Oh, Christmas TreeOh, Christmas Tree Holiday 2022
Holiday
Christmas TreeOh, 2022
Christmas TreeOh, Holiday 2022 Christmas TreeOh,
Holiday Song BookHoliday Song Book Hometown 34 6. THRIFTY HOLIDAY 8. OH, CHRISTMAS TREE 10. RECYCLED ORNAMENTS 12. CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS TREE CAKE 14. GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM 16. GIFTS IDEAS FOR HER 18. GIFTS FOR KIDS 20. ROASTED CHICKEN, CRANBERRIES & ROOT VEGETABLES 22. THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD COOKIES 24. HOLIDAY POT LUCK 26. MULLED RED WINE 27. COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 28. ALONE AT CHRISTMAS 30. HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST 32. GINGERBREAD RUN Contents 2022 4
The information contained in Holiday Moments and Memories is intended for educational purposes only. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Holiday Moments and Memories, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Holiday Moments and Memories and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Holiday Moments and Memories.
AD AD Holiday STAFFExecutive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Polk Fox Fox Print and ManagingPublishing,CreativeLLCEditor Suzanne Polk Fox Writers Jessie Gray Nellie Palmer Trinity Edwards Dina Zelden Creative Team Production & Design Suzanne Fox Claire Thomas © 2022 Fox Print & Creative Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (getfoxcontent.com)
Thrifty holiday
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DECORATIONS
oliday images of twinkling lights, tables laden with goodies, and pack ages wrapped in glossy paper can be heartwarming. We all want to enjoy a festive time, but often this means being haunted by the excess in Jan uary. Make this year different by changing your mindset. A thrifty Christmas does not mean a stingy one without any fun. Most holiday ex penses can be broken down into three categories: decora tions, gifts, and celebrations. Tackling each of these costs in creative ways will save you money, while still allowing for a delightful holiday season.
CELEBRATIONS Consider the amount of money you spend on celebra tions. Attending parties does not require a completely new outfit. New accessories can give a fresh look to a sweater or blouse already hanging in your closet. Want to host a party? A potluck theme will save you time and money, while allowing guests to show off their best dishes. Staying in for a game night or holiday movie marathon will provide bonding time without break ing the bank. A time-tested free activity is a stroll or ride around the neighborhood to take in the light displays. Even if you’re feeling financially pinched, with a little creativity and planning you can still enjoy the magic of the season. 6
By Dina Zelden
Often the mindset with decorations is: Out with the old, in with the new! This year, get out all those old decorations and give them new life. Changing out ribbon is an inexpensive way to give wreaths a new color palette. Same goes for ornaments that can be given a new look by adding that same ribbon for a cohesive color scheme. Want some thing new? See what Mother Nature has to offer- for free! Bringing in pine cones, branches and greenery is not only frugal, it adds texture and a touch of natural charm. Adding lights can turn a bun dle of sticks into a work of art you’ll be proud to display. GIFTS Gift-giving is an integral part of the holidays, howev er, it can be quite a financial drain. One way to save mon ey is to rethink your approach to gift-giving. Try hosting a gift card exchange or gift swap party. Most of us have unwanted gift cards or pres ents around the house that would be used or enjoyed by someone else. Another idea is to stock up on hostess gifts and stocking stuffers all year long. This will mean shopping from your closet for free come holiday time. Last, but not least, when possible shop online. Avoiding the malls means avoiding extra temp tations. Coffees and lunches on-the-go are also avoided by shopping from the comfort of your armchair.
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SUPPLIES • 6 to 12 sticks in graduated sizes. The number of sticks you will need is determined by how large they are in width. If you cut each stick shorter than the lower stick, you will have a graduated angle from bottom to top, with the shortest stick on the top. • A star or ornament for the top of the tree • Spray Paint • Glitter • A spool of gardening wire • String lights–If you are making this as an outdoor decoration, use solar lights. Tree This tures;holiday.willChristmashome-madeTreebrightenyourDecorateitanywayyouwant,withlights,ornaments,picthepossibili-tiesareendless! 8
Oh, Christmas
By Dina Zelden
Cut a 12” length of wire to attach to the top. Wrap one side around the top stick, then wrap the wire around your star, then back down to the other side of the top stick.
Take your tree outside to spray paint desired color. While the paint is wet, sprin kle with glitter.
DIRECTIONS
AD each stick twice before mov ing to the one below it.
Cut your sticks. Each stick should be two to four inches smaller than the one below it.
