THE

S E R V I N G A D U LT S W I T H I N T E L L E C T U A L A N D D E V E L O P M E N TA L D I S A B I L I T I E S

Vo l u m e 3 N u m b e r 6

VoiceNOV-DEC 2017

It’s no secret that our clients at Open Door are big sports

fanatics, and it’s pretty easy to be when we have such talented sports

teams to root for, but rooting for these teams gets redundant after some time. So one

of Open Door’s case managers started a weekly class for our clients to get to play some of the sports that they love

to watch. The sports class started as of July of 2017 and has included activities such as backyard wiffle ball, Frisbee, throwing the football around, kicking around the soccer ball and on rainy days just kicking back and watching SportsCenter while drawing some sports-related doodles.

With a little planning and organization, they get to do really unique stuff too! On October 20th, a group of sports-loving clients went out to Naperville to enjoy all that Top Golf has to offer. Top Golf is a three-story-tall driving range with many targets on the range to aim for, which allows you to collect points for each yard the ball travels. Our clients had a blast. This may have been the first time most of these folks have ever even held a golf club, but the group went from novice to Happy Gilmore with just a few swings.

Shawn M. of Pine Home started out with a few swings and misses, but after a few... let’s call them “practice swings,” he was crushing the ball nearly 100 yards! Deb C. was focusing on her chipping and hitting plenty of great shots.

It was a new experience but a fun one for all involved. It didn’t hurt that Top Golf also makes

one heck of a tasty burger to cap off the perfect warm fall day we were enjoying.

Top Golf will most certainly be seeing Open Door again. Their accommodating and friendly staff along with great food and

festivities were the perfect combination for the perfect afternoon.

Josh B. watches it soar.

All the clients enjoying a beautiful day.

Angela T. mid-backswing.

Stephanie K. marvels at her shot.

Angie H. cranks one down the fairway.

Shawn M. grips and rips.Dean and Evelyn take a break in the outfield during wiffle ball.

From left to right, Deb C., Angela T., Shawn M., Josh B., Michelle B., Chris J., Stephanie K., Angie H. and Adam F. in front.

The Voice is the bi-monthly newsletter of Open Door Rehabilitation Center, a not-for-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.

Headquarters are located at 405 South Wells Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Phone: (815) 786-8468Fax: (815) 786-6241 Web: www.odrc.org |

The Voice and our friends and supporters welcome your questions, contributions, and interesting news.

Contributors:Rita Potter Becky ClemonsLaurie Wisdom Gene StephensTerra Stetz Daniel WehrliTami Carper Ira Silva

Founders of ODRCWilliam & Virginia Squier, Sr.David & Juanita Graf

President EmeritusRobert J. Coleman, D.C.

Executive DirectorDavid Baker

Board of DirectorsVolunteer Leadership

PresidentDick Banning

Vice PresidentEric Danielson

SecretaryDenise Mestemaker

TreasurerRichard Randall

Chris CarpenterJim DockendorfBryan HarbinTom Hohmann, Jr.Lane KapelaJoe KlingerBecky LuekenMichael O’ Flynn

OPEN DOOR REHABILITATION CENTER

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It’s been a while since we introduced some new members of our family. In the last year, we have had four new consumers move into Open Door as residential members, ONE of whom has been with us since 2012. We would like to meet them and get to know them…

Brody J. He is a local guy, growing up in Sheridan and Somonauk. Brody came to join us, moving into Willow Home, on 8/1/16, after attending Somonauk schools and Krejci Academy in Naperville. Brody is very close to his Grandpa Ronald and his aunt and uncle, Brenda and Earl. One of our youngest, Brody is just the beginning of a new group of young, excited people to be the next generation at OD. Brody has a strong desire to help people. He has shown interest in being a fireman, paramedic, security guard and is also very interested in working with tools and doing maintenance. He also has a vivid imagination and loves movies, Halloween, science fiction and fantasy/animation. Brody is soft-spoken, polite, and kind. He made friends very quickly here as well. I will tell you, Brody loves going out to eat! He digs his hamburgers, tacos, fries, and breakfast sandwiches, especially Burger King. He has been an awesome addition to the family with his bright eyes, great sense of humor and his ability to roll with the changes!

