Holiday 2015 Park CountyGreetings Park County 2017

A Christmas Lamp Page 2 Letters to Santa Pages 3-9 Gingerbread houses CHRISTMAS Page 6-7 SWEETS Christmas Essays •Page 3 Pages 10-24

Pictured is the Livingston Depot Center Park’s lights twinkling after nightfall. Enterprise photo by Nate Howard A PUBLICATION OF THE LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISE 2 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 ‘It’s a major award!’ Couple presents ‘A Christmas Story’ lamp in their home By Samantha Hill net stocking, a black patent Enterprise Staff Writer leather-looking heel and a fringed lamp shade, similar to ivingston residents a flapper’s skirt. The couple Bev and Gary George added an orange bulb to the Lhave many interests. lamp to give it a little extra They are exceptional artists, ambiance. they enjoy area history and Bev said she had always they are huge fans of the 1983 liked the lamp, but wanted to film, “A Christmas Story.” buy it after seeing it in the “A Christmas Story” is the Firehouse Five in the early tale of Ralphie, along with his 2000s parents and brother, who According to Bev and “A experience what life was like Christmas Story” museum in the 1940s around Christ- website, no original lamps mastime. exist from the movie or any For both Bev and Gary, the plays because in the story movie reminded them closely they are always destroyed, so of growing up in different the lamp is a replica but a parts of Montana. In one scene good one. in the movie, one of Ralphie’s The Georges display the leg- classmates sticks his tongue gy light fixture right in their to to a pole, freezing it there. window just as it was in the “Oh, I definitely remember film. that happening to a kid I “We were worried it might knew,” Bev said. “His mom be a little tacky,” she said. had to pour hot coffee over it However, as it sits in their to get it unstuck.” home among their own photo The Georges have watched Enterprise photo by Nate Howard albums, quilts with people’s the film multiple times since Gary and Bev George are pictured at their home in Livingston. Joining them is the Leg Lamp faces and their own original it came out. replica from “A Christmas Story.” artwork, it sits as a reminder “Well I believe we watched of their personalities and it in theaters and watched it the Leg Lamp stood out above The couple ordered a replica a museum commemorating interests. every year since,” Gary said. the rest. of the lamp from the Christ- the film. “You should see what it Though they have found “It’s a major award,” the mas Story Museum, the house Standing about 50 inches looks like outside,” George memories of the movie relat- Georges said in unison, quot- where the movie was original- high, the Leg Lamp is a wom- said, again paraphrasing a line ing to their own experiences, ing a line from the film. ly filmed was and turned into an’s leg complete with a fish- from the film.

A HUGE Thank You to our loyal customers. We also wish you a safe and prosperous New Year — from “Frosty” and the gang.

Graybeal’s All Service, INC. 222-7852 Office open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday 24 Hour Emergency Service, 7 Days a Week 3 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE: The From, Lego. Fly safely. How is Mrs. Claus? I hope you make people Dear Santa, following letters to San- Anika Love, have been watching lots happy. How are your rein- ta Claus were submitted Reece of Drake’s games. They Love, deer? My family and I by various students in Dear Santa, are fun. I like WWE Micon moved and I love my Park County’s elementa- I hope you can get me Dear Santa, wrestling people. I hope school and my mom is ry schools. They are ger- a big kit of Legos with How is you wife and the weather is good. Dear Santa, very busy. I would like a neally presented unedit- pieces I don’t have. reindeer? My family and Love, How is your reindeer? bike and a phone. I hope ed. From, I got a new kitten. I like Drew I am going good Santa. I everybody gets a lot of Otto real bunnies and a chem- would like a swim to me presents. Shields Valley School istry set. See you later. Dear Santa, puppy and some ear- Love, first grade, Judy Vin- Dear Santa, Your friend, How are you Santa? I muffs or a stuffed pup- Isabel cent, teacher I hope you have a good Emily am good but we are py. God bless you. Christmas. Please give busy. I would like some Your friend, Dear Santa, me a big rifle and a big Dear Santa, gold and diamonds. I Amarian See Letters, Page 4 I wish for a Hatchable box of Legos. and a play kitchen and a Love, toy cat. Karson From, Avery Dear Santa, I wish I could have Dear Santa, white and red twin I wish I could have a Hatchables. tea set and I want a doll. Love, From, Kaitlin Addison Dear Santa, Dear Santa, All I want is you to In ThIs season I wish for a Hatchable have a good Christmas. and treehouse and a tea From, set and smelly markers Jasper and a play kitchen. f IvInG... Love, Dear Santa, o G Isla All I want for Christ- mas is gallons of Legos. We’d like to give you Dear Santa, Can you bring it? our thanks and best wishes for a I want a Ultimate Bat- Love, bot. Rio holiday trimmed with lots of From Brycen Dear Santa, EMIGRANT good times and I want some presents. Dear Santa, The presents I want is a good cheer. I hope you can help Little Passport and a my dad through the win- American Girl Doll and CLYDE PARK ter. I miss him so much. a treehouse. Love, Love, Emma Hayden

Dear Santa, St. Mary’s Catholic I hope my dog isn’t School second grade, bad anymore. Mrs. Beitel, teacher From, Mackinley Dear Santa, L to R: Teresa Stephen, Linda Counts, Megan Wills, How are you doing? I Colene Sachanowski, Charlene Murphy Dear Santa, am good. I think my All I want for Christ- Grama is coming for L to R: Dave Sarrazin, Jennell Huff, Vikki Green, Barb Doty, and Kelly Woosley. mas is a violin from San- Thanksgiving. I would ta to Anika. like the Malevelence Thank you LIVINGSTON for your patronage of our three Park We’re displaying our holiday best to wish the best bunch of County folks we know the very best offices this holiday season, ever! L to R: Christina Cleveland, Kaitlyn Marsh, Rebecca Sulages past year. Back L to R: Mark Sukut, Maxine Bakken, Tammy Haefs, Thanks for your business this Heather Malcolm, Jonnell Kurschner, and Teresa Dorvall. past year and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Happy Holidays! Mike, Kim, & Yan Quesenberry Livingston – 1203 W. Park St. • Livingston, MT 59047 • (406) 222-9010 Insurance agency Clyde Park – 205 1st St. • Clyde Park, MT 59018 • (406) 686-4204 1313 W. Park St. • 222-6931 Emigrant – 307 Story Rd. • Emigrant, MT 59027 • (406) 333-9009 4 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017

Letters, from Page 3 Jake

St. Mary’s Catholic My Mom and I are Dear Santa, Thanks for your patronage in 2017. School third grade, going to stay home. My How are the reindeer Mrs. Beitel, teacher brother is going to four doing? I have been We look forward to serving you in 2018! games this week. I super. I listen well to Dear Santa, would like a remote my parents when they How are you? My c o n t r o l c a r. M a y b e ask me to go to bed. We wish you a Merry Christmas family is really sick. We some dino clothes and One more thing, how do have a fun time togeth- maybe a new X-Box 1s the elves make those and prosperous New Year! er. I will like a hand and game. I would like some toys so quickly? feet set and a paint set animal socks. Make the Your friend, and a real kitten. God reindeer safe. Thank Tayler bless you. Thank you. you. Don’t eat too much Love, cookies. Goodbye. Dear Santa, Natalie Love, How is your town Tate doing? I have been Dear Santa, helping my dad fix How are you doing? Dear Santa, trucks so I have been I’m new in Livingston, How are you? I am super. One more thing, Montana. I hope you doing good. Livingston where do you your sup- will find me. I would is a bit snowy but it’s plies? like a X-Box with a still good. Please can I Thank you, Minecraft DVD with a have a remote control Jacob control. I hope you have car and Legos? Hope a good trip. your reindeer are safe Dear Santa, Love, and fly safe. How are the elves Abigayle Love, doing? I have been good Brody because Mom with my Dear Santa, baby cousin Ryder. One How are your elves? I Dear Santa, more question, is Star am excited for Christ- How are you? I’ve Okay my elf? mas. I saw the lights on been having a good Thank you, the trees. I would like a time. I’ve been going to Austynn Lego set and I like Turner’s a lot. I would remote control car. I like to have a Nerf gun hope the weather is not that shoots rapid fire or See Letters, Page 5 bad. a drum set. Fly safely Love, and Merry Christmas. Wayde Love, Finn Dear Santa, How are you doing St. Mary’s Catholic today? I will be going to School first grade, Miss G Iowa soon. I will be see- McDaniel, teacher ason’s reetin ing my cousins there. e gs Something I could use Dear Santa, S could be Mario Monopo- How are the reindeer ly. See you in a bit. doing? I have been Love, super. I help my dad from everyone at Turner pour gravel and dirt. One more thing, how do Dear Santa, you fly over here? How are you doing? Your friend,

We will be closed Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M. Thank You and all of Christmas Day to celebrate the holidays. and Happy Holidays from all of us at

