Coastal Point's Home for the Holidays 2022

for t h e hol i da y s

Inthisissue…

ByDarinJ.McCann Editor

Anotheryear,anotherforayintotheholiday season.

Fromthetimethepumpkinsbegintaking shapewithtoothygrins,throughrevelersleapingintotheoceantocelebratethedawnofa newyear,thisistrulythetimeofyeartocelebrate.ereareholidaysofdeepreligious meaning,culturalsignificanceandplainoldfashionedtradition.Itoftenmeansthatmanyof usyieldanotchontheoldbeltafterpartakingin someoftheculinaryopportunitiesaroundthe holidays,whileothersmaylightacandleina

churchtorememberalovedonewhowould neverbeforgottenaroundtheholidayseason.

Regardless,itshouldbeatimeofrespect, loveandpatience.Somearestrugglingthrough thistimeofyear.Somearemissinglovedones. Somearejustgoingcrazywiththebillionother thingsthatseemtobehappeningallatonce duringthebusiesttimeoftheyear.And…you knowwhat?Maybeit’sjustneverabadtimeto showsomerespect,loveandpatiencetoothers. Whynotputanemphasisonthatduringthe holidays?

Wehopeyouenjoythispublication,smile onceortwiceandmaybegetatipthatcanhelp. Happyholidays!

fortheholida ys

Publisher

SusanLyons susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com

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Editor

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SusanCanfora susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com Jason Feather jason.feather@coastalpoint.com

MikeSmith mike.smith@coastalpoint.com MikeStern mike.stern@coastalpoint.com

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Bringingtheholidays tothosewhoserve

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

Traditionally,familiesareathome,together,atanksgivingandChristmas,but police,correctionalofficers,hospitalemployeesandotheremergencypersonnelare oftenonthejob,savinglives,keepingthe peace.

“It’sthelifewechoose.Somebodyhasto doit,anditdoesn’ttakeabreakjustbecause it’saholiday,”MillsboroPoliceDetective DavidMoyersaid.

“Butthecommunityneverletsusdown.I haveworkedhere15years,andourresidentsgooutoftheirwayandbringustreats. eybringusdinner.eyfixusplates.We enduphavingmorefoodthanwhatwecan eat.Weworkrotatingschedules,soifithappensthatyourrotationfallsonChristmas, youwork.

“Now,asasupervisor,Ihavevolunteered toworkfortheyoungerguyswhohavefam-

BlessingsforBadgesvolunteerspreparethe turkeyforthemealsthatwillbedeliveredto first-respondersacrossSussexCountywhoare workinginsteadofspendingtheThanksgiving holidaywiththeirfamilies.Shown,clockwise fromfront-left,are:LisaMcFey,CaroleWard, AndreaFinkbiner,SharonTaylor,LisaO’Neal andMaryCurtis.

n Filephoto

ilies.Iknowhowharditiswhenyouhave children,especiallyyoungchildren.e longeryoudothisjob,youlearnChristmas canbeanyday,”hesaid,addingthatheand his familyhavecelebratedafewdaysearlyif hewasscheduledtowork.

AnursewholivesintheMillsboroarea andisemployedbyBeebeHealthcarein LeweslaughedassheaskedtheCoastal Pointtoallowhertoremainanonymous,“so myannoyingin-lawsdon’tfindoutI’m workingChristmasanddecidetotakeatrip heretokeepmyhusbandcompany.”

Shehasbeeninthenursingfield12years

andworkedonChristmasDayforfourof them,includingthisyear.

“ChristmasisonaSunday,andthat makesitmorespecial,Ithink,sinceit’sareligiousholiday.Iwon’tgettogotochurch thatmorning,butweareplanningtogotoa ChristmasEveservice.MyhusbandandI don’thavechildrenathome,soifIhaveto work,hegoesandvisitsnursinghomesand triestocheerupthemenandwomenwhose familiesdon’tgo,justdon’tseethem.It’ssad. Ilikewhenhedoesthat.

“Forme,atworkweplayChristmas musicandwedecorate.Itrytospendalittle moretimewitheachpatient.It’s hard enoughtobeworkingChristmasDaywithoutbeingapatient,”shesaid.

AttheOceanViewPoliceDepartment,if anofficerisscheduledtoworkonChristmas Day,“Wetrytogivethatofficersometime, atleastFaceTime,withthefamilywhilethey

areonduty,”Sgt.RhysBradshawsaid.

“ecommunityissosupportive.During theholidaywehavesomuchfoodbrought intothepolicestation—cookies,plates.We alwaysruinourdietsalittlebit.Wehave tonsoffood.Numeroustimesduringthe season,somebodywillpullupnexttome whenI’minthepolicecarandsay,‘ank youforyourservice,’andtheyhandmea plateofcookies.

“Fortheofficers,wealwayshaveaChristmaspartyfortownemployees,anappreciationluncheon,”hesaid,creditingPolice ChiefKennethMcLaughlinforbeingfamilyoriented.

“Icanguaranteeyou,whetheritbe

ChristmasDayoranksgiving,whenever —ifthefirewhistlegoesoff,ourfirefighters willbethere,”RonO’Neal,presidentofthe MillsboroVolunteerFireDepartmentanda Millsborotowncouncilman,said.

Firefighters,likeallemergencypersonnel, receivefresh,hotmealseveryanksgiving Day,courtesyoftheBlessingsforBadges program.

“athastakenplacethelastcoupleyears inMillsboro,anditwillagainthisyear.ey preparemealsfornotonlyfirefighters,but police,employeesattheprison,anybody workingthatday,”hesaid,referringtothe annualprogramdesignedtobrighten anksgivingforthosewhocan’tbewith lovedones.

“Forthefiredepartment,ourstaffbrings

inmeals.OurEMTsbringindifferent dishes,andtheyhavesomethingatthefire halldependingontheshiftsandwho’sworking.Usuallytherearea numberoffolkswho cookandbringitin.Wehave24-hourshifts, butnotallofthemare24hours.erearea coupleeight-hourshiftsaswell,”O’Nealsaid.

efiredepartment’sEMSsupervisor makestheschedule,hesaid,andseniorityis afactor.

“IfthingshappenonChristmasDay, whatevertheholidayis,whenthere’sacall, wehavetogo.Alotoftheguyswillremembertimestheyhadtomisssomethingswith theirfamilies.Italwayshappens,nomatter what.You’remissingabirthday,you’remissingsometypeofholiday.Ifthere’sacall,you go,”O’Nealsaid.

Our candles also make the perfect gift, stop by today to check out a large selection of fragrances. Be on the look out for seasonal candles as well.

Newbook featuresholidays inRehoboth

Cat&MousePressofLewesrecently announcedthereleaseof“BeachHolidays,”acollectionof27shortstories featuringavarietyofholidaysandsetin RehobothBeach.Storiesinthebook arewinnersofthe2022Rehoboth BeachReadsShortStoryContest.A panelofsixjudgesmadetheselections. ebookisavailablefromBrowseabout Books(thecontestsponsor)andother bookstores.

Storiesinthebookinclude:“Death byChocolate”(Valentine’sDay),“ItWas aGoodFriday toFlyaKite,”(Easter),

“FourthofJulyFundango,”“Homefor theHallowDays”(oneofthreeHalloweenstories),“Labor(Day)ofLove,” “eHannukahBushofRehoboth,”and “TidingsOfComfortand…Lizards?!” (Christmas).Inadditiontoothercommonholidays,suchasanksgiving andNewYear’s,therearealsostories aboutNationalGrilledCheeseSandwichDay,PiDayandevensomemadeupholidays.

“BeachHolidays”isthe10thbookin theaward-winningRehobothBeach Readsseries.ebooksalwaysfeaturea

diversearrayofstoriesbyvariousauthors,includemanygenres,andrange frompoignanttohilarious.

“Inshort,there’ssomethingfor everyone,”thepublisherstated.“Priced atjust$15.95,thebooksmakeideal giftsandstockingstuffers.”

Apartytocelebratethebook’spublicationwillbeheldSunday,Dec.4,2-4 p.m.,attheLewesPublicLibrary.e eventisfree,opentothepublic,and willfeaturebooksales,authorsignings and refreshments.

eannualRehobothBeachReads ShortStoryContestinviteswritersto submitstoriesof500to3,500words thatfeatureRehobothBeachandfit thatyear’stheme.ethemefor2022 was“BeachHolidays.”Judgesforthe 2022contestwere:JacksonCoppley, LoisHoffman,DennisLawson,Mary Pauer,DylanRocheandCandaceVessella.

Cat&MousePresswasestablished toproducebooksandothermaterials thatarefun,entertainingandofparticularinterestto residentsandvisitorsto theDelmarvaregion.ecompany publishesafreeweeklynewsletterfor writers,“WritingisaShoreing” (www.writingisashorething.com).For moreinformation,visitthecompany’s websiteatwww.catandmousepress.com oritsFacebookpage,atwww.facebook.com/catandmousepress.

Freeholidaymeals, foodboxesandlocalfood pantriesreadytohelp

Foodinsecuritytouches11 percentofSussexfamilies

ByMikeSmith

StaffReporter

AccordingtoFeedingAmerica,thereare 24,790food-insecurepeoplelivinginSussex County,whichisabout11percentofthelocal population.

Alongwiththatfigure,the“MaptheMeal Gap”guidenotesthattheUSDAdescribes foodinsecurityasalackofaccess,attimes,to enoughfoodforanactiveandhealthy lifestyle.edriversforfoodinsecurityare generallyunemploymentoradversesocialor healthfactorsthatprecludeaccesstofood.

e11percentfood-insecurefiguretracks withpovertyinSussexCounty.Accordingto U.S.Censusdata,about11.7percentoffamiliesinthecountyarealivebelowthepoverty line,or26,500peopleoutofthemostrecent Censuspopulationof227,000families.

AccordingtotheFoodBankofDelaware,1 in10localresidentsisfacinghungernow, and1in7childrenmaybehungry,missing mealsbeyondwhattheyreceiveatschoolor areotherwisefood-insecure.

Intermsofscale,thelargestproviderof freeholidaymealsinthisareaisMountaire Farmsanditsholidaymealboxesforboththe “anksgivingforousands”and“Christmasforousands”program.Mealswillbe distributedattheSelbyvilleplantlocation packedbysome200volunteersandthese

Volunteerspackupcompletedinners forMountaireFarms’‘Christmasfor Thousands’charityevent. n Filephoto

mealsserveafamilyoffour.Accordingto ZachEvans,MountaireCommunityRelationsManager,“Weplannedtodistribute over10,000mealboxesintheDelawarearea andhavejustbumpeditupto12,000meals,” hesaid.“WhenMountaireoriginallyadvertisedtheanksgivingmealboxes,wehad these12,000requestswithin14days.So,we aregoingtopullmoregroceriesandadd morechickens.Ourteamhasstepped-up.”

AroundtheChristmasholidays,staffand volunteerswillpackanddistribute5,000 mealboxeslocallyand15,000total,including DelawareandNorthCarolinadistributions. ewaitlistisupto10,000peopleforthese mealboxes,whichcontainaplumproaster chickenandalltheholidaysidedishes.ere

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isawalk-inoptionforfamilieswhowishto traveltoSelbyville,aswell.eaddressofthe distributionis55HoosierStreet,Selbyville.

