RETREAT

ROUNDABOUT HOLIDAY ISSUE December 2017

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MERRY CHRISTMAS GESEEND KERSFEES Africa JOYEUX NOEL French FROHE WEIHNACHTEN German

ZALIG KERSTEEN Dutch SHENG DAN KUAILE Mandarin KALA CHRISTOUYENNA Greek

NOLLAIG SHONA DHUIT Irish CHAG MOLAD SAMEACH Hebrew BUON NATALE Italian

MERI KURISUMASU Japanese FELICEM DIEM Latin WESOLYCH SWIAT Polish

BLITHE YULE Scots FELIZ NAVIDAD Spanish MELE KALI KMAKA Hawaiian

GOD JUL Swedish NADOLIG LIAWEN Welsh GLAEDELIG JUL Danish

HANUKKAH Jewish

How Christmas Became Merry In 1809, under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, Washington Irving published Knickerbocker’s History of New York.” In this book-length parody of colonial America, Irving took much

glee in satirizing the early Dutch settlers of New York and their traditions, including their patron saint, Nicholas whom they referred to as Sancte Claus. But in doing so, he also created

a Christmas tradition.

Irving was born in 1783. He grew up on William Street, in today’s financial district, as the youngest son in a large merchant family. Although three of his older brothers attended Columbia

University, he himself never went to college. But by the time “Knickerbocker’s History of New York” was published, Irving was in his mid-20’s, and his fertile imagination had already

distinguished him as a master of satire and sentiment.

Nowhere are the roots of Christmas more apparent than in Irving’s tales of Oloffe the dreamer. Over several episodes in the life of the Dutch community, Irving focuses on Oloffe, a mixture of

prophet and land speculator, who dreams one night that “the good St. Nicholas came riding over the tops of the trees, in that self-same wagon wherein he brings his yearly presents to children,”

Irving ‘s Nicholas smokes a pipe and places gifts in the stockings that children have hung by the chimney.

Sound familiar? Sure, but Irving’s book came out some 14 years before a Troy, N.Y., newspaper published the unforgettable children’s poem that begins “Twas the night before Christmas,”

which turned Santa’s wagon into a sleigh and added reindeer.

When “Knickerbocker’s History of New York” was published, New Year’s Day was New York’s only holiday of the winter, in converting St. Nicholas into holiday fun, Irving had some help,

apparently unsolicited, from John Pintard, a founder of the New York Historical Society, who publicized an engraved picture of a rather dour St. Nicholas and sought to anoint the old bishop as

the symbol of New York City.

Fast forward to England, 1820. Washington Irving had been living abroad since 1815, and it had taken him the better part of a decade to come up with another hit – this time it was “The Sketch

Book.” In which his enduringly popular stories “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” both appear. But there are also several Christmas tales sandwiched between the American

classics, and it is here that Irving succeeded in propelling the celebration of Christmas beyond the relatively modest Dutch model.

In “The Stagecoach,” he described an unplanned trip to the estate of the Bracebridges, a family living in the quiet countryside. He writes about the bounty of the Holiday table, the singing of

carols and the generosity of the host toward the people of the neighborhood. In “Christmas Eve,” Irving specifically mentions the curious practice of hanging mistletoe, so odd that it required a

footnote to explain to his American readers: “The mistletoe is still hung up in farmhouses and kitchens at Christmas; and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking

each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked, the privilege ceases.”

Irving profoundly influenced the American Christmas. His melding of jolly St. Nick and English commemoration of old into a wintery celebration of nostalgia attests to the rich cultural legacy

bequeathed to us by the native New Yorker. Within a decade of the publication of Irving’s “Sketch Book,” New Yorkers were greeting each other with Christmas wishes, and stores on

Broadway extended their hours to accommodate shoppers.

And so, on this Christmas Day, as you gather together with friends and family to celebrate holiday traditions you might want to think of Washington Irving – the New Yorker who brought the

festivities to life with his stories Reprinted from article written in the New York Times, December 25, 2005 by Andrew Burstein

By Alice Frankel When you are a child and, it is Christmas morning the first thing you do when you wake up is to go and see if Santa came.

Unfortunately for me I wasn’t that lucky. My mother was very ill and in the hospital for many years. Hence, I became a “foster child” and years ago, things were different.

Santa didn’t come to my house for me till I was thirty-two years old. My husband, Glen bought me a Christmas stocking and I still have it today.