Line your sticks on the floor or a table before you begin, to see if you have the appropriate number of sticks.
Starting from the bottom, use the gardening wire to wrap around the first stick (about six inches from the end), then wrap the wire around the stick above it, leaving about three inches separating the sticks. Wrap the wire around at least twice to hold it in place.
Repeat this step until you have all of one side wrapped in wire with the sticks equally separated.
After the tree is dry, wrap the twinkle lights around the wire that is holding the tree branches together. You can also wrap lights around each branch, or decorate with ornaments, as shown. Use your creativity! The sky (or tree) is the limit!
Cross the wire over and around the top stick so you can go down the other side, wrapping the wire around
If I’m using white paint, I like to sprinkle with white, gold or silver glitter. You can also skip this step and leave your tree naturally rustic.
ornament.
WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS, KIDS CAN CREATE CUTE ORNAMENTS FROM RECYCLED BOXES AND OTHER SUPPLIES ALREADY ON HAND. RECYCLED ORNAMENTS SUPPLIES: • Thin cardboard such as old gift boxes or cereal boxes • Shades of thin, green yarn-preferably something you have on hand • Small plastic stars or other small, flat trinket • Marker, scissors, ruler, hole punch and glue DIRECTIONS Using
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By Dina Zelden a ruler, mark out a triangle of desired size for Punch a hole at the top of the triangle. Begin by adding a few dabs of glue along the base of the triangle. Lay yarn along the base and press to adhere to glue. Wind yarn around the triangle in a criss-cross manner until the cardboard is nearly covered. Be careful not to wind too tightly, as cardboard may bend. Cut yarn and glue the end in place. Cut a small length of yarn then loop it through the hole at the top. Tie a knot to make a hanger. Attach the small trinket as the tree topper with glue. Let dry completely before hanging. Get creative. Trace cookie cutters for other simple shapes. Change the yarn color and trinkets to match. Try hearts, stars and more!
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By Nellie Palmer
Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake
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This is so easy, you will fall in love with it and serve it every Christmas!
Youpieces.only need five different cut out sizes to make this treeBakework.aboxed cake in a parchment and non-stick spray lined half pan cookie sheetany flavor works, this one is devil’s food cake. You want the cooked cake layers to be about an inch to an inch and a halfWaitthick.until the cake cools to cut with the cutters. Cut two to three of the largest size and one to two of the smaller sizes, depending on how much cake you have and how tall you want the tree. Once the cakes are cut, decorate the edges with icing. Any color you wish!
Purchase a set of star cookie cutters in graduated sizes. You should be able to find these at any department store. If you can’t find them locally, you can order them online for $9.99. You will need a large - tall dowel. This can be found at a department store or craft store. Make sure the dowel is thick enough to be sturdy, but not so thick that it splits the cake
On a flat cake plate, starting with the largest, layer the star cakes, alternating the points to form a Speartree.the center of the stars with the dowel to hold the cakeCuttogether.thedowel, leaving 1 inch to place the top. Cut an extra small star and stand it vertical on the top, spearing it through the dowel to hold it in place. You can leave this cake simple and plain or decorate it with candy for ornaments. The kids will have a lot of fun making this tree and will ask to make it every year! AD
For the forgetfuleverydayman,a TRACKERBLUETOOTH for his items such as his wallet, keys, suitcase, etc., an Air Tag or Title Tracker are extreme lifesavers! BUYING GIFTS ARE HARD, BUT BUYING GIFTS FOR MEN? THAT’S A JOB WITHIN ITSELF. THIS YEAR GIVE THEM THE BEST GIFTS THAT THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT! GIFT IDEAS By Trinity Edwards A TemperatureControlled SMART MUG is a great addition to his coffee or green tea addiction!Forthe mixologist, a gift basket full of items to create a grand OLD FASHIONED from your own home is sure to put a smile on his face! Make sure to include cherries, bitters and his favorite bourbon!Whether he’s traveling for work or for family vacations, a carry-on CLOSET SUITCASE is a great way for him to get and stay organized! For HIM 14
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Thinking about what to gift the ladies in your life? Look no further! These gift ideas are sure to bring her joy! When it comes to cooking, the easier, the better. Also, who wants to spend hours cleaning the kitchen? Not me, not you and not her! That’s why an AIR FRYER is the go-to gift this year! GIFT IDEAS For HER
