ISSUE 5. Home ed looks like NOVEMBER 2018

Home Ed Looks Like This... this

I S S U E 5 NEWSLETTER DATE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: We would like to thank all our Inside Storyreaders 2 for your support and con- tributions over the last season. Inside Story 2 The newsletter only began in July Inside Storywith 2 our first issue being pub- lished on the 3rd August. This is Calendar Page 2 Inside Storyour 5th3 issue and we are looking forward to what the new year will Birthday Shout Outs Page 3 Inside Story 4bring to us as a team.

Home Ed Art Page 4—11 Inside StoryWishing 5 all our readers a wonder- ful season of celebrations, em- Pantry Page 12– 14 Inside Storybracing 6 loved ones and hope the new year brings growth, love and Nicholas Page 16– 19 joy for you all. Origins of Christmas Page 20– 25 Seasons Greetings A Global Christmas Page 26– 39 Teen Reporters xx Rosa Parks Page 40– 41

Human and animal Page 42– 43 Rights Summon the Book Page 44– 47 Dragon Submitted Story Page 48– 49 The Wild Adventure Winter Safety Page 50– 53 P A G E 2 Important Dates

 1st Dec– Rosa Parks day. December 2018 - Tree Dressing Day Mo Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun  2nd Dec– International Abolition of Slavery Day 1 2 - First Sunday of - SEN Day 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  3rd Dec– International Day for Disability 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Awareness  6th Dec– Miners Day

17 18 19 20 21 22 23  10th Dec– Human Rights Day 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 - Animal Rights Day  21st Dec–

31  25th Dec– Christmas Day  31st Dec – New Years Eve

 2nd– 10th Dec - Hanukkah

Tree Dressing Day Awareness Dates in December originated in London ‘International Day of Persons with ‘Tree Dressing Day’ is based upon Disabilities’ is an annual event several traditions globally. It was adopted by the UN in 1992 with initiated by ‘Common Ground’ in the aim to promote deeper under- 1990. ‘we decorated a group of standing of disability issues, the London Plane trees on the junction rights of disabled people, whilst of Shaftesbury Avenue and High promoting the involvement of disa- Holborn in Covent Garden with 150 bled persons within their communi- large number, showing that EVERY ties (whether its politics, economi- TREE COUNTS! Since then, groups cal, social or cultural). The idea is and individuals have dressed their to eventually achieve the goal of trees all over the country in Decem- full and equal enjoyment of human ber‘. rights and participation in society The day is about honouring nature, by persons with disabilities. The many communities now gather Globally 1 in 10 ‘World Program of Action concern- near or around the trees after- people live with a ing Disabled Persons’ initiated the wards, telling stories, singing and disability. day of observance. connecting with each other.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 3 Birthday Shout Out

Rowan is 14 on the William Wilcox is 14 on the 1st December. 4th December. ‘Happy Birthday Harrison Storey ‘ Happy Birthday William, so ‘Hope you have a very proud of you. Love you With love wonderful day lots son From The Turtons of love and hugs xx Mum, Hobes, Tyler, Wil- liam, Anthony and Xxx’ Mum xxx’ Nimueh xxx’

Joshua-James and Paige Carbet is 13 on Sammi Doncaster the 1st December are 13 on the 25th December. ‘Happy Birthday Paige, love mum, dad and TJ ‘Happy 13th Birth- xxx’ day to our not so tiny Christmas mira- cles. Lots of Love mum and dad xx’

‘A cheery hello on your day of birth, And wishes for everything bright, May you know only joy and wonder, Morning, noon and night.’

Happy Birthday to our December born readers from everyone on the ‘Home Ed Looks Like This’ team. P A G E 4 Home Ed Art

Last Month we discussed ‘The Big Draw’ national arts event.

Our teen reporters attended local events to report on their findings, and members of the home ed community also got involved.

‘Before the end of the event we The Big Draw Sefton managed to sit down and We attended the big draw Not only did we get to take part interview an event in Sefton, Merseyside, in the workshop but Opal also artist who UK. sent in the instructions for us to had an share with out lovely readers. exhibition of The hall was large and his work.’ packed with activities, from Before the end of the event we a sensory bat themed room managed to sit down and inter- to an Eco Bricks activity and view an artist who had an painting workshops. exhibition of his work.

One of the workshops we attended was a felting work- shop ran by a home ed teenager. It was great fun, instructed well and the ta- ble seemed to be the busi- est at the event .

Each child received a certificate

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 5 Big Draw Felting Workshop

My Name is Opal I am 11 years old and this is the first time I have delivered a workshop

This workshop was for making wet felt starfish.

Equipment needed:-

Wool (different colours) Bubble wrap Soap water liquid Trays Towels This is the workshop table set up, I Plastic bag with knot in would set it up like this before each (to stop little ones put- ting their heads in it.) Empty bowl to squeeze excess soap into Bucket of clean water for rinsing

Opal, 11 years old P A G E 6

We laid the trays out with bubble wrap on top of them then we started by ripping the white wool into 2 bigger pieces and one smaller pieces.

We overlapped the 2 bigger pieces to make an x shape and then we put the smaller piece on top to make a star shape.

Then we put different coloured wool on top of the base to decorate the starfish to make them look bright and colourful.

After we finished decorating we sprinkled the soapy water on the star fish and then folding the bubble wrap over the star fish so the star fish is in a sandwich of bubble wrap. The bubbles of the bubble wrap should be facing the starfish, and then using the plastic bag we rubbed on top to press it all together. It has to be rubbed lots with good pressure so it does not come apart. Then we opened the bubble wrap up and re- shaped our stars so they looked how we wanted them too.

Next we folded it all back up and rolled the bubble wrap into a tight sausage shape, we then took the rolled up starfish off the tray and laid out our towels. Then we put the rolled up starfish at one end of the towel and rolled it all up together to make a bigger sausage. Now the hard work begins, we must roll with lots of muscle power. 10 x roll then unwrap and turn over. Repeat this process at least 8 times turning and re- shaping each time.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 7

Now we check to see if all of the wool is stuck togeth- er…….. This depends on how good you were at roll- ing.

If the wool moves when you rub the surface you need to roll a few more times. This usually happens with younger ones as they are not as strong.

After all the rolling is done, take your empty bowl and squeeze all the excess soapy water into it. Then rinse it and squeeze it 3 more times in the clean wa- ter.

This bit is the fun bit…. lay a big towel on the floor and then put your felt starfish down at one end, fold it over carefully and stomp on it to dry it out even more.

People can now take their starfish home with them.

Sent in by Opal, aged 11 P A G E 8 December’s Home Ed Challenge This month we have a couple of fun Christmas challenges up our sleeves.

Don’t forget to send in photographs of your Christmas crafts, our favourite ones will be featured on our Instagram page home_ed.llt You can even make your own

Craft stick Christmas trees Using wooden craft sticks, paint, sequins and glue you can easily make your own Christmas decorations!

Snowman decorations

LED candles make perfect snowmen decorations to hang around the home.

Reindeer hands Use a permanent marker to add on the facial details and make your hat out of craft materials.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 9 Seasons Greetings Word Search

E S N O R T H P O L E E R T R W A N S A Y F D E S N H S A M D I W E A A V A L G A Y T C A A N N O M A Y I M N B S N S G E T S T N W L U U I H T E L I R N A E E D O K L T L Z S L C B I N L R R K N R E R Y E A S R C T T N A S O S E L J R B N E H A S H T N O K R T O P W O G O C I D F J C L G L N G O W N L L M U T A H A S G G I N F I A A Y I R O D I N T B D S L G S U N C L A N S O D I X Y A

CANDLE SEASONS GREETINGS CAROL SINGING MAGIC CHRISTMAS SNOW BALLS SNOW FLAKE ELVES NATIVITY FAMILY NORTH POLE TREE NORTH STAR FIGGY PUDDING WINTER SOLSTICE NUT CRACKER YULE HANUKKAH PRESENTS HOLLY REINDEER ICE SKATING IVY P A G E 10

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 11 P A G E 12 The Christmas Pantry METHOD Gingerbread Men Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl INGREDIENTS of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in 350g/12oz plain flour, plus ex- the sugar. tra for rolling out 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup togeth- 2 tsp ground ginger er, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough 1 tsp ground cinnamon out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in cling- 125g/4½oz butter fim and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 175g/6oz light soft brown sug- minutes. ar 1 free-range egg Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line 4 tbsp golden syrup two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut To decorate: out the gingerbread men shapes and place on writing icing the baking tray, leaving a gap between them. cake decorations For decorations, use a skewer to make a small hole in the top of each biscuit.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden- brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS Easy Apple Cake

METHOD INGREDIENTS

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. 200g butter, softened plus extra for Butter and line the bottom of a deep, greasing 200g dark muscovado sugar round 20cm cake tin with greaseproof 3 eggs, beaten paper. 1 tbsp black treacle

200g self-raising flour Beat the first seven ingredients 2 tsp mixed spice together in a large bowl (electric hand- 1 tsp baking powder beaters are best for this), until pale 2 eating apples, grated (approx 100g and thick. Using a large metal spoon, each) gently fold in the fruit until evenly 300g mixed sultanas and raisins combined.

Spoon the batter into the tin and bake for 50 mins-1 hr or until the cake is dark golden, springy to the touch and has shrunk away from the tin slightly.

A skewer inserted into the centre will come out clean when it’s ready. Cool completely before decorating. Will keep, wrapped in an airtight container or iced, for up to a week, or can be frozen un-iced for up to a month - defrost fully before decorating.