BEER, WINE & SPECIALTY FOOD 208 & 212 W. Park Street • 222.5418 5 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Letters, from Page 4 question, how are the Can I be an elf? How is Do you have 29? Yes or snow for Christmas. elves made? Mrs. Claus? How are no? Merry Christmas, Santa! Dear Santa, more question, how do Love, you? I want for Christ- Your friend, From, How are the reindeer your reindeer fly? Lauren mas a Space Hatchimal Grace Tristin doing? I have been Thank you, and a Garden Hathimal responsible. I help my Peyton Dear Santa, and I want a Pick-Me- Dear Santa, Dear Santa, family by feeding my How are you doing? Pop. Thank you! I like the presents that Where are you? I want dog Tilly everyday. One St. Mary’s Catholic I’m fantastic! One more Love, you gave me the other a Garden Hatchimal for more question, how do School kindergarten, question, how do the Nola year. I would like some Christmas and a Surprise you talk to the elves? Miss McDaniel, teacher reindeer fly? more toys. Thank you. Hatchimal. You have a Your friend, Love, Dear Santa, From, fun Christmas! Kaylee Dear Santa, Olivia Thank you for the Henry Love, How are you doing? presents you gave me Norah Dear Santa, I’m cool. One more ques- Dear Santa, last year. Can you give Dear Santa, How are the reindeer tion, how do the make How are you doing? me more amazing pres- I wish that i can ride Dear Santa, doing? I have been great. the toys? I’m very good. One more, ents? Please and thank on your reindeer and I would like a race car I helped mommy with I like you Santa. how do the reindeer fly? you! your sleigh. I wish that I track, a remote control her grocery shopping at Oliver Love, Love, can have cookies. Thank race car and Pokemon Costco. How do elves Ian Brody you. cards for Christmas. I build toys? Dear Santa, From, would las like my own Thank you, How do you get to the Wimans Elementary Dear Santa, Finnegan phone and a talking Pika- Zoe North Pole? Can I please School Mrs. Durgan, What is your favorite chu, a camera, and a have gel pens, Santa? teacher cookie? I want a doll, a Dear Santa, drone. Dear Santa, How are the toys made? cow and a cat for Christ- Thank you for the Love, How are you doing? I would also like a fairy Dear Santa, mas. Please. Thank you! presents. I wish for you Trayton How are the elves doing? that will grant my wish- Can I be an elf? You Your friend, to bring me a cross bow I have been awesome. I es. have a twinkle in your Alora for Christmas. Dear Santa, helped mommy put pota- Thank you, eye. Thank you for last Your friend, I would like Sonic toes in the pantry, so i’m Pearl year’s presents. How Dear Santa, Sullivan Tails. I love Sonic Tails. a great helper. One more many elves do you have? Can I ride on your rein- Love, question, how long does Dear Santa, Your friend, deer? I would like a real Dear Santa, Evan it take to get to our How do the elves make Maya phone. Thank you Santa. How do the elves make Love, toys? I want a thing-a- house? the toys? I would like a See Letters, Page 9 Thank you, Mario Lego set, please. Dear Santa, Jewell ma-jigger toy. I want Syani What do you do for How is Rudolph doing? Christmas, after you I wish I could have a Spy Dear Santa, Dear Santa, have delivered the toys? Kit and a horse and a dog I hope Boomerang is How are the reindeer Love that acts like a real dog. doing good. I hope that doing? I have been super. Corbin Thank you! he is flying good. Can I I help my dad carry logs Love, have Pet Balads? Thank to the house. One more Dear Santa, Rose you. ‘Tis the question, how do the How are you doing? Love, sleigh and fly? I’m good. One more Dear Santa, Nathan Season Your friend, question, how do you Would you make me Langley make toys? magic? Can you get me a Dear Santa, to say Thank you, Hatchimal? Thank you. Can I be an elf? Santa Dear Santa, Morgan Merry Christmas. Claus you have a twinkle How are the elves Love, in your eye. I thank you THANKS doing? I have been great. Dear Santa, Dalton for last year for bringing We have the best customers presents for me. How I help my baby brother How are you doing? in Montana. stay safe at home. One I’m great. One more Dear Santa, many elves do you have? Thanks for the privilege of serving you.

We wish you a wish you and yours thend yo7urs the Happiest Holidays Delivering wishes merry and bright to all of our friends and neighbors on Christmas night. Thanks for your business, and we wish you and yours Daryn Hendrickson Carla Williams, a very merry Christmas! Dean Hendrickson

224 W. Lewis • Livingston 222-2250 A Dealership Serving You The People 801 US Hwy 10 West at the “Y” Livingston 222-1999

1415 W. Park St. 222-8600 yellowstonecountrymotors.com 6 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Students compete for sweet gingerbread victory By Hope Angelica 12 teams of students put on an apron,” said Park High School intern from two culinary arts culinary art student classes battled against Adam Lewis, 16. Among the hubbub of each other to create the With resemblance to whirling past peers, best gingerbread house. the atmosphere of an snatching aprons and The final creations trav- elvish workshop, the stu- f o r m u l a t i n g t a s t y eled to the Park High dents rolled gingerbread potions, culinary art stu- School Library for dis- dough, ran dish water d e n t s b u i l d w i n t r y play. and mixed ingredients. abodes as clouds of pow- “The atmosphere on An unexpected explosion dered sugar dance in the the days we’re cooking is of orange food dye is one air. hectic. Everyone is rush- among the many surpris- At Park High School, ing to wash hands and es students faced. With time as their greatest adversity, the class peri- Park High School student Summer Peace uses gum- od lasted only 50 min- drops to make a walkway for her gingerbread utes. house. “Making the ginger- Enterprise photos by Nate Howard bread is easy and every- one crowds around the ingredients table,” Lewis described. With houses resem- bling mountain homes to haunted houses, students used their imaginations when designing their architectured desserts. “But, sometimes the ideas in their head don’t Scott Tatum samples a candy cane while decorating the roof of his ginger- pan out well. They have bread house. to make adjustments. It’s really common that their was already a tradition es. Now, students down- els,” Hampson said. final product doesn’t at Park High School. In sized, using real ginger- The class started plan- really look like their previous years, students bread as building mate- ning November 30th and planned design,” said used cardboard instead rial. And the longstand- baking December 6. Brittney Hampson, the of gingerbread because ing gingerbread tradi- December 14th was the Family and Consumer they focused on decorat- tion continues at Park deadline. Science teacher. ing technique and it was High. “The end product is Even before Hampson e a s i e r. C a r d b o a r d “So far, only one group most exciting and the taught culinary arts, gin- allowed students to build has dealt with broken decorating is enjoyable,” gerbread house building large gingerbread hous- gingerbread house pan- said Lewis.

Merry Christmas – and – Happy New Year! From all of us at American Title and Escrow L to R: Scott Gray, Sherri Clark, Berna Ruebusch, of Park County Julie Harris, and Linda Glantz. 206 E. Callender St. • Livingston, MT • (406)-222-0362 • www.amtitlemontana.com

We hope the holiday delivers an abundance of joy to you and yours, just as you’ve brought to us this past year.

ELKS#246 7 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017

is easy to handle. Roll incorporated, turn mix- the dough out to a 1/8” er on high and beat mix- thickness on parchment ture until thick and very paper. Using the pat- white. Mixture will hold terns provided, cut into a peak. the required shapes. This process should Bake for 12 to 15 min- take 5 to 7 minutes. utes or until golden When finished, cover brown. Check for air icing tightly with a bubbles during baking damp cloth or plastic and poke them with a wrap as it dries very sharp knife or a tooth- quickly and will form a pick. When baking is crust. done, slide the parch- To tint icing, use a ment with the hot cook- small amount of color at ies onto a large cooling a time. rack. Make sure all Paste food colors will pieces lie flat. not change the consis- NOTE: Dark corn syr- tency of the icing as liq- up or dark brown sugar uid colorings will. You may be substituted and only need to add a small will result in darker amount to make a pastel dough. color. For a quarter cup of icing, dip the tip of a Royal Icing toothpick into the color l-pound box powdered and then into the icing. sugar Stir well. If you desire 3 egg whites at room more color, dip again, temperature gradually. For strong 1/8 teaspoon cream of colors such as red, royal tartar blue, and dark purple, you will need 1/8 tea- Sift the entire pound spoon to 1/4 cup icing. of sugar to remove all Add more or less as you Enterprise photo by Nate Howard lumps. desire. A gingerbread house displayed in Brittney Hampson’s culinary arts class at Park High School on Dec. 13. Place egg whites in NOTE: If you plan to mixer bowl. Add sugar make several colors as and cream of tartar to you will for ornaments, Creating your own gingerbread house whites while stirring. a muffin tin makes a When all the sugar is handy palette. This recipe for gin- 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger ingredients together in heat until margarine is gerbread and royal 1/2 teaspoon salt a large bowl. melted. icing is from the Park 1 1/2 cups light corn- Combine light corn Stir the liquid into the County High School. syrup syrup, light brown sug- flour mixture. Mix well Merry Christmas 1 1/4 cups packed ar, and margarine in a using hands to mix as Gingerbread Dough light brown sugar 2-quart saucepan. Stir dough becomes stiff. and (one batch) 1 cup margarine constantly over medium Chill the dough until it 6 3/4 cups flour Happy New Year 1 tablespoon cinna- Preheat oven to 350 mon degrees. Stir the dry Thanks for the privilege of serving you. Need a last minute gift? Dan Bailey’s will come to your rescue! thankS Check our lineup: • Dan Bailey • Simms • Flambeau • Loon PaRtneRS! • Scientific Angler • Sage • Rio • Brodin • Dai-Riki • Patagonia • Winston Thanks Very Much • Dr. Slicks • Smith Optics Our thanks is extended to the relatives and friends of our residents who go out of their way to make visits and help in other ways to make our residents happy. The interaction is cherished by them.

Special thanks goes out to our dedicated staff members who always extend We’re rounding up good cheer, exceptional care. We consider ourselves To thank all the folks who’ve stopped by here, extremely lucky to have you as employees. So saddle up and celebrate - Fly tying materials A Christmas season that’s really great! and tools ThAnk you for your *********** ConTinued SupporT! Huge fly selection From all of us at DIAMOND K LODGE Where your family is ours the www.dkodge.com tockman 1200 W. Montana S 222-0605 We will be closed on December 24th & 25th to enjoy the holiday with our families. 118 N. Main St. 222-8455 209 W. Park St. • 222-1673 8 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017

St. Mary’s Catholic puppy and some ear- am excited for Christ- Love, School second grade, muffs or a stuffed pup- mas. I saw the lights on Brody St. Mary’s Catholic Dear Santa, Mrs. Beitel, teacher py. God bless you. the trees. I would like a School first grade, Miss How are the reindeer Your friend, Lego set and I like Dear Santa, McDaniel, teacher doing? I have been Dear Santa, Amarian remote control car. I How are you? I’ve super. I listen well to my How are you doing? I hope the weather is not been having a good time. Dear Santa, parents when they ask am good. I think my Dear Santa, bad. I’ve been going to Turn- How are the reindeer me to go to bed. One Grama is coming for How are your rein- Love, er’s a lot. I would like to doing? I have been more thing, how do the Thanksgiving. I would deer? My family and I Wayde have a Nerf gun that super. I help my dad elves make those toys so like the Malevelence moved and I love my shoots rapid fire or a pour gravel and dirt. quickly? Lego. Fly safely. school and my mom is Dear Santa, drum set. Fly safely and One more thing, how do Your friend, Love, very busy. I would like a How are you doing Merry Christmas. you fly over here? Tayler Reece bike and a phone. I hope today? I will be going to Love, Your friend, everybody gets a lot of Iowa soon. I will be see- Finn Jake Dear Santa, Dear Santa, presents. ing my cousins there. How is you wife and Love, Something I could use reindeer? My family and Isabel could be Mario Monopo- I got a new kitten. I like ly. See you in a bit. real bunnies and a chem- St. Mary’s Catholic Love, istry set. See you later. School third grade, Mrs. Turner Your friend, Beitel, teacher Emily Dear Santa, Since Dear Santa, How are you doing? . Dear Santa, How are you? My fam- My Mom and I are going 1985.. How is Mrs. Claus? I ily is really sick. We to stay home. My broth- we have have been watching lots have a fun time togeth- er is going to four games been of Drake’s games. They er. I will like a hand and this week. I would like a privileged are fun. I like WWE feet set and a paint set remote control car. May- wrestling people. I hope and a real kitten. God be some dino clothes to serve you. the weather is good. bless you. Thank you. and maybe a new X-Box Thanks for making Love, Love, 1s game. I would like us your first choice Drew Natalie some animal socks. Make the reindeer safe. when it comes to your Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Thank you. Don’t eat too electrical construction and How are you Santa? I How are you doing? much cookies. Goodbye. repair needs. am good but we are I’m new in Livingston, Love, busy. I would like some Montana. I hope you will Tate gold and diamonds. I find me. I would like a We wish you hope you make people X-Box with a Minecraft Dear Santa, happy. DVD with a control. I How are you? I am Happy Holidays Love, hope you have a good doing good. Livingston Micon trip. is a bit snowy but it’s and a prosperous Love, still good. Please can I New Year! Dear Santa, Abigayle have a remote control How is your reindeer? car and Legos? Hope I am going good Santa. I Dear Santa, your reindeer are safe would like a swim to me How are your elves? I and fly safe. From Arnold We’ll be ready Christmas eve and all of us at just in Case santa needs us. 1162 Hwy 10 West 222-7382