Santa comes to my house now every Christmas. In fact, a few years Ago he left thirty-five presents under the tree for me and an overflowing Christmas stocking. It took me three hours to open all my gifts! Santa really loves me

It’s December… the special month of the year we celebrate, repent, rejoice and renew. A time when families travel to be with one another to share in the warmth and comfort of family traditions. We are busy shopping, baking, decorating and sending holiday greetings hoping to make it all memorable. Sometimes, our willingness to achieve it all tends to stray us away from the true meaning of Christmas and Hanukkah.

It is not all joy for those who have to endure the heartache of losing someone they love, especially at Christmastime. Sadly, it is the stark realization of the faith we are taught as young children. And so, with incredible courage and a heavy heart we renew our faith and count on one another for support. Here at the Retreat caring for one another is a treasure. Loving neighbors surround our community. How fortunate we are. May His Blessings be a source of comfort.

Santa Claus is My Hero Sitting by the Christmas tree is my favorite time to reflect on what Christmas meant to me as a child. I didn’t realize at the time how fortunate I was. Santa was a real hero to me. He brought me my first “puppy” who I called “Happy” because that’s what he made me. I remrmber the beautiful doll who was my real friend. And, Oh yeah Santa even brought me my first bicyle to falldown from… what a guy that Santa is! At first Santa made me cry, but as I grew older he became very special to me. Dad and Santa had that same twinkle in their eye; come to think

of it, Santa’s lap was as cozy to snuggle into as my Dad’s was. My Dad and Santa are my heros. Dad has passed now, but he left me Santa. Everytime I see Santa I look for the teinkle in his eye. Thanks Dad you were the greatest Santa ever. Marianne Principe O’Neil Newsletter Editor

Yes, there are Angels “Make your self familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. For without being seen, they are present with you” -St. Francis de Sales

It was Christmastime and I was five years old. How well I can remember. After years of an incurable heart disease, my Mother, Emma Weingarten had become bedridden in her late twenties. My Grandmother lived downstairs in my home, and my dad was serving in the Navy. I can recall one day seeing a delicious crumb cake in the kitchen. Mommy couldn’t always see me from her bed. What fun it was to climb up and grab some crumbs off the cake! Suddenly, my mother called out, “John are you taking crumbs off the cake?” I answered, “how do you know I’m doing that?” she answered, “the Angels watch over you and tell me what you are doing.” I sat on the bed with her and she told me, as she did very often, that one day she would have to go with the Angels. She told me never to be sad because Mommy and the Angels will always watch over me. She passed away two days after Christmas. At Christmas I am reminded of the amazing love and courage of my beautiful mother. I have the greatest Angel with me always. John O’Neil Newsletter Production and Graphics

“My Christmas Memories”

2018 New Year’s Resolutions to Ponder • Uphold a strong faith no matter what • Reach out to an ole friend • Forgive someone while you can • Tell someone you love them… everyday • Respect other’s feelings • Laugh a lot an often • Remember to smile, it makes the good wrinkles • Be charitable to those in need • Apologize for a misunderstanding • Kindness soothes the heart • Be a good listener and understanding • Don’t be quick to judge someone • Plant flowers and remember to smell them • Hold some one’s hand • Live “Everyday” – it’s not a dress rehearsal for the real thing Be comfortable, pray often to your God. He always listens. Include your Guardian Angel

“Holiday Greetings”

Tom, Bodie and I wish everyone in the Retreat a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God has seen our community through some very

difficult times this past year and blessed us with wonderful events in all of our lives. Our prayer for the community is He will continue to bless all of us in the coming year. We are so fortunate to be a part of a community that cares for each other and helps each other no matter the circumstances; we are all there to lend a helping

hand or the much needed prayers. Our prayer is that each member of the community and their families will be blessed with love, happiness, safety and good health for the coming year. Our special prayer is that God will continue to bless our wonderful country. Love Tom, Fayeelaine and Bodie

At Thanksgiving, we counted our home and our Retreat friends and neighbors among our blessings. Now, we send our wishes to all for a happy, peaceful holiday season and a healthy prosperous 2018.

