The New Prague Times Annual Christmas Edition Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

The children's drawings on these pages were done by students at St. Wenceslaus School and Eagle View, Falcon Ridge and Raven Stream elementary schools. Please stop by US Bank and First Bank & Trust to enjoy more of the children's Christmas drawings on display throughout the holiday season.

We thank the advertisers who made this special section possible. 2 • The Times Christmas Section, December 19, 2019 Celebrating the reason for the season

A cast of wise men, angels, shepherds and the Holy Family gather at the end of the Children’s Nativity Pageant at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Union Hill. There were about 20 children and youths, from toddlers to high school students, who participated in the traditional pageant that detailed the Christmas story. The group had to be at the church at 5 p.m. before the 6:30 p.m. pageant and had one practice on Sunday, Dec. 8.

“Mary,” Julia Kubes, holds “Jesus,” Crew Nytes, as “Joseph” Mitchel Pomije looks on during the Children’s Nativity Pageant at St. John the Evan- gelist Catholic Church of Union Hill. The annual pageant was held Wednes- day, Dec. 11.

Christmas Carols at Mala Strana The Sweet Memory Singers perform a medley of Christ- mas Carols on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Mala Strana Assist- ed Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague. The group comes to the facility every other Thursday to sing to or with residents. They decided since this visit was so close to Christmas they would sing songs reflecting the season. They sang such classics as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentle- men,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

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The New Prague Times once again asked pastors from the New Prague area churches to share their reflections on the true meaning of Christmas. We hope you take time during the holidays to think on these messages and share in the true spirit of this season.

God Comes at Christmas "The Traveler" Years ago, a cartoon pictured two farm- wanting us to take him to ourselves. We Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the ceive a “traveler” with judgment or suspi- ers in Kentucky, standing in a field as do the letting go and opening up, and God holiday travels ahead. Mary and Joseph cion. This Christmas, I know our church- snow fell softly. One turned to the other does the coming. were no strangers to the stress of traveling es will strive not to receive these families and asked, Christmas is the season when we cele- at Christmas. The Gospel of Luke talks with evaluation or critique. Rather, I pray “Anything exciting happen today?” brate that God has come. He comes for about their journey to Bethlehem while we will have mercy and compassion. Be- “Nah,” said the other. “Oh, well there all of us, shepherds & kings, common Mary was very pregnant. cause this is how the Son of God was born was a baby born over at Tom Lincoln’s laborers and executive management, After giving birth, however, the travel- into the world— as a traveler with no crib home, but nothing exciting ever happens young and old, democrat and republican, ing experience wasn’t over. An angel of for a bed. around here.” wealthy and poor. the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream So this Christmas, as we travel to our That baby, of course, was none other He comes for all people. We might be and said, “Get up, take the child and his various festivities, may we be mindful of than the 16th President of the U.S., Abra- wise to pay attention to the sights and mother, and flee” (Matt. 2:14-15). The those who must travel not because they ham Lincoln. sounds of the season. Because so of- angel told Joseph that King Herod was choose to, but because they have to. May I wonder if there were any people in ten, God chooses to do the extraordinary looking for them and that, unless they ran we have mercy on those young families Bethlehem that long ago starry night, ask- through something very ordinary. away, they would be destroyed. who are on the road in search of a safe ing, “Anything exciting happen today?” Join us for worship on Christmas Eve You see, Mary and Joseph didn’t just place to sleep for themselves and their Maybe they were told, “No, nothing at FaithPoint (3:00, 4:30, 10:00pm), or at- travel because they CHOSE to. The Gos- children. Because at the end of the day, much. Oh, well I did hear some peasant tend one of the other fine churches as we pel of Matthew tells another story. They Christmas is the story of girl gave birth to a baby in a stable last reflect on the wonder and traveled because they HAD to. God’s Son being born night.” incredible joy at Christ- This December, a number of our New into our world in much Do you ever wonder about the meaning mas. Prague churches are hosting Hope House the same way. of life or is life worth it? Or whether your together for a week. We are working to- prayers are even heard? gether to turn some rooms of the church At Christmas God comes to us. He into a “home” for families who are expe- comes as a child. He asks no questions. riencing homelessness. Co-pastor Ben Hilding There is no preoccupation with our mis- Pastor Steve Trewartha Too often, people might be quick to re- Holy Trinity Lutheran Church takes or brokenness. God simply comes, FaithPoint Lutheran Church "Giving thanks is the The Joy of Christmas doorway to true Joy" I still remember the joy I would feel and hope to us. The air was thick with the sacred nature these trials, we are a people that can admit on Christmas Eve when I was just a boy. No matter how difficult your life may of the moment. It was holy ground where that we boast in nothing but Jesus Christ. My parents would wait until my siblings seem right now, my prayer is that during these white plastic tables and paper plates He is our strength, He is to whom we give and I were in bed to put out the presents. this season you experience moments of sat. The pies, all in a delicate, delicious thanks- and in giving thanks to Christ, He Like most kids, we got very little sleep on true joy that come from our heavenly Fa- row, being partaken of by the church is our source of Joy. Christmas Eve. Those memories are hard ther. members just like giving thanks was to It was a holy night because we are bro- to forget and my wife and I have worked If you haven’t been to church in a while, be partaken of. There was laughter, tears, ken people on our knees before God. I am hard to recreate them for our kids. why not visit one of the many Christ- murmured “amens” and nods of agree- confident that we are exactly in the posi- The older we get the harder it seems to mas services being offered by the great ment. It is thankfulness that precedes Joy, tion we need to be, come what trials 2020 feel that joy during the holidays. Unfortu- churches here in our community? This is and perhaps that is why the thanksgiving may bring. If this sounds familiar, if that nately we’re very aware of how cruel the a great community and I’m thankful for holiday comes before Christmas. If you list above is anything you've dealt with world can be and if we’re not careful, we all of the people of faith reminding us of skip the season of thankfulness, you miss in your own life but you aren't sure there can start to become bitter about the world the importance of faith and prayer to our out on the joy of the next season. It seems is any joy left, join us. Sunday we might and miss the incredible joy there is in ev- every day lives. that our world wants to rush it, but when not have pie, but we will have donuts, the ery season of our lives. we rush past thankfulness, we miss out on white tables, and the peo- One of the best ways to keep joy in the true joy and are left to just chase hap- ple breathing thanks to our hearts is to remember where true joy piness, which always leaves us hollow. the Savior & finding joy comes from. Christmas is a reminder that You might think that at Pillar of Grace, in all circumstances. true joy is found in God’s Son, Jesus. our night of thankfulness and shared Each Christmas season is a great time to pies was full of picture-perfect stories. reflect on the fact that God sent His Son Yet some of our stories are of addiction, into a cruel and dark world to bring light Pastor Jamie Prip depression, lost friends, and struggles in Pastor Chris Flores Spirit of Life Church marriage. The list could go on, but in all Pillar of Grace Church

