doing my work. Have a mary crismis. Love, Heaven
Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Claus doing? How is rudoph doing? I bet it is cold in the North poll. Is is snowing. I heped my dad fix his truk and I help him biled the fince it was fun. I have been good. I wont a go cart and a Kung Shu Shuoet, I want remote cuntroll eightteen willer wats gold and green. I want a remote cuntroll air plane. How is rudoph. Can I see rudophs nose lig-hte up. Love Santa your best frend, Preston Dear Santa, Have a wanderful Chistmas. How is Mrs claus. Pleace bring me a remote control car, Nurf guns, Bike, Basket ball, A dog ball, Gun, games, Computer. I have been good. Your friend, T. J.
Dear Santa, How are you? what are the rean deers doing? How is Mis. Close? Please bring me a Real horse and a Barn Please give me a girl horse. I have been good. I kleened my room win mom told me. I want a cumpool Dear Santa, how are you. how is mrs. claus? is it please. Have a merry christmas Have snowing... Helped my Dad with the a save trip. Love, Ashleigh R. fans. I took a bath like my mom said. but I acsudely push criristel. I said I'm sory. i'v been a little Bad this Novemdel. I would like to pleas get a Dear Santa, Amrcan doll and BarBey doll that talk How are your reindeers? How is Mrs. and does evr thang you tell it. I Hope Claus? Please bring me a "American doll and her Zebru dress with the you a merry crismas. I Love you. Love, Savana neckles and the shoes with the headband. I want her to have green eye's and blond hiar. I would like the same clothes when I wake up. Merry Dear Santa, How is the reindeer doing? How is Chrismas Love, Cambryn R. Mrs. Claus doing? I would like to have a princess barbie doll. I would like to have a Moxie girl. I would like to have a toy cat. Please bring me a Dear Santa, bakery toy. Please bring me a panda How are you doing? is it snowing at the north pole? for christmas i want bear toy. Have a good Christmas. Love, Danessa L. a new nongoos. A silver and red one with mays and with pegs and a big box of legoes and a dirt bike and a game boy and a DS game called mariosdonkeykong and i want a new
nerf gun and thats all i want for Dear Santa, christmas. Have a marry christmas How are you and mrs. claus? How Love, Colton are the reindeer? I would like to Get the New Movy Dreamworks Dragons and the New nerf gun. i have Dear Santa, Been vere gud. have a mery crismus. How are you doing? I bet its cold Love, Donavon over at the North Pole. Thank you for what I got last year. This year I wold like to have a Ironman helmet, Dear Santa, and an Ironman triangle hart. The How is Mrs. Claus? What is the refake one. I have been very good. I indeer up to. is it snowing yet. Please hope you have a Merry Christmas. bring me a Ironman helmat and 2 Your Friend, Layne S. repolsers and the arc light. I want a
transformer for chrismas. Hope you have a good chrismas. your friend, Shane W. Dear Santa, how are you doing? how is Mrs. Claus doing? I have been good. I would like Kung Zhu. and a paper jamz. and a criscros hot wils car. Have a mare crisnis. Love, Cordale P.
Page 46...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Elementary 2nd Grade Dear Santa, How are you, and Mrs. Clause, and the elfs, and the raindeer. I had a baby sister on september 17, 2010. It was fun at the hospital. My sister was there. For Christmas I want the DS game Bowsers inside story and a punching bag and a ripstick. And a Optumus prime. Haiden Dear Santa, My name is Krista. I have blond hair and I live in Bridgport Great House Steet. What I really want for chrismas is a traned puppy. I have some questions abouot you and your home and the rain dear. hear is my frist question. Can you name three of your elfs? My senced questtion how dose it feel to go all night flying around the world? Hear is my third questtion what dose your work shop look like? Now hear is my fourth questtion dose roodof’s nose glow? Now hear is my fith questtion have eney childrin rode in your sled on Chrismas eve? Now hear is my last questtion what dose the north pole look like? If you want you can take some pichers and put them and a letter in my stocking on chrismas eve. Krista Richey
Dear Santa, Hi Santa how are you doing today? How are your rander doing? Hwo is Miris Clos? Well I hope so. Well I have a few thangs I rilly want for crtmas well hers my frist thang I ant. I just rilly want for crtmas — for my family to be to gether. I rilly want a pelopet forchrtmas. I rilly want a driyera dord with some drierasmarkers with a eraser. Well here is some more thangs I rilly want a good new home in Mississippi. I rilly want some more DSI games like sooper mareo bros for chrtmas. The best thang is to make fary new best friend for Christmas. Tank you Santa. But I love you! Sarah
