Holiday Guide 12-12-13 by Cheshire Herald

Holiday Guide December 12, 2013

Holiday GUIDE

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Two

Holiday Guide Follow Some Easy Steps And Avoid Overextending Your Budget

hanks to sales featuring heavily discounted items, millions of people wait to start their holiday shopping until the season hits full swing. But in spite of such bargains, overextending budgets during the holiday season is too tempting for many shoppers to resist. However, shoppers need not risk ﬁnancial peril if they shop smartly and heed some dos and don'ts of holiday shopping. Do set a budget Establish what you can afford to spend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings early on. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will spend around $700 come the

holiday season, but not every person needs to be a big spender. The “buy now, pay later” mentality that credit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, a sticky situation many only notice once the ﬁrst bill comes due. If you cannot afford to pay your entire credit card balance off once the bill arrives, you face steep interest charges that can quickly add up. Instead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no matter how tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card. Don’t be fooled by false sales Retailers understand that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into their stores. As a result, some retailers mark up the cost

of certain items in order to slash the prices for holiday sales. Even if you are saving the assumed 50 to 60 percent, the ﬁnal cost of the item still may be higher than normal. Comparison shop and do your research so you don't fall victim to clever pricing. Do schedule time for shopping Hectic schedules sometimes result in last-minute shopping that leads to impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so you’re less likely to rush into purchases before thinking them through. Don’t double buy Some shoppers use the holidays as an excuse to buy more

for themselves than the people on their lists. While it’s tempting to treat yourself come the holiday season, this is a great and quick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on using holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobe or household needs, reduce

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Three

Holiday Guide Shop Stress-Free On Dec. 26

ome December 26, many people are tired of shopping. Yet, there are deals to be had on everything from clothing to electronics on the day after Christmas, when savvy shoppers can take advantage of slashed prices to stock up on a few more things. But for millions of people the day after Christmas is about more than just returning gifts or ﬁnding great deals. For the people who live in countries that are or were British commonwealth nations, Boxing Day is a cause for celebration, and it just so happens to fall on December 26. Boxing Day was traditionally a day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their employers and superiors. However, it is now primarily known as a shopping

Favorite Tunes For Christmas Season

holiday similar to Black Friday. On Boxing Day, shoppers take advantage of deep discounts and dramatic sales, and many retailers open their stores very early. Shoppers arrive in droves to shop the sales, and such crowds can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make Boxing Day shopping less taxing this year. * Shop when stores tend to be less busy. Ask store managers and/or employees when business tends to be at its slowest. Even though shopping on a holiday might still be busy, there may be a slow hour or two when you can avoid crowds. Shopping those times, whether early in the morning or late at night, can make the day less stressful. * Shop online. There are never crowds online, which allows you to browse from the comforts of home. One disadvantage to online shopping is that you sometimes

cannot get an accurate idea of the size of a garment or the feel of the material. However, when shopping for toys, electronics or home products, you may not need to touch and feel the items. * Create a list and stick to it. Before shopping, create a list of what you want to buy and avoid straying from that list once your shopping trip begins. You will spend considerably less time wandering aimlessly in a store if you make a list before shopping. * Wait another day or two. Crowds will not be as big if you wait a few days after Boxing Day to ﬁnd deals. If you can postpone your trip to the store, you may

still beneﬁt from sales. Waiting even longer may enable you to buy seasonal items on clearance as stores make room for spring merchandise. * Shop all year long. Veteran shoppers tend to purchase items when they are most affordable, even if that means getting some holiday shopping done in the

summer. Spreading purchases out over the entire year allows shoppers to manage their budgets and avoid hefty bills come January. Shopping for gifts throughout the year also frees up time during the holiday season, when time spent at the mall or shopping online can be better spent celebrating with family and friends.

ecorations a n d shopping are integral parts of the holiday season, but very often it is the music being played over the airwaves that sets the tone for the festivities to come. Christmas music has been enjoyed for decades and certain compositions are widely loved and played year after year. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, who compiles lists of the most popular songs, lists “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,” both of which were written in 1934, as the oldest and most popular tunes. The newest popular song is “Wonderful Christmastime,” composed in 1979. Though personal preference often determines a holiday playlist, the following tunes are of the more popular Christmas songs:

