The Stories of Christmas 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 www.brainerddispatch.com

On Dec. 24, Santa Claus woke up with

a terrible terrible cough. “How am I

supposed to deliver presents coughing?

I’d wake up every child! Well, I can’t

just stand here thinking about it,” Santa

thought. “I’ll think about it

as I work.”

He went downstairs and

then coughed, made breakfast and then then coughed, made breakfast and then

coughed, ate and he coughed, checked coughed, ate and he coughed, checked

on the reindeer and then coughed, on the reindeer and then coughed,

coughed, coughed!coughed, coughed!

“How am I going to deliver the presents? “How am I going to deliver the presents?

I can’t even say ‘ho ho ho’ without coughI can’t even say ‘ho ho ho’ without cough-

ing!” Santa said to himself on his way to ing!” Santa said to himself on his way to

the workshop. When he entered the workthe workshop. When he entered the work-

shop he started to say

hello everybody ...

but stopped and

coughed. Every-

one looked at one looked at

Santa.Santa.

“We may not be able to deliver pres-

ents this year!” Santa said. “I have a ter-ents this year!” Santa said. “I have a ter-ents this year!” Santa said. “I have a ter

rible cough. I will wake up every child.

If only there was someone small and

quiet to do the job,” Santa said.

”Santa Claus,” a little qui-

et elf named Joey said, “I can

do it. I’ll deliver the presents

for you.”

“Uhh, OK,” replied Santa hesitantly.

So that night when the children of the

world went to sleep, Joey got in Santa’s

big red sleigh and took off. He silently

went from house to house delivering

presents. When he pulled himself out of

the last chimney he got in the sleigh and

flew off. It took a while because the last

house was near the South Pole. When

he finally got back everyone cheered.

“Joey,” Santa said, “you saved Christ-

mas!”

The day was Dec. 24 and Santa

was finishing up loading his sleigh

with the presents that he has for all

the good boys and girls. He has his list and

has checked it more than twice! But

something didn’t seem right.

As he went to park his sleigh so

it was ready for take off, he quickly

knew what it was that didn’t seem so

right. The skis on his sleigh were out

of alignment. Most likely happened

when he came in too hot from a

landing after a night of delivering

gifts last year. This was a problem!

If he didn’t get this fixed fast he will

not be able to make accurate land

ings on the rooftops. He had to act

soon as the adventure grew clos

er by the second. He needed help

and fast! Who other than to call

but those who have been there

every year — the elves.

As the elves were just settling

down after another successful year

of toy building and elfing around

the Santa-com once again got their attention.

situation and with no, well, not too much

grumbling, the elves sprang into action and

for hours worked so very hard to make sure

Santa kept his schedule.

They did it! It was done! Another elf-tastic

job! Santa was so thankful he

gave each elf a treat of their

choice and then invited them

to come with him on his sa-

cred adventure.

So they all went with and

had the experience of a life-

time and they even were able

to catch a glimpse of some

children taking a peek and the

expressions on their faces made

the elves take more pride in the

work they did for evermore.

On Dec. 24, Santa Claus woke up with

a terrible terrible cough. “How am I

supposed to deliver presents coughing?

I’d wake up every child! Well, I can’t

just stand here thinking about it,” Santa

The day was Dec. 24 and Santa

was finishing up loading his sleigh

with the presents that he has for all



More than 100 stories were submitted this year for the Brainerd

Dispatch’s annual Stories of Christmas contest.

On the following pages, you’ll find the winners in the three

categories: Kids, Teens and Adults. Weather drawings submit-

ted by local elementary school children are being used as ac-

cent pictures to go along with the winning stories.

Thanks to all who took the time to submit their stories. En-

joy reading and Merry Christmas!

lstkids

2ndndkids

By EMILY BASTIANAge 9, Baxter

By BRAXTON FISCHAge 9, Baxter



As he went to park his sleigh so

it was ready for take off, he quickly

knew what it was that didn’t seem so

right. The skis on his sleigh were out

of alignment. Most likely happened

when he came in too hot from a

landing after a night of delivering

gifts last year. This was a problem!

If he didn’t get this fixed fast he will

not be able to make accurate land-

ings on the rooftops. He had to act

soon as the adventure grew clos-

er by the second. He needed help

and fast! Who other than to call

but those who have been there

the Santa-com once again got their attention.

