HAPPY NEW YEAR
DR USMAN SALEEM, MD, MSPT
INNOVATIVE PAIN MEDICINE
Usman Saleem MD, MSPT, is a highly skilled Pain Medicine Specialist and Double Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology. At Innovative Pain Medicine, patients get a personalized approach to pain relief because every person is unique.
A New Year Has Begun
Innovative Pain Medicine feels that diversity and accessibility are vital in medicine today. The practice welcomes patients from every ethnicity, belief system, orientation, and walk of life, and they accept most insurance as well as Workers’ Compensation and No-Fault injury cases.
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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.
Recent AcquisitionShip’s Log For Sailing Vessel Bessie Whiting
Due to the interest and generosity of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, the Port Jefferson Historical Society has acquired a Ship’s Log for the sailing vessel Bessie Whiting that was offered in a local auction. The log contains entries by a Capt. Grant Bostwick for the years 1903-1904 covering merchant voyages to Charleston, Jacksonville, and Savannah. The contents have been digitalized and this valuable artifact stored in the climate controlled Archive Building.
The Bessie Whiting was a three masted Schooner (called a Tern) built in 1882 at the John R. Mather (Boss Mather) shipyard in Port Jefferson Harbor. it was built for Capt. George Dayton (lifetime Port Jefferson resident). Capt. Dayton owned the vessel until time of death in
(Courtesy of Port Jefferson Historical Society) of three schooners is representative of the Bessie Whiting vessel type and possibly one is the actual vessel during an overhaul. No specific photos have yet been found of the vessel.
In its first year sailing, the vessel made a remarkable voyage of 135 miles up the Hudson River from the Battery NYC to the Town of Coeymans just south of Albany. It was reported to be one of the largest vessels to come up river and dock at Coeymans Wharf and carried Carolina railroad ties.
December 1910 just two weeks after a return voyage from the South.
The Bessie Whiting was double decked. Its dimensions were 149’ long, 32’ beam, 16’ draft and tonnage 559T based on Custom House Measurement. Carrying capability was indicated at 850 tons. Upon launching, it was towed to New York City for spars and rigging. A detailed Statement of Cost was found in the Historical Society’s Archive along with a Measurer’s Certificate and Bill of Sale. The total cost of the vessel was $30,656 that is the equivalent of $948,725 in today’s dollars. There was a $125 charge for use of a horse in the shipyard, while a tow to New York City was only $60.
The photograph by JM Brown of the Mather and Wood Shipyard circa 1890
Entries in the log covering 1903-1904 described voyages to southern ports carrying salt, plaster in barrels, and cement. Lumber was carried on return trips to the New York area. Records included the loading of up to 500,489 feet of lumber. On one trip south, the vessel carried 500 barrels of plaster, 100 barrels of cement, and 5,583 bags of cement.
An interesting entry was the Captain’s extreme displeasure with a recommended new cook he took on board that didn’t know anything about cooking let alone how to make bread.
In December 1905, it nearly sunk off of Sandy Hook, NJ during a collision with two (2) scows under tow. A later 1910 harbormaster record for Jacksonville, FL stated the vessel was released for return to New York carrying 6,409 railroad ties.
After thirty-six years of service, the Bessie Whiting was wrecked on the night of January 11th 1918 on a reef off the Perico Island, Bradenton, FL (Gulf of Mexico). According to Capt. George Fleming of Dover, NH, the vessel’s Chronometer was at fault. Capt. Fleming, his wife, an eight-year-old son, along with a Mate and crew of six were stranded on a swampy mosquito infested uninhabited side of the island. The Mate eventually walked the beach around the island and eventually found help on the way for a rescue. The Sun Newspaper dated January 31, 1918 reported the wreck with a sensational title “Master of the Schooner Bessie Whiting Brings Tale of Wreck on Isle of Pines and Rescue as Starvation Loomed Near.”
The Ship’s Log is another valuable research resource to our Archive of historic artifacts including those related to the early shipbuilding industry of Port Jefferson Village. The Port Jefferson Historical Society is grateful to the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for its continued supportJames Boyd, Port Jefferson Historical Society Trustee
"The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation's mission to advance regional history. When small treasures come to light, our goal is to assist in securing them for our historic stewards. These new/ old finds will be available for research, to grow our community's history." said, Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
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.
Some Unique New Year's Celebrations Across The Globe
It is time to turn the page on one year and usher in another. Each December 31, people all over the world reminisce, celebrate, plan, and party in honor of the changing calendar.
