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December 14, 2011 • www.brainerddispatch.com
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2011 Gifts & Traditions
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2 Home for the Holidays
8 Ways
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Brainerd dispatch
to create new holiday traditions Much of what makes the holiday season so special is the traditions that people hold dear. While families have traditions that stretch back decades, there is plenty of opportunity to embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into Christmas, Chanukkah or the seasonÕ s other holidays.
Chances are youÕr e already hanging stockings or going caroling this year. You can add some of these and modify as they fit for your family. 1. Feed the Wildlife During the cold days of winter, birds and small animals that don’t hibernate may find it difficult to forage for food. By trimming an outdoor pine tree in edible snacks youÕl l have a beautiful tree and one that benefits the wildlife as well. String peanuts and other nuts for the squirrels. Make little ornaments out of suet and string for the birds. Berries and corn can be enjoyed by all. Be sure to choose a tree that is far enough away from the home, so you donÕ t have too many scavengers hunting and pecking around the house. 2. create a photo advent calendar Make your own Advent calendar that has small doors that open up to photos of different family members. Or use a collection of childrenÕ s pictures that show-
Holiday traditions are fun. This year it may be time to begin some new ones to add even more enjoyment.
Brainerd dispatch
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
of these workers do not get off for the holidays. There are a certain number of public servants who 3. Òad optÓ a child for holiday Gifts must remain on call in the event of an Each year you can bring a smile to a child in need by emergency. Treat these people to purchasing a present for an underprivileged kid. Some something enjoyable when they may be post offices sponsor “Letters from Santa” events missing their own festivities. Cook where participants can respond to one of the thouor cater a meal for a fire house, sands of letters mailed to The North Pole. Or work deliver cookies to the police station with a local charity that organizes events to bring gifts or put together care packages for to children in hospitals or in foster care. people living on a military base. 4. holiday story countdown 8. Banish the holiday Blues Every night in December watch a movie or read a When the holidays are set to story that tells an uplifting holiday tale. Use this as go for another year, many a method of counting down until Christmas. On the people find they become a night prior, reading “’Twas the Night Before Christlittle down. After all, a home mas” should suffice. that was once filled with merry trinkets may now go 5. remember someone Who has passed on back to the bare essentials. The holiday season is one made beautiful by lit Create a tradition where candles and twinkling lights. Remember a loved one everyone in the family or a friend who has passed away by lighting a rereceives one more gift -- a membrance candle in his or her honor. ItÕ s a way this personalized ornament that person can still be part of the festivities. can be packed away for use 6. have a holiday sing-a-long next year -- thatÕ s given in Sure it may be tradition to go around the neighborJanuary before the hood singing carols, but itÕ s just as fun indoors. Have decorations are packed away. a singing party where guests are given lyrics to popuItÕ s another opportunity to open lar tunes they can sing around the piano or karaoke a present, and it symbolizes machine. looking forward to the joy of 7. Bring some Joy to a public servant next year. Police officers, firefighters, military personnel ... many case how theyÕve changed as theyÕve grown older.
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4 Home for the Holidays
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Last-Minute
shopping for the holidays ItÕ s December 22 and youÕve just barely made it through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just donÕ t have enough time to get everything done. This is a common scenario around the holidays. Shoppers have the best inten-
tions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the calendar experiencing sweaty palms. Many others may be putting off holiday shopping
simply because of the current state of the economy and affordability. According to a Steelhouse Marketing Consultants poll of 1,000 consumers, 62 percent predict they will spend less money on the 2011 holiday season. Plus, 56 percent of families predict they will comparison shop more than they have in the past. These factors may contribute to just how long shoppers put off actually getting into stores or going online to shop.
Brainerd dispatch Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a yearÕ s worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.
E-Certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will e-mail a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without For the scores of shoppers who conan e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts sciously or subconsciously wait until the could fit the bill. last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and Gas card: family with great gifts. It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is Gift cards: a universally acceptable gift for anyone They may not have sentimental who drives regularly. With fluctuating meaning behind them, but gift cards gas prices, filling up the tank can be an are fast and easy. Chances are you expensive venture. Having a pre-paid can run into a store and be out with gift card can help. a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at Online retailers are also there to help the checkout counter. Also, many last-minute shoppers. Many online resupermarkets, bookstores and other tailers guarantee in-time-for-Christmas retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling shipping even on gifts ordered as late you to shop for different gift cards all as December 23. However, overnight in one place. shipping charges will cost more. But itÕ s all worth it to get the item in time. Food and Beverages: While everyone is heading to the mall Waiting until the last minute for shopin droves, you can be stepping inside ping can induce some anxiety. But of a gourmet food or spirits store. knowing about easy gifts for procrasSplurge on fine cheeses or that trendy tinators can take the stress out of this bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has type of shopping. mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself.
