Jayme Giesbrecht

Around the world, New Year’s Eve is a time of renewal and hope, marked by unique traditions in different cultures. For Morden resident Sean Arcilla, who grew up in the Philippines, the celebration revolves around one key theme: all things round.

Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable as Santa Claus himself made a special visit to Golden West! Joining us all the way from the North Pole, the jolly man in red brought festive cheer and some delightful insights into his preparations for the big night.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us have our go-to albums that help set the festive mood each year. For some, it’s the classic sounds of Christmas carols, while for others, it’s the nostalgia of childhood favorites. Recently, Trent Medynski, host of Morden’s Pop Culture Expo, joined us to talk about a collection of classic albums that he has gathered over the years—albums that continue to capture the magic of the season.

When it comes to icing cookies, Tena Banman of Winkler is nothing short of an expert. With years of practice and a keen eye for detail, she has mastered the art of turning simple sugar cookies into edible works of art. Her steady hand, creative designs, and technical know-how make her holiday treats as stunning as they are delicious.

When asked about her artistic talents, Tena humbly attributes her skills to dedication. “I’ve just practiced, and practice makes perfect,” she said. “I’ve watched lots of YouTube tutorials and just practiced—it’s fun and relaxing.”

A magical winter at Lindsay Rae's farm

Nestled in a snowy wonderland, Lindsay Rae's farm is home to more than just picturesque winter scenes—it’s where holiday magic comes to life. The corral is occupied by two special residents, Tornado and Katie, who aren’t just miniature horses this season—they’ve transformed into festive reindeer, ready to spread cheer and spark smiles.

Meet the festive duo: Tornado and Katie

Christmas spirit is alive and well in 11-year-old Paige Landry, who recently shared her passion for all things Grinch with us at Golden West. Dressed in full Grinch-themed attire, Paige talked about her favorite holiday character, revealing a deep knowledge of the beloved Christmas classic.

Why Paige loves the Grinch

"I like the Grinch because he's funny," Paige explained, noting that her favorite version of the Grinch is the original cartoon. "His laugh is funny. The way he looks is funny... he turns his head all the way around his body!"

The Greeter Navigator program at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) is designed to provide patients and visitors with a warm, welcoming experience from the moment they arrive. Volunteers stationed at the hospital entrance greet guests, assist with directions, and offer support navigating the facility. Whether it’s guiding someone to a medical appointment, offering wheelchair assistance, or simply being a friendly face in a stressful moment, these volunteers help create a compassionate and supportive environment.

A family tradition rooted in giving

What started as a small gardening project has grown into a heartfelt community initiative for the Martens family of Winkler. For over 25 years, Gerald and Leigh-Ann Martens have packed Christmas shoeboxes for children in need through Operation Christmas Child, a program of Samaritan's Purse. Seven years ago, their backyard pumpkin patch became part of the effort.

This Christmas season, pets across the Pembina Valley are showing their festive spirit, and one remarkable canine stands out among them: Suka, an 18-year-old Siberian Husky, who lives with her human, Shannon Vaughan. While it’s common for Huskies to live to around 12 years, Suka has defied the odds, and her longevity is nothing short of inspiring.

Angel Tree initiative brings holiday cheer to Morden families

The Angel Tree Initiative, a beloved part of the Morden Christmas Cheer program, is in full swing, offering residents the chance to spread holiday joy by donating toys to local children in need. Spearheaded by the Toy Committee’s Chandra McLean and Lawanda Friesen, the initiative ensures every child receives a gift this holiday season.