Holiday Gift Guide #2 2018

The Ultimate

Holiday December 6, 2018

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2 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

How to make the holiday season

more eco-friendly With so much to do, it can be easy for people celebrat-

ing the holiday season to forget about the environment. But no matter how hectic the holiday season can be, there are always some simple opportunities to make it more ecofriendly.

• Create an eco-friendly party theme. Many holiday parties have themes. For example, “ugly sweater parties” have become so popular that many clothing manufacturers now intentionally produce colorful sweaters that might otherwise draw the ire of fashionistas. Hosts planning to throw an ugly sweater party can easily transform such festivities into something more eco-friendly by encouraging guests to purchase their sweaters from thrift stores.

A Christmas tree planting party is another eco-friendly party theme that can benefit the planet and revitalize local forests at a time of year when they might be depleted due to the demand for natural Christmas trees.

• Serve locally sourced foods. Food is often front and center during the holiday season. Whether hosting family and friends at home, dining out or catering an office party, patronize businesses that sell only locally sourced foods.

Locally sourced foods are much more eco-friendly than

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foods that must be shipped from afar before they land on your dinner table, and such foods tend to taste fresh as well. If serving at home, use reusable dishware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic utensils.

• Reuse decorations year after year. Decorations need not be discarded once the holiday season ends. Come the new year, inspect holiday decorations and store those that made it through the season unscathed. Doing so benefits the planet and will save you the trouble of shopping for new decorations next holiday season.

• Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995? Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

An eco-friendly holiday season is easier to realize than many holiday celebrants may know.

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The Holidays

at Alberta Bair Theater Alberta Bair Theater has been a gathering place where family and friends have shared the excitement of the performing arts for more than 30 years. This holiday season is no exception.

From Warren Miller's 69th winter sports film Face of Winter on Friday, December 7, to 'Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas on December 14, ABT has something for everyone.

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Celebrate the holidays 60's Style on Saturday, December 8 with The Midtown Men, four stars from the original cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys. Join Tony-Awarded Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award Nominee J. Robert Spencer who shared the stage for more than a thousand performances and are featured on the show's triumphant Grammy awarded soundtrack as they perform holiday favorites and the best of the 1960s, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons and Motown greats.

And if you're searching for the perfect Christmas gift or a way of saying "Thanks for All You Do!", an ABT gift certificate equals cash in the box office and can be redeemed for any show ticketed

by Alberta Bair Theater. Take a look at AlbertaBairTheater.org to see upcoming shows or give the box office a call at (406) 2566052. The ABT Box Office is located at 2801 Third Ave N in Downtown Billings and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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4 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

Go nuts for this cool-weather treat

Many nuts get plenty of fanfare, from the almond to the walnut to the peanut — which isn’t even a nut at all! However, without the familiar holiday tune “The Christmas Song,” many folks may not even know about a relatively obscure nut that tends to only turn up around the holiday season.

When Nat King Cole sings “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” he’s referring to the starchy, sweet and flavorful chestnut, which is an edible nut from a tree native to the northern hemisphere.

Chestnuts belong to the beech or Fagaceae family of trees, which are native to the mountainous forests of China, Japan, Europe, and North America. Chestnuts were once staples of North American diets because they could be found quite readily along the Eastern seaboard, where many early settlers first landed their ships. Chestnuts were once were the most popular ingredient in 18th and 19th cuisine and became widely linked to Christmas dinner.

Early American chestnuts were small and flavorful and were abundant in late fall. Chestnuts once had a sweet flavor when eaten raw. However, they took on a nutty essence when roasted. Chestnut street vendors could be found sending off wafting aromas of inviting chestnuts from corner to corner. Unfortunately, a chestnut tree blight in the early 20th century decimated nearly all American Chestnut trees, leading to the demise of the domestic chestnut industry — and perhaps contributing to a declining interest in chestnuts with winter meals.

Today, most chestnuts are imported from Korea, China and Italy. The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center reports that American chestnut production is less than 1 percent of total world production. The United States has 919 farms producing chestnuts on more than 3,700 acres. There may be hope for reviving interest in chestnuts as new research is trying to prevent the Asian blight that wiped out trees long ago.

