the Season
Homes are often described as sanctuaries for their residents. Homes also provide a great way for homeowners to express themselves, an opportunity that is amplified during the holiday season.
Holiday decor takes center stage in December, and there are a number of ways for homeowners to use their homes to showcase their holiday spirit during this special time of year.
♦ Wrap the front door. Gift-wrapped front doors have been popular for some time, and they remain a great way to utilize a home’s entryway to spread a little holiday cheer. Shiny, single-color door wraps may never go out of style, but homeowners can choose patterned wraps as well. A bow door cover lets all visitors know a home and its residents are full of holiday cheer.
♦ Go for the garland. Garland can add a touch of the holiday season to any room of the house. Wrap garland around a staircase, alternating between the banister and spindles so residents and guests can still safely navigate their way up and down. Garland streamed along foyer tables sets a decorative tone for all guests, and living room television stands and dining room banquets also can be made a touch more festive with some garland.
♦ Hang stockings throughout the house. Stockings have long been hung by chimneys (with care), but they also can be incorporated into holiday decor throughout a home. Spread holiday cheer in each
Decorations are a big part of this season. Families can make their homes ‘holiday
rated for this special time of year.
room with brightly colored holiday stockings, which can be hung along a staircase wall as well.
♦ Don’t forget the kitchen. Realtors and contractors often note the popularity of the kitchen, a room where families tend to congregate each day before work and school and then again upon returning home. Some festive kitchen accessories, like a holiday-themed cutting board, jar sets and table settings can bring the spirit of the holiday season into the busiest room in the house.
♦ Create some pinecone Christmas trees. Involve the whole family in holiday decorating by spending a weekend afternoon creating pinecone Christmas trees. Gather pine cones from your own backyard, if possible, or take a trip to some nearby woods for some supplies. There’s no shortage of websites offering instructions on crafting pinecone trees. Once completed, the trees can be placed in various rooms to spread holiday cheer throughout the house.
–
Courtesy of Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
central’ by ensuring each room is deco-
The Craft Night Before Christmas returns to Brentwood on Dec. 21
The City of Brentwood Youth Commission will host its third annual Craft Night Before Christmas on Dec. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffith Lane.
“The event is planned and executed by the members of the Youth Commission, so it’s always exciting to see what they come up with as far as crafts and activities,” said Stacey Dempsey, City Staff Liaison for the Youth Commission. “They also organize student volunteers from Liberty and Heritage to help lead the crafts, and it’s great to see them exercising their leadership skills.”
It will be an evening of holiday fun featuring cookie decorating, ornament making, card decorating, bracelet making, guided winter painting, and hot chocolate.
Guests are also encouraged to wear their PJs. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
“The children obviously love the cookies and hot chocolate, but I think they really enjoy getting to be creative, a little
bit messy, and having the opportunity to handmake a gift to give to their family,” Dempsey said. “It just keeps getting better every year. The Commission has been very thoughtful about recapping their events, and taking note of what improvements they can make the next year.”
Tickets are $5 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the Youth Commission Scholarship Fund.
The Brentwood Youth Commission will host their annual Craft Night Before Christmas at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 193 Griffith Lane on Dec. 21.
It just keeps getting better every
year
– Stacey Dempsey
ing the event can register at brentwoodca. gov/onlineregistration.
For those who are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation to the Youth Commission Scholarship Fund, email Dempsey at stdempsey@brentwoodca.gov.
The City of Brentwood Youth Commission promotes the voices of the youth in local government, Dempsey said. It is made up of 10 local students of diverse backgrounds who are motivated to make the community the best possible place for youth. They work to help youth in the community and have an opportunity to work alongside city leaders, staff and local students.
“The Youth Commission has offered college scholarships to local high school seniors since its inception in 2001,” Dempsey said. “So, 100% of the funds raised from all of their fundraisers goes directly into that scholarship account. To date, the Youth Commission has given away over $16,000 in scholarships to local seniors.”
Pre-registration is required, and spots are still available. Those interested in attend-
Anyone interested in joining the Youth Commission can attend the monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 150 City Park Way in Brentwood.
For more information on the Youth Commission visit https://www.brentwoodca. gov/government/boards-commissions/ youth-commission.
NICOLE BECCHINA
Photo courtesy by Stacey Dempsey
Carey Bros. Christmas!
a was the night before Christmas and all through the house nobody could move ‘cause the space just ran out.
