ELONThe pendulum | Wednesday, december 8, 2010 | Volume 1, ediTion 3

Let there be lightcheck it out...

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Annual Winter Holiday Festival of Light illuminates Elon

Local homeless shelter provides a home to those who don’t have one during the holidays

Holiday traditions at Elon

PHoto by WiLL AndErson

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Holidays around the globe: What people do all over the world to celebrate their respective holidaysDo’s and Don’ts

2

Combine lightsDon't combine colored lights and white lights on your house. It looks

tacky and a little overzealous. Pick one theme and stick to it. Also, be

careful about mixing LEDs and white lights.

do’s&don’ts

Create Elon related traditions with your friendsIt's a great way to get in the spirit and spend time with people you love.

For example, go look at Christmas lights in local neighborhoods, and

end the night with a trip to Acorn for hot chocolate.

Sing carols at the top of your lungsWho cares if you don't have musical talent? Everyone deserves to

participate in the holiday festivities. It's also a good idea to learn the

words to carols that you don't know. It will benefit you in the future.

Go play in the snowYou can never be too old for sledding,

snowball fights and snow forts. Take

advantage of snow while you have it,

especially because it doesn't happen

that often in North Carolina.

Attend tacky sweater partiesLet's face it: this is the only time of year

that you can get away with wearing a

giant snowman across your chest. Don't

have a sweater? Not a problem. Check

out any local thrift store or Goodwill for

inexpensive holiday apparel.

DO: DON’T:

wednesday, december 8, 2010

Forget to send some holiday cheerCheck out www.someecards.com for snarky e-cards to send to your

friends and family. Let's just say these aren't your typical holiday

greetings. Also, thank you notes are a must. Make sure you thank

people for their gifts, even if they did give you socks, for the third

year in a row.

Center your holidays around diets Wanting to look your best is fine, but it is possible to enjoy all of the

great foods of the holidays without being unhealthly. Remember,

everything is ok in moderation.

Forget to take advantage of classic Christmas Movies "A Christmas Story," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "The Santa Clause," are great ways to get into the spirit. Tune in to ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas to see them all and more.

Photo by anna harrisFreshmen Nick Rourke and

Derek Scully walked around campus serenading lucky Elon students with Christmas tunes.

3wednesday, december 8, 2010

4 GreatHoliday Recipes

compiled by brett.batchelder

Turkey Enchiladas

Candied Citrus Fruit

Potato and Ham Casserole

Enchilada SauceIngredients Instructions Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients Instructions

No one forgets the pleasure that comes from walking into a kitchen on the 25th of every December. If we reminisce on holidays past, the smells of an oven-roasted turkey glistening with a golden brown texture or the sweet aroma of a sweet potato pie invigorate our memories. But many families incorporate scents and smells unknown to the typical holiday menu.

It’s worth noting that holidays are multicultural experiences, and because of that, many families incorporate their cultural ties to give the holiday table a

twist. Whether it’s Canadians and their

Saskatoon pie or descendant of the culturally rich Latin America, who have been known to substitute turkey for chicken in scrumptious enchiladas, not all holiday meals are identical. Small changes can make delicious differences. Here are a few recipes, some from campus, which might be just what your feast needs in order to be memorable.

1 clove garlic-minced 1/2 large onion-diced 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 14 ounce can cherry or fire roasted tomatoes in skin (or diced) 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder 1 pound ground turkey 1 19 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt and pepper 1/2 bunch cilantro minced 4 large whole wheat flour tortillas cheddar cheese, grated

Heat oil in sauté pan. Sauté onion and garlic on me-dium heat until they begin to turn translucent.Add turkey. Brown for a few minutes and add sea-sonings. Continue to cook until completely cooked through.Add tomatoes (crushing as you go if you used whole cherry tomatoes.) Let sauce simmer and reduce until hardly any liquid remains. It should be the consis-tency of a good chili. Set aside.Mash black beans in a large bowl. Add cumin, salt and pepper.Heat in large sauté pan for five minutes or so, adding 1/2 a cup of water as you cook. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and set aside.

4 medium Idaho baking potatoes1 sweet onion2 cups of cubed ham1 can cream of chicken soup1 can of condensed milk

Peel potatoes and slice thin to medium size. Slice onion the same way.Cube ham. Open chicken soup and di-lute with one half can of milk. Season with salt and pepper.Place in baking dish in layers and pour soup mixture over.Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hour. Check after 60 minutes.

