Friday, December 9, 2011 D A I L Y H E R A L D • www.heraldextra.com C3

Tips and tricks to make the season bright

By Michele Bates

My life has changed a lot this past year. I sadly lost both of my parents: one to illness and one to an accident.

It’s left me wondering this holiday season where my “home” is.

It will be the first year the family has not gathered at my parents’ home for the holidays.

It’s the first year we will not have to painfully watch the hourlong re-enactment of the Book of Luke with the grand-daughters arguing over who gets to be Mary and who is relegated to one of the many shepherds.

It’s the first year my mom has not brought over a literal tub of candy, hugged the kids, and left

me to deal with the sugar load aftermath.

Many of the little things I used to dread I now sorely miss and cherish in an odd, reflective way.

I have come to realize that continuing at least a few of my family’s “traditions” this Christmas is exceptionally important to me.

Because of this, my siblings and I have gathered together and reflected on the more enjoyable family customs and found a way to continue with those.

Instead of meeting at my parents’ home, we are each taking a turn to host an event and Skyping in the siblings who are unable to be there in person.

We have kept the events like

making gingerbread houses and the white elephant gift exchange, our kids looked forward to and we loved the most.

We are getting to know each other even better and realizing that “home” is truly where the heart is.

All six of us and our children are missing my parents a great deal, but we are becoming truly grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition that matters the most: that of being together as a family.

As a tribute to Mom, here are directions for one of Grandma Marci favorite things to do for the holiday:

home for the Holidays

Candy Wreaths:What you need: 2 wire hangersLong length of ribbon

Individually wrapped candyHot glue gun

Bend the hangers into a circle shape, leaving the hanging hook in place. Put the two hangers together, and wrap the ribbon around the circle to create the “wreath” shape.

Using hot glue, glue the candy all over the wreath, and just try to keep the kids from eating all before Christmas Day!

Marni Kleinman

Kris Kleinman puts together a gingerbread house in memory of his mother-in-law. Keeping family traditions alive is a great way to celebrate family during the holidays.

C3

December 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, 2011

Allie’s American Grille located inside the Provo Marriott Hotel • 101 West 100

North Provo, UT 84601

$13.95 adults 12 and older$6.95 kids 5 – 114 & under free

Enjoy our extensive breakfastbu� et and get your picture taken with Santa.Featuring a Live Omelet Station: Bacon, sausage, hash-brown potatoes, eggs, wa� es/pancakes, specialty items, assortment of breads, Danishes, cereals, granola, yogurt, fresh and whole fruit Assorted juice, milk and co� ee included

7am -11am • Call 801-370-3547

for reservations • Walk ins welcome

Closeouts, Surplus, & Salvage Merchandise767 S Automall Dr #15 • American Fork

50-80% Off Retail!www.CheaperKeepers.com

Christmas Gifts • Decorations • FoodEverything for the Holidays at 40-80% off msrp

Hours: M-F 12-6 Sat 10-2

801.692.2400

25% OFFAny Reg. Priced Item

One Coupon Per Family.Expires 12/31/11 While supplies last

$169lb.

Main # 489-0088 Produce # 489-0684 Meat # 489-0423 Bakery # 491-0332 Video # 489-3445 Riggatti’s Pizza & Deli

Fresh Boneless Skinless

Chicken BreastMonster Pack

268 West Center St. • Provo 801-374-5520www.davesbernina.com