Simple ways to dress up your home for the holidays
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he holiday season is rife with traditions that focus on fun and family. One such testament to the festive spirit of the holiday season is the many homes and businesses decorated with the lights and colors that have become synonymous with the season. Decorating for the holiday season can be timeconsuming. While decking the halls may not consume as much time as holiday shopping and wrapping presents, according to data from a 2013 American Time Use Survey, interior and exterior decorating for the holidays may consume anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours per session. Holiday decorating includes things as simple as setting up a menorah or as complex as stringing lights on the exterior of a home. Though elaborate displays can take hours to erect, timecrunched holiday celebrants can still create festive, welcoming displays. Hang holiday wreaths. Holiday enthusiasts without much time to decorate can invest in a couple of holiday wreaths, which can be dressed up as much or as little as celebrants prefer. If you do not have the time to string lights on the house, wrap them around wreaths hung in windows or hang the wreaths on a homeĘźs main entrance. Celebrants who want to go a less traditional route can hang wreaths made of holly, citrus fruits, ribbons, or any other greenery instead of the more customary evergreen wreaths. Decorate with ornaments. Ornaments are not exclusive to Christmas trees. Fill a vase or bowl with metallic ornaments and place it in a prominent location, such as a busy hallway or the foyer of your home. Hang ornaments on clear filament from the mantle or within the main window of the house, where they can reflect tree lights and add sparkle. Bring in more greenery. Drape evergreen boughs on staircase handrailings or on the mantle, or use greenery to frame doorways. The scent will be inviting and things instantly will look more festive. Use throws and decorative pillows. Change the look of a room with holiday-colored decor if you do not want to clutter the space with knickknacks. A red and green blanket draped over the sofa can give off a comforting holiday vibe. Focus on the front door and entryway. Celebrants who do not have the time to decorate their entire homes can create a warm, inviting space by decorating their front doors and entryways. Place greenery, bows, tinsel, lights, and winter-inspired accessories by the front door so friends and family visiting for the season catch the holiday spirit the moment they walk through the door. Place LED candles in windows. Rather than contending with twinkle lights and electric cords, homeowners can employ battery-operated faux candles to create a homey appeal in windows and hallways throughout their homes. Simplify holiday decorating with some easy tips to make houses cozy and festive.
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
Keep the holiday season healthy, safe and secure
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uring the holiday season, many people do not want their thoughts to stray to anything unpleasant. Although celebrating may be the primary goal come the holiday season, individuals and families also should devote some attention to keeping the holidays safe. Just because itĘźs Chanukah, Christmas or New YearĘźs doesnĘźt mean safety and security should not remain a top priority. The following guidelines can help families enjoy a holiday season that is healthy, safe and secure.
Exercise caution when decorating. Decorations can be beautiful, but they also can be hazardous if not used properly. Overloading outlets is commonplace during the holiday season, but that can lead to home fires. Exercise caution around candles and other open flames. Pets may become tangled in wires or knock over glass ornaments. Keep delicate decorations away from harm.
Wash hands to prevent germs. As the cold weather arrives, people may spend greater periods of time indoors or in close proximity to other people. The holidays also are about greeting friends and relatives, and embracing or kissing. Do not ruin the festivities by spreading germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the holiday season is also flu season. The CDC recommends celebrants wash their hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds to remove germs. Keep track of curious children. Children are enamored with the sights and sounds of the holidays and may be more curious than ever during this time of year. Things adults take for granted can be hazards to youngsters. The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them. Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly. Peanuts and popcorn used for
decorating can pose potential choking hazards to young children. Be a smart host or hostess. Alcoholic beverages and holiday revelry sometimes go hand in hand. Responsible party hosts know when a guest has had too much and will arrange safe transportation home. Because kids imitate adults, many may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Alcohol poisoning is a real risk for children, so pay attention to youngsters no matter how young they may be. Protect the home. Deter home burglars when traveling for the holidays by having neighbors keep a watchful eye on your house. Use motion-sensor lights, keep up the appearance that someone is home by having mail collected, and do not advertise any travel plans on social media. Investment in a home security system if need be. Ensure a happier holiday season by making safety and health a priority.
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ith your...
