Central Florida Lifestyle December 2022 Special Edition

Dr. Phan earned the prestigious Mastership Award from The Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), placing him among the 2% of general dentists throughout the United States and Canada that hold this title.

The THREE Cs of the Holidays

Welcome to the 2022 holiday season! It is that most wonderful time of the year; where busy schedules (and in most cases a feeling of being quite frazzled) is mixed with the joy of spending time with loved ones all while trying to fit in every wonderful holiday event our beautiful Central Florida has to offer.

This year we challenge you to take a 3C approach to the holidays! Create calm moments to reflect on THE moment. Celebrate the victory of something that you have accomplished over the last year (per sonal or professional) and Cherish the loved ones in your life far or near.

In this issue, we give you lots of ways to CREATE, CELEBRATE and CHERISH your holiday season. From fun times at Downtown Disney to homemade cocktails this issue is sure to please!

Wishing you and yours all the peace and love this holiday season and beyond.

Kristi K. Gomen Publisher

Proud Member of:

Cheers,

8 ELITE CENTRAL FLORIDA: CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST Learn more about Elite Central Florida, a new award given to businesses, non-profit organizations, and community leaders that focus on supporting, enriching, and going above and beyond in their communities.

24 WRAP YOURSELF IN HOLIDAY MAGIC AT DISNEY SPRINGS®

Gather with family and friends to celebrate the most wonderful time of year in a wonderland filled with holiday cheer—Disney Springs®.

34 DAZZLING CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS TO GET YOU IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Driving around and looking at Christmas lights is a timeless Christmas tradition. Here’s a list of must- see light displays in Central Florida.

Departments 6 SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW Celebrating the Woman Next Door 10 YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED How to Inspire Your Parents to Take Action

CREATIVE CORNER How to Create the Perfect Ugly Christmas Sweater

TALK OF THE TOWN Conversations for Your Community

MONEY MATTERS How to Avoid Overspending This Holiday Season 18 MONEY MATTERS Top 9 Advantages of Leasing a Car 20 ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

Orlando Repertory Theatre Premieres True North: A Magical New Holiday Musical 22

EXPERT ADVICE LAW

Think Before You Drink: Understanding the Consequences of Driving Under the Influence 28 DI NING

Christmas Dinner Dining Guide: Skip the Cooking This Year 30 WINE+SPIRITS

40

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

As you plan to spread the love this holiday season, here are our ideas for some of the top gifts that your friends and family are sure to remember.

Web Life

Go to CentralFloridaLifestyle.com to see what’s happening near you!

Brother’s Bond: Bourbon Line Launched by ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Stars 32 WINE+SPIRITS Embrace the Holiday Spirit With These Locally Crafted Cocktails 36 INSTYLE The Bow on Top: Winter Hair Trends of 2022-2023 38 ON TREND Affordable Sustainable Clothing Options You Will Love 42 YOUR LOCAL Spread Cheer, Shop Small: The Holiday Makers’ Markets of Orlando 44 YOUR LOCAL Chamber Gift Ideas for Shopping Local This Holiday Season

YOUR LOCAL A Season of Giving

IN THE KITCHEN 3 Recipes for Your Holiday Table

CALENDAR

Woman Next Door Celebrating the

In partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we are recognizing a woman in our community each month who is selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and/or building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.

Jessica Hallgren Haines is the Founder and Managing Partner of KLG Orlando, FL, and owner of Cham pion Title & Closing and Park Title. Jess received her undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida and went on to earn her Juris Doctor Degree from Barry University School of Law. Jess’s dedica tion to giving back to her community led her to launch her own 501(c)(3) organization, Hope for More Foundation, in 2018 with the goal of impacting children and the under privileged in our local community. Hope for More focuses on identifying and supporting outstanding nonprofit orga nizations in Central Florida to further their efforts in out reach, advocacy, and fundraising. Her love for giving back started at an early age and therefore her sons Connor and Dylan are actively involved in the ongoing growth of Hope for More. Together with her husband Richard Haines, RLH Construction, they have grown Hope for More’s larg est event to over 700 people, raising over $200,000.00 and leading a food drive impacting over 300 people each holiday season.

What is your WHY?

My why is my family. Every day I strive to bring a smile to my children’s faces and show them how amazing and blessed every day is when we focus on the good. Fill ing their buckets with love and support are why I work so hard to be the woman I am today.

On your toughest of days, what motivates you to put one foot in front of the other?

My boys motivate me to see the positive in every situ ation and on my toughest days. I always say, “will this affect me in five years” and if it won’t I don’t spend time dwelling on the issue. I find a solution and move forward.

My husband and friends remind me daily of how even the worst days are better than most and for that I am truly grateful.

Have you drawn inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.

I believe women supporting women is one of the strongest forces around, therefore pinning one woman who has inspired me is truly impossible. I have been inspired by powerful CEO’s down to the positive and cheerful woman bagging groceries at Publix. We all have a story and if you take the time to listen and get to know someone, truly know them; inspiration comes from ev erywhere.

What is the one word that perfectly explains who you are?

Giver. I am truly someone who gives their all to every part of my life; normally that’s an amazing quality but at times can also be a curse. Learning to give appropriately is something I struggle with daily but evolve with maturity.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?

My biggest challenge was balancing being a mom and being a CEO running companies. It’s not easy and there are days I wonder if I am simply crazy—but in that crazy I realize I am showing my boys how to respect women, how to embrace strength in women and how to admire working moms. My boys tell me consistently they love mommy working and love coming to my office. I know this alone will make them better men, supporters, and partners to all in the future.

Jessica Hallgren Haines

Elite Central Florida:

Celebrating The Best of The Best

The Elite Central Florida awards was created to celebrate the most elite organizations in the Central Florida region. We want to acknowledge businesses, non-profit organizations, and community leaders that focus on supporting, enriching, and going above and beyond in their communities. This year is our inaugural launch, and we are excited to see Elite Central Florida grow to be a premier award that our community can proudly represent.

Each year, we plan to donate 100% of the profits to a local charity. This year we will be donating to the Rosen JCC for the development of a splash pad for the community. Our goal is $100,000!

This year’s nomination period ended on November 30, 2022. At the end of the nomination period, the community will be able to vote for each category online on our website. Voting opens on December 1, 2022, and closes on December 15, 2022. Votes will be tallied and verified, and winners will be notified by December 30, 2022.

Winners will be publicly announced in our February 2023 Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine issue. Winners of each category will be listed and have options to be featured in the magazine. The winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony, location to be announced.

For more information visit elitecentralflorida.com.

Elite Categories

Elite Community Hero: Awarded to the Government, Business, and Non-Profit leader that go above and beyond to make our Central FL community great.

Hero

Responder

Elite Community Business: Awarded to the community business that supports and inspires the community. n

Elite Community Non-Profit: Awarded to the Central Florida Nonprofit organization that focuses on community outreach and challenges.

Elite Tech Company: Awarded to the technol ogy company that gives back to our Central Florida community.

Elite Medical Practice: Awarded the medical practice that also has community involvement.

Elite Community Sports Team: Awarded to the sports team that enriches the community in terms of financial support, volunteering, and supplying venues for local nonprofits to support their causes.