Warm Wishes for a Cheery Holiday Your support helps us meet our mission to promote the physical, intellectual and social wellbeing Thanks very much for calling Whistler Towing & Truck Repair of Park County Seniors. when you need help. Your trust in us is very gratifying. Thank You! • PCSC • MOW • AC

PCSC, a one-stop shop for seniors. We’re welcoming new members! Park County/NCOA Gateway 206 S. Main 24 Hour Service to the nation’s aging network. 333-2276 224-5686 Ken & Amy Gray, owners • Bob Gray • Brad Bont • Tanyr Patt Hector Villa • Keith Faw • Levi Sarrazin • Zac Nightingale 9 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Letters, from Page 5 I am being good this is Kyle Dear Kris, Dear Santa, my dream. Instruments, How are the elfs and Ho, ho, ho. Can you piano nothing else. Mar- Dear Santa, the reindeer? I am won- tell cinnamon, to stay Dear Santa, yer. Give it to Ryleigh. ry christmas St. Nicho- I hop you are doing dering how big your here, and give a new I think I am naughty Ryleigh las. good. If I was gud I ask Christmas tree is? I do selfie. Can you give me and nice, but I want a Sincerely, for a L.O.L. doll and a not want anything in arc, and are your rein- Monopoly game, Mario Dear Santa, Marshall Hatchimal. That Lolt I particular this year. I deer being good. Can with Nintendo Switch, I rileye like how you ask for. My sistr asks am going to Arizona this you give me some can- and Mario. I promise to give kids presints but Dear Kris Kringle, for books and doll baby Christmas with my par- dy? be goo until ChristmaS. this yer can you give me I hope you and Mrs. and more books and a ents. I hope you like our Love, Love, Ragged Ann dolls and Claus are doing well. little slide. That’s it. I lights. Logan Keagan Ragged Ann stuph and a Am I on the nice list? If hope Mrs. Klos is good. Sincerly, Ragged Ann pilodlanckit I am I would ask you to Love, Ole Dear Santa, Winans Elementary and a fox swetr. bring me a stuffed Alice and Violet May I please have Bay School first grade, Ms. Zoey hores. Dear Kris, Blades and remotkinch- Linton, teacher Love, Dear Santa, How are you and trol helukpter. Dear Santa, Anna I hope you and Mrs. everyone at the North Sincerely, Dear Santa, How are you doowing. Claus are doing well. Pole are doing? I whud Zane I love how you give us Are your rander doow- Dear Santa, Cinnamon told us to like a raindeer and I presins kus you ara the ing. Are you doowing I hope you and Mrs. write you a letter. I whant to ask can I have Dear Kris Kringle, best. good giving prezis away. Claus are doing good would like to ask for a a microscope. And when Are you doing grate? I Love Fiona and Ellia. Oh Santa I want lots of and your elfs to I want a hoverboard and I don’t I said raindeer I ment am grate! May I plese And Mom and Dad and cars. Nintendo Totty, s three. want anything else. Donr. get a little alive pet Shannon and Magan and Braeden and I want a Air Hog Love, Love, tiger. a nut crakr and I would and a Hovrbord. Kylee Ivy Love, like a kande kan than Dear Santa, Love, Margaret you santa klas so much. Its Marcus I would Spencer like a toy mail bidramon Dear Santa, and gray mon and Rag- Dear Santa, I hop you have a good gedy ann doll and stuff I hope you and Mrs. time and I hop that I get and mail birdramon and Claus are doing well. my prezents but that is a stufft graninila. Can you please bring me not the importn thing I Marcus some Bay Blades and just hope you have a some candy? And a hov- good time. Dear Santa, erboard please. P.S. Can Rowen Will you come to my i have a whoopie cushion house ples. I would love please. And a Hatchimal Dear Santa, that. I would love that so please. I love you Santa. I will you bring a laslo Love, want a car that you can ulnm kit plles santa. Stella drive and a fon. Devan Lile Dear Santa, Dear St. Nicholas, How are you doing? I Dear Santa, How is evry body hope you pick something I love you Santa. This doing I hope they are good. I hope the rain- yer i whot you to give doing grat. I hope I am deer and doing good. me a speshl prestint this being good, if you thenk Love,

Announcing the winners of the

SponsoredSponsored by by t h e l i v i n g s t o n ENTERPRISE

1319 W. Park St. Merry Christmas & 222-7393 Happy New Year! Two divisions: • Up to 6 years old • 7 to 11 years old We’d like to say thank you to 1) The rules are easy to follow! Use crayons, coloring pencils or magic markers. all our customers for your

2) Color all the holiday images on the pages of business & look forward to this special section.

3) Mail your completed form to: serving you in 2018. Livingston Enterprise Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 2000, Livingston, MT 59047 from, or drop it off at The Enterprise office, 401 South Main Street Jim, Dana, 4) Winners announced in the special Christmas section that will be a part of Kade & Josh the December 23rd edition of the Enterprise

5) Prizes - TwoFirst Large Pizza place Coupons in for the the First place in the 7 winnerto 11-year-old of each division division: 6-year-old and younger division: Amrie Lowe Norah Busby – Age 10 – – Age 6 – Winners get two large Congratulations to these talented young artists! Winners get two large pizzas 222-3170 pizzasof their choiceeach fromfrom Thanks to all the kids who submitted entries. Pizza Hut Hut. 231 S. Main St. They were all a pleasure to view. 10 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: FIRST PLACE, LAINE TODD The Explosive Christmas

n Christmas Day 2013, my family had the so-called “ Explosive Christmas.” On Othis day we had probably one of the most disastrous Christmas- es ever, but it is also a holiday that I will never forget. I think that this time is one of my most cherished memories of Christmas. The events of this Christmas are kind of like a bad dream. First, the whole day started with a bang (but not the cool bang with explosions). My entire family woke up late for church, so we were all rushing to get ready, and, therefore, we were not looking as snazzy as we would hope. Next, when we did finally make it to our church, the service that we normally go to was halfway over, so we had to wait and go to the late service. Since we didn’t make it to the early service, we could no longer go to breakfast, and we had to go to lunch. Because we had to go to lunch, we had to try and get home in time to start cooking dinner so it would be before midnight when we ate. When we finally got home, every- body is in a jolly mood. That is until I hear a blood-curdling scream that sent a chill down my spine. Immediately, I run into the living room to see my mom, dad, and grandma standing in front of me with horrified faces. (Nat- urally, I had to see what gave them shell shock). As I look past them, I see what looked like a storm front came through my living room. In front of me was the biggest mess I have ever seen in my entire life. On Christmas Eve night, my grand- ma had gone out to pick cattails for decoration, and in the process, she set them in front of the fire. Cattails explode when they dry out too quickly, and that is why my living room looked like a blizzard straight out of Antarcti- ca. My grandma, being the great mind that she is, grabbed a lint roller and got to work. After about 5 minutes of just her cleaning up, she looked up and asks why we are just standing there, so after giving it much thought, we decided it would be best if we helped too. We all grabbed lint rollers and started rolling, and after about 15 min- utes of cleaning, it was good enough. While some of us decided to start making dinner, others thought it was time to open presents. Therefore, half of us were making dinner, and the oth- er half of us were opening presents (which did not go over to well with my sister). This Christmas was one of my most cherished Christmases because there were so much humor and misfortune involved. It also taught me that no matter how bad things get, if you have family, it will be alright. I wanted to write about this Christ- mas because it is one that you don’t Enterprise photo by Nate Howard hear about very often, and I wanted it Eighth-grader Laine Todd stands in a hall at Sleeping Giant Middle School. Todd is the esssay contest winner for 2017. to be a little different than all the per- fect cookie making Christmases. I also wanted to write about what my family EDITOR’S NOTE: The essays, for the most part, are pre- is like and can be like over the holi- Every year, The Enterprise invites sented without editing days because to me it was my funniest students from area schools to partici- and most meaningful memories of pate in a Christmas essay contest. The Christmas. winner receives a $100 gift certificate. More essays found on pages 11-24 11 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: SECOND PLACE, EMMA WARHANK The Perfect Tree “It’s a beautiful day in Liv- clouds of smoke spewing Enterprise photos by Nate Howard ingston!” I heard the man on from chimneys, and the beau- Eighth-grader Emma War- the radio exclaim. As the tiful glow of sunshine beating hank sits in a hallway at truck rumbled down the high- down on the snowy hills. The Sleeping Giant Middle way, we slowly came to a crisp mountain air filled my School. Emma is the second halt, taking a sharp left turn lungs as we gazed over the place essay contest winner. onto a snow covered back- valley... Paradise Valley. road. I hopped out of the We made our way back truck in a hurry when we down and met our parents at down. Well, kind of. I wiped pulled over, and the instant I the truck when my mom sug- out a few times and had to stepped foot outside, the cold gested a hot chocolate break. catch up to the truck, but it air burst through the bottom I poured myself some warm, was worth it. When we got to of my coat, under my hat, and rich hot chocolate. I savored the highway, I got inside and any open place it could find. every creamy sip as it cas- was assigned the job of the This was refreshing, though, caded down my throat. After tree watcher. The first time I after being crammed in a hot we were done, I took my mom looked back to check on them, truck. up the slippery slope to show there were only two trees! We Our friends’ kids and I her the tree I saw. When we drove back and found our quickly hopped on the tail- finally reached it, she was tree on the side of the road, gate. As the truck of now only immediately in agreement the same as it was when we adults climbed up the slip- that the tree was perfect. got it. I was relieved, because pery mountain trail, I saw the “Chh-j, chh-j, chh-j,” the I was never going to get a happy dogs running alongside handsaw sounded as I did the fake tree, even if we brought us. I felt my unbrushed week- honors of filling the tag. First the tree home with no nee- end hair blowing in the the bark, then the fresh sap- dles. This time, double secur- breeze. Soon enough, the wood of the trunk separated ing the trees, we were back truck stopped, and we pushed as the saw glided through it. on the road. ourselves off the tailgate. In the back of my head, the When we got back into Our eyes were peeled for countdown started. “Three…” town, we dropped off the the best tree to live with us the last layer of bark felt like grandparents’ tree and during the holiday season. I it took forever to get through. wished them a Merry Christ- felt my nose begin to run, my “Two…” I heard a snap. mas. The moment we got toes lose feeling, and my “TIMBER!” the entire home, I couldn’t wait to start stomach growl, but we car- group shouted as the tree fell decorating. Having a unique ried on. The kids and I decid- gently to the ground. Excite- tree every year and being ed to hike to the highest point ment flooded my body. I knew able to decorate it with fami- in sight while our parents vis- this tree was the one for us. ly is a tradition I will always ited at the truck. The climb The last piece we needed to enjoy. The smell of sugar was treacherous, but along fulfill the joyful season. We cookies baking in the oven, the way, I saw a tree. The stumbled down to the truck and Christmas music playing tree that was the perfect size, as I drug the tree in the back. on the TV, while we decorate shape, and had the perfect We loaded it into the back of the tree is the reason I cher- amount of pine cones decorat- the truck and headed down not able to come out and get trees into the bed, everyone ish the holiday season so ing it. When we reached the the trail. On the way, our themselves a tree any longer, got in the cab of the truck greatly. Giving thanks to top, I saw snowflakes falling friends found their tree and it warmed my heart to help and got ready for the trip Christ for family, friends, and on the trees close by, but fur- we got their grandparents a them enjoy Christmas also. home. I stayed out and hooky the gift of life is what Christ- ther out were herds of elk, tree also. Because they were After securing all three bobbed the rest of the way mas is all about.

