Iris Gift Guide

iris

2010

November - December

holiday gift guide

in this issue:

• Secrets of Wrap Stars • Old Fashioned Fun • Naughty or Nice • The Real Santa Claus

•H omemade Ornaments • S urviving the Gift Return Rush A Supplement to The Item

2010

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2010

November - December

Publisher Jack Osteen jack@theitem.com General Manager Larry Miller lmiller@theitem.com Sales Supervisor Waverly Williams wwilliams@theitem.com Graphic Designer Cary Johnson cjohnson@theitem.com The Item Osteen Publishing Co. 20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC 29150

contents

features

about iris

When it comes to the perfect gifts, Santa always gets it right. The rest of us - Are they sleeping? Are they awake?

Have they been good? Bad? - struggle.

Help is in your hands. In this year’s gift guide you’ll find plenty of inspired ideas, with many more in stores right around the corner. So for goodness’ sake, get reading and get going. Time is short.

And smarty-pants is coming to town.

Good and Green to Go!............... 4 The movers and shakers in your life will appreciate a gift that’s easy on the environment and looks great on the go.

Secrets of the Wrap Stars.............. 8 Sticks and stones?

Kids’ Gifts: Old-Fashioned Fun...................... 11 Gifts for children take a decidedly old-school turn.

Vamp It Up................................... 13

www.theitem.com

The vampire craze is not dead. Gift ideas for those in thrall.

Seasonal Indulgences................ 14 Go ahead - you know you want to!

Get Personal................................ 16 A gift for someone special calls for, well something special.

Shop in the Fast Lane.................. 18 When the one you love loves a car or truck, a certain gift-giving focus is called for.

The Lists:........................................ 19 10 Top DVDs: 2010’s Oscar-winning movies and finalists 10 Top Books: Distinguished and new for children 10 Top Board Games: Let the matchups begin!

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A Supplement to The Item

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Good & Green

By Anna Sachse CTW Features

Conserving resources, eating organic, using non-toxic cleaning products and recycling everything humanly possible it’s 2010 and it seems like every household has gone green.

The next step? Taking the ecofriendly lifestyle on the road - literally. From stylish bags, outerwear and outdoor dining accoutrements, to sun care, portable toys and transportation devices, this holiday season there’s something truly useful to please all the busy environmentalists on your list. Get ready to take green into the next decade.

People Movers

Help your favorite guy, gal or techie teen go green and get fit with a folding bicycle. Perfect for commuters, these ultra-flexible peddlers have all the economical, ecological and health benefits of a standard bike and they’re easier to store or transport via car, train or plane.

New this summer, the full-size Dahon Ios XL ($1,499 at bike shops) has 24-inch wheels, an eight-speed Shimano Alfine hub, hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires. The Ios weighs about 33 pounds and takes just 15 seconds to fold down to less than half its original dimension. A dynamo in the front hub uses pedal-generated energy to juice up a battery that powers an LED headlamp and can even charge a phone, iPod or GPS. Bike Friday, based in bicycleobsessed Eugene, Ore., also produces high-end folding

o G o

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Ecowise Gifts Hit The Road

bikes, including a wide range of built-to-order models (from $898 at bike shops) If your gift-ee isn’t a serious gear head, Kent, Schwinn, Polaris and F-160 make simpler folding bicycles with smaller wheels and fewer speeds (from $150 at major retailers).

And what if your list also includes a little squirt who yearns for their own two-wheeler?

Made from sustainable birch wood and non-toxic varnish, the award-winning pedal-free Skuut ($90 at sporting goods and toy stores) is perfect for tykes between two and five years old.

Riders kick off the ground as if running, thus gliding or “skuuting” themselves forward and learning balance and coordination. There’s a new metal version available, with adjustable handlebars, hand brake and a bell.

Outside Eaters

Your loved ones can always dine alfresco with a picnic basket made from sustainable materials like bamboo or rattan wicker. Opt for a classic handwoven willow Picnic Plus eco picnic basket for two and you’ll also get recycled glass wine glasses, natural cotton napkins, and bamboo plates, flatware, cutting board and cheese knife, all packed in a chemical-free cotton insulated lining ($109.99 at sporting goods stores).

If you’re more inclined toward eco-chic, it’s tough to beat the all-new cardboard (yes, cardboard!) Boxsal Picnic Boxes. The three graphic styles were inspired by a boom

Now you see it... now you see just half: the Dahon Ios XL folding bicycle box, a briefcase and colorby-numbers paintings ($35 at specialty stores and boxsal. com). Each reusable and recyclable box comes with a compostable trash bag and four sets of compostable cornstarch cups, trays, bowls and utensils. Even with a cardboard handle it can carry more than 20 pounds.

Consider pairing a picnic box gift with a luscious bottle of Amity Vineyards’ 2007 Eco-Wine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. No synthetic sulfites are added during processing, making it one of the few truly organic wines to be produced in the U.S. ($20 at wine shops).

To-Go Ware RePEat bamboo utensils will reduce your fork print. The reusable place setting (bamboo fork, knife, spoon and chopstick), rolled in a handy utensil holder made from plastic bags ($11.95, upscale gourmet stores and groceries, outdoor retailers), would make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Hi-Tech Totes

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone on your list who couldn’t use one of the latest green bags.

Active women will love the Sherpani carryall collections, which feature clean silhouettes and fresh feminine designs, and are made with 67-percent recycled nylon, aluminum hardware and non-toxic dyes. Depending

on her needs, consider the new Tupelo cycling backpack with hydration ($55.95), the uni-sex Rumba child backpack carrier ($229.95), or the Meridian expandable upright wheeled carry-on luggage, which is small enough to use as a carry-on when zippered, but expands to offer more room for long car trips ($199.95, see sherpani. com for a list of retailers nationwide).

Modern men might like the decidedly un-lunch-box-looking GreenSmart Sifaka dual-compartment insulated lunch bag made of Neogreene, an ecofriendly and non-toxic waterbased alternative to neoprene ($29.95 at mass merchants). Or maybe he’d prefer REI’s new Quantum laptop messenger bag ($74.50), part of the outdoor chain’s ecoSensitive line (see rei.com for locations). Made from recycled PET, each durable, multipurpose satchel liberates 34 16-ounce plastic bottles from the trash. And, of course, it has a plethora of pockets for transporting all his adventurefriendly gizmos - perhaps an Eton Solarlink FR600 American Red Cross Digital AM/FM/ shortwave/NOAA and S.A.M.E. Weather Radio ($80, outdoor stores) with flashlight, siren, alarm clock, cell phone charger and four different power sources, including hand crank and solar power!

Eating green: reusable bamboo place setting from To-Go Ware packed in a recycled plastic holder

REI recycled PET down jacket in eggplant REI Quantum laptop messenger bag made from recycled PET

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Alfresco Beauty & Style

Burt’s Bees is known for its all-natural, paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free lotions, cleansers and lip balms, but did you know that they also make an herbal insect repellent? Rosemary, lemongrass and citronella oils ensure bugs buzz off, and are safe for children and pets ($8 at drugstores). For campers, package this sweet-smelling pest-rejecter with the Badger no-mess SPF 30 zinc oxide sunscreen face stick. One of the top-rated products in the Environmental Working Group’s 2010 Sunscreen Guide, it provides chemical-free protection and fits nicely in a beach bag or carry-on ($8.50 at natural foods stores).

As for the latest cozy cover-ups, REI’s ecoSensitive line has something for everyone. The sweet recycled PET polyester down jacket for toddler girls comes in eggplant purple and punch pink ($49.50). The newest incarnation of the men’s Muir Woods fleece jacket is made with 50 percent recycled Polartec Thermal Pro fabric ($79.50). ‘Tis the season for giving. With every pair of TOMS canvas shoes you purchase, the company gives a pair to a child in need. A fashionable woman would jump at the chance to receive a pair of shoes from TOMS new fall collection, especially the hip pink plaid Murray organic cotton vegan classics with faded toe or the sexy gray canvas wedges ($54, $69; see toms.com for retailers).

Mobile Distraction

Long car and plane trips are far more fun if the kids are entertained. Why not let them read up about eco-friendly practices?

Released in April to coincide with Earth Month, “The Greenzys�

(Zeus Media Publishing, 2010) introduces a gaggle of animals that learn the importance of being green when they help save Orinda, the world’s oldest tree ($17.99). The Greenzys characters - such as Willow the Elephant, who collects rainwater for her plants and uses her trunk as the hose - are also available as cuddly plush toys ($29.99) made from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes in socially responsible factories. Bonus: Each critter comes with a personalized certificate acknowledging that the Arbor Day Foundation has planted a tree in the new owner’s honor (FAO Schwarz).

You can also feel good about gifting your favorite cubs with the Green Toys product line, all made in the U.S. The company’s awardwinning recycling truck, dump truck and sand play set and the new fire truck ($20 - $25, available at toy stores) are BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free. The toys are made from recycled plastic milk containers and are durable enough for any park or beach adventure. (c) CTW Features

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2010

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Wrap Stars Three of America’s most talented gift wrappers offer the season’s best presentation tips

By Taniesha Robinson, CTW Features

Extraordinary: celebrity wrapper Wanda Wen uses humble leaves, stones, twigs and even wax paper to create special packages

Expert gift wrappers innovate year after year, gathering inspiration for their fanciful creations from nature, the recycling bin - or the giftee himself.

Take notes as three of today’s top wrappers share thoughts behind their signature styles, tips for the not-socrafty gift-giver and ideas for what to do with some of those odd-shaped items.

that is at our feet every single day and accentuate that.

Favorite embellishments: stones or a bundle of twigs Tricks of the trade: Always fold-in the exposed edges so there is a finished look to your gift. When you’re done wrapping your gift, take your pointed finger and your thumb and pinch the edges. It creates a sharper edge.

Wrapping odd shapes: To wrap a wine or champagne bottle, Wen suggests using thin paper such as tissue or translucent Thai unryu paper that will easily gather around the object.

