December 15, 2015

What’s Inside?2-3 Traditions 4-5 Gifts

6-7 Letters to Santa8-9 Christmas Around the World10 December Movies 11 Treats

12 Gingerbread Houses 13 Legend of Santa

14 Decorating 15 Random Facts16 Christmas DIY

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TradiTions

The man, the myth, the legend Santa Claus! Santa Claus is the Dutch word for St. Nicholas. He was born in the 19th century in the U.S. He was well admired and

became a subject for many legends. Children every year around the world look forward to Santa Claus and his

jollyness that he brings around the holiday season.

Christmas carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago, but were not known as Christmas Carols. They were

pagan songs, sung at the Winter Solstice festivities as people

danced around stone circles (The word carol originally meant to

dance to something). The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, usually taking place around the Dec. 22. The word carol actually means dance or

a song of praise and joy! Carols used to be written and sang

during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has really survived.

Kissing under mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition but this little plant isn’t as romantic as it sounds. Thousands of years ago it was valued for it healing properties. So why do we kiss under the mistletoe? In the 18th century it became a part of a

Christmas custom. English men would steal a kiss from any woman standing under the mistletoe and rejecting was considered bad.

luck.

Many families across the country participate each year in decorating for the holidays.

Christmas tree decorating dates back to the 15th Century!

People have been known to decorate their trees

with ornaments, tinsel, popcorn, garland and

One of the main reasons we exchange gifts today is because when Jesus came

to the world, the Three Wise Men offered Myrrh, Gold and Frankincense. In the

U.S and the U.K, Christmas presents are left under the tree in the morning and in a stocking hanging by the

fireplace.

Santa ClauS

MiStletoe

Gift GivinG

ChriStMaS tree DeCoratinG

Kati RankinReporter

Why do people hang lights on their roof? Why do we fill over-

sized socks with trinkets and candy? Why do we leave cookies and milk for a mysterious figure who is said to break into our house in the middle of the night?

These are just a few of the questions that could be asked about American Christmas traditions. Gift giving is one of the most common traditions that is tied to the holiday season, but there are so many other ways that people celebrate the holidays These traditional activities come from myths, legends and folk tales.

More or less, traditions are only concepts. There is no documentation of where these rituals came from. Over time, people create their own traditions, whether it be with family, friends or community members. Even though it might seem that everyone decorates a Christmas tree and bakes holiday cookies, that’s specific to only some families. Each tradition can be adapted or evolved into the perfect way for you and your family to celebrate. Make each Christmas even more special by continuing to add to your holiday traditions. As you meet more people in your life, find ways to learn from them and adapt new experiences to fit your family. Get creative with your ordinary routine! You will be more satisfied by your holiday experience and your family will thank you for making each Christmas even better than the last. This feature is meant to give you a general idea of how each of the basic traditions came to be.

Christmas

ChriStMaS CarolS

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It’s that time of year again, candy cane season! They originate from

Germany 250 years ago. As the story goes, the choirmaster was worried

the children wouldn’t stay quiet during the Christmas nativity service, so he gave them a plain white sugar stick to suck on. Sometime around

the 1900s, red stripes were added to represent Jesus.

Christmas cards appeared in America in the late 1840s, but they were expensive and people couldn’t afford them. In the

1910s and 1920s homemade cards became popular and were often shaped into different things and ribbons were added. To

this day, Christmas cards are still used.

During the traditional feast of jolly old St. Nick, held on Dec. 6, children would leave food and

drink for the saint and his attendants. These offerings

would be exchanged for gifts overnight. Also,

they would leave out carrots for the reindeer.

Christmas Vacations

H o l i d a y Traditions

CanDy CaneS

ChriStMaS CarDS

CookieS for Santa

During the holiday season, families from across the

nation choose to travel. Some visit family in other parts of the country, while others take trips that will leave lasting family memories. The top ten destinations are the Caribbean Islands, India, Holland, Las Vegas, New York, New Zealand,

Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome and Sydney. Some Students at SMHS are traveling over the holiday season. Rachael Flanagan is going on a near two week trip to Walt Disney World.

SMHS students were asked what their favorite holiday tradition is:

“As most people know my family attends Disney World

often, but this will only be my third Disney Christmas vacation.”

- Rachael Flanagan, junior

“Waking up early and opening presents!

- Skylar Bills, freshman

“Each kid gets to open one present on Christmas Eve.”