If you have a recipe you would like to share send it in to us at [email protected] P A G E 14

METHOD:

Christmas Buscuits Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Line a baking tray with greaseproof INGREDIENTS: paper. Cream the butter and sugar together 100g/3½oz unsalted in a bowl until pale, light and fluffy. butter, softened at room temperature Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, a 100g/3½oz caster sugar little at a time, until well combined. 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten Stir in the flour until the mixture 1 tsp vanilla extract comes together as a dough. 275g/10oz plain flour Roll the dough out on a lightly floured To decorate: work surface to a thickness of 1cm/ 400g/14oz icing sugar ½in. 3-4 tbsp water 2-3 drops food colouring Using biscuit cutters or a glass, cut Edible glitter biscuits out of the dough and carefully place onto the baking tray. To make into decorations, care- fully make a hole in the top of the bis- cuit using a straw. Bake the biscuits for 8-10 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to harden for 5 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a large mixing bowl and stir in enough water to create a smooth mixture. Stir in the food colouring. Carefully spread the icing onto the biscuits using a knife and sprinkle over the glitter. Set aside until the ic- ing hardens.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS

P A G E 16 Saint Nicholas Christmas comes and goes for everybody. Once a year. That is it. You wake up in the morning, eager to dig your fingers into the gifts and chocolate pudding laid out by father Christmas- or, for the older readers, your parents. You then rip them open, revealing an electric car- or, for the more unfortunate readers, a pair of socks. You will use them for the rest of the day, chasing your siblings with a magic wand- or, for the more daring readers, a lightsabre. And then there is no more. When you go to bed that night, you wake up and the magic of Christmas is gone. You have to wait three hundred-and- sixty-five days until the next time you’re allowed to enjoy the fruit “Patara of your “I was good this entire year” labour. Well, not for the certain European countries. Children living in France, Belgium, the Nether- was located lands and many more, have the opportunity to celebrate twice! in modern Once on the 6th of December and again on the 25th . But why…? day Turkey” Because Father Christmas, Santa clause- whatever you prefer to call him- is a fictional character based off a real man. This man was Saint Nicholas.

Our story begins in the 3rd cen- his practice until he was old tury, when we follow a boy enough to begin working for the named Nicholas who lived in a church. His piety, generosity and town called Patara. Patara was kindness soon led Nicholas to located in modern day Turkey, a the title of Bishop of , when land that belong to the Greeks, he was only still a young man a ruthless empire who des- and even with that power and in- pised those of the Christian fluence, he continued to give to faith. It just so happened that the poor, the ill, the needy, Nicholas was born into a wealthy family of devout Chris- tians. The young boy grew up following the words of the bible religiously and, even when his parents passed away from a very severe illness, continued

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 17 following the words of Jesus Christ "sell shoes left before the fire to dry. This led what you own and give the money to the to the custom of children hanging stock- poor". ings or putting out shoes, eagerly await- Then the inevitable happened. The ing gifts from St. Nicholas. Sometimes Greeks caught Nicholas and, because of the story is told with gold balls instead of their hatred, threw him into prison, bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, where many other , bishops and sometimes represented as oranges, are lay. In fact, there was so many one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. This of them that the prisons, at that time, story is also one of the reasons he is had no place for real criminals. In fact, known as the gift- giver. murderers and thieves were given fines and then let go, more often than not. It was the year 325 when Nicholas was finally released and instead of running far from the cause of his imprisonment, he returned to the church and contin- ued his services until he passed away, on the 6th of December.

The stories: Through the centuries, there have been many stories resembling that of Nicho- las. But what he did for his community was more recognisable than any. One notable story that is often recount- The first story of St. Nicholas protecting ed is that of the man with the three children—which became his primary role daughters. in the West- was told long after his death. In those days a young woman's father The townspeople of Myra were celebrat- had to offer potential husbands some- ing the saint on the 6th of December, his thing of value—a dowry. The larger the anniversary of death, when a band of Ar- dowry, the better the chance that a ab pirates from Crete came into the dis- young woman would find a good hus- trict. They stole treasures from the band. Without a dowry, a woman was Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as unlikely to marry. In the town of Patara, booty. As they were leaving town, they there lived a poor man's daughters who, snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make without dowries, were destined to be into a slave. The ruler then selected Basil- sold into slavery. However, after this had ios to be his personal cupbearer, which become public knowledge, something he served as for the following year, pour- mysterious began to happen. On three ing thick red wine into a beautiful golden different occasions, a bag of gold ap- cup, every single day. As the next St. peared in their home-providing the Nicholas' day approached, Basilios' moth- needed dowries. The bags of gold, er would not join in the festivity , as it was tossed through an open window, are now a day of tragedy, so she would, in- said to have landed in stockings or stead, spend it at home, praying, mourn- ing. P A G E 18

Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling lives of those innocently accused, his tasks serving the ruler, he was and much more. But never did he suddenly whisked up and away. St. ask anything in return for his gener- Nicholas appeared to the terrified osity. Thus, many years after his boy, blessed him, and set him down death Nicholas became a Saint and at his home back in Myra. Just like an honoured patron of orphans that, he ran into his mother’s army, bankers, scholars, travellers, maid- still holding the king's golden cup. ens, children and even thieves! And so St. Nicholas is the protector of children. Père Fouettard: Several stories tell of Nicholas and There is, however, some controversy the sea. When he was young, Nicho- surrounding this beautiful festivity. las made a pilgrimage to the Holy And that is the persona named Land, to walk where Jesus walked, “Père Fouettard”. If children be- longing to experience the messiah’s haved badly, one year, parents would life, love and loss. Returning by sea, often threaten them with the a mighty storm threatened to wreck knowledge that it wouldn’t be St the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The Nicholas arriving, on his donkey, to terrified sailors were amazed when deliver their gifts. But it would be the wind and waves suddenly “Père Fouettard”, a name that di- calmed, sparing them all. And so St. rectly translates, in French, to Nicholas is the patron of sailors and “father whip”. I’m sure you can put voyagers. together the rest. That was not the worst part, though. When the idea was first put into place, western society was incredibly racist and so depicted Père Fouet- tard as being an African man. Even though people are much more conscious of their actions today, some still deem it appropriate to paint their faces black and dress up as “Père Fouettard”. Of course, he was not a real historical figure, but merely an excuse to justify racism.

Today: Other stories tell of Nicholas saving Today, St. Nicholas has continued to his people from famine, sparing the be venerated by Catholics and Or- thodox and honoured by Protestants. Many churches named after him can be found all around the world– just

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 19 in England, there are over four hundred! In the 16th Century in northern Europe, after the , the stories and The 6th of December- St Nicholas day- is traditions about St. Nicholas became celebrated differently depending on where unpopular. Simultaneously, western so- you life. There are some similarities, ciety began to become less religious, though. A man will always dress up the celebrating Christmas more as a tradi- same, in St. Nicholas’ long red robes, tion than a celebration of Christ. holding his golden cane and he can be But children still needed someone to found distributing edible delicacies and deliver their presents! So father Christ- mas was born. other gifts to children.

St. Nicholas became popular again in the Victorian era when writers, poets and artists rediscovered the old stories. By then, it was really too late to bring back the celebratory 6th of December, though many poets tried with pieces

such as “t’was the night before Christ- mas”.

Traditionally eaten on St Nicholas day by the Belgians, the French, and the Dutch is a biscuit called Speculoos which is incred- ibly sweet and very difficult to find in Eng- land.

Jenna Al-Adnani, 16

P A G E 20 The origins of a modern Christmas In the UK Christmas is celebrated In Poland Santa still brings gifts on on the 25th December, however, it the 6th December and its not cele- wasn't always so. In England brated till the 7th January in Ethio- Christmas was originally known as pia or within the Russian Orthodox Yule, aka mid-winter. Until the Church, which we can only imagine 19th century the celebration of lightens Santa’s load on the 24th Christmas was rather different. December. Father Christmas and Santa Claus Some of the celebrations we com- were originally very different char- monly associate with Christmas to- acters. In England Father Christ- day began way before Christianity mas was a man dressed all in was introduced, so that by medie- green to represent the return of val times traditions of mid-winter spring, he was supposed to visit feasting were long established. The families and feast with them. He yule log, minced pies, mistletoe, did not bring gifts for children. In holly and candles are all lasting tra- the 19th century he merged with ditions. Later on the Puritans the Dutch Santa Claus banned some festivities, but other (Sinterklaas), who was based on 'holyday' traditions still survived. It St. Nicholas a Christian bishop liv- was not until the reign of Queen ing in Turkey during the 4th centu- Victoria that many of today's cus- ry AD. According to tradition St. toms such as decorating Christmas Nicholas gave gifts to poor fami- trees and towards the end of the lies. His birthday was the 6th De- 19th century before Christmas cember and the Christian faith cel- cards became common place. ebrate this annually. It was a tradi- Pre Christianity the mid-winter cele- tion to give gifts to loved ones and brations were focused around fire, poor families on this day in order warmth and joy. It marked the turn- to celebrate St. Nicholas and hon- ing of the wheel when the days our his generosity. once again began to slowly length- The Dutch took Sinterklaas to en and was a time when America. Santa, also known as Fa- Communities came together to ther Christmas, is the jolly old share resources over the dark half man who brings gifts to children and fill the dark evenings with mer- globally at Christmas.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 21

