Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
I CONFESS, I’M A HOARDER!
Written by: Christy Trent
I have a confession to make, although it is painful for me to admit. Here goes; I am a hoarder. The television show, “Hoarders: Buried alive”, has scared me to death. Watching the show I see a bit of me in some of the subjects. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those people with piles of garbage in their rooms, or the ones who can’t even throw away rotted food. Instead, I have cupboards and closets that are jammed packed with stuff. Ridiculous things I have kept hold of for years because I couldn’t bear to throw them away.
After watching several episodes I told my husband we had to clean. He was thrilled since he has complained about my hoarding for years. We spent one whole Sunday and cleared out four closets and countless drawers. Full garbage bags were piled at the end of our driveway when we were done, but my closets are now neat and tidy.
From the show I learned there are three types of hoarders.
1. People who hold on to things with sentimental value.
2. People who keep things because they don’t want to be wasteful.
3. People who are afraid if they throw something away they will need it the next day.
I am a bit of all of these types of hoarders. While cleaning the drawers I came upon at least four different piles of birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and anniversary cards. There had to be over 100 of them. Obviously I have trouble getting rid of the cards for sentimental reasons. I keep them because for some reason I feel if I throw them away, the people who gave them to will think I don’t care about them. In my kitchen cupboards I had several dozen coffee mugs. There are only two of us, and I am the only one who uses a mug for my tea, but I couldn’t throw the mugs away because I felt wasteful. In the bedroom I found dozens of safety pins and we threw away over 200 hundred wire hangers. It felt wasteful to throw the hangers away although I refuse to hang up my clothes with them, and in my lifetime I will never use all those safety pins.
While cleaning I found several truly sentimental things I was storing; a cuckoo clock from my Grandmother, framed family photos, and beautiful knick knacks from loved ones who have passed away. What is the use of hiding something sentimental away? I pulled those items out, dusted them off and am now using the pieces. The book, Saving Stuff; How to care for and preserve your collectibles, heirlooms and other prized possessions, by Don Williams, helped me. I guess one of the reasons I had stored away some of my sentimental items is fear of them being ruined. This book teaches you how to properly display your items to have the least amount of wear and tear due to light, humidity, temperature, bugs and human contamination.
Chapters, such as, “ Deciding what stuff to save, give away or toss,” and, “ Saving the stuff only a parent could love,” teach you how to decide what is important to keep. I could have definitely used this book years ago before my closets got so stuffed.
You can find this book and others at your local library. They are ready to help turn your hoarding habits into something useful, practical and fun to have.
Cover via Amazon
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Written by: Jan Beedle
The years fly by faster as a person ages. How many times have I heard that from oldsters and overlooked it? With each passing Holiday Season, I am finding the statement to be truer than the last. Maybe it is because I go slower, but the world around me seems to be going faster…and faster. January is always time for renewal.
In “Fiddler on the Roof,” tradition means everything in keeping alive a culture and a family. According to Webster, tradition is a custom handed down from the past. During the prologue to the musical, the role of God’s law in maintaining balance in villagers’ lives is explained in “Traditon.” The song places an inner circle (the people) within an outer circle, which contains the lawmakers, the priest, rabbi, and others who rule the village. Without their traditions, the residents would be “as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” When family values begin to unravel, so do loyalties – leading to dissolution of family.
Growing up and through adulthood, I may not have agreed or been comfortable with social or family special events, but I made myself grin and go on with the show. After all – I feel it is important for the matriarch to keep the family together. In a world of love, hate and feelings, there is always some issue to have to deal with – no wonder so many retirees find it necessary to escape to find solace with their own age group. Is it safety in numbers, other shoulders to cry on, or the need to avoid life as it becomes more difficult to face?
When I see the world population struggling for a drink of fresh water, medical care, or a scrap of food, I feel guilty about my own comfortable, orderly lifestyle. Each year, I resolve to cut down on extravagance to family and myself by giving more to the less fortunate. The smiles and gratitude of those who truly need the help would be my greatest benefit.
This time of the year is when I gather blankets and pillows for the Dayton area homeless, but I had my heart set on helping with the annual Elder Beerman’s Thanksgiving dinner this year too. If I could involve my family, we could form a new tradition…one that might mean so much more to each of us. Guess the rotten economy caught up with the tradition.