Grapefruitlemonorange peels2 cups of sugar per drained pint1 ½ cups water per drained pint1/8 teaspoon of salt per drained pint1 envelope of gelatin and sugar

Peel and cut into strips or petals, grapefruit, lemon, or orange peels.Cover peelings with water and boil 15-20 minutes at three different times.Measure peeling and for each pint of drained peel, add 2 cups of sugar, 1 ½ cups of water, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.Cook until syrup is heavy (almost an hour). Do not let the syrup caramelize!Remove from heat and add one envelope of gelatin.Let cool. Drain and roll in sugar.

1 tablespoon oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 onion, diced 1 small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt and pepper 1 213 mL can tomato sauce

Heat oil in small saucepan on medi-um heat. Add onion and garlic. Stir until onions are translucent.Add in chipotle chili and other sea-sonings and stir to combine. Add in tomato sauce. Stir and bring to a boil. Lower to simmer and sim-mer for 5-10 minutes.Serve over enchiladas.

katy.steele

For college students this holiday season, deck the

halls might literally mean the dormitory hallways —

but spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to stop there.

With a little creativity, you can bring holiday comfort

to your home away from home. Even though most

students don’t think they have the time or money to

decorate their rooms, it only takes a few hours and

a couple of bucks to spruce up your dorm. Check out

these cheap and simple suggestions to liven up your

living space for the holidays.

Bring home to you

Ask your parents to send you some of your favorite

festive knick-knacks. Display them on your desk or

shelves for a little reminder of the holidays at home.

While you’re at it, get a picture of you as little kid on

Santa’s lap. Share your photo with your roommate or

get your whole floor involved. You can make a photo

collage in the hall and try to guess which picture is

whose.

Set the mood

During the season of giving, it’s as much about

the feeling of the holiday spirit as it is about the

decorations. Set the mood by making a playlist with

your roommate or add to the atmosphere with some

of your favorite holiday movies. Belk Library houses

college student favorites like "Elf" and "A Christmas

Story." And in case you need munchies for when you

watch those DVDs, go for edible decorations. Fill

inexpensive candy dishes with red and green Hersey

Kisses, gold chocolate coins or candy canes — they look

festive and they’re perfect for guests.

Your door

You can easily

turn your door

into a holiday

statement. All

it takes are

a few rolls

of wrapping

paper, a pair of

scissors and

some double-

sided tape.

Cut the paper

into sheets,

tucking the

edges over the

top and bottom of the door, and

secure them in place with tape. You can add a bow

to the middle or make “gift tags” with your and your

roommate’s names on them. For a quicker idea, just

hang a small wreath with a Command hook or put a

piece of mistletoe above the door.

Your room

A few bulb ornaments in fun colors and a spool of

matching ribbon can easily become decorations. Drape

the ribbon across your windowpane, curtain rod or

bed frame with the bulbs strung evenly throughout.

Window clings are another cheap idea. At only a few

cents a sheet, you can cling snowflakes anywhere on

your window or mirrors. As another tip, turn your mail

into decorations. Choose a place in the room as the

designated Christmas card collage, and use it to display

your holiday greetings.

Personalized stockings are another fun addition to

any room and can easily be hung on an adhesive hook.

Although candles are not allowed in dorms,

menorahs can be set out. Lastly, a single strand of

white or multi-colored lights can be hung on the walls

with clear packaging tape to add a glow to your room.

Remember, just because you want to deck your

halls doesn’t mean your roommate does — make sure

to ask his or her permission before putting up any

decorations. These easy decorating ideas are a great

way to take your mind off finals and help you focus on

the ultimate gift coming your way — winter break.

Decorating your dorm for the holidays on a budgetDeck the Halls

caitlin.o’donnell

The faces of 25 men stare down from the bulletin board

at the desk, which is scattered with Bibles, sermon notes

and cards proclaiming “God Bless You.”

The phone rings — a woman with a felony requesting a

place to stay.

“We don’t have anything for ladies here at Alamance

Rescue Mission,” Pastor and director Chip Sellew says into

the phone. “Our mission here is only for men.”

Before he hangs up, he gives her the number of the

Durham Rescue Mission, which was converted from an old

hotel into a place for women and children to live.

