Holiday Wishbook 2021 by Brookings Register

Holiday Wishbook 2021

The Brookings Register

Holiday Wishbook 2021 - 1

Holiday Wishbook 2021

The Brookings Register

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL MATTERS There are lots of good reasons to shop local this holiday season.

The most compelling, perhaps, is to put your money where your home is. Help grow your community by shopping local and give the hard-working small business owners in your town the opportunity to flourish after the pandemic.

Your Money Stays Local

Shopping local is another way to love your neighbor this holiday season. The American Independent Business Alliance says that each dollar you spend locally triples in value to the local economy. Locally owned businesses generally buy supplies from other locally owned businesses. Their staffs eat out in the community and usually live where they work, pumping more money into the local economy. Local business also invests in the community and, most importantly, nonprofit organizations. The National Technical Reports Library has produced data that shows local nonprofits receive 350% more money from its local small business neighbors than from out-of-town and larger corporate retailers. Among those nonprofits are community shelters, fundraisers and other community partners.

Holiday Wishbook 2021

Environmentally Friendly

When you shop locally made goods in local shops, you are shrinking your carbon footprint because your purchase doesn’t have to be transported very far for sale. Locally owned businesses may also be expending fewer resources than their larger, national or multinational competitors.

Business Built on Service

Because local businesses are staffed by your friends and neighbors, it’s likely that they may offer better customer service than larger counterparts. Also, small businesses generally have to work harder to get you in the door and benefit more from you referring others, meaning it pays for them to treat their customers right. Small businesses offer goods and services tailored to their communities, rather than trying to shoehorn one area into a larger, national plan. This means the products they offer are more likely to work for you and your family. If you do have an issue with your purchase, local businesses may be more likely to make it right for you than national competitors, who have to rely on broad policies to fit a range of scenarios.

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Treat guests to a beloved holiday staple

DIY PEPPERMINT MOCHA

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many traditions are decades if not centuries old, while others do not have such lengthy histories. One younger tradition that many people cannot go without during the holiday season is centered around a wildly popular beverage made at an equally well-liked coffeehouse chain. The peppermint mocha was introduced to Starbucks® customers during the 2002 holiday season. The beverage became something of an instant classic and is now served at more than 30,000 stores across the globe. Holiday hosts can bring the peppermint mocha into their own homes this holiday season thanks to Starbucks®. Though Starbucks® notes the following DIY recipe for the “Peppermint Mocha” isn’t the official recipe, it can help holiday hosts impress their guests and satisfy their cravings for this beloved beverage should families find themselves snowed in during their holiday gatherings this year.

1 fluid ounce coffee or 1 shot espresso, such as Starbucks Christmas Blend or Starbucks Espresso Roast Coffee 1⁄2 cup milk (or dairy alternative) 2 tablespoons peppermint-flavored syrup 3 tablespoons mocha sauce Whipped Cream Dark chocolate or shaving

Holiday Wishbook 2021

Makes one 12-ounce beverage

1. On a stovetop, heat milk on medium setting. Whisk the milk to make foam about 30 seconds. Set aside. (Or, use an electric milk frother at home if you have one.) 2. Pour two tablespoons chocolate sauce and two tablespoons peppermint syrup into bottom of 12-ounce or larger coffee mug. 3. Add one shot of brewed espresso. (Don’t have an espresso machine? Make concentrated coffee by using less water in an alternative brewing method.) 4. Fill mug with steamed milk. 5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.

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TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TREE FRESH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Christmas trees are often the pièce de résistance of holiday decor. Few things draw the attention of holiday guests quite like an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, especially when that tree maintains its fresh, healthy sheen throughout December. Many families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December. Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul. PICK THE RIGHT TREE. Choosing the right tree is one of the simplest ways to keep a tree looking good throughout the holiday season. A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day. CUT AN INCH OFF THE BASE OF ANY TREE THAT IS NOT FRESHLY CUT. MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks. Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water. Cutting an inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just

Holiday Wishbook 2021

before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. MSU Extension notes that this approach should be taken with any tree that was not cut within six to eight hours of being put in a stand. REPLENISH THE WATER SUPPLY EVERY DAY. Fresh tree veterans recognize that Christmas trees can be very thirsty, especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day. MSU Extension notes that many decorative or antique tree stands do not hold much water, so anyone with such a stand may need to replenish the water supply more than once or twice per day. KEEP THE TREE AWAY FROM A HEAT SOURCE. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keeping trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also decreases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.

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SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS COMMUNITY Holiday shoppers can give the local arts community a shot in the arm by browsing their wares this holiday season. Keep an eye out for local arts and crafts shows, or, if you’re part of an organization that can, consider hosting one yourself for the holidays.