the year ahead. It was lit with the riment to drive out the cold. Animals saved end from the previous years would regularly also be brought inside to Yule and the remaining end of this share body heat. years Yule log would be saved for the The tradition of decorating the home next. The Yule log was continuously with native evergreens is an ancient burned over the twelve days of Christ- mas providing the necessary warmth one. Since pagan times evergreens have and light. Early Christians displayed ev- been valued for their ability to retain ergreen plants in the home to symbol- signs of life in the middle of winter, with ise everlasting life. Christmas, as the many producing signs of life in the guise celebration of the birth of Christ, was of berries and flowers. This sign of life merged with other seasonal celebra- became a symbol of hope, the promise tions. of longer warmer days and replenished When looking at how widespread and resources. big the celebration of Christmas has Holly, ivy and evergreen herbs such as become it can be hard to imagine a bay and rosemary were the most com- much quieter recognition of seasons. monly used, all with symbolic meanings At the beginning of the 19th century that were familiar to our ancestors. Christmas was hardly celebrated at all Rosemary, for remembrance and bay for in Britain. Many businesses did not valour and strength. Holly and ivy were a even consider it a holiday yet by the particularly popular combination, the end of the century it had become the holly traditionally thought to be mascu- biggest annual celebration and took line and ivy feminine, giving stability to on more attributes of the Christmas the home. A kissing-bough was often we know and love. The transformation hung from the ceiling. This would con- happened quickly, and came from all sist of a round ball of twigs and green- sectors of society. Many historians at- ery, decorated with seasonal fruits and tribute this to Queen Victoria who had flowerings, such as berries and apples. incorporated her German born hus- It was the precursor to the bunch of mis- bands child- tletoe, under which no lady could refuse hood tradi- a kiss. Mistletoe was sacred to the Dru- tions into ids and was once called 'All Heal'. It was her own. In thought to bring good luck and fertility, 1848 the fa- and to offer protection to all who wore it. mous image of the royal In the medieval period, the Yule log was couple pos- ceremoniously carried into the house on ing beside , and put in the fireplace their deco- of the main communal room. Often rated Christ- decorated with ribbons and greenery. mas tree cir- Some people would carve in wishes for culated. P A G E 22

Soon every home in Britain had a tree bedecked with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decora- tions and small gifts. The tradition we know and love was born. In 1843 Henry Cole commissioned an artist to design a . The illustration showed a gathering around a dinning table in the bang. Eventually the sweets alongside a Christmas message. were later replaced with small They cost one shilling each and gifts, paper hats and motivational were therefore pricey for ordinary messages that later became jokes. Victorians. However the sentiment Decorating the home at Christmas caught on and many children, also became more elaborate, Queen Victoria's included, were en- women became quite competitive couraged to craft their own Christ- amongst their social circles and mas cards. In the new age of indus- great importance was put on the trialisation colour printing technolo- appearance of the Christmas Spir- gy quickly became more advanced, it. The Yule tradition of using ever- causing the price of card produc- greens continued, however the tion to drop significantly. Together style and placement of these deco- with the introduction of the half- rations became more important. penny postage rate, the Christmas The old custom of simply decking card industry took off. By the walls and windows with sprigs and 1880s the sending of cards had be- twigs was sniffed at. A uniformed come hugely popular, creating a approach, order and elegance lucrative industry that produced were encouraged. There were in- 11.5 million cards in 1880 alone. structions on how to make elabo- The commercialisation of Christ- rate synthetic decorations for mas was well on its way. those residing in larger wealthier Another commercial Christmas in- towns. In 1881 ‘Cassell's Family dustry was borne by Victorians in Magazine’ gave strict directions to 1848 when a British confectioner, the lady of the house: "To bring Tom Smith, invented a bold new about a general feeling of enjoy- way to sell sweets. Inspired by a ment, much depends on the sur- trip to Paris where he discovered roundings… It is worth while to be- traditional bon bons, sugared al- stow some little trouble on the dec- mond sweets that were wrapped in oration of the rooms". twists of paper, he created the Initially gifts were rather modest – cracker, a simple package filled fruit, nuts, sweets and small hand- with sweets and in 1860 he added made trinkets. These were usually

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 23 hung on the Christmas tree. However, as new words were put to old tunes, with gift giving became more central to the the first collection of carols being pub- festival, and the gifts became bigger lished in 1833. and shop-bought, they moved beneath The Victorians also transformed the the tree. very idea and meaning of Christmas The Christmas feast has its roots from so that it became centred around the before the Middle Ages, when local family. The preparation and eating of communities/clans/tribes would gather the feast, decorations and gift giving, together to ride out the hard winter sea- entertainments and family games son and share their resources. Mid- were all essential to the celebration of winter, the halfway point, became a fo- the festival and were to be shared by cal celebration for communities as it the whole family. signified the turning of the wheel and While Charles Dickens did not invent the return of spring ahead. It's during the Victorian Christmas, his book ‘A the Victorian period, however, that the ‘ is credited with help- dinner we now associate with Christmas ing to popularise and spread the tradi- began to truly take shape. Examination tions of the festival. Its themes of fam- of early Victorian recipes show that ily, charity, goodwill, peace and happi- mince pies were initially made from ness encapsulate the spirit of the Vic- mined meat, a tradition dating back to torian Christmas, and are very much a Tudor times. During the 19th century part of the Christmas we still cele- there was a twist in the composition of brate today. In his story about “A this festive dish. Mixes without meat, Christmas Tree” he called the tree dried fruits, nuts and spices, began to ‘that pretty German toy’. Since Britain gain popularity within some of the high- encompassed an Empire at the time er echelons of society and became the of Victoria’s reign, the use of Christ- mince pies we know today. The roast mas trees and the sharing of Christ- turkey also had its introduction during mas cards spread around the world. Victorian Britain. Previously other forms America was impacted, too. The same of roasted meat such as beef and goose illustration, although minus the royal were the centrepiece of the Christmas details such as the Queen's tiara, was dinner. The turkey was added to this by published in December of 1850 the more wealthy sections of the com- in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Sarah Hale munity in the 19th century, but being the woman who convinced President the perfect size for a middle class family Lincoln to make Thanksgiving Day an gathering meant it became the domi- annual holiday was also responsible nant dish by the beginning of the 20th for the widespread introduction of new century. The Victorians had a love for traditions. By 1870, Christmas had al- musical entertainment and Carol sing- so become a yearly federal holiday in ing was revived with a Victorian twist. the U.S. Old words were put to new tunes, and P A G E 24 History of the Christian Christmas

There are many families that still opting the December festivals of celebrate Christmas as a Christian Saturnalia, Mithras and ‘Dies Natalis celebration in honour of the birth of Solis’ into Christian celebrations and Jesus. Yes, Christmas in general emphasised any similiarities. has become a commercialised cel- Despite the integration the 25th De- ebration, however, for many it is cember was not the most important just as sacred as ever. There are date of focus within the Christian many staged re-enactments of the calendar. The arrival of the Magi, Nativity and the professional perfor- known as the on the 6th mances can be breathtakingly January, and even Easter were more beautiful. Behind the modern com- widely celebrated. However, once mercialism you can still find the the all-conquering medieval Emper- true message of Christmas and or Charlemagne was crowned on share in the love as communities Christmas Day 800AD, the date took come together. on greater significance. In England, Initially, however, the Roman Em- it was brought to greater attention pire did not immediately take to after the Christmas coronations of the Christianity and even persecut- Edmund the Martyr (855AD) and, of ed Christians but as the new creed course, William the Conqueror gathered momentum, polytheistic (1066AD). Rome (the worship of many gods After the birth of Christ, the Three and goddesses) had to take notice. Wise Men, trekked from their East- Constantine I was the first Christian ern home to see the new King using Emperor of Rome, and in 313AD the night sky to guide them (the passed an edict permitting the North Star). Their arrival 12 days lat- practice of the religion and forcing er was celebrated as the Epiphany. the return of all goods confiscated The famous “12 days of Christmas”, from the Church. He also worked to lasting from Christ's birth until their make Christianity more palatable arrival, were not celebrated as a sin- to his still pagan subjects, by co- gle holiday until the 12th century. In

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 25 some Christian cultures, gifts are given to Hannukah many faiths and cultures on the 12th day; in others on the day of have celebrations over the winter period Christ’s birth and for some a gift a day to such as the Winter Solstice/Yule on the spread the joy over the season. 21st and the ancient pagan Roman mid- There are many different theories as to winter festivals called 'Saturnalia' and why December the 25th was chosen as 'Dies Natalis Solis Invicti'. the date for Christmas. A very early Chris- Most of the world uses the 'Gregorian tian tradition stated the 25th March, aka Calendar' implemented by Gregory the , was the date Mary was XIII in 1582. Before that the 'Roman' told that she would have a very special aka Julian Calendar was used (named after Julius Caesar). The Gregorian cal- baby; the son of God, Jesus. Nine months endar is more accurate than the Roman after the 25th March is the 25th Decem- calendar which had too many days in a ber. year. Many Orthodox and Coptic Church- March 25th was also the day some early es still use the Julian Calendar and so Christians thought the world had been celebrate Christmas on the 7th January whilst the Armenian Apostolic Church made, and also the day that Jesus died celebrates it on the 6th January. In on as an adult, (the 14th of Nisan in the some parts of the UK, January 6th is still Jewish calendar) and they thought that called 'Old Christmas' as this would Jesus had not only been born then but have been the day that Christmas would had died on that same date. have been celebrated on, if the calendar hadn't been changed. Presently the Epiphany mainly cele- brates the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus, but back then it celebrated both things! Jesus's Baptism was origi- nally seen as more important than his birth, as this was when he started his ministry and began to spread the word of his father and his God. Some people also think that December 25th might have also been chosen be- DID YOU KNOW? cause The Jewish festival of lights, Ha- When the Calendars were switched 10 days were technically lost. The day nukkah, starts on the 25th of Kislev (the that followed the 4th October 1582 month in the Jewish calendar that occurs became the 15th October 1582. In around December). Jesus was Jewish, the UK the change of calendars was which could be another factor that made in 1752. The day after 2nd helped the early Church choose Decem- September 1752 became 14th Sep- ber 25th to honour his birth. In addition tember 1752. P A G E 26 A Global Christmas There are many celebrations around the world that fall in December, some share similarities with the western world whilst others are completely different, yet each one is unique in its own way.