Ann Erickson Wanda Wen Wanda Wen, author of “The Art of Gift Wrapping” (2010, Potter Craft) is co-founder of Soolip, the fashionable West Hollywood purveyor of fine paper. Wen isn’t just a wrap star; she wraps for stars, including Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Halle Berry.

Gift-wrapping should say a little about you and something about the person receiving the gift. Of course, I have my own collection of papers that I’m drawn to, but first I think of the person.

Signature style: Organic and natural Must-have materials: twine, string, ribbon, pressed flowers, papers made of natural fibers like Thai unryu, kozo and Nepalese lokta On her style: I’m really inspired by nature and looking at ordinary material in a new, fresh, enlightened way.

Her best wrap so far: a gift topped with a rock and twine. It makes me happy to inspire people to see such a common thing

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Ann Erickson, winner of the 2009 “Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper” award, encourages gift-givers to take a risk when they wrap. Here, she shares tips on achieving a unique style: Don’t be afraid to do something unique because that’s what people will remember.

Signature style: Ribboned and bowed Must-have materials: Simply designed paper, ribbons with wire On her style: I put a lot of effort into the ribbons and bows. I don’t usually use the traditional bow; I use the square-knot bow.

Her best wrap so far: Probably when I wrapped everyone’s gift in the same paper. It creates a nice cohesive look.

Favorite embellishments: small ornaments, candy, and small stuffed animals for kids Tricks of the trade: Tease what’s inside the gift. Use a scarf as a ribbon if it goes with something inside the package. Also, tape paper to the box before wrapping.

Wrapping odd shapes: For a plant, find some beautiful paper or fabric and make a giant circle. Put the plant in the center and pull the material up and around the pot leaving the top exposed.

Try cellophane underneath the wrapping material so it sticks up at the top.

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Crown jewels: Gina Tepper swaddles packages in gold wrap, scrapbook paper and ribbon, and tops them off with individual jewels and jeweled holiday ornaments. The packages coordinate with the gift bag.

Gina Tepper

Bright ideas:Wanda Wen wrapped a wine bottle in decorative paper and cotton balls

Gina Tepper, founder of Giftdecorating.com and a freelance designer for 3M Scotch brand and others, instructs gift wrappers around the globe 24/7 through her website and newsletter. Her theory of design? Figure out the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hobbies and passions: Tailor the gift to their different hobbies and interests. Try to find some kind of color or embellishments that matches the theme of their life.

Signature style: Lofty layers Must-have materials: raffia, yarn, bans of color and any small thing of interest On her style: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the accents, the layering and the little extra touches that really makes someone take notice. My goal is to teach people to make beautiful and unique gift wrap designs that are easy to create using interesting household items and inexpensive materials found at local craft stores.

Her best wrap so far: A gift for an 18-year-old tough guy that was warmly layered and decoratively tied with raffia and a wooden bead. I gave him that gift and he was stunned. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so much that it was beautiful, it was just the effort put into it.

Favorite embellishments: Pictures, small ornaments Tricks of the trade: For a perfect package, cut the wrapping paper two inches wider than the box; use the box length plus the two ends to determine paper length. Leaving too much paper is a rookie wrapping error that leaves a package looking lumpy and uneven.

Wrapping odd shapes: Print out a picture of the gift on cardstock and provide directions to the actual giftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret location. Place the card in a small box and wrap it creatively. (c) CTW Features

The Toolbox The Incision Tepper uses medium-sized scissors - no more than six or seven inches - for detail. All three wrappers recommend the Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter for easy, straight edges.

Stick it to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Em Tepper warns against glue guns and recommends glue sticks for layering effects. The sticks leave room for adjustments because the adhesive doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dry right away.

Ho, Ho Hole Wen recommends a hole puncher to make gift tags; string twine around gifts for decoration.

Straight Talking When layering gift wraps, Tepper is

sure to have a pencil and acrylic ruler at hand to make sure pieces are even.

The Tapeline For gift wrappers who use one-sided clear tape, the Scotch Pop-Up Tape dispenser may prove to be a helpful tool. To wrap like a pro, however, consider double-sided tape. Try foam tape to paste unconventional toppers.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget...

Your hands are the most important tool you have, Wen says. She has wrapped masterpieces with paper torn with her hands. But letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leave this technique to the pros.

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Old-Fashioned

Bilingual play: Chicco Bilingual Talking Farm teaches numbers, colors, animals and sounds with nursery rhymes in English and Spanish

Fun blowing them in the bathtub.

Munchkin Bubble Monkeys let you do just that. Two bubble monkey wands are fun to hold and include a dip tray that suctions to the wall (we love this part) and bubble solution ($9, major retailers).

For endless entertainment without mom, the Chicco Bilingual Talking Farm is a plastic, interactive “farm” with learning games such as naming, and it teaches numbers, colors, animals and sounds. This toy invites children to sing along with nursery rhymes (my son’s favorite is “Old MacDonald”) and flashing lights ($30, major retailers).

Cloud B’s Gentle Giraffe on the Go Travel-Size Plush Sound Machine is a gift for both baby and parents. It helps baby sleep,

entertain and teach is a surefire way to get more bang for your buck when gift-giving,” says toy expert Wendy Young, founder of Michigan-based Kidlutions Preferred Product Awards. We have many of those below. Still not sure? Another big trend that continues: anything eco-friendly is hot.

By Sally Farhat Kassab CTW Features

When buying gifts for children this holiday season, think back to your childhood and what you loved and consider buying new versions of those toys. This year, nostalgic toys - oldies but goodies - are very popular.

“Companies are feeding on our growing need to connect with the product,” says Mari Richards, toy designer and head of Smallforbig.com. “They are tapping old brands that parents remember from their own childhoods, or highlighting the handmade, homegrown aspects of a new product.”

The toys and gifts we feature in this guide are our favorite new ones. “Picking toys that serve double-duty in that they

Newborn to 4 Years Old

For those shopping for pregnant friends or baby gifts, California Baby unveiled a Holiday Cheer Tote Set complete with sensitive-skin bubble bath, spritzer (great for de-stressing over the holidays), a scrub puff and reusable tote ($30, major retailers).

Every child loves bubbles, and there’s little that’s more fun than

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Girls and dolls: the Dollie & Me collection includes holiday dresses for a young girl and 18-inch doll

especially on those long plane rides! The stuffed Giraffe On The Go helps recreate sleep time routines by bringing familiar soothing sounds while away from home. There are four sounds, including a “babbling brook” ($23, boutiques nationwide; see cloudb.com for locations).

Another practical-yet-fun item for parents: The Designer Diner

by Bella Tunno is a wipe-clean place mat on one side and a reusable chalk mat on the other and is perfect for restaurants and planes ($22, baby and kid boutiques, see bellatunno.com for stores).

Jojo Bump Bump by Silverlit Toys is a top-selling brand in France, and it’s no wonder. It’s a sleekly designed remote control

FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER

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                 3300 W. Radio Drive • Florence, SC                                          843-679-9416                                      

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http://www.florenceciviccenter.com

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2010 November-December  11

car for little ones. Jojo Bump Bump comes with headlights and remote control carrot. After hitting a road block, Jojo spins and moves in another direction, until he hits too many obstacles and is ejected ($25, Walmart).

5 to 10 Years Old

A program of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce

Great for Gift Giving Sumter Dollars are redeemable at over 400 Sumter Members. A complete list is available at www.sumterchamber.com They can be purchased at the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 East Callhoun St., during business hours 8:30am-5pm Available in $10, $15, $25 denominations or any combination.

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2010

A Supplement to The Item

At this age especially, think about the child’s personality when buying a gift, Young says. “The beauty of open-ended activities such as blocks, art supplies or dress-up is that they encourage active imagination,” Young says. “Imagination and intelligence are linked. We should encourage it whenever we can.”

When girls begin dressing up, they don’t want to look like their friends. Enter Snap Caps interchangeable necklaces Maddie Bradshaw is the 14-year-old president and designer.

The jewelry is made of old-fashioned embellished bottle caps, which stemmed from an idea to decorate her locker with magnetic bottle caps ($17, 400 boutiques nationwide; see m3girldesigns. com).

For the wanna-be in all of us, Paper Jamz are affordable and innovative play instruments that provide an instant rock star experience.

Technology allows circuit-embedded paper, enabling you to play the thin, stringless guitars like a pro simply by touching the paper surface ($25, Walgreens and others).

Shopping Cart Dash by Pressman Toys is a cute board game. Players take a moveable shopping cart and a shopping list and race along “supermarket aisles” to collect fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. By paying at the end of every turn, players get closer to winning ($15, specialty retailers).

The Dollie & Me collection includes a doll and matching girls’ clothing. The outfits are sweet, and the 18-inch doll has some very holiday-appropriate dresses ($30 for doll; girl clothes $7 to $80, major department stores).

Finally, some new books in this age category. “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook ( Junior Edition)” by David Borgenicht and Robin Epstein is a riot. From how to “survive a bad report card” to “time travel” to “being shipwrecked,” these three books provide endless entertainment ($20 for a boxed set, bookstores).

Teens

Board games are fun for the whole family, and the classics are being repackaged. But there are some new great new ones, such as Truth Be Told by Buffalo Games. It helps kids get to know their friends. One player is the host and plays a question card, “Truth Be Told, my favorite snack is... “ The Host writes a True Answer: pork rinds. All other players pretend to host and write bluff answers: pretzels, carrots, pickles. The host reads all answers aloud, and players guess the True Answer to score points ($25, major retailers).

Tween girls love to journal, and Senario’s My Secret Circle gives them a special place to record their innermost thoughts. Some are calling it the “safe” Facebook. Users can create photo pages and scrapbook in a digital world, keeping everything private or sharing only with friends ($20, Target).

Lunchbots are a cool way to take lunch to school. Think of a sleek, stainless steel box with a colorful lid, part of a trend steering away from plastic containers ($15, natural groceries nationwide; see lunchbots.com for stores).

Many companies are introducing new versions of old favorites, such as the OP skateboard by Bravo Sports, a nod to 1970s skateboarders with its long deck and big, soft cruiser wheels ($60, Walmart).

