a s p e c i a l p u b l i c a t i o n o f m a g a z i n e

2011

359 Andrews Ave. Ozark, AL 334-445-0072

"Where Southern Charm meets Modern Elegance"specializing in color, cuts and shellac nails

Tassel Salon

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Tortoise & the Hair253 S East Avenue, Ozark, AL

334-774-1340open Tuesday-Friday 2:30-5:30 & Saturday 10:00-2

We are also a children's spa & party place!

Children's Clothing, toys, pedal cars, gifts, monogrammed totes, jewelry, scarves, dance clothes & more!

Create a cool new holiday tradition for your family this year at Holiday Spec-tacular Family Park, celebrating its 5th year. Experience the joy and

wonder of Christmas as you stroll through the many holiday scenes and marvel at the many mil-lions of lights that transform ordinary woods into an enchanted forest. With lights in more than 700 trees, you will feel like you are sitting in the middle of a giant Christmas tree. Enjoy complimentary hayrides and staff-attended fire pits for roasting marshmallows or making smores. Concerts and fireworks shows are also complimentary on the nights they are scheduled. Please feel free to take lawn chairs and sit around the fire pits. Shane Owens will be in concert on Dec. 23 and Elvis (Jerome Jackson) will be appearing New Year’s Eve. Santa is in his workshop every night and don’t be surprised if you run into Rudolph kissing the hands’ of ladies and hugging little children. The Grinch is sneaking around too! There is also a playground including inflatables for the children. Christmas scenes include a 15 foot “Old Lady and the Shoe, The Northwood Cabin, Pooh’s Tree House, The Night Before Christmas, The Ginger Bread House and many more. The gift shop is open nightly and there are also local vendors that offer face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo. Hot cocoa, roasted corn, pizza, cotton candy and peanuts are available throughout the park. The Woodland Grill offers a variety of food that can be enjoyed inside the restau-rant or taken outside for fire-side dining. Professional photographer, Donald Taber, will be at the park for capturing those special moments for visitors. And we can’t forget the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus! So there is a life-size manger scene including the animals, the Magi, and the Shepherd Boy.

The Park is located at 1768 Hubbard Rd. in Wicksburg and is open through Dec. 31st from 5:30 pm til 9:30 pm. For admission prices, more concert info or any other information please call: 334-790-5112 or visit the website at www.holidayspectacularpark.com

Holiday Guide 3

located on the corner of Brannon Stand Rd. & Fortner St. 2087 S. Brannon Stand RoadDothan, AL

Stop by and see us to get a cup of warm coffee or cocoa

and shop our unique gifts! find us on facebook.

334-479-8597

T E A C H T H E

C H I L D R E N

Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back into my easy chair and was lulled to sleep by the twinkling tree lights. Suddenly I heard a noise. I opened my eyes and to my surprise I saw Santa Claus himself standing next to my Christmas tree. He was dressed all in fur just as the poem described, but he was not a "jolly old elf". He looked sad. "Santa, what's wrong?" I asked. "It's the children," Santa replied sadly. “I know they love me and the gifts I bring them," Santa said, "but they have somehow missed the true spirit of Christ-mas. The adults have forgotten to teach the children." "Teach them what?" I asked. He spoke softly, "Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them the symbolism behind the traditions of Christmas and what it is they truly represent." Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree. "Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The evergreen represents the

hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind's thoughts should turn heavenward." Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it on top of the tree. "The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that prom-ise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. "Red is the first color of Christmas." He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. “Red is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins and the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave his life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life.” Santa placed a silver bell on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold.“ Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. "The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God's son. Teach the children to follow in Christ's footsteps...to go about doing good. Teach them to let their light shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what's symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the tree." Santa then brought out a candy cane. "The candy cane is a stick of hard

white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock and the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane forms a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus. The original candy cane had three small red stripes representing the stripes of the scourging Jesus received and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, our promise of eternal life.” Santa brought out a wreath made of fresh greenery tied with a red bow. “The wreath re-minds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the ever-green. The bow tells the story of good will to-wards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even the wreath’s shape is symbolic, representing eternity and Christ's love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end.” “These are the things you must teach the children." "But where does that leave you Santa?" I asked. A smile broke over Santa's face. "I'm only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten. But if you don't teach the children, then who will?"

