Lubbocks Home and Family Magazine

Winter Flowers

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:15:00 +0000

Winter Flowers

Kara Hyden

With winter quickly approaching the South Plains, it may be hard to imagine yards with beautiful flowers and vegetation brightening up the brown that was once the green grass of summer. But did you know you can have bright and colorful flowers right now?

King Nursery, located at 7204 Upland Avenue, in Lubbock says right now is a great time to plant pansies, violas, cabbage, and kale. They have many varieties of each, including Nagoya Kale, Peacock Kale, and Red Bore Kale; Cabbage and White Cabbage; and pansies in different colors.

According to the Lubbock Master Gardener Association, there are many different varieties of perennials recommended for the Lubbock area in this season. Some include Black Eyed Susan’s, Lavender, several varieties of Sage, Prairie Verbena, Coral Bells, Artemisia, Blanket Flower, Daisies, and Irises. Their website (www.txmg.org/lubbock) also includes seasonal gardening guides for each month within each season. The guides give you information on the best things to plant in that month, shrubs or other plants that you can prune and general reminders for plant care and planning for coming months.

If you’re concerned about water conservation or don’t have a lot of grassy areas, try Xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a “form of landscaping for specific areas that are susceptible to drought or for areas where water conservation is practiced,” according to the King Nursery website (www.kingnurserytx.com/xeriscapes). Some drought-tolerant flowers used in xeriscapes for the West Texas area include Pansies, Snapdragons, Ornamental Kale and Cabbage, Winter Honeysuckle, Petunias, and Asters.

If you’re looking to spruce up your yard with bright colors during the drab winter months, look into some of these pretty flowers and you’ll be pleased with the results.

Indoor Gardening

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:02:00 +0000

Indoor Gardening

Kara Hyden

Do you have a green thumb and want to try indoor gardening? Or do you just want to experiment with it to save some money? Regardless of your reason, having an indoor garden adds beauty to your home, boosts your mood, and improves air quality.

But you may be asking yourself, “How do I start an indoor garden? What supplies do I need? What can I grow indoors?” If you have ever wondered about starting your own garden, this article will help…green thumb not required.

To start, you will need a few basic supplies:

Shallow container with drainage holes
Organic potting soil
Seeds
Watering can or mister

Optional supplies include pots of different sizes (depending on what you plan to grow), labels for the plants or herbs (if growing them in the same pot), neem oil (organic substance to help control insects and diseases), plant trays, and fertilizer.

Next, you’ll want to decide where you’re going to put the indoor garden. Avoid rooms that have cold temperatures or placing plant containers near an air vent or fan. Cold air isn’t good for plants and the vents can dry out your plants and cause damage. And while natural sunlight is best, some spaces may not have sunlight available, so it’s best to use specialized lights, like grow lights.

Once you have your supplies and your space, the next decision is what to plant. Below are different kinds of plants, vegetables, and herbs that grow best indoors:

Plants: Spider plant, Snake plant, Monstera Deliciosa, Pothos, Peace Lily, Aloe, and Yucca

Vegetables: Baby Greens like lettuce, arugula, basil, spinach, and chard, and Microgreens like radishes, broccoli, peas, and sunflowers

Herbs: Basil, Mint, Chives, Oregano, Cilantro, Bay Laurel, Dill, Thyme, Parsley, and Rosemary

To start your garden, place one to two inches of potting soil in your container, scatter the seeds over the surface, and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Put the container in a drip tray and give the soil a gentle shower. Place the tray in the sun or under grow lights and mist every couple of days to keep the soil moist.

Soon you’ll have a nice little garden of your own to be proud of!

Santa Traditions Around the World

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:52:00 +0000

Santa Traditions Around the World

Kaiya Freelon

With Christmas being a holiday that is celebrated in almost every country, the tradition of waking up on December 25th to exchange and open gifts is something well known. The lead up to the holiday and the traditions that come with it are where the differences can be seen.

United States

In the U.S. it’s common to leave cookies for Santa the night before Christmas. This trend can be traced back to the times of the Great Depression. It’s said that this tradition came to be due to parents wanting to teach their kids the importance of showing gratitude for the gifts they received during the holiday.

