Take a look at our December newsletter!
THE
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | DECEMBER 2024
A MELODY OF MEMORIES HOW OUR FAMILY’S CAROLING TRADITION BRINGS JOY EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON Caroling with the whole family is a tradition we always love this time of year. Dec. 20 marks National Go Caroling Day, and around here, it’s time to start warming up our vocal cords and practicing our scales (kind of). Christmas caroling is a special tradition that we picked up from my wife Jessica’s side of the family, and it’s honestly one of the highlights of our whole year. Jessica’s folks started this tradition when she was little; funny enough, they also had six kids to sing alongside them. Her family was quite the musical bunch, and every Christmas Eve, they’d bundle up and head out to spread some holiday cheer with their voices. They’d finish the night at a McDonald’s or Denny’s — because, hey, they were the only places open that late. They’d grab something warm to eat and drive around “looking for Rudolph’s nose.” It was such a heartwarming experience for Jessica, and she knew it was something she wanted to pass down to our kids. When we started our family, we knew we wanted to keep the caroling tradition alive, but we tweaked it to fit our rhythm. Trying to carol on Christmas Eve proved tricky since everyone seemed busy with their own festivities. So, we shifted our caroling to the Sunday before Christmas. It works better — everyone still feels that post-church cheer and is ready to enjoy extra joy. Our caroling is simple but full of heart. We stick to a few favorites like “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and, of course, “Jingle Bells,” which all our kids have memorized by heart now. Depending on how chilly it is or how the kids are feeling, we’ll sing one or two songs at each stop, hand out some tasty homemade treats, and finish with a hearty “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as we venture onto the next gig.
What started as a small family outing has grown into quite an ensemble. Over the years, more friends and their families have joined us, turning our little tradition into a big, joyful group activity. After we’ve made the rounds, we often gather back at our place for hot cider and some extra cookies. It’s heartwarming to see this tradition continue in our family and branch out. Jessica’s siblings and her parents, wherever they are, are also keeping the music alive each Christmas. And honestly, it’s comforting to know that even when we’re not all together, the spirit of caroling still brings joy and connection across the miles. I hope our kids continue to enjoy this tradition as much as we do as the years go by, and then one day, they will go caroling with their children. Seeing that vision come to life would mean the world to me. This tradition is more than just singing a few songs; it’s about family, community, and the simple joy of giving. Every year, as we step out into the holiday evening, whether it’s still sunny or freezing cold, I’m reminded of the wonderful connections we have and the new memories we’re creating. Here’s to many more years of caroling and keeping this sweet tradition strong in our family.
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COMBAT WINTER DRYNESS FOR OPTIMAL ORAL HEALTH MOISTURE MATTERS Winter brings a chill that affects more than just the temperature outside; it can also dry out our mouths, leading to discomfort and dental issues. We see many patients struggling with dry mouth during the colder months, but fortunately, there are plenty of simple but effective ways to keep your oral health in top shape! STAY HYDRATED One of the quickest ways to combat dry mouth is to increase your water intake. Your body needs more hydration in the winter, not just when you feel thirsty. Drinking water all day long helps maintain saliva flow, which is vital for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Always have a water bottle handy (not hot chocolate), and sip regularly, especially during and after meals, to help clear out food particles and bacteria. OPT FOR HYDRATING FOODS Incorporating foods with high water content into your diet can also aid in hydration. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, apples, celery, and tomatoes are great choices. These foods provide hydration and essential nutrients that promote overall health, including oral health. You can also sip on some warm, low-sodium soups and broths during winter, which can be soothing and hydrating!
Light the World Giving Machines Are Back!
We’re creating another family tradition we want to tell you about — donating at Light the World Giving Machines! Cincinnati was chosen for the first time in 2023 to host Light the World Giving Machines at Kenwood Mall. My family had the chance to visit the Giving Machines last year, and we loved it. So, we’re very excited
they’re back again this year, and we’ll be heading there to let the kids choose an item that’s meaningful to them to donate to others. We invite you to join us in stopping by during your holiday shopping to try them out! The Giving Machines are vending machines, but instead of candy bars, chips, or soda, offerings in the machine include various products and services to donate to people and communities in need. Choose from things like a new book for a local child; a hand-washing station for a community without access to proper handwashing facilities; a Chromebook for a girl in Africa to help in her education; milk, fresh eggs, or diapers for local families in need; a backpack for a local homeless person; as well as goats, toys, and more! Your donations go directly to global and local partner charities, which distribute the items. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pays all operating costs, so 100% of every donation goes straight to your chosen cause or organization.
USE A HUMIDIFIER Indoor heating can significantly dry out your home’s air, which worsens dry mouth,
particularly at night. Using a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep can add moisture to the air and help prevent the discomfort of waking up with a dry mouth. This is especially helpful for those who use heating systems that strip the indoor air of moisture.
The Giving Machines will be located on the first floor of Kenwood Town Center Mall from Dec. 9 through Jan. 2 during mall hours. If you visit, let us know what you and your family think of the experience! And don’t forget to post a selfie with #lighttheworld to help spread the word about this cool new way to give!
SUGAR-FREE SOLUTIONS Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar- free lozenges can stimulate saliva production,
keeping your mouth moist. However, be sure to choose sugar-free options to avoid tooth decay. These products are particularly handy when you’re on the go and need a quick fix to relieve dryness. Dry mouth might be more prevalent in winter, but it doesn’t have to be a season of discomfort. If you stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and incorporate water-rich foods and sugar-free products into your daily routine, you can maintain a healthy, moist mouth all winter. If dry mouth persists, consider scheduling an appointment with our office to discuss other solutions tailored to your needs. Let’s keep your smile bright and healthy, no matter the season!
