CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS TO ENJOY WITH YOUR PETS
Visit Santa Paws
Take your pet to visit Santa! It is a great opportunity to get some fun pictures of your pet. In many cases, you can even find a Santa Paws that is working to help support a local charity. What pet lover doesn’t love pictures of their pet to treasure for a lifetime? “I already have enough pictures of my pets,” said no one ever!
Wrap Presents
For those of you who like a challenge, try wrapping Christmas presents with your pets. Keeping the cat from sitting on the wrapping paper could be a full-time job. And picking pet hair out of the gift-wrapping tape could drive anyone batty. Embrace the pet hair, it gives the gift wrapping that extra special touch. And, how else would the recipients of the gifts know it was hand-wrapped with love by you and your furry kids?
Take Your Pet Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Go outside and enjoy the winter wonderland. Winter hikes are a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season. Spending time in the peace and solitude of nature is great for the spirits of people and pets.
Send Out Personalized Christmas Cards
Christmas cards are a great holiday tradition. In this age of technology, we don’t often get cards in the mail, but at Christmastime that all changes. There is something so delightful about opening your mailbox and finding hand-addressed cards sent to you by friends and family. Select a good photo of your family, including your furry family members and design a Christmas card to send to those on your list. This will easily become a fun tradition you look forward to each year.
Give Back to the Community – Volunteer
The true meaning of Christmas is about the spirit of giving. If you have a dog or cat with a relaxed, friendly personality, take them with you to volunteer somewhere. Some nursing homes will allow well behaved animals to visit. Many of the residents of nursing homes are animal lovers who really appreciate the company that you and your pet can provide. As with many volunteer opportunities, you often get as much as you give during these visits.
Or if you want to volunteer without your pet, give back to some of the homeless animals still waiting for a home to celebrate Christmas in. Walk a shelter dog or cuddle with a shelter cat. The options are endless.
Go See Christmas Lights
Take your pet for a walk in the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. Both of you will benefit from the fresh air and exercise. Be sure to bundle up your fur baby in you live in a particularly cold area of the country.
Bake Pet Friendly Christmas Cookies
Get in the Christmas spirit by baking for your furry best friend. Find a pet-friendly recipe online. Or you can do what I do, and just pick up some special dog treats from Three Dog Bakery or another dog bakery. Your pet will appreciate the Christmas goodies.
Take Fun Photos of Your Pet in Front of the Christmas Tree
Get a head start on next year’s Christmas cards by taking pictures of your pets with the holiday decorations. All the fun, festive colors will make a great background. Buy a Christmas sweater, Santa hat or reindeer antlers head piece for your pet for an adorable addition to the photo shoot.
What are your favorite Christmas traditions to enjoy with your fur babies? Whatever you choose to do with your pets during the holidays, the thing that they will enjoy the most Whether you have cats or dogs or both, make sure to spend extra quality time with them during the holidays. Include them on your gift giving list and in your holiday celebrations.
Here are a selection of movie trivia questions about some of our favorite Christmas films. These include everything from modern holiday films to the classics some of us grew up watching. The answers are at the bottom of this article in fine print.
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1. Who gets their tongue stuck to the iced pole in the 1983 movie, "A Christmas Story"?
2. In the 1938 film, "A Christmas Carol", what was the name of Bob Crachit's son?
3. What is the name of the human child Santa accidentally carries to the North Pole in the 2003 movie, "Elf"?
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4. In 1989's "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation " what was Clark Griswold planning to buy with his Christmas bonus from work?
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5. The 1996 movie, "A Preacher's Wife" was a remake of what film? Hint: The original film starred Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.
6. In the 1946 film "It's A Wonderful Life" , what is the name of the town that George Bailey lives in?
Bonus Question: Who plays George Bailey?
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7. In what famous mall was the 1996 movie, "Jingle All The Way" filmed?
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8. What noted actor provided the conductor's voice for the 2004 animated movie "The Polar Express"?
9. In the 1947 film "Miracle on 34th Street", at what department store does Kris Kringle work?
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10. The 2013 movie, " The Best Man Holiday" was a long-awaited sequel to what 1999 movie? Bonus: In its first weekend of release in the United States, the sequel earned double its entire production budget.