The bedrooms were crammed full of furniture and kids.
The kitchen was filled with pots, pans and lids.
The phone was picked up and a voice did share hopes that the Carey Bros. soon would be there.
With smiles on their faces, the brothers arrived with ideas, inspiration, and plans they devised.
All night they hammered and they built a frame... and when they were done the house wasn’t the same!
The bedrooms were spacious, the kitchen was clean.
The family was delighted with this Christmas scene.
So if you want your house to be looking so fine, then get a free estimate, layout and design ...at no obligation, and if you call today
The Careys will really adore you, they say.
Kitchens, Baths, Additions and ADUs
Phishing emails are one charity scam individuals must learn to recognize, particularly during the giving season.
Common giving scams and how to spot them
December is a season of giving, and that charitable spirit is evidenced by the uptick in donations over the final month of the year. Perhaps inspired by Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, donors tend to be especially generous in December. According to Donorbox, which provides an online fundraising platform to facilitate charitable donations, 31 percent of yearly charitable giving happens in December.
Nonprofit organizations undoubtedly recognize the spirit of generosity that surfaces each December, but criminals are likely cognizant of individuals’ desire to give back during the holiday season as well. Indeed, a 2023 press release from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina cited fake charities as one of the most common scams encountered by consumers during the holiday season. With that in mind, well-meaning prospective donors can learn to recognize common giving scams to ensure they are not victimized by criminals looking to prey on their generosity this holiday season.
in 2023, and the real number is likely much higher because few consumers take the time to report such emails to the FTC. Phishing emails typically prompt recipients to click on a link embedded in an email. These emails may seem as though they’re coming from an individual’s bank or credit card company, while others may indicate recipients can win a prize if they open the email and click on a link within it. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs warns consumers against sharing their credit card information in an email, even if the sender claims to be from a reputable charity.
♦ Pressure tactics: Seeking to capitalize on the spirit of giving that surfaces each December, some scammers will pressure prospective donors and potential victims into making donations over the phone or via links embedded in an email. Reputable charities do not pressure donors into giving over the phone or via email, so solicitations for immediate donations are a telltale sign of a charity scam. If prompted to make donations with cash or via gift cards or wire transfers, hang up the phone, as the FTC notes such payment methods are how scammers request donations.
♦ Fraudulent charities: Criminals targeting people who want to donate during the holiday season may set up fraudulent charities in an effort to trick people into giving them money. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs notes that fraudulent charities may feature impressive names or a name similar to one used by a reputable, well-known charity.
♦ Phishing emails: Phishing emails have been around for decades, and for good reason. Such scams are easy to implement and highly successful. The Federal Trade Commission reported receiving 358,000 reports of scammers contacting individuals via email
♦ ‘Thank you’ messages: Another common giving scam is to thank potential victims for past donations they never made. This is an attempt to trick generous individuals into thinking they have a past relationship with a charity they believe is reputable, which might make them less inclined to vet the person or organization thanking them. Scammers are banking on establishing that false sense of security and trust, particularly during a notably busy time of year when donors may feel as though they don’t have the time to research organizations they want to support.
Scammers prey on individuals’ generosity each holiday season. More information about giving scams and how to avoid them is available at consumer.ftc.gov.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
How to stay healthy this holiday season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! People get together to celebrate the holidays. Time to catch up with all the acquaintances that you haven’t been in contact with all year long. This is the season for overindulgence, overspending, overeating, increased alcohol intake, and staying out late, and therefore, not getting enough sleep. Although it’s a joyous season, there can be a lot of stress involved – finding the perfect gifts, maybe you are hosting dinner, maybe you’re traveling. It is no secret how stress affects your immune response. However, if you didn’t know, it can weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to getting sick, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Here are some ways to maintain your health and enjoy this holiday season.
Stay active
There are ways to stay active that could benefit your daily requirements like walking briskly in the mall while shopping, walking up the escalators instead of an elevator, and parking farther away from the entrance of stores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mental health
Connect with loved ones, friends and family to avoid holiday blues and loneliness. Maintain those relationships so your body can release those happy, feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, according to health.harvard.edu. So go ahead and take your acquaintances and friends up on their holiday invitations.