Dear Santa, I want to ask you how are you doing? I hope you are whell and not sick. How is Mrses. Claws? And how are Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph. And I hope yallare great? I love school very much and I’m going to make a village and bring it for show and tell. I love you! And everybody else! But I love you! And could you please give my two dogs something two pitbulls. I would like a mic to sing in it. And that’s all. Shyann Dear Santa, I wood want to see your rander polo Santa I wood want a airplan for my Bruther. And I wood want a now lite for my quod, some jore for my mom, and tols for my dad. Santa how are Dancer Dusher Prancer Vixon Comet Cupid Donner Blitzen Rudolph? Heston Holt Dear Santa, Is Rudolph ril? Are elfs small? Do you rilly clim down thes chime? How do you mak all of the toys up there? How much toys do you mack? Where do you cep the randare? Wheres is the northpool. You are the best. How do you stae warm? are yall small? Are you machick. I awas that you war machick. Do you have a dog? can I ples have a bicke. And can I ples have a machicit. How much cuces in one Crismidday? Wat do you eat in the northpool. Can I have a ipad. How much housis do you go to? do you drinck hot choclit. I love you! has it ever quit snoin in the northpool. Trey
I love you! Love Isabella. Oh and I on Staurday I aime going to Fritur. Chr doll and zoodles. I have ben good. live This is my aders 158 PR 3489. My sisster woss more dolls and a Again I want more toys I don’t wont Isabella dog. How mine haims do you go to? to poot thim on I love you. Stephanie Dillon Dear Santa, How is Donner and Dasher? How is the Elfs? On Christmas eve can you let Rudolph lead the slay this year. I hope I’m on the nice list. I want cris cross crash Hot Wheels, Mind loser color changer Hot Wheels, DSXL, Xbox 360 kinect, airsoft gun, punching bag. John Dear Santa, How are you doing and if you like to hare something cool well hare is something? I got a new dog. his name is Gus. And we like him a lot. And thank you for all your hard work and tell the worker hi. And well you plese get me that 5 pand choclet bar, and a four wheeler, and a ipad. Are the elfs small or big? How is Miss Clas doing? And a phone and a ipad. And a bike and a magic kit. And a punt ball gun. How meany kids are in the world? How meany coces do you eat at a cresmis? A new hot well car thank you for all your hard work. How meany houses do you have to go to? But I love you! Is it snowing up ther? And if it dose snow up ther dose it ever stop snowing up there? ps: plese right me back. Hunter Largent
Dear Santa, I can’t wate intil Chistmas Santa. I hope you like oue cookies. How are the raindear and elfs? I hope you give evry girl and boy a good Christmas. cood I please have a lot of DS games and a golden retrever puppy? Dear Santa, What is the north pole like it sans My name is Isabella my mom so colde? Love you Santa. Codi whats a puppy a yorky. Oh and Nicole is Rudolph real? Oh and about the yorkey the yorkey has black spots on her. Oh abot the dog can you Dear Santa, breing two bones for my dogs. Oh you are cool. I thak you are brave. and please hope that bandit will have I thak you are smart. Santa you are a good Cristmas My hair is brown smart and brave. Santa I wot a Peow and I have brown eyes. Oh and Santa pet. Santa you are my fren. Santa
Dear Santa, How is it at the north pole Santa? How is Dancer, Prancer, Comamed, quipid, Vixin, Roudalf doing? I’ve been very good this year Santa. I’d like a naokga scooby-do movie Scooby-doo in wheres my mummie, Scooby-doo and the spooky swap for PS2. Santa can we see your raindeer again like last year? I’ll leve you some cookies be careful there will be a fire. David Benson
Dear Santa, I love you. How are the randers? Ples git me a baby mohock bird, and a dirt bicke, remote cotroll spi hellucopter. Thank you for giving people prezintes. Hav a safe trip. Jayden
Dear Santa, Are you fien? How are you dooing How are the rader doowing? Santu are the elsp having fun? Are your elfsp wrken hrd? Are you rede for Christmas hit for are I wut to be Dear Santa, What are the randers names? gud? is it kold at the North plole. I Are you ok? Rudolph is ok. For lik a rokit lochr. Landen Christmas I want a pillow pet, and a
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 47
Paradise Elementary Kindergarten Dear Santa, Give me presents Santa. I love you! Buy me a horse. Please buy me a present. Please buy me a purse... pink and stripes... purple stripes. Please buy me a baby tiger and mama tiger. I’m finished. Brissa Dear Santa, I want a trampoline. I want a toy tricycle... no wait... a motorcycle. I want cologne... some that I can spray on me. I would like a jeep, an Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, race car, games, my own truck, a car, books, a teddy, and a computer. I want to see Santa. Bye. Britton Dear Santa, I like your hat. I like your nose. I like your beard. I like your mustache. I like your shier and your belt. I want a video game called NBA Basketball. It’s got to be Playstation 2. It has to be 11 because it’s the number 2011. I want College Football 2008. I want a lot of candy. I want a trampoline. I want a pillow pet. It’s a dog one. I want a stuffed animal... a panther one. I think I want a little toy that is an eagle. I want another video game called NFL 2010 for Playstation 2. I forgot something... I want a DS. That’s all I want. Cade Dear Santa, I want a car that flies in the air and it drives on the ground and does what I say. And I want an airplane and I want a trampoline and I want balls that turn into dragons and this new Bakugan Dragonoid Colossus and an X-Box 360 that pops open into a robot with a remote control. And... hmmm... I want a real life snake that’s good... I hope. And lots and lots and lots of games for the X-Box 360. And I want Santa Clause with a big bag of toys. And a remote control rat that scares my mom and dad. And Lego Time Adventures and I want a boxing bag and boxing gloves.