Japan

Just like in many other countries, children in Japan send a lot of letters to Santa. So much so that in 2020 an overseas courier service called ANA Group loaded 800,000 letters addressed to Santa on a plane. But Santa isn’t the only person kids can expect to receive gifts from. Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is known as a protector of kids and is known to carry a sack full of objects for the kids on Christmas day as well.

Brazil

Because Christmas is celebrated during the summer in Brazil, there are some people who believe that instead of Santa’s well known warming outfit, he wears silk to combat the heat. As far as traditions go, children also leave a sock near the window, and if Santa, usually referred to as Papai Noel, finds it, he exchanges it for a gift.

These are just a few of the Santa traditions celebrated around the world. With all the different culture across the globe, it’s nice to see the various ways Kris Kringle and the holiday of Christmas is diversely celebrated.

Christmas Recipes

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:35:00 +0000

Christmas Recipes

Coco Dietz

Classic Sugar Cookies:

1 Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1 Teaspoon Milk

½ Teaspoon Vanilla

½ Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

½ Cup Sour Cream

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Flour

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix in order and add enough flour to roll out the dough. Chill and roll to ¼” thick. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.

Buttercream Icing:

½ Cup Shortening

½ Cup Butter

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

4 Cups sifted Powdered Sugar

2 Tablespoons Milk

Cream butter and shortening, add vanilla. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time. Add milk and whip.

Swedish Ginger Cookies:

1 Cup Butter

1 ½ Cup Sugar

1 Egg

1 ½ Tablespoon Grated Orange Peel

1 ½ Tablespoon Corn Syrup

1 Tablespoon Water

2 Tablespoon Baking Soda

3 ¼ Cup Sifted Flour

2 Tablespoon Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Ginger

½ Teaspoon Cloves

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugar until combined. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy. Add orange peel, corn syrup, and water. Mix well. Sift together dry ingredients and stir into a creamed mixture. Chill thoroughly. Roll out to ⅛” thick. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Yield: 8 dozen.

Pumpkin Pie:

2 Eggs, Slightly Beaten

1 Can Pumpkin

¾ Cup Sugar

½ Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

½ Teaspoon Ginger

¼ Teaspoon Cloves

1 Can Evaporated Milk

Combine ingredients in the order given; pour into a 9” pie shell. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees and then 45 minutes at 350.

Pecan Pie:

1 Cup Corn Syrup

1 Cup Brown Sugar

3 Eggs

1 Cup Pecans

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Add ingredients one at a time to the syrup. Pour into the pie crust. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Apple Pie:

5 Cups Slices, Peeled Apples

½ Cup Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Flour

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Dash of Salt

2 Tablespoons Butter

Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with apples. Fill the pie and dot top with butter. Top with crust. Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes.

History of Boxing Day: What’s it all about?

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:24:00 +0000

History of Boxing Day: What’s it all about?

Kaiya Freelon

For many, Boxing Day is just another event we see on the calendar. Although it’s not a major holiday celebrated in America, it’s one that’s been celebrated around the world for quite some time.

So how did it all start? Well Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen’s Day after the Christian martyr known for his charitable acts, originated in England during the 1800s. Around this time, Britain was characterized as the “most powerful empire in the world.” Thus, the holiday spread across the world and continues to be celebrated today. It was tradition for the wealthy to box and give gifts, money and more, then hand them out to servants, tradesmen, and those who were poor the day after Christmas. It was also common for servants of wealthy families to work on Christmas Day, so this was usually the day they would celebrate. Queen Victoria would be the one to eventually name the holiday, Boxing Day.

But how is the holiday celebrated now? Today, citizens celebrate Boxing Day in multiple countries including Great Britain, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and more. Although giving back is still the main focus of the holiday, in these countries people celebrate the holiday in different ways. In Canada, Boxing Day is another Black Friday. Canadians spend the day shopping and watching sports, usually hockey. In New Zealand, many people take time to relax and spend time at the beach, since it’s Summer when the holiday rolls around. In the UK, the holiday is a day for shopping rather than a day or giving gifts. This is also one of the biggest days for Premier League games, seeing as the league and the holiday seem to be intertwined with one another.

After seeing the way various countries celebrate, we notice how far they’ve gone from original traditions. The holiday is more of a day of relaxing and taking time away from work. Although it began as a day specifically to give back, it’s common during this time of the year for people to give back anyway.