Olivia + Joey just launched a new handbag line that teens love.

Our favorite is the “Knight Life” hobo bag. Very stylish and hip ($98, Macy’s).

If this article hasn’t sparked your gift imagination, “Ask,” Young says. “You can still keep the element of surprise if you ask questions about broad topics and subjects kids like, rather than a specific gift suggestion.”

The most important person to treat this holiday season? You! “Don’t forget to treat yourself to something,” says Lyss Stern, CEO of DivaMoms.com “As parents, we are so busy with taking care of gifts for the kids, our spouses, the grandparents, cousins and teachers that we forget about ourselves.” (c) CTW Features

Vamp Up the

Holidays

Twilight dolls: Bella and Edward

The love affair with all things vampire is alive and well.

By Taniesha Robinson CTW Features

Vampires proved they really are undead this year. The romance between a stubborn teenage girl and a noble vampire in the bestselling “Twilight” novels inspired movies, music, clothing and toys that continue to fly off shelves. “Eclipse,” third in the

Twilight Saga series, opened in June with the widest release in cinematic history and grossed $68 million opening day, second highest ever. Top opening-day gross, coincidentally, went to the second flick in the vampire franchise, “New Moon.”

The mythological beings have

infiltrated TV, too, landing lead roles on HBO’s “True Blood,” the CW’s “Vampire Diaries” and ABC’s “The Gates.” The vampire siege is poised to continue until at least 2012, when the last Twilight film hits the big screen.

For any youngster enthralled by dark heroes, nothing but

The Vampire Diaries

vampire Edward or werewolf Jacob really deserves Bella’s affection with Twilight Saga Dolls from Mattel ($24.95, department stores).

Vampires, werewolves and girls, oh my! Fans can relive this year’s blockbuster movie at home with the “Eclipse” DVD (release date Dec. 6, 2010, Summit Entertainment).

The love triangle between doppelganger vampire brothers and a high- school girl in “The Vampire Diaries” TV series garnered seven Teen Choice Awards this year. The Complete First Season, Warner Bros. ($47.95 DVD/$54.95 Blu-ray).

A little night reading: “Breaking Dawn,”

Twilight fashion: Bella’s famous denim jacket

fourth novel in the blockbuster “Twilight” series by Stephanie Meyer, will drive two new movies set for release in 2011 and 2012 ($15.63; or get The Twilight Saga Complete Collection, Little Brown & Co., $97).

vampires will do. Shoppers won’t have to look far to find dozens of items the kids can sink their teeth into. Just remember: shop early. And be home before sunrise.

True Blood

Millions were inveigled by the love affairs of vampires with a southern twang in the TV series. Relive the drama on disc with “True Blood: The Complete Second Season” ($59.99 DVD/$79.98 Blu-ray).

Poster power: a teen vampire fan’s room is complete without wall tributes: the Vampire Diaries One Sheet Poster ($12.95, wbshop.com). (c) CTW Features

Explore more

The Twilight Series

adventures with the telepathic waitress and her vampire friends in the True Blood Comic Book Series from HBO and IDW Publishing ($3.99 for comic books; also in e-reader formats).

Notes in the night: drift off to sleep with vampire lullabies from the second and third seasons with True Blood: Music From the HBO Original Series Volume II ($9.99, Elektra Records).

Modest mode: The blue jacket that the unassuming heroine Bella Swan rocked in the movie “Twilight” inspired modern schoolgirls everywhere.The fall 2010 Jack collection includes flannel shirts, jackets and denim leggings ($30 to $84, BB Dakota; specialty and department stores).

Picking teams: Fans can settle the score on whether

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2010

November-December

13

Affordable Indulgence When it comes to thoughtful gift-giving, luxury is in the hands of the receiver

Handpainted bracelet by Angela Moore

Color-matched to his favorite car: Bianci Pro Racing watches

by Jessica Royer Ocken CTW Features For years, the unusual “fantasy” gifts offered in the Neiman-Marcus Christmas catalog have set a standard for extraordinary extravagance. A Mermaid suit with faux pearl top and swimming lessons (2003, $10,000). A private concert with Elton John (2005, $1.5 million). A Dallas Cowboys end zone in your backyard (2008, $500,000).

Even with the economic swoon, the over-the-top tradition continues.

And if few of us can afford to bestow a customizable cupcake car upon our beloved (2009, $25,000), we can afford the small indulgence. For those willing to invest some time to search, the options

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Of course, it’s not the amount of money you spend that makes a gift luxurious and indulgent - it’s how the gift makes the recipient feel. The best gifts make someone feel appreciated and pampered, says Leah Ingram, author and founder of giftsandetiquette.com. “The biggest headache people create for themselves is being acutely aware of how much someone else spends and feeling they have to match them dollar for dollar,” says Ingram. “Spend what’s comfortable for you.”

Do a little sleuthing as you shop and you can find items that ooze indulgence in a way that belies their modest price tags. Spending wisely does not mean

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you’re a cheapskate. After all, when Santa makes a list, even he checks it twice. That’s a technique smart shoppers will put to good use this year.

“Holiday shopping is a lot like food shopping,” says Ingram.

“Make a list, categorize what you’ll buy and see if there are discounts or coupons,” she suggests. If you have a credit card or store card that offers rewards points, stockpile them and use them to supplement your budget for holiday gifts. “Maybe you received gift cards last year you haven’t used,” adds Ingram.

“I’m not saying re-gift them, but you can use them to offset your spending when doing this year’s holiday shopping. That’s your money,” she says. “Spend it!”

A sumptuous throw in buttery velvet or fabulous, fuzzy faux fur, suitable for just about anyone on your list, will elicit a gasp at first touch. A kicky zebra-print blanket or a rich, red throw trimmed with exuberant pom-poms would bring haute holiday cheer to the couch or work just as well in the car. ($45, Pier 1).

Organic and fair trade have been shopping buzz words for some time now, and although they often indicate higher cost (for a good cause!), that’s not always the case. Maggie’s Organics fair-trade certified organic cotton garments will impress the eco-minded ladies on your list without nuking your pocket.

Maggie’s hoodies and wraps are soft and slouchy with fashionforward details that give them life beyond the yoga studio ($20

and up, specialty stores; see maggiesorganics .com for retailers) .

Accessories are among the ultimate luxuries.

Here, it’s possible to live large while spending relatively little to delight your loved ones. A nice watch, much like a nice car, catches many a masculine eye.

Roberto Bianci lets you have a little fun with the new Pro Racing series: impeccable Swiss chronograph watches inspired by the mechanics and color palettes of fine automobiles. Select the one that best matches his ride - or the wheels he covets (from $330, department stores and bianciwatches.com).

Quirky handpainted bead bracelets from Angela Moore celebrate the season, pets, animal prints or even sushi in a chic, conversation-starting way ($50$60, specialty stores).

Ornaments, the accessories of the season, are another great way to bestow an elegant, indulgent gift without emptying your wallet. For right around $10, choose something rich with glamorous details, like feathery clip-on peacocks, or a bauble

that complements the personality of your hostess or officemate. Handblown, handpainted beauties by Angela Moore come packaged in a clear box, no wrapping required ($12, specialty stores).

An ornament alone makes an engaging smaller gift, or select a stunning decoration as the starting point for a collection.

One way to create a seemingly extravagant gift is to choose a theme, then select several smaller, less-expensive items you can package together, explains gift guru Ingram.

Indulge their inner child with a stack of colorful boxes to unwrap or an overflowing basket of fun. Whether it’s coffee or cocktails, cooking or gardening, the spa or the beach, thematic possibilities are endless, and you can supplement with some edible treats if you’re so inclined.

Holiday goodies are a luxury nearly everyone is thrilled to receive.

Qi doesn’t deal in fantasy gifts (solar-powered, diamond-encrusted socks, anyone?) but it does offer a lovely assortment of indulgent cashmere: luxurious hats and gloves and soft, sassy sweaters for less than you might expect ($50 for gloves, cardigans $130 and up, specialty stores; see qinewyork.com for retailers).

So start your list, compile your gift cards, and shop assured. This holiday, luxury lives! (c) CTW Features Right: Fair trade and comfy: an organic cotton hoodie from Maggie’s Organics Above: Handpainted Christmas ornaments by Angela Moore

Give the gift of financial strength.

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2010

November-December

15

Get Personal A gift for a special someone calls for, well, something special. Personalized gifts are all the rage. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to look - and what to look for.

By Danielle Cadet CTW Features Trends come and go, but the hallmark of a great gift remains the same: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal. The gift that goes down in history, the one theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll remember, is often the one that distinctively captures someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passions, taste and style.

These days personalization goes way beyond old-school monogrammed shirts and towels. Think flirty flip-flops designed with interchange-

able straps that Velcro on and off, to reflect a mood or a whim. A favorite phrase, icon or nickname creatively placed on a protective cover for an electronic device. A prepsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initials or name, emblazoned on a plastic plate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With personalization comes a sense of pride, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gift that everybody wants,â&#x20AC;? says Robyn Spizman, gift expert and founder of TheGiftionary. com.

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A Supplement to The Item

a gift that’s personalized with a name or initials. “The online world has taught retailers a lot more about their customers, and is making it easier than ever to give to customers what they want,” says Claire Hamilton, retail trend analyst at WGSN, a London-based trend forecasting firm.

“The natural outcome of that is to actually offer more personalization services.”

The purchase of a personalized gift demands serious thought.

Take some time to consider the recipient’s personality.

“You want to start looking at their interests: children, pets, their favorite colors, their style,” says Spizman.

She advises purchasing a present the recipient is sure to use. “When you think personalization you want to think about the personal use of a gift.

Make sure the person is going to enjoy it,” she says.

Pigeonholing friends may not be a polite practice most times of the year, but when it comes to holiday gift giving, it’s one of the keys to success.

“When you know you’re buying a gift for a traveler, an entertainer, a music or sports lover, then you can really pinpoint the perfect gift,” Spizman says.

