Holiday Greetings

2020 Park County

Gardiner Bank lights up Clyde Letters to Santa Christmas Essays Christmas Stroll Park with cheer Pages 8-11 Starting on Page 14 Page 2 Page 4

A PUBLICATION OF THE LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISE

2 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

On the cover and below: With the famous Roosevelt Arch behind her, Tah Madsen, a long- time Gardiner resident, displays at the pavilion at Arch Park some of the graham cracker houses she and other community mem- bers created and donated for the children’s graham cracker deco- rating event. Enterprise photos by Elias Baer

Gardiner holiday traditions adapt to COVID

By Elias Baer iday season will look much different from years on the Thursday after Thanksgiving.” Enterprise Staff Writer past, many of the holiday traditions having been As a result of the pandemic, the Christmas Stroll canceled due to concerns over the ongoing coronavi- was knocked down, but not out. The Stroll won’t be ardiner is a seasonal tourist destination rus pandemic. the grand event it usually is, but Gardiner has perse- with just several hundred year-round resi- “The Christmas Stroll is our main event,” said vered despite the circumstances to make the tradi- dents, but the hardy locals deciding to Terese Petcoff, of the Gardiner Chamber of Com- tion carry on, just in a different fashion. Gstick it out and live in the area during the merce. “Every year the Christmas Stroll takes place The Christmas Stroll is “the event that everyone harsh winter off-season typically enjoy annual holi- day traditions, including a Christmas Stroll and art fair in town. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, this year’s hol- Merry Happy Holidays Christmas From the Zeman family to yours... from everyone at Rick’s Refrigeration. Come see us for all your heating & cooling needs.

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3 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

A close-up of some of the graham cracker houses Tah Madsen and other community mem- bers made for the children’s graham cracker decorating event.

looks forward to each year,” Petcoff the COVID holiday season enjoyable.” Madsen said she would strictly the event. As usual, masks will be said, so this year the Gardiner commu- Tah Madsen, a Gardiner resident, has enforce a policy limiting the number of required. nity came together to make it happen had another longstanding Gardiner hol- people in the pavilion at one time and Weather permitting, the graham in the safest way possible. iday tradition and, like Petcoff and that the two-lane road leading to the cracker house event will be held Dec. “I think we did a great job of incorpo- Holloway, she was determined to carry pavilion will be one-way for the dura- 18, with viewing beginning at 5:30 p.m. rating those traditions into something it on, even if it will look different than tion to help keep children and their and pick-out and pick-up beginning at 6 that the people can enjoy,” she said. “I in previous years. parents safe as they drive to and from p.m. think it shows the resiliency of our Every year Madsen comes together community and our ability to adapt to with other Gardiner community mem- (the pandemic).” bers to build graham cracker houses Several Gardiner businesses opened and then holds an event for local chil- up part of their space, the Gardiner dren to decorate them. This year Mad- Market for example, for artists to dis- sen still built the houses and the tradi- play their wares. This serves two pur- tion will continue, with some safety From all of us at: poses: One, the artists will have a phys- precautions in place. ical platform to display their art, but “I have been doing this event for also the businesses displaying the art many years,” Madsen said. “The last will draw some foot traffic, something several years Yellowstone Forever has small-town businesses desperately been my host. With the restrictions of need in these trying times. COVID we have moved it outside at the Rather than holding the Christmas pavilion at Arch Park.” Stroll on the first Thursday of Decem- Madsen emphasized the importance Frank & Karen O’Connor - Owners ber as usual, this year’s Stroll will take of maintaining a safe event strictly place over the course of several days. adhering to CDC guidelines. She said 222-0214 • 908 East Park St. It started Dec. 9 and will go to Dec. 18, she was a bit nervous about holding the providing the community with the event given present circumstances, but opportunity to participate over the plans to do everything in her power to course of nine days, rather than having make it safe. everyone convene on one day. “We have about 70 small creations/ The Christmas Stroll has further houses made out of graham crackers,” adapted by going virtual, an effort Madsen said. “These are made by MERRY CHRISTMAS championed by Anna Holloway, an myself and community members. In employee at Gardiner School who is the past the kids pick out the house also involved with the Chamber. they want and decorate it at the event. & HAPPY NEW YEAR “I have organized a Gardiner Face- This year they will take it home to dec- We’re displaying our holiday cheer to thank book page for local artists to advertise orate with provided icing and candy,” and sell their goods,” Holloway said. “I thereby limiting the number of people everyone for stopping here. And for your am working with the Chamber of Com- convening in one place at the same merce on several things to help make time. winning attitude, You surely have our sincere gratitude... So without any fanfare or further delay ‘Tis the season Please accept our best wishes for new tires for a great holiday!

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4 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Bank of the Rockies lights up Clyde Park with cheer

Sydney Wiley, left, owner of Glenn’s Shopping Center in Clyde Park, and Nancy McIlhattan, of Nancy’s Victorian Garden, are pictured between two trees donated to Glenn’s by the Shields Valley Bank of the Rockies.

Enterprise photos by ELIAS BAER

By Elias Baer “The trees are all around downtown in front of the special for the community during the holidays. Enterprise Staff Writer businesses,” said Barbara Doty, manager of the “Well, first of all, we love Christmas,” Doty said. Clyde Park bank. “We have solar lights on most of “At Christmas time everybody needs a little pick- he Clyde Park Bank of the Rockies branch them, because there isn’t really anywhere to plug me-up, and this year especially has been not a happy has an annual tradition that lights up the them in.” time with a lot of things that are going on, and it’s downtown business district with holiday According to Doty, the Christmas tree donation Tcheer — decorating and distributing Christ- tradition was born several years ago when bank mas trees to businesses. staff came together and decided to do something From our home to yours... Merry Christmas and Merry Christmas Happy New Year & Happy New Year Keep the holiday spirits high From all of us at and the good cheer flowing. We’re very happy to have you Livingston Flooring & Carpet as a customer. Many thanks From all of us at for your friendship.

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5 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 “It is just really fun. It’s just a nice thing to do for the community, and it makes us feel good.” – Barbara Doty, manager of the Clyde Park Bank of the Rockies

just a way to bring cheer to the com- Wiley said she couldn’t express munity.” her gratitude for the bank and Each year the bank staff volun- everything the bank has done for teer to help set up and decorate the the community. Christmas trees. Doty said this year, “I think the most impressive thing mild winter weather made it was is how the Bank of the Rockies is nice out when the volunteers got to truly showing their investment in work, but some years volunteers our community,” Wiley said. “The generously spend their time work- fact that we have even have Bank of ing in the freezing cold. the Rockies here in Clyde Park is Trees and decorations aren’t amazing in itself. It provides a cheap, but Doty doesn’t seem con- essential service to a tiny town and cerned about the price. makes Shields Valley a more viable “It is just really fun,” Doty said. place to live.” “It’s just a nice thing to do for the And the trees aren’t the only thing community, and it makes us feel they do for the community. good.” “Barb Dotty came to me and Sidney Wiley, owner of Glenn’s offered that if we bought the whis- Shopping Center, said she actually key barrels that they provided they received three trees, and a staff would fill them with flowers in the member took the time to add addi- summer time and the trees in the tional decorations to the trees to winter,” Wiley said. “It’s just so really make them shine. charming for the community and “We’ve decorated the Christmas takes a burden off of us. It pro- trees a little more and it’s just a vides a consistency so that it looks wonderful collaboration, I feel,” like a planned effort in the commu- said Wiley. nity.”

Nancy McIlhattan, of Nancy’s Victorian Garden in Shields Valley, tends to one of the trees donated to Glenn’s Shopping Center by the Shields Valley Bank of the Rockies.

This holiday season, we are so grateful for the support, compassion and joy our community has shown us. Thank you, Park County, for being there for us, so we can be here for you.

Warm holiday wishes for a healthy New Year from the Livingston HealthCare family.

6 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Christmas Dinner will look a little different this year

By Sam Klomhaus The annual Christmas Dinner will Enterprise Staff Writer be prepared and distributed at the Livingston Food Resource Center his year’s Christmas Dinner this year for drive-thru pickup and has taken on extra meaning delivery. during the COVID-19 pandem- Enterprise photo by Sam Klomhaus Tic, with many people strug- gling having lost work during the virus crisis. And because of the pandemic, the donating money, McCormick said, but dinner will look a little different this there are plenty of worthy organiza- year. Instead of eating it at a certain tions in the area that need help helping location, it will be prepared and dis- people. tributed at the Livingston Food “Find an organization that works to Resource Center on Christmas Eve — help people in an area in which you’re not Christmas Day — for families to interested,” McCormick said. take home and heat up, according to As far as the Christmas Dinner, it Joe Colvin, who has been cooking for will be by drive-thru pickup and by the annual Christmas Dinner for about delivery. Meals will be distributed 15 years. Meals will also be delivered. LFRC from noon to 4 p.m. on Christ- “People have extra need this year,” mas Eve. Call Joyce Smith at (406) 220- Joe Magalsky, one of the dinner orga- 2278 to preorder for pickup or for nizers, said. “We want to make Christ- home delivery on Christmas Eve. Peo- mas special for our neighbors.” ple are asked to call now so organizers Park County is a wonderfully gener- can plan. To volunteer to help, call the ous community, LFRC Executive households in 2019, McCormick said. McCormick said. same number. The turkey dinner, Director Michael McCormick said. “I think this high demand is going to The best ways to support the LFRC which is free to everyone, is funded said, continue, and the need will continue to are by volunteering your time or entirely by community donations. “There’s so much pressure on all of be acute,” McCormick said. us, resulting in so much need, particu- Park County is a wonderfully gener- larly during the holidays,” McCormick ous community, McCormick said, and said. “We as an organization are eager right now we need to be supportive of and pleased to be able to help support each other and look for opportunities the dinner effort.” to be kind and help people in need. LFRC has been seeing increased “Whether it’s having a conversation need since the beginning of the pan- with somebody or shopping for some- demic, and McCormick said it contin- body or volunteering at the food pan- ues to see a 200-300% increase over try or any organization that needs help normal levels. in assisting people in need, all of us At Thanksgiving, the center distrib- need to be looking for opportunities to uted more than 400 turkey bags to area help care for people who are strug- households, compared to probably 300 gling, people who are less fortunate,”

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Wherever you go this holiday season, know our warm wishes are with you. We thank you all for making it such a good year for us and we look forward to serving you in 2021!

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7 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 LHC, Health Dept. offer holiday safety advice

By Sam Klomhaus Enterprise Staff Writer

oliday celebrations in 2020 will look and feel different from holiday cele- brations in 2019, or indeed any year Hthat has come before. Livingston HealthCare has produced a flyer titled “spread joy, not germs” explaining how to celebrate Christmas safely during the pandemic. The flyer reminds people to stick with the basics of washing hands thoroughly, masking up for indoor activities with people outside your household, and limiting gatherings where food or drink are included. People are urged to consider not traveling and instead relax and celebrate at home, or share your holiday meal virtually. For those traveling, the flyer says they should consider staying in a hotel or RV instead of fami- ly or friend’s houses, as sharing a household for an extended period of time is a high-risk activity for spreading COVID-19. Websites such as www.coronavirus.jhu.edu and www.coronavirus.gov can provide information on which states and counties have higher-risk infec- tion rates. The Park County Health Department can also help potential travelers determine risks, the flyer said. The Health Department produced its own flyer, urging people to keep celebrations to fewer than 10 people, wear a (festive) mask and visit out- doors or with the windows open. “Celebrate the holidays with caution for a healthy and prosperous new year for all,” the fly- Enterprise photo by Sam Klomhaus er says. A nativity scene at Living Hope Church in Livingston warms the cold winter nights.

Merry Christmas from our families, to yours!