Chestnuts traditionally pop up in stores during the holiday season. Unlike other nuts and seeds, they are relatively low in calories or fats, but are a rich source of minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. They can be incorporated into many different meals and are worthy additions to a healthy diet.

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Top-selling gifts from years past Many children who grew up in the 1980s hoped to find a wrapped Cabbage Patch Doll under the tree on Christmas morning, and many parents went to great lengths to procure such dolls for their children.

Cabbage Patch Dolls are just one example of a toy creating a shopping frenzy. Over the years, many toys have become the must-have presents of their times. The following is a history of some of the more popular gifts from bygone years.

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1986: Introduced the previous year, Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic bear that would tell stories from a cassette tape inserted in his back.

1990: Were you a fan of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, or Raphael? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were named after Renaissance artists, but they were just pizza-eating teenage heroes at the start of the 1990s. Kids obsessed over these action figures and the animated series that featured them.

1992: Barbie has always been a popular holiday gift, but her reinvented Barbie Dream House was something girls were clamoring for in the early 1990s. Barbie’s trendsetting home featured a ringing telephone, a working doorbell and a fireplace that lit up.

1993: The Talkboy was a portable audio cassette player and recorder made popular by the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

1995: Beanie Babies were a popular line of collectibles that enjoyed their heyday in 1995. Rare Beanie Babies would later be worth hundreds of dollars.

1997: Tamagotchi made its appearance and became a premiere virtual “pet.” Industry insiders estimate that, at the height of its popularity, 15 Tamagotchis sold every minute across North America.

1998: Building on the Tamagotchi success, Furbies were poised to become a hit as well. And they did, as 27 million Furbies were sold in 1998 alone.

Pokémon cards, Razor Scooters, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and many other gifts have reigned supreme during the holiday shopping season. Last year L.O.L. Surprise Dolls were the sleeper hit, and who is to say which gift will capture the hearts of kids this year?

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1984: Transformers were a must-have present in 1984. Originally produced by a Japanese toy company, Transformers were eventually produced by Hasbro and became so popular they were a toy that spawned an animated series (not the series leading to the toy) and later block-buster live-action movies.

1985: Just about every child, and maybe even adult, wanted a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas in the 1980s.

The system ushered in a new era of gaming, and helped make Super Mario Bros. a household name. NES continued its success for several years, selling seven million systems during the 1988 holiday season.

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6 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

Christmas trees brighten the season Decked out in tinsel, lights, ornaments, and garland, Christmas trees are enduring symbols of the holiday season that boast a rich history.

Evergreen trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, and eventually became associated with Christianity. Plants and trees that remained green all year held special meaning to ancient peoples, and were purported to keep away illness and evil spirits.

Germans were credited with tying evergreen trees to Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, is believed to have first added lighted candles to these trees after he was inspired by twinkling stars in the night sky.

While early Americans found Christmas trees an oddity, the tradition, brought over by German settlers, eventually caught on.

Today, between 25 and 30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, states the National Christmas Tree Association. Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada.

The following is a look at some popular tree varieties.

Living Christmas trees

Living Christmas tree, which refers to those with their roots still intact, are popular among eco-conscious holiday enthusiasts.

That’s because living trees can be promptly planted after they’ve served their purpose indoors.

Opt for a moderately sized tree, as root balls on larger trees can be heavy and difficult to move. Living trees can typically be kept indoors for around seven to 10 days before they will need to be returned outside. Move such trees to a sheltered outdoor area for one to two weeks so they can reacclimate to the climate. So long as the ground is not frozen, trees can then be planted when the reacclimation period ends. Better Homes and Gardens suggests selecting a mild day to plant the tree.

Fraser fir

Fraser fir trees are typically uniformly pyramid-shaped trees that have strong branches that turn slightly upward. These trees have good needle retention and a dark, blue-green hue. Many people feel these trees have a pleasant scent. Because they are such a quintessential Christmas tree, Fraser fir, as well as their close cousin, Balsam fir, tend to be more expensive than others.

