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ULTIMATE HOLIDAYS AHEAD!

Valuing the happiness of others is a sure way to create holiday magic

What’s the ultimate holiday experience?

Well, it depends on who you ask. For some, the ultimate holiday party is all about large crowds, hideous Christmas sweaters, sugary cocktails and Christmas tunes blaring at high volume. For others, the ultimate holiday celebration is spent at home watching classic movies and playing board games with friends. While the two scenarios di er in size, scope and volume, they have one unifying element: connection.

Friends connecting after months apart; family connecting for the first time since the holidays last year; grandparents connecting with grandchildren, coworkers connecting with their workplace friends, cousins connecting with cousins and more.

These connections and re-connections can be magical. They can rekindle relationships, boost friendships, create new kinships and solidify established unions.

Sometimes, these connections don’t need any assistance. But in most cases, they need to be encouraged and cultivated. And when that happens—often through a shared meal, a holiday toast, the exchange of gifts and more—that’s where you’ll find the holiday magic.

This holiday season, we’ll reconsider old and new traditions, focus on classic songs, original experiences, great recipes and more. If we do the holidays right, we’ll put less emphasis on what we buy for others and more emphasis on the others themselves. By doing so, we’ll create the ultimate holiday season for others—and ultimately, ourselves.

Christian Bowen on Unsplash; cover photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

FOR AN ULTIMATE HOLIDAY

By Marco Buscaglia

If we believe everything we see on the Hallmark Channel, every holiday experience has a happy ending. The boy you liked in third grade appears on your doorstep 20 years later holding a construction paper card he made for you 20 years ago. Turns out he lives on a working-yet-aesthetically-pleasing farm, writes poetry and is handsome beyond description. His mere presence helps you realize that you should bail on your current plan to marry the arrogant prince of some tiny nation while admitting that your soulless corporate job is not who you are. Love—it seems—has saved you. But life isn’t the Hallmark Channel. Not even close. The holidays can be stressful, diet-killing, money-guzzling, soul-crushing, family-feuding affairs. But they can also be peaceful, affirming and a lot of fun. Really. You just have to know how to avoid the potential pitfalls and work the holidays to your advantage. We asked for some advice from people who’ve found ways to overcome holiday stress.

“Keep things simple.

Simple menus for parties, simple gifts for friends. No need to complicate your life with impossible desserts and unrealistic presents.” -AnneChapman, Janesville,Wis.

“Don’t impose your judgments on others or expect them to adhere by your rules for the holidays. People will pull out their phones during dinner and dress informally for parties. Get over it. No one likes to be lectured, especially this time of year.” -SamNash,Pasadena, Calif.

“New Year’s parties—especiallyEveones

atbig, raucous bars—are not for the timid. Unless you put your game face on when you head to a party, stay home. My husband and I alternate how we spend New Year’s Eve: home one year with a couple of friends, then a party at a bar or hotel ballroom the next. I like both. One’s mellow and the other’s a nice reminder that I’m not dead yet. I like dressing up, I like dancing and I like staying up allnight—just not every year.”-KatherineMeier, SanJose,Calif.

Here’s what they had to say

“Some people think they have to get into the holiday spirit by forgiving everyone who has wronged them in the past. The sentiment is wonderful but it’s not always realistic or even productive. The holidays are stressful enough. You shouldn’t feel obligated to embrace those people who’ve hurt you. You can be cordial and polite but there’s no need to rush into a group hug.”

-NickThomas, Toledo,Ohio

“Seek helpif you’re depressed,whether it’s with yourpsychologist, a person you trust or a dear friend. Christmas is never easy when you’re going through tough times or someone has recently passed. My father has been dead for four years and the holidays are rough. When it hits me, I call my sister or I send out a family text with a funny memory of my dad or I just share some stories with my wife. I think the most important part is to talkabout the situation and not buryit away.”

-RonGrant,NewYork

“Control

your cravings. One cookie can be as effective as 10 cookies if you have a sweet tooth. I’ve learned that if I really enjoy something, I’m better off having one instead of denying myself. It’s all about appreciating food and controlling your impulses.”

“Drink waterbetween your cocktails,drink water before yourholiday meals and drink waterwhile you’re munching onappetizers. It will help keep youhydrated during those longer-than-usual days and it will help you eatless, drink less and help with anypotential hangovers.”

-DeborahSaunders, NewYork

“Find something to do, especially if there are kids around. I’m from a family of seven and we’re spread out in Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri, but we all come home to Chicago after Christmas. We have three or four days of interaction and we need things to do. People can only sit around and stare at each other for a day or two before they start losing it, so we build in activities. We have a bake-off, we organize game nights, we book hotel rooms for a night and go swimming.”

-MaryMoore, GrandRapids,Mich.

“I tell people thatthey should walk morein November and December,especially with others. Takeadvantage of zoos that arelit up at night or walk throughyour neighborhood to enjoy thedecorations. It’s good physicallyand mentally, especially oncold, clear nights.”

-MarthaGomez, Chicago

-CarmenHernandez, LasVegas

TREndy meets classic

RUMCHATA HOT COCOA

Warm holiday drinks are perfect for cold-weather parties or stretching out with a loved one in front of the fire. The Rumchata Hot Cocoa is perfect for both occasions—and all in between.

2 1/2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 ounces chocolate chips (or chopped bittersweet chocolate)

1/2 cup Rumchata

1/3 cup warm caramel

Whipped cream, for serving Cinnamon sugar, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Bring milk to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and cocoa powder and stir until no lumps remain. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in Rumchata, then turn off heat.

Pour caramel into a small dish. Dip cups in the caramel to coat the rim. Pour hot chocolate into each glass, then top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, more caramel, and a cinnamon stick. -Delish.com

Toast the holiday season

POMEGRANATE FRENCH 75

Looking for a drink that’s simple yet classy for those holiday parties? Consider a pomegranate French 75. Usually made with lemon—and sometimes, cognac—the French 75 is a celebratory drink that far outshines its simple creation.

2 SERVINGS

2 ounces gin

2 ounces pomegranate juice

1 ounce simple syrup (see below) Champagne for topping off drink; cava or prosecco also work Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Combine the gin, pomegranate juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled—15-20 seconds. Strain the mixture into two champagne glasses and top with champagne. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

To make simple syrup, combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm mixture over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool before using or storing in an airtight container in refrigerator.

a sensory adventure

GLÖGG

Glögg is the Scandinavian term for mulled wine, or red wine enhanced with spices and served hot. Some glöggmakers mix in other alcohol like aquavit or vodka.

It’s an old drink steeped in holiday traditions, which was invented in earlier centuries when wine often went bad. The wine’s life expectancy could be extended by adding spices and honey.

Eva Axelsson, a journalist in Eskilstuna, Sweden, outlines the glögg tradition she celebrates each year. “The weekend before Christmas, friends and relatives come to our farm and walk together out in the forest, to hunt our own Christmas trees,” she says.

Outside Eskilstuna, Swedes throughout the country use glögg to ring in the winter season. Glögg is generally consumed on the first of Advent, which is four weeks

before Christmas in the Christian faith. Swedes invite friends and neighbors for glögg and pepparkaka (gingerbread).

“Coffee and lussekatter (saffron buns) are also served at the glögg parties,” Axelsson says. “You just talk and celebrate that Christmas will come soon.” David Wilson

AXELSSON’S GLÖGG RECIPE

1 bottle of red wine

2 cinnamon sticks

1 cup of sugar

Raisins

Clove Cumin Ginger

1 Seville orange

On the stove, heat (but don’t boil) the wine with the spices. Leave for an hour. Heat it up again. Serve with peeled almonds and raisins.

a great holiday drink

CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE

Why should summer keep the Moscow Mule to itself?

Switch things up a bit and you’ve got yourself a new holiday favorite.

1 SERVING

4 ounces ginger beer

4 ounces cranberry juice cocktail

2 ounces vodka or dark rum

1/2 lime

Crushed ice cubes

Fresh or frozen cranberries

Mint spring (optional garnish)

Place 1 cup of crushed ice into a copper mug and dd ginger beer, cranberry juice, rum and the juice of a lime in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Either stir or gently shake for 1-2 seconds. And because there is ginger beer in the drink, do not overshake the cocktail shaker.

Pour the drink into the copper mug, top with cranberries and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.

Sweet Surrender

3 SMART HOLIDAY SWEET SWAPS AND TIPS

It can be challenging to stay on track with your nutritional goals. The holiday season often comes with less outdoor activity as you begin to hunker down indoors. But snacking during the season doesn’t have to mean giving up on your wellness — or sacrificing a sweet treat you enjoy.

“There are many ways to follow a balanced lifestyle that allow you to live your best healthy life,” said Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company. “All it takes is a little planning and holiday treat options without a ton of sugar that still taste delicious and fit into your lifestyle.”

Heimowitz offers three easy and tasty ways to incorporate healthy habits into your holiday season.