Many are likely familiar with some of the common ways to ring in the new year, which include champagne toasts, fireworks and watching the ball drop in Times Square. Yet, there are many other
ways to celebrate this occasion and welcome a new year with hope and good luck. Enjoy these ways to commemorate the start of 2025.
· Smash pomegranates for luck. Many have heard of smashing grapes to make wine, and the band Smashing Pumpkins has millions of devoted followers across the globe. The comic Gallagher used to smash watermelons
on stage. But in Turkey, smashing a pomegranate outside your front door is said to bring good luck. The fruit is seen as a symbol of prosperity, abundance and health.
· Put on some polka dots. In the Philippines, wearing polka-dotted clothing on New Year's Eve is a tradition said to bring good fortune in the new year, according to Philstar Life.
· Grab some cash. There's a perpetuating superstition that it's better to have some extra money in your wallet to enter the New Year full of financial prosperity. Also, it's best to wipe out any unpaid debts before December 31 disappears; otherwise, the months ahead might not be financially sound.
Fun Ways To Make Christmas Eve Even More Special For Kids
Parentsknow that nothing quite matches the excitement young children feel on Christmas Eve. On the day before Christmas, youngsters anxiously anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus that evening, and are perhaps even more excited by the prospects of the following morning, when they’ll race into the living room and discover all that the jolly old elf left behind. Christmas Eve seems to have some built-in magical components, but there are a handful of ways parents can make the day even more special for children.
• Create a Christmas Eve craft. Gather children and their cousins and/ or friends to create a special Christmas Eve craft or decoration that can be displayed next year. This is a great way to channel youngsters’ nervous Christmas Eve energy into something productive, and it can make for a great tradition families can continue even after kids are grown.
• Watch a favorite Christmas movie. Hollywood has never shied away from holiday fare, so there’s no shortage of festive films to enjoy with youngsters on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a classic like the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street” starring Natalie Wood as the adorable “Susan Walker” and
Edmund Gwenn as “Kris Kringle,” or go with something more recent, such as “The Grinch,” the 2018 adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
• Take a nighttime stroll or drive to see the lights. Lighting displays are another component that makes the holiday season so special. After Christmas Eve dinner, take a stroll through your neighborhood to see the lighting displays or climb into the car to take in a different neighborhood’s offerings if you’re already familiar with those in your own neck of the woods.
Christmas Eve is a magical day for youngsters and their parents. Some simple ideas can make the day even more meaningful for children and their families.
Tree Toppers
• Track the big guy’s movements online
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), has tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve flight for more than 60 years. Beginning on Christmas Eve, families can track Santa’s movements across the globe at Noradsanta.org. Kids can visit the site to see where Santa is at any given moment on Christmas Eve, growing more excited as the big fella gets closer and closer to their own region.
Christmas trees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose (or take out) the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. In regard to tree toppers, most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
LEVEL UP KITCHEN LIBRARY CAFÉ
Visit the café for a wide variety of delicious food and snacks, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, desserts, coffee and tea (hot or iced), cold drinks, and more. Conveniently located near the Adult Reference Desk. For the latest menu, check out emmaclark.org/ Cafe.
SHARE THE WARMTH DRIVE
Now – January 12
Emma Clark Library is collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community. All sizes are welcome. There’s a table located in the Library lobby. Anyone (residents or nonresidents) is welcome to donate during Library hours.
ADULTS & TEENS
Seinfeld Trivia Night - Friday, December 20, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Kick off Festivus for the rest of us with a trivia about nothing. Ring Dings, Pepsi, and other dinner party food awaits. Compete for prizes but remember, you never could compete with Lloyd Braun. Open to all Suffolk County residents (Adults and those in Grades 7 – 12). Register to reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/programs or call 631.941.4080.
KIDS
Magazine Strip Art for Kids
Friday, December 27, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Winter Recess)
Stop by the Library to make a silhouette decoration out of recycled magazine strips. Grades K - 6. No registration. Bring a friend!
PRESCHOOL FAIR
(for parents/caregivers looking for a new preschool for their child)
Saturday, January 11, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Overwhelmed by the thought of having to pick the best preschool for your child? This is a great opportunity to speak informally with many local preschools all in one room, ask questions, and help narrow down your search and choose which schools you’d like to tour. Representatives from preschools in Three Village and the surrounding area will be at the event. This event has no registration and is open to the public. For updates and more information, visit emmaclark.org/preschoolfair. For questions, email kids@emmaclark.org
ADULTS
Free Health Screenings by the Catholic Health Mobile Outreach Bus (In the Library parking lot)
Thursday, January 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(Last screening begins at 1:45 p.m.)
