Packing Seminars
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Locations
South
#480 WillowPark Village
10816 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB T2J 5N8
(403) 777-1767
North
#165 Dalhousie Station
5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
(403) 239-7084
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Here are some fun facts you may not know about Christmas.
Memorize them.
They make good Christmas Party conversation starters.
Just try to work them into the conversation before your third eggnog!
The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.
Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.
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According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.
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The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold.
Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light as well as wealth and royalty.
According to data analyzed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular times for couples to break up.
However, Christmas Day is the least favorite day for breakups.
The world's largest Christmas stocking measured a huge 106 feet and 9 inches (32.56 m) long and 49 feet and 1 inch (14.97 m) wide.
It weighed as much as five reindeer and held almost 1,000 presents.
It was made by the Children's Society in London on December 14, 2007.
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Bolivians celebrate Misa del Gallo or "Mass of the Rooster" on Christmas Eve.
Some people bring roosters to the midnight mass, a gesture that symbolizes the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus.
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The British wear paper crowns while they eat Christmas dinner.
The crowns are stored in a tube called a "Christmas cracker.
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In Poland, spiders or spider webs are common Christmas trees decorations because according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus.
In fact, Polish people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity at Christmas.
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The poinsettia is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who called the plant Cuetlaxochitl ("flower which wilts").
For the Aztecs, the plant's brilliant red color symbolized purity, and they often used it medicinally to reduce fever.
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia is not poisonous, but holly berries are.
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Wassail is from the Old Norse ves heill, meaning "good health.
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Travel Tips
While you're relaxing this holiday season and thinking about where your next trip will be, take a look at these incredible photos and see if they give you any ideas!
Or, maybe you are one of the lucky ones that have already seen some of these places.
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Black Forest,
Germany
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Zhangye Danxia Landform,
China
Lavender Fields,
France
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Wisteria Flower Tunnel,
Japan
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Naica Crystal Mine,
Mexico
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Tulip Fields,
Netherlands
Ukraine
(I so want to go here!)
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Glow Worm Cave,
New Zealand
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Neuschwanstein Castle,
Germany
(If it looks familiar, maybe that's because this is the castle that inspired Walt Disney when he was drawing the castle that Tinkerbell flew around at the beginning of the Wonderful World of Disney Show every week.
Remember that?)
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Watch Out
For These Scams
Ah Christmas Time.
A time for peace and love and goodwill towards our fellow man.
Well, not always!
Just like the rest of the year, scammers are out in full force at Christmas too.
Here are some seasonal scams to keep an eye out for.
Charity Related Holiday Scams
Holidays are just the best time for scammers to tug on our heartstrings.
And the most likely place you'll encounter them is when they rattle a collection box in front of you either as you do your shopping or at your front door.
They may use all kinds of props to fool you, wearing seasonal costumes, dressed in familiar uniforms, wearing badges or carrying some other kind of bogus authorization.
Often too, scammers use kids to convince you they're genuine.
How to avoid it:
If you don't have time to check out how genuine the collector is, simply don't give.
If you want to help them, find the charity name and donate directly.
Look for Salvation Army and other collectors actually inside stores - they're a safer bet.
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Also watch out for:
Telephone solicitations (how can you possibly know the caller is who they say they are, and why on earth would you give them your credit card number?) and sellers at your doorstep who show you a charity catalog, take your money and never come back.
Package Theft
With more and more people shopping online this time of year, the BBB is warning people not to leave unattended packages on their doorsteps.
Thieves have been caught on home security cameras walking up to houses and swiping packages right off the doorstep.
Police believe the criminals follow delivery trucks into neighborhoods.
How to avoid it:
Require a signature for the package and if no one's going to be home, have the package held at the nearest service location so you can pick it up at your convenience.
Bogus Websites
By far the fastest-growing online holiday scam is the setting up of bogus websites offering just about everything you could want for Christmas, especially those hard to find gifts, at fantastic bargain prices.