HOGMANAY In Christmas was banned ber there is a ‘torchlight procession’. for nearly 400 years and Hogmanay This is when many people gather and became the main seasonal holiday march through carrying dating back to the 1580’s at the flaming torches, creating a river like times of John Knox who saw Christ- fire of torches from the Royal Mile to mas as a Catholic tradition. The Holyrood Park. After this there is a big ban was enforced by law but lifted Hogmanay street party. This is a party in the 1950’s. Scotland’s Christmas like no other, set under the backdrop traditions come from all over the of Edinburgh castle, there is so much world but mostly England and the to do at the concert in the gardens. As USA. the bell strikes midnight, worldwide Hogmanay marks the end of an en- famous Hogmanay fireworks are set tire year coming to an end and I off into the night for everyone to cele- new one beginning so Hogmanay is brate a new year. also Scotland’s new year celebra- tion. Scotland is said to be one of the countries that celebrate new year with as much passion as other nations across the world. This par- ticular occasion stretches right back to winter solstice among Vikings with major parties at the end of December. There are many events throughout Scotland to celebrate new year but Edinburgh (seeing as Hogmanay, Edinburgh Torchlit Procession it’s our capital city) is always the go to location. On the 30th of Decem-

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There are various Hogmanay traditions ‘dookers parade’ before having a splash depending on where you live in Scotland, in the freezing cold river forth. Not only many include gift giving, spending time is the water freezing but everyone is en- visiting loved ones and a very big empha- couraged to do it in fancy dress cos- sis is put on the first-footing (visitor) tumes. You often see highlights on the across the threshold, and starts immedi- news each year. ately after midnight. The first person to There is also another large event in Edin- cross the threshold of a friend or neigh- burgh that runs from November right the bour will often bring a symbolic gift such way through to January, called the Christ- as salt, coal, shortbread, whisky, black mas Market. It has so much fun things to bun (a rich fruit cake) and silver, intended do every year they have a big Ferris to bring different kinds of luck to the wheel that lights up during the dark householder depending on what you car- hours, ice skating and lots of market ry across. Food and drink (as the gifts) are stalls. On the market stalls you can find then shared with the guests. This may go lots of crafters, artists, gifts and food on throughout the early hours of the stalls. It might be very busy but it is defi- morning and well into the next day nitely worth the wait to get in and it al- (although modern days see people vis- ways smells amazing. If you ever do end iting houses well into the middle of Janu- up visiting at night make sure to wrap up ary). The first-foot is supposed to encour- warm because it can get very cold very age good luck for the rest of the year. For quickly at this time of year. the householder. Traditionally, tall, dark- haired men are preferred as the first-foot. On the first of January loads of people will go to and partici- pate in the ‘Loony Dook’. The event dates back to 1986 when three locals wanted a hangover cure and the following year was the first year that it was done for charity. It’s name comes from old scots term meaning to bathe and well loony comes from lunatic. Other Loony Dooks take place in and but South Queensferry was the first. Everyone tak- ing part will usually take part in the Eve McCabe, 13. Scotland. P A G E 28

YULE/ Mid– Winter arrival of Christianity. Yule is a Pagan celebration at the mid- Traditions included The Druids (Celtic winter equinox in December, it tends priests) cutting the mistletoe that to be celebrated on the 21st however grew on the oak tree and giving it as celebrations can fall a few days either a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred side. Some Yule traditions continue and the winter fruit of the mistletoe until January. was a symbol of life in the dark win- ter months. Some traditions state it Yule or Yuletide ("Yule time") was and was the Druids who began the tradi- is a festival observed by the historical tion of the yule log, however it is also Germanic peoples. Scholars have con- steeped in Ancient European lore. nected the celebration to the Wild The yule log was lit on the first day of Hunt, the god Odin, and the pagan Yule and burned for the following Anglo-Saxon Modraniht. It later un- Twelve Days of yuletide. The first log derwent Christianized reformulation would be brought in and the fire lit in resulting in the term . It the centre of it using the last seg- is one of the oldest winter celebra- ment of wood from the previous tions that is still celebrated today. years Yule Log fire. At the end of each evening the end pieces of log would For pagans the time of the winter sol- be pushed together and another stice is a time when we gatherwith added as required. A remainder of family and loved ones. In the past, the final yule log fire was kept to light the seasons and the next year’s log. The yule log was the weather affected every aspect of thought to have the power to ward day to day life. Mid-Winter, as the off misfortune, so it was kept in the name derives, falls in the middle of home yearlong. the dark half, winter. It is the shortest day of the year and the longest night The Celts thought that the sun stood in terms of the appearance of the sun still for twelve days in the middle of and moon and marked the point in winter and during this time a log was winter when the night starts to gradu- lit to conquer the darkness, banish ally get shorter and the days gradually evil spirits and bring luck for the com- longer, it brings hope of the seasons ing year. The Norsemen of Northern changing once more and with it the Europe saw the sun as a wheel that ability to hunt on a regular basis. changed the seasons. It was from the Celebrated in Britain long before the word for this wheel, houl, that the

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 29 word yule is thought to have come. At Many pagan families still have Santa mid-winter the Norsemen lit bonfires, coming with gifts whilst others may told stories and drank sweet ale. Mod- have Odin bring them gifts. Each family ern Pagans have emalgamated a lot of will have their own personal Yule tradi- the Yule/ Mid-winter traditions and tions that they incorporate into their continue to practice them to this day. seasonal celebrations. There are many We now know that it is the Earth mov- paths in paganism, like with many oth- ing and that the Winter Solstice falls at er religious practices, and therefore the time when the sun is further away there are many traditions along those from the earth. To our ancestors it likely individual branches that share their looked as if the world was dying, going roots. away and they would have been con- cerned about the return of spring, es- pecially if they had a prolongued win- ter. Communities would gather togeth- er to share resources and warmth over the period.

Midwinter can fall in June for those on the opposite side of the equator to our- selves, in the UK.

The Reindeer, Mother Goose and the Stonehenge, Mid-Winter Celebration are animals with long associ- ations to Yule. In Scandinavia and Northern Europe Yule Goats are made using straw and decorated with red rib- bons. Pagan children also enjoy stories about reindeers and how the mother goose shakes her feathers and spreads the snow. Gifts for Yule tend to be per- sonal and heartfelt, many gifts will be handmade, there is a big emphasis on books or gifts relating to their path and growth. There is also a focus on what people truly need and gifts the family William W, 13 can use to spend time together such as board games. P A G E 30

Toronto, Canada parade started in 1905 when Santa first walked down the streets from In Toronto the annual ‘cavalcades of union station to the Eaton centre. lights’ started in 1967. Toronto has been having the light shows for 48 years, it originally lasted for one single night however in 2002 it became a month long festivity where there is the addition of a skate rink with a DJ the event finishes with a beautiful firework display. There will also be Canadas top musical talent performing. The event begins the last weekend in November The Yule Lads, with the switch on of the central Christ- Iceland is a country steeped in lore mas tree, there are over 525,000 lights and legend. Their Christmas tradi- and 700 ornaments. After this light tions tend to begin on the 23rd De- show they do another one at the end cember and end at the Ephiphany of November every year this tree is a on the 6th January. As with many very modern one and gets decorated children around the world, the chil- with 52,000 lights. dren in Iceland are also visited by Santa. In Iceland, however, Santa does not come alone, instead, 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) climb down from the mountains on the 12th De- cember and also visit the children over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. They also have a parade that starts in the middle of November, It is called the Each night, Icelandic children place ‘Santa Clause Parade’. Amazing floats a wooden shoe in their bedroom go around with marching bands, danc- window, and each night a Yule lad ers, prancers and costumed characters, visits. They leave sweets and small with lots of Santa fans watching. This gifts or rotting fruit and veg depend-

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ing on how the children have behaved. Each Askasleikir (Bowl Licker) — 17th De- lad has his own personality and is known to cember. Bowl Licker, the sixth one, was bring certain gifts or play certain pranks up- shockingly ill bred. From underneath the on the children. In return, children might bedsteads he stuck his ugly head. leave them some little gifts or snacks, Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer) — 18th like laufabrauð (leaf bread), a thin, crispy December. The seventh was Door Slam- flatbread made specially at Christmas. mer, a sorry, vulgar chap: When people in the twilight would take a little nap. These 13 Yule lads were not traditionally Skyrgámur (Skyr Gobbler) — 19th De- well-behaved, they would cause mischief cember. Skyr Gobbler, the eighth, was an on their travels and leave havoc behind awful stupid bloke. He lambasted the skyr them. In recent years though, perhaps due tub till the lid on it broke. to old age, they have settled down and be- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Swiper) — come more peace loving entertaining 20th December. The ninth was Sausage cheeky mountain trolls. Swiper, a shifty pilferer. He climbed up to the rafters and raided food from there. The following is a well known poem Gluggagægir (Window Peeper) — 21st throughout Iceland; December. The tenth was Window Peep- er, a weird little twit, who stepped up to Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) — 12th the window and stole a peek through it. December. The first of them was Sheep-Cote Gáttaþefur (Door Sniffer) — 22nd De- Clod. He came stiff as wood to pray upon the cember. Eleventh was Door Sniffer, a farmer's sheep as far as he could. doltish lad and gross. He never got a cold, Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) — 13th December, yet had a huge, sensitive nose. The second was Gully Gawk, gray his head Ketrókur (Meat Hook) — 23rd Decem- and mien. He snuck into the cow barn from ber. Meat Hook, the twelfth one, his tal- his craggy ravine. ent would display as soon as he arrived on Stúfur (Stubby) — 14th December, Stub- Saint Thorlak's Day. by was the third called a stunted little man, Kertasníkir (Candle Beggar) — 24th who watched for every chance to whisk off a December. The thirteenth was Candle pan. beggar- 'twas cold, I believe, if he was not Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker) — 15th De- the last of the lot on Chistmas Eve. cember. The fourth was Spoon Licker; like spindle he was thin. He felt himself in clover when the cook wasn't in. Pottasleikir (Pot Licker) — 16th Decem- ber. Pot Licker, the fifth one, was a funny Tyler Wilcox, 15 sort of chap. When kids were given scrapings, he´d come to the door and tap. P A G E 32