CHRISTMAS ESSAYS: THIRD PLACE, ABBY DAVIS A Christmas Story One morning in December with. The top of the tree was we went Christmas tree hunt- bent over by like 1 foot! We ing, my dad and brother went could not get it to fit in our to saw down the tree. My house. I guess we aren’t going stepmom, sisters, and I stayed to have a star this Christmas. in the car. Then, they came We started to decorate the back with a tree that was very tree we got all of the orna- fluffy, and big. The tree was ments on the tree then about 7ft tall. I didn’t know BOOM!!! CRASH!!! The tree how we were going to fit the fell over and all of the orna- tree into the house! My broth- ments broke! Then, we picked Arrowhead er and I were under the tree up the broken ornaments and School sev- in the car. We got so many threw them into the trash. enth-grader pine needles in our hair and The next day my family went Abby Davis our clothes. The smell of the to the store and we got more stands out tree was very, very strong. I ornaments. We spent over in front of really don’t like the smell of $350 dollars!! After that, we the Shields the tree. My brother said he went back home and put on V a l l e y wants to get an air freshener the new ornaments VERY School. She to go in his room to make it carefully so we didn’t break is the third smell like that all year long! them. Oh no!! it happened place win- Once we got home my dad again. All of the ornaments ner of the took the tree out of the car broke!! What a Christmas to C h r i s t m a s and my step mom was getting remember… I guess we aren’t Essay Con- out all of the Christmas orna- going to have any ornaments test. ments to decorate the tree on the tree this year. 12 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Luminarias

When most people think “Christmas,” they think luminarias to light up the pathway. We quickly about warm fires, cookies shaped like Christmas developed a rhythm: I opened a bag, my dad trees, etc. Most people certainly do not automatical- scooped in a handful of sand, and Caitlin positioned ly think: “Paper bags full of sand,” but around the a candle in the bag. We went on like this all the way holidays, that thought is one of the first on my mind. down the left side of the steps, and then back up the Up until a few months ago, I lived in New Mexico right. Then came the time to light the candles, the for years, NM was under rule of Spain, so naturally honor of which fell upon my sister and me. Each quite a few Spanish traditions stuck around. My per- with a lighter, we ran in opposite directions, plan- sonal favorite of these traditions are luminarias, ning to meet in the middle. With some difficulty, I (Loo-mih-nah-ree-ahs) which translates to luminaire sparked the lighter and lit the first Luminaria. Then coming from the French luminarie, meaning light- whoosh. The wind blew out the candle before I had ing. Luminarias are essentially homemade lanterns, even reached the next. I looked over at Caitlin to see traditionally meant to light Christ’s way to a safe that she was facing the same predicament. “The home (yours). wind is blowing out the candles faster than you can My family decorates for Christmas using luminar- light them!” My dad laughed. We took his words as a ias every year, but the most memorable year to me challenge, racing up and down the rows of luminari- was the Christmas of 2014. My family had just as lighting and relighting candles, racing the wind: moved out of the city of Albuquerque into a small Girl vs Element. Finally we were too tired and cold town called Placitas in the foothills of the Sandia to go on and we headed inside, breathing hard, and Mountains. It was the first Christmas Eve we had smiling wide. spent in our new home and everyone was in good This memory is one that is really meaningful to spirits. I could hear my parents talking and laugh- me because it reminds me that there are times when ing with my grandparents and I could smell pota- one can just let go, be them self, and enjoy the com- Left to right: Brittany Gilstrap and toes, green beans, and turkey in the oven. Caitlin, pany of others. Joan Fawcett my younger sister, and I waited anxiously for dark- ness to fall. “Daddy! Let’s set up the luminarias!” I called impatiently. “Yeah, Come On!” Caitlin agreed, By Josie Vesbach bouncing up and down excitedly. After what seemed Sleeping Giant Middle School Wishing you a bundle of Eighth Grade like an eternity to my nine year old self, my dad holiday joy, tied up with came out of the kitchen with a bundle of brown paper bags, and a box of farolitos (candles). a string of good tidings! As I stepped outside I watched the sky. There were so many more stars here than in the city. We Please know how much first gathered a bucketful of sand, then we headed over to the front walk where we would place the we appreciate your friendship and Christmas patronage. is a season not only of rejoicing, but 109 S. 2nd St. 222-0075 of reflection. As we take this time to say Thanks very “Thank You” much! to all our loyal customers and wish you a safe and Happy Holiday! From the Fairchild family and crew at... Your Enterprise carrier wishes you a wonderful holiday season ALL SERVICE TIRE and thanks you for the privilege of serving you. & ALIGNMENT 13 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 My Christmas Story It was the night before Christmas all day I had the sleep of night as well. In my dreams I saw my He slowly strolled taking his time being very helped my mom make cookies and dad get loads of parents as kids my mother a young child again and silent he made his way to the fireplace. I called out fire wood. The house was warm and smelt like pep- my father a small lad. It wasn’t long before I woke in the heat of the moment “wait!” He stopped and permint and ginger bread, everywhere the walls to the sounds of bells and heavy footsteps one after turned around a big red cheeked smile popped on inside and outside shined with little twinkling lights another coming from the living room. I crawled out his face. I asked “why do you give to children?” A it was like thousands of stars all together. The day of my bed and headed for the doorway from there I slow fade happened to him until he disappeared the was fun but soon night fell and everyone got ready could see a plump man in a red suit. Unknowing of colorful lights followed. I jumped right out of bed for bed in a couple of minutes we all laid down to my existence I watched the large man walk to the my heart pounding pondering what had happened? rest. Christmas day was soon to come. I stayed up milk and cookies my mother had left for him and just a little longer I couldn’t sleep thinking of all the take a huge bite. Lots of colorful lights followed the By Gabe Mitchum wonderful things to happen. large man as he set down a bag and took out three Arrowhead School I sipped my warm milk but not long after I fell to large boxes; Eighth Grade Finding a Tree Sipping the hot coco in my thermos I step into my this and that, I slowly back away. Wandering took dred miles per hour down the hill on a sled. We parents car. Today we are going tree hunting. Usual- me to a short stubby tree. There are so many trees move out of the way. Michael crashes right into the ly my eight-year-old brother Michael comes along, here! After some time, my parents finally find me. perfect seven-foot tall, thick tree. Looks like we but ironically he was invited to go sledding with his “Did you find a good one?” my mom asks “no” I found our tree! best friend Joselin Anders the exact same time reply. A faint nose seems to drift nearer until it were supposed to leave. Once my parents are in the becomes clear. “Look out! Ahh!!” shouted a small By Pavani Mitchum car we buckle and then were off to Mr. Donatello’s boy next to the same size girl in the distance. Arrowhead School tree farm. Going to Mr. Donatello’s tree farm is our Michael? Yes! Michael and Josie coming one hun- Sixth Grade family tradition, so we couldn’t believe Michael wanted to go sledding instead. I look out the window as we pass a big wooden sign that says in big bold letters “John Donatello’s Holiday Pines”. We park. The location is exactly how I remember it, one mas- sive pen with hundreds of towering trees and minia- ture trees. Around the pen are three colossal hills; one of the three however slopes down into the pen. WOW. That hill would be amazing to sled down. A light tapping on the car window interrupts my thoughts. My dad was calling my name “Paige! Come on were going to go pick our tree now”. I open the car door. As soon as I do the cool fresh air and the delicious smell of pine floods my nose. When we enter the maze of pines Mr. Donatello immediately greets us with a smile “hey guys!” After a few hand- shakes, hugs, and a long boring conversation about Merry Christmas Thank you for your business.