Elite Travel Destination: Awarded to the toprated travel destination that also supports their local communities.

Elite Community Event: Awarded to the Cen tral Florida Event where proceeds are invested back into the community.

Elite Theme Park: Awarded to the community theme park that gives back to our Central Florida community.

How to Inspire Your Parents to Take Action

Learn how to sit down with your parents to convince them of the importance of preparing documents that pass their assets to beneficiaries at life’s end.

By Kristen Jackson, Jackson Law P.A.

A:

You’ve answered your own question. You and your siblings should collectively sit down with your par ents to convince them of the importance of prepar ing documents that pass their assets to beneficiaries at life’s end. It is an emotional subject for anyone to discuss how to ‘Let Go’ of life. Rarely, if ever, is there a convenient opportunity throughout the year to have such discussions with your parents. So, when is a good time to gather for such discussions? Holidays, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, are often a good time since the family is normally gathered.

In the Charles Dicken’s classic, The Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present told Ebenezer Scrooge that “There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time that you have. Remember Scrooge, time is short, and suddenly, you’re not here anymore.”

What makes Holidays an opportune time for discussions about family health issues and asset pro tection? Most people are less pressured by daily work routines, family members can come together, and most importantly, your parents, you, your spouse,

and your siblings can comfortably open a discussion over a glass of eggnog and a turkey leg or while open ing gifts.

So how do you influence parents to feel com fortable talking about health and asset protection? Remember, the discussion is about your parents’ estate planning which includes their health, assets, family, loved ones, not-so-loved ones, gifts, feuds, drama and more. It’s about their day-to-day living and legacy, not simply about their demise. Start the discussion anywhere. Talk about probate and how not to allow attorneys and courts to determine distri bution of family fortunes.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time for family and friends to share intimate and loving con cerns for one another and to celebrate the coming New Year. Once you have shared eggnog, turkey, gifts and champagne with family, think about beginning the new year by setting up a consultation with an estate planning attorney to discuss how to help safe guard your parents’ future. Remind them, “Remember, Mom and Dad, time is short, and suddenly, you’re not here anymore.”

Kristen Jackson is the founding partner of Jackson Law P.A. (407-363-9020). She is experienced in estate planning, real estate law, business and contract law. Her firm has earned an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell signifying the highest level of professional excellence as obtained through opinions from members of the bar and judiciary. For more information, visit www.JacksonFloridaRealtor.com

Q:My siblings and I can’t seem to find a collective time to meet with our parents to encourage preparation of an estate plan such as a will or trust. Individually, each of us has tried to influence our parents to protect their assets and themselves, now in their 80s. Their answer is always the same, “it is our intention to look into it right away,” and then they do nothing. Even though my siblings and I all have prepared estate planning of our own, we’re unable to convince our parents of the importance of end-of-life estate planning. They have a home, cars, retirement accounts and other substantial assets. What suggestions are there for children to inspire their parents to finally take action to protect their assets, themselves, and, God forbid, avoid probate?

How to Create The Perfect Ugly Christmas Sweater

Are you looking for a way to stand out this holiday season?

Looking for an ugly Christmas sweater that no one else has? Look no further. You can create your own ugly Christmas sweater with some simple materials and a little bit of creativity!

Let’s get started. Gather the ma terials you’ll need: fabric, scissors, glue stick, holiday-themed fabric decora tions (like bells or sequins), some ugly Christmas sweater patterns you can find online. Print out the ugly Christ mas sweater pattern and trace it onto the fabric. Cut out your ugly Christ mas sweater pattern with scissors.

Glue any decorations you want on to your ugly Christmas sweater–it’s all up to you! If you want more of a homemade feel, try using buttons, ribbons, beads, or other small accents to add that special touch. Once every thing is securely glued in place, sew along the edges of the ugly Christmas sweater for added security.

Now that your ugly Christmas sweater is complete, slip into it and hit the party circuit! You’ll be sure to turn some heads with your ugly Christmas sweater craftsmanship. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater to all the other partygoers and you’ll be the star of the show!

Not in the party mood? That’s ok. If you live in Orlando and want to take part in Ugly Christmas Sweater festivities, there are plenty of events for you to join this holiday season! From Ugly Sweater 5K runs to Ugly Sweater themed cocktail crawls, you can find something perfect to celebrate the sea son. Many of these events are even put on by local charities, so you can help give back while having fun too.

So, the moral of the story is: Don’t settle for a store-bought ugly Christmas sweater this year—make your own and be sure to show it off at every festive occasion. With some fabric, decorations, creativity, and a bit of effort, you can create an ugly Christmas sweater that is truly one of a kind.

Happy crafting! And happy holi days!

Need crafting materials to make your ugly Christmas sweater? Check out some of these stores in Orlando: - Michaels - Hobby Lobby - JOANN Fabrics and Craft - Walmart - Fabric Warehouse

Your Community Conversations for

By Rich Maladecki

We have officially made it to the final month of the year, and what a journey it has been. As we prepare to wrap up 2022, let the holiday spirit fill you with joy. Finalize your holiday plans, purchase gifts for loved ones and start planning for the new year ahead. Happy Holidays!

During these challenging eco nomic times, it may be wise to purchase gifts for loved ones that are more practical and useful! Items to consider may be clothes, gas gift cards, school supplies and grocery store gift cards.

To avoid potential mail theft during this holiday gift-giving season, bring your holiday cards - that includes actual gift cards - directly to the post office!

A memorable holiday shopping adventure may be to pre-register your group for a series of photo graphs with Santa! Your crowd can consist of family or friends or both - and this experience will bring laughter and smiles to all, during the upcoming years (a gift that keeps on giving).

Speaking of photographs, an expressive holiday gift may be to review your hundreds of photos on your smart phone or your cloud to find meaningful memories of loved ones. Once found, print and/or enlarge these images as gifts (with frames) for the season.

Remember: gift cards come in all shapes and sizes - so, always ask your favorite retailers if their business offers gift certifi cates! This gesture may prove to be appreciated by those on your holiday gift list.

It’s that time of the year to consider “New Year Resolutions”. For your information, most inter net sites suggest developing and implementing only 2 or 3 realistic resolutions per year. By keeping your goals practical and manage able, the opportunity to succeed, starting Jan. 1, is considerably greater!

As you finalize your holiday shopping list, consider purchasing gifts from small Central Florida businesses (shop local). Let’s continue to support our local economy and community by helping family owned and managed businesses.

How to Avoid Overspending This Holiday Season

By Author/Writer

If the excitement of the holiday season usually gives way to piles of post-holiday bills and debt, you might want to change the way you do things this year. With so much emphasis on shopping and spending, it is easy to go over your budget and regret it later.

Doing some advance planning now can benefit you later. Here’s how.

Set a Budget

No matter how many people are on your gift list, your first step is to set a budget. Sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and make a list of everyone you want to buy gifts for. Set a realistic gift budget for each person then add it all up.

Pull Out the Cash Now

Once you have established a total budget for all your holiday spending, head to the bank and pull the cash out now. If you don’t have enough cash on hand to cover your holiday spending, you can’t afford all the gifts you have identified.

After you’ve pulled the cash out of your account, sep arate it into envelopes according to amount. Label each envelope with the name of the recipient and keep the cash in a safe place like a wall safe or fireproof box.