Eat smarter
If you choose to indulge in highercalorie foods, choose small portions and load up on the healthier offerings. If you
are at a party, fill your plate with fruits and vegetables first and add smaller portions of the less-healthy items, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Manage your alcohol intake
Eat something and drink plenty of water before and after drinking alcohol. Sip your drinks slowly, avoid mixing drinks with drugs or medications, and make sure you have a plan for who will drive home. If you are the host, offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of high-protein foods, which slows down the absorption of alcohol, according to the NIH. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour prior to party ending. Do not serve intoxicated guests, and do not let anyone who is drunk drive home, according to the NIH.
Food safety
If you are the host, keep your guests safe by refrigerating or freezing perishable food within two hours, or one hour if the food is exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature in your refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the NIH.
Ventilation
Open the windows if appropriate, air purifiers are a great addition. Maybe take the party outside and rent a canopy and heating lamps.
Of course, basic health routines apply. If you are sick stay home or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who is sick stay home. At the same time, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday spirit.
Play some holiday tunes, light the Christmas tree, take advantage of technology and Facetime loved ones and maybe participate in a virtual party.
Lastly, enjoy the season. Happy holidays, everyone.
Nurse’s CorNer
sheri Griffiths
The ABCs of gift giving
A is for All in One Limousine
D is for Dance
All in One Limousine has the best transportation for all your travel needs, including airports, winery tours, weddings, dinners and holiday parties. Ask about our Silver Service for Seniors. Gift certificates are available. Our fleet includes stretch limos, sedans, SUV, party bus and passenger vans. Call Cindy at 925-513-4175 or visit www.allinonelimos.com (TCP# 24869)
B is for Brentwood On Ice
Dancing builds confidence and fosters community, creating magical moments for every child. From beginners taking their first steps to teens exploring dance for the first time — or advanced dancers perfecting their craft — we offer a place to grow, thrive, and shine. Try a class today! Text 925-701-9889 or visit www.Brentwoodddance.com.
E is for Eyeglasses
G is for Gift Baskets
J is for Jam
Lace up those skates and celebrate the season at Brentwood On Ice in downtown Brentwood across from City Hall. The community rink provides residents and visitors a holiday tradition like no other. Open seven days a week, the seasonal rink has something for everyone. Mention this ad and receive $1 off skate rental. Visit www.brentwoodonice.com for rink hours and information or call 925-516-7664.
C is for Continente Country Store
Continente Country Store prides itself on its rich family history, longstanding roots in the East Bay Area and is committed to offering their customers quality products at a fair price. They offer a variety of baking goods, nuts and candy, including gift packs that are great gifts for loved ones. Continente Country Store is the perfect place to pick up any snacks or specialty items for the holiday season. For more information and to shop, visit https://www. continentecountrystore.com/.
Whether you need a prescription or want fashionable frames, eye glasses can make a unique gift. At Vision Optix Optometry, they will help with all of your vision needs, including eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. Located at 3840 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Call 925-513-0323 or visit www.visionoptix.com.
Find a great collection of fruit, nut and gourmet food gift baskets at Gursky Ranch. Give a unique, handcrafted gift basket themed for the holiday season this year. All baskets are handprocessed in the Gursky Ranch store, at 1921 Apricot Way, in Brentwood. The store is open daily through Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 925-634-4913 with any questions.
H is for Hamburger
F is for Flowers
Give the gift of Flowers this holiday. PETALS flower shop is dedicated to creating the perfect floral arrangements to spread love, support, and holiday cheer. To brighten up the holidays for the loved ones in your life, visit PETALS, located at The Streets of Brentwood at 2535 Sand Creek Rd. Beautiful Rental Space Available. Book your Holiday Parties at PETALS. Call 436-0991 or visit www.petalsoakley.com.
Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Snag a gift card and give the gift of a juicy, all-American burger at Digger’s Diner, at 2261 Balfour Road in Brentwood. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 925-240-8958.
Coo Moo Jams is a local artisanal jams business that has three delicious flavors, Apricot Habanero, Peachy Mango Madness and Triple Berry Moogarita! They also feature a spicy Worcestershire sauce “Wooster Sauce”. All flavors come with a warning of “may become addicting.“ All the jams are available at Alluv Place, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, Gursky Ranch, McCauleys Olive Oil Store, The Pink Door and Urban Edge Farms. Visit www. coomoojams.com for details or to place your order. They are available to ship anywhere in the United States.
K is for Karaoke
I is for Ice Cream
Family-owned and -operated, Sip and Scoop California is at 234 Oak St in Brentwood. This cute downtown business is a great place to meet up with friends and get a delicious hot coffee or ice beverage, a scoop of ice cream, yummy bubble waffle, toast, or breakfast sandwich. Mention this ad to get $1 off your order of $10 or more. You can follow Sip and Scoop on Facebook and Instagram.