A flurry of glad tidings and Happy warm wishes to you and yours at Happy Holidays this special time. Holidays from all of us at Our wish is that We greatly appreciate your kind you enjoy the warmth of the support and friendship! season with family and friends. Top: Rebecca Becker, Mark Pesa and Brandie Parker Watt. Bottom: Becky Thank you for the privilege of Zahn and Haley Mush- serving you this year! Repair & Radiator rush. Not pictured - Liz Service Carlin. – Licensed and Insured – Residential & Commercial 115 North M Street • Livingston CALL 333-4166 or 223-0506 406-222-3166 Dealer 504 E. Callender 222-3037 14 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 The Christmas Vaudeville Show

When I woke up on the morning of the first day of a defined lip-mark that only your grandma could. said goodbye to my family and went home. I fell Christmas Break, 2014, I had more energy than a However, on the last act, where the actors and asleep, thinking about how lucky I was to share toddler that ate five pounds of candy. I was actresses sang “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas through laughter with my family. extremely excited because I was going to attend the Christmas,” I realized that I enjoyed it because it Christmas Vaudeville show. brings people together with laughter. By Gabriel Holmes Now, incase you’ve been living under a rock your When the play ended, I walked out of the theater Sleeping Giant Middle School whole life, the Christmas Vaudeville show is a play with my family, and I inhaled the cold, fresh air. All Eighth Grade where the actors and actresses take songs and turn my senses detected the Christmas Spirit in the air. I them into parodies, transform ordinary things into jokes, and conjure Christmas spirit through laugh- ter. However, I wouldn’t be going to the play until 7 p.m., and it was 8 a.m. Along with the fact I would go to dinner beforehand at 5 p.m. As an alternative, I quickly took refuge in the living room and switched between playing with legos and frying my brain cells by gaming on the Xbox 360. I did these two things until it was time to go to dinner with the whole family. As usual, I was told we were going to eat at The Sport, how surprising. Even though we ate there a lot, I still knew that it’d be fun, so I climbed into the car, anxious to get my hands on the sweet food. When we arrived at The Sport, my grandpa and grandma were sitting at a long table, waving at us enthusiastically. I didn’t expect to be here second because my parents don’t put the “pedal to the met- Happy al” when I suggest the idea, but I understand it’s risky and illegal to do.We sat down, ordered our drinks, and started visiting with my grandparents. Every few minutes, a family member would enter Holidays the restaurant, and soon the whole family was at the table, ordering his or her food. After some time of With deepest gratitude from all of us visiting and laughing, we got our food. I took a bite for the privilege of serving you, of my small pizza. I relished the sweet sauce and cheese with pepperoni on the doughy bread. We fin- along withholiday best wishes season for ever! the brightest ished the delicious meal by sharing a grand dessert. After dinner, we drove to the Shane Center. I quickly ran into the building, escaping Livingston’s Industrial Towel well known harsh winds. Anxious to get our seats, I dragged my family to the ushers and gave them our tickets. As I sat in my seat, I didn’t know I would and Cover Supply experience a different form of Christmas Spirit that 218 So. 2nd 222-1131 night. As the lights darkened, Russell Lewis, the Cre- ative Director, walked out and told us about the sponsors of the play. The first act started with two actors singing a parody of “Hammer Time” by MC Hammer, called “Brownie Time.” I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. It amazed me that they per- formed a variety of acts such as multiple parodies of songs and a skit where a man wore a dress and kissed people on the cheek in the audience, leaving Merry Merry Christmas Christmas From the Zeman family to yours...

from all of us at Back Porch Quilts! 5237 US Hwy 89 S. Livingston • 222-0855 (Sleeping Giant Trade Center) 15 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 My Christmas Story It was when I was finally on break from school and I went down. Jesse and I went down the hill and down the hill. My uncle decided that it was getting and we had six feet of new snow. I went over to my accidently hit the dog. Jesse flew seven feet away dark so it was time to go back to the house for some cousins Jesse’s house. There was a perfect place to from the sled with the dog on top of her. hot chocolate and to change out of our wet clothes. go sledding, no rocks, for the day there were tiny Jesse yelled, “Adam!” Jesse took a break, had a We all gathered our sleds and walked back to the jumps, and there was also brush, so the sledding coke and she was fine to sled with us again. house. We all changed and then sat down with our was like a game of dodgeball. My other cousin, Jake wrecked the big black sled chocolate to watch movies together. Family and My Uncle Gayland had gone down in the big black while trying to avoid the brush and was full of snow. Christmas Break are the best! sled. He went down with all my aunts and uncles. He almost looked like a snowman. Jake could barely When they went down the hill they went through the stand. There was snow in his ski jacket and in his By Delana Gilman brush, then into the creek. They landed with a big Under Armor hat. By then Jesse and I were at the Arrowhead School splash and started laughing. The ranch hand threw a top of the hill getting ready to sled down. We were Seventh Grade snow ball and the dog chased after it right as Jesse laughing so hard at the sight of Jake that we fell A Christmas Tradition from as Far as I Can Remember

Everybody has a tradition on Christmas. My tradi- trees and smell the strong pine scent in the air. who came to celebrate Christmas with us puts on tion has been in my family for as long as I can When mass ends early, early on Christmas morning, their coats and drives home after a fun Christmas remember. We have always done the same thing for we all get back in the car to drive home and get a night. Christmas no matter who comes to celebrate with good rest before sunrise. After this is all over, I think about what we did, us. Multiple hours later, we wake up on Christmas buying dinner, eating dinner, going to mass, opening Every year, during the day, on Christmas Eve my morning to open presents. We all gather in the living presents, and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, family and I go to Albertsons to get dinner for room around the tree with all of our presents. We I remember how important everything is to me. I Christmas and Christmas Eve. We go to the fish open our gifts in a circle one at a time until they are also remember that nothing is better than doing fun market at the back of the store and we buy crab for gone. Then we relax, lay around, watch TV, and play things with all the special people in my life. This Christmas dinner and all different types of fish for with our new presents. Christmas tradition is a special part of my family, Christmas Eve dinner. After we browse around the After a long relaxing Christmas day, we start to and it will continue to be for a long time. store for anything else we need, we go to check out make dinner. We prepare the crab we bought at the and go home store the previous day along with a prime rib. When By Liam Higgins When we get back from the store, my dad starts to the crab and prime rib are cooked, we set the table Sleeping Giant Middle School make a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. Usually, my for ourselves and the people who have come to cele- Eighth Grade dad finishes cooking early, which is hard because brate with us. By the time dinner is served, my the fish smells so good, so we lay around and watch mouth is watering because of the smell of the deli- hockey until it’s time for dinner. Around eight cious crab and prime rib. When we start eating, I o’clock, we eat one of the best tasting dinners of the taste the crab dipped in melted butter and the soft year and prepare for church at midnight or mid- tender prime rib as I talk with everyone at the table. night mass. When everyone finishes eating dinner, we all sit After dinner, my family and I take a car ride to on my family’s soft couches and watch A Charlie our church for midnight mass. As I step out of the Brown Christmas. This is my favorite part of our car, I can feel the cold Livingston wind on my face tradition (except maybe the delicious food) because and can hear the church bells ringing. When we everyone laughs and has a great time. After we fin- We are enter the church, I see the big glistening Christmas ish watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, everyone grateful for your support. Thank you to our terrific ‘TIS THE volunteers and all the generous people of Livingston and Park County who make it possible for SEASON... the Livingston Food Pantry to ...To let you know how much help feed more than 600 people we appreciate and value your business! in need, every month. Here’s hoping all of you have a very Please accept our sincere Merry Christmas & a happy holiday thanks and best wishes for a season. warm and wonderful We look forward holiday season. to seeing you again in the New Year. Jim & Vicky Nardella and the crew at Corner of 2nd & Lewis Streets MOBILE REPAIR 222-5335 & WELDING 1109 E. PARK • 222-1560 16 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 The Evil Elf (fiction) Once one starry Christmas night Jef- candy canes at him as Jeffery went to fery Lopez was watching the stars when duck an energy shield formed on his MERRY CHRISTMAS a ginger bread house fell out of the sky arm. and landed in Jeffery’s yard. He won- The elf said “ What? But how? Only dered what it was and decided to inves- the chosen one has powers.” & HAPPY NEW YEAR tigate. When he got near it turned into a Then Santa said, “I have chosen him. robot with a candy cane cannon and a You are to late you have lost and Jeffery gum drop sword and a licorice lasso it Lopez is the new Santa!” and all of the was small and skinny. Piloting it was a sudden, Santa disappeared. small little elf with a big bushy mus- The elf said, “Impossible!!!” and fired tache he said “he wanted to capture the more candy canes at the new Santa but big jolly bushy bearded Santa”. Then Jeffery deflected them back and We’re displaying our holiday cheer the little robot ran away and disap- destroyed the elf’s robot. Afterward the peared then Jeffery went to bed. In the elf said all he wanted to do was to help to thank everyone for stopping here morning he realized Santa had not come Santa but he refused so was going to then he remembered the elf and decided force Santa into letting him help. Jef- And for your winning attitude, to go to the North Pole and save Santa. fery told the elf he could help and the When he arrived he found Santa tied elf cheered up. Since then Christmas You surely have our sincere gratitude... up and the elf. Then the elf turned to was always on time and no elf was Jeffery and said “oh you again, look I refused work with Santa. So without any fanfare caught Santa” then gestured at Santa. By Aidyn Peery “Let Santa go now” said Jeffery. Arrowhead School or further delay “Hmmmmn no!” said the elf and fired Sixth Grade Please accept our best wishes Christmas Cookies & Carols for a great holiday! Every year on the first Sunday of ments, and how much it has changed December, my 4-H club, the Paradise since then until now. It may not be the Experimenters, sing Christmas carols most fun thing to do, but it pays off when and give cookies to the elderly in the val- seeing them smiling and laughing, or ley. Being a typical middle schooler, I singing along to the song we’re singing. I think caroling is boring, and wonder why can almost see the joy in their eyes. This do we have to do this, but after participat- is a tradition that our club has been doing ing for many years, my perspective has for several years. Our leaders recall changed. doing the same thing we did, and feeling We get together and put cookies on the same way about it. plates and try our very best to make them When we are done going around to look pretty. We organize them, so there houses, we gather to eat chili, laugh and are equal amounts of cookies, ribbons, play games as a club. Yes, we are proba- and bows on every creation. After that, bly going to complain about having to we gather in cars and head out to some of sing and do this again next year because the older people’s houses. We sing two or we are still average middle schoolers, but From all of us at: three songs at each house, one usually the older I get, the more I realize how being, “ We Wish You A Merry Christ- much this act of kindness can mean to mas.” After we are done singing, we talk someone. This is the true meaning of to the families and wish them a Merry Christmas. Spreading Christmas Spirit is Christmas, and good luck in the new year, about helping and reaching out to your and set off to another house. community. A little bit of kindness really Overall, we go to about seven houses, does go a long way. Frank & Karen O’Connor - Owners so we get to talk to many people. Some- By Bailey Opitz 222-0214 • 908 East Park St. times they will tell us about when they Sleeping Giant MIddle School were in 4-H, what animals they showed, Eighth Grade what projects they took, the require- HORIZON AUTO PARTS 222-6272 • 1210 East Park St.

