Top Hottest Toys for 2011 Pumpkin Gingerbread Redneck China Christmas Stocking Quilt Block Pattern Hot Cocoa Mix Holiday Pet Safety Tips Family Holiday Movies Christmas Tree Themes Stress Free Party Planning Winter Fashion Trends Last Minute Gifts Left, Right Gift Exchange Peppermint Brittle
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 40
The Right Angle Pride Home Center Stanmart Computers Cakes ‘N More Assiter Auctioneers Accent Embroidery Cowboy Gelato Bell-Lemley Billards Smoke Shop Cowgirl Corral Maryland House Antiques Iron Skillet Jones • Cowan Rancher Supply Tunes ‘N Tint Servpro Ebby’s Gifts Tripps Harley Davidson Merle Norman Something Special Hobby Time Chuck’s Rustic Furniture D’Vine Wine Elk City Pools & Spas Quilted Bliss Amarillo Center of Massage Mattress Express Sharps Motorsports Casseroles To Go Vintage Living Quirks Feed-A-Lot Texotic Pets Hobby House Amarillo Gold & Silver Lubbock Powersports Ace Pest Control Ingrams Carpet Krause Landscape Jack’s Marine Lawndale Bingo Western Equipment Consignment Gallery Music Box Wild Bills Bar & Grill Sugar Rush Pitter Patter Pets Troy Jones Equipment Amarillo’s Finest Tattoos Chief Plastic Nu-Castle Diner ARCH Dales Pickup Accessories Buzula Cash For Gold Amarillo Venom Sanders Satellite Erwins Pawn Water Still Canyon Rd. Animal Hospital Georgia St. Crafters Mall Alpha Lock Amarillo Vaccuum Smoke Shop Custom RV It’s So Bananas
Distributed by
Advertisers...
Holiday Articles...
4-8 9 10 12-13 15 16-17 18-19 22 24-27 28 30-31 32-34 37
American Classifieds
1612 S. Washington • Amarillo, Tx. 79102 806-376-8663 • Fax 806-376-5219
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
3
Gift Ideas | Top Hottest Toys This Season!
Top Hottest Toys for 2011...
Well it’s that time when we have to start putting all those toys on Lay a way! Here is the newest and hottest toys to buy for Christ- inexpensively at any party store, florist shop, or grocery store that carries balloons. The body is made from a high mas for 2011. quality, durable nylon material that will stay inflated for weeks! You can fill it again and again. Remote control has Fijit Friends never come to life so magically! Fijit interactive, robotic toys full of personality that talk, dance, Sesame Street Lets Rock Elmo laugh and bring a new level of Rock out with the Sesame Street Let’s innovation to playtime. Made of Rock Elmo! Dressed in a concert-style soft, tactile skin that enables lifelike movements, girls can poke and squeeze a Fijit Friend™ for fun tee, Elmo takes the stage singing and surprises. With word recognition capability, Fijit Friends™ can un- making music – and preschoolers can derstand and respond to more than 30 verbal commands, culling too! Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments a tamfrom more than 150 built-in phrases and jokes. bourine and a drum set. The Let’s Rock Elmo toy sings six rockin’ songs, so grab an instrument and join Elmo’s band! Air Swimmer Flying Fish Transformers Dark Of The Moon Toys Air Swimmers swim through the air with Figure comes with trailer that converts to the incredibly smooth and life-like motion. Omega Combat Armor! OPTIMUS PRIME These amazing fish provide hours of remote figure fits inside! Features extending wings, an control indoor fun in even the smallest of Ultimate Super Cannon that flips into place rooms (not for outdoor use). They require and extending energy collection panels Feaonly four AAA batteries and have complete tures blasting battle sounds, glowing weapon up, down and 360 degree turning control. lights and launching missile sounds! Includes 2 “AA” batteries Ages 5 and up. Simply fill your Air Swimmers with helium
4
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
EMBROIDERY & PRINTING
Gift Items! Amarillo, TX We Embroider
• Bibs, Hooded Towels, Burp Clothes & Blankets • Bags, Towel Wraps and Robes!
3433 Plains • 806-352-3600 Enter East Side Allstate Security
Monster High Dawn of the Dances These spookey girls, Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Frankie Stein. Monster High dolls have been a hit since they came out and now the newest ones Dawn of the Dances are sure to please those girls who are not into the “pink, blonde hair blue eyed dolls”. LEGO Ninjago Minifigures for the Ninjago theme are broken up into two factions, the human Heroes and the Skeleton Army. Unlike the previous Ninja Collection, each Minifig (with the exception of the Skeleton Troops) has a specific name and a distinctively unique appearance.