- Katie Mixer, senior

“I like Christmas Eve parties with my

family”- Alexia Sunderman, sophomore

“I am going to Arkansa over the holidays to visit family. I like

riding in the car for 16 hours!- Zac Long, sophomore

“Eating good food”- Mr. Childers

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Fea-Ryan Wilson

Reporter

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts, the options are basically limitless. You can get them sports gear, videogames, new shoes, gift cards, jewelry or even food. Gift exchange parties are very popular amongst all age groups. The White Elephant party is one of the most well-known. Each person draws a number from a bowl, and

starting with number one, the person goes and chooses a present from the group of wrapped gifts. The others watch the person opens it. Next, the second person chooses and opens his/her present and if they want the present the first person opened, they can ask for a trade. This page is a guide to your last minute Christmas gift shopping options. Also

included is a list of gifts to avoid with holiday season. So, here is some advice:

Videogames Sports Equipment

Gift Cards

Jewelry

Videogames such as Rainbow Six- Siege and Fallout 4 are now two very addictive games. Rainbow Six is a new style of asault in which enemies have the means to transform their environments into modern strongholds while Rainbow Six

teams lead the assault to breach the enemy’s position. Fallout 4 is a post apocalyptic role-playing game. Additional features

are a split-piece armor system, base-building, a dynamic dialogue system, in depth crafting system which implements

every lootable object in the game and much more.

Nike Sports equipment is known to be a popular gift around this time of year. If you’re getting ready for basketball season,

or setting up for spring sports, this gift would be the best choice. Nike sport equipment and sportswear have been

around for more than 51 years.

Gift cards are one of the most famous gifts for Christmas. Giving gift cards

on Christmas Day has been a tradition for last minute shopping. Get them a gift card to their favorite store or

restaurant. They’ll appreciate it!

Jewelry is a great gift for women. Anything sparkling that catches the eye is considered great for women. Choose

wisely when picking it out because some metals will make you break out

or turn your skin a green color.

Do: Don’t:• Buy them socks or underwear (unless they actually ask)• Sit by the Christmas tree and cry about last minute shopping while drinking a disgusting cup of egg nog• Forget your list on the coffee table in the dining room next to the pile of horribly-wrapped presents• Get thousands of tiny paper cuts while wrapping gifts and try to

• Ask what they specifically want for Christmas, If it’s “All I Want for Christmas is You-” then throw a Mariah Carrey CD at their face.• Sit and think about your choices• Find the more expensive items first• Make a list and check it twice• Take deep breaths and try not to punch people • Do be nice to every Grinch you meet.

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“ Zac” - Eric Illar, freshman “A healthy baby” - Mr. Minger “I want all my family home

for Christmas” -Mrs. Nutter

“ EVERYTHING” - Kylie Barnhart, sophomore

“ A sick dirtbike” - Jayden Wolfe, freshman

“ I’m Jewish” - Cameron Knowlton, sophomore

Clothing and Shoes

Technology

Clothing and shoes are a big part of holiday shopping. Whether you get

them boots, a sweater, a scarf, a dress or a hat they will be happy with what you got them. Remember it‘s the thought

that counts.

Technology is by far the most wanted gift of 2015. Apple’s new Iphone 6s

that comes in a shiny rose gold color have many people wanting the new

product. Other products like the Apple Watch and Laptops are mostly

used for work and are popular among teenagers. Apple Ipads have been around for a while and they have

came out with a new, smaller version of the Apple Ipad that people have

been talking about like crazy.

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Dear Santa...

This year I would really enjoy a car or lots of shoes, but what I really need is a better sense of direction, time management and humor. A little more common sense wouldn’t hurt either. XOXO, Hannah WilliamsP.S. An “A” in AP English would be nice.

1. P.P.S. She doesn’t even go here!

For Christmas I would like to be the proud owner of a brand new car. I prefer it to be a 2015 Chevy. I would also like a T-rex blow-up costume. There’s really nothing else besides money. I wish also for my family to be happy and not worried about life. One more thing I ask for is no more anxiety attacks. Sincerely, Danielle Drake

Please eliminate all homework from school. It would eliminate 90% of the stress in children’s lives everywhere, including mine. Since we go to school for 7.5 hours a day, five days a week; I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. Sincerely, Will Billeter

This year I would like you to bring enough snow to cancel school forever. A “second ice age” if you will. Sincerely, Ryan Miller, aka Ron Miller Man @ryanmiller2798

I want Justin Bieber for Christmas. Please send him with a box of hair-dye and a free trip to the barber.Sincerely, Emily Powell, aka @EGPowell21

All I want for Christmas is Rachel Payton. Love, Bethany Morrison

All I want for Christmas is Bethany Morrison. Love, Rachel Payton

I would like a bunch of new shoes, chocolate and a lot of animals. Also, for everyone to stop being mean. Sincerely, Shaina Baker

For Christmas I would like for world hunger to end .