Exposure

Many talented artists that are just getting started creating can’t afford their own storefronts. They may partner with local businesses to showcase their art or they may join craft fairs around the region. Shop local and give these artists the exposure and funding they need to grow their businesses. Make sure to share posts of your gift (after you give it, of course) on social media to give them an additional boost.

Get Locally Festive

Add some local flair to your holiday decor by shopping local artisans’ holiday collections. You can often find ornaments that are great ways to commemorate a special time or place. Think

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decorated sea shells from a beach town or ornaments with other local references. These make great gifts, too, even if the recipient doesn’t live in your town. It’s a great way to personalize a gift and make sure family and friends think of you when they’re decorating their own tree.

Shopping Local Outside Your Town

Chances are, a short day trip away is another adorable town full of quirky gifts that will fit anyone on your list. Hop in the car and make a day of shopping, with stops at the local coffee shops and eateries for refreshment. You just might discover your new favorite store, right in your own back yard. Another way to shop local is to browse online stores like Etsy and filter the results by geographic location. That way, you can find artisans in your town that may not go to craft fairs or have enough money for their own storefront yet. It may save you on shipping, too.

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Holiday Wishbook 2021

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Clay Ornaments SUPPLIES Air dry clay Rolling pin Scissors Quick dry glue

Cookie cutter Pin or toothpick Ribbon or twine

STEP ONE Roll out clay with rolling pin until it is about a 1/4” thick. STEP TWO Cut shape with cookie cutter. STEP THREE Use a toothpick or pin to make a hole in the top edge of the ornament as shown. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit twine or ribbon. Set aside and let dry for 24-48 hours. STEP FOUR Cut a length of twine and fold it in half. Place a small amount of glue on the end and twist together. Insert into hole on ornament, adding a little more glue if necessary.

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EAT (AND DRINK) LOCAL When you’re planning your holiday shindigs, make sure you turn to local restaurants, food trucks and cafes for your catering needs. If you’re not planning a big soirée, make sure you factor them in to your holiday shopping plans by stopping in for a bite while you’re out filling up the sleigh or even gifting gift cards from your favorite local spots. Here are some hints for eating locally that you may not have thought of from USA Today.

Bake With Local Grains

Holiday baking is a family favorite. This year, look for locally grown grains and flavors to add to your rotation of recipes. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to learn what’s grown nearby, from grits to locally processed flours.

Visit the Local Butcher or Fishmonger Big holiday meals call for quality proteins. Locally based ranchers and fisherfolk offer fresh, often organic, meats and seafoods that are well worth every penny. The experts at the butcher’s and fish shops can even tell you how to stretch your dollar by suggesting lower-priced cuts and fish that taste the same (or even

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better) than their expensive cousins. While you’re there, ask for any specials they may have and suggestions for recipes. You will probably learn a thing or two and come out with a new favorite holiday dish.

Go to the Baker

While you’re at the farmers market or out visiting the butcher, check out deals at local bakeries, too. Pick up some breads to go on your holiday table, or look for showstopping confections with a local flavor that can’t be beat. These make great host or hostess gifts, too, and are always welcome at the office party.

Stock the Bar with Local Beer and Liquor

Craft brewing is experiencing a surge in popularity, as is small-batch liquor. Most every town or city nowadays can boast of at least one local brewery, and these are great places to find holiday gifts and libations. Look for small batch or special releases you can only get by dropping by. While you’re there, ask the staff for their favorite cocktail recipe using their wares.

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Sweet & Salty Holiday Toffee INGREDIENTS

35 saltine crackers 1 c. (2 sticks) butter 1 c. packed brown sugar 1 3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips 1 bag red and green holiday M&Ms 1 jar holiday sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet or jelly-roll pan with tin foil and coat with cooking spray. Line the baking sheet with Saltine crackers. Set aside. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, and let cook until bubbling, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture over crackers in an even layer and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Top immediately with chocolate chips and let melt. Smooth chocolate out into an even layer, then top with red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. Cut into squares, then cool until the chocolate has hardened.

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Holiday Wishbook 2021

The Brookings Register

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

It was first celebrated in 2010 to call attention to small businesses and draw crowds to shop unique products and services. American Express, part of a partnership that established Small Business Saturday, says that in 2020, Americans spent at estimated $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants. And that was during a pandemic.

SHOPPING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Look for special deals, both online and in store. A popular trend among small business owners is to offer steep discounts on gift cards or certificates, which are just the right size for those people that you never know what to get. Also look for small businesses that are teaming up with nearby eateries or cafes. For instance, one may offer a deal if you present a receipt from the other. Remember that small businesses doesn’t just mean gifts and crafts. Small businesses can mean your landscaper, house painter or other tradesperson, too. Also consider book shops, boutiques, service providers, gyms and more. Look into buying services in advance for friends and family members, such as yard services in the spring or ten yoga classes. Buying in advance makes a great gift and really helps the small business owner, who gets to hold onto and use the cash well in advance of providing the services.