You do a search for a gift you're planning to buy and suddenly you find it way cheaper than you had imagined.
The website sales page looks professional, often bristling with testimonials from supposedly satisfied customers and logos suggesting top-line security.
These sites are easy to set up and the number has mushroomed in the past year, hosted all over the world.
These scammers will not only take your money for something they won't send you, they could also use your credit card details to buy other stuff for themselves and your personal details for identity theft.
How to avoid it:
Don't trust a site or name you don't know - check them out.
Don't fall for prices that are too good to be true - they usually are!
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Now, I don't know if this video is a real "caught in the act", a re-creation, or even a hoax - but I do know it's a reminder to be careful out there!
Also, it's a great reminder that no matter how bad you think your day is - someone else's can always be worse.
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The Pipestone Patter
December 2018
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Welcome Back Loyal Readers!
Welcome back everyone. Thank you for taking the time to look at our newsletter once again.
It's that time of year again, and that means this newsletter is going to be all about Christmas!
After all, as of December 6th,  Christmas is now only 19 days away!
So grab a cookie and some hot chocolate (or what about some eggnog?) and enjoy!
And have a very Merry Christmas!
Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible Customers for your continued patronage through the years.
At Pipestone Travel Store, we always say we have the best Customers in Calgary, and we really do!
We want you to know how very much we appreciate the fact that you choose to shop in our stores, and support a locally owned small business.
We truly know just how lucky we are to have such loyal Customers - so Thank You!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
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Arcade Belts
Functional.
Lightweight.
Durable.
Arcade belts are designed from the ground up to provide amazing comfort, the best fit and the right amount of flexibility to move with you.
These belts are built to go everywhere and anywhere without ever letting you or your pants down.
Midnighter
The Midnighter Adventure belt is lightweight, low-profile and the perfect outdoor belt for all your favorite activities.
Elastic stretch webbing
 provides a superior fit and ultimate comfort.
A low-profile belt buckle micro-adjusts for one size fits most sizing (up to 40") and a perfect fit.
This adventure belt has no metal meaning easier passage through airport security.
Machine washable materials mean this belt can stay in your jeans through the wash and dry cycles.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Black
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Lightweight, low-profile and stretch make the Ranger the perfect belt for all your adventures.
A superior fit and
 ultimate comfort come from an elastic stretch webbing that is durable and strong.
This adventure belt has one size fits most (up to 40") sizing thanks to a micro-adjust belt buckle.
No metal, no worries, this belt makes airport security a breeze.
Built from machine washable materials means you can leave the belt in your pants on laundry day.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Brown, Green
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Foundation
The Foundation Adventure belt is the perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures.
It's low-profile and
 lightweight construction comes from elastic stretch webbing that provides a superior fit and ultimate comfort.
A micro-adjust belt buckle gives this Adventure belt a perfect fit and one size fits most (up to 40") sizing.
No metal means airport security becomes less of a hassle.
Machine washable and quick drying materials mean the belt can stay in your jeans through the wash and dry cycles.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Heather Black, Heather Blue
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Rambler
The Rambler Adventure belt is lightweight, low-profile and built for the outdoors.
A durable elastic
 webbing provides a superior fit and ultimate all-day comfort.
One size fits most (up to 40") sizing and a perfect fit comes from a low-profile micro-adjust buckle.
No metal means easier passage through airport security.
Leave this belt in your jeans through the wash and dry cycles thanks to machine friendly and quick drying materials.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Ivy Green/Surf
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Blackwood
The Blackwood is a lightweight, low-profile belt built for outdoor adventures.
Elastic stretch webbing
 gives you a superior fit and ultimate comfort.
A micro-adjust belt buckle gives this Adventure belt one size fits most (up to 40") sizing.
No metal means airport security becomes a breeze.
Made with machine washable materials, just leave the belt in your jeans through the wash and dry cycles.