100 WASHINGTON STREET, LIVINGSTON MT 59047

8 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Peace been looking at clothes My name is Lucas. I WicH! hAAW oR u o following letters to Santa Aurora lately. I was wondering am 7 years old. I have DAWEansAN U AND Dear SaNTa, Dyar Claus were submitted by if I clould have some been really good this Misis CKLos And th Avs Santa, various students in Park Dear Santa, new clothes? year. Thank you for the (the elves) AND RAND- MyNaMe is Wyatt. I County’s elementary What did you do all Sincerely, gifts last year. This year ER!! hvE Godd AEE. AM 6 yaars old. I Have schools. They are gener- summer Santa? I hate Olivia I want a Fitball Helmit. GOOD GOOD! been really good tHis ally presented unedited. this year because my How are you and Mrs. Love, year. I WONt a X box. I dog Mable died. Dear Santa, Claus? I will leave car- Charos also wanta sgde Faxe I St. Mary’s Catholic I hope next year is bet- How is the Noth Pole? rots, millk and cookies. aso want a Smart wato School, second and third ter. I’ve been really Santa thanks for all the Love, Dear Santa, (watch) I also want a grade classes, Mrs. Bei- blessed. Can you help Presents last year. Can I Lucas My name is Grace. I gocart. I olso woNt a tel teacher me please get a Chritst- Pleases havemy own am 6 years old. I have Helacoptr THaNK you mas present for my PSU this year because it DeAr’ SANTA been really good. Thank For tHe? gifts last year. Dear Santa, grandma? has fun games? I now My NAME is NeLSON. you for the preses last THaNKyou for the gifts Hey Santa. How are Sincerely, you love cookies so I I AM 5 YeARs old. I year. This year I wood Love the reindeer? I wonder Ian will leave you some. HAVe BeeN GOOD. This like a Gtaer. HOW are Wyatt do you have to wear a Your Friend, YeAr I WANt A POWeR you and Mrs Claus? mask at the work shop? Dear Santa, Chandler Wheel. HOW HAVE the Love, Dear Santa, But any ways, how is H o w i s y o u r l i f e RADEYR HAVE BeN? Grace My name is Lucas H. I Mrs. Claus? OK, so I do going? Mine is going Dear Santa, NeLSON am 6 n a haf years old. I like gaming a lot and I pretty weird. How is How are your reindeer Dear Santa, have ben GooD this yar. want to Learn how to your life going hope it’s Santa? How is Mrs. Dear Santa, My name is Molly. I ThnK you for the gifts Play on PC maybe. If it good. I’ve been trying to Claus today? I have been My name is Jazmin I am 7 years old. I have last year. I want a cump- is ok with you can you test how a crow eats good this year. Can you AM 6 Years old I have been really good this pis this year. How are get me a computer? sense a Microraptor is please get me some been very good. Thank year. Thank you for the you and missis Chlos? Thank you Santa and related to the crow I’d lotion because I like put- you for the gifts last gifts last year. This year LOVe have a good Christmas. like a backpack that can ting it on? And a bath year. This year I would I want a Barbie Docter. Lucas Love your Friend, turn into a Microraptor. bomb please. And some like a Harry Potter How are you and Mrs. Corbin Sincerely, sope that smells good Blanket and a DJ set. Claus? Dear Santa, Marley please. And some chap- How are you and Mrs. Love, My NaMe is Max. I aM Dear Santa, stick please. Claus? Molly 6 And a HalF year’s old. How is Mrs Claus? I Dear Santa, Love, Love, I have been really good do not like this Corona Do you like ginger Quincy Jazmin DeAR SANTA this year. ThanK you for Virus. Santa, may I snap cookies? I hope you My NAMEe is SAM. I The prests! This year I please have a hover- do because I am going to Dear Santa, Dear Santa, AM 5 YEARS old. I have want a Go-cart. How are board bbbecause they give you some this year! How is Mrs. Claus? I My name is Silas. I am bEEn REAlly Gd This your ELFs? I’m well. are super fun. I hope I actually would love a am good. I love foot ball. 6 years old. I have been year. I Luv yR PRESinTs Love you feel good. Hope you dimond dot sheet. May- Can I Please have a Pair really good this year. LAST YER. I WoNt A MAX have a Merry Christ- be with a cat or a dog on of cleets and a foot ball? Thank you for the pres- BiG TRESREX mas. You are giving it? I love to do them Sincerely, ents last year This year Love, presents becpuse of because they turn out Sawyer I want a wotr-Bloon lon- SAM See Letters, Page 9 Jesus’ birthday right? really beautifully in the chr. How are you and Sincerely, end! I can even hang it Dear Santa, Mrs Claus I am going to Hermolr up in my new room! Oh Hello. How has your giv you cocees and milc yeah I am moving! I day been? Mine has Love Dear Santa, actually think my elf been good. I hope your Silas How are you? I hope told you! day has been good too. I the reindeer are well. Sincerely, have been playing foot- DeyR SANU Have you had a great Olivia ball a lot Could I please I wont A A Dig sit. Iv year? I have been have a Raiders helmet? I BiN GooD TODAy enjoying reading about Dear Santa, would really use it. THEO for SANU Harry Potter and watch- Do you have any pets Sincerely, ing the moives. This beside the reindeer? I Caine Dear SANTA, year I would like some have been doing a lot of OrioN. I Am 5 yeArs Harry Potter legos. Can crafts could please get St. Mary’s Catholic old. I have been really you get my dog Rip-City some more? I love them School, grades Kinder- good this year. I hAnk a gift? because they keep me garten through first, you for the gifts last Love, busy. I am also very Mrs. McPhie teacher year. A rAlN (remote) Belle excited for Christmas. AANrSA (control car.) This year I went to Dear Santa, ORioN Dear Santa, school even thoug there My name is Victoria. I How is the Noth Pole? is covid 19. Socks has am 6 years old. I have Dea SaNta, I hope its going great. I been very funny. I really been really good. I My Name is Charos. I A flurry of glad tidings and have been on my best like that elf would like a happy nap- am 7 yeaRs old. I have behavior and I been Love, per for Christmas. How been reall good the is warm wishes to you and yours at playing with my Ameri- Lucy are you and Mrs. Claus? year. ThAnk you for the can Girl doll a lot. For Love, gift’s last year. This is this special time. Christmis please can I Dear Santa, Victoria yeor I want SANU you have an American Girl How are you today? OR the BASt. LaV ChA- We greatly appreciate your kind doll House. How is Mrs. Claus? So I Dear Santa, Ros a NiN tEDEN Do support and friendship! PARKER Repair & Radiator Service 115฀North฀M฀Street฀•฀Livingston

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9 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Letters, from Page 8 Dear Santa, Winans Elementary How is Dancer? Is Dear Santa, DEAr SANTa, I am so excited for for home? School, Mrs. Hawkins, Dancer a girl or boy? How is Rudolph I My NAME is MoLLiE. Christmas. Will you Love first grade class And What I want for want a Bluey House I AM 6 yEArs old. I please bring me an Tyler Christmas is a dog sled please. Have a happy h a v e B E E N r E a l l y. Xbox? Dear Santa, that dog lead. Christmas. Good this yEAr. ThANK Love, Dear Santa, How is your rein- Love, from you For THE GiFts last Micah Do You hav gets? I deer? Whut I want for Lyla Spencer year. This yEAr I WANt am exitit for crismis C h r i s t m a s i s a b i g AWACH HOW Are you Dear Santa, will you glees bring me Hackamole and little Dear Santa, Dear Santa, AND Mrs. ClAUS! I What do the elves do? a rotmdex? Hachamoles and a LOL Hello Santa. I HoPe if naf toys for Christ- Will lEAVE Carrots I love you! Will you Love and a LOT of ponies You OR doing well. I mas thank you for kee- Milk AND cookes! prease bring me slime? MacClain and a pony blanket and licke you beird. I would pin Rudolph safe. LOVE, Love, a Peppa Pig Camper licke to get a JuRasic to Santa MOLLiE Victoria Dear Santa, and a Peppa Pig Person WORld lego set This Love Kroy what happens when Love L e g o s e t i s S P e s h l From Kroy DeAr SANTA, Dear Santa, you are on the naughty Aria P Because it is The whole I Love christmas My NAMe is Lilly J. I What happens when list? thank you for PaRk! How is Ruldolf i AM 5 yeArs old. I have You are on the naughty delivering givs. Will Dear Santa, hop he is ok I will leve Dear Santa, been really good this list? I am so excited for you bring me a doll? I want a skeleton him extra caRits Pleis I don’t want presents. year. ThANK you For Christmas. Will You Love skateboard for Christ- taik to my DaD. I just want to be happy. The gifts. HOW Are Please brnig me a bey- Rosie mas. Good luck bring- To: Santa Is is true that you give YOU And Mys Claus? I blade? ing all the toys to kids. from: Tomas coal to boys and girls? want a remote control Love, Gavin Dear Santa, I believe in you. I hope Thank you, airplane. Am I on the naughty your Christmas spirit Dear Santa, Francis LOVe Dear Santa, list? I love you? Will comes up more. I want a ppuy is LiLLy Does Mrs.claus rib you Please bring a Play LOVE Rudolph a boy or a girl? Dear Santa, with you? I louv you house Broyoceh (I could From I am good at sharing. and Mrs.clas will You Love not make this name out) Cassidy Thack yoo for sno. I Winans Elementary please bring me a elf on Averie lick to pla snobol fits. School, Mrs. Jett, first the shelf? Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thack yoo for the lits grade class Love Dear Santa, I want a ppul for Rudolph is Santa rein- on housis. Plez bren me Hattie Does Mrs. Claus ride Christmas please Your deerd Dancer is San- dinosor toz. Dear Santa, with you? I love my elf. beard long tals the Best m mon- Yor frend, How do You get in a Dear Santa, Will you please bring Love ster skateboard Colton haou se withouta chim- Bo the elvs hav Pets? me a Anna and Elsa? Sawyer Love ney? I love You and I love yue and Mrs Love, Eeaston Dear Santa, M i s c l a u s ! Wi l l Yo u Claus Will yuo Please Molly Dear Santa, I was geood today. I Please bring me atiny bring me a toy Camo Dear Santa, HOW are you rrein- Dear Santa, lick to pla in the snow. criybob? gun? What do th e elves deer I want a skate- Is Ms Claus ok Santa. Thanx for Ckrismis Love Brieis Love do? I love You san ta! board. I want a doll. I I want one PPay. Santa tres. Ples kum to my Parker Will You P lease bring want a elsa doll. I want I want a tablet! I want a hous. I wont LOL dols. Dear Santa, me a a mongus Plush? a tablet. I want a art and coloring set. I yor frend, What happers, when Dear Santa, Love, tedybBear. want christma lights Annabelle you are no, the naughty Do elfes get gifts? I Nolan. from get your list? I love you and love my elf. Will you Neve love Mrs., claus! Will you please bring a fox shirt Dear Santa, Aria See Letters, Page 10 Plase, bring me a crys- Love Am I on the naughty tals, and a staff? Andie list? I love you and love Mrs. Claus. Will you Luke Dear Santa, please bring me a tex Do elves get gifts I bow? Dear Santa, love my elf will you Love, Since 1985... What do the elves do? please bring me a desk Andrew

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10 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