Planning for the holiday season is not hard, but it will take a bit of discipline. Use these tips to get started.

Check Out the Weekly Ads

Retailers pull out all the stops and slash prices when the holiday season rolls around, which can help your cash stretch further. Watch for bargains for the gifts that are on your list. When you find one, grab your envelope and head to the store.

Check each recipient off your list as you go. After the gifts are bought and paid for, scratch that person off your list and move on to the next one. Continue your savvy shopping and money-saving ways until your gift list is complete.

If you managed to be an extra good shopper this year, reward yourself by depositing the money you saved back into your bank account. Then use it to get a head start on next year or treat yourself to something special. L

Ensley Inc. was founded in 1984 and has remained a well-respected asphalt contractor in the Central Florida area for 37 years. We take pride in the quality of our work, and in providing our customers with sustainable results. Our team has a collective commitment to deliver excellence in safety, service, and professionalism in every job we take on. We offer honest competitive pricing, fair and thorough estimations and believe in providing the most value to our customers. Trust is important in hiring contractors. We seek to see the job from the customers’ point of view to come together to find the best solution for the project. We work around your schedule, completing the job on time, and without interfering with your business. A trusted member of the Better Business Bureau, Ensley Inc. provides a superior service that speaks for itself. Ensley Inc. is a

Small Business and is a Florida Certified Veteran Business Enterprise.

At Ensley, Inc., our success depends entirely on the dedicated men and women that make up our team. We base our hiring and training practices on our sincere belief that an investment in our employees is an investment in our company’s future. We do everything in our power to nurture and promote the talents of our employees. That begins with a rigorous application and hiring process. We’re proud of our culture of investment that promotes advancement through the ranks of our company. A career with Ensley is an opportunity to develop as an individual and leader in your community.

As Florida’s leading asphalt paving contractor, we offer opportunities for advancement at every stage of your career. See what a future with Ensley could look like. Visit www.ensleyinc.com/jobs for our current open positions.

Top 9 Advantages of Leasing a Car

By Dan Hayes

Whether you should buy or lease a car depends on your situation. Perhaps you don’t want to commit to a long-term loan or you think your car needs may change after several years. In these cas es and others, leasing may be the best choice. Consider the following advan tages of leasing.

1. No commitment needed. When buying a car, you don’t always know your long-term needs. A compact coupe may suit you now, but you may need something bigger down the road. Purchasing for the short-term, say by getting a two-year lease, offers more flexibility.

2. Lower monthly payments. Monthly lease payments can be up to 30% to 50% lower than pay ments on a loan. If the monthly bur den of a loan is too high, a lease might be your best alternative.

3. Pay a lower or no down payment. People pay, on average, 10% to 20% down on a car loan. Down payments for leasing are lower, and you can even lease a vehicle without one. However, as with a loan, pay ing a higher down payment on your lease will lower your monthly pay ments.

4. Drive the newest vehicles.

Leasing a new car every few years means you will always drive the newest model with the most upto-date technologies. This can get expensive after a few leases, but if your priority is to always have that new car smell (and the latest safety features), leasing may be for you.

5. Constant warranty coverage. When purchasing a new car, your loan often outlasts your warranty. It’s much easier to get a lease with a warranty that lasts the full term, so you won’t get hit with additional repair bills while still making monthly payments.

6. Lower sales taxes. Sales taxes on a purchased vehicle will be for the full price of the vehicle, but the sales tax you pay on a leased vehicle is only for the amount paid on the lease, a small fraction.

7. Free GAP coverage.

Many leases offer free GAP insurance to cover you if your car is stolen or totaled and you owe more than what it’s worth. Typically, you must purchase GAP coverage on your own with a new vehicle loan.

8. Get a tax deduction.

If you use your car for business purposes, you can write off some or all of your lease bill on your taxes. Consult a tax professional to explore all of your deduction options.

9. Option to purchase.

Many leases give you the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease for the remainder of the original sale price. Whether or not you should depends on how much the vehicle has depreciated over the lease term.

In the end, it’s all about what suits your particular situation. While leas ing can sometimes cost more than buying in the long-term, there are many circumstances where it makes sense. It’s through educating yourself on the pros and cons that you can make the best choice. L

Not sure if you should buy or lease a car? Consider these pros and cons to help you decide.

Orlando Repertory Theatre

Premieres True North: A Magical New Holiday Musical

By Monika Knotts

Some of the most magical parts of celebrating the holidays this time of year are the traditions that harken back to our own child hoods, reminding us of what it’s like to look at the world through fresh eyes. But with watching the same movies, hearing the same songs, and eating the same foods, what happens when tradi tion starts to feel redundant?

Creating something original in the Christmas genre is no small un dertaking and creating something as timeless as the classics is something few have succeeded at. It was this fa tigue of monotony and craving for a challenge that inspired husband-andwife team Kelvin and Holly Reed to write True North, a Christmas musical with all the grandeur and enchant ment of the stories we know and love, but with a distinctive perspective that drives home a message that is certainly not exclusive to the holiday season.

The Reeds had been doing Christmas programs for churches for

years, but after a while, struggled to find new ways to present the same old song and dance.

“I mean, that’s literally a line from the show; ‘there’s not a whole lot you can do different,’” said Holly Reed on the eve of True North’s world premiere at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

With a healthy appetite for ambi tion, Holly decided she would try to write songs for an original Christmas musical, for which Kelvin composed the music.

“So, we gave it a whirl, we wrote like 23 songs, and it was horrible. It was awful,” Holly said. “But in that process, in trying to tell a new story, I kind of went down a rabbit hole.”

Determined to write a Christ mas show she was proud of, Holly began researching the North Pole and learned it’s in Greenland. Upon fur ther research into Greenland’s history, she came across a story about a top-se cret military operation that took place

there in the 1960s. This tidbit stuck with her and became the inspiration behind the catalyst of our protago nists’ journey.

Ben and Kami are a pair of sib lings who are facing conflicted feel ings about the holidays after the loss of their mom, and when their dad is called away on a top-secret mission, their adventure to the North Pole to bring him home makes this Christ mas one they’ll never forget.

When The Rep’s Artistic Direc tor, Jeff Revels, became aware of True North, he saw it as an opportunity to expand the theater’s accessible pro gramming – as the main character, Ben, lives with sensory sensitivities.

“We’ve had a long history of doing productions that we call our ‘sensory friendly shows,’” said Ashley Willsey, Senior Creative Director of Marketing at The Rep. “So, those are productions that have been modified a little bit – not the whole show overall, but for that specific performance – for

people who are on the autism spectrum, or who maybe have some sensory sensi tivities; that has long been a piece of our artistic model. And, you know, we’re al ways looking out for shows or properties that would lend themselves to that.”

Holly Reed says that Ben and Kami’s character development through the story teaches that vulnerability and authentic ity are key ingredients in living a joyful life, year-round.

“[Ben] is very authentic in how he responds to things that he doesn’t like, you know, and things that make him anxious,” Reed said, “He’s very, like, out there with it. Kami just bottles it all up and won’t share. At first, she’s trying to fix him. So, it’s really about her learning that ultimately, living more like he lives is really the healthier and better way to live. To be vulnerable and be authentic and let your feelings be out there because people can help you. Whenever you let your hurt show, it’s okay.”