 ANSWERS: 1). Flick 2). Tiny Tim 3). Buddy 4). Swimming Pool 5). "The Bishop's Wife" 6). Bedford Falls Bonus: Jimmy Stewart 7). Mall of America in Minnesota 8). Tom Hanks 9). Macy's 10). "The Best Man"
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around in the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, amusement, hope or anger. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE GOOD
GROOM MAKES 90-YEAR OLD GRANDPA HIS BEST MAN
An Indiana man named KC Schafer told his grandfather when he was a little boy that he wanted him to be the best man at his wedding. His grandpa, Charles Schafer never took him seriously, thinking he "wouldn't want an old man up there."
Fast forward to the present and 27-year old KC is preparing to marry the woman of his dreams, Sarah. The young man said choosing his grandpa to stand up with him at the altar was a no-brainer.
"He's been my role model and idol since I was a little kid," KC said. "I spend so much time with him. He pretty much modeled me into the man I am today."
KC took his grandfather ring shopping with him to get his help picking out the perfect engagement before proposing to Sarah.
“I just sat there and watched him and he kept asking me if I liked them,” Charles said. “He said he was going to go down there to get a coffee maker, and as we got down there he said, ‘Let’s go look at ring jewelry. I said, ‘Are you going to buy a ring for Sarah?’ And he did. She’s a wonderful girl.”
At first, Charles wondered if he could keep up with the younger men in the wedding, but he was bringing quite a bit of experience with him. Not only had he previously been in eight weddings, but he served as a best man six times.
“When I wasn’t the best man they got divorced. But every one of the six when I was the best man, they were together ‘til they died,” Grandpa Charles said.
His ninth stint as a groomsman, however, was even more meaningful this time around.
“I felt real proud,” Grandpa Charles said. “It was an honor.”
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KC and Sarah were married on April 15, the same day Charles and his wife were married in 1950. KC’s grandma died in October 2015 after 65 years of marriage to Charles.
Grandpa Charles dancing with the bride, Sara at the wedding reception
We wish KC and Sara a long, happy marriage and lots of children so that Grandpa Charles can be a role model to another generation of Schafers.
This is truly a feel-good story worthy of sharing.
WORLD AIDS DAY, DECEMBER 1ST
NATIONAL MUTT DAY, DECEMBER 2ND
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY, DECEMBER 4TH
LAST DAY OF HANUKKAH, DECEMBER 6TH
INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY, DECEMBER 10TH
NATIONAL UGLY SWEATER DAY, DECEMBER 17TH
WINTER SOLSTICE, DECEMBER 21ST
NATIONAL HOMELESS PERSON'S REMEMBRANCE DAY, DECEMBER 21ST
CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24TH
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25TH
KWANZAA, DECEMBER 26TH
NEW YEAR'S EVE, DECEMBER 31ST
Lincolm, after his rescue
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves an adorable doggy? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring foster parents and shelters come into the picture. With a little love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. The before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it may inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
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Lincoln
Lincoln was homeless, hungry, and infested with fleas and ticks before he was rescued and adopted into his forever home. He's found happiness in a daily routine of chasing squirrels, getting belly rubs and snack time at his grandma and grandpa's house. He also can't get enough of his favorite Christmas gift, a dog toy named "Birdie."
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Please consider adopting a pet from the animal shelter or a local rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry best friend.
Side-Eye Pics are a series of photographs of people or animals behaving strangely or annoyingly. They are doing things that make one pause and take a second look. Their actions are perplexing enough to earn them the side eye.
It's obviously winter in this photo and this lady is concerned about her canine kid being cold, but this is a bit extreme. Don't you think? This poor pup is wearing a sweater dress, boots, mittens and a parka, inside the bus! He has to be terribly uncomfortable and overheated.
Would this duo earn a side-eye from you?
Nice touch with the matching purple boots & mittens that coordinate with mom's purple parka.
NO DECEMBER WORK ANNIVERSARIES
1. Santa's reindeer pretty much HAVE to be girls, since only female reindeer keep their antlers through December. GIRL POWER!
2. The most requested song when caroling is "Jingle Bells."
3. Evergreen trees are edible (yum!)
4. The birth of Santa's red suit only came about during a 1930's Coca-Cola ad. Before that, he wore white, blue or even green!
5. Every Christmas, 1 million letters are addressed to Santa Claus at his own postal code: "HoH oHo, North Pole, Canada."