Brandon P. He comes to us from Rockford, IL. Brandon went to Gilford High School in Rockford. He too is a young addition, just turning 21 after moving in on 12/15/16, to Pine Home. Brandon is close with his sister Pauline and her husband Bryce. He too has a great imagination, and along with that is very creative and loves to build and make things. Being pretty tech savvy has helped as well with his creations. His mind is always looking at how to make, build or change something. Brandon is a big anime fan and loves Comic-Con conventions, fantasy/sci-fi and action/horror movies. Along with that, his favorite thing is saving money! Brandon has made friends at OD and out in the community. He has gained a lot of independence, and is learning his way around town so he can be MORE independent. And get this… Brandon’s favorite food is canned spinach. Hmm… just like Popeye! Brandon has definitely brought a breath of fresh air into our family.

Glenn E. He has actually been with us for a while now, since 2012 in our DT program working at West workshop. Recently, on 8/28/17, Glenn moved in with us to Ash Home. Glenn is a super funny guy, great attitude, awesome sense of humor, and his nickname for a while was Speedy. He got a walker with wheels and, if we didn’t hold on to him, was practically running through the workshop! He enjoys watching TV, reading and playing card games on his laptop. He enjoys classes and work and does a lot of both! You MAY catch him cat-napping during a movie too. Glenn loves to go out into the community, spending time with his brother Norm, shopping, bowling and going out to eat… but NOT a fan of vegetables (like who is??). In fact, he is a big fan of The Love Boat and would like to travel someday. And someone after my own heart, he loves The Wizard of Oz… what a guy! Glenn is very happy to be living with Open Door and is doing great in his new home.

Katie P. She came to live with us on 8/21/17 from Morris, IL. Katie is a bright young lady who is very curious and enjoys being around people.

Like some of our other consumers, this is Katie’s first group living environment, after living with her mom, Jamie, and dad, David, and attending only a day program after attending Minooka High School. Katie has adjusted very well to the routine, new people and new home. She even enjoys helping in the kitchen with dishes! Several things you learn about Katie right away are her love of music, her mom and dad, and her niece Lilly. Shortly after she moved in, we had the Sandwich Fair. We learned several things that day. One, Katie is a great dancer! (psst: I hear she really LOVES dancing with her dad too) She really likes pizza and was not a huge fan of the farm animals. At DT, Katie is very much the observer, listener and loves to color. Not much of a morning person, she perks up in the afternoon and is very vocal and giggly then. She is a great greeter too, and is usually up and saying hello to everyone who comes in. Katie has done super since moving in, and we are so glad we could make this experience positive for her and her family!!

Welcome to Open Door!

People and love are what makes a house a home, but adding personal touches is a great way to add smiles, and wow, have we been adding smiles! Case in point: the Birch Home. As you may remember from past newsletters, the Birch Home has a lot of cool sensory equipment and a brand-new back deck! The Birch Home also is the residence of Steve S., who is a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) fan! Thanks to the artistic skills of a couple of our fine staff, Steve is smiling every day when he looks at his huge mural! And yes, that is a TMNT hat he is wearing!

It turns out that Brandon P., our resident costume designer (see the last newsletter), is also an inventor of holiday decorations! Brandon said that he loves Halloween because “I get to make stuff.” Brandon said he “made this out of pieces of pipe, then I put lights in there so they glow. I then put this cloth over the top of it, and it looks really good! I didn’t think it would look so scary, but it really does!”

Over on the other side of town, the Rose Home is going through some changes as well. The residents of the house have decided on a musical theme for their home and have been busy having house meetings to come up with ideas. So far they have picked out rose-colored curtains for the dining area (they do live in the Rose Home, after all) and songbird curtains for the family room. They have also picked out albums of their favorite artists to hang down the hallways. Their choices include The Beatles, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Journey, Cher, Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Chuck Berry! A coffee-themed curtain has already been hung in the kitchen, as everyone loves their coffee at Rose!