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One of the advantages of Scotch pine trees is their needle retention. Experts say Scotch pine needles will not drop off even if the tree is dry. Scotch pine is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers, and it’s known for dark green foliage and sturdy, stiff branches. The Scotch pine is one of the most popular Christmas trees today.

White spruce

As a Christmas tree, the white spruce is known for excellent foliage color, short stiff needles and good needle retention. The blue-green color is pleasant, but when needles are crushed, the tree doesn’t produce a favorable evergreen aroma. White spruce trees keeps their needles longer than other spruces.

With proper care, any variety of Christmas tree can look beautiful throughout the holiday season.

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Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Music Lovers (StatePoint) Shopping for some music lovers this holiday season? Here are some great gift ideas to help your favorite musicians play and compose music.

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Assist both aspiring and accomplished songwriters in their efforts with music composition tools. You can choose to go analog or digital, depending on the style of your gift recipient. For traditionalists, consider a beautiful leather-bound music composition book. For a modern music maker, consider composition software that assists in the creation and sharing of music notation.

Instruments

For both beginner or seasoned musicians, consider the gift of a portable keyboard to help hone their skills at home or on-the-go. Wherever your gift recipients are on their musical journey, and no matter what budget you have to work with, you shouldn’t have to compromise on sound quality. For instance, for a modest sum, you can gift the CT-X700 from Casio, which features the AiX Sound Source, 600 life-like instrument tones, hundreds of built-in rhythms and effects for a full band sound, and a lesson system that displays proper fingering and notation. A six-track recorder allows musicians to capture their inspiration, a great feature for songwriters.

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Know someone in a band? A soundproofed rehearsal space can be a dream come true for musicians (and their neighbors). Gift your recipient a rehearsal space rental.

Whether you pay for one session or several months’ worth of rehearsal time, this is a thoughtful way to support a musician’s efforts.

By gifting the instruments, tools and space needed to learn, write and practice music, you can show a musician you care this holiday season.

8 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

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Stay safe when stringing holiday lights Lighting displays are one of the many things that help make the holiday season a special time of year. Often awe-inspiring, holiday lighting displays present a perfect opportunity for communities and individuals to showcase their festive sides.

Safety should always be a priority when stringing holiday lights both inside and outside a home. The National Fire Protection Association notes that, between 2009 and 2014, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 210 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Lighting displays strung on home exteriors also can pose safety risks if homeowners do not exercise caution. Fortunately, various strategies can help homeowners safely decorate their homes’ interiors and exteriors this holiday season.

• Choose a fresh tree. The NFPA recommends celebrants who prefer natural Christmas trees choose ones with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire than freshly cut trees. Adding water to the tree stand each day will keep trees fresher longer. When placing the tree, avoid placing it too close to heat sources, making sure it is at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.

• Check all lights before stringing them. All lights, including those going on trees inside a home and those being strung outside, should be inspected prior to being strung. Look for any worn or broken cords and replace any defected lights.

• Employ the buddy system. When stringing lights, always work with at least one other person. This makes it safe for homeowners who must climb ladders to string lights on especially tall trees and/or on their home exteriors.

• Avoid working in inclement weather. The weather during the holiday season can sometimes be unpleasant or unpredictable.

Check the forecast before stringing exterior lights to ensure Mother Nature won’t pose a threat. Avoid hanging lights if the forecast predicts wet, icy or windy conditions that can make ladders unstable.

• Turn lights off when going to bed and/or leaving the house. Interior and exterior holiday lights should not be left on when no one is home or everyone inside is sleeping. If left on overnight or when no one is home, lights may contribute to fires that damage homes and may even prove fatal.

Holiday lighting displays help make this time of year special.

Following some simple safety procedures when decorating with lights can ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.

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10 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

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8 best things to buy in December & January Oh the weather outside is frightful. Rather than succumb to cabin fever, people can use the winter months as the perfect time to visit area stores and score a few deals.