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Clothing-Jewelry-Accessories-GiftsDothan, Al . 1376 Westgate Pkwy . 334.671.7767

These items now available at j-girlz!Great Christmas Gifts!

Dothan’s very own, The Bread LadyAssorted flavor mixes available.

Amazing Scented Candles from Boll Weevil Soap Co. in Enterprise!

Homemade in Slocomb~ Virgillito’s Gourmet CreationsGourmet Hot Sauces and Jellies

Our Favorite Christmas Movies!

Holiday Guide 5

Evergreen Place 607F Boll Weevil Cir

Enterprise, AL334-393-4984

Circle West Shopping Center3112B Ross Clark Cir NW

Dothan, AL334-793-5691

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Bibles*Books*Music*GiftsStart your holiday shopping with

us! We have great gift ideas!!!

Dove Christian Supply

Flowers are nice... Balloons are okay... For a lasting impression send a Candy Bouquet!Flowers are nice, but they're not exactly a creative gift idea. The Candy Bouquet, on the other hand, surprises and delights and stands out from other gifts. Unique and beautiful (not

to mention delicious), the Candy Bouquet will never fade, wilt, or die. And they are also great for allergy sufferers or other situations where flowers may be inappropriate. Candy Bouquets are arranged with fun, colorful accessories for any occasion. You can even request a custom ar-rangement for a truly one-of-a-kind gift you'll be remembered for. And did we mention they're delicious?Candy Bouquet offers a wide selection of their own high-quality signature candies and chocolates. They also offer sugar-free candy and chocolate options, and can usually cater to other dietary needs.

Candy Bouquet of Dothan has been making Dothan sweeter since May 2009. Amy Oyler, our resident Candy Artist, can create you a unique Candy Bouquet that is sure to please. She offers 19 flavors of Candy Bouquet’s exclusive Ganache Truffles with fla-vors like Swiss Milk, Cheesecake, Carmel Mo-

cha, Peanut Butter, Italian Hazelnut and Hot n’ Spicy, just to name a few, over 40 flavors of delicious gourmet hard candies, Salt Water Taffy, at least 12 flavors of Fresh Fudge, as well as various domestic and imported chocolates, candies and suckers. She also has a great selection of gifts including Circle E Candles.Candy Bouquet of Dothan offers free delivery in Dothan and corporate discounts are available.Please check them out on FaceBook @ Candy Bouquet of Dothan and on the web @ www.6235.candysurprise.com or www.candybouquet.com Give Amy a call @ 334-699-8888 She is located at 2620 Montgomery Hwy Suite 3 Dothan, Al. in Crepe Myrtle Business Center.

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Gift Cards Make a Perfect Gift!

Santa's Favorite Boutique! You Nique Boutique

Holiday Guide 7

N N

T H E N A N N Y N E S TT H E N A N N Y N E S T

nanny finder servicewww.nannynest.com 334-699-4151

Baby SittingSick Child Care

After School CareNewborn Care

Full Time and or Part Time with or without Housekeeping

“Providing For All Your Child Care Needs.”

Start your New Year right with a quality ad for your business!

superherogfxtks@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/Superherogfxtks

William Phatzo Hawkins 678-558-0833

Phatzo

Santa Clause is coming to Town!

Children's Clothing, Shoes & Toys Sizes Newborn to 14211 E.Lee St. Enterprise, AL

9:30 - 5:30 Mon - Fri9:30 - 5:00 Sat334-347-2050

Kids Korner

find us on facebook

We use Dermalogica skin care products for our facial services and carry the line for your home use!

Give the Relaxing Gift of Massage!

Touch of Nola2266 Montgomery Hwy. #6 Dothan, AL

334-699-4045Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-3 Appointments preferred

- www.northpole.com-www.noradsanta.com-www.claus.com-www.santa.net-www.allthingschristmas.com-www.santaclaus.net-www.uglychristmaslights.com

Fun Christmas Websites for Yourself and Your Children!