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! g n i k a B Holiday
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Last Minute Gifts
The Northern Virginia Daily
December 2016
A3
How to handle holiday hosting
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oliday revelers tend to be busy with social engagements —  from corporate parties to cocktails with close friends —  between Thanksgiving and New Yearʟs Day. Chances are, many people will be attending a party and/or hosting their own this holiday season. While attending a party requires little of celebrants other than a willingness to have a good time, hosting a holiday get-together can be hard work. But hosts can heed a few time-tested strategies to ensure they and their guests make the most of their time together this holiday season. Forget perfection Television, movies and advertisements paint an unrealistic picture of what the holidays should be. Donʟt get down if a holiday party that would make Norman Rockwell proud is beyond your capabilities. Rather than trying to plan a picture-perfect holiday party, channel your energy into what you do best. Cook up a holiday feast if you love being in the kitchen, or decorate till you drop if you love to deck the halls. The point of the party is to gather with family and friends, so no need to worry about throwing a perfect party.
Enlist helpers Ask others to contribute to the party so all of the work is not on your shoulders. A potluck party is a great way to encourage participation. When everyone brings something along and helps, it frees up time to spend together rather than worrying about what needs cooking in the kitchen or whether a last-minute trip to the store is in order. Downsize Festive feelings may inspire you to expand your guest list. Social people understandably want to invite all of their circles of friends, but an overwhelming guest list can make hosting more difficult. If you have trouble paring down the guest list, consider hosting separate parties, designating one for family and another for friends. You can even downsize your offerings to lessen some your load. Rather than spending days in the kitchen making unique apps, stock up on chips, snacks and premade appetizers so you have enough food. If you want to make one or two appetizers from scratch, stick to a handful of tried-and-true recipes and convenience items so youĘźre not worrying about kitchen-testing new things. Hire professionals If youĘźre simply too busy to handle hosting but still want to invite loved ones, hire some professional help. Hire wait staff to tend to guests during the party, and book a cleaning service to clean your home in the days before the party. DonĘźt hesitate to have the party catered if you prefer your gathering not be potluck.
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Retail Store
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Mark & Karla Kokkonen • 540.740.8855 9369 Congress Street • New Market
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
5 ways to make holiday guests comfortable
T
he time between Thanksgiving and New Yearʼs Day marks one of the busiest periods of the year for long-distance travel. The United States Department of Transportation says that come Thanksgiving, the number of long-distance trips (50+ miles away) increases by 54 percent, and around Christmas that number rises by 23 percent over the remainder of the year. Those travelers ultimately need a place to rest their heads, and many stay with family and friends.
Entertaining during the holiday season involves accounting for guestsʼ comfort, and that often means hosts must put their visitorsʼ needs over their own. Although some sacrifices need to be made, there is a way to find a happy compromise that can help the holidays go smoothly and happily. Consider these ways to help guests feel welcome whether they stay for a few hours or a few days.
1. Cater to specific dietary needs. One of the ways to treat guests kindly is by being aware of any special dietary needs they may have when it comes to preparing holiday meals or other foods during their visits. Some guests may require low-sodium diets, while others may be monitoring their blood-sugar levels and must dine accordingly. Vegetarians and vegans limit the foods they eat, while others may avoid foods based on religious preferences. Offer a variety of foods and try to cater to guestsʼ needs as
much as possible. When in doubt, consult with the guest so he or she feels welcome and does not go hungry.
couple of drawers to stow their belongings, or hangers in the entryway for coats and other winter attire. Not only will this keep things more organized, it can provide guests with comfort.
2. Make sleeping spaces as private as possible. Not everyone has a separate guest room for overnight stays, but try to make sleeping areas as private as you can when visitors spend the night. Use privacy screens or set guests up in a family room thatʼs away from the center of activity. Hosts may want to give up their own rooms for the comfort of guests.
4. Include guests when preparing for entertaining. Many guests like to feel involved, and by including them in meal preparation, decorating or shopping, you can help them feel included and appreciated. 5. Keep snacks and other creature comforts readily accessible. Guests may feel sheepish scavenging through cabinets or drawers looking for items. Make things easy to find by leaving items out on counters or indicating
3. Offer storage space. One way to make guests feel comfortable is to give them their own storage space. This can include space in a closet, a
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where items can be found. For example, if you know a guest enjoys an evening cup of tea and some cookies, leave out the cookies, tea bags and kettle so that he or she can indulge when the urge comes. Guests are a large part of the holiday season. Help them feel comfortable whenever they visit your home.