1. SMART CANDY BOWL SWAPS

You may be looking for a little sweet indulgence while fighting the urge to eat the entire holiday treat platter. As an alternative, try swapping out candy with portion-controlled treats like Atkins Endulge Peanut Butter Cups and Milk Chocolate Caramel Squares, which have less carbs and sugar than traditional chocolate candy, serving as a delicious and smart solution that will still satisfy your sweet tooth.

2. FESTIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

While cooler weather and shorter days may tempt you to stay inside with a book or movie, there are still plenty of fun activities to get you moving. Fall leaves provide a beautiful backdrop to a variety of holiday outings you can enjoy with friends and family, from taking a bike ride or nature walk to enjoying the fruits of the harvest. Stroll through a farmers market or visit a pick-your-own apple orchard or pumpkin patch to enjoy the best of what fall fruits have to offer — while getting plenty of exercise, sunshine and fresh airy.

3. HOLIDAY-FLAVORED RECIPE

You can enjoy all the deliciousness of your favorite autumn flavors while staying on track with your wellness goals by switching some of those traditional sugar-heavy drinks with this tasty pumpkin-flavored recipe instead.

Pumpkin-Peanut Butter Cup Icy Treat (Makes two servings)

This tasty beverage gives you a whopping 13.4 grams of protein and 6.6 grams of fiber, with 4.9 grams net carbs.

1 1/2 Atkins Creamy Cinnamon Swirl Shakes

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup canned pumpkin, unsalted

2 pieces Atkins Endulge Peanut Butter Cups

1. Pour one of the shakes (11 fluid ounces) into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

2. Place the shake ice cubes into a high-powered blender along with the remaining 1/2 shake (5.5 fluid ounces), heavy cream and pumpkin, processing until the cubes are broken down and the mixture is at your desired thickness.

3. Pour evenly into two glasses and top each with a chopped peanut butter cup.

do me a small flavor

MILLION DOLLAR SHRIMP

Everybody loves shrimp. Go beyond the ordinary with shrimp seasoned in a brine that highlights their taste and texture.

FOR THE SHRIMP AND VEGETABLES

4 lbs., or 35-40 medium-sized shrimp, boiled until just pink, drained and shocked in ice water

4 Vidalia or other sweet white onion, peeled and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

FOR THE SPICES

2 chilies

3 whole star anise

6 whole cloves

2 tablespoons mustard seed

3 tablespoons whole rainbow peppercorns

4 bay leaves, dried or fresh

FOR THE PICKLING JUICE

1 quart rice wine vinegar

3/4 cup simple syrup

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Peel from 1 lemon, yellow zest only

Drop a chili into the bottom of a 3 quart jar with a locking wire or tight–fitting lid.

Layer the onion, shrimp and garlic and include in each layer any combination of the star anise, cloves, mustard seed,

rainbow peppercorn and bay leaves.

Mix together the rice wine vinegar, simple syrup, lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour the cider mixture into the jar. Drop the second chili on top. Lock the jar or screw on the lid and refrigerate for 1 week.

When you’re ready to serve the shrimp, drain through colander but do not rinse. Remove the bay leaves.

Arrange the pickled shrimp, onions, garlic and chilies on a platter and serve with toothpicks. -Tom Saaristo

savory some for santa

MILLION DOLLAR CRACKERS

Milk and cookies? Really? Leave these savory, tasty and spicy saltines that truly taste like a million dollars for the big guy.

1 1/2 cups safflower or canola oil

1/4 teaspoon Accent Flavor Enhancer

1 packet Ranch Salad & Seasoning Mix

2 generous tablespoons red chili flakes

2 generous tablespoons fresh, minced chives

4 sleeves best-quality saltine crackers

Measure the oil into a 2 cup liquid measure. Sprinkle in the Accent and Seasoning Mix. Add the red chili flakes and minced chives. Whisk to combine.

Pour the mixture into a two-gallon Ziploc food storage bag — set the bag in a large mixing bowl to stabilize — and add the crackers. Seal the bag, leaving some air in the bag. Take the bag out of the bowl and tumble the bag around, distributing the oil mixture evenly around the crackers. Leave the bag at room temperature and tumble the crackers every 10 minutes over the next hour. Remove the crackers to an air-tight container and leave at room temperature 24 hours.

The crackers make a nice base for Million Dollar Shrimp or your favorite cheese or dip, but are truly exceptional on their own. -Tom Saaristo

save the date …

BACON-WRAPPED PISTACHIO-STUFFED SPICY DATES

We’re thinking your guests will want to dance with these dates!

20 pitted dates 20 shelled pistachios Red pepper flakes 10 slices of bacon, par-cooked and cut in half

Heat oven to 400F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Stuff each date with a pistachio. Sprinkle the par-cooked bacon with red pepper flakes to taste.

Wrap a piece of bacon around one of the dates. Secure with a skewer or toothpick. Repeat with remaining dates. Arrange on prepared baking sheet and bake 5 minutes. Turn the dates over and bake another 5 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

-Tom Saaristo

eat just one, we dare you

GORGONZOLA POTATO CHIPS

Aridiculously easy version of the popular restaurant cocktail nibble

One 12- to 14-ounce bag Kettle-cooked potato chips 6 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola or favorite bleu cheese

3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon Freshly ground black pepper Freshly minced parsley

Adjust oven rack to center of oven and heat broiler to high. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange potato chips on tray in an even layer. Sprinkle the chips with the cheese, bacon and ground black pepper.

Broil until fragrant and bubbling.

Use a spatula to move the chips to a serving platter; sprinkle minced parsley over chips and platter.

-Tom Saaristo

LI’L drinking buddies

CHERRY TOMATOES

Aer the tomatoes are drunk, skewer them onto decorative cocktail picks with hunks of your favorite roomtemperature cheese.

40 cherry tomatoes

1 750 ml bottle lemon-flavored vodka

2 teaspoons lemon pepper

1 garlic clove, peeled

1 beautiful chili, split

Fill a large bowl with ice and then with water to create an ice bath. Use a paring knife to slice an X into the bottom of each cherry tomato. Bring a large pot of fresh cold water to the boil. Add a handful of coarse salt and the tomatoes and blanch to a count of 15.

Drain the tomatoes and then tip into the ice bath.

Pour the vodka into a large clean jar and season with lemon pepper, garlic and chili. Drain the tomatoes and add to the vodka mixture. Seal the jar and allow to sit at room temperature 4 to 6 hours. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes to a serving dish — save the spiced vodka for cocktails — and serve with toothpicks.

-Tom Saaristo

New traditions

BRUNCH HELPS CELEBRATE THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAYS

Holiday entertaining is practically required. Instead of hosting a big sit-down dinner for friends, mix it up with a casual but luxurious brunch that celebrates the best of the holidays without breaking the bank.

FRUIT SOUP

A fruit soup can be served before the main course. This soup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and served hot or cold.

3 pounds frozen unsweetened fruit (blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, or a combination)

3 cups fresh cold water

3/4 cup sugar

1 whole lemon, sliced

2 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Place all of the ingredients in a large heavy sauce pan over medium high heat and stir. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer 15

to 20 minutes until the fruit is tender.

Remove the lemon slices and cinnamon sticks. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup [or purée in batches in a food processor or blender].

Transfer puréed soup to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days ahead. Ladle soup into punch cups and arrange on a platter for buffet service.

POTATO CRUST MUSHROOM QUICHE

A potato crust simplified by the use of frozen hash browns is the perfect alternative to a pastry crust. Best of all, it can be made in advance and served at room temperature.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons 6% to 8% percent acidity balsamic vinegar

1 1/4 cup fresh wild mushrooms, sliced

Up to 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Up to 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme leaves

4 large eggs

1/2 cup half & half

3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Set an oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 425F; use 2 tablespoons butter to butter a 9-inch deep dish pie plate; place on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

Heat remaining tablespoon butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat; when the butter has melted and the foam has subsided, add the balsamic vinegar and whisk. Heat for 1 minute then add the mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 8 to 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper halfway through the cooking time. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the thyme and set aside.

Meanwhile, press the thawed hash browns into an even layer in the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate. Move the potato-lined plate to the hot oven and bake 22 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack and turn the oven down to 350 degrees.

Whisk together the eggs and half & half and season

with salt and pepper. Scatter the cheese evenly across the bottom of the potato crust and then top evenly with the mushroom mixture and pour the egg mixture over the top. Bake until just set, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack and let rest at room temperature up to 2 hours before serving.

SPICY CRAB CAKES EGGS BENEDICT

Seafood always says “special occasion” and you can do crab cakes eggs Benedict on a budget with some savvy shopping and advanced prep work.