Letters, from Page 9 How is Mrs. Claus? I Winans Elementary Dear Santa, am wondering how is School, Mrs. Bartz, sec- Dear Santa, keichin I Please Wil git a N We Haw do your rander the chistmas elf and ond grade class Can you please get LOVE, lUV fliye? I have been nise your reindeer. Would m e a Wi l l a d o l l ? I Martha TYZen to every butty? Can I you come to town so. I Dear Santa, haven’t been naghty. If please have a dio ber? can tell you what. I H ow i s Ru d ol p l h ? you can’t get me a Willa Dear Sants, Dear Santa, Love, whant For chistmas so What are your elves doll, please get me a How nany rad? HOW does the? h Neeya you can make it and the doing? Are you busy Toy Bunny. ted duses th hmune? Will elf. making presents? I love Iris Love, You Please brirg me a Winans Elementary Love Christmas! Abby WWets? School, Mrs. Rust, first Ava Marie. Love Dear Santa, Love, grade class Jaiden Can I hav a barbi Dear Santa, Jade Dear Santa, house? Stay warm this H o w b o Yo u g e t Dear Santa, Can I please see your Dear Santa, winter. around the wnour in Dear Santa, How are you douing? reindeer.? I love you How are you doing? I love oun nit? I am lksiidld How does the sled I hope you keap wrk- santa. can I please see wut a Four wheeler and Zanyia for krismis? Willy you fly? I like Rudolph. ouyous? and your elfs Rudolph to niet. can I a n i n t e n d o s w i t c h please g iv me a stur- bares can you Please Roudolf ? Wil you plea see you? is your rein- phone. Dear Santa, torma? get me two niga bots? brean a skate boud far deer gud? Fron Please bring me a Net Love, Love, me. your Friend Zachary Geo earth Science kit a Neko Cooper Your frend Aleise rock tumbler (I can’t TY Dear Santa, make out the rest…. Dear Santa, Dear Santa Dear Santa, How is Larry doing. S o m e t h i n g l a m p … . Please could I have a A r e e l v e s b i g o r Dear Santa, HOW or There ber- You no him and what I Traxis….. something) blue Fur hat? Haw small? I have been Whut I Whont Please callb. I PIhThe ? raider want is a table. Love many people are on the good. Will You please is A bunch UV FiTit- HOW is misiscloz can I Love, Bentley Ammon naughty list? brin me a dog? spinrs and A hoos And sehr sum tim? Can bI Love Love, A EllF. hau is RodoF. Hav a pupee? Dear Sanla Winans Elementary Hawkin Margo hau r U doing. can u Pet Frum AVCC h o w i s t h e i h r d w School, Ms. Dubbs, first Rodof. wrecn elf I wont a jw grade class Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Your Friend, Dear Santa, you e uunicorn. How do you know What is your fafrt Piper How is Mrs Claus. mabdy Dear Santa, what kids want for Animol? I have been a Can I pez hav a elf on R u Bi G ro smol? I chrismas? I have been vare good ginl. Will you Deap Santa, the Shelf? Can I seyoy Dear Santa, LovE u! ru santa? ru U nice this year. Mary please bring me a uon How is Mrs. claus? I SanDa? How are you doing. I mis u. wil u BreinG c h r i s m a s ! Wi l l y o u corn? am excited for Christ- Love. How is Mrs. Claus. How me a LoHcos PLEZ i please bring me a big Love, mas. Will You please Dilynn are the reindeer boing. LOVE U stuffed dog? Isabella. bring me a misci? I hava cring to be good Bi Love, Ryker Dear Santa, may I hava sum ginas- Alec. Emelia Dear Santa, HaPPy new year San- tix thengs and sun clos How do you got a Dear Santa, ta Can you plas bring and I would like a jiuit Dear Santa, Dear Santa, round tho the world in 1 Will you breen your me a remote control- gume dar. Frog miscah yu piv HOW old are you? I nigth? I hare been randeer down Heer? car? Form love Ps? have been good. Will good. Will You please Yuo look nis to me. Wil- Ryker S. Brinley love, you please bring me a bring Me a Hos? lyuob breen me a Ship Kazen toy dog? Love, of Planz? Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Love, Zoey Love How are tings at the How are you Santa Dear Santa, Kinsley Preston North pole? I’m excited can I have a OMG doll. HOHW meny gifts Do Frum callam for Christmas. Love Love you Have? I Luve you! Dear Santa, Hi I am callam I hop I Dear Santa, I want to How is Rudolph? Will Harlee Will You please get me how do you get dord- am on the gad list ol I visit the north pole and you PleaSe bring me a a Power Lego set? bad from the North porl wound a coulr. For I love you Santa. How cat? Kei Santa I love you Will Christmas. far is the north pole From, See Letters, Page 11 Jerami You Please givme a from Montana? I love Cole WoWnset. Oblae ored Dear Santa, you Santa. Can you Love, HOW does the siej please get me the Lego Dear Santa, Thane thel sled? Fit/are/ At-At. How do You Make elves? I have/been? I Love you, some TOYS? I have Dear Santa, Good. I lout? Sam been good will You HOW DO Yor. Ran Love p l e a s e b r i n g m e a der Fli? I luv yoW? May Whinter Dear Santa, Happy s G Season’ reetings Holidays from everyone at Special thanks goes out to our dedicated staff members who always extend exceptional care. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have you as employees. DIAMOND K LODGE Where your family is ours www.dkodge.com 1200 W. Montana 222-0605 We will be closed Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M. and all of Christmas Day to celebrate the holidays.

11 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

Letters, from Page 10 Dear jana Grade 3 Maxwell How are your rein- Kindergarten deer doing. How is mr Dear Santa, Ives doing. Can I have a How are the reindeer Dear Santa, mot danlrl kre. You can and elves? I’ve tried to My name is Alex. I give me a surprise. be really nice to my am 6 years old. I would Love family. I hope to get a like a blue RC car. How Ethan bendy slipery sled and do you stay up and some skis. I hope you deliver toys? Santa, do Cooke City School get lots of cookies this you have magic powers, Ms. Belice teacher year. Have a merry making towys? How Christmas. Oh and how can you watch us from Dear Santa Claus, is Mrs. Clars? the North Pole? Santa, I Are the elves really MG want a bow and arrows w ork i n g h ard ? I ’v e Grade 3 please. been learning to read at Alex school and working Dear Santa Claws, First grade hard. This Christmas I I have been really would like to get a car good this year. I listen Deer Santa, toy and slime. I hope to my parents when What doo elvs look y o u h a v e a m e r r y they tell me to do some- like? Hi. I like you Christmas! thing and I em getting because you are so XA better at not complain- magical and you have Kindergarten ing. I hope you had a elvs. good last Christmas. I I want a lord of the Dear Santa, would like new skis. Rings lego set please. I How was last Christ- Have a merry Christ- am thnakful for my mas? I have been sled- mas. brother Henry because ding a lot! I’ve also From, he’s so lovable. Be well. been helping my mom MP Ernie a n d d a d c l e a n t h e Grade 6 Second grade house. This Christmas I hope to get a pet horse Dear Santa, magic? Do you get old? thankful for my sister because he’s really cute to ride around town. I Educatio Learning What do your rain- I’m thankful for my dog because she always wins and wrestles my dad and also wish to have a Studio deer eat? And what doo Arlo. My mom calls him the wrestling matches. makes me laugh. Santa giant new blue sled. Te a c h e r s : B r y a n your elvs do on break? the wake up crew, he you git me a 22 rifle is wonderful because he What do you do in the Petersen and Emily Thank you for all the licks my face to wake and thank you. I love makes everyone happy summer? I hope you Post joy you bring and me up. I like that you you Santa because it is and grown ups happy. have a great Christmas! S is for seeing truly. have scribbly handwrit- fun to write letters and Benjamin Love, Dear Santa, A is for astounding. ing because you’re so you’re magic. Second grade ZG My name is Ella. I am N is for not mean. old. Everyone’s great Ho ho ho mare cris- Grade 1 5 years old. I love you T is for trifick. grandfather. I like you mas. Dear Santa, Santa. A is for amazing. because you remind Roman The was once a kid, Dear Santa, Ella Yours sunsearly, people how special they First grade let’s call him Bart. Bart How are you doing Kindergarten P.S. S is for Santa are. I want a blue rc was alwase wanted to this Christmas Eve? I P.P.S. Your slae is care and a hot wheel Dear Santa, work with tech so he have been very good Dear Santa, shining brightly to the racetrack please and My name is Benjamin, decided to ask for tech this year, by not hitting My name is Maxwell. world. bilding blocks. Thank I am 7 years old. The for Christmas, like my friends and focus- I am 5 years old. How Henry you. things I want for Christ- I-pads, I-phones, com- ing on my school work. do yur reindeer fly? I Fourth grade Isaac mas, you’re kind of busy puters, cases, and apple How are your rein- would like an electric Second grade and all if you have time, watches-really anything deers? This Christmas I blue rc car because my Dear Santa, I want a megaladon rc Apple. A;so a camera for hope to get a cat and a red rc car broke. How My name is Isaac. I To Santa, car, number 2 a mon- filming his You Tube Switch because my oth- d o y ou st ay u p al l am 7 years old. I am 7 years old. I hav tasaurus and number 3 a channel. er Switch broke. I hope night? Eating cookies I want my brother to a sistr namd Ruby. We hot wheels track. I am From Gavyn, you have a wonderful and candy? My mom stop teasing me. Ho, ho, are good this year. I am thankful for my dog Leo I meant Bart! Christmas! said that Santa would ho. From, come early when she How do your elves CA was a kid. make toys? Are they Holiday Greetings We would like to thank you, our customers, for your business. We look forward to serving you in 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy 124 W. Lewis St. Office 406.222.0944 New Year. Fax 406.222.0946

12 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Some fun facts about Three Kings Day he holiday season begins with Thanksgiv- ing, and many people believe that the fes- tivities come to a close after ringing in Tthe new year. In fact, for the faithful, the Christmas season does not end until January 6 (January 12 in Eastern churches). January 6 marks the celebration of the Epipha- ny, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, Little Christmas, the Baptism of Jesus, and Día de los Reyes. The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after December 25. In fact, that is where the phrase the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the song of the same name, originated. Christians believe that the real celebration of the holiday season does not begin until December 24 and then continues through Three Kings Day. While the four weeks preceding Christmas, also known as Advent, are supposed to be times of reflection and prayer in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the 12 days of Christmas are times of great celebration. On the Epiphany, chil- dren may leave their shoes out for presents in a similar fashion to the way stockings are hung. Gifts are exchanged, reminiscent of the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ child of gold, frankincense oil and a resin called myrrh. The gold represented Christ’s royal standing. The frankincense marked Christ’s divine birth. Finally, the myrrh stood for Christ’s mortality. Many celebrants will bake ring-shaped cakes in which they will hide plastic baby figurines that are meant to symbolize Jesus Christ. The cake is called The Kings Ring, or Rosca de Reyes. In Latin America, the three magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus and are great- ly revered by children and adults alike. Until the 19th century, the Epiphany may have been consid- ered more important than Christmas day. Howev- er, those tides have largely shifted outside of Lat- in America and areas dominated by large popula- tions of people who have Latin American heritage. January 6 marks the celebration of the Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, Little Christ- Christmas and New Year’s garner considerable mas, the Baptism of Jesus, and Día de los Reyes. attention during holiday celebrations, but Three Kings Day also is an important date on the calen- dar for faithful Christians. Seasons Greetings We are grateful for During the holiday season, we would like to take your support. Thank you to our terrific the opportunity to express our gratitude and volunteers and all the generous people of Livingston and Park County who make it possible for appreciation to you for doing business with us. the Livingston Food Resource Center to help feed more than 1,100 people in need, every month. Wishing you a year full of happiness and success. Please accept our sincere thanks and best wishes for a warm and wonderful holiday season.

Montana Owned and Operated

(406) 222-5335 202 S. 2nd Street Livingston, MT 59047 120 North 2nd Street | 222-2265 americanbankmontana.com

13 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Factors to consider before booking a holiday wedding olidays are conducive to pay for separate flights. In addition, festive atmospheres. some guests may be more likely to Whether it’s seasonal cele- travel during a holiday weekend Hbrations for Christmas or knowing they can return home at Chanukah or summertime soirees on their leisure since they don’t have to Fourth of July or Labor Day week- work on Monday. Couples can gauge ends, there’s no denying festive vibes their guests’ temperatures on holiday tend to prevail when holidays turn up weekend travel before making their on the calendar. decision. Weddings also are marked by fes- tive atmospheres, and many couples Cost are tempted to make their nuptials Cost is always a consideration when even more jovial by saying “I do” dur- planning a wedding, and it merits con- ing holiday weekends. Before making sideration for couples toying with the that decision, couples may want to idea of getting married on or around a consider a host of factors as they try holiday as well. Venues tend to be less to determine if a holiday weekend expensive on Fridays and Sundays, so wedding is for them. couples who tie the knot on holiday weekends when no one has to work on Availability Monday might save a considerable Guest availability is a big consider- sum of money by tying the knot on ation for couples as they try to decide Sunday. But venues and vendors may if holiday weekend weddings are a charge couples more if they get mar- good fit. Many families have holiday ried on the Saturday of a holiday traditions that they might be reluc- weekend. Competition for venues and tant to give up. vendors also may be greater during For example, families who build Travel lion passengers were expected to pass holiday weekends as people celebrate their annual vacations around the Travel is another potential red flag through airport screening check- the holiday. That means couples may Fourth of July may already have for holiday weekend weddings. Ask- points during that year’s Thanksgiv- have to spend more to book their booked their trips by the time the ing guests to travel during weekends ing travel period. Some guests may be desired venues and vendors if they wedding date is announced. Couples that are notoriously busy in regard to reluctant to travel on busy holiday hope to get married during holiday who anticipate inviting a sizable num- travel may be asking too much or it weekends, while others who are weekends. ber of guests may want to avoid holi- might make things more convenient already traveling to the wedding des- Couples must consider a host of fac- day weekend weddings to ensure all for some guests. A 2019 report from tination may see holiday weddings as tors as they try to determine if holi- of their friends and family members the Transportation Security Adminis- a great way to see their families and day weekend weddings are right for will be in attendance. tration indicated that nearly 27 mil- attend a wedding without having to them. A little history of ‘Deck the Halls’

measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Laughing, quaffing all together, Christmas While I sing of beau- Fa la la la la, la la la la. ty’s treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind is a season and weather, Fast away the old year Fa la la la la, la la la la. not only of passes, ——— Fa la la la la, la la la la. English lyrics written rejoicing, but Hail the new, ye lads by Thomas Oliphant and lasses! Lyrics courtesy of Dig- of reflection. Fa la la la la, la la la la. ital Music News We take this ❄ ❄ time to say ppy Holida “Thank You” It’s hard to hear “Deck boughs of holly, a ys to all our the Halls” and not imme- Fa la la la la, la la la la. H❄ From all of us at diately be overcome by loyal customers the festive nature of the ‘Tis the season to be Eyecare ❄ and wish you holiday season. jolly, The lyrics to “Deck the Fa la la la la, la la la la. ❄ a safe and Halls” were written by Professionals❄ the Scottish musician Fill the meadcup, drain ❄ Thomas Oliphant in 1862, the barrel, Happy Holiday! and the song many peo- Fa la la la la, la la la la. ple know today is a tradi- ❄ From the tional Christmas carol. Troul the ancient Remember Fairchild family However, the Welsh Christmas carol, to use melody that is part of the Fa la la la la, la la la la. and crew at... song can be traced to the your FlEx 16th century and a song See the flowing bowl Benefits! ALL SERVICE TIRE called “Nos Galan.” That before us, song is not about Christ- Fa la la la la, la la la la. & ALIGNMENT mas, but rather New Eyecare Year’s Eve. Strike the harp and join the chorus, Professionals “Deck the Halls” Fa la la la la, la la la la. Dr. Jamie Barney, Dr. Marisa Hess, Dr. Hanna Barney, and staff Deck the halls with Follow me in merry 305 W. Park St. 222-0250