I want to change our family Christmas celebration for 2011 to a simpler format. Drawing names for the adults does not appear to be a bad idea. One gift per child would be a culture shock to the recipient, but facing reality of adulthood and the plight of those who have not might be a heart-warming experience. Besides, I no longer see or feel gratitude or appreciation for any gift. It is as though the words, “thank you,” were never invented. I only see great expectations of more in the eyes of the receivers. Besides, I’m asking myself, “How does the exorbitant gift-giving help the world?”
A month before Christmas I heard a bold statement from a seventeen-year-old, “I only want money for Christmas. I am saving for a car.” Now they are telling the givers what they want and the expectation is out in the open. Someday she may have to face the fact that she may have to work for it, same as most. Do ya’ think? I have my own name for this generation – the Gottahaveitallrightnow Kids.
Since I am now the family matriarch, I suppose the entire change is up to me. We could still enjoy the shopping excursions, but instead buy for the needy. Rather than RVing to Florida, I will hang around here and plan a new year with a revised strategy of giving. I wonder if the revived Thanksgiving Day gala can stand two or more servers, or four, or nine? I have always been optimistic. I hope that I can save the holidays and we can remain together as a family for next Thanksgiving and Christmas.
As Tevye from “Fiddler…” sang, “What words of wisdom can I give them? How can I help to ease their way? Now they must learn from one another day by day. “One season following another laden with happiness and tears.” We could all become as “shaky as a fiddler on the roof,” or we could form new worthwhile traditions together.
Happy 2010. Won’t you join me in my pursuit of a lasting happiness? This could be a turning point for you too. It takes everyone to change the world.
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Celebrating the Season in Southwestern Ohio
The holiday season is a busy time of year – between putting up decorations, attending parties, travelling to see relatives and rushing to complete our holiday shopping, December seems to fly by with hardly a notice. However, I believe this season is about more than simply gift-giving; it is a time to gather together with those in our lives who mean the most to us. Here in southwestern Ohio, there are a number of activities taking place that provide a great way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
For 27 years, the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo has delighted children and adults alike as millions of lights decorate exhibits and facilities throughout the zoo. Although the weather has turned cold, many of the zoo’s residents, such as polar bears, snow leopards and sea lions enjoy the winter weather and are much more active. The festival also offers visitors the chance to see Santa and his reindeer, travel on the North Pole Express or watch a holiday-themed puppet show. New this year is the Wild Lights Show, which features a 21-foot tall, computer-controlled tree that lights up to the beat of popular holiday songs.
The Festival of Lights takes place nightly at the Cincinnati Zoo from 5-9 p.m. until January 3, although the zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission tickets to the festival, as well as tickets for the puppet show and movies in the Special FX 4-D Theater can be purchased at the main entrance or online at www.cincinnatizoo.org.
In downtown Cincinnati, Fountain Place is hosting a number of events that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Those with a camera can have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the North Pole. Santa is available Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-6 p.m. In addition, photo opportunities will be available December 21-24 from noon-6 p.m.On Saturdays starting at 6 p.m., take your seats for Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, which features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music. The event is capped off with Santa rappelling down the side of an office building and a spectacular fireworks display. Following the fireworks, you can eat a cookie and hear a story from Mrs. Claus.
At the center of Fountain Square you will find the 7,000 square-foot ice rink that has been the site of many memorable family outings over the years. The rink is open daily now through the end of February, although the rink may close temporarily due to the weather. For hours of operation and the status of the ice rink, please call (513) 9790-4738 or visit www.myfountainsquare.com/
To help get you to all the fun at Fountain Place, the Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley stops at all major holiday attractions along Fourth and Fifth Streets every 10 minutes on the weekends. Tickets for the trolley, which runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays are free, and boarding takes place in front of the Westin Hotel across from Fountain Square.
Families wishing to visit Santa can hop aboard The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express, which transports guests in vintage train cars from the 1930s for a visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying a holiday snack. The North Pole Express runs several times each day on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (513) 933-8022 or visit www.lebanonrr.com. After your train ride, you can visit Ohio’s oldest hotel – the nearby Golden Lamb – for a snack or a tour.
Finally, if you want to celebrate the winter season without getting cold, Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason allows you and your family to celebrate the season while splashing around an indoor waterpark that’s always a toasty 84 degrees. You can also visit with Santa, make holiday crafts and watch it snow in the Grand Lobby each day. In addition, the kids can earn a diploma from the North Pole University for Elves as they learn about animals from the North Pole and practice their chimney-sliding skills. You can make reservations at the Great Wolf Lodge by visiting www.greatwolf.com/mason/
The Beach Waterpark in Mason has also been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, a skating rink, carriage rides, petting zoo and toboggan slide. Holiday Fest takes place through January 10. For hours of operations and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
These are just some of the events taking place in our region, and I hope you and your family and friends are able to get out and enjoy the holidays. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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“Christmas in October”
By Jan Beedle
Santa Claus, Indiana, is a nippy name that brings thoughts of snowflakes, snowmen, little elves and lots of toy making. I suppose it is not too early to ponder cards, because it takes so long to get them ready and send them.