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* “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” - Mel Torme, Robert Wells * “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” - Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie * “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin * “Winter Wonderland” - Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith * “White Christmas” - Irving Berlin * “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” - Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Four

Holiday Guide Don’t Let Those Old Holiday Cards Go To Waste This Season

hen the holidays have come and gone it is time to pack away the decorations and retire the tree for another season. It’s also time to decide what to do with the dozens of greeting cards that arrived in the mail over the last few months. According to the Greeting Card Association, around seven billion greeting cards are sold each year. Estimates suggest that roughly two billion are holiday cards that will be sent during the month of December. These cards frequently hold sentimental value. Tossing them into the trash is wasteful, and some people would rather repurpose them into some-

thing that is meaningful and creative. M a n y crafts, gifts and even boxes can be made from recycled Christmas cards and other greetings. With a little ingenuity and effort, it’s possible to create eye-catching items. Here are just a few ideas. * Cut the front panels off of the cards — the part with the decoration — and save them in an envelope for next year. When wrapping presents, use the cards as your gift tags. * Use the front panels of cards as ornaments. Use stencils and cookie cutters to trace patterns and cut them out. Punch a hole into the top of each cut-out and attach a string to hang on a tree. * Cut the card into strips and then laminate or cover in clear contact paper. Punch a hole in the top and attach a tassel. These can be used as bookmarks.

* Use cards to form paper angels that can serve as table centerpieces next year. With a few embellishments, like yarn hair and pipe-cleaner halos, these can make for some cheerful additions to your holiday decor. * Decorate inexpensive gift bags or brown paper bags with pieces of cut-up greeting cards. Now you have inexpensive wrapping materials for gifts that are also environmentally conscious. * Gather the fronts of many cards and punch holes along the edges. Use yarn to sew each card to another, creating a Christmas tapestry, place mats or other creative ideas for decorating. * Photo cards are popular greetings for the holidays. Cut out the images of families and friends from the cards and make a collage to be saved. You can look back each year and see how children have grown or fashions have changed. * Use pieces of the Christmas cards to decoupage wooden or paper boxes. Then these boxes can be given as gifts for the holidays. * Create drink coasters or trivets by cutting images out of the

CHRISTMAS Celebration

Christmas cards. Laminate the images and attach them to cork to serve as coasters. For trivets, attach images to ceramic tiles and then coat in a heat-resistant shellac.

Christmas cards do not need to be relegated to the trash can when the holiday season has ended. Such cards can be used to create crafts that will add ﬂair to upcoming holiday seasons.

’Tis The Season ... For Colds

he hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations will soon be upon us. The ofﬁce parties are already in full swing and storefront windows are all decked out in holiday glitz. Your Christmas lights and decorations are up and all that is left to do is entertain family and friends. This time of year can be wonderful, but it also brings a certain amount of stress. The last-minute shopping, family visits, kids running around the house and over-crowded shopping centers are exhausting just to think about. All of that added stress also

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Five

Holiday Guide See Santa Claus And Save The Tears

he holiday season means it’s time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chance to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red. But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying ﬁt or meltdown away from hav-

ing this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, it’s understandable when everyone’s patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tear-stained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips. * Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red

Holidays ... By The Numbers

he holiday season is significant for a variety of reasons. In addition to its religious significance, the holiday season is when many retailers enjoy their greatest successes. To understand just how much business Christmas and Chanukah can bring in, consider the following figures: *20: The percentage of annual sales jewelry stores indicate are made during the month of December. *150,205: The number of clothing and accessories stores open in the United States as of 2009. *27.2: The amount, in billions of dollars, spent during the December 2010 holiday retail season. *983: The amount, in millions, of Christmas tree ornaments imported from China between January and September 2011. *34.87: The average cost of real Christmas trees as of 2011, Artificial trees sell for an average

of $70.55. *4.0: The percentage the National Retail Federation expects retail sales to increase this year. *2012: The year when holiday retail sales were the weakest since 2008. According MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, sales in the last two months of 2012 increased by just 0.7 percent from the previous year. Some ﬁnancial analysts blamed Hurricane Sandy, an epic storm that caused billions of dollars in damage along the eastern coast of the United States, for the small increase in consumer spending. *24: The percentage of U.S. retail sales made by only the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. *8.4: The percentage growth of online sales from 2011 to 2012. Online sales generally make up about 10 percent of total holiday business. *70: The number, in millions, of poinsettia plants sold in the See FRUIT, page 7