To everyone who participated in the 27th annual “Old Fashioned Christmas Fair” at the Park County Fairgrounds, A BIG THANK YOU is due! Vendors and public attendance made for a successful year once again! A special thank you goes out to Holiday Greetings our sponsors: Dean Hendrickson - State Farm Insurance, Andy Kory & Ronda Wentz, Knutson Suffolks, Karen Knut- We would like to thank you, our customers, son, Mary Kisthart and Boy Scout Troop 516, Your donations are greatly appreciated! And to all of our Amazing Volunteers: for your business. We look forward to Ed Flatt, Mary Ann Mack, Cheryl Pompper, Jack Reddington, serving you in 2018. Bob Skillman, Sylvia Wagner, & Alice Williams. Park County Fair Board: Tim Downey, Amanda Hamm, Heather Malcolm, Stacy Sunvison, Jim Sykes, & Jeff Wagner who helped set up, Merry decorate, and tear down. We appreciate Santa Claus, Face Painter- Amy Schad, & Grace United Methodist Church. Christmas None of this would be possible without you! THANKS AGAIN! and – Kim Knutson, Fair Manager Happy 124 W. Lewis St. Merry Christmas Office 406.222.0944 New Year. Fax 406.222.0946 17 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Crazy Christmas (fiction) This is a story about my cats. One Christmas Eve I to meow ow Christmas tree. All of the sudden they had got was food. Mostly cat nip. So I said one more was woke up by my cats. They knew what day it was saw a perfect Christmas tree. It was a good one so stop and then we will go home. I went to go by them and they wanted a Christmas tree for themselves. I they got out of the truck and cut it down and of a surprise present. I went into the store and got was so tired but they would not stop jumping on my course I had to put it in the pack of the truck. Then them each a toy that squeaks, a fake mouse that head so I just got up. I went to the mudroom and they wanted a carpet to go under the tree. We got moves, and a bone witch they like. When I got in the went to get my snow pants, boots, gloves, and hat. lucky because we saw mouse hide so they picked it truck they could smell the bone and I did bye 4 so Then I went outside with my cats Oliver and Jane up and put it in the truck. We then went to go get a they each got 1 and then we set up the tree, we put following me. We went and looked for a saw to cut Christmas present at the store. When we got there I the mouse hide under the tree, and I wrapped the the tree but they said they could and so I agreed and said I will be right back but before I could touch the toys and food. We all went to bed. In the morning we went off to find them a Christmas tree. We went handle the said they were matcher enough to go get they were wild as can be. to the truck and I put both of them in a seat belt but their own presents. I said no way and they said yes By Phoenix Pfohl they just kept breaking every seat belt I put them way so they went in to go get their Christmas pres- Arrowhead School in. Oliver came up and hit the radio and they started ents. And when they got back in the truck all they Sixth Grade

Annabelle’s Christmas (fiction)

Annabelle woke up at the first sign of the sun and Soon after, she was speeding down the hill next to popcorn until her mom told her to go to bed. She sprang up five feet out of her bed, bounced down her house, clinging on to her dad and screaming. smiled. This had been a great Christmas. the stairs, and slammed face first into her mom, Suddenly a huge snow bank appeared in front of who was just coming out of her room. their sled. Annabelle dove to the side, just in time to By Rosemary Beracha “Whoa, slow down!” her mom smiled. see her dad fly over the snow bank and crash into Arrowhead School Annabelle grinned and trotted into her living the snow. Annabelle gasped and ran to her dad. “Are Eighth Grade room. It was Christmas! The thing she was most you okay? She asked. excited about was opening the presents! Presents! Her dad was sprawled on She glanced at the tree. It looked beautiful with its the ground, his face red. gold star and white tinsel and baubles. “Well, why They sledded some more wait?” Annabelle thought. She called to her parents and then went inside to come down to the tree. Annabelle untied the red soaking wet. ribbon on one of the presents and ripped open the The rest of the day white paper. It was a book! She had wanted this Annabelle played and book forever! laughed and drank hot After a lot of present-opening, she and her parents chocolate. She helped her ate a delicious breakfast of chocolate-chip pancakes mom make dinner, and and yogurt. Annabelle ate quickly, cleaned and dried they ate roast chicken, her dishes, and gasped. She ran to the window and mashed potatoes, and for the first time noticed the blanket of white snow apple pie until Annabelle covering everything. Annabelle jumped up and w a s s o s t u f f e d s h e down and laughed in delight. “Can you please go couldn’t move. After sledding with me?” she asked her dad. that, she stayed up late Her dad laughed, “Of course! Why not?” watching TV and eating

Happy Holidays From Our Home to Yours

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 2018! Caslen Living Center From Kris, Bert, Jason, Jen, Taylor, Megan, Josh and the staff at the • Emigrant General Store • J&J Car Wash 1301 Wineglass Lane • Paradise Mercantile • Yellowstone Laundry (406)-222-0797 18 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Making Lefse “It is time,” my mother says, that’s when we know lefse, but sometimes bad things happen. For exam- Every year we cook it, I am reminded of the won- it is time to make lefse. Lefse is a Norwegian pan- ple one year I ripped three dough balls in half, so we derful smell for the next few hours. I always forget cake of sorts. It is made of potatoes, and it tastes had to spend so much time remaking the dough we have “it,” so when we sit down for Thanksgiving amazing. We make it every year, which makes it our balls, which was terrible. Sometimes my brother dinner and Christmas dinner I get super excited to family tradition. has even burned them by accident. I guess maybe see it because it tastes great and it’s cool to see what Every year we make this special treat, and my some people like it crispy. we made, and the smells of sugar and cinnamon fill whole family helps. We each have our jobs. My mom Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted the air. We normally have lefse as a part of Christ- makes the dough, I roll out the dough, my brother to help make lefse. I remember sitting at the kitch- mas breakfast, and you must put butter and sugar flips and cooks it, and my dad packages it up for lat- en counter getting mesmerized at how quick and dil- otherwise it just tastes starchy. We heat it up, and it er. We eat it on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We put igently my parents worked to get it rolled out and just brings joy and happiness to our home and, it’s butter and sugar on it to make it sweet. We use all of cooked and I wanted to try it so bad. The next year I wonderful. my grandparent’s equipment. got to roll out the dough, but I was really awful at it. Making Lefse is fun, as well as, the jobs we do to First, we get the griddle very hot, and then my Eventually, I’d get tired and just give the rolling pin prepare it. It’s so good and tasty. Every year we mom gets the dough out of the fridge, I roll out the to my mom and have her do it. My brother has a make this wonderful treat, and because my mom’s dough to make it very flat. After that, my brother special flipping stick that he uses to flip the lefse, side is Norwegian, it is a very important part of my flips and cooks it. Finally, my dad puts it in towels to and I was always jealous of it, but I eventually got family’s history. cool and puts it in the freezer for Thanksgiving and over it and began to understand the importance of By Jackson Boreham Christmas. We all have such a great time making my job as well. Sleeping Giant Middle School Eighth Grade The Holidays Have Come “Hey, Dad! Are you ready to bring years ago. She always gave me a fan- the tree up yet?” This was a very cy ornament every Christmas until exciting question. “Yeah, sure,” he she passed. She said it was because I usually replies. As we wait for the was always so kind to come and read tree to arrive upstairs, we rearrange to her. all the furniture to make room for the The third thing we do when we’ve tree. Usually, we put it by the window gotten all the ornaments out is begin so that everyone can see the pretty decorating our Christmas tree. This is lights at night that glow blue, red, no doubt the best part because all of green, and yellow. the hard work is done. We get to enjoy The very first thing my mom and I looking at and remembering all of our do when the tree is upstairs is set it old ornaments as they hang on the up. This includes finding all the little tree. Most of our ornaments were giv- plugs for the lights in the tree. So it’s en to us by close friends or family. A Wish Wrapped in Gratitude not boring, we find ourselves laughing Some are even from when my broth- remembering memories from the ers and I made them in pre-school/ele- past. Sometimes, the memories don’t mentary school! We always laugh see- Our thanks is extended to you for making 2017 even have to do with the holidays. In ing the ornaments from when we were a great year for us. the background, we hear Christmas little that are simply popsicle sticks music playing and smell baked goods glued together that have paint and cooking. Usually, we are eating some, glitter splattered on them usually rep- As we celebrate another holiday season, too. We are always pleased when we resenting a sled. we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas are done setting the tree up because Overall, some families decorate we know we get to see all of our orna- their tree with simple lights and orna- filled with happy surprises. ments. ments, but not ours! Our unique deco- Best wishes from our family to yours! The second thing we do is bring up rations allow me to realize how impor- the ornaments tub. When we get the tant it is to have a loving family. It From all of us at amount that satisfies us, we start to also reminds me how much I enjoy take most of them out of the tubs. This being surrounded by those I love. is always one of our favorite parts. By Franny Hester Each ornament seems to have some Sleeping Giant Middle School special memory. I remember our old Eighth Grade 2120 So. Park St. Livingston neighbor who passed away a few From our home to yours... From All Of Us Merry Christmas at Eyecare & Happy New Year Professionals From all of us at Livingston Flooring & Carpet Remember to use your FlEx Benefits!