Thank You,Manny Gutierrez

How is the old ball and chain (Mrs. Claus?) I also hope those reindeer are doing well. I have been an exemplary child this year, and I wish for only one thing the this world. I would like a two-toed sloth. Sincerely, Savannah SkorupinskiP.S. I really do want that sloth. Please!

I would like to get a blue pitbull puppy for Christmas. I would also like you to bring me more makeup from Sephora. Oh, and a new car would be nice too. I have been very good this year and deserve everything I ask for. I will leave you milk and no bake cookies just for visiting my house. Love, Lakyn Ankrom

I only want a few things this year including candy, money, gift cards and more candy. A car would be cool too. I know you are magic so none of this should be a problem. Thanks, Ryleigh Scovill

P.S. I also accept diamonds!

For Christmas I would like a fitbit, clothes and a new phone. Also, I would like someone who will proofread my essays for Mrs.Mayfield. Thank You, Alice Nichols

Hey! What’s up? Hello! There’s only one thing I want for Christmas, a big, huge, giant teddy bear! I saw one at Tractor Supply and it was only $22. It may seem like a lot, but it was $50 off. So, would you rather pay $22 or $72? That’s what I told my boyfriend and he laughed in my face, so you’re my only hope! Thank you Santa! XOXO, “Gossip Girl”, aka “Gnat”, aka Natalie Payton

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. Only a hippopotamus will do. I have been a great girl all year, and a gigantic present like this would make my day! These creatures are the most loveable animals. With their great big feet, and doll eyes, they are just so cute. I hope you will grant me this one wish Santa! In return I will present you with reindeer cookies for you to enjoy Christmas Eve! I know it may be hard to transport but no worries, you can handle it! Sincerely, Emily Meeks

This year for Christmas I would like lots of cuddles for my dog, Colby Jack. As I will be in Disney World, he will be left with a sitter. I can only hope that they will love and cherish him the same way I would on Christmas morning. I also wouldn’t mind Mr. Claus paying ahead on my student loans! Sincerely, Miss Flanagan2. P.S. Do you even go to this school?

4. Okay, go home.

All I want for Christmas is for everyone in my third period Newspaper class to stop being annoying (except for Trace.) XOXO, Sydney MastonP.S. A matte black Range Rover would be nice.P.P.S Twenty One Pilots concert ticket would suffice.

For Christmas I would like an iPad mini with a case, UConn hoodie and a Walmart gift card. Yours Truly, Samantha Maidens

They say time is supposed to heal all wounds but I’ll never forget the year you made me deathly sick. I ate the rest of your half eaten cookie when I woke up Christmas morning. You gave me the flu Santa. So all I want for Christmas this year is for you to not make me sick, please. Love, Lindsay George

P.S. Some extra cash wouldn’t hurt!

I wish we could all get along like we used to in middle school. I wish I could bake a cake made of rainbows and smiles and we’d all eat it and be happy. Sincerely, Katie Billeter

3. No. I just have a lot of feelings.

Trace TuttleReporter

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Hello, it’s me. I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet (because honestly I am starting to think you aren’t real) to go over... everything that I want for Christmas... I would like a new car and I think that’s it. XOXO, Ciara BennettP.S. I burnt your cookies... sorry!

I want a new car for Christmas so I can drive when I am 16. I think that I should be on the good boy list because I haven’t been naughty. I also have cookies made for you in the shape of reindeer and I have sugar for your reindeer to eat. If I could also meet one of your elves that makes the gifts for people. Sincerely, Cameron Frame

I hope that you, Mrs. Claus and all the elves and reindeer are in good health. I have been extra good all year and I want to make sure that I will be recieving a panda bear for Christmas. I want a panda because they’re not high maintenence and will sit around and eat all day like me! So, I thank you in advance for my presents. Sincerely, Jenni Nichols

I have been extremely good this year and this time I’m not lying. My Christmas list isn’t entirely long and I will be grateful if I got them all. I would like four Pittsburgh Penguins tickets so my whole family can go, a Husky puppy with blue eyes, and lastly concert tickets to see Vance Joy. I hope your Christmas is spectacular and you have a Happy New Year! Oh and if none of those can work, a Sidney Crosby visit will suffice. Your Friend, Andrea Watson