FOR THE VEGETABLES

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 cup diced sweet onion, like Vidalia

1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper

Up to 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Up to 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Up to 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

FOR THE DRESSING

1 cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Zest of half a lemon

15 ounces lump meat, cleaned and picked over for shells and cartilage

Scant 1/2 cup Progresso Italian breadcrumbs

Unsalted butter for the pan

FOR SERVICE

8 English muffins, halved, toasted and buttered

2 cups Hollandaise sauce (recipe follows)

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over mediumhigh heat. When the foam has subsided, add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and red pepper flakes, toss to coat with the butter. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes and season liberally with salt and pepper. Add the fresh thyme leaves, stir to incorporate. Remove from heat and scatter the vegetables on a plate to cool, scraping the pan well.

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon, Worcestershire and lemon zest. Add the vegetables and combine thoroughly.

In a large bowl, gently add half the crab without breaking up too many of the larger pieces. Pour half of the vegetable sauce over the crab. Add the rest of the crab, the breadcrumbs and the rest of the sauce. Fold the ingredients together, gently but thoroughly.

Dump the mixture onto your work surface to expedite the process of dividing the mixture evenly into 16 crab cakes 1/4 cup each. The crab cakes can be covered and refrigerated up to 12 hours.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Fry the crab cakes until golden brown on one side, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully turn the crab cakes over and fry another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove cooked cakes to a platter lined with paper towels and tent with foil to maintain heat.

POACHED EGGS

Believe it or not, restaurants don’t poach your eggs when you order them, they prepare them in advance and hold them in barely simmering water. You can employ the same method at home and serve Crab cakes Benedict as part of a holiday brunch buffet. Another tip is to put enough vinegar in the water to aid in helping the egg to keep the perfect poached shape.

METHOD

For every 2 pints of water, add 1 cup of white vinegar to a large heavy stock pot. Set over medium-high heat until simmering. Crack eggs into a small dish or ramekin and slide into the simmering water. Cook until firm but still tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Cooked eggs can be removed to a large shallow bowl with hot water while you prepare the required number of eggs. Skim the cooking water and add all of the cooked eggs back into the pot and place over low heat.

HOLLANDAISE

The secret to making Hollandaise is to clarify the butter so that it can be heated to very hot and added to the egg yolks and seasonings to ensure a thick unctuous sauce and won’t curdle.

1/2 pound unsalted butter 8 egg yolks

1 teaspoon dry mustard 2 teaspoons sea salt 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Up to 1 teaspoon hot sauce

METHOD

Place the butter in a heavy sauce pan over medium heat and heat until melted; raise the temperature to medium-high and cook until the butter starts to dance in the pan and the milk solids have sunk to the bottom. Carefully pour just the clarified butter into a bowl and discard the milk solids. Return the clarified butter to the pan and place over medium-high heat.

Meanwhile, place the egg yolks, mustard, salt, lemon juice and hot sauce in the jar of a blender or the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. With the machine running, slowly add the very hot clarified butter. The sauce should emulsify almost immediately. Turn the machine off and scrape the sauce into a bowl and serve on the buffet with a platter of the cooked crab cakes, a basket of the toasted English muffins and a hot pot of the poached eggs. -Tom Saaristo

the whole package

TOUCH-OF-SWEET OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY BUFFET

APRICOT NECTAR SPARKLING COCKTAILS

A wide variety of nectar is available in the juice aisle at the supermarket. Choose your favorite and save money by using a good sparkling wine in lieu of the more expensive Champagne.

For each serving, pour 1 ounce cold nectar in a Champagne flute or glass, swirl to coat the inside of the glass and top with 6 ounces cold sparkling wine or sparkling white grape juice and serve.

GRAND MARNIER

FRENCH TOAST WITH ROASTED SWEET AND SPICY BACON

FOR THE FRENCH TOAST

6 large whole eggs

1/2 cup freshly squeezed or best-quality bottled orange juice

1/3 cup half & half

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

1 1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 slices rustic and crusty white bread

FOR COOKING

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

FOR SERVICE

Confectioners’ sugar

1 fresh orange, cut into eight wedges

Pure maple syrup, dark amber recommended

Set an oven rack in the middle of oven and heat to 225F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a 9 x 13 baking dish, whisk the eggs lightly to break them up. Add the orange juice, half & half and liqueur and whisk to incorporate, and then whisk in the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Add half of the bread slices and soak 2 to 3 minutes; turn the slices over and soak and additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the soaked slices to a clean platter and repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

In a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat, add the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers and then add the 2 tablespoons butter until it melts and the foam subsides. Add half of the bread and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove cooked slices to lined baking sheet and place in oven. Cook the rest of the bread in the same manner and transfer to a serving platter. Remove French toast from oven and move to serving platter.

Dust the toast and the platter with confectioners’ sugar and arrange orange wedges around the perimeter.

ROASTED SWEET & SPICY BACON

1 pound hickory-smoked bacon

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black peppercorns

Arrange 2 racks in the center and upper third positions of your oven and heat to 335F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper and set a nonstick cooling rack on top or inside each tray.

Combine the light brown sugar and ground pepper on a third baking tray in an even layer. Place a slice of bacon on the sugar/pepper mixture and press firmly. Turn the bacon over and press firmly to coat the second side. Place the coated bacon on the prepared rack in the prepared pan. Repeat with remaining bacon.

Move trays to oven racks and bake 20 to 22 minutes or until bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. Bake in additional 1-minute intervals as needed. Remove trays from oven and allow bacon to cool briefly before plating and serving.

HOT CHOCOLATE WITH TOASTED MARSHMALLOWS AND PEPPERMINT STICKS

Employ a thermos to keep this kidfriendly libation at the perfect temperature. Toasting marshmallows indoors over a stove top burner is easily done in advance and presenting them in cupcake liners on a platter keeps them easily accessible and neat.

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups half & half

6 ounces 60%to 72% bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped fine

2/3 cup superfine sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Salt

1 quart whole milk 1 bag marshmallows, toasted 16 peppermint sticks

Combine the cream and half and half in a large sauce pan; set over medium-high heat until it scalds. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, stir constantly until the chocolate has melted.

Season with sugar, vanilla extract and salt and then add the milk. Return the pan to the stove and heat over medium heat until steaming. Do not boil.

Serve the hot chocolate with a ladle and garnish with toasted marshmallows and/or peppermint sticks, or place in thermoses on the buffet.

KRIS KRINGLE COOKIES

No holiday party would be complete without dessert. This rich and chewy cookie is filled with treats the colors of the season. Bake them the day before and keep them bakery fresh in an air-tight container with a couple of slices of bread.

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Pinch superfine or table salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

2 whole eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

12 ounces chopped white chocolate

10 ounces dried cherries

8 ounces salt-roasted and shelled pistachios

Arrange racks to middle and upper-third tier and heat oven to 375F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil.

Si the flour, baking soda and pinch of salt into a medium bowl.

Beat butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixtures and mix well. Fold in the white chocolate, cherries and pistachios.

Drop by rounded tablespoons of dough, 2 inches apart onto baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, our just until lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and cool 3 minutes before removing cookies to wire racks and cooling completely. -Tom Saaristo

Tune in

SONGS FILLED WITH HOPE, JOY AND CHEESE MAKE THE HOLIDAYS SHINY AND BRIGHT

By Marco Buscaglia

I’m kind of a Christmas-music nerd. Whether it’s an affinity for the standards or an appreciation for something new, I’m drawn to holiday music each December. And thanks to Spotify, used CDs and the occasional online-only offering, I’ve accumulated enough holiday music to fill our house with cheer throughout the month.

OK, not all of it fills the house with cheer. Some of the music is played only because of its comedic or cheese-factor value. And I kept this list family-friendly and fairly mainstream. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at some of the musical offerings in my holiday mix this year:

Photo by David Ramírez on Unsplash

‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by Darlene Love

Back when Phil Spector’s name was only synonymous with music, he produced what Paul Shaffer and many others consider the greatest Christmas album of all time, “A Christmas Gi For You from Phil Spector.” All the songs have that wall-of-sound feel, but the Darlene Love classic, which Shaffer performed each year with Love when he was David Letterman’s musical sidekick, is an amazing piece of work. While the song has been covered by many others, Love’s version is a revelation—I’m not sure what that means, but music critics always write it, so I’m putting it out there as well.

‘Elf’s Lament’ by Barenaked Ladies

A clever little song about elves contemplating a labor strike because they’re fed up making toys for Santa, sung in the Barenaked Ladies geek-pop style. Noteworthy lines include, “Toiling through the ages, making toys on garnished wages” and “We’re used to repetition, so we drew up a petition. We, the undersigned, feel undermined. Let’s redefine ‘employment.’”

‘White Christmas’ by Otis Redding

If there was ever a holiday song that could break your heart—rip it in two—it’s this. Redding’s voice is dripping with sadness, regret and torment. It’s three minutes of painful pleasure. Maybe it works so well because it provides the sadness you occassional need to tap into during the holidays so you can make sure you remember to enjoy the good stuff.