Monogramming is a classic personalizing detail that never seems to go out of style. “People like to see their names,” says Roseanne Morrison, fashion director for trend forecaster Doneger Group, New York.

“The more personalization that’s

involved, the more it makes someone feel like this [gift] is designed for me.”

The trend is to bigger monograms with fresh fonts, styles and twists on tradition. And be selective about

the item you choose to monogram.

“Monogramming clothes is totally out,” says Jess Zaino, celebrity stylist and former co-host of the Style Network’s “Modern Girl’s Guide to Life.” She suggests monogramming a small item and pairing it with a useful, related gift.

Here are some bright ideas for holiday gifts that might be perfect for someone you know.

If they’re not, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect gift.

This season, personalization is

everywhere.

Lindsay Phillips’ Switchflops are fashionable flip-flops that can be customized to individual taste with a monogram button, name or favorite phrase, or a message embroidered on the strap. More than 70 styles of straps, attached with Velcro, can be changed out on a whim.

The line has been expanded to include customizable ballet flats, clogs and accessories. Zaino suggests pairing a pair of the flip-flops with a beach bag full of vacation goodies. “It’s so much more thoughtful when you take the person into consideration without being cheesy or tacky,” Zaino says ($30 and up, department and specialty stores; switchflops.com) A personalized cover for the proud new owner of an iPad, Kindle or new smartphone can add to their techno-joy and help them stand out in a crowd. Since so many people have these devices, “the more that you can do to create that level of originality makes it special,” says Morrison. Power Support USA offers a range of products aimed to protect and personalize wireless devices.

Graphically smart City Cases star iconic images from cities around the globe, perfect for a globetrotter wannabe. Or, create a custom design by uploading original art or choosing designs from their library and adding words and effects for a oneof-a-kind gift (custom designs about $50, electronics retailers nationwide;www.powersupportUSA.com).

Brightly colored melamine plates from La Plates are a big hit with celebrity parents, including the Obamas. Customers can choose design, background color, font style and color when creating their plates, which range in size from 7 inches (sold individually) to 10 inches (available in sets of four). The

bright, fanciful plates are durable enough to withstand horseplay at a barbeque but elegant enough for an adult luncheon. ($22, specialty stores; www. laplates.com ) Custom-monogrammed Butterscotch Blankees have been spied swaddling the babes of celebrity moms like Sarah Jessica Parker.

Company founder Jodie Roth says her products make a longlasting gift that can follow the owner from crib to dorm room.

The handmade blankets would make a great gift for a newborn, young child or parents who want to add flare to a nursery or bedroom. The handmade blankets range in size, style and color. ($125, specialty stores and boutiques).

Personalized stationery is a classic gift. But for a new twist for a relative or friend who loves to wrap and give gifts try wrapping paper personalized with her name and special message.

Custom gift wrap from online stationer Erin Condren can be imprinted with the message you choose - “Happy Birthday!

With love from Grammie,” for example. “It’s a functional thing to give that is still so personal and so much fun,” Zaino says.

“It will make them smile every time they use it”(10-ft. length for $45). The “Everything Book,” a monthly calendar for tracking family activities, can be customized with a name and photo on the covers. It comes with matching personalized labels, tab stickers and note pads ($45, erincondren.com) Monogram a leather wallet or a tote for a trendy friend or relative with simple tastes. “There are people who just like to keep it simple but still want personal things that look beautiful,” says Morrison. And, to heck with trendmeisters who say monogrammed clothing is out, out, out. For those with a considerably larger gift budget, a wool or a fur coat with an understated initials inside “would be wonderful,” WGSN’s Clair Hamilton says. (c) CTW Features

A personalized blanket can go from crib to dorm room; from celebrity fave Butterscotch Blankees.

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2010

November-December

17

Gifts for

Gear Heads

Hands-free chat using an iPhone via the Belkin Tunebase

From a full-blown electric vehicle to a set of spark-plug cufflinks, auto enthusiasts will get a charge out of these car-crazy gifts.

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features Auto aficionados tend to be a breed apart from mere motorists. No, motor oil does not course through their veins, but their interest in all things vehicular runs much deeper than that of the average driver.

Tracking down gifts for a car-loving friend or relative can be a lot of fun.

There are more nicely designed, imaginative products more widely available - from auto shops and tech stores to the finest jewelry counters in town. Here’s a look at a few gifts guaranteed to make their hearts race this holiday season.

The ultimate hightech auto gizmo of the season has to be an electric car, like the stylishly aerodynamic Nissan Leaf. Delivering true “plug and play” operation with zero emissions, the Leaf promises as much as a 100-mile range on a charge.

It includes Internet and smart phone connectivity and a navigation system that can show the location of nearby charging stations ($32,780, select markets in December).

A less costly gift for environmentally conscious auto buffs is the nifty car care kit from Green Earth Technologies. It consists of five eco-friendly products made from plant oils: organic glass cleaner, brake dust shield, hydrophobic car wash, tire shine and wheel cleaner ($20, auto, hardware and big box stores; getg.com). Motorists who want to maintain the showroom shine of their rides also will appreciate Meguiar’s complete care gift kit ($20, auto and hardware stores; meguiars.com) Why not give an exotic sports car for a pittance? Upgrade his

18 November-December

2010

or her computer mouse with a racier model - a Porsche 911, to be exact. The Motormouse is a 2.4g wireless mouse that’s a strikingly detailed replica of the iconic coupe ($50, motormouse. us.com).

Another gift sure to appeal to enthusiasts who can’t yet afford

their dream cars is the Soundracer, which can make even an old beater at least sound like a Ferrari. The device plugs into a 12-volt power point and replicates the roar of a sports car engine through the car’s audio system via a built in FM transmitter. Soundracer works in perfect sync with the vehicle’s actual accelera-

A Supplement to The Item

tions and decelerations ($40, auto accessory retailers, soundracer.se.)

Those who like to - literally - wear their affection for autos on their sleeves will enjoy a pair of car-themed cufflinks: charming miniature shift knobs, tires, spark plugs, dashboard gauges, headlamps and road signs ($45 to $425, department stores and cufflinks.com).

Leading the race to build a better travel mug is the aptly named Brugo, designed to eliminate spills and scalded lips.

A “tip and cool” mode allows users to transfer small amounts of too-hot take-out beverages to a temperature-controlled chamber, where it cools down a gulp at a time ($15 to $20, coffee shops and specialty stores; brugomug.com) Making driving safer and more convenient is the Belkin Tunebase with Hands-Free, which allows iPhone owners to conduct hands-free conversations through their car stereo systems. The “Direct” version ($70) connects

through an auxiliary audio input jack (found on later model cars), while the “FM” model ($100) transmits to an unused FM radio station. It also streams music stored on an iPhone and allows users to charge up to two mobile devices while en route (electronics retailers; belkin.com) Another hands-free calling adapter - this one using Bluetooth wireless connectivity - serves as a speaker phone, a personal safety device and a wireless “leash” to prevent motorists from losing their cell phones. ZOMM attaches to a keychain and will flash, vibrate and even sound an alarm if an owner walks away from his or her phone ($80, Best Buy; zomm.com).

Speed enthusiasts can document and share their vehicular adventures thanks to the GoPro HD Motorsports HERO camera.

It mounts to a helmet or dashboard and records first-person high-definition video or a succession of still photos. It can store up to nine hours of footage on a 32GB SD memory card (not included). ($300, auto supply retailers; www.goprocamera. com) (c) CTW Features

Take 10: Best Pictures on DVD and Blu-Ray

And the Oscar Goes To...

A bumper crop of 10 films, rather than the traditional five, vied for best picture honors at this year’s Academy Awards. There was a lot to take in, from the riveting war scenes in “The Hurt Locker” to the tender animated antics in “Up,”

Avatar

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The Blind Side

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Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

7.

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A Serious Man

District 9

8.

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An Education

9.

(Walt Disney) $17.99, four-disc DVD/ Blue-ray combo

The Hurt Locker

10.

DVD/24.49 Blu-ray (c) CTW Features

3.

(Sony Pictures) $20.49 DVD/$20.99 Blu-ray 4.

(Sony Pictures Classics) $19.49 DVD/$24.49 Blu-ray 5.

(Summit Entertainment) $19.49 DVD/$20.99 Blu-ray

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Inglourious Basterds

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2010

November-December

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Take 10: The Year’s Best Children’s Books

Book an Award Winning Adventure Books open a world of discovery in ways even the coolest toys can’t achieve. This season, tempt a kid to turn off the TV and find an adventure in words and pictures on a printed page. These acclaimed

“Going Bovine” by Libba

1.

Bray (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2009) $17.99 Printz Award for Young Adult Literature

“Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal,”

5.

“When you Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Carolrhoda Books, 2009) $17.95 Coretta Scott King Award

2.

Books, 2009) $15.99 Newbery Medal

6.

“The Lion & the Mouse” by Jerry Pickney $16.99

7.

queline Kelly (Henry Holt and Company, 2009) $16.99 Newbery Honor

and Giroux, 2009) $19.95 Newbery Honor

4.

“Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by

8.

Grace Lin (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers, 2009) $16.99 Newbery Honor

“Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors” by Joyce Sidman

9.

“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jac-

“Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose (Farrar, Straus

3.

titles were winners or finalists for some of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature for 2010.

- Danielle Cadet

(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009) $16.00 Caldecott Honor

“The Most True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” by

10.

“Mare’s War” by Tanita S.

Davis (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2009) $16.99 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book

(Little, Brown and Company for Young Readers, 2009) Caldecott Medal

Rodman Philbrick, (The Blue Sky Press, 2009) $16.99 Newbery Honor (c) CTW Features

Take 10: Game Upgrades

Board Meeting For old-fashioned family fun, nothing beats a board game. Not to be outdone by the new movers and shakers in home entertainment, motion-sensing video game systems like Nintendo Wii and Kinect for Xbox 360, old school classics have upped their

Monopoly: Revolution Edition (Hasbro, $34.99)

1.

Celebrating 75 years of miniature capitalism, Monopoly still rules. This contemporary version features a round game board, updated “here and now” pricing and a unit that plays sound effects and acts as an electronic banker.