I’m not going to ask for a new phone or a shiny new car. This year I’m asking that all the good events that occurred this year be even greater next year. The year did have its highs and lows but we should all be thankful for who and what we already have in our lives. That’s all that is on my list this year. Sincerely, Cooper Holmes

Hopefully you and Mrs. Claus are both feeling well and that your reindeer are in tip top condition. I’ve been a rather decent human being this year. I haven’t tried to harm anyone so far this year, not saying that won’t change. I would be happy if you were to bring me a ravenous wolf pup as well as a thing other homosapiens call a cellular device. Thank you and have a very jolly Christmas. Sincerely, Bradon VanNoy

How’s the old ball and chain and the reindeer? Most importantly, how are you? I’ve been an extremely good kid this year and my list is very short. All I want for Christmas this year is…a three-toed sloth. Sincerely, Lexi CarderP.S. Did I mention how good I have been this year?

I have been very good this year, I know my parents would agree. For Christmas this year, the one thing I want more than anything else would have to be snow on Christmas Day. I mean I’d take a Tiffany blue Range Rover too... Oh! and tickets to Warped Tour with my friends. Happy Holidays! Thanks Santa, Grace Carder

So I totally want an army of velociraptors that obey me and I would also like them to have black spiked collars. Also I would totally love a new penny board, 27 inch penny board to be exact. Thanks man, Jackie Butler

For Christmas I would like Eric Illar. I would also really like to have a goat and to get Batman’s Batmobile. Sincerely, Zac Long

I’ve been very, very naughty this year. I would like a truck or dirt bike for Christmas. It would also be pretty cool to meet Ice Cube. Also, if you could make it happen I would like to have the hottest album drop of 2k16. My music is straight FIRE (not to be confused with curvy fire). My final wish for Christmas would be for you to go on a quest and acquire the legendary Nike #BeTrue rainbow dragon that spits rhymes all the time. Your reward will be awaiting you in my room guarded by Kaizer, my six headed dog. Sincerely, Walker HashmanP.S. I’m the God.

I feel I have been pretty good this year. I haven’t thrown too many tantrums. Since I think I am on the nice list, I would like some legos and a trampoline. Mom says I have too much energy and I think the trampoline might help. Sincerely, Brady Gorrell

P.S. Have some cookies!

Due to my exemplary and chivalrous behavior over the past several months (for the record), I would like to request from Santa a chance to meet Ice T. You know since he’s cooler than Ice Cube. He’s just like me; he doesn’t care and he’s pretty cool. Or, I’d just like an Xbox One, that’s cool too. I guess, I just don’t care. Just like Ice T. Your payment of the prescribed milk and cookies will be waiting in a suitcase down by the docks. Regards, Ryan McFarland It’s been a year since I wrote

you last, but since I’ve been trying really hard to be good, I hope you will get me a present this year. The present I would like most is a good book, the title doesn’t matter. I hope you will come through and would you tell Mrs. Claus and all the reindeer that I said hello? Thanks So Much Orv Taylor

I hope you enjoy the Christmas season as much as we do. I hope you can celebrate it just as we do. This year I would like to get a dog. We have a lot of pets already but I really like dogs. Sincerely, Spencer Wren

I would like happy times with my family and friends this Christmas. I’d also like a puppy. Thanks for everything you do! Be careful and have a Merry Christmas! Your Friend, Whitney Jemison

I would like the same thing that Sydney Maston asked for but I would also like some ukulele picks, a matte black Jeep Rangler and I would also like a get out of high school card like the game monopoly because honestly this place is jail. Sincerely, Trace Tuttle

I do not want anything because I already bought everything I wanted. Sincerely, Emily Koo

The only thing I want for Christmas is Obama to be out of office! Sincerely, Mallory (Mel) WebbP.S. A car would be nice. Just saying.

All I want for Christmas is a car. A nice looking, but cheap little car. Preferably a white car with a sunroof and black leather seats. Sincerely, Dakota Kost

How are you and your wife? Are all of the reindeer healthy for Christmas this year? I’ve been extra good. I hope you don’t mind me asking but do you think that you could get me a couple presents. If so, I would like a new phone (mine isn’t charging right), an amazingly wonderful blue turtle, and maybe a bigger bedroom. I would greatly appreciate it. I hope you’re doing well. Sincerely, Kassidy Evans

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Christmas time in the United States is a well known tradition but in the other countries that’s not completely true. Many countries don’t celebrate Christmas. The ones that do celebrate Christmas have many really different traditions. It’s interesting to find out how much countries are different in their holidays and how some of the strangest traditions are the ones we have in common. There are a low number of Christians in Asian countries, but some still share traditions like giving and recieving apples as a gifts.