14 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: FIRST PLACE Christopher’s Journey By Jeremy Yoakam, Pine Creek School 8th grade

One Christmas very long ago, in a secret toy shop located somewhere in After arriving, each of Santa’s Helpers was given a large sack filled to the the white, frigid North Pole, sat a little elf at his workbench. brim with toys of all shapes and sizes, along with plenty of snacks from the His name was Christopher. Now Christopher was no ordinary elf, you see, four main food groups; candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. At eight out of all the other elves, he was chosen by Santa Claus himself to be one of o’clock, they boarded the new jet engine-powered sled that Santa had Santa’s Helpers, an elite group of elves tasked with the delivery of the ordered for this Christmas, because the Nice List was unusually long. brightly wrapped packages, containing untold glories in a child’s mind. Now, Christopher felt a pang of remorse when he remembered that this meant as he sat daydreaming about his upcoming adventure, the workshop bustled he wouldn’t be able to fly with the famous Rudolph, Santa’s old lead reindeer. with activity as all of the other elves prepared for Christmas Eve, making all They took off, soaring into the crimson evening sky, loaded down with bags sorts of toys. Life-like snow globes, intricate dollhouses, leather baseball of presents. gloves, and many other precious gifts were assembled by the hardworking They came to their first village in Alaska, landing on each roof to descend elves, ready to bring joy to children all over the world on Christmas morn- down the chimney and place colorful gifts under the tree for the early-rising ing. Christopher waited eagerly for the big gumdrop bell in the tall candy children to find. cane tower to ring, announcing the end of all toy-making for the rest of the They continued through the night, delivering presents to every house, vil- year. “BONG! BONG! BONG!” lage, and city in the entire world! When they finally unloaded the last little The loud, clear chime sang out over Gingerbread Village, and the elves present at a little outpost in the South Pole, they were exhausted and had eat- packed their small bags to return to the little brown houses, now decorated en all of their snacks. So they laid down, closed their eyes, and waited to with candy and sweets of all kinds. arrive back at Gingerbread Village. Except, of course, for Christopher. Christopher slowly and reluctantly woke up, to find himself lying in his lit- He would spend the entire night with Santa and the other four lucky elves tle bed, with Mrs. Claus’s famous cookies and a glass of warm milk next to that had been selected to join them on their nocturnal mission. He headed up his bed. So he ate his cookies and drank his milk, and fell back asleep, to the Head Elf’s residence to prepare for their journey. dreaming about the greatest adventure any elf could ever hope for. CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: SECOND PLACE How Christmas almost got ruined By Cali Peery, Arrowhead School 6th grade

It all started that one night before Christmas. My whole family was asleep (I walk over to my brother and say “Come on, let’s go help him” but as we help when the craziest thing happened. Santa got stuck in the chimney. I went down- Santa out of the chimney, Santa says he has something very important to tell stairs to wake my brother up. As soon as I got him up we both ran outside to see. us.) “Should we ask him if he needs help?” I asked. “We only have four more hours till the sun rises and I still have a lot of houses “Well, I don’t know. We aren’t supposed to see Santa remember?” he replied. to go…” Santa said. “Yeah, yeah, I know we are not supposed to see him but he’s stuck in the chim- “Oh no, That’s terrible!” I said. ney and probably needs help.” “We all need to work together to deliver the rest of these presents to the hous- “He has magic powers. I doubt he needs help.” es before the sun rises.” “Well, I’m going to go ask him if he needs help.” “We can do this, I know we can!” “W-w-w-why hello there child,” Santa said. “We only have two hours left and 120 houses to go,” Santa said “Hello, my brother and I were wondering if you needed any help,” I replied. “We got this! No giving up,” I said. “Well, I could use some help getting out of this chimney.” “Yes, we are almost done!” he said. “My brother and I can help you!” Santa drops us off at our house and leaves. Soon after we wake up and don’t “That would be delightful.” remember anything. That is the story of how Christmas almost got ruined.

CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: THIRD PLACE Gingy and his ‘friend’ By Rhea, Arrowhead School 5th grade

Fernando loved baking. Fernando started making the mix again. When he was done he rolled out the Two days before Christmas, Fernando decided to make a gingerbread man. dough, put the gingerbread woman cookie cutter over the dough, then stuck He got out the ingredients and the cookie cutter. When he was done making the her in the oven. dough, he rolled it, put the cookie cutter over it, and then cooked the ginger- After she was done cooking, Fernando got her out to cool but Gingy couldn’t bread man. wait so started putting icing on her right away. When he was done cooking, Fernando let him cool before decorating him. When he was done he backed up and waited. When she finally moved, Gingy Fernando got decorating supplies and started decorating. freaked out. He was so excited. “Ow!” said someone. “Hi. I’m Gingy What’s your name.” “Who said that?” Fernanado asked. “I don’t know.” said the gingerbread woman. “Down here,” said the gingerbread man. “I’ll help. How about Ginger?” asked Gingy. “Down where?” asked Fernando. “I would love that! Do you smell that?” “On the cookie sheet. Those buttons hurt me!” said the gingerbread man. “Smell what?” replied Gingy Fernando froze not knowing what to say. Finally, he gathered some courage. “I smell gingerbread,” Ginger said “Did you talk?” “Well, we are made out of gingerbread,” Gingy told Ginger. “Sure did. I’m Gingy. Who are you?” “We are?” Ginger replied. “I’m Fernando.” he said puzzled. “Yes, are you OK Ginger?” asked Gingy. “I like to talk to people,” said Gingy. “Can you make gingerbread women?” “I’m just really hungry,” Gringer said “Sure. Want to help?” Fernando asked. Ginger started walking up to Gingy. When she got to him, MUNCH and that “Absolutely!” Gingy said. was the end of Gingy.

15 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: HONORABLE MENTION What a Christmas!

One Christmas eve my mom and I were baking My brother replied, “Okay!” And I ferociously said, “Don’t you remember what Christmas cookies, she got a call from her work say- So I started to put down some baby powder by the mom said? NO SODA AND NO JUNK FOOD!” ing, “Hi, we need you to come back for the night fireplace, a lot of baby powder! I was so excited to Brother explained, “We got to stay up some how!” some of our patients need help.” do this I guess I got a little too excited for this. I replied, “Okay but if mom finds out it will all be She hung up the phone and gave me a disappoint- Then my brother and I got some string and we your fault!” Brother mutterd, “OKAY.” And also I ed face. wrapped it all around everything! will tell mom everything you have done this year!” I I questioned, “Do you have to go back to work?” Then, we took off a closet door handle and put a quietly yeld. And so we turned the camera on and She replied, “Yes” camera with bells on it so if Santa touched it the tried to catch Santa ! My brother came from downstairs and he heard bells would jingle so that it we can hear if he is here. Three hours later ... us and disappointedly cometed, “But it is Christmas Finally, we got sleeping bags and got comfortable (Jingle, Jingle, Jingle) Eve!” in our bags! “Linkon, Linkon, wake up he is here!” I said. Mom replied, “I know but I have to.” But, then my brother went out and grabbed some “What?”Linkon asked. I agreed, “Ok.” stuff and guess what he came out with! “He is here,” I told him again. Then mom announced, “NO soda,and NO Junk 1. Rootbeer So we opened the door and just like that he was food!” 2. Popcorn gone! So then we went outside to look for him and My brother and I agreed, “OK!” 3. Candy canes right by the valley there was his sleigh, reindeer One hour later ... 4. Icecream and him. “Let’s capture Santa!” I told to my brother! 5. Candy So I climbed up a telephone pole and jumped into Santa’s sleigh! Linkon surprisingly stated, “What are you doing?” “I DON’’T KNOW!” I replied. “Okay hold on I’m coming in too!” Linkon said. So then he jumped right on in the sleigh. Then 2 minutes after we got in, Santa jumped in and flew to the north pole. Then we scared Santa and he crashed and landed in Mississippi and while we were in the sleigh crash- By Raelyn Brook Sukhbir ing the bag of toys fell out! And when we landed Linkon told Santa that it fell St. Mary’s School out and so Santa yeld, “OH NO! That is not good, not good at all! We have to go find it!” So me and Linkon went to go find the bag of toys and it was in a big tree so we climbed the tree and we gave it to Santa and Christmas was saved once and for all! Then the next day I got a text from mom so I told Santa that my mom is coming home so he brought us home and he said hi to mom and spent Christmas with us! And it was the best Christmas ever! Christmas Carols

My family and I were going to sing On the drive there, I thought about before. I went inside and before we my face. We sang for about 35 min- carols at the nursing home. I thought how boring it could be, but I decided sang, we greeted some people and utes. It was not fun, but I was happy it was going to be really boring. I also to be kind and friendly. I kept thinking talked to some of the folks in the nurs- because I knew we were bringing joy hate singing in public. We had to sing about how much joy I could bring to ing home. I was having a decent time. to these people. We said goodbye then for 30-40 minutes. The day before we those people and that thought kept me I was happy until I heard we had to went to our car and headed home. I were going to sing Christmas carols, I happy. I was going to sing like I’d nev- carry big, heavy caroling books. I may not have had fun, but it felt good decided I was going to change and er sang before. When we arrived, talked a little, but mainly kept to to sing for those people. Afterwards, I have a joyful face when we sing the some of our friends were there to sing myself. A lot of people came up to us, flipped onto my comfortable bed Christmas carols. I was kind of with us. I was worried that I’d mess but my parents did the talking. because I was really tired. Overall, it bummed out because I was being up. We talked outside before we went Then we asked the people what was a boring experience, but I know I brought there against my will. Even in because we were early. When we songs we should sing. They were filled brought joy to those people. though I was bummed out, I still went went inside, I was satisfied, l but also with ideas of what we should sing. I Grant Reagor with a “smile” on my face. mad at myself for what I was thinking did sing quietly, but I had a smirk on Pine Creek School, Fifth Grade Christmas 2017