Santa explained the

Santa kept his schedule.

They did it! It was done! Another elf-tastic

job! Santa was so thankful he

gave each elf a treat of their

choice and then invited them

to come with him on his sa

cred adventure.

So they all went with and

had the experience of a life

time and they even were able

to catch a glimpse of some

children taking a peek and the

expressions on their faces made

the elves take more pride in the

work they did for evermore.

More than 100 stories were submitted this year for the Brainerd More than 100 stories were submitted this year for the Brainerd



categories: Kids, Teens and Adults. Weather drawings submit

More than 100 stories were submitted this year for the Brainerd



categories: Kids, Teens and Adults. Weather drawings submit

• Christmas Tree Illustration (top of page) by Ryu Helmer, first grade, St. Francis School Christmas Tree Illustration (top of page) by Ryu Helmer, first grade, St. Francis School Christmas Tree Illustration (top of page) by Ryu Helmer, first grade, St. Francis School Christmas Tree Illustration (top of page) by Ryu Helmer, first grade, St. Francis School

• Illustration by Rachel Moore, Illustration by Rachel Moore, fourth grade, Lowell Elementary Schoolfourth grade, Lowell Elementary School

• Illustration by Ella Dircks & Hailey Badger, third grade, Harrison Schoolthird grade, Harrison School

• Illustration by Julia Wheeler, third grade, Nisswa School Illustration by Julia Wheeler, third grade, Nisswa School

STORIES OF CHRISTMAS www.brainerddispatch.comS2S2 Wednesday, December 24, 2014

14211 Firewood Dr., Bax

~ Luxury Senior Living At Affordable Prices ~

Find us on

218-828-4770 - 14211 Firewood Drive, Baxter, MN

We hope yourChristmas shines!

May the coming season bring,peace & joy and all good things!

001176

205r1

001176

205r1

SnowSnowSnowMaMImmbMemb

eElEpCooCoop

Hwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., BrainerdHwy 371 N., Brainerd829-2827829-2827

ys apppy Holidappy& Happy Holidayaa aa dHoliday& H pp olidaysoo& sa a& Ha o aa y ypp HolidaysHolidays Happpy & oo Ato All.too All.t At All.too

001182280r1

The prickly evergreen tree builds up in our

living room the day after Thanksgiving. We all

slept well after a fantastic dinner

with brined turkey and a dessert

of pecan pie to top it all off — boy

was I stuffed!

I watch as the shimmering rainbow-hued

lights twirl themselves around our tree.

Joy topples onto me as I hook a red orna

ment on a bough.

I glance out the front window at

snowflakes spiraling onto the glistening

white ground and cars spitting out slush

from their tires as they race to the Black

Friday sales to buy Christmas gifts.

Soon I smell cinnamon and citrus

aromas filling the air and watch as

sewn stockings begin to descend down

the garland striped staircase, soon to

be filled with treats and knick-knacks.

A few days later I wake up to my

singing alarm clock.

“Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off

to school today. On the bright side,

Christmas is only three weeks away!

Throughout these days I help decorate my

house with twinkling winter deco-

rations. Most weekends are spent

baking up a holiday storm in the

kitchen and settling in to watch

Christmas movies. Carols flow out of the ra

the walls of my house as I ponder my own gift

ideas for family and friends.

So much thought goes into the joyous

Christmas season. Presents and decorations

consume us for these couple months. Ask

yourself, “What is the real reason for Christ-

mas?” You don’t have to give up gifts and dec-

orations, baking and holiday shows and mov-

ies. These all fill us with a

happiness that we can’t

help but possess during

this season. True happiness

and joy though come from

the heart of Christmas Day,

Jesus. Be joyful and grateful

that Jesus was born on this

day and thank him. Without

him, the one who saved us,

there would be no such thing

as Christmas Day. Have a joy-

ful, grateful and Merry Christ-

It was Dec. 12, time to write Santa a wonderful letter! I put my

right hand up to put the letter in the envelope and all of a sudden

it was pitch black.

It felt like forever. I figured out that I was in the envelope. Then

my mom picked up the letter and put it in the mailbox. I was going

to the North Pole.

I woke up on a small bed. I left smaller and looked like an elf

… wait … ELF?!

I got out of bed and ran outside down the street and found

a place that was loud as a tiger. I peeked in and saw other elves

working on toys. I ended up in the iPod section with Charlotte.