Then think about all the tropical islands that celebrate and how their holiday season isn’t cold like we grew up with. They are putting up Christmas trees during their summer break. When we were little we believed in one gift giver and that was Santa Claus. Every country has their own version of our beloved Saint Nick. Some of them don’t resemble what we believe Santa looks like. Most of these countries have a tradition of putting up a nativity scene before Christmas.

JapanChristmas isn’t a very popular holiday in Japan

because a very small amount of Japanese people are Christians. The people who do celebrate see

it as a celebration of happiness rather than a religious celebration. ‘Meri Kurisumasu’ is Merry

Christmas in Japan. Unlike most traditional foods eaten on Christmas day the most eaten food is fried chicken. This is KFC’s most busy day of the

year. There are two types of gift bringers in Japan; santa-san (Mr. Santa) and Hoteiosho.

ChinaMuch like Japan only one percent of Chinese people are Christians

are known to celebrate Christmas. Santa Claus is known as Shen Dan Lao Ren which is translated to Old Christmas Man. A new tradition in China is giving each other apples on Christmas eve (also known as

Ping An Ye, translated to Silent Day.)

HungaryFor Polish people advent is what starts the

Christmas holiday. Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. In Latin it means “coming” and is used for “the coming

of Christ”. Before Christmas officially begins children in all schools participate in, “Jasełka”

nativity plays which is seen more secular than religious. Presents are mostly brought by

“Święty Mikołaj” but some parts of Poland use other gift bringers. Their Christmas dinner is a

huge celebration and the most eaten food then is beetroot soup.

Poland

GreeceOn Christmas Eve, young Greek boys go out and sing “kalanda” (carols) in the streets. As the sing they play triangles, drums and some even carry gold model boats filled with nuts (an ancient Greek tradition). Once a day until Christmas the mother of the family dips their family cross and some basil into holy water then sprinkles into across the house. This is used to keep the evil spirits away from their house (also known as “Killantzaroi”). The Greeks version of Santa Claus is very different and is known as, “Aghios Vassilis” (Saint

basil). Their Christmas dinner is a huge tradition in Greece. They usually eat pork or lamb, that has roasted in an oven or over an open spit. Another traditional food is “Baklava”, which is a pastry made of filo filled

with nuts and syrup/honey. Their most popular Christmas desert is “melomakarono,”an egg shaped biscuit made with, olive oil, flour, honey and chopped walnuts.

Christmas Eve is the most important part of a Hungarian holiday season. Known in Hungary as

“Szent-este”, translating to Holy night. On that night, the adults get a tree and decorate without their children and when the children return they are told it was a gift that the angels had brought

to them. Santa Claus is known as, “Mikulás’ and he visits the children on Dec. 6. Children leave their

shoes outside filled with goodies for Santa.

Erica TurnerReporter

Source: http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/

melomakarono

Hoteiosho

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Costa RicaChristmas in Costa Rica starts after school ends. In Costa Rica little

kids wait for “Niño dios” (Child God) or “Colacho” (Santa Claus). Like in China apples are an easy and acceptable gift to give to someone on the

holiday season. The time between Dec. 25 and Jan.1 there are several parades, parties, rodeos and bull runs to celebrate the holiday season.

Kazakhstan Usually on Chirtsmas Day in Kazakhstan it is

snowing. Around 70% of the Kazakhstan people are Muslim, making it not as important as the Muslim holidays. Dec. 25 isn’t an

official holiday so stores and restaurants are still open and

people still have to work. Kazakhstanis (30 percent of

them) gather together at their local church on Christmas day

and they all eat together.

ArgentinaLike Costa Rica, Argentina is warm during this holiday season. Everyone

dresses their houses up in gold, green, red and white colors. Christmas trees are really popular and almost always decorated by Dec. 8. Near their trees they place their “pesebre” their nativity scene. On Christmas Eve, they like

to let go “globos” (paper decorations with a light on the inside). You can

see the sky be filled with these, they are like Chinses Laterns.

Sweden Before Christmas the Swedish celebrate St. Lucia’s Day on Dec.13 and that

leads into the holiday season. One of the Swedish’s weirdest traditions is on

Christmas Eve, ever year since 1959, they will sit down and watch Donald Duck. Swedish people with have goats made out of straw to protect the Christmas

tree. Santa is “Jultomten”, which shows no differences from the American Santa Claus. Christmas ends on Jan. 13 and on

that day they take down their tree and all left overs are eaten.