BRANCH OUT

Remember to shop in your town, but don’t be afraid to branch out a little and hit small businesses that are just a road trip away. Browse social media or the newspaper and find nearby businesses that you may not have even heard of previously. Look at this Small Business Saturday as an opportunity to get out of the (big) box and try out some shops and services that are a little off the beaten path. If you’re traveling to shop, remember to get gas out of town and grab a bite to eat.

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Holiday Wishbook 2021

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WHEN TO TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Many people travel to see family and friends during the holiday season, and the 2021 holiday season figures to be an especially busy one for travel. Celebrants are anxious to spend the holidays with their loved ones in 2021 after canceling such plans a year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many families to scrap traditional gatherings and spend holidays like Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas at home. As vaccinations rates continue to grow across the globe, the likelihood of a very busy holiday travel season increases as well. For instance, Club Med reported a significant uptick in holiday season bookings as early as May. Club Med bookings around Thanksgiving had already increased by 18 percent in May, while bookings around Christmas had increased by 9 percent. That bodes well for the travel industry, though it could mean travelers have to do some significant advance planning if they intend to leave home this holiday season. In anticipation of crowded roadways and busy airports, travelers may want to review these holiday travel facts and figures from a 2019 analysis from the AAA Automotive Group. • The Monday before Thanksgiving might be the best day to fly. AAA found that Monday has the lowest average ticket price prior to the holiday and is a lighter travel day than later in the week. Those who don’t mind departing on Thanksgiving Day also can benefit from the lowest average airline fare of any day that week.

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• Nearly 50 million people were expected to travel by automobile for the Thanksgiving holiday in 2019. People who intend to do so on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving should know that traveling near major cities during rush hour that day can lead to heavy delays. Delays were roughly 3.5 times longer than normal in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Houston between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the night before Thanksgiving. • The 10-day period between December 21 and January 1 featured a record number of American travelers in 2019. Roughly 115.6 million people traveled in that period, and that number could be even greater in 2021 as the world continues to emerge from the pandemic. AAA reports that more than 104 million of those travelers traveled by car, so travelers who want to drive should keep that in mind and potentially look to hit the road prior to December 21. • People traveling by car in or near major cities around the Christmas holiday should know that the days after Christmas tend to be the busiest in such locales, though the delays pale in comparison to those on the day before Thanksgiving. For example, the peak congestion period in Chicago around the Christmas holiday in 2019 was between 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on December 26. However, the delays during that time period were just 1.3 times greater than normal. While that’s still nothing to celebrate, it’s a far cry from the more significant delays travelers can expect on the day preceding Thanksgiving.

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS Some people thrive by doing all of their tasks early. Others seem to do their best work when faced with a time crunch. The methods individuals use to manage their time at work and play may extend to the ways they approach holiday shopping as well. There’s no right or wrong way to handle holiday shopping tasks, though Christmas Eve crowds at malls and throughout shopping districts suggest that there’s more late comers than there are early birds. The following tips can help those who typically wait until the last minute to check names off their lists.

UTILIZE FREE SHIPPING SERVICES. Shoppers who shop for gifts online at the last minute run the risk of gifts not arriving on time. Many online retailers charge a premium for expedited shipping. Try to stick to shopping at online retailers that offer free shipping even in the eleventh hour.

CREATE A BUDGET. When rushing around from store to store, it may be easy to spend more than you want to. Make a list of how much you want to spend on each person, and stick to that limit for each person. Move on to the next store if you didn’t find what you need in your price range.

ESTABLISH A TIME LIMIT. Stores have strategies in place to keep shoppers in their establishments longer, hoping you’ll make impulse buys. These tricks include scenting the air with inviting aromas, putting neces-

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sities at the rear of the store, failing to display the time, and putting discounted items by the registers or door to attract shoppers. Set an alarm on your watch or phone for each store so you get what you need and get out on time.

SUBDIVIDE BULK GIFTS. Think about purchasing bulk gifts like gift baskets from wholesale clubs and then breaking them down into individual gifts. This way you can gift several people on one purchase and save time in the process.

CHOOSE ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL GIFTS. Think about a gift that can be purchased for multiple people so you can save time shopping for individualized gifts for everyone. For example, print a personalized photo calendar for several members of your family. You also can purchase multiple subscriptions or memberships to zoos or magazines for people on your list. Streamlining gifting in this way may save money as well as time.

CHOOSE IN-STORE PICKUP. Rather than scouring various aisles, you can shop a retailer’s website and then pick up items in the store. You’ll save on potential shipping fees but still benefit by avoiding crowds. Some people wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. A few tricks of the procrastinator’s trade can make last-minute shopping go smoothly.

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