Savvy shoppers understand that key items go on sale at specific points throughout the year. Learning how to shop the sales can lead to considerable savings.

December

1

Toys: Toys are perhaps the best items to purchase in December. Apart from Christmas gifts, it is a good time of year to stock up on toys children have coveted, which can be put away for birthday presents or other occasions.

Retailers tend to lower toy prices as Christmas approaches.

2

Holiday decor: Decorative holiday items also tend to be heavily discounted in December. Stores slash prices on ornaments, gift wrap, artificial trees, holiday-themed baking items, and much, much more. If it has a passing connection to the holidays, chances are stores will cut prices by 50 percent or more once Christmas is over.

3

Televisions: It’s possible to find discounted TVs even after the Black Friday sales have come and gone. Keep eyes trained on the circulars and jump when sales are advertised, as inventory may be limited.

4

Bubbly: Competition in the market will help drive down the cost of champagne and other sparkling wines. According to the wine resource GuildSomm, 22 percent of all champagne sales are run during the month of December.

January

5

Winter apparel: As the winter progresses, the amount of clothing stock in stores starts to dwindle to free up room for a new season’s worth of attire. Starting in late December and continuing into the latter half of January, retailers are eager to liquidate their stock of scarves, sweaters, boots, and winter coats. This is a prime time to replenish wardrobes.

6

Linens: “White sales” are traditionally in January, with home goods retailers running discounts all month long.

These sales generally encompass towels, bed sheets, curtains, and other linens.

7

Fitness items: January is the ideal time to purchase a new gym membership or fitness equipment since these purchases tie into New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Gyms may waive extra fees or offer discounted rates.

8

Travel and entertainment: Most people return home after the holidays, and that can generate a slow travel season afterward. The travel industry attracts new customers with discounted hotel rates and other deals. Tickets to Broadway shows and other theaters also may be discounted to encourage people to leave the house.

December and January are great times to grab steep deals on an array of products.

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Steps to save energy this winter Conserving energy is not just an eco-friendly endeavor, but a potentially lucrative one as well. Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike who attempt to conserve energy may do so to promote the long-term health of the planet, but such efforts also greatly reduce energy bills.

Thanks to air conditioning systems, energy bills might spike in summer. But winter utility bills also can be costly, especially in homes that have not been winterized or audited to ensure energy is not being wasted. Winterizing a home involves taking steps to conserve resources and save a little money along the way.

Windows

A home’s windows can be a great place to start when winterizing a home. If the residents of a home feel cold when sitting near certain windows even though the windows are closed, the windows likely have drafts. Feel around the edges of the window and frame to determine if any cold air is coming in. If so, seal the leaks immediately. Unsealed leaks can make air inside homes cold, prompting many to turn up the temperatures on their thermostats, which can lead to the unnecessary consumption of energy and contribute to high energy bills.

Air conditioners

Homeowners who cool their homes with window air conditioning units may benefit by removing these units from windows before the arrival of winter. Window units left in windows may be allowing cold air into a home, leading to more energy consumption and higher energy bills. If removing the units is too difficult or impossible, purchase window unit covers that can be wrapped around the outside of the unit to prevent cold air from entering the home.

Water heater

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating water accounts for roughly 18 percent of the energy consumed in a typical home. The DOE recommends setting water heater temperatures to 120 F. Doing so will save energy and money while still providing plenty of warm water when residents need to bathe.

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Homeowners who have fireplaces in their homes should make sure dampers are closed whenever fires are not burning. Open dampers are akin to open windows, allowing plenty of cold air to enter a home. The DOE recommends opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox when using the fireplace. Doing so can reduce heat loss and allow homeowners to lower their thermostats while the fireplace is being used.

Homeowners who take steps to conserve energy in winter can save money while protecting the planet.

12 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

Get gifts there on time Thanks to families being more spread out than ever before, today’s holiday shoppers must figure out ways to get holiday gifts to their destination on time. The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year for many delivery services. The following tips should help shoppers ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive on time.

