STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C1
www.thecarillon.com n
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS SECTION C
A long-ago Christmas by Patty Loewen MORRIS, MB FIRST PLACE – ADULT STORIES
Reminisce FIRST PLACE – ADULT POETRY by Gina Stephenson STEINBACH, MB C hristmas forgotten from a long time ago resurface with the new falling snow.
F or as many miles as one could see, a soft blanket of white enveloped the open prairie. Interrupt- ed only by clusters of trees, the wind quieted and then impulsively and intermittently rushed past, making thick branches tremble. It was as if the har- dy vegetation was defiantly shrugging off its winter layers, awaiting spring, yet knowing that spring was a long way off. The sleigh runners glided effortless- ly over the few dips and hollows, squeaking at times as they rounded some bends in the road. It certainly looked and sounded like Christmas. Now and then, between the thrill of the speed and the breeze it created, the young boy caught his breath. Occasionally, words from a Christmas song escaped from his lips into a puff of icy air. It was a melody his mother had taught him which he was now anticipat- ing singing with his siblings at the Christmas Eve ser- vice at church. His mother loved music and was pro- ficient in finding uncommon tunes and coaching her children until they became confident songbirds. “So long ago on Christmas morn,” he chorused, as his two sisters, one older and one younger, chimed in. It was not long until they neared the little town. Even though it was extremely small when compared to an urban centre, it was bustling this Saturday by ru- ral standards. For the children, it was a rare privilege to be invited to accompany their father on his errands. No matter how low the mercury’s scarlet line sank on the thermometer, the boy and his sisters would not have missed this opportunity. The team of horses stopped in unison over the fa- miliar intersection, manes and tails tossing in the air. Perhaps they also felt the excitement and anticipation in the frosty sunshine. Perhaps, also, they were keenly aware that they had contributed to the children’s out- ing, besides merely being a means of transportation. Could they have known that, in a gunny sack in the sleigh behind them, was a collection of their fine hair? It took a long time, maybe a year, to gather enough of a bundle to sell. The horses were lovingly cared for by the father of the home. It made sense to care for them well, as a team was needed for fieldwork, and another team was required for transportation. At dif- ferent times, there would have been close to a dozen of the regal creatures in their barn. The survival of the whole family seemed to depend on these gentle gi- ants. Keeping the animals groomed and content was to the advantage of all. Like the cash received from the bounty of gopher tails and crows’ feet, selling horse- hair was an extra source of income on their tight bud- get. The horses whinnied as the reins motioned them to stop. “Schmidt’s General Store” was emblazoned over the heavy wooden door of the bustling establishment, but the sign was a mere formality. As the sole business of its kind in the town, it was a necessity to the rural folk’s survival- and a magical dreamland to wide-eyed young ones. The father turned to the children in the sleigh and distributed a dollar to each mittened hand. After instructions to include all family members in their purchases, the father set off to tend to other lo- cal errands. The children suddenly felt very grown-up. Some- how, the shopping was divvied up between the three children. The girls clung together, the older coaching the younger. The boy, Peter, separated from his sis- ters to inconspicuously shop for them. The general store had overwhelming amounts of items; however, making a decision was difficult. Sometimes, it was hard to decipher what exactly an item was, and in their humble upbringings, the children were not ac- customed to recognizing so many gadgets and labels. The older sister was consulted occasionally before a final decision was made. Coins were combined and carefully counted. Hard candies, much cheaper than
the chocolates, were for the younger children. A pota- to masher with shiny wires and a vegetable brush with stiff bristles were agreed upon for their hard-working mother, as was a tiny tin of Brilliantine to keep their father’s hair styled attractively. The girls shyly shuffled to the big display counter, looking over their shoul- ders nervously lest their brother was too close. Before long, Peter also gathered his gifts and let the slight- ly sloping hardwood floor lead him to the ornate till. The good-natured store owner chit-chatted with the young boy. His twinkling eyes revealed that he had seen similar Christmas shopping scenarios frequently over his years in the business. After farewells, the children walked over the thresh- old into the crisp white world again. Clutching their bags carefully to not reveal any obvious clues, they stepped into the awaiting sleigh. The horses were restless. The shadows were stretching. It was time to return home. Sunday followed Saturday, pleasant and mild. It was a day of rest, a day for worship. Eleven miles to church meant their attendance was rare, however, with beau- tiful winter driving conditions, the mother and father bade their children goodbye. After final instructions to the oldest siblings, the sleigh sped away. This time, Peter and his sisters were relieved to see their parents leave, even if there would be younger ones to watch. From a tucked away spot, someone uncovered the stash of Christmas wrap. It had been folded so carefully, it hardly looked used. It would make their treasures look even more intriguing. It took their breath away just imagining the thrill of Christmas morning. The brightness in the sky was entirely chased away by the darkness when the children finally heard voices outside the door. Their mother pushed open the door, and a burst of fresh, cold air and a dusting of snow entered with her. The children ran to embrace her as she removed her layers of outerwear. They led her to the cookstove where the fire was cheery, and the con- versation was warm. In the excitement of describing all the happenings of the day, the oldest sister gushed about the chal- lenge it had been to wrap the vegetable brush in that Christmas paper. Her eyes met her mother’s in an in- stant and immediately brimmed with tears. It was so hard to keep secrets, no matter how modest the gifts were. The girl blinked away her tears in amazement. Her mother, whose ears were sharp to the needs and mis- chief of her children, had not seemed to hear the rev- elation at all. A new topic of conversation entered the little kitchen as the father returned from tending to the horses. Laughter and excitement filled the house again. Christmas morning, as humble as it was in that prairie home, brought much joy. The children arrived at the breakfast table with enthusiasm. At each place setting, there was a bowl filled with a wrapped gift, peanuts, and an orange. The children begged their mother to open her package first. With a gush of sur- prise and thankfulness, the vegetable brush and pota- to masher were revealed. Peter was thrilled to receive a small, black comb, carefully chosen at the store by his sisters, and an identical tin of Brilliantine to keep his hair smoothed just right. The younger children shrieked excitedly over the candy. Immediately, the sweets were popped into awaiting mouths. The family finished their gift exchange; the children were much too excited to polish off their breakfast. The mother hummed as she cleared the dishes from the table, and the rest of the family joined in. The mel- ody pointed them back to the very first Christmas, “So long ago on Christmas morn.” Memories of a prairie Christmas in the 1940’s.