Many people wait until the last minute for Christmas shopping. But there are still gifts and deals to be had.
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Online Shopping
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means figuring out on-time shipping When faced with the prospect of long lines at the store and hours driving around finding a parking spot at the mall, many shoppers turn to the convenience of their personal computers or smartphones to shop online for holiday gifts.
Today the array of businesses who offer online retail opportunities create boundless options. ItÕ s possible to find obscure gift items that are very unique or even personalized items not readily available in stores. Online shopping enables shoppers to price-check almost immediately, comparing the costs of one retailer with another. According to eMarketer estimates, from 2010 to 2015, nearly 30 million consumers will join the ranks of online buyers. Another advantage to shopping online is the ability to have items shipped directly to you or to the recipient. However, this same advantage can also be a detriment if you do not understand shipping policies or lag times during the holiday season. Gifts may not arrive on time if you donÕ t plan accordingly.
times. Otherwise items ordered for Christmas may arrive much later than desired. Shoppers should also factor in that shipping companies are often overwhelmed during the holidays. Although seasonal staff may be hired to help meet shipping demands, the fact remains that delivery dates cannot be set in stone. One way to secure a firm delivery date, though, is to pay for it. Outlets that offer next-day delivery often charge a premium for overnight shipping, but it may be worth it if the gift must be somewhere by a specific date.
Something shoppers can also consider is the shipto-store option that some retailers offer. If a brickand-mortar store has an online shopping site, it may enable shoppers to buy online and then have the merchandise delivered to the store. Some stores have same-day pick-up option for items that are in stock. Not only does this ensure that items will be available on time, in many cases you can save on shipping costs. The retailers do not charge shipping fees if the items are delivered directly to the store.
All shipping policies are different for online retailers and it pays shoppers to know their estimated shipping When visiting a favorite online retailer, check to see if
this option is available. It is sometimes offered as an option during the check-out portion of the sale. Stores that have the ship-to-store ability may also allow returns to be made at the store instead of having to ship back returns to a customer service department. Keep in mind that this type of shipping is not entirely customer-friendly. Retailers realize that once a shopper is in a store to pick up an item, he or she is more likely to do more shopping or make impulse purchases. There are some shoppers who simply refuse to pay more for expedited shipping, even if that refusal means their gift will not arrive on time. Gift recipients are often forgiving of items that are in transit. A way around this is to offer a printed image of the gift inside of a gift bag to indicate your giving intention. Therefore, the surprise of the gift will still be there, but the actual item will arrive shortly thereafter. Online shopping remains a convenient option for many shoppers during the holidays and year-round. Factoring in shipping times, which could take a week or more if standard options apply, will help you time when to make purchases so they arrive on time.
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Brainerd dispatch
Lakes Area
holiday eVent guide paul Bunyan land enchanted Village Date: Nov. 25 Ð De c. 17, 2011 Time: 6 – 9pm Fridays & Saturdays Event Description: Paul Bunyan Land will be lighting up their pioneer village again this year. The village will have holiday themes inside the buildings and several displays set up along the streets. It is a great way for a family to spend a winter evening. Bonfires and hot chocolate will be available. A stroll thru the village is the best way to experience the Enchanted Village or the trolly will be giving rides. Admission is FREE. rock-n-roll Xmas spectacular Date: December 14, 2011 Time: 7:30-10pm Event Description: Central Lakes College, Chalberg Theatre. Contact 218855-8199 or visit www.clctickets.com Winnie the poohÕ s christmas tail Date: December 16, 2011 Time: 7:30-9:30pm Date: December 17, 2011 Time: 2pm & 7:30pm Event Description Central Lakes College, Chalberg Theatre. Contact 218-855-8199 or visit www.clctickets.com
Visit santa and shop for Mom & dad Date: December 17 2011 Time: 10am-2pm Event Location: Hwy 210 East, Brainerd The Old Ben Franklin Building christmas holiday choir concert Date: December 18 2011 Time: 1pm & 3pm Event Location: C-I High School annual Wild & Free Wine tasting & silent auction Date: December 26, 2011 Time: 3 Ð 5pm Event Description: Northland Arboretum. Proceeds to benefit wild & free wildlife rehabilitation program. Admission: $20.00 per person
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Keep This in Mind
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
when maKing gift returns Many of the gifts bought this holiday season will end up becoming returns. But not all of those returns or exchanges will be easy. Stores have return policies to protect themselves from fraud and financial loss. Stores are tightening their belts on returns and thatÕ s important information to know when the holiday season has ended.