Days before Christmas, my family Under the tree, were presents from and thanked our parents millions of The next day, we had to go home. We and I went to Florida. We got there Santa and from our parents. Paul and I times. The rest of the day we went got on the plane and stopped at Salt two days before Christmas. It was jumped with joy. We were so happy swimming. Lake and had a two-hour layover. beautiful and very warm and was that it was finally Christmas. We got It was the next morning, my eyes Tired of waiting, we got on our last much more humid than back in Mon- many wonderful presents, and I was hurt when my dad turned on the light plane and flew back to Bozeman. I was tana. having lots of fun opening them. Then in my bedroom to wake me up. We had not used to the cold snowy weather I got used to how humid it was there my parents told us not to forget the to leave really early so we could be because we were just in warm, sunny after a little while. We had so much last present. We ran over to the little there before the crowd showed up. It weather. I was happy to be home but fun swimming, shopping, going to tree and picked up the present. It was was still dark out, and the streetlights already missed warm Florida. I got water parks, and going on walks on a letter in a little white envelope, and were on. It was so hot the day before, home and of course I did some last- the beach. it said, “Open me last!” The white that the black concrete was warm on minute homework. I am very grateful Then it was Christmas Eve, we deco- envelope had many drawings on it my feet. The drive wasn’t long and that we could go on the trip and it was rated our hotel room, and got ready with many different colors. We finally when we got there the sun was just very fun. for bed. I put on my nightgown and opened it as fast as we could because coming up. I was so happy to be there I loved spending time with my fami- went to bed. We put cookies and pop- we were so impatient! Almost ripping with my family and was ready to ride ly and having a blast in Florida. This corn out for Santa. The next morning, the letter, we opened it up and it said some roller coasters. The day was Christmas was the most memorable to we woke up to popcorn all over the we were going to a very special place almost over, and I was so tired that I me and I know I will never forget our place and cookie crumbs on the that you have wanted to go for a long could barely keep my eyes open. My trip. ground. We had a little white Christ- time now. We are going to Universal legs were weak and sore, so we head- Sophie O’Hair mas tree and it had bright, pink lights. Studios! We jumped with excitement ed back to the car. Pine Creek School, Sixth Grade

16 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Christmas Traditions

My family has a few yearly Christ- small incident where my sister and enjoy being outside. We go up to the set it up in our living room with pretty mas traditions, and I would like to my friend’s brother collided on the ice mountains all bundled up in warm, lights and decorations. I love putting share them with you. I have many and one of them ended up getting soft snow gear. When we get up there, my favorite ornaments on the tree things I like to do on or around Christ- stitches. But we got over that and still we always end up looking around for along with beautiful and bright lights mas, but I have one favorite. have Beach Breakfast every year. the perfect Christmas tree for hours. I to make it pop out for people to see as My favorite tradition is called Beach I always love playing hide and seek have fun running around the moun- they walk bye. Breakfast. in the snow with my friends. One time tainside with my dog and jumping in I love getting a Christmas tree from On Beach Breakfast, we go to a my friend and I were hiding for the soft, cushiony snow. the mountains because I get to jump beach on the side of a river on Christ- almost two hours because our spot My dog is so funny because she in the snow with my dog and look for mas Eve. We go to the beach with sev- was so good! I love Beach Breakfast always jumps in the snow and digs her the perfect Christmas tree with my eral families. It’s a huge Christmas because I get to spend it with friends nose in it trying to find small animals family. Eve barbecue. We have delicious and family, it is fun, and it is memora- for a late lunch. When she does find an In conclusion, I love to have Beach foods, and the kids play hide and seek ble. animal, she chases it forever until she Breakfast and go Christmas tree hunt- for hours. If the river has ice on it, we My last tradition is going to the catches it. When we finally find the ing because they are both very excit- normally skate around and have so mountains to find Christmas trees. perfect Christmas tree, we chop it ing and memorable. much fun. This tradition started about two years down and bring it to our house. Shayne Ryan A couple of years ago, we had a ago, so it is a new tradition, but I We always bring it to our house and Pine Creek School, Sixth Grade Christmas of 2019

I was told it was going to be rare for I was waiting on Tiby to crawl. Elea- the size of my dad, he’s 6 foot 4, so it hugged my mom so tight she had to my brother to crawl at his young age, nor, my sister was about to break my was big. We had to stand on a stool, say stop for me to stop then Tyler and but I think I proved them wrong. It marble track that I was building, and I and we had to get some huge rocks for I ran back outside to tell Elle. I acci- was the day after Christmas and I was had to save it, so I missed Tiby crawl- the buttons and the eyes which was dentally knocked Eleanor down in the playing with my marble track set ing for the first time. I was happy that cool. Then my mom freaked out and snow and almost wrecked her beauti- when Tiby, my younger brother, when I ran back to Tiby, I got to see a yelled,” Oliver and Tyler get in here ful work of art. The next day we saw crawled into my mom’s room. Then little bit of Tiby crawling. It was now.” For a second, I thought I was in Tiby crawl one more time. out of nowhere my mom yelled, another day until Tiby crawled again. trouble, but when I got inside, and I I was so happy because of this “Tiby’s crawling!” I ran to her bed- I was the first to see Tiby crawling. saw another present for me and Ty so Christmas! room and cheered. I was so happy I It was December 30, 2019 and I was we opened it and saw a box of Oliver Schad almost fainted. building a snowman that was about mechanical pencils. I was so happy I Pine Creek School, Fifth Grade Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a time for joy and laughter, but were tears in her eyes. She will never be used to the knows that family is the best present of all. not for the Clauses. Mrs.Claus always is worried feeling when she sees him home safe and sound. Ben Bandstra about Santa who has to fly all over the world. Santa They hugged and cried because they knew Pine Creek School, Seventh Grade is always scared when he checks that all the pres- they could not stand a world without each other. ents are made right and that there is enough. Even The elves were so excited that they threw a celebra- the elves are anxious when Santa flies. For this is tion for him. The tree was so tall that it took so the night no one at the Santa’s workshop will ever many elves just to put on the giant star. like. The cookies and hot chocolate were plentiful and Tonight is the night Mrs.Claus will never get used there were gifts for everyone, Santa loves to give to. She cannot stand when Santa takes off, so wor- gifts away and nothing for himself because he ried that he might not come back. This night there is no sleep for old Mrs.Claus, this is her least favorite Happy Holidays time of the year. She can just hope the skies are clear for dear old Santa Claus. This is the time of year nobody likes, not even Santa or Mrs.Claus and not even the elves. This night is the night that Santa hates, but he still loves the sound of kids’ sleep. This is the motivation for him, the nice warm cookies with cold savory milk. The kids’ reaction to their special gifts that they will never forget. He also loves to see Mrs. Claus and the elves’ faces when he comes home safe. He loves these things so much that all of this is worth the whole trip. The elves are anxious on Christmas night when they wish Santa a good flight. They love to make Happy children’s Christmas so much better. The fun toys and games for all to enjoy just right for all the girls and boys. The only thing that they just detest is giv- ing coal to the bad kids. When Santa is coming in on Holidays! Thank you for your business, we look forward to serving you in 2021 the landing strip he sees Mrs.Claus with elves clap- ping and cheering. Have a safe and happy New Year! When Mrs.Claus saw him home and safe, there

We thank you for your patronage and look forward to serving you in 2021! 232 S. Main St. Livingston, MT 124 S. Main St., Livingston • 222-2288 or 222-5635

17 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Christmas Moto I talk a lot about motocross, skiing, and mountain someone for Christmas. My friend Sophie came into me, so I rode the 110 in circles around the house biking. Out of all these sports motocross stands out my mind because I knew how much she wanted a until she saw me. the most. dirt bike. Sophie was so excited when she saw me. She came I have been racing motocross for two years now She asked me questions all the time and I told her out running and asked if she could ride it. I said, and I love it. all about dirt biking. “Yes, this is your dirt bike!” Even if I broke every bone in my body and I could So, Sophie’s family and my family made a plan, She did not ride it until a couple days later when still race, I would! two days before Christmas Eve. The plan was to we were gone just in case she crashed or embar- My best finish, and the one I am most proud of, surprise her with the 110! rassed herself. She also got some boots and a cool was 3rd which placed me on the podium. But this We were heading to Sophie’s to deliver the bike, helmet to go with her dirt-bike. story isn’t about all my epic races and dirt bikes in we unloaded it. Sophie loves riding her dirt bike now and I think it motocross, it’s about a Christmas story of someone I My dad and I tied a huge red bow on the number is amazing because it was very fun to show Sophie taught how to ride a dirt bike. Her name is Sophie. plate. my love for the sport. We have had a few chances to I had my new race bike for a couple of months and The bike wouldn’t start so we ran back to our ride together and I am so happy that the new riders I still had my older, but really nice Yamaha 110. It house and got a new spark plug. We finally got it I teach do not have to learn everything the hard way was just sitting there collecting dust and not getting started 30 minutes later so I rode it to the house like me. ridden. where her whole family was having Christmas. I Liam Lannan I thought how exciting it would be as a present for wanted to ride wheelies, but my mom wouldn’t let Pine Creek School, Sixth Grade Tree Hunting

Today we went tree hunting. We went with our said. We finally made it to our destination. to decorate it because brother and I got distracted three dogs Buck, Duke, and our puppy Harley. My We started to hike up the hill. It was covered with by the college football game. Then we strung the day started out normal. I got out of bed, got dressed trees. We didn’t find a big bushy tree that would fit lights up, turned them on and went to bed. In conclu- and did my chores, when I came inside my dad told in our house, so we went back down to the truck. We sion, tree hunting will always be one of my favorite me that we were going Christmas tree hunting. kept driving until we finally got to a spot where we family traditions. “Where to?” I asked. saw a big, bushy tree. We walked up to it. It wasn’t a Braxton Wright “It is a secret!” Dad said. “Go get the saw and very good tree. It was missing branches on one side. Pine Creek School, Sixth Grade axe.” So, I went to the barn to get the axe and the Then my mom looked across the creek and there saw. Dad told us, “Go get your boots on.” was the perfect tree! It was a beautiful tree, and it “Okay. Lane, we need to get the dogs loaded up!” would fit in our house. My dad had to walk across Lane and I loaded the dogs into the truck, and we the creek to chop down the tree. On his way back jumped in the truck. “Harley can ride in the cab.” across the creek, he lost his balance and almost fell Once we were loaded, we headed toward Mill in, but he didn’t. He carried it across the creek, then Creek. We started driving up the road, it felt like we loaded it up and drove home. forever when we finally made it to the east fork. When we got home, we carried the tree inside and ‘Tis the Then we had to drive up the east fork. “Great,” I set it up then decorated it. It took us about an hour Season My Family Traditions to say This is a story about my family’s Christmas tra- of them are family traditions, some are from my ditions. My family has many traditions. Some are teachers, some from far off relatives. In the end THANKS for my own family, some are to help others, but they are going to be traditions I will always love we do these traditions almost every year. The one to follow. that I can remember the most is when we go to the Braylon Windham Civic Center and gather premade meals to deliver Pine Creek School, Sixth Grade to people who ordered it. It’s always so nice to give food to these people who can´t get it them- selves. The people we deliver food to are always so thankful for the food. Another tradition we do is sometimes with some of our family friends we go tree hunting. When we go Christmas tree hunt- ing, we always go up a tall mountain and look for the perfect tree. It’s so much fun to look for a tree with my friends. After that, we come down the mountain to my friend’s house and eat delicious chili. One of my very, very favorite family traditions We have the best is on Christmas day, my dad always makes apple customers in Montana. puff pancakes. They’re really fluffy pancakes with lots of little apple slices in them. The pan- Thanks for the privilege cakes always put me in a jolly mood. They are of serving you. super delicious. I also have some traditions from other coun- Cathy Denison, tries. My mom is Colombian, so she has different A great big Thank You to Forest Hurlbert, traditions than me. Unlike my dad’s side of the family, her family decorates in different colors the good people Dean Hendrickson, like blue, gold, and purple. She also cooks savory of Livingston and & Daryn Hendrickson food instead of sweets. Something astounding is Park County for your that my mom didn’t grow up with Santa! When she was my age, she didn’t know who Santa was, so continued support instead of Santa, she had baby Jesus as a kind of Santa. My mom loves setting up the nativity 224 W. Lewis • Livingston scene, it is her favorite tradition. Happy Holidays from The Office 222-2250 Some things about Christmas have been taught Lounge and Liquor Store! by my teachers. For example, my German teacher taught me about Krampus, Santa’s not so little helper who punishes bad little children. My Ger- man teacher also taught me about Christmas mar- kets where you can get all kinds of sweets and ornaments. I’d love to go to a Christmas market in Germany. In conclusion, I have a lot of traditions. Not all