‘Christmas Lights’ by Coldplay

Speaking of sad songs, Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” easily fits the bill. Released in 2010, it’s a classic tale of boy-meet-girl, boy-loses-girls, boy-hopes-he-can-get-girl-backbut-probably-won’t and then boy-is-reminded-of-girl’s-absense-every-December. It also has a schmaltzy building crescendo as the verses kicks into a chorus that would make Barry Manilow blush.

‘Cherry Cherry Christmas’ by Neil Diamond

Speaking of schmaltz, I’ll admit I have a so spot for the cheese in Neil Diamond’s voice, but anyone who can name-check his own songs with such confidence in an original Christmas tune deserves our admiration. Aside from the obvious title and chorus, here are a few examples of Diamond’s overt self-awareness: “Underneath your tree may there always be sounds of harmony, not a ‘Song Sung Blue’ and ‘Let’s raise a Christmas toast of Red, Red Wine,’ we’ll even sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ while the whole world sings along.” Too bad he couldn’t work in a ‘Pour me a drink, and I’ll tell you some lies.’ Maybe next time.

‘Blue Christmas’ by Raul Malo

I know there are definitive versions of this song by other artists, including Elvis, Michael Bublé, and that little girl at the end of “The Year Without a Santa Claus” who cries those enormous tears while writing Santa a letter in blue crayon, but the Raul Malo version is very much like the tunes Malo put out during his days in The Mavericks—country-swing at its finest.

‘O Holy Night’ by John Legend

Probably my favorite religious Christmas song and yes, I like the pumped-up, all-out versions by people like Mario Lanza and Celine Dion, but this stripped-down version, which features John Legend and a piano, is exceptional.

‘Soulful Christmas’ by James Brown

Check out the Godfather of Soul belting out lyrics like “You bought my records, come to see my show. That’s why James Brown love you so. You come to see my show. That’s a debt that I’ll always owe. Come to see my show. See you at Christmas.” Lines like this make this song a primo addition to anyone’s holiday-party playlist.

‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ by John Prine

Plenty of decent versions, including the John Mellencamp romp that’s become a radio staple, but c’mon – John Prine? This should be the standard, especially when that piano solo kicks in. And the “On the lips!” at the end of the song is a nice touch.

‘Jingle Bells?’ by Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand’s “A Christmas Album” features a pseudo-be-bop version of the classic holiday song. As a kid, there was nothing like imitating Babs’ “Jinglebellsjinglebellsjinglebells. Jinglebellsjinglebellsjanglebells” to wear out the nerves of your parents and siblings.

‘Fat Daddy’ by Fat Daddy

This song was a holiday essential in Baltimore in the 1960s, sung by local DJ Paul “Fat Daddy” Johnson. I can’t believe it didn’t catch on in the rest of the country. Absolutely brilliant. I found it on the the John Waters’ Christmas album, which makes sense, given his roots in and allegiance to the city of Baltimore. This is in regular rotation in our house in December. Sure, it hits a little too close to home for me, but the kids love it. So do I. Hear it once and it’ll be stuck in your head until Valentine’s Day. Favorite line: “I’m Fat Daddy, from the North Pole. I’m Fat Daddy, Santa Claus with soul.”

ENTERTAINING: PARTY TIPS

Yule be sorry

DON’T LET HOLIDAY PARTIES RUIN YOUR REPUTATION

By Marco Buscaglia

Don’t look now, but it’s time for ugly sweaters, Christmas parties and office grab bags. Yes, the holidays are upon us once again, but before you decide to get all jingled up about the upcoming month, just remember to use discretion when attending parties with friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors. We’ve put together a few tips to help you get through this holiday season:

Use caution at parties

It is perfectly acceptable to have a celebratory glass of wine or a holiday cocktail with others, but it should end there —especially with your workplace peers and those neighbors you talk to only a few times a year. Sure, you can enjoy some camaraderie a er a few drinks, but you want to be careful not to overstep your boundaries with others. “Friendships and careers have been ruined in a matter of minutes at employee holiday parties,” says Michelle Gleason, an etiquette expert in Boston. “Holiday parties are not the proper setting for you to tell your coworkers about the crush you have on your boss. It sounds ridiculous, but you can’t imagine how many employees decide to throw back a few drinks and then side up to their supervisor and whisper sweet nothings in their ears.”

The same discretion works when dealing with both longtime friends and recent acquaintances. “We can get a little caught up in the moment so it’s important to keep your wits and, if possible, have someone looking out for you as well,” Gleason says.

Easy on the booze

Gleason’s No. 1 rule about holiday parties is to remain in control. “Don’t let the booze get the best of you,” she says. “And if you’re not a drinker, keep your emotions in check. You have to face all these people on Monday morning or at your kid’s next basketball game. Don’t forget that.”

Gleason also advises holiday enthusiasts to be careful with their smartphones. “Reputations have been ruined because of photos people take while at the holiday party,” Gleason says. “People dress provocatively and feel less inhibited as they drink. You don’t want to be the person documenting suggestive behavior or the person being documented. Nothing good can come of that.”

Be respectful of the religious beliefs of others

You can be filled with faith, but that doesn’t always mean you have to share that faith with others, says Gleason. “Essentially, you just have to be mindful that not everyone thinks the way you do. Christmas has religious importance to many, but to some, it’s all about Santa and parties and presents.”

Mark Rounder, a 51-year-old Chicago teacher, says he has learned a lot about dealing with the secular aspects of the holidays by dealing with his diverse set of students. “There is nothing wrong with making everyone feel welcome,” he says. “I am a devout Christian outside of the classroom, but I understand the importance of tolerance and acceptance. I want others to feel welcome. My coworkers are respectful of all holidays. We’ve learned that celebrations can be shared, not critiqued.”

Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash

Set boundaries for gi s

If your company has a policy about holiday gi s for managers and coworkers, respect that policy. “This isn’t to say you can’t bring small gi s, cookies or cards to your friends at work but keep things simple,” says Erin Eienhorn, a former HR executive with Boeing who currently coaches executive clients in the Midwest. “And if you’re brave enough to pass out cookies postCovid, assure them that you’ve taken the proper precautions to prepare their treats safely. And be inclusive. Don’t skip one person in your book club or a couple of people on your side of the office. Make people feel better, not worse.”

Gleason says people should tread carefully when it comes to gag gi s. “There are a lot of White Elephant exchanges and they can be fun, as long as you are respectful of others,” she says. “A gag gi that’s sexual in nature, or something that’s overtly gross or crude isn’t going to help your reputation with friends, relatives or coworkers.”

Do something

What better way to celebrate the holidays than by getting a group together to volunteer at a local school or community center? “It may sound like an incredible cliche, but if you can find a way to channel some of your group’s energy into doing something positive for local students or the people in your community who can use a little help, you

set a nice precedent for the upcoming year,” says Eienhorn. “And even if it doesn’t translate into something productive for 2023, it’s still something worthwhile. It’s still something you’re doing for the greater good.”

Still, feel-good events can o en snowball into something much bigger. Gleason says one of her clients in Boston

decided to start a holiday book drive for a local community center, which turned into something much larger.

“They started with magazines and books and eventually set up tutoring sessions, internships at their companies and more,” she says. “It was a gi that just kept growing.”

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

TIPS

Beyond family and friends

‘B-LIST’ GIFTS REQUIRE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Giving the perfect gi is not easy, which might be why we put all the pressure on a jolly old man with a white beard and flying reindeer to do it for us.

This exciting yet stressful task can be even more of a chore when you’re faced with what we’ll call “B-list dilemma”—addressing those people in your life you value but who aren’t part of your inner circle. This actually encompasses several sub-dilemmas, such as: what do you get for your boss? What about the dry cleaner? The husband-wife team who delivers your newspaper? And yes, that’s still a thing. How about your guitar teacher? The list goes on and on. Maybe instead of trying to buy thoughtful yet affordable gi s, you should make things a bit more personal.

Jacqueline Whitmore, author of “Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work,” says while everyone celebrates the holidays differently, it is important to recognize and show appreciation for those who’ve helped make your life easier.

“I think particularly during these challenging times, it’s so important to reward people who are festive and cheerful and upbeat,” Whitmore says.

Don’t think you have to give a gi to everyone you come in contact with. Whitmore says that’s an impossible task. Stick with those people you have considerable face time with every day or once a week.

Whenever possible, Whitmore strongly advises purchasing something as a group rather than giving an individual gi . That includes your doorman, the mail carrier, your yoga instructor and others who have a collective impact on your community. “People like to band together and get people something special,” she says.

Choosing the right gi means really thinking about the person but not getting too personal. Don’t be afraid to dri a bit from the traditional items. Most of us have what we need so Whitmore suggests giving a gi that your recipient can enjoy with friends and family. Or consider something for a pet or a donation to a charity close to your gi ee’s heart. Stay away from the standards—those things that might collect dust, like coffee mugs. And remember that gi s don’t have to be purchased in a store.