shorter deadlines Many of the items in stores have finite “expiration” dates. Clothing styles are always evolving and technological advancements can make one product the latest and greatest one day and obsolete the next. That means stores have to be stringent on their return deadlines to ensure they’re not restocking “old” merchandise no one else will buy.
exchange or store credit Gone are the days when stores will take back just about anything. Today, many retailers want to see the receipt, even if the tags are in place. If a receipt is not available, the item may be exchanged for store credit, and that credit will usually reflect the current “sale” price of the item. Generally this price is lower than the purchaser paid a few weeks earlier. Having the receipt handy means the greatest dollar value can be given on the returned item.
return database A consumerÕ s return history could be tracked at particular stores. Retailers often have a computerized system that tracks returns made, frequency and whether a receipt was used. Individuals who are frequent returners may Some stores will allow 2 to 3 weeks for find more difficulty returning items, returns. Retailers may count purchasespecially those without a receipt. es made during the holiday season as If the cashier asks to see a driverÕ s if they took place on December 24. license or other identification when That means the clock starts ticking items are taken back to the store, from Christmas onward for returns. thatÕ s a likely sign a shopperÕ s return restocking Fees history is being recorded. Stores may charge a restocking fee Mail-Back only of anywhere from 10 to 20 percent Some retailers that operate both online to take back items that have been and with brick-and-mortar stores will opened. This is particularly true with allow items bought via the Internet to electronics or appliances. be returned at a physical store. Others Whenever possible, if the item rewill not. Be sure to know the return ceived will not be used, do not open policy of online merchants to facilitates the packaging. Opened items that are the process. Remember, oftentimes retruly inoperable should be returnable turning items through the mail requires without a restocking fee. that postage be paid by the person doing the returning.
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8 Home for the Holidays
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Brainerd dispatch
Name_________________________________________________________Age ________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________State________________ Zip______________ Phone # ( ) ________________________ Drop off or mail this picture to the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James Street, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401, by Friday, December 16, 2011, to enter the coloring contest. The Dispatch will judge and award first, second, third and honorable mention prizes in each category of ages 1-4, ages 5-8, and ages 9-13. Winners will be announced on Christmas Day.
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
KIDS’ CORNER
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10 Home for the Holidays
Brainerd dispatch
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Keep Your Family
healthy through the holidays The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the seasonÕ s notoriously hectic pace. With crowded social calendars and the stress of holiday shopping, itÕ s easy to feel overwhelmed once the season hits full swing. Unfortunately, many people have trouble staying healthy through the
hectic holiday season. With so much to do, itÕ s easy to put health on the back burner during the holidays. But however hectic the holiday season can be, there are ways to keep the family happy and healthy this holiday season. encourage kids to wash their hands. Germs are often spread most quickly through our hands, which are in con-
Brainerd dispatch stant contact with hotbeds for germs, including doorknobs. While adults might be quick to wash their hands after they sneeze or cough, kids are often lax in the hand washing department. But washing hands thoroughly is an effective way to ward off winter germs that attach to hands after we sneeze, cough or simply touch a doorknob. Encourage kids to be diligent about washing their hands, not only after they use the restroom but whenever they sneeze, cough or arrive home from school. Keep indoor air crisp and clean. Bringing home airborne germs, such as sickness-causing bacteria and other contaminants, is inevitable during the holiday season. The kidsÕ sc hool is a breeding ground for such germs, as is the nearby shopping mall filled with holiday shoppers. While it might be impossible to avoid bringing home these unwanted holiday guests, it’s not impossible to fight them off once they do get home. Employing electrolyzed water technology, the SANYO Air Washer PlusTM suppresses airborne bacteria and germs while eliminating unpleasant odors in the home. WhatÕ s more, the Air Washer Plus utilizes a HEPA filtration system to remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles and allergens, ensuring that no matter whoÕ s coming to visit this holiday season, hosts wonÕ t have to worry about the germs that are no doubt coming with them. circulate indoor air. Stagnant air indoors can also increase the liklihood of cold and flu. Central
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