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Happy Holidays from... Happy Holidays from... Merry Christmas from... Seasons Greetings from... Bruzek Funeral Home Kubes Furniture & Flooring Jaeckels Well Drilling, Inc. Knights of Columbus Building Commission New Prague New Prague New Prague New Prague The Times Christmas Section, December 20, 2018 • 5 Christmas in 1941 Coming Together for Christmas December 7, 1941 truly was “a date which not right in the world. Whether it is war, dis- Have you ever wondered why we celebrate power and might, or to force himself on any- will live in infamy,” as President Roosevelt ease, loss, relational struggles, or something Jesus coming as a baby, and everyone else is one. Instead he simply came to win us over said seventy-seven years ago. As most of the else—we all want peace on earth and peace celebrated for their adult life? Most histori- in our hearts by love. world was at war, the United States made in our hearts. Where do we find true peace cal figures, when it’s time to set aside a day in In a day when our country seems more po- plans for the Christmas season. Top of the and freedom this Christmas season? C.S. history, we don’t think about them as babies. larized than ever, Christmas is the love that Christmas list for many was to avoid war Lewis said, “If I find in myself desires which We don’t have a picture of Abraham Lincoln can bring people together. Christmas is when at all costs and we can imagine why. What nothing in this world can satisfy, the only being born in his log cabin in Kentucky. No, even estranged people can come together and mother wants to see her little boy go to war? logical explanation is that I was made for we celebrate accomplishments in his adult when God draws us to himself. Christmas is What father wants to leave his family? What another world.” Do you yearn for something life. When we celebrate George Washington, when God wrapped himself in rags so that we young man wants to leave his bride knowing this world cannot satisfy? Look to the man- we celebrate his bold and brave stance, or his could be lathered with riches. It’s the magi- he may never see her again? In an instant, the ger story my dear friend. Look to the purpose breath-taking courage at Princeton, but we cal story of less pizazz and more peasant. attack on Pearl Harbor that Sunday morning of His coming. Look to the cross where Jesus don’t mark his birth. What a Savior and what a way for God to changed everyone’s Christmas. Yet, families offers you forgiveness, freedom, peace, and Maybe the reason we celebrate Jesus as a come! I pray we will all allow the baby to be still gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus an eternal home in Heaven. Jesus has placed baby is because an almighty God decided to born in our hearts. There is no greater power The Times Christmas Section, December 19, 2019 • 5 Christ despite the approaching storm. Patri- this free gift under your tree this year and he come as a fragile baby. Or maybe it’s be- the world has ever known … and there is no ots everywhere volunteered to place the gift longs for you to open it. Merry CHRISTmas! cause the infinite was contained within the greater power to bring peo- of freedom under the tree and we thank God finite. Or maybe it’s because a tender soft- ple together, now and in all for their brave sacrifice! Christmas back then skinned baby is hard to turn down. Almost of eternity. Born so He Could Be is still in some ways Christmas now. It is every person’s heart softens when they see a often that brief snapshot where we hope to baby. Pastor Steve Trewartha ‘forget’ what is right in front of us. We smile Pastor John Stephens Or maybe it’s because when God became FaithPoint Lutheran your Brother? for the camera, but still know something is Community Baptist incarnate, he came not to overwhelm us with Church Did God send his Son to be born as a ing for all sins with his innocent life on Church human (Christmas!), so that we could call a cross. Christmas - The Greatest him our brother? Before you dismiss that, Some parents consider having a second consider that God’s Word says, “…when or third child so that their firstborn will Time of the Year! the set time had fully come, God sent his have a sibling to grow up with. God sent Christmas is one of the greatest times of Like the shepherds we have the op- Son, born of a woman, born under the Jesus so that he could be our brother for Godthe year. The is smells for of fresh You: baked Christ - portunity to come and worship Christ law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that a higher reason. God became our brother Themas cookies. Message The sounds of Christmas of Christmas the newborn King. If you have a church we might receive adoption to sonship.” so that carolsFor many and throughout Bing Crosby the worldsinging Christmas about a withhome, all mankind.I strongly Agreeing encourage with youthe angels,to at- (NIV Galatians 4:4,5) God says that he … he could earn the price of admission is Whiteconsidered Christmas. the greatest The sights time of neighborthe year. - I tend.too declare If you’re over looking us, “Good for atidings church of home, great sent his son to be born of a human mother to heaven for us—his righteous life. Thehood bright homes Holiday covered lights, in bright tasty Christmas eggnog, joy!”please The make Father it to sentone of His the Son local because churches of so that we could receive adoption. “Adop- … he could redeem us with his blood. yummylights. ChristmasThe brightly cookies, wrapped heart presents warming are theirin our great area. love There for us. are Jesus many came great because church of- tion to sonship” translates into English a … in him we could be forgiven all sins, Christmasunder the carols, Christmas etc. Our Tree. Heavenly Father God’ses in compassionatethis Minnesota love, River not Valley out of Region. obliga- legal term for an adopted male heir in Ro- and enjoy eternally the status that once preparedYes there’sthe way thefor youdried to upexperience fruitcake even and tion.I joyfully Our God invite is for you us! to NewDay Church man culture—that he received full legal was limited to an adopted male heir— moredisappointments joy this Christmas. of yesterday’s past. All onPeace... Christmas Goodness... Eve as weJoy... have and a Familysincere standing. Without an adoption, we were full legal status of a son. in“Then all, theChristmas, angel said like to them, most ‘Do things, not be is love.Worship What Service a powerful at 4:00pm recipe for and a Christmasa Candle- separated from God. We cannot live up Christmas means God can afraid,whatever for behold, you choose I bring to you make good of tidings it. We seasonlight Service like none at other!10:00pm. to even our own consciences, much less offer to adopt you, to live of cangreat partner joy which with will hurt be toor all sorrow. people. LikeFor HowJesus is itcame with you?to bring I encourage Heaven you to toEarth. take God’s perfect moral standards. Before as his child with him for- therethe isredeemed born to youEbenezer this day Scrooge in the citywe canof someThe timecookies to prepare and presents your soul are and great spirit butfor God we were like the prodigal son who ever. Davidchoose a Savior, something who is greater Christ theand Lord. relish And in Christmas.may we Makeall experience time to meet even with moreour com of- told his father (Luke 15). “I am no lon- thishope, will joy,be thepeace sign and to love.you: You will find a passionateHeaven’s God.joy, hopeIf you and don’t love have this a Christchurch- ger worthy to be called your son.” Jesus BabeIn wrapped the first in swaddling Christmas cloths, we lying read in aof how home,mas! nowThere is area great times time when to come it is toso one good of was born so that he could go under God’s manger.’ And suddenly there was with the an- the many great churches in our region. Make Pastor Henry Koch Jesus came because of the great love that that it needs to be shared with others. This law and obey it perfectly in our place, and gel a multitude of the heavenly host praising time to meet with God, for Friedens Evangelical our Heavenly Father has for all of us. is the greatest time of the then redeem us. He redeemed us by pay- Lutheran Church GodThe and very saying: name ‘Glory of Jesus to God means in the thehighest, Lord Heyear! will It’s never Christmas! disappoint. And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” God is for you! We are too. saves. It was also declared that one of Je- Experience Your -Luke 2:10-14 NKJV Today is your NewDay! sus’ nicknames is Immanuel which means NewDay! Jesus came to make Heaven’s peace avail- ableGod here is withon earth us. Jesus for you is Saviorand me. and He Friend! came In the correspondence between the shep- Pastor Christopher Mark to share our Heavenly Father’s goodness NewDay Church herds and angels just after his birth it was Jesus Christ Changes declared that Jesus came to bing peace on Pastor Christopher Mark earth and goodwill toward all of mankind. NewDay Church Everything Merry Christmas from St. Wenceslaus, and caressed in the arms of Mary. Man- Freedom From Sin St. John, St. Scholastica kind who looked to the heavens to seek On this most holy day over 2000 years God can now look down at a babe in the When I was a kid my grandmother had one world might look. Many of them were sur- ago, God reached out from eternity and arms of his mother and see the love of of those white ChristmasDown trees with colored to prised Earth to hear that Jesus was born in a stable. Often when we think of God we imag- manger. “For God so loved the world that established his beachhead in time. God, God revealed to his people. That love of lights. The whole living room lit up when It was such a humble entrance into a cruel ine an all-powerful, all-knowing, Creator he gave his one and only Son, that who- you plugged it in. The first Christmas my and dark world. Later Jesus shocked many the creator of all, became one with his God incarnate is manifested (we might of the universe watching over us from ever believes in him shall not perish but wife and I spent together I suggested that we of His listeners by preaching messages about own creation by taking on flesh in Jesus go so far as to say incarnated) in today’s getabove. a white, But artificial when our Christmas image oftree God with is col a- haveloving eternal your enemieslife. For Godand layingdid not down send hisyour Christ. Time itself was forever changed. world through his mystical body which is Where was everyone? oredlittle lights off, itfor isn’t our alwaysapartment. helpful. I was With shocked all Sonlife forinto others. the world This towas condemn not the type the world,of Mes - Whether we refer to the year as 2020 the Church. Christmas morning, we expect families to (quite possibly the most extreme opposites tothat hear is goingthat my on wife in the didn’t world, want how one. could I’m butsiah to many save werethe world looking through for. And him” yet, (John many C.E. (Common Era) or 2020 A.D. (Anno May the peace of Christ, who prom- meet at the tree. That beautiful Spruce finds of people groups), but where was everyone notthis sure God if possiblyyou know know this orme not, or thebut strugsome-- 3:16-17).of the every day, blue-collar people loved Domini – Year of our Lord), we are still ised to remain with us until the end of the itself embedded in lights, laughter and gen- else? Where was the rest of mankind? Had timesgles Iyour face. spouse But canin thehave Christmas different storytastes him.In theThey Christmas easily identified story we with find His a teachGod - marking time and referencing our year in ages, descend upon all in this season and erosity. Memories built around the tree stand they not been anticipating and expecting the thanwe findyou, especially a God who when is itdown comes to toearth Christ - -a whoings. cameWhy? down He was to earthan extraordinary to offer us theman relation to Jesus Christ and his birth. Je- bring his blessing to you, your families, a lifetime. As I age and my kids are older, lights, the laughter and the generosity of our masGod decorating. who literally Eventually came down I came to earth to realize and giftsconnecting of Hope, with Joy, ordinary Peace andpeople Love. offering It sus changes everything! What is assumed our community, country, and world in the and grandkids abound, I find myself asking, King baby Jesus? thatstepped my wife’s into our decorating world. skills far exceeded isthem our freedom prayer thatfrom your their Christmas sins. In some season ways in Christ is saved. God in Christ assumed coming year. “where is everyone?” I pray this year and every year you make mineWhy and didit was God a good do it?idea toWhat defer finally to her willthis isbe one filled of the with most these beautiful gifts, truthsas we aboutwel- our humanity, thus humanity itself is Merry Christmas and In today’s world, there are multiple fami- Jesus the center of your Christmas. Join us creativitybrought theover Creator mine. Holidayof the universe traditions down can comeChristmas. the Jesus,God the humble Messiah came saved through Jesus Christ. Whether we Happy New Year to you lies now to connect and the web of dads, step Christmas Eve, 5pm at Hill- beto aearth? touchy subject.Love. Since Each onethe ofbeginning us can have of whointo thehas world come to offer salvation to ordinary believe it or not and whether we like it or all! dads, step moms and grandparents, aunts and Spring church, for a candle- differentcreation, expectations God desired on nothingwhat Christmas more than tra- downfolks liketo earth. you and me. For not, Jesus Christ is the game changer in uncles… Not everyone can gather at once. light service celebrating Je- ditionsto be inwe relationshipshould practice. with What’s His children. interest- thatMerry I’m grateful. time and eternity. What was it like that first Christmas morn- sus. ingAfter is that centuries when Jesus of heartaches,was born in Bethlehemstruggles, Christmas, We gather together in this season as ing? Jesus, a baby, the savior of the world manyand oppression,of the religious God’s folks love at that compelled time had families, faith communities, and friends laying in a manger… where was everyone? Pastor Garth Heckman specific expectations of what the Messiah him to do the unimaginable, to come Pastor Jamie Prip to honor the sacrifice of God’s self-emp- Fr. Eugene Oh, they had shepherds and kings and angels HillSpring Church would be like and how his entrance into the New Prague Area down to earth - not as the all-powerful Spirit of Life Church tying love. He whose mighty arms con- Pastors Gordon & Melissa Deuel Catholic Community Creator, but as a little baby wrapped in a Crossroads Church tain and sustain the universe is now held

