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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-12-04, Page 69Pa_e24-- tauas Gift Quide JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS FROM DIXIE'S „�.r16 ii..I•'” illi �jij i;i • . - i .. imu Come in and Hug our wide selection of GUND STUFFED ANIMALS AND COLLECTIBLES. Safe, washable and cuddly toys for little kids and big kids! After all, Christmas is for kids. WE FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS, AVAILABLE BY ORDER Poinsettias, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Begonias, Mixed Pots and Mums plus many, many more. The spirit of Christmas is embodied inthe word hope ORNAMENTS AND PACKAGE TOPPERS GIVE SANTA A BREAK! Let us deliver a CHRISTMAS GIFT BOUQUET Across the Corner or Around the World. lust Whistle Dixie! MGM iVISA ) MOW TOWN AND COUNTRY DELIVERY _.. We offer free delivery in and around the Town of Goderich, plus for a small charge we offer daily delivery to such places as Bayfield, Dungannon, Port Albert and the Lucknow Area. FLOWERS FOR TODAY GIFTS FOREVER 166 The Square, Goderich, 524-8761 Evenings and Sundays...529-7253 WIRE SERVICES AVAILABLE Must.F rd. The spirit of Christmas is embodied in one word: Hope. Christmas is a reaffirmation of the fact that kindness and goodness do exist, and in this lies the answer to why, year after year, we persist in fighting the crowds to find just the right • gift for Aunt Sarah, or spend hours in the kitchen preparing our family's favorite foods. Traditions and customs play an important role during the holiday season. Fond Christmas memories from childhood or pleasant associations that we've made over the years shape our concept of Christmas tradition. Just as we embrace traditions that our grandmothers or mothers started, our coun- try has embraced Christmas customs from all over the world. However, most of the traditions that we maintain today we've in- herited from our Germalt and English ancestors. The creation of the first decorated Christmas tree is often attributed to Martin Luther. While walking one evening, he was struck with awe at the beauty of the starry sky ,peeking through the branches of trees. He immediately hurried home to place candles on the branches of a tree. Today, for safety reasons; we place lights on our tree in an effort to recreate this German custom of a candle -lit tree. One of the most popular Christmas tradi- tions is waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus . or Saint Nick on Christmas Eve. Children all over the world awaitthe arrival of Santa and his gifts, but many do not know the legend that surrounds this jolly fellow. Unfortunately, very little is known about the real St. Nicholas except for his role as the benefactor of children. St. Nicholas is known, first and foremost, as the patron saint of children, but his other roles include the patron saint of sailors, students, vagabonds and, surprisingly, pawnbrokers. .His colorful past gives us a clue as to how he acquired his present-day image as a jovial gift -giver. Some of our fondest Christmas memories probably center around food. Christmas meals are usually festive and filling and deeply steeped in tradition. Plum pudding is one of the most famous Christmas dishes. Straight out of Charles Dickens story, this dish conjures up images of the quintessential Christmas feast. Traditionally, plum "pudding was made from meat, dried fruits, rum and brandy, butter, sugar, eggs and a great deal of spices, Preparing the puddling was a major event, with each member of the family pre- sent, helping to stir the rich stew. While traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation are an important and irreplaceable part of Christmas, creating our own holiday tradi- tions is the, best way to keep this tradition business flourishing. • Some great Christmas traditionsto start this year include: •Join an elderly neighbor or relative for the holiday dinner that you've prepared; .Organizing a nieghborhood arts and crafts fair (this is a wonderful way to extend the Christmas celebration to friends and neighbors);. .Encourage family members to make gifts this year instead of buying them. In this season of giving, creating our own traditions is a perfect way to give of ourselves. 11