Massanutten St. Gallery Antiques • Quality Furniture • Jewelry Pottery • Art Glass • Watches • Toys Interior Decorators Welcome Paying Premium Prices on All Jewelry, Gold & Silver, and U.S. Coins Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11-5 Store: (540) 465-1798 • By appointment: (540) 336-6106 134 Massanutten St. (Beside the Emporium)
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Last Minute Gifts
The Northern Virginia Daily
December 2016
A5
Did you know?
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Home for the holidays
URG, VIR SB
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hristmas songs provide the soundtrack for holiday magic. Such songs evoke strong feelings in people, and various songs have become staples at holiday celebrations. Some interesting facts and history surround many popular Christmas songs. “White Christmas,â€? for example, is the best-selling Christmas song of all time. However, “Silent Nightâ€? is the most recorded Christmas song in history, says TIME. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Townâ€? is considered a jolly song, but songwriter James Gillespie was unemployed and had just lost his brother prior to writing the song. Still, he was able to look past his grief to pen the classic. Many are unaware that “Jingle Bellsâ€? originally was supposed to be a Thanksgiving song. While many beloved Christmas songs have been around for decades, one artist managed to tap into the success of classic Christmas music. Mariah CareyĘźs “All I Want for Christmas Is Youâ€? is a popular modern-day Christmas song.
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hristmas carols and festive songs help make the holidays complete by setting the mood for the festivities to come. Songs resonate differently with people during the holiday season. For example, some celebrants find certain holiday tunes or lyrics especially poignant. Those who might be missing home or planning on visiting friends and relatives who live far away during the holiday season often find the words to “(ThereĘźs No Place Like) Home for the Holidays,â€? are an accurate portrayal of the sentiments of holiday traveling. Composed by Robert Allen, with lyrics by Al Stillman, “(ThereĘźs No Place Like) Home for the Holidaysâ€? was published in 1954. The best-known recordings of the song are by Perry Como, who recorded it twice — once in 1954 and then again in 1959 with a different musical arrangement. The first version reached #8 on the Billboard magazine chart in the United States. The Carpenters recorded another popular version of the song for their 1984 album, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.â€? Nora Jones and Cyndi Lauper also recorded a duet version of the song in 2011.
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Mowery Orchard is a local roadside farm market, family owned and operated since 1985. Locally Grown Apples, Rinker’s Apple Cider. Local farm fresh milk, butter, eggs, cheeses and honey. Locally raised beef, chicken and pork.
features a full line of John Deere toys and gifts for all ages.
Country Hams, Virginia Peanuts, Route 11 Chips, Coffee, Handmade Baskets and Old Hill Hard Cider.
Gift Certificates make great gifts!
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
Creative ways to reuse Christmas cards
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oughly 1.6 billion Christmas cards, including boxed cards, are purchased in a given year. Thatʼs quite a lot of cards to address and mail, and many festive greetings for recipients to read and display. With so much money and effort put into sharing Christmas greetings, some people may wonder how they can prolong the merriment offered by these cards. Here are some creative ways to put Christmas cards to new use once this holiday season has come and gone.
Make your own gift tags. Christmas card stock is the perfect medium to turn into gift tags for presents. Cut the cards into squares or rectangles or use a stencil to create whatever shape you desire. Then use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or another tie. Use the tag to dress up gifts with something more unique than self-stick tags. Get magnetized. All it takes is a scissor, some glue and sheets of magnet for a decorative and fun craft project. Turn favorite Christmas cards into mementos that can be saved year after year, which also will dress up refrigerators or other magnetic surfaces. This idea works well for photo greeting cards as well. Make Christmas card ornaments. Use the cards to create uniquely shaped ornaments for the tree. Cards can be turned into block shapes and hung with ribbon. Another idea is to punch out circles or ovals from the cards and tile them on a foam egg to look like a multicolored pine cone. Explore your creative side and decorate your tree at the same time.
Decorate your packages. Instead of overspending on preprinted gift bags, make your own. Buy plain bags in a solid color and then embellish them with cutout patterns or pictures from Christmas cards.
Create greeting card garlands. Display cards by stringing them together and hanging them from the mantle or another prominent area. If cards are too large, punch out large circles from the cards and then attach those disks to heavy thread.
Frame favorite cards. Make greeting cards a permanent part of holiday decor by framing the most decorative ones you receive. Use these frames year after year and put them on display with other holiday decorations.
Holiday Shopping Made Simple!
