Peyton Lamps, owner of Petals by Peyton in LaSalle.
PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE
The Mistletoe Misfits have become so popular that communities have requested their presence in their holiday traditions.
Mistletoe Misfits
rediscovering the magic of Christmas
Story by Katlyn Sanden
Once again, the Mistletoe
Misfits are spreading joy and Christmas cheer this holiday season. They can be found in nursing homes, community events, and thrift shops. You never know where they might pop up.
The Mistletoe Misfits is a group of women who have a passion for community and bringing cheer to the Illinois Valley and beyond by dressing up as Santa’s
elves. They specifically enjoy visiting nursing homes to perform their festive dances, sing, and tell their elf jokes.
“The idea came about when I was doing a performance at Liberty Village (with a different group),” Tracy Carriere said. “At the conclusion of the performance, a lady grabbed my hand and was in tears, thanking me for coming because they don’t get to go out and see things like this anymore.”
It was this interaction that spurred Carriere into creating the Mistletoe Misfits with a few friends. It has grown since its first year in 2023.
“When we get older, we lose the magic of Christmas,” Carriere said. “I wanted to create an interactive group where we dress like elves, dance, sing, and tell the corniest jokes in the world. It came together really fast.”
Christine Simmons, activity director at the Pavilion of Ottawa, said her residents are eagerly anticipating another visit from the Mistletoe Misfits this year.
“They were thrilled to have them here,” Simmons said. “They were so excited when I told them they’d be coming back this year. It’s very interactive. Last year, they had a snowball fight, and my grandkids and residents were part of the show. They absolutely loved it. We have a memory care unit,
and you couldn’t get the smile off their face for weeks afterwards. They definitely left an impact on the residents.”
Vanessa Hoffeditz, who plays Peppermint the Elf in the group, said that’s the sole mission of the Mistletoe Misfits.
“It’s a wonderful group of fellow elves,” Hoffeditz added. “We have a lot of fun. One of the greatest things I see is in the memory care units. Seeing individuals who may have lost some of their memories, faced with dementia, or don’t always recognize people in their lives, sing along with us is very emotional. To go into those settings and bring something back to them that maybe was lost due to dementia is pretty rewarding.”
Carriere, who plays Twinkle the Elf, said she’s loved every show they’ve performed.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Mistletoe Misfits pose with Santa Claus.
Misfits
FROM PAGE 5
“Some of our music brings out memories, and that’s powerful,” Carriere said. “There have been several shows that stood out, like the Illinois Veterans Home. Getting to meet the veterans and hear their stories of what they did and bring some joy back to those people who did so much for us; it stood out.”
The Mistletoe Misfits can be found at upcoming Christmas walks, parades, nursing homes, thrift shops, and more this holiday season.
Amy Murphy, store manager at The Princeton Closet, is looking forward to hosting the group the weekend
after Thanksgiving.
“We want to bring cheer to the community,” Murphy said. “We’re so excited to kick off the holidays with them. They have such a fun sense of humor.”
The Mistletoe Misfits have nearly a packed schedule this year, but booking requests can be sent on their Facebook page.
“We just want to spread joy and make Christmas happy for everybody,” Carriere said. “Some of my elves came up to me and said Christmas wasn’t really that special to me anymore (with the kids out of the house), and this group has made Christmas exciting again. It’s just about getting out there and spending time with others.”
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Mistletoe Misfits have made it their mission to spread as much cheer in nursing homes as possible.
Christmas shopping can be fun, but when you’re unsure what to get someone, it can also be stressful. There are certain items – such as plants – that never seem to go out of style when you’re looking for the perfect gift to give at the holidays.
“I do feel like plants and flowers are the way to go if you have someone who is hard to shop for,” Peyton Lamps, owner of Petals by Peyton in LaSalle, said.
If you’re not a plant person, you’ll be in good hands with Lamps and her staff. Lamps has been working with plants since her early teen years, studied horticulture and floral design at Kishwaukee College, and opened her own shop when she was just 20 years old.
