From Andrew & Arielle, Nicky, Mike, Bill, Roz and KellySpecial Holiday Greetings • December 2025 • Volume 29, Issue 50B • 85 Centre St., Espanola • 705-869-6883OFFICE & ART SUPPLIES
Merry Christmas Around & About December 2025 www.aroundandabout.ca Page 2705-368-3755Happy Holidaysfrom all of us atMayor Gervais, Council and Staff for the Town of EspanolaWishing you a veryMerry Christmas and a safe, healthy and propersous New Year!801 Centre Street, Espanola, ON P5E 1T3705-869-3807 www.canadiantire.caWishing You a Safe& Happy SeasonThe holiday season is a busy time of year. From holiday shopping to readying the home for guests, there’s no shortage of things to accomplish in a relatively brief amount of time. Seasoned holiday enthusiasts may be ready to put their game faces on and tackle tasks with ease. But for first-time holiday hosts, the prospect of crossing items off to-do lists may require a little extra assistance.According to Dr. Vanessa Kennedy, a clinical psychologist at Driftwood Recovery, holiday hosting can “lead to the pressure to curate picture-perfect moments, creating stress and anxiety.” The following are pointers those new to holiday hosting can employ to simplify the process and enjoy the holidays a little more.• Do as much prep work in advance as possible. Giving yourself extra time to get things done can help immensely. Grocery shop one day, prepare food the next, clean the house one day, and set the table or arrange decor on another. Minor task can be left for the morning of the day guests arrive.• Cook and freeze items. Utilize recipes that enable you to cook in bulk and then store foods until you need them. Casseroles, baked pasta dishes, freezable soups, and ready-to-bake cookie doughs made in advance will save a lot of time closer to the holidays.• Stock the pantry. If holiday hosting involves overnight guests, be sure to keep easy items on hand so guests can help themselves. Dry goods or pre-packaged muffins for breakfast, chips or pretzels for late-night snacks, granola bars, or store made croissants can fit the bill. Put everything in a dedicated basket so guests can grab items as needed. Stock the refrigerator with water, seltzer, iced teas, and sodas, and make a full pot of coffee in the morning so guests can pour their own.• Avoid complicated cocktails. You don’t want to be stuck mixing drinks all evening. Instead, make it simple for guests to help themselves. Wine, beer, premade punches, or even one specialty drink are ideal.·• Consider hiring a caterer. If the idea of a homecooked meal feels like climbing Mount Everest, swap out some items for store-bought alternatives, or work with a favorite restaurant or caterer to secure foods that only need to be reheated and served.• Free up closet and room space. Guests will be coming with a lot of stuff, particularly if you live in a cold climate. Make room in the entry closet for guests’ coats and boots. Be sure you can accommodate suitcases or overnight bags. Set aside an area where guests can deposit their wrapped gifts.Tips For First-Time Holiday Hosts
Joyeux Temps des Fetes Around & About December 2025 Page 3TANNER’SHappy HolidaysFrom theBig Man HimselfieSanta called, and he asked us toshare his very best wishes for ahappy holiday with all of you!Christmas Cookies Embody The Joy Of Holiday CookingThe holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without food. The joyful spirit of the season lends itself to sharing a bite if not a full meal with family and friends. Perhaps that explains why so many people embrace the joy of baking each holiday season. Some bake to honor and continue family traditions, while others spend hours crafting cookies to put a smile on the face of loved ones each holiday season.Whatever it is that inspires individuals to break out the measuring cups, flour and whisk, cookie fans undoubtedly appreciate that spark of confectionary creativity. This holiday season, those with an urge to bake some cookies can try this recipe for “Christmas Linz Shortbread Cookies with Red Jam” from Lines+Angles.Christmas Linz Shortbread Cookies With Red JamMakes 24 cookies• 2 cups all-purpose flour• 3/4 cup almond flour• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon• 1 cup unsalted butter, softenedA Dessert To Satisfy Your Holiday Season Sweet ToothCookies tend to be a go-to holiday treat, particularly in households with young children who want to leave out something homemade for the jolly old elf on Christmas Eve. But there’s also plenty of room to expand your horizons during holiday baking sessions with the family. A finished product like these “Toffee Cheesecake Bars” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands) by the Taste of Home/Reader’s Digest Kitchens can delight guests and might even compel the man in the red suit to smile even wider come the night before Christmas.Toffee Cheesecake Bars - Makes 21/2 dozen• 1 cup all-purpose flour• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar• 1/3 cup baking cocoa• 1/2 cup cold butter• 1 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk• 2 eggs, lightly beaten• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• 11/4 cups milk chocolate English toffee bits, divided1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press in the bottom of an ungreased 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes or until set.2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add the milk, eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup toffee bits. Pour over crust. Bake 18 to 22 minutes longer or until center is almost set.3. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining toffee bits; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours overnight.• 3/4 cup sugar• 2 egg yolks• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• 1 tablespoon lemon zest• 1/2 cup raspberry jam• 1/2 cup powdered sugar1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon together. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract and lemon zest and continue to beat until well incorporated.2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and continue to beat until just combined to form a dough. Divide the dough in half; pat each half into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and let it soften for about 5 minutes, until soft enough to roll. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough out to about 1/4” thickness. Using a 3” cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Cut out a top for each cookie using a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center. Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gather the scrap dough, roll, and repeat.4. Place the first batch of cut cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Preheat the oven to 350 F and repeat the process with the second batch of dough.5. Bake the chilled cookies for about 12 minutes or until just starting to turn golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes until transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.6. Once cooled, spread the bottom half of each cookie with some raspberry preserves, leaving a thin border around each cookie. Dust the tops of each cookie with powdered sugar and place on its corresponding bottom half. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the cut-out center with a little more of the preserves.Preparation time: 30 minutes, Resting time: 1 hour, 30 minutesBaking time: 15 minutes
Feliz Navidad Around & About December 2025 Page 4Tips To Keep Holiday Guests EntertainedGone are the days when extended families live in close proximity to one another. Ours is now a global society, and it is not unheard of for people to live on the opposite side of the country or even the globe from their parents and siblings. But come the holiday season, families often congregate at one place so they can spend time together. That means that out-of-town guests may be spending a few days with holiday hosts to maximize their visits.According to Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a weekend is typically sufficient for a nice visit, while anything more than three days can be challenging for hosts, particularly if guests are not being helpful.Hosting houseguests for a few days requires hosts to keep guests engaged. Although the actual holiday itself provides ample opportunity for entertainment, hosts may need additional ideas to quell boredom if visits stretch for more than one day. Here are some ideas for making spirits bright without having to stress too much.Create a guest basketOffer some in-house entertainment for guests. This can include bestselling novels, a book of word games, an adult coloring book, or some small craft kits picked up at the store. This option enables guests to selfsoothe if boredom strikes.Host a movie marathonWhen guests visit, hosts can whip up some microwave popcorn and additional snacks and cue up a few different films. They can be holiday classics or movies that will bring back fond memories.Take a tripThis time of year there are plenty of activities going on. Plan a drive over to a Christmas tree farm that may be offering rides through the fields or has a hot cocoa station. Walk down the main street of a quaint local town and savor all of that cozy flavor. Time a trip to a tree lighting or another holiday-related special event, or drive around at night and look at neighborhood lighting displays.Make an edible craftSpend some time in the kitchen making gingerbread cookies or another relatively easy holiday treat. Guests can customize their desserts with colored sprinkles or other embellishments.Set up Christmas karaokeGet everyone in the holiday spirit by streaming instrumental tracks of favorite holiday carols and songs. Everyone takes turns singing a tune, whether they’re great singers or not. The fun is in giving it a shot and laughing along the way.Go on a crawlWhether it’s to visit area pubs, diners, dessert shops, or coffee spots, pick a few different places to stop in so everyone can get some fresh air and have a little fun.Christmas DinnersThe Lighthouse in Espanola is taking on the Christmas feast once again.Dinner will be held at the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 (370 