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Dear Santa, bring my sister Addy some Shopkins. I will Merry Christmas! My name is Weston and I leave you chocolate chip cookies and milk am 2 years old and I have been a good boy when you stop at my house. I liked sitting on this year. I have been working real hard all your lap when I came to visit you last week. I year at putting my toys away when I am done love you Santa! Merry Christmas! playing with them. For Christmas this year I Love- would like a new Vacuum, a Sweeper and a Bennett Jackson, almost 3 Dust Pan to help my Mommy clean. I would also like a new Bike, Matchbox cars, Trace Dear Santa, and Learn Workbooks and Tools. Please I have been very good this year! I keep my bring my big brother Logan a new gaming room clean and help with my little brother chair and my big sister Blake Barbies. I will Bennett. I really want a little unicorn robot, leave milk and cookies out for you Santa and slime, Barbie Dreamhouse, Shopkins, Amer- carrots for the Reindeer. ican Girl stuff, LOL dolls, Hairadorables and Love, glitter dots. Can you also bring my sister Desi Weston Hanson, age 2 a Ho, Ho, Ho blanket. I will leave glitter on the ground you can find my house. I'll leave Dear Santa, you milk and cookies and carrots for the rein- Merry Christmas! My name is Blake and I deer. Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Santa! am 6 years old. I have tried all year to be on Love, my best behavior and listen to my parents and Adelynn Jackson, age 6 be a good girl in school. For Christmas this whistle, and maybe some goodies. brother Cooper and I have been very good year I would like new Shopkins, a Barbie and Thank you, this year (at least that's what my papa & Brawl Star things, robots, Legos, Avenger a Boat, LOL Dolls, Coloring Stuff and Slime! Henry Keltner, age 4 grandma said). This year for Christmas I'd things, Realsteel things, Ghostbuster Pach, Please bring my big brother Logan AirPods like a sock monkey, books, Chuck E Cheese Pacman game, Sumo cards, Dogman book, and my little brother Weston Legos. My dog Dear Santa, gift cards, a blue soccer ball & a football. Spider Ham book, Looney Tunes, Team Hot Coco would like a new bone too. I bet the Hi, my name is Georgia Peach (George). Cooper wants a black & purple teddy bear, Wheels, Mutant Busters elves are real busy at the workshop getting How are you? We are writing to let you know a sock monkey, five little ducks game, and Unknown ready for the big night. Please tell them I say what I would like for Christmas. I don't want a green & orange soccer ball. We will have hello. I will leave milk and cookies out for much. Here is my list. chocolate chip cookies & milk for you. Will's Chismas list you Santa on Christmas Eve. Merry Christ- - Black Panth claw Love, 1. Vikings football mas Santa! - Cars Henry, age 3 ½ & Cooper, age 1 ½ 2. NY Giants football Love, - building things 3. Saints football Blake Hanson, age 6 Can't wait to see you. Also, please remember Dear Santa, 4. Xbox1 we no longer live in Iowa. We now res. in I have been a very good boy this year by lis- 5. Xbox1 controller Hi Santa, Minnesota. tening to Daddy and Mommy and pick up my 8. airpods How are you? I would love to meet your Love, toys when I'm done playing. Tinsel the elf 9. nerf guns elves. Are they mean? I know you give us Georgia Peach Keltner, age 2 arrived at my house and I'm very excited to 10. dude perfect stuff presents but I'm going to get you a birthday have him here! I really want a black dirtbike, 11. Hockey stick present - when's your birthday? This year Dear Santa, Legos, hockey nets and sticks, truck that 12. iphone 8 I want a dart gun, a Black Panther claw, a How are you and your reindeer doing? My makes noises and slime. Could you please 13. teeny mates