Hearing all the celebration of the holiday across the world, one may wonder why it’s not celebrated in the United States. The reason for that is simple; Boxing Day wasn’t adopted by the “American government.” Since Christmas is one of the biggest holidays celebrated here with the New Year being right around the corner, we tend to put all of our attention and energy into these holidays instead. Although the holiday isn’t specifically celebrated in America, the origin of Boxing Day falls in line with the giving spirit.

History of Boxing Day

Courtney Dietz — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:11:00 +0000

It’s Almost Time to Celebrate Boxing Day.

Kara Hyden

What? There’s a day that celebrates people that box for sport?

No. The day after Christmas, December 26, several countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom celebrate Boxing Day. In some European countries such as Hungary, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, it’s a second Christmas Day and a public holiday. Most offices are closed when it falls on a weekday.

So what is Boxing Day?

Centuries ago, Boxing Day was when wealthier people boxed up presents as offerings for the poor. Today, the holiday involves shopping, feasting on delicious foods, enjoying sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.

But how did this day come about? What is its purpose?

Several theories exist.

The British Broadcasting Company says Boxing Day got its name from the 1800s when Queen Victoria held the throne. Since servants were required to work on Christmas, their employers would fill a box with gifts, money and leftovers and give it to them the day after Christmas, and they would share with their families.

Another theory comes from ancient churches with alms boxes. It’s said that on December 26, clergy members would give these funds to the poor in honor of the feast of St. Stephen, a Christian martyr known for charitable acts. In Ireland, Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen’s Day.

The theory that Boxing Day derives from St. Stephens Day is found in the Christmas carol, “Good King Wenceslas.” It tells the story of the Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century when he observed a poor man on his land, struggling to gather wood in the middle of a snowstorm. He was so moved, he gathered food and wine and delivered it to his door, inspiring a tradition.

Regardless of the actual origins of the holiday, it’s clear that the day is characterized by charitable giving, gifts, and celebrations with family.

But there are a few other ways it’s celebrated today. Some see Boxing Day as a day to spend with family they didn’t get to see on Christmas, by gathering for meals, drinking at pubs, or simply enjoying the day off at home. Some see it as a day to overindulge on the leftovers; inviting friends over to enjoy festive foods. Some like to celebrate by going shopping; in some countries Boxing Day is considered the “Black Friday” akin to the one in the United States in November. It’s said that people will stand in line for hours to snag some of the best discounts of the season. Sound familiar?

And still, while Boxing Day has nothing to do with sports, it has become a day to watch football (soccer for us U.S. folks). Tracking back to the 1950’s, before the days of television, people would dress up and attend football matches on December 25 after eating. But the attitude toward sports on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom changed and the last football match to take place on Christmas occurred in 1957. So Boxing Day has become the day for all sports fans to get their fix.

And yet a final tradition is known as the Boxing Day Dip. This is when adventurous participants dress in fancy clothes and take a dunk in the freezing cold sea. Although this polar plunge tradition is still alive and well today, most brave swimmers are donning Santa hats or suits rather than their nicest formal attire.

Local Christmas Fun

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:52:00 +0000

Local Christmas Fun

Kara Hyden

The Christmas season is quickly approaching, and families will be looking for fun things to do; places to see lights, Santa, and family-friendly events. We’ve curated a list of exciting and unique opportunities for all things Christmas in the Lubbock area.

Carol of Lights at Texas Tech University

Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 PM

This year, Texas Tech has been celebrating their centennial year, and the Carol of Lights is included in the celebration. Although this will be the 65th annual event, it’s bigger than ever before. This year includes live entertainment, new staging, lighting and sound, along with a big fireworks display. The event is held at Memorial Circle and the Science Quad campus.

The Carol of Lights is one of Texas Tech’s oldest and largest traditions. If you have a Christmas bucket list, this event should be on it. It’s free, but be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.

Ranching Heritage Center’s Candlelight at the Ranch

December 8 & 9, 6:30-9:00 PM

This year, the Ranching Heritage Center celebrates its 45th event. Although it’s free, they ask for a $5 per family donation.

Holiday scenes will be recreated in 15 historic structures, and visitors are provided maps. All pathways are lit to help with strollers and wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the historic ranch. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Take your family and enjoy a throwback Christmas experience.

