2021 Winners:

This year’s detailed scene was a challenge for some but other’s embraced the challenge. “Choosing our 3 winners is always tough, but someone’s got to do it,” says publisher Lois Allen.

This year’s winners will each receive $50 to spend on whatever they choose. 

The Post will be sending their prizes to their homes via US Postal Service. So sit back and enjoy your holiday and your reward will arrive soon!

(NAPSI)—Many Americans are not aware that some of the enduring Christmas traditions they enjoy every year are rooted in those started by the British Royal Family back in the 1840s. Here’s a look at a few of the more colorful: 

The Christmas Tree 

It all started with Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert, who were instrumental in bringing German Christmas traditions to Britain, such as the Christmas tree. Until then, most people in Britain thought the idea of having a tree inside the house was a little strange. A branch of a tree, or holly, or mistletoe was common, but the Christmas tree as decoration wasn’t truly accepted until an engraving published in 1848 in the Illustrated London News depicting the Royal Family celebrating Christmas at Windsor that the tradition was adopted widely. Soon every home in Britain had a tree decorated with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations and small gifts.

Christmas Cards

The notion of sending Christmas cards also originated during this period. Thanks to the industrialization happening at the time and the widespread use of the printing press, items such as cards and books became less expensive to make. When postage costs lowered in 1840, this led to the real boom in buying and mailing Christmas cards.

Christmas Feast

While the Victorian Royal Family may have been the impetus behind the public’s adopting Christmas trees and cards, when it came to the Christmas feast, there was a lot of variety on the Royal menu. Roast beef, turkey, mince pies, soups and plum pudding for dessert. But the majority of people in Victorian England weren’t wealthy, so in order to have a festive bird on the family dinner table, some would join a goose club so they could pay in installments throughout the year.

Melding American and European Traditions

The idea of Father Christmas is one that predates the Victorian era and was part of English folklore; a figure of merry-making just for adults. In the middle of Queen Victoria’s reign, however, American and European traditions came together to create the idea of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, as we now know him, as the bringer of gifts to children.

And all the other traditions of Christmas trees, Christmas cards, the Christmas feast and gift-giving were celebrated in England as well as across the pond in America.

Give Royally

You can get the Royal fan and history buff in your life (including yourself) the gift of hundreds of documentaries about the Royal Family and royalty around the world this holiday season through the True Royalty TV special offer. For $39.99, you can give a full year subscription of True Royalty TV. 

Learn More

Go to www.trueroyalty.tv for details and options.

Celebrate the joy of Christmas at one of the churches in our community!

Frost Creek Church

Dec. 23: Everyone is invited to Frost Creek Church for an outdoor Christmas Experience on December 23 at 6:30 p.m. Dress warm and enjoy a living nativity, petting zoo, games for the kids, hot chocolate, and a tree lighting at 7 pm. Frost Creek Church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, just north of 19 Mile Rd. For more info visit www.frostcreek.org or call 616-696-3229.

Cedar Springs Baptist Church

Dec. 24: Bring your friends and family to our Candlelight Christmas Eve service (7:00 p.m.). Come as you are and celebrate Jesus with us! We are located at the corner of 17th Mile and Northland Drive. For more information, see www.cedarspringsbaptist.org.

Calvary Assembly of God

Dec. 24: Calvary Assembly of God invites you to attend our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service at City Impact (288 N. Main St.) on Friday, December 24, at 6:00 p.m. Special Christmas treats, Christmas carols, and a special message to prepare our hearts for this year’s Advent celebration. Get more information on our Facebook page (@CalvaryAssemblyofGod) or on the web at cscalvary.org.

Courtland Oakfield United Methodist

Dec. 24: Oakfield United Methodist Church located at 10295 Myers Lake AVE NE, Rockford, MI or online at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church’s facebook page. We will have a service of readings and carols: “Come hear the story told and sing the carols of old.” For more information, visit our website at www.coumc.org or call 616-866-4298.