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"Zu Crew"&the

ZUMBA!

1247 S Oates Street AND Westgate Rec Center

Phone: 334-435-0468www.christinakirkland.com

FaceBook/Zumba-with-Christina

Zumba with ChristinaMost parties cost $25 or less and I supply everything!

No painting experience needed! Just show up and have FUN!

1247 S Oates Street

Phone: 334-435-0468www.christinakirkland.com

FaceBook/Color Your World Painting Parties

Santa for SeniorsFor most people, the holidays are a time of celebration. Unfortunately, for low income seniors

the holidays bring no reprieve from high medical costs, prescription bills, illness and loneliness. In an effort to bring Christmas cheer to seniors in the Wiregrass, several volunteers from the community have joined with SARCOA (Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging) in establishing the Santa for Seniors program.

Santa for Seniors is a grass roots, volunteer effort to share the Christmas spirit with Wiregrass seniors who need basic necessities and home repairs. Santa for Seniors recipients are clients of SARCOA or one of the senior centers in a seven county region. Modest wish lists are gathered by case workers and then distributed in the Wiregrass area by email, word of mouth or media. Gifts are gathered at a drop site location and then distributed by case workers and volunteers. Wish lists of these seniors are full of simple necessities that we all take for granted, such as: clothes, pajamas, slippers, electric heaters, bath towels, books, sheets, electric blankets and cleaning supplies. If you would like to sponsor one of these seniors, please visit www.sarcoa.org

Holiday Guide 9

Put a little Sassy in Your Christmas!

sweet&sassygifts&bakery

& sweet treats!

143 Westgate Parkway Suite 1 Dothan, AL

334-792-1650Mon.-Fri. 9 – 6 Sat. 10 - 4

for all of your gifts

Shop with us Christmas Activities:Send Christmas CardsDecorate a Gingerbread houseMake hot chocolateWatch a Christmas MovieWatch Classic Christmas ShowsCelebrate Christmas past by looking thru old photosBake CookiesMake paper snowflakesDrive around to look at Christmas lightsRead Christmas storiesTake a child to visit SantaHave a family photo takenWrap gifts while listening to Holiday musicColor in a Christmas coloring bookHave a family game nightSwap favorite recipes with friendsGo Christmas caroling around the neighborhoodGo see The Nutcracker or watch it on DVDHelp your child write a letter to SantaTake cookies or flowers and visit a Nursing home

Party Games:Name the Christmas Tune (play a bit of the song or read a line of lyrics)Christmas Movie Trivia

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find us on facebook@www.facebook.com/vitalunaboutiqueWe are located on Ross Clark Circle behind Atlanta Bread Company in the same plaza as Mama Rosa's & Pinky Nails!

“Vita Luna is one funky little boutique full of fabulous clothes, quirky gifts & delicious smelling Tyler candles”!

3074 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 6 Dothan, AL 334-446-1307

CUTE KIDS & CUTE PETS

Holiday Guide 11

Unique Gifts& Art Work

www.naturegalleryart.comThe Nature Gallery156 N Foster StreetDothan, AL 36303

334-671-2050Follow us on facebook

Snapshots from Dothan’s Annual

Downtown Christmas Festival

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Shoppes on Main102 N. Main St., 334-347-4111

Consignment cat121 N. Main St.334-475-3334

Charisma621 Boll Weevil CircleWestgate Shopping Center334-347-4722

Leons 107 N. Main St. 334- 393-2779

jojo’s

Jojo’s109 E.College St.334-347-3838

600 Boll Weevil Circle Suite 3334-393-7627

Shopping in Enterprise

Christmas is a joy-filled time spent with family and friends for most people, but for military families, the holidays are sometimes spent apart. Here is a brief story about one local military family.