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suit and a big, white beard may be nervous. Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is. Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa. * Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses, try to get to the mall when the doors ﬁrst open. Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter. * Consider another venue. Many different places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees. A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall. * Go well-fed. There’s little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry. Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Six

Holiday Guide Take Care When Decorating This Year

ecking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families. A home's exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room bring that holiday cheer in-

side. Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if revelers do not emphasize safety when decorating their homes. When decorating this holiday season, be sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive,

decorative and safe. * Exercise extreme caution with holiday lights. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 150 home ﬁres per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting. Such ﬁres may start because of frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked

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sockets or even loose connections. It’s important that men and women be especially careful when decorating their homes with holiday lights, inspecting each set of lights for damage and discarding any damaged sets. When choosing lights, use only lights that have been certified for outdoor use on your home’s exterior, and never use outdoor lights inside. * Purchase the right Christmas tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of fires causing an average of 15 deaths each year. In addition, such fires cause an average of $13 million in property damage

annually. Though it can be tempting to purchase the most eyecatching Christmas tree you find, avoid acting rashly until you have learned a little about the tree. Artificial trees should be labeled as “Fire Resistant.” Such trees can still catch fire, but they are more resistant to fire than trees without such labels. When buying a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh. The tree should be green, and its needles should be difficult to pull off of branches, which should not be easily breakable. Tap the tree on the ground before purchasing it. If the tree loses a lot of needles upon tapping the ground, it isn’t fresh. Trees that aren’t fresh are See KEEP, page 14

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Seven

Holiday Guide Important To Carve Out Some Free Time This Holiday Season

erhaps no time of year is as busy as the holiday season, when social engagements and holiday shopping combine to dominate so much of what is normally our free time. Additionally, holiday travel and late nights spent at work to make up for lost time also cut into our free time, leaving many people in search of ways to add more hours to the day. Though there’s no way to make a day last longer, there are ways to save some time this holiday season. * Go it alone. Holiday shopping can be very time consuming, but shoppers who decide to shop alone may find themselves more productive and focused on the task at hand. Rather than going from store to store and checking items off multiple shopping lists, shoppers who shop singularly can devote all of their attention to their own lists. * Shop online. Another way to save time when shopping for the holidays is to shop online. This saves you the time it takes to drive to and from the mall and walk around multiple stores, all the while saving you from the often frustrating and time-consuming experience of finding a parking space. In addition, you can shop online at any time of day. So rather than just eating lunch at your desk on your lunch hour or spending the last hour before you go to bed for the night idling away on the couch, you can make more efficient use of that time by doing some holiday shopping. * Plan ahead. Whether shopping for holiday gifts, taking the family to buy a Christmas tree or organizing a holiday dinner with friends, the more you can plan ahead of the holiday season the less time you will waste once the season hits full swing. For example, when choosing a weekend to go Christmas tree shopping, inform others a few weeks in advance and let them know you want to go early to avoid crowds. This saves you time and might just help you land one of the best trees on the lot. The same principle of planning can be applied to other aspects of the holiday season as well. Planning a meal early allows you to gradually

Fruit Cake Can Stay Fresh For Years continued from page 5

United States each year. *107,000: The projected cost, adjusted for inﬂation, of all of the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” *74: The percentage of adults who say the female head of the household is most likely to wrap all of the family's gifts. *3: The number of years a store-bought Christmas fruit cake can be kept fresh if refrigerated.