Clue: Secrets & Spies

2.

(Parker Brothers, $24.99) The timeless game of murder and mayhem now includes a new optional text-messaging feature. Use an ultraviolet secret decoder to assist agents Plum, Scarlet, Mustard and others on their international crime-solving adventure.

Scrabble Slam (Hasbro,

3.

$29.99) Arranging wood letter chips to make words is so ... last century. The latest version of Scrabble puts a premium

20 November-December

2010

game. New editions use text messaging, electronic components instead of cards, and rules that reward speed and efficiency. Here’s a look at the new generation. - Danielle Cadet

on speedy, serious word building. Players must think and act fast. Get locked in a high-speed race to build a chain of words in 75 seconds.

Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It Edition

4.

(Hasbro, $29.99) In this version, participants field questions in a variety of styles with 1,800 fresh questions that include images and multiple-choice options. Players don’t have to know all the answers to win; they also can bet chips on whether opponents know the answer. A good guess can mean one step closer to victory.

The Game of Life: 50th Anniversary Edition (Hasbro,

5.

$17.99Entertaining families for 50 years, Life continues to present the milestones

A Supplement to The Item

and mundane everyday tasks we experience in a lifetime. This commemorative edition includes golden accents and Life coins that spark conversation. Spin the golden wheel and experience the ups and downs of Life.

Operation Silly Skill Game (Milton Bradley, $16.99)

6.

Although it still requires a top doc to save the day, Operation boasts a revamped board that makes crazy new sounds like chimes, burps and barks. Press Cavity Sam’s nose to find out if a procedure was a success, and then listen up as the game dictates the next direction.

Sorry! Spin

7.

(Hasbro, $24.99) Game night will never be the same as

participants seek sweet revenge with a turn of the Sorry! Wheel on a new rotating board. Getting “home” is more unpredictable than ever, making it anybody’s game to the bitter end.

Cranium Scribblish (Hasbro, $19.99)

8.

A hilarious new take on the classic “telephone” game, this edition of Cranium requires players to create scribbles and sketches and pass them on. The whole family is sure to enjoy the final product when the last player reads the accumulated story out loud.

U-Build Battleship (Hasbro, $19.99)

9.

Customization is key in this revolutionary new line of brickbased games. Participants build fleets of battleships, aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines and must work to keep their ship safe and blow their opponent’s ships out of the water.

Candyland: The World of Sweets Game (Hasbro, $9.99) The sweet classic looks much the

10.

same as it did back in the day, and continues to introduce little ones to board games via the magical world of tasty treats.

Colored cards and fanciful illustrations direct players to the Cupcake Commons and the Chocolate Mountains as they journey to the castle. A simple move of the pawn is enough to make imaginations run wild. (c) CTW Features

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Inspired

Holiday Gifts from the kitchen If the best gifts come from the heart, certainly the next-best gifts come from the kitchen. Culinary treats can be perfect presents for your foodie friends or just about anyone on your list. Food gifts are especially perfect for friends, neighbors, teachers, and others for whom more elaborate gifts are neither expected nor required. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the possibilities are endless and can be adjusted for varying palates, allergies and preferences. Here are several suggestions for serving up delicious holiday gifts this season.

Holiday cookies are a culinary treat that nearly everyone can enjoy.

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Just about everyone looks forward to seasonal sweets, from Christmas cookies to jelly doughnuts for Chanukah to benne cakes or sweet potato pie for the final feast of Kwanzaa. * Rethink your cookies. When it comes to culinary delights, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. But if you want to put a twist on tradition, consider some alternatives to the holiday cookie sampler, such as decorating greeting-card-sized cookies with personalized messages, filling decorative jars with all of the dry ingredients needed for your favorite cookie recipe or giving the gift of dough -- three different kinds of cookie dough rolled into logs, wrapped in wax paper and tied at the ends with festive ribbons. * Take a dip. Dipping store-bought confections such as peppermint sticks, candy canes, candied orange peel, shortbread cookies, or even fresh figs in good-quality chocolate (a mix of dark, milk and white chocolate is even better!) will transform these everyday items into holiday-worthy gifts. * Think drinks. Nothing takes the chill out of a cold December morning like hot chocolate -- especially when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homemade.

Make your own mix with ground chocolate and sugar or package a high-quality store brand in a festively decorated jar, then add some peppermint sticks, chocolate-coated spoons or homemade marshmallows to the mix. * Have a jam session. Handmade jams, preserves and fruit compotes are always appreciated. Your creation can be accompanied by the recipe, some scones or great toasting bread, or even a decorative serving jam jar. * Bark thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as good as its bite. Chocolate bark is a delicious no-bake gift thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so easy to make youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wonder why youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve waited so long to try it. Recipes are everywhere and you can customize the bark with your recipientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite nuts, dried fruits and other tasty tidbits

in the form of spices, either from the bulk aisle at your favorite upscale grocery chain or a well-loved specialty retailer. Since spices donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay fresh forever, your culinary connoisseur is sure to appreciate a new assortment. For the more adventurous cooks on your list, consider purchasing a few special spices, such as saffron or vanilla -- either the bean or a high-quality extract.

Spices can be purchased in small amounts and then presented in decorative airtight jars with handwritten labels. Other options include making and giving your own spice blends and purchasing whole spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, and presenting them along with the appropriate tool for grinding or grating them.

And everything nice

Themed baskets of food will generate big smiles from everyone on your holiday list. Putting together an assortment of items for a particular meal or kind of cooking is as much fun for the giver as it is for the receiver. Here are some ideas that are both simple and special. * Breakfast basket. Fill a basket with homemade pancake and waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup, or go continental with a batch of freshly baked scones

and a jar of lemon curd. For the caffeine lover, two mugs, one filled with a favorite gourmet coffee or tea and the other packed with some homemade pastries or a jar of jam. * Pasta basket. The centerpiece of this gift could be a jar of your famous spaghetti sauce, which is surrounded by a package of fresh pasta, a bulb of garlic and a wedge of Parmesan cheese. * Pizza basket. Start with a package of homemade pizza dough, add a jar of pizza sauce or pesto made from the basil in your garden, then decorate the basket with a merry mix of cheeses and popular pizza add-ons, such as pepperoni, olives, olive oil, garlic, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, and small packets of spices, such as oregano or red pepper flakes.

To ensure that your gifts donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to waste, be sure to add instructions for storing and handling the food -- especially those items that need to be refrigerated.

And spice

For people who love to cook, great ingredients make exquisite gifts. Think about giving your favorite foodie the gift of flavor

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Naughty or Nice Santa’s Elf is the Secret

Create a new holiday tradition with a clever story and interactive accessories that children and adults will enjoy. Visit www.elfontheshelf.com

(MS) -- Twinkling lights, brightly decorated cookies, and hearing Christmas songs in the store aisles means one thing to children -- Christmas! Their excitement and wonder begins to grow with each passing day; and adults, however briefly, cast aside their work-a-day cares to relive memories and join in the excited anticipation.

Santa Claus is a familiar figure in Christmas celebrations and a person children hope will visit their homes with a bag full of presents. But as every child knows, Santa has a discerning selection process when it comes to gift recipients. His “naughty or nice” list is not to be taken lightly.

Generation upon generation of children (and their parents) have wondered how Santa is so spot-on when it comes to recognizing the children who have been well behaved all year and those who need improvement.

It’s almost as if he has a scout

in each and every house relaying this important information.

According to the treasured book, “The Elf on the Shelf,” by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, that’s just how Santa gets his detailed reports -- a scout elf watches over children’s behavior. The elf gets his Christmas magic when the family gives him a name of his own. Each night, after the children are safely tucked into bed, the elf flies to the North Pole, where he informs Santa who has been naughty or nice that day. Before the children awaken, the elf has returned to their home, but he is observing them from a new post in the house. The children race out of bed to discover the elf’s new hangout for the day.

There is one important rule: Children should not touch the elf or he might lose his magic, thus jeopardizing any good reports he may have planned to give Santa. This rule ensures the children’s interest in the elf

won’t wane, and it also teaches self-control.

There are so many enjoyable traditions to share as a family, and reading “The Elf on the Shelf” is one that will delight children of all ages. Sitting down and sharing the story also enables families to set aside the hustle and bustle of the holidays for a few minutes and spend quality time with the ones they love. Children acquire all the benefits from reading and story comprehension, imagination and role playing, as well as learn the important lesson that good behavior brings just rewards.

This beautifully illustrated, hardbound book is innovatively packaged and comes with its own pixie elf seated on a shelf in an attractive keepsake box.

Children can register their elf’s name at elfontheshelf.com and receive a special letter from Santa Claus.

There are also two new sur-

Devouring Fruitcake Facts The holidays and fruitcake have long been intertwined. Fruitcakes are often mocked, detested and discarded. Few gifted foods create such strong derision. However, fruitcake is tradition. And as most people know, Christmas is all about tradition.

Fruitcake is an enduring tradition, most simply because the food, well, endures. Most fruitcakes will last 8 to 12 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. If frozen, their lifespan could be endless. Jokingly, many families have said fruitcake is the only food durable enough to become an heirloom.

While mocked, it may entice a few people to know just how fruitcake has become a holiday treat.

The oldest references to fruit-

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prises in store to further spread elf magic -- an interactive North Pole found at elfontheshelf.com and The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Activity Book.

The new North Pole feature gives families a sneak peak at Santa’s headquarters with their elf as a guide. Families can catch a glimpse of Santa’s busy workshop, look in on the stables to see the reindeer, take a stroll down Main Street, or even visit the gift shop to order presents. The activity book helps keep little hands and minds busy with activities, puzzles, crafts, a sing-a-long music CD, coloring pages, and more.

Creating and reliving treasured memories and traditions, as well as new family activities, is only one elf away. For a list of store locations or to purchase The Elf on the Shelf online, visit www.elfontheshelf.com.

cake date back to Roman times.