Memories of Christmas lights shining so bright lighting up the night. Going for a walk in the glistening snow hearing it crackle and crunch under my toes Laughing and giggling sledding down the hill, was such a thrill! Gathering at Grandma’s house was always the best! The wood stove crackling and warm with wood being added. It was the best seat in the house. To sit near it, sipping on tea and watching TV before venturing out again. The cold frosty snow decorating the windows. The Christmas tree going up with ornaments we’ve come to know. Receiving special gifts on early Christmas morning. Having Christmas supper with those who are important. These are the thoughts that come flooding back every year When that first snow falls searching for the magic that started when we were young. The memories and thoughts that we hold dear. Time that has come and gone with just thoughts to carry on. The Magic of Christmas is a memory from long ago that I bestow for my own family.
I always want that first snowfall to be as exciting for them as it was or me.
I hope to create more magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime just like the ones I cherish from long ago.
Christmas Writing Contest Winners
ADULT STORIES
First
A long-ago Christmas, Patty Loewen
C1
Second
Contentment in an orange peel, Selah Barkman C2
Third
The unexpected game, Veronica Pawluski
C4 C6
Fourth
Erna’s Angel, Ruth Sager
ADULT POETRY
First
Reminisce, Gina Stephenson
C1 C2 C4 C5
Second
Great cause to rejoice, Patty Loewen Christmases with you, Paula Lamontagne
Third
Fourth
Pyrogie Heaven, Terry Serediuk
JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES
First
The Christmas cookie thief, Katelyn Penner Only you can save Christmas, Aarna Patoliya
C1 C3 C5
Second
Third
Christmas Eve, Kara Graham
FIRST PLACE – JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES by Katelyn Penner GRUNTHAL, MB The Christmas cookie thief
O nce upon a time there was a little girl named Katie. She had a little brother named Jacob. It was Christmas Eve, and they were putting out cookies for Santa. They had made a whole container of cookies, but they only put out three for Santa. “OK kids, time to put out the cookies for Santa!” said Mom. “OK Mommy!” Katie was still awake because she was too excited for Christmas morning and to see all her presents. Katie got so excited that she decided to go sneak a Christ- mas cookie from the container on the counter. She quietly tiptoed downstairs and found all the cookies were gone! Not just the ones they put out, all of them!
“You got to see Santa?” Jacob said sadly as Mom and Dad looked at each other very confused. “Let’s go open presents, we can investigate the case of the missing cookies later!” said Mom cheerfully. After they were done opening presents, they hard something coming rom the attic. Mom and Dad decided to investigate. “I don’t know,” Katie said, wondering the same thing. Katie and Jacob tiptoed up into the attic to find their Un- cle Joey with the whole container of missing cookies. “Uncle Joey!” both kids yelled. Katie and Jacob laughed as they told their Uncle Joey the tale of the Christmas cookie thief. “Ahhhhh!” Mom screamed. “Is Mom OK?” Jacob asked.
After five minutes of searching for all the cookies she saw a flash or red. Katie got so scared she went back to bed. In the morning when Jacob woke up, he ran downstairs to go see if Santa and come and eaten the cookies. “What!” Jacob screamed. “Where did all the cookies go!” he said as he started to cry. “Last night I just could not sleep so I came downstairs and saw that all the cookies were gone,” Katie said worried. “Oh, that’s strange, did you see or hear anything?” her Mom asked. “Well, I think I saw a bright red suit. It looked like Santa Claus!” Katie said. “Mom,” Katie said. “What?” Mom said.
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C2
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
SECOND PLACE – ADULT STORIES
Contentment in an orange peel
by Selah Barkman BLUMENORT, MB
T he wind howled and snowflakes swirled out- side, almost whiting out my view from the front window. My teeth were already chattering at the thought of going outside. I took a deep breath then burst out of the house. Staggeringly strong gusts mixed with icy particles flew into my exposed face making me lean into the wind. The dim outline of the barn loomed ahead and I struggled toward it through knee deep snow. Grasping the handle and sliding the door open a crack I slipped inside. A soft moo and the scent of hay greeted me. I entered Daisy’s stall and grabbed the milking stool. Warm streams of milk sprayed into the metal pail as I milked our cow. I reached up occa- sionally to pat Daisy’s side. After mostly filling the pail and feeding the animals I headed back to the house. The miserable weather made me think of Papa. He was somewhere between home and town walking in the same bad weather. Our Oldsmobile was unreli- able, especially in cold, snowy weather. Stories I had heard made me fear for him. I remember hearing of a man who was caught in a snowstorm. He was tired and stopped to rest but never got up again. I prayed for Papa right there and then as I trudged toward the house. “Dear Jesus, please protect Papa and help him come home safely. Give him strength and guide his path. Amen.” Warmth and peace flooded through me as I stepped into the house. After taking off my winter clothes I brought the milk pail to the kitchen and then sat down by the fire to thaw. Mindy and Joelle played contentedly with my old rag doll. Rudy whittled away at a piece of wood while Lukas and Ezeriah watched attentively, not yet as skilled as their older brother. Mom peeled potatoes and baked pies for our Christ- mas dinner the next day. I just watched it all. That is, until Mindy and Joelle started nodding off. From the look Mom gave me, a tired smile and nod, I knew she was hoping I would put them to bed so she could kiss them goodnight later. I hoisted the sleeping Joelle onto my hip and took Mindy’s hand. Once we arrived upstairs in our room, I helped both of them into their hand-me-down pajamas and tucked them in. After putting Joelle’s favourite blanket in her bed, I went to sit by Mindy’s bed. “Tomorrow’s Christmas. Will we get presents, Eve- lyn?” Mindy asked in a sleepy voice. I didn’t know how to answer. We didn’t have the money for elaborate gifts like her church friends talked about. Papa had gone into town to see what he could buy with last months’ meager egg money. Instead I replied, “Don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” She smiled at the verse then closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Her brown curls framed her dimpled face, radiating pure joy that couldn’t be dampened by a lack of money. I quietly tip-toed back downstairs, passing Lukas and Ezeriah, who were being herded upstairs by Rudy. A few minutes later he came back down. “Thanks so much, kids. Can you water the orange tree?” Mom said as she pulled an apple pie out of the oven. I grabbed the watering can and poured a bit of water into the coffee can filled with dirt. A five-foot tall slender plant with some leaves stretched toward the roof. A few years before, our uncle Albert had come for Christmas, bringing with him Tutje bags. The pa- per bags were filled with peanuts in the shell, pop-