With all that heart and songs that will be stuck in your head through the

holiday season, the Reeds and direc tor Richard H. Blake hope to have True North on a Broadway stage in the n You can witness the spectacle of True North and experience the magic for your self at The Orlando Repertory Theatre now through Dec. 22.

Think Before You Drink: Understanding the Consequences of Driving Under the Influence

A reminder to not drink and drive, especially during this holiday season.

By Michael B. Brehne, Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A

Think before you drink is not just a slogan; it is good advice. While finding a reason to have a drink with friends or family comes quickly, the same cannot be said for thinking about how to get home af terwards.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is a crime. The offense of DUI occurs when you are found to be in physical control of a vehicle within the state of Florida while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance when affected to the extent that your normal facul ties are impaired; or you have a breath or blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.

Being in physical control means you don’t have to be moving to be charged with DUI, but simply be capable of starting the vehicle and making it move. By example, a person passed out behind the wheel of a car, with the key in their possession, sitting in their driveway could result in a con viction for DUI.

The crime of DUI in Florida is a misdemeanor. DUI has standard ized penalties that are increased upon each conviction, the third of which becomes a felony. In addition, punish ments are enhanced if your blood or breath alcohol exceeds .15% BAC or

if you are accompanied by a minor at the time of the offense. If convicted of DUI for the first time in Florida, a judge is required to impose the following penalties:

n Up to six months in jail.

n Up to twelve months of reporting probation.

n Minimum six-month driver license revocation, but up to twelve months.

n Minimum fine of $500, but no more than $1,000.

n Ten-day impoundment or im mobilization of the vehicle used n 50 hours of community service.

n Completion of a 12-hour DUI Substance Abuse Course.

n Completion of a psychosocial evaluation to determine if Substance Abuse Treatment is required.

n Completion of any recommend ed substance abuse treatment.

I recall sitting in a courtroom years ago waiting for my case to be called, when I heard the judge pronounce a sentence on a DUI defendant. The guilty driver’s sentence included a oneyear license suspension, one year of supervised probation, a hefty fine, at tendance at a DUI attack school and 50 hours of community service.

After reading the sentence, the judge looked directly into the defen dant’s eyes and said the following, “Would have been a lot cheaper just to take a cab, huh?”

While that might sound callous to the defendant, it resonated with me. Imagine the impact the decision to drive drunk had on this defendant’s life and that it could have all been avoided by simply calling a cab or to day, summoning an Uber or Lyft.

This holiday season, please keep the judge’s wise words in mind. Be safe and Happy Holidays!

Yuletide Sweets, Treats & Eats

Disney Springs ® is also the place to get your mittens on some sweet seasonal treats. At Amorette’s Patisserie, delight in the Holiday Mickey Mousse chocolate chiffon cake or the Holiday Wreath Pastry. You can also chill out with a Peppermint Cookies and Cream Shake at D-Luxe Burger or warm up to a Hot Chocolate Flight at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. You’ll even discover a Minnie Reindeer Piñata and Rowdy Reindeer adult beverage (available December 18–30) at The Ganachery.

After you’ve worked up an even bigger appetite, gather the whole gang for some food and fun at scrumptious spots like The BOATHOUSE® and Wine Bar George. You can even savor a delectable meal created by award-winning chefs at eateries including Morimoto Asia™, Jaleo® by José Andrés and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. So go ahead and indulge. ’Tis the season after all.

LEFT: Meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy. BELOW: Holiday Wreath Pastry from Amorette’s Patisserie.

Festive Fun for Everyone

After you’ve shopped and dined, it’s time to unwind. So enjoy the Disney Springs ® Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth and see if you can spot the 20 twinkling trees themed to Disney Characters, movies and more––including four that are new for 2022. Be sure to pick up a map and use the included stickers to complete it for a special surprise. And don’t miss out on meeting Santa at Once Upon a Toy (through December 24), a nightly “snowfall,” and live entertainment brought to you by a drum line, Toy Soldier Stiltwalkers, a rollerblade duo and beyond.

So make your season sparkle at Disney Springs ®, where you’ll find Happily Whatever You’re After for the holidays… and all the days.

Explore more holiday fun at DisneySprings.com/holidays

Entertainment and offerings subject to change.

CELEBRATE THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR WITH GIFTS, JOY AND HOLIDAY CHEER.

Christmas Dinner Dining Guide: Skip The Cooking This Year

By Erica Rudnick Macalintal

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching, bringing together family and friends for gather ings and celebrations complete with home cooked food and traditional fes tivities. However, for some of us, host ing for the holidays isn’t an option, and for others, our regular Christmas destinations can be less than ideal.

Circumstances such as frequent travel, smaller living spaces or strained family relations can make hosting or attend ing home parties a headache rather than a joy. Fortunately, there will be more than a few restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, providing delectable dining and fes tive ambiance.

Mynt in Winter Park is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and offers a full menu of fine Indian cuisine. Located in Hannibal Square off Park Avenue, Mynt is well known for its elegant atmosphere, welcoming hospitality, fresh, local ingredients and savory comfort food. The regu lar menu is expected to be available, including favorites such as tandoori

specialties, chicken tikka, biryani, and a myriad of vegetarian options. Res ervations are currently being taken via Opentable or the website. https:// www.myntorlando.com/

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse also has their doors open for Christmas, and its location on Orlando Avenue makes it easily accessible. Anyone who has been to Ruth’s Chris knows it’s an incredible fine dining experi ence, complete with the choicest cuts of steak, seafood, comforting sides, and a wine menu that will make it feel like Christmas should be every day. Holiday offerings will likely include the normal a la carte menu as well as additional, specialized menu items traditional to the holidays. Reserve your spot quickly with the restaurant or Opentable – as of early November, reservations were filling up fast.

If you have guests visiting from out of town, consider restaurants situ ated in local hotels, such as BoVine Steakhouse in the Park Plaza hotel in Winter Park, which is also taking reservations for Christmas Eve and

Christmas Day. From the same group that brought us 310 Park Avenue and blu on the avenue, BoVine Steak house is fine dining at its best, with a sophisticated atmosphere that will have you and your guests swooning.

The Boheme restaurant located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel south of College Park in Downtown Or lando will also be open on Christmas Day hosting their traditional Sunday brunch. Don’t let the “brunch” title fool you – the expansive offering is much more than breakfast, includ ing steak, seafood, pasta, charcuterie as well as bottomless mimosas and an extensive wine list.

Other mentions for Christmas Eve (but not Christmas Day) are San tiago’s Bodega on Virginia Drive, featuring their regular menu offering as well as happy hour specials, includ ing holiday themed menu items, and Chez Vincent & Hannibal’s on the Square, which serves some of the fin est, most authentic French cuisine in the city.

Brother’s Bond: Bourbon Line Launched by ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Stars

By Alexis George

Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhal der, stars of The Vampire Dia ries, have come together once again to create a brother’s bond with their line of bourbon. The two actors have been close friends since filming the show, which ended nearly 6 years ago, and now they’re honoring that friendship by sharing a piece of it with the world in their bourbon.