“I hate, oh I hate saying no to folks like that,” Sellew

says. “I’d love to see a ladies ministry get started, and we’re

working toward, that but right now, we just haven’t had the

open doors.”

But, in the majority of cases, Sellew and his staff don’t

have to say no to those who come to them with need.

Where It All Began

The mission, founded in 1988 by Robert and Pat Jones

and relocated to the old Glenhope Elementary School in

2003, strives to offer a “hand up, not a hand out” for men in

the Alamance County community in need of food, clothing,

shelter and guidance.

Typically, this includes those struggling with drug and

alcohol addictions.

“When the men come here, a lot of them have drug and

alcohol problems, and in that process, they’ve lost their

family, their job and their home,” Sellew says. “Many of

them, when they come here, they don’t have anything.”

Such was the case for resident Clifford Rutledge, who

came to the mission six months ago after struggling for

years with addictions to drugs and gambling.

“I was just about at wits end, thinking of robbing a bank

or suicide,” he says. “When my sister first asked if I’d be

willing to come to this place, I thought it was a cop-out. But I

agreed, and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Since he arrived, he has begun to work in the kitchen

at the mission and obtained an outside job, and he says he

plans to stay at the mission a little while longer.

For the first 30 days of residency, the men are

considered under “restriction,” according to Sellew. During

this time, they are not permitted to make phone calls or

have visitors and are expected to work around the building

or at the Good Samaritan Super Thrift Store, which is run by

the mission. They are also required to attend Bible studies

and church services throughout the week.

“Because this is a Bible-based ministry, what we try

to do is to get them to see that there’s a better way. They

don’t have to go back to where they were when they get

off restriction and begin to touch base with the real world,”

Sellew says. “We want to let them know they aren’t just an

accident. They can be a constructive part of the community.”

Working Their Way into the “Real World”

Once off restriction, the men can remain at the mission,

paying a $55 per week contribution and going into the

community to look for a job.

“We try to get them in the process of being able to deal

with paying and saving,” Sellew says. “The fee doesn’t pay

for everything they have, but it does help offset costs.”

After his initial 30-day stay at the mission, resident

Ricky Rimmer chose to continue living there as he works to

overcome his past struggles with alcohol.

Though he says his family has been supportive and

understanding of his situation since he came to the mission,

he knows his actions in the past let them down.

“I’m trying to get everyone back to where they will

trust me,” he says. “Right now, I’m in a situation where I

can understand them not trusting me because of what I’ve

done.”

Rimmer’s situation is a typical one for many men after

the restriction period, Sellew says, especially when families

see a difference but don’t necessarily trust them yet.

“The (men) have been trying to get bridges rebuilt and

relationships reestablished with the intent that family will

invite them back home,” Sellew says. “Hopefully by the time

that happens, they’ll be able to step back into their family

as a different man with different goals and a stability they

didn’t have when they came here.”

For those that choose to leave the mission after the

restriction period, Sellew says he rarely hears from the men

and wonders how much difference is actually made in their

lives.

“I worry about them because they’re thinking if they can

last the 30 days, they can go back to their old lifestyle, and it

doesn’t benefit them,” he says.

While few are mandated to be there and have the option

to leave at any point, Sellew says the men are “bombarded

with principles” intended to strengthen them and

encourage them to move in the right direction.

The “tight ropes” the mission upholds for the residents

have led to positive changes in Rimmer’s life, he says,

including strengthening his faith in God and lessening his

reliance on alcohol.

“I can honestly say the mission has been tremendous,”

he says. “I had gotten to the bottom, but this place has done

me good. I’m glad it was here.”

For residents who choose to remain at the mission for

an extended period of time, there is the option of becoming

a resident staff member, whom are paid a stipend and live

at the mission full-time.

Howard Hale, who has been at the mission since August

2004, now serves on the staff. Some of his responsibilities

include monitoring and helping the other men and running

errands.

“I’m trying to help the guys to not go through some of

the same things I went through in the past,” he says.

After struggling with alcohol before coming to the

mission, Hale says his life has been turned around “through

prayer and patience.” But he has seen more than just his

own life affected.

“I’ve seen guys that have come in here that have families

that didn’t want anything else to do with them, like forever,

but within months, their families are back visiting, and it’s a

complete, 100-percent turnaround,” he says. “They got self-

esteem and confidence back and their families’ confidence

back.”