Charlotte was very good and nice. I guess I liked it here! I spent a

couple hours here and then went to this restaurant called Elves Tap

House. I had the Elfy special.

I finished dinner at 6:37 p.m. and then went to bed. I dreamed

about the iPod I always wanted forever.

I was at home, and in my mind, I heard, “Ho ho ho! All have a

very good Christmas and all a good night!

3rdrdkids

The prickly evergreen tree builds up in our

living room the day after Thanksgiving. We all

slept well after a fantastic dinner

with brined turkey and a dessert

of pecan pie to top it all off — boy

It was Dec. 12, time to write Santa a wonderful letter! I put my

right hand up to put the letter in the envelope and all of a sudden

it was pitch black.

lstteen

By MOLLY WELLSAge 13, Baxter

By SHAWN GOULDINAge 9, Baxter

I watch as the shimmering rainbow-hued

lights twirl themselves around our tree.

Joy topples onto me as I hook a red orna-

I glance out the front window at

snowflakes spiraling onto the glistening

white ground and cars spitting out slush

from their tires as they race to the Black

Soon I smell cinnamon and citrus

aromas filling the air and watch as

sewn stockings begin to descend down

the garland striped staircase, soon to

be filled with treats and knick-knacks.

A few days later I wake up to my

“Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off “Ugh!” I groan. I have to head off

to school today. On the bright side,

Christmas movies. Carols flow out of the ra-

dio and bounce off

mas?” You don’t have to give up gifts and dec

orations, baking and holiday shows and mov

ies. These all fill us with a

happiness that we can’t

help but possess during

this season. True happiness

and joy though come from

the heart of Christmas Day,

Jesus. Be joyful and grateful

that Jesus was born on this

day and thank him. Without

him, the one who saved us,

there would be no such thing

as Christmas Day. Have a joy

ful, grateful and Merry Christ

mas!

• Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, Illustration by Kamryn Kraemer, first grade, St. Francis Schoolfirst grade, St. Francis School

• Illustration by Peyton Hamlin, third grade, Baxter School

STORIES OF CHRISTMAS www.brainerddispatch.com Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 S3

001180

946

r1

001180815r1

Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

(218) 829-0371 | mmfcu.org

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas& Happy New YearFromState Representative

John Ward001182279r1

001176

299r1

As we approach the holidays, we have so many things

on our mind. What food am I going to make? Are we on our mind. What food am I going to make? Are we

having Christmas dinner here and what am I gohaving Christmas dinner here and what am I go-

ing to get everyone for a gift? However, there is ing to get everyone for a gift? However, there is

something rather unusual that you should be something rather unusual that you should be

considering. It’s not food, decorations or anyconsidering. It’s not food, decorations or any-

thing tangible. It’s something difficult to admit. thing tangible. It’s something difficult to admit.

It’s whether you are a victim in an abusive reIt’s whether you are a victim in an abusive re-

lationship.

There are many forms of abuse; however There are many forms of abuse; however

one form is widely overlooked. That is emotional/one form is widely overlooked. That is emotional/

psychological abuse. This form is not always explicpsychological abuse. This form is not always explic-

itly realized because it’s typically done in the form itly realized because it’s typically done in the form

of tiny digs throughout conversations between you of tiny digs throughout conversations between you

and an abuser. These digs can be done in various forms, and an abuser. These digs can be done in various forms,

from unfriendly teasing, to flat out insults about personal apfrom unfriendly teasing, to flat out insults about personal ap-

pearance. Beyond personal insults, there are also abusers who pearance. Beyond personal insults, there are also abusers who

do severe damage on a regular basis. They might choose tactics do severe damage on a regular basis. They might choose tactics

like gaslighting, which is a form of mental abuse in which the like gaslighting, which is a form of mental abuse in which the

abuser makes the victim doubt their own memory/sanity

with lines like “That never happened” when it actually with lines like “That never happened” when it actually

did. Another tactic is to reverse role shift, and did. Another tactic is to reverse role shift, and

pretend you abused the abuser, especially pretend you abused the abuser, especially

when you try to confront them about their when you try to confront them about their

behavior. One last common tactic is for the behavior. One last common tactic is for the

abuser to try and scare their victim from abuser to try and scare their victim from

upsetting them, with lines like, “Don’t upupsetting them, with lines like, “Don’t up-

set me or I’ll lose my temper.”set me or I’ll lose my temper.”

