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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.