Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday

Gift Guide NOVEMBER 2013 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

The Daily Home

’TIS THE SEASON ~ GIFT IDEAS ~ SHOPPING TIPS

Christmas Gift Guide

2A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How to get your home ready for holiday guests Hosting family members for the holidays is a great way to spend quality time with loved ones during a special time of year. For many families, the holidays are the one time each year when everyone can get together regardless of where they live or how demanding their commitments to work and family can be.

When families gather for the holidays, many people often find themselves playing host to distant relatives. Accepting such hosting duties is an act that comes with many responsibilities, including readying the home for overnight guests. The following are a few ways hosts can prepare their homes for holiday guests.

• Take inventory of linens. Overnight guests mean you will need extra bed linens, blankets and pillows.

Take inventory of your linen closet now, and inspect each set of sheets to make sure they are still usable.

If sheets are ragged or the blankets have thinned, purchase new linens so your guests feel as if they’re at home and don’t get cold overnight. If your linen closet is fully stocked with quality linens, clean them in the days leading up to your guests’ arrival.

• Buy some night lights. You might be familiar enough with your home’s layout in the dark, but your guests likely won’t have that same sense of familiarity.

Purchase a few night lights for the hallways and restrooms so guests can easily get around should they need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.

• Childproof your home if necessary. Kids can be curious, so holiday hosts without children of their own should childproof their homes before any guests arrive with kids in tow. Move hazardous materials to high shelves that kids can’t reach, and make sure any prescription medications are also out of reach of youngsters. If your home has any steep staircases,

consider purchasing some child gates or asking your guests to bring their own gates to reduce the risk of young kids falling down your stairs.

• Stock up on toiletries and other essentials.

Replenish your supply of toiletries before guests arrive. Stock up on toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the days leading up to the holidays. In addition, consider buying kitchen items like paper towels, napkins, plastic cutlery, and paper plates. Paper plates may come in especially handy, saving you the trouble of having to load up the dishwasher after meals in which paper plates and plastic cutlery would have sufficed.

• Give your common areas a thorough cleaning.

Any common areas of the home, including the foyer,

living room, dining room, kitchen, and restrooms, should be given a thorough cleaning prior to your guests’ arrival. Clean any bedrooms where guests will be staying as well. You don’t need to devote as much time to cleaning your own bedroom or home office, but make sure these rooms are presentable as well.

• Clean out the closets. If your hall closets are largely used for storing miscellaneous items, clean them out for the coming days to make room for your guests’ coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and shoes.

Moving these items, be it to the garage, a backyard shed or the basement, can be temporary, but you will need your closets to serve a more traditional purpose while your guests are in town for the holidays

Gifting those who help us throughout the year trash twice a week and your mail carrier may take priority over the hairstylist you visit once every month or two. * Establish a budget.

The holiday season can be costly, so set a firm limit on what you plan to give, perhaps between $10 and $20 each, and stick to that budget for each recipient. * Recognize that not everyone is allowed to accept gifts. Some service providers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or presents.

Government employees, for example, may

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be prohibited from accepting cash gifts or gifts that exceed a predetermined amount.

With this in mind, gloves or a gift basket may be your best option. * Gift a little more to personal care professionals.

Your hairstylists, masseuse or anyone who performs more personal tasks for you may warrant a larger gift. Etiquette suggests giving a gift equal to the price of one session of service, even if that gift is cash. Therefore if your hair cut costs $35, gift $35. * Health and child care employees warrant special treatment. A private nurse, nanny or nursing home worker should be gifted for the holidays. Avoid cash gifts with health service

providers, opting for a more personal gift that is a token of your affection and appreciation. If gifts

are not allowed, consider making a charitable donation in the person’s name.

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elsewhere. For example, in urban areas cash gifts are usually appreciated, whereas rural, closeknit communities tend to give homemade gifts.

The rule to remember, above all, is that if a gift is given with good intentions, it should be happily received. That being said, here are some general guidelines for gifting those men and women who help us throughout the year. * Determine your list.

Think about the people with whom you interact regularly. The sanitation workers who pick up the

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Holiday gift-giving etiquette can be confusing, especially when it comes to gifting those men and women who aren’t necessarily friends or family members, but still help us out in a variety of ways. Deciding how to thank the people who intersect our lives by delivering mail or cleaning the pool can take a little ingenuity.