18 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 The Christmas Tree

This Christmas, my family decided to get the entry room, which is the only place big enough biggest tree we’ve ever gotten! We were going for the tree. for a twenty footer that had so many branches We now had our perfect tree inside our house, you couldn’t see through it. I was gonna get but there was one problem. We couldn’t get it some lights that covered the whole tree along off the ground! It was just too tall. We tried and with lots of different ornaments of all shapes, tried but it just wouldn’t stand up. So we pulled colors, and sizes. So we headed up the mountain it back outside and thought about what we were with our trusty old Suburban and a hand saw. going to do with it. After about a half hour of driving, we had We soon decided that we were going to stand made it to our destination. I thought that we had it in our yard using my dad’s skid-steer. It was gone to the wrong spot because there were no very windy the day that we got our tree, so it good Christmas trees in sight. Our friends had was only standing straight up in our yard for come with us, and their dad said that we had to about two hours. hike for the trees. After about 10 minutes of The wind had blown it over so we had to stand trampling up a hill coated with fresh snow, I it up again. Luckily after that, it was up for saw the perfect tree! It was an absolute beauty! good so we had ended up with our perfect By the looks of things the tree was too big so we Christmas tree standing in our yard and no were going to have to cut it about five feet off Christmas tree for our house. Fortunately for the ground. my family and I, we had gotten another tree Me and my brother ran over to the tree as we that was also good. So we put that tree up in our were arguing who would get to cut it down. I house and started decorating it. Even though won the argument so I started up the tree with the perfect Christmas tree can’t be in my house, the saw. After it fell, we started dragging it I have a very good feeling that this will be the back to our car. It took a long time, because it best Christmas ever! was so heavy! When we got back to the house, Logan Jergenson we took it through our front door and into our Pine Creek School, Eighth Grade Mall Santa

The night of Christmas Eve the air was still and “Jerold Helms.” He laughed and gave me a candy and dipping the gingerbread into nice warm milk. cold. Snowflakes were slowly falling, building up cane, and I got up and went to mommy and she took Drinking warm milk and eating gingerbread cookies snow on the ground. me home. made me start drifting quietly and softly to sleep on As I walked to the warm running car, hearing the Driving home was quiet and calm with the snow a cold Christmas Eve. Once I woke up It took me a crunch of the snow beneath my feet. As I walk into falling slowly down with no wind to push it. While few seconds to realize it was Christmas. Once I real- the mall doors I instantly hear Christmas music. I we were putting up ornaments on the tree the night ized I jumped out of bed and sprinted out of my start gliding up the escalator to the second floor of before Santa was supposed to come I looked out the room to the tree seeing big presents and small pres- the mall. I see Santa sitting in a chair with a line of window and saw a sleigh flying with reindeer. I ents and one was distinctly the shape of a teddy boys and girls waiting to tell Santa what they want smiled and went back to putting up ornaments even bear. Mommy was waiting for me to open the pres- for Christmas. though it was my imagination. As I was putting up ents. I rushed and I opened the teddy bear looking I don’t believe it’s the real Santa, so I told mommy the star I heard a loud beeping from the kitchen present and to my surprise a blue teddy bear was I want to go home. She declined my request, which “Ginger bread is done!” I said, running to the dining sitting inside with a tag saying “From Santa Claus, I meant I have to go up and tell the fake Santa what I table and being able to smell the gingerbread cook- told you I was real, Merry Christmas Jerold.’’ As I want for Christmas. ies even more. As mommy was putting the stack of read the tag I could hear faint jingles off in the dis- Once it was my turn, I sat in his lap and said “If gingerbread on the table I could see the hot steam tance along with the crackle of the fire in the fire- you are the real Santa can I have a blue teddy bear floating from the stack of gingerbread. I thought place. for Christmas?” Santa said quietly “I am the real the smell was extraordinary. The cinnamon smell Trent Weber Santa Claus, what’s your name boy?” I responded wafted through the house. I started chowing down Pine Creek School, Eighth Grade

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you in 2021.

19 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 How to plan virtual office parties this holiday season

oliday parties are a tradition at many businesses. A 2019 survey from the outplace- Hment services firm Challeng- er, Gray & Christmas found that 76 per- cent of companies planned to hold holi- day parties in 2019. As popular as holiday office parties may be, few businesses are likely to gather in person this holiday season as the world continues to confront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pan- demic. Social distancing guidelines may put many holiday office parties on indefinite hold, but there are still ways for employees to gather this holiday season. Virtual meeting apps like Zoom have helped many businesses stay connected during the pandemic, and there’s no reason why the same platform cannot be utilized when hosting virtual office parties this holiday season. While it might not be the same as planning in person holiday office parties, planning a virtual office get-together can still capture the spirit of the holiday season.

•฀Encourage฀festive฀backgrounds.฀ Backgrounds have taken on special meaning as people limit their interac- tions to video calls. Virtual holiday par- ty organizers can encourage employees to decorate their backgrounds in tradi- tional holiday colors to give the virtual party an authentic holiday feel.

•฀Send฀special฀care฀packages฀to฀ While it might not be the same as planning in person holiday office parties, planning a virtual office get-together employees. Various companies have can still capture the spirit of the holiday season. helped make virtual happy hours more unique by offering virtual happy hour kits, and such kits can be created and everyone to hang around on the video call and chat Office holiday parties will likely go virtual this shipped to employees with a holiday theme in mind. for as long as they’d like. Such calls can be a great year. While that might not be how employees prefer Such kits may include snacks, the ingredients neces- time for everyone to catch up and unwind without to get together and celebrate, there are many ways to sary to whip up special beverages like eggnog and having to worry about going back to work once the make such gatherings memorable and festive. even some party favors. Company presidents can call ends. then propose a toast during the party and express their appreciation to all the hard work employees •฀Cater฀the฀party.฀Dinner is often served at tradi- have put in during what’s proven to be a very chal- tional holiday office parties, and while it may require lenging year. some logistical maneuvering, employers can still pro- vide employees with meals. If employees all live in •฀Take฀the฀day฀off.฀Holiday office parties often take the same general vicinity, arrange for individually place after office hours. Since that might not be prepared meals to be delivered to their homes. If doable when everyone is working from home, host employees are more spread out, employers can offer the virtual holiday party on a company-wide off day. to reimburse them for meals they eat during the vir- Schedule the party for midday and then encourage tual get-together. Merry Christmas Merry Christmas & from all of us at Breezytree Floral & Gifts. Happy We wish you all a very happy New Year and prosperous new year. From Rod and the Gang at TREASURE 305 W. Callender St. Store Hours Livingston, MT 59047 Mon-Fri: 9 – 5:30 LANES (406)222-5156 Closed Sat & Sun

1122 W. Front St. • 222-2566

20 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Why are Christmas colors red and green? Boxing Day any people may not get in the holi- Mday spirit without decorations and extends all the trimmings. Chances are strong that if you have containers full of items just wait- ing to see the light of day again this holiday holiday fun season, those items are red or green or some he end of the year presents plenty of oppor- combination thereof. tunities for shopping and celebrating. Red and green have Starting with Thanksgiving preparations, become the traditional there is a steady supply of days geared colors of Christmas, just T around generosity and merriment, counting down to as blue and white sym- the holiday gifting and entertaining season. Black bolizes Chanukah. But Friday, Small Business Saturday and all of the how did this color pal- weekends preceding Christmas are prime opportu- ette come to evolve? nities to snag discounts and deals. However, for Just like many tradi- those in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, tions of Christmas, the gift-giving doesn’t cease with the passing of Christ- red and green scheme mas. has origins that pre-date Boxing Day, which falls the day after Christmas, the Christian celebra- has nothing to do with bringing empty gift boxes tion. Christmas has bor- out to the recycling bin. While it has transformed rowed from many of the into another day to grab seasonal deals, Boxing Day customs of winter sol- has historically served as a day to give to the less stice celebrations of fortunate. ancient peoples, including Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as During the Victorian era in Britain, servants were the Celts. Ancient Celtic blue and white symbolizes Chanukah. not given off on Christmas Day because they had to people revered holly work during their employers’ celebrations. There- plants, believing they fore, they were allowed off the following day — brought beauty and good sources, the connection was perhaps best solidi- December 26 — to spend time with their own fami- fortune in the middle of winter — a time when the fied thanks to a man named Haddon Sundblom. lies. The holiday became standard practice in 1871. landscape is normally bleak and holly plants Sundblom was an artist commissioned in 1931 by Boxing Day may have gotten its moniker from thrive and stand out. Celts would regularly bring the Coca-Cola company to create an image of San- wealthy people who would give their employees in sprigs of holly and decorate their homes with ta Claus for the company’s upcoming holiday ads. boxes filled with small gifts, Christmas dinner left- the plants, which feature shiny, serrated leaves Until this point, versions of Santa were rarely overs and money as recognition for their service. and bright, red berries, as a way to guarantee a consistent, with his clothing vacillating between Others believe it refers to alms boxes placed in prosperous new year. Holly also came to be asso- green, blue and red. He also wasn’t the plump, jol- churches for the collection of donations for the ciated with the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was ly fellow associated with Christmas as we know poor. forced to wear during his crucifixion. him today, but rather thin and elf-like. Sundblom December 26 also is the feast day of St. Stephen, The custom of using red and green continued portrayed him as a chubby man wearing red the patron saint of horses, so Boxing Day has been into the 14th century. Dr. Spike Bucklow, a robes, likely as a nod to Coca-Cola’s own red logo, tied to sporting events involving horses. This research scientist at the University of Cam- even though the company denies the connection. includes horse races and fox hunts. bridge, says red and green also were used to paint Santa was featured in front of a green back- Even though the British established early residen- medieval rood screens, which were partitions ground. The ads proved popular and Sundblom’s cy in America, the Boxing Day tradition did not installed in churches to separate the congregation Santa became the preferred depiction. Santa’s red travel over to the colonies from England. However, from the priest and altar. Dr. Bucklow notes that robes perfectly complemented the green back- Canadians and other former British strongholds cel- Victorians also extended the association of these ground and other green components of the holi- ebrate it as a public holiday. Offices are closed and colors as a physical boundary to another bound- day, such as Christmas trees and holly, that public transportation may run on holiday schedules. ary: the marking of the end of the old year and already had been solidified as Christmas imagery. Boxing Day is yet another end-of-year opportuni- the beginning of a new one at Christmastime. Color plays a strong role in creating Christmas ty to share gifts and well wishes with loved ones While red and green had associations with nostalgia. Red and green are put on vivid display and the less fortunate. Christmas in early times through holly and other throughout the season.

A Message to Our Valued H HHHH H Customers H HHHHHHH H Merry Christmas We’d like to say thanks, and best wishes too. from all of us at For making our year so special, we’re grateful to all of you!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From Our Entire Team! Thank you for the privilege of serving you this year! – Licensed and Insured – Residential & Commercial from all of us at Back Porch Quilts! 223-0506 ALPINE ELECTRONICS 5237 US Hwy 89 S. Livingston • 222-0855 1014 W. Park St. I 222-2712 (Sleeping Giant Trade Center)

21 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Stock the pantry with holiday baking ingredients

any holiday traditions begin with family and friends gathered in the kitchen or around the dinner table. Food is an inte- Mgral part of celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah, and key components of each holiday are tied exclusively to food. Come the holiday season, many people gather to make delicious desserts for holiday dinners or even as gifts. The right ingredients are necessary to pro- duce a bounty of baked goods. It’s also essential to ensure those ingredients are fresh, as age can com- promise the taste of some spices, and leavening ingredients like yeast, baking soda and baking pow- der may lose efficacy over time. •฀Flours:฀All-purpose฀flour฀is฀versatile฀and฀useful฀ in many recipes. In addition, bread flour, cake flour and pastry flour have attributes that make them bet- ter suited for their respective jobs than all-purpose flour. Individuals who follow certain diets, including gluten-free diets, can find alternative flours that can be substituted in many different recipes. •฀Baking฀soda:฀This฀leavening฀agent฀is฀activated฀ when it is combined with acid and heat. That is why it is often paired with citrus juice, buttermilk and sour cream. •฀Baking฀powder:฀This฀leavening฀agent฀is฀baking฀ soda mixed with a powdered acid and cornstarch. If baking soda is the only leavening agent, it will not require the addition of another acidic ingredient. “Double-acting” means carbon dioxide bubbles will form during mixing and again during heating. •฀Yeast:฀Yeast฀takes฀more฀time฀to฀metabolize฀and฀ cause doughs to rise than other leavening agents. •฀Sugar:฀Granulated฀sugar฀is฀the฀most฀common฀ sugar found in recipes. Confectioner’s sugar (pow- dered฀sugar)฀is฀used฀in฀frosting฀and฀icings.฀Brown฀ sometimes be substituted, but the resulting texture •฀Additions:฀Mix-ins,฀such฀as฀chocolate฀chips,฀ sugar is refined sugar with molasses added, and is may change. cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, often turn used in certain recipes, like gingerbread. •฀Vegetable฀oil:฀Many฀recipes฀call฀for฀vegetable฀ up in holiday recipes. •฀Salt:฀Granulated฀table฀salt฀is฀used฀in฀everyday฀ oil, which has a neutral flavor. Certain ingredients are essential for baking and baking. •฀Shortening:฀Shortening฀is฀a฀solid฀vegetable฀fat฀ holiday cooks can take steps to ensure their pantries •฀Unsalted฀butter:฀Unsalted฀butter฀will฀be฀the฀ used฀to฀make฀tender฀baked฀goods.฀Shortening฀also฀ are stocked in time for the holidays. default for baked goods unless the recipe specifical- has a higher melting point, which helps cookies and ly mentions salted butter. other items retain their shape while cooking. •฀Eggs:฀Eggs฀help฀to฀bind฀ingredients฀together.฀ •฀Flavorings:฀It฀is฀helpful฀to฀have฀various฀spices฀ Large eggs are most often cited in many baking rec- and extracts on hand. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, ipes. cloves, and allspice are some common baking spices. •฀Milk:฀Dairy฀adds฀moisture฀and฀texture฀to฀batters.฀ Almond฀and฀vanilla฀extracts฀are฀quite฀versatile฀and฀ Merry Alternative฀milks,฀such฀as฀soy฀or฀almond฀milk,฀can฀ add extra punch to recipes. Merry ChristmasChristmas andand Happy HappyHappy Holidays We’re displaying our holiday NewNew YearYear best to wish the best bunch of from the folks we know the very best Thank you for making staff at holiday season, ever! A-1 Muffler. our first year such Thank you Thanks for your business this a success. We look for your past year and we look forward forward to seeing business to seeing you again soon! you in 2021. and we look Happy forward to serving From everyone at – you in 2021. Holidays! Mike, Kim, & Yan Muffler & Auto Repair 1226 West Front Street QUESENBERRY 106 S. Main Street, Livingston Livingston Montana INSURANCE AGENCY A-1 406-222-3039 1313 W. Park St. • 222-6931 406-333-2412 ð [email protected]