Adventure Park

Dinner with Santa: December 8th & 15th, 5:00-7:00 PM

Christmas in the Park: December 8/9, 15/16 & 22/23, 5:00-8:00 PM

Ice Skating in the Park: November 24–January 1

Whether you want to go ice skating, have dinner with Santa, or see some spectacular lights, Adventure Park is the place to be this holiday season.

Ice Skating opens Friday, November 24 and ends Monday, January 1. Ice skating is available Fridays-Sundays, and the whole week of Christmas, except Christmas Day. Cost is $10 per person and rentals are $5.49.

If ice skating isn’t your cup of tea, take your kids and have Dinner with Santa. The magical evening includes a slice of pizza, drink and a s’mores kit, a train ride around the park, and a photo with Santa. Prices are $12 for adults (13+), $7 for children (3-12) and toddlers (2 & under) are free.

And for those that just want to enjoy a low-key, but beautiful night, reserve your space for Christmas in the Park. This package includes a train ride through the park, hot cocoa, and a s’mores kit by the campfire, and includes the Adventure Tower to view over 500,000 lights along with great views of the city.

Regardless of which package you enjoy with your family, you’re guaranteed a great and unique experience. Reservations are required for all activities. So, visit their website at https://adventureparkfun.com to secure your spot.

Santa Land at Mackenzie Park

December 9-21, 6:00-10:00 PM

The City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation will host the 67th annual Santa Land. Approximately 50,000 people visit each year to see the huge lighted Christmas tree, animated displays, holiday light displays in various villages, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children come from Lubbock and surrounding areas to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. They can also take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There is live entertainment on most evenings, and hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for purchase at the concession stand. Entry into Santa land is free for everyone.

Whether you’ve gone to these places for years or are ready to make new memories, Lubbock has plenty of holiday activities for families to enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pumpkin Spice

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:43:00 +0000

Pumpkin Spice

Michelle Davies

The pumpkin spice trend originated from a combination of cultural, culinary, and marketing factors. It has become a symbol of fall and is associated with warm, comforting flavors. Here’s an overview of the story behind the pumpkin spice trend:

Historical and Cultural Influences: Pumpkins have been a part of North American cuisine for centuries, dating back to Native American culinary traditions. Pumpkins were an essential food source for indigenous communities and they introduced them to European settlers. Pumpkin-based recipes, such as pumpkin pies, became popular in American households.
Thanksgiving Tradition: The association of pumpkins with Thanksgiving further solidified their status as a fall symbol in the United States. Pumpkin pie became a staple of Thanksgiving feasts, and the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves commonly used in these pies added to the seasonal appeal.
Emergence of Seasonal Flavors: The concept of seasonal flavors took hold in the culinary world. Chefs and food manufacturers started experimenting with different combinations of spices and ingredients that evoked the feeling of fall and the upcoming holiday season.

Starbucks and the Pumpkin Spice Latte: The pumpkin spice trend gained significant traction when Starbucks introduced their Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) in 2003. The PSL quickly became a seasonal sensation, and its popularity helped propel the pumpkin spice trend into the mainstream.
Marketing and Social Media: Social media played a crucial role in the rapid spread of the pumpkin spice trend. The visually appealing aesthetics of pumpkin spice-themed foods and beverages, combined with hashtags and user-generated content, led to a viral sensation.
Expanding Beyond Coffee: The success of the PSL inspired other food and beverage companies to create their own pumpkin spice-flavored products. These products ranged from baked goods and cereals to yogurt, candles, and even beauty products.

Nostalgia and Comfort: The pumpkin spice trend taps into a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The blend of spices, reminiscent of traditional fall desserts, evokes warm memories and a sense of coziness.
Limited Availability: Many pumpkin spice products are only available for a limited time each year, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. This scarcity adds to the trend’s allure.
Continued Evolution: Over time, the pumpkin spice trend has expanded to include various interpretations of the flavor profile. While the original spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger) remain central, different products might incorporate additional ingredients like vanilla, caramel, or even chocolate.

Overall, the pumpkin spice trend is a combination of culinary tradition, innovative marketing, and the human desire for seasonal comfort and nostalgia. It’s an example of how food trends can tap into cultural sentiment and become a seasonal phenomenon that extends beyond the plate or cup.