• Ship directly. Adobe Analytics reported that online shopping hit a record high of $108.2 billion in the 2017 holiday shopping season, and all indicators suggest online shopping will only increase in the years to come. Holiday shoppers who want to ensure their loved ones will receive their gifts on time can rely on online shopping. When checking out, have gifts shipped directly to loved ones’ homes. Many online retailers will even wrap gifts for a nominal fee.

• Research shipping options. In 2018, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. Shoppers who plan to rely on two-day or overnight shipping should keep that in mind. Some delivery services may be open throughout the weekend before Christmas, while others may only be open on Saturday.

Last-minute shoppers, whether they’re shopping online or in-person, should confirm their shipping options well in advance of Christmas. Because Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, getting gifts to their destination on time may require shoppers to purchase and ship them earlier than they otherwise might.

• Purchase package insurance. Consumer Reports notes that UPS and FedEx shipments automatically come with declared-value coverage of up to $100. (Note: Declared value is the carrier’s maximum liability.) Purchasing additional insurance can ease shoppers’ concerns about lost or stolen packages. Just be sure to keep all invoices and receipts in case claims must be filed. Shoppers also should ask for tracking numbers on all packages so they can confirm when packages are delivered.

• Properly secure the package. Many delivery services now have off-site drop-off boxes that can make it easy to send gifts. This is a convenient service, but shoppers who use them won’t be able to have a company employee provide in-person confirmation that their packages are secured to company standards. Poorly packaged items may never be shipped. Visit the shipping company’s website for packaging guidelines, and include a business card and duplicate label inside the package just in case it is damaged after being dropped off.

Poinsettias

Christmas trees, Santa Claus, menorahs, and glittering lighting displays are just a few of the many prominent symbols of the holiday season. And while mistletoe might garner more attention and inspire more displays of affection, poinsettias are another prominent sign that the holiday season has arrived.

Thanks to its bright red and green colors, the poinsettia is perhaps the ideal holiday plant. But as much as it suits holiday decor and seems tailor-made for that special time of year between Thanksgiving and the first of January, the poinsettia has a reputation that few plants would want.

First discovered in Mexico and brought to the United States by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the poinsettia has long been rumored to be poisonous.

However, the National Capital Poison Center notes that poinsettias are not deadly. In fact, the NCPC notes that the rumor that poinsettias are deadly may have been around for more than a century, tracing its origins all the way back to a child who was found dead lying next to a poinsettia plant. The plant was blamed for the child’s death, and even though that blame was misplaced, the stigma stuck. WebMD notes that others trace the false rumors surrounding poinsettias to 1919, when parents blamed the death of their daughter, who they thought had eaten poinsettia leaves, on this ubiquitous holiday plant.

Even today, when researchers have long since proven that poinsettias are not deadly, many people still believe they can be fatal if consumed.

The NCPC notes that, in most cases, exposure to any part of a poinsettia plant in children or pets has little, if any, effect. However, if the plant is swallowed, some people and pets may experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some who touch the plant may develop a rash after contact.

While poinsettias are not deadly, the NCPC still advises those who plant to include the plant in their holiday decor to take every measure necessary to prevent children and pets from swallowing it. Placing poinsettias beyond the reach of kids and pets is one simple way to accomplish just that.

Poinsettias are seemingly everywhere come the holiday season. And because they’re not fatal, celebrants can continue to display these beautiful plants that call to mind the colors of the holiday season.

A publication of the Billings Area News Group - 13

Pets and holiday gifting

Furry, finned and feathered friends help make a house a home.

These companions are more than just pets; they’re often cherished family members. So it should come as no surprise that, come the holidays, people want to lavish extra attention on their animals by way of presents.

The American Pet Products Association says pet owners spend billions of dollars on their pets each year. The majority of pet owners plan to gift their pets on holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas. DogTime.com says that pet presents are not a North American phenomenon, either. Pet owners in the United Kingdom are expected to spend the equivalent of $46 U.S. per pet on gifts.

While dog owners are more likely to buy their pets gifts, cat owners have been closing that gap over the years. Some pet parents even offer Christmas cards or hang Christmas stockings for their pets.

