2017
Holiday Gift
Guide INSIDE
Holiday shopping,
& Gifting! how-tos
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Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com • Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Holiday Gift guide
18 Ideas for making holiday memories
1. Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones.
2. Cookie day:
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Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family
members over. Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors.
3. Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season.
4. Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience. Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home.
5. Dine out:
Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restau-
rant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.
6. Adopt a child/fam: ily: Volunteer with a charitable organization that provides for less fortunate families. Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists.
7. See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate.
8. Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a tree-trimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year.
2 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
9. Play dress-up: A
gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering.
10. Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow and see a local park from a winter perspective.
11. Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season.
12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from
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Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are some festive ideas to include in the days leading up to Christmas — a special family calendar of fun finds.
a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person.
13. Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold.
14. Read religious stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages.
15. Camp-in:
The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights.
16. Scavenger hunt: Plan holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find.
17. Surprise box:
Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.
18. Family portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.
A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER! Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith co-bill their popular Christmas tour this holiday season, and will be joined for the second consecutive year by Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, Season 9 winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” Incorporating the Georgia Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Musical Director and Conductor David Hamilton, this seasonal crowd-pleaser is being presented by Balsam Hill® and will visit Infinite Energy Arena on November 25th at 8PM. With multiple sellout crowds celebrating the season with them last year, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith joint Christmas tours have become some of the most anticipated holiday events of the season. Combining for a vast collection of critically-acclaimed holiday albums between them, the 2017 Christmas tour will showcase selections spanning the artists’ expansive Christmas repertoires, including their most recent releases, Grant’s Tennessee Christmas, Michael W. Smith’s The Spirit of Christmas and Jordan Smith’s ‘Tis The Season. “I started looking forward to this year’s tour after the final encore of last year’s tour!” exclaims Michael W. Smith.
ing with Balsam Hill this year and incorporating some of their beautiful pieces into our production.” “I’m so looking forward to hitting the road again this year with Michael and Amy!” adds Jordan Smith. “This show has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions!” In addition to the performance, and in support of their longstanding relationship with Compassion International, Michael and Amy are exclusively meeting with as many as 200 people in each city who sponsor a child through the organization prior to the concert and through the website www.meetamyandmichael.com. This “Compassion Meet & Greet” is an opportunity to learn more about the Compassion International’s child sponsorship experience and will include a photo opportunity with the artists. (Tickets to each concert must be purchased separately through the event’s normal ticketing outlets.) “I’m especially excited taht we are using our time before the show to meet people who sponsor Compassion children,” reflects Michael. “Amy has a song that says, ‘It’s Going To Be A Christmas To Remember.’ That’s our goal with this night,” continues Michael. “I hope we create a memory for everyone that attends and, at the same time, we impact the lives of some very special children all over the world.”
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“Michael, Jordan and I have been looking forward to touring together again all year!” confirms Grant. “As we started to plan the show, it was our goal to enhance the people’s experience fo the Christmas season by providing them a night of exquisite music and a message of hope,” continues Grant. “We are especially thrilled to be partnerwww.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 3
Annual Lighting of the Tree
Tour the beautifully decorated Courthouse. Monday – Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Visit with Santa
$8/setting fee for professional photographer or bring your camera.
November 25 11:00am – 2:00pm December 16 & 17 1:00pm – 4:00pm Elf Lodge Crafts • $2/child
Dine with Santa* • $18/person Pre-registration required. Bring your camera. *Non-Gwinnett Residents rates apply.
Breakfast • 8:30am – 10:00am November 25 December 16 register by 11/21 GHC11501
register by 12/14 GHC11502
Supper • 6:30pm – 8:00pm December 16 December 22 register by 12/13 GHC11504
register by 12/18 GHC11505
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Visit with Santa • Crafts • Games 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville www.gwinnettparks.com 770.822.5450
4 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Lanier Islands Lights the Way to a Quarter Century of Christmas Spirit Lanier Islands first introduced its guests to the Magical Nights of Lights on November 20, 1993 with just 40 displays and trees strung with lights. In all the years since, the Georgia lakeside destination has expanded its twinkling holiday lights tour to include hundreds of impressive displays spread throughout a seven-mile drive meandering throughout the resort. During the tour, it's not uncommon for passersby to witness children's faces pressed up against the glass as they gaze in wonder at the lights while familiar Christmas tunes fill the cab of their family car. It's a beloved holiday tradition for countless Metro Atlanta couples and families, one that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. "We're very proud of the fact that Lanier Islands is not only a cherished part of so many families' holiday traditions, but that we're flipping the switch on 25 years of Magical Nights of Lights," said Mike Williams, CEO for Lanier Islands. "A quarter of a century - that's really saying something! This year, we're debuting a few new additions to the tour and bringing back an old favorite that will undoubtedly make so many of our longtime fans very happy. We're also introducing a terrific new pricing structure to make Magical Nights of Lights even more affordable during the holidays. Our staying power as an esteemed Southern resort is thanks in large part to our abil7925-1
November 23 ee! r F 5:30pm – 8:00pm Visit with Santa (bring your camera) Kid’s Activities Live Entertainment Food Vendors (for purchase)
As guests wind their way through the resort past dazzling displays, they'll find themselves at the electric epicenter of the Magical Nights of Lights - the Holiday Village inside LanierWorld. While there, they can visit the Jolly Old Elf himself in Santa's Workshop, peruse holiday ornaments to trim their tree, find the perfect gift for that special someone on their shopping list, enjoy holiday favorites, roast marshmallows over a roaring bonfire, and climb aboard a classic carnival ride - just to name a few.
ity to listen to our guests and deliver on their wishes whenever possible." The "old favorite" to which Williams referred is the treasured 12 Days of Christmas portion of the tour. Completely refurbished after a two-year hiatus, the 13-display attraction returns better than ever before so guests can once again sing about a partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves, French hens and more as they drive past each brightly lit display. It joins a long list of other much-loved displays such as Santa's Elves at Work, the North Pole Express, Jack & The Beanstalk, Wizard of Oz, the Poinsettia Candelabra, the stunning Icicle Tunnel, the Carousel and so much more.
Presenting sponsors of this year's Magical Nights of Lights are Coca-Cola, Georgia Power and Universal Concepts. Admission to the 25th Anniversary of Magical Nights of Lights and Holiday Village is just $45/vehicle* when purchased at the gate and $35/vehicle* when purchased in advance online. Islands Club Members enjoy unlimited access to Magical Nights of Lights with their ID card. For a limited time*, the purchase of a 2018 LanierWorld Adventure Season Pass includes unlimited access to Magical Nights of Lights. Special overnight accommodation packages are available for guests who wish to add a little more magic to their own Magical Night. To learn more, purchase an advanced pass, become an Islands Club Member or book a room, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.lanierislands.com.
Give the gift of theatre with
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A Christmas Carol, Alliance Theatre’s annual holiday gift to Atlanta, returns for its 28th season, December 8 – 24, 2017 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The most heartwarming story of the season comes to life with holiday carols, stunning stage magic, and your favorite Atlanta actors. Directed by Rosemary Newcott, the Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and Families, A Christmas Carol has become a tradition for many families around the southeast. Returning to the cast in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge is acclaimed Atlanta actor David de Vries. The Alliance is also pleased to announce that Marco Schittone will return to the role of Tiny Tim for a second year. In this tale of redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge
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*Excludes opening night performances. Subject to availability. Excludes Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young performances, which may be purchased as add-ons. Reservations may be made starting one week in advance of desired showtime.
alliancetheatre.org/impromptu ason at 2017/18 se ated. The Alliance will perform all the productions of the ly renov e t e is compl different venues around Atlanta while our theater
at a better future — his old partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future — who teach him it is never too late to change. Celebrate the holidays
Celebrate the holidays with the beloved Dickens classic in this Broadway-scale production with beautiful live music and an all-star Atlanta cast. by CHARLES DICKENS
with the beloved Dickens classic in this Broadway-scale
Marco Schittone and
production with
David de Vries in the
beautiful live music
Alliance Theatre’s
and an all-star
2016/17 production of A Christmas Carol.
Atlanta cast.
Photo by Greg Mooney.
adapted by DAVID H. BELL directed by ROSEMARY NEWCOTT ason at 2017/18 se vated. The Alliance will perform all the productions of the e t ly reno is comple different venues around Atlanta while our theater
DEC 8 – DEC 24 at COBB ENERGY CENTRE
tickets
as low as
$20
tickets at ticketmaster.com alliancetheatre.org/christmas
DEC 8 – DEC 24 at COBB ENERGY CENTRE
tickets
as low as
$20
tickets at ticketmaster.com alliancetheatre.org/christmas
www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 5
Holiday Gift guide
Baking Shortcuts for TIME-PRESSED entertainers
Stick with tested recipes Although holiday bakers may want to branch out a bit with their culinary creativity, recipes that have previously been prepared with great success can take some of the work out of holiday baking. Preparing recipes you recall preparing in the past is much easier than trying something new. If you’d like, add sparkle to old standards, such as decorating oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies with colored sprinkles.
Cookies are fast-baking Did you know that cookies were originally made to test oven temperatures? Culinary
historians say that cookies were first made to test if an oven was hot enough to bake other goods. Today, cookies can be whipped up in mere minutes. Make a batch of dough and then freeze or refrigerate it, thawing it when the time comes to bake. Also, think about baking one day and decorating the next if pressed for time.
Embrace colored candy melts Icing can be tricky to master. Simply heating colored candy melts and pouring over cakes or painting onto cookies can add festive appeal to desserts. Candy melts even come in many different colors and can be combined to achieve the tint desired.
Keep ingredients in top form Don’t let poorly performing ingredients or a lack of supplies be your undoing. Butter can be softened quickly in the microwave when needed for recipes. Eggs can be brought to room temperature by allowing them to sit in a bowl of warm water. Ensure that brown sugar stays
soft by putting a piece of sliced bread in the container. Don’t forget to stock up on other baking staples, such as vanilla and almond extracts, baking powder/soda, molasses, and confectioner’s sugar.
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Not all recipes need to be made from scratch. Boxed cake mixes can be embellished and turned into delicious desserts without much fuss. Substitute melted butter for oil, buttermilk for water, and add an extra egg for a rich cake. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts or experiment with garnishes for a festive look.
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Parchment paper is key Line cookie sheets or cake pans with parchment paper for easy dessert release and quick cleanup. Parchment paper and even foil can help lift cakes or cookie bars out of pans so they look neat and do not stick. Holiday baking can be made much easier by employing a few tricks of the trade.
6 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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‘Tis the season for baking cookies, cakes and other treats. However, during the holiday rush, it’s easy to get side-tracked or tired, and perhaps even a little bit overwhelmed by all the things to do in such a short period of time. Holiday baking doesn’t have to add to seasonal stress. With these tips and shortcuts, there will be plenty of sweet treats for the family.
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Give a Gift They Will Remember Forever: DISNEY’S
AT THE FOX THEATRE Disney Theatrical Productions and Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta are proud to present Disney's The Lion King as it leaps onto the Fox Theatre stage on Wednesday, January 10 for a limited three week engagement through Sunday, January 28 as a special to the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2017/2018 season. The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its Atlanta return at the Fox Theatre.
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In its 20th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years. Performed in
eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, London's West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Mexico City, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING's worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
Jan. 10 – 28 | The Fox Theatre
Fill your family's stocking with a gift they will treasure...Tickets start at $34 and are available by visiting FoxTheatre.org/ TheLionKing.
FoxTheatre.org | 855-285-8499 516980-1
©Disney
Groups (10+): 404-881-2000
©Disney
Photos by Joan Marcus.
www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 7
Holiday Gift guide The benefits to shopping on
Black Friday
Black Friday is a holiday season phenomenon that entices shoppers out of their homes, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning. Many stores begin their Black Friday promotions on Thanksgiving night, while others may wait until midnight to open their doors to deal-hungry holiday shoppers. Thanks to the crowds, some shoppers may be intimidated by Black Friday and opt to avoid stores entirely on the day after Thanksgiving. But there are a host of benefits to shopping on Black Friday that can compel hesitant shoppers to join the festive fray.
• Deals: Black Friday is a consumer-friendly day on which savvy shoppers can find great deals on big-ticket items. Big-ticket items like electronics, including televisions, smartphones and tablets, are often heavily discounted on Black Friday. Such deals may only be for a certain period of time or until a predetermined amount
of inventory has been sold, so shoppers should do their research and prioritize which items are most important to them in advance of Black Friday. While Black Friday occurs during the holiday season when many people are busy looking for gifts for their loved ones, shoppers who need new big-ticket items can save money by shopping for themselves as well as their friends and family members in the initial hours after Thanksgiving.
• Shopping done early:
Shoppers who tend to procrastinate during the holiday shopping season may find that shopping on Black Friday increases the chance they’ll get their shopping done early. Getting shopping done early leaves more time to celebrate with family and friends throughout December.
• Giveaways: Many stores
offer giveaways to Black Friday shoppers. Such giveaways may include gift cards, free entries into raffles or totes bags full of
goodies. Such giveaways make great stocking stuffers, enabling Black Friday shoppers to get some shopping done without spending a dime.
• Budget-friendly: Budgetconscious holiday shoppers may find that Black Friday allows them to give great gifts without compromising their personal finances. In its second annual holiday debt survey, MagnifyMoney found that consumers who took on debt during the 2016 holiday season were poised to begin the new year with an average of $1,003 worth of new debt. Shopping on Black Friday might help many shoppers reduce the amount of debt they take on during the holiday season. Shoppers hesitant to join the Black Friday fray might want to consider the many benefits to shopping on one of the busiest shopping days of the year before making their final decision.
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8 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Nadia Mara. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Supported by
Choreography by John McFall Live with Atlanta Ballet Orchestra
December 8 - 28, 2017 The Fox Theatre
Surprise your family with tickets to this dazzling holiday favorite! Visit atlantaballet.com or call 1.855.285.8499 for tickets! Groups of 10+, call 404.873.5811 x207.
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Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
Coco Mathieson. Photo by Charlie McCullers.
Atlanta Ballet Presents Final Production of Long-standing Version of
Atlanta Ballet’s the last 22 years, Nutcracker McFall’s version celebrates beloved has become seasonal production synonymous with with final run of the holiday season in 24 performances, Atlanta, and Atlanta December 8-28, 2017 Ballet is proud at the Fox Theatre. to have brought After 22 years and joy to so many 488 performances children and families of Atlanta Ballet’s through his magical Jackie Nash and Alexandre Barros. Photo by Kim Kenney. Nutcracker, choreography and choreographer John fanciful characters,” dancers will join the Atlanta McFall’s beloved Ballet professional company says Nedvigin. “We are version of the magical excited to celebrate the to bring this whimsical holiday tale returns to the legacy of Atlanta Ballet’s holiday spectacular to the Fox Theatre for its final Nutcracker with every Fox Theatre. 24 performances. Atlanta performance throughout this Ballet Orchestra and the McFall, Atlanta Ballet’s final run.” Georgia Youth Choir will former artistic director, perform live at all shows. Atlantans can look created this signature Local Atlantans and tourists production in 1995 to forward to a fresh, new alike will have one more version of the holiday classic, reflect the city of Atlanta’s chance to experience this culture and people. What featuring the choreography one-of-a-kind rendition he created was a Nutcracker of Yuri Possokhov, resident before Atlanta Ballet unveils that, in his own words, was choreographer with a brand new Nutcracker “traditional yet new, familiar San Francisco Ballet, in production in 2018. yet different, classic yet December 2018. contemporary and above Set in the elaborate all, magical.” For over two For many Atlantans, Moorish décor of decades, Atlanta Ballet’s it has become a holiday Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, this Nutcracker has become a tradition to attend each year unique production of the holiday tradition shared and certainly one classic you Nutcracker tale takes 20 and enjoyed by multiple won’t want to miss. For more pounds of snow, eight tons generations. information about Atlanta of scenery, remarkable Ballet’s Nutcracker and to lighting and props, and a Atlanta Ballet’s purchase tickets, please visit 38-foot-tall Christmas tree Nutcracker will kick off www.atlantaballet.com/ to make Marya’s enchanting artistic director Gennadi nutcracker. Performance story come to life. More Nedvigin’s second season tickets start as low as $25. than 100 of Atlanta’s young with the Company. “Over www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 9
Holiday Gift guide
Festive tree-trimming tips and techniques People have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations. Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness. Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th
century. Early Americans were late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan settlers thought the tradition — as well as carols and other concepts — were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States. Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually. Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that.
to avoid being covered in sap.
• Prune the tree first. Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out. Wear gardening gloves
stand inside of a waterproof planting container. Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt.
• Position trees away from
heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a fire risk.
• For added safety, anchor a tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets.
• In homage of the first German Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies.
• To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree
• The more lights the better, especially on dense trees. • For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home decor and the color of furniture.
• Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family. • Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed.
• Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in. Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.
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Holiday Gift guide Northeast Atlanta Ballet “The Nutcracker”
Casting Crowns + For King & Country
November 24 - 26
December 17
at Theater
at Arena
Christmas with Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith
Gwinnett Symphony
November 25
December 18
at Arena
at Theater
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
Georgia Swarm vs. Rochester Knighthawks
“The Nutcracker”
“Let There Be Peace on Earth”
December 1 - 17
December 30
at Theater
at Arena
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Triple 7 Dance “The Wiz”
“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
December 9
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A Glorious Christmas featuring
January 20 - 21
at Arena
at Theater
Home By Dark
Atlanta Gladiators Hockey
with Nicole Witt & Danny Mitchell
December 14
For full schedule, visit AtlantaGladiators.com
at Theater
at Arena
www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com
Stay safe while shopping this holiday season
The holiday shopping season is the busiest, and most profitable, time of year for many retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales during November and December of 2016 totaled $658.3 billion, exceeding industry projections by $2.5 billion. Busy malls and retail centers can make it easy for shoppers to overlook safety and security. Thieves and other criminals recognize that and often prey on unsuspecting victims during the holiday season. For example, the Better Business Bureau notes that thieves can easily commit identity theft at malls, where shoppers preoccupied with shopping bags and looking after their children in crowded stores may be less likely to conceal their credit cards or PIN numbers at checkout counters. In addition to safeguarding their financial information when checking out, shoppers can take the following steps to stay safe while shopping.
• Prioritize parking in well-lit areas. Mall
parking lots can try shoppers’ patience during the holiday season. But shoppers should
resist any urges to park in faraway spaces or areas that are poorly lit. Criminals may be lurking in less traveled areas of city or mall parking lots, recognizing that they can quickly strike and abscond with stolen items. Shoppers should even be mindful of dark parking garages, only parking in such areas when accompanied by friends or family members.
are protected by the credit card company. Stolen cash, however, is likely lost for good. While shopping with credit may encourage some to overspend, shoppers must recognize that shopping with cash makes them vulnerable to thieves.
• Keep a watchful eye on smartphones.
around the mall with multiple bags may be targeted by thieves and other criminals. Defending oneself against criminals with many shopping bags in hand can be difficult, and criminals can prey on that vulnerability while recognizing that people with multiple shopping bags are likely carrying many valuable items. Periodically take packages out to your vehicle to make shopping easier and to deter criminals.
Unlike the flip phones that came before them, today’s smartphones are essentially mini computers that can store substantial amounts of data, including users’ credit card numbers. Many people have even linked their smartphones directly to their bank accounts in an effort to make shopping simpler. Lost or stolen phones can be expensive to replace, and savvy thieves can gain access to their victims’ personal information, including financial and personal data.
• Shop using plastic instead of cash. Fraudulent purchases made with a credit card
• Periodically take packages out to your vehicle. Shoppers walking
Millions of people will visit malls and other retail centers to do their holiday shopping this year. Safeguarding personal safety and security should be foremost on the minds of shoppers throughout the holiday season.
www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 11
Tips for an economical, safe holiday season These Tips Brought to you by The holidays are an occasion for family, friends and joy. Unfortunately, those celebrations and decorations can lead to high electric bills, electric shocks and fires. Follow these tips to help in planning your celebration to keep loved ones safe and save you money. Go LED – Traditional holiday mini lights use 36 watts of power compared to only 5 watts for a string of LED lights, and many are brighter than traditional holiday light strands. In addition to saving energy, LED lights are generally made of plastic and won’t break and can last up to ten times longer than non-LED strands. Timing is everything – All holiday lights, LED or incandescent, should be placed on a timer. Simple timers cost around $20 and can be set to turn on at sunset and off after a set number of hours. A good rule of thumb is to have lights on from sunset until bedtime. Avoid holiday vampires – Many holiday gifts are also energy vampires. Charging ports, game consoles, laptops, coffee makers and other electrical devices use electricity 24 hours a day, even when they are supposedly turned off. Vampire energy, the power appliances consume when they’re switched off or in a standby mode but still plugged in, can account for 5-7 percent of your yearly electric bill. To eliminate energy vampires, unplug these devices when they are not being used or place them on a smart power strip. Entertain for efficiency – Before your guests arrive, turn down the thermostat. It may be cold outside, but once your home begins to fill with people the temperature will begin to rise, and cooking will only add to your home’s warmth.
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Skip the preheat – Most recipes begin with the words “preheat the oven to…”, however, large pieces of meat such as ham, turkey or a roast do not require a preheated oven. Preheating simply wastes energy. Baked goods, though, need to be placed in a preheated oven. Keep safety in mind – Too many holidays are marred by electrical shocks and house fires. Take just a few safety precautions to ensure your holidays are worry-free when decorating with lights: • Examine lights each year, discarding any that have frayed cords or broken light sockets. “When in doubt, throw them out.” • Before replacing a bulb, unplug the string of lights and make sure to use a replacement bulb of the same voltage and wattage as the original. • Ensure lights have been certified by an independent testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories). • If using an extension cord, be sure not to overload it. For safety, use only three sets of lights per cord. • Placing cords under rugs or near appliances is dangerous. These cords can overheat and cause a fire. • If you have a live tree, keep extension cords away from where you water it. • Never use electric lights on metallic trees. • Use only outdoor lights that are marked for outdoor use. Make sure the power is off when stringing outdoor lights and attach them to the house with insulated hangers - not metal staples, nails, or tacks. Be sure to keep the light plugs above ground and out of water. • Make sure all outdoor lighting is plugged into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles. • Examine trees you intend to string lights on and make sure no limbs have grown into or near power lines. This can lead to electrical shock. • Turn off all lights before leaving home or going to bed.
12 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Celebrate
magic, spirit and family fun as an
extraordinary lineup of Disney stories come to life right before your eyes!
The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice Atlanta audiences will have nearly two weeks to enjoy this skating spectacular!
Atlanta from Thursday, February 15, through Monday, February 19, at Philips Arena
Duluth from Thursday, February 22, through Sunday, February 25, at Infinite Energy Arena
Join
ENERGY FEB 15-19 ARENA INFINITE ENERGY FEB 22-25 ARENA
FEB 22 – 25 DisneyOnIce.com
as they walk down memory lane and reawaken Disney moments that span generations. Dive deep into the ocean with your favorite school of fish from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory when Dory, Nemo and Marlin set off on an adventure to discover the true meaning of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn how powerful a love between sisters can be. Reach for your dreams with Rapunzel, as her determination illuminates her inner strength. Experience the beauty of Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, as Snow White creates her own happily ever after with the help of seven, new friends. Buzz and Woody will have you jumping out of your seat in a foot-stomping throwdown; Simba, Timon and Pumbaa prowl the Pridelands of Africa; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie show how friendship is fearless; and your favorite Disney Princesses take to the ice to showcase the courage and determination that led them to achieve their dreams.
Make family memories to last a lifetime when The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice comes to Atlanta and Duluth!
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PHILIPS ARENA INFINITE
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy
www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 13
Holiday Gift guide Holiday Gift Guide:
Give the Gift of Nature at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites O utdoor escapades, breathtaking views, endless exhilarating family activities and long-lasting memories await the adventurer with a gift from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites this holiday season. Give the gift of nature with the help of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and watch a simple present turn into an unforgettable experience. Explore the outdoors amongst family, friends and fellow nature lovers with these five gift ideas that will guarantee an exciting time for all in Georgia’s great outdoors.
5 Gift Ideas for The Family Explorer 1. Gift Cards – Take the stress out of holiday shopping and slip a Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites gift card into a stocking or card. These convenient cards come in any denomination starting at $5 and can be purchased at most Georgia State Park offices, online at GaStateParks.org/ GiftCards or simply by calling 1-800-434-0982. Lucky for the receiver, these cards can be used at campsites, on cabins, yurts, golf greens fees, retail shops, picnic shelters, historic sites, boat rentals, as well as numerous outdoor activities. With no shortage of possibilities, gift cards are the perfect solution to the gift giving conundrum. 2. Weekend Getaways – Make experiencing nature easy and enjoyable for the whole family and reserve
a weekend stay at a state park. One unique choice is General Coffee State Park, which is known as one of southern Georgia’s best kept secrets. Here, guest can choose from several overnight accommodations including cottages, campsites or a beautiful 19th-century cabin, the Burnham House. Located in south Georgia and tucked away in a gorgeous wiregrass community, this retreat guarantees relaxation for the entire family. General Coffee State Park offers the chance for children to see farm animals in its Heritage Farm. Reservations for this getaway can be made at GaStateParks. org/GeneralCoffee. Additional Georgia State Parks offer “glamping” yurts, campsites and cottages as well. Reservations can be made at, GaStateParks.org/ Reservations.
3. Annual ParkPasses – With more than 60 properties throughout Georgia from mountains and waterfalls to marshes and swamps, there are a number of ways to treat family or friends to a year of outdoor fun, long after the seasons change. Annual ParkPasses are $50 and help to fund renovations and trail work for future visitors. Half-off ParkPass discounts are available for seniors 62 and older, as well as 25% off for active duty military and veterans. To buy an Annual ParkPass, visit any Georgia State Park or GaStateParks.
org/ThingsToKnow.
4. Unique Experiences – Georgia’s state parks offer visitors a variety of unique activities in several locations, making the great outdoors the perfect backdrop for explorers and adventurers of any skill level. Here are a few out-of-the-box experiences for creative gift ideas this holiday season: • Park Paddlers Club – For the water lover, Georgia’s Park Paddlers Club offers 22 miles of paddling fun. Membership is $10 to join the Georgia’s Park Paddlers Club and can be purchased online or at one of the six participating parks. After finishing, members earn bragging rights and a t-shirt. This club is perfect for novice and experienced paddlers. Everyone on board must know how to swim and must wear a flotation device. More information can be found at, GaStateParks. org/ParkPaddlersClub.
• Tree Climbers Welcome - At Panola Mountain State Park, conquer new heights with a guided tree climb up a 200-year-old Southern Red Oak. Events occur throughout spring, summer and fall and are $15 per person. More information can be found at GaStateParks. org/PanolaMountain/ Excursions. • Become an Archer –Target practice with di-
14 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
nosaurs and other static and 3-D archery courses are offered at nine state parks. Visitors can either practice on their own or join ranger-led archery classes. More information and a list of participating parks can be found at GaStateParks.org/Archery. 5. Tails on Trails – Get outside with a gift for the whole family, including the members with four legs. Tails on Trails is a dog
walking club that challenges guests and their pets to complete seven trails at Georgia State Parks. To join, stop into one of the participating parks and purchase a $15 membership card or buy a card online at, GaStateParks. com/TailsOnTrailsClub. After completing each trail, member’s cards are punched by park rangers. Finish them all and earn bragging rights, a t-shirt for yourself and a bandana
for Fido. Enjoy all that nature has to offer with man’s best friend this holiday season. Insider Tip: Looking for a gag gift to get a laugh? Forget coal and throw in a bag of cricket chips or a scorpion lollipop, both sure to get a reaction. These quirky gifts are available inside visitor’s centers around the state parks and make for a unique white elephant gift.
Dear Gwinnett County Families, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! At Wages and Sons, our family is always here for you. Whether you are struggling with grief this holiday season, need to make immediate arrangements or want to plan ahead, we encourage you to call us any time for support and guidance.
Cordially Invite you & your family to
May your holidays be filled with peace, hope and love. Sincerely,
annual
The Wages Family
MEMORIAL
Locally family owned and operated by the Wages Family, Wages and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematories has served the metro Atlanta, Georgia area for more than 40 years. It is an honor to serve the families of the community and carry on the traditions of our founder, Billy Wages, Sr.
HOLIDAY
Melba, Bill Jr., Nan, Jeffrey & Susan Wages
SERVICE
Gwinnett Chapel
Receive a FREE Personalized Crystal Snowflake in Memory of Your Loved One.
OR
SUN, DEC. 10 3:30pm
Tips on Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season At Wages & Sons, we realize the holidays are a particularly difficult time for anyone who’s lost a loved one. Here are some grief support tips to help you deal with this difficult time:
Stone Mountain Chapel
EXPRESS YOUR GRIEF The number one way you can ease your burden during this difficult time is to discuss your feelings of grief with others. This is an important step towards healing. Do not lock away your feelings – they will only grow.
Specifications: 3” x 3.5”
Crystal
KNOW YOUR LIMITS You will naturally feel “down” both physically and emotionally during this time. Don’t feel pressured to rush back to your normal routine. Learn to say no when you need more time.
Please RSVP no later than Dec. 1.
RELY ON FOND MEMORIES The holidays are certain to bring memories of your loved one flooding back
Please call between 9:00am & 5:00pm to the chapel at which you wish to attend:
GWINNETT CHAPEL: 770-277-4550 STONE MOUNTAIN CHAPEL: 770-469-9811 ONLINE: WagesandSons.com/Holiday
LEAN ON YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM If you consider yourself religious or spiritual, the holidays are probably a significant time for you. Lean on the comfort of your beliefs, using this time to reflect and grow. WAGES & SONS HAS 2 GRIEF SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS ON STAFF If you are struggling with grief this holiday season, please call us. We offer grief support groups as well as individual support.
Gwinnett Chapel
(770) 277-4550 Stone Mountain Chapel
(770) 469-9811 WagesandSons.com
WagesandSons.com 16848-1
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FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORIES
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to you. Some will make you happy, others will make you sad. It’s not only okay but necessary to experience both of these emotions.
©LeapTie
THUR, DEC. 7 7:00pm
At Wages and Sons, we take great pride in helping families create a meaningful tribute to celebrate the unique life of their loved ones. Our expertise in serving a
diverse group of nationalities, cultures and beliefs comes from a love for our community and years of experience with a variety of different rites and rituals. With two well-appointed facilities, a professional friendly staff, personalized in-house services and competitive pricing, Wages & Sons will leave you with no regrets. We invite you to join us for one of our healing Holiday Memorial Services. See our ad on the opposite page for details.
www.gwinnettdailypost.com • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • 15
Celebrate the Season
Celebrate the Season at Fernbank Museum and add a little JURASSIC to your jingle bells!
Decorated Trees
Global Celebrations
Cultural Displays
Holiday Activities
Free for Members
Fernbank offers a variety of unique experiences, gifts and more: • Explore two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing cultural traditions and celebrations from around the world in “Winter Wonderland” (Through Jan. 7). • Enjoy screenings of classic holiday films during the “Holly Jolly Film Fest” (Saturdays, Nov. 21-Dec. 19).
FernbankMuseum.org | @FernbankMuseum
• Celebrate the New Year well before bedtime at “Noon Year’s Eve” (Saturday, Dec. 31), featuring a kids’ DJ, games and massive balloon drop at noon. (Advance ticket purchase required.) • Find the perfect gift in the Museum Store. • Give a full year of adventure with a Gift Membership. Details at FernbankMuseum.org or call 404-929-6300.
16 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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