Registered nurses will provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, glucose, and cardiac screenings, along with patient education and referrals as needed. Free flu vaccinations will be offered as well. No appointments are necessary, there are no fees, and insurance is not required. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Emma Clark Library is closed on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25), New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1), and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 20).
The Library will close early at 3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24), and New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 30).
Get A Head Start On New Year’s Resolutions
Afterthe rush of the holiday season has largely ended, and the excess of the season starts to weigh on celebrants’ minds, it is customary for many people to start thinking about the changes they want to implement in the new year.
According to a Pew Research Center survey of United States adults conducted in January 2024, 30 percent of people reported making at least one resolution, with half of this group making more than one. The survey also found that young adults are the most likely to make New Year’s resolutions, with 49 percent of those between the ages 18 and 29 saying they have made a resolution.
have remained strong contenders, one also may want to invest in the Garmin Vivomove, which boasts wireless charging. Tracking fitness goals can keep those resolutions going strong.
• Improve mental well-being. Getting in shape is not the only health-related goal this time of year. Mental health also comes into play when people make their resolutions. Taking opportunities to slow down and be more mindful can help. One way to do so is through journaling. Human behavior expert and author Natalie Friscia Pancetti, says journaling reduces stress, helps with anxiety, encourages confidence, and can improve perceptions. This is why she developed a journal with inspirational writing prompts as a companion to her “This Too” book and planner.
Clinic says only about 5 percent of people who try to quit succeed without a smoking cessation product. Nicotine replacement items are some of the most popular smoking cessation tools. For those who want to go drug-free, Füm is a device that addresses the three major components of habit formation that occur with smoking. Employing flavored air, the device replaces the fixation of the hand-to-mouth habit with non-addictive plant extracts that are inhaled, simulating smoking without the negative effects.
It’s never too early to start thinking about what to improve upon in 2025, or which goals to set. Here are some common resolutions and how to implement them.
• Exercise more. Getting in shape is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every year. Gym memberships spike and people often invest in home exercise equipment around this time of year. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, wearable technology continues to be a top trend in fitness and has been a mainstay since 2016. While Fitbit and the Apple Watch series
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is a worthy goal. Health care experts know smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and has been linked to more than 27 diseases. Many people want to quit smoking, but the Mayo
• Learn a new language. Learning a new skill or language is another popular resolution. Today there are many apps available to help people learn one or more new languages. From Duolingo to Babbel to Memrise, there are programs available whether one is a visual learner or wants to jump right into specific phrases.
Many people get a jumpstart on identifying their resolutions in early- to mid-December so they’ll be ready to move forward come New Year’s Day.
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.
Go 'Mutts' For These Pet Gifts
According to 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
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.
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.
Thedawn of a new year is a time when many people take inventory of the previous 12 months and begin thinking about ways they can improve their lives in the coming year. Such looking ahead can provide inspiration and motivation.
Resolving to make changes at the beginning of a new year
is a tradition for many people. Even when people veer off course from their resolutions, many pick themselves up, dust themselves off and try again year after year.
The custom of making resolutions is celebrated in many areas of the world. But how did the custom begin?
History.com states that the origins of New Year’s resolutions can be traced to the ancient Babylonians, who purportedly made promises to the gods to earn good favor for the coming year. These resolutions were personal promises of growth and redemption and were made in conjunction with the start of a new year which, at the time, began in mid-March and not January.
Common resolutions revolved around getting out of debt or returning borrowed items. The Babylonians tried to fulfill these resolutions so that the pagan gods would bestow favor on them, including a rich harvest, for the coming year.
The Romans were the first to change the calendar to have the new year begin on January 1. January was named for the Roman god
Janus, who had dual faces. Romans believed that Janus could not only look back into the previous year, but also look forward to the next one. So Romans made promises to Janus to do good deeds in the months to come and learn from past mistakes.
Early Christians also embraced resolutions as chances to repent and redeem themselves through positive actions. Although there are still some religious ties to resolutions, New Year’s resolutions are still largely practiced today. And unlike making promises to God or pagan gods, resolutions are now most often personal promises focusing on selfimprovement.
The largest percentage of resolutions made today, according to Statistics Brain, involve self-improvement or education-related goals.
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)
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.
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.