So this Christmas, please consider if you So this Christmas, please consider if you

suffer abuse from anybody. If you do, go talk suffer abuse from anybody. If you do, go talk

to a guidance counselor, friend, clergy member, to a guidance counselor, friend, clergy member,

trusted adult, anyone who is not an abuser that trusted adult, anyone who is not an abuser that

you can confide in. Also, remember that you are not you can confide in. Also, remember that you are not

alone! So spend time with your loved ones this year, alone! So spend time with your loved ones this year,

and I wish you a truly happy Christmas.and I wish you a truly happy Christmas.


on our mind. What food am I going to make? Are we


on our mind. What food am I going to make? Are we

having Christmas dinner here and what am I go

ing to get everyone for a gift? However, there is

2ndndteen

By MATTHEW MAYBONAge 18, BaxterAge 18, Baxter

• Illustration by Peyton Hamlin,third grade, Baxter School

• Illustration by EllizaBeth DiGiovanni, third grade, Motley Elementary School


001184

102r1

Wishing You a Season of

Wonder

Merry Christmas!

May every moment of your holiday be magical and bright. We hope the season fi nds you surrounded by loved ones, laughter and all the makings of new memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

We owe our success to the faith and support of our good friends and customers here in the community, and we are grateful to share another year with all of you.

Thank you, neighbors.

7895 Excelsior Rd., Baxter 7895 Excelsior Rd., Baxter 218-828-2160

001176197r1

001177

193r1

Horizon Health Wishes You aHappy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season

It was Thanksgiving Eve, 1951.

My husband, our 2-year-old

daughter and myself were get-

ting ready to go to Grandma and

Grandpa’s home. Weather wasn’t

so good but we were excited to

be off. We lived in the country,

about 30 miles from them. Roads

fairly good, but happy when we

arrived.

Thanksgiving Day, it started

snowing. By nightfall, my mom

said we should stay over. Lucky

we did! Had a huge snowfall.

Dad insisted we stay. Our dog was

home, so hubby went home for

the dog and some extra clothes.

Weather did not improve as days Weather did not improve as days Weather did not improve as days Weather did not improve as days

went on and folks said we should

stay as Christmas was close and

we would be back again. Seemed

like a good idea as I was seven

months pregnant. It was a cold

and snowy winter!

Christmas came (it was won-

derful to be together) and went.

New Years was so soon, may as

well stay!

January was cold and Mom

didn’t want us to go home. We

had electric but no indoor plumb-

ing. Now time was getting close

for me and the expected baby

and no way should we go home

and risk being alone so we stayed

and Feb. 5, our son was born! We

stayed with the folks and Mom

took care of baby and me. Weath-

er wasn’t improving and would

not be long before Easter would

be here — we stayed!be here — we stayed!be here — we stayed!be here — we stayed!

Finally packed all up and went

home, after Easter dinner. Came

for Thanksgiving, had Christmas,

then a baby, then Easter and at

last home!

It was Thanksgiving Eve, 1951.

My husband, our 2-year-old

daughter and myself were get

lstadults

By MARY JANE JOHNSON-OLSONAge 85, Pequot Lakes

l

• Illustration by Nevaeh Fratzke, third grade, Motley Elementary School

STORIES OF CHRISTMAS www.brainerddispatch.com Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 S5

May your home be filled with love, laughter and good health this holiday season.

Thank you for choosing Lakewood Health System.

Laurie Hall 326 W. Laurel St.Brainerd, MN(3 blocks South of Walgreens)828-0460

001183

363r1

Merry Christmas!

C h r i s t m a s E v e

S e r v i c e a t 5 : 0 0 p m

@ H e r i t a g e C h u rc h

001182

708r1

Skiing - TubingSnowboard - Full Rental Shop

www.mtskigull.comwww.mtskigull.com9898 County Road 77 SW, Nisswa, MN 564689898 County Road 77 SW, Nisswa, MN 564689898 County Road 77 SW, Nisswa, MN 56468

218-963-4353

The beauty of the winter The beauty of the winter season reminds us of how season reminds us of how blessed we are in so many blessed we are in so many

ways, including the friendship ways, including the friendship of neighbors like you.of neighbors like you.of neighbors like you.

Happy Holidays!

