HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-24, Page 18Evelyn Carroll loved Christmas.
“She talked to every ornament
when she decorated the tree,” said
her daughter Janice Henry (2007
Blyth Citizen of the Year. “Every
parcel she wrapped had an ornament
on it.”
“I think it was a big thing because
our Dad (Howard) never did have
that.”
Among the holiday traditions so
important in the Carroll family was
the Christmas crackers. “My grand-
parents had them every Christmas
and that continued. When my mom
passed away in 2007 she had a cup-
board full of Christmas things, and
lo and behold this is the first time
we’ve had to buy Christmas crackers.”
The tradition goes that each per-
son finds a partner and the crackers
are snapped open together. Inside
each is a toy, a hat and a message of
some kind. “Throughout the meal
everyone reads the message that’s
included.”
There’s a little less co-operation
with the hat. “Sometimes the kids
will make you wear it.”
Henry has fond memories of the
tradition at her grandparents’
Christmas table where the grownups
were less reticent.
“I can remember my grandparents
and everyone all sitting with these
silly hats on.”
She can remember too her own
daughter, Andrea, as a little girl,
gathering up all the toys. “Nowthat’s something my grandkids do.”For several years the familyChristmas has been held at Henry’sson Mike’s home, where besidesthose crackers there will be “lightingthe Christmas pudding on fire”, a job
that falls to her brother.
The clan, typically numbering
between 20-30 people also has had a
tradition of “bringing a stranger to
our table.”
“Someone always brings someonewho is going to be alone. It hap-pened when Mom worked at theadult day centre.”And how do they feel about thecrackers? “Well, they don’t refuse,”smiles Henry. PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN,THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009.
Crackers
Like her mother before her, Janice Henry, Citizen of the year for Blyth 2007, has made the fun
of Christmas crackers a family tradition. She and her husband Jim team up to make the pull.
(Bonnie Gropp photo)
This family goes crackers over Christmas
This Christmas season, we’d like to join you and yours
in a prayer for harmony, understanding and peace.
As we give thanks to the Lord, we’d also like to
acknowledge all the people who have given to us their
friendship and generous support. Merry Christmas!
Chris TenPas
RDMT & Reflexologist and
B & C Wellness
Shaklee Distributors
Brussels 519-887-9309
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Joy to your
home this
Christmas.
We value
your
patronage.
D & J
Construction
Jim McDonald
Brussels 519-887-9607
Royal Canadian Legion
Brussels Branch 218
Wishes to extend Christmas Tidings
and New Year Wishes to all its
members and faithful supporters
for all their work and support
this past year.
Best Wishes for a Happy 2010.
GREY FIREFIGHTERS
thank everyone for their support
over the past year and wish everyone a
Merry Christmas and a
safe and happy New Year.
Christmas Eve Cash Draw
7 draws - top prize of $1,000.
Tickets $5.
from any Grey Firefighter
To Our
Friends &
Neighbours
Wishing you peace,
love and joy this holi-
day season and all
year through.
It's been a privilege
and a pleasure serv-
ing you.
Murray's
Barber Shop
Brussels
Closed Dec. 25, 26
& Jan. 1
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
LEONA’S SHORTBREAD
Leona Armstrong makes at least four separate batches of shortbread each
Christmas. It is a favourite with the whole family.
For one batch take 3/4 of an inch slice from a soft pound of butter and sub-
stitute it with a 3/4 inch slice from a pound of lard.
With electric beaters beat the 3 3/4 inches of butter and 3/4 inch lard until
it is blended.
While continuing beating sift one cup of icing sugar into the butter/lard
mixture one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating while adding four cups
of all-purpose flour in the same manner.
Unless you have heavy duty beaters you may have to mix in the last of the
flour by hand. If the dough sticks to your fingers you may have to add addi-
tional flour.
Pat out a handful of dough to one-quarter-inch thick and cut out desired
shapes. Do not put flour on your cutting surface.
Bake in a slow oven.