Annette St, Espanola)on Christmas Day, doors opening at 4:00 pm. The dinner is free to anyone who wishes to attend, and this year, there is also takeout. Please call if you plan to attend, CALL 705 869 1648 to RSVP.Massey Community Dinner – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. December 25, Massey Legion. Please let us know if you are coming. [email protected] or 705-862-8440.CATHOLICParoisse St. Jude Parish, Espanola - December 24 - 5:00 pm Family & Children Mass - Bilingual, 7:00 pm English Mass December 25 - 10:30 am - Bilingual January 1 - 10:30 am - BilingualSt Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church Webbwood - December 25, 9:00 amImmaculate Conception Catholic Church Massey - December 24, 7:00 pmSt Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Walford - December 24, 5:00 pmSt Sébastien Parish, Spanish - December 24, 3:00 pm - BilingualANGLICANSt. George’s - December 24, 7:00 pm (Candlelight Service)UNITEDEspanola United Church - December 21, 6:30 pm (Blue Christmas Service) December 24, 4:00 pmBAPTISTCalvary Baptist Church - December 24, 7:00 pmPENTECOSTALNorthern Life (Queensway Pentecostal) December 21, 10:30 a.m. December 24, 6:00 pm - Candlelight Christmas Eve ServiceLUTHERANZion Lutheran MasseyDecember 21, 2:00 pm - Lutheran Holy Communion Service, Christmas Dinner December 24, 9:00 pm - Venerable Larry Armstrong oficiatingDecember 28, 2:00 pm - Anglican service of holy communion THE REMNANT CALL CHURCHDecember 21, 10:30 am (Meeting at the Elks Hall, EspanolaMASSEY BIBLE CHAPEL December 24, 6:00 pm - (315 Castle St) Hosting A Carol Service from everyone atHappyHolidays from everyone atHappyHolidays57 Queensway, Espanola, P5E 1H9 705-869-1826
Felices Pascuas Around & About December 2025 Page 5Farquhars Dairy – The Name of Quality in the North!242 Centre Street Espanola, ON Canada P5E 1G2It’s been a real treat for us to serve people like you! Merry Christmas and many thanks!Sweet Tidings to you!A whole new year is around the bend,so we’d like to take a moment and send,our best wishes for joy and good fortune too,with a note of deep gratitude to all of you!Delivering Our Very Best236 Hwy 108Elliot Lake, Ont705-848-2227 4663 Hwy 17 WestSpragge, Ont705-849-2227350 Hwy 17 WestMcKerrow, Ont705-869-3000Winter begins on December 21, 2025, and ends on March 20, 2026. Many people lament the arrival of winter, perhaps thinking the colder temperatures and shorter hours of sunlight will compromise their chances to have fun. Even though particularly chilly thermostat readings or stormy conditions can hamper some plans, when people dig deeper they may find that even the coldest days present opportunities for enjoyment.When winter begins, the following activities can make for an entertaining way to celebrate the arrival of the season.• Build a snow creation. Use the first significant snowfall of the season to organize a snowman, snowwoman, or snow-animal-making event or contest. Waterproof gloves are a necessary piece of equipment, as are buckets for moving snow, shovels, carving and shaping tools (which can be plastic cutlery), and accessories to dress up the final product.• Go sledding on the best hills. Sledding is a popular wintertime activity that doesn’t require too much equipment. Sleds can be purchased at sporting goods stores or toy stores. Sledders of all ages should consider wearing helmets to protect against injury if they will be traversing especially steep hills.Fun Ways To Enjoy The Start Of Winter• Host a winter block party. Many cities and towns across North America participate in WinterFest events, which run the gamut from food and craft festivals to sporting events. Individuals can take cues from these type of activities and plan neighborhood festivals right on their streets. Neighbors can wheel out their fire pits or utilize outdoor propane heaters to keep spots cozy. Hot cocoa and cider stations and warm treats can keep everyone from feeling too cold. Electric slow cookers can keep everything from soups to chilis to stews warm and participants can enjoy a buffet of hearty foods.·• Visit an ice rink. Whether a rink is indoors or outside, ice skating is a quintessential wintertime activity. Skaters of all skill levels can take to the ice and enjoy some exercise and laughs. Check local rink schedules to take advantage of open skate times when hockey games or practices are not dominating the ice.• Mark the winter solstice. The winter solstice, also known as the start of astronomical winter, is the shortest day of sunlight on the calendar. It occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches maximum tilt away from the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs on December 21, 2025. Because there will be only roughly seven hours of daylight, take steps to make the fact that the sun will set at its earliest a little easier to swallow. Kids can run around outdoors with glow sticks, while adults can deck their homes in twinkle lights if they are not decorated for Christmas. Lanterns, campfires and candles can be lit, and everyone can gather outdoors to chat and socialize.