Trying to cut down on the card list is not an easy chore. There have been years when I bypassed the duty and expense altogether, but the guilt will not evaporate from my conscience. The following year I made up for it by sending lengthy notes from a lengthier list. Then, there were the form letters…
Having worked in retail in one capacity or another for years, I guess it was natural that I managed the first Christmas shop at the Elder Beerman Budget Store in Middletown sometime in the mid-1970s. It was fun at the time, because I decorated three large trees, put together window displays and used the Beerman budget to accomplish it – no wonder it was so much fun.
Not starting the decorating until after Thanksgiving was soon enough to get ready for the busy holidays. It gave us time to reap the benefits of the harvest season without rushing through it. Presently, Christmas decorations and cards are everywhere. Halloween and Thanksgiving were barely celebrated, but I would enjoy Christmas music and Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. I was ready for “Over the river and through the woods…” a bit longer, before I hear “Jingle Bells.” Do not get me wrong – I love Christmas, but I want to enjoy all the fall festivities first.
Santa Claus, Indiana, was originally Santa Fe, but since there was already a Santa Fe, Indiana, listed by the United States Postal Service, the townsfolk had to think of a new name. Several unique stories circulate about how the people settled on Santa Claus. The best story tells that the town leaders were sitting around a warm stove in a little log church. All of a sudden – a puff of cold wind blew the doors open. Sleigh bells could be heard in the distance. One of the children in the room exclaimed, “Santa Claus.” Residents agreed to the name. The year was 1852. The name stuck and it is the only town in the world with a Santa Claus postmark.
If you want to send a letter, the zip code is 47579. As far as I know, all letters receive an answer by Santa’s busy elves. I plan to send one this year to see what the reply might be. Sometimes I am naughty and sometimes I am nice, so I could get opera creams or a bundle of switches. I already got the lumps of coal years ago, but used them for Frosty’s eyes.
A giant Santa Claus statue marks the entrance to the unusual town. Eight other large Santa statues dot the community. Across town is Santa Claus Cemetery. I definitely need to check out the tombstones – bet they are interesting.
A housing development, Holiday Village, has New Year’s Eve St., Good Friday Blvd. and Easter Circle. These names take the mystique out of Santa Claus. Streets in the old town carry the names of Christmas Blvd., Candy Cane Lane, and Mistletoe Drive. Christmas Lake Village continues the tradition, but hides behind security gates.
According to roadsideamerica.com and the Spencer County, Indiana archives, Santa Claus Land, built in 1946, was the world’s first theme park. I question the validity of the information because I researched the old LeSourdsville Lake Park, which had been around since 1922. My sister and others remember visiting it as a theme park in 1945. I know that Cedar Point has been a park since the 1940s. Earlier this year, I researched the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion and found it to be much earlier. Disneyland opened nine years after Santa Claus Land.
I don’t know how any festival of lights could compare to the beauty and wonder of Niagara Falls Festival of Lights. Hubby and I took the trip five years ago. It was spectacular, but the extravaganza is no longer available. The festival in Santa Claus offers twelve lighted neighborhoods in Christmas Lake Village. We could relish Breakfast with Santa, musicals, crafts, and a jubilant Christmas parade. At least I have plenty of time to plan. Think I would like to find out if I can catch the holiday spirit… won’t you join me?
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TALKING TURKEY AT THE LIBRARY
Written by: Christy Trent
I am ashamed to admit it but in my forty some odd years I have never roasted a Thanksgiving turkey, or any other turkey for that matter. Don’t laugh. There is a good explanation. For one thing we never had children, plus my husband’s side of the family is very small and my side is very large. When we visit his family for thanksgiving dinner it consists of just three; mother-in-law, husband and I. On the other hand, my family consists of thirty plus! There is always plenty of food no matter where I go to eat.
Since it is well known I have never roasted a turkey none of them want to trust me with such an important part of the meal. Green bean or corn casserole is my forte, and if the family is really worried abut my culinary skills I can always bring the rolls.