Christmas Review
[1] This series focuses on the great weapons of the four mystical powers and the mastery of Spinjitzu.[2] This series also introduced Spinners that the minifigures could be placed on for battles. There is also is a card game that accompanies the spinners. FurReal Friends Cookie My Playful Pup With real-as-can-be movements, sounds and actions, COOKIE MY PLAYFUL PUP lets you experience the joy of having a puppy of your very own! When you pet her on her head or back, she barks, moves
CHRISTMAS 2011
5
her head and wags her tail. Give her cheek a little scratch and she’ll turn toward your hand to ask for more! When you tell her just how sweet she is, she’ll respond with puppy babble that sounds just like she’s talking to you! This soft, adorable pup is about 14” tall and you can either sit her up or pose her front legs so she’s lying down.
Webkins Lil Kinz and Mazin’ Hamster Webkinz Lil Kinz and Mazin’ Hamsters Combo Pack - Lil’ Kinz are amazing little plush toys that have their own unique website. Owners can access the website by using a secret code that is attached to each soft toy. When you first get your Lil’ Kinz pet, you use the secret code to ‘adopt’ your new pet. Once you have registered on the Webkinz website you can do quizzes, play games, earn ‘Kinzcash’ – a special Webkinz currency, find out about your pet’s likes and dislikes and whether it is tired, ill, hungry or happy.
Tonka Chuck and Friends Race Along Cuck This racing dump truck is bursting with energy and wants you to race! Fill and empty his dump bed! When you press his cab lights, you can cycle through the racing games he plays and listen to his over 50 phrases and sounds! Includes 4 “C” Laugh and Learn Dance and Play Puppy This cute interactive pup is going to be a hit because not only is batteries. Ages 3 and up.
6
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
the face cute and little kiddos will surly love it but it is an interactive baby toy! Features “ABC” and “Let’s Play” modes to help your baby learn while having fun. Guides through motions, letters, and numbers, fostering language development and ability to follow directions. Includes both surprising and familiar movements to engage your baby. Knows over 25 interactive songs, phrases, and games. He’ll also blow kisses and teach parts of the body, manners, and greetings. Requires: Six AA batteries (included). Ages: 9 to 36 months. LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer The learning tablet gives you access to more than 100 educational books, games, videos, and apps. Subjects like mathematics, reading, and science are covered in a fun and interactive way. The LeapPad’s built-in camera can shoot video, allowing kids to make animation and art to share with family and friends. Sleek and thin, the LeapPad can withstand kids’ roughhousing and dirty fingers. Designed to be flipped, shaken, and turned by little hands, the LeapPad comes with a tilt sensor for game control that puts kids in the middle of the action. A 5-inch color touch screen makes it easy for kids of all ages to learn and interact.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
7
The built-in camera allows kids to become the stars of their own stories. The Story Studio and Art Studio apps allow children to modify pictures they take and drop them into storybooks. LeapPad’s Ultra eBook are interactive, cinematic experiences designed to guide children through books and immerse them in the joy of reading. The LeapPad’s online tool, the Learning Path, allows you to tune into your child’s progress and track achievements. You can choose to receive regular e-mail updates on your child’s accomplishments, which provide insight into where your child may need additional support and give you new ideas for even more learning fun. Angry Birds Knock on Wood Build, launch and destroy with an exciting skill-and-action game based on the best-selling phone app. Game features three Angry Birds, green pigs, one slingshot-style launcher, structure pieces and mission cards. Players draw a card and build the structure shown before their opponents launch an Angry Bird in an attempt to knock it—and the pigs—down to win points. For ages 5 and over.
8
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Pumpkin Gingerbread... Ingredients 3 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. In a large mixing, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove. In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
9
Redneck China...
Becky Fleming and her family attended a craft show in Colorado. Her nephew came back with a unique find...a wine glass made out of a Mason Jar. They called it a “Redneck Wineglass”. The glass was so unique and was such a great conversation piece, Becky decided to start making her own here in Amarillo. On each glass it reads, “You don’t have to be a Redneck to enjoy this one of a kind glass, but you do have to have a sense of humor. Each piece of China is equipped with it’s very own travel lid...’To keep out them gnats and skeeters.’ Just fill with your favorite beverage and enjoy the good life!” Becky would like to expand her collection to shot glasses, beer
10
CHRISTMAS 2011
mugs, margarita glasses and champagne glasses. With the expansion of her project, she came up with the name, “Redneck China”. If you are interested in a piece of “Redneck China” contact Becky at 356-6672 or email her at redneck_china@yahoo.com. Glasses starting between $12$18. Gift baskets available upon request. Also look for “Redneck China” on FaceBook.