Marilyn, Bob, and Robby Banes

Merry Christmas and for New Year we would like to give a Scottish Greeting to everyone: “Lang May Yer Lum Reek” which means: “ Long May Your Chimney Smoke” or “may there be warmth and thus happiness in your home for a long time to come”. Thelma and Bill Reid

Good news from heaven: The angels bring glad tidings to the earth they sing to us this day a child is born to crown us with the joy of heaven! Wishing a “Merry Christmas”, and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Steve & Jane Kimes

Wishing all here at the Retreat May your holidays be extra sweet. Merry Christmas to all! Happy New Year to y’all!

As my neighbors, you just can’t be beat! Mary Dail

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of my wonderful friends whom I consider my family at the Retreat. Bobbi Witten

Christmas Greetings to you for this year. They come with echoes of joy and good cheer from friends and neighbors who feel we are Blessed. The Retreat is our home. We wish you the best. Don and Mary Lu Babcock

Warmest thoughts and Best Wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and a Healthy and Happy New Year. We are very happy to be a part of the Retreat “Family” Chris and Darlene Hansen

May you be Blessed at Christmas with His Gifts of Love, Family, Friendships and Memories of Loved Ones.

May the New Year bring you Love, Good Health and Prosperity Marianne and John O’Neil

Our holiday wish for all our Retreat Neighbors is for the generous and giving LOVE that SURROUNDS us, the radiant

JOY that ever LIFTS us and the PEACE of this beautiful Holy season will remain with all of you during The coming new year. Blessings to all from Nancy Rakestraw and Phil Blake

“Holiday Greetings”

From our family to yours, have a wonderful Holiday Season! Randy and Pauline Garrett

“We are wrapped in Warmth, touched with Wonder and filled with Love in this Season of Joy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” Debbie and Carl Pierson

Wishing you the blessings of Peace, Love, and Joy during

the Holiday Season. May you be surrounded by everyone you Love.

Wilma Finn

So thankful for the remarkable, caring people of the Retreat. A wonderful blessing to live

in a community like this one.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to all … Dennis and Cheri Petraitis

We wish you the special gifts of this Holiday Season… Peace, Joy, Health and lasting Happiness Merry Christmas from the Seegers Family Jim, Trish, Joey Seegers

Christmas Day is on its’ way Yes and it’s a special Birthday for a child

Born in a stable, not a sleigh Christ was born that day and that’s why we wish everyone a very “Merry Christmas” Alice and Glenn Frankel

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2018 to all our Retreat friends and neighbors. The Retreat is truly a great place to live. Pete and Carole Calabrese

As we celebrate the miracle of Christmas and the joy of the season, we would like to express our warmest wishes that each of you receive the love of Jesus and

the promises He brought to us through His humble birth. May you have a wonderful time sharing His love with your family and friends. May his love and Joy Bless and Keep you throughout the New Year Paul and Mary Munley

Our family would like to wish all of our friends and neighbors Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year. We hope you and your families feel the love, peace, and joy that come with the spirit of Christmas. We feel truly blessed to be part of this community. Art and Jean Hildebrandt

We bark and purr and love your hugs

our hearts you truly tug we thank you for bringing us to the Retreat your friends and neighbors can’t be beat

Merry Christmas to all

Bodie Haddaway/Szelest Sophie Henderson Bailey & Roxie Hart Malley Hildebrandt

Joey Joey Seeger Cooper Pierson Izzy Marcantoni Jackelyn Frankel

Hattie Barnes Sunshine Frankel Honey Babcock

GRAND DOGS

Poppy Petraitis Hannah O’Neil Penny Tansey

8

English Holiday Season

By Pauline and Randy Garrett For the most part the U.K. (United Kingdom) celebrates the holiday season much like in the U.S. However, there are a few interesting differences that may make Americans wonder “what in the world are those people doing?” Here are just a few of them.