During her years in business, Petals by Peyton has become well known for its beautiful selection of plants, planters, and gift items. Shoppers also love the many workshops that Lamps designs and implements, and appreciate that she is happy to share her knowledge to ensure people find the right type of plant when they’re shopping.
Lamps said shopping local is a great way to make sure you’ll be happy with the item you buy, because small shop owners will take the time to help each customer pick the best product for their circumstances.
Petals by Peyton also carries items in a wide range of price points, including smaller plants for those on a tight budget. The staff can help people find low-maintenance plants for those who don’t have a green thumb, or plants that don’t require frequent watering, which are an excellent choice for people who travel frequently.
Petals by Peyton on First Street in LaSalle has plenty of plants to give as gifts during the holiday season.
More to see on pages 12 & 13
Michelle Vitale of Peru, a florist at
said the staff will ask questions to help find the right plant for every type of person.
Petals by Peyton,
These book-inspired planters are a popular item at Petals by Peyton.
Spider plants make thoughtful gifts because they are low-maintenance.
While Petals by Peyton is known for its plants and flowers, it also offers décor and gift items.
Petals by Peyton has a wide selection of planters to buy for personal use or as a gift for a plant lover.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Amber Leibov dressed up, along with her son Nick, to deliver 70 stockings and 30 blankets to Manor Court residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leibov said they also walked to each window of the building and waved at the residents.
A Special Gift
Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley spreads holiday joy
Story by Shannon Serpette
The simple act of reading an article sent Amber Leibov of Peru down a path that has become a large part of her life. It inspired her to dream of a way to help others through the creation of a group called Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley – and along the way, she’s been joined in her mission by many donors
and volunteers.
“Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley came to be because, in 2016, I read an article stating that the (Illinois Valley) PADS shelter had 33 children stay there,” Leibov said. “It really touched my heart, as earlier that year, we had just gotten out of being homeless ourselves. We had lived in a
motel room for over a year, so I knew what those families were going through.”
Leibov knew if she wanted to make a difference, she would need help.
“God put it on my heart to do something special for them. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I asked on Facebook if any of my friends would like to help. The response was overwhelming,” she said.
Leibov and her team of helpers got to work and were thrilled with the results.
“We not only filled stockings for all 33 children, but had so much, we filled huge bags of stuff to give to the adults as well,” Leibov said, adding that there was
enough left over to also help a family of four that was not staying at the shelter but were struggling. “A couple of friends and I dressed up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a tree and delivered all the gifts to the shelters.”
Leibov was hooked from that moment and knew she wanted to keep helping others.
“The feeling of helping someone in need and seeing their smiles was the best feeling in the world. I knew after that it was my purpose in life to help others. Watching how God has grown this group over the years is amazing. God always places the right people at the right time to
See ELVES page 18
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Amber Leibov of Peru (right), with the help of volunteers, delivered gifts at the Ottawa PADS shelter during Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley’s first year of operation.
FROM PAGE 17
help. I like to say God lines everything up; I just help organize it,” she said.
The feedback from those who are helped by Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley is heartwarming.
“I hear from a lot of the recipients about how much our help means to them. I’ve gotten messages saying things like ‘If it weren’t for your group, I wouldn’t have had any gifts for my children for Christmas,’” Leibov said, adding that they have had former recipients become sponsors to pay it forward when they are back on their feet. “It’s beautiful to see.”
Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley has been busy ever since and seems to keep growing each year. According to Leibov, 212 children were helped last year.
“We are expecting even more this year,” she said.
To meet the demand, Leibov is hopeful that more volunteers will help this year.
“That is one thing we could use more of. We normally just have enough to get the job done,” she said. “My best volunteers are my husband and son, Nick, that have helped me since the beginning. We also partner with a lot of local businesses and churches to do what we do. We really do have a great community that comes together to help. We couldn’t do what we do without our sponsors, volunteers, and donors.”