Like being the star of the show? Come on down to 311 Oak St Pub on Tuesday nights where they have karaoke with DJ Lisa from 8 p.m. till midnight. They offer several drink specials and Taco Tuesday deals including $3 carne asada, pork or chorizo tacos served with cilantro, onions, and their homemade salsa roja, with the kitchen staying open till 9:30 p.m.. So grab your friends and head down to 311 Oak St. in downtown Brentwood. Check them out on Facebook or call 925-626-5547
L is for La Fuente
Mexican Restaurant
Sensational Mexican food, featuring rich flavors that have taken generations to perfect. The ambiance makes you feel like you’re in Mexico enjoying a meal with family and friends. Enjoy that meal with a full salad bar and, in the winter, a savory and comforting bowl of soup at 642 First Street, Brentwood. Call 925-516-2233 or visit www.lafuentebrentwood.com
For all of you last-minute shoppers, The Press has you covered with some great gift ideas and fun things to do. Below, you will find local selections from A to Z, to complete your shopping list!
M is for Music
Give the joy of music to fill the holiday season. Geddes Music provides new and used instruments with services and supplies to keep the music going. We are also offering a holiday special of 10% off all Christmas-related collection sheet music and song books in stock! Geddes Music is at 625 First St. in downtown Brentwood, call 925-634-6684, or visit www. geddesmusicstore.com.
N is for Nutcracker
A heartwarming tale of bravery, magic, and holiday joy. Join us Dec. 20 through Dec. 22 at Liberty High School for five show times the whole family will love. Step into Clara’s magical world as her beloved Nutcracker comes to life whisking her away on a dreamlike journey. Don’t miss the magic! Visit www. BrentwoodDance.com or call 925-240-5556 for tickets.
Road in Brentwood. Visit www. BrentwoodFamilyPetCare.com, or call 925-240-7387.
Q is for quick ways to decorate
Make your home more festivelooking for the holiday season. Simple touches like gift wrapping your front door can make any home merrier in a pinch. See page 2B for more ideas.
R is for
Rose & Co. Hat Bar
Rose & Co. Hat Bar offers custom-fit and styled cowboy and fedora hats, shaped and tailored to each customer. Rose & Co. Hat Bar also provides personlized embellishments and details including branding and burning! Inspired by Rose, designed by You. Private Parties, Pop-Ups & Appointments. Host a Party in Rose’s space or yours. Enjoy 10% off your first hat! Visit www.roseandcohatbar.com or @ rose.and.co.hatbar.
T is for Teeth
O is for outstanding gift ideas
These can be found throughout this section. Whether it’s last-minute gift ideas or gifts for hard-to-shop-for parents, there’s something for everyone in our annual holiday gift guide.
P is for Pets
Brentwood Family Pet Care offers all their clients and patients the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. The best gift for your pets is good healthexams, vaccines, anti-parasites, spay/neuter - good food and lots of love. Let them help keep your pets (young or old) healthy and happy. Located at 4421-A Balfour
S is for Serendipity
Serendipity Cellars is Brentwood’s newest winery and is located minutes from downtown Brentwood. It’s a beautiful unique boutique winery that demonstrates their passion for the artistry that goes into wine making. Head out for some tastings or pick up some wine by the bottle or case for those lastminute holiday gifts. Located at 1600 Chestnut Street. Call today for hours at 925-477-0572 or visit www.serendipitycellars.com
Give the gift of a happy smile! Most insurance benefits and FSA’s expire at the end of December. Call us today to schedule your child’s exam and cleaning before the year ends! Call 925-516-4107 or visit www.APDsmile.com for more information.
active or eating healthier, see page 5B for ways to stay healthy this time of year.
X is Gala x y Kids Code Club
U is for upcoming events
From movie tickets to the upcoming holiday concert by the Brentwood Community Chorus (see page 9B), there are a number of experiential gifts that are sure to be a hit this season.
V is for Vintage
Curious-ity is your one-stop shopping solution for thoughtful Vintage and Holiday gift giving. Whether you are looking for vinyl records, crystals, artwork, vintage collectibles, signed sports memorabilia or artisan originals, Curious-ity has something for everyone on your gift list. Visit us and browse through our eclectic selections of holiday décor and gifts. You never know what treasures await you.