CRACKERS No, we’re not talking about Fourth of July fireworks here or snacks. You probably have seen these in the stores around Christmas time. They are small hollow cylindrical decorated cardboard tubes with each end wrapped with colored foil. In the U.K., and at the Garrett house, you’ll see them on dinner tables right next to the cutlery at the Christmas Dinner table. Usually, near the end of the dinner, each person next to you grabs an end of the Cracker (chain around the table) then pulls them in unison. When the tubes are pulled apart there is small bang (crack) thanks to the small fireworks inside. These are filled with small plastic toys, magic tricks, and really corny Christmas jokes on a small scroll of paper. Plenty of fun for both grownups and kids! Now the strange part. Every man and women are Kings and Queens - as inside the tubes are the “paper crowns”. These are multi-colored, thin, childlike, paper crowns (mostly worn by those whose wine glass has remained full for the duration of the dinner) and the kids. This tradition stems from a Victorian confectioner who was on a visit to Paris when he noticed how the French wrapped bon-bons in colored tissue paper. He decided to try selling a similar product in Britain, e.g. bon-bons with a bang. Upon finding the perfect mix of chemicals for his explosive and new packaging, their popularity grew and grew. MINCE PIES Mince pies have been part of the British cuisine since the 13th century, when crusaders returned home with exciting new ingredients from the wider world: cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These were quickly added to pies with dried fruit, suet, and minced meat. These remain a Christmas tradition in the U.K. CHRISTMAS PUDDING Christmas pudding is a popular dessert in the U.K. dating back to medieval times. It is a boiled fruit cake, heavily spiced, doused in brandy, and briefly set on fire normally after the Christmas dinner. (You get the picture here, exploding crackers and dessert set afire?) Coins are hidden inside as an extra gift (or a possible trip to the dentist). Early traditions stated that the “pudding should be made on the 25th Sunday after Trinity, that it be prepared with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and the 12 apostles, and that every family member stir it in turn from east to west to honor the Magi and their supposed journey in that direction.”

TEA TIME Our family likes to finish off Christmas Day with a nice afternoon/evening tea. An example is having little sandwiches made with leftover goose or chicken, a block of cheese, Christmas icing cake, "Yule log" (not the fireplace log but a traditional European dessert) and a beautiful trifle with our tea. Once the evening is done, we look around us and see tinsel garland, mistletoe, holly, and evergreen then give our thanks for a lovely day! NO SANTA CLAUS Well, not exactly true. Known in the U.S. as Santa Claus (Dutch for “Sinter Klaas”) the U.K. refers to the jolly old bearded man as Father Christmas. Although considered the same person today, Santa and Father Christmas have very different origins. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are known to reside in the North Pole, However, Father Christmas lives in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. In fact, there is a large Christmas-based tourism industry there, with U.K. and Nordic travel agents selling “meet Father Christmas” packages complete with reindeer rides, snowmobile adventures and an audience with the big man with the white beard himself. I told you it would get strange! NO MERRY CHRISTMAS Again, not exactly true. In most cases, people in the U.K. wish each other a “Happy Christmas”. The British are known for their idioms, so why should the holiday season be any exception? In fact, Christmas in the U.K. often gets shortened to “Chrimbo” or “Crimble”. Either way the phrase “Happy Christmas” is just as socially acceptable as “Merry Christmas.” BOXING DAY December 26 is a “big deal” in the U.K. It is not simply “The Day after Christmas” to the Brits - It’s Boxing Day! Boxing Day is not only a public holiday (day off work), it’s also the starting flag for the post-Christmas sales very similar to Black Friday in the U.S., a day when the bargain-hunting begins. Depending on who you talk to, Boxing Day is either named for the Church of England’s practice of breaking open donation boxes to distribute among the poor, or for the aristocracy giving boxes full of presents to their servants on the day after Christmas. ROYAL CHRISTMAS BROADCAST The Christmas broadcast by the reigning monarch has been an almost yearly mainstay in one form or another since 1932. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first televised broadcast. The Royal broadcast is faithfully beamed into homes across the U.K. at 3 p.m. on Christmas day. Normally, this is a reflection on the events of the previous 365 days and a message of togetherness. NEW YEAR’S EVE In the U.K. New Year’s Day is a holiday and people also celebrate New Year’s Eve. And, in Scotland it is not only New Year’s Eve it is Hogmanay! Party time celebration of the old year and start of a new year. There are also many other interesting traditions including “First Footing” or luck from the first person who sets foot in your door and also where people visit each other after midnight and carry a piece of cake and a lump of coal. This means - may you always have food and warmth at your home. “Lang may your lum reek!” I warned you this would get strange! This translates to “long may your Chimney Smoke”. In any case, it is all good! There are many more differences in how the U.S. and U.K. celebrate the holidays however those briefly mentioned above are some more interesting examples of how we both celebrate the season. So from the Garrett family to your family “Happy Christmas!”

Well, the holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza are almost upon us and I just wanted to share a few

simple recipes for quick and easy appetizers and desserts and a whole page of tips and hints for holiday baking.