Krampus, Austria lished in 1958, Maurice Bruce de- In Austria, there are so many different scribes in an article of his: and unique traditions that take place during Christmas time - lots of them “There seems to be little doubt as to his are shared with its neighbouring coun- true identity for, in no other form is the try Germany. Whilst St. Nicholas has full regalia of the Horned God of the Witches so well preserved. The birch – already been described, he is known in apart from its phallic significance – Austria to sometimes visit the well- may have a connection with the initia- behaved children on the 6th of Decem- tion rites of certain witch-covens; rites ber (recognised as his feast day), leav- which entailed binding and scourging ing them a gift for their good manner. as a form of mock-death. The chains Often accompanying St. Nicholas, how- could have been introduced in a Chris- ever, in contrast to this charitable tian attempt to ‘bind the Devil’ but Saint, is a being named Krampus. He is again they could be a remnant of pagan quite the demonic creature, and is initiation rites.” known in Austria to visit on the 5th of Did you know? In 1923, after the Aus- st December, the night of the eve of St. trian legislative election on 21 Octo- Nicholas Day. ber, the Krampus traditions were banned by the leading political organi- zation of Austrofascism, called the Fa- therland Front, and led by Engelbert Dollfuss. Austrofascism is a word used to describe the authoritarian system in Austria. Later on, during the 1950s, many polemical pamphlets were dis- tributed around the country by govern- ment, describing Krampus as a bad cel- Origins ebration and titled “Krampus Is an Evil The name Krampus originates from the Man”. Then nearing the end of the 20th Old High German word “Krampen”, century, Krampus became popular meaning claw, and eventually evolved again and festivities resurfaced– still over time to become the known name carrying on to this day. for this anti-Saint Nicholas. While the real origins of this creature remain ob- scure, it is sometimes said to date back to pre-Christian traditions. First pub-

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The Krampus Ways During the Krampus time, usually the first few days of December leading up to Rumour has it that Krampus stalks the dark the 5th, men often tend to dress up in and cold streets of the night. Lurking around big fury costumes, roaming the streets every corner (sometimes with his basket or to frighten children. Huge parades are sack hung upon his back), he’ll occasionally also held in a few places, mainly centred visit with Saint Nicholas or come alone for in Tyrol, a western Austrian state; full of the bad-behaved children. Many tales have these dressed up young men. The pa- been told of him punishing the naughty, or rade is called Krampuslauf and can be to have even taken them away completely, translated to Krampus run, or Krampus them down into his bag! Looks and Legends While Krampus is celebrated in various different places (Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Re- public, Hungary, Northern Italy including South Tyrol, Slovakia, and Slovenia), there are many different interpretations of how he appears; most of them have significant simi- larities. He is recognised mostly as a half- goat half-demon being and is often seen with hair, or fur, covering his whole body. parade in English. However, these men Two large, twisted horns stretch from his don’t actually go around punishing chil- head and sharp fangs stick out from his dren, and the parade can be mountains gums. Pointy ears reach from each side of of fun to watch! his skull and a long rough tongue slithers in between his lips. Sometimes Krampus is known to have a long thin tail, and in places Please note! Please be careful if you do is said to be more like the devil. He carries any further research on the Krampus. hard metal chains (sometimes wrapped Some pretty terrifying images can show up around his wrists), with eerie bells alongside on the internet, even for adults, as there them that jingle to bring a greater sense of have been multiple horror movies made fear amongst the young boys and girls. Also based on the origins of Krampus. occasionally carried by Krampus are birch tree branches, which are bunched together to create a thing called a Ruten. A Ruten is used by Krampus to swat the misbehaved children in more pagan traditions and is re- placed with a whip in some others. Freya Turton, 13 P A G E 34

Giant Lantern Festival, other locally available materials. Oc- Philippines casionally children will make smaller ones to carry themselves. Each resi- The Giant Lantern Festival is held on dent contributes to its construction, the last Saturday before Christmas. from the conceptual design, to the There is a lantern competitions and materials and labour. Today these designs can be very intricate and elab- lanterns have become far more than orate. The popularity of the festival could have been dreamt, now, they has had the capital, San Fernando, are a symbol of unity amongst bar- nicknamed ‘The Christmas Capital’. rios/ community. The festivals marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities in the Philip- During the nine-day novena before pines. The festival has its roots in the Christmas, which coincided with the city of Bacolor, the old capital, after from December 16 to San Fernando was renamed the capital 24, these paruls were brought 1904, the festival also relocated to the around their own barrio in proces- new capital. Some say the move hap- sion to their main visita. Before the pened in 1908 and not 1904. on Christmas Eve, the lanterns are brought to the town church together with the barrio pa- This original trons. Giant Lantern Festival was ac- Electricity was first introduced to the tually a reli- San Fernando lantern in 1931, thus gious activity sparking the birth of the first Giant which we know Lantern Festival in place of several today as smaller lanterns. The added illusion “lubenas.” The of twinkling lights highlighted the lanterns meas- bright colours and intricate designs ured two feet of these Giant Lanterns. Initially the in diameter, ti- lights were controlled by individual ny compared to switches that were turned on and off the fifteen feet following the beat of the parade mu- lanterns we see today. These were de- sic. The barangays (parishes) of Del signed in each barrio (region/church) Pilar, St. Lucia and San Jose were in individual family groups however among the first barangays to partici- eventually one big one would be made pate in the festival. as a community from bamboo and

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mills. The event has still continued to grow The first lantern festival was held in hon- as more parishes/barrio’s join the parade/ our of President Manuel L. Quezon. At that competition. In 2011, Barangay. Calulut time, Quezon had made Arayat his rest area, and Barangay. Del Carmen joined the com- kind of like a holiday home, and convert- petition for the first time and then, Baran- ed Mount Arayat into a tourist resort help- gay's. Sindalan and Pandaras, also joined ing aid the local economy as best as possi- the competition for the first time in 2015. ble. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the In December 2016 Barangay. Dolores people of San Fernando held a Christmas achieved a grand slam champion after lantern contest to honour the president and they won in three competitive years; 2014, his family. Quezon himself donated the main 2015 and 2016. In 2017 they won yet prize for this lantern contest, which was per- again for the fourth year in a row. sonally awarded to the winner by First La- dy Aurora Aragon Quezon .

Sadly, between 1972 and 1974 the country declared Martial Law for political reasons and the festival had to be cancelled.

Over the following years as technology not only grew but became more available and affordable for the general public each lan- tern was able to utilise these new technolo- gies and provide spectacular sights their an- cestors had never imagined. Coloured plas-

tics replaced traditional

‘papel de Tyler Wilcox, 15 hapon’ (Japanese Paper– primarily used for Origa- mi). The use of coloured plastics continued until Papal de Hapon 2010, when fiberglass and handmade paper made their first appearances on the lan- terns. Large steel barrels called rotators improved upon the hand-controlled switches to ma- nipulate the lights. The lanterns have grown in size, approximately 20-feet today, and il- luminated by about 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs. The main venue is now at Robinsons Star- P A G E 36

Gävle Goat, Sweden In older Scandinavian societies a popular Christmas prank was to place this Yule goat in a neighbour's house without them noticing; the family successfully pranked had to get rid of it in the same secretive mannor.