“I think the best gi s are those that are handmade and homemade,” Whitmore said. “You can meet the needs of a bunch of different people with a batch of brownies.”

“I THINK THE BEST GIFTS ARE THOSE THAT ARE HANDMADE AND HOMEMADE. YOU CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE WITH A BATCH OF BROWNIES.”

ADVICE

DREAD THE HALLS?

Don’t let holiday stress keep you down

With its dizzying array of nonstop shopping, decorating, cooking, partying, schmoozing and traveling—all in the period of a few weeks—the holiday season can bring a stark reminder of stress and how it makes you feel.

Depending on how well you manage stress, the added holiday hustle and bustle can have a direct impact on your body and your mind. Follow these strategies to celebrate the holidays with maximum good cheer:

Get to know yourself

Beginning with the end of daylight savings time and through the holiday season, sleep can be hard to come by. The gi -wrapping, late-night shopping and countless holiday parties that keep us up late are more than enough to throw any routine into a tailspin. But no matter how chaotic life can get during the holiday season, it never hurts to make time for just you. Taking a moment to relax, reading a chapter from a good book or going on a short walk can go a long way to recharge your batteries.

Give yourself the gi of a snooze

People experience stress in different ways. It’s important to be aware of your stress level and know what stresses you out, especially during the holiday season. You may feel upset, find it difficult to concentrate or experience a lack of energy. Identifying your own stress signals is the first step to getting them under control.

Get moving

While getting adequate rest is essential to relieving stress, so is regular physical activity. During the holiday season, people are far more likely to relieve stress by turning to

unhealthy activities like overeating—because food is always around this time of year—or sedentary activities like watching lots of television. Yet research shows that physical activity can give a much-needed boost to both your energy level and your mood. Before the holiday le overs start to fill up the fridge, try to replace your unhealthy coping habits with routines like exercise, yoga or meditation.

Keep a holiday to-do list

Is your mind distracted with worries that you’ll forget to buy a gi for someone or pick up that essential ingredient for the big holiday meal? Ease your mind by putting those thoughts on paper or making a list on your smartphone of the tasks that take the highest priority. Not only will you reduce the risk of forgetting something important, you’ll also be better able to focus on other things.

Be realistic

For many, this is the time of year to share in the holiday spirit by giving gi s, donating time and money to charities and celebrating with family, friends and coworkers. But keep in mind, no matter how hard you try, no holiday celebration is perfect. When your holiday expense list starts to run longer than your budget will allow, scale back and remind yourself that what truly makes a great holiday celebration—spending quality time surrounded by your friends and family.

Build your support network

Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress during the holidays. Use this time of year to reconnect with friends and family and strengthen your support network as you head into the New Year.

Photo by Tran Toàn on Unsplash

ENTERTAINING: CLASSIC SHOWS

TV TIDBITS

Fun facts about those holiday specials we know and love

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Boris Karloff, who played the grouchy green character in this 1966 cartoon special from Chuck Jones and Ben Washam, didn’t sing “You’re a Mean One, Mister Grinch,” the centerpiece song of the Dr. Seuss cartoon that would become a Christmas classic. Instead, it was Thurl Ravenscro who sang the tune. Ravenscro was the voice behind Tony the Tiger, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes mascot. Needless to say, Ravenscro ’s singing performance was—wait for it—g-g-g-r-r-r-e-e-e-a-a-a-t-t-t!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The 1964 Rankin/Bass stop-motion special shows the title character—and his unique, bright nose—saving Christmas. Rudolph’s red schnoz helps cut through the murk “one foggy Christmas Eve” and allows Santa to deliver presents to all the boys and girls across the globe. Rudolph’s tale has its origins in a Montgomery Ward department store marketing promotion. In 1939, copywriter Robert L. May wrote the story that was placed in a book and given to customers who made purchases at the department store. The book became a song and later, the classic holiday television special.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The first cartoon based on Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip was a tough sell. A er reluctantly agreeing to greenlight the cartoon because of personal relationships with Schulz from prominent figures at CBS, network executives were underwhelmed a er watching the screening, finding the action slow, the minimalist movement boring and the real-life voices of children uninteresting. A er the network aired the special in November of 1965, more than 15 million viewers had their say as well, so much so that CBS execs ordered four more “Peanuts” specials, ran the cartoon the following Sunday morning and announced that it would rebroadcast the special the following Christmas.

Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse

If you wanted to create the ultimate holiday special in 1988, you would definitely want the following guests on your list: Magic Johnson, Cher, Grace Jones, k.d. lang, Dinah Shore, Annette Funicello, Frankie Valli, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Joan Rivers, Little Richard, Charo, Zsa Zsa Gabor and a few others. And where would you put such an eclectic collection of celebrities? “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” of course. This 1988 cult classic shows an initially selfish Pee-wee learning about sharing as well as the traditions and practices of various cultures. And the talent wasn’t limited to those in front of the camera. Prior to writing and directing “Boyz n the Hood,” the late John Singleton was a production assistant. Before forming White Zombie and directing “House of 1000 Corpses,” Rob Zombie was a production assistant as well.

GIFT TIPS: FOR DOG

5 FOR FIDO

Gift ideas for your all-star pupster

They shower you with affection all year and then sit patiently as you and your family open your gi s on Christmas morning. How about throwing your dog a bone this year—literally—and letting them in on the holiday fun? If you’re looking for some gi ideas for the dogs in your life, here are some of our favorites:

1. For dogs who love to chew—elk antlers

Tired of your dog going through bones and chew toys at a ridiculous rate? Get them a chewing challenge. Elk antlers last a long, long time.

Unlike some animal bones that get a little funky a er a week, Elk Antlers don’t smell. And unlike rawhide, you won’t find their shards and shavings around your house since their extra durability means they’ll stay in one piece longer than normal bones.

2. For dogs who want good teeth —nubbed chew toys

Most dog owners don’t do a great job tending to their dog’s teeth so chew toys can provide some much-needed assistance in the effort to improve a dog’s dental health. Plastic chew toys covered in small nubs help clean teeth and massage gums. Look for ones with natural flavors that encourage dogs to keep chewing.

3. For dogs who love to bond —the rope-tug toy

Playing tug with your dog is a great way for the two of you to bond. It’s a face-to-face activity that can be challenging and rewarding for you and your dog. And if there’s another dog in the house, even better. Dogs will use the rope tug toys to play with each other, establishing and strengthening the bond between them. Also good for multi-dog families to create healthy playtime between dogs in the same house.

4. For the bored dog and the time-constrained owner

—the daily walk

Whether your schedule is filled with school drop-offs and pick-ups or last-minute sprints to the train to get to work on time—or both—you may not have the time or energy to walk your dog. If you’re like most dog owners, you feel bad about it. A subscription to a local dogwalking service would be a great gi for you or for another pet lover in your life.

5. For all dogs —the Kong Chew Toy

You’ve probably seen those odd-looking cylinders in pet stores and wondered why any dog would want to play with that instead of, let’s say, a stuffed, crinkly squirrel. Wonder no more. The Kong line of toys, available in sizes for all dogs, comes with an open space for a treat, which means your dog will spend a significant amount of time rolling and chewing and pawing the Kong until they’re able to get to the goody inside.

Best. Gift. Ever.

By Marco Buscaglia

Despite what the television ads tell you, not everyone gets the joy of seeing a luxury automobile in the driveway, wrapped in a giant red ribbon, on Christmas morning. And even if they did, there are plenty of people who would think “that’s nice, but it’s no Baby

Alive, that’s for sure.” A er all, everyone remembers their favorite holiday gi , whether it was something they received as a child or as an adult. We asked around to find out some of your favorite gi s

Here’s what you had to say

Photo by The Retro Store on Unsplash

“An Evel

Knievel toy set. I was maybe 9 or 10 and it was the 1970s. It had his chopper and something called the Sky Cycle and maybe another motorcycle. It came with a little Evel and my friends and I would make ramps and have it jump over little fires we’d set in shoe boxes on my driveway. It was so cool.” -MichaelWalsh,Columbia, Maryland

“Tickets to see Elton John this year in Chicago in August. My kids bought them for me and my husband. We’ve been fans for years and have seen him a few times but couldn’t get tickets for his last tour. My kids must have spent a fortune because they gave us two great seats for his concert at Soldier Field. We had an incredible time. It was an early gift but I don’t think it’s going to be topped for a while.”

-MaryVick,Naperville, Illinois

“I’m goingto say the best gift Iever received was a new baby. My wife and I had been trying to get pregnant for about three years and we were pretty much giving up hope but on Christmas Eve in 2005, a beautiful baby girl was born to a woman in Racine, Wisconsin, and later put up for adoption, and we were able to adopt her in 2006. Two years later, we took in two foster children and

finished the adoption process with them a couple years afterward. My wife and I are both so fortunate. It is

hard to say that not being able to get pregnant is a

gift, but our children today are healthy and happy. They are our wonderful humans. I can’t even imagine my life without them. No gift can evercompete.”