The Springs Church

Dec. 24: Join us at either 5 or 7 p.m. on this holy night to be reminded once again of the ways that Christmas meets us in our greatest need, as we celebrate once again this newborn Baby, a Light who broke into our world to heal and make whole. The kids can still come in their PJ’s and there will be candles and glow sticks! The church is located at 135 N. Grant St. (Corner of First and Grant.)

St. John Paul II Parish

Dec. 24, 25: Celebrate the birth of Christ at St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 17 Mile Rd. Christmas Eve mass at 4 p.m. and midnight; Christmas Day mass at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Cedar Springs United Methodist

Dec. 24, 26: Friday Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, with communion, candles, and glo-sticks for the kids. Our Lord’s Table is open to all. Sunday, Dec. 26 at 10:30 a.m.: We will offer our regular Sunday Worship. Feel free to come as you are to all events. Face masks are worn at all services to protect our guests. We are located on the corner of Main and Church Streets in Cedar Springs. For more information visit our website http://cedarspringsumc.org/info or call 616.696.1140. We hope to see you this Christmas!

East Nelson United Methodist

Dec 24, 26: – join us at East Nelson Church, 9024 18 Mile Road, for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Friday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Feel free to come as you are. There will be candles for all and glo-sticks for the kids. On Sunday, Dec. 26 the 10 a.m. service will be one of lessons and carols which you will not want to miss! For more information visit our website or call 616-696-0661. All are welcomed with open arms at ENC!

Grace Evangelical Free Church

Dec. 24, 26: Grace Evangelical Free at the corner of 13 mile and Northland Drive in Rockford will be holding a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to join our church family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our Christmas series, Anticipation, will wrap up Sunday, Dec. 26 at 9:45 a.m. with a focus on walking with Christ beyond Christmas. We’d love to meet you and share community with you! For more info, visit www.gracerockford.com or call 616-866-2647.

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Dec. 24, 26: Resurrection Lutheran Church would like to invite you to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Friday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Feel free to come as you are. The Sunday, Dec. 26 message is at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 180 S. 3rd St. in Sand Lake MI.  For more information e-mail us at churchresurrection@yahoo.com or call our office at 616 636-5502. We hope to see you at Resurrection Lutheran Church for our Christmas services.

City Impact

Dec 25: Join us Christmas Day at City Impact to Celebrate the greatest gift- Jesus. City Impact Christmas Day service at 6 p.m. We are located at 288 N Main Street (next to Dollar General). Grocery Garage is available after service if you are in need of food. Hope to see you there!

Maranatha Baptist Church

Dec. 25: Maranatha Baptist Church, 12786 Algoma Ave NE, invites you to start a new tradition with your family this Christmas and join the Maranatha family on Saturday, December 25 at 8:00 a.m. for our special Christmas morning service. 

SAND LAKE

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services

7 p.m. – Candlelight Service – Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Dr.

7 p.m. – Christmas Eve Mass – Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 1 W. Maple St.

December 25 – Christmas Day Worship Services

8 a.m. – Christmas Day Mass – Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 1 W. Maple St.

Check out some of the fun, family activities going on in the area for the holiday season.

SAND LAKE

Dec. 31: Countdown to Happy Noon Year! Friday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. at Nelson Township Library. We’re giving kids an exciting way to ring in the new year with a countdown, noisemakers, crafts and fun – at an hour that won’t keep them up way past their bedtimes.

SPARTA

Now through Jan. 31: Candy Cane Lane lighted pathway located behind the Sparta Library.

Dec. 23: The Living Nativity at Ballard Church of Christ from 6:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 23: 11-1 p.m. Santa Visits– new location Sparta Chamber office 194 E. Division, downtown Sparta.

TYRONE TOWNSHIP

Dec. 31: Countdown to Happy Noon Year! Friday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. at Nelson Township Library. We’re giving kids an exciting way to ring in the new year with a countdown, noisemakers, crafts and fun – at an hour that won’t keep them up way past their bedtimes.

There’s nothing like the warm glow of Christmas lights this time of year to give you a good dose of Christmas cheer! So pack up the kids, go for a ride, and enjoy the decorations your friends and neighbors have put up this year. We’re sure you’ll find a few other treasures along the way!