22 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2019, Monday, December 23 Help isolated loved ones this holiday season phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or in midwinter. A Long hours of darkness cou- pled with cold, inclement weather often is a recipe for increased time spent indoors. For people who live alone, the effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced. In addition to seasonal cabin fever, this year another factor comes into play: social distancing and voluntary quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly around the holiday sea- son, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the cards and mail them to loved ones at virus. In these instances, friends and home or those who may be in long- loved ones can mitigate feelings of term care facilities. Send new mail- isolation in various ways. ings every week or two so that resi- Prolong the life of poinsettias •฀Schedule฀video฀chats.฀Video฀con- dents always have something to look ferencing apps have become the com- forward to in the mail. munication vehicles of choice during •฀Start฀a฀virtual฀club.฀A฀book฀club฀or฀ oinsettias and that have buds which from drafty doors, win- the era of social distancing. Different another shared interest can be the their rich red, are, ideally, not yet open. dows, radiators, or fire- applications and services continue to catalyst for more frequent communi- white or varie- •฀Keep฀the฀tempera- places. evolve and help people stay in touch. cation. A club puts everyone on the P gated color ture consistent. Poinset- •฀Don’t฀drown฀the฀ Plan regular chats, either once or same page and enables them to come schemes are the ideal tias prefer a room tem- roots. Wait until the sur- twice per week with isolated or vul- together, via phone or video chat, for backdrop for Christmas perature between 60 and face of the compost dries nerable people. Try to organize a a discussion. celebrations. In fact, 68 F during the day and out before watering the large group chat on the holiday itself •฀Ask฀for฀help฀learning฀a฀new฀skill.฀ poinsettias are among 10 degrees cooler at plant anew. Also, the dec- so no one has to spend Christmas or Along the same vein as a virtual club, the most popular decora- night. Humidity levels orative foil wrapper that Chanukah alone. lessons on everything from wood- tive flowers during the between 20 and 50 per- covers pots can trap •฀Drop฀off฀supplies.฀Even฀though฀ working to crochet to making favorite holiday season. cent are ideal. Group water and lead to root supermarket shop-from-home and holiday recipes can be conducted According to the 2013 plants on water-filled rot. Remove it or poke other delivery services have normal- online. Give an isolated individual USDA Floriculture Sta- trays full of pebbles to holes in the bottom to ized somewhat since the start of the daily purpose and distraction by tistics report, poinsettias help increase humidity allow for drainage. pandemic, treat individuals who may engaging him or her with online les- accounted for about one- levels. •฀Cut฀back฀plants.฀ be isolated to some personalized sons. quarter (23 percent) of •฀Place฀near฀sunlight.฀ Come mid-March, cut attention. Put together care packages Isolation and feelings of loneliness all flowering potted plant The฀United฀Kingdom- back the plant by half to of supplies or holiday treats and can affect anyone who normally suf- sales that year. Roughly based Perrywood floral encourage new shoots, deliver them in person so you can see fers from cabin fever. However, this 34 million poinsettia company advises placing suggests the University the smiles that result from being able year it may be more pronounced, as it plants are sold in a given poinsettia plants near a of Illinois Extension. The to visit with someone familiar. could be coupled with social distanc- season. Indigenous to bright windowsill but not plants also can be placed •฀Send฀uplifting฀messages.฀Children฀ ing precautions that have already Central America, the in direct sunlight. Do not outside in the spring or even adults can make personalized been in effect for some time. plant was introduced to let a poinsettia touch after the risk of frost has North America in the cold window panes. passed. Bring poinsettias 1820s when Joel Roberts •฀Avoid฀drafts.฀The฀ back in around mid-Sep- Poinsett, the first United plants are sensitive to tember to early October States Minister to Mexi- drafts and changes in to force them to bloom co, brought the red-and- temperature. So it’s best again. green plant back with to keep poinsettias away him from a trip abroad. H While millions of poin- settias will be purchased A for the holiday season, many mistakenly think P their utility ends once P New Year’s Day has come and gone. But with Y proper care poinsettia plants can continue to thrive and bring warmth and beauty to a home H long after the holiday decorations have been O tucked away. Wishing you a Merry Christmas •฀Choose฀a฀hearty฀ L plant. Experts with the and a Blessed New Year! University of Vermont I Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science Thanks for your business. D say that many people A mistake the plant’s Sleeping Giant Trading Center leaves for its flowers. 5237 US Hwy 89 S. #13 Y The red, white or pink bracts are actually modi- S fied leaves. The flowers 127 South Second St. Livingston of the plant are the yel- low clustered buds in the 333-2323 center called “cyathia.” LivingstonLandLady.com Choose poinsettia plants

23 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2019, Monday, December 23 Here’s why Christmas movies are so appealing this holiday season

By The Associated Press day film “Love Actually,” home or the reconcilia- Dr. Seuss’ famously ar John Mundy writes in a lost father. which follows the lives of tion of relationships. grouchy Grinch thinks he a 2008 essay “Christmas In the end, as the narra- With the pandemic lim- eight couples in London, Movies create an ideal- can ruin Christmas by and the Movies,” “Holly- tor says late in “A Christ- iting travel over the holi- brings to viewers the ized world taking all the gifts away. wood movies continue to mas Story” – after the day season, many Ameri- perennial theme of Take the case of the But as the people gather construct Christmas as family has overcome a cans will be settling in romance and the trials of 1942 musical “Holiday together, giftless, they an alternative reality.” serious of risible mis- front of the television to relationships. Inn.” It was one of the join hands and sing while These movies create haps, the presents have watch their favorite holi- the narrator tells view- on-screen worlds that been unwrapped and day movies, along with ers, “Christmas came kindle positive emotions they’ve gathered for their favorite drink – a Holiday movies have become anyway.” while offering a few Christmas goose – these cup of hot apple cider or ‘All’s right with the laughs. are times when “all’s a glass of wine – to add world’ “A Christmas Story,” right with the world.” some cheer. an essential part of the Ameri- Though Christmas is a from 1983, waxes nostal- At the end of a troubled Holiday movies have Christian holiday, most gic for childhood holidays 2020, and as so many become an essential part can winter celebrations and are holiday films are not reli- when life seemed simpler families are physically of the American winter gious in the traditional and the desire for a Red isolated from their loved celebrations and are like- likely to be more so for those sense. There is hardly Ryder air rifle was the ones, people need to ly to be more so for those ever a mention of Jesus most important thing in believe in worlds in quarantining this year. quarantining this year. or the biblical setting of the world. The plot of which all’s right. Holiday The entertainment site his birth. 2003’s “Elf” centers on movies allow a glimpse of Vulture reports 82 new As media studies schol- the quest to reunite with such a place. holiday movie releases in Movie-watching as ritu- first movies – after the 2020. But, even before al practice silent era’s various ver- the lockdown, production As holiday movies sions of Charles Dickens’ of annual Christmas mov- bring viewers into a fic- “A Christmas Carol” – ies was reported to be up tional world, people are where the plot used by at least 20% since able to work through Christmas as a backdrop, 2017 on a single cable their own fears and telling the story of a network. desires about self-worth group of entertainers Holiday movies are and relationships. Such who have gathered at a popular not simply movies can provide sol- country inn. because they are ace, reaffirmation and In reality, it was a deep- “escapes,” as my sometimes even courage ly secular film about research on the relation to continue working romantic interests, between religion and cin- through difficult situa- couched in a desire to ema argues. Rather, these tions. The movies offer sing and dance. When it films offer viewers a hope in believing it all was released, the United glimpse into the world as might turn out all right in States had been fully it could be. the end. involved in World War II Christmas movies as When people see some for a year and national Happy reflection part of their own lives spirits were not high. This is particularly true unfold on screen, the act The movie hasn’t with Christmas movies. of viewing operates in a endured as a classic. But In his 2016 book fashion that’s strikingly Bing Crosby’s song “Christmas as Religion,” similar to how a religious “White Christmas,” the religious studies ritual works. which appeared in it, scholar Christopher As anthropologist Bob- quickly became etched in Holidays Deacy states that Christ- by Alexander explains, the holiday consciousness mas movies act as a rituals are actions that of many Americans, and “barometer of how we transform people’s every- a 1954 film called “White With deepest gratitude from all might want to live and day lives. Rituals can Christmas” became bet- of us for the privilege of how we might see and open up “ordinary life to ter known. measure ourselves.” ultimate reality or some As historian Penne Res- serving you, along with best These movies offer a transcendent being or tad puts it in her 1995 variety of portraits of force,” he writes in the book “Christmas in wishes for the brightest everyday life while collection “Anthropology America,” Crosby’s affirming ethical values of Religion.” crooning offers the holiday season ever! and social mores along For example, for Jews “quintessential expres- the way. and Christians, ritually sion” of the holidays, a The 1946 classic “It’s a observing the Sabbath world which “has no dark Wonderful Life” – a fan- day by sharing meals side” – one in which “war tasy film about a man with family and not work- is forgotten.” named George Bailey, ing connects them with In subsequent Christ- who has touched the lives the creation of the world. mas movies, the main of many, despite all his Prayer rituals in the Mus- plots have not been set in problems – represents lim, Christian and Jewish the context of war, yet visions of a community in traditions connect those there is nonetheless often which every citizen is a praying with their God, a battle: that of overcom- vital component. as well as with their fel- ing a materialistic, gift- 218 S. 2nd St. 222-1131 Another movie com- low believers. buying and gift-giving monly replayed this time Holiday movies do kind of holiday. of year is 2005’s “The something similar, except Movies like “Jingle all Family Stone,” which that the “transcendent the Way,” “Deck the portrays the clashes of a force” they make viewers Halls” and “How the mostly average family feel is not about God or Grinch Stole Christmas!” but shows viewers that another supreme being. center around the idea quarrels can be worked Instead, this force is that the true meaning of through and harmony is more secular: It’s the Christmas is not in ram- possible. power of family, true pant consumerism but in The 2003 British holi- love, the meaning of goodwill and family love.