sometime? You have a nice hat. I want a telephone and a computer and a Barbie. Can I have a bear with a dress? Can I have a baby doll? Can I have a go-cart? Can I have a Barbie doll car with a Barbie inside it? Can I please have one for real? Can I love you? I want an angel with a squishy heart. Can I have a butterfly for Christmas? Can I have three baby dolls? I want all the purses. Can I have jewelry? Can I have pencils and Dear Santa, How are you doing? Christmas is my pens? I want a teddy bear. Kaydence favorite holiday. I like Christmas. I want a princess play tent and The Littlest Pet Shop. I want Squinkies and a DS and a pillow pet. I want a big ‘ol teddy bear and a book and a toy Geoffrey. I want a toy panther, a kitty, and a bean bag. I want a princess tea party, a computer, and a coloring book with crayons. Merry Christmas! Emily And I want a pencil that turns into 30,000 pencils and I want a tiger that looks like a real tiger and is remote control. And 33 apples... I mean water balloons. And... hmmm... magazines that flip the pages on their own. I wish Logan came back from Heaven. And that’s it! Cazen
Dear Santa, I love you very much! I’m glad I have you. You are the best. I would like 99 kittens and 5 dogs and my own kitten that I don’t have to share. I want a pony... a yellow pony with orange hair. I want a zebra and an elephant and a giraffe. I would like a baby sister. I want a pot of flowers... pink flowers that are roses. I want my own computer and a TV. I want a whole pack of stickers. I want $1000. I want a zoo coloring book. I want a whole pack of scary finger nail things that you put on that are green. I want a whole pack of diamonds... a thousand of them! I want crayons and pencils and markers. I want a coyote that is in a cage. I want a pink treasure box that I can put more toys in. I want a little phone that you do not plug in. Emma Dear Santa, I love you. I like you. I really, really, really like you. Can I play with you sometime? After Christmas, will you come see me? I really, really, really like you! I love you every time. I like you and when you come see me, I will let you jump on my bed. I like my friends for Santa. Can you please come to my house and play with me
Dear Santa, motorcycle, a spider toy (a taranI like you. I love you Santa. You are tula), a rocket, a four-wheeler, a dune cool. I want a dirt bike. I want it buggie, and an Xbox. green. Kiani Randon Dear Santa, I like you! I want a Mario shirt, a Tails shirt, Sonic colors, and a Tails stuffed animal. I like Tails a lot! I want ice cream. I want a giraffe stuffed animal like Geoffrey. I want a dog puppet. I want a race car, a
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 a staple of the television schedule each holiday season
Page 48...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Elementary Kindergarten
get me an Xbox and a Lego Batman and Mario Party 1 for an Xbox? Will you get me a treadmill? Will you also get me a big rocket launcher which shoots form darts? Will you get me a connect Xbox? It has Connect Adventures. Will you get me a little Christmas tree? Will you get me a little bottle rocket that’s foam and it lights up and can you get me A, B, and C? Can you get a computer and some computer games? Can you get me a cell phone? Can you get me some stuff to put on my Christmas tree? Can you also get me some Scooby-Dooby-Doo and Mario movies? Can you get me a cat and a dog? can you get me a foam sword? Can you get me some silly bands? Matthew B.
Dear Santa, I want to be a cheerleader. I love being a cheerleader Santa! I also want to be in marching band. I want to play a saxophone. I also want to drive a car. I want to drive a Corvette. I also would like to have a pet cat. I would like to buy a book. I would like to get a toy for Christmas. I want to get an Xbox 3D. When I grow up, I want to go to the movies Santa. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I love you Santa! I’m glad you put candy in stockings. I would like to work on the computer when I’m a teacher. I would like to ride a motorcycle, too. I would like to teach my class my ABC’s. I can give them stickers whenever they are at school. Bye Santa! Dear Santa, Kylie I want a big ball, new shoes, and new letters. OK? I want a new tent. There’s a scary house around outDear Santa, side and there’s another scary house Give everybody lots of presents. On by the lions and tigers... a new raffe. Christmas, have a great day! I want One more... a small ball. That’s it! a stuffed animal panther. I want a Matthew S. beautiful princess dress. I want a toy unicorn. I want a cheerleader uniform so I can play cheerleader. Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! I want an Xbox 500 and I want a Landry monster truck forty-five hundred. I like a Scooby-Doo toy and I like a video game... it’s a Wii game called Bakugan. I want a space toy to be Dear Santa, You know those big girls that are tall... real. I want a PlayStation 100. I want I want one of those. I want a toy a race car. I like a cat... a little cat. I butterfly. I want a drawer that I can would like a pillow pet. I like a comic put my clothes in and I want it pink. book with alien monsters. I like a I want a sticker and I want the mummy costume. I like a pirate parrot. I like a santa Claus game. I like sticker to be orange. LaShay a little dog named Sudy. I want a race car. I like a giraffe... his name is Geoffrey. I like a toy named WallE. I like a deer at my house. I want Dear Santa, How are you today? What have you cool new shoes. I like a Pokemon been doing? Last year we saw your movie. I want one thing for my mom... deer practicing for take-off! This one ring for my mom. I like movie year I hope we see your deer again. 3D. Miguel This year will you get me Mortak Combat 1, 2, and 3? Will you also get me racing games with cars, fourwheelers, trucks, and motorcycles? Dear Santa, Will you also get me a pocketknife? I really like you. For Christmas, I Will you get me a DS? Will you also really like a Nintendo DSI and one
of the toy jeeps, but I want it to be one of the ones you can ride in. I really would like a Hot Wheels CrissCross. I would like to have a toy Store 1 book and an X-Box 350. I have really nice cookies for you! I would like to have a computer and for the DSI I would like a Mario game with it. For my Wii, I would like a Mario Sport game. I would like to have a pet doggie and I want to name him Scooby-Dooby-Doo! When I get older, I would like to be a dirt bike rider. I hope that you enjoy my cookies and I would like to play with a Hot Wheels toy motorcycle with a toy road where I can put the motorcycle. I would like perfume so I can spray it on me and make me smell good. In my stocking, could you give me some candy? That would be really nice. Tucker
Dear Santa, I want some new balls that turn into dinosaurs. I want a trampoline. Tradyn Dear Santa, How are you doing? What’s going on? You’re really nice! I saw you before at my dad’s work and I want rainbow silly bands. You know that thing that has those wheels that you can put four rockets on each side like on
Star Wars. I don’t know what it’s called. And I want an Eva toy like on Wall-E. And I want a ninja softie and I want some new socks. Hi! And I want some gum... Juicy Fruit. And I want a little action figure that has four people in it... Obie-Wan-Kenobi, Darth Vader, Kit Fisto, and the last one would be Yoda. And I want a Pokemon set for three characters... Lukario, and Dialgas and I want Palkia. That’s it! William
Christmasfoto by Thomas Stone
Merry Christmas to you, 2010. . . Page 49
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 arrangement, Father Mohr had written “Melodie von Fr. Xav. Gruber”. The original compo-
sition 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 (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 50...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-G Dear Santa, How ar eyou doing? Are your reindeer doing good. i hope so incloding Rudolph the reindeer. I hope Mrs. Clos is doing good and santa. I have been good and bad and I hope I will get a gift for christmas. I wood like a now rmevest and luve your frind, Dalton H. Dear Santa claus, How are you doing? I have been good I help my mom cleathe dishes I help my dad mow the yard. i pickup my toys when I am not playing I help my brother clean his room. For chrismes this year I would like a DSI. Thank You, Love Landen B. Dear Santa, How are you doing? What are you doing? Ihave been a good boy this year. I have obeyed my parents and God. I help my mom wash the dishes. For Christmas this year I would like a four wheeler. your friend, Caleb F.
Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Claus? I have been a good girl this year. I have been helping my parents with staff at my hoase and doing my hme work. I did chores at home. I wash the dishes at home. that is how I have been good at home. For Christmas htis year I would like a headphone. Love, Marisol M. Dear Santa Clause, I hope you are doing good. I hope Mrs. Clauss is doing go. How is Rudolp doing? I deserve a gift because I baby site and I been a good boy. this year. For Christmas I wold like a dirt bike. Love, Brady H.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? I hope everyone is doing good at the North Pole and tell Rudoph I said Hi! I think I deserv a gift. Because When my mom tells me to baby sit and soemtimes I hlep do dishes. and when my mom tells me to eat vegebles I eat them. Whant I want for Christmas is an american girl doll. Love, Aliya M.
Dear Santa Claus, Hi how are you doing? How is Rudolph? I hope he is doing well. I have been a good girl this year. I have obeyed my parents. I cleaned my bedroom when my mom told me to. I feed the horses when my dad told me to . For Christmas this year I would like a iPhone. Tell the eleves & reindeer I said Hello. Love, Chloe L.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? How are your reindeer? How is Rudolph? I have helped my mom. I have helped my sister to. I have been a good boy. I wuold just like one present. thank you. For christmas I would like a gotcart. Love, J. W. B.
Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? I’ve been good girl. I help clean the dishes and clean my room. I help my mom and dad. December 14 we are haveing a christmas play. I hope you can come. I want a puppy please. Love, Chelsea P.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? I hope you will like our Christmas play. Are you happy about Christmas? I am too. How is Mrs. Claus? I will leave you some cookies and milk. I do not like corn but I have eaten five pices of corn with butter. And did not like it. I have been a good girl. For Christmas this year I wish Laura and Mary could have gotten more toys then they did. I have been reading the Littel House int eh Big Woods. Love, Abigail A.
Dear Santa Claus, How are you doing? I hope all the reinder are doing very well. we are having aChrismas lay and I am going to be Santa. And every body else are going to be elves. I have been good for my mom. I’ve been makeing my bed, when she teells me to. I took out the trash. I’ve been a good boy. For Chrismas this year I would like a scooter called a Whiplash. have you ever herd of it? Your good friend, Tucker W.
Dos Chiles Grandes Cafe 1703 Chico Hwy • Bridgeport • 940-683-6566 425 W. Rock Island Ave. • Boyd • 940-433-3322 1001 W. Wise St. • Bowie • 940-872-4909
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 51
Paradise Kindergarten Class Dear Santa, I want a 2 Transformers - one for me and one for my brother Mickey. I want Optimus Prime and Decpticon. I want a Pokemon game for my Nintendo DS, a Pillow Pet, and a remote control car. I would also like to have the game Mario 5 for the Wii and a Bakugan game. Thank you for getting me all of this stuff. Love, Angel Dear Santa, I want a princess Zhu-Zhu pet. I want a fairy wand that is real so I can do anything I want. And what else I want is a submarine. I love them - they are so cute! I want a cowboy - yeha! I want a beautiful princess dress that I can wear to school. And what else I want it to be is a Santa Claus toy - a cute car for my Zhu-Zhu pet. The last thing is called love - diamonds! Beautiful diamonds! Diamonds that I can bring to school! How are Donner and Blitzen? I love you, Anna
Dear Santa, I want a Zhu Zhu pet with the battle gear on and a Transformer. Can I have a very, very old Super Smash Brother’s Brawl too?? Can I have Mario Party also because my mom really loves that game and I want her to play with us on the Wii? And that’s all. I love you, Barrett Dear Santa, Can me and my sister play in the snow at my house with Barbies and pink jackets? I know you love snow because we saw you at the feed store in the chair. We took a picture with you ad you told me then. Can you bring me a pool for Christmas since we have bathing suits? Mine is so pretty! It is prettier than Laci’s because it is pink. I would really like a Barbie too, but I really don’t remember which one - except it has blonde hair. My sisters, Peyton and Laci, want Barbies too. I love you Santa! Love, Breanna
Dear Santa, I love you! How are you? I have been good. I want a creepy crawler set and a new Transformer Megatron, a Nintendo DS and a Transformer DS game for Christmas and that’s it! Thank you, Cash Dear Santa, I would like Legos, a Hex bug, Ben 10 stuff, and a bee Pillow Pet. I hope you have a great day! Love, Dean Dear Santa, I really want a Zhu-Zhu pet track. I have two Zhu-Zhu pets and all they have is a ball that they do not know how to woork. I want Bendaroos, big puzzles and Aqua Sand too. This next on is a hard one because it is at the top of the list - an American
Girl doll. The one I want most looks just like me. She has blue eyes, brown hair and light skin, a bed and she has a llama. Joseph, my brother, is probably going to be scared of a llama in the house. I love you, Elizabeth Dear Santa, I love you Santa. I want you to bring me a Transformer and Transformer video games. I also want two ZhuZhu pets and a new computer because my old one is broken because my sister put water in it. Can you please bring me some pictures of animals like my teacher has? I like looking at them. My favorite is the fish that looks like Nemo and the fish that has the light in his head. Love, Fabian