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
11
Christmas Stocking Quilt Block Pattern... This Christmas Stocking quilt block is quick and easy. You can use the quilt block as-is, or dress up your stocking with ribbons and lace. The stocking also works nicely with other fabics -- like sock monkey prints in flannel or quilter’s cotton. Finished Block Size: 8” x 10” Cutting Chart for One Christmas Stocking Quilt Block Stocking Body One 5” x 8” strip One 4” x 4” square Upper Stocking Trim One 3” x 5” strip Background One 4” x 7” strip three 1-3/4” x 1-3/4” squares Assemble the Christmas Stocking Quilt Block Before you begin, review the easy Snowball tip method for adding triangles to the corners of fabric patches.
12
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Refer to the illustration above as you assemble the Christmas Stocking quilt block. 1. Use the easy Snowball tip method to sew a 1-3/4” square to the top left and bottom left sides of the 4” x 4” stocking square. Trim excess fabric and press triangles in place. Refer to the illustration above for triangle alignment. 2. Use the Snowball tip method again to sew a 1-3/4” square to the lower right corner of the 5” x 8” stocking strip. Trim excess fabric and press triangle in place. 3. Sew the 4” x 7” background strip to the top edge of the Step 1 unit. Press seam allowance towards the background strip. Sew the 3” x 5” stocking trim to the top of the Step 2 unit. Press seam allowance either direction. 4. Sew the two vertical Stocking rows together along their long edges. Press seam allowance towards the larger stocking body. Your Christmas Stocking block should measure 8-1/2” x 10-1/2”. Make a Mirror Image Stocking Block If you want your stocking to face the other direction, simply sew triangles to opposite sides of the stocking patches, and then move vertical rows around to the opposite positions.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
13
14
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Hot Cocoa Mix...
Makes a great gift! The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. The recipe makes enough for four gift-size portions, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows, candy stick stirrers, and a spoon. Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane. Ingredients 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer 1/8 teaspoon salt Instructions Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you’re ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
15
Holiday Pet Safety Tips... Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations: O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Tinsel-less Town Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. Toy Joy Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. Stick with chew toys for your dogs that are basically indestructible. Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Forget the Mistletoe, Holly or Poinsettias Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
16
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Leave the Leftovers Fatty, spicy and nono human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills. That Holiday Glow Keep candles on high shelves and remember to blow them out before going to bed! Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.
when you are not home.
Wired Up The extra cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Unplug lights
Toy Box Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically. A Room of Their Own Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. It can also trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house- complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
17
Family Holiday Movies... Arthur Christmas
Opens: November 23, 2011 Rates: PG Some mild rude humor Genres: Animated Everyone knows that, each Christmas, Santa Claus delivers presents to every last child on Earth. What everyone doesn’t know is that Santa accomplishes the feat with a very high-tech operation beneath the North Pole. But when the unthinkable happens and Santa misses one child out of hundreds of millions, someone has to save the day. It’s up to Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa’s youngest son, to deliver a present to the forgotten tyke before Christmas morning dawns.
18
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked Opens: December 16, 2011 Genres: Animated, Family Dave, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes enjoy fun and mischief on a luxury cruise before their seafaring vacation takes an unexpected detour to an uncharted island. Now, the harder Alvin and friends search for a way back to civilization, the more obvious it becomes that they aren’t alone on this secluded island paradise.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
19
20
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
21
Decorating Ideas | Decroating Your Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree Themes... Whimsical Decor If you’re big on tradition but would love to bring some whimsy into your Christmas decor, try decorating a second tree in your child’s playroom or family gameroom. Designer Tobi Fairley decorated a white Christmas tree with colorful, bold ornaments and sock monkeys for a playful spin. The colors and toy ornaments blend seamlessly into the room’s design.
Sweet Ornaments Candy canes are a staple holiday treat. Choose a white tree to create a strong background for the candycane ornaments. The red berry tree topper enhances the bold red ornaments.
garland is made with white strips of bed sheets and burlap. A galvanized tub sits at the tree’s base, and vintage license plates and wooden ornaments bring a rustic look. She hung burlap sacks instead of traditional stockings to complete the look. Silverware Ornaments This silverware tree is the perfect theme for a dining room. Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room created this look using old spoons and forks. She simply tied the silverware to the tree with jute to create a classic look.
Celestial Inspiration Take a cue from the sky and dress your tree with elements like the sun, moon Rustic Repurposing Donna Williams of Funky Junk Inte- and stars in shades of gold. Bring in riors decorated her tree with house- bold pops of color, like purple and hold items for a vintage look. The green, to add interest.