Eyecare Professionals Dr. Jamie Barney, Dr. Marisa Hess, Dr. Kellie Hadnot, O.D., Board Certified 109 North N Street 222-7260 and staff liviNgStoNflooriNg.com 305 W. Park St. 222-0250 19 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 The Day Before Christmas “Wake up!” my dad yelled at me. All I could smell was hurt because last year I had an injury. The inju- passed out the cookies to our neighbors, we went was the deliciousness of bacon. I looked over at my ry was minor, but it still was boring not skiing for a back home and called our grandma. She was cur- nightstand, and the clock read 9:00 a.m. I realized I while. rently in the hospital for a knee surgery, which had to meet some friends at the ski area! I’m always I lost one of my skis and a ski pole, but luckily my made Christmas a little different because she is the kid who is late, so I jumped out of bed, got dad was above me. He grabbed my ski and pole, and usually celebrating with us. We ate dinner and dressed and ran out to eat. I gobbled up my food and I put them back on. When I was all set, we skied opened one present. Finally, what I have been wait- ran outside to get into the truck. We were off to go back to the lift and went up several more times. We ing for… to sleep, but my brother wanted me to skiing on Christmas Eve. finished skiing around 3:00 p.m. and headed back watch movies with him all night. My immediate It takes forty minutes to get to the ski area. When home. response was no, but I thought about it and watched we found our friends, they told us they already went After what seemed like a long drive home, I got the movies with him. down two ski runs without us. We then get in line for out of the truck and went straight to bed. Only five I fell asleep between 11:00 and 12:00 a.m. The the ski lift, which is not surprisingly long. It snowed minutes after I fell asleep, my brother shook me next morning, Christmas Day, I woke up at 9:00 about a foot the night before. We then hop on the ski awake. “You have to make cookies with us!” he a.m., which is rare. We opened our presents, and lift and skied to a more advanced section of the ski screamed in my ear. I pushed him off of me and overall it was a good holiday. I got to see the smiles area, where we get on another lift. When we finally pulled myself out of bed. I helped bake the cookies on our parents’ faces from the gifts we gave them, get to the top, we stop at our first run. My friend for a while and then I sat on the couch and watched and I even got a few nice things for myself, but and I go first. I quickly crash into a mogul I wasn’t football. At about 5:00 p.m. it was time to give out Christmas is not about getting, it’s about giving and prepared for and go rolling down the hill to a stop. the cookies. This wasn’t my favorite part because it spreading joy. All I could taste was the snow. I heard the whoops always seemed so awkward, but at the same time I By River Smith and hollers of other skiers and snowboarders as enjoyed seeing the smiles on our neighbors’ faces, Sleeping Giant Middle School they skied down the mountain. I made sure nothing and that’s what Christmas is about, giving. After we Eighth Grade Christmas at My Grandma’s My holiday tradition does not happen on Christ- tiny explosion and drop a small prize. The prizes We travel up to Mill Creek and sled on the hill. We mas. Instead, it happens the day after. The day after are usually plastic novelty toys. Every popper con- use multiple sleds and stay for an hour or two. We Christmas is my grandma’s birthday. We always go tains a party crown made of tissue paper and a little drink hot cocoa that we bring in thermoses because to her house for, basically, a second Christmas. sheet of paper with a joke or riddle on it. Some priz- it gets really cold sledding. When we get too cold, My aunt, uncle, and cousins always come too. es may also be made of cheap metal. These prizes we go back to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and When we get there, we usually wait for them to are usually jewelry or keychains. Flashlights may have ice cream sundaes and look at pictures. arrive, as they live in Bozeman and my grandpar- also be included. The party poppers usually last ten Every year, this day is special. We come to my ents live up the valley. When they arrive, we usual- minutes. After that, we have a few minutes until grandparents’ house and have dinner with them and ly start with a scavenger hunt for pieces of a nativi- lunch. my cousins. We play party games and sled. My ty set that my grandma hides around the house. When lunch is on the table, we sit down and say favorite part is the time after lunch when we play After that, we open presents. Everyone gifts every- grace. Every year we have stuffing, ham, and games. This day is special to us because we get one, and the gifts are always quite different. There mashed potatoes. Other food items vary, such as together as a family and celebrate Christmas are usually gift cards or gift certificates. Books are scalloped potatoes, turkey, mac and cheese, and . By Logan Sites also common. green bean casserole. When enough people finish Sleeping Giant Middle School Next, we open party poppers. They’re the shiny lunch, we play a game. The games vary, although Eighth Grade things that you pull on both ends, and they make a it’s usually Operation. Then we go sledding. 20 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Christmas is Near

The morning started with my family sitting at the then it faded into pine trees. home, we got the Christmas tree stand out of the dining room table eating pancakes with butter and About a quarter mile into our hike we dropped garage. We went inside, set up the tree and decorat- syrup. Both of my dogs lay on the floor at our feet into another aspen grove in a valley. From there, I ed it with white lights, reindeer ornaments and a sleeping. After breakfast, my dad and I put the dogs could see the Yellowstone River and the Paradise dazzling display of other ornaments. in the truck and put an ax which we would be using Valley. We walked a little further up and found a When the tree was decorated we got out all the to cut down the tree in the tool box. split in the trail. We decided to take the lower path. supplies we would need to bake chocolate chip cook- We pulled out of the driveway and set off on the We walked a little further and found a tree we liked, ies. We mixed the dough all together then added the highway toward the Suce Creek Trailhead to make so my dad, the dogs and I traced our steps and chocolate chips. When they were done, we ate warm our way to public land. When we were driving I walked up the other way until we found our tree. chocolate chip cookies with milk. could see fields of cows on a snowy white back- We found the tree and walked down the hill and On that day I learned the importance of spending ground with fields of hay bales and mountains. cut it down. My dad picked it up and we called the time with family. When we got there, we parked the truck and got dogs and started back to the truck. On the way back, the dogs out; they immediately started chasing my dogs jumped over logs and leaped over puddles. By Ashlan Mortensen squirrels and I could smell pine and sagebrush. My When we got to the truck, we put the dogs inside Sleeping Giant Middle School dad grabbed the ax and we headed down the trail and strapped the tree down in the back. On the drive Eighth Grade frequently calling the dogs back to us. The first part home the dogs were panting heavily, and I saw some of the trail was through a small aspen grove, and eagles looking for fish in the river. When we got No Tonsils for Christmas

The hospital. A pretty horrible place, especially in a completely different room. The nurse gave me still had to take my disgusting medicine, I wasn’t over the Christmas holidays. The smell, the sights, an ice cube that was very soothing, and then a popsi- even able to eat the candy in my stocking, but I did and the noise made me very uncomfortable. I was cle. get to drink hot chocolate, which was good. For the about to have my tonsils removed over Christmas I was wheeled in a wheelchair out of the hospital rest of the break, I tried to enjoy everything and break. The good thing about this was I only missed a to the car to go home. For the next couple of days, I everyone as much as I could. Two days after Christ- few days of school. The bad thing, my Christmas had excruciating pain in my throat. I stayed in my mas, I went to see the new Star Wars: Rogue One. was practically ruined. My story starts in the hospi- bed, trying to be cheerful because it was Christmas, That was my first time out of the house in about tal over the Christmas holiday waiting for the oper- but I just couldn’t. I couldn’t go outside in the snow, three weeks, and I really enjoyed it. The movie was ation to begin, so I can go back home, relax, and eat any Christmas candy or food, or even get out of amazing too. spend time with my family. bed. I did start to feel in the Christmas spirit when This experience was very painful and memorable. I didn’t feel getting my tonsils out was necessary, my four older sisters started to arrive home. I learned that, even if you are in pain the whole time but the doctor said I had to. Everything was still Because they were home, I felt happier, relaxed, or you are sick, always enjoy the holidays to the awful, even if I did not have to stay overnight at the and almost better, even though my throat was on fullest. Make the time with your family super spe- Bozeman hospital, but only a few hours. When I got fire. They all watched movies and played games cial, especially if all of your siblings come only for there, I noticed a lot of Christmas decorations for with my little sister and me. Over this time, I ate a holidays. the holidays and everyone was in a Christmas mood. lot of pudding and ice cream, but I couldn’t even I went into a waiting room for patients. The nurse I make or eat any Christmas cookies, which made me By Rose Fanuzzi had was nice. “This couldn’t be bad,” I thought. Just kind of sad. I also really wanted to sing Christmas Sleeping Giant Middle School then, they gave me this medicine to knock me out. carols and go outside in the snow. Eighth Grade That was weird. While they were wheeling me into On Christmas morning, I finally got up and out of the operation room, I was slowly going out. On the bed. I felt much better and much more in the Christ- way there, half out of it, I noticed some decorations mas mood enjoying my time with family. Because I again, but this time, I was confused as to why it was there. I also kept asking where I was going because I got very confused with all the random doors everywhere. When I got to the operation room, I immediately went blank, and I don’t remember any- Visit Us at thing. I woke up after what felt like about a minute The Shane Center for Your Holiday Songbooks and Music Supplies! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Instruments (new and used), Music Supplies, Books, Lending Library, Holiday Songbooks Wishing you a Merry Christmas •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• and a Happy New Year! We Gladly Take Special Orders •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Thanks for your business. Happy Holidays from the Conleys Check out our new location at Jimmy, Nan, Boo! & Bess the Sleeping Giant Trading Center 5237 US Hwy 89 S. #13

415 E. Lewis St. 222-7766 conleysbooksandmusic.com 21 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Malone’s Christmas During the winter, you can do tons of things. Ski, running after the sled. slowed down to get a gate. We through a snowball at sled, snowmobile, ride timbersleds, ice skate, and so We take our neighbors out to get their tree every him that worked, he is always watching us to make much more! To get a Christmas tree, my family year too. They bring their dogs and we bring ours. sure he doesn’t leave us! ☺ drives the razor with tracks up the old logging road My dad likes to talk, and so does our neighbor. When We cut our tree and headed down. On the way and into the mountains. My brother and I hook the they get together an explosion could happen on the down the dog decided to pee in the middle of the sled onto the ball of the razor and get pulled behind other side of the valley and they would still be talk- road. TO PEE! All this beautiful space to do your it all the way up. That sled doesn’t really fit us both ing. Anyways, we were driving through the cows business and the dog chose the road. That is my now, since I’m probably the length of the sled. pasture, my brother and I were surfing and fell out. funny Christmas story! We get to be really stupid in that sled. We tip over Dad didn’t know we fell out. He kept on driving. The like 20 times on the way up. Every time we fall off cows stated to get closer and closer, until they had By Ava Malone the razor stops and we get back on. No. That’s not their special little angry faces. That got us running. Arrowhead School my dad. Sometimes he stops, other times he laughs “Dad! Dad! Dad!!” we yelled Seventh Grade and keeps going. ☹ You defiantly get a good workout He still didn’t pay any attention. We ran until he Sledding Day A Message It was the week before the 16th of December. I hill another time, well my family was going up the to Our Valued was playing in the snow with my dog and brother hill and they were riding in a feeder for like grain having a snowball fight it was normal day. We went and stuff for horses plus cows. Well they told me to Customers back into the house and my mom said that we were go first so I went down and a friend of ours thought We’d like to say thanks, going sledding next weekend because we have that he could hit me with a snow ball well he didn’t and best wishes too. school throughout the week. think his dog was going to run after the snow ball. For making our year so Well sooner or later. special, we’re grateful The week of the big sled day to all of you! We were on the last day of school Thursday. Boom! My mom picked us up after school. We got home I had fallen off my sled and my mom, dad, uncle, and got our stuff ready because we were so excited! aunt, brother, cousins, dogs were coming really fast We were getting ready for Friday☺ down the hill. They tried to turn the sled one fell out Merry Christmas & Happy New Year of the sled one yelled “BAIL” then they all bailed Next morning 8:00 out of the sled. I got up and my mom said “Go get a From Our Entire Team! People started showing up at my house and Coca-Cola so you feel better.” Lol I will never for- people unloaded there sleds and dogs. The trucks get that .So I opened one up and drank one. were full of sleds, people and dogs. Then after that we went back up the hill and fin- ished our day with sledding and drinking hot choco- 2:00 in the afternoon ☺ late. When we got to the sledding hill, I took my gloves, the sled plus my dogs. And head up the hill. I By Jessie Lynn Zimmerman ALPINE ELECTRONICS sled down the hill with my dog, I went back up the Arrowhead School Seventh Grade 1014 W. Park St. I 222-2712

Merry Christmas The warmth we enjoy at this time of the year stems from having customers and friends like you. We thank you for the trust you have placed in us and we look forward to serving you in 2018.

