HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-12-24, Page 29LORI PATTERSON
Sales
It’s funny how over time the things
you consider to be a “family
tradition” tend to change.
Christmas morning as a kid always
meant getting up as soon as humanly
possible and rushing downstairs to
see what Santa had brought. It didn’t
seem to matter how early it was
when we got up, there was always
that moment of amazement when we
got to see the seemingly
mountainous pile of presents under
the tree. We turned on the Christmas
music and got to tearing open the
gifts not caring about the time and
effort that went into making them all
look so nice.
After a couple of hours and some
breakfast, we would get dressed in
whatever new clothes we got that
day and head off to either Grandma
and Grandpa Patterson’s (Bernice
and Roy) or to see my Granny
Jacklin (Reita) at the home of
whichever aunt or uncle was hosting
that year. (My grandpa, Carl Jacklin,
passed away when I was quite
young).
The Jacklin feast always ended up
with a mad rush when my Granny
would bring out her homemade
peanut brittle, brown sugar candy
and her carrot pudding with caramel
sauce. There never seemed to be
enough to go around.
Having now lost all my
grandparents and now that mybrothers, Brian and Gary are grown,Christmas doesn’t hold quite thesame excitement it once did.Instead of racing downstairs in theearly morning, we all come from ourseparate homes in separate townsand meet at Mom’s. Once all there,
we open our gifts and wait for our
turkey dinner which I have been in
the process of preparing since the
night before. We no longer go to
visit relatives since some have
moved and some have passed and
my cousins have taken on new
traditions with the building of their
own families.
Many things have changed over
the years. There are however, three
things I hold onto now besides the
gathering of my brothers at Mom’s
place without which I find Christmas
incomplete. The first is that I need to
watch a Santa Claus parade. The
second thing, I admit is strange for
someone of my age but I must watch
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole
Christmas at least once during the
holiday season (and recite every
word as it plays). The third thing I
must have is some of my Granny’s
carrot pudding which I now am
learning to make.
In the future, who knows what I’ll
be doing for Christmas and with
whom but for now, this is all I need
to take me back to a simpler time
and those special memories.
CHRISTMAS CARROT
STEAMED PUDDING
2 cups each of:
white sugarsuetgrated applegrated carrotraisinscurrantsflourbread crumbs
you may add 1 cup grated peel
add 1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp corn syrupMix well. Steam for 3 1/2 hours.Makes 3 good-size puddings.Serve with hard sauce:4 tbsp flour4 tbsp brown sugar1/4 tsp saltMix together and thicken with
enough boiling water to make a
smooth sauce. Add 2 tbsp butter then
pour over each serving.
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008. PAGE 29.
(NC)—When you’re the host, you
make the decisions that you're sure
will show your guests a great time,
whether it's selecting the perfect
canapé or the most danceable tunes.
But there is far more to being a
truly great host – you are also
responsible for helping your guests
enjoy your party responsibly and
safely.
Here are a few things that you can
do to make sure your celebrations
end well.
Party Planning Tips for the
Responsible Host:
• Beef up the menu.Serve foods
that are rich in proteins since they
hasten the absorption of alcohol.
Don't forget the late night snacks
too.
• B.Y.O.P.J.S.Bring your own
pajamas. Invite guests ahead of
time to stay overnight.
• Let’s make a deal.Arrange a set
fee with a local cab company to
shuttle your guests to and from the
party.
• Offer a token gift.Have transit
fare or subway tokens available as
guests leave for the night.
• Serve Smart D.D. Drinks.Non-
alcoholic versions of party
favourites are good to have on
hand. Not only will your
designated drivers thank you, so
will those watching their
waistlines. Try non-alcoholic
ciders, spritzers and low-calorie
pilsners that have the full-bodied
taste of a quality beer, available in
select grocery and convenience
stores across Canada.
More party hosting tips can be
found online at www.makeaplan.ca
Be a responsible host
this Christmas season
Christmas traditions change as family changes
Looking back
Memories of Christmases past and the chaos beneath the
tree each Christmas morning, created by herself and her
brother, Brian, right, and later younger brother Gary, are
still vivid for Citizen advertising salesperson Lori Patterson.
(Courtesy photo)
HURON INSURANCE
MANAGERS GROUP
Best Wishes from: Doug, Corrie, Michelle, Todd,
Marlene & Susan
With glad tidings to all our clients and friends at this
joyous time of year. We truly value your business and
wish everyone all the best in the coming year.
TENPAS DECOR CARPET ONE
122 Main St. E., Listowel, Ontario N4W 2B6
519-291-4440
Wishing you tidings of comfort
and joy, plus wall-to-wall
happiness this holiday season.
Merry Christmas &
a Happy New Year.
SSeeaassoonn ’’ss GGrreeeettiinnggss
Brian, Brenda and all the staff at
TOWNSHIP OF
NORTH HURON
519-357-3550
www.northhuron.ca
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
December 24th - 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
December 25th & 26th - CLOSED
December 29th & 30th - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
December 31st - 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
January 1st & 2nd - CLOSED
SSeeaassoonn''ss
GGrreeeettiinnggss
With warm wishes
and heartfelt thanks
from Pat & George
& Jo-Ann
at
George of
Brussels
YY oo uu rr FF aa mm ii ll yy
HH aa ii rr CC aa rr ee CC ee nn tt rr ee
Brussels
519-887-6751
ZAHND REAL ESTATE LTD.
BROKERAGEListowel
Claude Robin
Broker
519-887-6205
Kurt Keller
Sales Representative
519-236-7874www.zahnd.on.ca
Merry Christmas
Before we close on another year
We’d like to list our best wishes here.
Along with appreciation and gratitude, too
For each and every one of you.