This year I have decided between now and Christmas I am going to roast my first turkey---ever! I have a new stove just itching to be broken in with a succulent giant bird. The book, Talk Turkey to Me, by Renee S. Ferguson, is just the thing I need to help me in my quest.
The first question virgin turkey roasters like me invariably ask is how big a bird should I buy? If leftovers are desired an easy rule of thumb is 1 ½ pounds per person. So for just my husband and me a 3 pound turkey will be sufficient. Do they even come that small?
Next dilemma is how long do I need to thaw my frozen turkey? Check the label on the bird for thawing instructions and if it says thaw 2 to 3 days do not count the day you take it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator.
It is very important to make sure the turkey is cooked thoroughly. The best way to be certain is with a meat thermometer stuck into the thigh. And definitely remove the plastic bag filled with giblets wedged into the cavity. Ick! No matter how disgusting the thought of sticking your hand into a raw turkey is, they must be removed. Nothing creepier than a steaming slimy bag of innards bursting open when you go to carving!
Basting or adding spices to the turkey skin is next. There are dozens of different recipes using various condiments; mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup or butter, but these will only flavor the outside skin.
Make sure you have a big enough pan, then either cook it covered or uncovered. But remember if cooked covered the turkey will not be a beautiful brown like in the magazines, although this is no indication of the doneness. Always check with a meat thermometer.
Once in the oven you are free to watch the game or rest until the timer sounds. Then pull that turkey out and chow down to your hearts content.
For more help with your holiday dinners this year head over to your local library and check out books to assist with your special days.
Oh, yeah, and wish me luck with my first turkey!
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Sleigh Bells for Charity
These days, it seems like all you see when you pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV are stories about businesses closing their doors or violence in cities across the globe. With so many bad things happening, it can be hard to find good news out there. But every day, there exists the small acts of kindness between strangers, the charitable work of volunteers, and the generosity between neighbors, family and friends that make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities.
For example, over the last six years, Bridge Riding for the Disabled, a non-profit in Lebanon, has received a $2,000 - $3,000 in annual donations to support its therapeutic horseback riding programs, all thanks to a local Holiday Sleigh Bell Contest sponsored by Picture This, a downtown Lebanon art and framing shop.
The contest coincides with the City of Lebanon’s 21st annual Historic Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade, and gives anyone and everyone an opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and to display their creative and artistic skills, with all proceeds going to support Bridge Riding.
Here’s how it works: Stop in at Picture This at 26 South Broadway in downtown Lebanon to purchase a 6 ½-inch bell (for adults) or a 4 ½-inch bell (for children) for $10 each, and then decorate your bell however you like and return it no later than November 28 to ensure its entry in the contest. Even if you don’t elect to decorate a bell yourself, during the week of November 30, for a $1 donation, anyone may vote for their favorite decorated bell. On December 4, Picture This will announce the winners, award prizes and hold a silent auction to sell the bells. Every dollar raised from the sale of bells, from the opportunity to vote for the best bell and from the sale of decorated bells goes to Bridge Riding.
It is a very worthy cause. Established in 1987, Bridge Riding for the Disabled uses therapeutic horseback riding to help people with varying levels of disabilities improve their physical and cognitive skills. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generous donations of others, Bridge Riding serves more than 50 riders each year, ranging from young children to seniors citizens.
Riders in the Bridge Riding program may suffer from autism, cerebral palsy, strokes, multiple sclerosis or developmental disabilities. Along with learning horseback riding, students work to improve muscle coordination, balance, and overall strength and communication skills. The horses at the facility are specially selected and trained for these types of activities and instructors are certified. Over the years proceeds from the annual sleigh bell contest have allowed Bridge to install a new, softer floor for its arena, which helps to prevent injuries in case of a fall and a special lift to better help participants mount their horses. For more information about Bridge Riding for the Disabled, call (937) 654-4693 or visit their Web site at www.bridgeriding.org.
Now, I do not profess to be artistic in any way, but I recently purchased a bell to decorate. Even as I stare at the daunting blank canvas, I am determined to see my completed bell hanging alongside all the others when they go on display in just a few short weeks.
To learn more about the Holiday Sleigh Bell Contest, contact Becky Gebhart of Picture This at (513) 934-0416. I also encourage all Hamilton and Warren County families to attend the 21st Annual Historic Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade on Saturday, December 5. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with your neighbors. For more information about the Festival and all upcoming events in Lebanon, visit the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce website at: www.lebanonchamber.org.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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