PakistanChristmas is a public holiday in Pakistan but only in memory of the founder of Pakistan (Jinnah). Pakistan has a whopping population of over 162 million

people and over 5 million of them are Christians. To help prepare for the holiday season, the people have spiritual seminars called “Bara Din” or better known as “Big Day”. To celebrate both Christmas day and Bara Din Christians attend church dressed in their best and most colorful clothing. Decorating in Pakistan isn’t that important but the people who decorate are known to put stars on their rooves. Instead of Merry Christmas they say to each other, “‘Bara

Din Mubarrak Ho” or “the blessing of Christmas on you”. Santa in Pakistan is known as “Christmas Baba”.

If you had a plane ticket to go anywhere for Christmas, where would you go?

Mrs. Binegar Isaac Hackathorn Kenny Dailey

“I’d go to Italy because I love Italian culture,

and I studied Italian in college.”

“I would say Paris but with all the stuff going

on there right now, I don’t know.”

“I’d go to Vegas because Elvis was there all the

time.”

Mara Eisenbarth

“Hawaii because it’s warm and I can go

surfing.”

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9a.m. The Holdiday Heist

12p.m. The Little Drummer Boy

1 p.m. Love Actually

6:30p.m. Christmas Vacation

4:30pm Toy Story

9:30pm Toy Story 3

4:30p.m. Snow Globe

9:15p.m. Elf

11:30am Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

8:15pm Elf

2p.m. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland

12a.m. Jack Frost

SUN MON SAT5

12

19

76

13 14

2120

7 p.m. The Polar Express.

9 p.m. The Grinch Stole Christmas.

3:30 p.m. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,

8:45 p.m. The Santa Clause.

11 a.m. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland

12:00a.m. ChristmasMaybe

4 p.m. I’ll Be Home for Christmas

9:30 Elf

12:15p.m. Prancer

12:30 a.m. The Nightmare Before Christmas

1:20pm A Year Without Santa Claus

9 p.m. Elf

1pm Santa Baby

10:30pm Little Drummer Boy

1p.m. The Mistle-Tones

4p.m. Disney’s A Christmas Carol

8a.m. Twelve Dates of Christmas

12a.m. Home Alone

2pm Christmas in Boston

8:15pm The Polar Express

4 p.m. Jack Frost(live action)

8:15 p.m. Fred Clause

7p.m. Mickey’s Christmas Carol

7:30p.m. The Santa Clause 3

7:15p.m. Harry Potter

12a.m. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

5pm Prep & Landing

8:45p.m. Elf

2:20p.m. Snowglobe

1 a.m. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year

4:15pm Snow

12am Holidaze

6:30pm Prep & Landing

7:30pm The Santa Clause

9:45p.m. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation12a.m. Holiday in Handcuffs

4:pm Fred Claus

9p.m. How The Grinch Stole

Days of Christmas

DecemberTUE WED THU FRI

1 2 3 4

25

18

111098

15 16 17

242322

Best Christmas Movies

Movies25

ABC Family

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Christmas Cookies & Happy HeartsThis is how the holiday starts

Sugar Cookies

Angel Food Cake

Christmas Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, stir

together the flour, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until gold-en. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before remov-ing to cool on wire racks.

How to make

How to make

How to make

Beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then add cream of tartar, vanilla extract and almond extract.Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Repeat five times.

Gently combine the egg whites with the dry ingredients, and then pour into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan.

Place cake pan in a cold oven. Turn the oven on; set it to 325 degrees F. Cook for about one hour, or until cake is golden brown.

Invert cake, and allow it to cool in the pan. When thorough-ly cooled, remove from pan.

• Heat oven to 190C/170 fan/gas 5 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cake cases. • Put all the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix with a whisk until smooth. • Spoon the mix into the cases, bake for 25 mins until

• For the frosting, beat the butter, vanilla extract and icing sugar until pale and creamy and completely combined. • To make snowmen, reindeer and Christmas puddings, first spread the icing over the top of each cake. • Then lay the chocolate buttons on top, slicing some buttons into quarters to make ears and hats. •Finally, use icing pens for the details. •For the Christmas tree, color the icing with green food colouring and pipe onto the cakes using a star-shaped nozzle, decorate with sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars.

self-raising flourgolden caster sugar

unsalted butter, very soft pot fat-free natural yogurt

1 tsp vanilla extract3 eggs

For the frosting unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract, icing sugar, sifted

To decoratenatural green food colouring (for

Christmas trees), sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars

milk and white chocolate buttons and natural colouring icing pens.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups cake flour • 1 3/4 cups white sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 cups egg whites

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup margarine, softened

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar • 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

Calories per cookie 113

Calories per cupcake 131

Calories per piece

72

Julia WilsonReporter

Gingerbread

Gingerbread Recipe

4 walls

Gingrebread m

en

2 roof pieces

trianlges for roof

Gingerbread Cut outs

Icing Ingredients

Ingredients

Baking Steps

Candy you can use for decoration

Do you build gingerbread

houses?