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Charles Allison Nita Sheri Cessie Sarah Tracy Madi Vondra Atherton Coody Queen Wafer Heller Beattie Bartz 22 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Little Bundles of Joy The meaning of Christmas isn’t about receiving them to. bundles of joy” were made, we set out to wrap them. gifts; it’s about bringing joy to others on the special Using the spark of inspiration, I took the idea to For the rest of the afternoon, we took our time holiday, “and” that’s exactly what my mom and I my mom. When I told her the plan we both fell even wrapping them to make the gifts just perfect. When did. more in love with the idea. Then, I had another idea. we were all finished wrapping, all that was left to do A week after Thanksgiving, when I was in fourth “Mom, we should make a list of things your patients was deliver them. grade,the Christmas festivities were in full swing in like to make each gift special!” I said. “That’s a very I felt nervous that the patients wouldn’t like them, my house. The tree was trimmed, stockings were good idea, Reba,” my mom exclaimed. And just like but then I thought, it doesn’t matter what we gave hung, and the only thing left to do was buy gifts for that, we were off making ideas about what to give them, what matters is that it came from the heart. our friends and family. them. It was like a flurry of ideas and creative When we arrived at the hospital, I felt like a wadded My mom is a cancer nurse at our local hospital. thoughts. When the plans were established, we up ball of nervousness. When we approached them, She always tries to make her patients feel happy, headed to the store to get supplies. my uneasy feelings started to ease. After we gave even when times are tough. On a cold November When we got to the store, we were bubbling with the gifts, the look on their faces made it all worth it. morning, I woke to the sound of my mom talking on excitement. The thought of making someone feel Some people were smiling while others were gig- the phone with her work partner. As I sat listening special made us feel like a child in a toy store. After gling at the thought of the bundles of joy. They all to their conversation, I noticed a long pause. I heard we got all of the materials, we headed home. On our loved the gifts! my mom speak with distress in her voice. “I feel so way back, we were excited to tell my mom’s work This experience meant so much to me because I bad for our poor patients! Some of them don’t get to partner. Then the thought came to me. What if we brought something joyful into someone’s life. This see their families. I just want to make them happy.” had a code name for our project to keep it a secret. experience made me realize that giving to others is Hearing this, I became sad at the thought that peo- I told my mom the idea and suddenly her face lit up more important than receiving. This, to me, was the ple don’t get to be happy on Christmas. Then, I had a like bright Christmas lights as she said, “How about true meaning of Christmas. thought that started out as a tiny seed that would little bundles of joy?” It was perfect! grow into a beautiful flower soaking up the sunlight. When we got home, it was a blur of cookie mak- By Reba Shandy I had come up with the idea that we could make ing, gluing, and excitement all around the house. It Sleeping Giant Middle School some gifts, unique to each person we would give was like a hive of busy bees. After all of the “little Eighth Grade Happy Holidays From our family to yours.

Left to right, Dwight Harriman, Liz Kearney, Mike Dahms, Scott Boehler, Mike Marracino, Chris Kehs, Justin Post, Samantha Hill, Tracy Whitmire, Al Bublitz, Anita Dahms, Dave Campbell, Scott Squillace, Neil Patrick Healy, Danielle Allen, Steve Roberts, Hilary Blaseg, Jim Janikula, Barb Huntley, Dina Rockafellow, Tom Cramer, Jim Durfey, Rochelle Moody and John Sullivan.

It was a pleasure to serve you. We wish you much happiness and success in 2018. 23 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 Not So Doggy Dog Sledding

Every family has a tradition around Christmas, know, I feel Coco’s body slamming into my chest. I After we walked home, we all started drinking my family’s tradition is going sledding around our grab her and pull her in tight. As soon as I pull her “hot chocolate” and telling stories from the past. yard. My mom, dad, brother and I gather up the in, she starts violently thrashing in my arms. Her For example, one year my brother, Jakob, stepped dogs, and head for the hills. However, this year’s paw shoots up and slashes my face. I throw my head on a sled and fell flat on his face. He was six at the sledding trip would be different. back in pain. Coco almost gets free. With one more time. We reached the hills after a short walk up the wiggle, Coco throws me back, my head slams into Many families have traditions, my family tradi- driveway. When we were there, I started to walk up the ground. I scream her name in anger, but she tion is going sledding. Some years are more fun the hill while my family stayed at the bottom. I shushes me by shoving her paw in my mouth. The than others, but they are all time well spent with reached the top of the hill, and got my sled all set, smell and taste of wet dog hits my nose like a bus. I family, and that is what matters. the snow cracked below me as I sat down. shove her off of me with a grunt and she falls to the All settled in, I pushed off. The snow immediately ground with a small thump. The sled flies out from By Nik Pierson started beating my face, making it sting like I had under me. In a moment’s notice, Coco is jumping all Sleeping Giant Middle School just been hit with a skillet. As I went down the hill, over me, barking and nibbling at my fingers. I give Eighth Grade my dog, Coco, chased me barking at every step, her a playful shove just before she runs off. I stand every bark stung my ears with a little ping. Coco up to go get my sled to find my whole family laugh- then darted ahead of my sled. Once she got a ways ing at me. I walk over to them and say, “I think I’m ahead, she cut in front of my sled. Next thing I done for the day, let’s go get some hot chocolate.” Happy The Memorable Tradition Holidays My family has a tradition that is very special to After the wonderful seafood dinner on Christmas me. When the holiday comes around the corner, I Eve, we begin to reveal the gifts from the family. & begin to remember what Christmas is about and We always open the family gifts on Christmas Eve how thankful I am for my family and friends. This is before the Santa gifts. Since there are five people in a Peaceful the holiday that we have a tradition for, and it’s my my family; mom, dad, brother, and sister, there is a favorite holiday of the year. Now let’s start off with lot of used and ripped wrapping paper stacked in a my family tradition! big pile. After we open our presents, we bake cook- New Year The first event that kicks off my family’s Christ- ies for Santa. Part of my family’s tradition is to bake mas is the tree. My family always gets a real tree. cookies for Santa and pour a big glass of milk so he Whether it’s going out in the wild chopping down a can wash down the cookies. With Santa’s cookies, we From tree, or going to the tree shop in Bozeman, it’s make sure to leave carrots for Santa’s reindeer. always real, not “fake.” Part of the reason we decide Finally, the time comes, and we wake up and head Junk & to get a real tree is that it smells good and it brings to the living room to check out what Santa has the Christmas tradition feeling to life. After we get brought us this year and if we have been naughty or the tree put in the living room, the decorating pro- nice. After we see the gifts, we wake up our parents, Disorderly cess begins. My sister, brother and I are in charge really early, usually around five or six. of decorating. My mom gets us a new ornament To wrap up our holiday tradition, we have Christ- every year. After all the ornaments are on the tree, mas night dinner. My family’s Christmas dinner tra- we use the same decorations every year, we either dition is to eat ham. Then it’s time to wrap up the Thank You put a star or an angel on the top of the tree. holiday, remember what Christmas is about and to Second, we start to wrap each other’s’ presents. be thankful for the gifts, food, family, and friends. For a Great Year! We always wrap our presents instead of just hand- My family has a Christmas tradition that is spe- ing the person their present unwrapped. After all cial to me. This holiday tradition is meaningful to the presents are wrapped, we put the presents me because I’m thankful under the tree on the same blanket every year. The for my family, friends blanket wraps around the tree to keep the falling and the food/gifts shared pine needles off the ground. When the presents are with the ones I love. under the tree, we wait until Christmas Eve to open the gifts. By Carter Bartz Happy After preparing the presents, we have Christmas Sleeping Giant Eve dinner. This is my favorite part of our Christ- Middle School mas tradition because we have seafood for dinner! I Eighth Grade love seafood! The seafood is usually shrimp or crab. Holidays This is also my favorite part because it is one of the opportunities to be thankful for my family and the Our wish is that you enjoy the food we get to eat. warmth and joy that being with friends and family members brings during this special time of the year. rry Christm We thank you for allowing us to Me as serve you and we look forward to and Happy New Year! seeing you in the new year.

...Oh what fun it is for us to wish all of Yellowstone you a happy holiday! With warm wishes and heartfelt thanks to everyone this Pioneer Lodge Christmas from all of us.

PARISI WESTERN PLUMBING & HEATING 425 S. 2nd St. • 333-3073 1515 W. Park • 222-6110 • yellowstonepioneerlodge.com 24 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017 From Gifts to Giving Every family has their own traditions when the the presents I get. I now look forward to making As we gather to celebrate this holiday season rolls around, but do those tradi- people happy with the gifts I give them. Also, I Christmas season with friends and tions ever change? I have noticed that, in my fam- have a greater appreciation for the gifts now that ily, as my sister and I grow older, our definition of I know the time, thought, and money that goes into family, we'd like to take the time to say Christmas has changed, but our spirit stays the the perfect gift. "Thank You" for your continued support same. All in all, over the years, my traditions have not and participation in our auctions. We're so When my sister Hannah and I were younger, changed much but the meaning of Christmas and grateful for our customers and our Christmas was about receiving presents and eat- what I look forward to during the season have ing homemade treats. Our tradition was to go to matured and changed. Christmas time should be employees. We wish you and yours a very our grandma’s house on Christmas Eve Day. I about love, family, and spreading joy instead of Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. would sing Christmas songs on the drive as Han- focusing on presents. The true meaning of Christ- nah rolled her eyes, and when we got there, we mas should be something pure that everyone loves JimBo, Chris, & Kacey-Ann would walk into the smell of cinnamon and pine and appreciates that no one takes for granted. from the fresh, decorated tree surround by beau- tiful presents. As soon as we settled in, we would By Haylee Harshbarger bake, decorate, and “taste test” cookies from a Sleeping Giant Middle School homemade recipe. At this point, the rest of the Eighth Grade family would have arrived, and we would all sit down for lunch. Later that night, everyone would open one gift from our old family friends, the Olson’s, whose gifts seemed like an appetizer before the feast that would be happening the next day. Then, Hannah and I would go to bed in high anticipation of opening presents in the morning. On Christmas morning, Hannah and I would quiet- ly creep out of our room at exactly 6:01 a.m. because our mom had told us we could not get up before 6:00 a.m. We would then open our stockings and fiddle impatiently with our goodies until the entire family got up. After what seemed to be the longest wait in the world, everyone had gotten up, and we could finally open presents. Finally, we would sit down for a huge feast and eat until we could eat no more. Then, after thanks were given, the family would slowly trickle out the door with their presents and various leftovers, and that would be our wonderful Christmas. However, now that I am older and my sister and I have stopped believing in Santa Claus, the way I look at Christmas has changed. My focus no lon- ger lies on gifts, but now more on being around loved ones and family. Although I no longer get up at 6:01 in the morning, I am still very thankful for

Keep the holiday spirits high and the good cheer flowing. We’re very happy to have you as a customer. Many thanks for your friendship.

We will close Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day Clyde Park Tavern