Changes are also going on in Denise M.’s room. She wanted a change so she put together a plan and is making it happen. She even put her DVD cabinet together by herself! “It was a big job. I used my case manager’s hammer.” Denise has her Michael Jackson picture hanging so she can see it when she walks in the room. Other than that, her design is for her room to look like a business. “I want it to look like an office. I like binders and papers,” said Denise. So no matter where you live, a house isn’t a home without the small personal touches. Even if they remind you of a working office!

4There is no telling what Brandon will think up next! Some people want to leave the office; Denise’s dream is

to live in one!

Steve S. can’t decide which Ninja Turtle he likes the best!

Living the DreamPatricia (Pat) Smith joined the Open Door family in 1990. She happily joined the workforce at our location in Yorkville. Over the years, Pat developed many job skills such as assembly work, supervisory aid and light cleaning duties. Pat has always enjoyed doing laundry, whether it be her own or someone else’s. Her most exciting employment opportunity was washing the uniforms for the Sandwich High School Football team. The picture continues to be proudly displayed on her refrigerator.

This year marked her 70th birthday, and she said she was finally ready to retire. She often spoke to others of her desire to “Live the Dream” when she was of age. Our question to Pat was “What would you like to do when you retire?” Pat’s first response was that she had always dreamed of having a party with a big cake and Dave Baker, the Executive Director, to be there. Retirement day came and a big party was planned. We had a special surprise planned for Pat. Not only did she have a big cake and lots of friends, but she was presented with a plaque by our very own Dave Baker! A surprise she had never dreamed about.

Next, we asked Pat what was her vision of retirement: what did she want to spend her time doing? She happily responded… “Live the Dream! Sleep late on the weekends, stay home on Mondays and do laundry, watch TV, relax and spend time with my family.”

Over the years, Pat has developed strong relationships with her co-workers, peers and staff, so her next comment did not come as a surprise. She planned to go to the East Day Program four days a week, where she plans to continue visiting with friends, work on crafts, play games, go for walks and enjoy a slower-paced life. Pat plans to continue going out on activities with her friends and family. She will continue spending time in the community participating in Open Door’s “Random Acts of Kindness” program and our “Aktion” Club, volunteering her services. Her next big dream is to go on an “Able” trip to Branson, Missouri sometime this year!

Open Door thanks Patricia for her years of dedicated service and supports her in her journey to “Live the Dream”!

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We Celebrate Patricia Smith’s Retirement

Pat proudly poses with Coach!

Dave Baker presents Pat with

a “Recognition Plaque.” Pat beams at the ginormous cake!

Pat beams proudly.

Heart of the ocean Titanic necklace. Beth

Good looks. Bryan An Elvis Presley movie. GinaA new life. Sue

A girlfriend and Ripstik.Brandon

A million dollars to spend on me, my family, and Chet. Laurie

To meet my favorite western actors.Tom

A real fur suit. BrodyGood health for me and my family. Cathy

A million word-search books. Lynn

A purple Chevy truck.Tammy

What is Santa Bringing You for

Christmas?The holiday magic is here! Open Door clients are already excited

for the holiday season. They couldn’t wait to share what Santa is bringing them for Christmas.

Executive DirectorDavid Baker

Founders of ODRCWilliam & Virginia Squier, Sr.David & Juanita Graf

President EmeritusRobert J. Coleman, D.C.

Officers:

PresidentDick Banning

Vice PresidentEric Danielson

SecretaryDenise Mestemaker

TreasurerRichard Randall

Directors:Chris CarpenterJim DockendorfBryan HarbinTom Hohmann, Jr.Lane KapelaJoe KlingerBecky LuekenMichael O’ Flynn

Administrative Offices:405 South Wells StreetSandwich, IL 60548Tel: (815) 786-8468Fax: (815) 786-6241www.odrc.org |

Proud Member:

I A R FIllinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

A C C S E SAmerican Congress of Community Supports and Employment Services

Open Door is a private tax-

exempt 501(c)(3) corporation

W H A T M A K E S A

Quality Life?Through the ages, many great thinkers, philosophers and poets have wrestled with that question. Abraham Lincoln may have said it best when he said,

“In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Here at Open Door, we are constantly asking the question:

What gives the people we serve a Quality Life?