heating can dry the body out and lead to dehydration, making it harder for the body to flush out poisons and germs during the winter months. The SANYO Air Washer Plus utilizes a 3-directional air flow system to maximize the flow of air, cleaning all areas of the room while increasing comfort levels. Unlike many air cleaners and purifiers that have just a single output, the Air Washer Plus has an upward stream, leftward stream and rightward stream to evenly circulate air throughout the room. Get outdoors. Even if the weather outside is frightful, it can be beneficial to spend some time outdoors during the winter months. While itÕ s best to obey the local weather authority and advisories, if thereÕ s no restrictions on spending time outdoors, getting outside can help the body fend off cold and flu. Because few people spend time outdoors in the winter, germs can gather inside and circulate among those who spend significant time indoors. As a result, those who spend all their time indoors are more vulnerable to cold and flu. When possible, bundle up and spend some time outdoors in the fresh air. squeeze in some daily exercise. While the holiday season is certainly hectic, adults and kids alike should still find time to fit in daily exercise. Kids might get their daily dose in gym class, but adults need to make time as well. Exercise can prove a great means to relieving holiday stress, and a body that’s strong and fit will be prove more capable of defending itself against airborne germs and bacteria.
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12 Home for the Holidays
The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
happy reindeer prep time: 15 minutes servings: 12
ingredients 2 tablespoons chocolate creamy ready-to-spread frosting (from 1-lb container) 24 miniature candy-coated semisweet chocolate baking bits 1 package (12 oz) chocolate-covered marshmallow pinwheel cookies (12 cookies) 12 small gumdrops 24 pretzel twists directions Spread frosting on 1 side of each baking bit; attach 2 to top of each cookie for eyes Spread frosting on wide end of each gumdrop; attach at hole of each cookie for nose Break pretzels to look like antlers. Insert 2 pretzel pieces in top of each cookie for antlers.
haM With BourBon-peach Glaze
ingredients 2/3 cup peach preserves 1/4 cup bourbon 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 (7 1/2-pound) 33%-less-sodium smoked, fully cooked ham half 20 whole cloves Cooking spray 1 cup water
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directions Preheat oven to 325ยก . Combine preserves and bourbon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Stir in cumin, ginger, coriander, and pepper. Cool slightly. Trim fat and rind from ham. Score outside of ham in a diamond pattern; stud with cloves. Place ham on the rack of a broiler pan or roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Pour 1 cup water into pan; place rack in pan. Brush ham with 1/4 cup preserves mixture. Bake at 325ยก for 2 hours or until a thermometer registers 140ยก , basting ham with remaining preserves mixture every 30 minutes. Transfer ham to a platter; let stand 15 minutes. Discard cloves before serving.
chaMpaGne punch serves: 10
ingredients 6 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice 4 ounce simple syrup (see below) 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice 6 ounces white rum 6 ounces dark rum 1 25 fluid ounce bottle of champagne Orange, lime and lemon slice for garnish Ice (in block form of possible; if not, large chunks) directions Add the ice to a large punch bowl. If using chunks (as opposed to a large block of ice), fill the bowl just under halfway. Add the orange juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and lemon juice. With a large spoon or ladle, stir 10 times.
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Add the light and dark rums. Stir 10 more times. Add the champagne, but not too quickly. Enjoy the moment. Add a goodly amount of orange, lime and lemon slices. Stir, but only once. Ladle into punch glasses or festive goblets. Try to ensure that every guest gets a slice of fruit and a smile. simple syrup Makes 4 1/2 cups ingredients 2 1/2 cups water 3 cups sugar directions Add the water and sugar to a medium-size saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat a bit, keeping the mixture at a low boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat, and let the syrup cool completely in the pan. Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
super easy Mini cheesecaKes By: linda hurst servings: 48 pieces
ingredients Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs ¾ cup Sugar 1 stick of melted butter Filling: 2 Boxes Cream Cheese Ð r oom temp 1 cup Sugar ¼ cup flour 2 Eggs Ð r oom temp 1 tsp flavoring 1 Bag Mini Chocolate Chips directions You will need mini cupcakes liners & tart pan. Preheat oven to 350. Crumble together crust ingredients with a fork until well mixed. Cream together cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add in flour. Add eggs one at a time until well mixed. Add flavoring. I like almond, but vanilla or mint work too. Gently fold in chocolate chips. Put the liners in the tart pan. Spoon about a 1/2 tsp of crust mix into bottom of liner. Gently press (I use a pestle) to form bottom crust. Spoon in filling to top of liner – they’ll puff up a little, but not much. Cheesecakes are done when lightly tan on top. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.
