The Clackamas print., November 29, 2017, Page 6, Image 6

A R TS
A R TS AND
AND C U LTU R E
CUL TU R E
7
CHI&IISirMAS €H
STORY BY MCKENNA STREED
THE CLACKAMAS PRINT
N o t everyone has fun aroun d the holidays; this time o f w onder and m ag ic can a ctu a lly cause stress, sadness and
depression. N o t everyone has the m eans to make Christm as expensive an d extravagant, b u t everyone ca m b rin g jo y
an d laug hter to their lives. So p u t on y o u r ugiy sw eaters an d fuzzy socks an d enjoy som e ways to u p lift y o u r sp irits
on the holidays.
photos by Victoria Tinker
EVENIS
Step out of your comfort zone this winter and enjoy the fine things Oregon has to offer.
Every year the Oregon Zoo holds their annual Zoo Lights. Go explore the zoo at night, see
the animals rtime to life in both light displays as well as the real life creatures themselves
each night from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 (except for Dec. 24-25) and walk with the animals.
Go down to The Grotto for wonderful live music. You can hear choirs sing each night
from all ages. Not only music but wander the paths and experience their Festival of Lights.
I say more Christmas the merrier, so head on down to Peacock Lane where on foot you
can view some homes turned into masterpieces, decked out in thousands of lights celebrating
community and fun the holidays offer.
Are you a shopping fiend? I know 1 am. Shopping is one of
those things that can make or break your mood.
Not everyone likes Christmas shopping. You never know
what to get anyone and it’s always a hassle, but did you know
Portland has America’s largest Christmas Bazaar? There are
thousands of vendors hosted at the Portland Expo Center from
Nov: 24 through Dec. 4 with a variety of goods. Find anything
and everything in one stop.
If the Bazaar is too much, just head over to the Clackamas
Town Center for all of your shopping needs and visit Santa
for a photo while you’re at it.
Many shops celebrate the holidays and have special events/
deals happening all over for the season. Check out some of your
local stores and see what fun events/deals they have in store.
Clackamas Print
iNTENTAINNIENI
Don’t like to go out? Stay in and enjoy some wonderful
holiday movies and music.
Each weekend up until the New Year, you can view brand
new Christmas and holiday movies on the Hallmark channel
screening continuously. These I personally love because
though predictable, they bring a smile to my face, they make
me laugh, and give me hope.
Along with movies, different channels also play Christmas
music. While surfing the radio dial, I found out that though I
think it’s a little early K103 has officially started the Christmas
music marathon. All Christmas all the time.
th e c la c k a m a s p rin t.n e t
Decorating isn’t easy especially if you live in the neighborhood where everyone goes all
out and tries to out-do other neighborhoods. But you can make decorating simple, easy and
it will still look great.
We live in a very green state full of trees and bows. Most everyone has evergreens in their
backyards, which make great decorations. Bow Chicka Bow Wow.
Easy ways to decorate are using'things you already have. Take down some bows and turn
them into wreaths of all shapes and sizes. You can also use pinecones and different natural
things to decorate.
Decorating your tree can be just as simple, using pinecones that could be spray painted or
you can string popcorn and use that which makes a great snack as well as decoration. Date
night? I think yes.
Decorations don’t have to be lights and-fancy displays. You can tap into your nature side
and make beautiful art with what you already have.
Put all of these together and you gej a formula for a jolly Christmas or even a great holiday
party.
photo by McKenna Streed
Everyone loves a good snack, it can turn a foul mood fun
and a tired mind fired up. I have found some fun easy foods
that are easy to make and taste great.
Candy cane cookies are wonderful and colorful sweets
that are sure to brighten your spirits. Twists of red and white
peppermint flavored dough shaped into the hook shape we
all know and love. A real favorite for anyone who tries them.
I personally prefer the old fashioned butter cookies. They
might cause an artery to clot from all the butter, but they siy.e
do tastb good.
Of course you can’t forget your cup of cocoa and/or eggnog
to go with your sweets while you sit close to fireplace and
warm up while watching your favorite Christmas movie.
The snacks don’t stop there. You can make anything from
green fluffy pistachio pudding to peppermint bark. The ideas
aie endless. All you have to do is search for easy holiday
snacks and pick something. Try something new this holiday
season and be amazed.
th e c la c k a m a s p rin t.n e t
NOVEMBER 2 9 , 2017