A second tradition has since began where members of the public The tradition of the Gavle Goat dates attempt to burn the Yule Goat each back to 1966. The Gavle Goat is also year. They have succeeded 29 times, called the ‘Yule Goat’. The goat is 13 the last successful burning was in metres high and is put on display in 2016. Last years Yule Goat managed the centre of Gavle’s Castle Square for to survive. There is even a live the advent period. The goat is based stream of the goat that anyone with on the longstanding Yule Goat figure internet access can follow in order that is made from straw. The yule to keep up to date with the goats goat is a longstanding tradition within progress. The fire station is close to Scandinavian and Northern Europe the location of the goat so most of Yule celebrations. Its origin is suspect- the time the fire can be extinguished ed to be Germanic. A popular theory before the wooden skeleton is se- is that the goat dates back to the verely damaged. If the goat is burned Norse God Thor who rode the sky in a down before December 13th, the chariot drawn by two goats, Tan- feast day of Saint Lucia, the goat is ngrisnir and Tanngnjostre. The last rebuilt. The skeleton will be treated sheaf of grain is considered to be and repaired, and the goat recon- magickal (pagan spelling) and con- structed using straw. As of 2005 four tains the harvest spirit, this sheaf is people have been caught or convict- traditionally saved to bring luck for ed for vandalizing the goat. In 2001, the year ahead, most families will the goat was burned down by a 51- fashion it into the Yule Goat who will year-old visitor from Cleveland, be displayed within the family home. Ohio in the United States, who spent

18 days in jail and was convicted and

ordered to pay 100,000 Swedish

kronor for damages. The court also

took his cigarette lighter with the ar-

gument that he clearly was not able

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 37 to handle that much responsibility. He stat- signer stated they had cheated be- ed in court that he had believed he was cause the neck had been absurdly taking part in a completely legal goat- long. The Goat War began, the follow- burning tradition. After he was released ing year Southern Merchants attempt- from jail he returned to the US without ed to break the previous record but paying his fine. just feel short, that same year, in pro- test, the Natural Science Club made It was 1966 when advertising consultant theirs relatively small. In 1993 they de- Stig Gavlin first came up with the idea of clared they were going to attempt to designing a large Yule Goat statue for the break the record again, their 10.5 me- Castle Square each Advent. The very first tre goat was again too small and the Goat was erected on the 1st December Natural Science Clubs Goat that year 1966 and weighed 3 tonnes. On New Years was 14.9 metres and they received an- Eve the goat was burned down and the other World Record. perpetrator was charged with vandalism. The goat was however insured so the artist There are other traditions within Swe- received full compensation. The Southern den that still exist to this day such as Merchants financed each subsequent Goat , which is a Scandinavian until 1971. The Natural Science club of the Christmas tradition. Between Christ- school of Vasa built the following two goats mas and New Year's Day, people wear- until 1986 when the Southern Merchants ing masks and costumes (Julebukkers) began to fund the primary Gavle goat go door to door singing, again. Since 2003 the construction of the their neighbours have to attempt to goat has been undertaken by a group of identify who is under the disguise. unemployed people known as ALU work- After they finish singing and their iden- ers. tity has been guessed successfully they The Yule/Gavle Goat has been the source are usually awarded with candy, a of much competition within Gavle as from shared plate of food and drink. There 1986 onwards the Natural Science Club are also additional twists to the tradi- continued to make their goat each year, tion, one such twist requires that at they felt that the Southern Merchants had least one person from the visited only taken the contract back on because of household joins the group of Julebuk- the publicity the Natural Science Club kers and continues on to the following Goats made during their period of ab- household. Many will attempt to sence. In 1985 the Natural Science Club change their voices to make the guess- Goat entered the Guiness World Book of ing process harder. Records, their goat was 12.5 metres (41 ft). The Southern Merchants and original de- William Wilcox, 13 P A G E 38

Hanukkah on, however, when he was beaten by Hanukkah (sometimes called Cha- the Romans and compelled to pay nukah) is the Jewish festival of heavy taxes, the burden fell upon the light. The Hebrew word Chanukah various peoples of his empire who means “dedication,” its an apt were forced to provide the heavy taxes name because the festival cele- that were required of him by the Ro- brates the rededication of the Ho- mans. When Antiochus III died, his son ly Temple. Seleucus IV took over, and further op- Also spelled Hanukkah (or varia- pressed the Jews. A short time later, tions of that spelling), the Hebrew Seleucus IV was killed and his brother word is actually pronounced with Antiochus IV began to reign over Syria a guttural, “kh” sound, kha-nu- (in 3586 - 174 B.C.E.). He was contemp- kah, not tcha-new-kah. tuous of religion and the people of his The date changes each year as it nation. He was called "Epiphanes," depends on the Calendar but it meaning "the gods’ beloved yet a histo- always falls in either November or rian of his time, Polebius, gave him the December. title ‘Epimanes’ ("madman") instead. The celebration continues for 8 He wanted his nation to all adhere to days and is in honour of when the the same beliefs and practices. Jewish faith won their religious The Maccabees, a small group of Jews freedoms against the Greeks over led by Judah (the fourth son of 2000 years ago. The Holy Land and Leah) fought hard against this for was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian three years before they eventually won, -Greeks), In the second century reclaimed their temple and Jerusalem, BCE, who tried to force the peo- however their temple had sadly been ple of Israel to accept Greek cul- destroyed. ture, diety and beliefs instead They cleaned and repaired their temple of mitzvah observance and belief Judah and his followers built a new al- in their God. The Jewish faith was tar, which he dedicated on the twenty- prohibited throughout the holy fifth of the month of Kislev, in the year land and King Antiochus III was 3622 (139 B.C.E.) . The Temple's Meno- determined to make the Jewish rah (the seven-branched candelabrum) people bow down before him and had been taken by Syrians so they fash- even put a statue of himself in ioned one together, they found only a one of their larger temples. At the single cruse of olive oil that had es- beginning of his reign he accord- caped contamination by the Greeks ed the Jews some privileges. Later and had the seal of High

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Yochanon intact. There was only enough oil in has seen the rise in additional childrens the lamp to provide light for around 24 hours, gifts being given alongside the tradition- miraculously the Menorah burned for 8 whole al. The gelt is given to reward and days and managed to last until they could ritu- acknowledge positive behaviour and de- ally prepare new oil. votion to their Torah studies, in addition The Hanukiah, an eight branched candlestick the cash gifts give the children the op- is the focal point of Hanukkah. The menorah portunity to give ‘tzedakah ‘(charity) to holds nine flames, one of which is considered those they feel it will benefit most. The to be the shamash (“attendant flame”), which modern foil wrapped chocolate coins is used to light the other eight candles. On the that hang on most Christmas trees de- first night, they light just one flame. On the scend from the practice of Chanukah second night, an additional flame is lit. By the ‘Gelt’. eighth night of Chanukah, all eight lights have been lit. Special blessings are spoken before The dreidel, is a Jewish spinning top with each candle gets lit, afterwards the family will Hebrew letters on each side, come together to sing traditional songs sacred nun, gimmel, hei and shin, an acronym to the Jewish faith. A menorah is lit in every for nes gadol hayah sham, “a great mira- household (in some households each family cle happened there”. It is a traditional member may have their own personal Meno- game played during Hanukkah and the rah) and always placed in a doorway or win- whole family will come together to play dow. The menorah is also lit in synagogues it. It is traditionally played for coins and and other public places. Dishes with spiritual nuts. or historical significance are served and the family feasts together with a larger feast re- Motivational messages are taught to the served for the eight day. Fried food has a spe- children, they are taught to connect with cial significance as the oil represents the oil in the flames and feel the messages of their the lamp. During Hanukkah it is customary to God within their hearts. recite the special ‘Hallel’ prayer daily, and add V’Al HaNissim into their daily prayers and ‘A little light goes a long way. The Cha- during the Grace After Meals, to offer praise nukah candles are lit when dusk is and thanksgiving to God for “delivering the falling. Perched in the doorway, they strong into the hands of the weak, the many serve as a beacon for the darkening into the hands of the few ... the wicked into streets. No matter how dark it is out- the hands of the righteous.” side, a candle of G‑dly goodness can transform the darkness itself into Jewish children receive gifts at Hanukkah and light.’ Hanukkah money. Some families give a small- er gift on each of the eight days. The tradition Tyler Wilcox, 15 is actually to give Chanukah ‘gelt’, gifts of money, to children. Recent commercialism P A G E 40 ROSA PARKS

“the only race is the human race, and we’re all in it together”

On the 1st December 1955, Alabama, Rosa Parks took a stand against patriarchy, su- premacy, oppression and racial prejudice.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) became an activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The United States Congress has called her "the first la- dy of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement".

Tosa Parks day is celebrated on the 1st even covered in hot burning tar just for December in America and on her Birth- the fun of it. Not everyone treated oth- day, 4th February, in Canada. On her ers like this, some even helped slaves way home from work she got on a bus escape to another country. It was for and sat on one of the seats in the reasons like this Rosa Parks and many ‘coloured’ row. Back then people of others became activists and even colour had pretty much no rights what- risked their lives doing so. soever. They would have to use differ- The rules for buses were that if you are ent very bad quality sanitation. Many coloured you had to sit in specific seats of the schools would be tiny as if you labelled coloured. If a white person were just inside an oversized hut. They came up to you and told you to move never got any resources first hand, in- because they wanted to sit there then stead they got whatever was ‘thrown you had to move. down to them’. Black people were sold into slavery and those who were work- Bus drivers had the “powers of a police ing were often in manual low skilled officer of the city while in actual charge jobs. A lot of the time if you committed of any bus for the purposes of carrying a crime, even if it was something as out the provisions" of the code. Whilst small as being ‘disrespectful’ to a white using and driving a bus, drivers were person, you could get, hung, killed or told to provide “separate but equal”