Quick drying materials give the Blackwood added performance for all your outdoor activities.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Brown/Polar Blue, Navy/Green
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Timber
No more uncomfortable belts, the Timber is a lightweight and low-profile belt built for adventure and packed with elastic stretch webbing to give you a superior fit and ultimate comfort.
One size fits most
 (up to 40") sizing and a perfect fit come from a micro-adjust belt buckle.
No metal means airport security just became easier.
Quick drying materials give this adventure added performance for all your outdoor activities.
Machine washable materials mean you can leave the belt in your jeans through the wash and dry cycles.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Black/Heather Grey, Green/Grey
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Midnighter Slim
The Midnighter Adventure slim belt is a narrower version of our regular adventure belts.
This slimmed down
 elastic stretch webbing is paired with a minimal buckle allowing this outdoor belt to fit through narrower belt loops.
It's made with quick-drying materials so it's perfect for all your activities.
A micro-adjust buckle provides a perfect fit and one size fits most (up to 40") sizing.
No metal means this lightweight and low-profile belt is the ultimate life hack for getting through airport security.
Made from machine-washable materials means you can leave it in your pants through the wash and dry cycles.
Belt Width: 1.25"
Colour: Black
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Amura Slim
The Amura Adventure slim belt is a narrower version of our regular adventure belts.
This slimmed down
 elastic stretch webbing is paired with a minimal buckle allowing this outdoor belt to fit through narrower belt loops.
This adventure belt is made of quick-drying materials so it's perfect for all your activities.
A micro-adjust buckle provides a perfect fit and one size fits most (up to 40") sizing.
No metal means this lightweight and low-profile belt is the ultimate life hack for getting through airport security.
Made from machine-washable materials means you can leave it in your pants through the wash and dry cycles.
Belt Width: 1.25"
Colour: Dove/Cream
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Pronto Slim
The Pronto Slim Adventure belt is packed with all the great features of it's bigger brothers but in a smaller package.
This lightweight and
 low-profile belt is built with elastic stretch webbing for a superior fit and ultimate comfort.
A perfect fit and one size fits most (up to 40") comes from a micro-adjust buckle.
No metal means that airport security becomes a breeze.
A minimal buckle and a slimmed down webbing allows this adventure belt to fit through smaller belt loops.
Made from quick-drying and machine washable materials mean this tough little belt is your ultimate outdoor companion.
Belt Width: 1.25"
Colour: Cream/White
Size: One Size Fits Most
$32.00
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Don Carlos
The Don Carlos is an ultralight, low-profile adventure belt from the minds of engineers and athletes.
The Don Carlos is built
 with a featherweight microfiber elastic stretch webbing that keeps your movement quick and comfortable.
This adventure belt is built to perform at the highest level while still being your daily driver.
Machine washable materials let you leave the belt in your pants through the wash and dry cycles.
The Capture buckle not only elevates the look it also allows for a secure custom fit and one size fits most (up to 40") sizing.
No metal means the Don Carlos Adventure belt will get you through airport security much faster thus elevating this belt to your number one travel accessory.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Black/Oatmeal, Green Ivy/Oatmeal
Size: One Size Fits Most
$34.00
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Vapor
Maximum stretch and comfort make the Vapor the ultimate outdoor adventure belt.
A 4-way stretch
 webbing makes this belt ultra comfortable and strong.
This Futureweave webbing gives the Vapor a super low profile and allows for it to hold tight where you need it and flex where you want it to.
Paired with our micro-adjust buckle for a perfect fit and one size fits most (up to 40") sizing this belt is ready to take on any adventure.
It may look different but no metal means this belt still offers the same easy passage through airport security.
Belt Width: 1.5"
Colour: Black, Grey
Size: One Size Fits Most
$34.00
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Hudson
The Hudson is a clean and mean belt built for the daily grind.
A Smartweave elastic
 braid allows for all-day comfort while keeping your pants where they should be.
This same elastic braid eliminates awkwardly spaced holes and provides a custom fit.
Traditional buckles and top-grain leather trims elevate the Hudson to provide a timeless look.