Houses

3 tbs of meringue powder4 cups of confectioners sugar

5 tbs warm waterfood coloring

*You can decorate your gingerbread men and house to your pleasing

with any color or candy!

3 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground ginger1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves6 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 cup dark brown sugar1 large egg

1/2 cup molasses2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.

2. Beat butter, brown sugar and egg until blended evenly.

3. Add molasses, vanilla and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.

4. Stir in dry mixture until all evenly blended together

5. Wrap in plastic wrap and let sit for two hours6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line cookie

sheets with parchment paper or grease.7. Sprinkle flour over rolling pin and dough

8. Cut out desired shapes9. Spread out on cookie sheet

10. Bake for 10-15 minutespeppermint gum drops

candy cornicing

*100 polled

Rachael FlanaganNews Editor

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Riley BennettEditor

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The good ole story of St. Nicholas dates back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships. Nicholas was known for his piety and kindness, this caused the Saint to be recognized in many different forms and legends. It is said that St. Nicholas gave all of his inherited wealth away to help the sick and families in need, asking for nothing in return. St. Nicholas truly was a saint.

Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus, Sinterklass travels with his servants called Grumpus. In the Netherlands, when Sinterklaas comes ashore from the steam boat, all of the local church bells ring in celebration. Sinterklaas dressed in his red robes, leads a procession through the town, riding a white horse. Sinterklaas is the patron of children and sailors. The Sinterklass festivals honors the Dutch heritage by re-creating a celebration that the Dutch settlers brought to Rhinebeck over 300 years ago. To good children, Sinterklaas delivers a bag of goods. To the bad children, they will be put in a sack and taken to Spain for a year to be taught how to behave!

After the death of Saint Nicholas, someone had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, so in the UK, particularly in England, he became ‘Father Christmas’, a character from old children’s stories (in Scotland he’s more commonly known as Santa). In France, he was then known as ‘Père Nöel’ and in Germany, the ‘Christ Kind’. In the early USA his name was ‘Kris Kringle’. Later, Dutch settlers (mainly in Pennsylvania) the USA took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle became ‘Sinterklaas’ or as what we all know him by ‘Santa Claus’!

Krampus is known as the shadow of Santa Clause instead of giving during the season of Christmas he is known to take. He is said to come when no more Christmas cheer is around meaning that when none believers doubt the season, he will come to take. The Movie “Krampus,” which came out this December goes off of the legend telling the story of a young boy named Max who was growing into his teenage years that still was a firm believer of Santa. Until Max’s family ruined the season for him by taking his letter to Santa and making fun of him for writing the letter. Max later ripped up his letter and then there was a swift change in the atmosphere. The sky darkened, along with a snow storm hitting Max’s home town. Trapping Max’s family inside of his house. Max just wished for Christmas to be just like it used too. But this year it would take a turn for the worst as Krampus comes to visit in place of Santa Claus. I do not recommend this movie to anyone. This is the one movie that I had ever considered leaving during the film.

St. Nicholas

How Nick became Santa

Sinterklaas

Movie ReviewKrampus

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In the familiar Chirstmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” a

total of 364 gifts are mentioned and would cost $11,465.

Alabama was the first state to recognize Chirstmas as a holiday

in 1836 and Oklahoma was the last state to recognize Christmas as a

holiday in 1907.

The well-known Christmas song “Jingle Bells” was originally a Thanksgiving song. The original song called “One Horse Open Sleigh” was written by James Pierpont between 1853-1857. It is believed Pierpont wrote the song for a

Thanksgiving program.

The top Christmas tree producing states are California, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and North Carolina also according to the National Christmas Tree Association each year Americans purchase 37.1 million

Christmas trees.

The New York kickinbockers group of writers created the look of our loved Christmas figure. Putting him in a red

fluffy suit and a big beard.

The author of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ did not want it to be published. It was written strictly

for his own family.

Donner and Blitzen were not originally santa’s reindeer. In the story ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ they were known as

“Dunder” and Bixem”.

Santas sleigh tracker was a miss print phone number for kids to tell Santa what they wanted. The phone number was

actually for U.S. continental defense.