Make a wine bottle gift tag. Use a 11⁄4-inch hole punch to create an opening for the neck of a wine bottle on a piece of folded card stock. Glue a greeting card to the portion of the card stock that will lay flush with the wine bottle and you have a decorative wine tag. Shred older cards for confetti. Fill gift boxes or bags with homemade confetti made from recycled Christmas cards.
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Last Minute Gifts
The Northern Virginia Daily
December 2016
A7
Smart ways to finance holiday purchases
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onsumerism reaches a fevered pitch during the last quarter of the year, when the holidays fuel increased spending on everything from dining and entertainment to gadgets to toys. It can be easy to get swept along during the season of spending and fail to pay attention to budgets when the urge to splurge on loved ones sets in. However, failure to take inventory of where money is going can leave individuals facing some unwanted financial repercussions come the new year.
Spending beyond their means is something many holiday shoppers fall victim to. Perhaps they didnʼt accurately budget for the year, or surprise purchases crop up, pulling resources away from holiday allowances. Thatʼs when credit cards can become so attractive, and potentially dangerous.
A 2014 survey from Accenture, a leading global professional services company, found that most people make a budget for holiday gift buying, but nearly half exceed their budgets anyway. Buying with credit cards makes overspending easy. Consumers who want to avoid holiday debt can take a proactive approach and explore some other financing options this holiday season.
Layaway
Various retailers have reinstituted layaway policies to make it easier for shoppers to buy holiday gifts. With layaway, instead of paying for an item all at once and leaving with it the same day, shoppers pay a percentage of the cost of the item. In the meantime, it is held in layaway. Once an item has been paid for in full, the merchandise is free to leave the store. Spacing out payments can help shoppers avoid overspending, and many stores do not charge interest fees on layaway purchases.
While some banks still offer Christmas club accounts, which reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s, today they are most commonly offered by credit unions. According to the Credit Union National Association, or CUNA, nearly 72 percent of credit unions run Christmas clubs, and consumer interest in these clubs is holding steady.
handy come the holidays. Choose cards that will yield cash back or other perks, such as discounts at certain retailers. Also, be sure to pay the balances off in full when the bills arrive, so as not to rack up high interest charges throughout the year. Use the cash-back rewards you accumulate during the year as a holiday spending allowance.
Credit card perks
Holiday shoppers can implement a few saving and spending strategies to avoid going into debt this holiday season.
Smarter credit card usage during the year can be
@ THE FARMHOUSE
Holiday clubs
Financial institutions may offer savings clubs that can help people save for holiday spending over several months. The “club” is simply a special shortterm savings account set up to encourage holiday saving. Many such accounts can be opened with a nominal deposit. At the end of the term, the money can be withdrawn and used for holiday purchases. Shoppers likely wonʼt miss the small amount of money being set aside each paycheck, but are surprised to see just how quickly savings can add up.
Hunter on your Christmas list?
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Over 70 VA wines, plus beer, cider and mead.
540-459-7788
Gourmet foods from across the Old Dominion, including locally roasted coffee.
HOURS: TUE.-FRI. 9AM – 5PM SAT. 9AM - 3PM CLOSED ON MONDAY
Locally sourced eggs, meat & dairy. Hand-made home decor, including wall art & pottery. Functional crafts from local artisans such as hand-knit scarves & hats.
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Custom Gift Baskets & Bags and the ingredients to make your own.
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540-459-9006
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Cook’s Country Store
For some great bargains and unique items!
FREE BATTERY & ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECK
SHEN-PACO GIFT & THRIFT 18594 Old Valley Pike, Edinburg • 459-4487 Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 5:45 pm • Sat. 8 - 4 • CLOSED Sun.
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Stop in and see if we have what you need for holiday decorating, that last minute gift or stocking stuffer.
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Don’t break the bank at the mall, shop here first. We always have a sale going on! Check us out on facebook! Like our page & Share with your friends.
WWW.OSTCONSIGNMENTS.COM 476 North Main St., Woodstock (former Ben Franklin Store) 459-2655 Hours: Mon. – Wed. 9-6 • Thurs. – Sat. 9-7 • Closed Sunday
Games & Puzzles * Boyd’s Bears * Holiday Décor * Furniture * Christmas Sweaters * Purses
Games & Puzzles * Boyd’s Bears * Holiday Décor * Furniture * Christmas Sweaters * Purses
* Shoes * Gift Certificates * Jewelry * Maternity * Toys * Books * Gifts * Homemade Soaps
We have a wide variety of Holiday Décor, Cookware, Toys & Clothing for the entire family, including Fido. We have name brands like; Hollister, American Eagle, Alfred Dunner, Talbots, Chico’s and many are new with tags!