-RichardMantarski,Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“Hands down, the best gift was Licorice, a puppy when I was 9 years old. She was a mutt—part border collie, part a few other things, and mostly black and white. I just remember her being so tiny and so sleepy when we got her. I think it’s one of my first real memories ever. I was absolutely thrilled. And Licorice lived to be 16, so it truly was a gift that kept on giving.”

-JaniceRichards,Macon, Georgia

“I am a roadfood aficionado and Ilove taking weekend road tripshere and there to try somethingthat I’ve read about on a food websiteor seen on the Food Network. And a fewyears ago, my wife set up this weekend foodtour of the Midwest and combined it with minorleague baseball games so we went to a bunchof small stadiums in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indianaand Michigan a few years ago. And the coolestthing was that she set up tickets and a hotel stayfor each weekend and I basically took her, mydad, my son, my daughter and some friendsthroughout the summer—I think eightweekends altogether.”

“Is there ever abetter gift than money?Cold, hard cash? I don’t thinkso. Today, I Venmo my nieces andnephews money for their birthdaysand for holidays but that’s nevergoing to be as exciting as openingone of those cash-card envelopesand seeing a crisp 20-dollar-bill in there from your aunt or uncle.”

-KevinErnst,Chicago

-PeteTomczak,Janesville, Wisconsin

“Last Christmas, mymom bought me an airfryer. That’s bad, right? It’s not that sentimental and I’m sure I had better gifts when I was a kid but I love this thing. It’s awesome. It has made cooking so much easier and has helped cut down on the fast food I eat. It’s the best gift I’ve received inat least 10 years.”

-TerryEkstrom,Rockford, Illinois

“My parents bought a bike for me when I was a kid. It was a Rampar R-10, a BMX bike. I think it was in 1981 or ’82. It was red with mag wheels and it was awesome. We lived in back of a new subdivision that was being built and my friends and I used to ride our bikes up and down these dirt mounds. My bike was the king.”

-PatrickO’Sullivan,Irvine, California

“I think my best gift ever was a 1963 Rambler that my wife gave me a few years ago. It was in bad shape and needed a ton of work and fixing it back up has become my pet project. I’m still not finished but working on the car after a bad day keeps me sane and it certainly keeps me out of everyone’s way when I’m in a particularly bad mood. And it has become a bit of a family affair. My sons have learned a lot about cars helping me piece it back together, and my wife, who is a self-published author, now loves doing research about older cars in general and then coming up with stories about the people who owned them. It’s been a great gift.” -AlexBlack,Chicago

get moving

5 GIFT IDEAS THAT WILL INSPIRE KIDS TO UNPLUG

We’re not saying all video game interactions and online experiences are bad, it’s just that they are best enjoyed with a healthy dose of physical activity. If you’re mulling a gi for the youngster on your shopping list and would like to offer them something to do while they’re in an upright position, here are five suggestions:

1. For the novice traveler—bicycles: Yes, bikes. Sure, it’s simple and a bit of a cliche but if you have children stuck on the couch, one of the easiest ways to get them to move is to send them somewhere. And what better way to do so than by giving them a bike? But, as they say, herein lies the rub: If you want your children — or your grandchildren or nieces or nephews — to become active, avid bike riders, you’ll need to set an example, so if you don’t have one now, buy a bike for yourself and let your kids know it’s time to ride. Whether it’s to the ice cream shop or the park, it won’t take long before riding bikes together becomes a normal part of your family itinerary.

2. For the extrovert—yard games: Or driveway or alley games, depending on where you live. Check out the local sporting goods store and you’ll find a ton of outdoor games that your child can use to engage in group activities with others. Volleyball nets, bags—or cornhole — sets, badminton sets, croquet and more. And yes, introverts can thrive from yard games as well.

3. For the sports enthusiast—balls: If you’re looking for kids to become more active, give them a football. Or a basketball. Or a tennis ball. Better yet, give them all the balls in one big bag. We’ve seen kids light up like the Christmas trees they’re standing in front of when presented with a collection of balls— whiffle balls, soccer balls, baseballs and more. There’s nothing passive about a collection of balls. They’re meant to be thrown, kicked, slapped, punched, bumped, elbowed, headbutted and more. If you’re looking to inspire some movement, you can’t do better than that.

4. For the artist—journals, notebooks and writing instruments: If your child loves to draw while sitting at the kitchen table, it’s not too much of a stretch to think that you can motivate—OK, maybe manipulate—them into getting some fresh air. In fact, given the right tools and prompts, it’s easier than you think. Get started with a journal and a set of colored pencils. Then look for books that focus on streets, walking routes, mapping, birds, foliage and more. One of the girls in our neighborhood spent a summer drawing a variety of things on her block and beyond—garage doors, flowers, mailboxes, parked cars and other items that seem routine when considered individually but can also take on new meaning when grouped together.

5. For the nostalgic—old-school activities: You can inspire children to get outside without spending a dime. If they’re into vintage clothes and songs from the 1980s, set them up with some handwritten instructions—or better, first-hand tutorials—on old-school games like Kick the Can, Ghost in the Graveyard, Johnny Tackle and whatever else you played on your old block.

Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash

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Photo by Elizabeth Dunne on Unsplash

GIFT TIPS

Procrastinators, unite!

TIPS FOR THOSE LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS

By Marco Buscaglia

It happens every year—even the most seasoned of holiday shoppers get stuck in the holiday gibuying crunch. Sometimes, it happens because you’ve spent all your critical shopping hours searching for the perfect gi that never appeared. Other times, it’s because you never even started.

The National Retail Federation offers last-minute holiday shopping tips, all of which can be tailored to help those busy-with-life shoppers get everything done:

Know your deadlines

One of the first things you should do when you start shopping for the holidays is learn the drop-dead shipping dates of online and local retailers you use frequently. That way, you’ll know exactly how late you can purchase something to still have it arrive on your target date. Do it now, in fact, and add some of the dates to your calendar.

Have a backup plan

Don’t just make a gi list—make a backup gi list as well. This lowers your chances of needing to visit several different stores if you can’t find the first-choice item—or shopping on Christmas Eve at your corner gas station.

Pick it up

The National Retail Federation recommends taking advantage of the “buy online and pick up in the store” option, especially for those shoppers who have been burned too many times with “guaranteed” delivery. Most stores allow you to order and pay for the item online and then pick it up at customer service or in a special lane or spot in front of the store, saving serious time and hassle at the in-store registers but still allowing the instant gratification of walking away with the gi in hand.

Take advantage of extended store hours

Those late and early hours are when stores are the least crowded, mostly because they aren’t the times when people have been programmed to shop. Can you get up an hour early and make a quick run to the local store before heading to the office? Do it.

Shop the night before a sale

Just because the signs aren’t up yet doesn’t mean the sale hasn’t started. According to the National Retail Federation, many stores program sale prices the night before, and shopping a er 6 p.m. might get you the reduced price without the hassle. While you’re at it, introduce yourself to a few sales associates and be sure to ask about upcoming markdowns.

Take a cue from Santa Check things twice, particularly when making an online purchase. At this time of year, it’s especially crucial to slow down and check the item and billing and shipping information.

Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash

Chef’s table

5 COOL GIFTS FOR THE FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE

We all have friends who fancy themselves as foodies. In fact, most of us think we’re experts in the kitchen as well. And why not? A er all, nothing says “I can cook, too” like a few hundred episodes of cooking shows in one’s viewing history. If you’re looking for a gi for the kitchen aficionado in your life, here are five tasty suggestions:

1. For the culinarily curious—cookbooks

Sure, most of us use the internet to find and follow recipes but there’s nothing like the tangible joy of a cookbook. Not only do they provide great recipes, they’re also great reading material while we’re munching away on a microwavable burrito, dreaming of a better life. And they’re a great gi for anyone who wants to heighten their cooking knowledge and skills.

2. For the pizza lover—the pizza oven

The outdoor pizza oven is taking the subdivision by storm and is now found in backyards across the country. The ovens, which run on gas, charcoal, wood chips or wood pellets, can reach extremely high temperatures—around 800 degrees or more. Thanks to that intense heat, these ovens can cook up authentictasting pizzas with a crispy crust in minutes. There are indoor options as well.

3. For the burgeoning home chef—kitchen essentials

Every home chef likes to say they don’t need the latest and greatest tools to cook a great meal but once they move beyond dressing up their mom’s mac and cheese recipe with some creative additions, they realize that some recipes not only call for specialty ingredients but for custom equipment as well. Maybe they need a Dutch oven. Or a quality chef knife. You can also help stock their kitchen with a cast-iron skillet, kitchen shears, a microplane grater and more.