Post offices were getting so many letters that in Canada they decided to give him his own postal code. They also started replying to letters. His

postal code is HOH OHO.

In 1950 the largest Christmas tree was cut down. It is now in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was a 221 foot tall Douglas Fir. It was displayed in

Seattle, Washington.

Contrary to popular belief “Xmas” is not a non-religious way to say Christmas because in the Greek New Testimate Christ is translated as Christos. Christo abbrevated in Greek is “Chi” and chi is also the 22nd letter in the Greek alphabet which stands for “X” so “Xmas” is not a non-religious way of saying christmas just a shorter way that still retains

the religious meaning.

RandomChristmas FactsCooper Holmes

Reporter

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Cheyenne GirardReporter

Christmas is a time that many families decorate their homes for the holiday. There are many different ways that you can decorate. You can put up Christmas lights, a Christmas tree and you can even make decorations. There are many places that you can decorate

inside or outside, your bedroom, living room, yard, bathroom, kitchen and dining room. You can decorate with just about anything that you want. Using decorations around your home is fun when you put your own twist to it but doing a home made project.

Christmas lights can come in many different ways including the sizes, colors, how they light up and more. You can have lights for the inside your house or outside of your house. The lights can easily break or malfunction when you buy them. The lights

can be on a strand so that you can hang them inside on the railing of your stairs or you can wrap them around the post of your porch. There is also a new type of light that is a projector light and it shines the lights at your house.

Christmas wreaths are a way that you can decorate the front of your house. You can hang them on your door and decorate around your porch and house. You can make your own wreaths or you can buy one.

There are many different types of ornaments.The color, texture and glow can all be different. Even the background of a ornament is unique. You may have received an ornament as a gift from a family member or from a friend. You can also

make an ornament just how you want it to look. You can find a Christmas ornament for that location. Ornaments are made out of different materials including glass and plastic.

Yard decorations are a fun way to decorate the outside of your house. You can have stand up light figures, blow up decorations and more. You can get decorations that are cartoon characters, Santa, reindeer and more. Decorations come in

many different sizes, shapes and colors. You can make a scene in your yard using different decorations or you can buy a scene. A lot of those who decorate outside with a scene use the Nativity scene.

Christmas Tree

Real Artificial

Yard Decorations

Lights

Wreaths

Ornaments

There are many different types of Christmas trees. Christmas trees come in different sizes and colors. You can also get a real Christmas tree or an artificial tree. You can store

your artificial one but you have to throw out the real tree. There are many types of decorations for a tree. There are ornaments, garland, tinsle and more.

* No sticky messes* Can be used year after year* Require very little clean up*Easy to assemble

*Fresh scent*Traditional*All natural* Family time while picking out tree

*Fire hazzard*Must have water continuously*Shed needles*Can only be left up for a limited time

*Fire hazzard*Requires storage space at home* Time required to assemble tree

Pro ProCon Con

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DIYNewspaper Wrapping

Paper

Instead of buying wrapping paper at the store and you can use the old newspapers you have at home. Wrap your gifts with

old newspapers. An old newspaper, wrapped gift with a bow on it and it can

look just as good as it would with the traditional wrapping paper that you buy

at the store.

How to make your own snowglobe

Things you’ll need include:

• A Jar with a lid • Something that

you would like to put inside the

snowglobe. • Non-saluable soap

flakes • super glue

First, take the jar and super glue the item you want at the bottom of your snowglobe. Glue that to the lid of your jar and wait for that to dry.Next, put craft glitter into your jar.

Then, fill the jar with water. you easily put the lig onto your jar

without knocking your item off the lid.

Make sure the jar is sealed tightly! The flip it upside down.

This item is good for christmas gifts or just even christmas

decoration around your house. This item dosen’t have to be used for christmas it can be used for

anything! It just depends on what you put on the inside of your

snowglobe..

Paper Snowflakes

Step 1: Start with a square piece of paper.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half diagonally.

Step 3: Fold the paper in half again.Step 4: Fold the paper one third.

Step 5: Fold the paper again.Step 6: Cut the top off at an angle.Step 7: Shape it the way you want

Christmas is approaching and here are a few ways to save money.

I t can be hard, but DIY is t he way to go.

Personalized mugChristmas would not be the same

without hot chocolate!! You can make your own personalized mug!

You need a white mugGet the color of sharpies of your choice!

Draw a rad design, or writing. Bake the mug in the oven after decorating at 350

degrees for 30 minutes. The design will stick! Enjoy!

Alexis SmithReporter

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