DyanConnollyisthedirectoroflearning, performanceatMountaireFarmsinSelbyvilleandprovidesservicetimeonthe boardoftheQuietResortsCharitableFoundationinBethanyBeach,thecharitablearm ofthelocalchamber.ShesaystheSelbyville employeesenjoyworkingtohelpfeedthe hungryinthisareaandlovedistributingthe mealboxes.

Evansadded:“Wewanttosaythatwithout ourvolunteers,thismealprogramwouldnot havethepowertofeedpeopleattheground level.Ourvolunteersarespendingtimewith usduringtheholidayseasoninordertofulfill thelocalcommunityneedinDelaware.”

Over25years,Mountaireestimatesithas providedmorethanamillionmealboxesfor familiesinneed.ItsMillsborolocationpartnerswithareachurches,aswellastheFood BankofDelaware’sHungerReliefProgram. Mountaireacceptscharitablegiftstosupport theprogramsthroughtheDelawareCommunityFoundation,and$10willfeedafamilywithaholidaymealbox.Interesteddonors

AngelaWilsonBowersandDeaconJames FlamerposeforaphotoduringMoutaire Farms‘ChristmasforThousands’event. n Filephoto

mayprovideagiftonlineat https://delcf.org/donations/mountairethanksgiving-for-thousands-fund/.

Volunteeringtohelppackthemealsis popularwithmanylocalindividualsand groups,andvolunteerspotsforthisyear’s anksgivingforousandspackingevent arenolongeravailable.However,Mountaire Farmsisaskingwillingpackerstocheckback atChristmastimetovolunteerforitsannual Christmasforousandspackingevent.

Wheretofindholidaymeals

n St.AnnParish—eSt.VincentDePaulSociety(SVDP)oftheSt.AnnCatholic Churchcommunityhasafoodpantrythat providesmealstoabout200familiesinthe Frankford,RoxanaandSelbyvilleareaevery week.Lastyear,theorganizationreceiveddonationsofturkeysandhamsaroundanksgiving,whichneededtobedistributed immediately,astheSVDPpantryhasnocold storage.

HollyKiaprovided30frozenturkeysduringanksgivingweeklastyear,andthose wereprovidedtofamiliesthesameday.

eSVDPfoodpantryisopenevery ursdayandisbasedatOurLadyof

GuadalupeMissionChurch,atOurLadyof Guadalupe,SVDPFoodPantry,35318Church Road,Frankford,(302)539-6449.

n HopeCenteratMarinersBethel—e HopeCenteratMarinersBethelUnited MethodistChurchinOceanViewalsooffersa foodpantryandmealservice.eFeedMy Sheepmealprogramservessoupsandsub sandwichestoareaneedy.

Marinersishelpingfeedthehomelessand under-servedintheFrankfordandSelbyville area,andisaskingforhelponitsFacebook page.Volunteershelpcookdinnersandbag themfordistribution,andareneededforprep workandtohelpbagthemeals.Marinersand theHopeCenterarealsoaskingfordishwasherstowashdishes.Serviceworkisneeded everyTuesday,NovemberthroughMarch, from1:30to3p.m.,Mariner’sBethelUnited MethodistChurch,81CentralAve.,Ocean View,(302)539-9510.

n SalvationArmy —eSalvationArmy willalsoofferbothanksgivingandChristmasmealservice.Maj.AdelaDavishelpsrun theprogram,basedinSeaford,withSussex

Countyoutreach.

efoodbankisopenMondaythrough Fridayfrom9a.m.to1p.m.forpackagedfood. OnMondaythroughursdayfrom11:30to 1p.m.,thereisasoupkitchenforahotmeal.

SalvationArmy-SussexCountyChapel, 22381SussexHwy.,Seaford,(302)628-2020.

n CatholicCharities—CatholicCharities ofSussexCountyprovidesabasic-needsprogramforlow-andvery-low-incomefamiliesat riskofhomelessness.eCatholicCharities alsohasafoodpantryprogramopenevery weekdayfrom8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.eserviceworkswithstateagencies,includingthe urmanAdamsStateServiceCenter,ahalfmileaway,whichalsoprovidesfreefoodfor lower-incomefamilies.CatholicCharitiesof

MarinersBethelUnitedMethodistChurch’s HopeCenteroffersafoodpantryandmeal preparationforthoseinneed.Oneoftheprogram’savailableisthechurch’s‘FeedMy SheepProgram.’

n Filephoto

SussexCounty,406S.BedfordSt.,Georgetown,(302)856-9578.

n FoodBankofDelaware—eFoodBank ofDelaware,whichpartnerswithMountaire andotherfoodproviders,offersnutritious mealstothefood-insecureintheregion.ey arehostinga“turkeyround-up”togatherfrozen turkeysfordistributionaroundtheholidays. ereisalsoaturkeyfooddriveandsidedish programunderway.FoodBankofDelaware, 1040MaitlandWay,Milford,(302)424-3301.

n Anotheroptionforfooddistributionis theChristianStorehouseinMillsboro,which providesservicestomembersofallfaithcommunitiesandisnon-denominational.ChristianStorehouseislocatedatMitchellStreet andOldLandinginMillsboro,anddetailson specificmealprogramsforthisholidayseason willbeforthcoming.

Mapping out your ‘toy’ plan for the holidays

By Darin J. McCann Executive Editor

Want to hear a secret? Lean in. I don’t want everybody to hear it.

e holidays are about warmth. And family. And doing kind things for one another. And celebrating our spirituality and faith in whatever form that might take. All of these things are true. But make no mistake about it — for a large percentage of our population, it’s about toys.

Lots and lots of toys.

Or comic books. Or cellphones or tablets or rabid sharks equipped with laser beams… or whatever “toy” is the “toy of choice” for the enthusiast in your life. ere are nearly 8 billion people on this planet, and each of them likes what they like. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of options to go find that gift right here at home.

You know that whole “Shop Local” thing? Well, here’s your chance. We have more options than you might be thinking.

MyriadsToys andGames

30305VinesCreekRd., Suite1,Dagsboro (302)364-0024 myriadsgifts.com

Auniqueshopthatfeatureseducational toys,jigsawpuzzlesthatarecutoutinthe formofanimalswhencompleted,games foralllevels,toysfromerasgonebyand newertoysthattestthemindorinspire straightfun.Myriadsboastson-siteownershipthatcanguideyouthroughtheshoppingprocess,andtheycontinuetostock newmerchandise.

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Yesterday’s FunVintage Toys& Games

117AtlanticAve., OceanView (302)539-1938 yesterdaysfuntoys.com

StationedacrossthestreetfromLord BaltimoreElementarySchool,Yesterday’s Funisathrowbacktoanynumberofgenerations,whileaddingsomemodernflairfor theyoungergiftrecipients.Localownershipisonsite,andtheycanhelpguideyou throughanassortmentofitemsthattruly runthegamut.Shopperscanfindcornhole boards,FisherPriceitems,Barbiedollsand StarWarsmemorabilia,andthencome acrossRobloxandMinecrafttoys,andclassicvideogamesandconsoles.

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Comics& Gaming

101GarfieldParkway,#6, BethanyBeach (302)539-0210 cgotoys.com

Locatedrightonthedowntownstripof GarfieldParkway,ComicsandGamingis —youguessedit—locallyownedandoperated.estoreisloadedwithcollectibles, children’sbooks,Pop!figuresand,obviously,shelfupongloriousshelfofcomic booksandgraphicnovels.Anewerseries ofbooks,byauthorBradMeltzer,features shortbiographiesoncelebritiesgearedfor youngermindswith characterXavierRiddle,thesubjectofanewPBSKidsprogram.

Affordableholidaygiftideas withapersonalizedtouch

Areyoustrugglingtofindthoughtfulgiftsforeveryoneasyoumake yourholidayshoppinglist?Well,it’s timetogetpersonal!Bygivingapersonalizedgift,therecipientwillfeel specialknowingitwascreatedand

pickedjustforthem.Hereareafew customizedgiftideasthatthey’resure tolovethatwon’tbreakthebank.

(1)Maketheirholidaysmagical withvideogreetings.Perfectfor spreadingholidaycheer,SmashUps

fromAmericanGreet ingsarehighly personalized,smile-inducing,shareablevideos.Thereareoptionsfor everyone,likeamessagefromSanta thatcallstherecipientoutbyname andlocation,oracustomizedwinter greetingdeliveredbyatalkingpenguin.SmashUpscanchecktheboxfor holidaygreetings,oryoucaninclude adigitalgiftcardtofulfillyourgift givingneeds.

Withasubscription,you’llunlock accesstoallofAmericanGreetings’ digitalofferings,meaningyoucan send unlimitedSmashUpsyearround.Subscriptionsare$6.99per monthor$29.99peryear.

(2)Photofinish.Photosareasimple andaffordablewaytopersonalize gifts.Startbychoosingyourfavorite

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ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

AtSeasideJewishCommunityinRehobothBeach,theupcoming“holiday season”isatimetocelebratethecommunitythatexiststhankstoitsmembers, whiletheChristianandsecularcommunitiescelebrateChristmas.

Seaside,whichcelebratedits25thanniversaryinJuly,servesacommunity that,inadditiontobeingatadistinctminorityamongamostlyChristianpopulation,largelyconsistsofpeoplewhohave movedtoSussexCountyfromelsewhere.

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ApastSeasideJewishCommunityHanukkah celebration.

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ApastSeasideJewishCommunityHanukkah celebrationincludedafeast.

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enumberofJewishfamiliesmoving totheareatolivefull-timehasincreased justasthegeneralpopulationoffull-time residentsseemstohavegrownsincethe beginningoftheCOVID-19pandemicin March2020.FamiliescametoSussex CountyfromlocationsalongtheEast Coast,includingBaltimore,Washington, D.C.,andNewJersey,tofindabetterenvironmentfortheirchildren,according toToddHacker,directorofSeasideJewishCommunity’sreligiousschool.

at makesthecenter’sroleofcreatingacommunitywithinacommunity evenmoreimportant,accordingto Hacker.

Manyofthenewlyarrivedfamiliesare comingfromcommunitieswithmuch largerJewishpopulations,sotheyare usedtoJewishfaithandculturebeinga significantpartoftheirlives.

“Now,”hesaid,“they’reinamuch smallerJewishcommunity.”

Unlikelargemetropolitanareas,where familiesattendbarmitzvahsandbat mitzvahsregularly,aswellasotherfaithrelatedcelebrations,inSussexCounty, Hackersaid,“Youreallyhavetowork hardandseekitout.”

AtSeaside,hesaid,theinfluxofnew familieshasresultedin“areallynicecohortoffamiliesthatreallywanttobeengaged.”

eproximityoftheJewishobservanceofHanukkah,Hackersaid,brings withitsomechallenges.Childrenoffamilieswhoareinterfaith—withoneparentbeingChristianandtheotherJewish —feelthatintersection,withallthatit encompasses,morethansingle-faith families.