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Seasons Greetings from... Happy Holidays from... Seasons Greetings from... Merry Christmas from... Bill Hertaus Services, Inc. Audre's Attic Coborn's US Bank Veseli Lonsdale New Prague New Prague 8 • The Times Christmas Section, December 19, 2019 "How are you? I would love to meet your elves. Are they mean?" 14. infinite lists merch get gift card, earrings, cute/cool clothes, new these toys! Thank you for reading my letter, Dear Santa, 15. stuff for my HQ/room backpack, Board to hang pics up on, mirror Santa! What are you doing at the north pole right 16. dude perfect merch for my locker, braclets, fairy lights for my P.S. I would love some Batman things too! now? I would really like a metal sword, a 17. Maden 20 for xbox1 room, hatchimals, new water bottle, mon- Love, snowmobile, and some hot wheels. My baby 18. Viking iphone 6 case and base ey, my own Real dog, stretchy head bands, Grady Wagner, Age 4 brother Aiden is learning how to use a sippy done to Santa Sparkle takes to Santa my own desk, supplies for dog, Magnatiles, cup so please bring him a new one. from Will Chromebook, my own camra, thats all. horse. Hi Santa, Thank you! Oh, 1 more thing, for my mom, I want her to I think I have been a good boy. For Christ- Nolan Schuette (4.5 years old) To: Santa be happy and not take care of me and my oth- mas I would like a Nintendo Switch, sweat- Dear Santa, I hope you can come see are new er siblings. So please make sure she is happy! shirts and pants, a plane ticket to Florida to Dear Santa, house. Uggs, apple watch, vera bradley back- Love, visit my aunt, uncle, and cousin, and a hover I would like LOL Dolls, a Joovy carseat, a pack, a new phone, a bunny, patagonia Aubrey Solseth, age 9 board. I would also like some X-Box Gift Joovy stroller, an Echo Dot, a Polaroid Cam- From: Cards, Football Cards, and a card holder for era, and Descendants Dolls. Sneaky and Mackenzie Denzer Dear Santa, my Football Cards. One more thing, I would Snowball have been very, very good. What I want for Christmas is a big dog also like the newest I Survived Book. Thank Love, To: Santa stuffed animal, a Steelers hat with pink col- you! Nora Luskey, Age 8 Dear Santa, for Christmas I want a crome oring, a sign for my bedroom door that says Love, book and books and a mouse and a xbox 1 “Connor’s room” and a Pittsburgh Steelers Noah Wagner, Age 10.5 Dear Santa, please and thank you. poster of a touchdown pass. I would like fuzzy socks and Pura Vida from: Merry Christmas! Dear Santa, Bracelets. Sneaky and Snowball are doing Jackson Denzer Connor Hoffman, Age 9 I would love some cute clothes, the big LOL very well. Please get my cousin Braden a surprise, a hover board, scrunchies, a com- new puppy. Merry Christmas! Dear Santa, Ho ho ho, Santa! puter and the Book “Guts.” Thank you for Love, Hi. How chilly is it in the north pole? Here This is what I want for Christmas. 1. A lot of Santa for reading my letter. I hope you have Greta Luskey, Age 12 is my list cooking sets, but not the ones that I have al- a great night. 1. Robe ready. 2. A slushee maker. 3. A scented mark- Love, 2. Barbies er making kit. Emme Wagner, Age 8 3. Books And then you can get me some other stuff 4. Mag-na-tiles you know I will like. Can you bring Rudolph Dear Santa, 5. Squishamals too? How are you doing? For Christmas I would 6. Slippers Sydney Hoffman, Age 6 like a hot wheels set, a scooter, and a new Say hi to the reindeer. sled. My baby brother Aiden likes to chew on Love, Dear Santa, stuff so please bring him a toy for that. Reagan Solseth, age 6 For Christmas, I want a few Spiderman Thank you! things. I also want spider man gloves, a light Love, Dear Santa, saber, bobbleheads, and a race track for my Collin Schuette (6.5 years old) Hi! I'm Aubrey. And I'm 9. What I want for cars. I also want a Mr. Potato Head, Paw Pa- CHRISTMAS: Phone, Itunes gift card, Tar- trol, and PJ Masks toy. I would love any of