Lives Changed for the Better

But before the men can go experience these life changes

offered by the mission, they must understand and agree to

abide by the rules, Sellew says.

If applicants for residency don’t have the right attitude

toward the regulations and aren’t willing to follow direction,

Sellew says the mission is hesitant to offer assistance.

“We try to work with them,” he says. “A lot of them have

spent most of their life in prison and getting what they want

when they want it.”

Periodically, when prisoners are released, the mission

is notified if they would be good candidates for residency,

allowing them to move from the prison to another safe

place, rather than returning to their previous lifestyles.

In the case of men who are without a family and have

nowhere else to go, the mission works out accommodations

quickly.

“But we call it an at-will ministry — you don’t have to

stay if you don’t want to, but we also don’t have to allow you

to stay if we feel like you aren’t abiding like you should,” he

says. “It’s a retraining period when they come to a place like

this.”

Resident Brandon Albright has experienced this

retraining firsthand since he arrived at the mission almost

two months ago.

“I was falling off of the straight and narrow,” he says. “I

wanted to get right with the Lord and get spiritually right

and find wisdom and understanding, and this place has

been a blessing.”

Citing a verse from Proverbs, Albright says he is now

living his life as the Lord leads him.

“It’s been life changing,” he says. “A lot of the guys here

lift each other up. It really shows that there are good people

left in the world.”

Homeless for the Holidays

During the holiday season, men are given certain

allowances to spend time with their family. For

Thanksgiving, this means men can be signed out by a family

member and returned that night. For Christmas, after a

special breakfast service and devotional time, including

Christmas gifts donated from supporters of the mission, the

men can be signed out overnight by family members.

Rimmer, who is separated from his wife and suffers

from prostate cancer, says he hopes to go home for the

holidays.

“I have two daughters, a grandson and a granddaughter,

and I hope to spend it with them,” he said.

Rutledge, who plans to go home for the holidays, says

the season is an exciting time, especially for those working

to regain the trust of their families.

“It will give them time to bond, and that’s everyone’s

hope here,” he said.

For those in the community looking for a holiday meal,

the mission offered a Thanksgiving dinner two weekends

ago that was welcome to everyone.

“We have them come into the chapel, get a chance to

tell them about the mission,” Sellew says. “In the past, the

dining area has been completely filled.”

For Albright, the holiday season represents a time of

hope and change from his past life.

“I’ve got a pretty big family. I’m blessed,” he says. “It’s

going to be pretty good, I have a feeling.”

Though he didn’t hear from his family during his first

two weeks staying at the mission, he says his grandmother

was the first to visit when she attended a church service

with him.

“This one is going to be a lot different than all the other

Christmases,” he says. “God is good.”

Daily life in the Mission

Though all residents are required to attend Bible

studies, church services and other meetings throughout

the week, along with their chores and required job hunting,

there are other facilities available to them in the mission.

A library, complete with reading desks and lamps, is

open to the men, as well as a computer room where, on

certain evenings, those men without a GED or high school

diploma can come in and do individualized studies.

“Some here are even so needful of instruction that they

have to have someone help them with reading, so we have

men volunteer to help,” Sellew says.

After their chores are completed for the day and dinner

is over, the men also have a lounge area available, complete

with sofas and a television.

But on Tuesday and Thursday nights, TV is not always

the main attraction for the men. From 6 to 9 p.m., they are

permitted visitors at the mission, which Rutledge says

has been instrumental in the change of course his life has

taken.

“I couldn’t ask for any more support from my family,”

he says. “I feel like the Lord would have still worked, but it

sure has made it easier for me.”

Though Rutledge says he has been blessed with the

continued encouragement of his family, not every man has

the same assistance.

“Some people here have burned so many bridges that

they don’t have that support, and I stress to them that they

have to be patient, pray and hope they’ll forgive you, even if

they don’t change overnight.”

Funding the Mission

Though the mission does not accept any state or federal

funds, there are certain industries, including Food Lion, and

local churches that provide support.

“Something that’s been a real blessing was that when

they started the mission, they also started the (Good

Samaritan Super) Thrift store,” Sellew says. “There are a lot

of things given to the ministry that we can’t use physically,

so it’s taken there and sold, and the benefits come back

over here. This represents a fairly large percent of what

runs the mission.”

