December
Spring Park Travelers Rest
Newsletter
Resident´s Birthdays
Joyce Malone – 2nd
Nellie McWhorter – 4th
Joye Dunmire – 6th
Sarah Hawkins – 16th
Dennis Brookshire – 17th
Helen Avera – 29th
Month´s Celebrations
Pearl Harbor Day – 7th
Winter Begins – 21st
Christmas Eve – 24th
Christmas Day – 25th
Start of Hanukkah – 25th
Start of Kwanzaa – 26th
Boxing Day – 26th
New Year’s Eve – 31st
Events Spotlights
Spring Park Christmas Family Night – 18th
6 pm – 7:30 pm
Live Music & Dessert Bar
A small historic building strapped to a mountain top with other snowy peaks in the background.
Associate of the Month
Natasha Smith
This month, we are excited to shine the spotlight on one of our wonderful food service employees, Natasha Smith! A lifelong resident of Travelers Rest, Natasha has strong ties to our community and a deep commitment to serving others.
Married for 28 years to her husband, Brett, Natasha is the proud mother of three amazing sons: Patrick, Blake, and Elijah. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she cherishes the time spent with them. In addition to her busy family life, Natasha is very active in her local church, Forestville Baptist Church, where she finds joy in contributing to her faith community.
In her spare time, Natasha enjoys baking and crafting—two hobbies that allow her to express her creativity and share her talents with others. Whether it’s a homemade treat or a personalized craft, she loves creating things that bring a little extra joy to those around her. Natasha often shares her homemade baked goods with the Spring Park team, and her treats are always a fan favorite! Her cupcakes never fail to delight and brighten the day of everyone lucky enough to receive them.
Natasha has been a valued member of the Spring Park team and says she enjoys working here because it gives her the opportunity to serve others and collaborate with a fantastic group of people. Her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication are truly appreciated, and we’re grateful to have her as part of our Spring Park family.
Please join us in thanking Natasha for her hard work and contributions to our community!
Grand Teton
National Park
With over 700 miles of trails in Glacier providing outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips, there’s something for everyone.
A Brief History of Christmas
Christmas, celebrated on December 25, is one of the world’s most beloved holidays, marked by both religious and secular traditions. The origins of Christmas date back to the early Christian church, which chose this date to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Though the exact birthdate of Jesus is not known, December 25th was selected in part because it coincided with ancient winter solstice festivals, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Norse Yule, which celebrated the return of the sun after the longest night of the year.
In the early centuries of Christianity, Christmas was a relatively simple religious observance, but by the Middle Ages, it became a grander celebration. The feast was marked by joyous gatherings, music, and the sharing of food. In the 19th century, Christmas traditions such as decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and the figure of Santa Claus (based on Saint Nicholas) became more widespread, particularly in Western cultures.
Today, Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world, blending both religious and cultural customs. For many, it remains a time for family, kindness, and reflection, while for others it’s a season of giving and joy.
Glacier
National Park
The iconic symbol of Glacier National Park is the mountain goat. This young goat is just learning to scamper around the rocky cliffs in the park.
Fighting the Winter Blues: Tips for Beating the Post-Time Change Slump
As the clocks fall back and we adjust to the shorter days, many people experience the “winter blues.” With the end of Daylight Saving Time, it’s common to feel a dip in energy levels, mood, and motivation. While the winter months bring cozy vibes and holiday cheer, the shift in daylight can lead to a decrease in sunlight, which affects our circadian rhythms, sometimes making us feel a little more sluggish or down than usual.
But don’t worry—there are simple steps you can take to combat the winter blues and boost your mood as we settle into the colder months. Here are a few tips to help you stay upbeat, healthy, and energized after the time change:
1. Embrace the Light
One of the easiest and most effective ways to fight the winter blues is by maximizing your exposure to natural light. With fewer hours of sunlight each day, try to take advantage of daylight during your lunch break or morning walk. If natural light is limited, consider using light therapy lamps, which mimic sunlight and can help regulate your mood and energy levels.
2. Stay Active
It’s easy to feel like curling up on the couch as the weather cools down, but staying active is key to lifting your spirits. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to release endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference in how you feel.
3. Maintain a Routine
With the days getting shorter, it’s easy for your sleep schedule to get off track. Try to maintain a regular routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. A consistent schedule will help stabilize your internal clock, making it easier to adjust to the time change and avoid feelings of fatigue or sluggishness.
4. Stay Social
Spending time with friends and family can be a great way to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. Even though it may be tempting to hibernate indoors, make plans to meet up with loved ones, whether for a warm cup of tea or a cozy movie night. Socializing can boost your mood and make the winter months feel a little warmer.
5. Cozy Up with a Good Book or Hobby
As the nights get longer, take advantage of the extra time indoors to immerse yourself in a good book, take up a new hobby, or rediscover an old one. Whether it’s knitting, reading, or trying out new recipes, engaging in activities you enjoy can help keep your mind active and combat seasonal sadness.
6. Focus on Nutrition
The foods you eat have a direct impact on your energy levels and overall well-being. During the winter months, it’s easy to indulge in comfort foods, but be mindful of balancing them with fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D helps boost mood and energy, so be sure to get plenty of it to combat the lack of sunlight.
Glacier
National Park
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture.
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Recipe Spotlight:
Butter Toffee
Ingredients:
2 cups unblanched whole almonds
11 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. In a shallow baking pan, toast almonds until golden brown, 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool. Pulse chocolate in a food processor until finely ground (do not overprocess); transfer to a bowl. Pulse almonds in food processor until coarsely chopped. Sprinkle 1 cup almonds over bottom of a greased 15x10x1-in. pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate. In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 290° (soft-crack stage), stirring occasionally. Immediately pour mixture over almonds and chocolate in pan. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate and almonds. Refrigerate until set; break into pieces.
Nutrition Facts
1 ounce: 177 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Resident of the Month
Mildred Leopard
We are delighted to honor Mildred as our December Resident of the Month! A lifelong resident of Travelers Rest, SC, Mildred’s roots run deep in our community. She grew up in the area and proudly graduated as part of the first class of Blue Ridge High School when the school opened.
After graduation, Mildred spent 15 years working at ABV Finance Company in Travelers Rest, where she was known for her dedication and hard work. Alongside her career, Mildred embraced the role of a homemaker with joy. She loved hosting family gatherings and parties, where her warmth and hospitality made every event special. Above all, Christmas holds a special place in her heart, as it’s her favorite time of year! The holidays bring back cherished memories of time spent with loved ones.
Mildred is the proud mother of three children—two daughters, Shelba Jean and Deborah Anne, and one son, Charles Jr. (also known as Chuck). Her family has always been the center of her world, and she cherishes the memories they’ve created together.
Mildred is an adored resident here at Spring Park. She enjoys spending time with her family whenever she can, and she still loves to shop, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her presence brightens the community, as she always greets others with a smile and a kind word. Mildred’s warmth and graciousness have made her not only a beloved family member, but also a cherished friend to many. We are truly grateful to have Mildred as part of our Spring Park family.
Congratulations, Mildred– thank you for being such an inspiring and cherished member of our community!
Collaborators
Lisa Hawkins