Dear Santa, I would like a Rapunzel doll and tower set for Christmas. I saw the movie because we had hockey tickets. My dad thought they were for Wednesday, but they were really for Friday and we had a disaster!!! I liked the movie and would like it for Christmas too. It is my favorite movie. I also want a princess Barbie doll, a Dora doll, a princess Christams cd and a Horse Land movie. There is lots more I would like, but... well I want a dolphin Webkin and a pink dragon Webkin (really there is lots of Webkins I want). It’s hard to think of everything! I really want my loose tooth back. Santa, could you ask the Tooth Fairy to give it back to me please! Love, Kailee Beth
Snowball Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup butter or margarine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla 2-1/2 cups flour, sifted 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup pecans, chopped Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter in a large bowl, then add sugar and cream again until light. Stir in vanilla, mix in the flour and salt, and stir in the nuts. Shape the resulting mixture into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, dust them with powdered sugar and allow them to cool. Once cool, dust with more powdered sugar and enjoy! Christmasfoto by Frances Munn
Page 52...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Paradise Kindergarten Class Dear Santa, I want a Zhu-Zhu pet, the Transformer, Bumblebee, and a train. I want a dvd player because I need one. All the others are already broken. I want a Transformer game, a Decepticon robot and a penguin. The penguin is a fake penguin like the one at school. I love you, Santa Lane Dear Santa, Thank you for my dog, cats, and guinea pig and thank you for my new shoes that light up. I love you Santa. I have a lot of stuff and my mom gave me her stuff from when she wass a little kid. Like this Strawberry Shortcake doll that breathes strawberry smell out. My mom has
another doll that has a dress that looks very, very pretty. Anyway, I have all this stuff and I cannot think of anything so I would like you to think of something for me. I would like some drums though! Love, Marenda Dear Santa, I want a blue motorcycle - a real one! I want you to build it and I promise to be safe. When I get 16 I will ride it. I want some toys too - big trucks. I love you Santa. Goodbye! Love, Mason Dear Santa, How do you make toys? I want a DS, a game called War, an American Girl doll that looks just like my teacher, a little kids video game for girls, long earrings that touch my shoulders (I could wear them to
Dear Santa, I love you, Ross I want a Wii, a remote control car, a new video game, and a hot wheels car. I like school because we get to do fun stuff. I like you too, Santa Dear Santa, I want 20 baby dolls and 20 pack- Claus! I have been really good. Love, Will ages of fake dishes. I need so many because people steal my things from me and sell them. I will start checking their pockets though to make Dear Santa, sure I do not lose what you give me. I love you! I want a mini Transformer, a Transformer game raace car and I love you dear Santa, Tiffany a Batman toy for Christmas. That’s all! Thank you, Santiago
school one day if I could get them in said hi? my ears), and new cowboy boots. Love, Melina Dear Santa, I want a Transformer and I would like more Legos. I already have a lot of Legos, but I need more to build a castle. That’s all. I would like to see all of your reindeer. I love all of them! How do you build all of the toys? I love you, Mikah Dear Santa, I want a Ben 10 game for the Wii, a Flat Out guitar, a chain link counting toy, a remore control car, an Indian toy and a bike without training wheels. I like Rudolph because I like his shiny nose. I even have him as my pet (a stuffed animal). Will you tell him I
submitted by:
Vicky Keas
Cream Cheese Squares Ingredients 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese 1/2 cup margarine, melted 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Christmasfoto by Thomas Stone
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan. Unroll one can of the crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1cup white sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread this over the crescent layer. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls, lay them on top of the cream cheese layer. DO NOT PRESS DOWN. Pour the melted margarine over the entire top layer of crescent rolls. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup white sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the top of the melted butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is crisp and golden. Yields: 24 servings.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 53
Bridgeport Elementary 2-G Dear Santa, How are ou doing? I hope Mrs. Claus is doing well. I have been a good girl this year. I have been good because I obey by cleaning the living room. For Chirtmas this year I would like an American Girl doll for my sister Aimee and me. Tell Mrs. cclaus I said hello. Love, Brittany L. Dear Santa, How are you doing? I hope Mrs. Claus is doing well. I have been a good girl this year. I help by all the chores at home. i would really like a cat for Christmas. How are you doing at the North Pole? Love, Lexi L. Dear Santa Claus, How are you doing? How are the elves and Rudlph? I have been a good girl this year. I have good grades. I help with the laundry and the trash and setting the table up a cleaning hte table. I was good at California by not going in the ocean. For Christmas this year I would like a light brown cat. Love, Lexine S.
Dear Santa Claus, How is Mrs. Claus doning? I think I deserve a gift because I go to bed when I am supposed too. I follow the rules when I am told. I take a bath when I am supposed to . For Christmas this year I would like make up. Can my dad get well too? He has been haveing very bad head aches. Love, Chloe E.
How is Rudolhp? I desrvea a presesent because I’m geting good gradse. I only want one present for crismess is a chihuahuahua. Love, Garrett R.