00

1182

707r

10

011

8270

7r1

Merry Christmas!Merry C

schroedersappliance.com16603 State Hwy 371 North16603 State Hwy 371 North16603 State Hwy 371 North

(Just North of the Pine Beach Rd)(Just North of the Pine Beach Rd)(Just North of the Pine Beach Rd)Brainerd/BaxterBrainerd/BaxterBrainerd/Baxter

218-829-3624218-829-3624218-829-3624218-829-3624

001174

539

r1

www.agencyonemn.comwww.agencyonemn.com

Thank You!Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

13968 Cypress Drive • Suite #4 • Baxter, MN 56425P: (218) 829-2844 • F: (218) 829-7945

001175

824r1

1014 Laurel Street • Brainerd, MN | 218-829-4112 • www.electricetc.com

Let it glow!Let it glow!Let it glow!Soon it will be Christmas and we’re all aglowThinking of all the good folk that we know–For your support and goodwill, too,We’re really grateful to each one of you!

001183

406r1

001183

406r1

001183

406r1

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

3pm & 5pm Lessons & Carols

December 28th • 9:00 a.m.

Cheryl Fleckenstein, Interim Pastor 218-534-3309 21276 Archibald Road • Deerwood, MN

Salem Lutheran Church

001182

054r1

Christmas Eve 1991 found our family with rel-

atives at Fort Morgan, Colo., in a rip-roaring

blizzard, which can build up steam on the

plains of that part of the country. The coun-

try roads can drift severely and close until the

snow plows come. We “let it snow” as we

were all toasty and warm and enjoying the

fellowship of cousins, Grandma, brothers and

sisters and spouses, 14 of us in all.

At one point in the evening, someone

noticed lights on the road about a mile from

the house. The lights didn’t move, so we as-

sumed it was a vehicle that was stuck in the

snow. My brother-in-law plowed through

the drifts with his front loader to reach the

stranded car. To his surprise he found a young

couple and baby boy who had headed out to

their grandmother’s, which was only a short

distance from where they lived. They didn’t

have boots or warm clothing since it was

only a short drive and they didn’t expect to

get stuck in the snow. Paul rescued them and

brought them back to his house. They were

cold and hungry, so we fed them and they

warmed themselves by the big wood stove in

the kitchen. One of the bedrooms was pro-

vided for them to have lodging for the night.

Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by

mid-morning Christmas day, the snow plows

opened up the road so they were able to

continue on their journey to their grandma’s.

They were very grateful that they had been

rescued from their plight in the snow and for

the wonderful hospitality.

That experience had special meaning for

all of us. What a coincidence that we would

have strangers, a young couple with a baby

boy, as guests in our midst on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve 1991 found our family with rel

atives at Fort Morgan, Colo., in a rip-roaring

blizzard, which can build up steam on the

plains of that part of the country. The coun

2nd2ndadults

By LOIS CAUGHLAN-MASSAge 71, Brainerd

Let it glow!Let it glow!Let it glow!Let it glow!Soon it will be Christmas and we’re all aglowThinking of all the good folk that we know–For your support and goodwill, too,We’re really grateful to each one of you!

couple and baby boy who had headed out to

their grandmother’s, which was only a short

distance from where they lived. They didn’t

have boots or warm clothing since it was

only a short drive and they didn’t expect to

get stuck in the snow. Paul rescued them and

brought them back to his house. They were

cold and hungry, so we fed them and they

warmed themselves by the big wood stove in

the kitchen. One of the bedrooms was pro

vided for them to have lodging for the night.

Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by Overnight the storm had subsided and by

mid-morning Christmas day, the snow plows

opened up the road so they were able to

continue on their journey to their grandma’s.

They were very grateful that they had been

rescued from their plight in the snow and for

the wonderful hospitality.

all of us. What a coincidence that we would

have strangers, a young couple with a baby

boy, as guests in our midst on Christmas Eve.

• Illustration by Addison Hillman, fourth grade, Lowell Elementary School


0001180001180806806r11

Best wishes Best wishes to our

patrons, friends

& neighbors

Thank your for your continued confi dence in

our care.We hope to see you in 2015!

828-9545 toll free 877-338-3937

7870 Excelsior Rd.(across from Super One)

Baxter

Merry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasBest wishes

Merry ChristmasBest wishes



Merry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry ChristmasMerry Christmas

It’s The Most Wonderful Time

Of The Year!