WE BELIEVE IT BOILS DOWN TO 2 THINGS:

PEOPLE

EXPERIENCES

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Unfortunately, the State system only allows each individual living in our group homes to keep $60 of their Social Security each month to buy all their essentials (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, shoes, hats, coats...). And whatever is left over of that $720 per year is what the individual has to spend on a quality life.

When we put it that way it sounds pretty bleak, but don’t despair. We live in an amazing community, as the pictures above show. All the smiles you see are largely due to the generosity of our donors. When you give of yourself, either your time or your hard-earned money, you are giving the individuals we serve opportunities they would otherwise not have.

We hope you will join us in our Membership Drive, focused on bringing a Quality Life to the individuals we serve. You CAN and DO make a difference.

Sincerely,

Dave Baker, Executive Director

Donor’s/Your Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ (As you wish it to appear in our publication)

Address: ________________________________________________ City: __________________________ State: _____

Zip: ___________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________ Donation Amount: ______________________

Charge my credit card ___Visa ___ MasterCard #: ____________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _______ Name as it appears on card: ___________________________________________________ Cash ______ Check ______ Check #_____________________________________________________________

Open Door Rehabilitation Center • 405 South Wells Street, Sandwich, IL 60548 • 815-786-8468• www.odrc.org

Open Door Rehabilitation Center is a 501(C)(3) corporation. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

OPEN DOOR REHABILITATION CENTER ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

l Yes — I want to help and become a member of Open Door. Together, we can bring a Quality Life to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Enclosed is my Membership Gift to Open Door.

l $500 or more l $250 - $499 l $100 - $249 l $50 - $99 l $49 or less

(Please contact your Human Resources Department and ask if they will match your gift to Open Door!)

E N G R AV E D B R I C K C O M M E M O R AT I O NOpen Door’s customized, engraved bricks are a lovely – and lasting – commemoration.

You can choose to engrave your message on up to three lines (up to 13 characters per line).Each brick is $100, or you may “bundle” two bricks together for $200.

We deeply appreciate all of your support – with contributions, donations, honorariums, and memorial gifts. Your continued support enables Open Door to continue to provide quality training, residential, and home care support for our clients. Thank you so very much – we are deeply grateful for your support.

For your convenience, we have enclosed a donation envelope in this newsletter. We hope you find this to be helpful, and we look forward to acknowledging your generous gifts in future newsletters!

*We try very hard to acknowledge every gift.

JAMES R. WOODELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

Stacey and Karlene Dolder

CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

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AND THE WINNER IS...OPEN DOOR REHABILITATION CENTER! We have been chosen as the recipient of the $10,000 first place prize and we owe it all to our ODRC family and friends. The funds we receive will go toward helping bridge the gap between State funding and the unmet financial needs of the individuals we serve. We would also like to give a shout-out to First National Bank for their generosity and commitment to our community. THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU!

SANDWICH HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING – BLACK OUTThe Sandwich High School athletic department and Administration presented our own Gene Stephens with a check from the proceeds of the Homecoming Black Out. These funds will go a long way in helping ODRC provide quality-of-life services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you to the Sandwich High School faculty, staff, students, and community for your continued acceptance, inclusion, and support!!