corn, and an orange. Most of us savoured these gifts for a while. Ezeriah had even come up with the idea of planting one of the orange seeds to maybe get orang- es. Although our orange tree was luscious and healthy looking, it was evident that we wouldn’t get any of its fruit that Christmas. There weren’t even any blossoms but we still hoped for them each year. A sound at the door made me look up. Dropping the watering can I rushed to open the door with Mom and Rudy close behind me. Papa stood in the doorway, frost and snow caking his beard, making it look white. One strap of a leather pack hung over his shoulder. He sort of looked like the man I imagined Santa Claus to be. All three of us hugged him, despite getting slush and snow all over ourselves. “Thank-you Jesus!” I prayed under my breath. “So…what did you get?” Rudy asked, picking up the leather pack Papa had deposited on the floor. “Well”, he replied. “I think it’s time you two head to bed. You’ll see tomorrow.” Then, knowing we wouldn’t get any more out of him, we headed upstairs. I was almost asleep by the time I heard Mom’s gen- tle voice whisper, “Goodnight Evelyn.” With that, my heavy eyelids closed and I drifted off to dreamland. Excited voices, trying hard to stay quiet, woke me up. After yawning and sliding out of bed, I put on my clothes for the day. Joelle had been awakened by the same commotion as I had and was standing, holding onto the railing of her crib, babbling away in baby half-English. I picked her up and carried her down- stairs. What a sight I saw! Seemingly overnight, rare mandarin oranges had grown on the orange tree! Al- most as soon as Joelle saw the shiny orange spheres, she wriggled in my arms until I let her down. Toddling over to the orange tree, where the other kids were gaz- ing eagerly at the fruit, she grabbed one in her chubby hand and pulled it off the branch. Waving it in the air, Joelle smiled triumphantly. “Well, they were waiting for you two. Go ahead, you may each have one”, Papa declared. We all scrambled to pick an orange for ourselves. Mom took Joelle’s or- ange and showed her how to peel it. Even the scent of the peeled oranges was heavenly. The sweet juices trickled into my mouth as I bit through the skin of one of the wedges. None of us even thought about saving the delicacy for later. It was so good. We all sat there for a while, enjoying the oranges, until the scent of cook- ing pancakes tickled our nostrils. Scrambling to our spots at the table and setting half-eaten oranges next to our plates, we said a short prayer of thanks for what we had been given. Anticipating the end of the prayer, Lukas jumped the gun and reached for a pancake. I gave his shoulder a sharp squeeze, which made his hand recoil back into his lap as fast as a viper strikes. When Papa’s prayer actually ended we passed around the plate of pancakes and the dwindling bottle of last year’s maple syrup. The special breakfast filled us up and we thanked Mom heartily. After washing dishes, we got ready for the Christmas day church service. Ev- eryone put on their jackets, mitts, and boots then we filed out the door. Last night’s snow storm had added at least a foot of fluffy powder to the frozen ground. The sun, still low on the horizon, sparkled and glinted off the fresh snow. In the distance, I could see town and we headed toward it. As Joelle took her first step into the snow, she sank to her waist and flopped on her face. We all laughed and Papa scooped her up,
brushing the melting crystals from her cheeks. She seemed unfazed and smiled as big as before, making it all the funnier for the rest of us. We trudged along the road laughing and talking. Mindy, Lukas, and Ezeriah jumped in Papa’s footprints. I realized that we could be happy whether we had the money for gifts or not. Papa had been willing to go all the way to town in a storm to get oranges for us. Then he had given us the joy of finding them on the tree in the morning. Mom and Papa provided our basic needs and cared for us but most importantly they loved us. I knew that I could relate with Paul when he wrote in the book of Philippians, “I have learned the secret of being content in every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
SECOND PLACE – ADULT POETRY
Great cause to rejoice
by Patty Loewen MORRIS, MB
T he noisy streets were calming down. The moon was rising o’er the town. The inns were bulging, overflowing- Filled with travellers, to and fro-ing. From where she lay against the wall, The little lamb could barely call. “Baa”, she cried, shivering with cold.
Why was it she had left her fold? Scared to leave yet scared to stay. Ruth wiped a single tear away. “Why am I here while the others are not? This lonely barn is all I’ve got”. “I should be skipping and grazing and having my fill. On a grassy, outside-of-Bethlehem hill.” Another tear slid down her face. “Why am I here, in this lonely, dark place?” “I fear that I have lost my way,” She sighed and chewed a mouth of hay. The door squeaked open; the silence broke.
A man and woman; gentlefolk. “This quiet barn will have to do.
We’ll rest a while ‘til this is through”. Quickly, Ruth felt warm and cozy. Whispers and moonlight made her dozy. But all at once, she jerked awake. A strange, new sound? There was no mistake. She bounced to her feet on knobby legs. A baby wrapped in strips of rags? Excitement made Ruth feel so hollow.
“I need a snack”, she thought, but although She nudged the manger and found instead A baby cradled in that bed. “His name is Jesus”, the man explained. “Forever and ever, He will reign.” “He will save all people from their sin, Those who humbly ask Him in”. Ruth nosed the tiny baby’s face. Surely God was in this place. All fear was gone, all fright erased. Then suddenly, there burst forth light. Like burning candles in the night. Then music! Shouting! The bellows of sheep! All were awake - no one could sleep. “Good news I bring!” an angel voiced. “A Saviour is born - great cause to rejoice!” “Go with haste, as fast as you’re able. The Messiah, the Lord, was born in a stable.” Ruth’s eyes left the window and gazed at the child. She wasn’t forgotten - He was there all the while. In the distance, she heard sheep bleat to each other. Her sister! Her brother! Her father! Her mother! All coming closer, she noted with joy!
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FUELLING YOUR CHRISTMAS
The barn door burst open, to worship the boy. The shepherds, frantic to share the good news
The miracle was proven - there was no time to lose. While Mary was pondering, Ruth was deemed “found.” She snuggled close to her family, all circled around. What escaped from Ruth’s lips as she chewed on her cud, Never before had she felt so much love.
“Once I was lost and now, I am not! I was alone, but then I was sought. That baby is special. Oh, Glory-be! He’d leave ninety-nine to come look for me!