As the men sit down to a dinner prepared by one of their

own, a chorus led by Sellew recites Romans 5:1, scrawled

on a blackboard in the cafeteria.

“Don’t forget Bible study this evening and don’t forget a

pencil for notes,” Sellew says, after praying over the meal.

“Now, dig in.”

4 wednesday december 8, 2010

Reaching out, moving forward:

5wednesday december 8, 2010

How a local homeless shelter is reaching out and spreading hope to the community

all Photos by Will anderson

1 - brandon albright first arrived at alamance rescue Mission on

october 12. after two weeks without hearing from his family, his

grandma visited to attend church with him.

2 - the Piedmont rescue Mission encompasses the alamance

rescue Mission, housed in the former Glenhope elementary school,

alamance Pregnancy services, the Grace haven Ministry boarding

schools for boys and the Good samaritan super thrift store.

3 - resident Cliff rutledge has lived at the mission for 6 months, after

struggling with problems of drugs and gambling. he currently works

in the kitchen at the mission, holds and outside job and said he does

everything he can to support the other men.

4 - at 5 p.m., all the men are called to the cafeteria to enjoy a meal

prepared by one of their own, after the recitation of a bible verse and

a prayer led by director Chip sellew.

it could be worse6wednesday, december 8, 2010

Than questioning why there are so many random holiday gift ideas available in stores.

Who needs cupcake dental floss or bacon-scented soap?

Than reusing gift bags from last year’s gifts

for this year’s presents. You’re saving the

environment by recycling.

THAN DECORATING YOUR ENTIRE APARTMENT WITH LIGHTS, TREES,

ORNAMENTS, MENORAHS, GARLANDS, WREATHS AND

STOCKINGS, REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT WINTER BREAK IS JUST

AROUND THE CORNER.

Than refusing to start your take-home final exam when “Elf,” “Home Alone” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are on TV. You need to get in the holiday spirit.

Than making a New Year’s resolution just to break it immediately. It was a good effort.

Than buying a $150 holiday dress.You’re going to borrow your roommate’s

shoes and jewelry for free anyway.

Than wondering why people take advantage of the holidays to say,

“Bless your heart” more often. Exactly

what does that mean anyway?

THAN INCLUDING YOUR PET ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST. BOOMER THE BULLDOG NEEDS PRESENTS, TOO.

{ {

As student body diversity increases,

so must Elon's holiday traditions

Editor: Sam Parker

Designers: Kristen Case, Gabriela

Szewcow

Photographer: Will Anderson

Copy Editors: Christina Edwards,

Ashley Fahey, Madelyn Smith, Edith

Veremu

This issue’s contributing writers:

Brett Batchelder, Sarah Dodge, Kyra

Gemberling, Anna Johnson, Avery

Lucas, Katie O’Brien, Caitlin O’Donnell,

Katy Steele, Edith Veremu

Elon Edge staff

Photo by Will Anderson

anna.johnson

Traditions provide the ideal mix of normalcy and

nostalgia, and the holiday customs that shape the winter

months at Elon University are no different. Students often

look forward to the various religious and secular holiday

celebrations that spring up around campus. But as the

student body becomes more diverse, so do the traditions.

Like most smaller, private colleges and universities,

Elon was established by a religious group. The United

Church of Christ founded the college, and Elon still remains

loosely affiliated to this group. One of the school’s religious

celebrations include the Moravian Christmas Love Feast and

Candle Service.

The service is held annually to celebrate the start of the

Advent season. The service usually consists of a meal of

buns and coffee and seasonal music. At the height of the

service, members sing the traditional “Morning Star” and

light candles. Canned food is often donated.

Rather than the religious ceremonies, perhaps the

sole tradition most students look forward to is the annual

Holiday Treelighting and Luminaries.

More than a thousand luminaries dot the brick pathways

for one night as Elon’s trees are decoreated with lights and

holiday songs are sung. A large menorah is lit in observance

of Hanukkah, while Santa Claus visits with children.

While many students enjoy these annual traditions, as

the student body becomes more diverse, the campus will

work to include new celebrations to encompass everyone.

The Elon Commitment, Elon’s 10-year strategic plan,

calls for increased diversity, including diversity of religion.