(Can’t visit in person? Visit ChurchOfJesusChrist.org/comeuntochrist/ light-the-world/giving-machines and you can choose a partner organization, then be directed to where you can donate on their website.)
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Be Sure to Follow These Steps!
SWEETEN THE SEASON WITH A COOKIE SWAP!
For many Americans, the holiday season is all about family and tradition. We decorate our homes with garlands and lights that bring us holiday cheer, prepare for family visits, go ice skating, and maybe even send a letter to Santa. However, another special tradition spans generations and excites every family member — baking holiday cookies! Many will bake cookies just for their immediate family to enjoy along with their favorite holiday movie, while others will bake up a huge batch to bring to the big family get-together of the season. If you want to try something fun and unique this year, consider hosting a holiday cookie swap with your loved ones.
This tradition will allow you to try all sorts of new and delicious cookies — there are so many different kinds of holiday cookies, and every baker has their own specialty. Start by determining whom you want to invite, setting a budget, and determining how many cookies everyone should bring to the event. This ensures that nobody outshines anyone else through sheer volume or expensive ingredients alone. It’s a time for bonding, not competition. Once you have the ground rules and guestlist set, you need to get the decorations for the event. Treat it like a party. At your local party store, pick out decorations that fit the season’s theme. You can get unique napkins, mugs, stirring spoons
for hot drinks, and anything else you think captures
the holiday spirit. This is also a good time to procure all your baking essentials, such as chocolate chips or unique cookie cutters. All that’s left is hosting the party and ensuring everyone has a good time. If you want, you can even hold little contests to increase the excitement — each guest can vote on the prettiest or tastiest cookies and offer small prizes to the winner. As long as those attending enjoy themselves, your event will be a success. Plus, everyone who attends will have plenty of delicious cookies to get them through the rest of the holiday season!
KOREAN STEAK SLAW
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHAT ARE ANDERSON DENTAL CARE’S BUSINESS HOURS DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Our office will be closed on Dec. 24–26, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1. Outside of those dates, we’ll observe normal business hours throughout the holiday season. HOW MANY FEET OF WIRE DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A SLINKY? Mechanical engineer Richard James invented the famous toy in 1943, using a machine to coil 80 feet of wire into a two-inch spiral. James borrowed $500 to make the first batch of Slinkys, and after a live demonstration at Gimbels Department Store in Philadelphia, 400 Slinkys were sold within minutes! WHO BAKED THE FIRST APPLE PIE? While the history of apple pie may be traced back further, the first printed recipe was published in 1381 by Geoffrey Chaucer in England. This 14th-century apple pie recipe included apples, spices, raisins, figs, pears, and saffron! WHAT ANIMAL SLEEPS THE MOST? Surprisingly enough, koalas sleep more than sloths! In fact, koalas sleep on average 20–22 hours daily, while sloths nap for 15–20 hours a day. Another sleepy runner‑up is opossums, which sleep up to 18 hours per day.
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 3 tbsp sesame oil, divided 2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total
1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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1 daikon radish 1 large carrot 1/2 red cabbage
5 green onions, divided 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Our Family’s Caroling Tradition That Continues to Warm the Heart ...
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.. and a New Tradition That Will Light the World
Tips to Tackle Dry Mouth and Boost Hydration This Winter
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’Tis the Season to Swap Cookies
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Korean Steak Slaw
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Illuminate Your Holidays With Cincinnati’s Winter Festivities
WITNESS A WINTER WONDERLAND! MAGICAL MOMENTS AWAIT AT CINCINNATI’S PREMIER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets. Encounter the Sugar Plum Fairy and a vibrant cast of characters, all set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, performed by the Cincinnati Ballet alongside the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. It’s the perfect festive treat for all ages to enjoy a timeless holiday classic! ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Nov. 22–Dec. 29 Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park CincyPlay.com/productions/a-christmas- carol-2024 Witness the magic of Charles Dickens’s timeless tale with a brand-new production of “A Christmas Carol.” Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey through Christmas Eve as spirits and apparitions guide him from a cold-hearted miser to a beacon of generosity and warmth. Revel in the nostalgia of past holidays, the joy of present Christmas cheer, and the stark forewarnings of future solitude. With stunning new sets, costumes, and lighting, this production breathes fresh life into the classic story, promising a dazzling holiday experience for the whole family.
Cincinnati transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering enchanting experiences for the whole family. From the twinkling lights of the Cincinnati Zoo’s PNC Festival of Lights to the elegant pirouettes of “The Nutcracker” at the Cincinnati Music Hall, each event promises to dazzle and delight. Add to that the heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and you have a perfect holiday itinerary! PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Nov. 2 –Jan. 5 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden CincinnatiZoo.org/events/festival-of-lights Experience the wonder of the Cincinnati Zoo’s 42nd PNC Festival of Lights, aptly dubbed “Wild Wonderland” this season. As the zoo lights up
with over 4 million LED lights, guests can meet their favorite animals, stroll through Fairyland, and spot the Fiona fairies. Don’t miss the captivating blacklight puppet show and the mesmerizing Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. With delightful seasonal treats available, this enchanting evening is the perfect holiday outing. Note: Dec. 23 is the last opportunity to meet Santa! ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Dec. 19–29 Cincinnati Music Hall CBallet.org/performances/the-nutcracker- presented-by-sheakley-family Get your tickets this December for a special 50th-anniversary celebration of “The Nutcracker,” first performed in Cincinnati in 1973. This holiday season, relive the magic with Clara as she embarks on a whimsical journey with
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