So, Ruth told her story between mouthfuls of food, To uncles, and cousins, and aunts twice removed. “He loves you! You’re special! Don’t turn from His voice. He’ll be your good shepherd. A great cause to rejoice!”
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STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C3
www.thecarillon.com n
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
SECOND PLACE – JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES
Only You Can Save Christmas H i, my name is Blink, Blink Silverbell. I’m in charge of Santa’s Workshop here at North Pole. And it’s my job to make sure Christmas Eve goes according to plan. by Aarna Patoliya STEINBACH, MB
good at this! I think there’s a job for you at the North Pole! The jewelry store was closed but I stopped by the bakery and got the last five doughnuts. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a doughnut than a ring. Now, milkmaids, milkmaids, milkmaids. Oh, I know! There’s a barn behind Santa’s Work- shop. They should be in there. Do some yo- deling that’ll shake things up. We need eight of them, okay! Eight. Good luck and thank you! I’m going to get the swans! Yodel-Lady Hee- Hoo You’ve found the milkmaids, great work! But we still have to find nine dancing ladies, ten leaping lords, eleven
guys w i t h b a g - pipes,
and twelve drummers. Hey, I have an idea! If we start a party, then everyone will join in. So, let’s go, it’s dancing time. That means YOU, up dancing! Wave those hands! Move those feet! wiggle that butt! It’s working! Keep dancing Wilder! Crazier! More butt wiggling (Santa walking in) Wink what’s going on in here? Just getting Mrs. Claus’s presents for you Santa. You know. The list for your true love? (Wink giv- ing the paper to Santa)
HO HO HO! The Twelve Days of Christmas is a song, Wink! I got Mrs. Claus a vacuum for Christmas. But you know you couldn’t give me a better Christmas gift I’m very happy to know someone who wants to make people happy on Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS, WINK! Can I have a doughnut for the road! It’s a long trip.
Everything going just fine until just a cou- ple of minutes ago I made my list… and I was checking it twice. I was taking one last sweep through Santa’s office, making sure everything was neat and tidy, when some- thing caught my eye. What’s this? Something I missed? Surely not. OH NO! This must be a list of things Santa wants to give to Mrs. Claus. But he’s been so busy getting ready for everyone else he hasn’t had any time for himself! The twelve days of Christmas My true love gave to me… 12 drum- mers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping, 9 ladies dancing, 8 maids a-milk- ing, 7 swans a-swimming, 6 geese a-laying, 5 golden rings, 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. A partridge in a pear tree? What the elf?!? Who has a partridge in a pear tree? And sev- en swans a-swimming? This is the North Pole! We don’t swim, we skate! What is going on in here? Santa’s sleigh is taking off in 15 minutes, and I don’t have any of this stuff! I need YOU to help save Christmas. We’ve got to make sure Santa has presents for his true love! First things first, why don’t you whistle for the partridge, and I’ll go look for a pear tree. If you can’t whistle, just blow as hard as you can. Okay, we’re getting somewhere! Now we need 2 turtle doves. You stay where you are, I’ll get those. I couldn’t find any turtle doves, but I did find two turtles. Ar- en’t they great? Okay, what’s next? 3 French hens. The only thing I know in French is wee means yes. Maybe if you say wee over and over again, that might just work! Let’s go… wee wee wee wee wee wee. The calling birds! Oh, you found the French hens! YOU are awesome! And I found four calling birds! Actually, they text more than they call, but I figure that’s close enough. I’m going to see if I can find some golden rings. We need geese too. Can you please make a honking noise, and see if any geese come out? Go on. Just like this Honk! Honk! Honk! Loud -Errrrrrrr- rrrrrrrrrrr PLEASE. HONK HONK HONK Great work on the geese, you’re really
Making Christmas memories
GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON
Penelope and William Gosselin get some time with Santa at Clearspring Centre during the holiday season.
Ron R. Schuler MLA for Springfield-Ritchot Ron@RonSchuler.com
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Blessings in the New Year
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C4
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
Celebrating a festive and merry Christmas
THIRD PLACE – ADULT STORIES
The Unexpected Game
by Veronica Pawluski EDMONTION, AB
I t was your typical, beautiful Christmas Eve many years ago when I left my apartment in Winnipeg to head to work at Eaton’s downtown. I was a cashier there, part of a big ensemble of employees that worked in that beautiful building with eight floors, selling every- thing you could want. Back in the day, it was a one-stop shop! An old but well-built building, the Eaton’s design- ers knew how to capture the spirit of Christmas - the store was just a delight for the eyes during the season. In the basement was a grocery store, and that was where I worked while I put myself through college. On this particular Christmas Eve, it was as busy as can be. Christmas Eve tends to have a special feel to it. Most people make special plans to spend time with family and beloved friends. Kids are of course so excited for the presents they may get, and some adults can get pretty excited too! This Christmas Eve was no different! I was really looking forward to heading out to my hometown in southern Manitoba and spending the evening with my five siblings, their spouses and my parents. Christ- mas Eve at our house was magical, as I hope it is in many homes. Typically, we spent the night playing some card games and enjoying some of the delicious traditional
ers sharing news about the shift in the weather outside. Having grown up in the rural area, I was not worried about the weather or driving conditions and didn’t think too much of it, as young people are apt to do. I finished the shift, and off I went to gather my things and head out to our small town. Well, a kilometre out of Winnipeg and I was turned around and heading back to the city. It was one of those blizzards that one could not even drive slow through. The snowflakes were huge, and pummel- ing across the road in such a way that a driver couldn’t see the lines, or whether they were even still on the road! In the city, the effects of the blizzard were much reduced: the buildings were protecting the roads from the wind and so it was relatively easy to get back to the apartment. As a young adult, I took it hard that I was missing Christ- mas Eve with the rest of the family. I suffered a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). I called a time or two, just to see how things were going. Keep in mind that there were no cell phones in those days, so we didn’t FaceTime or text constantly to keep in touch. It was a long night of feeling left out. The next morning, Christmas Day, the sun was out, and it was just beautiful. Although cold, it was crispy and fresh. The snow seemed like glitter as I drove out that morning. I was feeling happy and excited! When I got to the house, I came into the porch and took off my jacket and shoes, noticing it was awfully qui- et. How strange! I walked into the house, and my whole family was gathered around the table playing a game. They didn’t even turn around to say hello! I felt so upset that they didn’t seem to miss me. Didn’t anyone care that I was there and had missed Christmas Eve? I turned around and went into another room, fuming. Not a minute later, my sister came in. She told me to come to the kitchen and see what they were playing. She could see I was upset and encouraged me to look at what was happening. I walked up to the table, and everyone backed away a bit so I could see the game they were playing. It took me a moment to figure out what was happening. There was a gi- ant, homemade game board with my name in the title. It was similar in looks to a Monopoly board. On each square, there was some repre- sentation of my life. For example, on one square, they had me working hard at Eaton’s, trying to gain stars on my badge for excellent service. This is something I worked hard at getting, only to find out after many years that the star reward program had been discontinued years earlier unbeknownst to me! We all had found humour in that, so they made it into a square. There was also a square depicting how many dishes I left in my room when I lived with a sister. The board was full of fun observations and depictions of my life. That moment was a memorable moment, they had spent time the night before compiling ideas for this board, and so in a way it made me feel as though I had been there after all. My family made me feel very special that morning (even though it didn’t start out that way!) and I have kept that game board all these years. I have taken it out from time to time to share with my own family, to let them know that the little things they do for others can really be impactful. I don’t really remember the Christmas Eve I missed, but I do remember very well how my family showed me that they loved and valued me. It’s a fond and important memory for me, and a great reminder to put the extra effort in to make sure people know they belong and are loved. In the end, is that not the most lasting gift of all?
SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON Julie Griffin has fun with one of the wreaths she created at the Clearspring Centre’s Christmas Craft Sale on Nov. 15, 2024, in Steinbach.
Christmases with you THIRD PLACE – ADULT POETRY
by Paula Lamontagne WOODRIDGE, MB
I remember so many Christmases There were the ones of my youth The one where there was no snow I remember the time when we got that large toboggan And we went sliding on the hill And we laughed and laughed So many Christmases I remember The ones with my own family I can still hear the excitement of the children And all the glowing faces and laughter And the songs they sang So many Christmases I have lived through And now as I go on without you I will remember all those Christmases with you And this will be the first Christmas without you And I will make the best of it that I can But I will remember the Christmases with you
Dutch food my mother was so good at. We’d have chips and pop, shortbread and coconut cherry bars, and oth- er special things we didn’t get often throughout the year. As a young adult, I was just starting to eke out a life on my own; I was starting to appreciate my family and was starting to notice they were actual people! That’s the stage I was in. My whole family was already at our childhood home, getting ready for the evening. The customers at Eaton’s were happy and cheerful that day, as one might expect. Many well wishes were shared, with a couple custom-
Best Wishes for a joyous Christmas filled with Love, Happiness and Prosperity!
Happy Holidays! Best wishes for achieving your career goals in the new year.
The RM of Piney wishes you and your family a safe and memorable holiday season! From the Reeve, Council & Staff of the
DISCOVER CAREER TRAINING CLOSE TO HOME rrc.ca /steinbach
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
THIRD PLACE - JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES
Christmas Eve
by Kara Graham GRUNTHAL, MB
I t was Christmas Eve, and all the kids were singing Christmas carols, the smell of fresh baked pie ringing in their noses. Mom had hot chocolate in one hand a candy cane in the other. I had just finished setting up the Christmas tree, the last thing needed was the star on the top. I reached out my hand to put the star on until my mom said, “time for bed!” She marched us to our rooms and tucked us in. I looked at the time. “11:59” I muttered to myself. It’s almost midnight I thought. I looked into the pitch-black sky and closed my eyes. For some reason I had a hard time sleeping tonight. I shifted in my bed uncom- fortably. I shut my eyes real hard, but then… I heard a twinkling sound outside my room. “W-who’s there?” I shouted. “Twinkler twinkle,” it responded. “This isn’t funny! Come out from your hid- ing spot!” I was pretty scared of the dark, so it took me around five minutes to build up the cour- age to go check out the noise. I didn’t really believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy or Elfs on the Shelf. I didn’t believe any of that tuff, until… this very night. I looked down the hallway; nothing. I looked in the bathroom; nothing. I looked in the kitchen; nothing. I looked in the living room and there, standing right in front of me was an Elf. “What are you doing here buddy, you were on the windowsill yesterday, how did you get here?” I was thinking of all the possibilities of how he could have gotten here and the best ex- planation I had was that my brother put him here. I turned around and started away, but I heard that twinkling again. “I know you’re messing with me Caleb!” I shouted, no response. Caleb was my six- year-old brother, he always messed around with me. This is stupid I thought. I turned around and to my surprise the elf was flying. “What the… I must be dreaming!” I pinched myself to make sure I was dreaming. “Ouch!” I was definitely not dreaming. Wait, if I’m not dreaming then why is the elf flying? “Mom! Dad!” I shouted. “Shhh, you’re going to wake them up!” a tiny voice said. “What do you want from me?” I said as I turned around.
“Nothing, I’m just hiding my- self,” the elf said. “Wait, why are you hiding yourself?” I said in a con- fused voice. and your brother were going to wake up, I’d be hidden you would have to find me, but now it’s all ruined. You’re sup- posed to be asleep! No one is supposed to catch me in the act of hiding,” the elf said. “Because it’s the first of December! When you I was still processing all of this. I was half awake, half asleep. “What? None of this makes sense. I thought you were just a fake toy that my mom and dad hid around the house.” The elf was just about to talk but then we heard loud footsteps coming rom up- stairs. “Uh oh, this isn’t good! Hide me!” I rushed around the house trying to find a hiding spot, but it was too late, my dad already came down. “Shoot,” I whispered. “What’s all the noise Jake?” my dad said in a tired voice. “I-it’s nothing dad! Just go back to sleep,” I said. “Kids these days,” my dad re- sponded. When my dad left, I talked with the elf til it was al- most sunrise. “Shoot! I gotta go! Calebe and your parents are gonna wake up any minute now!” the elf said with caution. “Oh OK, I hope we meet again!” We said our goodbyes as he left the living room to hide himself, then I went to sleep in my room. That was the best night ever!
Pyrogie Heaven FOURTH PLACE - ADULT POETRY
Joyeux Noël WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!
by Terry Serediuk PARADISE VILLAGE, MB
T he laughter of my youth and Mom’s joy. Making pyrogies and holubtsi. The warmth and smells of the stove, ushered in the sprit of Christmas. Just yesterday the house was full: presents, family and the sounds. Horses pulling a sled to the church nearby. The crunch of the snow and the holiness of the Christmas carols echoing from within. The smell of incense permeating the air and the rosy cheeks of the young; glowing against the room of candles. Such blessings of yesteryear’s memories still resonate as the herald angels sing. It’s time to open up the presents of good health, good friends, wonderful family, and our faith in the joys of Christmas.