Brother’s Bond is inspired by the strength and resiliency of their rela tionship. The craftsmanship behind each bottle is an embodiment of the deep connection they share—and it tastes good too! The smooth flavor profile has hints of vanilla, caramel and oak that make for a delightful sip any time you feel like having some quality time with your friends. It’s all about bringing people together.

“We started drinking bourbon on the show on screen. We bonded on screen over bourbon, and we bonded off screen over bourbon which is why we went into the bourbon business together,” Wesley says.

He adds that the magic that is Brother’s Bond was curated in Somer halder’s kitchen. According to their website, Brother’s Bond is a blend of three distinctive mash bills to create a four-grain staright bourbon whsikey (corn, rye, wheat, and barley).

The brothers take great care to ensure that their bourbon is of the

highest quality. Every batch of Broth er’s Bond is hand-selected to ensure it meets the original batch gold standard before bottling.

This focus on branding goes a step further as Wesley and Somer halder work to make Brother’s Bond Bourbon, an agricultural company, a carbon negative company.

“Consumers, especially the new consumers right, Gen Z and Millenni als want to know the companies they are spending their hard-earned money with are doing something good with that money and Brother’s Bond is no exception,” Somerhalder says. “In fact, we are leading the charge. We have a give back to regenerative agriculture.”

Somerhalder recommends watching the film Kiss the Ground, which explains how by regenerating the world’s soils, “we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies.”

With Brother’s Bond Wesley and Somerhalder are showing the world that even after all these years they still share an unbreakable bond and that they still want to make their fans proud! We can all relate to having an unbreakable bond with someone in our life or at least wanting to make someone proud.

So, whether you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries or just love a good sipping whiskey, Brother’s Bond is sure to be your go-to. With its unique flavor profile and inspiring story be hind it, you’ll be sure to savor this spe cial bond between two great friends.

As we enter the holiday season, the next time you have some quality time with your friends, family or loved one, pour yourself a glass of Brother’s Bond Bourbon as an ode to Wesley and Somerhalder’s friendship—you won’t regret it! Cheers!

Fun Fact: If you are a resident of Orlando, or visiting the wonderful city, Brother’s Bond Bourbon can be found at Walt Disney World properties.

Did you know there are over 40 recipes you can try using Brother’s Bond throughout the holiday season? Here’s a few of their favorite recipes, and ours, courtesy of the company’s website.

BOND FIRE INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

0.25 oz Mezcal

4 oz Hot Chocolate

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters METHOD

Measure all ingredients into a coffee mug and stir.

Garnish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

BROTHER’S OAT NOG

INGREDIENTS

4 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

4 cups full fat oat milk

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cloves

4 Tbsp unsalted almond butter METHOD

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until frothy. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Note: Chill for 1-2 hours in fridge if you prefer your nog colder. Brother’s Fashioned

INGREDIENTS FOR 2 COCKTAILS

2 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1 oz Amaro

0.5 oz Simple Syrup

4 Dashes Angostura Bitters METHOD

Measure all ingredients with jigger and pour into a lowball glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with orange twist

BOURBON CORNBREAD

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup Brother’s Bond or Cask Strength (for a richer taste)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup coconut sugar

1 cup medium-coarse ground corn meal

2 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 cup oat milk or other non-dairy milk

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 lb salted plant-based butter, melted and cooled 1/4 unsweetened apple sauce

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 10″ loaf pan with parchment paper or grease the pan with plant-based butter. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, corn meal, baking powder, and salt). Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl (bourbon, oat milk, lemon juice, melted butter, and apple sauce). Pour wet into dry and stir just until moist. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake for 45 min until the top is crisp and the toothpick comes out clean.

MYSTIC CHARMER

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

0.5 oz Lemon Juice

0.5 oz Honey Syrup

Top with Ginger Ale

METHOD

Measure all ingredients except for ginger ale with jigger and pour into shaker.

Add ice to shaker and shake for 15 seconds.

Strain into glass over fresh ice. Top off with ginger ale. Stir and garnish with lemon wheel.

BOURBON BALSAMIC FIG COMPOTE INGREDIENTS

10 oz Fresh Mission Figs

1/4 cup Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp. lemon juice

METHOD

Dice the figs and put in a small saucepan. Add Brother’s Bond, balsamic vinegar, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid reduces by half, about 40 minutes. Cool before serving. Great on your favorite soft cheese and crackers.

To view more recipes or learn more about Brother’s Bond Bourbon, visit Brothersbondbourbon.com.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit With These Locally Crafted Cocktails

By Erica Rudnick Macalintal

The holidays are here, and with them, the time to gather and be festive. This includes no shortage of flavorful adult beverages to celebrate holiday cheer. Local bars and restaurants will be changing up their drink menus, and a few are even able to disclose a few details about the secret cocktails intended just for the holiday season.

At Domu at East End Market, bartenders have plans ready. If the forthcoming menus are anything like the previous ones – which included Earl Grey infused gin, bergamot li queur, cardamom flavored bitters and other flavors described as “herbaceous” and “refreshing cordial spice”— then their winter menu is sure to deliver. Diners can look forward to trending drink types with lower ABVs and fla vors like caramel, rosemary and even butterbeer. As Domu boasts some of the finest selection of craft spirits available, the winter menu will surely be sophisticated as well as tasty. The restaurant will be open during regu lar hours for the holiday season with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Santiago’s Bodega on Virginia Drive makes a point of offer ing regular seasonal cocktails, and this year’s Christmas cocktails will surely manifest as deliciously garnished mar tinis. Peppermint and ginger flavored liqueurs will very likely be used to create holiday-themed drinks, certain to be cheerful as well as imbibing. Santiago’s Bodega will be open on Christmas Eve, offering their normal a la carte menu of hot and cold tapas, as well as specials for happy hour that will no doubt include the festive liba tions.

For post-dinner drinks, look no further than The Matador, located right next door to Santiago’s Bodega on Virginia Drive. Bartenders at this Orlando institution spoke the most openly about their holiday drink menu plans and had the most inven tive options. A Negroni type drink us ing allspice as a garnish is in the works, and The Matador’s Seasonal Collins – including vodka or gin, rotating flavored syrups and lemon soda – is a perfect backdrop drink upon which to vary holiday flavors. Bartenders also mentioned that they planned to

include several aromatic ingredients, including rosemary and cranberry bit ters to make holiday libations more traditionally flavored.

A deliciously festive Christmasin-Florida cocktail includes lemon and orange juice, cinnamon infused rum, pear infused liquor and star an ise among other ingredients. The cin namon infused rum gives the drink both holiday and tropical vibes, and the pear infused liquor gives a candied dessert feel that reminds one of sugary treats. The Matador notes that with so many talented bartenders in the College Park, Winter Park and Mills / 50 area, there are sure to be plenty of holiday drink creations for the spirited season ahead. The Matador is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dazzling Christmas Light Displays

By Catie Moore

Every holiday season, Christmas lights are often the first decora tions to go up and the last to come down. No matter where you go, you see them everywhere – hanging from trees, on the roofs of houses, office buildings, and filling the city streets. Ultimately, what is Christmas without Christmas lights?