Give the gift of coding for the holidays! Coding is the most important skill for the future.
Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages and command the highest salaries. Gift certificates are available now for our coding classes and camps as well as our toy store. Turn your child’s love of technology into skill building for their future success! Visit our website at www.galaxykidscodeclub.com for a full list of classes and camps or contact us at 925-464-2766. Galaxy Kids <Code Club> 312 Oak St. Brentwood.
Y is for Frozen Yogurt
From everyone at Curious-ity, have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Located at 629 First Street, Brentwood, call 925-684-7941 or visit www.curious-ity.com.
W is for wellness
A cold or flu can put a damper on holiday spirits, but there are ways to lessen your risk of getting sick. Whether it’s staying more
Head over to Cool Spot in Brentwood where you can enjoy frozen yogurt, fresh-baked cookies, refreshing slushies and specialty coffee drinks. Take advantage of the holiday gift card promotion; buy a $25 gift card and get $5 extra for free! Mention this ad for 15% off your next yogurt. Open Mon-Fri noon - 9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 390 W. Country Club Dr. 925-626-7142.
www.coolspotshop.com
Z is for zippers, buttons and bows
These and other crafting supplies at the Craft Night Before Christmas, a fundraiser being put on by the Brentwood Youth Commission on Dec. 21. Money raised will go to their scholarship fund. For more information, see page 3B.
A history of Chanukah traditions
ach year on the twentyfifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called
Chanukah begins on December 25, 2024, and will last through January 2, 2025. It’s a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.
the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts. According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah.
Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really they were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan. – Courtesy of Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
A holiday concert to include a sing-a-long
Brentwood Community Chorus presents ‘Winter in
The Brentwood Community Chorus is presenting its annual holiday concert –Winter in Flight, A Holiday Concert –on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bristow Middle School Theater, 855 Minnesota Ave.
This year’s concert showcases a program of seasonal classics and choral arrangements that reflect the beauty and joy of winter, according to a press release. Conducted by the newlyappointed Eli Souza, he is joined by longtime accompanist Jennifer Krey.
Choir publicist Sheryl Thomas said the program includes:
♦ TSHELA MOYA/KE NNA YO
♦ HOLDING THE LIGHT
♦ HINE MA TOV
♦ HELA ROTAN Indonesian Folk Song
♦ JOY TO THE WORLD
♦ Tenors AND basses: A Celtic French Carol
♦ Sopranos & Altos: A winter day
♦ EL CIELO CANTA ALEGRIA arr. Henderson
♦ SILENT NIGHT
♦ SUSSEX CAROL
Special guests are a string quartet playing The Christmas Concerto by Arcangelo Corelli.
There also will be an audience singalong for Deck the Halls, Silver Bells and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Tickets are $20 for adults; children 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com/ ref/4016041/event/6487192
Bring your family and friends to experience an afternoon of music, connection, and holiday cheer.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com/events/ winter-in-flight-a-holiday-concert.
MORENA
Press photo
Add seasonal bazaars to your list of holiday shopping locations
There is no shortage of options to find every item on your holiday shopping list.
Shopping malls such as The Streets of Brentwood, online retailers and mom-and-pop stores in downtown Brentwood and other East County towns can be great spots to grab holiday deals, but shoppers also can find great gifts at holiday fairs and bazaars.
Holiday bazaars often pop up during the holiday season and mimic international marketplaces. They may be hosted by cities or towns, schools or places of worship, including some in East County. Sometimes they are fundraising opportunities, with nonprofit organizations charging a stall- or table-renting fee for bazaar participants.
Shoppers can take advantage of every opportunity to visit these holiday bazaars because they will be around for only a short time this season. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of bazaar shopping for the holidays.
♦ Patronize small businesses. Holiday bazaars often bring together small businesses
that may not normally have storefronts. This enables shoppers to meet the individuals behind businesses they already patronize or discover new firms with which they were previously unacquainted.
♦ Shop distinctive wares. Holiday bazaars may showcase items not easily found elsewhere, from handcrafted jewelry to unique soaps to custom woodworking items.
♦ Develop new relationships. Shopping at holiday bazaars enables you to interact with new people. This can expand your social circles and may even expand your professional network.
♦ Enjoy the shopping experience. Shopping away from the bustle of larger, busier retail stores gives you a break from the harried shopping experience many experience during the holiday season. Rather, holiday fairs and bazaars typically are less crowded and engage at a slower pace. Plus, they may have a more homespun decorating design that can have you feeling like you’re shopping in a Christmas village.