“Averyhighpercentageofourfamilies areinterfaith,”Hackersaid.

Whatthatmeansintermsofafamily’s observanceofJewishholydaysdepends entirelyonthefamily,hesaid.Headded thathefeelstheroleofthesynagogue, andbyextension,theschoolwithinit,is tosupporteachfamilyin itsfaithjourney.

“Whatweaskis thatfamiliesbeinvolved”infaithobservanceatSeaside,

andthatfamiliesmakeacommitmentto raisetheirchildreninthefaith,Hacker said.“Howtheyexplorethatathomeis uptothem,”hesaid.

atisanespeciallyimportantconceptaroundtheholidayseason,whenreligiousandsecularcelebrationof Christmasareeverywhere,Hackersaid. WhileSeasidedoesnotactivelydiscourageitsmembers’participationinthose events, therehavebeendiscussions withinsynagogueandschoolleadership about“howorifweasaschoolshould talktoourfamiliesaboutkidsgoingto Schellville,”forexample,hesaidofthe annualholidayvillageandcelebration.

“Everyfamilyhastheirownboundaries.It’stheDecemberdilemma,” Hackersaid,referringtotheperennial internalquestionsaboutwhetherorhow muchJewishpeopleshouldexperience Christmascelebrations,inparticular.

efactthattheeight-dayHanukkah observanceoftenfallsneartheChristmasholidayscausessomeconfusionfor Christians,someofwhomassumethat Hanukkahholdsasimilarsignificanceto thoseoftheJewishfaith.atisnotan accuratecharacterizationofthe

Hanukkahobservance,however.

eHebrewword“Chanukah”means “dedication,”andtheholidaycommemoratestherededicationoftheHolyTempleinJerusaleminthesecondcentury B.C.E.,aftertheHolyLandwasoccupied bythe Seleucids(Syrian-Greeks),who hadtriedtoforcethepeopleofIsraelto acceptGreekculture.

WhenasmallarmyofJews,ledby JudahtheMaccabee,defeatedtheGreeks anddrovethemaway,theHolyTemple wasreclaimedandacelebrationwas held.eone-daysupplyofoiltolighta menorahmiraculouslylastedforeight days—hencetheeight-dayHanukkah commemorationeachyear.

HackersaidtheSeasideJewishCommunity’scommemorationofHanukkah evolvedduringtheCOVID-19pandemic asfamiliessoughtwaystobetogetherin communitywhiletheycouldnotmeetin person.Oneofthewaysthiswas achieved,hesaid,wastogathervirtually eachnighttolightamenorah,withadifferentfamily“hosting”eachnight.

“Forbetterorworse,whathascome

Delaware Botanic Gardens

Two types of 48-inch benches—one with a back and one flat bench. The benches can be inscribed with up to 33 characters including spaces.

Just 35 minutes from the beach at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Gardens close Sunday, November 20, 2022 but these gifts are available year round. delawaregardens.org 302-321-9061

outofthattwoyearsisthateverybodyis feelingmorecomfortablewithtechnology,”hesaid.

WhentheCOVID-19restrictionsare notafactor,hesaid,Seasideholds Hanukkahactivitiesforfamiliesinwhich childrencanhavefunandlearnatthe sametime,throughgames,artsand crafts,sothatit“feltlikeabigdeal”for childrenwhooftenfeellikeoutsiders duringtheirfriends’Christmascelebrations.

Seasidealsomakesanefforttoinvolve itsmembersincharityactivitiesaround Hanukkah,includingmakingHanukkah cardsforhomeboundmembers.

“emembersonthereceivingend lovedit,”hesaid,andthecardoutreach becameanintegralpartofthecommunity’sHanukkahfestival.

Seaside’sHanukkahcelebrationintensifiesonwhateverShabbat(JewishSabbath)fallsduringthateightdays,Hacker said,witheachfamilyinvitedtobring theirownmenorahtothesynagogue. isyear,HanukkahrunsfromDec.18 toDec.26.

“Welightthemenorahs,wesing Hanukkahsongs,”hesaid.“It’sbeautiful. It’sreallynice.”

AtSeaside,Hackersaid,leadership seeksto“kindofmeetingourmembers wherethey’reat,”intermsoftheirfaith. atstancehasevolvedovertime,he said,andhasmeantacommitmenttoincludingnon-Jewishfamilymembersin synagogueobservances.

“Seasidewaskindofaheadofthat trend,”hesaid.Itmeansanopennessto questioning,“toleavingthedooropenso thatifpeoplehaveaquestion…theycan findsupportamongsteachother.

“Idon’tthinkanymemberwilltellanothermember,‘You’redoingitwrong,’” intermsofnavigatingtheirfaithjourney, particularlywithininterfaithfamilies, Hackersaid.

Onthecontrary,hesaid,thecommunityrecognizesthechallengesinherent inthosefamiliesandcomesatitfromthe attitudeof“atleastyou’redoingsomething”toconnectwithafaithcommunity.

Nowthatthepandemicseemstobe waning,membersarefeelingcomfortablebringingbacksomeofthepre-

COVID-19year-roundactivities,which includemahjongandbowling,which helpparentswithinthecommunityto connectwitheachother,Hackersaid.

“We’veallcomefromsomewhereelse,” hesaid,andthatispartofwhatmakesit soimportanttoforgethosenewconnectionsthroughactivitieswithotherJewish residents.“Knowingthatthisisacommunitywechose…andthatit’s“not MontgomeryCounty,Md.,wherethere’s asynagogueoneverycorner…there’s thatlevelofknowingandaccepting,and findingacommunity,”hesaid.

eschool,whichnowhas24students betweenpreschoolandseventhgrade, hasbeenacrucialpartofthegrowthof theSeasideJewishCommunity,Hacker said.Astheschoolgrows,sodoesthe community’sabilitytoreachoutintothe surroundingareaandtoenrichitsown youth.

Asanexample,Hackermentioned Seaside’srecentoutreachtothe Harold GrinspoonFoundation,aphilanthropic organizationthathelpsJewishorganizations,suchasSeaside,whichhasapplied foragrantfromthefoundation,tobetter servetheircommunities.

ByTarynKing Editor

IfyouloveChristmas,chancesarethat theimagesdancingaroundlikesugarplum fairiesinyourheadarepeaceful,calmand relaxing.Maybeyou’reimaginingsittingby acracklingfirewitheggnoginhandanda sparkingtreeinthebackground.Orgazing proudlyonafully-cookedfeast,spreadbeforeyourfamilyandguestswholookatyou inawe.Drivingthroughtheneighborhood lookingatthelights,Christmascarolsplayingontheradio.Perhaps,you’rejustsnuggledunderaflannelblanketwatching Hallmarkholidayfilms.

Butwhenyouthinkaboutallthethings thathavetohappentomakethoseglitteringtableaucometolife,suddenlythose dancingfairiescometoascreechinghalt underawaveofanxiety.

Ifyou’renotoneofthoseplannerswho hasanorganizedholidaypreplistthat beganinJuly,youmightbelookingatthe calendarandstartingtostress.Wegetit. You’rebusyjugglingwork,familyobligations,andtryingtofindyourowntimeto justbreathe.Addinalltheholidaytraditionsandactivitiesyouwanttotakepartin,

andyouriskburnoutbytakingontoo much.

Nobodywantstogointotheholidays feelingoverwhelmedandevenalittleresentful.Butwe’reheretotellyouthat,even withanksgivingaroundthecornerand Christmasamonthafter,there’splentyof timetogetittogetherandstillhaveroom forthoseidyllicmoments.

Goingintothisseason,there’soneincrediblyimportantelementnottobeoverlooked:recognizingthatyoucan’tdoitall. Prioritizewhat’smostimportanttoyou. Whetherit’sspendingtimewithfamily, bakingandcooking,volunteering,goingto holidayevents,etc.,decidewhatholdsthe mostmeaningandreferbacktothose thingsbeforecommittingtoothers.

Adjustyourexpectations; youmaywant todoallthethings,butthosethingsdon’t havetobedoneperfectly.Yourfriendsand familywon’trememberifyoumadeten typesofcookies,orusedgiftbagsinstead ofwrappingpaper.eywillrememberif youweregrumpyandstressed.

Ifyoutendtoforceevents,activitiesand traditionsthatyou(andyourlovedones)

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don’tparticularlyenjoy,considerifit’stime toletsomeofthesethingsgo.Simplifying theholidayscanmakeahugedifferencein stresslevels.

atsaid,werecognizethatnomatter howmuchyousimplify,there’sstillalways somethingtobedone!Followourfiveweekplantotackleallthosebigto-dosthat arepilingup,anddon’tforgettotakesmall momentstoenjoytheseasonandeverythingthatmakesitspecialtoyou!Itreallyis manageable.Wepromise.

Week1:

Whetherornotyoucelebrateanksgiving,nowisagoodtimetostartprepping foranyholidayguests.Cleanoutthatrefrigeratoranddeclutterlivingspacesthat peoplewillbeusing.Ifyouhaveovernight guestsplanned,cleanandprepsleeping arrangements.

Week2:

Decorate!Ifitonlytakesafewhourstoa day,thenyouhavetherestoftheweekto getajumpstartonthelist.Ifittakesyou theentireweek,putonthosecarolsandget towork!Havefunwiththisone.Bringout thecocoa,playthemoviesandenjoythe decoratingprocess.Andifyouhaven’t startedshoppingforgifts,getoutthere!

Week3:

isismailweek!Ifyouhavegiftsand cardstomail,nowisthetimetodoit.If you’reorderingpresentsonline,getthose donetoo!isisalsotheweekyou’llwant toplanyourholidaymenuifyou’rehosting. Purchasethenon-perishables,andifyou needspecialcutsofmeatorseafood,place yourordersnow.

Week4:

Finishanylast-minuteshoppingand wrapupthosegifts!Straightenupyour home.Ifyou’vefallenbehindonthings,this isagoodweektoplaycatch-up.Ifyou’reon schedule,you’vegottimetoenjoysomeof yourfavoriteholidayactivitiesandrelax.

Week5:

Intheseremainingdaysyou’llwantto pickupthefreshingredientsforyourmenu andstartpreppinganyfoodsthatcanberefrigeratedorfrozenbeforecooking.Doa finalwipe-downofbathrooms,kitchen, andotherlivingspaces.Delivergifts/baking tofriendsandneighbors.Enjoytheholiday!

Whatshouldwe send toour lovedones who are deployed over the holidays?

ByDarinJ.McCann ExecutiveEditor

Wetendtothinkofthemenand womenwhoserveintheArmedForces ofAmericaasheroes—andrightfully so.Buttheyaresomethingelse,aswell. They’repeople.Andthey’reoften youngpeoplewhofindthemselvesdeployedoverseasduringtheholidays, awayfromtheonestheylovefor monthsatatime.

So,whatdowesendthoseloved

oneswhoareawayfromtheirfamilies andmissingoutontheholidaytraditionsthey’vebeenaccustomedtosince theywerechildren?Howdowemake themfeellessisolatedfromeverything that’salwaysbeenimportanttothem, atatimewhentheyarebasicallyisolatedfromeveryoneandeverything whohashistoricallybeenimportantto them?