Dear Santa, How are you doing. I hope Mrs. Claus is fine. I desverve a gift because I dd my chors. I desverve which is a pupppy. Liam L.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? How is Mrs. Claus doing? I have been a good girl this year. I been obeying my mom and dad. i help my mom clean the floor. And, I obey my dad. I babysit when my mom tells me. i like Christmas. For Christmas this year I would like a puppy chihuahua. Love, Yucely M. Dear Santa, Christmas is my favoriteholiday. Thankyou for making itspecial. I hope you bring me a present this year because I helpeb my parents do stuff. I sweepe and the frong porch and raked the leaves I woull like to have a little tranformer. you friend, Carter J.
Christmasfoto by Jeannette Ward Dear Santa, How are you doing? How is Frosty the Snow man? I have been a good boy this year. I have been nice to my parents and little sister. For Chrismas this year I would like Lego Atlatis. Merry Christmas. Love, Lance G. Dear Santa Claus, How are you doing today? Come to our Christmas Play! I hope that Mrs. Claus is ok. I always obey my parents, I help with my brother, Jack. I also do my chores. Our Christmas play is on December 14, 2010. I think you would like it. Oh P.S. I really want a Barbie Glam Vacation Jet and House. Love, Sydney W.
Page 54...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Seasonal song becomes holiday favorite The song "Winter Wonderland" has become a staple of holiday radio. Much like "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland" was not intentionally written to become a Christmas carol, but evolved into one over time. The song was published in 1934 by composer F e l i x Bernard
and lyricist Richard B. Smith. Smith resided in the town of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and was inspired to write the lyrics of the song after seeing Honesdale Central Park and his own childhood home blanketed in snow. Smith actually wrote the lyrics while being treated in the West Mountain Sanitarium in Scranton, Penn-
sylvania, for tuberculosis. Many singers have performed the song throughout the years, so much so that it is often a standard song on artists' holiday compilations. Some of the better-known and earlier versions were made by The Andrews Sisters and Perry Como. "Winter Wonderland" has
evolved into one of those songs that inspires visions of snowy splendor. Original lyrics feature a portion of the song mentioning young lovers being married spontaneously by a traveling "parson," a Protestant minister. Some thought those lyrics sent the wrong message to children, and
another version was written with a circus clown, instead. The song has been sung with either bridge in place and even both in lengthier versions of the tune. For those who want to enjoy their own winter wonderland and sing along with this classic winter carol, here are the lyrics.
"Winter Wonderland" Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight, Walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird, Here to stay is a new bird. He sings a love song, As we go along, Walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say, "Are you married?" We'll say, "No man," But you can do the job While you're in town. Later on, we'll conspire, As we dream by the fire, To face unafraid, The plans that we've made, Walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can build a snowman, And pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman, Until the other kiddies knock him down. When it snows, ain't it thrilling, Though your nose gets a-chilling. We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, Walking in a winter wonderland.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 55
The history of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Staff 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 his self, realized that ,as a child, he was teased for being small, shy and some-
what a mis-fit. At this point he tossed around. The name Rollo knew his character had to be someone that folks would want to cheer for, somewhat of an underdog. What better than a deer who was ostracized by the reindeer community just because he had a glowing red nose. Although department heads shuttered at the thought of a rednosed reindeer, (red noses were associated with drinking and drunk people at that time) they soon overcame their hesitancy after May had an artist friend sketch deer was confrom the local zoo. sidered, but The next obstacle was later denounced beto name this awkward recause that just seemed to indeer. Several names were cheerful. The next name was
Reginald, but that was too “British.” Then the name 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 c r e a t e d Rudolph, and he was in debt due to medical bills that racked up during her illness. May conguered up enough courage to ask the corporate president to turn over the copyrights to Rudolph, and fortu-
nately for him they were turned over in 1947. This secured Mays 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 56...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Bridgeport Elementary 2-F
Dear Santa, If they are bad will they get a gift? Santa do you like your reindeers? Santa can I have a dsi. Please can I have a dsi. Santa can I have a psp. I have been good. I helped a friend. Santa what do you eat? Your friend, Bobby