stock up on menu items, saving you the hassle of rushing to the store at the last minute or planning a menu in the days before the party when you will already have enough on your plate. * Don't shy away from shortcuts when hosting holiday dinners. Hosting a holiday dinner is a big undertaking, one that often ﬁnds hosts spending a signiﬁcant amount of time in the kitchen. But hosts can save time by taking some shortcuts regarding the menu. For instance, when hosting an especially large meal, don’t be afraid to buy some premade side dishes from a local grocery store or buy a bakery cake rather than whipping up your own homemade dessert. Guests will understand if you cut some corners in

an effort to save some time, and the food will likely be just as delicious. * Stay home. Travel is a big commitment come the holiday season, but what about staying home this season? If the time commitment of traveling is something you truly want to avoid this year, invite some friends and family over to your home instead. You might be more busy on the day of the holiday, but you will save yourself the travel days you usually build into the holiday season. Parents of young children might prefer to stay home so they can create their own unique holiday memories, while those without children might just appreciate some peace and quiet during this hectic time of year.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Eight

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Nine

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Ten

Holiday Guide Trees Can Be More Than Decoration

hristmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration. Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an artiﬁcial or real tree. Those who opt for a real tree may think their

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11/26

only options are the cut trees available at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a potted Christmas tree, all the while adding an eco-conscious element to their holiday celebrations. Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be transplanted outdoors after Christmas. This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides various beneﬁts to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air ﬁlter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Trees help control excessive moisture issues in the soil by drawing up water for survival, and can help prevent erosion of soil in more arid climates. Caring for a potted tree takes

a bit more effort than a standard cut tree. There are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure its post-Christmas survival. You can purchase the tree several weeks in advance of the holidays, provided you water the tree frequently and keep it outdoors in the cool weather in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Select a tree variety that is hardy to the specific zone in which you live and will acclimate to the climate and soil conditions. A local nursery should be able to guide you to the right evergreen. Because you intend to plant this tree after the holidays, it is a good idea to choose the location where the tree will eventually grow and dig the hole as early as possible before the ground freezes and becomes difficult to excavate. Consider digging the hole in the autumn and then filling it with leaves or a tarp until the time

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Eleven

Holiday Guide Cookies A Great Holiday Indulgence

he holiday season is known for many things, not the least of which are all those special treats that find their way onto holiday tables each year. Though moderation should reign when indulging in delicious holiday treats, what would the season be without a few extra cookies and confections? Baking is popular come the holiday season, and the following recipe for Triple-Chocolate Cookies from Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage's “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) is sure to add some joy to an already festive time of year. Triple-Chocolate Cookies Makes about 48 cookies *7 ounces unbleached allpurpose flour *11/2 ounces unsweetened natural cocoa powder *1/2 teaspoon baking soda *6 ounces unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, at room temperature *3 1/2 ounces granulated cane sugar *4 1/2 ounces dark brown cane sugar *1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract *1/2 Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally *1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel in fine grains *3 ounces 41 percent milk chocolate, roughly chopped *3 ounces 65 percent chocolate, roughly chopped To make the dough: Sift the flour, cocoa and bak-

New Ways To Make Wrapping Fun i n g s o d a t o gether in a bowl. Set aside. Put the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until creamy. Add both sugars and the vanilla extract. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the top. Beat on medium speed just until combined. Reduce the speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, pulsing the mixer to incorporate each addition before adding the next one. Pulse just until a crumbly dough forms. Add both chopped chocolates and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead a few times to incorporate any crumbs. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. As you roll, gently push the ends toward the center occasionally to prevent air pockets from forming and to keep the logs at an even thickness. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least three hours or up to three days.

oliday shoppers spend billions of dollars each year on gifts for friends, family and coworkers. But holiday shoppers also spend substantial amounts of money dressing up those gifts with bows and wrapping paper. Shoppers may not want to spend much more on wrapping paper, bags and other ways to dress-up their gifts, and by employing a

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To bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the bottoms of two 12-by18 inch sheet pans with parchment paper. Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut each log into rounds 1/2-inch thick. If the dough crumbles as you