Exxon Service Center
Cook’s Store & Exxon Service Center Rt. 42 & I-81 (Exit 283), Woodstock • 459-4500
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
Revisit lesser-known Christmas traditions
C
hristmas celebrants participate in many different traditions year after year, but some may not fully understand the meaning behind such activities. A Christian holiday, Christmas did not originate with all activities centralized to the church. In fact, many of the traditions people hold dear have pagan roots, which were adapted as Christmas celebrations evolved.
People who hang mistletoe in doorways may be surprised to learn that this tradition dates back to the ancient Druids. The Druids believed mistletoe possessed mystical powers that brought good luck to the household and warded off evil spirits.
today as it once was. “Wassail” comes from the Ango-Saxon phrase “waes hael,” which means, “good health.” Wassail is a drink made of mulled ale, spices and other ingredients. To go wassailing meant to travel door-to-door singing and offering a drink from a wassail bowl in exchange for gifts. Wassailing has been mentioned in certain Christmas carols, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Largely an English tradition, wassailing was brought to America by British settlers. January 17th, the old Twelfth Night, is the traditional date for wassailing. Although wassailing has largely fallen by the wayside, increased Evergreen trees are now interest in ales and craft associated with Christmas brewing may help trees, but evergreen revitalize this Christmas boughs were once used tradition, which can to decorate homes during inspire community spirit. the winter solstice to help people envision the spring Gifting with fruit cake is to come. Christians often another tradition that has look at evergreen trees as been much maligned and does not enjoy the same a sign of everlasting life and their relationship with God.
However, while many Christmas traditions continue to be an integral part of annual celebrations, there are some customs that have fallen out of favor. Although these traditions may no longer be widely practiced, anyone can revive them and make them part of their holiday celebrations.
Wassailing is a custom that has ancient origins and is not as popular
popularity that it once did. Fruit cake is a cake made with chopped candied fruit, nuts and spices and is occasionally soaked in spirits. Fruit cakes have been enjoyed all over the world, but Americans may never have embraced the Christmas fruit cake tradition as much as those from other countries. However, with the right recipe and an open mind, it may be possible to resurrect the fruit cake tradition once again. Mummers plays are another British tradition that arrived in North America with settlers but has largely fallen by the wayside. Mummers plays involved miming folk dramas, and the plays were commonplace around the holiday season. Celebrants may want to research such dramas and include them in this yearʼs festivities to liven up celebrations even more. Traditions passed on through the years help make Christmas a favorite time of celebration.
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Christmas tree facts
O
ne of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season, Christmas trees can be seen in private homes, public spaces and many prominent locations beginning each December. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, and families may prefer certain types of trees, including aromas, needle types and fullness. Christmas trees have a diverse history. The following are some facts about Christmas trees that holiday celebrants may or may not be familiar with.
• It can take as many as 15 years for a tree to grow to the typical height required of a Christmas tree. • Every state in the United States grows Christmas trees.
• Tree farms are beneficial to the environment because they reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and help counter global warming.
• Roughly one million acres are dedicated to tree farming. • Approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. • The top Christmas tree-producing
states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
• Germans are credited with bringing the first Christmas trees into the home and decorating them in the spirit of Christmas. The first recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century.
• Many harvested Christmas trees do not grow in the wild, but are raised on farms. Christmas trees are an agricultural product.
• The most common Christmas tree species are balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.