My husband, 1LT Clint Kitto, was deployed to Afghani-stan on July 4th in support of OEF. We knew his tour would encompass Christmas, and that while he would have 2 weeks of R&R, it probably wouldn't fall during the Christmas holidays. Our children are aware that dad is overseas 'at the war', as they call it, and so far we have managed to keep dad in their daily lives as much as possible, mostly through Skype and semi-regular phone calls, when the time difference doesn't put a hitch in things. My keeping a brave face on for them has helped keep them encouraged as well. As far as Christmas goes this year, we have decided to decorate our tree in Clint's favorite colors: Texas A&M maroon (as it is his alma mater). The kids helped me select a fun themed stocking for him and gifts to go in it. We are also baking up a huge batch of cookies and brownies, along with a card, and sending them to him and his fellow soldiers as well. That way the kids feel like they can give him and all the guys with him something special and yummy, just like if he were here. Since he doesn't have room for a lot of traditional gifts, we chose to make a personalized photo book for him to keep either in his office or his bar-racks. We were lucky and blessed beyond measure to have spent his 2 weeks of leave with our family in Texas during Thanksgiving. The bulk of our family Christmas celebrating was done then....we did all of our shopping together so he could help in the gift selection, and on Christmas Day, time difference and safety permitting, we plan on opening the kids' gifts over Skype, so he can be a part of that as well.

Becca Kitto

Home Away for

the Holidays

Clint, Becca, Lena & Bradon Kitto

Holiday Guide 13

Unique jewelry holder made from a frame

Pretty plate, candle holder and a drawer pull~ voila! Serving Platter Stand

Make a clock from an old game board!

Embellished Monogram Beautiful bouquet made of felt

Transform a teacup & saucer into a bird feeder!.

H a n d m a d e G i f t I d e a s

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NEALY’S

Monogamming

Engraving Gift Shop

Personalizing

4650 West Main St.Suite 603

Dothan, AL 36303in the Westway Shopping Center

334.699.3552

Like us on facebook

Unique Gifts

Cigar of the Month Clubs available thru Amazing Clubs

crochet headphones from Uncommon Goods

The Man Cave book available thru Amazon

Guitar pick punch for old credit/gift cards, etc. From Uncommon Goods

iphone photo printer from Sharper Image

Holiday Guide 15

Very Fairy

Custom TuTus, Wands & Hair Pieces

Skipperville, AL334-237-4175email: veryfairy@ymail.com

find us on facebook

More Unique Gifts

XM Snap! Satellite radio. Plugs into your car’s power adapter. Available thru Amazon

Personalized car mats from Personal Creations

Personalized Wallets from PersonalizationMall.com

Like & Dislike Facebook style Stamps from Perpetual Kid

Sing & Swoon Justin Bieber Dolls available thru Amazon

Personalized Mug from Personal Creations

Personalized Baseball Bat from PersonalizationMall.com

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Westgate Shopping Center621 Bol l Weevi l Circle Suite 21 Enter prise, ALMon-Sat 11 a .m - 7 p.m.

Gift Certificates available and we take special orders. Find us on facebook!

Chicken & Stuffing Bake

ingredients1 cup water1 cup chopped red sweet pepper (1 large)1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)1/2 cup long grain rice1 8 oz package herb-seasoned stuffing mix2 cups water4 cups diced cooked chicken (about 1-1/4 pounds)3 eggs, lightly beaten1 10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup1/2 cup sour cream1/4 cup milkdirections1.In med. saucepan bring the 1 cup water to boiling. Stir in sweet pepper, onion and uncooked rice. Re-duce heat to low. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until rice and vegetables are tender and water is absorbed.2.Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 3-qt rectangular baking dish; set aside. In large bowl combine stuffing mix and the 2 cups water. Stir in chicken, eggs and half of the condensed soup. Stir in cooked rice mix-ture. Spread in prepared baking dish.3.Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.4. For sauce, in a small saucepan stir together the remaining soup, the sour cream and milk. Cook over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.5.Let casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares. Spoon sauce over squares.

Peanut Butter Bites

ingredients3/4 cup butter, softened1/2 cup creamy peanut butter1 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/8 teaspoon salt1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla2 cups all-purpose flour21 miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cups, halveddirections1.Preheat oven to 375 . In large bowl, combine butter and peanut butter. Beat with electric mixer on med. to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. If necessary, cover and chill about 30 minutes or until dough is easy to handle.2.Shape dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Press a peanut butter cup half into each ball and shape dough around peanut butter cup to enclose. Place cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.3.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Makes about 42 cookies

Holiday Guide 17

Over 30 years of preserving your memories.