Driving around and looking at Christmas lights is a timeless Christmas tradition. This year, Central Florida is going all-out, featuring giant displays and opening more drivethrough experiences than ever before. We have compiled a list of the must- see light displays right in your backyard!

to Get You in The Holiday Spirit

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival

December 7, 2022-December 24, 2022

Lake Nona Town Center

Enjoy a white Christmas in Lake Nona. This winter wonderland is filled with snow, outdoor skating, twinkling lights and dazzling decorations, festive treats, and one-ofa-kind performances that are guaranteed to spread some much-needed holiday cheer. Snowfall happens every hour, so be sure to stick around!

“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk

Select nights from Friday, November 25 to Saturday, December 24, 2022, 6pm

Promenade at Sunset Walk

“Holinights Celebration” is the Christmas experience you’ve been waiting for. Gather around and watch the beautifully decorated Holinights tree come to life before your eyes. Guests can enjoy special appearances from Santa Claus, snowball fights with mischievous elves and towering toy soldiers. In addition to the holiday festivities, there will be live music, street markets and a car show.

Christmas Nights in Lights

Recurring daily until January 1, 2023

Dezerland Park

Dezerland has transformed into a magical and immersive winter wonderland. This dazzling drive-through is more than a mile long and features over one million lights. Innovative displays coupled with a commitment to creating beautiful memories make this Christmas experience memo rable for the whole family.

Dazzling Nights 2022

Recurring daily until January 1, 2023

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Leu Gardens comes alive at night with over a mil lion lights. Capture a few photos in the snow dome, candy cane light tunnel or the neon flower forest. Once you have completed your influencer photo sessions, head on over to the stunning laser light show accompanied by live perfor mances. If its energy you’re trying to burn, go wild in the inflatable play area. This magical event has something for everyone to appreciate.

Magic of Lights

Christmas Displays

Recurring daily until January 1, 2023 Daytona International Speedway

This season, Magic of Lights dazzling drive-through ex perience returns to Gillette Stadium. With over one million lights, the World Center of Racing transforms the holidays into a thrilling experience. Load up the car and immerse yourself in the signature displays, which include a 200-foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Candy Cane Lane, Toy land, 12 Days of Christmas, Prehistoric Christmas with lifesized dinosaurs and a Bigfoot Monster Truck. As of last year, Magic of Lights also features a 32-foot tall, animated Barbie, as well as dazzling displays synchronized to holiday classics.

Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park

November 24, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy cel ebrate the nightly tree lighting ceremony, with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.

Night of a Million Lights

November 12, 2022 – January 1, 2023 Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee

For the first time ever, Night of a Million Lights returns in a spectacular new venue – Island H2O Water Park! Im merse yourself in a spectacular winter wonderland illumi nated by millions of lights and filled with live entertainment and endless activities for all ages. This one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience was named by USA Today as the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando” in 2020.

The Bow on Top: Winter Hair Trends of 2022-2023

By Monika Knotts

In a place like Florida, where the changing of seasons is made evi dent more so by variance in de cor and theming than in the actual environment, it can be hard to know when is appropriate to shift one’s aes thetic. Even more puzzling than when is how, with trends coming and going so quickly in the modern world. It can be hard to keep up.

Local hair stylist, Roxanne Mengert, was recently swept up in the wave that is modern communication when a client of hers posted about her salon experience on TikTok. The video went viral, receiving over 2 mil lion views.

“It was extremely random, and totally unexpected,” said Mengert of the notoriety following her work to fix a botched dye-job done by a different stylist on Alyssa Ferares, who has over 40,000 TikTok followers. “But basi cally, she just walked up in there and was like, ‘I’m about to have a mental breakdown.’ I looked at her and said, ‘no problem.’”

Ferares left with a beautiful, blended blonde and made a point to

recognize Mengert’s talent in her viral video.

So, as one of Orlando’s most sought-after stylists, what trends has Mengert noticed making the rounds lately?

“I feel like French bobs are so trendy right now. Also, ‘butterfly’ cuts are super big right now; so, like, lots of layers and movement and big, flowy Victoria’s Secret hair is back,” Mengert said. “As far as color, I feel like right now people are kind of toning down their blondes or warming them up and doing more of a ‘root shadow’ (a darker shade at the scalp that blends into a brighter shade on the ends) with their ‘money piece’ (the hair in the bang-area, often referred to as a ‘money piece’ when it is heavily high lighted) still really noticeable.”

With the holidays right around the corner, there will be plenty of op portunities for dressing up, and no look is complete without a polished hair style.

“Two styles that I absolutely love;” Mengert raved, “One is clas sic, sleek and sexy where you part

down the middle, slick it back, leave it straight and down. And then, I also love something a little more fun, like a half-up look where you section the top of your hair into two braids or buns, leaving the rest down.”

Beyond the holidays lies yet an other new year, bringing with it more opportunities to change it up and cre ate a new you. What does Roxanne predict will be big after we ring in 2023?

“I feel like short hair’s going to be really taking over,” speculated Mengert. “I feel like people are really empowered lately by shorter, bolder, more noticeable hairstyles, which I love to see.”

So, whether you take the leap and get the chop, or simply style your locks in a way you’ve never tried before, it seems Winter 2022-2023 is all about being confident and adventurous. May these small choices to empower ourselves through our appearance lead to more courage throughout our lives in the new year and thereafter, and may we take comfort in knowing it always grows back.

Affordable Sustainable Clothing Options You Will Love

By Alexis George

If you’ve been following the trends, then you might have noticed a rise in demand for sustainable fashion. Sustainable clothing is an affordable and ethical option for those looking to stay stylish while also taking care of the environment.

There are many affordable and sustainable options available on the market today. Some popular choices include brands like H&M’s Con scious line, which features afford able clothing made using sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Other affordable yet eco-friendly brands to check out include Reformation, Patagonia and Teeki.

If you’re looking for affordable sustainable clothing in your local area, you can also check out thrift shops and vintage stores. These options can be great for finding unique pieces that are affordable and eco-friendly. Thrift stores in particular stock used items that have been gently worn or barely

used, making them a great alterna tive to buying brand new. Addition ally, shopping at thrift stores helps re duce waste by reusing existing clothes rather than throwing them away. Take Goodwill Industries of Central Florida for example. The organization was able to keep 18.9 million pounds out of local landfills last year and is on track to do more than 20 million pounds by the end of 2022.

Local boutiques are another great option for affordable sustain able clothing. These shops typically have a more curated selection, making it easier to find unique items that are also ethically sourced. In addition to affordable prices, many of these bou tiques often donate a portion of their sales to charity or other environmental organizations, which further contrib utes to their sustainable ethos.

Affordable sustainable clothing options offer several other benefits. For one, they are usually made us ing high-quality materials that will

last longer than traditional fast fash ion pieces. Purchasing these types of clothing helps to support smaller, ecofriendly brands and contribute to a more ethical supply chain.

Overall, affordable sustainable clothing offers a great way to look good while doing good. So if you’re looking to make a difference in your wardrobe and your community, consider invest ing in some affordable sustainable clothing today. Your wallet and the en vironment will thank you!

Holiday Gift Guide for the Entire Family

As you plan to spread the love this holiday season, here are our ideas for some of the top gifts that your friends and family are sure to remember.

