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DECEMBER 2025
The Season That Makes Us Kids Again FINDING MAGIC IN MOVIES, MISCHIEF, AND MEMORIES
Something about Christmas just feels magical. There’s the soft glow of lights in the window, the smell of pine needles, and the way even the coldest nights somehow feel warm when surrounded by family. It’s the season when everything slows down a little and the rush of the year gives way to the joys of baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and watching your favorite Christmas movies again and again, no matter how many times you’ve seen them. For me, one of those all-time greats has to be “Home Alone.” I mean, it’s practically a tradition. I finally got to show it to my kids, Finn and Harlow, last Christmas, and watching them see it for the first time was honestly the best part. Their eyes lit up, their laughter filled the room,
My kids loved it so much that it turned into a whole “prank school” phase afterward. I’m talking elaborate, ridiculous, full-blown schemes. One kid would distract me while the other snuck off to pull off something outrageous like stealing a watermelon from the kitchen, filling up the bathtub, and leaving it there for me to “discover.” I’d walk in, pretending to be shocked while secretly trying not to laugh. Other times, I’d find bananas hidden under my pillow or cereal boxes mysteriously rearranged. It's chaos, but the best kind of chaos. My son, especially, took things to the next level. He loves jump scares, and I’d go to tuck him in at night, the room pitch black, whispering, “Finn?” only for him to leap out from behind the door with a roar. I jump a mile every time, and he just dissolves into giggles. It’s those little moments, the laughter, surprises, and shared silliness, that make the holidays so special. That’s the real magic of Christmas, isn’t it? It’s not about the gifts or the perfectly decorated tree. It’s about the stories that come alive every year, the movies that take us back to childhood, the traditions we build with our families, and the laughter that fills the house when everyone’s together. Whether watching “Home Alone” for the hundredth time, baking cookies shaped like reindeer, or pulling off a “prank school” masterpiece, it’s all part of that feeling only December seems to bring. Every silly moment, twinkling Christmas light, or holiday song reminds us that joy isn’t complicated. It’s in shared memories, the sparkle in your kids’ eyes, and the warmth that lingers long after the credits roll on your favorite Christmas movie. And maybe that’s the greatest magic of all: That even as
and they thought it was the funniest, most brilliant thing they’d ever seen. It reminded me of being their age, sitting cross-legged, completely mesmerized by Kevin McCallister’s wild adventure. That movie is timeless. Every kid dreams, at some point, of having the whole house to themselves and being in charge, setting traps, and outsmarting the “bad guys.” It taps right into that mischievous part of childhood that loves pranks, secrets, and the thrill of getting away with something clever. Sure, the idea that a family could accidentally leave one of their kids behind is completely absurd, but that’s part of its charm! You can’t help but laugh at the headcount scene, imagining the chaos of a big family rushing to the airport, thinking everyone’s accounted for when, of course, they’re not.
we grow older, Christmas still has a way of making us feel like kids again.
And maybe that’s why I love “Home Alone” so much, because it’s not just about being alone; it’s about family, too. It’s about missing the people who drive you crazy, realizing how much they mean to you, and learning that home is also about the people who fill it.
–Case Barnett
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The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Suddenly, the calendar is full, stores are packed, and wallets feel too light. But here’s the truth: The most memorable moments don’t come from expensive gifts or elaborate trips. We spark them from laughter, creativity, and time spent together. Festive Fun Made Easy TRADITIONS THAT WON’T COST A FORTUNE Whether you’re looking for cozy nights in or adventures out in the crisp winter air, here are fun, low-cost holiday activities for the whole family. Festive Fun at Home Let’s turn home into holiday central! You can wrap your front door like a giant present, or craft homemade ornaments from everyday supplies. Popcorn and cranberry garlands, paper chains with gratitude notes, and handmade snowflakes instantly transform your space into a festive wonderland. For extra coziness, plan a movie night complete with blankets, popcorn, and your family’s favorite holiday classics. Creative Crafts and Tasty Treats You don’t need to buy pricey kits when you can create your own fun. Build a gingerbread house from scratch, or whip up batches of cookies and let everyone go wild with frosting and sprinkles. If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, make birdseed ornaments from pinecones and peanut butter, then watch the backyard come alive with feathered guests.