892 S.Main St.Blakely, GA229-723-6134Mon-Fri 9-5:30www.cashwellphotography.com

�nd us on facebook

Earthly Essentials"A little bit of Heaven on Earth"

All natural and organic soaps, lotions, scrubs & more!

O v e r 5 0 d i f f e r e n t s c e n t s G i f t s & G i f t B a s k e t s !

Earthly Essentials3119 Ross Clark Circle

Dothan, AL334-699-0324

In the Big Lots Shopping CenterMon-Sat 11 am -7 pm

AnticipationThe child was so excited he could barely go to sleep

For visions of the gifts he’d get, and prizes he would reapThe sheer anticipation kept his young eyes all aglow

He’d never even heard about that Christmas long ago

When God fulfilled a promise, and sent the world His SonTo bring a message of love and hope to share with everyone

The child just knew of Santa Claus, and hoped he would come soonHe looked with joy at all the lights and gifts that filled the room

His parents never felt the need to tell him about GodThey never had believed in Him, and thought Christians were odd

But down the street another child looked at the manger sceneAnd marveled at the story of how God sent us a King

His eyes were bright with wonder as he heard the Christmas taleThen tears spilled out as he was told the story of the nail

His young mind comprehended all the things Jesus had doneAnd excitement filled his little heart as he learned about God’s Son

Then he watched out the window, like the boy just down the streetBut he was not just listening for the sound of reindeer feetNo, that young man’s excitement was for a different cause

He watched for Jesus coming, and not for Santa Claus

So share your gifts and love and laugh, and enjoy the Christmas seasonBut tell your children about Christ, for He’s the Christmas Reason

By Diane Holcomb

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Children's, Jewelry, Ladie's Boutique Apparel, Collegiate, Candles and much more!

141 South Dalton St. Slocomb, ALMon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Sat 9-1 Open Sundays thru Christmas from 12-2

334-886-2442

Spend some time shopping in beautiful Downtown Slocomb

for unique Christmas gifts!

find us onfacebook

shop online

www.MyLittleDoodlebug.com

Seven Superstitions of New Year’s Eve:Celebrate New Year's Eve by learning or simply revisiting some of the most fabulous New Year's Eve superstitions.

12 GrapesA popular superstition in the Mediterranean and Latin American countries, many revelers suggest eating 12 grapes at midnight to ensure good luck for each month of the coming year. Bring on the Noise! New Year's wouldn't be complete with noisemakers! Tradition holds that making lots of noise at midnight will ward off evil spirits from entering the New Year. Black Eyed Peas This tradition began in the south when poor farmers were forced to eat their livestock feed (black eyed peas) in order to survive a brutal winter. It still holds true today, with many believing that eating black eyed peas on New Year’s day will ensure a prosperous and safe new year. Money in Your Pocket Be sure to keep some change in your pocket at midnight to bring good fortune and wealth in the New Year. Wear Something New (and Red!)Forecast your fashion fortune in the coming months and wear a new outfit on New Year's. Even if it’s one piece like a new skirt for you or tie for your guy, this superstition is a perfect excuse for a little shopping. Or, double your luck and wear something red. Put Pork on the Menu When planning your dinner menu, focus on pork. Since pigs eat their food moving forward, enjoying pork on New Year's will assure the year ahead will be bountiful.

The Midnight KissWe all know how important that first kiss at midnight is, especially so for spouses and significant others. That kiss ensures intimacy and a close relationship throughout the New Year.

Holiday Guide 19

Welcome To

Mon-Tues 8a - 7p Wed 8a - 6p Thu-Sat 8a - 7p

MSM MEATS AND COUNTRY STORE1699 Hwy 27 North. Colquitt, GA (229)758-8600

Full Service Meat Market Choice Pork & Beef,

Specialty Sauces, Marinades & Rubs, Fresh & Frozen Produce and More! We Cater!

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