4. For the person with great taste —oil and vinegar options

Whether they purchase balsamic vinegar at their local food boutique or olive oil at the farmers market, most cooking enthusiasts know where to go to get the good stuff. Help them out by gi ing them quality olive oils and a variety of vinegar. You can find sample-sized sets, full collections and monthly clubs. Truffle oil is a nice option as well.

5. For the person with a crowded kitchen

—cooking classes

Kitchens across the country are filled with one-and-done food preparation items. There’s the bread maker, the espresso machine, the electric egg cooker and more, so if you’re wary about giving your gi recipient more clutter for their cabinets, consider a cooking class. You can sign them up for local classes as well as virtual classes online. There are classes for individuals, couples, families, groups of friends and more, several ending with a nice communal meal where people can enjoy what they’ve created in their—or their host’s—kitchen.

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Addilyn Ragsdill @clockworklemon.com

branch dressing

By Matt Maldre, Spudart.org

Have problems with your Christmas tree? Consider a Christmas stick. Sound crazy? Maybe. But I’ve been doing it for years and I love it.

And don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your Christmas tree—you can consider the Christmas stick as a complement to your tree and the finishing touch on your home’s holiday decor.

Here are seven solid reasons to start using the Christmas stick tradition in your household this year:

1. Easy, enjoyable pickup: Big-box home improvement stores aren’t exactly the most Christmasesque place to get a tree unless you enjoy shopping for your tree after filling your cart with lightbulbs and tubes of caulk. And while Christmas tree orchards are fun, they can be far from your home. You can find your Christmas stick in our own backyard or a nearby forest preserve.

2. Creative. Quirky. Unique: Most people do a Christmas tree but who does a Christmas stick? You can stand out among others.

3. Unlimited location options: Can’t find that perfect spot in the house for the tree? The Christmas stick doesn’t have that problem. There’s no need to move stuff around. Find an open spot on a shelf and you’re set.

4. Ornaments hang properly: Let’s face it—it would be easier to hang Christmas ornaments on an upside-down tree because none of the branches would get in the way. The same holds true for a Christmas stick; your ornaments hang freely without any obstruction from a branch hanging below.

5. Ideal for ornament collections big and small: Those le over ornaments that didn’t fit on the Christmas tree? Stick ’em on the Christmas stick! Or maybe you don’t have enough ornaments for a full tree just yet. No worries, your Christmas stick will look full with your starting collection. Or maybe you’re starting a new themed ornament collection, like a handful of Star Wars ornaments. Go ahead and display them together on your Christmas stick!

6. No needle mess: As anyone with a real Christmas tree knows, you still find needles around your home months a er Christmas. Christmas sticks don’t have needles. No needles? No mess.

7. Easy disposal: What happens with a Christmas tree? You have to bag it up or carry it out to the curb. Or maybe even drive it down to some recycling center. Blah. Done with your Christmas stick? Just toss it back in the yard.

Livin’ large

5 GIFT OPTIONS THAT OFFER AND CULTIVATE EXPERIENCES

Some of our best days are spent doing things — biking, hosting a game night for your neighbors, taking a hike with your family and vacationing with friends, to name a few. So it makes sense that some of the best gi s we’ve received have focused on experiences as well. If you want to give the gi of interaction, here are five suggestions:

1. For the disconnected—weekend trips: There are times when we aren’t able to keep in touch with people—and it isn’t intentional. Friends move away, family members become busy raising children and neighbors get caught up in work. But that doesn’t mean the people we love don’t value our relationship any less than we do. They just need someone to remind them. This holiday season, be that reminder. One of the best ways to reconnect and recharge is to reach out to your old pals. Perhaps you can suggest a group gi this year to yourselves and each other that revolves around a joint event—gather up your college buddies or your sorority sisters or your cousins and plan a weekend trip within the next 12 months. You all certainly deserve it.

2. For the Instagram enthusiast—photography excursions: You can go a couple of different ways with the people on your gi list who post enough selfies to chronicle 10 lives. First, you can organize day or weekend trips for you and your photo-obsessed friend to scenic-yet-unheralded locations within three hours of your home. You can also extend your parameters a bit and find a city with a skyline that’s just begging to be someone’s background. Or you can gi photography classes, either online or in person. Some have weekly or monthly get-togethers where participants can shoot photos of their surroundings, each other or their favorite subject, themselves.

3. For the explorer—unique weekend housing options: Renting out someone’s home or apartment for the weekend or week has become pretty standard stuff. Sure, you’d prefer something clean, well-decorated and safe in a great location but today? Boring. Now, those travelers who know better scour though apps like Airbnb and Vrbo in search of something truly unique. Think converted barns in Michigan, storage-container homes in Brooklyn and treehouses in Washington. Pretty cool stuff.

4. For the at-home fun-seeker—group-themed games: Although you can’t go wrong with the classics, nothing gets a night with friends off to a great start better than a participatory game that relies on players sharing too much information. Think of those hilarious dinners you spent with friends—the ones where everyone in the restaurant is staring at your table. Now give the gi of providing that same group a great setting and a set of activities to enable in-house hilarity.

5. For knowledge seekers—education: There are all sorts of classes for those seeking knowledge in a particular field: cooking, guitar, candle making, romance novel writing and more. But don’t limit your searches to in-person or online cra or hobby classes. You can also check out some local colleges to see what classes or seminars might be open to the general public.

Photo by Ishon Studios on Unsplash

Photo by Charbel Aoun on Unsplash

Photo by Mireille Raad on Unsplash

Photo by Federica Cristina Zanella on Unsplash

Photo by Gabriel Gurrola on Unsplash

ENTERTAINING: COOKING TIPS

chef-APPROVEd CHANNEL YOUR INNER FOODIE WITH THESE HOLIDAY COOKING TIPS

By Brandpoint

If you love entertaining, the holidays are a great time to let your inner chef shine. Just because it’s cooler out doesn’t mean you should lose the versatility of using both indoor and outdoor cooking techniques that open up possibilities and tasty results — for foodies and experienced chefs alike.

You can make sure your holiday entertaining is a hit with these tips from Signature Kitchen Suite executive chef Nick Ritchie.

Achieve perfect, edge-to-edge doneness with sous vide cooking

Don’t let the fancy name fool you, this cooking method, which has been used by world-renowned chefs for years, is just as easy for home cooks as well. “Sous vide” (pronounced “sue-veed”) is French for “under vacuum,” and it’s an innovative cooking technique known for achieving the perfect temperature, every time. Food is vacuum sealed, then submerged in water and slowcooked at a constant precise temperature until it is perfectly cooked — without heating up your house.

Sous vide has become the go-to method in the world’s best restaurants for years, and for good reason: it brings food to the precise temperature chefs look for and delivers perfect doneness, edge-to-edge, every time — with little effort.

Let’s say you’ve prepared a bone-in ribeye using the sous vide method. As you cut into your steak, you’ll notice something right away — the doneness you were hoping for goes all the way through your steak, without that gray-to-pink gradient and thin band of desired doneness that you get when simply grilling

steaks. You’ll have perfect, juicy steaks that only sous vide can provide.

Even better, you can use sous vide to do a “reverse sear” - sous vide will ensure your steak is cooked to the desired temperature, then put it on the hot grill for that tasty, smoky char only outdoor cooking can give you.

Baby back ribs are another summer staple that can be prepared using the sous vide method. With the perfect falloff-the-bone doneness from the sous vide, a nice smokey finish from the grill and a brush of BBQ sauce, you’ll have all-day ribs without the all-day work.

Lock in flavors with steam and steam-convection cooking

If you’re looking for healthier options, steam cooking is a great choice. There are several benefits of cooking with steam: it’s simple to master, it ensures dishes are always evenly cooked and there are endless recipes you can prepare with this method. It’s also known to be one of healthiest cooking methods because it doesn’t require the use of oils or fats. Steam-equipped ovens also offer the best method for reheating le overs, as moisture harnessed from the steam replaces moisture that was lost in the fridge.

To make things even more interesting, try steam convection cooking, which cooks more evenly than other methods, but also produces perfectly tender roasts, moist flakey fish and incredibly fluffy baked goods. Steam convection cooking combines two cooking modes to deliver gourmet results: steam, which helps retain moisture (and nutrients) while improving texture,

appearance and taste, and convection technology, which offers more even heat distribution throughout the oven and cooks food more quickly.

Steam is an excellent technique for holiday seafood dishes. Steam will gently cook shellfish like shrimp or lobster, as well as any kind of delicate fish, as it doesn’t require much cooking time and helps lock in moisture. And don’t forget about dessert. Steam convection is perfect way to bake a delicious summer cobbler.

Keep it simple with convection cooking

Convection is a tried-and-true cooking method that you can rely on for all sorts of recipes. Convection oven technology works to evenly distribute heat to every rack by heating up faster and cooking evenly to delicious perfection. Contrary to conventional ovens, convection ovens offer a more even cooking experience by using a fan to distribute heat evenly throughout the entire oven. This type of heating offers several benefits to the cooking process by distributing heat faster, reducing cooking times and providing consistent cook temperatures anywhere in the oven. This also makes convection cooking during summer months ideal, as your house won’t get as hot.