By Catie Moore

The Stanley Cup

Constructed of recycled stainless steel for sustainable sipping, this gorgeous gift offers maximum hydration with fewer refills. This sleek tumbler can be enjoyed on the go or just relaxing at home. Thanks to Stanley’s vacuum insulation, your water will stay ice-cold all day long. The advanced FlowState™ lid features a rotating cover with three positions, including a straw opening designed to resist splashes, a drink opening, and a full-cover top. The ergo nomic handle includes comfort-grip inserts to make carrying this cup even easier, and the narrow base fits just about any car cup holder. www.stanley1913.com

Titanium Standards

Titanium Standards offer an elegant yet low-profile, simple yet self-assured perspective to eyewear. Intro ducing an instantly timeless look, ideal for the on-the-go loved one. Neutral tones to match are a testament to the strength and refinement of a metal that’s universally cherished. Purchase your pair here. www.warbyparker.com/titanium-standards

Pura Smart Diffuser

The Pura Smart Diffuser is an innova tive tool that gives you total control of your home fragrance. This scent savvy device conveniently connects with your smartphone through an app that allows you to adjust timing, aromas, and intensity at any time, wherever you are. With the touch of a button, swap fragrances, create cus tom schedules, and receive “running low” or “empty” notifications through the Pura app. This gift for all ages even doubles as a night light, allowing you to custom ize the color and brightness to suit your needs. www.anthropologie.com

BaubleBar Custom Throw

Give the gift of customized luxury this season. This collection includes a large size, throw size, and kid’s size, allowing you to accessorize every corner of your home. Personalize your gift by adding initials, name or even a special phrase to your design. Every BaubleBar blanket is washing ma chine friendly, making this the perfect gift for any loved one. www.baublebar.com

GE Profile Opal Nugget Machine

Level up your beverages with this chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that’s ready fast and re tains its flavors. Refreshing nugget ice is perfect for cocktails, sodas and other beverages and goes great in your Stanley tumbler! Finally, you can have the “good ice” anytime you want it, with the GE Profile Opal. www.geappliances.com

Tonie Box

Designed to promote imagina tion and active play for children ages three and up. It’s everything a young explorer’s growing mind needs! The Tonie box lets your little listener be in control of story time. Squeeze an ear to raise or lower the volume. Tap the sides to change chapters or tilt to fastforward or rewind. When you’re ready to begin a new adventure, just swap tonies on top of the box to change the story. Soft enough to cuddle, tough enough to handle toddlers. The best added feature is the creative tonies, where loved ones can record their very own stories or affirma tions for that special little one. Get your Tonie box here. https://us.tonies.com

Hai Smart Showerhead

Hai, the world’s smartest, most ecofriendly home shower system uses water flow to power Bluetooth and LED lights that transform any home shower into the most rewarding ritual of your day. Treat your loved one to the ultimate self-care gift this holiday season. This device con nects to the Hai app, which allows you to see how much water, energy, and time you’ve used and saved each shower. The Hai Smart Showerhead is available at gethai.com. www.gethai.com

Meta Quest 2

Meta Quest 2 is the most advanced all-in-one virtual reality headset. From multi player games to unique social experiences to joining up with friends at a live show or instructor-led workout, Meta Quest 2 provides a new world for people to connect and interact with family and friends. Meta Quest 2 offers various apps and experiences suitable for everyone on your list - and with a host of ongoing updates and ever-changing experiences, there’s always something to discover. www.meta.com/quest

TRUFF Starter Pack

This complete gourmet hot sauce starter pack is a perfect gift for the foodie lover in your life. Whether you are a loyal fan, or a first-time buyer, the TRUFF Starter Pack will equip you with the flavor you need to infuse every meal. With ingredients reserved for gourmet dining, this recipe is meticulously crafted with real truffles and high-quality in gredients. The starter pack is packaged perfectly in a gorgeous gold foil VIP box. This gift needs no wrapping! Get your TRUFF starter pack here: www.truff.com

Spread Cheer, Shop Small: The Holiday Makers’ Markets of Orlando

Collective Corner Holiday Market

■ Succulents Empire (1700 N Orange Avenue)

■ Saturday, December 3, 12 - 5 PM

■ Featuring more than 30 vendors, this event in the heart of Ivanhoe Village offers the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.

Krampusfest

■ Sideward Brewing Co. (210 N Bumby Avenue)

■ Sunday, December 4, 1 - 9 PM

By Monika Knotts

The origins of the holidays we celebrate this time of year are more spiritual than material, but the tradition of gift-giving has long been a part of our culture and has become a thoughtful gesture to show loved ones we care.

Of course, there is the other side of the gift-giving transaction; and while it’s not hard to imagine how directly supporting small businesses stimulates the local economy far more than purchasing gifts from a corporate company, the pleasant surprise of giv ing or receiving a creative and unique gift is a priceless bonus.

Though intentional holiday shopping has been on the radar of many over the last few years, shopping small is indisputably less convenient than having goods shipped to your door with the click of a button. Yes, there are sites like Etsy that can con nect you to thousands of small busi nesses from all over the world, but the essence of “shopping small” implies doing so in one’s locality.

If only there were a way to access a variety of vendors offering interesting, often hand-made gifts in person all at once. Enter: the makers’ market. These co-op, usually outdoor markets have become especially popular post-

pandemic, and allow for communities to connect in ways that are lost in on line transactions.

Katrina Constantine is a local artist who has been participating in these sorts of events as a vendor for years and says that she has seen and experienced benefits that go beyond financial gain.

“There’s a simplicity to online [vending] in that you can do things in bulk, but there’s something special about seeing people in real time ap preciate what you make,” said Constantine. “And that really lets you know the things that stand out because you can actually see people’s expressions.”

While these events happen in Orlando year-round, the ones closer to the holidays are especially electric, and the holiday cheer is almost tan gible. Read on to find out about some of the makers’ markets happening in Orlando this December and consider delivering seasons’ greetings to your neighbors in person by stopping by.

■ A lesser-known Christmas icon, Krampus, is on its way to the Milk District, and is bringing with it not only local small business vendors, but also live music, good eats, and a Krampus costume parade and contest!

Hourglass Collective Holiday Market

■ Hourglass District (2401 Curry Ford Road)

■ Saturday, December 10, 12 - 5 PM

■ Delight in browsing the wares of over 50 vendors to the sounds of live music and carolers and enjoy festive food and drink in the Hourglass District.

Pop Swap Holiday Market

■ Park Ave CDs (2916 Corrine Drive)

■ Sunday, December 11, 11 AM - 5 PM

■ Over 30 local artisans and vintage dealers will be setting up shop in Audubon Park, with a variety of food trucks and a selection of craft beer provided by Redlight Redlight.

Milk Mart Holiday Market

■ The Nook on Robinson (2432 E Robinson Street)

■ Sunday, December 18, 11 AM - 6 PM

■ One of the biggest markets in town, Milk Mart will feature 130 local vendors and one giant inflatable cow.

Chamber Gift Ideas for Shopping Local This Holiday Season

By Stina D’Uva

As Chamber President for 21 years, I have seen the generosity of our local business community, large and small, to our residents, of all ages. As a former business owner too, I also know the number of requests made monthly to businesses by our schools and charities for donations to support local fundraising efforts. Businesses are always called upon to help and they do help!