Obviously,thereisn’tonecookiecutteranswer.Firstoff,youhavetodeterminewhatkindofdeploymentheor

sheisserving.Ifthatindividualis“in thefield”—basically,livingonwhatis onhisorherbackatthetime—you’d wanttosendthingsthatareeasilycarriedandlight.Ifthatindividualisina barrackssituation,onapermanent base,thenyouhavealittlemorefreedom.Yourlovedonewon’thavetotote aroundthegiftallthetime,right?

Let’stakealookatsomeideasto bringasmiletoyourdeployedgiftrecipient.

Mailhitstheheart

Weallknowit’sachanging—or, changed—world,andwelargelycommunicatewithoneanotherelectronically.But there’sstillsomethingniceaboutreceiving “snailmail,”withahand-writtennotefrom someoneyoucareabout,especiallywhen you’reawayfromeverythingyouknow.

Sendacard.Enlistfamilymembersor friendstodothesame.Reachouttoyour church,orthelocalelementaryschoolto seeifaclassisinterestedin“adopting”

yourspecialpersonoverseasandsending themnotesfortheholidays.esearethe kindsofgiftsthatcanbestowedawayina packordeepinsideacargopocketto enjoyoverandoveragain.

Itdoesn’thavetobealotofmoneyto makeadifference.Athoughtiscurrencyinitsownway.

Soundsofjoy

Giftcardsdohavevalue

Youmightnotwanttosendyour lovedoneagiftcardforofficeequipmentorkitchenappliances,butgift cardsfore-books,games,musicor moviesitescanbeagreatvaluefor someoneonthego,and,again,doesn’t takeupalotofspace.Ifyou’renotsure aboutwhatyourdeployedpersonwould wantspecifically,sendapre-paidVisa orAmericanExpresscardthatcangive alittlefreedominhowitisspent.

Sendabookthatallowsrecordingsto yourdeployedlovedonesthatusesthe voicesofthepeopleheorshemissesthe most.Likemail,thisissomethingthey canenjoyoverandoveragain,whenever themoodstrikes.

Plus,thisisthekindofgiftwithstaying power.Ifyouhavevoicesofthedeployedperson’schildrenorspouseor parentsorsiblingsorwhatever…thatis agiftwithnoexpirationdate.

Besmartwithfood

Wearefullyintheseasonofbaked goods,andperhapsthere’snobetterreminderofhomethanbitingintosomethingthatisfamiliarandtastyand bringswarmmemories.However…rememberthatsometimesthesepackages cantakeawhiletoarrive,andthatcake youwanttosendmightnotquitehold upduetothat.Andchocolate?Well, thatcouldbesittingonatarmacorina

warehouseforhours,orevendays,as thegoodpeopleat themilitarywallet.comsharedontheir site.Probablynotagreatidea.

inkthingswithstayingpower,like individually-wrappedsnackfoods,drink powders,jerkyandcondiments.Wanta littletipfromsomeonewhohasbeen deployedoverafewholidays?Hotsauce islikegoldwhenyou’reeatingstandard militaryfareeveryday—particularlyif you’reontheMREplan.Iftheydon’t likehotsauce,senditanyway.It’slike currency.

Hygieneproductsaren’tsexy, buttheymatter

Yeah,it’snotthepersonaltouchthat comeswithahand-writtencardorvoice message,butnomatterwherewefind ourselvesinthiswackyworld,it’sstill nicetohavethebasics.

Deodorant,toothpaste,brushes, shampoo…younameit.

inkalittleoutsidethebox,too,as thatperson’ssurroundingsmightrequirealittleextrathought.Adesertor tropicalenvironmentcouldprobably warrantsunscreen,andthingslikebaby wipeshelpouteverywhere.Alsoconsiderdisposablerazors,lipbalm,pain relieversorlotion.Batterieshavealways hadaplace,andnowmaybecharging blocksthatcouldpowerupdigitaldevicesshouldgetconsideration.

eideahereistomakethatloved onefeelthelove,andmaybegetalittle sliceofhomeintheprocess.inkoutsidethebox,asyouknowyourintendee betterthantherestofus.

HolidayHappenings

SchellvilleChristmasVillage

ursday–SundaysthruDec.23rd.Open everydayoftheweekbetweenChristmas&NewYear’sDay.ClosedNov.24th andDec.24th-25th.Filledwithholiday magic,goodwill,andfunfortheentire family!LocatedbehindtheTangerOutletsinRehobothBeach.

WinterWonderFest

isone-miledrivefeaturesover60displaysintheirlightspectacular!Returning toHudsonFieldsnearMiltononNov. 18th–Dec.31st!

WinterfestofLights

Wednesday-Sundaysfrom5:30pm–9:30pm,Nov.17th–Dec.31st.atNorthsideParkinOceanCity.e2022WinterfestofLightswillbeanexpanded walkingtourthattakesyouthrough thousandsofsparklingholidaylightsand manyanimatedlightdisplayslocated alongapavedpathinNorthsidePark. Siphotchocolate,takeaphotowith Santa,visittheirgiftshop,andenjoythe arrayofholidayexhibits

AnnualBethany-Fenwick anksgivingTurkeyTrot

Nov.24th,7:30am-10am.enon-chip timed2-mileFunRun/Walkstartsand finishesontheBethanyBeachBoardwalkBandstand,GarfieldPkwy&the Boardwalk.

Topright,NorthsideParkinOceanCityis transformedintoawonderlandoflightsduringtheWinterfestofLights.Right,pastwinnersofthecostumecontestposeforaphoto attheAnnualBethany-FenwickThanksgiving TurkeyTrot.

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SaturdayNov26th,1pmto5:30pmatJohn WestParkinOceanView.Marketvendors,foodsales,trainrides,children’s crafts,Santa,holidaymovieandmore!

HolidayTrailofLights

Saturday,Nov.26th–Saturday,Dec,31st. Atduskdailyuntil9pm–selfguidedand FREEattheJohnWestParkinOcean View.

SelbyvilleChristmasParade Friday,Dec.2nd,7pm–9pm.Celebratethe holidayseasonwithaneveningoffood, funandfloats!Watchthefloats,marchingbands,beautyqueens,firetrucks, classiccarsandmanymoremaketheir waythroughdowntownSelbyvilletocelebratetheholidayseason.

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Right,theTownofBethanyBeachcelebratesa pasttreelighting.Theeventincludeslive music,avisitfromSantaandplentyofholidaycheer.

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3rd Annual Old Town Holiday Market, Tree Lighting & Trail of Lights

Nov. 26 from 1p.m. to 5:30p.m.

Saturday,

Market vendors, train rides, kids’ crafts, tree lighting & visitor from the North Pole!

John West Park • 32 West Ave., Ocean View

OldTownHolidayMarket, TreeLightingandTrailofLights

AHolidayTourofLewes

Saturday,Dec.3rd,10am-4pmattheLHS HistoricMainCampus.Includesatour ofhistoricLewespropertiesandaHolidayVillageandMarket.

HolidayHappenings

inBethanyBeach

Saturday,Dec.3rd.

10:30am–StorytimeandcraftsattheNatureCenterwithlocalmother-daughter authorsCarolandCoriBurchamfeaturingGoodnessGraciousGollyGeeIForgotMyChristmasTree.

1pm–3pmPartywithSantainTownHall withphotos,facepainting,cookies,and more.

1pm–4pmBeachtractorandtrolleyrides throughtown.

5pmTreelightingfeaturingtheSouthern DelawareSchooloftheArtsChoir.

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Left,theTownofOceanViewlightsupitstree duringitsannualtreelightingeventatJohn WestPark.

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YuletideFestival

Saturday,Dec.3rdatEvansPark,Millville. FeaturingArtisancrafts,musicanda treelightingceremonyintheevening.

ChristmasChoirCantata Sunday,Dec.,4th,10am,“eLoveofGod atChristmas”atFenwickIslandBaptist Church.

WeekendWonderlandinBethany

Dec.3rd,10th,and17th.Celebratetheholidays instylebytheseasideatWeekendWonderlandinBethany.EverySaturdayinDecemberpriortoChristmas,shoppers andvisitors cantakeadvantageofgreattax-freeshopping,funactivities,andparticipateineElf ontheShelfscavengerhuntandcocoacrawl.

MiltonChristmasParade

WatchtheparadewiththeMiltoneatre. Featuringabeergardenandfoodstall withsweetsandsnacks!Wednesday, Dec.7th,5-9pm.Paradestartsat7pm.

JourneytoBethlehem Dec.9th,10thand11thfrom6pm-8pmat BeaconBaptistChurch,Milville.Afree outdoorfamilyeventwithalivenativity, hayride,animals,photoboothandmuch, muchmoreincludingfreehotchocolate andcookies!

ChristmasConcert

Dec.11th,4pmatMarinersBethelUnited Methodist,OceanView.

TownofDagsboro ChristmasParade

Tuesday,Dec.13th,7pm.eParadewill featurefloats,marchingunits,firetrucks andavisitfromSantaClaus!

CommunityChristmasCaroling

Sunday,Dec.18th,3:30pmatFenwickIslandBaptistChurch.

NewYear’sDayPlunge

Jan.1st,10am–2pmatBethanyBeach. eBethany-FenwickAreaChamberof Commerce&BethanyBoathouse proudlypresentstheLeoBrady-New Year’sDayPlunge!

12thAnnualHairoftheDog

Jan.1st,8:30am–noon.5kRun,1milewalk alongtheBethanyBeachBoardwalk.

closefriends.eyhaveallbeentherefor meduringthismostdifficultyearafterlosingAndy,myhusbandof42years.”

—SusanLyons,Publisher

“ “ “ “ ““ “

Iammostthankfulformyfamilyand friendswhohavesupportedmeinallofmy endeavorsthroughschool,sports,andnow gettingoutintotherealworld.”

–ChrisAube,GraphicDesign

IammostthankfultoliveinOceanView andworkatCoastalPointnewspapercoveringourbeachcommunities.It’sawonderfulexperiencetoreturntoreporting aftermanyyearsinbusiness.Mybeatassignmentsofenvironmentandeducation reallysuitmypassionsandinterests.Iam alsogratefulformypartnerandwifeaswe startanewempty-nesterphaseandsemiretiredlifeinthiscoastaltown.”

—MikeSmith,Reporter

Mydadhashadaroughtwoyearswith hishealth,andforawhileitwasn’tlooking good.Somedaysaredefinitelydifficult,but I’msogratefulthatheisstillwithusand we’reabletocelebratetheholidayseason together!”

—TarynKing,Editor

Itsoundscliché,butI’mtrulygratefulfor myfamilyandfriends.eolderIget,the moreIrealizehowfragilethingscanbe aroundus.Itonlymakesmemoregrateful forthosewholiveinmyheart.”

—DarinMcCann,ExecutiveEditor

I’msuperthankfulforthepeopleIwork with.We’veallbeenthroughsometough timesoverthelastyear,yearandahalf,and wearealwaystheretolifteachotherup andhelpeachotherout.It’ssuchanunderstandingandsupportivegroupofpeople.”