Unusual Christmas Traditions

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:32:00 +0000

Unusual Christmas Traditions

Owen Marshall

Christmas traditions can vary widely around the world, and some are quite unusual or unique. Here are a few examples of unusual Christmas traditions from different countries and cultures:

Krampus: In Alpine regions such as Austria and Bavaria, Krampus is a folklore figure who is the counterpart to Saint Nicholas. Krampus is depicted as a horned creature who punishes naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved ones.
Caga Tió: In Catalonia, Spain, families have a log called “Caga Tió” that they decorate with a face and a hat. On Christmas Eve, children beat the log with sticks while singing a traditional song, hoping it will “poop” out presents.
Gävle Goat: In Gävle, Sweden, a giant straw goat is erected in the town’s square every year for Advent. The tradition has become famous because the goat often faces attempts of vandalism and arson.

Roller-Skating to Mass: In Caracas, Venezuela, it’s a tradition for people to roller-skate to early morning Christmas Mass. Roads are even closed to cars to make way for skaters.
KFC Christmas Dinner: In Japan, a surprising tradition involves eating KFC for Christmas dinner. This started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s and has since become a popular custom.
Yule Lads: In Iceland, there are thirteen “Yule Lads,” mischievous creatures who leave small gifts in children’s shoes on thirteen consecutive nights leading up to Christmas.

Dipping in the Danube: In Hungary, there’s a tradition where people gather on Christmas morning and head to the Danube River to dip in the icy water for good health. This tradition is rooted in folk beliefs about the healing properties of water.
Christmas Carp: In the Czech Republic, it’s common to have a live carp swimming in the family bathtub for a few days before Christmas. This fish is then prepared for the Christmas Eve meal.

Night of the Radishes: In Oaxaca, Mexico, a festival called “Noche de Rábanos” (Night of the Radishes) is held on December 23rd. Artisans carve elaborate scenes out of radishes, showcasing their creativity.
Spider Webs on the Tree: In Ukraine, it’s a tradition to include spider webs on the Christmas tree decorations. This stems from a folktale where a poor widow’s tree was covered in spider webs that turned into gold and silver.

These unusual Christmas traditions showcase the diversity of cultures and the many ways in which people celebrate the holiday season around the world.

Thanksgiving

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:21:00 +0000

Thanksgiving

Harper Johnson

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal. Here are some common Thanksgiving traditions that people often partake in:

Feast: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is a large, hearty meal that typically includes a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and various side dishes. Pumpkin pie and other desserts are often enjoyed as well.
Turkey Pardon: In the United States, it has become a tradition for the President to pardon a live turkey, sparing it from being part of the Thanksgiving meal. This lighthearted gesture is followed by the presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey to the President.
Family Gathering: Many people travel to spend Thanksgiving with family members. It’s a time to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

Thanksgiving Parade: Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a longstanding tradition for many families. The parade features floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and performances.
Gratitude: Before the meal, it’s common for everyone to go around the table and share something they are thankful for. This is a moment of reflection and appreciation.
Volunteer Work: Some families and individuals choose to spend part of their Thanksgiving volunteering at soup kitchens, shelters, or other community service activities to help those in need.

Football: Watching football games, whether at home or in person, is a cherished tradition for many on Thanksgiving Day.
Black Friday Shopping: The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become synonymous with shopping deals and discounts, prompting some people to participate in early-morning or late-night shopping trips.
Cooking and Baking: Preparing traditional family recipes and sharing the responsibility of cooking and baking with loved ones is a cherished Thanksgiving tradition.

Friendsgiving: In addition to celebrating with family, some individuals also host “Friendsgiving” gatherings with their close friends. These gatherings often involve a potluck-style meal.
Decorations: Decorating the house with autumn-themed decor, such as pumpkins, leaves, and candles, adds to the festive atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities: Depending on the weather, some families might engage in outdoor activities like hikes, nature walks, or touch football games.

Thanksgiving Crafts: Children and adults alike might participate in Thanksgiving-themed crafts and activities, creating place cards, centerpieces, or other decorations.
Watching Movies: After the meal, some families enjoy watching movies together, either classic Thanksgiving-themed films or other family favorites.
Leftovers: After the feast, leftovers are often enjoyed for days. Some people even look forward to the creative meals they can make from the leftovers.

These traditions vary from family to family and region to region, but they all contribute to the warm and festive spirit of Thanksgiving.