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Seasons Greetings from... Seasons Greetings from... Merry Christmas from... Seasons Greetings from... Scott County Abstract & Title Bill Hertaus Services, Inc. Giesen Family Chiropractic M. S. Excavating Inc. New Prague/Shakopee Veseli Dr. Heather L. Giesen, New Prague New Prague The Times Christmas Section, December 19, 2019 • 9 Spending Christmas with Disney Children and adults can see toys from books were not found in many homes, but years past that feature some of the most be- ones based on Disney characters were there loved of characters as the New Prague Area for children. Also, a unique aspect of the Historical Society has games, dolls and a time period were cine art films, brief films plethora of other playthings from the Walt that families could show with small film Disney Company. The articles will be on projectors. Eventually, Disney also featured display at the New Prague Library until the dolls and for quiet play times there were tea end of January. sets with Disney characters. Some were doll “We decided on this display since Disney size and others were sized for children. is synonymous with Christmas and chil- “After the war different materials entered dren’s gifts,” said Dennis Dvorak of the his- the market,” said Dvorak, adding that most torical society. notably were rubber and metal. “Especially The company began in 1923 as Disney soft plastic after World War II as the 1950s Studios. The brothers Walt and Roy Disney was the era of plastic toys.” More metal started the animated studio and produced the toys entered the market once Japan started first synchronized sound cartoon “Steamboat exporting them. Dvorak said Disney also Willie,” which featured Mickey and Minnie started putting out their characters in comic Mouse. From there the brothers successfully books as the 1950s saw a rise in comics. introduced the characters Pluto and their ver- He explained that a reason for the increase sion of the Three Little Pigs. Their studio de- in Disney articles in homes was that families buted “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” were seeing prosperity after the war. Also, in 1937, the first feature length animated families could find the playthings at Five and movie. The many Disney characters became Dime Stores. world famous and were eventually featured “Almost every town or neighborhood had as numerous toys. one,” said Dvorak. There were also Sears, “They certainly were wonderful charac- Roebuck and Company that catered to peo- ters,” said Dvorak. He noted that with the ple’s needs. “Five and Dimes brought in Great Depression and then World War II current and contemporary items,” he said, there were many families who had limited adding the stores were destination places for access to some of the toys. families and children, as were movie theaters In the 1940s Disney Studios still put out that would have matinees with characters films that are considered classics by many that children could identify with. “Disney people. Among them were “Pinocchio,” kept their movies wholesome and family “Fantasia,” “Dumbo” and “Cinderella.” friendly,” said Dvorak. “They had very play- After the end of World War II, Disney had ful characters with human emotions.” success with books and puppets. Before that Dvorak said the toys were ones where children used their imagination or actually played with them, unlike today where many children rely on electronic devices. He explained that Walt Disney believed that with his movies and the toys it came The New Prague Area Historical Society from his belief in letting children be children is featuring toys from the early days of the as long as they can. Walt Disney Company. In this display are a The articles in the display are ones from drum, a play board, a wind up train, play- the collections of Judy Conn and Joan Winn. ing cards, a pull along toy of Donald Duck and cine art films, brief films that families would show on small projectors.

