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Christmas

Monday, December 24, 2012

Parents Talk

Parents Talk: What Are Your Holiday Traditions?

Share your family's traditions with us.

We all remember some holiday traditions from when we were kids.  When I was a kid, one of my favorites was arguing with my brothers about who got to hang the beloved ornament on the tree. The "Mouse House," as we called it, was special because inside a mushroom was a family of mice, each doing their own thing. We would stick a lightbulb inside the house from a string of lights so you could see what was going on inside. I know, I know, that sounds pretty lame. But it's just one of those things that sticks with me. With all that's going on in the world right now, sometimes it's nice to take a break and think about memories that are simple and happy. We want to know: What are those traditions that just "stick with you?"  Did your Grandma make…

Heyitsme

11:15 am on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

My dad, would have us girls (no brothers) get ready, teeth, hair and dressed (no PJs) and before we could come downstairs to open the gifts. Before we got off the steps, we stood on the steps in birth order (mom in front) and have the official picture taken before we could come down.   more ›

Saturday, December 22, 2012

TELL US: Which Street in Mendota Heights Has The Best Christmas Decorations?

The holidays are upon us, and we want your take on which street or neighborhood in Mendota Heights has the best Christmas decorations.

If you couldn't make it to the Mendota Plaza tree lighting, don't worry! We want to give you a chance to share your best Christmas decorations with the world! Just take a picture and hit the "Share Photos and Videos" button. Make sure to tell us about the decorations in the captions! And if you have an opinion on where the best decorations are in town, let us know in the comments.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

Outlawing Christmas

Do you know when America began celebrating Christmas?

When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid the country of decadence. As part of the effort, they cancelled Christmas. The holiday was rekindled when Charles II was restored to the throne. However, the pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. For many years, the holiday was actually outlawed in Boston, and anyone exibiting Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. In what year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the U.S.? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer …

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Caitlin Burgess

9:17 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Good job folks! Almost all of you got it: 1870.   more ›

Monday, December 26, 2011

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Colors of Kwanzaa

Do you know what the colors of the holiday represent?

The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the people, while red represents their struggle. What does the green stand for? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later in the day.

cindyella

5:39 am on Friday, November 16, 2012

http//www.louisvuittonoffi.com Louis Vuitton Official Website http//www.monclerjacketsoutletvip.co.uk Moncler Outlet http//www.goosevip.co.uk Canada Goose Outlet   more ›

Saturday, December 24, 2011

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Kwanzaa Tradition

How much do you know about one of the newest holiday celebrations?

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University-Long Beach. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in what language? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Merry Kwanzaa and Happy Solstice!

Several other holidays—some religious, some secular—make December a special month for non-Christians, too.

Jesus is the reason for the season, the old saying goes, but that’s only partially true. December is also a special time for people from other faith traditions, and those with none at all. For instance: Hanukkah In the spectrum of Jewish observances, Hanukkah is a relatively minor event, says Rabbi Lynn Liberman of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights. The holiday has grown in prominence largely because of its proximity to that other big religious holiday that comes along at about the same time. Hanukkah celebrates a military victory and the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. During this eight-day festival of lights, a special candelabrum, called a hanukiah, is used and a new candle is lit on…

Brian L. Birch

8:56 am on Monday, December 19, 2011

May I politely disagree with August Berkshire when he says, “all the fun things about Christmas”—gifts, lights, feasts, etc.—were taken from pagan origins." Just look around and take an honest good look. "All" is what he may have hoped for, but he should not try being so broad brushed. Look at the Bible's Christmas story, there are three specific gifts given, the lights in the sky pointed to the …   more ›

Monday, December 5, 2011

Video: Tree Lighting at The Village

Visitors gathered at The Village in Mendota Heights for hay rides, carols, and of course, the lighting of the tree.

Businesses at the Village of Mendota Heights hosted their sixth annual tree-lighting Saturday evening. Singers from the Visitation School choir program sang carols, while visitors lined up for hay rides and face-painting.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Share Your Holiday Recipes With Patch

Have a dish that's to die for? Let other Patch readers know your secret.

The holiday season is upon us, which for many means a time of great meals with the ones we love. And great meals start with great recipes, passed down from generation to generation. These family cooking traditions bring people together during the holidays. Patch editors and readers from across Minnesota have rounded up a few of their favorite family recipes, which we are sharing with you. If you have a great holiday recipe of your own to share, please post it in the comments section below. You can also add a photo of your delicious dish by clicking on the "submit photo" button below. Happy holidays, from all of us at Patch. *** Pumpkin Pie Dip Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in Cool Whip …

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Deb

6:26 am on Friday, November 25, 2011

Thank you Betsy. I will keep my eye out for them.   more ›

Friday, November 18, 2011

Lilydale, Moose Country Owner Pursue Settlement

The city could also review part of its liquor ordinance in the process.

The city of Lilydale is working on a settlement with the owner of Moose Country bar related to a number of fights that broke out last Christmas after bar close.  Police say they observed alcohol still present on tables when they arrived after 2 a.m. The city’s criminal attorney, Tom Lehmann, filed a misdemeanor charge in February against Joe Schaefer, who also owns the Wild Onion in St. Paul. The charge indicates that by allowing alcohol to be present or “on display” after hours, Schaefer violated his liquor license, and thus city ordinance. Violation of a city ordinance is a misdemeanor. That would also result in a violation of the city’s best practices agreement with liquor establishments. Schaefer pleaded not guilty in May. Lehmann told…

Ashton Mitch

3:48 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013

I had a similar experience with the owners son (the manager) the service there is poor at best and the food is worse... My family own bars as well and we don't treat our customers in that manner, but like father like son.   more ›

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Moose Country Owner Faces Liquor License Violation After Christmas Night Brawl

Misdemeanor charge alleges when police arrived, well after 2 a.m., drinks were still on tables, tabs still being paid.

The city of Lilydale is pressing charges against the owner of Moose Country after review of a bar room brawl on Christmas night that may have been fueled by after-hours liquor service. The city’s criminal attorney Tom Lehmann filed charges Tuesday against Joe Schaefer, who also owns the Wild Onion in St. Paul. The misdemeanor charge states that by allowing alcohol to be served after hours, Schaefer was in violation of his liquor license, and thus city ordinance. Lehmann told the city council Feb. 14 that charging the bartenders and managers instead could jeopardize their testimony in pending court cases. “It should probably start at the top and work its way down,” said Lehmann. According to an incident report, police were dispatched to …

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