Felices Fiestas Around & About December 2025 Page 6Versatile Risotto Is An Ideal Option For Busy Holiday HostsRisotto is a versatile dish that can be prepared with a wide range of ingredients. That versatility makes risotto a particularly useful option to consider when hosting loved ones during the often hectic holiday season. Because risotto can be made with just about any add-ins, hosts won’t have to worry about coming home empty-handed during a last-minute trip to the grocery store. With that in mind, hosts can look to this recipe for “Risotto With Sweet Potatoes, Peas and Green Beans” from Lines+Angles when the need to whip up something flavorful in a flash arises.Risotto With Sweet Potatoes, Peas and Green BeansMakes 6 servings• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 1/2 onion, chopped• 1 clove garlic, chopped• 12/3 cups arborio rice• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth• 1 tablespoon white wine• 1 large sweet potato, peeled, chopped and par boiled• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar• Kosher salt, to taste• 1 cup blanched green peas• 1 cup blanched green beans1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring.2. Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat with the oil. Cook until slightly toasted, about 3 minutes.3. Stir in 3/4 of the broth and the wine. Bring to a boil and then cover. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes.4. Add the sweet potato, brown sugar and salt and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the rice is tender. Stir about every five minutes, adding more broth, if necessary.5. Add the peas and green beans and the remaining broth and stir gently. Serve hot.
Joyeux Noel Around & About December 2025 Page 7NAME:AGE:PHONE:Colour this picture and drop if off at Around&About/PaperWorks for your chance to win fun prizes. Ages 3-12. Only one entry per child. Entries accepted until January 5, 2026It’s A Colouring Contest!To print off more copies visit www.aroundandabout.ca OFFICE & ART SUPPLIES
Meilleurs Voeux Around & About December 2025 Page 8HERE'S HOPING EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTHLY FOR YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.WE APPRECIATE YOUR CHOOSING US AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED BUSINESS.B & D AutoBryan Sturdy & Dale LeesonCo-Owners51 MAIN ST, BOX 10 WEBBWOOD ON P0P 2G0 (705) 869-067424 hr Towing Licenced MechanicsMay the beauty of the season bring warmth and light to your heart and home.To Our Neighbors at ChristmasHappy Holidays
Season’s Greetings Around & About December 2025 Page 9705-869-6825120 CENTRE ST.(705) 869-0248 120 Tudhope St. Espanola ESPANOLA. P5E 1S5To all my valued clients, warmest wishes at Christmas. Thanks for your on going support Tips To Make The Most Of Boxing DayBoxing Day is a beloved tradition in many households throughout Canada and the United Kingdom. For those fortunate enough to enjoy a day off on December 26, there’s no wrong or right way to spend Boxing Day. However, those looking to make the most of the day can consider the following strategies.• Identify how you prefer to spend the day. There’s no shortage of things to do on Boxing Day, but individuals need not feel beholden to spend the day in any particular way. Many people look forward to taking advantage of the many retail sales available on Boxing Day, while others take to the great outdoors to get a little fresh air and exercise after a fun and foodcentric Christmas Day. Identify how you prefer to spend the day, even if it’s relaxing at home after a busy Christmas Day, and then enjoy your decision.• Do your homework if you plan to go shopping. Come Boxing Day, great deals can be had on everything from electronics to clothing to home furnishings. Those who plan to spend the day shopping can plan ahead and identify items they need and want. Retailers may have limited inventories for Boxing Day sales after the busy holiday shopping season, so knowing what you want in advance and where to get it can increase the chances you will secure the items you’ve earmarked.