To get involved, potential donors or volunteers can contact Leibov on the group’s Facebook page or by calling her at 815693-2649. And for those who are interested in donating, she offers some advice on the most
requested items.
“Surprisingly, the most popular items needed are winter boots and clothing. We try to give gifts that are needed first, and then the wants. I have also noticed the last couple of years, more kids needing things like socks, underwear, pillows, and bedding,” she said.
“The recipients receive at least four gifts and a family basket filled with household items like shampoo, laundry soap, toilet paper, and more. We know that during this time of year, it is so hard and just a few household items can make a difference. As far as toys and other gifts, our most popular items are Barbie, LOL dolls, LEGOs, Nerf guns, body wash sets for boys and girls, and gift cards to GameStop, fast food, or AMC. The teens mostly ask for gift cards,” Leibov said.
Although Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley doesn’t have an official non-profit status, they continue to find ways to help residents of the region.
“Our group runs on donations and what we make from our fundraisers. Our group is also one of only a couple that help children from newborn to 18 years old. We also choose one local organization to help every year on top of the families we help. We have given stockings and gifts to places like SOAR, Horizon House, Liberty Village, and the PADS shelters,” Leibov said.
When the holidays end, Santa’s Elves of Illinois Valley continues to work.
“Our group not only does Christmas but school supplies as well. We also do fundraisers a couple of times a year. So, we plan for our group most of the year,” Leibov said.
Festive Drinks
for added fun
Story by Shannon Serpette
While food, gifts, and family take center stage during the holidays, any gathering can be elevated to the next level by including an assortment of cocktails or punches. It’s always a good idea to include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options at gatherings so everyone finds something that suits their tastes.
Here are some recipes to consider adding to your next holiday party.
The Green Grinch
INGREDIENTS
1.5 ounces Midori liqueur
1 ounce clear rum
5 ounces lemon lime soda
1 maraschino cherry
Moscato Punch
INGREDIENTS
2 bottles of red Moscato
1 bottle Prosecco
4 cups Cranberry or Cran-Apple juice
1 cup frozen cranberries
1/2 cup vodka
2 limes, cut into wedges
A handful of mint leaves, if desired
DIRECTIONS
In a punch bowl, combine the Moscato, Prosecco, juice, cranberries, vodka, mint, and limes.
DIRECTIONS
Put ice in a lowball glass. Add the Midori and rum and stir well. Top with the soda and stir again. Place a cherry on top for a festival pop of color.
Festive Holiday Punch
INGREDIENTS
64 ounces cranberry juice
14 ounces pineapple juice
1 container frozen lemonade
1 can ginger ale
Orange slices and frozen cranberries for garnish, optional
DIRECTIONS
Squeeze the frozen lemonade into a punch bowl. Add in and gently stir the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale. Garnish with frozen cranberries and orange slices.
See pages 22 & 23 for more recipes.
Simple Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
4 cups whole or 2 percent milk
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
Stir together the cocoa powder, sugar, and 1/2 cup milk in a pan. Cook over low, stirring until all the cocoa powder is dissolved. Stir in the rest of the milk and the chocolate chips. Keep the heat on and keep stirring until the chocolate chips have melted. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt. Serve with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and small candy canes for special occasions.
INGREDIENTS
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of brandy, bourbon, or rum, if desired
Eggnog
DIRECTIONS
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is creamy and light. In a pan over medium-high heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until it reaches a simmer.
Add some of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture in the bowl, whisking well. Keep adding the hot milk bit by bit to the eggs until most of it has been added. Pour the egg-milk mixture into the saucepan on the stove.
Whisk continuously for a minute or two until the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Add alcohol if desired and stir well. Strain the liquid by pouring it through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or punch bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
JOIN US SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH for City of Peru’s Christmas Celebration!
LIGHTED PARADE, 5 P.M.
Parade starts at Washington Park with Holiday events to follow. Check our Facebook page, City of Peru, Illinois Parks and Recreation, soon for a listing of events! Brought