Satin is hypoallergenic, and dust-mite Takingresistant.,hours styling your hair is so out of season! Especially with the new 2-IN-1 BLOW DRYER STYLERS! Not only do these gadgets brush and dry your hair at the same time, they also give your hair that much needed volume! Who wants a bunch of cords all over the place? What a mess! That’s why having a 2-IN-1 STATIONCHARGING is ideal for your charging needs! 16
By Trinity Edwards
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Gifts Gifts
By Trinity Edwards
Spread holiday cheer with this year’s selection of gifts that the kids on your list are sure to love! Little creative minds express themselves through art. What’s a better gift to give than an art easel with all the necessary supplies? Totally awesome! Curious, animal loving kid? Oh, how they would love to have their insect garden–whether it’s a butterfly habitat or ant farm. Great way to show responsibility! Making memories one snapshot at a time! One of these awesome underwater cameras will certainly keep the kiddos busy for hours and capture all those fun moments!18
FOR KIDS
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RoastedChickenCRANBERRIES & ROOT VEGETABLES
By Nellie Palmer
RoastedChickenCRANBERRIES & ROOT VEGETABLES There’s nothing better than the smell of chicken, rosemary and cranberries roasting in the oven. This simple, hearty and light at the same time holiday entrée will have your guests requesting it for next year too! Bypass the turkey, you had enough for Thanksgiving! Our thrifty Christmas this year is all about the chicken. 20
AD INGREDIENTS • 8 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs or both • 2 sprigs chopped fresh thyme • 2 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary • 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated) • Zest + juice of whole lemon • 1 pound baby potatoes (halved) • 6 carrots (chopped coarsely) • 2 cups fresh cranberries • 1 cup white wine • 1 cup water with one tbsp Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Flavor • 1/4 cup olive oil (divided) • 4 tbsp brown sugar • Pink salt and black pepper • 2 tbsp herbs de Provence seasoning • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Heat a large oven safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shim mers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter, potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Add the chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.
In a small bowl, toss together the cran berries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan. EAT! Makes 8 Servings
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme, rosemary, herbs de Provence, garlic and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
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Christmas Shortbread TheCookiesBest THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO TRY NEW COOKIE RECIPES! THIS SHORTBREAD COOKIE IS GOING TO BE A FAVORITE ONCE YOU TRY IT! THE COOKIES ARE LIGHT, BUTTERY AND MELT IN YOUR MOUTH.
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Here is a classic easy royal ic ing made with meringue pow der. It’s easy to work with, sets quickly, and won’t break your teeth when it dries. It has the most delicious taste and texture and makes dec orating sugar cookies fun and simple. Use this traditional royal icing recipe for both flooding and outlining your Christmas Tree Cookies. 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 3 tbsp meringue pow der (not plain egg white powder) 9-10 tbsp water at room temperature Gel food coloring
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DIRECTIONS Cream together butter and vanilla until smooth. Add in all dry ingredients (sugar, cornstarch, salt, flour) and mix until evenly combined. The dough will be dry and crumbly while holding it's shape. Quickly mix in the sprin kles. Turn dough onto a large sheet of parchment on a cookie sheet. Evenly press dough flat, about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and lift the dough out of the sheet using the parchment. Line the cookie sheet with fresh parchment. Using cookie cutters, cut trees and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for about 10 minutes, until light golden brown on the bot tom. Let cool completely.
By Nellie Palmer 1 cup softened butter 1 tsp Madagascar vanilla 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups flour 3-4 tbsp colored sprinkles
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ROYAL ICING
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Some piping tips. Use Wilton piping tip #4 for outlining and flooding the cookie with icing. This is a wonderful basic piping tip to have in your collection. For any detail, use a thinner round tip like Wilton piping tip #1 (super thin) and Wilton piping tip #2 (thin). For larger round tips that are easier to work with, use Wilton piping tip #3, Wilton piping tip #4, or Wilton piping tip #5. The piping tip #s reflect their sizes–#1 being the thinnest and #5 being the largest of this particular bunch.
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Just starting out with piping details? Use #1 (small), #3 (medium), and #5 (large). You can create anything basic with these three.