♦ Take advantage of food vendors. They likely will be mixed within the offerings of the holiday bazaar. That gives you opportunity to take the day off from cooking and enjoy some savory and sweet bites while grabbing gifts.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful. However, various sought-after items can be secured at the last minute, ensuring gift givers’ loved ones have a happy holiday season.
Ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers
It’s unlikely that anyone aspires to be a last-minute holiday shopper. Putting off holiday shopping until the last minute can make for a stressful home stretch to the season, and there’s no guarantee store shelves won’t already be picked clean or that gifts purchased online will arrive on time.
Despite how unappealing last-minute shopping can be, it’s still a fact of life for millions of holiday shoppers. As the clock winds down this holiday season, shoppers can look to these ideas for inspiration.
♦ Gift cards: Gift cards may never earn a distinction as the most sentimental item to give a relative or friend one during the holiday season, but they are surprisingly sought-after. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Chain retailers, small businesses and restaurants are among the many establishments that sell gift cards, so shoppers are bound to find a card to please anyone on their shopping list.
♦ Food/beverage: The holiday season is a
popular time to indulge in some great food and wash it down with a favorite wine or another adult beverage. That makes food and beverages a great holiday gift. Shoppers can take a loved one out to a favorite restaurant, prepare a homemade treat or purchase a favorite dish from a local specialty grocery store or eatery. Pair the food with an appropriate beverage and this accessible last-minute gift idea is sure to be a hit.
♦ Tickets: Tickets to a movie, sporting event, live theater performance, or concert are another gift idea that likely won’t be gobbled up by early bird shoppers. People of all ages enjoy experiences, and a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 50 percent of survey respondents indicated they would enjoy tickets to a concert or show.
♦ Books: Books make an ideal holiday gift for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Traditional print books are small enough that they can likely arrive on time even if they’re purchased just a few days before Christmas. E-book sellers enable gift givers to pick the perfect time to notify loved ones they have received an electronic book. Audiobooks, which can be downloaded to a smartphone or given as a CD, make an ideal gift for loved ones who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Although they might seem to have everything they want, aging parents still can benefit from some thoughtful gifts.
Thoughtful gifts for aging parents
Children typically want to treat their parents to something special during the holidays.
Parents do a lot for their children, and when those kids become adults, a desire to express their appreciation for Mom and Dad grows.
According to The Wrap Up: Snappy’s 2022 Holiday Gift Report, the majority of Americans (64.2 percent) report they need help when it comes to holiday gifting. They may want to carefully consider a recipient’s interests, as the report also discovered more than half of all Americans want a gift that reflects their personal interests and hobbies. When shopping for elderly parents, it may not be as simple as identifying interests, particularly if Mom and Dad are experiencing age-related health issues. Consider these gift ideas that may be ideal for the aging adults in your life.
♦ Cozy blanket: Older adults may have trouble regulating their body temperatures, which can translate to feeling cold a lot of the time. A new blanket or throw for a bed or to cuddle up with in a favorite recliner might be the perfect gift.
♦ Family history book: Budding writers can interview their aging parents and jot down family stories. Those stories and anecdotes can be compiled into a book and combined with photos to make a family history log, which can
be gifted back to the interviewee.
♦ Gripping slippers: Slips and falls can injure aging adults and put them out of commission for quite some time. Sturdy and secure slippers with anti-slip soles are good for getting around the house and making quick trips to take out the trash or get the mail.
♦ Key finder: A key finder can help adults find their keys if they are misplaced. Some employ radio frequency, while others use Bluetooth technology and can be paired to a smartphone.
♦ Magnifying light: Older parents who like to do puzzles or close-up work like knitting or stitching can benefit from an LED lamp that also has a magnifying glass built right in.
♦ E-reader: Avid readers may enjoy an ereader because they don’t have to find spots to store even more books in their homes. E-readers can be customized so the print is the right size for the reader’s needs. Also, the devices are lightweight and easy to stow in a bag.
♦ Resistance bands: These bands are like large rubber bands that exert force to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They can help aging adults stay in shape in a lowimpact way.
♦ Dining gift cards: When parents do not want to spend additional time in the kitchen, they may visit a favorite restaurant. A combination of a gift card to a favorite establishment as well as pre-paid taxi or ride share service ensures a good meal and a safe ride home.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