APPETIZERS

Make Ahead

Old Farmhouse Chutney Cheese Ball

Semi- Make Ahead

Sausage Dip

16 oz Softened Cream Cheese

½ Cup Stonewall Kitchen Old Farmhouse

Chutney

¼ Cup Scallions, diced (optional but tasty)

1 Clove Garlic, crushed

Dash of Salt and Pepper

½ Cup Colby Cheese, Shredded

½ Cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Shredded

½ Cup Pecans, Finely Chopped

1 LB Jimmy Dean Mild Sausage

1 LB Jimmy Dean HOT Sausage

2 Each 8 oz Packages Cream Cheese

2 Each Rotel – Diced Tomatoes & Green

Chilies

Scoop chips work very well with this dip

(This makes a lot but trust me on this, it goes

very fast!)

1.Mix together cream cheese, chutney,

scallions, garlic, salt and pepper.

2.Fold in Colby and Monterey Jack Cheeses

3.Form mixture into a ball and roll in chopped

pecans.

4.Wrap in waxed paper or plastic & refrigerate.

Serve with crackers.

1.Brown sausages well, crumbling while

browning. Once done, remove from pan, put

in Ziploc bag and freeze until needed.

When ready to prepare-

2. Put Rotel in skillet, add cut up cream cheese.

3. When this has melted and mixed add

sausage into pan and heat throughout.

SWEETS

Craisin Cookies Yield: 3 Dozen Crockpot Candy Yield: Alot

2/3 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened

2/3 Cup Brown Sugar, Packed

2 Large Eggs

1 ½ Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 ½ Cups Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Salt

1 package, 6 oz, Craisins

2/3 Cup White Chocolate Chips

16 oz – Salted Peanuts*

32 oz – Dry Roasted Peanuts*

2 lbs - Chocolate Almond Bark (break in

chunks)

12 oz – Chocolate Chips (Milk Chocolate)

12 oz - Dark Chocolate Chips

1 Box – German Chocolate Bar (break in

chunks)

*NOTE: Can use up to total 8 Cups Nuts

1.Beat butter and sugar together on medium

speed until light and fluffy.

2.Add eggs and mix well.

3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour,

baking soda and salt.

4. Gradually add dry mixture into butter

mixture.

5.Stir in craisins and white chocolate chips.

6.Drop by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased

cookie sheet.

7.Bake 10 – 12 minutes until golden brown.

8. Store tightly covered!

Create 2 layers in large crock pot using half of

each: peanuts, almond bark, chips and German

chocolate

Cover for three hours on low (DO NOT lift lid).

Place wax paper on several large cookie

sheets (or on oil / flannel back cloth to protect

table/counters).

Stir well; then using spoons, drop onto waxed

paper. Allow to fully cool (several hours), place

in air-tight container with waxed paper between

layers. Keep in refrigerator.

Holiday Recipies By Pat Garrett

Baking Hints and Tips for anytime Cookies

WHAT HOW

Quick Room

Temperature Butter

When the recipe calls for room temperature butter, but you don't have an

hour to wait while your cold butter warms up try this: Carefully fill a

glass with hot water (but not too hot, you don't want the glass to crack!)

and let it sit for a moment. Then, pour the water out and invert the glass

over the stick of butter. Boom! Five minutes later you'll have room

temperature butter.

How to Keep Brown

Sugar from getting

hard.

Want to know how to keep your brown sugar soft? Throw a piece of

bread into the container. Yep, that's it. The bread magically keeps the

sugar soft and never gets moldy or gross.

Cake Mix Cookie

Dough

Did you know you can turn a box of cake mix into cookie dough? All

you have to do is mix two eggs and a half cup of vegetable oil into any

pre-made cake mix - and voilà! You've got cookie dough.

Fast Cookies-

Everyone loves homemade cookies. But who has time to whip up a

batch on the spur of the moment? Do what the pros do and make extra

batter when you’ve got extra time!

Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a cookie sheet. After

they’re frozen, remove them from the sheet and place them in a Ziploc

bag and re-freeze. You’ll have delicious, hot cookies in 10 minutes or

less anytime you want.

How to Store Roll

and Cut Cookies

Roll and cut cookies as directed in recipe. Freeze on parchment-lined

baking sheet until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer frozen cookies to zipper-

lock bag, seal, and return to freezer for up to 2 weeks.

How to Bake Roll

and Cut Cookies

Space frozen cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet as directed in

recipe, thaw at room temperature 10 minutes, and bake as directed.