DIRECTIONS
Pour confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and 9 tablespoons of water into a large bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attach ment, beat icing ingredients together on high speed for 1.5-2 minutes. When lifting the whisk up off the icing, the icing should drizzle down and smooth out within 5-10 seconds. If it’s too thick, beat in more wa ter 1 tablespoon at a time. I usually need 10 table spoons but on particularly dry days, I use up to 12-14 tablespoons. Keep in mind that the longer you beat the royal icing, the thicker it becomes. If your royal icing is too thin, just keep beating it to introduce more air or you can add more confec
tioners’ sugar. Divide and blend in gel food coloring for desired colors. When applied to cookies or confections in a thin layer, icing completely dries in about 2 hours at room temperature. If icing consistency is too thin and runny, it will take longer to dry. If the icing is applied very thick on cookies, it will also take longer to dry. If you’re layering royal icing onto cookies for specific designs and need it to set quickly, place cookies in the refrigerator to help speed it up.
Coordinate the Meal
HOLIDAY
Pot LuckPot Luck
By Dina Zelden
As host, you may consider cooking the entree, while guests supply the sides and desserts, which can be easier to transport and are less likely to require heating. When inviting guests, include a way to sign-up or share what they are bringing. Some hosts like to add slots for specific dishes to ensure a well-rounded meal. You can use a shared document via email for small groups, or a free online service for larger ones. You may consider picking a theme to encourage a more cohesive menu. Don’t forget the drinks! You can supply the adult beverage while guests bring the mixers.
HOLIDAY 24
Everyone wants to visit with loved ones during the holidays, but hosting a gathering can be quite expensive. This year, try a frugal way to welcome friends and family into your home with a potluck party. The term dates back as far as the 16th century when it referred to feeding unexpected guests with what happened to be cooking when they arrived–the luck of the pot. In America, the potluck grew out of times of struggle, such as the Depression. Now it simply means a communal meal where guests bring food to share. Hosting this type of party requires a little extra effort in the planning stage. Follow this outline for a successful gathering and grateful guests.
As host, you may choose to supply the tableware or you may leave this as an option for guests who feel less confident in the kitchen. Familiarize yourself with the items guests are bringing in order to have what they need. Have extra serving utensils or special items, such as bowls, on hand. A coffee station is a nice ad dition to your guests’ desserts. At the end of the evening, your family and friends will welcome leftovers, so be sure to have disposable containers handy.No luck is required with this potluck plan. Family and friends will be grateful for a chance to gather without breaking the bank or their backs!
Consider the Details
Guest Etiquette
Have you been invited to a potluck party this holiday season? Be an ideal guest with these
Next, consider how you will set up the serving space. Extra tables set along a wall help maximize guest access to food. Be sure to have outlets nearby and even bring in a power strip or two for slow cookers or other heated dish es. Designate areas such as a dessert table, drink table, and a place for plates and utensils. Consider the flow of the guests through the room as they serve themselves. Keep decorations simple, such as tealights and small bouquets of fresh flowers in holiday colors.
Beconsiderations.carefultofollow the plan laid out by the host. Stay away from exotic or strong flavors which may clash with other contributions. Be careful to follow food safety rules by keeping your dish at the best temperature before and during the party. Bring along your specific serving needs to save the host any trouble. Have the recipe ready to share when other guests enjoy your dish!
Arrange the Space
Mulled Red Wine By Nellie Palmer Mulled Red Wine INGREDIENTS • 4 cups apple cider • 1/4 cup honey • 4 whole cloves • 1 orange, zest & juice • 3 star anise • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 bottle of red wine 1•DIRECTIONS Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan. 2• Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. 3• Strain into heat proof glasses. 4• Serve and have a very Merry Christmas. 26
CHRISTMAS Countdown to 1 BuyCalendarAdvent 7 Bake Christmaschocolatetreecake 13 Wraptogetherpresents 19 PicturesSantawith 4 Make your home Christmasmadetree 10 Host a holiday pot luck party 16 Donate goods to your local food pantry 24 Pray for loved ones to be blessed in the new year 2 Write letters to Santa Claus 8 ChristmasReadstories 14 Leave a treat for your carriermail 20 Make cranberrieschicken,roastedandrootveggies 6 Mail Christmascards 12 Callwho'ssomeonealoneduringtheholidays 18 Drive to look at Christmaslights 23 Give a gift to your neighbor 5 clothingCollectitemstodonate 11 Pay for a strangers coffee 17 houseGingerbreadcontest 22 Zoom out of town friends and family 3 Put Christmasup tree and decorate 9 Have movieChristmasanight 15 shortbreadMakeChristmascookies 21 Sunday Sunday Makeornamentsrecycled Thursday Saturday Sunday Saturday Saturday Saturday
LONELY–DURING THE HOLIDAYS. Much of the research about loneliness revolves around the elderly, but you can feel lonely, especially during the holidays, at any age. Sometimes, one is alone due to circumstances, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Others may expe rience a feeling of loneliness due to the extra stress and unrealistic expectations set this time of year. It can lead to a feeling of being isolated from those you love, who aren’t af fected the same way. Holiday gatherings, movies and other traditions are geared to the idea that it just isn’t a celebra tion unless you are surrounded by others. FOCUS ON THINGS YOU ENJOY Often, making plans with others requires negotiation and even disappointment. Many put their choices on the back burner for the sake of harmony. Spending time alone means you can focus on doing things you enjoy. Movies, activi ties, even the schedule are all in your control.
IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE, BUT REMEMBER IT IS OKAY TO SPEND THE HOLIDAY ALONE. YOU CAN COMBAT SOCIETAL PRESSURE BY ADJUSTING YOUR MINDSET AND EMPOWERING YOURSELF TO USE THE TIME WELL. YOU MAY EVEN FIND YOURSELF ENTERING THE NEW YEAR ENERGIZED INSTEAD OF DEPLETED, EMOTIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY.
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STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
STAY ACTIVE Take time for a long walk or other physical activity. Exercise improves mental health by re ducing anxiety, depression and negative mood. It will give you the boost you need to enjoy the time to yourself. LOOK AHEAD Another excellent way to spend time during the holidays is to look ahead. Settle down with a warm beverage and dream about the new year and all its possibilities. Set some goals and make a plan to see them through.
AH, CHRISTMAS! MAKING MEMORIES WITH FAMILY, ATTENDING PARTIES WITH FRIENDS. MOST HOLIDAYS REVOLVE AROUND TOGETHERNESS AND GOOD CHEER. OCCASIONALLY, HOWEVER, THAT IS NOT THE CASE AND YOU FIND YOURSELF ALONE–OR FEELING
By Dina Zelden
AloneAlone
AT CHRISTMASAT CHRISTMAS
Although it is tempting, it is best to refrain from social media during the holidays. The images and experiences one shares on these sites is just a small snapshot (and usually the very best) of an event or special day. Going it alone can be tough when your day is compared to others. Better to unplug for a few days.
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Spouse Children ____________________________________________ Mother Father Sisters ______________________ Brothers ______________________ Shopping List In-Laws ______________________ Grandmothers ______________________ Grandfathers ______________________ Aunts ______________________ Uncles ______________________ 30
Cousins ____________________________________________ Nieces ______________________ Nephews ______________________ Friends ____________________________________________ Neighbors Bosses Co-Workers ____________________________________________ Teachers ______________________ School Staff (cafeteria, bus, etc.) ____________________________________________ Household Helpers (housekeeper, babysitter, etc.) ____________________________________________ Service Workers (mailmen, garbage collectors, etc.) ____________________________________________ Clergy Pets
5 x 5 inches How to Add the Gingerbread Run to your Magazine: * shownsamplesarenotactualsize Holiday EMAILPHONEADDRESSNAMECITY STATE Gingerbread Run! 1. Collect a sticker from each participating advertiser.2. Return completed form to any advertiser for entry. GingerbreadOfficial Run Holiday Connect Readers to Advertisers with the Gingerbread Run! GingerbreadOfficial Run Holiday Holiday 1. Ifyou'replanningtopublishHolidayMomentsandMemories,tellyourFoxRepthatyouwanttoparticipateintheGingerbreadRun! 2. Determineyourprize.(examples:giftcards,basket,dinnerfortwo,etc.). 3.Foxwillincluderulesandanentryformonapageinyourmagazine. 4.EachadvertiserreceivesasupplyofstickerstomarktheentryformwhencustomerscomeinwiththeirmagazineandawindowclingmarkingtheirlocationasaGingerbreadRunstop. 5.The newspaper receives a banner to announce theGingerbreadRunandafreeMobileTextPlatformtocreateabuyersclubandpromoteadvertisersspecials. PublisherProTip Check with your Local Business Association to see if they have a "Sip and Stroll" or other event planned and piggy back on that event for an advertise exchange! GingerbreadRunParticipants BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessNameBusinessName BusinessName BusinessName BusinessName 2022 Sticker3/4ofaninchRun,$249runasfastasyou can! Consumers love the Gingerbread Man! 2022
LOCAL STORY
Silent Night
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
O Holy Night 36
Oh, Tree
Christmas
Deck the Hall
Jingle Bells
