A Special Publication from: November 2024
Inthisissue…
ByTarynKing Editor
“It’sthemostwonderfultimeofthe year”again.Whetheryou’rereadyfor theholidayseasonornot,it’sheremy friends.ere’smuchtoloveaboutthis seasonsolet’sembracethegingerbreadandornaments,thetreelightingsandparades.Inthisissuewe’re bringingyoualltheholidaydécor
trends,storageandorganizationhacks, livetreesandfiresafety,travelingtips, agiftguide,holidayhappenings,andso muchmore!Wealsorecognizethedifficultiesthisseasoncanbringtothose inneed,thosewhoaregrieving,along withgeneralholidaystress.We’vegot youcoveredtheretoo.Whateveryour holidayneedsthisyear,allowusto comealongsideandhelpmakeyour seasonjustalittlebiteasier.
Publisher
SusanLyons susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com
ExecutiveEditor
DarinMcCann darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com
Editor
TarynKing
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Reporters
KerinMagill kerin.magill@coastalpoint.com
SusanCanfora susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com
Jason Feather jason.feather@coastalpoint.com
MikeSmith mike.smith@coastalpoint.com
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The spiritof giving
ByKerinMagill StaffReporter
Whentheholidaysrollaroundevery year,manylocalgroupsrolluptheir sleeves.at’sbecausethereareneedsin thecommunitythatmakeholidays harderformany.Goodneighborswantto help–thequestionishow.
Onelocalorganizationthatsawthe needsinthecommunity13yearsagois Santa’sLetters.StartedbySeanand KristinaMalonefromtheirhomein Dagsboro,theorganizationhelpshundredsoflocalchildrenandtheirfamilies eachyear.
Itstartedwithasimpleidea—givechildrenawaytowriteletterstoSanta,and
thenwritethemback.Seanhadhelped answerletterstoSantathroughhiswork intheU.S.PostalServiceyearsagoand knewthatchildrenoftenbaretheirsouls intheletters.
Whenthelettersstartedpouringin, thecouplerealizedthattoomanychildrenwereaskingforthingslikecoatsand shoesinsteadoftoys.So,theywentto work,askingthecommunitytohelp themmaketheholidayseasonbrighter forneighboringfamilies.
Whatstartedasasinglemailboxhas becomeaChristmasvillage.Largelybuilt bySean,thevillageiscurrentlylocatedat whatisnowapermanentofficefor Santa’sLetters.AdjacenttoKristina’s Cakery,theMalones’secondbusinessin
Millville(thesisterstoretoKristina’s Kitchen).istimeofyear,theofficeis oftenfilledwithvolunteersorganizing andwrappinggiftstobedistributed throughoutthecommunity.
Santa’sLettersnowhasawebsite, throughwhichvolunteerscanfindaneed tofill,andanyonewithaneedcanaskfor help.Communitymemberscanalsosign upfortheSanta’sLettersemaillistso theycanbekeptuptodateonactivities, eventsandvolunteeropportunities.
isyear,Seansaid,Santa’sLettersis inparticularneedofhouseholdproducts andgiftcards.“Wemakegiftbasketsand fillthemwithlaundrysoap,cleaningsupplies—thatkindofthing—togivetofamilies,”hesaid.
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n KerinMagill
egiftcardsaregenerallyforolder children,whocanbehardertobuygifts for.Withagiftcard,theycanbuywhat theywant,Seansaid.
Santa’sLettersalsohasanAmazon WishListagainthisyear.ItemspurchasedthroughtheWishListcanbesent directlytotheSanta’sLettersoffice.e linktotheWishListcanbefoundonthe Santa’sLetterswebsite,www.santaslettersinc.com.Monetarydonationscan alsobemadethroughthewebsite.
Eachyear,the MaloneshostaMailbox Deliveryparty.Foryears,itwasheldat theirhome,andforthepastseveralyears ithasbeenheldattheKristina’sCakery andSanta’sLettersofficelocation,32828 RebaRoad,Millville.isyear,mailbox deliverydayisSunday,Nov.24startingat 6p.m.erewillbemusicandfunforall ages,avisitfromSantahimself,andhot chocolateands’mores.Besuretocheck outtheChristmasvillageaswell.
ToreachSeanorKristinaatSanta’s Letters,call(215)880-2606oremailsan-
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2024 Holiday Savings Calendar
cludingthefollowingbusinessesand localoffices:
taslettersinc@gmail.com.ewebsiteis www.santaslettersinc.com.
Lookingformorewaystohelpothers inthecommunitythisyear?Opportunitiesabound.
ToysforTots,thelongtimeholidaytoy driveorganizedbyMarineCorpsReserve unitsacrossthecountry,againhasdonationlocationsthroughoutthecounty,in-
n TidepoolToysandGames, ontheBoardwalkinBethanyBeach n MillvilleTownHall, 36404ClubHouseRoad,Millville n Yesterday’sFun&Toys, 117AtlanticAve.,OceanView n EdwardJones,24077CountryLiving Road,Suite5,Millsboro
n KimBentonStateFarm, 29848MillsboroHwy.,Millsboro n PlanetFitness, 28595DupontBlvd.,Unit5,Millsboro n SussexEyeCenter, 32030LongNeckRoad,LongNeck
MonetarydonationstoToysforTots canbemadethroughtheSussexCounty ToysforTotsWebsite,www.nassaude.toysfortots.org.eorganizationrequestsonlynewtoysbedonated.
Manylocalschoolsandplacesofworshipworkwithcommunityorganizations toidentifythoseinneedofhelpthroughouttheyear,butparticularlyattheholidays.
SalemChurchinSelbyvilleisoneexampleofanoutreachthatcouldusehelp fromcommunitymembers.echurch hasaSharingShed,whichisopen24 hoursaday,sevendaysaweekforanyone whoneedsfood.Itisinneedofdonations.Formoreinformation,callthe churchofficeat(302)436-8412. e churchislocatedat26ChurchStreet, Selbyville.
Whereveryouchoosetogive,thekey istokeepeyesandheartsopenthistime ofyear,andyouwillfindaneedthatyou canhelpfill.Opportunitiesareplentiful.
BEHIND TANGER OUTLETS SEASIDE
THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS | NOV 16-DEC 31 | 5PM-9PM
Open every day the week of and between Christmas & New Year's Day Closed November 28th & 29th and December 24th & 25th
Early bird hours for seniors and young children
ENJOY FREE MAGICAL FAMILY FUN*
Christmas Village | Santa | Train Rides | Maze of Lights | Snow Zone | Live Entertainment | Sled Hill Tree Houses | Game Room | Roller Rink-$ | Artisan Christmas Market -$ | Food & Drinks-$ | Project Kudos Bus
*Admission and most activities are free. Fees for skate rental ($5.00 - unless you bring your own). Third party vendors, food concessions and shopping charge independently. Cash, credit cards and contactless payment onsite at booths.
VISIT US ONLINE FOR RESERVATIONS & FOR MORE INFO
ByMikeStern StaffReporter
Youcanfeeltheexcitementoftravel asyoureserveyourwinterholiday plans.
Makingplanstovisitfriendsand relatives,ortoembarkonasojournto experienceafun-filled,exhilarating destinationcanprovideathrillallits own.
However,winterholidaytraveldoes presentitsshareofchallengesand complications.Inadditiontocrowds ofpeopleattemptingtodothesame thingthatyouare,potentialissuesincludethecumbersometransportingof giftsandfoodanddealingwithinclementweather.
Withthatinmind,herearesome helpfultipstomakeyourholidaytravel planningmucheasier.
Helpful tipsto makeyour winter holiday traveleasier
Taketheearliestflightoftheday
Thewinterholidayscanbeadifficulttimetotravelwithinclement weatherandthatcanleadtocancellations.Thebestguidelinetohelp avoidcanceledordelayedflightsisto booktheveryfirstflightofthemorning.Thiswillenableyoutoavoidworryingaboutyourairplanege ttingstuck ataprecedingairport.
Don’twaitto reserveyourrentalcar
Ifyoumustrentavehicleforany partofyourtravel,rememberthat pricesoftenfluctuate.Asaresult,be certaintoscheduleyourrentalsooner ratherthanlater.Beonthelookoutfor anypricedropsandtrytouseacompanythatallowsfreecancellations. Youcanalsolowerthecostbyrenting avehiclefromanon-airportlocation,
optingforasmallercar,andignoring priceyadditionssuchasGPSnavigationandsatelliteradiosystems.Finally, youcanseekdiscountsviafrequent travelerandflyerinitiatives.
Beflexible(ifyoucan) onwhenyoutravel andairportselections
Areyouflexibleaboutyourtravel dates?Ifso,thenexpandyoursearchto includeafewdaysoneithersideofyour bestdepartureandreturndates.Specific daysthatfallaroundtheholidays–such astheSundayafteranksgiving–are notoriouslybusy.So,youmaywantto attempttoselectalesshecticdayor nighttofly,whichcouldsaveyoumoney onyourairfare.
Inaddition,youmighttrytoflyfrom alargeairportsuchasLosAngelesor JohnF.Kennedy(servingNewYork City)InternationalAirportsthatfeature moreflightsatmorecompetitiveprices.
Youmaywanttoflyintoandoutof airportsthataretraditionallyless crowded.Forexample,airportsinFt.
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Step into the Hidden Gem of Selbyville This Holiday Season!
Old Items Given New Life, Upcycled, or Repurposed for Resale!
83 W. Church St. Open Tues-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-4 Sun 11-3 (seasonal) • Closed Monday
LauderdaleandWestPalmBeachboth offerflightstonationwidedestinations andmayhaveadditionalseatingand lowerpricesthanthelargerhubs. Choosingtherighttraveldatemight yieldanexcellentdealfinancially.Oneof thecheapestdaystoflyforChristmasis Tuesday,December21.Considerflying onChristmasdaywhenairtrafficis lighter,andpricesarelower.
Choosedirectflights
Becausewinterisanunpredictable seasonthatincludessnowstormsand othertypesofdelays,youshouldattempttobookdirectflights.Thiswill lessenyourchancesofmissingaconnectionalongtheway.Andifyou’rein closeenoughproximitytoyourdestination,forgoplanesaltogetherandopt foratrainorbusinstead.
Watchforinclementweather
Regardlessofwhetheryou’reflying ordriving,besuretowatchthe weatherreportsbeforeyourtripand adjustaccordingly.Priortoamajor weathereventorstorm,airlinestypicallyissueflexibletravelpoliciesinthe eventofamajorweatherevent.This allowstravelerstopostponetheirtrip toalaterdateormovetoanearlier datefornoadditionalfees.Evenifthe weatherisfineinyourarea,keepan eyeonyourdestinationbecauseitmay beaffectedbyaweatherevent.
Bookyourvacationwithpoints
TheChristmasholidaysareperfect forusingthosetravelpointsthat you’vebeenrackingupallyearlongon yourcreditcard.Yourunusedpoints comeintheformofeithercashback, points,ormiles.Checkyourpolicyin advancebecausesomecreditcards andloyaltyprogramsmayhaveblackoutdatesorotherrestrictionsduring theholidays.
Packgiftsinyourcarry-onbag
Avoidthepossibilityoflosingyour holidaygiftsinacheckedbagthatgoes missing.Toachievethis,packpresents inyourcarry-onbag.Youmayalso
avoidhasslesbyshippingyourgifts aheadoftime.Andbecautiousabout flyingwithsomeliquids,suchaslarge quantitiesofgravyorcranberrysauce thataren’tallowedinyourcarry-on. Packyoursolidfooditemsinclear containersforeasyinspectionatsecurity.
Prepareyourvehiclefortravel
Drivingduringthewintercanbe justasstressfulasflying.Youmust thinkaboutthevariousweathersystems,andyoualsohavetocontend withmillionsofothersonthesame roads.Ensurethatyourvehicleisup forthetaskbygettingaquicktune-up beforesettingoffonyourholidaytrip.
