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Kings show mixed effort in dropping a pair over weekend ..................... »26 THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008
Taking a natural approach with baby
»22 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 50
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2008
www.ObserverXtra.com
Time of year when Christmas comes first Municipal politicians use the break to enjoy an assortment of traditions that make the holiday special
IT’s aBoUT CHRIsTmas Ten-year-old Emma Martin (inset) won a family stay at the Hilton Homewood Suites and an ultimate Webkinz prize pack from Elmira Gift Outlet in the Observer’s Spirit of Christmas contest. Visit www.observerxtra.com to view all of the entries.
Gramma B Wishes Everyone a Merry & Safe Christmas! CHRISTMAS HOURS: Dec. 24th 9-4 Closed Dec. 25-28th Mon. 29th 9-6 New Years Eve 9-4 Reopening Jan. 3rd
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MARC MIQUEL HELSEN It’s in the still quiet of the night when no one is stirring – not even a mouse – a grandfather clock ticking away the minutes before the big rush. It’s in the crisp crackle of a flame, a fire around which the whole family is gathered sharing a laugh over some chestnuts. It’s in the adoring carols and rich melodies booming at a crowded midnight mass or church service. And it’s in the soup kitchen, where some warm food is accompanied by an even warmer smile, offering sweet respite from the bitter cold. The spirit of Christmas is in all these situations and many more, as the yearly celebration means many different things to many different people. Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is a very significant celebration for Christians around the world, second in importance only to Easter. But it is also a very important cultural tradition for people who don’t consider themselves religious – for them, the holidays are synonymous with family, friendship and generosity. “I enjoy the family get-together and that closeness that Christmas brings,” says Wellesley Coun. Jim Olender, noting that for his family, a typical Christmas involves plenty of dinners at home and at the homes of his siblings. “I look forward to the family get-together – not the presents,” he quips, noting that as a child, the idea of a gift-bearing Santa was, naturally, a big deal. But even then, Olender saw more in the holidays than See THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT page »10
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