24 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

Ainsley Jergenson, Age 8 7 to 11 years old category

BELGRADE-BOZEMAN-LIVINGSTON

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We wish we could capture all of the detail, colors, textures, sparkles, layers, etc. in the originals of the beautiful work on these coloring pages. Thank you to all coloring contest participants!!! We loved seeing your work, and it was difficult to choose one artist in each category. Congratulations to our winners ... •฀฀•฀฀•฀฀•฀฀•

Renae Farnes, Age 6 Vicki Up to 6 years old category Johnson Adult, 12 years •฀฀•฀฀•฀฀•฀฀• and up category •฀฀•฀฀•฀฀•฀฀•

25 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Start new caroling traditions this holiday season

Caroling is a symbol of com- rated similar well wishes and “Silent Night,” “Joy to the munity that once was a wildly songs into his Christmas ser- World,” “Deck the Halls,” and popular holiday tradition but vices. Music was embraced as “The 12 Days of Christmas” has largely fallen by the way- part of liturgical services dur- are easily recognizable. The side. According to the Pew ing the holiday season. more familiar the song, the Research Center, about 16 per- easier it is for carolers to fol- cent of Americans reported Caroling today low the tune. Have roughly 10 caroling in 2017. However, this Many caroling sessions now songs and rotate as needed once-beloved tradition can be take place inside of churches when visiting homes. brought back with vigor. or schools as part of choral •฀Map฀out฀your฀course.฀Carol- performances. However, with ing can take place over several History of caroling social distancing limitations in days as carolers visit various Caroling evolved from the place, it may be the ideal time parts of their communities. A practice of wassailing. The to once again implement door- caroling session may last about word “wassail” is derived from to-door caroling. This can help an hour or two. the Old Norse phrase “ves bring cheer to people who may •฀Dress฀for฀weather.฀Layer฀ heill,” which translates to “be be missing loved ones who clothing and agree on some well and in good health.” As can’t travel, and may even festive trimmings that unite early as the 13th century, peo- buoy the spirits of those who the caroling group. Wear com- ple in England would travel have been spending more time fortable shoes for walking. between houses to go wassail- alone in their homes. •฀Advertise฀your฀intentions.฀ ing and wish their neighbors These tips can make caroling Let฀others฀know฀that฀carolers฀ well during the winter months. more successful. will be stopping by on particu- In some places, the word “was- •฀Find฀someone฀with฀some฀ lar dates so they can come out sail” referred to a hot and musical knowledge to guide on their front porches or door- thick spiced beverage given to the group. While everyone steps. Follow social distancing travelers to help them stay needn’t be the next star singer, guidelines if necessary and warm. It is the precursor to it helps if one person can help urge spectators to avoid con- modern-day mulled wines, keep the group in time and in gregating too closely in one cider and eggnog. tune. place. Caroling largely remained •฀Choose฀familiar฀songs.฀ Caroling is a great way to separate from Christmas until Select a body of music that is enjoy the holiday season Saint Francis of Assisi incorpo- familiar to all. Songs such as responsibly. Merry Christmas to All!

south

26 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21

he holidays are an exciting, fun and joyful time out or entertainment extras. Many people plan to use of year. And for many people, the holidays also credit cards to pay now and worry about the aftermath are expensive. later. Only use credit cards if you have the money in the T According to the Motley Fool Company, a bank and can pay off the entire bill when the balance due Here are financial wellness resource, the average American spent is in January. $882.45 on Christmas gifts, food, decorations, travel, and other holiday-related expenses in 2019. Around 56 per- 3. Set a spending limit for individuals. Based on your cent of gift shoppers set a budget for holiday spending, numbers and how much you plan to spend overall, start but only 64 percent stuck to it. In addition, 21.5 percent allocating money to categories, including gift recipients. of respondents went into debt due to holiday shopping. Come up with a spending range for each person and stick 6 ways to Who doesn’t want to have a super holiday with deli- to it. cious foods on the table and lots of presents to share with family and friends? While that’s tempting, such a bounty 4. Pay in cash as much as possible. It’s easy to know should never result in financial peril. These six strate- what you’re spending when using cash as opposed to gies can make it easy to establish and stick to a budget credit. There is some risk with carrying around cash, but stick to a this holiday season. that risk may be offset by the benefit of spending only what you can afford to spend. 1. Budget for everything. When working out holiday spending plans, factor in all of the expenses associated 5. Track all purchases. Save the receipts and keep a with the holidays — not just the most obvious, like gifts. running total of expenditures so you can see how your Costs for gas, parking lot fees, greeting cards, postage, spending is measuring up to your budget. If necessary, holiday travel expenses, and much more should be included in scale back on one category if you’ve tipped the scales in your final number. spending on another.

2. Determine how much you can spend. Money for gifts 6. Shop sales and deals. High-end stores may have the and other holiday expenses should ideally come from impressive tag, but their prices can set you back. your disposable income. Look at your finances in Instead, look for comparable gifts at discount stores and budget advance of the holiday season and figure out how much other retailers. Also, if you must use a credit card, use extra cash you have for the holidays, and use that figure one that earns you a cash-back bonus for added savings. to determine how much you should spend. Find ways to A holiday budget is a must to avoid overspending and make up any deficit by curtailing expenses like dining finding yourself in debt early next year. Happy Holidays

It was a pleasure to serve you. We wish you much happiness and success in 2021.

27 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 3 strategies for enjoying a safe New Year’s Eve ew Year’s Eve is one of the The National Highway Traffic Safe- most festive nights of the ty Administration notes that people year. Counting down to a new who consume alcohol begin experienc- Nyear while simultaneously ing a loss of judgment when their saying goodbye to the current year blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, provides grounds for celebration for reaches .02. That means it only takes a millions of people across the globe. relatively small amount of alcohol New Year’s celebrations vary before people’s judgment begins to fal- depending on where the partying is ter, and judgment only suffers further taking place, but it’s common for peo- with each additional drink. The pres- ple to check their inhibitions at the sure to overindulge in alcohol on New door฀on฀December฀31.฀That฀can฀make฀ Year’s Eve can be considerable, but How to create a durable for a fun evening, but also puts cele- revelers should avoid situations where brants in jeopardy of making bad deci- they might be tempted to drink too sions or confronting the consequences much. Such overindulgence only of others’ poor decisions. Adhering to makes people vulnerable to bad deci- gingerbread house three simple safety strategies can sions and even criminals looking to increase the chances that this New prey on inebriated victims. ingerbread nut butter and not run- •฀Kids฀likely฀will฀need฀ Year’s Eve is memorable for all the cookies and ny. help. Children may not right reasons. 3. Don’t get behind the wheel. houses are one •฀Mind฀the฀dough.฀Do฀ have the patience or Even people who avoid alcohol on of the many not roll out the ginger- steadiness to handle 1. Travel in packs. New Year’s Eve are vulnerable to G Most people who are out and about potentially unsafe highways. That’s symbols of the holiday bread dough too thin or complete gingerbread season, alongside it may become brittle construction. They can on New Year’s Eve are focused solely because everyone shares the roads, Christmas trees and after being cooked. decorate the separate on having fun. However, some crimi- and drivers never know who else will twinkling lights. In fact, Always cut out shapes pieces of the house nals see New Year’s Eve as an opportu- be on the road when New Year’s Eve few confections symbol- before the gingerbread while the components nity to prey on unsuspecting men and festivities end and everyone goes ize the holidays more so is baked. Let the baked are laying flat, which is women who may not be as alert to dan- home.฀The฀U.S.฀Department฀of฀Trans- than gingerbread. pieces sit overnight to easier for kids. Adults ger as they are on other nights of the portation notes that, over the last half- Many a child (or a cool completely before can do the main assem- year. For example, a recent report decade,฀and฀average฀of฀300฀people฀died฀ child at heart) has spent using them to build. bly later on. from Australia’s Bureau of Crime Sta- each year in drunk driving crashes in hours carefully trying •฀Patience฀is฀key.฀ •฀Utilize฀a฀template.฀ tistics and Research found that the the week between Christmas and New to create decorative gin- Allow the icing to dry Free-handing may not number of violent offenses between 9 Year’s฀Day.฀To฀avoid฀becoming฀such฀a฀ gerbread houses. for at least a couple of be easy. Cut out tem- p.m.฀and฀3฀a.m.฀on฀New฀Year’s฀Eve฀is฀ statistic, New Year’s revelers can cele- Although gingerbread hours after adhering plates using cardboard nine times higher than it is on other brate at home and invite others to stay recipes span various each piece and before or posterboard for vari- nights of the year. By hitting the town overnight. cultures, gingerbread moving and handling ous gingerbread pieces. with friends and staying with those New Year’s Eve is a fun but poten- houses originated in the house, says Beddall. One of the most friends throughout the night, New tially dangerous night. However, a few 16th century Germany. Work in stages so that important tips is to have Year’s Eve revelers can make them- simple safety strategies can make The fairy tale “Hansel individual items can be fun.฀Don’t฀take฀ginger- selves less vulnerable to criminals. sure฀New฀Year’s฀Day฀conversations฀ and Gretel” helped decorated and allowed bread house making too are all about the fun from the night solidify the popularity to dry. Then the walls seriously as a novice. 2. Don’t overindulge in alcohol. before. of gingerbread, which can be put together, fol- Rather, enjoy the expe- became part of Christ- lowed by the roof piec- rience and the centu- mas traditions. es. ries-old tradition. Even though ginger- bread houses can be fun Warm and Wonderful Wishes to make, there’s no denying it can be exact- ing work — especially to all of Park County! for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged From the Board and Staff of the Senior Center kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but Much love and thank you to Ms Margys 3rd, those who are crafting As we recall the Christmas miracle, we’d 4th and 5th Grade Links for Learning Classes from scratch can for decorating the Christmas Wreath for the employ these tips as like to join you and your family in Senior Apartment Resident Lobby! they build their ginger- giving thanks to our Lord for His many The Pandemic has caused many hardships bread houses. splendid creations, large and small. for our Park County Seniors. And though •฀Go฀for฀form฀and฀not฀ we have not been able to open publiclally, flavor. Few gingerbread We really feel fortunate for the know that we are still working and planning houses ever get eaten, blessing of your patronage. for that joyous day when we can welcome so focus on finding a the community back to the Senior Center! dough that will bake up Corliss & Larry To keep up with what is happening, rock hard as opposed to check out our new website at one that tastes good. www.parkcountyseniorenter.org •฀Get฀the฀right฀icing฀ Larry’s texture. Pastry artist Photo by Ron Palmeras, Catherine Beddall says Foreign Resident. royal icing is the pre- Thank You ferred “glue” to adhere Car Repair for Your Support gingerbread pieces. Park County! Beddall says icing 1317 E. Callender should be thick like pea- 222-6855 (406) 333-2276 • 206 S. Main Street, Livingston, MT 59047

28 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2020, Monday, December 21 Seeing Santa safely: A salve at the end of a tumultuous year

By The Associated Press appointment and temperature checks Yet the Christmas spirit endures. “I didn’t think there was going to be upon arrival. Many stores, from “It’s different this year, but it’s still Santa this year. We were super excit- Seeing Santa is for many families a Macy’s and Nieman Marcus to small- magical,” said Larry Jefferson, who ed to find out we could see him,” said holiday tradition that goes back gen- er venues around the country, have has converted a room in his suburban Tarah Peargin, a California mother of erations. It’s the annual snapshot that 8-year-old twins William and Payton. year-after-year marks the passage of Like every year, the twins dressed time, and a reminder that children up in the outfits they will wear on believe in magic, and that a jolly “It’s different this year, but it’s still magical.” Christmas. For William, a red dress bearded man can make their wishes – Larry Jefferson, shirt, a waistcoat and tie with pin- come true. who plays Santa striped dress pants; Payton wore a But it’s Christmas in 2020, and velvety red dress. They went to visit everything is different. Santa sits Santa’s Wonderland inside a Bass Pro behind plexiglass, or in a life-sized opted for virtual visits. Dallas home to Santa’s workshop Shop in Rancho Cucamonga, Califor- snow globe. And then, of course, Conversations with Santa this year, where he conducts virtual visits. nia, near Los Angeles. there’s Zoom Santa. inevitably, include the virus. “The children see me on the screen, William covered up with a plastic Associated Press photographers set Kids ask if Santa will wear a mask they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, Santa Claus visor, and Payton a purple face mask. out to capture the socially distanced, when he visits their homes on Christ- is talking to me from the North Pole.” The idea that Santa, too, needed pro- decidedly 2020 Santa visits taking mas Eve. He asks in turn if they’ve Perhaps, seeing Santa is the salve tective equipment didn’t seem so place across the United States. been naughty or nice — and good families needed at the end of this unusual. Much of the tradition is altered this about washing their hands with water tumultuous year. Despite all that has “They took it in stride,” said their year. Sitting on Santa’s lap is out. AND soap. changed, Santa still looks pretty mom. There is no whispering of wish lists Some children have lost parents, much the same and restores a feeling It was a fitting final photo for the into his ear. Getting in to see Santa grandparents or other loved ones. of comfort in an otherwise turbulent family’s annual album. this year often requires making an They miss their schools and friends. time. “It kind of sums up 2020.”

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