Cedar Springs

• City Christmas tree on W. Maple Street in the Heart of Cedar Springs
• 65 E. Muskegon, corner of First and Muskegon Streets
• NE corner of Park and Ash St, Cedar Springs
• 19 north N. Second Street 
• 427 Northland Drive, near the corner of South Street and Northland. See the 90-foot evergreen Christmas tree.
• Lights on Main Street
• The corner of Tall Grass and Prairie Run
• 385 Sarah Street
• 12225 Shaner Ave. Must see the flying Santa as well as the 12-1/2 foot snowman inflatable.
• 2664 Wiersma

Sand Lake

138 E Lake Street Sand Lake, Michigan 49343. There is a parking lot in front of house so you can sit and enjoy!  Tune your fm dial to 89.1 and enjoy the show.  Weeknights the show runs from dusk til 10 pm and weekends we run until midnight.

From The Better Business Bureau

You scored awesome deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and now you anxiously wait for your packages to arrive. But with millions of packages delivered each year, con artists and thieves have developed many ways to steal from shoppers. Fortunately, there are also many ways to protect yourself from their shady tactics.

“Delivery scams and theft are particularly widespread during the holidays,” says Lisa Frohnapfel, President of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “Consumers shouldn’t just hope everything arrives as planned. Instead, it’s important to make sure you protect yourself and your purchases.”

How to avoid popular delivery scams: 

Look out for phishing texts or emails that pose as official notices from delivery companies. These either contain a “tracking link” or a message that the shipper is having difficulty delivering a package to you, or a link to update delivery preferences. Clicking the link either takes you to a form that asks for personally identifying information, or to a site that downloads malware onto your computer. Go to the delivery carrier’s website directly or log in and use the retailer’s tracking tools. 

Don’t leave packages sitting on your doorstep. If you won’t be home, have your package delivered to your workplace, or to a trusted friend or neighbor who will be home to accept delivery. Some delivery companies allow you to schedule your delivery for a time when someone will be home. Another option some companies offer is lockers where your packages can securely wait for you to pick them up using a one-time code to open the locker.  

Take advantage of online tracking services offered by retailers; if the company says it was delivered but it’s not at the delivered address, report it.

Consider monitoring the front door. If you have a home security camera system, make sure it captures activity at your front door and mailbox. If you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local Postal Inspectors.

Customize the delivery. If you know the package is going to be larger than the mailbox, authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified out-of-sight location. You can also request pick-up at their facility.

Watch for suspicious activity. Some thieves follow delivery trucks waiting for the opportune time to steal packages. If you notice something out of place in your neighborhood, report it to the police with specific details.

Visit BBB.org/AvoidScams to learn more and if you’ve been the victim of a delivery scam.

Report scams at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Celebrate the joy of Christmas at one of the churches in our community!

Cedar Springs United Methodist

Dec. 18, 24, 26: On Saturday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. join us for a Blue Christmas Service of meditation, with violin, scripture, and prayer. Friday Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, with communion, candles, and glo-sticks for the kids. Our Lord’s Table is open to all. Sunday Dec. 26 at 10:30 a.m.: We will offer our regular Sunday Worship. Feel free to come as you are to all events. Face masks are worn at all services to protect our guests. We are located on the corner of Main and Church Streets in Cedar Springs. For more information visit our website http://cedarspringsumc.org/.info or call 616.696.1140.  We hope to see you this Christmas!

Frost Creek Church

Dec. 19, 23: Everyone is invited to Frost Creek Church for a Christmas service on December 19 at 10 a.m. as well as an outdoor Christmas Experience on December 23 at 6:30 p.m. Dress warm and enjoy a living nativity, petting zoo, games for the kids, hot chocolate, and a tree lighting at 7 pm. Frost Creek Church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, just north of 19 Mile Rd. For more info visit www.frostcreek.org or call 616-696-3229.