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Twelve

Holiday Guide Helpful Hints For FirstTime Holiday Party Hosts

ovice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting. When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips. * Get a head count: Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have confirmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits

or on f e as

the size of your guest list. * Decide which type of party you want to host: The type of party you want to host also will inﬂuence what you serve. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course. * Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions: Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests’ needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may

y AW S! a d i P ol givin

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Spice Up Your Menu With A Pork Dish

Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Serves 8 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup dried figs 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 pounds total) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup honey, preferably sourwood honey 1. Mince the apricots, cherries and figs by hand or in a food processor. 2. Slice the tenderloins lengthwise, almost all the way through. Open them up and lay them flat. Place each tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound each piece of meat with a meat tenderizer until it is about 1/2-inch thick. Remove the top piece of plastic. 3. Season the surface of the pork with the salt and pepper. Divide the fruit mixture in half and spread evenly on the cut surface of each tenderloin. Top each with half of the cheese. Roll up each tenderloin, using the bottom piece of plastic to help you, tucking in the fruit and cheese as you go. Tie kitchen string every two inches around the tenderloins, continuing to push in any fruit or cheese that may fall out. 4. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tied tenderloins, turning as each side is browned. Be careful when searing the open side, as some fruit and cheese might fall out. You are just trying to seal in the meat juices, not trying to cook the pork all the way through. 6. Combine the butter and honey in a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Drizzle the butter over the tenderloins. 7. Place the tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 150 F. Remove the baking sheet and allow the tenderloins to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices in the meat rather than all over your kitchen counter. 8. Snip off and discard the strings. Slice the pork into 1-inch-thick pieces and serve. need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate snack if you cannot provide one for them. * Include traditional holiday fare: People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties.

When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years. * Don't overdo it: First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it’s easy

to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals.

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continued from page 10

comes to plant the tree. Roughly two weeks before Christmas, you will need to transition the tree for indoor use. Neglecting this step may result in shock to the tree, which can cause it to wilt or die. Place the tree inside of a garage or a shed where it is generally warmer than

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outside but not yet room temperature. After this two-week period, move the tree inside where it will have a place of honor for festivities. Do not leave the tree inside the house for more than 10 days. It will need to be moved back into the garage and then outside before planting. Many evergreens are durable, and the majority of the decorations you use on the tree should not harm it. But be careful not to tug or break branches. Use small lights that do not generate much

heat; otherwise, you risk damaging the boughs with burns. When the tree is indoors, it’s also essential to keep it in an area that gets ﬁltered sunlight and is away from heating vents that may dry it out. A spot in front of the front window may be the best location. Potted Christmas trees make an eco-friendly addition to holiday traditions. They can be planted year after year, adding some aesthetic appeal to the backyard while beneﬁtting the environment.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Thirteen

Holiday Guide Ways To Wrap Presents Without Buying The Normal Paper continued from page 11

terpiece will feel special. * Newspaper: Recycle newsprint and comics into wrapping paper. Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come Christmas morning. * Cloth: Leftover cloth from Halloween or cloth purchased to create homemade curtains can be

turned into giftwrap for awkwardshaped gifts. Use decorative ribbon to seal the bundle shut. * Brown paper: Brown paper tied with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and can easily be recycled after use. Use a marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift tags as well.

* Glass jars: Use mason jars when wrapping smaller gifts, including gift cards, to give them an arts-and-crafts feel. * Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, sew sacks out of leftover fabric to make gift bags of various sizes. * Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins from yard sales or

leftover tins from holidays past and use them as gift boxes. * Recipes: If you will be giving a cookbook or food-themed gifts, print recipes that can be used as gift wrap and then later used to make certain dishes. * Baby linens: From blankets to wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap infant-themed gifts for new

parents. * Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to make a gift collection and then reused over and over again. There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year instead of relying on expensive wrapping paper.