–ShaunLambert,TechnicalDirector

I’msothankfultobealive,tohavesurvivedatriplebypassoperationperformed onJuly15thbysurgeonDr.StevenMara andhis12-person‘DreamTeam’atBeebe HospitalinLewes!!!”

—MikeStern,Reporter

“

isyearI’mespeciallythankfulfor Christmasmemoriesofyearspast.Even thosethatatthetimeseemedlessthan memorable,havesomehowbecomesome ofmymostfavoredholidaymemories. Alongwiththatcomeslostlovedones.Celebratingholidayswithouttheonesyou holddearistough,butI’mforever gratefulforthespecialtimeswehadand thememoriessharedwithoneanother duringtheholidays.”

—SusanMutz,AdvertisingManager

“ “

Iamthankfulforbeingabletospend timewithmyfamilyandforallthesupport I’vehadformyauthorcareer.”

—M.PatriciaTitus,DigitalContentEditor

Iamthankfultobespendingtheholiday seasonwiththoseIlove!”

—NadineTimpanaro,AdvertisingSales

“ “ “ “

WhatIamthankfulforthisyearisthe loveandsupportofthoseclosesttomeas wellassomepeaceandcomfortinmylife, finally!”

—JasonFeather,Reporter

isyearIamgrateful,asalwaysfor abundantenergyandgoodhealth,along careerinjournalismIloveandthat,althoughIhadtosaygoodbyetomybeloved beagle,Buddy,thisyear,helivedtobe15 1/2andwasamostcherishedcompanion.”

—SusanCanfora,Reporter

Iammostthankfulthisyearforfamily— thosewhoareactuallyrelatedandthose whoare“unofficial”family.eoneswho haveeachother’sbacksinthegoodtimes aswellasthebad,whojumpinandpickus upwhenwefall.Ican’timaginewhereI’d bewithoutthosespecialpeopleinmylife.”

—KerinMagill,Reporter

I’mverythankfulformyfamily.”

—JaneJohnson,AdvertisingSales

Hollyorjolly—

2022’sholidaydecoratingtrends

ByCoriBurcham Freelancereporter

Overthepasttwoyears,“tradition”duringtheholidayseasonhasgrowntobea ratherficklefriend.Whilethewordimplies areliablereturnyearafteryear,the COVID-19pandemicintroducedanunpredictabledeferraloftheholidaytraditionswe’dcometorelyon,fromhosting distantrelativesatourhomestoreceiving Christmasgiftsontime.Withoutthecomfortofthefamiliar,peoplewererequiredto adaptbymakingnewtraditionsormodifyingtheiroldones.

WithChristmastimeonceagainapproachingandthetinkleofjinglebellsresoundinginourears,thedecoratingtrends of2022revealthatpeople’soutlookontra-

ditionaldecorshowsavaryingtrajectory, withsomeemphasizingtheneedfortradition,whileothersareembracingthenew andunique.

ere’salotmoretoindoorholidaydecoratingnowadaysthancheerfulChristmas trees,velvetypoinsettias,orthewarmhues ofredandgreen.Formaximalists,minimalistsandanyoneinbetween,there’sa handfulofholidaythemesexpectedtobe popularthisyearwithenoughrangetoappealtoavarietyoftastes.

Onefavorsindividualityovertheconventional.Othersgarnerinspirationfrom decadespastorfromournaturalsurroundings.Butonecommonpatternemerges: Notonlydidourprojectedbuyinghabits begintoreflectacollectivemodeofthinking,manyofourpreferencesappearedto

bedeterminedbyourshiftinglifestylesina post-pandemicworld.

WoodlandWonderland

Duetothemodifiedremoteworkday andpandemiclockdowns,themajorityof ourdaysoverthepasttwoyearshavebeen spentindoors.Seekingfreedomfromfour walls,manyturnedtothewildernessforan escapeandfoundareassuranceinnature thattheycouldnolongerfindintheirdaily lives.Withthecloseofanotherhecticyear uponus,oneofthemostpopular decoratingtrendsthisChristmasmayhavebeen bornfromtheserenitysomediscoveredin nature.

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Continuedfrompage50

AccordingtoEtsy’sMarketplaceInsights reporton2022holidaytrends,shoppersare anticipatedtocelebratenaturethemesin theirhomedecorthisChristmas.Etsy’s trendreportsdetaila118percentincrease insearchesfornature-inspiredhomedecor anda37percentincreaseinsearchesfor enchantedforest-inspireddecor.

Whilethethemecanbeasbareorlavish asyoulike,itencouragestheuseofwarm earthtones,lushgreenery,rusticwooden decorationsanddriedflowers.AsnowcoveredChristmastreetransportswintry romancefromtheforesttoyourhome, whichcanbeaccentedwithdriedfruitor cranberriesfortexture.Tocreateacharming,cozyatmosphere,includerepresentationsofcutewoodlandcreatures,from hedgehogstobirdsorreindeer,inyourdisplay,alongwithafaux-furblanket.

Foratrendthatarosefromarenewed appreciationfornature,partofthebeauty ofnaturaldecoristheoptiontogosustainable. Mastercraftersandbeginnersalike canforageintheirownbackyardsfor pinecones,acorns,sticksandevergreen branchestocreatehomemadeDIYdecorations,establishinganauthenticandfresh aesthetic.Fromdryingorangeslicesfor eye-catchingornamentstoflocking pineconesforatablescape,thepossibilities tomakeone-of-a-kindcustompiecesare endless,withtheaddedbonusofforginga newholidaymemory.

Toleanintotheenchanted-foresttheme,

theadditionofred-cappedmushroomornamentsandgnomedecorwillinfuseyour homewithanancientmagicderivedfrom Scandinavianfolkloreandfairytales.DominatingthePotteryBarnholidaycollection intheformofgnome-shapedpillows,ceramicmugsandplushdecorations,these elfishcreaturesknownfortheirsmall staturehavemadeabigimpactonholiday decorthisseason,bringingatouchof whimsytoanoftentimesminimalistic theme.

MixedMetallicGlamour

Hostingfriendsandfamilyathome aroundChristmastimebecameathingof thepastoverthelasttwoyears,whenpandemicrestrictionsputasuddenanddishearteningendtofestivepartiesand events.ButthegradualdropinCOVID-19 casesthisyearsignifiesawelcomereturnto tradition.

Accordingtothewebinar“Winningthe HolidayswithPinterest,”hostedbyIndustryLeadCarrieSweeney,peopleplanto spendmoreoftheholidaysinpublicthis year,with64percentofshoppersonPinterestexpectingtocelebratewithfriendsdur-

ingthe2022holidayseason.Witheven morereasontocelebratethisyear,aholiday decortrendcenteredaroundmixed metallicsofgoldandsilverwillreinstate formalget-togethersinstylebyjuxtaposing ournot-so-GoldenTwentieswithanother partyera.

“Inatrendnotforthefainthearted,this festiveseasonseesthereturnoftheRoaringTwenties—partysparklewithavintage note,”saidJenniferDerry,chiefmerchandisingofficeratBalsamHill.“Dramatic mixedmetallicsofgoldwithaccentsofsilveraresetagainsttheopulenceofbeads andfeathers,aswellascrystalgarlandsthat harkbacktotheheadinessoftheera.Avoid thesedecorationsfeelingtoocoolbypairingthemwithwarmtreelights.”

Apartfromhighlightingmetallics,the additionofribbons,pearlbeads, disco-ball ornaments,andanyothertrinketsthatglitterorsparklewillmanifestthedesiredeffectofluxuryandsophistication.Inatrend thatdealswithclassicrepresentationsof wealth,itironicallymayturnouttobea rathercost-effectivetheme,sincereason suggestsmanymodernhomedecorcollectionsalreadyfeatureitemsbearingthetraditionalChristmascolorsofgoldandsilver.

Totrulyembracetheage-oldelegance andglamorofthe’20s,itmightpayoffto investinvintagestatementpiecesthatcan beusedforentertainingyear-round.Crystalchampagneglasses,antiquemirrors, andgildedcandlesticksbringacertainjoie devivrefromthetimeperiodtoyourmod-

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ernChristmasdisplay.

ColorfulChristmas

Insteadofdeckingthehallswiththe tried-and-truecolorsthatbrightenedour daysfromChristmaspast,peoplehaveset theirsightsthisyearonadoptingabolder colorpalettemorecommonlyfoundinthe rainbow.

“Afterthepastfewyears,it’sobviouswhy arainbowbrightschemehasjumpedtothe forefrontofthemes,”saidinteriordesigner SophieHoward.“Addingplayfulenergyto yourbestChristmasdecorationsandmaking thefestiveseasonextramerry,it’shard nottosmilewhenyouseethistrend.”

OnEtsy,thecurrenttrendreportsshow an86percentincreaseinsearchesforvibrantwallartanda24percentincreasein searchesforcolorfulwreaths.Etsyprojects thatpeopleoptingforthecolorfulChristmastrendcanstillpaytributetotheclassic Christmascolorsofredandgreenbysimplyupdatingthemtoashadethat’smore lively,suchasemeraldgreenormagenta. Pleaseturntopage56

Unlikethebaresimplicityofnatural decor,thismaximalisttrendtiptoestoward over-the-top,withmulticoloreditemslike miniaturepompomtreesandrainbowornamentwreaths.Forseasoneddecorators andinteriordesigners,thethemepresents aninterestingchallengetocombineamixtureofvividpatterns—includinggingham, chinoiserie,tartanandcandycanestripes —intoatrulyuniquearrangementthatcoalescesdespitethevariety.

Withnorestrictionstotherainbowcolor scheme,anyhomedecorthatisvibrantor colorfulcouldbedisplayed.Honeycomb paperdecorationsleftoverfromabirthday partycouldbehungonthetreeasoversized,funkyornaments.Breakingoutthe summerdecorationsearly,lanterns,furniture,orpillowsboastingwildsolidcolors couldseamlesslyblendinamongstthe eclecticchaos.

NostalgicNoel

Unduetoanygrinchysentiments, Christmascheerhasn’tbeenespecially prevalentinrecentyears.atseemslikely

tochange,however,aspeoplearenotonly excitedaboutreunitingwithfamilyforthe holidaysthisseasonbutarecelebrating familyingeneralwithChristmasdecor that’snostalgicandreminiscentofcherishedholidaymemories.

“AswelooktowardaChristmaswith morenormalityagain,we’regoingtoseea returntocelebratethetraditional,withred andgoldlookingtobetwoofthetoptrendingcolorsofChristmas2022;atimeless lookthatevokesaquintessentialChristmas,”saidDerry.

Nostalgicdecortrulyexemplifiesthe meaningofChristmas.Passingdownornaments,tableware,ortableclothsthrough generationsoffamilycapturesthespiritof givingwhilepracticinggratitudeforthe thingsalreadyinourpossession.Recreating themagicoftheholidaysyouonceknewas achildisaseasyasraidingyourfamily’s holidaycollection,featuringnutcracker statuettes,oraccentuatingtraditionalcolors.