M E M O R I A L S

In Memory of Bill Abens

Don and Mary Ann Ehmke

Norma Hough

In Memory of George Andoe

Lane and Mary Lou Sheldon

In Memory of Barbara Anthenat

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Hyte

In Memory of Leo & Gertrude M. Brummel

Pat Brummel

In Memory of Larry Davis

Anonymous

Ron and Barb Johnson

Charleen Seville

In Memory of Carole J. Denman

Roger Denman

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Denman

Roger Denman

In Memory of Bob and Jean Fanning

Jane and Stan Orr

In Memory of Jean Fanning

Jerry and Nancy Thomas

In Memory of Dolores Flint

Tom and Kathy Doyle

Krystyna and Ted Wisz

In Memory of Misty Lyn Heath

Christopher and Karen Frederick

In Memory of Glenn A. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Hyte

Cleo Thorson

In Memory of James Judd

Cleo Thorson

In Memory of John and Anna M. Kammes

Pat Brummel

In Memory of Arabella Knudson

Joann Eike

David and Diane Johnson

Alice Mathre

In Memory of Thelma Kyle

Rick and Tammy Agler

Norman Alsvig

Wayne and Sharon Alsvig

Rhonda Bernard

Eugene and Gudrun Boe

William and Donna Breen

BJ and Beverly Clark

Dick and Bev Delp

Pam Erickson

Linda Hanley

Jeannie Hanouw

Dan and Lauren Hoyt

Brad Johnson

Ron and Barb Johnson

Wilma Johnson

Carol Lane

Gary and Mary Leonard

Don and Carol Loux

Dixie Marvick

Martin and Darlene Nelsen

Dan and Claudia Ness

Elaine Ostrem

Richard and Myrla Randall

Larry and Marlene Sampson

Fred and Angie Seville

Robert and Margaret Shumway

Donald and Grace Steffes

Jerry and Lois Whalen

Pam and Barry Whitcraft

M. Susan and John Workman

In Memory of Lois and Floyd Larson

Jim and Marilyn Elliott

Paul and Susan Larson

In Memory of Dr. and Mrs. A.A. Legner

James and Judy Fish

In Memory of Sidney Mander

Norma Hough

In Memory of Wilbur and Loretta Martin

Paul and Judy Brandow

In Memory of Wilbur Martin

Don and Mary Ann Ehmke

Janet Fanning

Jim and Sharen Gerlick

Chuck, Linda and Julie Hickey

Ken and Denise Mestemaker

Dick Underwood

Doug, Judy & Genevieve Weiss

In Memory of Richard Mathre

Dave and Candi Baker

Ruth Ann Benoist

Rhonda Duttlinger

Janet Fanning

Carol Fruland

Penny Hicks

Ron Holverson

Jay and Kathy Larson

Alice Mathre

Thomas and Linda Mathre

Bob and Pam Monkemeyer

Nancy Ness

Rhoda Niles

Theodore Larson Agency

Clarence Toftoy

Roger and Bobbette Toftoy

Jeff and Kathryn Vogen

Terry and Nyla Winchell

In Memory of Robert Miller

Chuck and Rita Johnson

Dick Underwood

In Memory of Tom Neupert

Donald and Starr Frederick

In Memory of Tia O’Neil

Janet Fanning

In Memory of Zada Pekoc

Les Thorson Family

In Memory of Norman Perkins

Cindy Westbrook

In Memory of Carl Raguse

Raeburn Halford

In Memory of Charles Ramsden

Carol Meyer

Plano High School Class of 1952

In Memory of Dean Sleezer

David and Diane Johnson

In Memory of Leslie Sunnen

Noreen and Bob Buss

Charlene Graham

James and Michelle Henson

Rita and Charles Jump

Lynda and Rich Lavin Family

Ted and Linda Porter

Bill and Terry Prothman

Geraldine Rashinskas and Kay Scott

M. Elizabeth and Stephen Roberts

Ruth Savoie

Richard and Kay Scott

Matt Sunnen

James and Judi Yeates

In Memory of Violet Svob

Paul Dobrowolski

Janice and Alan Dunn

JoAnn and Jim Hofer

Brett Karp

In Memory of John “Swanie” Swanson

Larry and Jackie Dannewitz

Sara Dreishmire

Wilma Johnson

CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