How can you achieve perfection using all these techniques?

If you’re ready to conquer these expert cooking methods, you may want to consider upgrading your kitchen appliances. Today’s high-end kitchens provide tools for all of these cooking methods. Signature Kitchen Suite has pro ranges and rangetops with sous vide built into the cooktop, along with induction and gas, plus several products that incorporate steam and steam-convection cooking functionality, to help you achieve the best results your creative cooking mind can imagine.

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

sleigh sighting

THE COLD WAR TRUTH TO HOW NORAD CAME TO TRACK SANTA

By Amy Anderson

It was the Cold War, and according to legend, a man sat at a desk in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with two telephones on it -- one a direct line to the Pentagon. It wasn’t a number in wide circulation, so when the phone rang on Christmas Eve of 1955, the Air Force colonel on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command center could be forgiven for his surprise at hearing a young child on the other end of the line ask: “Is this Santa Claus?”

Fortunately, Col. Harry Shoup, described by his children as “straight-laced and disciplined” in an NPR StoryCorp interview, was a good sport. A er an initial bit of irritation, the colonel assumed the persona of Santa and chatted with the child, then spoke to the child’s mother. It turns out the very private number to the very important phone on his desk had been misprinted in a Sears ad alongside a photo of Santa Claus, enticing the kiddies to “Call me on my private phone.” Col. Shoup’s night was just beginning.

The man who would come to be known as “Colonel Santa” instructed some airmen to answer any additional calls, and

instead of turning away from this typo, leaned directly into the storm. He contacted the local radio station and reported the current radar location of one very merry sleigh and the operator’s eight tiny reindeer.

So began the tradition still carried by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Today the operations center uses complicated satellite systems and powerful radar to track Santa’s progress around the world each Christmas Eve. A staff of 1,500 answer more than 140,000 calls and emails, and send updates by the minute to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. NORAD’s dedicated website, www.noradsanta.org, live-tracks Santa’s location and offers updates in seven languages so that eager children and weary parents alike can know with certainty when it’s time to go to bed!

To track Santa this year, visit www.noradsanta.org, or follow updates by searching for @noradsanta on social media. To speak to a volunteer, call the toll-free number 877-Hi NORAD (877-446-6723).

For more information about NORAD’s day-to-day job, visit www.norad.mil.

TO TRACK SANTA THIS YEAR, VISIT NORADSANTA.ORG, OR FOLLOW UPDATES BY SEARCHING FOR @NORADSANTA ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

RESOLUTIONS

New year reality check

YOUR 2023 RESOLUTIONS MIGHT STAND

A CHANCE IF THEY’RE NOT SO SPECIFIC

By Marco Buscaglia

The only New Year’s resolution Blake Terry is going to make this year is not to make any New Year’s resolutions. “I’m done with that,” says Terry, 41. “I’ve made resolutions about losing weight, going back to school, finding a new job, learning how to play the piano—and none of them turned out. All that happened was I felt bad about myself for not accomplishing the one thing I set out to do for the year.”

The Chicago paralegal says he actually has had success mapping out plans for his future but they’re usually based on actions, not a pledge.

“I learned not to promise to learn to play piano. Instead, I say I’m going to give an hour a day to working on a new skill,” says Terry. “Some weeks I play piano three days and work on speaking French for two. It works for me because it never feels like a job. It’s always something I want to do.”

Big-picture plans

Terry’s approach summarizes life coach Beth Connor’s work with her clients. “I preach some specialization but mostly, I’m a huge generalist,” says Connor, who lives in Washington, D.C. “It can be a trap to rely too much on achieving a very specific goal. And although we consider goals like making more money

pretty standard, something like that can be very limiting.”

Connor says if you’re only focused on making more money in 2023, your decisions could result in short-term benefits but cause long-term problems. “How many people le secure, well-paying jobs for dot-com startups that paid smaller salaries but promised a huge amount of shares?” Terry asks. “And how many of those people found themselves out of work within a year, stuck with a bunch of worthless shares?”

Terry says that instead of taking a grass-is-always-greener approach to goals for the new year, “focus on making your own grass greener. Make your goal about learning a new skill and then sharing that knowledge. That’s more achievable and ultimately, a lot more rewarding,” she says.

Lifestyle choices

Terry points to the local health club during the first week of January as more proof of a “self-defeating” specific approach. “The treadmills are filled with people who have very specific goals: fit into my bikini for vacation in March, lose weight for my sister’s wedding, bulk up for the summer,” she says. “Those are noble goals but probably not as effective as ‘create a healthier lifestyle or ‘exercise five days a week.’ Those are real goals and they’re difficult but they’re not as sexy as resolutions. They lack the cache of ‘fit into my bikini’ so we convince ourselves they don’t count.”

Dawn Carlson, a 42-year-old graphic designer in Media, Pennsylvania, says she took a more general approach to her resolution a few years ago and it paid off. “Pretty simple, really. I told my husband I need to spend more time with my mom so I le it at that,” she says. “In the past, I’d promise to take her shopping once a week or to church and then out to lunch, and life can get busy, so it didn’t always happen.”

And when it didn’t, Carlson says she let herself off the hook. “I gave it a shot but it didn’t work out, so I moved on,” she says.

When Carlson kept her resolution simple, everything changed. “Spending more time with my mom meant a lot of things, not just a weekly event,” she says. “If I couldn’t take her to church, I’d stop by that night with Chinese food. If we didn’t go shopping, we’d go see a movie later on during the week.”

Terry says Carlson’s approach worked because she was able to be flexible with her plans and because she was able to keep moving toward her goal when things didn’t work out. “Think of the guy who wants to lose weight for his high school reunion in June. He breaks down and orders a pizza on January 5 and then spends the next six months feeling like he didn’t follow through on his New Year’s resolution,” Terry says. “If he strived for a healthier lifestyle, it’s possible he wouldn’t feel so defeated. He could eat a couple of slices, work out the next day and get right back on the horse.”

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

RESOLUTIONS

make or break

HERE’S SOME CINEMATIC ENCOURAGMENT FOR YOUR 2023 RESOLUTIONS

By Amy Anderson

Make them or break them, New Year’s resolutions are a tool to set good intentions for the year ahead. For instance, one of mine: I resolve to spend more time lounging about on the couch watching movies (hey, it’s a pretty easy resolution to keep). If you need some resolution motivation, it’s never too late! Take a look at the four major themes below and draw some inspiration, then clip and save this column for late January, when you need some cinematic encouragement to carry on!

Making physical changes

“Heavyweights” features a bunch of kids sent away to weightloss camp where the new director (Ben Stiller) is too over-the-top. Naturally, the kids stage a coup. In “GI Jane,” the first female recruit (Demi Moore) for the Navy SEAL program gets incredibly tough -- and incredibly buff. Jillian Bell plays Brittany, a woman who takes up running a er a routine checkup reveals the damage her profligate existence has unleashed, in “Brittany Runs a Marathon.”

Going back to school

In “Billy Madison,” Adam Sandler is heir to a hotel chain if he can show he actually deserves the diplomas that Daddy bought. To prove he has the smarts, he has to quickly retake every grade. Self-made man Thornton Mellon (Rodney Dangerfield) sends his much-loved son off to college, then follows him “Back to School” to make sure he has the full experience. Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish square off as student and teacher in “Night School,” in which Hart plays Teddy, an obnoxious salesman who needs his GED in order to keep his lavish lifestyle illusion alive.

Find yourself

Mark Wahlberg stars as “Invincible” Vince Papale, a nice guy down on his luck who unexpectedly secures a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles a er legendary coach Dick Vermeil announces open tryouts. In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” Ben Stiller plays a sheltered Life magazine photography expert who embarks on an unbelievable journey to connect with a photographer and recover a photo that embodies the magazine’s essence. “Eat Pray Love” sends Liz (Julia Roberts) around the world to discover herself post-divorce through indulgence, belief and passion. A woman (Queen Latifah) believes herself to have an untreatable terminal illness, so she liquifies her assets and sets off to truly live her best life — at the Grand Pupp Hotel in the Alps in “Last Holiday.”

Finding love

In “50 First Dates,” Adam Sandler plays a playboy veterinarian who attempts to woo a woman (Drew Barrymore) a er a car crash leaves her with no short-term memory. Every day is a new chance to get love right. In “The Photograph,” Mae (Issa Rae) and Michael (LaKeith Stanfield) are steamy lovers chasing down the life story of a legendary photographer. When wholesome tollbooth worker Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves the life of a dreamboat commuter, she is mistaken by his family as his fiancé in “While You Were Sleeping.” Finally, in “Definitely, Maybe,” Ryan Reynolds stars as Will, a handsome dad recounting his tales of love and loss to his daughter on the eve of divorce.

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