Ifsomeofyourfamily’shand-me-down decorationsappearmoremodern,consider featuringceramicChristmastrees,kitschy vintagedecorationsorretroincandescent Christmaslightstoassembleamoreau-

Let

Help

thenticage-oldambience.

Decoratingyourhomewithbaublesand trinketsfromthepastisnotonlyacost-effectivetrendforthosenotlookingtooverspendthisChristmas,butit’ssustainable too.eburdenofoverconsumptionis lessenedduringChristmastimewhenfami-

liesreusedecorationsyearafteryear.And forthosewhofinditnecessarytoaddto theirholidaycollection,thetheme’sclassic Christmasmotifsensurethatthedecorwill remaintimelessandhavethepossibilityof onedaybeingpasseddowntofuturegenerations.

Get Ready for the Holidays

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Holidays offereven more opportunity togiveof oneself

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

ItwasphilosopherKahlilGibranwho, witheloquence,issuedthereminder, “Yougivebutlittlewhenyougiveofyour possessions.Itiswhenyougiveofyourselfthatyoutrulygive.”

Astheholidaysapproach,volunteers inSussexCounty—alwaysgenerous— findmanywaystobeofservice,including makinganksgivingandChristmas brighterforthoseinneedandforemergencypersonnelscheduledtoworkon holidays.

BlessingsforBadges

“Anytimewehavehadtoworkon ThanksgivingorChristmas,Christmas Eve,anyholiday,thecommunityhas neverletusdown.Everyoneissogenerous.Theybringusplatesandtreats, cookies.Theyneverforgetus,”Ocean ViewPoliceDepartmentSgt.Rhys Bradshawsaid.

Hepraisedvolunteerswhoorganize BlessingsforBadges,designedtotake freshlycookedmealstoemergency personnelinSussexandKentcounties, aswellastocorrectionalofficers, workingonThanksgivingD ay.

“First-respondersserveus24/7all year.Thisprovidesusanopportunity toservethem,”saidBarryWheatley,a formersergeantintheMillsboroPoliceDepartmentwhoisinvolvedwith BlessingsforBadges.

“Acrossthenation,manyfirst-re-

spondersarenotbeingsupportedas theyhavebeeninpastyears.However, locally,weloveourfirst-responders andstrivetoshowhowmuchweappreciateandvaluetheirsacrifice,not justtoday,buteveryday.Everypolice of ficer,dispatcher,EMTonduty— firefighters,correctionalofficers— theyallgetamealprovidedtothemat noexpense.Andit’sbeenallthrough

WhiskersforWishes

employeesandotherswhoparticipate maygrowbeards—normallyagainstregulations—iftheydonate$25.Women don’tgettoskipshavingbutstillgenerouslydonate.eproceedsareusedto buygiftcards,presentsandclothingfor needyfamiliesinthecommunity.

WhiskersforWishescontinues throughDec.20,afterwhichgiftsarede-

livered,DetectiveDavidMoyerexplained.isistheseventhyearthepolicedepartmenthasbeeninvolved.e first year,theprogramraised$1,500,and lastyear,thetotalwas$23,000.

Monetarydonationsareacceptedat thepolicedepartment,at307Main Street,anddonatedgiftscanbetakento GraceUnitedMethodistChurchin Millsboro.

ToysforTots

eannualToyforTotscampaign beganonOct.1andcontinuesthrough Dec.17.Lastyear,11,191toysweredistributedand3,610childrensupported throughtheeffortsoftheNassauLocal CampaignOrganization,sponsoredby Marine CorpsLeagueDiamondStateDe-

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tachment704fortheMarineToysFor TotsFoundationinSussexCounty.See www.toysfortots.orgformoreinformation.

Athttps://www.toysfortots.org/donate/Default.aspx,therearelinkswithinformationabouthowtodonateonlineor getinvolvedintheToysforTotsLiteracy Program,PeertoPeerfundraisingcampaignandhowtodonatecryptocurrency.

osetoobusytoshopforatoyand dropitintooneofmanyboxescanuse theVirtualToybox,allowingdonorsto selectandpayforatoyonline.See w ww.toysfortotsbox.comformoreinformation.

eSalvationArmy,knownforitsannualRedKettleCampaign,alwaysneeds bellringers.See www.salvationarmyusa.orgformoreinformation.

isyear,theJonasBrotherswillper-

formliveatAT&TStadiumduringthe DallasCowboysfootballgamehalftime showonanksgivingDay.ursday, Nov.24.eCowboyswillplaytheNew YorkGiantsthatdayandtheJonasBrothers’performancewillremindAmericans todropchangeandbillsintokettlesduringtheRedKettleCampaign,which beganmorethan130yearsago.

eSalvationArmy’s2022LoveBeyondtheme“callsonthepublictosup-

porttheirneighborsinneed,”according tothewebsite.

anksgivingandChristmas forousands

Everyyear,volunteersareneededat MountaireFarmsinSelbyville,where boxesoffoodarepackedforanksgivingforousandsandChristmasfor ousands,tofeedfamiliesinneedfor theholidays.

Volunteersassemblecorn,green

beans,yams,stuffingmix,cranberry sauce,dessertsandawholeMountaire roasterchickenintotheboxes,eachcapableoffeedingafamilyoffour.

anksgivingforousandshasafull slateofvolunteersfor2022,butwhilethe dateboxeswillbepackedforChristmas forousandshasn’tyetbeenannounced,would-bevolunteerscankeep aneyeonwww.mountaire.comfordetails orcall(302)988-6251.

OceanViewPresbyterian SharingPantry

OceanViewPresbyterianChurchofferscannedgoods,boxeddinners,paper towelsandotheritems,freeandavailable atanytimeofthedayornight,atits SharingPantry,locatedoutsidethe churchinfrontoftheoffice,at67Central Avenue.

Todonateandhelpkeeptheshelves full,callthechurchat(302)539-3455.

Cops&Goblins

eOceanViewPoliceDepartment hasaToysforTotsboxatthepolicesta-

tiononCentralAvenueeachyear,but Bradshawsaidthepolicedepartment’s bigcontributiontothetown,justbefore theholidayseason,istheannualCops& GoblinsfreecommunityHalloween party.

Pizza,hamburgers,cheeseburgers, soda,Rita’sice,icecreamandcandyare allfree,courtesyofthepolicedepartment andvendorswhowelcometreat-ortreaterseveryyear.

Anyoneinterestedindonatingtonext year’sfestivitycancallthepolicedepartmentat(302)539-1111.isyear’sCops & GoblinswasonOct.29.

Evenmorewaystohelp

erearemanyotherwaystodonate thisholidayseason.Websites,suchasthe oneat https://www.extraspace.com/blog/givingback/charities-you-can-support-for-theholidays,containinformationabout programswhoseorganizersappreciate selflessvolunteers.eyinclude:

•AngelTree,helpingchildrenfeel cared-forbytakinggiftsuggestionsfrom incarceratedmothersandfathersand distributingpresentstotheirchildren. Seewww.prisonfellowship.orgformore information.

•Make-A-WishAmerica,creatingunforgettableexperiencesforchildrenwith criticalillnesses.Seewww.wish.orgfor moreinformation.

•PayAwaytheLayaway,helpingtopay foritemsinlayawayforchildren,includingbooks,backpacks,toys,games,blankets,clothesandcoats.Donorscanmake aone-timedonationorstartafundraiser. Seewww.payawaythelayaway.orgfor moreinformation.

•BetterWorldBooks,acharitythatresellsbookstohelpfundnonprofitliteracy organizationsthatteachchildren,build schoolsandfilllibraries.Seewww.betterworldbooks.comformoreinformation.

•FeedingAmerica,createdtoprovide healthfulmealsforthosewhocan’talwaysfeedthemselves.See www.feedingamerica.orgformoreinformation.

Christmastraditionsforthefamily

ByTarynKing Editor

Handingdowncustomsandbeliefsfrom generationtogenerationhasformedthe bedrockofwhatwehavecometoknowas “tradition.”Whetherit’ssomethingthe massesengagein—suchasthecelebration ofChristmasinandofitself—orthedistinctdetailsandmannerinwhichyouand yourfamilyapproachtheholiday,itisoften nostalgiaandmemoriesthatfueltheinclinationtomaintainthosetraditions.

Oneofthemanywonderfulthingsabout familytraditionsisthatthereisnosteadfast rulestatingwhenyoucanstart(orstop) one!Youcancommittocarryingonwith generationaltraditions,oryoucanstart yourown.Perhapsyouwanttobreakwith someofthetraditionsthat,whilememorable,areabitbeyondyourcomfortlevel. Stressandtimeconstraintsmayevenmake someofthemimpossibletoobserve.Or maybeyou’dliketobringinsomethingabit morefunforthelittlesinyourlife.

Whateveryourreasons,observingtraditionscanbringyouandyourlovedones closer,andgivepersonalmeaningtothe holidayseasons.

YoumayalreadyhavealistofChristmas traditionsthatyou’llbestickingwith,andif so,we’dlovetoknowaboutthem!Butif you’relookingforsomenewideasorjust wanttoswitchthingsupabitthisyear, we’veputtogetheralistofsomeofourfavoritefamily-friendlytraditions.

DIYChristmasornaments

ornamentwillbetreasuredforyearsto come!

Christmasreadingbasket

FillabasketwithChristmasstories,and readoneeachnightuntilChristmas.We stronglyencouragecuddles,fluffyblankets andhotcocoaduringthisprocess!

Bedroomstockings

OK—hearusout.Weknowsomeof youareexhausted.You’llbeupallnighton ChristmasEvegettingthelastofthose presentswrappedandtuckedunderthe tree.Youmightalsobetheparentsofkiddoswhowakeupbeforedawntogetto thosepresents.Considerhangingastockingontheirdoorthattheycanopenin theirroom.Fillitwithtoysandothergoodiesthatwillkeepthemexcitedandoccupieduntilyou’veatleasthadthatfirstcup ofcoffee!

Angeltree

Everyyear,treesgoupinbanks,lobbies, shoppingcenters,etc.,thataredecorated withpaperangelsorcardswithnameson them.Pickoutone(orafew)andgo Christmasshoppingforsomeoneinneed.

Encourageyourkidstogothroughtheir thingsandmakeroomforincomingtoys andclothes.Makeadayofitwithcookies andmusicandsetasideadonatepile!

ChristmasPJs

EveryonelovesopeningagiftonChristmasEve!FunPJsarealwaysahit,andyou cangetthewholefamilyamatchingsetor individualizewithstyle.StickwiththePJs oraddinanewgameormoviewithtreats!

Ornamentcollection

Getyourkidsstartedontheirownornamentcollectionbytoppingofftheirbiggest giftwithaspecialornamentpickedjustfor them.Whenthey’regrownandreadyto moveout,they’llhaveasetofornamentsto takewiththemtodecoratetheirfirsttree.

Hostacookieexchange

Bakedozensofyourfavoritecookiesto exchangewithfamilyandfriends!ebest part:cominghomewithplatesofspecial treatsfullofnewandfunflavors!