• Get together with old friends. The holiday season is a family-centric time of year when many people travel back to their hometowns to see their parents and other relatives. Family gatherings tend to take place on Christmas Day, so Boxing Day presents a great opportunity to see old friends from your hometown. Whether you or your friends still reside in your hometown or your group includes a mix of those who stayed close to home and others who now live elsewhere, chances are many people are back in town on Boxing Day. That makes the day a great time for a reunion. Organize a Boxing Day brunch at a local restaurant, resolve to go shopping together or arrange a friendly pickup game at a local park. Each of these activities marks a great way to catch up with old friends.• Take in some local entertainment. If you want to get out but do not necessarily feel like shopping, investigate local entertainment options on Boxing Day. A local sporting event, a concert or a local theater performance all offer an opportunity to get out of the house on Boxing Day.Boxing Day can be spent howevercelebrants see fit. Identifying how you want to spend the day in advance can ensure it’s enjoyable and fruitful.A Roast Turkey To Serve As The Centerpiece Of A Holiday MealTurkey might only be prepared on the rarest of occasions, but it certainly takes center stage come the holiday season. As families prepare to spend time together during this special time of year, hosts undoubtedly recognize turkey as a potential centerpiece of the holiday meal. With that in mind, hosts can utilize the following recipe for “Whole Roast Turkey With Cranberries and Bay Leaves” from Lines+Angles.Whole Roast Turkey With Cranberries and Bay LeavesServes 15• 1 whole fresh turkey, approximately 15 pounds, rinsed and patted dry• 10 tablespoons butter, softened• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary• 4 bay leaves, plus extra to serve• 2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces• 2 large celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces• 2 small onions, quartered• 4 cups chicken stock, kept warm on stove over very low heat• 10 ounces fresh cranberries, washed (optional)• Kosher salt• Freshly ground black peppercorns1. Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour prior to preparation.2 . Mash together butter, chopped herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl; alternatively, pulse together in a food processor.3. Preheat oven to 450 F. Season main cavity of the turkey with plenty of salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with bay leaves and vegetables.4. Place turkey on a trivet or wire rack set inside a large roasting pan. Rub herb butter all over outside of turkey and season with more salt and pepper.5. Roast in oven until lightly brown, about 45 minutes. Reduce oven to 350 F and continue to roast until thickest part of thighs register at least 160 F on an instant-read thermometer, 2 to 21/2 hours; baste turkey every 15 to 20 minutes with warm chicken stock.6. Remove from oven and let rest, loosely tented with aluminum foil, for at least 30 minutes before serving on a bed of cranberries and bay leaves.
All the Best! Around & About December 2025 Page 10ESPANOLA ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR-39The Espanola Legion would like to wish the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you to all our service men and women both here and abroad for your service. Thank you to all front-line workers for their hard work and dedication. We would like to thank the Espanola Community for your continued support.61 Hwy 6 Espanola, ON (705) 869-2250123 Tudhope St.Espanola ON P5E 1S4www.poulsonlaw.caP: 705-869-2171 F: 705-869-5063Barry PoulsonMarco MascolinoJoseph MaruccioJoe SantoroAs we enter our 47th year, we realize this milestone was made possible by the support of clients, friends, and associates like you.We offer our thanks, and wish you much peace and great joy during this holiday season and throughout the New Year.
With Well Wishes! Around & About December 2025 Page 11Que le miracle de Noël vous remplisse le cœur de chaleur et d’amour. Joyeux Noël, Heureuse et Sainte Année !May the Miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love. Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy New Year! FR. Francis McKeeParoisse St-Jude Parish Paroisse St-Sébastien Parish 800 Centre Street Espanola - Espanola Mall 705-869-2687 Denturist • Dental surgeries ofiering sedation Invisalign • Accepting CDCP
Thanks to all of our valued patients for making our year so merry and bright with your visits. We really appreciate your trust in us, and we wish you the happiest of holidays! 195 Sauble St E, Massey, ON P0P 1P0705-582-2032