2015 Essex Free Press Holiday Greetings

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I

Essex Free Press

Holiday Greetings I 1

2 I Holiday Greetings

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

Keep poinsettias looking great through the holidays Along with the fragrant evergreens and twinkling lights synonymous with the holiday season, poinsettias make up a key component of holiday decorating.

Unlike holly and some of the other greenery that is commonly associated with the

holidays, poinsettias do not naturally thrive in the colder temperatures.

These plants originate in southern Mexico and were considered an exotic plant when first introduced to the United States by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico.

Mayor Nelson Santos, Deputy Mayor Gord Queen Councillors Susanne Coghill, Tony Gaffan, Sandy McIntyre, Thomas Neufeld and Larry Patterson

Poinsettias can be fickle plants and ones that gardening novices may find challenging to maintain. The plants are comprised of green foliage, colourful (often red) flower bracts, and the actual flowers of the plants, which are the red or green buttonlike parts nestled in the center of the bracts.

Because they are a tropical plant, poinsettias can be damaged by exposure to low temperatures, even if they are only exposed for short periods of time. They should be wrapped and protected against the elements when brought home. For maximum plant life, poinsettias need to be placed near a warm, sunny window, or another area that has ample amounts of light. They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 F and should be kept away from warm or cold drafts.

Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch.

Water until it drains out the bottom, but don’t let the plant sit

in water. Over- or under-watering can cause leaves to drop prematurely and wilt.

If your home lacks in humidity, you may need to water t h e plant more f r e q u e n t l y.

Poinsettias do not need to be fertilized while the plant is in bloom.

The Ohio State University Extension says poinsettias can be reflowered the following Christmas, but unless a yearlong schedule of care is observed, the results usually are not good.

You can speak with a gardening expert or consult online resources for the proper care schedule. Caring for a poinsettia year-round involves gradually drying out the plant and storing it in a cool location. The plant later will be moved outdoors and then back inside and pruned to keep a full shape.

Poinsettias are shortday plants, which means they flower about 10 weeks after the daylight shortens to about 12 hours or less.

Therefore, to have the plant in full flower by Christmas, it will have to be kept in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. from the first part of October until Thanksgiving.

Many people find the affordability of poinsettias makes it more convenient to buy new ones each year than try to foster regrowth.

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans or animals, but they should not be ingested due to the potential for allergic reactions.

Poinsettias can help remove pollutants from indoor air, which is

advantageous during the winter months when doors and windows are typically kept closed.

Select plants that have dark green foliage and no low or damaged leaves. This ensures the best success for keeping poinsettias looking healthy and vibrant throughout the holiday season. metrocreativeconnection.com

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I

Holiday Greetings I 3

Essex Free Press

‘Tis the season for gingerbread cookies The holiday season is dominated by tradition.

Families typically have their own unique traditions, but certain practices are so widely popular that they have become synonymous with the holiday season.

Such is the case with certain foods, including gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed year-round, but many people only enjoy this tasty treat during the holiday season. For those who can’t wait to indulge in gingerbread cookies this year, consider this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Yields 12 to 20 cookies Dough • 33/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder • 4 teaspoons ground ginger • 11/2 teaspoons ground cloves • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 11/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 1/2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup Glaze • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar • 2 tablespoons water To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix

Voice Of Inspiration “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

~ Roy L. Smith

on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.

Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner.

Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1/3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1/3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut

into smaller sizes before baking.

Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze.

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed. metrocreativeconnection.com

4 I Holiday Greetings

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

How to cut costs when hosting at home Hosting guests at home can be expensive.

Whether they’re hosting family and friends during the holiday season or throwing a backyard barbecue under the summer sun, hosts should know that such gatherings can be costly.

Some hosts may find that hosting guests at home is beyond their means.

Fortunately, there are many ways for budget-conscious hosts

to save money when entertaining at home.

• Keep the guest list manageable. The more guests you invite, the bigger your budget will need to be. If your budget does not have much wiggle room, revisit your initial guest list and pare it down to something you can manage financially.

Smaller gatherings tend to be more intimate, and hosts won’t have as much work to do

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR QUICK LUBE

TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS!

k We loo d forwar ing ic to serv in you 2016!

• New Car Warranty Approved • No Appointment Needed • Independently Owned & Operated • Licensed Mechanic On Site

269 Talbot St. N., Essex

Next to Billy’s

PHH, ARI, GE ELEMENT FLEET APPROVED

519-776-4949

HOURS: Mon-Wed 8am-6pm • Thurs 8am-7pm • Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-4pm

as they would when hosting larger gettogethers, which should allow them more time to mingle with guests.

• Keep the menu simple.

While you might be tempted to dazzle guests with your culinary skills, a more elaborate menu might stretch your budget. When hosting on a budget, choose foods that won’t break the bank. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be bought in bulk at the height of barbecue season. When hosting indoors, serve more affordable fare like fish or salad in lieu of costly prime rib.

• Encourage guests to contribute. You also can save money when hosting by encouraging guests to contribute to the festivities. Guests typically want to pitch in as a way of showing their appreciation for hosts, so don’t hesitate to ask them to bring

some beverages or desserts with them.

Let guests know which foods you plan to serve so they can find the right wine to pair with dinner and bring a dessert that will complement the meal perfectly.

• Borrow items when necessary. If you’re hosting for the first time or if your serving dishes have seen better days, save money by borrowing serving dishes, wine glasses and extra seating. The cost of such items can quickly add up, but borrowing is free and your guests will no doubt be happy to contribute something to the festivities.

• Use reusable dinnerware.

Come the end of the night, disposable dinnerware might seem like a godsend, saving you the trouble of washing all of those dishes and utensils. But such items cost money, and those costs can quickly add up depending on the size of

your guest list. Reusable dinnerware saves you money and can benefit the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of your party.

Hosting a gettogether for family and

friends is a big financial commitment. But hosts working on a budget can cut costs in various ways and still ensure their guests have a great time. metrocreativeconnection.com

Voice Of Inspiration “The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood”

~ Richard Paul Evans

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I

Holiday Greetings I 5

Essex Free Press

Holiday season meal tips when you’re pinched for time

A slow cooker is a valuable asset for home cooks pressed for time during the busy holiday season.

Much of the holiday season can seem like a blur, during which busy men and women spend much of their

time running here and there. Holiday supplies need to be purchased, homes need to be decorated and gifts

must be bought and wrapped.

During the busy holiday season, men and women pressed for time may be tempted to turn to the convenience of fast food come mealtime.

While these fast foods may be convenient, the cost of dining out each night and the lack of adequate nutrition may not justify the convenience. But no matter how busy men and women may be during the holiday season, there are still ways to eat healthy meals that don’t take much time to prepare.

Prep work Meal preparation can take a lot of time. But buying ingredients in advance, and saving the trouble of last-minute trips to the grocery store, can make prep work go much more smoothly and quickly.

Devote some time on the weekend to stocking up on ingredients you will need for the week ahead. Stock up on storage containers so that food can be packaged into the refrigerator or freezer.

Prepare rice and parboil pasta to use as a starchy and filling base to some recipes. Peel, dice and chop vegetables and store in containers for later use during the week. Separate meat and poultry into smaller, meal-sized containers so you only

thaw out what you need for a given meal.

Have a plan Create a menu plan so you will know which recipes to create and when. Build room into your meal plan for really quick meals, such as a soup and sandwich night or breakfast for dinner.

Planning a meal weekly meal schedule saves you time because you won’t be searching for recipes each weeknight. Such planning also helps you to ensure there’s plenty of variety in your weekly meals.

Seek help from slow cookers A slow cooker can be a real time-saver during the holiday season. Slow cookers can be set to cook while you’re out of the house.

When you return, you will find the meal ready and waiting.

Slow cookers are very popular, and as a result it’s easy to find

recipes both online and in cookbooks. Slow cookers can be used to prepare sauces, soups, roasts, casseroles, and so much more. To make slow cookers even more convenient, prepackage ingredients for recipes in advance, storing them in a plastic ziptop bag. Then simply pour the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning before leaving for work.

Expand your horizons A meal need not always be a threecourse offering. On days you expect to be particularly busy, plan for a no-heat meal.

Cold cut sandwiches

and salad can fit the bill. A platter of finger foods, such as cheeses and crackers, fruit, and vegetable sticks with dips, can be filling as well. If the kids are requesting a bowl of cereal, let them have it and save time. Eggs and reheated leftovers and quick and easy to prepare.

Dine out Budget for a few meals on the go. When shopping at the mall, stop into a restaurant for a sit-down meal.

Doing so will save time and you can enjoy a well-deserved respite from cooking duties. metrocreativeconnection.com

6 I Holiday Greetings

Entertaining guests is a great way to open and share your home and make memories with family and friends.

If your entertaining includes a meal, chances are everyone will be sitting at the table to dine and converse. A beautifully set table can make guests feel welcome and establish the ambiance for the meal.

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

Creative solutions for table centerpieces

A centerpiece is at the heart of a welldressed table. While centerpieces are most often associated with formal affairs, any meal or gathering is enhanced with the right centerpiece. Here are some easy and elegant centerpiece ideas to dress up your dinner table.

Fresh flowers Floral arrangements

make for great centerpieces.

Such arrangements can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire. For casual meals, consider picking some flowers from your own garden or a nearby field. Spring daffodils or cherry blossom branches can add colour to a table.

Some smaller, potted impatiens or begonias make great centerpieces for summer soire^aes, while autumn and winter blooms work for holiday gatherings and parties.

If you want an even more special touch, consider working with a florist. Explain the theme of your party and ask the florist to recommend appropriate flowers for the gathering based on your theme.

Fruit and foods Floral centerpieces may be some of the most popular, but food also works as a base for interesting centerpieces. Grab an unused soup tureen or

some decorative vases and fill them with an assortment of items.

Lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits add a splash of bold colour to a table. Otherwise, look for exotic foods that have interesting appearances, like prickly pears or artichokes. Fill a tall vessel with walnuts or chestnuts for an earthy look. A large basket brimming with assorted breads and crackers looks attractive and is also ready for guests to dig in.

Candy Whimsical parties or children’s events can be made more fun with clever centerpieces made from candy. Stick lollipops into buckets filled with sand or push them into a foam form to make a candy topiary.

Canisters filled with candy of all shapes, sizes and colours appeal to guests’ eyes and their affinity for sweets.

Miscellaneous items Look around the house for any number of other items that can be

placed inside vases or clear containers. Bells, tissue paper, pebbles or confetti can be used to create attractive centerpieces for the table.

With some inspiration and a little creativity, hosts and hostesses can create centerpieces that add a touch of elegance to any dinner party. metrocreativeconnection.com

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I

Holiday Greetings I 7

Essex Free Press

Put some new twists on classic hot chocolate

Few things are more comforting than sitting under a warm afghan and sipping a mug of steaming hot chocolate when cold wind and snow are blowing outside. Hot chocolate seems tailor-made for chilly winter evenings, providing the perfect indulgence while watching a favourite holiday film, entertaining friends around the holidays or warming up after a day spent building snowmen.

The terms “hot chocolate” and “hot cocoa” are used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different beverages. Hot chocolate is made from shaved solid chocolate, which contains both cocoa and cocoa butter.

Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, which alone does not constitute full chocolate. Either drink can be delicious, and many people prefer one over the other.

While traditional hot chocolate

Nutmeg offers that earthy bite that calls to mind long days baking in the kitchen.

• Chile powder: Chile can add a little kick to hot chocolate that works surprisingly well. Add just enough to offer a little tingle of residual heat at the back of your throat. This concoction also may help clear up a case of congestion or the sniffles.

• Coffee: Add a splash of coffee to the hot chocolate for an instant boost of caffeine and some mocha flavoring.

• Whipped cream: Create the flavour combination of a chocolate cream pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a truly rich flavour, make a batch of fresh whipped cream, which will also thicken the hot chocolate.

• Coconut milk: Invoke the tropics by substituting coconut milk for is a favourite for many, there are ways to make this beloved beverage more unique. By experimenting with flavour combinations, hot chocolate can become new again each day.

The following are some flavourful ingredients you may want to try to spice up your next cup of hot chocolate.

• Caramel: Pair a rich, dark or semi-sweet hot chocolate with a swirl of caramel. The caramel will add sweetness and extra creaminess to the blend.

• Peppermint: Peppermint and hot chocolate can make for an interesting contrast. The cooling nature of peppermint works nicely with the heat of hot chocolate, imparting a wonderful aroma as well. Melt a candy cane or mint from a restaurant in the mug and enjoy.

• Nutmeg: What nutmeg does for eggnog it also can do for hot chocolate.

regular milk. You may feel like you’re on your own private island.

• Peanut butter: Few people can resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Melt a spoonful of peanut butter into the beverage and enjoy.

• Liqueur: Enhance hot chocolate with your favourite liqueurs. Orange and raspberry flavourings work well, or try a creamy spirited beverage, like Kahlua or Irish cream.

• Marshmallows: Of course one of the simplest ways to dress up hot chocolate is to fill the mug to the brim with sweet marshmallows.

Put a different spin on hot chocolate with various add-ins. The combinations and possibilities are only limited by your imagination. metrocreativeconnection.com

Infant, Toddler, Preschool

Before, and After, and School Breaks • Quality Licensed Child Care • Registered Early Childhood Educators • CPR/First Aid Trained • Full and Half Day Programs • Nutritious Lunches and Snacks

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

COTTAM - 302 Cty Rd 27 Gosfield North School ESSEX 200 Fairview Ave. W., MAIDSTONE 12096 County Rd. #34, St. Mary’s School Holy Name School - Infant to 12 yrs.

519-776-6555

8 I Holiday Greetings

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

8 new family traditions to start today (NC) Traditions are important to every family.

They can strengthen bonds and create meaningful and lasting memories. While many traditions are set in stone, try adopting some new rituals this season to get into the holiday spirit and bring your family together.

1. Rent a ping-pong table and host an elimination tournament with your family. The last person standing gets a free pass for not doing the dishes.

2. On Christmas Eve, implement a mandatory onesie dress code. To document your onesie party conduct a playful photoshoot with your

family and friends.

3. Create a playlist of old tunes from your grandparents and parents’ generation, your teenage years and classic cheesy holiday songs. Turn up the music and have a dance party.

4. Combat the cold by incorporating tropical items into your holiday menu. Create Caribbean inspired drinks like coconut eggnog slushies or mandarin orange spritzers and beach inspired snacks like guacamole or crab dip.

5. Dust off and bust out your old school VHS player and watch old home videos from

your childhood.

6. Have a slumber party with your siblings by camping out in the living room in front of the tree.

7. Host an ugly sweater craft session and contest with your family. The person with the most ‘likes’ on social media gets to open the

first present. Grab a DIY holiday sweater kit from your local Mark’s store or order one right to your house at marks. com.

8. Make breakfast.

Four words: “The Wife Saver Recipe.”

This breakfast dish that you can easily throw together the

night before will save you when your family wakes up with hungry

tummies after a night of festivities.

www.newscanada.com

CHRISTMAS Colouring Fun!

Happy Holidays Your business and goodwill mean a lot to us.

Thanks everyone!

Mike Cowan, L.E. (Ted) Nantais, Denise Wilds, Margaret DaSilva, Tina McMenemy, Amy Lane

180 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-776-6488

Holiday Greetings Gift Certifica tes Availab le!

from...

Ann Marie Desjardins, Kristin Nottage, Sara Vermast, Cindy Meloche, Janice Cence, Lori Froese, Dayna Dipasquale, Tammy Snively and Jade Gagnon, Terry Lynn and Terry Therrien would like to say thanks to our loyal clientele and hard working staff. Happy holidays to everyone!

We’re hoping that your holiday, Is as special as you are in every way Because one thing that we know is true Is that there are no nicer folks than you!

Gift s Certificate Available

114 Talbot St. N., Essex | www.talbottraildayspa.com | 519-776-9880

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your valued patronage.

Catherine Price, Amy Neels, Carol Wilhelm, Sarah Minnett, Corey-Lynn Gemus, Olivia Andary, Tegan Tennant, Jessica Alves

114 Talbot St. N., Essex | www.talbottraildayspa.com | 519-776-4448

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I

Holiday Greetings I 9

Essex Free Press

The history behind some beloved Christmas songs

Holiday traditions vary from family to family, but one component of the holidays that seems to be universally enjoyed is a good Christmas song. Music is piped throughout malls and stores to entertain shoppers, and favorite tunes may be on the radio or streamed through a digital music service as families decorate their homes.

Many people may love Christmas songs and carols, but not everyone shares the same favorites. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of material when it comes to Christmas

songs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

In 2014, Time magazine researched records at the U.S. Copyright Office to determine the most popular and most recorded Christmas songs since 1978. when copyright registrations were digitized. The following are some of the more beloved holiday tunes and a bit of history about each song.

• “Silent Night”: One of the most rerecorded songs in history (733 versions since 1978), “Silent Night,” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Our prayers and best wishes are with you and your loved ones.

Studio&B

We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the New Year.

56 Talbot St. S., Essex

and put to lyrics by Joseph Mohr. It was first performed on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, a village in Austria.

Today’s version is a slow lullaby, but it’s believed the original was a dance-like tune in 6/8 time.

• “O Holy Night”: This popular song was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to a French poem titled, “Minuit, chre^atiens (Midnight, Christians).”

Many notable performers, including Perry Como, Ce^aline Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Crawford, and Lea Michele, have performed “O Holy Night.”

• “Silver Bells”: Now a Christmas classic, “Silver Bells” originally was written for the Bob Hope film, “The Lemon Drop Kid.” Songwriter Jay Livingston wanted to title the song “Tinkle Bell,” but his wife dissuaded him from using the word “tinkle.”

• “White Christmas”: Irving Berlin believed his song “White Christmas” would be an instant hit. His prediction was correct,

especially after singer Bing Crosby recorded it.

• “Jingle Bells”: Although it has become one of the more popular Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells” really was written for Thanksgiving.

It’s also one of the oldest holiday songs of American origin.

James Lord Pierpont, the song’s author, was inspired by the famous sleigh races of Medford, Massachusetts.

•“Do You Hear What I Hear”: Noel Regney wrote this song as a call to peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The original context has long been forgotten, and “Do You Hear What I Hear” is now a staple of holiday celebrations.

• “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”: James Gillespie wrote this tune while riding a subway and reminiscing about his childhood with his brother. It became a hit after being performed at the famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• “The Christmas Song”: This classic Christmas song was written in 1944 by Bob Wells and Mel Torme^a.

It’s usually subtitled “Chestnuts Roasting on

With Glad Tidings At Year’s End!

COMPANY 519.776.4085

Wherever you go this holiday season, please know that our prayers and best wishes are with you.

Merry Christmas and heartfelt thanks for your loyal support this past year.

an Open Fire.” The song was written during a heat wave as a way to think cool thoughts. It only took 40 minutes to write the music and some of the lyrics. Nat King Cole’s rendition of the song is among the

more popular versions.

Christmas songs are enjoyed and performed year after year. Popular songs continue to endure and attract new fans. metrocreativeconnection.com

“Talk to Tim...”

Friendliest pharmacist in Essex

Season’s Greetings

With heartfelt thanks for your kind patronage this past year.

Pat Daniher

Topsoil

& Lil’s Country Gardens 519.723.4327

5355 County Rd. 19

(Manning Rd. 1 mile South of 401, in Maidstone)

186 Talbot St. S., Essex

519.961.9610

10 I Holiday Greetings

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

The benefits to buying local this holiday season Holiday shopping dominates many people’s free time between the day after Thanksgiving and the final days before Christmas. While many people may shop ‘til they drop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, those days still account for a relatively small amount of the hundreds of billions of

dollars that are spent each holiday season.

Shoppers now have a bevy of options at their disposal as they embark on holiday shopping season. Traditional instore retailers are still around, and online shopping continues to grow in popularity with each holiday season. But many holiday shoppers are looking to buy local

this holiday season, and such a decision can pay a host of dividends for both shoppers and the communities they call home.

•Buying local benefits your local economy.

Studies from Civic Economics, an economics and strategics planning firm, found that independent, locally-owned retailers return a far greater percentage of their revenue into their local economies than national chain stores. One such study examined the disparity between revenue recirculation among independent, locally-owned businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, versus four major national chains in the city. The former recirculated 51.1 percent of revenue into the local economy, while the latter recirculated less than 14

percent. Similar results were discovered in many cities, indicating that buying local not only benefits local business owners, but also the communities those owners and their customers call home.

• Buying local creates jobs in your community.

One of the biggest ways local business owners in Raleigh recirculated their revenue in the local economy was job creation. While national chains also create jobs, such jobs only benefit your community if the chains are located within your community.

If your local mall is a considerable drive away, chances are the chains within that mall are not employing many of your fellow community members.

Local businesses in your community are more likely to employ residents of your town.

• Shopping local may provide access to more unique gifts. In addition to the economic benefits

of buying local, shoppers may find merchandise made by local craftsmen is more unique than massproduced items found on the shelves of national retailers.

Recipients may cherish more unique items that they cannot find on their own, and that appreciation may even spur them to visit more local retailers after the holiday season has come and gone, benefiting their own communities in so doing.

• Local business may provide a more personal touch. Buying from national chains has its advantages, but customer service is not always one of them. Should your loved ones encounter problems with their gift that requires assistance, they might be forced to wait on the phone for extended periods of time as they and thousands of others

wait for customer service representatives to answer their calls.

Local businesses do not deal with nearly the volume of customers as national retailers and, therefore, are capable of addressing concerns more quickly and personally than large chains.

•Buying local not only benefits small business owners, but it also pays dividends for their customers and the communities they call home. metrocreativeconnection.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From Andrew and staff.

Thank you for your patronage this past year.

We look forward to serving you again in 2016.

191 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-776-4255

Store aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise.

Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day.

But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast

I

Holiday Greetings I 11

Essex Free Press

Gifts to keep kids engaged

them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play - no matter what the advertisements boast.

No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long

after the holiday season has come and gone.

• Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year.

• Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances.

Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play.

The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she

will exhibit a continued interest in that toy.

• Look for minimal bells and whistles.

Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets.

Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win.

• Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game

that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice.

• Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly

received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it. metrocreativeconnection.com

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS!

438 Talbot St. N., Essex

OPEN: MON-FRI 8-5, SAT 8-12, SUN CLOSED

776-4499

519

Thursday, December 17, 2015

A Message of Thanks During The Holiday Season

2

0

1

5

This holiday season, we want to give you our thanks and best wishes. Merry Christmas!

35 Wilson Avenue, Essex Ontraio N8M 2L8 Phone: 519-776-6407

Chartered Professional Accountants

12 I Holiday Greetings

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, December 17, 2015

Festive Sangria Perfect for Holiday Parties (NC) Set a relaxed, festive tone for your holiday party and ensure guests quickly get a drink in hand when they arrive, by preparing easy-tomake Festive Sangria.

This crowd-pleasing recipe appeals to both red and white wine lovers alike. Make the Festive Sangria even

more special, and save yourself some money, by preparing it using wines you have made yourself. Leave a few bottles of your homemade wine, with a fun, personalized label, on display beside the Festive Sangria so guests can appreciate your homemade touch.

Recipe: • 1 bottle of Red wine such as Pinot Noir or

Malbec • 1 bottle of dry White wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc • 1 cup of sugar • 1 orange sliced • 2 limes sliced • 1 lemon sliced • 2 cups sliced strawberries or raspberries (optional) Mix wine and sugar until dissolved. Add sliced citrus fruit, cover

and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal). Before serving add fresh red fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Makes 10 – 12 servings.

More information on how to make wine for your party can be found at winexpert.com.

www.newscanada.com