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14 Home for the Holidays
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Origins of
a holiday staple The thick, spiced drink we know as eggnog has become synonymous with the holidays. It is so linked with the Christmas season that a person may be hard-pressed to find it sold in the supermarket any other time of the year. But eggnog wasnÕ t always the holiday beverage it has become. Eggnog is believed to have originated in 17th century Europe, primarily as a drink for the elite, since the ingredients in the beverage were hard to come by and thusly relegated to the very rich. There are different theories on the origins of the word eggnog itself. Some believe it has gotten its name from the Old English word “nog,” which meant “strong beer.” The “egg” refers to one of the ingredients in the beverage, fresh eggs. Others surmise that it comes from the word “noggin,” which was a vessel for serving drinks in taverns. The drink was called “egg in a noggin,” which was shortened to “eggnog.” Still, there are others who say its name is derived from the term “grog,” which was another term for booze. “Egg n’ grog” was eventually abbreviated to “eggnog.” Although there is little certainty to the origins of the name, the recipe for eggnog has essentially remained unchanged throughout the centuries. It consists of beaten eggs, cream or milk and sugar mixed with some sort of alcoholic spirit. The Old English were believed to mix it with wine, though once the drink was brought to the New World, colonists substituted rum for the wine. Rum was readily available through tradesman running between the Americas and the Caribbean and therefore less expensive than another
spirit. As America grew and eggnog was enjoyed in different parts of the country, the rum was replaced with regional spirits, including bourbon or grain alcohol. Other ingredients were also added to give it a customized flavor. However, the use of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves has become traditional flavors for the holiday brew. Although eggnog is widely enjoyed throughout the holiday season, in the past it was served at special events and social occasions. As a warmed beverage it can easily chase away winterÕ s chill. This is how it may have come to be enjoyed primarily during the holidays. Love it or hate it, eggnog is a drink that can evoke strong feelings of the holidays within minutes. There are variations of eggnog sold commercially, but many people swear by homemade versions for their taste and authenticity. Try your own homemade eggnog with this recipe, courtesy of Cooks. com. Holiday Eggnog (Spirited) 1 1 1/2 1/4 8 3 1
dozen eggs pound powdered sugar teaspoon salt cup vanilla cups evaporated milk cups water quart spiced rum Nutmeg, to garnish
Beat eggs until light in color, gradually add sugar, salt and vanilla. Then add milk and water. Stir in rum (brandy, bourbon or rye may also be used). Cover the nog and ripen for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Stir again and serve sprinkled with nutmeg.
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
Warm Holiday Greetings
from laKeland Veterinary hospital! As the holiday season approaches, we begin to think of those in need. This year, we have a fun, new way to give a little something extra to our “furry friends” at HART (our local humane society).
Our lobby is the proud home of the HART holiday giving tree with a variety of handmade ornaments made by our staff. Each lists a specific item needed by HART. Some examples include: pens, stamps, cat/dog food, cleaning supplies & toys. Our goal is to have the bottom of the tree overflowing with unwrapped gifts for HART by Christmas! In addition, several ornaments are marked with specific dollar amounts for those who would prefer to offer a monetary donation. The HART giving tree also has a special treat for our feline friends. Bags of home-raised
catnip are available for a $3 donation to HART.
We ask for your support of HART & invite you to stop in to choose your ornament from the holiday giving tree anytime during our regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). If you have any questions, you can contact us at (218)8291709. To view pictures and to follow our progress, please “LIKE” our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Lakeland-Veterinary-HospitalBaxter-MN/109599829078169! Thank you for your generosity and have a wonderful holiday season! Your Friends at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital
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The Week of December 14 - December 20, 2011
PLEASE
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
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