Outdoor Adventures Bundle up and take a nighttime drive (or stroll) to admire the best light displays in your town. It’s a free way to soak up the magic of the season together. If you’re lucky enough to get snow, the options are endless: snowmen, forts, snow angels, or even a friendly snowball fight. And when it’s too chilly, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Share the Holiday Spirit The season feels even brighter when you spread joy beyond your own home. Go caroling in your neighborhood or at a local nursing home, attend a school holiday concert, or deliver handmade cards to friends and neighbors. These simple gestures leave lasting impressions and remind everyone what the holidays are truly about. Cozy Traditions That Last For a touch of nostalgia, start a new tradition like sleeping under the Christmas tree one night, creating a DIY advent calendar, or hosting a family game night with holiday music playing in the background. These small rituals are the ones kids and adults both look forward to each year.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING "I was referred to Case Barnett by an attorney in Utah who was encouraging me to settle my case involving a semi truck for a small amount. They were not willing to take it to court, given the trial would have had to be in California. Case Barnett and his staff took the case and followed through with it and kept me updated regularly over the time it took to finally settle for an amount 10
times the amount the first attorney was willing to settle for. I would recommend Case Barnett for any of your attorney needs.” –Stephen B.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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The Grinch in Your Policy HOW INSURANCE COMPANIES MINIMIZE PAYOUTS Insurance companies often end up playing the role of the Grinch in real life. They’ve built the story that anyone who files a personal injury claim is greedy, manipulative, or “gaming the system.” The reality is entirely different. These companies are protecting their profits, not society, and they carefully construct a “plaintiffs-are-villains” narrative to make us feel bad for the “wronged” insurance company instead of the people who were actually hurt. Our legal system is designed to address harm in a civilized way. We don’t live in a world of “an eye for an eye.” Instead, we recognize that injuries, like losing a limb, suffering a brain injury, or losing the ability to work, have lasting impacts, and compensation is society’s way of acknowledging that. It’s not about enriching anyone but valuing what’s been taken. When large verdicts make headlines, people assume juries are overreacting. But if you put yourself in the injured person’s shoes, the numbers start to make sense. A person doesn’t just move on from losing a limb or suffering a life-changing injury. Compensation is the closest way we have to assign value to that loss. Meanwhile, insurance companies, flush with profits and plastered all over sports arenas, push back at every opportunity. They try to minimize payouts and frame claims as abuse of the system. That’s where the Grinch comparison really fits: They’re the ones trying to steal justice and make people feel guilty for seeking it. When it works as intended, the system reflects our values. It’s about more than money. The process recognizes the health and dignity of human life. Society doesn’t just shrug when something bad happens. We try to restore some balance and acknowledge the loss. So, yes, insurance companies may try to act like the Grinch, but we shouldn’t buy their story. When someone is hurt and pursuing a claim, they’re not gaming the system. They’re holding it to its purpose: valuing what really matters. And that’s something worth standing up for.
ROAST BEEF WITH CARAMELIZED ONION GRAVY
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef Gravy • 4 tbsp flour • 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
Directions
1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
LAUGH LAWS
–Case Barnett
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 Christmas Chaos, Movie Magic, and the Joy of Being Together Page 2 Create Holiday Magic Without Spending Big
What Our Clients Are Saying
Page 3 Insurance Companies Are the Grinches of Personal Injury Claims Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
Page 4 The Olympics’ Most Unusual Events
Strange Events You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Not Your Average Olympic Sport
During the last Summer Olympic Games, Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s performance caught the world off guard. After watching the event, many Americans wondered why breaking was added to the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is responsible for choosing the events, and they consider a wide range of criteria when considering adding or removing events. They look at how long the sport has existed, its popularity within the host country, the cost to broadcast the events, and whether an international federation governs the sport. Breaking was a hit at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and was added to the 2024 Paris Games to drive engagement with a younger audience. The IOC has already announced that breaking will not return for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, joining a list of other sports dropped from the Olympic stage. Think breaking was a little outside the box? Then you won’t believe some of the events from past Olympics. Plunge for Distance (1904): Plunging was a sport in which participants dove into the water from a spring 18 inches
above the surface. They floated for 60 seconds without propelling themselves forward, and whoever went the farthest won. Only five individuals competed in the event, and all were American. Ballooning (1900): Technically an unofficial event at the 1900 games, ballooning consisted of various hot-air balloon-related activities. They held competitions for the farthest distance traveled, longest time traveled, greatest height achieved, and landing closest to a target.
Motor Boat Racing (1908): Competitors got in their boats to travel five laps around an 8-nautical-mile course in the Southampton waters of England. This event was a complete disaster. Multiple boats would start each race, but in almost every instance, only one would cross the finish line, as strong winds heavily affected the others.
Ski Ballet (1988 and 1992): While never an official Olympic event, ski ballet was demonstrated at two Olympic Games, anticipating its potential as a real event. Imagine figure skating on skis instead of skates. Competitions required participants to complete a choreographed routine in 90 seconds on a smooth slope.
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