To accommodate these students, Elon officials planned for a

multi-faith center to be built.

“I don’t think the multi-faith center is what is driving

diverse holidays on campus, but it is the diverse student

body that is actually going to make that happen,” said Nancy

Liberoff, director of Elon Hillel.

A council of students, staff and faculty was created to

plan the multi-faith center. Smith Jackson, vice president and

dean of students, is the co-chair of the committee. The goal,

he said, is to be inclusive of all holidays and perspectives as

Elon becomes more inclusive of all people.

“The multi-faith center is going to provide a more visual

and central place where we will see holiday traditions,”

Jackson said.

The challenge will be to keep the traditions students

have grown to love and still incorporate the beliefs of the

diverse students.

At some universities, Christmas trees are being taken out

of libraries, Liberoff said. A library is meant to be a place of

diversity and open thought, and a Christmas tree may not be

the best representation of those ideals.

“I think that Elon has struggled and will continue to

balance between continuing traditions and creating new

traditions that reflect the changing demographics of the

student body,” she said.

Poland

Christmas Eve, or “Wigilia,” is an important part of Christmas in Poland. Most festivities take place on

this day. After the appearance of the first star, the dining and celebration begin, said junior exchange student Jacek Weglarz.

At the beginning of the meal, oplatek, a traditional wafer with religious images on the surface, is served and shared among family members as a wish for one’s well-being for the coming year. There are always 12 traditional dishes served at Christmas Eve dinner, Weglarz said. These dishes are vegetarian and can range from fish and barszcz czerwony, a beetroot soup, to sauerkraut.

Other dinner traditions include setting an extra place at the dinner table in case a visitor stops by and placing hay and money under the tablecloth as another wish for one’s well-being. Other traditions are behavior-based.

“You’re not supposed to argue on Christmas Eve,” Weglarz said. “If you do, it’s believed you’re going to argue into the coming year.”

Wigilia ends at midnight with “pasterka,” the midnight Mass that symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. The first and second days of

Christmas are celebrated with “very rich” dinners and by singing carols in Polish.

“Christmas is a very special time,” Weglarz said. “You eat special food that isn’t usually eaten

every day.”The

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Because displays or symbols of Christianity are

banned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrating Christmas has always been difficult

for sophomore international relations major Laura Tucker. Tucker said her family will put up white

lights outside their house and will buy a “holiday” tree for Christmas.

People of similar faiths and beliefs gather around the Christmas holiday and spend time decorating cookies, making gingerbread houses and

sipping hot chocolate, she said. Christmas in Saudi Arabia is mostly a time to spend

with family because one cannot publicly celebrate the holiday, Tucker added. Regardless of the restrictions, Tucker’s

Christmas festivities continue.“We still make our traditional Christmas dinner,” she said. “It

takes a while because some of the ingredients are hard to find.”Sharing gifts with loved ones is also difficult, because

gifts are brought from the United States and cannot be opened until they arrive in Saudi Arabia,

Tucker said.

Trinidad and Tobago

Unlike in the United States, Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated by people of all

religions, according to Anthony Phillips-Spencer, a sophomore international relations and political

science major. He said because natives of Trinidad and Tobago don’t celebrate

Thanksgiving, Christmas is a feast with generous servings of turkey and ham which he calls “the basics,” pot roast and other meat dishes as well as traditional food. Of these traditional foods, pasteles, are included which are cornmeal pouches filled with meat and wrapped with banana leaves.

While Christmas music plays an important role in the United States, in Trinidad and Tobago, there exists a different type of music played around the holiday: parang, Phillips-Spencer said. Parang is a type of music that incorporates acoustic instruments with Spanish-influenced tunes. Parang musicians usually

sing in neighborhoods and are rewarded for their performances by holiday food and drink by the

host of the houses, he added.Christmas celebrations place an emphasis on family and

“as much as extended family as possible will stay in the house of the person with the largest house,” Phillips-Spencer said. “You’ll

end up visiting between three to four family members’ houses for the holiday.”

Ghana

Like other holidays in Ghana, Christmas and New Year’s are a big deal and a huge celebration. Church services play an important role during the celebrations and they can range from one hour to almost three hours, said junior foreign exchange student Theresa Otchere.

Food and drink are things that are valued in Ghana, especially around

Christmas, she said. Fufu, a traditional paste made from cassava or yam, is served with different sauces. Otchere said there’s always a lot of food because

the food is shared with family, friends and neighbors.