22
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
23
Stress-Free Party Planning...
Make a List Perhaps the ultimate way to create a stress-free holiday is to live by a list. Plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to delegate. “Know what you’re capable and comfortable doing and give other people things to do,” says Kathy Gunst, culinary expert and author of Relax, Company’s Coming! Asking guests to help with a party-related task makes them feel more involved, so never be afraid to ask. Cook Ahead Do as much ahead of time as possible. “Soups and stews are the ultimate winter and holiday food — they’ll feed a crowd. Quiches and tarts also freeze well,” and you don’t have to make them from scratch, Gunst says. Stock Up You’ll never run out of nibbles if you shop with an aim to entertain. Stock your pantry with a selection of cookies and crackers. Consider purchasing nuts in bulk. Keep Drinks on Hand As far as beverages go, it’s always smart to stock up on soda and mixers. Make sure to have coffee (regular and decaf ),
24
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
cocoa, cider and a basket of teas handy. Keep your bar stocked with vodka, rum and a few choices of wine. Keep It Tidy The best holiday host isn’t necessarily the one who lives in the world’s cleanest house. Got one messy room? Just close the door and turn off the lights and guests won’t go in. A touch of clutter? Consider keeping one bin or drawer empty to sweep papers into when unexpected guests arrive. You can save your filing for when the party is over. Deck the Halls Monica Gullon, former caterer, food editor and frequent entertainer, suggests going with the unexpected. “Bowls of vintage ornaments (from your family’s collection or a flea market) grouped by color or glass bowls filled with white twinkle lights can both look striking. Or place a bare branch in a vase and hang small ornaments from it.” Create Comfort For a casual holiday party, don’t feel compelled to seat guests around a
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
25
26
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
dinner table. If you’ve got a lot of company, a buffet may be a better way. “Buffets are the most efficient way to serve a lot of people, but be sure to pull the table away from the wall so that there are four sides available to people, otherwise lines form and people can’t get to the food easily,” Kathy says. Add Joyful Sounds Set the mood with a homemade CD or computer playlist of holiday songs. It’s easy to make and you’ll get to hear your favorite mix of seasonal tunes. Remember to keep the music low — conversation is what counts at any celebration. Your Holiday, Your Way We all know the value of family traditions and the sense of comfort they impart. However, sometimes breaking from old traditions can save your sanity; living up to Grandma’s years of holiday handiwork is hard work. Keep the best, ditch the rest. Going around the room and sharing favorite holiday memories can be just as meaningful as singing every song in the holiday songbook if piano time has grown tedious over the years. “Every holiday season offers a new chance to start your own traditions,” Gullon says, so be creative.
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
27
Winter Fashion Trends...
This season, clothing textures and colors are all about the gem stones... Rich jewel color is in for the Holidays. Jewelry is feminine, and sensual in design. The Holidays are a perfect time to have fun with a range of jewelry styles. Deep, warm, jewel tones continue to dominate both clothing and accessories this winter. Think of color when buying jewelry this season. Deep dark purple amethyst, rich royal blue, camel, burnt orange, ruby red, and greens from emerald to olive. Most of these are intermingled to produce a stunning look in jewelry. These wonderful colors can work together or alone, so have fun and experiment with mixing and matching. What else is big this season? Clear crystals like your grandma wore...Also lots of natural elements, such as wood is being used to make wonderful jewelry. What’s up with the tone of metal, and texture? The Current trend is leaning toward warm toned metals like gold, brass, and bronze. The antiqued metals give the trendiest ensembles and a regal dreamy oh so feminine look. Texture is key this season... As in jewelry as in fashion you will see this trend in jewelry. By the mixture of different sized stones, as well as mixing it up color wise. Finishes, and materials used will variety.
28
CHRISTMAS 2011
Necklaces are statement pieces this season, they variety from the very long, and bold in design, to simple, with multiple long layers. As mentioned warm colors are especially prominent in designs. If you love vintage, pull out your antique jewelry. Mix old with new it gives a great look. Top Five Fashion Must Haves: 1. A wonderful dress, that’s jewel tone color, makes you stand out as a fashion forward gem... 2. Strappy shoes in gold, silver or velvet adorned with jewels 3. A oh so cute clutch... It’s a must! 4. At least one new piece of jewelry. Make it a regal standout... 5. Red is the lip color for evening wear this season.