Dear Santa, How does it feel to live at th North Pole? How does it feel to fly a reindeer? This year I have my eyes on a Xbox 360 and a PlayStaion 3. I think I deserve a Play Staion 3 and a Xbox 360 because I help my mother and I'm nice to my brothers. Have a very Dear Santa, safe trip. Your friend, Julian How do you make your reindeer fly for Christmas? Do you ever get sick on Christmas eve? This year, I would like a DS and a transformer. I really Dear Santa, How old are you? Do you have think I deserve them because I help glasses? I cant wait this year! My clean my house and room. Have a eyes are set on a D.S. I. and clothes. safe trip back home. Tell the elves I I think I deserve a DSI and clothes said hi. Your friend, Aaron because I help my mom with my baby sister and I help my friends. Have a merry Cristmas. Your friend, Piper Dear Santa, What am I geting of Crismis. Can I meat Roodoff. XBox 360! Littile Big Planit #2! I have bin good I heplt my Dear Santa, How does your sleiy work? How do bruther. Youer frende, Jonathan you deliver the presents to peaple? Santa I always wanted a 3ds. And I wanted 3DS games. I wanted them because I rake and mowed and I Dear Santa, put thosends of leafs in bags. Have How dose your sleigh work? I cant wait until you come? I cant wait until a safe trip to my house. Your friend, Ethan I ride the pollar express so I can come to your work shop. And I all so cant wait to see roodof to. Your friend, Bryan Dear Santa, Do you have alot of baby dogs? wat are the elves dowing at the North pole? I want a big dog. and one baby Dear Santa, dol. I deserve these gifts because I How is life at North Pole? Are the was good and I was helping my frinds. raindeer ready to fly? I have my eye I hope you have a save tripe back on a cat and dog. See you in a few days. and furth. Your friend, Jacob Your frind, Skylar Dear Santa, What do you like? OK Santa this is now my present. I want a DSI for Christmas. Please bring me one because I help my brother. I kowe that the North Pole is cold. Your frand, Homero
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa, How is the elfs doing at the toy work room? How are the rander doing? I hop thay are ready to deliver all the toy and Ipod, an American Doll. Your frieny, Ally
How is life at the North Pole? Are you bundled. Ah I have a new neckls. and a new rabbit to. How is life at the North Pole? I will owap my parents. I hope you and your reindeer have a safe trip this year. Santa say hi to the elves. Dear Santa, From your friend, Kaywen J. Do you have a dog? Do you make toys? I wold realey like an Esey-Bake. I wold also like a gutar. I deserve Dear Santa, thees because I am good fo my parHow do yor rander fliy? How do you ents. I also deserve thees because I git all the toys to all the kids? I would help my frinds. I hope you have a rely like the cat at wor mat and Toy Merry Cristmas. Story 3. I Dosv it becus I was good Love, Gracie and I help my mom. I hope you like all the cookes. Yor frind, Kaylee Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How is lif at the North Pole? I wondered evry day if your hole family gets sick? Sometimes I hope not or I will get worryed. For my gift I want some more Moxie girls and a D. S. I. to. and I deserve them because I am good at school and my mom and dad. Have a safe trip. Love, Melody
How are your reindeer this year. Is your sled colld? I wold liek a bike. I word liek a Ipad tuch. I was gud and i work harde. Haf a saf trip. Your friend, Destiny
Dear Santa, What are u Doing? Were do you Live? I would like a Deat Bicke and a puppy. I have bin good and nise. Have a good trip. Your friend, Abigale Dear Santa, Our your randeer rede for the trip? Dose your slay rele fly? This yere I wold relly wold like a Amercan Girl doll Brittny. I deserve that becuse I obay my teacher at scohol. I wold allso wold like a I pod tuch. I deserve that gift becuse I help my mom. Have a saf fly back to the Noth Pole! Your frinend, Kylie Dear Santa, How old are you Santa? Where do your reindeer stay? how many elvs work with you? Hannah Montana fore ver movie, a Baby doll, Dora the explorer bathtub stuff. Love Shaxy
Dear Sant, How is life at the Nooth Poole? Are the deer ready to poll the slay? I wat a black hors in a pupe for Chrismas. I bin good in my hous in my schoo to. Your frid, Ivohemi
Dear Santa, How are your raindeer. I wont a rifel I have my eyes on a mohok. I desue it because I shoot animals for my fammily. Is your slay ready. I wont a Dear Santa, How is the north pole? Is the reinder pet rabit. I desue tis because I help good? Are you ready to go whith your my fammily. Have graet trip. reindeer? I wold rele like a DSI. I Your friend, Brac wold rele kike a DsixL I think I deserve those thig because I listen and I love you. Your friend, Bella
Christmasfoto submitted
Merry Christmas to you, 2010. . . Page 57
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 58...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
for everyone who does not like candied fruit submitted by
Dump Cake
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, 2010... Page 59
Christmasfoto submitted
Bridwell Publishing Co. Publisher: Keith Bridwell Photo Editor: Jo Gilbreath Pagination Director : Francine West Reporters/Photographers: Whitney Bridwell, Jeannette Ward, Thomas Stone Typesetters: Shannon Smith-Green, Whitney Bridwell, Thomas Stone and Francine West
Page 60...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
30 COOKIE RECIPES Basic Cookie Dough Makes about 3.5 dozen cookies (Do not begin basic cookie recipe until you have chosen which cookie to make.) 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour mixture until just combined. Tear off two sheets of waxed paper, each about 12 inches. Spoon half the dough lengthwise down the center of each sheet of paper forming a strip about 8 inches long. With your hands, roll each strip into a log about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Wrap the logs up in the paper. Freeze several hours until firm or freeze up to three months. To bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap frozen dough and with a sharp knife, slice 1/4 inch thick. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges, rotating baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back. With a wide, thin, metal spatula. Remove from baking sheets to wire rack to cool completely.