Tree-lighting

Gotothelocaltree-lightingceremony. It’sawonderfultimetochatwithneighbors andgetinvolvedinthecommunity.Music, snacksandtonsofChristmaslightsarea greatwaytokickofftheholiday!

Bigpresentreveal

Ifyouhaveonepresentthatisbiggeror especiallywanted,makeitatreasurehunt! Hidecluesandriddlesormakeamapthey canfollowtothehidingspot.

Shoecandy

Asthestorygoes,St.Nicholasloved helpingfamiliesinneedandmakingchildrensmile.Traditionally,theywouldleave theirshoesbythedoortobefilledwith sweets.Onthe6thofDecember,inhonor ofSt.Nicholas,fillyourkids’shoeswith candyforafunsurpriseandtellthemthe storyoftherealSt.Nick.

Inapickle

Hideapickleornamentsomewhereonthe treeaftereveryonegoestosleeponChristmasEve.efirstpersontofindthepickle thenextmorninggetsaspecialpresent!

BakedPineapple

Method:

Mixthoroughlyandpouringreasedbakingdish.Dottopwithpatsofbutterand sprinklewithcinnamon.Bakeforonehourat350degreesF.Aforkstuckdownthe centerwillcomeoutcleanwhendone.

24HourSalad

CourtesyPeggyMilloy

Ingredients:

n Largebagorboxoffreshspinach

n 1headoflettuce

n 1lb.ofbacon

n 6hardboiledeggs

n 8ozofswisscheese

n Onelargeredonion

n 3/4cofHellmann’smayo

n 3/4cofMiracleWhip

n Salt,pepper,sugar

Method:

Inalargebowl,tearspinachintobitesizepiecesandplaceonthebottom.Sprinkle withsalt,pepperandtablespoonofsugar.Breakbaconintobitesizepiecesandlayer ontopofseasoning.Breaklettuceintobitesizepiecesandplaceontopofbacon. Sprinkleagainwithsalt,pepper,sugar.Chopeggsintopieces,spreadontopofseasonings.Chopuponionandlayerontopofeggs.Mixthemayonnaise,spreadontopof onionlayer.Cutthecheeseintobitesizepiecesandplaceontopasfinallayer.

Coverandchillfor24hours.

Continuedfrompage24

picwiththerecipientandthendeterminehowyou’dliketodeliverit. Whetherit’sinauniqueframe,or printedonapersonalitem,suchasa mug,blanket,keychain,phonecover orevenanornamentfortheirtree, therecipientwillknowhowmuch theymeantoyoueachtimetheyview it.

(3)Initialthoughts.Whilenot everyonewantstobeinpictures, addingpersonalizationtoagiftitem byusingyourrecipient’sname,initialsormonogramcanbeagre atalternative.Andwithawealthofonline sites,fromboutiquestoreslikeMarleyLillytomajorretailerslikeAmazonofferingthisservice,you’llhave endlessoptions—atvariousprice points—tomeetyourshopping needs.

(4)Eat,drinkandbemerry.They oftensaythewaytotheheartis throughthestomach.So,whetherit’s afoodiefriendorafamilymember

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untilcheesehasmelted.Stirinbutter.Blendmustardandcornstarchwithalittle extrabeer.Addtofondue,stiruntilthickened.ServewithFrenchbreadcutinto1inchcubes.

www.kristinaskitchen19.com 35581 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE 19967 Insta & FB: @Kristinas.kitchen19 Open:Wed-Sat, 7am-2pm Sun, 8-2 (hours are subject to change)

Keepyour holiday gift-giving clutter-free

ByM.PatriciaTitus DigitalContentEditor

Isyournaturalresponsetothewords “clutter-free”asoul-deepcryof“Yes, please!”?Orabemusedresponseof “Whatdothosewordsmean?”Either way,we’vegotalistforyouthisholiday season,withsomeholidaygiftideasthat willmakethingsmerryandbright,withouttheneedfortherecipienttoplug somethingin,findaspotforitonashelf or,forthemostpart,tomakeplanstorecyclepackaging.

(1)Giftcards.isistheeasyone.But it’saboutmorethanjustfindingashop yourrecipientlikesandhandingovera formofplasticmoneytheycanspend latertobuysometangibleitem.Wewant tokeepthemclutter-free.So,whatcan yougetwithagiftcardthatdoesn’tend uptakingupspace?

•Food!—eydon’tcallthisareathe CulinaryCoastfornothing!Youknow yourrecipientbetterthanwedo,sowe’ll leaveituptoyoutofigureoutwhichof ouramazinglocalrestaurantstingles theirtastebuds.Butyoumaywantto keepinmindtwothings,beyondtheirfavoritefoods:evenrestaurantsthatmight soonbeclosedfortheseasonorhave limitedhoursnowholdthepromiseofa greatmealinthefuture,sothinkbeyond theholidaysbeforeyoupickaspotfor thatspecialperson’snextfavoritemeal; andBlackFridayisonthehorizon—and withitgift-cardspecialoffersthatcan

makeyourdollarsgofurther.

•Services,orservice—Ifyouoryour giftrecipientarelookingtokeepthings neatandclean,consideragiftcardfor house-cleaningservices.Orhowabouta home-organizationexperttohelpre-organizethatcloset?Istheirgardeninneed ofawinteroverhaulthat’salittletoo muchforthem,especiallywithallthe timedemandsoftheholidayseason? Helpthemgetreadyforafreshspring plantingseasonwithagiftcardforyardwork.Or,youcanevenoffertodothese tasksyourself,taketheworkofftheir platesorspendsometimedoingthem together.

Ifhelpingoutaroundthehouse(di-

rectlyorviaanexpert)isn’tquitethe nicheyou’relookingtofillonthatholiday giftlist,whataboutagiftcardforamanicure,pedicure,hairstylingormassage? Notonlyistherenoclutterinvolved, you’llhelpcreatearelaxed,polishedlook andfeelingforthatspecialsomeone.

Anotherwaytogivedirectlyistooffer torunerrandsforthatfriendwho’salwaystoobusytotakeabreather,orthe neighborwhohasdifficultygettingout andaround.Evenifyou’renotabletodo it yourself,ifyourgiftrecipientisasenior,youcanconsiderdonatingamembershipinaserviceliketheSouthCoastal VillageVolunteers,whichisdesignedto helpolderpeoplestayintheirhomes

throughtheworkofvolunteerswhohelp witherrands,transportation,household tasks,technicalassistanceandevenjust companionship.(Visithttps://southcoastalvillagevolunteers.org/formoreinformation.)

(2)Deckthewalls!It’snottotallywithoutpackaging,butgivingthegiftofpersonalizedwalldécorkeepsthingsoffthe shelvesandcanevenhelpconsolidatea collectionofoldartprojectsinasingle space.

•Considerachangeableartworkframe thatwillnotonlydisplayachild’smost recentartworkbutstorefavoritepieces fromthepastthatcanbeswappedoutas theygroworbythetimeofyear.

•Lookforawall-artsystemthatcan handlemultipleimages,whetherthey’re simplephotoshungbyclipsinoneor moretiers,orindividuallyframedimages thatcanbeeasilyorganizedintochangeablecollages.

•Isyourgiftrecipientadigital(or physical)photohoarderbuttheirwalls arebareandthatphotoalbumorscrapbook persistentlyunfinished?Lookfora digitalphotoframethatwillletthemuploadtheirimagesdirectlytotheirwall,so theycanstashthehardcopiesaway(if theyevenhavethem)andseeaneverchangingdisplayoftheirfavoritepeople andplaces.

(3)Food!(It’stheholidays,sopardon myfoodfixation!)Oneofthebestthings aboutfoodgiftsistheyrarelysitaround takingupspaceforlong.(Andiftheydo, youknowwhatnottogetnextyear!) Whetherit’saboxofcrabcakesthat’llbecomedinneronJan.2,agianttubofpopcornfromyourfavoriteboardwalkshop tomunchduringaholidaygame,afancy candyappletosharewiththefamilyora boxofsaltwatertaffydeliveredtoafriend whonevergetstosmellseaair,foodisa lovelanguage,andyourfoodiegiftcan speakDelmarvafluently,nomatterwho, orwhere,therecipientmightbe.

(4)Experiences.Whenitcomestogiftgiving,someofthebestandmost-rememberedgiftsareoftenexperiences, ratherthanthings.isholidayseason, considerwhatkindsofexperiencesyour giftrecipientmightenjoyandgivethe giftofatimethey’llalwaysremember.

Whetherthat’savisittotheDelaware BotanicGardensinDagsboro(amembershipcouldmakeagreatgiftforthe

Adigitalphotoframecouldmakeaperfectgiftforaphotographerorphotoenthusiast,andwill helpkeepshelvesandwallsclutter-free. n Stockart

gardenloverwho’sgotitallinhandat home—visithttp://www.delawaregardens.org/formoreinformation),ticketstoasportingevent,seatstoa concertorshow,aday-triptoanearby destinationoralongervacation,oran interactiveactivity,suchasacrafting night,memoriescanbemadethatwill lastalifetime,andthey’llalwaysbeassociatedwithyourthoughtfulness.

(5)Digitalsubscriptionsandcontent.Oneofthegreatthingsaboutlivinginaneraofdigitalcontentisthat itusuallytakesupnophysicalspace.

So,howdoabunchof1’sand0’s becomeyournextgreatgift?Consider yourrecipient,theirtastesandwhat theymightalreadyhave.Dotheyhave awirelessspeakerorasmartTVor streamingboxthatconnectstotheinternet?Wouldastreamingmusic servicesubscriptionbringbacksome oftheiroldfavoritesthataren’tplayed ontheradioanymore?Dotheyhavea favoriteshowthat’smovedto asubscriptionchannel?Havetheygivenup thesubscriptiontotheirfavorite

Adigitalsubscriptiontoamusic,videoor book servicecanmakeforagreatgift idea. n Stockimage

newspaperbutwouldlovetobeable toreadhometownornationalnews online?Aretheyavoraciousreader, butthecostoftheirbook-buying habitisaddingup?

Considergiftingayear’ssubscriptiontothatstreamingservice,news siteore-bookborrowingservice(such asKindleUnlimited),andoffertohelp withsetup,ifyourgiftrecipientisn’t tech-savvy.eygetayeartotestdrivetheser vice,andattheendofthe year,theycandecidewhetherthey wanttorenewitthemselves,oryou canoffertocovernextyear’ssubscriptionforyour2023gift.

Ifyou’relookingforsomething that’slessofacommitment,foryouor yourrecipient,considergiftingadigitalcopyoftheirfavoritemovie,show, albumorbook.Withholidaypricing, youmightevenbeabletoincludean e-readerortabletforthatbookor

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‘Tis the Season to CELEBRATE!

ProMortgage is celebrating 25 years of brokering loans so we have much to cheer about!