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Safety first when stringing holiday lights
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oliday decorations help make a special time of year even more memorable. Whether youʼre hanging mistletoe above a doorway or decking the halls, safety must be a priority when decorating a home for the holidays. Accidents can happen no matter what type of holiday decorating youʼre doing, but stringing holiday lights around your home may be especially dangerous. This season, keep the following safety tips in mind when stringing lights so this season of celebration starts off safe and sound. Work with at least one partner. Never go it alone when stringing holiday lights. Make sure someone is there to hold the ladder steady as you climb up and down. Partnering up when stringing holiday lights allows decorators to use both of their hands
to climb up ladders instead of using one of their hands to carry lights. Once they reach a point where itʼs safe to hang lights, they can then have a helper hand them the lights. If possible, work in groups of three so someone can hold the ladder steady at all times. Inspect lights before hanging them. Lights are not built to last forever, and over time holiday lights can suffer damage that has the potential to be dangerous. Wires can fray, and sockets can crack or break. Inspect lights and wires before hanging them, replacing any that pose a hazard. When replacing bulbs, be sure to replace them with bulbs of equal wattage. Use an extension cord of adequate length. Exterior holiday lights are often plugged into extension cords
that extend to a shed or garage. Do not connect several extension cords to power holiday lights; instead, use just a single cord thatʼs lengthy enough to reach the outlet. Connecting extension cords is a fire hazard. In addition, make sure the amperage of the decorations matches the amperage rating of the extension cord, which can be found on the product label or possibly on the manufacturerʼs website. Make sure the extension cord is not plugged into the power source while you are hanging the lights. Make sure lights do not pose a safety hazard inside. Some people string holiday lights indoors as well. Lights might be hung on Christmas trees or along hallways. Such lights and the cords connecting them to power sources should never pose safety hazards, so make sure they are
not lying on the floor. Staple lights to the wall and never place them beneath furniture or rugs. Lights can overheat when placed beneath rugs, and lights that are not properly secured to a wall can pose certain dangers, including being potential tripping hazards. Hang the correct lights. When stringing lights, make sure you hang lights designated as exterior lights on the exterior of your home and those designated as interior lights inside your home. Hanging lights in the wrong places poses a fire hazard and creates additional safety concerns, so adhere to manufacturer instructions when stringing lights. Safety should reign supreme when stringing holiday lights around the house.
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
Tips for less stressful holiday travel
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oadways, railways and skies tend to get busy come the holiday season, when millions of people across the globe travel to visit family and friends. Wherever travelers are headed, be it across the country or across the world, they should realize that many other people are traveling as well. That can lead to traffic, long lines and other side effects associated with large crowds. But before travelers let the idea of challenging travel conditions deter them, they can consider certain ways to make the process of getting from point A to point B a bit more manageable.
Travel by car Those traveling by automobile will have a few extra steps to take to ensure their trips go off with minimal disturbances. One of the more important steps is to ensure the vehicle is properly maintained prior to departing. Have the car checked by a mechanic and take care of any service appointments, such as oil changes or tire rotations. Map out the route in advance and have an alternative plan if the route chosen proves to be too congested. One idea is to choose a scenic drive that may be a little longer but has less traffic. In addition, account for rest stops or points of interest that can break up the trip. Apps such as GasBuddy can help drivers find the cheapest gas or the cleanest bathrooms along their routes. Bring along plenty of snacks so you can eat healthy and arenʼt forced to rely on foods you
otherwise would not eat. This is particularly helpful with keeping kids satiated. Plan for a few treats along the way so that everyone traveling has an end goal, such as an ice cream or a souvenir.
Traveling by plane One of the key things air travelers can do to make holiday traveling easier is to avoid peak travel dates. Whenever possible, avoid traveling the day right before the holiday, which tends be the busiest and most
expensive. Remember, weekends tend to be more harried and expensive as well, particularly when the holidays fall in close proximity to a weekend. Weather is a gamble in many regions of the world during the holiday season. Develop a contingency plan just in case foul weather delays or cancels flights. Itʼs much less stressful to put plan B into motion than it can be to rush around trying to make new, lastminute plans.
Always shop around for the best rates, but also the best atmosphere. It may be wiser to fly out of a smaller airport where crowds will be thinner and delays less frequent, or you may prefer a larger airport thatʼs closer to home and offers more amenities. Another way to avoid delays is to pack minimally. Ship gifts and even travel essentials ahead to your destination, and only bring carry-on bags aboard the plane. This helps travelers sail through security checks and avoid the crowds at the luggage carousels. Holiday travel requires planning, patience and having alternative plans in place so that everyone can make it home for the holidays.
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Last Minute Gifts
The Northern Virginia Daily
Did you know?
