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Thistime of year we reflect on all that 2024 has brought us, while thinking of what we strive to accomplish in the year ahead. We are so thankful for each and every one of you; we simply couldn't do what we do without your loyal readership.
As you flip through the pages, you'll find seasonal editorial, along with timely and informative local stories throughout. Plus, don't miss our holiday coloring contest, where you can win a 4-pack of tickets to the Long Island Aquarium! We wish you joy, peace and happiness throughout the season and always.
Spend New Year’s Day Visiting One Of Long Island’s Iconic Lighthouses
The first day of a new year often brings upon feelings of hope and excitment, as we embark on a fresh start and begin to tackle our recently-declared New Year’s resolutions. You may find yourself searching for a memorable activity that you and your loved ones can set your sights on come January 1st. Whether or not your resolution pertains to “being more active,” consider taking a walk to one of Long Island’s iconic lighthouses, the Fire Island Lighthouse. This famous destination can easily be enjoyed by all who visit.
Tower is open from 10 AM - 3:30 PM daily.
Museum and Gift Shop are open 10 AM - 4 PM daily. Plus, you can now shop their gift shop from the comfort of your home! Visit www.fireislandlighthouse.com for more information.
January 12 Evening Tower Tour
On Sunday, January 12, there will be an Evening Tower Tour at 4 PM. Enjoy watching the sunset from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse! Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking lot. Reservations are required. Visit www. fireislandlighthouse for pricing and more information.
Fire Island Lighthouse
Fire Island, New York
The Fire Island Lighthouse, located at the western tip of Fire Island, was one of the first landmarks visitors saw when arriving by ship from Europe. It is Long Island’s tallest lighthouse tower at 168 feet tall, with 182 steps to the top. This very well may be the most recognizable and visited lighthouse on the island.
Tips To Plan An Eclectic Holiday Menu
Theholiday season is steeped in tradition. Though family traditions are part of what makes December such a special time of year, holiday hosts still have some wiggle room when welcoming loved ones into their homes.
If tradition governs how holiday hosts celebrate the season with their families, they may find some flexibility in the kitchen. This December, hosts can consider these ways to make their holiday menus a little more eclectic and unpredictable.
• Embrace local ingredients. Locally sourced foods have a tendency to taste more fresh than imported alternatives, which is reason enough to incorporate them into holiday menus. In addition, relying on locally sourced foods when preparing holiday meals
can be a great way to introduce new dishes to a holiday dinner table. Guests may be impressed by a new flavor profile, and they’ll surely be happy to learn they’re supporting local businesses during a time of year when shopping local has gained greater popularity.
• Offer a new twist on old favorites. Celebrants, including hosts, have come to expect certain foods during the holiday season. For instance, some may shudder at the thought of a Thanksgiving dinner table without turkey. Though holiday season staples may need to make an appearance at dinnertime this December, hosts can offer a new twist on some old favorites. In lieu of roasting a turkey this year, offer a deepfried alternative. Such a
their most fresh in late fall and early winter, and which foods you choose may depend on where you live, particularly if you’re focused on providing locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Some simple tweaks to existing recipes can provide an entirely new flavor profile that will impress guests and leave them asking for another helping.
twist produces an entirely different flavor profile. When it comes time to serve dessert, offer apple crumb pie in place of traditional apple pie. Fall is peak apple-picking season, so come the holiday season hosts and guests may be happy to enjoy a unique twist on this beloved dessert.
• Incorporate seasonal ingredients. Another way to ensure freshness has a place at your holiday dinner table is to emphasize seasonal ingredients. Such items are those that are at
• Prepare an ethnic dish. Traditional holiday entrées like turkey and rib roast are not necessarily associated with any particular ethnic group or region of the world. Hosts who want to incorporate their heritage into holiday cooking, or simply include food from a favorite country they’ve visited or hope to visit, can prepare an ethnic dish as an appetizer, entrée or dessert. This unexpected addition to the menu can prompt engaging discussions and can serve as a great way for hosts to introduce their loved ones to a dish or style of cuisine they love.
Tradition is a big part of the holiday season. This season, hosts can start a new tradition by taking steps to prepare a more eclectic menu for guests.
How To Host A New Year’s Brunch
NewYear’s Day unofficially marks the end of the holiday season. After the turkey and trimmings of Thanksgiving and the gifts galore of Christmas and Chanukah, New Year’s presents one final chance to toast to fun and fortune.
Chances are good that after an evening of ringing in the New Year and dancing until dawn, most people sleep in and catch up on a few extra hours sleep on January 1. Breakfast may come and go before tired revelers are ready to greet the day. That is what makes brunch so popular on January 1.
Brunch is a meal eaten in the late morning or early afternoon — generally between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. It consists of a blend of breakfast and lunch foods. Historical evidence suggests that brunch originated in the British
upper classes in the late 19th century. Many upperclass people gave servants partial or full days off on Sundays. Staff would set out buffet spreads in the morning before leaving, enabling homeowners to graze among breakfast and lunch items.
It may be challenging to compete with the excitement of New Year’s Eve, but a New Year’s Day brunch can be just as memorable, especially when planning is a priority.
• Send invitations early on. The holiday season is a busy time and people often commit to invitations early on. If you want to host certain guests at the brunch, send out those invitations several weeks in advance.
• Keep it intimate. Individuals will be feeling the effects of a late night of partying and it’s likely you will be as well. Make things easier on yourself by keeping the
omelets, French toast, bagels, deli meats, and salads. If you want to get creative, change up these recipes in subtle ways, such as serving French toast stick dippers with a warm maplecaramel dipping sauce or bite-sized omelets baked in small ramekins.
• Keep the coffee flowing. Coffee, teas and hot chocolate are great at brunch. It’s easier to recover from New Year’s Eve overindulgence with a warm jolt of caffeine. Set up a nice beverage bar, and be sure to include other drinks that enable guests to rehydrate after a night of revelry.
guest list on the small side. In turn, there will be less food required and perhaps less mess to clean up afterward.
• Serve familiar foods. Brunch combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Guests will be expecting some of the standards, including
• Keep it simple. Soft music and nice conversation may be all that’s needed to entertain during a New Year’s brunch. Another low-key option is to queue up a light-hearted movie or play a relatively easy trivia game.
New Year’s brunches can close the door on another successful holiday season with a relaxing afternoon spent in the company of family and friends.
Go 'Mutts' For These Pet Gifts
Accordingto the American Pet Products Association, consumers in the United States spent $147 billion on pets in 2023. And it’s not just the essentials that have people opening up their wallets for pets. A 2022 YouGov survey found that 57 percent of owners buy holiday gifts for their pets and 40 percent host birthday celebrations.
With the holiday season on the horizon, there’s a good chance that beloved pets are on gift lists this year, particularly for Gen Z pet owners. A study of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek found that Gen Z spends an average of $148.50 on their pets each month, the highest of all surveyed. For those shopping for gifts their pets will enjoy, these options could have tails wagging.
• Treat dispenser: It isn’t possible to be home with their pets all of the time. A dispenser that can be programmed to offer treats at certain intervals or
connected to an app that enables a person to release one at the push of a button can be a nice gift to surprise stay-at-home pets.
• Puzzle toy: Pets need to keep their brains working; otherwise, they may get bored and into trouble. A puzzle toy that has treats or kibble hidden behind panels helps pets remain mentally sharp.
• New bed: Upgrade a pet’s bed to something even more lush and comfortable. A fleece blanket and a dedicated pet pillow can help pets feel even more pampered.
• Safety belt: Guarantee that trips in the car to the dog park or other excursions are safer by gifting a safety pet harness that works like a seatbelt in a vehicle.
• Grooming package: Everyone wins when a pet is washed, dried and primped to perfection. Professional groomers have the skills to tame excess fur and trim nails so pets smell wonderful and remain comfortable.
Classic Holiday Films The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Celebrants owe the joy of the holiday season to various components. Decor and gift-giving go a long way toward making December a joyous time of year. Holiday films also do their part to make the season so special.
Many people have their own favorite holiday films, and the following are some that can engage viewers who are young or simply young at heart.
“A Christmas Story”
Released in 1983, this warmly nostalgic, humorous film is a perennial favorite among families. It follows
the story of Ralphie, who has his heart set on a very specific Christmas present: a Red Rider BB gun. Amidst wintry exploits and family drama, the true spirit of Christmas manages to shine through in this beloved film. Some of the subject matter can be off-color, and there are some bullying scenes. So this is a movie best watched with children who are mature enough to make it through without being scared.
“Little Women”
Based on the Louisa May Alcott novel of the same name, the 1994 telling of this classic follows the March sisters, who confront
Klaus. The unlikely duo ultimately team up to make and deliver toys and bring smiles to children’s faces.
“Meet Me In St. Louis”
Starring the irreplaceable Judy Garland, this movie musical focuses on four sisters who are awaiting the 1904 World’s Fair in their hometown, but learn that their father has accepted a new job and the family must move to New York beforehand. A Christmas miracle occurs and all is right in the end. Garland sings a memorable version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the film, solidifying this as a holiday classic.
“The Santa Clause”
financial difficulties, romance and family tragedies in mid-nineteenth century Massachusetts. While it’s not a traditional Christmas movie, the importance of spending time with family around Christmastime is a core theme in this coming-ofage tale.
“Klaus”
Perhaps not as well-known as other animated holiday flicks, “Klaus,” released in 2019, has a personality all its own. Postman Jesper, who is not making the grade at the postal academy, is sent to work in a frozen town in the North, where he discovers a reclusive toy maker named
This Disney film came out in 1994 and remains a family favorite. When divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he magically becomes the next Santa. He must learn to cope with the ways the transformation to the man in red interrupts his normal life, eventually giving over to the magic of Christmas.
“Emmet Otter’s JugBand Christmas”
Though this 1977 Jim Henson production is a television special and not a full-length feature film, Generation X likely remembers the heartfelt tale of a poor otter family who sacrifice prized possessions to have what’s needed to enter a talent contest. The goal is to win the prize money to buy special Christmas presents. Audiences get to enjoy narration by Kermit the Frog.
Annual Winter Coat Drive with SMM Advertising and RSVP
Fora number of years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been coordinating with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing. They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.
“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.
Donations of coats and other outerwear may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, located 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, in Smithtown, from 9am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The coat drive ends January 7, 2025. For directions or questions, please call Legislator Trotta’s office at 631-854-3900.
-The staff of Long Island Media Group
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy Honors Non-Profit Volunteer
OnTuesday, November 21st, the Suffolk County Legislature held a ceremony in which each legislative district office honored a non-profit volunteer. The event, which was organized by Legislator Rebecca Sanin, honored non-profit volunteers from all walks of life across Suffolk County.
The 12th legislative district’s honoree was Michael Sweeney from Paws of War. Legislator Leslie Kennedy has a long history of working with Paws of War, and it was her first instinct to reach out to the non-profit when it came time to choose a volunteer. Paws of War immediately responded with Michael Sweeney.
Sweeney is a Navy Veteran with over a decade of service. Some of his most significant deployments include Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and the evacuation of the American Embassy in Lebanon. For his time in the Navy, he was awarded with two Bronze Stars.
Paws of War served as a way for Sweeney to readjust to civilian life, and everyone at the non-profit can attest to how Michael is exemplary of what it means to be a service-oriented volunteer. Suffolk County’s 12th Legislative District is filled with myriad volunteers and non-profit organizations that do exceptional work. While it’s hard to choose just one volunteer to honor, Legislator Leslie Kennedy is proud to have honored Michael Sweeney for the 12th District’s Volunteer of the Year.
SeasonalSips
Set The Tone For A Holiday Party With This Beloved Seasonal Beverage
Holiday season celebrations have a reputation for being especially jovial. The spirit of the season undoubtedly has something to do with that, as people from all faiths and backgrounds tend to have an extra hop in their step and a slightly wider smile on their faces each December. Holiday hosts also do much to promote the festive spirit of the season. Hosts often go to great lengths to ensure holiday guests enjoy their visits, and that even extends to the food and drinks they serve the people they welcome into their homes. Many celebrants would insist no holiday season get-together is complete without eggnog, a classic beverage that’s most popular in December. This holiday season, hosts can treat their guests to this recipe for “Eggnog” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the brandy, rum and eggnog together, cover and shake.
2. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar to a small plate and stir around to combine. Wet the rims of 2 glasses with rum. Roll the rims of the glasses in the spices to coat.
3. Strain the eggnog mixture into the two glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies, if desired.
Eggnog
Makes 2 Servings
2 ounces brandy or cognac
2 ounces dark rum, plus more for sugar rim
1 cup eggnog, prepared
1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg
1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon light brown sugar
2 sticks cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
2 pods star anise, for garnish (optional)
Shortbread or gingerbread cookies, for garnish (optional)
Fun Books To Read To Children
This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious. Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm during the holiday season is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember well into adulthood.
• “The Polar Express,” by
Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole.
• “The Littlest Elf,” by Brandi Dougherty: Part of a series, this story focuses on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series of misadventures as he navigates his way through Santa’s workshop.
• “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” by Vivian Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer. In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the North Pole believing she is a reindeer. Her decision to join Santa’s team ultimate-
days.
• “A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag,” by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite stuffed animal, whose excitement for Christmas compels him to climb into Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas Eve.
• “Santa Claus and the Three Bears,” by Maria Modugno: This twist on the popular tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” finds three unsuspecting bears encountering a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning home after a nighttime walk.
• “Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century,” by Clement C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this updated version of the popular tale that, among other things, has removed the reference to Santa smoking.
ly benefits the big man and his trusty reindeer.
• “The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story,” by Joanne Oppenheim: A little girl named Juanita is the star of this retelling of a traditional Mexican tale with a valuable lesson.
• “Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids,” by Katy Bratun: A fallen tree branch almost ruins Christmas for Mouse, whose determination and resourcefulness mixed in with a little Christmas magic ensures she finds a place to call home in time for the holi-
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations of fans that came before them as they hear the redemption story of the Grinch who was once determined to ruin Christmas for the happy people of Who-ville.
• “The Nutcracker,” by the New York City Ballet: The classic story is retold based on famed choreographer George Balanchine’s production.
The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Reading new and classic holiday stories to children is one tradition any family can embrace.
Magic Of Lights Drive - Through Experience Illuminates The Imagination During Holiday Season
Magicof Lights, the family-friendly, drivethrough holiday lights festival, is celebrating the grandest holiday of the year with a dazzling, sparkling, and twinkling series of magical light displays in a 2.5-mile drive-through experience, the longest and brightest ever, at both Long Island’s Jones Beach State Park and at Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center running nightly through January 4. Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy Magic of Lights’ classic holiday favorites including Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves and Reindeer Road. In addition to the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will also be other new light tunnels to delight and amaze.
Other illuminated displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized
dazzle and delight guests of all ages.”
The Magic of Lights uses the latest CAD technology and is hand-crafted at the Magic of Lights warehouse in Medina, OH, then, transported to Long Island. The displays combine for more than 10 miles of LED lighting across all presentations, in the trees, and on the buildings. There are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used. The highest scene is 32-feet tall, and the longest is several hundred feet long. The steel displays are designed, bent, cut, and welded into about 800 frames combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes.
by Flagstar. Further, a portion of every Jones Beach entry ticket sold will support Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Foundation for Long Island State Parks Inc.
Guests are encouraged to share their favorite Magic of Lights pictures!
Facebook: @ magicoflightsjonesbeach
Facebook: @ MagicOfLightsNewJersey
Instagram: @ TheMagicOfLights
Magic of Lights is produced in partnership between Family Entertainment Live and Live Nation.
dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy.
The Toyota Holiday Village, which allows guests to walk through a magical out-of-car area featuring Santa Photos, refreshments, and other holiday activities, will also return at both locations. A new augmented reality feature will be introduced this year as well to make the magical experience even more interactive, with details set to be released in November.
“We are excited to return Magic of Lights to both the Long Island and Holmdel communities for as its become a part of the local annual holiday tradition,” says Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC.
“Our innovative creative team has designed a drive-through holiday wonderland light experience that promises to
Magic of Lights is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 11 p.m. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoflights.com. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the gate on weekdays and $30 in advance or $40 at the gate on weekends through November. Price is based per car. Special pricing is available for limousines and buses. Group ticket rates are available. Tickets are available through TicketMaster.com.
At Jones Beach, Magic of Lights is supported by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and presented
About Family Entertainment Live
Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC is a diversified, entertainment holding company that develops familyoriented live events including Magic of Lights ®, an outdoor holiday lights drive-through experience produced at venues throughout North America and Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Live, showcasing a toys-to-life show of Mattel’s legendary Hot Wheels Monster Trucks show presented across North America, Europe and elsewhere internationally. The Company is headquartered in New York, NY. For more information visit familyentertainmentlive.com.
Dining Out For The Holidays
Forsome people there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than to spend time with friends and loved ones around the dinner table. Although cooking and dining at home are popular this time of year, some celebrants may not have the time or the inclination to host the holidays at home. Preparing and serving holiday meals to guests can be timeconsuming. In fact, many holiday hosts and hostesses lament that hosting duties can compromise the time they get to spend with the ones they love each year.
Dining out is one way to save time and free up more moments for interacting without the pressure of food shopping, cooking and cleanup. The following are some tips for families who opt to dine out for the holidays.
• Confirm restaurants are open. Many restaurants close on major holidays to enable staff to spend time with their own family members. This may be more so for Thanksgiving and Christmas than with week-long celebrations like
Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Verify with restaurants if they have holiday hours, and more importantly, that they will be open on the day you will be dining out. Christmas Day falls on a Monday in 2023, which typically is a day that many restaurants are closed.
• Make a reservation. If you find an establishment open for the holiday, reserve a table early. Also, some restaurants may ask for a deposit on reservations to ensure you show up.
• Expect some menu changes. To account for reduced staff or even ease in meal service, some restaurants may opt for a price-fixed holiday menu or a limited menu from their typical offerings. Some may showcase a seasonal menu that caters to holiday favorites they think diners will expect. There also may be fewer substitutions or customizations allowed.
• Avoid peak dining times. Restaurants may fill up after church services or around dinner time. Consider
and it may take longer than expected for food to make it out to tables. Cut kitchen employees and servers a break as they are likely frazzled. They are trying their best to service all patrons.
• Plan to tip generously. It’s the season of giving, and you should make sure you take care of your server. You can make the day even brighter with some words of gratitude and a nice gratuity.
reserving your table for a less popular hour to reduce the propensity for long waits or being rushed out.
• Be patient. Kitchens can get backed up on a holiday,
• Pace alcoholic beverages. It’s normal to enjoy some spirited drinks during holiday celebrations. It’s easier to indulge a bit more at home and you do not need to get behind the wheel. When dining out, do not overdo things, and have a plan for who will be driving home.
Artificial Or Real Christmas Tree?
Eventhough the debate continues regarding the merits of artificial and real Christmas trees, it seems there is a winner, at least within the United States. According to Statista, 47 percent of American households own an artificial Christmas tree, while 24 percent purchase real trees. Though real trees might not be as popular as their artificial alternatives, the number of real trees that are purchased each year remains significant. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.