This is one of several tea sets on display at the New Prague Library. The Walt Disney Company put out many articles for chil- dren that parents would buy as Christmas presents.

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Seasons Greetings from... Happy Holidays from... Merry Christmas from... Seasons Greetings from... Welcome Auto, Palmer Welcome Braith Auto Repair River Country Coop - Speedway Kneip & Associates New Prague New Prague West New Prague Dan Kneip - New Prague The Times Christmas Section, December 19, 2019 • 13 5 facts about the winter solstice Nocturnal animals and hu- occurs on December 21. The happens at the same moment year. However, the equinoxes nated during Pagan celebra- man night owls may rejoice solstice may come and go un- for everyone on the plane. occur in fall and spring and tions for the winter solstice. during the winter solstice. On noticed, but it’s an interesting However, the hour it occurs mark when the sun is directly For example, Scandinavians the winter solstice, people day on the calendar. depends on your time zone. above the equator and night would burn a juul (yule) log can witness the Earth’s lon- 1. Not only will the winter 2. The word “solstice” and day are of equal length. in the hearth in honor of the gest night and shortest day of solstice occur on a specific is derived from Latin and 4. The Farmer’s Almanac god Thor. Thor’s job was to the year for their respective date, it also occurs at a spe- means “sun stands still.” It reports that many cultures bring the sun’s warmth back hemispheres. For individuals cific time when the Earth’s was chosen to describe this marked the arrival of the sol- to the people. living in the northern hemi- semi-axis tilts furthest from cosmic phenomenon because stice as a time of death and While the winter solstice sphere, the winter solstice the sun. This corresponds the solstice sun seemingly rebirth. Early man also kept and the lack of sunlight syn- generally occurs between to when the North Pole is appears in the same position track of the days by observ- onymous with it may not be December 20 and 23 each aimed away from the sun at noontime for several days ing the sun’s position in the something everyone looks year. Those in the southern on the 23.5 degree tilt of the before and after the winter sky. In fact, historians be- forward to, there is a silver hemisphere experience the Earth’s axis. At this point, the solstice — at its lowest point lieve Stonehenge was created lining. Following the winter winter solstice between June sun also shines directly over in the sky. to monitor the sun’s yearly solstice, the hours of sunlight 20 to June 23. the Tropic of Capricorn. The 3. It is easy to mistake the “movement.” gradually increase by the day, In 2019, the northern information and trivia site solstices for the equinox- 5. Many traditions asso- eventually paving the way hemisphere’s winter solstice Mental Floss says the solstice es, which also occur twice a ciated with Christmas origi- for the spring equinox.

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The trio of Elana Vivant, Libby Midtvedt and Lydia Schmitz perform to “Jingle Bell Rock” during the New Prague Vivian French enjoys playing and skating to “Rudolph Area Figure Skating Club’s Winter Exhibition. The annual program was held Saturday, Dec. 7, at the New Prague the Red Nosed Reindeer” at the Winter Exhibition. Ice Area.

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Christmas Wishes & Santa visits

Sean Chun, right, and son Cydney, left, get to visit with Brothers Henry and Thomas Gantert visit with Santa during New Prague’s Holiday Cel- Santa during the Elko New Market Tree Lighting. The ebration in the Park. Held in Memorial Park, Santa had a new area to visit with children annual ceremony was held in Wagner Park on Saturday, and find out what they want for Christmas. Dec. 7.

Adeline Fierst enjoys her visit with Santa during the EMS Santa Breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague.

Santa had a troop of elves with him briefly during his Thursday, Dec. 12, visit to First Bank & Trust in New Prague. The elves, better known as the Studer children, are, from left, Will, Alex, Roman and Evie.

(Left) Siblings Lyla, left, and Nick Schmitt, were among the many children that came to visit with Santa at First Bank & Trust. While they told Santa what they wanted for Christ- mas, he also asked if they had been good.

(Right) Santa and Hattie Rem- hof enjoy their visit together at First Bank & Trust. The two had an animated talk chatting about Christmas and toys.