Makeuseofall yourapplications(apps)
Wearelivinginaworldofapplications,alsoknownasapps.Youareencouragedtomakeuseofeveryappon yourphone.Beforeyoucommence traveling,besuretoloadupyourmobilephonewithhelpfulapps,including
theoneforyourairlinesoyoucanfollowflightschedulesandgetquick bookinghelp.Otherappstodownload includeahotelbookingoption,acar rentalcompanyoption,andaGPSoption.Roadtripappswillalsocomein handyforeverythingfrombooking last-minutehotelstaystofillingup withgasorchargingyourelectricvehicletofindingthebestrestauranton yourroute.
Ifyou’revisitingadestination, chooseonethatislessvisited
Insteadofvisitingultra-populardestinationssuchasCaboSanLucas,you maywanttotryalternativelocations withsmallercrowd sand,perhaps, moreaffordableoptions.Consider TodosSantos,whichislocatedabout anhour’sdrivefromCaboSanLucas andoffersaslowerpaceandavariety ofvacationrentaloptionstokeepalid onthecosts.Ifyouarevisitingaski destination,skipthebigskimountains andseekalesser-visitedspotthatofferstheslopesthatyoucanconquer.
Checktheopeninghoursat yourdestination’sattractions
Beforeheadingtoyourmust-see destinations,takenoteoftheirholiday hours.Someattractionswilloftenhave differenthoursthanusual,orclosed daystoensurethattheirstaffgetstheir timeoff.
Haveabackupplan incasethingsgowrong
Besuretohaveasolidbackupplan foryourholidaytravel.Forexample, bookinsurancethroughyourairlineor viavariousproviders.Examinealloptions,includingcancellationsforany reasonpoliciesandaswellasstandard optionsthatcovereverythingfrom canceledflightstolostbaggage.Ask yourcreditcardproviderifinsurance isincludedinyourpurchase.Next,try tocreateanalternateroutetoyour destinationincaseyourflightgets canceled.Seehowfarthedriveis,and checkbusandtrainroutessoyouhave analternativetofallbackon.
ShopLocal!
ereareplentyofgiftstobefoundwhenyouwalkintoBethany Auto&MarineSupply,includingfishinggear,marinesuppliesandall youwouldexpectfromanindependentCarQueststore.
ButheadupstairsandyouwillfindabevyofSaltLifeandHukapparel,andotherhigh-qualityclothing,onsteepsale.Lookingforthat hard-to-findgift?is mightbethespotforyou.
Holidayheirlooms Christmasdécorwithastory
ByCoriBurcham Writer
Overtheyears,thedefinitionof Christmasdécorhasexpandedbeyond thetraditionalstaplesofpinetrees,glitteringredandgreenornaments,and light-upgarland.Withtheintroduction ofavarietyofunconventionalthemes— fromthemaximalistMerryandBright
trendfeaturingpastelcolors,tothe 1920s-inspiredglamourofmixedmetal accents—shoppingfordécorthat matchesyourownstyle-of-choicehasbecomealmostakintocollectingantiques.
Ever yyear,thesearchbeginsanewto findfreshandexcitingpiecesthatalign withyourpersonaltaste,markettrends orblendinwellwiththeotherdecorin yourcollection.
AcollectionofKitty’svintageblowmolds, fromherpersonalcollection,gracestheinside ofthefireplace.Theseplasticsnowmenwere popularinthe‘60sanddifficulttofindtoday. n SusanLyons
MelodyHudson,theownerofHudson’sGeneralStoreinClarksville,is knowledgeableaboutthepopularChristmasdecoratingtrendsthathavecome andgoneovertheyears.
“Ithinkthetrendsturnaroundand comebackagain,”saidHudson,who notedthatcustomerpreferencehasgone
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Continuedfrompage16
throughphasessuchasacolonialChristmas;coastalandcottagecore,boasting silversandwhites;andareturntothe traditionalredandgreen.
isyear,HudsonhasnoticedaninterestinChristmasdécorthatcreatesa warmandcozyaestheticwithinthe home.Someofthedecorationsthatcan elevatethisthemearepilgrim-primitive colors,suchasawarmcrimsonormustardyellow;folksystatementpieces;a fruitbowlfilledwithclove-studdedoranges;orothernaturalelements.
Withtheaimofcreatingaspacethat’ll evokethesameatmosphereofwarmth andfamilywe’vecometoassociatewith theholiday,herearesomeofthedecor itemsbeingofferedinthecollectionsof localgiftandantiqueshopsinthearea.
Folkart
Duetotheriseindemandforhandcrafteditemsinholidaydecorating,many localsarechoosingtoaddfolkart— originalpiecespaintedorcarvedbyan artisan’sskilledhand—totheircollectionofholidaydecorthisyear.
Kitty’sLtd,acollectiblesshopinMillsboro,hadbeenspecializinginthistypeof authentichandmadedécorlongbefore it’sreturntopopularity.Proclaimedby ownerKittySwingletobeoneofthefirst “risingstar”storesinDelawareexclusivelyfeaturingAmericanartisans,Kitty’s Ltd.hasaneclecticselectionoftraditionalandcontemporaryfolkartthat’ll instillyourfestivitieswithsomeoriginalityandcharacter.
ebestsellersinSwingle’sholidaycollectionincludetheintricateprimitivestylecarvingsofMaryMyers,afolkartist who’sbeenfeaturedatKitty’sLtd.forthe last35years.Formingherwhimsical charactersfromblocksofwoodusinga littlecarvingknifeinsteadofanelectric drill,Myers’classicnutcrackers,angelornamentsandtabletopSantasaretheresultofhoursoflaborandlove.
BasedonalegendaryspiritfromScot-
tishfolklore,Myers’lineof“brownies”— aseriesof4-inch-tallelf-likecharacters resemblingavintageelf-on-the-shelf— hintatthekindofmischieftheirnamesakegotintobytheknavishexpression ontheirhand-paintedfaces.Anyof Myers’pieces,withtheirfolksycharm anddetailedcraftsmanship,wouldadda levelofcountrycomforttoanyholiday display.
Anotherartisan,CraigYenke,produces18th-centuryGerman-stylepapiermâchéanimals,suchascardinals,snowy owls,donkeysandreindeer.eexpressiveandlifelikefigures—whichYenke makesfreehandtolendeachofhispieces asenseofindividuality—wouldblendin wellwithawarmnaturalholidayaesthetic.Inadditiontothefolkartoffered atKitty’sLtd,Hudson’sGeneralStore alsocarriespapier-mâchéandplaster SantascreatedbylocalartistPatLynch.
Handmadewreaths
Madewiththesamecareasthefolk art,oneofthemostpopularholiday décoritemsofferedatHudson’sGeneral StoreduringtheholidayseasonisChristmaswreathsdesignedbylocalartisan, RoxanneRendall.DuetoRendall’screative,one-of-a-kinddesigns,theseseasonalwreathshavebecomealocalstaple atHudson’sforanyonelookingtolenda touchofunderstatedwhimsyorcountry charmtotheirdoorstep.
“Weareknownforourwreaths,”said Hudson,notingthatsheoftensellsoutof theitemsassoonasshegetsthemin stock.
Rendall’swreathsoftenfeatureaccents of repurposedmaterialsorminiatures thatrelatetothecurrentseason,includinganythingfromasmall-scalelighthousetoaraffiasunhat.
“Inthesummer,shemighthanganold pieceofgardenhoseoranoldlittlehandrakeonit.ForChristmas,she’llputmittensoraprettypineappleonthere.She changesitconstantly,”saidHudson. “We’realwaysamazedatwhatshedoes.”
Foranyonewhopreferstodecorate withamoretraditionalorminimalistic ambience,Kitty’sLtd.alsooffersalineof handmadewreathsandgarlands.
Vintage-styledornostalgicdecor Duetoitssentimentalvalue,vintagestyleddécorfeaturingitemsthatbring
Season’s Greetings
Michael Franchino Financial Advisor
PossibleDreamSanta’sarealwayspopularat Miller’sCreekinMillville.Santaenjoyingthe beachisalwaysafavoriteforahousewitha beachydecor.
n PhotocouresyMiller’sCreek Continuedfrompage16
backmemoriesfromChristmasespast areanothercommonitemlocalscanadd totheircollection.Recallingaconversationshehadwithacustomer,Swingle notedthatmanyoftheclientswhowalk intoherstoreareoftenupliftedbythe nostalgic,old-fashioneddecorationsshe hasinstock.
“Ihadawomancomein.Shesaid,‘I wanttotellyou,IwasreallydownwhenI camein,butwhenIwalkedaroundand sawwhatmymotherhad,whatmy grandmotherhad—itjustmademefeel happy,’”saidSwingle.
Despitebeinghandmadebyartisansin modernday,manyoftheitemsatKitty’s
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Ltd.aremodeledaftervintage decor,includingtincookiecutters thatcanbehungonatreeasornaments,hand-paintedrecycledtin artbyartisanMaryPetlitz,and Myers’pennydollknee-huggers.
Kitty’sLtd.alsohasonitsshelvesa lineofauthenticgoose-feather trees—atraditionthatoriginates from19th-centuryGermanythat’s historicallyknownasoneofthe firstartificialChristmastrees.
Miller’sCreek,agiftshoplocatedinMillville,hascurateda collectionofclassicChristmascollectablesthathavebecomementallylinkedwiththeholiday, havingspentourchildhoodsviewingtherosy-cheekedfigurinesin frostedshopwindowsorat Grandma’shouse.Fromthequaint miniatureChristmasvillagesof Department56,Byer’sChoicecarolerfigurines,tothePossible DreamsSantaClauses,Miller’s Creekisatreasuretroveforcollectorsinsearchofthesebeloved
holidayknickknacks.
AccordingtoHudson,holiday decoratingdoesn’tneedtobelimitedtoChristmasdécor,suggestingthatoneofherfavoritewaysto celebratetheseasonistoselect piecesthatarenostalgictoher personally.
“Ilovetotakeabowlandput someChristmasballsinit,and thenputabutterpaddleinthere justtomixitupwithanantique somehow.Itbringsbackmemories.Peoplelovetoremember whatgrandmaandgrandpahad,” saidHudson,hintingatthe boundlesswaysdécorcanembody theheartoftheseason.
KittySwinsheposesbysomeofher uniquefolkartandvintagepiecesat hershopinMillsboro.One-of-a-kind folkartbringscollectorsfromall acrossthecountrytoaddtotheir trove.
n SusanLyons
Doctors’ Tipsfora Healthy andSafe Holiday Season
eholidayseasonisajoyoustimeof year,butitcanalsothrowyourwellness routinesoutofalignment.Doctorsadvise prioritizinghealthychoicesduringthisperiod,soyoucanstart2025ontheright foot.
“Everyone’sholidaywishistobehappy, healthyandsafe,buttheseasonisoftena timeforoverindulgenceinfoodanddrink, increasedstressandexposuretorespiratoryillness,”saysBruceA.Scott,M.D., presidentoftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(AMA).
eAMArecommendstakingthese stepsduringtheholidays:
Vaccinesareasafeandremarkablyeffectivedefensefromanumberofseriousrespiratoryviruses thatcirculateinthefallandwinter.Toprotectyourselfandyourfamily,getuptodate onyourvaccines,includingtheannualflu shot,aswellastheupdatedCOVID-19 vaccineforeveryone6monthsandolder.
Monday –All You Can Eat Fried Chicken
Tuesday –All You Can Eat Beef & Dumplings & Spaghetti
Wednesday –All You Can Eat Ham & Cabbage
Thursday –All You Can Eat Chicken & Dumplings
Friday –All You Can Eat Fried Flounder
Saturday –Prime Rib 8oz &12oz
Sunday –Chicken & Dumplings
Vaccinesarealsoavailabletoprotectolder adultsfromsevereRSV.ToolstoprotectinfantsduringRSVseasonincludematernal vaccinationaswellasthemonoclonalantibodyimmunization.Ifyouhavequestions, speakwithyourphysicianandreview trustedresources,includinggetvaccineanswers.org.
Watchwhatyoueat.Payparticularattentiontolabelsandavoid processedfoodsasmuchasyou can,especiallythosewithaddedsodium andsugar.Considerhaving ahealthysnack beforethebigmealoroffertobringa healthierdishfortheholidayspread.Drink waterinsteadofsugar-sweetenedbeverages,andeatnutritious,wholefoodslike freshfruitsandvegetablesalongsidericher holidayfare.
Sticktoyourexerciseschedule andprioritizephysicalactivityduringthisbusytimeofyear.Agood ruleofthumbforadultsisatleast150minutesaweekofmoderate-intensityactivity, or75minutesaweekofvigorous-intensity activity.Briskwalks,bikerides,hikesand
evenfamily-friendlysportslikebasketball andtouchfootballaregoodforheart health.
Usetimewithrelativestofind outwhetheryourfamilyhasahistoryoftype2diabetesorcardiovasculardisease,andwhetherotherfamily membershavebeentoldtheyhaveprediabetes.Withthisinformation,youcanbetterunderstandyourriskandtakechargeof yourhealth.
Prioritizeyourmentalhealth. Factorslikeholidayspendingand navigatingtimewithextendedfamilycanbringonextraseasonalstress.You canhelpmanagestressbygettingsufficient sleep,exercisingandseekinghelpfroma mentalhealthprofessionalwhenyouneed it.
Makesmartchoicesandplan aheadifyou’redriving.InDecember2021alone,1,013Americans diedinalcoholimpaired-drivingcrashes. Donotdriveunderanycircumstancesif youintendtodrink.Andifyouarethedesignateddriver,makea100%commitment
to sobriety.
Be preparedwhentraveling. Whetheryou’reflyingortakinga roadtrip,youmightbetemptedto grabconvenient,unhealthyfoodforthe journey.Considerpackingyourown snacks,suchasfreshfruitsandvegetables orsmallportionsofdriedfruitsandnuts.
GetNewYear’sresolutions startedearly.Speakwithyourdoctororhealthcareprofessional aboutquittingtobaccoandnicotineuse, anddeclareyourhomeandcarsmoke-free toeliminatesecondhandsmoke exposure.
“eholidayseasonisawonderfultime toreconnectwithfamilyandfriends–it’s alsoachancetoreconnectwithyourphysicalandmentalhealth,”saysDr.Scott.
(StatePoint)
PHOTOSOURCE:(c)monkeybusinessimages/iStockvia GettyImagesPlus
Y Y OU HO W Y OL
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99GarfieldParkway,BethanyBeach,DE (302)539-2522
Lookingforthatperfectlocalgift?Howaboutsomelocalknowledge? Amongstitsdizzyingarrayofbooksforallagesandreadinglevels, BethanyBeachBooksisnotedforsellingbooksoflocalflavor,and aboutourremarkablecommunity.Oh,therearebest-sellers,fiction, non-fictionandeveryothertypeoffixtoyourliteraryitch,butifyou’re lookingforlocalinfo,tryBethanyBeachBooks,locatedrightinthe heartofdowntownBethanyBeach.
ByMikeSmith StaffReporter
Christmastreesmaybeinshort supplythisyearbecauseoftherecord droughtintheregion.Butwhilethe “GrinchStoleChristmas,”thereare stilltreescominginfromhigheraltitudesinPennsylvania,andtheold growthtreeswhichhadseveralyears totakerootarestillplentiful.
Asofthiswriting,therehadbeenno raininnearly30days.Retentionponds andevenreservoirsfordrinkingwater aredown,andmostofDelawareisin moderatedroughtconditions.GeorgetownexperiencedthedriestSeptemberonrecord,andtherewasjusta traceamountofrainonOct.1-2be-
Didthe Grinch stealyour Christmas treethisyear?
ForChristmas-treegrowers,it’sa boomorbustyear,dependingonhow theypreparedforthedroughtandif theyhaveproperirrigation.
DonHallowell—owneroftheDon’s TreeFarmoperationsinGreenwood, whoworksalongsidehiswife,Peggy— saidheismoreconcernedabouthis fellowfarmersandneighboringtreecausehistreefarmhas constantirrigationrunning.Don’s TreeFarmwillsoonbeopenforbusinessforlocallygrowncuttrees,live treesandeventreescuttoorderto
“Everythingisontrackrightnowto beprettymuchstatusquo,fromthe pastfewyears,”saidHallowell.“The
RowsofbigFrasierFirsinPennsylvaniaare headedtoDon’sTreeFarm. n PhotocourtesyDon’sTreeFarm
premiumtreeswillbecominginfrom themountainsofPennsylvania.Thatis wherethebestwillbe.Thedrought hasnotimpactedtheoldertreesupin themountains.”
Onceaseedlingtakesholdfortwo yearswithstrongroots,Hallowellsaid, theywillcontinuetogrow.
“Thosestrongtreesarewhatweare wateringrightnow,andwecanassure thatsupply.Usually,wewouldhave stoppedirrigationbynow,andstillwe arepumpingwaterattheGreenwood, Del.,location.”
“Wealsopumpwaterfromthe mountainlakesinPennsylvania,”he noted.
“Rightnow,thesetreeshavegotten enoughrootsdown.Butyouhavetogo 3feetdowntofindmoisturewiththis droughtinDelaware,”hesaid.“Weare downagood3feetbeforeyoufindit. Thetop3feetofsoilisactuallyflour-
“Justbekindifyouareshoppingfor alocalChristmastreethisseason,” saidaneighboringproducerwhohas notbeensofortunate.“Pleasebekind tothetreefarmerswhereveryougo, whetherit’shereorelsewhere.Know thattheyputalotofblood,sweatand tearsintowhatevertheydidtoproduceaqualityproduct.”saidAmy CawleyofCawleyFarmsinDenton, Md.,wholost1,700treeswhendripirrigationfailedtokeepthecropwateredthisyear.TheCawleysalsolost 300maturetrees,theyestimated,to lackofrain.
ForDonandPeggyHallowell,it shouldbeabumper-cropyearbecause ofgoodplanning.
“Thewatertablesareverylowat Greenwood,andallourpondsaredryingup.FromRichmond,allthewayto thetopofPennsylvania,allthewayup U.S.Route81,itisstilldryingup.They areverydryintheShenandoahs,andit isexcessivedroughtthere.”
“WegrowNorwayspruceandwhite pineandthatisallwecangrowhere. It’stheEasternShore,andthatmeans
wecangrowcornandbeans,”butnot firtrees,hesaid.“Weneedtodiga foottrencharoundthetreeandwater it,toletitleachdowntomakesurewe canspade itoutofthishardground withaskid.Usually,wehaveabilityto easilydigourtreesout.”
“WehavethepremiumFrazierand Douglasupinthemountains,”hesaid ofhisoperationsinPennsylvania.“We knowhowmanytreesaweekwecan sell.Weguaranteeourcustomerthe freshesttreesanywhere.Wecansell 300treesaweekend,andwewillbe soldoutbythetimeSundaygetshere.”
“ThenonMonday,thereisanother truckthatgoesup”toPennsylvania, “andwecutandbringthemback.O ur trucksalsomakewholesaledelivery throughthesecondweekofDecember,”hesaidofthewholesaleandretail tree-farmoperations.
“Mostpeoplethinkyoujustplanta treeintheground,andsomehowit magicallycomesup.Ourwholesale businessisthekey,andwearemoving fromsummertimetreestoChristmas
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Continuedfrompage31
treesrightnow.”
EverythingchangesfortheHallowellsinOctoberandNovember,and “It’stoughtogetenoughtrailerstoget whatweneed.Trucksandtrailersare thebiggestpartofwhat’sinourtoolbox.”
“Thereareguyslosingtreesthis year,butweareOKbecauseweare runningwaterconstantly.”
Christmastreefarming takesupfrontinvestment
“Itusedtobeafirseedlingcost50 cents,andnowwepay$3forit.That wasjustfiveyearsago,”said Hallowell oftheupfrontcosts.“Ifyouplant 25,000treesandyoulosethatcropbecauseyoucannotgetwatertothem, Pleaseturntopage34
Holiday Art Gallery
thatcouldbea$75,000loss.Ihavehad buddiesthathavelostanentirecrop. SomefarmersgiveittheoldHail Mary,andhopeandpraythatitrains, becausetheydon’thavewateraccess oranirrigationsystem.”
“Ourbigproblemisthatwecannot growenoughtreesatourGreenwood, Del.,locationandtheseareasgoodas canbegrownontheeasternshore,” saidHallowell.“Wekeepthemweeded andclearsocustomerscanwalk throughourfields.Forourtrees,this yearwearereadyto go.”
“Thefamilieswanttogooutinthe field,andtheywanttocomecutthe treedownandtakeithome,”hesaid.
Treefarmingishardwork,andHallowelllamentedthatthenextgenerationoftreefarmersisnotwillingto
Splash
the Atlantic and show your support for the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol
Photo Credit Rita D. Photography
assumetherisk.
“LocalChristmastreeproductionis lessthecasearoundhere,becausethe youngergenerationdoesn’twanttodo thelaborlikewedo.Iamalso70years old—itistheolderpeoplewhorun thesetreefarms,likeme.”
“Ourkidsarenotgoingtotakeit over,becausethereistoomuchwork,” andrisk,headded.
“Youmustlovetreesandwantto workinthefields,”hesaid.“It’sthe bestfeeling,anditkeepsmegoing.I havetoruntoPennsylvania, andIam outmakingdeliveries—whenNovembercomes,wejustgo.Weofferaselectionoftrees,andweopenourfields inDecemberonSaturdayandSunday.”
Don’sTreeFarmisalreadyopenon ThursdayandFridaynow,andwill openontheweekends.
“Ihaveafewhighschoolkidsthat willcomein,andtheyhaveachainsaw. Thepeoplepicktheirtree,andthe customerdoesnothavetogettheir handsdirty.Theypickit.Wecutitand
getittotheparkinglotforthem.”
“Alotofpeopleloveit,”intermsof thepick-and-cutoption.“Weopenup ourfields,andthepeoplewhowant thatfeelingofChristmaswillcome out.But90percentofourtreeswesell offourracks,becausepeoplewantthe perfecttree.”
Elevationmattersindroughtsituations.
“Iamonly37feetabovesealevel, andwego2,200feetaboutsealevel, upto3,000feet,atthePennsylvania producers.”
“Wehavethechancetogogetthe premiumtreesandbringthemtoour customers.”
“WewillopenonBlack Friday,and SantaClausishereeveryweekendon Saturday,”Hallowellsaid.“Wecallour place‘theNorthPoleoftheEastern Shore.’”
Whileyourlocaloptionsforobtainingalivetreemaybeslimmerthis year,thereareafewsellerswhowill havelivetreesonhand.
“Wehavelittleelvesmakingaspace anddisplayareaforourliveholiday
trees,wreathsandgarland,”saidConnieMarshall,retailmanageratLord’s Landscaping.AlltreesandChristmas greenerycomewithinstructionson keepingthemwateredtolastthrough theseason.
Livetreescanbe purchasedlocallyat:
ParsonsFarmProduce
30381ArmoryRd,Dagsboro,DE19939
302.732.3336
Lord’sLandscaping
35577AtlanticAve,Millville,DE19967
302.536.6119
CountryLivingProduce
28086CrossKeysRd,Millsboro,DE 19966
302.934-9045
RootsLandscaping
36226DupontBlvd,Selbyville,DE19975
302.732.0866
SolarChristmasLights
Choosingsolarlightseliminatesthe needtoturnyourlightsonandoffeach evening.iswillalsocutdownonyour holidayelectricbillovertime.Without theneedforelectricportsandextension cords,you’llalsohavealotmoreflexibilityinwhereyoucanputthem.Just ensurethatyou’replacingtheminalocationthatgetsasmuchsunaspossible forfullcharging.
ChristmasLightRemoteControls
Whydealwiththehassleofgoing aroundfromoutlettooutletandpluggingandunpluggingyourlights?During initialsetup,connectyourChristmas lights(indoorandout)toremotecontrolsthatallowyoutoturnthelightson andoffwiththeclickofabutton!
BuyHolidayStampsEarly
Ifyouwaituntilthelastminuteto buyholidaystamps,youmaybeleft withstampoptionsthatarelessthan desirable—suchasotherholidaysthat youdon’tactuallycelebrate.Checkout USPS.comforalltheoptionscurrently available.Considerbuyingyourstamps online toavoidthoselongpostoffice lines.
CodedGiftWrap
Areyougiftingpresentstomultiple people?Ratherthanrepeatedlychecking tagstoremindyouwhatgiftisforwhom, createagift-wrappingschemeforeach person.iscanbeassimpleasusinga differentcolorofribbonforeachperson.
AvoidShopping DuringPeakPeriods
Ifyou’reabletoscheduleit,doyour shoppingearlyinthemorning,orlater intheevenings.Latemornings,earlyafternoons,andweekendsarealwaysthe busiest(andhardesttonavigate)shoppingperiods.
ShopLocalDiscountDays
Checkwithlocaltownchambersof commerceforanyplannedholidaydiscountdayssuchasWinterWonderlandin
& Pa ckage
Wines, Beer, Spirits, Cocktails & Seltzers
Glassware,
Cocktail Mixers and Wine Accessories
302-616-2657 Open Weekends - Call for Hours
98 Garfield Pkwy., Unit 108 (In the Blue Surf Building on the Boardwalk)
Continuedfrompage39
BethanyBeach.eseshoppingextravaganzasareanexcellentwayto supportlocalbusinesses,savealittle moneywithin-storespecials,andget outinyourcommunity!
TakeAdvantageof FreeShippingDay
Manyonlineshopsparticipatein FreeShippingDaywhichfallson December14th.isistheperfect timetofinishupanyonlineshoppingandideallygetyourholiday ordersdeliveredontime.
TakePictures AfterDecorating
IfyougoalloutwiththeChristmasdecorations,itcanbefrustrating eachyeartotryandremember howyoudecoratedcertainspaces. Takeapictureofeachdecorated areaandputallthephotosintoa holidayalbumyoucanreference eachyear.
PediatriciansSay SharingBooksWith ChildrenistheBest HolidayGiftofAll
(StatePoint) Abookcaninspirejoy andstirtheimagination,andevenbetterthisholidayseasonisthegiftof sharingthatbookwithyourchild.
ScanQRCode orvisit bigfishgrill.com andclick ‘eGiftCards’ topurchase!
*Restrictionsapply.Allgiftcardsmustbepurchasedat onetimetoreceivepromotion.Promotionisonlyvalid onpurchasesmadeontheabovedates,notvalidon previouspurchases.In-housepurchasesreceivebonusas HolidayBonusBucks.Thesebonusbucksexpireon 3/15/25.eGiftcards&GiftCardsmaybeusedatallBig FishRestaurantGrouplocations.Visitusonlineforfull detailsatbigfishrestaurantgroup.com.
“Turningthepagesofahigh-quality, printbookfilledwithcolorfulpictures andrich,expressivelanguageisbest,” saidDr.DipeshNavsaria,apediatrician.“Whiletouchscreensandother electronicdevicesmaybepopul ar, theyaretypicallypassiveorsolitary experiencesforchildrenanddonot offerthesamebenefitsofinterpersonalconnectionandrelationship building.”
Startingfrominfancy,readingaloud helpsbuildthefoundationforhealthy social-emotional,cognitive,language andliteracydevelopment.Sharing bookshelpswithlanguagedevelopmentandvocabulary,andgetsthem readytolistenandlearninschool. Andoverthepastdecade,research hasfoundthatrea dingtogetherhelps fosterpositiveinteractions,strengtheningthesafe,stableandnurturing relationshipsyoungchildrenmust havetothrive.
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Baker’sHardware
28547DupontBlvd.,Millsboro,DE
(302)934-7974
Bakershardware.com
TraegerProSeries34
Ifoutdoorcookingissomethingthatinterestsyou —oratleasteatingwhatcomesfromoutdoorcookingissomethingthatinterestsyou—youmightwant totakealookattheTraegerProSeries34pellet smoker.
With884squareinchesofcookingspaceandtwo racks,thereisplentyofroomforwhatyouwantto cook,andhasanenamel-coatedsteelcovering,which iseasytocleanandnon-stick.Ifyouwanttogrillupa steak,slow-smokesomeribsorroastvegetables,this mightbethedeviceforyou,andit’savailableat Baker’sHardware.
When HolidayJoy isTouchedby Grief
BySusanCanfora StaffReporter
There’salittlepoem,attributedto theAmericanauthorandphilosopher HowardThurman,aboutthebenefitof glowingcandlesforthosegrievinga lossatChristmas.
“IwilllightcandlesthisChristmas; candlesofjoydespiteallsadness,candlesofhopewheredespairkeeps watch,candlesofcourageforfears everpresent,candlesofpeacefortempest-tosseddays,candlesofgraceto easeheavyburdens,candlesofloveto inspireallmyliving,candlesthatwill burnalltheyearlong,”Thurman wrote.
Thesimpleactofburningacandle canbecomeayearlycustomtorememberacherishedlovedonewho hasdiedortoprovidecomfortdueto anotherdeeploss.
“Therearesomanythingswecan do.Maybetakeaphotographofthat personandtakeittoanaltarina churchortothewoodsandpostiton atreetobeonewithnature.Maybe createamemorialforthatpersonby gatheringwithfriendsandfamily membersandsaying,‘We havesome specialmemoriestoshare,’”suggested theRev.KarisGraham,pastorofCommunityLutheranChurchinDagsboro.
ChurchesincludingSt.Martha’s EpiscopalChurchinBethanyBeach andMariner’sBethelGlobalMethodist ChurchinOceanViewhaveBlue Christmasservicesafewdaysbefore theholiday.
“It’saregularcelebrationbutit’s tonedwaydown.Thesongsaremore gentleandserious.WesingAwayina Manger,songslikethat.Thewhole serviceisdoneinamoregentleway,” theRev.VictoriaPretti,pastorofSt.
Martha’s,said.
There’sabasketofbluebowsneara smalltreeinthechurch.Duringthe service,thosefeelingtheweightof sadnessorgriefareaskedtocomeforward,andastheorganistplays,hanga bowonthetreeandrepeataprayer.
“Mostofthepeoplewhocometo thatservicearegrievingsomeonewho hasdiedbutwhenwetalkaboutthe servicewesayitisforwhateverloss youmaybegrieving.Itmightbethe lossofajob.Whateverismakingyour heartheavythisseason,”theRev.Pretti said.
“TheservicesareprettywellattendedsoIthinkthatisabeautiful waytohelppeoplethroughit,”she said.
“AsChristians,whatwehavedoneis sugarcoatChristmasandthatiswhere
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Shop,dine,stayandplayintheQuietResorts™ thisholidayseasonforachancetowinin-store raffleprizesatparticipatingbusinesses orthegrandprize,a$250Visagiftcard!
WeekendWonderlandisbackinBethanyBeach! Thisshoplocaleventencouragesshoppers tovisitbusinessesforholidayspecialsand in-storeattractionslikevisitsfromSantaand anElfontheShelfScavengerHunt.
itlosesmostofitspower. WetalkaboutbabyJesus, angelssinging,cowslowing.It’sallveryjoyful andwonderfulbutinactuality,weforgetthe story.Marywasasingle womanexpectingababy. Inthosedays,Mary couldhavebeenstoned todeath.MaryandJesus werehomelesswhenthe babywasborn.Immediatelyafter,theyhadtobe refugeesandrunawayto Egyptinordernottobe killedbyKingHerod. Thestoryisreallyquite jarringandvery poignant.Weshort-circuitedthepowerby sweeteningit.
“Thisislife.Thisisourlife.Thisis thelifethatweshare.Thereisnoreasontosugarcoatit,”saidtheRev. Prettiwho,afterherfatherdied,joined herfamilyinplacingaphotographof
himonasmallsidetablewithacandle “toremindusallandmakeusfeellike hewasthere.”
Shesuggestsdoingthattoeasegrief, aswellaschangingtraditions.
“Forsomepeople,it’scomfortingto
keepthingsthesamebut forotherpeople that’s whathurtsthemost,soI tellthemtoswitchitup. Celebrateinadifferent way.Ifyouusedtogoto acertainperson’shouse, goforawalkonthe beachinstead.Itcanbe comforting,”shesaid.
TheRev.RebeccaCollison,pastorofMariner’s Bethel,wherethereisan annualBlueChristmas service,earliertold CoastalPointit’simportantbecause“noteveryoneishappyandjolly duringtheholidayseason.”
“TheBlueChristmas serviceisdesignedto giveasafespace tobelongandknowpeaceinthisseason, especiallyforthosestrugglingorfeelingbluethistimeofyear.Whenyou cometoaBlueChristmasservice,you
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Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1p.m. to 5:30p.m.
Continuedfrompage46
don’thavetosingandyoudon’thave tosayanything.Itisatimetojustbe inthepresence,filledwithhopeand peace,”shesaid.Mariner’sBlueChristmasserviceisonDecember22ndthis year,at6:30pm.
“Whenwe’regrievingourtendency istogoinward,toisolateourselves,” theRev.Grahamsaid.
“ThatisOKtoadegreeifweare honoringandbeingmindfulofthat personwelost,whowelovesomuch. Butittakescouragetostepoutofour comfortzonesandsay,‘WhowouldI liketosurroundmyselfwiththis ChristmasDay?Whoisthepersonfor mewhoisthelightofChristmas?’ whetherit’saphonecallorgettingtogetherforcoffeewithsomeonewhois alsogrieving,”shesaid.
“Thosearethetoolswecanuseto getby.”
BlueChristmasand GriefServices
GriefShare Weeklymeetingandseminarfor thosewhohavelostlovedones.Tuesdays,1-2:30pmatHighTideChurchin Dagsboro,and6:30-8:30pmatthe RiverChurchinFrankford.Formore infovisit:hightidechurch.orgor riveronline.church
GriefSupportGroup 1stThursdaysofeverymonth. 11am-1pminLutherHallatCommunityLutheranChurchinFrankford. BethannMcIntosh,withthesupport ofPastorKarisGraham,willwalk alongside thosegrievingonahealing journeysoallcanlivelifetothefullest. Toregister,visit: bridgebuilder.church/grief/
St.Martha’sBlueChristmas Wednesday,December18that4pm. Giveyourheartandsoulasofter,quietercelebrationthisyear. www.stmarthasbethanybeach.org/
eLongestNight
December19,7pmatSt.Matthew’s bytheSea.LedbyRev.JakeMacklin andofferingcomfortnotjustgrief,but difficulttimesingeneral.Contact rev.jakemacklin@gmail.com Orcall302.547.1402formoreinformation.
Mariner’sBlueChristmas Sunday,December22nd,at6:30pm. Forthosewhohaveundergoneadifficultloss,transition,orlifechange. www.marinersbethel.org/.
33230CoastalHighway,MiddlesexBeach, DE
(410)474-5885
LookforthemonInstagram
Surfapparelatthebeachisamust-have,andit’s alsogreatwhenyoucanfinditlocal.HapaSurfCompanyhasapparelforallagesandsizes,andisaterrific spottofindagiftforthespecialperson,orpersons,in yourlife.
It’snotjustclothes,either.Getthoseperfectstocking-stuffers(andhitoneoftheirsistershopsin 19Dough1andSoftSwirl,allinthesamelocation).
Starts Here!
Santa’s Scan
, N ridayy, November 29th! opens on F e Boardwalk in R ’s Hou Santa on Coastal Highw Whether in Downto November 29th! ehoboth Beach use on the there are hundreds way y ehoboth, in Dewe own R
s of shops ey Beach or holiday decora Decorating Contest! Make sure to check events, Beach F look for the restaurants and place ations at local accomod ote fo Visit, View and V Vote for your favorite out the 2nd Annual Ho activities, and specials. calenda un & Bargains Beach- . Visit es to stay , there are hundreds y, there are hundreds shops, dations. r oliday Lobby . ar for holiday and -Fun.com
TheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics(AAP)recommendsreading withyourchildeveryday,evenifonly forafewminutes,andmakingitpart ofthebedtimeroutine.Eachevening, setaside20to30minuteswith screensoffforsharingbooks. Rememberthattheexperience shouldbefun.Youdon’thavetofinish astoryifyourchildlosesinterest.Let yourchildchoosethebook,evenifit meansreadingthesamebookover andover.Youcaninviteyourchildto “read”toyoufromafamiliarbook thattheyhavememorized.Dr. Navsariasuggestsaskingabouttheillustrationsorwhatyourchildthinks willhappennext.Youcansay:“C an youfindallthebluethings?”or“Show meallthethingsthatcanfly.”Point outcolors,shapes,numbersandlettersandrespondwithenthusiasmto yourchild’squestionsandcomments. Locallibrariesofferawidevariety ofchildren’sliterature,includingfairy tales,poetryandnurseryrhymes,a s wellasnon-fictionbooksonsubjects childrenlove,suchastheoceanor dogs.Followyourchild’sinterestsin choosingbooks.Children’slibrarians canhelpyouwithhigh-qualitybook selectionsonawiderangeoftopics. Andduringtheholidays,consider buildingyourhomelibraryandreinforcingthevalueofgreatbooksby givingthemasgifts.
Byage4,achildcantypicallytell youwhichbookstheywanttoshare withyou;pretendtoreadafavorite bookaloudtoyou;a ndtellyouhowa storyislikethingstheyhaveseenor done.Theymayaskyouquestions aboutbooksyouareenjoyingtogether or“correct”youifyouskipawordor pageinafavoritebook.Aschildren growolder,readingcanhelpdevelop characterandvaluesthatareimportanttoyourfamily.Infact,areally greatbookhasthepowertocounterbalancenegativeoutsideinfluences andteachchildrenimportantlessons astheygrow.
“Itmightbeabookonkindness afteryourchild experiencedorwitnessedcruelty,”Dr.Navsariasaid.“It mightbeabookonexpressingemo-
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Lord’sMercantile
eholidaysaretheseasonforaccessorizing,beit onyourperson,yourhomeoryourplaceofbusiness. RightintheheartofMillvillesitsLord’sMercantile, adjacenttoLord’sLandscaping,andyouwillfindan arrayofglobes,knickknacksandaccessoriesthatare suretospruceupyourhomefortheholidays. Swingthroughandfindyourselfenvelopedinthe warmthoftheholidays,andyouaresuretofindthat perfectgift—eitherforyourlovedoneoryourself.
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PricklyGalBoutique
35308AtlanticAve.,Millville (302)604-9022
PricklyGal.com
SituatedrightoffRoute26inMillville,PricklyGal Boutiqueoffersbothabrick-and-mortarandonline experience,makingperusingabreeze.
Featuredatthefrontofthischarmingshopisadisplayfocusedonwomen’sbootsandcozycomforts thatwilldelighttherecipientofyourgift—evenif thatrecipientisyou!
Stopin,lookaroundorshoponline,thislocal treasuremostlikelyfeatureswhatyouneed.
tionsafteryourchildsaworheard scarynewscoverage,ormaybeabook onunderstandingdifferencesafter yourchildsawsomeonewholooked differentthantheyexpected.”
TheAAPandReachOutandRead havecompiledalistofbooks—organizedbyageandtopic—tohelpyou raisechildrenwhoarecurious,brave, kind,thoughtfulandawareofthe worldaroundthem.Youcanfindthe listathealthychildren.org.
“Booksaregreatconversation starters,” Dr.Navsariasaid.“They’re alsojustalotoffunandcanhelpcreatewonderfulmemories,particularly duringtheholidayswhenyou’re spendingextratimetogether.A sharedreadingexperience,asatender, magicalandlovingtimespentwith yourchild,istrulyagift.Itspeaksto theheartofwhatparentingis.” Continuedfrompage54
Only youcan prevent Christmas treefires
ByGiovanniGuido Intern
Towardsthelatterquarteroftheyear, peoplefindtheirwaytoawideassortment ofplaceslookingfortheoneChristmastree thatwillstandintheirhousefortheentiretyoftheholidayseason.
eymakesurethetreeisfull;thatits colorisalush,healthygreen;andthatits sizeisperfect.Butevenforpeoplewhodo notmeticulouslypickouttheirperfecttree, orforthosewhousethesameartificialone they’vehadforaslongastheycanremember,theimageofitbeingutterlyengulfedin flamesisnotaprettyone.
Despitethembeingfairlyuncommon, Christmastreefirescanveryeasilyoccur, buttherearemanythingsthatapersoncan dotopreventone.Peoplemustalsotake differentfireprecautionsiftheirtreeisreal asopposedtoartificial.
Whenitcomestorealtrees,theowner mustensurethatitiswateredregularly, completelysubmergingthetrunkinits stand.Ifsetonfire,adehydratedtreehas nowatertodeteritselffromburstinginto flames.Withwaterinitssystem,atreewill betterpreventthefirefromgrowing.at doesnotmean,however,thatthetreeis fireproofsootherprecautionsmuststillbe taken.
Christmastreelightsshouldbecarefully inspectedforanyfrayingwires,loosebulbs, orevenbrokenbulbs.Afirecouldbe startedfromanyoneoftheseissuesthat
mostpeoplewouldoverlook.Whenpluggingthelightsintotheelectricaloutlet makesureitisnotcongestedwithother electronicappliances,thisgoesforextensioncordsaswell.Toomanyappliances willexceedtheamountofenergytheoutlet wasmadetohandle,causingittooverheat andsparkapotentialfire.
Also,remembertoturnthe Christmaslightsoffwhenever leavingthehouseandbefore goingtobed.
etreeshouldbekeptatasafedistance fromanyheatsourceinone'shouse.Fireplaces,candles,radiators,andheatingvents areallexamplesofpossiblefirehazardsifa Christmastreeisnearby.Ifthereisnotone already,ascreenshouldbeaddedtothe fireplacesothatnorogueembershavethe potentialtocauseafire.
Keepthetreeawayfromanyentrances orexits.IfaChristmastreefirewereto occurinsomeone’shouse,theresidents shoulddotheirbesttoevacuateasquickly andsafelyaspossible,assumingtheyare
unabletoextinguishthefire.Naturally,it wouldbehardtoevacuatesafelyand quicklyiftherewasalargeChristmastree consumedinafieryblazeblockingtheexit.
Peoplewhoownartificialtreesshould followthesameprecautionsmentioned thusfarexcept,ofcourse,wateringthem regularly.Althoughtheyarelessproneto firesandsometimesevenfire-retardant, peopleshouldstillbecautious.
Whentheholidayseasoninevitably comestoaclose,Christmastreesshouldbe properlydisposedof.Ifleftaroundthe
housefortoolong,thetreewilleventually witherawayanddryout.Christmastrees shouldnotbeputintrashorrecyclingbins. Instead,theycanbedisposedofatayard wastedrop-offlocation,inayardwastebin thatsomewastehaulersprovide,or throughChristmastreepick-upservices thatsomehaulersalsoprovideduringthe weeksafterChristmasDay.Additionally, theIndianRiverBandBoostersofferlive treerecyclingasayearlyfundraiser.For moreinformation,pleasecontactirbandboosters@gmail.com
Theholidayseasonmaybewarm, merryandbright,butit’salsoatime whenit’salltooeasytospendmore thanyouplantoandrackupdebtyou can’tmanage.
Upcoming Holiday Concerts
howtocelebratetheseasoninstyle whilepositioningyourselfforafinanciallyhealthy2025:
Createyourbudget:
Takealookatyourbudgettodeterminehowmuchyoucanearmarkfor holidayexpenses.Doyouneedtocut backonanynonessentialspendingto affordtheholidayseasonyoudesire? Makeacomprehensivelistofallyour expectedexpenditures,includingfor travel,hosting,decorating,giftingand charitablegiving.Don’thaveabudget? ACFP®professionalc anhelpyoucreateonetostayontrackwithyourfinancialgoalsduringtheholidaysand beyond.
Stretchyourbudget:
Stretchyourholidaybudgetcreatively.Whenshoppingonlineor bookingtravel,findthebestdealsby usingabrowserextensionthatcomparisonshops.Entertaining?Rather thanprovidingeverydishyourself, hostacookieexchangeorpotluck.If youhavealargeextendedfamilyor circleoffriendsthatholdsatraditional giftexchange,suggestaSe cretSanta orwhiteelephantexchangeinstead.
Maintainyourcredit:
Whileit’sfuntobeextravagantand givebig-ticketitemsthatwillwow yourrecipients,yourholidayspending shouldn’tharmyourcredit.Keepan eyeonyourdebt-to-creditratio throughouttheseasonandsetremindersofwhencreditcardpayments aredue.Ifyoupurchaseanitemusing aBuyNowPayLaterplan,putpaymentduedatesinyourcalendarto avoidlatefees.
Givewisely:
Manypeoplemakecharitablecontributionsaroundtheholidays.Ifyou plantogive,doitinawaythatoffersa taxadvantage.Fromdeductionstodonatingappreciatedassetstousinga DonorAdvisedFund,aCFP®profes-
sionalcanhelpyoufindastrategythat isgoodforyouandforthecauseyou careabout.
Saveallyear:
Divertingasmallportionofeach paycheckintoaspecialsavingsfundall yearlongcanhelpensureyou’repreparedtomeetholidayexpenses.Once thiscurrentseasonwrapsup,youcan begintoplanfornextyear.ACFP® professionalcanhelpyousetthisfund upandoffersuggestionsformaximizingthesesavings.
Makeyourresolutionsnow:
Whetherit’stopaydowndebtorset uparetirementfund,youdon’thaveto waituntilthenewyeartogetstarted onyourresolutions.Getahealthy moneymindsetnowsothatcomeJanuary,you’llhavealreadyestablished habitsthatmoveyoutowardyour goals.
Workingwithafinancialadvisorto prepfortheholidayscanhelpensure youhaveastress-freeseason.Find yourCFP®professional,trainedto offercomprehensivesolutionsforyour uniquesituation,byvisitingletsmakeaplan.org.
Duringaseason offestivities,financialplanningmaynotbetopofmind. However,smartspendinghabitscan helpensureyouenter2025inthe black.
(StatePoint)
PHOTOSOURCE:(c)julief514/iStockvia GettyImagesPlus
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SuCasa
101GarfieldParkway, BethanyBeach,DE (302)829-8398
SuCasa.furniture
SituatedonBethany’sbusyGarfieldParkway,Su Casaoffersawideselectionoffurnishingsandaccessoriesforyourhome.Oneitemthatstandsoutwhen youaretryingtobuyauniquely-localgiftarethe signs,offeringarusticcomforttoyourhome.
Town of Millville CHRISTMAS TREE
Evans Park at Millville
Tuesday, December 3 | 5 PM
Indian River Marching Band will lead Santa and Mrs. Claus to Evans Park by horse drawn carriage
Santa will magically light the 20’ Christmas Tree and talk with each child in the Pavilion
Visit the S’more Station
Food Trucks: Donut NV • Rita’s
It’sbeginningtosmellalotlike
Christmas:
Fillyourhomewithholidayscents
Peppermintandevergreen,freshcookies,andcinnamon,orange,andclove… thesearesomeofthemostpopulararomasassociatedwiththefallandwinter months.Whatevercombinationputsyou intheseasonalmoodand/orrecallsyour happiestholidaymemories,thesearethe scentsyou’llwanttofillyourhomewith toboostthosefestivespirits!
eeasiestwaytobringthesefragrancesintoyourhomeisthroughpremadescentedproductsthatyoucanpick upatyourfavoritelocalhomedecoror bodyproductshops.Considercandles overroomspraytoaddawarm,cozy ambiance.Waxmelts,reeddiffusersand handsoapareadditionalproductsthat canbringscentintomuch-neededareas
ofthehome(hellobathrooms!)without thesafetyconcernsofopenflamethat comewithcandles.
Ifyou’relookingforsomethingalittle morehands-onorhome-made,thefollowingprojectsareperfectforaquietafternoon,or,makeitasocialactivitywith friendsandsharesomedrinksandlaughterwhileyoucreatetogether!
Blendyourownessentialoils. Gatherscentssuchasjuniper, peppermint,myrrh,cinnamon, ginger,balsam,mandarinorange,vanillaandclovetocreatepersonalizedblends.Addafewdropstoa spraybottleofdistilledwaterfor homemaderoomspray.Oilscanalso beaddedtovarioustypesofdiffusers, woollaundryballs,homemadecandles,drawersachets,andmore!
Makepomanderballswithunpeeledorangesandwhole cloves.Poketheclovesintothe orangeinvariouspatternsand hangthemfromthemantel,tuckthem intoholidaytablescapes,ordisplay theminyourfavoriteholidaybowl.
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Photo by Krista Valliant
Mears
Bakeholidaytreats.Gingerbread,sugarcookies,fudge, pumpkin,andapplepie—filling yourhomewiththescentof Christmascookiesandotherfavorite holidaytreatsisaneasywaytogetthat cozyfresh-bakedscent,withtheadded benefitoftastydesserts.
3 4 5 6
Putonaholidaysimmerpot. Raidyourpantryforspices suchascinnamonsticks,clove, staranise,andvanillaextract. Gatherfruitslicesandpeelsfromapples,pears,andcitrus.Addeverything toapotofwaterandsimmeronlow heat.Getcreativewithyoursimmer blends—wholecranberries,rosemary sprigs,andfreshevergreensareexcellentadditions.Continueaddingwater asitevaporatesthroughouttheday.
*Simmerpotingredientsarealsoan easygifttogivefriendsandneighbors. Adddryingredientstoacellophane bagandtieoffwithafestiveribbon!
Createyourownherbalpotpourri.Addyouressentialoils todriedflowers,herbs,and evergreensprigs.Mixtogether andpouryournewblendintofavorite decorativevasesandbowlsforsubtle scentsthroughoutyourhome.
Bakeorange,grapefruit,lemon, andlimeslicestoaddawarm, citrusyfragrancetoyourhome. Heatyourovento200-225°F andbakeslicesforseveralhours,until dry.Oncedried,theslicescanbeused forholidaydecoratinginwreathsand garlands,asornaments,gifttoppers, andinyoursimmerpots!
HolidayHappenings
AttendeesattheWinterfestofLightsin OceanCityenjoythelightdisplay. n Filephoto
Turkeytrotterspreparetorunthe5Katlast yearsannualThanksgivingrace. n Filephoto
Schellville2024Enchanted WinterCelebration
Saturdays&Sundays—Nov.16th–Dec.31|Fridays—Nov.22nd,Dec.6th| ursdays—Dec.12th-26th.1-4pm& 5-9pm(Dec.31st4-7pmonly).Filled withholidaymagic,goodwill,andfunfor theentirefamily!Locatedbehindthe TangerOutletsinRehobothBeach.
WinterfestofLights
Wednesday-Sundaysfrom5:30pm–9:30pm,Nov.21sr–Dec.31st(Monday thruSunday–12/23-12/31).embarkona journeyintotheenchantingspiritofthe holidayseasonatthe2024Winterfestof LightsinOceanCity,MD.isyear, enjoyawalk-throughwinterwonderland experienceandexplorethe58-acre NorthsidePark.Petswelcomeon Wednesdays.
HolidayMarketplace
Saturday,Nov.23rd,10am–2pmat MillvilleCommunityCenter.Featuring vendorsandfoodtrucksalongwithaGirl ScoutCookieWalk.UnwrappedtoydonationsfortheToysforTotsdriveareappreciated.
AnnualBethanyFenwick
anksgivingTurkeyTrot Nov.28th,7:30am-10am.euntimed 2-mile FunRun/Walkstartsatthe BethanyBeachBoardwalkBandstand withaboardwalkfinish.Dressupinyour bestanksgivingcostumes!Piesfor overallMaleandFemalewinner,BestIndividual,BestFamilyandBestPetCostumes!
OldTownHoliday Market&TreeLighting
SaturdayNov30th,1-5:30pmatJohn WestParkinOceanView. Marketvendors,kid’sactivities,trailof
AttendeesatapastFenwickIsland’sHolidayTreeLightingeventgatheraroundthe treeandsingChristmascarols. n Filephoto
HolidayTrailofLights
Saturday,Nov.30th–Jan.1st.Atdusk dailyuntil9pm–selfguidedandfreeat theJohnWestParkinOceanView.
MillsboroChristmasParade
Tuesday,December3rd,7pmatMillsboroTownCenter.Kickofftheparade withthetreelightingatTownHall!Participationlineupstartsat5pm.
ChristmasTreeLighting
Tuesday,Dec.3rdatEvansPark,Millville.SantaandMrs.Clauswillarrivevia a horsedrawncarriagewiththeIndian RiverH.S.Band!AftertalkingwithSanta, makesomesmores,andenjoyhotchocolateorasnackattheDonutNVorRita’s trucks.eannualtreelightingceremonywillbeginatdusk.
White Glove Service
Pleaseturntopage75
Continuedfrompage73
63rdAnnualSelbyville ChristmasParade
Friday,Dec.6th,7pmatWestChurch StreetinSelbyville.Festivefloats,marchingbands,firetrucks,antiquecars,avisit fromSantaClaus,andfoodandfunfor everyone!
FenwickIslandHoliday TreeLighting
Friday,December6th,5:30pm–6:30pmattheCannonSt.ParkGazebo locatedinfrontofthepolicestation.
HolidayStroll& ChristmasMarket
Saturday,Dec.7th,3-7pmindowntownMilford.ExperienceChristmaswith familyandfriendsandvisitthebeautifullydecoratedshops,bakeries,restaurantsandartgalleries.erewillbea firetruckdisplaybyCarlisleFireHall, children’sactivities,holidaymusicand more!
AHolidayTourofLewes
Saturday,Dec.7th,9:30am-3:30pm LHSHolidayHouseTour. SaturdayDec.7th,9am-4pmandFri-
AfullmoonshinesbrightbehindtheMillvilleChristmasTree.Thetreewillbeon displayatEvansParkinMillville,starting Tuesday,Dec.3. n Filephoto
day,December6th,4pm–7pmLHS HolidayVillage&Market.
HolidayHappenings inBethanyBeach
Saturday,Dec.7th
10:30am–Noon:GingerManSitingat theNatureCenter
11am–1pm:Ponyridesonthebeach (pre-registrationrequired) 1pm–3pm:PartywithSantainTown Hall
1pm–4pm:Trolley,Train,&Tractor Rides
Pleaseturntopage76
Black Friday
Card Weekend
5pm:TreelightingfeaturingSDSA ShowChoir
Saturday,Dec14th:Christmasatthe Cottages
10:30am–noon:LiveAlpacaChristmasAdventure
Holidays At The Salted Rim
Friendsgiving Party
Wed, Nov. 27 - 5pm-10pm
DJ Josh 6-9pm
Toys for Tots + Food Drive
Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials
Christmas Sip & Shop
Sun, Dec. 1 - 12pm-4pm
Sip while you shop items from local vendors
NYE - Dec. 31
Gourmet dinner menu
DJ "Denny"
Champagne and party favors at midnight
Check
11am–1pm:VictorianCarolers,Gingerbreadhouseactivityandtoursatthe decoratedDinker-IrvinMuseum
SaturdaysDec.7th,14th,&21st: WeekendWonderland
10am–5pm:EverySaturdayinDecemberpriortoChristmas,shoppersand visitorscantakeadvantageofgreattaxfreeshoppingandfunactivitiesatparticipatingbusinesses.
ChoirCantata
Sunday,Dec.1st,10amatFenwickIslandBaptistChurch.
Holiday Parties
We love Christmas and it shows! Why not let us host your holiday party in our Christmas wonderland! No room fees. Full catering services on and off-premise Spots are filling up fast!
GameNights
GeorgetownChristmas Parade&Caroling
ursday,December5th,6-9pm,Celebratethestartoftheholidayseasonat theGeorgetownCirclewithaChristmas parade,caroling,andtheannualPackthe Podcountyfooddrive.
2ndAnnualOC/FenwickIsland ChristmasBoatParade
Saturday,Dec.7th,5pm-8pmatHarpoonHanna’sinFenwickIsland.Dining seatsare“firstcome,firstserved”.Decks willbeopentothepublicforgreatviewingoffestivedecorativeboats.Allareencouragedtobringatoyfordonationto ToysforTots.
JourneytoBethlehem
Dec.6th,7thand8thfrom6pm-8pm atBeaconBaptistChurch.
Afreeoutdoorfamilyeventwithalive nativity,hayride,animals,andmuch moreincludingfreehotchocolateand cookies!
11thAnnualDagsboro ChristmasParade
Tuesday,Dec.10th,7pm.eParade willfeaturefloats,marchingunits,fire trucksandavisitfromSantaClaus!
3rdAnnualHanukkahParty
Saturday,December28th,6pm-8pmat SeasideJewishCommunity.JointhecommunityforHavdalah,Hanukkahcandle lighting,entertainmentandmore.Bring yourHanukkahmenorahandcandlesto participateinthecommunalcandlelightingduringblessings.
ChanukahMenorahLighting
Tuesday,Dec.31st,5:00pmateInn BerlininBerlin,MD.
LiveNativity
Friday,Dec.13thwith2performances at6pm&7pmatMarinersBethelGMC. Members,dressedincostumes,silently walkitoutastheScriptureisread,musicianswillplaycarolsandguestssing along.Hotchocolateandcookies, brownies,andothertreatswillbeserved.
ChristmasattheTrainStation &Cruise-inCarShow Saturday,Dec.21st,5pm-7pmatthe GeorgetownTrainStation.Visitwith Santaandenjoythemuseumdisplays, festiveatmosphere,Christmascarols, andmodeltrains.AChristmasdrop-box willbeavailableforkidstodropofftheir letterstoSanta.Lightrefreshmentswill beserved.
14thAnnualHairoftheDog Walk/Run/Plunge
Wednesday,Jan.1st,8amatthe BethanyBeachBoardwalk
eQuietResortsCharitableFoundation(QRCF)proudlypresentsthe14th AnnualHairoftheDog5Krun/onemile walkandthe28thAnnualLeoBrady PolarPlunge!e5Kraceand1Mile walkstartat10AMaftertheKiddie Dash.eLeoBradyPolarPlungeisat Noon.
FenwickFreeze
Wednesday,Jan.1stonBayardSt. Beach.Registrationandshirtsalesbegin at9am.Diveintheoceanat10:30am.