Gifting preferences often vary from region to region. What might be acceptable in a certain area of the country may be frowned upon

Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 3A

Stress-free holiday hosting tips the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities. * Plan well in advance.

The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you’re likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible. * Hire a cleaning service. One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a

cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party.

Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more timeconsuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list. * Have a theme for the party. Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party.

A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday

songs for a sing-along.

Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately.

Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun. * Pass the buck.

Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry

about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare.

Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

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Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season.

Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well. Thus an abundance of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year.

All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun. * Enlist help. Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can’t pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist. When hosting a holiday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes.

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4A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gift Guide

Holiday menu planning for first-time hosts

Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening.

Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting.

When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips.

* Get a head count.

Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties

and less time with your guests. Once you have confirmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list. * Decide which type of party you want to host. The type of party you want to host also will influence what you serve. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees.

A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway.

For example, whereas

a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course. * Ask guests if they have any dietary

restrictions.

Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests’ needs. Some guests might be on a glutenfree diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake.

You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate

snack if you cannot provide one for them. * Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years. * Don’t overdo it.

First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it’s easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare.

Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking.

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Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 5A

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor (MS) -- The holiday countdown is on and it’s time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage.

Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

CSA Group, a leader in public safety testing and certification, offers these tips to help you stay safe this holiday: * Carefully inspect light strings each year. Discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. Inspect for storage damage from moisture or rodents. * Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working with outdoor wiring. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the

voltage and wattage of the original. To avoid a shock from damaged wires, use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. * Make decorating a family activity by planning this year’s theme with the kids, but don’t let children or pets play with light strings. * Keep electrical connectors for outdoor lights above ground, out of water and away from metal gutters.

Connect outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power. * Use heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations and large electronically-animated displays, and don’t overload extension cords.

If you need to purchase new lights,

look for a certification mark to ensure they are certified by an organization such as CSA Group.

And remember: outdoor holiday lights are made for seasonal use only; extended exposure to the elements

can lead to damage. So when the holidays are over, take down the festive decorations and place them back in their original packaging for next year.

Holly and mistletoe are symbols of Christmas “Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time for mistletoe and holly. Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents, countrysides covered in snow.”

As exemplified by this holiday hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday imagery and tradition. Holly is used to adorn a home in green and red finery alongside evergreen boughs and wreaths. In addition, it has become customary to hang a bouquet of mistletoe under which people are encouraged to share a holiday kiss. While these elements of celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins.

Holly Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honor at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn. To avoid persecution during the Roman pagan Saturnalia festival, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evil-repelling

holly on their homes to appear like the masses.

Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and more associated with Christians and Christmas. Some people have inferred that holly and its prickly edges is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion, with the red berries representing blood.

Mistletoe Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. Heavy infestation can dwarf the growth and kill these trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality).

The plant also was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection. When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day. This is how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe likely began, and why a ball of mistletoe is now hung in homes during Christmas, a season of peace and affection.

Homeowners who hang

mistletoe and holly around their homes during the holiday season should be mindful of pets and youngsters around the plants. Mistletoe and holly are considered to be moderately to severely toxic, and ingesting the leaves could be dangerous. Therefore, keep these plants away from curious hands. Mistletoe is commonly hung up high, which should make it less problematic, but holly should be hung high as well.

Now largely associated with Christmas celebrations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.

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Christmas Gift Guide

6A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Simple ways to curtail holiday spending The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including spending. Spending money is an accepted part of the season for many celebrants, who exchange gifts with loved ones, travel to see family and friends and host holiday parties this time of year.

None of those things comes without a cost, and for some consumers, curtailing those costs is an early New Year’s resolution.

Part of the danger of holiday spending is that many consumers are already in debt before the season even begins. In a holiday report issued prior to the 2012 holiday season, TransUnion, one of the three main credit reporting agencies, noted that the average credit card debt per buyer in the United States was just under $5,000. That means the average consumer began last holiday season having already accrued a significant amount of credit card debt. Though it might seem impossible to rein in holiday spending, there are ways consumers can do just that and still enjoy a festive holiday season. * Propose a gift exchange. Many families exchange gifts during the holidays, but there are ways to make such exchanges less expensive. Instead of a traditional exchange in which every member of the family buys a gift for everyone else, propose an exchange in which family members pick names out of a hat and only buy a gift for the person whose name they draw.

This saves shoppers time and money, and families still get to enjoy the thrill of putting a smile on a loved one’s face. * Don’t purchase extended warranties. Big-ticket items like televisions and other household appliances make for popular gifts come the holiday season.

When purchasing such items, shoppers are often asked by a salesperson if they want to purchase an extended warranty. In theory, extending the warranty seems like a great idea, acting as a safety blanket should something happen to the item down the road. But many appliances already come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and extended warranties often just duplicate coverage already provided by the manufacturer. Some might still be hesitant to pass on the extended warranty, but it’s important to

know that many extended warranties often defer to the manufacturer’s warranty, so you may very well be paying, and paying a lot, for something you are unlikely to ever use. * Only buy gifts for children. For many adults, the joy of the holiday season comes not from receiving gifts but from the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. So rather than buying adult friends and relatives gifts, propose that adults only buy gifts for the kids in the family. This saves adults time and money, and the youngsters still get the joy of unwrapping gifts come the holiday season. * Avoid signing up for store credit cards. When shopping at major retailers, consumers are often asked if they want to sign up for store credit cards, an offer that seems all the more enticing when store representatives dangle an immediate discount between 10 and 20 percent just for signing up.

Though it might seem like a great deal, instantly earning as much as 20 percent off your purchase, signing up for store credit cards is not always in

consumer’s best interests. That’s because store credit cards tend to come with steep interest rates, meaning consumers must be able to pay off their balances immediately, or they will be forced to pay interest charges that could dwarf the initial savings earned upon signing up for the card. * Give gift cards. Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they can save shoppers money while allowing recipients to truly get something they want. Shoppers on strict budgets can purchase a gift card that fits into that budget, removing the temptation to spend a few extra dollars when they find the perfect gift that costs a few dollars more than they had initially budgeted.

In addition, gift cards are great for distant relatives, as they can be included in greeting cards, saving the added expense of shipping.

The holiday season and spending seemingly go hand in hand, but there are ways for consumers to cut costs this holiday season.

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The basics of poinsettia plant care Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The flowering plant was first introduced to the United States

by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant.

During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist.

Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with

high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop.

Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent.

While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season. Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October.

Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year.

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Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 7A

The benefits of putting it on plastic this holiday season Many shoppers are fully aware of the dangers of making too many credit card purchases during the holiday season. Though it’s important to avoid accumulating debt, there are advantages to using credit cards throughout the year, including during the popular holiday shopping season.

online purchases. Credit cards offer more security than debit cards when making such purchases. * Credit cards offer more insurance than debit cards. Though gifts

for friends and family may account for the bulk of holiday budgets, consumers still make additional purchases during the holiday season. Using credit cards to rent vehicles,

purchase airline tickets and buy products for your home may help you save money in the long run. For example, when using a major credit card to rent a car, chances are that car is already being

insured by your credit card provider, which can save you substantial amounts of money on costly rental company insurance policies. Many credit cards also provide travel insurance to

protect cardholders who financed their trips using their credit cards. Such protections can come in handy for consumers who travel a lot during the holiday season.

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8A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gift Guide

How to make holiday travel less taxing

Though holiday travel is rarely hassle-free, many travelers would no doubt admit that enduring long lines at the airport or heavily trafficked highways are prices worth paying for the chance to spend time with their families come the holiday season. But while there’s no way for travelers to guarantee their flights leave on time or the roads stay clear of fellow drivers, there are ways to make the holiday travel less taxing. * Prepare to wait. Check-in lines and lines at security checkpoints tend to be especially long during the holiday season. Travelers should prepare to wait at such lines and leave their homes early enough so they can still make their flights without

having to rush through airports at the last minute. If you normally leave your home two hours before your scheduled check-in, then leave an hour earlier to account for traffic en route to the airport and the long lines once you get there. If you make it through the security checkpoint with plenty of time to spare before your flight departs, you can always unwind at an airport coffee shop or restaurant, but arriving too late to the airport will only add stress to an already stressful situation.

Drivers also should prepare to wait when traveling during the holiday season.

Roads will have more drivers, so travelers should build in traffic jams when estimating how long it might take for them to arrive at their destinations. Sitting in traffic might still be stressful, but it won’t be as stressful if you’re still likely to arrive to your destination on time. * Ship your gifts. Holiday travelers often try to cram gifts into their suitcases or the trunks of their vehicles, reducing the space they have to bring personal items or stretch out in their cars on road trips. Instead of squeezing as many gifts into your suitcase or vehicle as possible, ship the gifts and travel light. Traveling light can save you from having to pay potentially costly baggage fees at the airport, while drivers will notice passengers tend to be a lot more comfortable and relaxed when they don’t have to share space with bags filled with gifts. * Bring your own food. Hunger can only make flight delays and traffic jams that much worse. When traveling for the holidays, bring along your own food, especially when traveling with youngsters. Pack small meals for kids and some snacks for the flight or the drive. It’s not a safe assumption that there will be food on the flight or that you will have time to grab some snacks in the terminal before boarding the plane. So pack some snacks before you leave for the airport. Drivers also should anticipate traffic jams and should not assume that there will be rest stops along the way where they can pick up beverages, snacks or meals. Drivers also may want to avoid pulling over so they can get to their destinations on time.

Packing food and beverages for the trip can save you the trouble of making frequent pitstops to quell hunger and thirst. * Pack some distractions. Whether you’re waiting to board at the gate or driving on a seemingly endless highway, pack some distractions so you or your fellow travelers aren’t left with nothing to do during delays. People traveling via airplane may want to bring along a book or a tablet on which they can play games or watch television. Drivers may not be able to take their eyes off the roads, but they can pack books and tablets or video game consoles for their passengers. Children may find delays or long trips especially uncomfortable, so adults should make sure kids have things to keep them occupied during such excursions.

Holiday travel can be unpredictable and tedious, but travelers can take steps to make the process of getting from point A to point B a lot less taxing.

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Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 9A

Potted Christmas trees produce holiday cheer all year long

to excavate. Consider digging the hole in the autumn and then filling it with leaves or a tarp until the time comes to plant the tree.

Roughly two weeks before Christmas, you will need to transition the tree for indoor use.

Neglecting this step may result in shock to the tree, which can cause it to wilt or die. Place the tree inside of a garage or a shed where it is generally warmer than outside but not yet room temperature. After this two-week period, move

the tree inside where it will have a place of honor for festivities. Do not leave the tree inside the house for more than 10 days. It will need to be moved back into the garage and then outside before planting.

Many evergreens are durable, and the majority of the decorations you use on the tree should not harm it. But be careful not to tug or break branches.

Use small lights that do not generate much heat; otherwise, you risk damaging the boughs

with burns. When the tree is indoors, it’s also essential to keep it in an area that gets filtered sunlight and is away from heating vents that may dry it out. A spot in front of the front window may be the best location.

Potted Christmas trees make an eco-friendly addition to holiday traditions. They can be planted year after year, adding some aesthetic appeal to the backyard while benefitting the environment.

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remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Trees help control excessive moisture issues in the soil by drawing up water for survival, and can help prevent erosion of soil in more arid climates.

Caring for a potted tree takes a bit more effort than a standard cut tree.

There are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure its post-Christmas survival.

You can purchase the tree several weeks in advance of the holidays, provided you water the tree frequently and keep it outdoors in the cool weather in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Select a tree variety that is hardy to the specific zone in which you live and will acclimate to the climate and soil conditions. A local nursery should be able to guide you to the right evergreen.

Because you intend to plant this tree after the holidays, it is a good idea to choose the location where the tree will eventually grow and dig the hole as early as possible before the ground freezes and becomes difficult

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Christmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration.

Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an artificial or real tree. Those who opt for a real tree may think their only options are the cut trees available at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a potted Christmas tree, all the while adding an eco-conscious element to their holiday celebrations.

Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be transplanted outdoors after Christmas.

This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides various benefits to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air filter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which

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10A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gift Guide

Visit Santa without all the tears

parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa. * Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses, try to get to the mall when the doors first open. Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter. * Consider another venue. Many different places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees. A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall. * Go well-fed. There’s little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry.

Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing. * Make it a family photo. Sometimes the only way to entice a little one to take a picture with Santa is to provide some added security. Dress your best and be prepared to have to step in and cozy up to Santa to ensure your child is all smiles.

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The holiday season means it’s time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chances to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red.

But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying fit or meltdown away from having this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, it’s understandable when everyone’s patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tear-stained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips. * Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red suit and a big, white beard may be nervous. Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is.

Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday

326616

Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 1B

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating displays, light strings and extension cords.

Ensure decorations are marked and certified for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep the mood light but not fiery -Choose flame-resistant decorations and don’t place open flames or candles near flammable materials, such as wreathes, trees or paper decorations. Never nail or tack lighting strings to a wall, as this may damage

these offered by CSA Group: Creativity is key but not at the cost of safety -- Let your inner designer shine, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when arranging electrical items, such as lights and electronic decorations.

Be sure to turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working

Be alert for unusual odors or flames when your gas fireplace is on, often indicating that the fireplace is not operating properly. In such cases, contact your dealer or licensed technician for servicing.

For extreme decorators, make sure your house is capable of handling the electrical load of multiple lights and decor. If in doubt, contact a licensed professional to inspect your electrical system.

with outdoor wiring, and never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet indoors.

Fakes are no laughing matter -- Your next door neighbor dressed up as Santa is funny.

Counterfeit decorations are not so funny. Look for the mark from an accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group, on animated

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(MS) -- Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season.

Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn’t followed precautions like

insulation and create a shock or fire hazard. Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks that could damage wiring to hold light strings in place.

Cozy up -- Keep warm by the fireplace but be sure your gas appliances are in good working order. If the pilot light or flame goes out, turn the gas off and wait five minutes or longer (see the manufacturer’s instructions) before attempting to relight.

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2B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gift Guide

Finding time during the holiday season

on the task at hand. Rather than going from store to store and checking items off multiple shopping lists, shoppers who shop singularly can devote all of their attention to their own lists. * Shop online. Another way to save time when shopping for the holidays is to shop online. This saves you the time it takes to drive to and from the mall and walk around multiple stores, all the while saving you from the often frustrating and timeconsuming experience of finding a parking space.

In addition, you can shop online at any time of day.

So rather than just eating lunch at your desk on your lunch hour or spending the last hour before

you go to bed for the night idling away on the couch, you can make more efficient use of that time by doing some holiday shopping. * Plan ahead. Whether shopping for holiday gifts, taking the family to buy a Christmas tree or organizing a holiday dinner with friends, the more you can plan ahead of the holiday season the less time you will waste once the season hits full swing.

For example, when choosing a weekend to go Christmas tree shopping, inform others a few weeks in advance and let them know you want to go early to avoid crowds. This saves you time and might just help you land one of the best trees on the lot.

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Perhaps no time of year is as busy as the holiday season, when social engagements and holiday shopping combine to dominate so much of what is normally our free time. Additionally, holiday travel and late nights spent at work to make up for lost time also cut into our free time, leaving many people in search of ways to add more hours to the day. Though there’s no way to make a day last longer, there are ways to save some time this holiday season. * Go it alone. Holiday shopping can be very time consuming, but shoppers who decide to shop alone may find themselves more productive and focused

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Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 3B

A less traditional yet tasty take on a holiday dinner

Holiday dinners vary from household to household. Some might prefer a traditional meal of turkey with all of the trimmings, while others might want to try their hands at something new. For those among the latter group, the following recipe for “Winter-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin,” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing), is sure to make a splash at your holiday dinner table this season.

Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Serves 8 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup dried figs 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 pounds total) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup honey, preferably sourwood honey 1. Mince the apricots, cherries and figs by hand or in a food processor.

2. Slice the tenderloins lengthwise, almost all the way through. Open them up and lay them flat. Place each tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound each piece of meat with a meat tenderizer until it is about 1/2-inch thick. Remove the top piece of plastic.

3. Season the surface of the pork with the salt and pepper. Divide the fruit mixture in half and spread evenly on the cut surface of each tenderloin. Top each with half of the cheese. Roll up each tenderloin, using the bottom piece of plastic to help you, tucking in the fruit and cheese as you go. Tie kitchen string every 2 inches around the tenderloins, continuing to push in any fruit or cheese that may fall out.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tied tenderloins, turning as each side is browned. Be careful when searing the open side, as some fruit and cheese might fall out. You are just trying to seal in the meat juices, not trying to cook the pork all the way through.

6. Combine the butter and honey in a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Drizzle the butter over the tenderloins.

7. Place the tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 150 F. Remove the baking sheet and allow the tenderloins to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices in the meat rather than all over your kitchen counter.

8. Snip off and discard the strings. Slice the pork into 1-inch-thick pieces and serve.

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Christmas Gift Guide

4B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Emphasize safety when decorating for the holidays

Decking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families.

A home’s exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room bring that holiday cheer inside.

Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if revelers do not emphasize safety when decorating their homes.

When decorating this holiday season, be sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive, decorative and safe. * Exercise extreme caution with holiday lights. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 150 home fires per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting. Such fires may start because of frayed or bare wires,

broken or cracked sockets or even loose connections. It’s important that men and women be especially careful when decorating their homes with holiday lights, inspecting each set of lights for damage and discarding any damaged sets. When choosing lights, use only lights that have been certified for outdoor use on your home’s exterior, and never use outdoor lights inside. * Purchase the right Christmas tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of fires causing an average of 15 deaths each year. In addition, such fires cause an average of $13 million in property damage annually. Though it can be tempting to purchase the most eye-catching Christmas tree you find, avoid acting rashly until you have learned a little about the tree.

Artificial trees should be labeled as “Fire Resistant.” Such trees can still catch fire, but they are more resistant to fire than trees without such labels.

When buying a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh. The tree should be green, and its needles should be difficult to pull off of branches, which should not be easily breakable. Tap the tree on the ground before purchasing it. If the tree loses a lot of needles upon tapping the ground, it isn’t fresh. Trees that aren’t fresh are more susceptible to going up in flames. * Keep the tree away from heat sources. Though it might seem more idyllic to place your Christmas tree next to the fireplace, it’s a lot more dangerous as well. When choosing a

spot for your tree, find a place that is away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and vents. But homeowners also should know that even trees placed away from heat sources can still dry out, creating a fire hazard even if the tree was fresh and healthy when purchased. That’s because Christmas trees can quickly dry out in heated rooms. Monitor the tree’s water levels every day, checking those levels in both the morning and at night before going to bed. This prevents the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, and it also helps the tree maintain its aesthetic appeal through the holiday season. * Limit use of candles. Like Christmas trees, candles are a popular yet potentially hazardous decorative item during the holiday season. When decorating with candles, be sure that all candles are extinguished before leaving a room and never leave them burning when you go to bed.

Candles should be kept away from any decorative items, including Christmas trees, that can catch fire. Never place candles near curtains, furniture or presents. Holiday enthusiasts with little children or pets at home might want to decorate with fake LED-light candles instead of traditional candles.

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

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

Childersburg Christmas Parade

Thursday, Dec. 12 ~ 6:00 p.m.

This Years’s Theme

“Angel’s Among Us” 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Awards for Best Amateur Floats Entry forms available online at www.childersburg.com or pickup at the Childersburg Chamber Office

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Parade Entries Deadline - Monday, December 2nd

Decorated Sponsor Floats Available for Corporations or Businesses

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For information call 256-378-5482

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Bring something beautiful to your home this holiday — antique furniture and collectibles from Powder Box Antiques in Sylacauga.

Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 5B

Out-of-the-box themes for your holiday party

s Parties are an integral part of the holiday season, , when friends and family gather to celebrate and give thanks. For holiday hosts, parties are a great s opportunity to make the season even more festive with an event that guests won’t soon forget. The following f are just a few themes to make your holiday party as n memorable as it is merry. s • Christmas sweater party: Christmas sweater parties d have grown in popularity over the last decade, when s revelers have tried to outdo one another with the most outrageous holiday-themed sweater. Give prizes for e the most outlandish sweater and let guests know early e on so they can begin their hunt for a holiday sweater a that’s so ugly or outrageous you can’t help but love it.

• Christmas costume party: Costume parties aren’t just for Halloween. This holiday season, consider making your holiday bash a costume party, encouraging e guests to dress up as their favorite characters from r holiday tales like “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas e Carol” or any of the host of beloved holiday legends. n • Caribbean Christmas: The weather come the holiday season may be the one thing to put a damper on e the festivities. To combat blue feelings from potentially inclement weather, consider a Caribbean theme for your holiday party this season. Rather than wearing sweaters and long pants, wear beach attire and give the s party a touch of the Caribbean. Outfit your home in beach decor and serve food and drinks reminiscent of the Caribbean instead of more traditional holiday fare like eggnog and gingerbread cookies.

• Film festival: Holiday movies are another tradition t of the season, so why not invite friends and family over for a holiday film marathon? Include classics like t “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” and t encourage guests to submit their own favorites for n consideration.

• Christmas karaoke: For those who love to belt d out their favorite holiday tunes, consider throwing a l Christmas karaoke party that allows guests to perform e their own renditions of their favorite Christmas carols. , Purchase a home karaoke set and ask guests in advance of the party if there are any particular songs they’d like to perform.

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•Chainsaws •Blowers •Timmers & Accessories As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer you our Winter Service Special good for December and January.

COUPON

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Gaither’s Florist in Talladega has a wide range of Christmas Wreaths, mantel arrangements and other gift items made to order or pre-arranged just for that special someone. They also offer wire service and local delivery.

35450 Alabama Hwy. 21 North 256-362-6113 314172

6B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gift Guide

Maximize time spent on holiday shopping The holiday season encompasses several weeks of frenetic activity, as men and women look to juggle abnormally busy social schedules with holiday shopping. While you might not be able to add hours to the day, there are certain measures anyone can take to make the hustle and bustle of the holiday season more efficient.

Shopping swallows up a significant amount of time come the holiday season. According to the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, the average person will spend 15 hours shopping for presents. Women tend to spend twice as long as men in stores and online, with women logging 20 hours of holiday shopping compared to the 10 hours the average male spends shopping for holiday gifts.

Making the most of holiday shopping trips can free up moments and reduce overall stress during the holidays.

Condense your gift list How much time you spend on holiday shopping depends largely on the number of people on your gift list. Shortening that list can save time and money.

This may be the year for adults to collectively decide to forego exchanging gifts in lieu of devoting more funds toward gifts for youngsters. Distant friends may no longer need to feel obligated to buy presents for one another. Opting to do a “Secret Santa” or another grab-bag style gift exchange can reduce the number of gifts you need to buy, saving time along the way.

Keep a spreadsheet of your shopping list stored on your computer or smartphone so it can be easily modified year-to-year.

Create a shopping strategy Millions of shoppers flock to stores on Black Friday to take advantage of doorbuster deals, and some even get all of their holiday shopping finished on this one afternoon. Others prefer to divide and conquer over a few weeks. Decide how you would like to economize your shopping so you won’t be traveling from store to store wasting precious time.

Organize your shopping list into certain categories.

Then match up those categories according to the stores that cater to these items. For example, if your list mentions bedding for a new college student’s dorm room, curtains for an aunt and a set of beach towels for a friend who will be doing some postholiday travel, group these purchases together and head to a bed-and-bath store. Such a plan in place can greatly cut down on your time spent shopping.

Shop off-hours Consumer Reports says shoppers expect to wait in store check-out lines for an average of 3.5 to 4 hours this holiday season. Avoiding such situations can save you a significant amount of time, so shop during offpeak hours when you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with fellow shoppers.

will likely be preparing for bed and not waiting in line at the mall. Some retailers entice shoppers with early bird specials and open their doors very early, so

shoppers looking to save time can make an effort to be the first person at the door when the store opens.

If you must shop during a lunch hour, shop online where crowds are never a concern.

Split up the shopping

Spouses, family members and even friends can

pool their shopping time and help others by tackling some of their purchases. Dividing the work shortens

the time spent in stores, and a third party may have a keen eye to a deal or a unique gift when he or she is emotionally removed from the purchase.

The average person finds time is of the essence come

Take advantage of stores’ extended hours and shop later in the evening, when parents and their children

the holiday season. Prioritizing and economizing shopping is one way to make the season less hectic.

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Celebrate the holidays in style! Visit Lou Bells located in Sylacauga for all your Christmas clothing needs.

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TIMELESS TREASURES & GIFTS

40745 U.S. Hwy. 280 Sylacauga ~ 256-369-1207

Michael’s Men’s Wear located on the square in Talladega makes it easy to shop for the men in your life. From shirts, pants, ties and suits, they can assist you with just about any line of clothing.

Did You Know?

According to the American Automobile Association 2012/13 Year-End Holidays Travel Forecast, holiday travel has experienced a steady increase in volume over the last half-decade.

Despite the sluggish economy, travel during the 2012/2013 end-of-year holiday season, defined as the period from Saturday, December 22, 2012 to Tuesday, January 1, 2013, was expected to be its highest since the 2006/2007 end-of-year holiday season, when 93.7 million travelers ventured at least 50 miles from home. Despite the cost of travel, travel volumes have traditionally remained very stable, with only one yearly volume change of 5 percent or greater, which was a 5 percent decline in the 2007/2008 season from a year earlier. One possible reason behind the steady nature of the end-of-year holiday travel season is the season’s length. It remains the longest holiday season of the year, affording travelers more chances to visit friends and family members and/or go on vacations.

It has been my pleasure to serve you this past year and hope to continue in years to come!

Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Sheila Curtis, Agent 420 West Ft. Williams St. Sylacauga, AL 35150 Bus. 256-249-8188 Fax 256-245-2755 sheila.curtis.jrm9@statefarm.com

Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 7B

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Christmas Gift Guide

8B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Time Is Here A good time will be had by all at your hometown Christmas parade Sylacauga – Tuesday, December 3rd.

6:30 p.m.

Lincoln – Sunday, December 8th.

4:00 p.m.

Talladega – Monday, December 9th.

6:00 p.m.

Childersburg – Thursday, December 12th.

6:00 p.m.

Pell City – Thursday, December 12th.

7:00 p.m.

All parades are sponsored by the local chambers of commerce.

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Christmas Gift Guide

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — 9B

Cook ahead of the holidays to save time against freezer burn, which dehydrates food. Keeping air out of the packaging will help to alleviate cases of freezer burn and potential waste of good food. * Mark packages with the date the foods were packaged as well as what is inside. This makes it easy to keep inventory of what is in the freezer. * Defrost foods in the refrigerator the night before the holiday meal will be served. Heating foods that aren’t still frozen considerably cuts down on cook times. * If food cannot be defrosted before cooking, keep in mind that you may have to cook foods longer than normal. * Many desserts also can be frozen. Freeze pies before they are cooked. Cakes can be frozen if you

freeze the layers separately. Then assemble and frost the cakes before serving. Cream pies cannot be frozen, but you can use pudding in place of cream in many recipes and be able to freeze them. Brownies and other “bar” recipes will freeze and carry well. * If you don’t want to have everything prepped in advance and enjoy the taste of a freshly cooked meal, consider preparing side dishes in advance and then leave the roast or turkey to cook. Any steps you can take ahead of time will dramatically cut out the time you have to spend in the kitchen while guests are around. * Don’t feel shy about cutting corners when possible. If you’re cooking the entire meal, invest in pre-made frozen appetizers to save time.

SAVE NOW ON OUR QUALITY GE, HOTPOINT AND FRIGIDAIRE APPLIANCES FROM COOSA VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Holiday hosts and hostesses may want to put a storage freezer on their wish list this year. Having the ability to prepare meals in advance and store them easily for later use could prove invaluable -especially for those who are opening their homes for the holidays.

Food and celebrations are unequivocally intertwined. While presents and decorations may be important parts of holiday festivities, food is just as important for hosts who want to throw a successful holiday party. Those who are welcoming guests to their homes for the holidays may fret over what to serve and how long preparation will take, especially when they’re busy with other tasks.

However, stretching out food shopping, preparation and cooking over a few weeks can make the process much more manageable.

A freezer can be a party host’s best friend come the holiday season. Many foods can be prepared in advance and then frozen until the celebration. Also, having small portions of pre-made foods can be helpful when visitors pop in unexpectedly and may be hungry for a meal. Just take something out of the freezer and heat it.

Certain tips can ensure foods made in advance are stored properly and heat up quickly. * Casseroles, baked pasta dishes and vegetables can be prepared in advance and frozen. Be sure to consult with any recipes to see if items can indeed be frozen if you are unsure how they will fare in the freezer. * Instead of preparing food and storing it in one large container, separate it into two smaller containers so dishes defrost quickly and dinner time isn’t delayed. * Use packaging specifically designed for use in the freezer. These products will offer extra insulation

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Cooking your favorite dishes this holiday is easy with new appliances from Coosa Valley Electric in Talladega.

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Christmas Gift Guide

10B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Gifts For Everyone!

Sale Ends November 30, 2013

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Hamilton Beach® 6 Qt. Stay or Go® Slow Cooker

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Craftsman® 14-in-1 Versitool Ratcheting Multi-Driver® #2373595

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Blue Heritag e Collection Canning Jar s

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DeWalt® 34 Pc. IMPACT READY® Bit Set Phillips, Allen & star bits. #2308419

1104 Ashland Hwy., Talladega • 256-362-2208 Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm, Sat. 7 am - 3 pm Closed Sunday 314171 314158