30 Different Cookies 1. Ginger Cookies: Add 3/4 teaspoons ground ginger and 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard powder to flour mixture. Beat 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger into the mixture when adding egg. •2. Peanut Cookies: Finely grind enough peanuts to make 1/3 cup. Reduce flour to 1 1/3 cups and stir ground peanuts into remaining flour mixture. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped peanuts when adding egg. •3. Espresso-Almond Cookies: Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder to flour mixture. Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and add 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar. Add 1/8 teaspoon almond extract when adding vanilla. Fold in 1/3 cup sliced almonds after adding flour. •4. Molasses Cookies: Increase flour to 1 3/4 cups, swap in 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar for 1/4 cup granulated, and add 3 tablespoons molasses when beating butter and sugar. •5. Citrus Cookies: Beat 2 tablespoons grated lemon, lime or a combo into mixture when adding egg. •6. Malted Milk Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons malted milk powder to flour mixture. Add 1/4 cup crushed malted milk balls when adding egg. •7. Cornmeal-Currant Cookies: Replace 1/3 cup of flour with 1/3 cup finely ground cornmeal. Stir 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest and 1/3 cup currants into mixture after adding flour. •8. Red Hot Cookies: Finely crush 1/3 cup of red hot candies and fold in when adding flour mixture. •9. Spice Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon allspice to flour mixture. •10. Peanut Butter Chips: Reduce butter to 6 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Fold in 3 tablespoons peanut butter chips when adding flour
mixture. •11. Brown Butter Cookies: Melt butter over low heat until lightly browned and fragrant (do this in a pan that isn’t dark so you can see the change in color); chill butter until firm then proceed with recipe as directed. •12. Toasted Coconut Cookies: Toast 1 cup of angel-flake coconut (the sweetened kind you get in the supermarket in bags) until golden brown. Grind a little more than half to get 1/3 cup ground and replace 1/3 of the flour with the ground coconut. Fold the remaining coconut in when adding the egg. •13. Chocolate Chile Cookies: Remove 3 tablespoons of flour and replace with 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 3/4 teaspoon ancho or chipotle chile powder and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to flour mixture. •14. Granola Cookies: Coarsely chop 1/2 cup of your favorite granola and stir in when adding flour mixture. •15. Orange-Cranberry Cookies: Fold 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest and 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries into dough after adding flour mixture. •16. Black Forest Cookies: Beat 2 ounces of melted and cooled semisweet chocolate into dough after adding egg. Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries after adding flour mixture. •17. White and Dark Chocolate Cookies: Remove 3 tablespoons of flour and replace with 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce granulated sugar to 3/4 cup and add 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Fold in 1/3 cup chopped white chocolate after adding flour. •18. Double Chocolate Cookies: Remove 3 tablespoons of flour and replace with 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Fold in 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips after folding in flour. •19. Rocky Road Cookies: Beat 1/3 cup marshmallow fluff when beating butter and sugar. Increase vanilla to 1 teaspoon. Fold in 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans after folding in flour. •20. Carrot Cookies: Beat 1/2 cup of finely grated carrot into the mixture when adding egg. Swap in 1/3 cup maple sugar for 1/3 cup of regular sugar. •21. Pine Nut Cookies: Fold 1/4 cup of pine nuts into dough after adding flour mixture. Add 1/8 teaspoon almond extract along with vanilla. •22. Crispy Rice Cookies: Stir 2/3 cups of crisp puffed rice cereal into mixture when beating in flour mixture. •23. Sesame Cookies: Beat 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil and 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds into mixture when adding egg. •24. Apricot-Anise Cookies: Fold in 1 1/2 teaspoons anise seed and 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots after adding flour. •25. Cashew Cookies: Reduce butter to 6 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons cashew butter. Add 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg to flour mixture. Fold in 1/3 cup finely chopped salted cashews after adding flour. •26. Sunflower Seed Cookies: Reduce butter to 6 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoon sunflower seed butter. Fold 2 tablespoons toasted hulled sunflower seeds and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest to mixture after adding flour mixture. •27. Whole-Wheat Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Replace 2/3 cup of flour with 2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to flour mixture. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar to sugar and butter mixture. •28. Toasted Oatmeal Cookies: Toast 1 1/2 cups rolled or quick cooking oats until fragrant and golden brown. Grind 1 cup of the oats and once ground measure and substitute for an equal amount of flour. Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and add 1/4 cup light brown sugar. Fold remaining 1/2 cup oats into dough after adding flour. •29. Butterscotch Cookies: Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Fold in 1/2 cup butterscotch morsels after adding flour. •30. Tropical Cookies: Fold 1/3 cup finely chopped dried pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped dried banana chips, and 2 teaspoons grated lime zest after adding flour.
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 61
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 De-
troit 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 available for people who wanted to attempt the hand-wiring themselves. In fact, Popular Elec-
tricity Magazine featured a piece for children detailing how to light a tree with batterypowered 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 de-
sign 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 62...Merry Christmas to you, 2010
Merry Christmas to you, 2010... Page 63
Amish Muffins Amish Friendship Bread Ingredients 2 cups yeast mixture 3/4 cup oil 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour (or use 1cup flour and1cup bran or whole wheat flour) 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. vanilla Optional: (choose 1) Add: 1 cup diced apples, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup chopped dates, or cup chopped nuts.
Directions Mix all liquid ingredients together in large bowl. Add dry ingredients, one at a time, to liquid ingredients. Stir until mixed well. Pour into well-greased muffin pans or paper baking cups. Bake at 350º for approximately 1820 minutes. Makes 30 muffins.
Amish Cinnamon Bread Ingredients 2 cups yeast mixture (approximately) 1 cup oil 4 eggs 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour 2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt
Directions Mix all liquid ingredients together in large bowl. Add dry ingredients, one at a time, to liquid ingredients. Stir until mixed well. Pour into two well-greased loaf pans. Bake at 325º for 1 hour. Optional: Add 1 cup raisins or 1 cup chopped pecans. Muffins: Pour into well-greased muffin pans or paper baking cups. Bake at 325º until done, approximately 25 minutes.
Starter Ingredients 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1 cup warm (110 degrees F) milk
Directions In a small bowl, soften yeast in water for about 10 minutes. Stir well. In a 2 quart glass, plastic, or ceramic container combine flour, and sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand at room temperature until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle.2.) On days 2 thru 4, stir with a spoon. Day 5 stir and add 1 cup sifted flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk and stir. Days 6 thru 9 stir only. Day 10 stir and add 1 cup sifted flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk and stir. Remove 1 cup and make your first bread, and give one cup to a friend with the recipe. Store the remaining cup in a container in the refrigerator and begin the 10 day process over again. You can also freeze this in 1 cup for later use. Frozen starter take a least 3 hours at room temperature before using. The Recipe (Important Note: Don’t use metal spoons or equipment. Do not refrigerate. Use only glazed ceramic or plastic bowls or containers.) Required Main Ingredient: 1 cup live yeast starter (see above) Day 1:Do nothing with the starter. Days 2-5: Stir with a wooden spoon. Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir with a wooden spoon. Days 7-9: Stir with a wooden spoon. Day 10: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate plastic containers. Give one cup and a copy of this recipe to three friends. To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well 1 cup oil 1/2 cup milk 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well: 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1-1/2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 - (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup nuts Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour