Holiday Guide 2021

Holiday Guide Inside:

Your complete guide to local holiday events, Pages 2-7 Unique gift ideas for everyone on your list, Page 8 Where to donate toys for children in need, Page 9 How to make sure your packages arrive on time, Page 10 Entertain without breaking the bank, Page 11

INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Holiday Events are Back

BY INSIDENOVA STAFF

info@insidenova.com

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ooking for ways to usher in the Christmas season? Dozens of parades, tree lightings, holiday markets and visits with Santa are happening across Northern Virginia this season.

NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Dec. 2, and Dec. 4 through Jan. 1 15th and E streets NW, Washington, on the Ellipse thenationaltree.org This year’s 99th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting and ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2, on the Ellipse.

The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public Dec. 4 through Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

WORKHOUSE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 11 Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton Workhousearts.org The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton

retro

MORE TO DO » Looking for more events? Visit insidenova. com/calendar for a complete, searchable listing of thousands of events around the region. will offer a 20% discount on all resident and associate artists’ original creations for Small Business Saturday starting Saturday, Dec. 4. On Dec. 11 there will be a holiday-themed Second Saturday Art Walk. Stroll the community market as roving holiday carolers spread cheer.

During the evenings, the campus quad will also be seasonally lighted in special and decorative ways.

SANTA VISITS MANASSAS Friday, Dec. 3, 5:15 p.m., continuing throughout December Historic Old Town Manassas Visitmanassas.org Santa has been lighting the Christmas tree in Old Town for over 27 years. Santa

vintage

new

A Unique Mix of Old & New Fun!

Pokémon Cards Action Figures Comic Books Children’s Books Dolls and Plush Hot Wheels Funko POPs Transformers Collectibles and more!

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arrives at the Manassas Depot on the Virginia Railway Express train shortly after 6 p.m. After Santa lights the tree, he takes time to visit with the children. Free horse-drawn carriage rides will round out the evening and continue every Sunday in December from 1 to 4 p.m., and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion will be available throughout the season.

75TH ANNUAL GREATER MANASSAS CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon Old Town Manassas visitmanassas.org Parade-goers line the streets of Manassas once again for the 75th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, this year with the theme “Right Down Santa Claus Lane.” Over 100 marching bands, floats, dancers and more from local schools and groups will wind through Old Town to kick off the holiday season and mark the beginning of Merry Old Town.

HAYMARKET CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Saturday, Dec. 4, 3-6 p.m.

Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St. townofhaymarket.org Join the Town of Haymarket for their annual Christmas and Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting. Cookie decorating, craft and gift bazaar, holiday carols, s'mores by the bonfire and local food vendors are featured, and of course a visit by Santa. This event is free, and everyone is welcome.

OCCOQUAN HOLIDAY EVENTS Dec. 4-5 458 Mill St., Occoquan occoquanva.gov River Mill Park in Occoquan will be transformed into a winter wonderland for a special shopping experience.

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, to be held Dec. 4 this year, is one of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia, with more than 100 units winding through downtown Manassas.

PAUL LARA | INSIDENOVA

Artisans and craft persons will offer original, handmade work in a full range of media, from handmade bath and body products, candles, gourmet food products and home décor to fine art and jewelry.

Visit with Santa while you are in town. The big guy will arrive by boat at the town dock at Mamie Davis Park on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are then invited to escort Santa to River Mill Park. He will be ready to visit with families from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both market days.

JINGLE ON LAKE ANNE Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Santa arrives by boat at the 50th annual Jingle on Lake Anne. There will be children's crafts, music and more, with Santa arriving by boat at noon.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

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FREE

to Attend

EVENTS

Dale City Farmers Market is hosting a Holiday Market

9am-2pm

14050 Gemini Way, Woodbridge

DECEMBER

4 SATURDAY

HOLIDAY MUSIC

✽ S’MORES ✽ TREE DISPLAY

3-5pm

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

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ALEXANDRIA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Waterfront Park VisitAlexandria.com Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 21st annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, as dozens of brightly lighted boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park.

ALEXANDRIA’S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Old Town Alexandria VisitAlexandria.com The Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, hits the streets of Old Town Alexandria once again.

NATIONAL HARBOR HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS Through Dec. 31 National Harbor Waterfront District, Prince George's, Md. nationalharbor.com National Harbor’s 54-foot tree lights up the holidays every evening through Dec. 31. Shows run on the half-hour from sunset to 9 p.m. The National Harbor Waterfront District is on the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Md., 149 Waterfront St.

This year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Thursday, Dec. 2

ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

George Washington's Mount Vernon mountvernon.org See George Washington’s Mount Vernon illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an

18th-century winter encampment SANTA VISITS POTOMAC MILLS and a winter market. End the evening Daily through Dec. 24 with a holiday fireworks show starting Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. Make sure simonsanta.com to stop and see Aladdin the camel, Mr. Claus will return this year for the who will be at the mansion until Jan. 6. Santa Photo Experience at Potomac Mills Mount Vernon is at 3200 Mount Verbeginning this weekend and continuing daily through Christmas Eve. Reservanon Highway in Fairfax County. tions are required. For details, see simonsanta.com.

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BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 2. Monday-Thursday nights, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday nights, 5:30-10 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights Load your family in the car for one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday activities. The route is 2.5 miles, illuminated by a wide array of holiday light displays. Be socially distant and drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.

TINSEL! Through Jan. 22 45425 Holiday Drive, Sterling Open nightly, timed tickets start at $28 tinselva.com Tinsel! is an immersive outdoor festival and interactive winter destination featuring light displays, food and drink, entertainment and Washington Capitals experiences like a Capitals-themed Igloo experience, oversized Capitals-themed photo opportunities and alumni and mascot appearances.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 9, 6-10 p.m. daily Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas visitpwc.com Nights of Lights features mesmerizing holiday light displays spanning over one mile along with a Christmas Village

George Washington’s Mount Vernon glows in lights for the Christmas season.

where visitors can join holiday sing-alongs, take a photo with Santa, shop local artisans, get lost in the mazes, find the perfect holiday selfie stations and more.

A special addition to the village will be the custom-designed Gingerbread Café featuring gingerbread cookies, sweet treats, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, s’mores kits for the fire pits, and hot soups catered by a local bakery.

‘GIFT OF THE MAGI,’ THE MUSICAL Weekends through Dec. 12 Fauquier Community Theatre 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton fctstage.org

DAN CHUNG

It’s Christmas in New York in 1905.

Imagine the excitement of a busy street, bustling with shoppers and carolers singing joys of the season. Della, a stunning young woman, strolls along, looking in store windows, a bit saddened that she has only $1.87 to spend on a gift for her husband, Jim. Down the street, Jim does likewise; wistfully knowing that the items in the stores that he would love to buy for Della are beyond his means. You will enter a beautiful musical adaptation of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.”

HOLIDAY EVENTS

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After a cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th Scottish Christmas Walk returns to Old Town Alexandria this season.

PROVIDED

WARRENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

Old Town Warrenton WarrentonChristmasParade.com The parade is back on Main Street this year, led by Santa in his horse and sleigh, and featuring lighted floats,

Connect with us: www.pwcparks.org/HistoricPrograms Facebook: www.facebook.com/pwhistoric Twitter: @PWHPF Instagram: PWC History

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HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2021 | INSIDENOVA.COM

bands, and kids and lots of holiday cheer. The parade will travel down Main Street from 5th past the Courthouse and down to Pelham Street.

Christmas carols and the tree illumination at the courthouse follow, then fireworks to usher in the season.

Scan for dates, times & advance registration (which is required for some programs):

WARRENTON’S GUMDROP SQUARE Opens Friday, Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Gloria’s, 92 Main Street, #204, Warrenton oldtownwarrenton.org GumDrop Square is a long-time Warrenton holiday tradition and photo-op for families. The visit provides a personal experience with Santa and a beautifully decorated backdrop including Christmas trees and a fireplace on Gloria’s stage – the perfect spot to capture that traditional Santa photo. Another highlight of a visit to GumDrop Square is Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can purchase $2 tickets to buy gifts for family and friends without parents looking over their shoulder.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE SILVER TONES SWING BAND Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Vint Hill Community Center, 4235 Aiken Drive, Warrenton Silvertonesswingband.com The Silver Tones Swing Band kicks off

the holiday season swing concert and dance featuring your holiday favorites plus big band swing hits. The Vint Hill Community Center features a huge dance-floor with plenty of room to swing. There will be a beginner swing dance lesson with worldclass swing instructor Ewa Burak at 7 p.m.

Light refreshments will be for sale.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET Daily through Dec. 23 Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C. downtowndc.org Downtown Holiday Market, presented by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Diverse Markets Management and Events DC, returns to the nation’s capital for a 17th year. DowntownDC’s open-air village runs through Dec. 23, filling two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW, with the main entrance in front of the National Portrait Gallery.

Admission is free, and the market is open daily from noon to 8 p.m.

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Ballet the M anassas Ballet theatre ea tre in Including Music in Your acker Holiday Traditions utcracker Listening to or creating music can help make magical holiday memories.

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Ballet Theatre Orc for sing-alongs. And because it’s portable, usic is powerful. Here’s how to with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra you can “gather round the piano” wherevinclude music in your holiday chestra

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er you spend the holidays. celebrations to set a joyful, fes3. Go caroling: Caroling is one of best tive mood and help create happy family ways to spread holiday cheer among memories. neighbors and members of your commu1. Whistle while you work: Decking the halls shouldn’t be a chore. It should be nity. Organize friends and family to join you. You may even consider turning your a fun holiday tradition. Create a playlist efforts into a fundraiser for a local charity of all your favorite carols, old standards at the or a music-related nonprofit such as and pop-infused holiday hits. As you Music & Memory, which helps individuadorn the tree, decorate the cookies and hang the stockings, pop on your playlist als with cognitive and physical conditions to fill the house with your personalized engage with the world and ease pain Phot sounds of the season. through their favorite music.

Photo by David Mattingly 2. Create your own music: With more 4. Attend a performance: From to by David Mattingly 703-993-7759 time off from school and work and a “The Nutcracker” to “How the Grinch www.hyltoncenter.org • 703-993-7759 treasure trove of seasonal music to draw Stole Christmas,” many classic holiday 12/24 pm EST : inspiration from, this can actually beat the performances7:30 are staged at theaters all Also Streaming Starting 12/24 at 7:30 pm EST: Tickets $25 m/ondemand/mbtnutcrac ideal time of year to take up a new instru- around the region. Enjoy a live show or T ickets $25 https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mbtnutcracker watch your favorite seasonal musicals ment or embark on music lessons. @ cker sasballet.org at home.

For beginners, consider a Castiotone. @manassasballettheatre For more info: manassasballet.org Through the power of listening and User-friendly and created with the goal org • (703) 257-181 @manassasballettheatre creating your own music, you can fill of making music fun for players of all info@manassasballet.org • (703) 257-1811 d in by the National Endowment for seasonal traditions with joy and abilities, it part connects to the Chordana Play your 11 s, Prince William County City of Manassas, Balletand Theatre is funded in part bythe the National Endowment for the Arts, make happy holiday memories that last App, which offers interactive at- home the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas the Arts, beginner piano lessons. Plus the keyboard for years to come.

Manassas – StatePoint features built-in Christmas carols, perfect

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Dec. 16-23

Tickets starting at $35

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UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES CHANTICLEER

A Chanticleer Christmas Sunday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m.

“The world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker)

AMERICAN FESTIVAL POPS ORCHESTRA

Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season Friday, December 10 at 8 p.m.

A beloved holiday tradition!

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Featuring Kate Flannery, Tim Davis,

Tickets to Leslie Odom, Jr. and more on sale now!

and the Tony Guerrero Quintet

Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

A hilarious Christmas cabaret spectacular

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF HOME SERVICE EXCELLENCE

F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electrical 2021–2022 Hylton Center Season Sponsor

Hylton Presents Holiday Performance Sponsor

The Hylton Center is located in Manassas on the SciTech Campus of George Mason University. For information on health and safety protocols, visit HyltonCenter.org/vaccination.

TICKET OFFICE HyltonCenter.org / 703-993-7759

PROMOTE YOUR LIVE AND VIRTUAL EVENTS VISIT INSIDENOVA.COM/CALENDAR FOR DETAILS AND A CURRENT LISTING OF EVENTS ACROSS NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2021 | INSIDENOVA.COM

From bookworms to athletes, there’s a gift guide for everyone.

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Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

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ne of the best ways to ensure you give thoughtful, meaningful holiday gifts is by consulting gift guides that offer unique ideas for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for a fashionista or an athlete, get inspired to make the holiday season brighter for your loved ones with the following ideas: For bookworms: Give the book worms in your life a gift that keeps on giving with a three-, six- or 12-month subscription to Book of the Month. Membership can be tailored, as users can pick from five popular selections every month, select one or more books at a time or even defer their choice until the following month.

For music makers: Regardless of their skill level, musicians deserve a powerful, portable and versatile keyboard. Designed for music lovers who enjoy playing anytime, anywhere, the Casiotone CT-S1 has a sleek 9-pound design, features strap pins and can be powered with six AA batteries, making it a great choice for those in bands and other performers.

Along with its portability, its stereo grand piano sound, 61 full-size keys with touch response, plus 60 other AiX-powered studio-quality tones, means this instrument looks as good as it sounds.

Wired or wirelessly, users can also link the keyboard to Casio’s dedicated Chordana Play, an app that enables tempo and key changes in addition to displaying music scores and a piano roll. These features are great tools for those learning to play, those expanding their skills and

experts alike.

For pet parents: Whether your loved one’s pet is cuddly or not, they can snuggle up to their animal friend with a personalized pet pillow from Get Photo Blanket. Simply upload an image of the pet, and the site will create a custom throw pillow – the perfect décor for adoring pet parents!

For fashionistas: Great accessories can complete any outfit. For those who appreciate a stylish, clean design without compromising functionality, consider the stainless steel Edifice EFSS570DC-1A from Casio, which features a slim case and modern gray octagonal bezel with soft yellow accents.

With solar power capabilities, water resistance up to 100 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, as well as features that include a date display, stopwatch and three dials to display seconds, stopwatch minutes and stopwatch seconds, this will become your gift recipient’s go-to timepiece no matter the occasion.

For athletes: From CrossFitters to marathoners to triathletes, all those who work out hard know that protein is essential for repairing muscles. Simplify your favorite athletes’ post-workout refueling sessions and boost their recovery with a High Protein Fitness Box from gift snack box e-tailer Bunny James.

With a little inspiration, you can spoil loved ones with unique gift ideas that show you care this holiday season.

– StatePoint

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Toys for Tots Drive Underway

he Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue and the members of the Fire and Rescue System have begun collecting toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation.

This year’s event will run through Dec. 12.

Toys for Tots is a national charity program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Toys are collected and distributed to less fortunate children whose parents may be struggling financially and unable to purchase gifts during the holiday season. It is the only charitable endeavor associated with the Department of Defense that reaches out to local communities.

The program was started in 1947 in California by Major William L. Hendricks, who was inspired by his wife, Diane, when she tried to donate a doll to a needy child but could not find an organization to do so. At her suggestion, Hendricks gathered a group of local Marine reservists who coordinated and collected 5,000 toys for local children.

Hendricks used his position as director of public relations at Warner Brothers Studio to enlist celebrity support and later asked his friend, Walt Disney, to design a poster for a national campaign. The result was the three-car, red train logo.

New and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Prince William, city of Manassas Park or Manassas city fire station, the Prince William Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville and the lobby of the McCoart Government Center in Woodbridge. Clothes and used toys cannot be accepted.

All toys will be delivered to the Toys for Tots collection site for processing and delivery to pre-authorized organizations that have requested toys.

NOVEC HELPS DRIVE Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s group of employee volunteers, NOVEC Helps, is collecting holiday gifts for tots and teens.

The new, unwrapped toys and gifts will be given to children and teenagers living in area homeless shelters. Donations may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Friday, Dec. 8, at the NOVEC office at 10323 Lomond Drive, Manassas.

For older kids, Nan Musick, chair of NOVEC Help’s board of directors suggests donations of backpacks, board games, books, bath gift sets, hand-held electronics, socks, winter hats, scarves and gloves.

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Donate hope.

This year, the need is greater than ever.

Help make the holidays happy for everyone in Prince William County.

Join InsideNoVa in supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Basket campaign.

Donate online: insidenova.com/christmasbasket Donations can be dropped off at Salvation Army 1483 Old Bridge Rd #102, Woodbridge, VA 22192 OR MAIL DONATIONS TO:

The Salvation Army | PO Box 2424, Woodbridge, VA 22195 (In memo line please write InsideNoVa Christmas Basket) NAME ���������������������������������������������������������� ADDRESS ������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� PHONE ��������������������������������������������������������� IN MEMORY OF / IN HONOR OF ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� Donations will be published in InsideNoVa/Prince William unless otherwise requested. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.

PLEASE SEND DONATIONS BY: DECEMBER 31ST

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HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2021 | INSIDENOVA.COM

Planning ahead and having the right supplies on hand makes shipping packages for the holidays easier than ever.

5 Tips to Ease the Pain of Holiday Shipping

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oliday plans may look different again this year. Some families will choose to host small gatherings, while others may celebrate from the comfort of home instead of traveling.

If you won’t be spending the holidays with loved ones – and if this season is anything like 2020– you’ll probably be shipping gifts. Here’s how to ensure a timely, damage-free arrival.

Be aware of shipping deadlines. Each year, the United States Postal Service and other major shipping companies release deadlines to help people plan timely delivery of packages during their busiest season of the year.

Whether you’ll manually ship gifts or order them online, prioritizing these deadlines is key. Give yourself ample time. Aim to have packages shipped about 10 to 12 days before the holiday.

The USPS recommends no later than Dec. 15 for ground shipping.

Invest in a quality box. While it may be tempting to use any old box you have hanging out in the garage, worn-down boxes are much more likely to crumple in transit. Additionally, if the package is too big for its contents, you risk things rolling or shaking; if it’s too small, you risk tearing and breaking.

With this in mind, consider investing in new, quality boxes, like Duck Brand Kraft Box. They are cost-effective, made from recycled, durable materials, and are available in a variety of sizes, all of which meet postal regulations, so you can pick the best fit that protects from damage, while keeping shipping costs down.

Pick proper packing tape. If you’re going to invest in shipping supplies, don’t forget to include a strong, easy-to-use packing tape. Lower-quality options may lead to splitting or tearing, which is a recipe for disaster when shipping holiday

presents (or even for storing décor until next year).

Duck Max Strength Packing Tape offers premium quality and tough adhesion to keep boxes and packages secure during shipping. Stronger and more durable than ordinary tapes, this packing tape is designed to seal even the heaviest boxes safely and securely to help prevent items inside from being damaged during delivery.

Add an extra layer of protection.

Handle fragile packages with extra care by including the all-important layer of bubble cushioning. Bubble Wrap brand cushioning easily conforms around treasured objects and helps prevent shifts and damage during shipping. The product’s air lock technology maintains consistent, light-as-air cushioning while filling empty voids in boxes, so items stay put. For best protection, make sure the bubbles are facing your gift to cushion impact.

Personalize the package. If you prefer a greener option, Flourish Brand Kraft Paper is protective, versatile and sustainable. Made from 100% recycled material, the shipping paper can be easily added to standard curbside recycling bins.

Plus, it makes it easy to wrap up and ship out large boxes and can be used to fill packaging voids, so items stay in place.

Or, as a fun indoor activity throughout winter, kids may enjoy using Kraft Paper to create customized wrapping paper.

Other special touches to your long-distance holiday delivery could be including a thoughtful note or adding a drop of essential oil to the ribbon.

The holidays can be stressful. When you plan ahead and have the proper supplies on hand, you’ll be able to quickly cross “ship holiday gifts” off your to-do list and enjoy the magic of the season.

– StatePoint

Entertaining over the holidays can be fun, even if you don’t spend a lot of money.

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Entertain for Less This Holiday Season

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he holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude and, unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips from the experts at Dollar General: DELICATE DÉCOR Creating the right ambiance in your space is key to holiday decorating success.

Begin by decluttering the areas of your home where you plan to entertain. Fill the extra spaces with seasonal decorations.

Remember, elaborate, expensive items aren’t always needed to make a home look amazing. Decorations like small figurines, bowls filled with holiday candy or simple wreaths and garlands can do the trick of transforming your home into a winter wonderland.

FRUITFUL FOOD With more guests comes more food,

but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money. Shopping at discount retailers for essentials such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese can help stretch your budget.

You can also make the switch to private brand items and save even more when buying foods for overnight guests, such as granola bars, cereal and snacks. Consider purchasing these household basics from a local Dollar General store, which also provides digital coupons to help you save even more.

SUPPLIES STOCK-UP Of course, to entertain, you will need supplies. Stocking up on cleaning essentials, everyday cooking ingredients and entertaining basics early in the season is a great way to have everything needed before the party begins. Consider adding items such as trash bags, cutlery, paper products, other decorations and even small gifts.

By using smart shopping strategies, you can entertain during the holidays with ease instead of stress.

– StatePoint

Celebrate with Nothing Bundt Cakes

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othing Bundt Cakes in Gainesville offers unique gift ideas for individuals, families, offices, parties and more. Online ordering is available at NothingBundtCakes.com or stop by the bakery and smell the freshly baking cakes.

The store offers handcrafted deco-

rated cakes for all occasions. Gift wrap Bundtlets in towers of one, two or three, grab a box of Bundtinis on your way to a party, or be the office potluck hero when you bring Bundt cakes. Choose from 10 delicious flavors and four sizes, all baked using the finest ingredients, including real eggs, butter and cream cheese.

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