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Holiday Happenings & Gift Catalog 2007

15 and going strong
Downtown parade a stately sight
By Sophia Maines
November 25, 2007
It won’t be long before the sounds of hoofbeats and sleigh bells fill the air in downtown Lawrence. The beloved Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade - with its long line of stately horses and spirited riders - is set for its 15th run, at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Something fun for the little ones
Creativity for kids
By Erik Petersen
November 25, 2007
This year, Santa Claus stole the Easter Bunny’s flair. The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department will make sure kids get their dose of Christmas cheer - and sugar - at its candy cane hunt. This is one way to get ready your little elves ready for the holidays.
Benefit showcase for local art talent
Festival of Trees
By Erin Castaneda
November 25, 2007
Christmas trees have become unique pieces of art around Lawrence thanks to The Shelter Inc.’s annual Festival of Trees.
Vespers highlights among upcoming music programs
By Erika Bentson - Special to the Journal-World
November 25, 2007
Instead of watching sugarplum fairies prance in purple tutus at the “Nutcracker,” check out a different spin on Tchaikovsky’s claim to holiday fame.
Niccum: New films geared for holiday crowds
By Jon Niccum
November 25, 2007
Bands quit touring. Live theater goes into hibernation. Nothing new crops up at galleries. Face it: The arts and entertainment scene in Lawrence practically shuts down around the holidays … except at the movie theaters. That’s when some of Hollywood’s biggest projects are unveiled in hopes of attracting audiences and year-end awards in equal measure.
Sisters team up for sweet tradition
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
The Eldridge Hotel’s 13th annual Gingerbread Festival & Auction is just around the corner, and the Burke girls have already decided what they will be creating, building and donating to benefit Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Douglas County.
Homes tour reveals family’s heritage
By Christy Little
November 25, 2007
Touring the interior of Evelyn and Bob Senecal’s European-style villa home at 21st and Louisiana streets is a little like traveling through the seven continents. The rambling structure, which includes an office, children’s playroom, poolroom, bar, sauna and wine cellar, is decorated throughout with treasures they’ve collected while traveling worldwide.
Concert a break from holiday frenzy
By Erin Castaneda
November 25, 2007
For people looking to wind down from the holiday bustle or take a shopping break, Steven McDonald, conductor of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra, suggests attending the Home for the Holidays concert. The third annual performance and fundraiser will be 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.
Eudora church announces Germanfest
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
Clearfield United Methodist Church invites the public to its upcoming Germanfest, which will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8.
Sweet treats make great gifts
By Erin Castaneda
November 25, 2007
In the spirit of community and holiday indulgence, two Lawrence Farmers Market vendors are combining their specialties to offer a treat at this year’s Dec. 8 holiday sale: wine-infused chocolate, the consistency of frosting, in a jar. Spoon included.
Church displays reason for season
By Christy Little
November 25, 2007
It’s one of Lawrence’s best-kept holiday secrets - though the organizers don’t intend it to be that way. The Festival of Nativities enters its 13th year as a local Christmastime tradition. The display of more than 300 Nativity sets and related art will be open to the public most weekends in December, and co-organizer Nancy Atchley would like more people to see the reason behind the season.
Creative forces behind child’s aid
By Erin Castaneda
November 25, 2007
The Holiday Art Fair will feature a new booth this year to raise money for a 4-year-old Lawrence boy with cancer. Ann Andersson will be selling handmade steel necklaces with a pearl in the center and the word “hope” around it, because that’s just what family friend Caden White needs. White, son of Shannon and Darren White, has neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that occurs in the immature cells of the sympathetic nervous system.
Steps make soiree treat for guests
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
Sure as Santa’s gray beard, your dance card soon will be full of holiday parties. But if you find yourself on the giving - and not receiving - end of a soiree, success is far from automatic.
Hottest toys heavy on technology
J-W Wire Reports
November 25, 2007
The most popular toys this holiday season will include high-tech updates of such classics as Barbie, Nerf and Rubik’s Cube, as well as a giant magnifying eyeball and a singing Hannah Montana doll, according to Toy Wishes magazine’s “Hot Dozen” list, released in early October. Each holiday season, the magazine tests thousands of toys and predicts which will be the most popular during the crucial holiday season.
Holiday fare easy to make at home
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
Our stomachs somehow know it - the holidays are approaching. There’s nothing quite like that perfect seasonal food to get you in the celebratory spirit. Here are some recipes to enliven your holiday party, holiday get-together or your fun night in the kitchen just to get away from all the holiday hubbub.