According to data from PricewaterhouseCoopers, shoppers between the ages of 17 and 21 are willing to spend more than anyone else ($70) on holiday gifts for their pets.

Gifting pets has become the norm, but various animal welfare organizations advise that giving companion animals as pets should be avoided. Pets given as gifts may be at a higher risk for surrender to shelters by families who miscalculated the amount of time and money that’s necessary to care for pets. Welcoming a pet into the family is often a personal decision, and one that should be weighed carefully by all members of the household.

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Gingerbread goodness Gingerbread is a broad term that can describe anything from a firm and crispy cookie to a moist, soft cake. Traditionally, gingerbread is seasoned with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and other aromatic spices. Molasses and brown sugar counteract the spice with sweetness. North Americans have been baking gingerbread in various shapes or forms for more than 200 years, and the recipes even pre-date the American revolution. However, gingerbread dates back even further to the Shakespearean era, with The Bard having mentioned it in one of his plays. Gingerbread’s name can be trace to medieval England and once referred to any kind of preserved ginger. The term went on to reference ginger-flavored cakes in the 15th century, and gingerbread eventually became popular throughout the world. Even though gingerbread cakes and cookies have been made for centuries, Germans are often credited with creating gingerbread houses, according to Smithsonian. They were probably modeled after the witch’s candy cottage in the German fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.” Even though gingerbread can be made any time of year, it is particularly associated with the Christmas season, with gingerbread men and other fanciful shapes turning up on cookie platters.

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14 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

Gifting those who live far away People move away for many reasons, including access to better jobs, a lower cost of living, mandatory job relocation, or to attend school. Some people enjoy seeing the world and make frequent travel part of their lifestyles.

Distant friends and family members may be out of sight but certainly not out of mind come the holidays. Even though not everyone can get together for Christmas dinner or to light the Chanukah menorah, there are ways to show those special people across the country — or around the world — just how much they are appreciated.

Although video chatting, texting and email can make it easier to stay in touch, distance can make sharing the holidays and gifts a bit more challenging. However, these gifting ideas and tips can make easy work out of sending holiday cheer across the globe.

Food

Food can be a one-size-fits all gift. Exploring the offerings of food gifts, one will quickly find there are all types of options. If a recipient is living overseas or on the opposite side of the country, gift a favorite local food from his or her hometown. Cookie or fruit bouquets can be shipped and are universally enjoyed gifts.

Treat towers, popcorn, cheeses, and much more are available for holiday giving.

Consider size

Large, heavy items will cost more to ship. Therefore, small gifts may be more practical. Consult with the post office or a preferred shipping provider about their pricing. Otherwise, consider shipping directly to a loved one’s house. Online retailers usually give shoppers a choice of shipping address, and free or low-cost shipping may be included.

Leave ample time for delivery

The holiday season is a busy time of year for the shipping industry. While shipping companies try their best to get items to recipients in a timely manner, delays can occur. The best way to ensure that gifts arrive on time is to send them a week or two in advance, which also saves gift-givers from having to pay extra for rush shipping. The US Postal Service says international deliveries can take between seven and 21 days to arrive, so leave more time for overseas gifts.

Try a subscription service

Subscription services, such as beauty boxes, recipe boxes and meal kits, can be a great way to keep the gifts arriving long after the holidays have come and gone.

Avoid breakables

Stick to gifts that will ship well; otherwise, you may have to spend extra time and money wrapping and insuring items. Clothing gifts, blankets, stuffed animals, books, and other durable gifts can be shipped with ease and peace of mind.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Gifting loved ones who live far away requires a little extra effort. But that extra effort will show friends and family members just how much they’re loved.

The benefits of LED holiday lights

A publication of the Billings Area News Group - 15

Choosing Holiday Gifts for Your Co-Workers (StatePoint) Looking for that special holiday present for your employees or your team? Instead of regifting that impenetrable fruit cake, try giving gifts based on individual working styles.