W
hile it might be synonymous with Santa Claus and cold weather, the North Pole is actually much warmer than the South Pole. Thatʼs because the North Pole sits at a lower elevation than the South Pole, and it is located in the middle of an ocean. The South Pole, on the other hand, is located on the continent of Antarctica, which is covered in ice. But Santa fans mulling a trip to the North Pole to visit jolly old St. Nick might want to think otherwise, as temperatures at the North Pole are less than welcoming. Summertime temperatures at the North Pole, for example, hover right at the freezing point. In addition, because of the way Earth rotates, the North Pole experiences just one sunrise and one sunset each year. However, because the sun is always above the horizon in the summer and below the horizon in the winter, the North Pole actually experiences 24 hours of sunlight in summer and zero hours of sunlight in the winter. While children in North America know the North Pole as home to Santa Claus, thatʼs a relatively recent addition to the legend of Santa Claus, a story that some historians suggest traces its origins all the way back to the third century. Historians credit famed 19th century caricaturist and editorial cartoonist Thomas Nast with being the first to link Santa Claus and his workshop to the North Pole. However, many Nordic countries continue to say Santa Claus lives in their territories.
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Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his giftgiving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While thatʼs one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained. Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
How to avoid holiday-related weight gain
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it, and soon youʼve eaten an entire portion even before the festivities begin.
he holiday season is a busy time of year dominated by social engagements. Many people find the hectic pace of the holiday season makes it challenging to eat healthy, especially since so many holiday parties include desserts and high-calorie foods. Various studies suggest holiday weight gain is common, though holiday revelers may not be gaining as much weight as they think they are. The New England Journal of Medicine found that while peopleʼs perceived holiday weight gain hovers between zero and 6.7 pounds, in reality most people gain just under 1 pound during the holiday season. Though that may not seem like a lot, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, many people never lose the weight they gain during the winter holidays. The pounds add up year after year, making holiday weight gain a significant contributor to adult obesity.
Pack healthy snacks. Itʼs always a good idea to have healthy snacks at the ready to tame random hunger pangs. Bring a favorite treat with you while shopping or if you will be visiting others. This helps you control your portion size and can keep you from overeating.
machine. However, eating a snack before you leave will alleviate hunger and you can control the foods that go into your body. Make smarter food choices. When visiting a holiday party buffet line or grabbing an onthe-go snack, think about the foods you choose. Look for lowcalorie items that will still fill you up. Proteins, complex carbohydrates and vegetables are good choices. Avoid
creamy dips and dressings, and if you want to try something fried or cheese-laden, do so only sparingly. Be selective with sweets. Sweets are readily available during the holiday season. Rather than filling up your plate with a little “bite” of each dessert you want to try, select your favorite and then enjoy a reasonable portion.
cooking. If you are entertaining others, cut down on tasting while you prepare the meal. Those calories can add up without you knowing
Mind your drinks, too. Many beverages, including alcoholic beverages and sweetened soft drinks, are high in calories. A single serving of wine can have anywhere from 100 to 300 calories. Itʼs easy to lose count of caloric intake when indulging, but opt for low-calorie drinks or
water whenever possible. Increase your level of physical activity. Find ways to remain physically active during the holiday season. Park further away from mall entrances so you can walk a greater distance and burn more calories. Take a few extra laps around the mall. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. If youʼre at a party with upbeat music, get on the dance floor and work off some calories. Holiday weight gain may seem like an inevitability. However, with some forward thinking and smart choices, holiday celebrants can prevent weight gain this holiday season.
Limit sampling while
The holiday season does not need to derail a healthy lifestyle. Consider these tips to avoid extra pounds come the holiday season. Eat before you go shopping. Leaving the house hungry may tempt you to make impulse food purchases that can compromise healthy diets. Itʼs easy to grab a quick convenience item at the food court or from a vending
And all through the house there arose such a
Did you know that the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the single most wasteful period in the U.S.? Each year, we generate 25 percent more trash in this country during this time, about one million extra tons. Here are some tips for clearing out the holiday clutter in an environmentally thoughtful way.
Use holiday cards as decorations. Add popcorn, cranberries, cookie dough and other homemade ornaments to your tree. Turn old cards into holiday postcards or gift tags for next year. Donate cards. Find out more at stjudesranch.org.
Consider replacing old light strings with LED lights. LEDs use 90% less energy. Recycle your old lights and cords at eCycle.
Recycle gift bags, shopping bags, boxes, tins, wrapping paper in good condition, and fancy ribbon. If every U.S. family recycled just two feet of holiday ribbon, the resulting 38,000 miles of ribbon would tie a bow around the earth! Recycle wrapping paper and tissue paper free of excess tape at any convenience site.