PullingouttheChristmas decorationsisallfunand gamesuntil…youcomeacross thatfirstbrokenornament,the tangleoflightsthatsomehow becameagiantknotoverthe last11monthsinstorage,ora crushedanddustyholiday wreath.Orworse,youknow you’remissingaboxofdecorations,butyoujustcan’tfindit. Weunderstandthesefrustrationsalltoowell,sofollow alongforafeworganization andstoragetipstomakedecoratingthisyearandnextso mucheasier!
Color-codeyour StorageBoxes
Storingallyouholidayitems togetherincolor-codedstorageboxesisasimplewayto keepallthoseboxestogether andeasytoidentify.Wesuggestclearstorageboxeswitha coloredlidsoyoucansee what’sinsideeachbox.
StoreItemsbyRoom
Ifyoudecoratemultiple roomsinyourhome,labelthe containers.Loosefloralpicks andstandalonedecorations canalsobeputtogetherby roomsoyou’renotwasting timethefollowingyeartrying tofigureoutifyouhad2or3 decorativesnowmeninthelivingroomordiningroom.
SaveYourEggCartons
Smallanddelicateornamentsbreakeasily.Eggcartons offergreatcushionandprotectionforthosefavoritefragiles.
WraposeLights
eol’cords-around-thearmloopdoesn’tquitecutit forChristmaslights.Wrap themaroundpiecesofcard-
Pleaseturntopage80
boardorplastichangerstokeepthose strandsseparate.
HangItUp
Hangerscanalsobeusedtostoreholidaylinensandwreathswithprotective coveringsovertoptokeepoutdust(trash bagsworkinapinch).
DividedStorageContainers
eseindividualcompartmentsare perfectforkeepingtinselandgarland neatanduntangled.
UseaGarmentBagor ShoeOrganizer
Keepwrappingpaperorganizedby storinginagarmentbagorshoeorganizer.Shoeorganizersareespeciallygreat for ribbonsandtags.Tokeepopened rollsofwrappingpaperfromunraveling andgettingwrinkledortorn,usean emptyTProllorpipefoamcoversto holdpaperinplace.
FestiveFlora: FavoriteHolidayPlants
Indecoratingorgiving,holidayplants fillamuchneededspacefornature’s seasonalcheer.Cedarandpineboughs, mistletoeballs,andhollybundleshave becometraditionalsightsduringthe Christmasseason,andwe’reabsolutely hereforit.Butthereareotherplants availablethistimeofyearthatwe highlysuggestyoubringintoyour homeforanaddedseasonalflairor sharewithfriendswhowillenjoynature’sfestiveflora.
` Poinsettias `
Mostpeoplearefamiliarwiththe brightreds,pinks,orsoftwhiteleavesof poinsettiasatChristmas.Originally broughttothestatesfromMexicointhe early1800s,theyonlybecameatraditionalholidaydécorstaplewhenthey startedappearingonTVduringthe tonightshowandBobHope’sHoliday Specials.Inwarmerclimatesthesebeautiessurviveyear-roundandmakestun-
ningsmallshrubsandtrees.
` ChristmasCactus `
isone’sforeventheprickliest Grinchamongstup.Amemberofthe cactusfamily,thenamestemsfromthe plant’sfloweringperiod.Moredrought tolerantthanmostplants,you’llstillneed towaterthisoneabitmorethanthe standarddessertcacti.
n GettyImages
` Bromeliad `
ebrightglossygreenleavesandfestiveredspikedflowersofcertain bromeliadspeciesmakethisanexcellent additiontoyourholidaydécor.Maintenancefortheseshowybeautiesislow,but theydopreferbrightindirectlight.Lastingwellpasttheholidayseason,awelltakecareofplantwillproducepupsas theplantbeginstodieoff,whichwillmatureagainintostunningnewplant.
` YuletideCamellias `
ewinter-bloomingCamelliabringsa much-neededpopofcolortootherwise drabgardens.Givethisdensegrower plentyofmorningsun(atleast4hours) andshe’llrewardyouwithbright,cherryredblossoms.
` Amaryllis `
BrilliantredAmaryllisflowershave madethisbulbplantincrediblypopular duringChristmas.GiftapottedAmaryllisbulbinNovemberandwatchitbloom aroundChristmas.isrequiresawarm,
n GettyImages—TheBromeliadisastunning alternativetostandardholidayplants.
sunnyspotinyourhome,andsparingly waterwhenthetopinchofpottingmixis dry,takingcarenottogetwateronthe neckofthebulb.
Apersonalfavoriteoftheeditor,the frostywhitetipsofthisspikemossoffera stunningcontrasttoitsbrightfern-like leaves.Quitetemperamental,thisoneis
n GettyImages—SnowwhiteCyclamenstand outagainstthereds&greensofChristmas
n GettyImages
herb,rosemaryhasbecomeapopulargift asaminiatureChristmastreeduetoits easeofpruningandabilitytoshape.A festiveornamental,thisplantcanalsobe plantedinthegardenaftertheholidays forfutureuse.
` Cyclamen `
ispopularhouseplantwillbloom throughthewintermonthswithproper care.Offerthisplantindirectlight,acool
Rockers are back for a limited time. Items available on website
room(50-65°F)andmoistsoilandyou’ll havebrightred,pink,orwhitebutterflyshapedblossomsfor2-3months.
Shaun’sPotatoSalad
ShaunLambert,TechnicalDirector
Ingredients:
n 3poundsrussetpotatoes, peeledandcutinto1-inchcubes
n 1/2cupmayonnaise
n 1/2cupsourcream
n 1/4cupketchup
n 1/2teaspoonsalt
n 1/2teaspoonpepper
n 1/2teaspoonpaprika
n 2celerystalks,finelydiced
n 6greenonions,sliced
n 8slicesofbacon,cookedandcrumbled
n 1smallcanslicedblackolives
n Relishtotaste
Instructions:
Cookpotatoesinboilingwateruntiltender.Drain.
Inalargebowl,stirtogethermayonnaise, sourcream,salt,pepper,ketchupandpaprika.
Oncepotatoeshavecooledslightly,add tothebowlwiththemayonnaisemixture. Stirtocoatthepotatoes.
Stirincelery,greenonions,olives,relish
andbacon.
Checkforseasoningandaddmoresaltif desired.
Coverandrefrigeratefor1hour.
AppleCranberryCobbler
MikeSmith,StaffReporter
Ingredients:
n 4cupsrawapples, unpeeledandchopped
n 2cupsrawcranberries
n 1/2cupSugar
n 1/4cupWater
ForTopping:
n 1stickbutter,melted
n 1cupquick-cookingoats
n 1/4cupflour
n 1/2cuppackedbrownsugar
n 3/4cupchoppednuts (walnutsorpecans)
Instructions:
Placeapplesinbottomofbakingdish, berriesnextandsprinklewithsugar,then water
Meltbutter,addotheringredientsand
mixwell.Spoonovertopof fruit.Bakeat350for1hour.
Note:Canlightlydrizzlebutterontopformorecrispness; canadjustdryingredientsto taste,usingenoughbutterto blend
BestVegan Mac&Cheese
GiovanniGuido,Intern
Ingredients: n 1½boxesofmacaroni (or6-7cupsdrypasta)
Forthesaucepan:
n 2cupspeeledandchopped redoryellowpotatoes
n 1/2cuprawcashews
n 1/2cupchoppedcarrots
n 2/3cupchoppedyellow onions
n 1/4cupchoppedshallots
n 1smallgarlicclove,optional n 2cupswater
Fortheblender:
n 1/4cupveganbutter
n 1/3cuptahiniormoreveganbutter
n 2TBSfreshlemonjuice
n 4tspseasalt
n 1/2tspgarlicpowder
andmixwell.Enjoy. Serves6-8.
Betty’sClamsCasino MikeStern,StaffReporter
n 1/2tspDijonmustard
n 1/2tspblackpepper
n 1/2tspgroundcayennepepper
n 1/4tspsmokedpaprika
Instructions
Toasaucepan,addpotatoes,cashews, carrots,onions,shallots,andwater.Cover andbringtoaboil.Reduceheattoasimmerfor15minutes,oruntilvegetablesare softened.
Ingredients:
n 6clamsintheshell
n 1/2cupstuffing(dressing)mix
n 1/4cupcrispybacon
n 1/2to1/4cupbutter
n 1/8cupchoppedonions
Instructions:
Sautéonionsinbutter.Addstuffing (dressing)mix.Whenthathassoftened, spoonthechoppedclamsandbaconinto theclamshells.Broiluntilbrowned–4-6 minutesandserve.
Inalargepot,bringwaterand1tablespoonseasalttoaboil.Addmacaroniand cookaccordingtoboxinstructions.Drain pastaandsetaside.
Inablender,addalltheblenderingredientsandthesoftenedvegetableswiththe cookingwaterandprocessuntilthickand smooth.Note:Ifdesired,reserveabout1 cupofthe“cheese”forlatertomakenachos,tacos,quesadillas,aquesodip,overtopabakedpotato,etc.
Addtheblender“cheese”tothepasta
ButterChristmas Cookies
SusanMutz,AdvertisingManager
Ingredients:
n 1cupbuttersoftened
n 2cupsall-purposeflour
n 1/2cupsugar
Instructions: Heatovento350°F.
Mixallingredientsthoroughly.
Rolloutdoughonalightlyfloured board.UseyourfavoriteChristmascookie cutters.
Bake10to12minutes.
CheeseRoll
M.PatriciaTitus,DigitalEditor
Ingredients:
n 1clovegarlic
n 1/4lb.pecans(aboutacup)
n 1lb.sharpcheddarcheese
n 8ozcreamcheese(slightlysoftened)
n Chilipowder
Instructions:
Finelygrindthegarlicandpecans. Gratethesharpcheddarcheese. Combinegarlic,pecans,cheddarand creamcheeses.
Rollintologs(oraball)androllinchili powder.
Wraptightlyandrefrigerate.
Servewithcrackers(Triscuits,Wheat ins,Ritz,Club).
Chicken&
SweetPotatoStew
DarinMcCann,ExecutiveEditor
Ingredients:
n 8chickenbreasts,cubed
n 4sweetpotatoes,peeledandcubed
n 4yellowpotatoes,cubed
n 4 carrots,sliced
n 56ounceswholetomatoes,canned n 1tspsalt
n 1tspblackpepper
n 1/2tspcinnamon
n 1/4teaspoonnutmeg
n 2tsppaprika
n 2tspceleryseed
n 1/2cupfreshbasil
n 2cupschickenbroth
Instructions:
CombineallingredientsinaCrockpot, cover,andcookonlowfor6-8hoursor highfor3-4hours.
FreshCranberrySauce
SusanCanfora,StaffReporter
Freshcranberrysauce—there’snothing likeit.WhenIwasgrowingup,wealways hadthejelliedcranberrysauceoutofacan. IstartedmakingitfromscratchafterIestablishedmyownhomeandvegetarian kitchen.Veryeasytomakeanddelicious stillwarmandspreadonfreshsweetpotato biscuitsonanksgivingmorning.
Ingredients:
n Onepackageoffreshcranberries
n Onecupofsugar
n Onecupofwater
Instructions:
Mixingredientsandheatinasaucepan untilthecranberriesstarttopop.Idon’t cookituntilit’sajellybutleavecranberries mostlywhole.
Gamma’sEggNog
KerinMagill,StaffReporter
eoriginalversionofthisrecipe, copiedbymymomdirectlyfromtheone handwrittenbymyGamma(paternal grandmother)waslittlemorethanalistof ingredients.edirectionsaretheresultof alittletrialanderrorandalittlecommon senseonthepartoflatergenerations.
ItwasastapleatChristmasgatheringsat mygrandmother’shouseandlater,at ChristmasEveopenhousesatourhomes inMarylandandOhiowhenIwasgrowing up.isyear,Iwillmakeitinmemoryof mydad,whorelishedit.