How to Store Slice

and Bake Cookies

Form dough into logs; wrap in parchment and freeze 30 minutes or until

firm. Wrap logs in double layer of plastic wrap (with parchment paper

still on) and freeze for up to 2 weeks. If recipe calls for rolling logs in

sugar, do so just before baking.

How to Bake Slice

and Bake Cookies

Thaw logs in refrigerator at least 2 hours; remove parchment and plastic

wrap, slice, and bake as directed.

How to Store Scoop

and Bake Cookies

Portion dough and freeze on parchment-lined baking sheet until

completely frozen, about 1 hour. Transfer frozen dough balls to zipper-

lock bag, seal, and return to freezer for up to 2 weeks. If recipe calls for

rolling cookies in sugar, do so just before baking.

How to Bake Scoop

and Bake Cookies

Space frozen cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet as directed in

recipe. Thaw at room temperature at least 1 hour, then bake as directed.

To bake frozen cookies, add a minute or two to baking time.

Cookie Sheet

Workaround

The lack of a rim on a cookie sheet leads to better air circulation. If you

don’t have a rimless sheet, turn over a regular sheet and place your

cookies on the bottom. Bingo! A rimless sheet without having to buy and

store another kitchen item!

Hogmanay and First-Footing in Scotland By Bill and Thelma Reid

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the unique Scottish manner! It is often followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day. The most widespread national custom is the practice of first-footing, which starts immediately past midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbor and includes the giving of symbolic gifts such as a lump of coal, shortbread, or whisky to bring luck to the householder. Food and drink are then provided to the guests. This may go on throughout the early hours of the morning and well into the next day. In modern times, people visit houses till mid- January. The first-foot sets the luck in the household for the rest of the year and traditionally, tall, dark, men are preferred as first-footers! The Hogmanay custom of singing “Auld Lang Syne” has been adopted in many countries. This is a Scots poem written in 1788 by Robert Burns, the famous national poet of Scotland. It is popular to sing this in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over as the clock strikes midnight for New Year’s Day. The correct way of doing it, as in Scotland, is to link arms at the beginning of the final verse. In Scotland, Hogmanay and New Year’s Day are as important as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In fact, some cities in Scotland, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, hold all-night celebrations! Most Scots celebrate New Year’s Day with a special dinner, usually steak pie.

Auld Lang Syne Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne.

And auld lang syne, my dear And auld lang syne,

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, And auld lang syne.

We two have run about the hills And pulled the daisies fine;

But we’ve wandered many the weary foot

And auld lang syne

And there’s a hand, my trusty friend!

And give us a hand of yours! And we’ll take a deep draught of good-will

And auld lang syne. By Robert Burns

By Marianne Principe O’Neil

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Italians love to eat! Proud of their culinary contributions to America, they enjoy even more cooking for others. Generation to generation, old world traditions and customs are taught and treasured. In today’s society, Italian/Americans continue to share their rich Italian culture with pride.

Italian Christmas traditions are family oriented and spiritually rooted. Italians see Christ’s birth underscoring the unity of Joseph, Mary and Jesus – the Holy Family. At Christmastime, Italian markets sell manger figurines of all sizes (including life size), Christmas ornaments, toys, clothes and gifts. Fruit formed from marzipan and tinted by hand are displayed in the shops. Animal shaped balloons are popular as well as flowers – poinsettias, cyclamens, azaleas, and mistletoe. Roasted chestnuts and porchetta (pork roast) sandwiches are very popular as are chocolate candy, torrone (nougat candy), dried fruit, and nuts. In pastry shops beautifully, wrapped boxes of panettone, the traditional sweet bread, are on display while in butcher shops rabbits, capons, turkeys and hams are on display for the holiday Whole- sale fish markets open their doors to the public a few days before Christmas Eve and the crowds come to bargain over the very popular eels and other kinds of fish. The zampognari shepherds who live in the mountains come down at Christmastime to play old shepherd songs in the markets on their “zampogna” or bagpipes. Many think of bagpipes as Scottish, but in Italy, bagpipes go back to the ancient Romans. The modern day zampognari still dress in shaggy sheepskin vests, leggings and leather breeches. A long woolen cloak is slung over the shoulder and white stockings held by leather thongs complete the outfit.

CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Eve in Italy is known as “La Vigilia di Natale” – the Latin word for wakefulness and watching. It is the vigil before the dawn that brings the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve Dinner has become one of those traditions fashioned from their own culinary recipes combined with those of their ancestors. Depending on where their forebears emigrated from in Italy, the dishes served on this holiday vary. In the Roman Catholic region, Christmas Eve is a day of fasting, so seafood and pastas became the alternative to meat. The older generation laden their table with baccala and capitone, while the younger generation serve jumbo shrimp, clams and a variety of shellfish served over linguine. The meatless supper, “il cenone,” is served for all to enjoy. Many fish dishes are prepared, accompanied by seasonal vegetables such as artichokes and cardoons, fancy plaited breads, baskets of prickly pears (fichi d’India), fresh figs, blood oranges, apples, Zibibbo grapes, spumoni (a rich tri-flavored ice cream), Christmas cookies, roasted chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts. Small steaming cups of expresso coffee and liqueurs end a perfect feast.

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES For Italians, the tradition of serving the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” on Christmas Eve is the anticipation of the ending of fasting and time spent with loved ones. Italian Christmas traditions are family oriented and spiritually rooted. The traditional seven dishes prepared in various ways holds that number seven might represent ...the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church ...the day of God’s rest …the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit …the seven sins of the world …the seven days it took Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem. It is interesting to note that seven of the twelve apostles were fisherman and there are seven letters in the word “vigilia.” (La Vigilia di Natale)

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO REJOICE AND A TIME TO REMINISCE, A TIME FOR CARING AND A TIME FOR SHARING, A TIME FOR PEACE AND GOODWILL, A TIME FOR REUNIONS AND A TIME FOR LAUGHTER, A TIME FOR FEASTING AND A TIME TO CELEBRATE, AND MORE ESPECIALLY A TIME FOR LOVE.

BUON NATALE AND BUON CAPO d’ anno

Grand Gala Christmas Party Draws 80 By

Bill Reid

On a somewhat cold and damp evening on Saturday, December 9 in total contrast to the weather outside, the mood inside Greenbrier Country Club was warm, friendly and exciting; it was the night of the Retreat Grand Gala Christmas Party, which attracted an attendance of 80 residents and guests! Everyone arriving had their photo taken by the Christmas tree to capture the mood and memories of the evening. Entering the beautiful and specially lit Fairway Room for cocktails and socializing, guests were entertained by James Stover, who played colorful seasonal Christmas music on his clarinet. To everyone’s surprise, a bagpiper entered the room to escort guests to the warmly decorated ballroom to be seated for dinner. A choice of delicious steak or well-prepared salmon followed by crème brulee or decadent chocolate lava cake resulted in outstanding compliments for the Greenbrier chef. During the evening there were no less than five components of the entertainment; first, James Stover on the clarinet in the cocktail room; second, the thrilling sound of bagpiper, Jim Currie; third, the marvelous singing of Lou Antonaccio; and fourth, everyone was seconded to “The Retreat Choir” for this one evening to join in for carol singing! Lastly, guests all loved the variety-style music combined with the velvet voice of entertainer “Roberto”. Throughout the evening, the dance floor was full whether it was a slow waltz or a lively line dance or anything in between. As they came in, guests were each given a free raffle ticket and numerous prizes were given away including six $100 gift certificates. From the North Pole, a special trip was made by Santa to award the first prizes! What a happy and successful evening it was! So many people came forward to contribute to the party in so many ways; it is so gratifying to live in a community where folks come together in this way. The Grand Gala Christmas Party will become an annual tradition in the Retreat and already, some residents are looking forward to next year’s event! The Social Committee would like to express its very grateful thanks to all that made this exciting event possible.

The following are a few of the comments made about this truly memorable event:

“SUPERB” The Gala was everything promised and more. We enjoyed a relaxing evening of singing and dancing plus delicious dinner!”

“We enjoyed James’ playing, Lou’s singing, Santa’s visit, the raffle/gifts, the music, and dancing. Picture taking is just one of the many other wonderful details included to capture all the smiles to remember this special evening.”

“Dinner was delicious. The tenderloin lived up to its name-tender. The chocolate lava cake was decadently delicious. The entire meal was excellent!”

Summing up the feelings of many, the Board of Directors issued this statement: “Thank you to Bill Reid and the entire Social Committee for such an outstanding Grand Gala Christmas Party for our Retreat Residents.” Already, many residents say they are looking forward to the next one!

RETREAT GRAND GALA CHRISTMAS PARTY 2017

RETREAT GRAND GALA CHRISTMAS PARTY 2017