Like in the United States, Christmas trees are purchased but aren’t always decorated with colorful ornaments or with a star at

the top. Instead, trees have Christmas lights, as decorating one’s house for the holiday is

something relatively new to Ghanaians, Otchere said. Before Christmas vacation, students will

have a caroling night and perform skits and plays, usually at school assemblies or school chapels, about the true meaning behind the holiday.

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is when people exchange gifts and presents; children often receive toffee while those who can afford kente cloth, a ceremonial cloth, and other gifts buy it. Boxing Day, Otchere said, is also a time to visit loved ones and to spend time with family

members.

7wednesday, december 8, 2010

Christmas around the worldedith.veremu

Exams have begun, and the semester is nearing its end. It’s definitely the Christmas holiday. In the United States, Christmas means decorating the tree or home with reindeer and snowmen, playing Christmas music or awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, for those who believe in him. But around the world, Christmas customs and traditions are celebrated differently.

Santa Claus is comin’ to townkyra.gemberling

He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. But do you know the man behind the beard?

While many students are familiar with Elon’s annual Festival of Holiday Lights in December, few know the story of the school’s very own Santa Claus.This year’s festival marked the eighth year of 52-year-old Robert Wade’s participation in the role of Santa.

By day, Wade works as facilities operation manager at St. Mark’s Church just a few miles up the road from Elon. He’s also the father of three children, all graduates of Appalachian State University.

But on the night of the festival, he dons a Santa suit and dedicates himself to spreading holiday cheer to people of all ages.

“This came as a side opportunity,” Wade said. “Rene Summers (program assistant of the Truitt Center) is my sister-in-law, and she needed someone to

‘fill the suit.’ It was also my bubbly personality, so Rene thought I’d be perfect.”

A native of Alamance County, Wade is proud to say that Elon has always been a part of his world and that he has attended events here all his life.

“I think it’s cool (because of) the opportunities Elon presents to the community that the public is invited to, so there are opportunities that we have right in our back door,” Wade said.

Wade said he really enjoys the festival, and the staff always has a great time.

“Sometimes it’s hard because you get all these little kids telling you their Christmas gifts and there’s music blaring,” he said. “But we do have a good time. I’m usually screaming and yelling and ‘ho-ho-ho-ing’ and everybody goes crazy.”

Wade also credits the festival with bringing out the holiday spirit in all people, no matter their age.

“I love the greeting, the hugging

and the pictures with the children, students and adults. You can’t feel bad because the festival brightens everything up,” Wade said. “I mean, I get tired of the flashes, but it’s just a ball and I have a great time doing it.”

Wade said he also reminds the older individuals at the festival to forget the stresses that accompany the holiday season and simply enjoy the night.

“I always tell the kids ‘I know what your grades are,’ but don’t forget to have fun throughout the season as well,” Wade said. “Always include some fun time. You need to go to college for the experience.”

Though his role is voluntary, Wade insists on staying in character and keeping his true identity hidden—at least until the night is over.

“Anyone attending the festival usually doesn’t know it’s me. I change my voice,” he said. “Most people know I play Santa, but I don’t reveal it for the whole night.”

The woman who plays Mrs. Claus is so serious about keeping

her identity a secret that she requested to be referred to as “Gretchen Claus.”

In a letter explaining her history with the festival, Gretchen wrote that she was part of a celebration sponsored by the Town of Elon at the Christmas tree near the railroad in 1994 and decided to attend the Festival of Lights since it was taking place the same night.

“The next spring, I met Chaplain (Richard) McBride and introduced myself. He formally invited us to attend the Festival of Lights and provided a stage for the children, singers and the Clauses,” she said. “Since that time, by invitation, we plan our visit from the North Pole to stop by Elon University. It is our pleasure and hopefully yours.”

As veterans of the festival, both Wade and “Mrs. Claus” have seen various changes occur.

“The year that they added the train aspect added a lot more excitement for the children and students,” Wade said. “We get to

arrive on the train like we are really coming straight from the North Pole.”

Gretchen Claus wrote that the festival has grown tremendously. Years ago, the Salvation Army band provided music, and food was collected for the needy in the community. Now, Elon provides its own costumed singers and does not collect food, but provides refreshments for the large number of guests, including students and locals from the community.