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areas and seats for white and black pas- Nixon, president of the local chapter of the sengers by separating them. This was NAACP; and Martin Luther King, Jr., a new done with a line roughly in the middle of minister in Montgomery who gained na- the bus separating white passengers in tional prominence in the civil rights move- the front of the bus and African-American ment and went on to win a Nobel Peace passengers in the back. When an African- Prize. Parks even became secretary of the American passenger boarded the bus, NAACP Montgomery branch. they had to get on at the front to pay their ticket money and then get off and re Although widely honoured in her later -board the bus at the back door. so much years, Rosa Parks suffered immensely for for “separate but equal”. her actions, though was rather lucky com- pared to many who were brutally mur- On the 1st December, Rosa boarded a bus dered ; she was fired from her as a in Montgomery, Alabama. The bus driver, seamstress in a local department store, James.F.Blake ordered Rosa to move from and received death threats for years after- her seat as all the seats in the segregated wards. She managed to find further work area for white travellers had been taken. in Detroit. Between 1965 to 1988 she Rosa refused and was arrested for civil served as secretary and receptionist disobedience. Parks was not the first per- to John Conyers, an African-American US son to resist bus segregation, but Representative. She was also active in the National Association for the Advance- the Black Power movement and the sup- ment of Colored People (NAACP) believed port of political prisoners in the US. that she was the best candidate for see- ing through a court challenge after her After retirement, Parks wrote her autobi- arrest. Parks prominence in the local com- ography and continued to insist that the munity and her willingness to take a stand struggle for justice was not over and there inspired the black community to boycott was more work to be done. the Montgomery buses for over a year. Rosa developed dementia in her last few This was the first major direct action cam- years. Throughout her life and after her paign of the post-war civil rights move- death, Rosa received several awards of na- ment. Her case became bogged down in tional recognition, including the NAACP's the state courts, but the federal Mont- 1979 Spingarn Medal, the Presidential gomery bus lawsuit Browder v. Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Gayle succeeded in November 1956 and Medal, and a posthumous statue in the Rosa won. United States Capitol's National Statuary Parks act of defiance became symbols of Hall. At the time of her death in 2005, Ro- resilience across the globe in the battle sa was the first woman and the third non- against racial segregation and for black US government official to lie in honour at rights. She organized and collaborated the Capitol Rotunda. with civil rights leaders, including Edgar Eva McCabe, 13

P A G E 42 HUMAN AND ANIMAL RIGHTS As part of life everyone needs and is entitled to a basic ethos of ‘human rights’ so they can live a safe and happy life with their basic needs met. However not everyone has access to even the most basic rights. Animal rights operate along the same lines and provides rights to our furry friends. Human Rights Day and Animal Rights Day both fall on the 10th December each year.

The universal declaration of human Human rights day was celebrated rights celebrates its 70th Year on the across the world before animal rights 10th December 2018. The universal day was even a thing, in 1984. The declaration of human rights is de- date was chosen to recognize the scribed, on their website, as ‘a mile- ‘united nations general assembly’s stone document that proclaimed the adoption on the 10th of ‘universal dec- inalienable rights which everyone is in- laration of human rights’ (UDHR for herently entitled to as a human being-- short). The UDHR was the first global regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, organization of human rights. This year language, political or other opinion, na- is the 70th anniversary of Human tional or social origin, property, birth or Rights day, which just goes to show other status. It is the most translated how far we’ve come. Despite the fact document in the world, available in that this has been in place for 70 years more than 500 languages.’ not everyone has access to the rights they need to live a ‘normal’ sustaina- The Universal Declaration of Human ble life. An example of this is toilets. Rights is there to empower all humans, 62.5% of people around the world it may not yet be fully realised, howev- don’t have access to basic sanitation. er, it has saved countless lives and pro- This is why we have a world toilet day vided protection for many. The princi- on the 19th of November to discuss ples enshrined in the Declaration are as ways to help this situation and enforce relevant today as they were in 1948. that everyone has safe sanitation by We need to stand up for our own rights 2030. We are lucky because if we need and those of others. We can take action to use the bathroom we can just find in our own daily lives, to uphold the the nearest one and go, but for a rights that protect us all and thereby whole 4.5 billion people around the promote the kinship of all human be- world can’t, or if they can it isn’t safe. ings. This is just one of the many examples

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS I S S U E 5 P A G E 43 of peoples basic needs and rights being met vegan to spare animals lives however in Western Countries. you don’t need to be an animal rights "Where, after all, do universal human activist to support animal rights, you just rights begin? In small places, close to need to consider animals and how you home -- so close and so small that they treat them regardless of whether they cannot be seen on any maps of the are ‘cute’, endangered or a good use to world. [...] Unless these rights have us. Consider the impact on caged ani- meaning there, they have little meaning mals that are used for the profit of man. anywhere. Without concerted citizen ac- This means recognizing that animals are tion to uphold them close to home, we living sentient beings and not just crea- shall look in vain for progress in the larg- tures to breed for use in clothing, food, er world." -- Eleanor Roosevelt entertainment or experimentation. Within the animal rights movement you This year will be the 13th international ani- find varying scales of opinions when it mal rights day (IARD). The reason for this comes to what actually constitutes as day is to remember all the animal victims abuse. If you want to be a major sup- that have suffered at the hands of human porter of animal rights it doesn’t mean greed. This occasion also aims to give you have to give up meat and become a recognition to the UDAR and calls for the vegan. act to be implemented. This campaigns goal was to build on the recognition of the So on the 10th of December think about UDHR and persuade humans that kindness, the rights of both animals and humans, respect and rights apply to all creatures and challenge yourself to come up with new not just humans. By doing this it allows a ways to help those in need. Even if it’s channel of communication in order to dis- just donating old and unwanted clothes cuss the way we humans treat animals in to a clothing bank can make all the general when we are ‘using them’ to fur- difference for someone in need. ther profit. The animal rights act has al- lowed the animal rights movement or the The international human and animal animal liberation movement to gain legal rights days are there to help raise aware- routes they can work within in order to pro- ness of greater issues. mote animal wellbeing and protection. Yes, there are some extremists as with all as- Eve McCabe, 13 pects of life yet before the animal rights act was introduced every action activists took were considered illegal, its an ever evolving situation legally and it is within our rights to challenge archaic laws that need updating. Some animal rights activists decide to go P A G E 44

Summon the Book Dragon

Ah, December. Finally here to bless us with the season of festivities but also with the perfect month for some December reads!! Christmas recommenda- tions! Winter recommendations! I- need- to- stay- at- home- because- it’s- cold recommendations! I am here to offer you just that along with book co- vers that just fit the theme.

For all ages: How The Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss Whos of their Yuletide glee once and Synopsis: for all.‘ ‘For 53 years, the Grinch has lived in a You may have seen the movie, you may cave on the side of a have seen the costume, but have you mountain, looming ever read the book? The Grinch is a above the Whos in classic Christmas character and his cre- Whoville. The noisy ator, Dr Seuss, brings him to life beau- holiday preparations tifully and hilariously in this wonderful and infernal singing of book. If you’re looking for something the happy little citizens below annoy him short and fun to read on Christmas to no end. The Grinch decides this frivo- day, this is the one you should reach lous merriment must stop. His "wonderful, for! awful" idea is to don a Santa outfit, strap Story aside, the illustrations are glori- heavy antlers on his poor, quivering dog ous and having it on your shelf is sure Max, construct a makeshift sleigh, head to bring you all that Christmas down to Whoville, and strip the chafingly merriness. cheerful

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Hercules Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Chris- The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by tie C.S. Lewis Synopsis: Synopsis: In Hercule Poirot's NARNIA...the land be- Christmas, the holidays yond the ward-robe, the are anything but merry secret country known when a family reunion only to Peter, Susan, Ed- is marred by murder-- mund, and Lucy...the and the notoriously fas- place where the adven- tidious investigator is ture begins. Lucy is the quickly on the case. The first to find the secret of wealthy Lee has demanded that the wardrobe in the all four of his sons -one faithful, one prod- professor's mysterious old house. At first, igal, one impecunious, one sensitive- and no one believes her when she tells of her their wives return home for Christmas. adventures in the land of Narnia. But But a heart-warming family holiday is not soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the each of his sons with barbed insults and Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of finally announces that he is cutting off an eye, their lives are changed forever. their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Winter can sometimes be a cold, colour- Lee's announcement. less season. But if there is one thing that brings winter to life: it is Narnia. Not only As the title may not suggest, this book is is Narnia set in winter, but it is another not just a Christmas read. Agatha Chris- classic that you just have to read before tie’s masterpieces are the type that will you die. Filled with talking animals, evil entice you to bring the entire family to- queens and four brave siblings- each gether in front of the Christmas tree -or a with their strengths, weaknesses and fireplace- and read to them. I can prom- ambitions- it is the type of book that will ise you that everyone will be leaning in whisk you off to a magical place far away towards the comfortable chair on which from your exams and that terrible cold you sit, crying out their conspiracies, try- that just will not go away. ing to guess who the culprit is. No one will ever figure it out, though. And when you take a break, distracted by the sweet smell of roast chicken, the discussions will Honourable mentions: continue. Who killed him? Why? Will Her- The Little Match Girl and The Snow cule ever find out? Just try, you’ll see. Queen by Hans Christian Andersen The by E.T.A. Hoffmann P A G E 46

Young Adult: such interesting character develop- The Afterlife Of Holly Chace by Cynthia ment. She is the type of unconvention- Hand al protagonist that you start by loving Synopsis: to hate then grow to love because, de- Holly Chase has spite her flaws, Holly remains a funny, the job of saving relatable and the perfect successor to souls, but it is Ebenezer Scrooge. As for the love inter- her own that est, Ethan is a misunderstood boy who she realizes has so much mystery surrounding his needs examin- character. It is taking every ounce of ing. my self-control not to gush about him, On Christmas but I’ll let you find about this swoon- Eve five years worthy character yourself. ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed This is not as deep or emotional story her how selfish and spoiled she'd as the classic. In fact, it’s more of a fun, become. They tried to convince her romantic and hilarious read. Notably, it to mend her ways. is not for everyone. But if you enjoy She didn't. your fantasy romances, then this is the And then she died. Christmas book for you. Now she's stuck working for the top- secret company Project Scrooge- as A Darker Shade Of Magic by V.E Schwab the latest Ghost of Christmas Past. Synopsis: Every year, they save another miser- Kell is one of the ly grouch. Every year, Holly stays fro- last Antari— zen at seventeen while her family magicians with and friends go on living without her. a rare, coveted So far, Holly's afterlife has been mis- ability to travel erable. between par- But this year, everything is about to allel Londons; change... Red, Grey, Holly Chace is a sort-of-retelling of A White, and, Christmas Carol, except here we once upon a have a teenage girl who completely time, Black. failed to listen to the ghost of past, Kell was raised in Arnes—Red Lon- present and future. Just like the don—and officially serves the Maresh original Scrooge, however, she is Empire as an ambassador, traveling be- mean, stubborn and goes through tween the frequent bloody regime