Ancient crusaders and hunters consumed fruitcake made with preserved fruits, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, raisins, and honey. Fruitcake was a durable commodity that could persevere on long trips. Because of its combination of ingredients, fruitcake was also a good source of energy, much the way a trail mix is good for today’s hikers.

In the 1700s, Europeans baked a ceremonial fruitcake at the end of the nut harvest. It was saved and eaten the following year at the harvest, with the hopes it would spur another successful harvest. Fruitcake evolved to more of a delicacy in the 1800s, even being served with tea in high society. It is rumored that Queen Victoria waited a year to eat a gifted fruitcake as a show of restraint and moderation.

Fruitcake can be an integral part of a holiday celebration, and not because it’s being used to block drafts from under a door.

Instead of giving fruitcakes as gifts, they should be served as part of the holiday feast. In addition to the sugar cookies and pies on the Christmas table, celebrants can serve slices of fruitcake featuring their favorite ingredients.

Make the Holidays

Harmonious for Pets too (MS) -- Celebrants all over may look forward to the holidays for the hustle and bustle they bring, but the same sentiments may not be expressed by pets ... if they could talk, that is.

Pets that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used to a lot of foot traffic in a home or loud events could become anxious when holiday guests arrive and the fun ensues. Further stress could be added by lack of attention on the part of pet owners and the changes of the home environment through the addition of decorations and a Christmas tree.

Christmas and New Years also present a host of hazards to pets. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be aware of these dangers to keep pets safe.

Keep these pointers in mind: * Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use poisonous plants in your holiday decor. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and poinsettias can be deadly if consumed by most animals. Go with faux plants instead if you desire the look. * Keep your pets on a steady diet and resist the urge to feed them leftovers from holiday dinner. Abrupt changes in your dog or catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet can cause stomach distress, vomiting and diarrhea. * Set aside a quiet space your pets can retreat to when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just too much commotion in another area of the house. However, putting a dog in the backyard if it is extremely cold is simply off limits. A dark bedroom away from the activity is best.

* Cats love to climb and may take to your Christmas tree. Safeguard against the tree tipping over by securing it with a piece of fishing line anchored into the ceiling or a wall. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put lit candles or breakables on areas where cats like to pounce. * Involve pets in the festivities by buying a special treat that they can enjoy for good behavior during the holidays. A new chew or chase toy is a nice idea. * If you will be traveling during the holidays, make sure your pets are adequately secured in the car and not allowed to roam freely.

Use a travel crate or a special seat belt to keep the animals in place.

With some planning and care, you can ensure your pets will be comfortable and content during the holiday season.

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Unearthing the Origins of the

Christmas Tree

From Christmas stockings and mistletoe to smiling Santas and burning yule logs, the symbols of the season are so powerful that people seldom stop to think about their origins. But one of the most common symbols of Christmas --at least in the United States and Canada -- is the twinkling Christmas tree, which is often depicted with piles of shiny gifts under its bottom branches.

While most of us take these kinds of holiday images for granted, many of us aren’t sure where the traditions started or how they became associated with Christmas. Whether you’ve always wondered about the origins of the Christmas tree or are simply in need of some seasonal small talk for this year’s holiday parties, the following should add some insight into the origins of this popular holiday tradition.

A Growing Tradition

In the U.S. and Canada, the Christmas tree has become one of the foremost symbols of the holiday season. But the origin of the beloved holiday evergreen has been debated for centuries, with some historians asserting that it has Christian roots

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and others contending that its roots are pagan. However, many explanations trace the custom of having a decorated evergreen tree inside the home to 16th century Germany, while others go back 300 years earlier to a tradition that began with the Miracle Plays sponsored by local churches.

While its specific origin is unclear, we do know that the Christmas tree tradition spread first across Europe and then throughout the world. In the U.S., Christmas trees were first seen in communities with prominent German populations in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Two communities in particular -- Windsor Locks, Connecticut and Easton, Pennsylvania -- lay claim to being the “birthplace” of the American Christmas tree tradition.

Throughout the world, Christmas trees are a symbol of the continuation of life through the dark, cold months of winter and are linked both to the winter solstice and the belief that the birth of Jesus brought light into the world. In many parts of the world, Christmas trees have long been set up and taken down according to the calendar. Traditionally, they were brought into A Supplement to The Item

the house on Christmas Eve and removed the day after Twelfth Night ( January 6th), and varying from these dates was considered bad luck.

Red + Green = Christmas

While the colors green and red are now synonymous with Christmas, the association of these colors with the holiday originally had nothing to do with Santa, elves or even mistletoe. Like so much holiday lore, the origins of the red-and-green Christmas theme have long been debated, but the explanation that appears to be most deeply rooted in fact begins in 14th century Europe, when Adam and Eve’s Day was celebrated each year on December 24th. At that time, churches presented dramatic performances --called Miracle Plays -- that were intended to teach religious topics to a largely illiterate population.

For Adam and Eve’s Day, people gathered to watch the “Paradise Play,” which presented the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Since no apple trees were available in the middle of winter to represent the Tree of Good and Evil on stage, a pine tree with apples tied to its branches was used instead.

The use of a “makeshift” apple tree worked so well that many churches adopted its use.

The “Paradise Tree” eventually became so popular in Germany that people started to erect evergreen trees in their homes and decorate them with red apples.

Over time, the green of the trees and the red of the apples became widely associated with the celebration of Christmas.

Light Up the Holiday

Before the invention of the light bulb, families in many parts of the world brought light into their homes during the cold holiday season by placing candles in their Christmas trees.

While this custom was extremely dangerous and caused many fires, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that most people had access to electric Christmas tree lights. Edward H. Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison, was the first to string together lights for the purpose of decorating a Christmas tree in 1882. However, Christmas light kits were not available until 1903 and, until then, only very wealthy families could afford to light up their trees.

Money-Saving Tips for

Memorable Holidays The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather and share the joys of the season. While many families are faced with the need to scale back their holiday celebrations and expectations, it’s good to know that memorable holidays can be both frugal and festive. By doing a little extra planning and reclaiming some of the traditions of simpler times, it’s possible to discover that less really can be more. Make your holiday season both merry and memorable with the following money-saving tips: * Make a plan. Create a plan for holiday spending and gift giving. List possible gifts, how much you expect to pay, what you can afford to pay, and alternatives.

Once you determine how much you can afford to spend on each gift, stick to your plan. Always look for sales and pay in cash or with debit cards whenever possible.

Compare prices online.

Check the shipping charges. For kids, consider buying one nice gift rather than a lot of smaller ones. * Timing is everything. While the best deals on greeting cards can be found after the holidays, some do go on sale in December. It’s also worth remembering that postcards are less expensive and also cost less to mail.

And if you’re handy with scissors, you can transform last year’s greeting cards into this year’s festive holiday postcards. In addition,

it pays to mail packages early. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to make sure that your gifts arrive on time. * It’s a wrap. Wrapping paper, like most other seasonal items, is deeply discounted after the holidays. If you didn’t catch last year’s afterChristmas sales, consider using the comics from your local newspaper as wrapping paper.

A roll of white butcher paper and assorted sizes of paper bags can be transformed into works of art that double as gift packaging. And last year’s holiday cards can be cut into wonderful gift tags. * Nurture nature. Homemade decorations and ornaments add an old-fashioned touch to the holiday season. You can bring nature indoors with cornstalks, pinecones, dried flowers and pumpkins. Trees can be decked with strings of popcorn and cranberries as well as holiday cookie cutters, ribbons and bows. If you’re willing to wait, bargains on Christmas trees can be found in the days leading up to December 25th. You might also consider investing in a high-quality artificial tree, which can save you big bucks in the long run. * Delicious deals. Some grocery stores offer great deals during the holidays. Check your newspaper and store fliers for deals on items you need. Use store brands when making casseroles and side dishes. In the spirit of sharing, a potluck-style holiday dinner could be a tradition worth considering. It also relieves the host of the entire burden of paying for and preparing the meal. Visit www.GrocerySavingTips. com for additional coupons and hundreds of money-saving suggestions. * Simple pleasures. Holiday entertainment can be as simple as a drive around town to see the lights. And don’t forget to bring along some blankets and hot chocolate for the ride.

Pull out the board games you haven’t played in years. Learn three new card games and two new holiday songs. Bake and decorate cookies.

Make lasting memories.

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Returns

Surviving the

Gift Return As the holiday season gets set to hit full swing, shopping for gifts is again foremost on the minds of many. However, many of the gifts purchased will face an inevitable fate many gifts before and after them have faced and will face: the return bin.

As much a part of the holiday shopping tradition as long lines and limited parking, returns often require waiting on lines that are even longer than those before the holiday and parking lots that are somehow even more crowded this time around. But there are steps boths shoppers and those making gift returns can take to make the process go more smoothly. * Know the return policy. The more generous the return policy, the better the store, particularly when shopping for friends or family you don’t see often. Be sure the store allows ample time to return a gift or make a hassle-free exchange. When purchasing online, know what steps must be taken for a return. Some online retailers make buyers liable for the cost of return postage. Others include a pre-posted package for anticipatory returns. * Don’t tempt fate. Fraudulent returns cost retailers billions of dollars per year, and many retailers have begun fighting back by targeting those areas that cost them the most, such as electronics. As a result, rules are far more strict for those returns. Bigger chains might charge a restocking fee for returned big-ticket items, such as opened computers, televisions, etc. Some may also limit the time consumers can make returns, or may only offer returns on purchases made during a specific window of time, e.g. Black Friday through December 24. * Get a gift receipt. Gift receipts allow a gift recipient to easily return a gift with a receipt featuring a special bar code -- the cost of the items is not included on the gift receipt to maintain confidentiality. Without a receipt, some retailers may only offer an exchange at the current markdown rate, not the original purchase price, greatly diminishing the value of the return. * Don’t open anything and keep it tagged. If a return is even remotely a possibility, keep the condition of the item and packaging as close as possible to what they were upon purchase. All foam, bags, tags and packing material should be in place. Anything packaged in hard plastic should not be cut open. For clothing or

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Rush

fabric items, leave the tags on and try on items without wearing fragrance or makeup. If an item looks worn or ragged, a store may refuse the return. * Don’t rest on your laurels. The chance of finding something you like to replace the gift you’re returning is greater the sooner you make the return. Returning gifts is now a holiday tradition, so others will also be out there looking for something good. * Go easy on the retail staff. Few professions have it tougher than retail staff during the holiday season. Long, exhausting and stress-filled hours make their jobs quite difficult, and come the end of the season they deserve a break. Be courteous and patient when making returns and keep in mind it’s not the staff’s fault everyone decided to make returns on the same day. * Let the gift giver know about the return. Gifts were purchased with you in mind, just as you select gifts thinking they’ll be perfect for the recipient. Those planning on making a swap or a return should tell the person who bought the gift. But be courteous and wait a day or two. Don’t simply open the gift and immediately deem it return-worthy.