Many people put significant effort into their holiday lights. When a bulb goes out, all that effort can seem like it was for naught. Replacing a single bulb or multiple bulbs can be a lot of work. Fortunately, LED holiday lights provide a more user- and eco-friendly alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the following are some of the attributes that make LED holiday lights a superior alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Safety: LED lights burn a lot cooler than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion. And because they burn cool, they also reduce the risk of burnt fingers, which may make them more appealing to parents of curious youngsters and people who will be hosting family and friends during the holiday season.

• Sturdiness: Because they’re made with epoxy lenses and not glass like traditional incandescent bulbs, LED holiday lights are less likely to break. That can be especially beneficial to people with pets who might bump into the family Christmas tree.

• Longevity: LED lights are initially more expensive than more traditional lights. However, the OEERE notes that lights bought today may still be in use 40 holiday seasons from now. That longevity makes them well worth the higher initial investment.

• Ease of installation: LED lights are easily installed, and the OEERE says as many as 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

That can ease the nerves of homeowners concerned about the potential hazards of elaborate holiday lighting displays.

• Energy savings: LED lights consume considerably less energy than incandescent lights, saving homeowners money on their energy bills, which can skyrocket in December thanks to interior and exterior holiday lighting displays using incandescent lights. In fact, the OEERE estimates that, by 2027, widespread use of LED lights could save consumers more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.

“By observing how individuals prefer to work, you can find inspiration for gifts that complement their ‘Business Chemistry,’” suggests Suzanne Vickberg, Ph.D., and research lead for Deloitte’s Business Chemistry, and co-author of the new book, “Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Here are the different types you’re likely working with and some gift options that might appeal to them: • Pioneers are adventurous, energetic and imaginative.

They likely cherish creative or out-of-the-box gifts. For this employee, think memorable concerts or performances, improvisation classes or unique experiences like a bull-riding class.

• Guardians are practical and reserved, and they care about the details. They may discourage you from making too much of a fuss. So, shop for gifts that allow them to relax and enjoy their time off during the season’s festivities.

Noise-cancelling headphones, a monthly book subscription, or a coffee shop gift card could be a hit.

• Drivers are logical, competitive and curious. They like to set goals and track their progress, so they might value wearable technology or other gadgets that help them jump-start their 2019 ambitions. They also like a challenge, so mindbender, strategy or construction games might appeal to them as well.

• Integrators are empathic and relationship-oriented, and they love bringing people together. They may particularly cherish gifts that help brighten their social gatherings and the memories that go along with them. Delight this coworker with an interesting food basket, or a gift certificate for a custom photobook. Or, consider a gift that brings them enjoyment through helping others, such as a charitable donation in their name.

More tips about using “Business Chemistry” to guide interactions with employees and teams are available in the new book, “Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Of course, no gift-giving strategy is foolproof, but reflecting on individual working styles may help you avoid giftgiving pitfalls this holiday season and help keep the peace around the office.

16 - Holiday Gift Guide #2 - December 6, 2018

Because Safety Is Key,

PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

“Key” Strategies For A Safe Holiday Season.

Plan an alcohol-free celebration – Host a fondue or “make your own” ice cream sundae party as a fresh alternative. Add some fun party games to keep guests entertained without drinking!

Check your keys with the host – This is an effective strategy for giving the host some control over inebriated guests.

Keep the number of a taxi company handy – A good tip for both party guests and hosts alike.

Offer to drive a guest home – Start the New Year off right by performing a good deed and help keep drunk drivers off the road.

Appoint a designated driver – Use the buddy system and you can return the favor next time.

Provide lots of snacks to party guests – Drinking on an emptystomach rapidly increases the potentially destabilizing effects of alcohol.

Post transportation info on party invites – Include information for public transportation, carpools and taxi company phone numbers.

Don’t let a friend drive drunk – Take the car keys away or use one of the strategies above to see your friends safely home.

I

t probably comes as no surprise that more traffic fatalities due to drunk driving occur around the holidays than any other time of year. Of course, drivers should never drink and drive. With your safety in mind, these community sponsors urge you to review these important tips for hosting or attending a safe celebration!

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