Gifts for a foodie: No, not a blender
By Gwyn Mellinger
November 25, 2007
Because cooking can be viewed as either a pleasant diversion or domestic drudgery, giving kitchen appliances as holiday gifts can brand you as either a hero or a heel. Selecting a kitchen gift that won’t offend the recipient requires keen political instincts, but a small appliance also may be exactly the gift solution you’re looking for.
Bring nature’s wonders indoors
By Jennifer Oldridge
November 25, 2007
With a society obsessed in trimming the house from the eaves to the floorboards with good tidings, it’s easy to let our enthusiasm for the holidays make us overzealous in purchasing every little plastic, inflatable or glittery item. Pull in the reins, back away from the artificial, and embrace the natural beauty that Mother Nature has so aptly provided. It is right there, often outside your door and free for the taking, plus native gardening is on the upswing.
Setting budget reduces stress, January bills
J-W Wire Services
November 25, 2007
Shay Rockhold would love to give her four children the Christmas of their dreams. But she knows she would regret busting her budget by overindulging. “I’d like to spend $500 on each kid absolutely - but I can’t do that,” said Rockhold, who lives outside of Charleston, S.C. “I’m not going to pull out the plastic for Christmas.” Instead, she sets a budget and sticks to it.
Winter wonder part of family show
By Jessica Sain-Baird - Special to the Journal-World
November 25, 2007
With a “dazzling whiteness” and cloak and cap made of snow, the Snow Queen returns to the Lawrence Arts Center for the second consecutive year. Based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Snow Queen” features original music, choreography and a charm made to captivate an array of viewers.
Rockin’ redux celebrates season
By Jessica Sain-Baird - Special to the Journal-World
November 25, 2007
Decked out in red cardigans, black slacks, fleece scarves and Santa hats, the all-male 1960s quartet of the classic “Forever Plaid” is preparing to take the stage. It’s been 10 years since the Lawrence Community Theatre featured the revue “Forever Plaid.” This year, it’s playing host to the holiday follow-up, “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings.”
Spread the joy of the season
November 25, 2007
Is volunteering one of your New Year’s resolutions when this busy holiday season is over - or perhaps even before it’s passed? Here’s a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities from the Roger Hill Volunteer Center. Make a call today and feel some of that holiday warmth on the inside.
Utility assistance fundraiser returns
By Erin Castaneda
November 25, 2007
Buoyed by last year’s promising start, the Lawrence Community Interfaith Initiative will return with Mayors and Players Turn It On, a utility assistance fundraiser. Current and former Lawrence mayors and local celebrities are expected as featured guests for the second annual event, which will be Nov. 30.
Gift recipients love edible delights
By AnnMarie Timmins - For The Associated Press
November 25, 2007
Choosing holiday gifts for family is hard enough, never mind finding personal and affordable ways to wish co-workers, teachers and neighbors the best of the season. But with a little planning and time in the kitchen, holiday gift-giving need not be a nuisance. And it can be delicious.
Homemade wreaths make simple projects
By Bruce Chladny
November 25, 2007
The holiday season is full of life as festive decorations spread holiday cheer. And nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a homemade evergreen wreath. With a little time, a few supplies and some imagination, you can create a holiday centerpiece like no other.
Take precautions with toy purchases
By Mae Anderson - Associated Press Writer
November 25, 2007
This holiday season, after various large-scale recalls, parents may understandably be jittery about buying toys. But a little research and a large dose of common sense - rather than a boycott of toys from China - can help shoppers make wise decisions, experts say.
Pets do not make good gifts
By Sue Novak
November 25, 2007
Hanukkah. Kwanzaa. Christmas. Whatever you’re celebrating this month, no doubt it involves opening your hearts and taking part in the spirit of giving. A lot of my companion animal friends know about the “giving” part, and they like to take part in it.
Don’t be taken in by holiday scams
J-W Wire Services
November 25, 2007
As we approach the holiday season, you may find yourself fielding a barrage of requests for charitable contributions. Why? “Because it’s the season of giving - whether it’s the giving of gifts or the giving of one’s self,” says Paulette Maehara, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
It’s in the mail
November 25, 2007
The U.S. Postal Service reports 20 billion letters, packages and cards were delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2006. The busiest mailing day last year was Dec. 18, with more than twice as many cards and letters being processed as the average on any given day.
2007 Holiday events
November 25, 2007
Events around Lawrence during the holidays.
Signs of Life announces holiday events
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
Signs of Life has planned several events to celebrate the holiday season. They are free and open to the public:
Upcoming events support Toys for Tots
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
Douglas County’s Toys for Tots program kicks off the season with collections intended to go to needy children at Christmastime.
Jewish center announces Hanukkah events
J-W Staff Reports
November 25, 2007
The Lawrence Jewish Community Center has announced upcoming Hanukkah events open to the community. Unless otherwise specified, events are at the community center, 917 Highland Drive.
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