EVERYTHING THE BIG BANKS OFFER AND EVERYTHING THEY CAN’T

117 Atlantic Ave, Ocean View, DE 19970

Go To: LizForLoans@gmail.com Office: (302) 581-2035 • Cell: (415) 320-5023

NMLS ID: 223388 DE #: MLO-223388 Company NMLS ID: 238187 DE #: 036859

Liz Bayer, Sr. Loan Officer

We have seen the high’s and low’s of mortgage lending and are committed to our clients! Our hope is that you have time to celebrate YOU! Wishing you and your loved ones holiday cheer and a happy new year!

movieloverandhelpthemshiftsomeof theirphysicalmediaoutoftheirhome andtoalocallibraryforitscollectionor fundraisingsale.

Finally,ifyourgiftrecipienthasan actor,musician,athleteorothercelebrity thattheyadmire,checkoutCameo (www.cameo.com),whereawiderange ofcelebritiesofferpersonalizedvideo messages,ranginginpricefromaslittle as$15,rangingupto$500ormore.

(6)Timeandgiving.Manyofusareat apointinourliveswhere“Idon’tneed anything”isaverifiabletruth.Whether it’stheempty-nesterlookingtosimplify ortheretireedownsizing,theseprotestationsoftengoignored.Butwhenwe reallymeanit,howcanthepeopleinour livesfeellike they’regivingussomething meaningfulwithouthavingthatgiftbea tangibleone?

Onewayistoputthatmoneyintoactionforcauseswecareaboutor,inlieu ofmoney,tospendtimegivingofourselves,inserviceofthosecauses. Whetherit’sdonatingtoafavoritecharityorofferingtospendafewhours(ora

fewhoursamonth)doinggood,this kindofgenerosityisagiftthattrulygives back.

So,whenyouaskyourgiftrecipient whattheywant,andtheysay,“Nothing —really,”askifgivingorvolunteeringin theirnamewouldbesomethingthey’d appreciateinstead.atway,youcan makevolunteeringafamilyorfriendship project,orensurethatthecharityyou’re sendingyourfinancialsupporttoisone

thatisreputableanddoesthekindof worktherecipientwouldappreciate knowingisbeingdoneintheirname.

esearejustahandfulofwaysto givethisholidayseasonwithoutadding cluttertoyourrecipient’slife.Keepthe focusonthespiritofgiving,ratherthan thestuff,andyou’resuretofindagreat giftthatspeaksthelanguageoflove withoutthewrappingsandtrappings.

Inalargebowl,creambutterandsugaruntillightandfluffy,beatinalmondextract andgraduallyaddflouruntildoughformsaball.Coverandrefrigerate1houroruntil doughiseasytohandle.Rollinto1-in.balls.Place1-in.apartonungreasedbaking sheet.Useawoodenspoonhandleandmakeindentationsinthemiddleoftheballs andfillwithjam.Bakeat350degreesfor14to18minsoruntiledgesarelightly browned.Movecookiesto rackstocool.Spoonadditionaljamintocookiecentersifdesired.Combine sugar,extractandmilkto achievedrizzlingconsistencyanddrizzleover cookies.Makesabout3½ dozen.

ballsandplacetwoinchesapartonacookiesheet.Bakefor10minutesat375F.Makes

whohasitall,makingtheirfavorite meal,treat,drinkordessertcanbe theultimatethoughtfulgift.Plus,it canprovideyouqualitytimetogether asyoudeliverthedelicioustreatsto theirhomeorhostthematyours— thatis…ifthey’llshare!

(5)Writeamessagebyhand.Inan agewhereeverythingisdigital,seeing alovedone’shandwriting—whether it’sscribbledbyachildorprintedbya grandparent—canbeaspecialmementoanduniquewaytocustomizea gift.Giftide ascouldbehandwritten messagesandaffirmations;arecipe bookofyourfamilyfavorites;oryour handwritingcouldbeinscribedontoa giftitemlikeakeychain,picture frameornecklace.

Justremember,it’sthethoughtthat counts.And,luckily,manypersonalizedgiftsdon’thavetobecostlytobe remembered.

(StatePoint)

Our favorite Christmas songs

WeallhavethatoneChristmassongthat fillsuswithwarmfuzzies,nostalgia,oroutrightglee.Butifyou’relookingtoexpand yourholidayplaylist,addourstaff’sfavorite Christmassongstothelist!

DarinMcCann: SantaClausisComing toTown–BruceSpringsteen

SusanLyons: River–JoniMitchell

TarynKing: eChristmasSong–NatKingCole

ShaunLambert: AllIWantfor ChristmasisYou–MariahCarey

M.PatriciaTitus: Bringingthe OutsideIn–eDolmen

SusanMutz: I HeardtheBellson ChristmasDay–CastingCrowns

NadineTimpanaro: Christmas Wrapping–eWaitresses

ChrisAube: Believe–JoshGroban

JaneJohnson: SilentNight–JohnnyMathis

MikeSmith: DoeyKnowIt’s Christmas–BandAid

KerinMagill: PeaceonEarth/ LittleDrummerBoy–DavidBowie& BingCrosby

JasonFeather: GrandmaGotRun OverbyaReindeer–Elmo&Patsy

SusanCanfora: ChristmasCanon–Trans-SiberianOrchestra

Mike Stern: I’llBeHomefor Christmas–BingCrosby

ListentoourfavoriteChristmassongsby scanningtheSpotifycodeabove.

Method:

Startbywashingandpreparingthevegetables.Dicethecarrot,onion,celeryandappleandset aside.ereisnoneedtopeeltheapple,thenaturalpectinwillhelpthickenyourbisque.Cut thebutternutsquashinhalf,leavingtheskinonandremovingtheseeds.Rubwitholiveoil,salt andpepper.Roastat375degreesFfor40minutes,oruntilthefleshbecomestenderandsoft. Inasaucepot,meltthebutterandaddtheonion,carrot, celery,andseasonwithsalt.Sweatonmedium-highheatfor 15minutesuntiltheyaresoft.Addtheapplesandbriefly cookwiththevegetables.Scoopthebutternutsquashoutof theskinintothepotandmixintothevegetables.Addthe vegetablebroth,heavycreamandspicestothepot.Mixtogetherandbringtoasimmer.Usingafoodprocessororimmersionblender,blendthesoupuntilsmooth.Seasonwith salt,pepperandthebalsamicvinegarattheend,besureto tasteandadjustseasoningasneeded.Garnishwithalittle Greekyogurtandcandiednutsfortangandcrunch.

Inaheavybottompan(somethinglikeaLeCreuset)combinealltheingredients(exceptthevanilla).Heatbetween234-240degreesFandcookfor2minutesatthattemperature,stirringwithwoodenspoon.Removefromheatandstirinthevanilla.Pour intoabuttered9x13sheetpan(withsides).Cool.Whilecooling,cutwaxpaperinto 4x4inchsquares.WhenCarameliscooledsome,sprinklekoshersaltontop(ifdesired).

DeathbyChocolateBundtStyle

CourtesyGiniWidmer

Ingredients:

Method:

n

1boxofyellowcakemix n 1boxofvanillainstantpudding n 1boxofchocolateinstantpudding n 4eggs n ¾cupofvegetableoil n 1cupofsourcream n Halfa12ozbagofsemisweetordark chocolatechips

Preheatovento350degrees. Setasidethechocolatechipsandmixallremainingingredientstogetherinalarge bowlfor2minutesuntilcombined.PourhalfthebatterinaBundtpanandtopwith halfofthechocolatechips.Coverwiththerestofthebatterandtopwiththeremainingchocolatechips.Bakefor50minutesandenjoy!

Creamthesugarwithbeateneggsandwater.Mixnutsanddateswithflour,baking powderandsalt.Combinewitheggmixture.Spread½inchthickinshallowgreased 8x8pan.Bakeat325degreesFfor20-25minutes.Coolandcutinto1-2inchsquares

LatkesTwoWays

CourtesySeasideJewishCommunity

Traditional Ingredients:

n 2largeRussetpotatoes(about1pound), scrubbedandcutlengthwiseintoquarters n 1largeonion(8ounces),peeledand cutintoquarters n 2largeeggs n ½cupall-purposeflour n 2tspcoarsekoshersalt (or1teaspoonfineseasalt), plusmoreforsprinkling n 1tspbakingpowder n ½tspfreshlygroundblackpepper n Safflowerorotheroil,forfrying

ZucchiniSweetPotato

Ingredients:

n 1cupshreddedzucchini n 1cupshreddedsweetpotato n 1egg,beaten n 1tbscoconutflour n 1/2tspgarlicpowder n 1/4tspgroundcumin n 1/2tspdriedparsley n Salt&peppertotaste n 1tbsgheeorclarifiedbutter n 1tbsEVoliveoil

Method:

Usingafoodprocessorwithacoarsegratingdisc,gratethepotatoesandonion. Transferthemixturetoacleandishtowelandsqueezeandwringoutasmuchofthe liquidaspossible.Workingquickly,transferthemixturetoalargebowl.Addtheeggs, flour,salt,bakingpowderandpepper,andmixuntiltheflourisabsorbed.Ina mediumheavy-bottomedpanovermedium-highheat,pourinabout¼inchoftheoil. Oncetheoilishot(adropofbatterplacedinthepanshouldsizzle),useaheapingtablespoontodropthebatterintothehotpan,cookinginbatches.Useaspatulatoflattenandshapethedropsintodiscs.Whentheedgesofthelatkesarebrownandcrispy, about5minutes,flip.Cookuntilthesecondsideisdeeplybrowned,aboutanother5 minutes.Transferthelatkestoapapertowel-linedplatetodrainandsprinklewithsalt whilestillwarm.Repeatwiththeremainingbatter.

Method:

Combinethezucchini,sweetpotatoandegginamediumbowl.Inasmallbowl,mix thecoconutflourandspicestogether.Addthedryingredientstothezucchinimixture andstiruntilfullycombined.Heatthegheeandoliveoilinamediumnonstickpan. Dividethemixtureintofourequalportionsanddropintothepan,pressingdownwith aforkuntila1/2-inch-thickcakeisformed.Cookonmediumheatuntilgoldenand crisp,thenflipcarefullyandcooktheotherside.Removetoaplatelinedwithpaper towelstodrain.Seasonwithanadditionalsprinkleofkoshersalt.Servehot.

Bakeat325Ffor1hour.Allowthecaketocoolbeforeremovingitfromthepan.For theglaze,addwaterandsugartoapanandbringtoaboilfor1minute.Addcoconut extractandpourovercooledcake.

Peelandcutintosmallerpiecesandthenstovetopcookpotatoesuntilyoucanpierce themwithafork.Remove,andmashwithoutaddingmilkorbutter.Inafryingpan, cookthegroundbeefandonion,addingthesageandpoultryseasoning,saltandpepperasyoulike.Mixitaltogetherandputinacasseroleorsouffledishtobakeuntilthe topiscrisp.iscanbemadeaheadoftimeandrefrigerateduntiltimetoreheat.Here isthejoyandfunofthisrecipe:thisishighlyforgivingandallowsformuchindividuality.

WhiletheaboveiswhatIdo,youcanuseground turkeyinstead.Orsausage.(Orplant-based groundbeefwhichIusetomakeadishfor thevegetariansinthefamily.)Youcanadd mushrooms,pecans,carrots…