Homemade

Ornaments a Treat for the Holidays (MS) — Once the perfect tree has been selected and placed in the home, the next task is to take out all of the ornaments collected over the years and hang them on the tree.

Part of what makes decorating the tree so memorable is the ornaments that have been collected over time — many of them handmade treasures. Looking through them is a trip down memory lane, bringing to mind the happy times these ornaments recall.

Today in a hurried society, it may seem easier to simply head to the store and purchase a box full of ornaments for the tree. But spending time creating your own can be a family event that’s a fun way to spend time together. Here are a few ideas.

“Tie-Dyed” Balls

Create ornaments that have the impression of being tie-dyed. Simply buy a box of clear glass ornaments from a craft store. Pop off the metal top and squirt one or two different colors of acrylic paint into the center of the ball. Replace the top and twirl the ball around until the paint coats the inside in a marbled pattern. Place on a surface where the balls won’t roll,

such as an empty egg carton, and let dry.

Wire Ornaments

Purchase thin craft wire and small beads of various colors. Bend the wire into holiday shapes, such as candy canes and stars. This can be achieved by wrapping the wire around cookie cutters as templates.

Thread the beads onto the wire shape until it is completely covered with beads. Use a needle-nose pliers to twist together the two open ends to seal the ornament shut.

Popsicle Stick Treasures

Craft sticks, popsicle sticks, whatever you call them, these wooden items can be glued and painted to create a number of ornaments for the tree. Fashion them into a triangular shape and paint green for a Christmas tree. Glue a handful together and paint white for a snowflake. Dust these ornaments with glitter for even more sparkle on the tree.

Craft Foam Creations

Pop into any craft store or even toy store and you will likely find packages or loose sheets of thin colored foam that can be cut and designed into everything from sun visors to doorknob signs to fun ornaments for the tree.

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Don’t let

Christmas Dinner be a Budget

Buster

Many people worry about the expenses of the holidays. Individuals who are already pinching pennies and putting as much toward gifts as possible may want to keep holiday entertaining costs low. It’s possible to do so without sacrificing quality.

Christmas dinner is something families look forward to each year.

Some enjoy a roasted turkey; others turn to cultural foods. Others may eat a big meal both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The hosts and hostesses who serve Christmas dinner often open their homes up to a number of guests to enjoy the meal. It’s not uncommon to find 10 to 12 friends or family members gathered around the dining table -and feeding all those people can get expensive.

One can expect to spend a hundred dollars or more on holiday foods depending on the menu items chosen; a large turkey alone can cost $25. If cocktails are part of the holiday equation, premium alcohol can run $20 to $30 per bottle. If finances are tight, a big Christmas dinner can certainly put a strain on the budget. To cut costs, consider these frugal tips. * Shop the sales. Plan the menu in advance and comparison shop the non-perishable items. Stock up on the foods needed that can be stored in the pantry until preparation time.

The closer a person shops to Christmas, the higher the prices on certain items may be. * Choose lower-priced foods. Who says filet mignon has to be served on Christmas? As long as the food is tasty, guests will enjoy it. Consider menu items that can be bought in bulk (less expensive) and turned

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into delicious meals. A platter of chicken with lemon-butter sauce could win rave reviews over the tired turkey anyway. * Don’t overdo it. Party hosts often over-buy food thinking there will not be enough. After crackers and cheese, salad, appetizers, and some other courses, guests may be stuffed to the gills and only pick at the main meal. Scale back the courses and focus on one or two things. * Fill guests up with vegetables.

Starches, such as potatoes and rice, and many vegetables are inexpensive and filling. Serve a higher ratio of these foods to meats and poultry. * Have a holiday pot luck. Hosts can ask guests to bring one food item with them to lessen the financial burden. Friends and family will be more than happy to pitch in. * Consider store brands. Many store brand foods are equal in taste and quality to the brand name items ... but at lower costs. This is because store brands are not advertised and don’t have to pay for publicity. This can help budget-conscious shoppers save a little at the check-out. * Avoid pre-made foods. Convenience foods, like frozen appetizers or dips, often cost more per serving than if they are made at home from scratch. Scratch-cooking takes a little more time, but it is often more economical. * Skip the meal, altogether. If conversation and mingling are more the speed of the gathering, host a cocktail party instead. Serve finger foods and one or two signature drinks.

Less time around the table means more moments for merrymaking anyway.

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Estate

Antiques and Accessories

Wide variety of antiques, vintage furniture fill a century-old home Leaded glass lamps, grandfather clock, oil paintings, large selection of blue and white china, costume jewelry, mirrors, accessories and much more

210 Broad St. Sumter

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Staple of Holiday

Decor has a Deep History

Chances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads.

Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was believed to bestow life and fertility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac.

Mistletoe would later take on

a more political meaning, as the ritual of cutting the mistletoe came to symbolize the emasculation of the old king by his successor.

Nowadays, mistletoe is typically hung in doorways or entryways from one room to another.

This tradition can also trace itself back several centuries to the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. Throughout

Europe, mistletoe was placed over doorways in the house as well as the stables as a means to preventing the entrance of witches.

The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertility and is often associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th century England, a young lady standing underneath

the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eternal friendship.

History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace.

In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace.

When standing underneath the mistletoe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss.

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2010

November-December

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Reindeer Not All Red-Nosed Rudolphs While Rudolph might be the most famous reindeer, there remains no documented evidence of a red-nosed reindeer guiding Santa’s sleigh on an especially stormy Christmas Eve. But just because no one has yet to find the real Rudolph, that doesn’t mean we don’t know a few things about Santa’s sled buddies. * Reindeer are also known as Caribou in North America. * Females generally weigh between 170 to 260 lbs., while males are often much larger, weighing as little as 200 lbs. but as much as 460 lbs. * Reindeer reside in both the Arctic and Subarctic, and hunting of wild reindeer and herding of semi-domesticated reindeer is important to

The Real

Santa Claus Come Christmastime, children all around the world await the arrival of Santa Claus. Although many of his abilities are the result of folklore, there actually was a Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas. The real St. Nicholas lived in Turkey. He was a bishop in the town of Myra during the fourth century. According to Dutch legend, Sinter Klaas, or St. Nicholas,

34 November-December

brought gifts at Christmas, either through an open window or down a chimney. This legend is the basis of the Santa Claus we know and love today. St. Nicholas takes on many personas depending on the country in which his tale is being told. For most, he is a plump and jolly man with a penchant for cookies and milk.

2010

A Supplement to The Item

several Arctic and Subarctic people. * Reindeer fur can vary considerably. In northern populations, reindeer tend to have white fur, while southern populations are darker in color. * Reindeer size can also vary depending on location, as southern reindeer populations tend to be larger than their northern counterparts. * In most reindeer populations, both males and females grow antlers. Among deer, reindeer have the largest antlers in relation to body size. * Males often battle with each other by locking antlers for the right to mate with certain females. * During migration, some reindeer reach speeds of 37 to 50 miles per hour.

The Gift of

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Donating is a popular way to show appreciation during the holiday season, but not every household has the funds to donate this year. In lieu of making a financial donation, a gift of time and service is just as valuable.

Research indicates that 50 percent of charitable donations are made between Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the season of hospitality and togetherness, making charitable donations is ever-present in many people’s minds. However, financial insecurity due to the sluggish job market and economy will likely result in more people hoping to volunteer their time instead of their finances this holiday season.

Volunteering one’s time is a way to give back without expending funds. Just as charities and other organizations are in need of money to operate their causes, they also need manpower to put plans in action.

Busy people may think they don’t have the time to volunteer, but this is not the case. According to Charity Guide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting flexible volunteerism by inspiring and facilitating acts of kindness, volunteer work can take as little as 15 minutes per week and be based on a flexible schedule.

When considering volunteerism, individuals can pick a cause that is dear to their hearts.

Organizations that raise awareness about medical conditions to animal rights groups are all charities that can use assistance.

Here are some ways the average person can volunteer service. * Business owners who provide a particular product or service can donate such items to the charity. For example, a printing company can offer to print letterhead or envelopes for an organization. A baker can offer food for luncheons or fundraisers. Donation of time doesn’t necessarily have to mean manning the phones. * Schools are often understaffed and can use the help of parents and other community members. Volunteering beyond the typical call of duty can help school programs flourish. Volunteering time as a coach or as a librarian can ensure children have the resources and programs for a well-rounded education. * Consider spending time with the elderly at a nearby assistedliving facility or as part of a home-visitor program. Individuals who don’t have family nearby may appreciate a visit from someone, even if it’s just to sit and chat. This is something the entire family can do, even children. * Something as simple as carpooling or offering to shop for busy people is another form of volunteer work that doesn’t require being part of a particular organization. Why not babysit for a person who has to catch up on some holiday shopping?

There are plenty of ways to contribute without writing a check. The holiday season is the perfect time of year to think in a giving way.