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Gary and Vickie Lemke

Jerry and Donna Leonard

Matthew and Joanna Olson

Mary Ann Stevenson

Beth Swanson

Doug, Judy & Genevieve Weiss

Lynn and Jane Wesson

Pam and Barry Whitcraft

In Memory of Marie Tvrdik

Mike and Sue Adrian

In Memory of Ann Underwood

Dick Underwood

In Memory of Bruce Wasson

David and Diane Johnson

In Memory of Joe Webber

Scott and Karen Breunig

Raeburn Halford

Tom and Tiffany Hartmann

Richard and Kay Konow

Lewis and Sue Larson

Ron and Bonnie Miller

Matthew and Joanna Olson

Terra Stetz and Rita Potter

In Memory of James Wood

John Clapper

Madelyn Crouch and Family,

Bruce, Brad, Jay and Jeff Haas

Don and Mary Ann Ehmke

John and Gwen Fox

Jim and Sharen Gerlick

Raeburn Halford

Chuck, Linda and Julie Hickey

Ginny Magnuson

Carol Meyer

Dick and Marge Meyer

Jim and Gert Meyer

Mary Stout

Curt and Laurie Underwood

Dick Underwood

Dave and Barbara Voss

Alvin and Myrtie Warren

Charlie and Mary Wood

In Memory of Maurice Worland

Frances Sebby

In Memory of Marie Yerges

Patricia Carter

Betty J. Scofield

Brian and Ann Scofield

M E M B E R S H I P SMark Fisher

Richard and Myrla Randall

Cornel and Susan Recknor

Paula Tuttle

Marie Yates

CONTRIBUTIONSAnonymous (4)

Patricia Andresen

Maddie Card

John and Mary Church

Albert and Denise Cox

Marjorie Diehl

Federated Church of Sandwich

The First National Bank of Omaha

Donor Advised Fund of Nebraska

Community Foundation

Cheryl Fox

Friendly Tap

Norman Gilbert

Michelle Gould

Sandra Gustafson

Sue Hage and Kyle

Bryan and Patty Harbin

Bruce and Deb Hartman

Henrich Lawn Care and Landscaping

Denise Hewitt

Steve and Mary Kapernekas

Roger and Denise Koch

Dena Kraber

James McInnes

Nancy Mitchell

Ray Moore

Robert O’Brien

Dave and Jamie Packley

David Raday

Sandwich Freedom Hall

Sandwich V.F.W. Post 1486/Sandwich

Legion Post 181

David Schiltz

Kenneth Serby

Dale and Jeannie Shatters

Matthew Smith

Somonauk Five Hundred Club

Mike and Donna Sperlakis

Karl and Julie Tirevold

Len and Kathy Wass

Charlie and Mardy Yonikas

Yorkville Congregational United

Church of Christ Women’s Fellowship

Betty Zingre

H O N O R A R I U M SIn Honor of Stan and Linda Benson’s

51st Anniversary

Nate and Kim Gudmunson

In Honor of Julie Hickey’s Birthday

Mary Sidwell

In Honor of Harold and Mary McCraken’s

60th Wedding Anniversary

Tom and Sandy Lindblom

In Honor of Kristina Mestemaker’s Birthday

Doug, Judy and Genevieve Weiss

I N - K I N D G I F TSAngie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery

Fred Beckman

City of Sandwich

Ray Fox

Cody and Kimberly Hartman

Marie Kermeen

Scott and Kay Mulliner

Dennis and Phyllis O’Connell

Troy and Wendy Ohlson

Vernice Roisland

Sandwich Rotary Club

Dennis Sewell

St. Paul’s Catholic Church

Union Congregational United

Church of Christ

United Church of Sandwich

M ATC H I N G G I F TSFirst Insurance Group

G O L F O U T I N GAnonymous

FA I R STA N DRobert R. McCormick Foundation

CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

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405 South Wells Street | Sandwich, IL 60548

www.odrc.org |

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PERMIT NO. 8737

A paid vacation by Open Door.Heather

Peace on earth and for the troops to come back home.

Kim

A hot boyfriend.Kelly

Wha t i s San ta Br ing ingYou f o r Chr is tmas?