Note:it’snotrealeggnogifitdoesn’t giveyouabigol’mustache.
n 1pintmilk
Ingredients:
n 1pintcream
n 6eggs,separated
n 1/2pintto1pintryewhiskey
n 1oz.rum
n ¾c.sugar,divided
n Nutmeg
Instructions:
Inonebowl,add1/2c.sugartoegg yolks.Inanotherbowladd1/4c.sugarto eggwhites.Addcreamtoathirdbowl. Beateggwhites,eggyolksandcream separately—yolkstillblended,whitesand creamjusttillfluffy.Veryimportanttobeat themseparately.
Foldallthreetogetherwiththemilk. Addryeandrum,pouringslowly.Fold gentlytomix.
Canbemadeadayahead.(Allthebetter, sothemixturecan“mellow”.)
Sprinklenutmegontopofeachcupof eggnog,ifdesired.
GreenBean andPotatoSalad
SusanCanfora,StaffReporter
Whenmymother,Concetta“Tina” VendemiaCanfora,madeGreenBeanand PotatoSalad,itwassodeliciousthatmysisterwouldpulltheservingbowlinfrontof heratthediningtableandsaynobody couldhaveitexcepther.Ofcourse,my mothermadehershare.Welostmydear motherin2009,butIstillmakeGreen BeanandPotatoSalad.Itcomeswithaside ofthebestmemoriesofmymum.
Mymotherusedfreshpotatoes,boiled andpeeledthemforthissaladbutyoucan alsousecannedpotatoes,asIdowhenI’m inahurryandasIhaveinthefollowing recipe.
Ingredients:
n 1canofgreenbeans
n 1canofslicedpotatoes
n Oliveoiltotaste
n Redwinevinegartotaste
n Oregano,salt,andpeppertotaste
n Blackolives,optional
Instructions:
Mixeverythinginaprettybowlwitha healthydoseoforegano,chillandenjoy.
ItalianRice
CoriBurcham,Writer
Ingredients:
n MedSizedonion
n 1/2lb.groundbeef
n 1/3stickofmargarine
n 4-5spoonsoftomatosauce
n 2mediumpotatoes
n 1cuprice
Instructions:
Sauteonionwithmargarine.Addground beef.Brownthegroundbeef.Addtomato sauceandcookfor2minutes.Addpotatoes.Add6-7cupsofwaterandbringtoa boil.Addriceandcookfor15minuteson lowheat,covered.SprinklewithLocatelli cheese,salt,pepper,andserve.
OysterCasserole
SusanMutz,AdvertisingManager
InMemoryofJoyTimmonsLuzier
Ingredients:
n 1pintdrainedoysters (savesomeofthejuice)
n 1/2cupmeltedbutter
n 2cupscrackercrumbs
n 1tspsalt/lessifusingsaltedcrackers
n 1/4tspblackpepper
n 1/3cupmilk
n 1/4tspWorcestershiresauce (Youcanopttousesomeofthe juicefromtheoysters&uselessmilk)
Instructions:
Mixcrackercrumbswithsalt,pepper andmeltedbutter.
Nextstartlayeringcrumbs,oystersthen crackercrumbsagainin8x8casserolepan. Pourinmilk.
Bakeat425°Fdegreesuntilgolden brown.
PartyChicken
TarynKing,Editor
Ingredients:
n 4largechickenbreasts
n 8slicescheddarorSwisscheese
n 110ozcancreamofmushroomsoup n 1cupdrywhitewine (pinotgrigiosuggested)
n 1packageherbseasonedcubedstuffing
n Butter
n Saltandpeppertotaste
Instructions:
Preheatovento350°F.
Chickenbreastscanbeleftwholeor slicedinhalflengthwisedependingonsize. Placechickeninasprayed9x13baking dish.
Lightlyseasonthechickenwithsaltand pepper.
Topchickenwithslicesofcheese(cover entirebreast)
Inabowl,mixcreamofmushroomsoup withwineuntilwellblended.
Pourmixtureoverchicken.
Topwithdrycubedstuffinguntilcompletecovered.
Dotwithpatsofbutteracrossstuffing. Coverpanwithfoilandbakeat350°Ffor 45mins.Removefoilandbakeforanother 5-10minsoruntilchickenreachesaninter-
naltemperatureof165°F. Pairswellwithherbedlonggrainand wildrice.
Note:winecanbesubstitutedwithan equalamountofchickenbroth,ormilkdependingonpreference. Serves4-8.
PineappleStuffing
ChrisAube,GraphicDesign
Ingredients: n 1/2cupofbutter
n 1/2cupofsugar
n 4eggs
n 120oz.can crushedpineapples, drained
n 6slicesofstalebread, cubed(or4cupsof unseasonedbreadcubes)
Instructions:
Creambutterandsugar. Beatineggs.Stirinpineapple. Foldinbreadcubes. Transfertogreased1.5quart casseroledish.
Bakeuncoveredat350°Ffor45minutes to1hour.Stuffingisdonewhengolden brown.
Note:doubletherecipeforlargegroups Rosie’sCheeseBall
SusanLyons,Publisher
Ingredients: n 2cupsshreddedcheddarcheese n 3ozcreamcheese
n 3TBSmayo
n 1/2tspWorcestershiresauce
n Dashofonionsalt
n Dashofgarlicsalt
n Dashofcelerysalt
n 3TBSmincedparsley
Instructions:
Mixallingredientstogetherthoroughly. Rollintolargeball.Coverandchill.
Ingredients:
n 1/2cupbutter
n 3TBS.confectioner’ssugar
n 1cupsiftedflour
n 1cupfinelychoppedpecans
Instructions:
Preheatovento325°F.
Creambutterandconfectioners’sugar. Addsiftedflourandfinelychopped pecans.Chillforseveralhours.
Rollteaspoon-sizedamountsofdough intoballs.
Set2”apartonbakingsheet.
Bake15-20min.,or’tillightlygolden. Cool5min.Rollinconfectioners’sugar. Makes4dozen
Stained-Glass WindowCookies
M.PatriciaTitus,DigitalEditor
Ingredients:
n 1cupbutter
n 1cupconfectioner’ssugar
n 1egg
n 1tsp.vanillaextract
n 21/4cupsflour
n 1cuppecanhalves
n 1cupred&green candiedcherries,halved
Instructions:
Preheatovento325°F
Creambutterandsugar.Addegg,vanilla extract,flour,andmixwell.Stirinpecan halvesandcherries.Chillfor1hour. Divideinto312-inch-longrolls.Rollin waxedpaper,chill3hoursorlonger. Cutinto1/8in.slices
Bakeonungreasedcookiesheet13-15 minutesoruntiledgesaregolden.
ChristmasCrack
JessicaHeppding,Classifieds/Legals
Ingredients:
n 2sticksofunsaltedbutter
n 1cupsugar
n 1bagofchocolatechips
n 1sleeveofsaltinecrackers
Instructions:
Preheatovento350°F.
Lineabakingsheetwithaluminumfoil orparchmentpaper,thenlinewith saltines—layingflat.Onestandardsizebakingsheetwillholdexactlyonesleeve.
Inamediumsaucepanmelt2sticksof butterandonecupofsugar.Mixuntilfully meltedandbubbling.Pourentiremixture evenlyoversaltines,thenaddthewhole bagofchocolatechipsasevenlyasyoucan, andplaceintheovenforabout5mins.or untilyouseethebutterandsugarstartto bubbleagainandthechipsstartingtomelt. Takeasiliconespatulaandgentlyspread outthechocolateevenly.Letcoolforabout 10mins.andplaceintherefrigeratorfor about2hoursthenbreakapartandenjoy!
*isgoessofast!Isuggestthatyou makeatleasttwotrays.Also,getcreative andplayaroundwiththetoppings!Try
Cannotbecombinedwithanyotheroffer Offerdoesnotexpire
darkchocolatechipswithseasaltsprinkled ontop.Mixchocolatechips,peanutbutter chipsandbreakupReese’spiecesontop foragreatFall/anksgivingcolor.Tryred andgreenM&MsforChristmasfun.Break uppretzels,orcrushedcandycanesorpeppermints.Whitechocolatedrizzle,caramel drizzle...Somanyoptions!
VeganApplePie
GiovanniGuido,Intern
Ingredients:
ForPieCrust:(orusestoreboughttosaveontime)
n Makes2(9-inch)crusts
n 3cupsall-purposeflour,divided
n 2 TBScanesugar
n 11/4tspseasalt
n 1cupplus2TBSrefinedcoconutoil
n 1/2cupicewater
ForApplePieFilling:
n 6-8apples(mixofHoneyCrisp,Fuji, GrannySmith),peeledandthinlysliced
n 6TBSveganbutter
n 11/2TBSall-purposeflour
n ¼cupcoconutsugar
n 5TBSpackedbrownsugar
n 1tspgroundcinnamon
n 1/8tspgroundnutmeg
n 3TBSwater,divided
ForPieCrustTopping:
n 1-2TBSnondairymilk
n 1TBScanesugar
n 2tspgroundcinnamon
Ifusingstore-boughtpiecrustskipto
Makingthepiecrust:
1. Inafoodprocessor,pulsetogether 11/2cupsflour,canesugarandseasalt. Overtoptheflourevenlydistribute1/2 tablespoonclumpsofcoconutoiluntil alloilisadded.Closeandpulse15-18 times.Doughwillbeclumpyandsticky. Scrapedownsides.Pourin11/2cups flourandpulse6-8timesoruntiljust incorporated.
2. Transferdoughintolargebowland drizzle1/2cupicewateroverdough. Usingarubberspatulafoldinwater untilmixedbutnotovermix.Press doughintoball.Note-Ifdoughdoes notcometogetheraddamaximumof 1-2teaspoonsicewater.Evenlydivide doughandformintotwo4-inchflatten disks.
3. Betweentwopiecesofparchmentpaper rollouteachdiskseparatelyinto 12-inchcircles.Placeonepiecrustin therefrigeratorfor30-45seconds.Next, removetopparchmentpaperandflip onto9-inchgreasedpiepan.Remove
parchmentpaperandpresscrustinto piepan.Trimoverhangto1-inchand tuckexcessdoughunderitself.Cover looselywithplasticwrap.Placeinthe refrigeratoruntilreadytoaddthe apples.
4. Forthelatticepiecrusttop,cutthe doughintoevenstripusingapizza cutterandruler,1/2to1-inchstrips. Removeeveryotherstripandplaceon theemptyparchmentpaper.Create latticeworkwiththestrips.Coverwith parchmentpaperandleaveonthe counteruntilStep7.
Makingthepie:
5. Preheatovento425°F.Gentlymix 1-2teaspoonsfreshlemonjuiceinto slicedapplestokeepfrombrowning. Setaside.
6. Inasaucepanonmediumheat,melt thebutterthenstirinflour.Mixin sugarsandspices.enadd2 tablespoonswaterandcookuntilsugars dissolve.Pour2/3ofthismixtureover applesandgentlymixuntilwellcoated. Setasideremaining1/3mixture.
7. Retrievetherefrigeratedpiecrustand placeontopofalinedbakingsheet.Fill withthecoatedapples,mounding slightly.Placethelatticetopcrustinthe refrigeratorfor30-45seconds.Next, removetopparchmentpaperand carefullyfliplatticeontopie.Trim overhangto1-inchandtuckexcess doughintobottomcrust.
8. Tothesaucepan,stirremaining1 tablespoonwaterintosugarmixture. Brushmixtureovertopofthecrust. enslowlypourremainingsugar mixtureintoallopeningsofthe latticecrust.
9. Bake10minutes.Reducethe temperatureto350°Fandbakingfor35 minutes.Removefromoven,brushmilk overtopoflatticecrustthengenerously sprinkletopwithsugarmixtureand finishbakingfor6-8minutes.Allowpie tocoolforseveralhoursbeforeeating.
Serves8-10
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