“Just keep in mind, these students are the future and want to be loved regardless of the season or year,” she said. “This doesn’t change.”

Both Wade and Gretchen agree their main reason for participating for so long is simply for the sheer pleasure of giving.

“We are not affiliated with any organization and the gift of giving is the purpose,” Gretchen said. “To see the shining eyes of the young, as well as the young at heart, is indeed as warming as the season.”

and to Elon’s Festival of Lights

Free shippingWhat? Over the holiday season? Not possible. Wrong.

Ray Martin, contributing writer to CBSMoneyWatch.com, tells people to use the site www.freeshippingcoupons.

com which gives online codes for certain websites such as Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble and Best Buy — just to name a few — that allow for free shipping on almost any item bought through the online store. Spending money on shipping is wasteful and unnecessary, so using this site is definitely helpful during the holiday season.

8 wednesday, december 8, 2010

Advice from “Mom”Name-Calling

Love, Mom

avery.lucas

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year and possibly the scariest. Being a college student doesn’t exactly guarantee an expendable bank account and the recession has not helped. Questions such as, “Whom do I have to buy presents for?” and “How much money am I going to be spending this year?” run through everyone’s thoughts. But don’t fear. This year, bank accounts won’t plummet to a bunch of zeroes and there might even be a few extra dollars saved with these tips:

Online coupon sites

While it may remind some of their mothers sitting with the

newspaper clipping out strips for 30 cents off tissues, coupons have improved during the past few years. Websites such as www.retailmenot.com and www.keycodecoupon.com offer printable coupons on favorite stores, such as Harry and David, Victoria’s Secret, Borders and much more. Most offers only apply to online shopping, but this way, you can skip the shopping lines and holiday traffic getting to the mall.

Amazon PrimeA membership program offered from www.amazon.com.

This program is free for students and includes free two-day shipping with no minimum fee. Buying and sending presents online has never been easier or cheaper, for that matter.

Outlets, outlets and outlets

According to Stephanie Nelson of Good Housekeeping, outlet stores are the best way to save for holiday shopping. And with the opening of the Tanger Outlets in Mebane, N.C., why wouldn’t you take advantage of the great deals and specials they have at the wide variety of stores there? Also take advantage of TangerClub, the discount membership offered for a fee of only $10.

Re-gifting

While some people may view this as guilty, others see it as resourceful. And during this

recession, the latter is becoming more popular. If there is a gift you received recently and have no use for and know someone else who has use for it, why not wrap it up and save some money?

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Five tips on successful shopping

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

We know certain words should not be said. So why do we still think it is okay to say them? Is it because we think names will never hurt us?

Everyone has experienced the heart-sinking feeling you get when someone says something mean, calls you a name or makes fun of you. We know it feels awful.

So stop it. Stop saying hurtful things to people.

Stop saying mean things even if you are kidding or simply intend for your words to be funny.

Hurtful words go beyond calling people names. Using derogatory

language to describe people or things is just as distasteful. By stopping the use of offensive terms in everyday conversation, we can being to put a stop to name calling.

The word of choice now seems to be “retarded.” But would you ever call someone who is mentally handicapped “retarded” to his or her face? What about to their family?

Since I am related to someone with severe autism, I feel my eyes water every time someone says the word “retarded.” I think of my cousin and everything he has had to do to simply be accepted. I can’t imagine the things he hears people say about him. I can’t fathom the struggles he will go through

in the future. “Retarded” is the opposite of what I

would call him. I think he is one of the strongest people I know. And because of his struggles, I have become a stronger person too.

Because I’ve seen how hard it is first hand, I’m devastated when I hear my friends say “retarded.”

Imagine everyone who has gone through this same experience. By using that word, you are not only disrespecting those who didn’t ask for a difficult life but also those who elected to take on the struggle by helping.

Imagine the kids who get made fun of. Imagine the parents who work so hard to let their children have the same

opportunities as you and me. Imagine all the teachers, doctors, nurses and psychologists who have dedicated their lives to changing how people perceive mental handicapped people.

This isn’t something you can change on Facebook or donate meal plans towards. This is a personal decision to stop using these words. Stop saying things are “retarded” or look “retarded” because I know that isn’t what you are trying to say. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t resort to saying something hurtful.

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