Cedar Springs Baptist Church

Dec. 19, 24: Join us at Cedar Springs Baptist Church for a special Sunday morning Christmas (10:30 a.m.) that connects Jesus to the story of Ruth, the first Bethlehem story. And bring your friends and family to our Candlelight Christmas Eve service (7:00 p.m.). Come as you are and celebrate Jesus with us! We are located at the corner of 17th Mile and Northland Drive. For more information, see www.cedarspringsbaptist.org.

Maranatha Baptist Church

Dec. 19, 25: Maranatha Baptist Church, 12786 Algoma Ave NE, invites you to attend a Christmas Candlelight service on Sunday, December 19 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of inspirational music and scripture as we move “Beyond the Manger.” Refreshments to follow. Then start a new tradition with your family this Christmas and join the Maranatha family on Saturday, December 25 at 8:00 a.m. for our special Christmas morning service. 

Calvary Assembly of God

Dec. 24: Calvary Assembly of God invites you to attend our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service at City Impact (288 N. Main St.) on Friday, December 24, at 6:00 p.m. Special Christmas treats, Christmas carols, and a special message to prepare our hearts for this year’s Advent celebration. Get more information on our Facebook page (@CalvaryAssemblyofGod) or on the web at cscalvary.org.

Courtland Oakfield United Methodist

Dec. 24: Oakfield United Methodist Church located at 10295 Myers Lake AVE NE, Rockford, MI or online at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church’s facebook page. We will have a service of readings and carols: “Come hear the story told and sing the carols of old.” For more information, visit our website at www.coumc.org or call 616-866-4298.

The Springs Church

Dec. 24: Join us at either 5 or 7 p.m. on this holy night to be reminded once again of the ways that Christmas meets us in our greatest need, as we celebrate once again this newborn Baby, a Light who broke into our world to heal and make whole. The kids can still come in their PJ’s and there will be candles and glow sticks! The church is located at 135 N. Grant St. (Corner of First and Grant.)

East Nelson United Methodist

Dec 24, 26: – join us at East Nelson Church, 9024 18 Mile Road, for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Friday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Feel free to come as you are. There will be candles for all and glo-sticks for the kids. On Sunday, Dec. 26 the 10 a.m. service will be one of lessons and carols which you will not want to miss! For more information visit our website or call 616-696-0661. All are welcomed with open arms at ENC!

Grace Evangelical Free Church

Dec. 24, 26: Grace Evangelical Free at the corner of 13 mile and Northland Drive in Rockford will be holding a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to join our church family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our Christmas series, Anticipation, will wrap up Sunday, Dec. 26 at 9:45 a.m. with a focus on walking with Christ beyond Christmas. We’d love to meet you and share community with you! For more info, visit www.gracerockford.com or call 616-866-2647.

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Dec. 24, 26: Resurrection Lutheran Church would like to invite you to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Friday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Feel free to come as you are. The Sunday, Dec. 26 message is at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 180 S. 3rd St. in Sand Lake MI.  For more information e-mail us at churchresurrection@yahoo.com or call our office at 616 636-5502. We hope to see you at Resurrection Lutheran Church for our Christmas services.

City Impact

Dec 25: Join us Christmas Day at City Impact to Celebrate the greatest gift- Jesus. City Impact Christmas Day service at 6 p.m. We are located at 288 N Main Street (next to Dollar General). Grocery Garage is available after service if you are in need of food. Hope to see you there!

SAND LAKE

Dec. 19 Christmas Worship Services

10:30 a.m. – Christmas Program – Church of the Full Gospel, 180 E. Lake Street

7 p.m. – South Ensley Unites Methodist Church Evening Service, 13600 Cypress

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services

7 p.m. – Candlelight Service – Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Dr.

7 p.m. – Christmas Eve Mass – Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 1 W. Maple St.

December 25 – Christmas Day Worship Services

8 a.m. – Christmas Day Mass – Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 1 W. Maple St.

We want to give you the opportunity to celebrate your baby’s very first Christmas in a special way. The Cedar Springs POST will be featuring area newborns in “Baby’s First Christmas,” a special feature for babies celebrating their first Christmas. 