Dear Santa... JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES
by Presley Goertzen GRUNTHAL, MB D ear Santa.
I would ask for my two front teeth, but I already have them. My mom already said I couldn’t have a hip- popotamus, so what am I supposed to want for Christmas? Maybe a yoyo, maybe a doll. No, all I want for Christmas is you! I’m kidding. I want to have joy, to be loved, and I want everyone to be happy! Merry Christmas!
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C6
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
Erna’s Angel by Ruth Sager STEINBACH, MB FOURTH PLACE - ADULT STORIES E rna sat looking out the window of her room in the care home where she lives. It’s her home, she was told, but she
“What’s your favourite Christmas car- ol?” Kate asked Erna, happily, glad that she could help Erna, and her neighbours cheer up. “Oh, my favourite Christmas carol is An- gels We Have Heard on High!” Erna said, clapping her hands. “I feel I need an angel in my life,” Erna continued with concern. “Yes, you know we can all be angels to one another by being kind to each other and helping out our neighbours,” Kate said with a smile. “Yes, I guess we can,” Erna said, still trying to be cheerful. “First we will play Bingo,” Kate went on. “I’ll help you and your neighbours find the numbers while Anne calls them out. Then after Bingo we will sing Christmas carols. I also have a Christmas ornament I made, to give to you and your neighbours. You know, we are all winners when we play Bingo. We just play for fun,” Kate said with excitement. “Much better than just looking out my window,” Erna says again, this time with much more enthusiasm. So, Erna knew Kate and Anne as the vol- unteers who come to visit, sing together and play Bingo and other activities. Volun- teering is why the days at the care home are happy for the residents. They always enjoy volunteers and families and friends coming to visit. It may take some time out of a busy day, but setting this time aside for this is import- ant and very fulfilling and rewarding… to see the smiles and spread the joy! Not only at Christmas but throughout the year! The Bible even mentions volunteering when it says for us to remember the widows and the orphans and for us to be kind and love one another!
“Yeah. Is it cold outside?” Erna asked, try- ing to sound cheerful. “Not very cold,” Kate said. “Just warm enough for my walk here.” “Would you like to sing Christmas carols today?” Kate asked. “Anne can play the pia- no while we all sing together!” “Oh yes, that would be much better than just sitting here looking out the window!” Erna expressed her feelings.
“Hi Erna! How are you today?” said a cheerful voice. Erna turned to look at the open doorway. Kate the volunteer was there. Erna enjoyed it when the volunteers came to visit. It made her day happy, also her neighbours were always happy to have the volunteers come. “Isn’t the snow on the trees pretty!” Kate expressed to Erna. “It looks like a Christmas card! Winter wonderland!!”
doesn’t feel that way. She is lonely and longs for her home in her younger years when she was a wife and a mother, and nothing could fill that gap. Today as she sat looking out her window the snow falling and the busyness of the people and cars whizzing by made her home of the past seem very far away.
Sharing the joy of Christmas
SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON Elmdale School Grade 1 and 2 classes held their Christmas concert on Dec. 10 at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. Here Jomiloju Onasanya speaks shares her thoughts about the season.
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STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C7
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS
Not yet a halo by Suzanne Dion WINNIPEG, MB ADULT STORIES I stole the lamb. I spirited it away from the ruffians who were set on tormenting the poor wee thing. While they scrambled for other sticks and stones with which to con- tinue their assault, I led the injured lamb round the corner of the nearest dwelling and into the bushes that effectively hid us. I cannot be seen of course, but if the lamb could refrain from bleating in its fright, we might be safely away. Confused, retrieved ammunition in their raised arms the boys searched up and down looking for their prey, then finally they scat- tered as they saw the men coming in from the fields talking quietly among themselves as twilight settled around them all. The lamb and I slipped out away from the town, toward the meadow headed for the shelter of the caves to get out of the cold wind that slanted the grasses but could hide our escape. There would be a full moon again tonight and that brilliant star that left no hiding shadows on the open fields would be visible soon and we had to be away be- fore anyone saw us. The lamb was obedient to being led, and we made good progress, but finding an empty cave would be a problem. Most shepherds and their dogs sheltered in the caves overnight with their flock nearby on
what was happening. Drawn by the hovering star, over the hills I heard shepherds coming toward the cave with some of their animals trailing them. My ears attuned to heaven I heard a sacred choir singing softly as if in a lullaby. It was a breathtaking scene, but the babe was still shivering visibly. As quickly as I could I slipped under the babe and cradling his small body tenderly under my healing wing, I covered him with the gossamer of my be- ing, wrapping my good wing softly over him and hugged him gently, warming him. I cannot abide seeing anyone in distress. I must help. The warming glow of his cheeks let me know that he would be warm now. I cra- dled him and glanced down at him, my radiated warmth relaxing him and letting him smile gently as he fell asleep in the shelter of my arms. This truly was a bless- ed family I thought as the protective angel above us spread her wings transforming the scene into living tableau. I felt myself shifting lightly into a healing slumber. The star’s glow illuminated the babe’s head and crowned us both with a holy circlet of light. The angel above us softly whispered in my ear, “Well done, Ja-el, you’ve earned your shared halo. Dream well.”