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New Prague Area FaithPoint St. Patrick and Trondhjem Catholic Community Lutheran Church St. Catherine Lutheran Church Father Eugene Theisen, New Prague - 1 mile E of Lonsdale on Hwy. 19 Parochial Administrator FaithPoint Ministry Center Catholic Church Pastor Sue Leibnitz Cedar Lake Township Father Michael Skluzacek, Rev. Dr. Steve Trewartha Tuesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Father Mike Miller Sacramental Minister Sunday, Dec. 22 3:30 and 5 pm - Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 8:30 and 10 am – Christmas Carols 10 pm – at Historic Trondhjem 4:30 pm – St. Catherine—carols Christmas Eve and Hymns of the Season Church, 1 mile south 5:00 pm – St. Catherine Tuesday, December 24th Tuesday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Wednesday, Dec. 25 6:30 pm – St. Patrick—carols St. Wenceslaus – Masses 3, 4:30 and 10 pm 10 am - Service 7:00 pm – St. Patrick 4, 6 & 9:30 pm - Family Christmas Services Wednesday, Dec. 25 (From 9-9:30 pm Carols will be sung) All with Candlelight Service, 8:30 am – St. Catherine St. John – Mass 11 pm Holy Communion and 10:30 am – St. Patrick Christmas Day Special Music St. Nicholas Tuesday, Dec. 31 Wednesday, December 25th selections 5 pm – St. Patrick Catholic Church St. Scholastica – Mass 9 am Sunday, Dec. 29 www.stncc.net Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 St. Wenceslaus – Mass 10:30 am 10 am only - Worship service New Market 9 am – St. Catherine New Year’s Eve – Solemnity of Mary Father Patrick Barnes 11 am – St. Patrick Tuesday, December 31st Tuesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve St. Scholastica – Mass 5 pm 3:40 pm - Children’s Christmas Choir

Solemnity of Mary – New Year’s Day Pillar of Grace 4 pm – Christmas Eve Mass New Prague Wednesday, January 1st 10 pm – Christmas Eve Mass Pastor Chris Flores Church of the St. Wenceslaus – Mass 9 am Wednesday, Dec. 25 Sunday Dec. 22 Most Holy Trinity 9 am – Christmas Day Mass 10:30 am – Service Veseli Tuesday, Dec. 31 Father John Lapensky 5 pm – Mass - Mary, Mother of God Tuesday, Dec. 24 Holy Trinity Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 12 Midnight – Midnight Mass 9 am – Mass - Mary, Mother of God Lutheran Church Calvary Church Wednesday, Dec. 25 New Prague New Prague 9 am – Christmas Mass Pastors Ben and Alicia Hilding www.calvarychurchmn.org Tuesday, Dec. 31 Tuesday, Dec. 24 Held at Raven Stream Elementary 5 pm – New Year’s Eve Mass 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm and 10 pm – Pastor Ben Bolin Fish Lake Immanuel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday, Dec. 22 9 am – New Year’s Day Mass Lutheran Church with Holy Communion 10 am – Christmas at Calvary Between Lydia & Prior Lake

Tuesday, Dec. 24 Dr. Brent L. Parrish, Pastor 5 pm – Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 Church of the 3:30 pm – Christmas Worship Spirit of Life Church 5 pm – Christmas Worship New Prague Immaculate 6:30 pm – Christmas Worship Pastor Jamie Prip Friedens Evangelical Wednesday, Dec. 25 Sunday, Dec. 22 Conception 9 am – Worship 10:30 am – Kids Christmas Program Lutheran Church Lonsdale www.efriedens.com Tuesday, Dec. 24 Fr. Nick VanDenBroeke New Prague, Lanesburgh Township 5 pm – Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 Pastor Henry Koch 3:30 pm – English Christmas Carols Tuesday, Dec. 24 St. John’s Evangelical 4 pm - Vigil of Christmas Mass 6:30 pm - Children’s 9:30 pm – Czech & English Lutheran Church Community Baptist Christmas Service Christmas Carols Webster Wednesday, Dec. 25 10 pm - Vigil of Christmas Mass Rev. Donavon Riley Church 9 am - Christmas Day Worship Wednesday, Dec. 25 Tuesday, Dec. 24 New Prague 9 am - Christmas Mass 7 pm - Christmas Eve Service Pastors John Stephens Tuesday, Dec. 31 Wednesday, Dec. 25 Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 pm – Vigil Mass – Solemnity of 10 am - Christmas Morning Service 10:30 am - Christmas Worship Service St. Thomas Mary, Mother of God Catholic Church Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 St. Thomas 9 am - Mass – Solemnity of Mary, Father James Burns Mother of God Crossroads Church Solor Lutheran Eagle View Elementary School Tuesday, Dec. 24 Pastors Gordon & Melissa Deuel Church 4 pm – Mass Webster Elkonewmarketchurch.com Sunday Dec. 22 New Day Church Christmas Service 10 am - Mass New Prague Sunday Dec. 22 – 10 am Pastor Christopher Mark Tuesday, Dec. 24, Tuesday, Dec. 24 5 pm – Candlelight Service 4 pm – Family Service HillSpring Church 10 pm – Candlelight Service Pastor Garth Heckman 5pm – Christmas Eve Service title: I gave him cheese!

With exceeding great joy, we wish you and your family all the blessings of this holy season. Owned by Mary and Steve Frost 952-758-4949 • New Prague