WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:
Tonight: Happy Christmas Eve!
Next Week: Happy New Year's EVE!
Other NEWS: It's going to be the year 2026 when you step back on the ice!!
Even MORE NEWS: Volunteer to be the new WNW league board representative!
LAUGH OF THE WEEK:
STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:
A curler's New Year's resolution often involves improving skills (better draws, hitting guards), fitness (core strength, flexibility), equipment (new shoes, broom), sportsmanship (more positive attitude), or simply enjoying the game more, maybe even trying new strategies like "the hack attack" or focusing on fun over wins, but always with an eye on that perfect "Broomstack" photo.
Skill-Based Resolutions
- Master the Draw: Consistently hit the button or the four-foot.
- Improve Sweeping: Sweep harder, sweep smarter, and learn to read the ice better.
- Better Takeouts: Nail those difficult corner guards and runbacks.
- Learn New Shots: Master the freeze, the runback, or a tricky triple takeout.
Fitness & Equipment Resolutions
- Get Fitter: Focus on core strength for balance and stamina for those long games.
- Stretch More: Improve flexibility to get low in the hack and stay balanced.
- Upgrade Gear: Invest in better curling shoes, a lighter broom, or new gloves.
Mindset & Social Resolutions
- Stay Positive: Be a better teammate, cheer louder, and don't get discouraged by misses.
- Have More Fun: Focus on the camaraderie and the social aspect, not just winning.
- Try New Things: Join a new league, play mixed doubles, or learn a new position.
RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:
Champagne Jell-O Shots
Looking for a fun and sophisticated way to get a little tipsy? Whip up a batch of Champagne Jell-O shots for your next New Year's Eve party. These elegant treats are a classy twist on the traditional Jell-O shot, and are perfect for any festive occasion—not just college parties. Made with Champagne, lemonade, vodka, and powdered gelatin, they offer a delightful high-low pairing, much like serving caviar with potato chips. Grab your favorite bottle of bubbly, and let’s get jiggly with it!
Top tips:
- Taste the Champagne mixture before pouring it into the mold. If the Champagne you’re using is on the drier side, you may want to whisk in more sugar. If you have a sweeter Champagne, leave the sugar out until the end and taste before adding it back.
- If vodka isn’t your spirit of choice, swap it with gin or light rum. If you don't want to add vodka, simply skip it and substitute with more lemonade or Champagne.
- If you're having a hard time unmolding the shots, fill a large pan with warm water and dip the pan into the water for about 15 seconds. This should help loosen the Jell-O, making it easier to flip out.
- Don’t feel like going through the hassle of unmolding? Make individual servings using mini Champagne flutes or plastic shot glasses instead.
Storage:
These are the perfect bites to make ahead, but you can also store them if you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt it). The shots can be made 5 days ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups lemonade
- 1/4 cup (50 g.) granulated sugar
- 4 1/4 oz. packets unflavored powdered gelatin
- 2 cups Champagne
- 1/4 cup vodka
- Festive sprinkles or sanding sugar, for topping
Directions
- Grease an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk lemonade and sugar until mostly dissolved, then let cool. Sprinkle gelatin over, making sure to disperse evenly over the surface. Let sit until gelatin blooms and hydrates, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is liquidy, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Champagne and vodka.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
- Run a knife along edges of pan, then place a parchment-lined cutting board over pan. Invert pan to release Jell-O. Cut into squares and top with sprinkles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
GAMES, BOOKS, MOVIES & SHOWS:
For your New Year's Eve fun!
Name that Celebrity
Supplies: Index cards with names of celebrities who were in the news a lot
How to Play:
Write down a list of celebrities who were in the news a lot during the year. If you’re stuck, check out these New Year’s Eve trivia games and just grab the names from each of the games.
Player must put that celebrity’s name on their forehead like the game Heads Up
Player must guess five celebrities correctly in the minute or whoever can get the most correct in a minute.