Recycle your cut tree at one of the county’s citizens’ convenience sites Dec. 26 - Jan. 31. All sites accept trees free of decorations, tinsel, and wire except Greenwood. Organic waste is ground into mulch and re-used! Donate your used cooking oil for conversion to bio-diesel. Try www.freecycle.org or visit the landfill’s
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citizens’ center to recycle used vegetable oil.
Compost food scraps from holiday dinners. (Leave out meats and dairy products.) Also, compost your holiday greenery. Reward your garden and flower bed in the spring with homegrown humus. Don’t trash your treasures. Remember local charitable organizations when cleaning out closets to make room for new gifts. Make sure donations are in very good condition. Save-a-Sole recycles shoes, luggage, backpacks, etc. in any condition! ReThreads recycles gently used clothing, linens, drapes, fabric & stuffed animals. Visit your neighborhood convenience site. SAS collection boxes can also be found at the Workingman’s Store/Total Image and the Frederick County Animal Shelter.
Shipping a gift? Reuse packing peanuts or try unbuttered popcorn. Carry reusable totes when shopping. Recycle old electronics. Updating electronic gadgets? Bring e-waste to eCycle on Sat., Jan. 14th at the landfill. (Fees for computer screens and tvs.) Old electronics are simply too good to waste!
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Last Minute Gifts
The Northern Virginia Daily
Extended Holiday Hours for your Last Minute Shopping!
December 2016
Wishing You and you r
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a Merry Christmaams!ily
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Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
The Northern Virginia Daily
The history of holiday lights
H
oliday celebrants employ holiday lights in various ways. Certain individuals may be content to hang lights on their Christmas trees and call their decorating complete. Others may get their holiday jollies by making sure each square inch of their home is covered in twinkling lights. Still, other people prefer the more subdued effect of lights framing one picture window of the house. The tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, also created the first strand of electric lights that would be used in holiday decorating. By 1880, Edison had standard
incandescent light bulbs well sorted out and desired a way to better advertise his invention, so he decided to make the most of the holiday season and put his light bulbs on display. According to a 2003 article in American Heritage magazine titled “The Wizard of Your Christmas Tree,” Edison strung incandescent bulbs all around the compound of his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. Edison constructed an eight-mile underground wiring system in order to power this grand light display. Because the laboratory was situated along the railroad that passed between Manhattan and
Philadelphia, thousands of people were able to see the display. The concept of electric holiday lights took a bit of time to catch on. Edisonʼs friend and associate Edward Johnson was tasked with stringing together colored lights in 1882 and placing them on an evergreen tree. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs. In 1895, President Grover Cleveland requested the White House family Christmas tree be illuminated by multicolored electric light bulbs. In 1903, when General Electric began to offer pre-assembled kits of
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holiday lights, stringed lights were reserved for the wealthy and electrically savvy. For example, in 1903 a single string of electric lights cost $12, or around $300 today. It would take several more years before holiday lights became a
national tradition. On Christmas Eve 1923, President Calvin Coolidge began the countryʼs celebration of Christmas by lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse located south of the White House with 3,000 electric lights.
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Today, illuminated strands of lights have become a large part of holiday celebrations and have even been adopted for use during various year-round events. Such lights can be a beautiful and festive addition to many celebrations.
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All Pets wants our friends at Winchester and Frederick County animal shelters to have a joyful holiday season. So through December 17th, we are matching pet food donations pound for pound.
To help feed homeless pets, drop off dog or cat food at the All Pets location between 9AM - 5PM Monday - Friday (1PM Saturday).
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Last Minute Gifts
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FAVORITES Old fashioned Chocolate Drops • Christmas hard candy • Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle • Maple Nut Candy • Chocolate Covered Peanuts • Chocolate Covered Raisins • Peanut Squares • Coconut Bonbons • Coconut Crunch • Coconut Squares
540.635.4437 800.252.1162
STORE HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. • Sat 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. OPEN SUNDAYS 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m.
B8
Last Minute Gifts
December 2016
BALL BELLS BLITZEN CANDY CANE CAROLS CHIMNEY CHRISTMAS COMET CUPID DANCER DASHER DONNER ELVES FROSTY GIFTS GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY HOLLY NOEL NORTH POLE PEACE PRANCER PRESENT REINDEER RUDOLPH SACK SANTA SLED SNOWMAN STAR
STOCKING SUGARPLUMS TOY TREE VIXEN WORKSHOP WRAPPING WREATH
The Northern Virginia Daily