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
29
Gift/Craft Ideads | Make A Personal Gift
Last Minute Gift Ideas... No Sew Sachet
Even kids who don’t sew can help fashion a bunch of these fragrant, colorful sachets. It’s a great way to use up all your fabric remnants. Materials Fabric scraps Fabric glue Potpourri, such as lavender flowers or balsam fir needles
Materials Polar fleece Embroidery needle Embroidery floss Pom-pom balls Fabric glue Instructions Cut a piece of polar fleece into a long rectangle (ours is 7 inches by 38 inches).
For the pocket, cut a polar fleece rectangle that’s about an inch wider than your music player Instructions (our pocket is 3 3/4 by 4 1/2 For each sachet, place 2 matching 5-inch fabric squares back-to- inches). back and glue the edges together on 3 sides. Spread the glue close to the edges to prevent fraying. Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery floss. Use a running stitch to sew three sides of the rectangle to the scarf, as shown. AtOnce the glue is dry, fill the sachet with about 1/2 cup of potpour- tach pom-pom ball trimto the ends of the scarf with fabric glue. ri. Then glue together the open edges and again let the glue dry. Arrange the finished sachets in multicolored stacks and tie them together with a festive ribbon or yarn. Movie Buff Bowl Fashion a bowl from a roll of paper tickets, then fill it with a DVD, a gift card to the local theater, and movie-size boxes of candy. This This funky scarf has a pocket for your MP3 player, letting you rock easy-to-assemble gift is also an appealing choice for teachers and out to cool tunes while keeping warm. friends.
iScarf
30
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Materials Standard roll of single tickets (as opposed to a double-ticket roll); you can buy a roll of 2,000 for under $5 at most large office supply stores Tape or glue Sealer (we used Mod Podge) Instructions Secure the loose end of the ticket roll with tape or glue. Grasping the roll in both hands, gently push against the center with your thumbs and use your fingers to slightly separate the rows. Don’t push the bottom of the bowl too far, or you’ll end up with a cone shape that won’t stand up; rather, leave a flat base that’s at least 3 inches wide. Make sure the rim is more
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
31
Gift Exchange Idea | Night Before Christmas
Gift Exchange Idea...
Left, Right Night Before Christmas Game The group forms a circle or sits in a straight row (separate circles or rows if males and females are present). Each holds the gift he brought to the party. While the poem is being read, each person passes his gift to the person on his right when reader says RIGHT; when reader says LEFT, each passes the gift he has to the left. The gift each person has in his hands at the conclusion of the poem is his to keep. NOTE: No one will receive the gift he brought if all pass gifts as directed. Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas when RIGHT through the house Not a creature was LEFT stirring, not even a mouse-The stockings were hung RIGHT by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be RIGHT there. The children were nestled RIGHT snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums danced RIGHT in their heads, And mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled RIGHT down for a long winter’s nap, When RIGHT out on the LEFT lawn there rose such a clatter, I sprang RIGHT from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the RIGHT window I LEFT like a flash; tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
32
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
33
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow LEFT a luster of midday to objects RIGHT below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleight and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver RIGHT lively and quick; I knew RIGHT in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came; and he whistled and shouted, and called them RIGHT by name: “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen! To the RIGHT top of the porch! To the LEFT top of the wall! Now dash away, dash away, dash RIGHT away all!” As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly when they meet RIGHT with an obstacle, mount RIGHT up to the sky, So up to the housetop the coursers they LEFT flew, with a sleighful of toys and St. Nicholas, too. And then in a twinkling, I heard RIGHT on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little RIGHT and LEFT hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning LEFT around down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, RIGHT from his head to his LEFT foot, and his clothes were all LEFT tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung RIGHT on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His RIGHT and LEFT eyes, how they twinkled!
34
CHRISTMAS 2011
His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was LEFT drawn up like a bow, and the beard LEFT on his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held RIGHT in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a round little belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was RIGHT chubby and plump, a RIGHT, RIGHT jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his LEFT eye and a LEFT twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went RIGHT straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk And laying his finger to the LEFT of his nose, and giving a nod, he LEFT up the chimney he rose. He sprang RIGHT to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all LEFT like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, and he LEFT--out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
35
Holiday Recipies | Peppermint Britle
Peppermint Brittle... Ingredients 2 pounds white chocolate 30 small peppermint candy canes Directions Line a large jellyroll pan with heavy-duty foil. Place white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave on medium setting for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Place candy canes in a plastic bag, or between two pieces of waxed paper. Using a mallet or rolling pin, break the candy canes into chunks. Stir peppermint into melted white chocolate. Spread evenly in pan, and chill until set, about 1 hour. Break into pieces by slamming pan on counter. Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour, 10 Minutes
36
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
37
38
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review
Christmas Review
CHRISTMAS 2011
39
40
CHRISTMAS 2011
Christmas Review