A soft mewling sound came from the bun- dle but my lamb, sensing no danger, tread boldly into the enclosure tucked his legs beneath him, and settled himself near the lady and began to breathe gently at the bun- dle. The lady turned her head toward him and smiled gently. I had never seen such a beautiful smile. Her bundle nestled safely in the straw, she rocked back on her heels and waited as a man stepped forward and took her hand to help her to seat herself on an upturned stump that shepherds had left behind in anticipation of their return in the later night. Suddenly, the shelter was bathed in pure light as the travelling star settled itself over the cave. I felt no warmth from it though, and the couple shivered as the night shifted toward midnight. The bundle stirred in the manger and whimpered coldly. I peered over the edge of the makeshift bed and saw a newborn baby wrapped loosely in a thin, worn swaddling cloth. This was a poor family then came to Bethlehem for the government census and the inns and eating hostels would be bursting at the seams. I knew that there was no longer any available room in the town because of that and although I am an angel and not con- cerned with these things, I am still aware of
the low hills and I hoped we might be lucky enough to find one of their shelters to de- liver them my lamb for healing. My name is Ja-el and I am an earth angel with an injured wing, the result of a former attempt to inter- cept a child being shaken near the steps of the town inn, so I must rest frequently and although humans cannot generally see me, that unearthly star in the sky could make things difficult and uncertain. I wanted to take no chances since I am flight inhibited till my wing heals and I can once again ful- ly take up the important task of earning my halo. Just ahead, I spied a cave with only a don- key sheltering near the opening. There be- ing no lantern glow inside I thought it might be otherwise empty. Still, I led the lamb for- ward cautiously till I could get a good grasp of what lay ahead. Suddenly I heard a soft moan and stopped in my tracks. And then, I heard it again—just a sigh and a quick gasp! What was happening? I could see no move- ment near the entrance to the cave so I crept up closer to check if maybe the animal was in distress after all, and I could help it. In the final dregs of the fading light, I saw a young woman bent over a crude manger lifting a tiny, wrapped package over the wooden wedge that held the straw together.
Happy Holidays!
May the joy of Christ’s birth bring peace and happiness to you and your family. Betty and I wish you a Blessed Christmas, Happy Hanukka, and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Konrad Narth LaVerendrye Constituency info@konradnarth.ca
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C8
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas W riting C ontest WINNERS Do you hear what I hear?
ADULT POETRY
Miracle of Hope
by Sheila Braun LINDEN, MB
F irst unwrap the gift of blessing, a babe with us, for us, in us the gift of His presence who opened infant fists, taking on iron-sharp spikes, paving the gateway to God and beckoning each to encounter Him by
experiencing His miraculous birth.
Then offered as a gift of blessing to others, overflowing with the overwhelm of goodness to sorely wounded hearts, barren eyes, lighting the dark, cold, hidden corners with a flaming joy, radiating this Miracle of Hope to all.
SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON Elmdale School student Hailey Farrow has fun acting out a song during their Dec. 10 Christmas concert in Steinbach.
JUNIOR POETRY AND STORIES
Merry Christmas
by Piper Braun GRUNTHAL, MB
T his story takes place in the town of Grunthal. In the town of Grunthal lived a girl named Piper. Piper loved reading. She was five years old. Her favourite food was potatoes. When she was little, she would eat the potatoes right out of the ground. You would think that’s gross. Well, she didn’t care. Anyway, that’s a different story. This was the very first Christmas in Canada for her and her siblings. She had four siblings. She was adopted with two other siblings from Ukraine. Anyway, as I was saying this was her very first Christmas. She was really excited. By then she would speak English. Her very first present was a stuffed bear. He was way bigger than her. She named him Tommy Teddy. It has been six years, and she still has him. He’s in perfect condition and she’s in Grade 5 and she still sleeps with him. P.S. this is a true story.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holidays.
STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n C9
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 Carillon FAMILY Ideas for last minute gifts, decorations
Bethlehem peace moves hymn writer by DORIS PENNER T he well-known Christ- mas carol O Little Town of Bethlehem , written by Phillips Brooks brings to mind a vivid picture of that first Christmas Eve. It portrays the stillness of the night, and the obscurity of the town and its people who had no idea of the earth-shattering event that was soon to unfold and change the course of history. As is true of many of our much-loved carols, the Beth- lehem hymn was written more than a hundred years ago and draws on several traditions. Brooks was an Anglican bish- op and preached well-crafted sermons in the churches of Massachusetts. Sometime after 1865 he vis- ited the Holy Land; the peace he found there moved him deeply after the horrors and bloodshed of the civil war in the American states. Upon re- turning home, he wrote lyrics about the silence of the night when Jesus Christ was born, broken by the wondrous choir of angels singing the good news that a Saviour had been born. Like his English counter- parts, Brooks was devoted to congregational singing and was always on the lookout for uplifting church music. The melody for O Little Town of Bethlehem came to him on Christmas Eve in 1868 and the next morning during the Christmas Day service, the children of his choir sang it for the first time. Many carols speak about the “darkness” of the world with its turmoil and strife, lone- liness and fear. The coming of light would be great news indeed! The hymns go on to say Jesus came in the midst of darkness to bring the light of peace, hope, love and joy. The world today is still dark, rife with unrest, poverty and hatred, and ironically, the si- lence in the Holy Land has been shattered by the guns of war. But the Saviour came and still reigns to bless with peace the hearts of those who let Him in. It is time for us to listen to the Christmas angels proclaiming the great glad tidings and respond with the prayer with which Brooks ends the Bethlehem hymn, “O holy Child of Bethlehem, de- scend to us we pray …O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.”
beats something homemade and quick to make—nut mixtures or can- dy are especially welcome. The fol- lowing scrumptious bark fits the bill. Chocolate peppermint bark Melt 6 squares (or ounces) white baking chocolate in the microwave and set aside. In a separate bowl, re- peat with 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips . Stir 3 tablespoons crushed pep- permint sticks into each bowl. Drop white chocolate and semisweet chocolate in alternating spoonfuls on baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Cut through chocolates with a spatula to swirl, spreading to 1/4- inch thickness. Sprinkle with more crushed peppermint if desired. Chill until firm. Break into pieces. Store in refrigerator. Makes about 1 pound. • Candles are a warm touch to homes at Christmas time. Inex- pensive plain pillar candles can be dressed up in a myriad of ways to make them look as if purchased in an upscale shop. Here are a few sug- gestions: To dress up a tall pillar candle, stand 3-inch cinnamon sticks next to each other around the candle. Fix in place with a rubber band overlaid with a wired ribbon or raffia bow.
The cinnamon sticks create charm and give off a spicy aroma. Cut out designs from Christmas wrapping paper or old cards and fix to sides of the candle with thinned tacky glue or a decoupage medium. If you like glue on beads or bits of jewellery and outline the cutouts with craft paint. Use old Christmas cards • Need a few more unique deco- rations ? If you are like me, you still have Christmas cards you received last year and maybe the year before that! These are perfect for making all kinds of interesting and attractive decorations to hang on the tree or in windows or above doors. Victorian fans: Select cards you want to use (the highly colourful ones make more of a statement) and cut along the fold line. Fold each card front in “accordion pleats.” Staple the pleats of the bottom end togeth- er to form a fan. Let creativity kick in at this point—glue on lace, small silk flowers or other trims and add rib- bons where desired. These beautiful Victorian fans could also be featured at your holiday dinner: place one fan on each plate for decoration and as a small favour for guests to take home.