Colour: Black
Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large
Colour: Ivy Green
Sizes: Large, X-Large
Colour: Navy
Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large
$38.00
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. . . and speaking of belts . . .
Many of you out there are familiar with our wonderful
Bench Craft elastic woven belts.
They come in sizes from small - 2XL, and in various colours. 
Well, if you're one of our customers who love these belts - or if you just love a great deal - you are about to be one happy camper!
Because right now, Benchcraft Belts are on sale!
That's right - these belts are on sale for a whopping
Regular prices are $34.95 - $39.95
Now, when I say "right now", that only applies to all you Newsletter readers. The actual sale will not hit the stores until Thursday, December 13.
That means because you are a loyal Newsletter reader, you get a
 jump of a whole week on everyone else!
All the best colours and sizes will be available to you first!
Of course, because it's a pre-sale opportunity, we have to have some way of letting our staff know you are a Newsletter reader.
And, you all know how much I love secret phrases!
So, after you come into the store and make your belt choice, you can tell our staff:
Ho-Ho-Hold my pants up!
Come on! That would be funny!
Okay, okay.
If you
 really don't want to say that - just tell our staff you're a loyal Newsletter reader, and they'll make sure you get your discount!
Offer is valid while supplies last, and all sales are final.
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. . . by the way everyone, here's just a reminder of our extended store hours for December
December Shopping Hours
During the month of December, our store hours are a little different than usual.
Here are the store hours for December:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
New Year's Eve: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
New Year's Day: Closed
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Tales from the Road
Have Fun. It's Not Just For Kids!
Several years ago, my Wonderful Husband and I decided to visit South America for the first time.
We were gone for six weeks.
We saw Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
Now, we had travelled to other places before - but South America was still a bit of a culture shock.
There was so much to see and do, and six weeks barely seemed long enough.
We saw Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail in Peru.
We kayaked on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.
We visited the Uros Floating Reed Islands on Lake Titicaca.
We rode a bicycle down the World's Most Dangerous Road in Bolivia (and got a T-Shirt to prove we survived it!).
We took a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands and saw sea lions and the Humboldt Penguin. (I kept thinking our guide was calling it a "Humble Penguin".
It wasn't until a few years later I found out what he was really saying. My Wonderful Husband laughed himself silly when I told him what I thought the guide was saying.)
After hours of waiting, we saw the elusive Andean Condor at the Colca Canyon in Peru.
We took plane rides, bus rides, taxi rides, and we walked.
We walked and we walked and we walked!
We saw children playing and dogs playing and children playing with dogs.
We lucked into a Cultural Dance Competition performed by school children in Nazca. The show was fantastic, and the celebration by the winning school was even better.
We took a trip in a small plane and saw the Nazca Lines.
We explored outdoor markets with hundreds of kiosks selling everything imaginable.
We even took in the Lima Witches' Market.
We were busy day in and day out. Every day was something new.
And we loved each new sight, each new food, each new experience.
In fact, we pretty much loved everything about the South America we saw.
Except for . . . the noise - and the crowds - and the beggars - and the smells - and the peddlers - and the traffic.
Now, don't get me wrong. These things on their own are fine. But sometimes it seemed like we were inundated with them all at once - for long periods of time!
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Handy Gadget
Our
2018 Holiday Gift Guide
is full of Handy Gadgets!
Man, oh man! We have so many gift ideas in the stores for you!
Unfortunately, there just isn't room to include them all in this Newsletter.
So, I have put together a stupendous Holiday Gift Guide for your perusal.
You'll find gifts for Him, gifts for Her, gifts for everyone!
There are gifts to use on the plane, gifts to use while you're on your trip, and gifts to keep you and your belongings safe during your trip.
We even have great stocking stuffer ideas under $10.00!
Really - just give it a click. You'll love what you see!
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Don't forget, Pipestone Travel Store sells Gift Certificates.
We make it nice and easy for you to present the perfect gift for that special traveller on your list!
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