Happy Holiday's to AllWe Hope It's Merry & Bright

A special thank you to all our customer's for your kind patronage this year!

Brainerd • Baxter— OPEN 24 HOURS —

Baxter - 14133 Edgewood Dr. N. • Brainerd - 417 8th Ave. NE

Better Fresh, Better Value, Better than ever. Better Fresh, Better Value, Better than ever. Better Fresh, Better Value, Better than ever. Better Fresh, Better Value, Better than ever. TMTM

001180

827r1

W

Erica L. Johnson, D.C.

N FA M I LYChiropractic

001174

475r1

001176

202r1

THANK YOU FORSEEING US!

May happy holidays be in your sight.Thank you for giving us theopportunity to serve you.

We appreciate your trust and theconfi dence you have placed in us.

Baxter ~ 218-825-1976 • Crosby ~ 218-546-5108800-952-3766

GREATRIVEREYECLINIC.COM

The Log Church in Crosslake invites you to our Candle Light Christmas Eve Services

at 4:00 and 6:30 pm on December 24th.A celebration for the whole family!

37218 County Road 66 in Crosslakewww.crosslakeefc.org

218-692-4141

001183

453r1

To fi nd out what all the buzz is about, call 218-829-9342http://north-central-minnesota.mosquitosquad.com/

001174

338r1

This time of year comes with mixed emotions for my children,

as their father passed away only three days after Christmas in

2007 at the age of 47. We keep his memory alive with stories,

and this one in particular always makes us smile.

As a young couple expecting our

first child (which turned out to be

twins) and decorating our first house

for the holidays, we had many minor

squabbles about how elaborate the decor should be. I des-

perately wanted exterior lights, but a large snowfall had left

us with banks that were waist deep in most places and using

a ladder would be nearly impossible. We finally agreed on

putting strings of lights in the sparse little maple trees in our

front yard.

Being very pregnant and unable to trample through the

snow, I encouraged my husband from the garage as he com-

pleted the task, and plugged the extension cord into the ga-

rage outlet to admire his work. It looked lovely!

Later that evening, my father stopped by for a visit, and as

he left, we walked him to the garage and pointed out the lights

that had been placed earlier that day.

Agreeing that it was probably time to

extinguish them for the night, I moved

toward the outlet, only to turn and see

my husband wading through the waist deep snow to unplug

the cord from the lights! My father simply shook his head at

me as we burst into laughter. The look on my husband’s face

when he finally realized what he had done was priceless!

Our twins, Jeremy and Rachel, were born on Christmas

Day that year, and will turn 23 this year. They, along with

younger siblings Jacob and Rebecca, cherish the Christmas

memories they have of their dad.

This time of year comes with mixed emotions for my children,

as their father passed away only three days after Christmas in

2007 at the age of 47. We keep his memory alive with stories,

and this one in particular always makes us smile.

3rd3rdadults3adults3

13968 Cypress Drive • Baxter, MNTrails Head Business Center, Just E. of Super One

WWWWW

Erica L. Johnson, D.C.Erica L. Johnson, D.C.

e thank you for yourWe thank you for yourWWe thank you for yourWWe thank you for yourWe thank you for yourpatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope theWpatronage and hope theWWpatronage and hope theWpatronage and hope thepatronage and hope thepatronage and hope theNew Year brings you good New Year brings you good New Year brings you good New Year brings you good friends and good health.friends and good health.friends and good health.friends and good health.friends and good health.

- Dr. Erica

NN FA M I LYChiropracticNChiropracticN FA M I LChiropracticFA M I LChiropracticChiropracticChiropracticChiropractic218-822-3855218-822-3855

001174

475r1

wishes you wishes you a safe and healthy a safe and healthy a safe and healthy

holiday season

To fi nd out what all the buzz is about, call 218-829-9342http://north-central-minnesota.mosquitosquad.com/

No bugs. No bitesNo bugs. No bitesNo bugs. No bites. No kidding!No kidding!

001174

338r1

By JODY WEBERAge 50, Backus

By Age 50, Backus

By

• Illustration by Andie Anderson, first grade, Garfield Elementary

• Illustration by Rebekah Soukup, first grade, St. Francis School

The Stories of Christmas 2014

Documents

Transcript of The Stories of Christmas 2014