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS changes in White London and the court ters. They’re amazing. Really. of George III in the dullest of Londons, If there’s one thing you should take away the one without any magic left to see. from this, is that no one creates charac- Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing ters quite like Victoria Schwab does. people willing to pay for even the small- est glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous con- sequences, which Kell is now see-ing firsthand. After an exchange goes awry, Kell es- capes to Grey London and runs into Deli- lah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspira- tions. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. Now perilous magic is afoot, and treach- ery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

Now, the shades of magic trilogy is not centred around Christmas, but the col- ours on the cover are! This series is one of my all-time favourites, not to mention that the author- Victoria- has so many other brilliant reads! She writes in a way that will have you turning pages at rec- ord pace, crying for the characters and wishing that you were in their world. It is an experience, in itself. You could call the Shades Of Magic trilo- gy a mélange between Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Harry Potter (without the magical school, though) and a table- spoon of pirates. This combination makes for an intriguing, wonder-filled, fast-paced story featuring Victoria Jenna Al-Adnani, 15 Schwab’s specialty: Morally-grey charac- P A G E 48 The Wild Adventure– short stories One day a little boy and his sister were playing minecraft together. The boy was called Timmy and his sister was called Abigail. Timmy loved playing minecraft with his sister but he also liked to watch YouTube “let’s play” on minecraft. The person he liked the most was called “SliperyLetsPlays”, he played minecraft and made minecraft survival “let’s plays” and also minecraft tips and tricks that his viewers could try. Timmy and his sister Abigail had an enormous world full of real life things like Hotels, Homes, Cars, Zoo, Theatres and Cinemas. It was a real world in a virtual game. It took them months to make as they were in survival but it’s part of the fun. They even had a huge statue of “SliperyLetsPlays” minecraft character in their world. They played on an Xbox One and got new controllers. The new controllers were weird, they had a clear cover and the buttons and joysticks were metal not plastic and rubber. The controllers were also wired which was new to them but the thing that confused them the most was that the Xbox home button was like a portal with its swirls and bubble looking texture. They decid- ed to give them ago. When they got home they started playing minecraft but something wasn’t right the controllers they had felt different. They both pressed the home button and next minute they were falling down a hole that looked like a mine- craft portal to the nether. Then everything went white, they had teleported in- to their minecraft server. The only way out was through a nether portal but that meant going underground with diamond pickaxes and buckets of water to collect a special stone needed to make the portal. They ran to the house they made for themselves and slept in the bed so if they died they would respawn back in their home. They opened the chest to find iron swords and pickaxes and some armour. They suited up and went to start digging down in a stair type pattern. They were armed with 121 torches, 2 iron swords and 2 pickaxes. They also had months of experience on the server as they built everything on it. They found their first obstacle... A wall of skeletons armed with bow and arrows was stood in front of them. They charged taking down skeleton after skeleton but they also lost 2 hearts. They forgot to bring food with them. They had to go back for food so they

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS could survive. They got their food and went back down the hole to where they fought off the skeletons. They carried on going deeper as they had to find lava to put the wa- ter on so they could get the special stone. Then another obstacle was in their way. A load of spiders, they fought off the spiders and ate a cooked potato to regain health. This was getting scary thought Timmy and Abigail but they had to carry on to get back home to their mother and father. Timmy’s character went all weird, someone had his controller and it was controlling his character. They looked up to find the screen of the TV so they could see out. Their baby sister Nimueh had gotten the controller and start- ed pressing buttons. Then poof she wasn’t there. She was also sucked into the game. Abigail ran to the spawn to collect Nimueh while Timmy carried on going deeper to get the stone. Abigail gave him her food as she was going to stay in the house with Ni- mueh. When Abigail got to the spawn she found Nimueh and took her back to the house. Timmy had found some diamonds and he had wood and stone so he made a furnace and a crafting table and started to make the diamond pickaxe so he could get the special stone. He had 50 torches left and he didn’t know how many he would need so he made his pickaxe and with the remaining sticks he made some more torches. He then carried on trying to find lava. He could feel the heat coming from a corner. He went and checked it out. It was lava at last but only a small amount. It still counted so he got a bucket of water from his bag and poured it on. It worked the special stone was there but only 8 blocks. He needed another 8 so he still wasn’t done. He carried on the hunt and found more lava but it was being guarded by a creeper. He knew creepers were dangerous as they blew up when you went near them but he knew what to do. He had to run at it and then run back as it would explode but he would only lose one heart from the blow. He did it and poured 2 more buckets of water as this was a lot bigger than the old one. He had got 10 more pieces of the stone and he followed the torches back out. He got back to the top but there was a problem. It was dark so they had to barricade themselves in the house till daylight. Creepers, Skeletons, Zombies and Spiders surrounded the house. They had to wait till day time and all the dangerous creatures would burn. 3 hours passed and daytime was coming back. The creatures were gone. They built their portal and exited the world. They were out of the game and the Xbox. They were all back in the real world without a scratch on them. They de- stroyed the portal and pressed quit on the game. They looked at each other and said “that’s enough minecraft for one day”. They all started laughing and went to tell their parents about their adventure in the wonderful world of minecraft.

William Wilcox, 13 P A G E 50 Winter is Coming - Winter Safety Tips

It’s winter time, and it is starting to won’t be able to see around that cor- get dark very quickly of an evening. ner, and that includes you. It’s also not Keeping safe on the roads during ideal to cross in-between parked cars; night time and outside in extreme other drivers can’t see you and you weather is very important; serious may not be able to see other drivers. injuries can and do occur during the darker months. So, here you will Always use pedestrian crossings when learn some tips and tricks on road possible and only go when the green safety and staying out of harm’s man says it’s safe. However, you must way this winter. still lookboth ways if you’re using a pedestrian crossing – moving vehicles The first thingyou can do is simply are never predictable and you don’t to check roads before you cross know if an incoming car will stop for them. Remember to stop just be- you. fore the edge of the pathway (and not right on it), look both ways and Another great way to make sure you listen for any incoming vehicles too. are seen in the dark is wearing bright clothes. You can buy reflective stickers A good suggestion is to always re- from your local Halfords (or any handy peat the Stop, Look, Listen and shops) and online that will stick to Think poem before crossing a road. your coat, bags, shoes, hat and any- where else you find useful. This will If you’re not familiar with it: allow drivers with their headlights on “Stop, look, listen, think, to see you much better and much Before you cross the street. quicker than if you were to be dressed Stop, look, listen, think, in darker items of clothing. A lot of Before you cross the street. clothes now already come with reflec- Use your eyes, use your ears, tive strips on them, so keep your eye Before you use your feet. out. Stop, look, listen, think, Before you cross the street.” Never send children outside unsuper- vised in extreme weather conditions. Never cross a road on a corner! Check often to see that your child is When crossing on a corner, a driver warm and dry. Younger children

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS should take regular breaks and come ly remove instead. inside for a warm drink. Help children choose play areas with a warm shelter Cyclists! It is also always important to nearby (e.g., near home or a friend’s have lights, reflectives and bright col- home). Dress your child in layers of ours on you, your bike and helmet – It is clothing that can be put on and taken advisable to wear your helmet at all off easily. Infants being pulled in a sled times. You must make sure you are be- need extra bundling. Because they ing safe on your bike of an evening and aren’t moving, they can’t generate that you are familiar with the laws in body heat the way a playing child can. which you must follow. Bike accidents Wear warm, waterproof boots that are increase over the darker period so extra roomy enough for an extra pair of socks vigilance is required. and to wiggle toes. Remove wet cloth- To view these laws go to https:// ing and boots immediately after play- www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway- ing. Don’t put metal objects in your code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82 mouth. Lips and tongues can freeze to the metal and cause an injury. Drivers! Turn over for our AAA safety tips. Our top tips are- Have your head- When travelling in the car it is important lights on. Use your indicators. Be aware. that snow suits and bulky coats are re- You need to be aware of everything in moved so that the harness straps hold general whilst driving during the darker children securely. Best practice advice is months as it can be harder to spot pe- to pop a blanket over them that they destrians, cyclists and obstacles. can kick off when they are warm enough To re-read the Highway Code go to the instead of bundling them up and risking following link- https://www.gov.uk/ them getting too hot when the car heats browse/driving/highway-code-road- up. If you don’t have a blanket handy safety you can use a coat which they can quick- P A G E 52

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks. • Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. • Make certain your tires are properly inflated. • Never mix radial tires with other tire types. • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather. • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand). • Always look and steer where you want to go. • Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times. Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle. If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost. Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow. Tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up win- dow to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the en- gine running. Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to con- serve gasoline.

HOME ED LOOKS LIKE T HIS Tips for driving in the snow:

Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to ma- noeuvre by driving slowly. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be in- creased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still roll- ing. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it. Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia car- ry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible. Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill. Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have We would like to thank all our readers for your support and submissions over the last few months. HomeEd Looks Like This Seasons Greetings

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