That is one of the reasons for the Chamber’s existence. We are here to help businesses grow and thrive because when they do, they support the community. The support can be for auction items for a major event, cash donations to school clubs or banners at a ball field to support high school teams. It can be for volunteers to provide labor to healthcare clinics, clean up roads and lakes. The ways our businesses support our community are wide ranging in scope and type.

The way to support these generous businesses and en sure their support will continue is to give them your business. Holiday time is the perfect time to do it. The types of gifts you can buy from local businesses are practically end less. From big business to small business, they have the gifts you need.

The Chamber has all the major theme parks ready and able to help with gifts of park passes, hotel stays, and shops for that special gift. Gift shops, salons and restaurants in Winter Garden, Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Me troWest, Oakland, Pine Hills and Ocoee are open and ready to provide gift certificates and products. For a less than tradi tional gift, you may want to gift house cleaning, or window washing. We have car dealers ready to welcome you into their lots to help you pick out a car. Or, what about tickets to see our hometown teams; the Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Orlando Pride or Orlando City Lions. Buy traditional golf or indoor golf rounds, or other attractions on I-Drive where you can race a car or see Orlando from up high. There is so much to do and give to those you love.

Think Chamber businesses as you put that Christmas gift list together. If you can think of it, we have a chamber member that can do it! Visit wochamber.com

Happy holidays!

A Season of Giving

By Don Long, Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce

The holiday season presents opportunities to give and receive gifts, expressions of friendship and love, along with enjoying the celebrations and gatherings at tuned with one’s religious and societal beliefs. No matter the form of these, almost all people hope for a happy and safe season. Many residents of this community realize joy and satisfaction from the spirit of giving to help others. The Lake Nona region is fortunate to enjoy the prosperity and numerous opportunities to support others.

The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce (LNRCC) actively supports the local nonprofit commu nity by offering discounts for nonprofit memberships. It also offers them support through its Nonprofit Commit tee that is specifically focused on responding to the needs of its nonprofit members. LNRCC then shares those needs in newsletters, emails, and other marketing tools. There are 26 nonprofit organizations served by LNRCC during this holiday season. All of them support the needs of the com munity and citizens can make choices they want to support by reviewing the list attached to the QR Code on this page. Needs range from monetary, home and business supplies, toys to volunteering. The QR Code leads to the LNRCC Nonprofit web page.

LNRCC also suggests another way to give during the holiday season is to support local businesses, both large and small. Shop, eat, seek home services, or recreate locally. One

advantage of the Lake Nona region is the variety of offer ings and the ever-growing collection available. LNRCC supports all sizes of businesses because small businesses are the backbone of the country while large businesses, though possibly owned externally to the Lake Nona region, support abundant jobs and business-to-business opportunities. The combination of both small and large businesses contributes to the vibrancy and success of the community.

To help inspire the giving spirit here is a memorable quote from motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Always give without remembering and always receive without forget ting”. LNRCC supports “A Season of Giving” and wishes all the happiest of holidays.

LNRCC is a membership not-for-profit organization with offices in Lake Nona at 6555 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827. It is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC, or its affiliated entities. Comments or requests for information are encouraged at Administration@ LakeNonaCC.org.

Recipes for Your Holiday Table 3

Whether you want to keep it classic with a traditional spread or add in some twists, we have you covered.

Courtesy of YMCA of Central Florida

Switch up the star of the holiday table this year by serving Cornish game hens instead. Of course, if you can’t give up the turkey, roast it with these tasty fall flavors.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (raw unsalted if you can find them)

• Kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

• 2 green onions roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus zest

• 1 small garlic clove minced

• 4 Cornish game hens, gizzards discard

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium heat add 3 tablespoons olive oil, the pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt (no salt needed if you are using pre-salted seeds) and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook, shaking the skillet, until the seeds begin

popping and some turn brown (be careful not to burn them), about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Transfer the seeds and oil to a food processor, add 1/2 cup water, the parsley, green onion, lemon juice and pulse until pureed. Remove about 3 tablespoons of the pesto for the hens and set aside the rest for serving.

Slide your fingers under the breast skin of each hen to loosen. Slide 2 heaping teaspoons of the pesto under the skin of each hen, and rub the pesto all over. In a separate bowl, mix the garlic, tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika and lemon zest, then rub all over the outside of the hens. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put the hens on a rack in lower half of the oven in a shallow roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast, rotating the pan halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 1 hour. Let rest 15 minutes, then cut each hen in half. Serve with the reserved pesto.

Cranberry Chutney

Courtesy of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Is it really a holiday spread without the cranberries? Make yours anything but ordinary with this sweet and tart side dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dried cranberries

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 10 whole cloves

• 10 whole allspice berries

• Orange juice

• Water

Directions: Make a pouch with cheese cloth containing cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice berries. Add cranberries and spices to sauce pot. Cover ingredients ¾ with orange juice and then cover the rest of the way with water (fresh and frozen cranberries will float, so don’t add too much). Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Fresh/frozen cranberries should pop. Blend slightly with stick blender, leave mostly chunky. Or if you don’t have a stick blender, remove approximately 1/3 of the sauce and blend it in a regular blender then mix it back into the sauce.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Courtesy of Lyndsay Fogarty

From our table to yours, this family recipe puts a twist on your typical sweet potato dish. With creamy sweet potatoes topped with a flavorful crunchy topping, you will definitely go back for seconds.

Ingredients:

For Potatoes:

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 3 potatoes)

• 1 stick butter

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/3 cup milk

For Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup butter

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or mix both)

Directions: Mix all ingredients for the sweet potato base together and add to a greased casserole dish. Combine brown sugar, butter, flour and chopped nuts then distribute evenly across the top of the potatoes. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

1-November 26-December 31

Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration 6- 9 p.m. Celebration Town Center 610 Sycamore St Suite 220

2-December 2 Light Up Winter Garden 6 – 9 p.m. Winter Garden City Hall 300 W Plant St

3-December 2 City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration 5-9 p.m. Lake Eola Park 195 North Rosalind Avenue

4-December 2-December 3 Light Up Clermont 2022 –Claus in Clermont 5:30-9 p.m. Downtown Clermont 670 W Montrose St

5-December 3 (Lights and decorations through December 26) Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Lake Concord Park 95 Triplet Lake Dr

6-December 3 Winter Garden Christmas Parade 10 a.m. S. Dillard Street to East Plant Street

7-December 3 70th Annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade 9 a.m. Central Park Park Avenue, Winter Park

8-December 10 Sanford Parade of Lights 6-7:30 p.m. Historic Downtown Sanford 307 E 2nd St

9-December 10 Winter Park Boat Parade 6 p.m. Dinky Dock Park 410 Ollie Ave

10-December 10

Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run Presented by AdventHealth for Children 7:15-9:30 a.m. SeaWorld Orlando 7007 SeaWorld Dr

11-December 16

The Skydiving Santas of Cocoa Beach 10:00 a.m.- 3 p.m. Cocoa Beach Pier 401 Meade Ave

12-December 17

The Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet of Orlando 7:30 p.m. Lake Eola Park 195 North Rosalind Avenue