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2010

November-December

35

More Winter

Holidays to Celebrate While it’s easy to associate winter holidays with Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s, winter is actually host to numerous holidays across the globe. The aforementioned holidays might get the bulk of the publicity, but these holidays are wintertime traditions far and wide. * Chinese New Year: The most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, but always between January 21 and February 20. In 2011, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 3. * Pancha Ganapati: This five-day Hindu festival celebrates the Lord Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture. During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, which is celebrated from December 21 through December 25, a different spiritual discipline is focused on by the entire family. * Tu Bishvat: A minor Jewish holiday, Tu Bishvat usually occurs in late January or early February and celebrates the “New Year of the Trees.” Customs during Tu Bishvat include planting trees and eating dried fruits and nuts, in particular figs, dates, raisins, carob, and almonds. The flowering of the almond tree coincides with Tu Bishvat throughout Israel, where the almond tree grows wild. * Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African culture and heritage that begins the day after Christmas and continues

to New Year’s Day. Kwanzaa was first celebrated from December 26, 1966 to January 1, 1967 and was initially an effort by professor Ron Karenga to create a specifically African-American holiday. * Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Winter is not only a time to honor past traditions, but also those who left a positive mark on the world. The third Monday of every January, for example, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day honoring the legacy of the famed civil rights leader who was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968.

The day is held in January because King was born on January 15. * Candlemas: Observed by Anglicans, Eastern Catholics, Lutherans, and Roman Catholics among others, Candlemas celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Candlemas is considered one of the twelve Great Feasts.

The date can vary depending on the celebrants, but is generally celebrated between the last week of January and the first few days of February. * St. Brigid’s Day: Though it’s meant to celebrate the first day of spring, St. Brigid’s Day, formerly known as Imbolc, actually occurs during the throes of winter. A Gaelic tradition, St. Brigid’s Day has different meanings for different people (and some Christians actually refer to the day as Candlemas). However, for many it remains a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the days growing longer, meaning spring is on the horizon.

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Christmas Tree Safety

Pointers

Those who celebrate Christmas know that a Christmas tree is often the centerpiece to holiday decorating and celebrating. Presents are tucked beneath the bows, and for many it’s a family affair choosing and decorating the tree. While there will be debates on both sides of the fence as to whether a real or artificial tree is better, it comes down to personal preference. Each has its share of advantages and disadvantages.

The big decision lies in choosing a tree that will fit the size of your home and your lifestyle and making it safe. Consider these ideas.

Individuals with large great rooms or cathedral ceilings may be able to invest in a tree that is tall and full.

A smaller tree may seem dwarfed in a large room. Conversely, those with a smaller room will want to scale back their tree size. Otherwise the tree can take up too much space and infringe on normal activities.

Placement of a tree is also important. Many people want to put the tree in front of a large window to show off their display to passers by. However, this isn’t always practical. If a heating element is near to where you want to put your tree, the air can dry out a real tree; artificial trees may be more forgiving. Take care not to place a tree where it will interfere with the ability to traverse the room, or where guests, children or pets will stumble into it. In fact, those with young children or pets may want to place the tree in a corner where it will be somewhat out of the way or barricaded by other furniture. Securing the tree to a wall or the ceiling with a small hook and fishing line will also be a measure of safety.

Through the years lighting manufacturers have taken steps to create holiday lights that are safer and easier to use. It is never recommended to put real, lit candles on a tree, which is an obvious fire hazard. Check for

frayed wires or bulbs that burn relatively hot on Christmas light strands, which can also be hazardous if the lights are left on while unattended. LED lights are now available that operate cooly and may last longer than some other traditional lights.

When choosing ornaments, place delicate or breakable items higher up out of the prying hands of young children. Because glass ornaments can fall and break, it may be safer to use plastic or ceramic ones that will be more durable.

A tree is something out of the ordinary in a home, so it’s natural that a pet or a child will be attracted to it, hence the need to consider safety.

If you are cutting down your own tree or picking one up from the lot, another consideration is being safe with transport. Many people do not adequately secure the tree to their vehicle before driving it home. A tree that is moving back and forth on the roof of a car, or worse, comes loose and ends up on the road, is a danger. Tie the tree from all directions so that it will not move in transit. And make sure that the branches are kept together in a mesh bag so that they do not catch wind while you are moving. Drive slowly and be attentive while making turns.

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A Supplement to The Item

2010

November-December

37

Photo Card tips for

Seasonal Greetings (MS) -- The trend toward using photo greeing cards for the holidays is one that continues to grow in popularity. Many people want to share pictures of their family or children with friends and relatives and holiday cards make that possible.

Photo greeting cards come in two main categories: One is a standard stock card with a window cut out to allow a photo to show through. The other is a design and photograph printed as one on glossy photo paper.

The card stock varieties can often be purchased where other greeting cards are sold’ then slip in your picture.

The glossy photo-style cards are either ordered and printed from an online service, or can be created using the digital photo kiosks at many pharmacies and retail stores.

Regardless of the type of card you use, you want to ensure your photograph is the best possible to convey your message of season’s greetings. It pays to brush up on some photography techniques and follow a few tips to work toward a good image. * Get a new perspective on a shot rather than simply standing and shooting the camera. Try kneeling down or lying on the floor and shooting upward at your subject. Or stand on a ladder and shoot downward. * Pay attention to the background as well as the foreground in your pictures. You don’t want to mar a picture by having an unsightly background

Gift Ideas

When You’re Pressed for

Time!

38 November-December

2010

The Christmas countdown has begun, and the days will no doubt fly off the calendar like they do every year. Before you know, it’s only a few days until the holiday is here.

Those who haven’t yet started shopping may feel pressed for time and worry that they will not be able to find gifts for everyone on their lists -- at least gifts that don’t look like they were afterthoughts. But good gifts can be found in the eleventh hour.

Adults

* Visit the local liquor store for a bottle of wine in the price range desired. Wrap it in a wine bag or leave it as is with a nice bow. * Pick up passes to a local attraction, such as an amusement park or a museum.

Put together tickets for a play paired with a soundtrack of the production. * Food is often appreciated. A box of fine chocolates or one of those edible fruit arrangements will be a tasteful, and tasty, gift. * Fill a large bowl with a scooper, sprinkles, cherries, and other toppings for making ice cream sundaes. * Pick a gift that embraces the holiday spirit. Holiday music, ornaments or table decorations can be used this year or next.

A Supplement to The Item

item steal the thunder of your main subject. * Don’t limit yourself to a Christmas or winter theme. As long as it’s a great image, feel free to use a vacation shot or another picture. This will allow card recipients to keep and display the image all year long instead of feeling limited to the holiday season. * If you’re posing the entire family for a shot, consider having everyone wear the same color or type of outfit so it lends a cohesive look to the picture. * While you can visit a photo studio and have a professional photo taken with their backdrop and props, you can create a similar effect at home.

For Christmas, pose subjects on wrapping paper, tissue paper, or amid a pile of gifts and snap away. Use a solid colored tablecloth to serve as a backdrop for the image. * If you plan on having multiple family members in the photo but through scheduling or geography makes it hard for all to be together, consider using photo editing software. Take a picture of everyone individually and put them together in the single image with the software.

Remember, photo greeting cards should not be limited to Christmas.

They can also be used year-round for special events, such as birthdays, invitations and thank-you notes.

Children

* Pop into a toy store or a department store and pick up a cuddly stuffed animal. * Buy an art set for older children, full of paints and markers. If a complete set can’t be found, make an art package with a bunch of supplies packed into a gift bag. * Choose an educational gift that is still fun, like alphabet flash cards or puzzles.

A subscription to a children’s magazine would also work, seeing as children love getting mail. * Few kids will turn down a DVD of their favorite television characters. The DVDs should feature an age-appropriateness rating to make choosing one even easier.

Teenagers

* Teenagers can be finicky, so a monetary gift will be one-size-fits-all. * Teenage girls may appreciate a gift basket of delicious scented lotions. * Passes for movies can make date night less expensive. * Consider a gift card or e-gift coupon for digital music downloads. * Give a subscription to a teen magazine so that everyone can keep abreast of their favorite celebrities.

Hosting Painless

Holiday Parties

Whether you’re preparing for a casual family gathering, a fancy four-course dinner party or a high-spirited hoe down for 100, planning a party -- particularly during the holiday season --i s a big job.

Here are 10 tried-and-true tips for planning memorable holiday gatherings that will let you minimize the stress and maximize the fun. * Plan early and plan often.

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out that your intended party guests have other plans. December weekends tend to get booked up early, so it’s a good idea to send or e-mail invitations as early as possible. Another possibility is to schedule your gathering for a time when people tend to be less busy, such as during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the last night of Hanukkah or even New Year’s Day. * Design a realistic menu.

If you plan on enjoying your own party, it pays to have a menu that includes a number of items that can be made ahead of time and then heated or plated just before

your guests arrive. While it’s always fun to try out new recipes when entertaining, it’s best to experiment with only a few items on your menu -- and to leave enough time for substitutes if you’re disappointed with the results. * Embrace tradition. During the holiday season, many people warm to the idea of time-honored traditions, so don’t be afraid to serve up your favorite Christmas Pudding or Aunt Lydia’s legendary potato latkes. * Serve up festive beverages. Make sure that there is a merry mix of beverages for those guests who don’t drink or those who have had enough. A non-alcoholic punch or a pot of hot-spiced cider is always popular and can be served with rum on the side for guests who want a little something extra. * Set the scene. While some hosts like to go all out in the decorating department, others prefer a more low-key approach. Either way, make an effort to create a pleasing ambiance that appeals to the senses. Put out an assortment of candles. Put up a pot

of simmering water flavored with cinnamon, cloves and allspice to fill your house with a heartwarming aroma.

Put in your favorite holiday tunes. Bask in the glow of your guests’ delight. * Keep kids happy. When planning a gathering for guests of all ages, it’s helpful to have activities on hand for the younger crowd. Set aside a space for kids and set out a variety of toys and games that will keep them occupied and engaged. * Get help. When hosting a large party with guests who may not know each other, it’s important to be on hand to make introductions and keep the conversation flowing. If you’re planning on joining the party once your guests arrive, consider hiring one or more helpers to serve and clean up. * End on a positive note.

Your responsibilities as a host don’t end when your guests say good night. Make sure it’s a good night for all by arranging for designated drivers who can see that your friends in need get home safely.

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A Supplement to The Item

2010

November-December

39

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