Photos will be run at no cost to our readers, but space is limited so get your photos in early. Deadline is Monday, December 20 by 5 p.m. and pictures with name and date of birth will appear in the December 23rd issue. We cannot guarantee return of photos. Show the community your precious gift!

Photos may be dropped off at the Cedar Springs POST – 36 E. Maple St., or mailed to Baby’s First Christmas, P.O. Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, or emailed to news@cedarspringspost.com. Please include baby’s name and birth date, as well as, a contact name and phone number.

It’s that time of year again, when kids can’t wait to mail their letters to Santa! To help parents out, the Cedar Springs Post has set up a special North Pole drop box. Every year dozens of kids use our special box for express delivery to the North Pole, and we make sure Santa reads each and every one! So, if you’d like to send a letter to Santa, and maybe get it printed in the newspaper, just drop off your letter in the bright red box labeled “Santa Mail” outside our office at 36 E. Maple Street, or mail your letter to: Letters to Santa, c/o the Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. 

Hurry, all letters must be in Santa’s Mail box by Monday, December 20th to reach him in time for Christmas.

By: Emmanuel Hospice

You’re hurting. And you’re not alone.

Embracing the above pain can serve as an important step toward reconciling your feelings during the holidays – days that our culture insists should be spent in joyous celebration, but that in truth can provide special challenges to those who have suffered loss.

“Grief can surface especially when the holidays come around, and it can be triggered by a whole host of elements that aren’t usually present in our everyday lives,” says Merrin Bethel, bereavement coordinator for Emmanuel Hospice. “It can be tough to manage.”

But not impossible, she emphasizes, especially if you are able to acknowledge the potential for rough roads ahead, and consciously take steps to prepare for grief that tends to get in the way.

Compounding the situation these days is the ongoing pandemic, which can add more layers to the grieving process because of social distancing and the threat of COVID-19 itself. 

“We’ve lost routines and a sense of normalcy, and this can be especially traumatic at the holidays,” Bethel says.

So, how does one cope?

“Planning ahead of time is something we really encourage,” Bethel says. “And that means having open and honest conversations with yourself, as well as people in your close circles, including those with whom you might be gathering at holiday celebrations.

“Maybe you’re supposed to show up with a certain dish, or expected to host an event, but you aren’t comfortable being in that role. When you’re dealing with loss, it’s OK to take stock of what you can and cannot do, and then express that to others, explaining that you’d rather do one or two meaningful things instead of everything.”

That takes no small amount of self-compassion, a gift you might need to surround yourself with in order to move forward. For many, that’s an important part of the grieving process, which can be messy and complicated. When you practice self-compassion, you “speak” to yourself as you might to a good friend – being forgiving and supporting, and without judgment.

Is there a chance someone in your circle will bristle at your reluctance or inability to be all-in? Surely, says Bethel. In which case you simply tell the truth gently, “This may sound awkward,” she suggests saying, “and I hope this doesn’t jeopardize our relationship, but this is where I’m at, and I hope you can respect that, same as I respect where you’re at.”

At the holidays especially, sights and sounds and even tastes and smells can send us into a tailspin, and sometimes we just need to walk away, Bethel says. 

To those who wonder why you’re bowing out, you might need to acknowledge your vulnerability, and perhaps answer them with: “I’m hurting right now. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m doing my best to cope with some of the things I normally would enjoy during this season.”

Another strategy for coping with grief at the holidays is to turn it inside-out and try channeling your feelings into caring for others. But it’s important that you not suppress your own grief in the process. 

“It’s all about being purposeful with the way you navigate your feelings,” Bethel says. “Keep the lines of communication open and be real when it comes to expectations.”

For more information on coping with grief during the holidays, Emmanuel Hospice is hosting an upcoming session entitled “Handling the Holidays” in the first-floor conference room of 401 Hall St. SW in Grand Rapids from 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Jan. 11

The grief support events are free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and practice physical distancing. Those who are interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to EHbereavement@emmanuelhospice.org or 616.719.0919.