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December 2023 – Page 2 – The Prospector

Month: December 2023

Categories
Entertainment

History of Christmas Carols and a Few Classics

Christmas carols go way back to the 13th century when Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar, would write down hymns that would later be turned into carols.

As centuries passed by, different forms of dancing were added to the carols. People from town would get together and go house to house singing and dancing Christmas carols.

Carols were also sung in celebration of religious services and have continued to be a vital part of worship days at church. During the Christmas season, the carols have a deeper meaning as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Being practicing Catholics my family prepares for the birthday of Jesus every year. One of the carols we wait patiently to hear through the Christmas season is “Mary, Did You Know”. It speaks of some of the testaments that Jesus granted. In my home, he is the reason for our season and we praise him even more during advent time.

As different symbols started to be recognized during Christmas the image of Santa Claus made its way into the season back in 1863. There was a Christian Bishop named Saint Nicholas who was a saint of children hence the nickname “Old Saint Nick”. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is a fun and festive carol that gets my siblings and me excited for the yearly visit from Santa and what gifts he may bring. 

Also, the Christmas season allows us to share all the blessings bestowed upon us throughout the year. Sharing the love of faith, gifts, and well wishes with those around us. “Feliz Navidad” is a traditional carol that wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and happiness to all. This song is a must to include in my caroling playlist.

In conclusion, thousands of carols can be heard and played throughout the season and I am certain everyone has their favorites for different reasons. So, turn up the volume and enjoy this Christmas.

Categories
Cuisine and Recipes

Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Since Christmas is coming up, what’s more festive than cookies that look like snowballs? These chocolate crinkle cookies are named such for their distinct crack in the center. These are perfectly dense, delicious, and decadent. 

Every family has their own Christmas traditions and while my family doesn’t take Christmas too seriously, we make sure to have a fun time nonetheless. Most people celebrate Christmas on the 25th, but we celebrate on the 24th in the evening. My late grandpa did this, so we decided to keep that tradition in memory of him. My family keeps our gatherings small with only immediate family. Every Christmas, we always eat cheese ravioli in tomato sauce. Why? Well, honestly I’m not sure. No turkey, mashed potatoes, or anything like that. We do have the usual apple pies and cookies though. Whatever you choose to do during this holiday season, I wish you a happy holiday and a great new year!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  1. In a large bowl mix butter, brown sugar, salt, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
  1. Add egg and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda until combined.
  1. Now, add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined. Add 

the other half of the dry ingredients, and mix until almost combined.

  1. With a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips.
  1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  3. Pour your powdered sugar into a small bowl, and make balls out of the dough (about 2 tablespoons). Add them one at a time to the powdered sugar.
  1. With your hands, roll the dough ball in the sugar until completely coated.
  1. Repeat and place dough on a baking sheet.
  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before eating.
  1. Enjoy!
Categories
How-tos

Holly Jolly Saving

With Christmas around the corner and festivity in the air, you’re probably thinking about presents, decorations, and getting into the Christmas spirit.

While to most, this time of year seems like a winter wonderland, to others, it could represent other things.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spent $862 on gifts, food, and decorations. This doesn’t even account for the gas it takes to go get these things, the time and energy put towards setting up, and other miscellaneous expenses.

With inflation on the rise, many families across the country experience a disadvantage when it comes to the holidays.

This article is here to show you that you don’t need a lot of money to transform the space around you into a Christmas wonderland.

The supplies you will need are colored construction paper, scissors, shiny straw cleaner, tape, string, and different colored Sharpies. You can find all of these things at your local dollar store.

For our first decoration, bend the shiny straw cleaner into a Christmas-themed shape such as a snowflake, snowman, gingerbread man, Christmas tree, wreath, or snow angel. Then tie a string around it so you’re able to hang it up.

For the next decoration, take your scissors and a piece of white construction paper and fold it in half repeatedly 3 times. Then take your scissors and cut in different shapes while being careful not to cut it in half. Once you unfold it, you will have a snowflake that you can hang with string.

Another decoration you could do is take your paper and use the Sharpies to draw on designs. Then cut them out and attach them all onto a string to create a lanyard.

The easiest decoration you could do is to turn the straw cleaner into your own custom ornaments.

Lastly, take some green construction paper and cut out lines with the paper facing up long ways. Then use the tape to turn them into circles, making sure they interlock with each other. Once you have the length you are happy with, make one last circle connecting both ends.

Bend the straw cleaners into ornament-like shapes and attach them, which will leave you with a homemade wreath.

To get a warm and cozy Christmas experience, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. With the right mindset and putting time and energy into creating your desirable setup, it can happen.

If you put some Christmas music on and get to work, the holiday paradise of your dreams isn’t out of reach!