6. Electric Christmas lights were invented by Edward Johnson in 1882.
7. All 50 states in America grow Christmas trees.
8. Artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany in the 19th century using dyed green goose feathers.
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9. Mistletoe's name comes from "misteltan" which translates to "Little Dung Twig" since it is spread by bird droppings.
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10. The average number of presents people expect for Christmas is 12. Surely, these are not adults expecting that many gifts!?!
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Mushroom Gnocchi with Arugula and Walnut Pesto
Quick-Fix Meals is a recipe series in which the Council Chronicle features recipes that are hearty, tasty and quickly-prepared. These meals are done in 30 minutes or less. They are ideal for those days when you come home after a long day at work, hungry and tired. But you want a substantial meal, not just a quick snack.
Mushroom Gnocchi with Walnut Pesto & Arugula
Mushroom Gnocchi with Walnut Pesto & Arugula is a vegetarian bowl that comes together in 30 minutes or less. It has roasted mushrooms, golden brown gnocchi, spicy arugula and an earthy walnut pesto.
Note: Those who prefer a meal with protein can add Italian sausage to this dish or whatever meat they prefer.
INGREDIENTS
For the Walnut Pesto
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1 cup walnuts
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 clove garlic
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juice of 1 lemon
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salt and pepper to taste
For the Gnocchi
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1 tablespoon butter
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16 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
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24 ounces DeLallo Traditional Gnocchi (1 1/2 packages) or preferred brand of pre-made gnocchi
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3-4 cups arugula (optional)
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fresh parsley, basil, or other herbs to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
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Toast the walnuts in a nonstick skillet over medium low heat, stirring to make sure they don’t burn. Pulse the walnuts, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until a textured paste forms. Set aside.
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Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top of the water. Drain and set aside.
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While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute' for a few minutes until the mushrooms are browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Add the gnocchi to the mushrooms in the pan. Over medium high heat, stir in about half of the walnut mixture. Things will get a little sticky because of the Parmesan, but if you keep browning it, you will end up with gnocchi pieces that have that perfectly golden brown textured exterior (and mushrooms, too). Add the herbs and toss gently to combine.
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If desired, toss with arugula (it will wilt, but if you want it to stay crispier, let the whole thing cool down a little bit first). With the remaining pesto, add a little more water and salt and pulse to form a sauce if you want. Drizzle over each serving. Enjoy.
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'WOULD YOU RATHER' QUESTIONS ARE GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS AND JUST PLAIN FUN.
1. Would you rather have to put up outdoor Christmas lights for all your neighbors or wrap all the holiday presents for extended family members?
2. Would you rather have Christmas dinner at the White House or with your family?
3. Would you rather travel during the Christmas holiday or stay home?
4. Would you rather have snow every day during the holiday season or not have any snow at all?
5. Would you rather wear an ugly Christmas sweater or wear a red nose every day during the holiday season?
6. Would you rather spend a long time finding the best deal on a gift or spend more money but only shop for a small amount of time?
7. Would you rather eat only holiday food or watch only holiday movies?
8. Would you rather have a holiday party every night or no holiday parties to attend?
9. Would you rather only eat fruitcake for holiday desserts or not have dessert at all?
10. Would you rather have all your presents wrapped terribly or not have them wrapped at all?
Chris Lewis December 14
Madonna Flood December 22
Debbie Carroll December 29
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
A huge part of celebrating Christmas to me is listening to my favorite Christmas music. The songs that were played every Christmas by my mom when I was a child and a few more recent favorites I have discovered in adulthood. My enjoyment of the holidays is about immersing myself in the spirit of the season by decorating, listening to holidays hits and reliving memories of holidays past spent with loved ones. The selection below are some of my favorite Christmas tunes. What songs would you add to this list?
1. "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kit, 1953.
2. "Eight Days of Christmas" by Destiny's Child, 2001.
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3. "White Christmas" by Michael Buble', 2003.
4. "The First Noel" by Nat King Cole. 1960.
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5. "What Child Is This" by Harry Connick, Jr., 1993.
6. "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway, 1970.
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7. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Vanessa Williams, 1996.
8. "Silent Night" by The Temptations, 1970.
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9. "Winter Wonderland" by Johnny Mathis, 1958.
10. "O Holy Night" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 2019.
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What are some of your favorite Christmas songs that didn't make the list?
PRAYER FOR EQUALITY, PEACE & UNITY
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people in every country. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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