Delay Purchases Until After The Holidays To Keep Your Spending Down continued from page 2

also it can shed light on coupons, shipping discounts and other incentives that lower the overall cost of products. Search online for websites that publish coupons and codes for online discounts, including free shipping. Join a

store’s marketing list and receive emails with deals sent directly to your inbox. Don’t be afraid to delay some purchases if need be If hosting a post-holiday gathering where gifts will be exchanged, it's perfectly acceptable

to delay buying those gifts until after Christmas or Chanukah, when many items can be found at even lower prices. Many stores reduce prices on merchandise come December 26, so you can wait until after the holidays to shop for items that will be ex-

changed with distant friends and relatives. This enables you to save more money and use any received gift cards toward shopping. Do keep a level head Some people forget the true meaning of the season is spend-

ing time with loved ones. Getting swept away by shopping and worrying about deadlines can make the season less enjoyable. Don't allow the stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.

Some Favorite Christmas Tunes Include “Santa Baby” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” continued from page 3

* “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” - Johnny Marks * “Jingle Bell Rock” - Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe * “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” - Walter Kent, Kim Gannon,

Buck Ram * “Little Drummer Boy” Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone

cut it, reshape each slice. Place the rounds on the prepared pans, spacing them 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake on the middle shelves of the oven, rotating the pans 180 degrees halfway through the baking time, until set but soft enough

* “Silver Bells” - Jay Livingston, Ray Evans

* “Sleigh Ride” - Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish

* “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” - Johnny Marks

* “It’s the Most Wonderful

* “Feliz Navidad” - Jose Feliciano

Follow Instructions To Bake The Perfect Triple-Chocolate Cookies

continued from page 11

Time of the Year” - Edward Pola, George Wyle

to hold a slight indentation when pressed with a ﬁngertip, about 14 minutes. Let cool completely on the pans on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

* “Blue Christmas” - Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson * “Frosty the Snowman” Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins

- Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman * “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” - Meredith Willson * “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” - Bob Allen, Al Stillman * “Carol of the Bells” - Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich

* “Santa Baby” - Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer * “Wonderful Christmastime” Paul McCartney “White Christmas” is the most covered Christmas song of all time. There are more than 500 versions in several different languages.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Fourteen

Holiday Guide Keep Tree Away From Heat Sources When Decorating This Year

continued from page 6

more susceptible to going up in flames. * Keep the tree away from heat sources. Though it might seem more idyllic to place your Christmas tree next to the fireplace, it’s a lot more dangerous as well. When choosing a spot for your tree, find a place that is away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and vents. But homeowners also should know that even trees placed away from heat sources can still dry out, cre-

ating a ﬁre hazard even if the tree was fresh and healthy when purchased. That’s because Christmas trees can quickly dry out in heated rooms. Monitor the tree’s water levels every day, checking those levels in both the morning and at night before going to bed. This prevents the tree from drying out and becoming a ﬁre hazard, and it also helps the tree maintain its aesthetic appeal through the holiday season. * Limit use of candles. Like Christmas trees, candles are a

popular yet potentially hazardous decorative item during the holiday season. When decorating with candles, be sure that all candles are extinguished before leaving a room and never leave them burning when you go to bed. Candles should be kept away from any decorative items, including Christmas trees, that can catch ﬁre. Never place candles near curtains, furniture or presents. Holiday enthusiasts with little children or pets at home might want to decorate with fake LED-

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light candles instead of traditional candles. Curious kids or excitable pets may not recognize the potential dangers of lit candles and, as a result, might burn themselves or tips candles over.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means scores of celebrants will be decking their halls. Though festive decorations are a part of the season, safety should always come ﬁrst.

Taking Probiotics Can Help Stave Off Winter Sickness continued from page 4

and treating the common cold, the ﬂu and gastroenteritis. “Taking probiotics reduces the severity and duration of symptoms like fever, coughing, runny nose, and even diarrhea,” explains Jolicoeur. “Therefore, it is recommended that the family take probiotics every day.” Maintaining a healthy intestinal ﬂora helps to protect against the penetration of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, Jolicoeur advised. Did you know that the intes-

tinal mucous membrane acts as the “cornerstone” of your overall health? Two-thirds of the immune-defence cells in your body are found there. Therefore, your immune system is enhanced when you take probiotics." Here's a tip: Jolicoeur recommends you start taking probiotics at least two weeks before the holiday season begins, so that your body will be well prepared to ward off the oncoming germ attacks.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Fifteen

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Sixteen

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