Or add twine and hang on your Christmas tree. • Many common items one has around the house can be used to make lovely ornaments to hang on the tree or in a window, or string into a garland. For example, mason jar rings (minus the lids) can be made into attractive wreaths: cover with pipe cleaners, fabric, wool or what have you and embellish with tiny stars or bells or bits of jewellery. Dried citrus slices are fragrant and beautiful: place thinly sliced orang- es, limes and/or lemons on a baking sheet and place in oven set at 175F. Flip over every hour or so until slices are no longer sticky (3 to 4 hours). In- sert twine to hang or string to make a garland. • Don’t forget the older folks in your life this Christmas. Pay them a visit and sing a few carols or play a card or board game. Bring a thought- ful gift—perhaps a food item you know they might enjoy such as a car- ton of tea, crackers and cheese, soup mixes, packets of jello and a few slices of Christmas fruit cake. Other gifts might be subscriptions to mag- azines, or a gift certificate for service such as window washing, rug clean- ing or an all-expense paid day trip.
by DORIS PENNER T he countdown to Christmas Day is on! It’s strange but true that while we know exactly when the holiday arrives every year, we are still caught short. Following are last minute ideas for gifts, dec- orations and generally making the season festive. And it doesn’t mean any more mall-trolling—simply a bit of time and creativity. • Forgot to buy enough wrapping paper? There are loads of ways to present a gift without ever buying the regular gaudy rolls stashed in bins in most shops. Think of paper in your home you want to get rid of— out-of-date maps, for example, or stacks of newspaper. Spray-paint or leave as is, tie with pretty ribbon and voila!—creative wrap. If you have a roll of plain brown wrap, the possi- bilities are endless for dressing it up with stencils and paint. Try spong- es, vegetable cuttings or old tooth- brushes as stencils to make beautiful designs. What about old tea towels or lace curtains? Wash well, iron and cut out appropriate sized pieces, then dress up in vintage style. • For last minute gifts , nothing
Festive dinner draws family together
1 celery stalk, finely diced 1 cup fresh strawberries (halved if large) 3 green onions, chopped Dressing (see below) Melt sugar in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (do not stir). Add pecans and butter, and stir until butter is melted and pecans are coat- ed. Remove from heat and spread pecans on baking sheet to cool. In a salad bowl, combine salad greens, oranges, celery, strawberries and on- ions (reserve some fruit for garnish). Just before serving drizzle with dress- ing. Sprinkle with reserved fruit and sugared pecans. Makes 10 servings. Vinaigrette: whisk together ¼ cup vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt and dash hot pepper sauce . Refrigerate until ready to use. This cake roll is very appropriate on the festive table. Decorate with choco- late curls, cherries and mint leaves for a log look. Chocolate mint log 3 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar, divided 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 cup cake flour ¼ teaspoon cocoa 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt Filling and frosting (see below) Chocolate curls, mint leaves, cher- ries Beat egg yolks until slightly thick- ened in a large bowl. Gradually beat in 3/4 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-coloured. Beat in water and vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt and gradu- ally add to yolk mixture. Mix well. In a glass bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar gradually, beating well af- ter each addition. Beat until stiff and fold into batter. Spread batter into a 15 by 10-inch cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Bake at 375F for 12 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Cool 5 minutes, then invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with icing sugar. Peel off waxed pa- per and roll up cake in towel start- ing with short end. Cool, then unroll gently and spread with filling. Roll up
1 cup finely chopped celery 4½ cups sliced mushrooms ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon each: thyme and sage ½ teaspoon each: oregano and pep- per 1 egg ¼ cup chicken stock Fry sausage meat until crumbled and lightly cooked. Drain and add to bread cubes in a large bowl. In the same skillet melt butter and sauté onions and celery for 5 minutes, then add mushrooms and cook until vege- tables are tender. Stir in parsley, salt, thyme, sage, oregano and pepper and cook a minute to blend flavours. Transfer to bowl. Beat egg lightly and add chicken stock. Add to stuffing mix and toss all together. Adjust sea- soning if necessary. Pack loosely into the turkey. Note this makes enough stuffing for a 12 to 14-pound turkey. Extra stuffing may be baked in a cas- serole dish for one hour. This side dish is very attractive with red, white and green colours. Christmas vegetable wreath 1 medium head cauliflower, trimmed ¾ pound Brussels sprouts (about
18) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk ½ cup grated Colby cheese ¼ cup julienne strips of red pepper Cook whole cauliflower and Brus- sels sprouts separately in lightly salt- ed water until tender. Meanwhile, make cheese sauce: melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour, mus- tard and salt. Gradually stir in milk and bring to boil. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. To serve place cauliflow- er in centre of a serving platter and arrange Brussels sprouts around it. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower and garnish with red pepper strips. Makes 8 to 10 servings. Featuring fruit and nuts, this is a beautiful Christmas salad. Substitute fruits of your choice. Nut and fruit tossed salad
by DORIS PENNER T he family Christmas dinner is perhaps the most significant meal of the festive season. It pulls together the people one loves most and involves traditional foods that are part of family history. While the “must-haves” are served—every- one has been looking forward to Aunt Lily’s broccoli salad or Don’s mince- meat pie—there is usually room for a few new dishes. Following is a menu which may give you some direction in planning your dinner this year. Mashed potatoes with gravy Christmas vegetable wreath* Corn medley Spinach egg salad Fruit and nut tossed salad* Cranberry walnut tart* Savoury sausage stuffing with mushrooms 1 pound bulk sausage meat 8 cups dried bread cubes ¼ cup butter 2 cups finely chopped onions Christmas dinner menu Pumpkin soup Roast turkey with sausage bread stuffing*
1/3 cup sugar 1 cup pecans
2 tablespoons butter 8 cups salad greens 1 15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
again and place seam-side down on a serving platter. Frost and decorate with chocolate curls, mint leaves and cherries as desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings. Filling: Beat 1 ½ cups whipping cream, 3 tablespoons icing sugar. 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and 3 drops green food colouring until stiff. Fold in 1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips . Frosting: cream ¼ cup softened butter, 2 cups icing sugar, 3 table- spoons cocoa, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Note: if you want a chocolate des- sert without mint, simply omit the peppermint extract in the filling and frosting.
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