y a d i Hol GIFT GUIDE Saturday, November 25, 2023
Christmas stocking decorating tips and tricks (MS) - Hanging Christmas stockings is just one of the many traditions that fill the days leading up to Christmas. One theory regarding the origins of stockings says the tradition began when a poor widower who had three daughters worried over having enough money for their wedding dowries to help secure the daughters’ futures. The women, who had hung their stockings by the fireplace to dry, woke up to find solid gold spheres inside. This legend suggests kindly St. Nicholas visited the home in the night and left the presents, helping ensure the daughters could marry well, after all. Christmas stockings were the first places where gifts were stowed, before under the boughs of Christmas trees became the primary spot for placing gifts. Then stockings were secondary vessels reserved for small trinkets. Today stockings are largely Christmas decorations rather than places to place gifts. Still, they’re a key component of holiday magic. When including stockings in holiday festivities, follow these tips for whimsy and more. • Utilize stocking holders. Stocking holders
• Determine your style. There are Christmas stockings that coordinate to just about any interior design style. From farmhouse to modern to traditional, choose one that fits with your aesthetic. That isn’t to say you can’t mix and match stockings if you prefer a more eclectic, homespun feel. • Enhance your stocking look. If stockings are strictly decorative, enhance their look with a few tricks. First, use tissue paper or balled up shopping bags to stuff the stockings and give them shape. Fill a small baggie with sand or florist glass and place in the heel of the stocking to balance it out and prevent the stocking from blowing around in the breeze. • No fireplace; no problem. Stockings are traditionally hung from the fireplace mantel, but if you don’t have a fireplace there is no need to fret. Simply use ribbons to hang them from the bannister of a staircase, or hang stockings right on walls with removable hooks, or from sturdy shelves. You also can think creatively and are either metal or wooden devices that are hang larger stockings on a door like you might placed on mantels. Hooks on the holders susa wreath. pend the stockings. Just be sure the holders are Whether they’re decorative or functional, sturdy enough to handle the weight of a stuffed stockings can be an integral component of holistocking if you plan on filling it with goodies. day decor in a home.
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Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
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4 unique holiday party themes 2. Tropical holiday The weather outside may be frightful, but a tropical island party can be utterly delightful. Give the event an island flair with fruity drinks, grilled kabobs, coconut desserts, and steel-drum music.
3. Grinchy party A party devoted to the Dr. Seuss character The Grinch can be a fun way to pass time together. While the holidays are supposed to be holly and jolly, a Grinch-themed party can put 1. Ornament exchange the emphasis on being a little Decorating the home is commonplace this bit more naughty than nice. time of year. Who couldn’t use a new trinket for And who doesn’t enjoy an amthe mantle or an ornament to adorn the tree? ple serving of roast beast? Have Ask all guests to bring a gift-wrapped ornament guests come decked out in Grinch costumes or to the party. Then place numbers in a bowl and Grinch emblazoned t-shirts or other clothing. have each guest draw a number; this is the order in which they will then select an ornament. 4. Christmas karaoke After the first person makes their selection, Set up the karaoke machine or utilize one subsequent guests can choose a new ornament of the services available online, and make sure from the pile or “steal” one from those already that guests are prepared to belt out their favorpicked. The guest who picked first then has one ite holiday tunes — whether traditional carols last chance to keep or steal at the end. or pop hits. A group of ladies can join together
for The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping” or guests can try their hands at hitting the high notes of Mariah Carey’s ubiquitous “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Chances are serving some liquid courage will help guests loosen up and be more inclined to grab the microphone. These are just a few different party themes that holiday hosts can consider this season
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
(MS) - The holiday season is a festive time of year filled with plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends and family. Parties abound this time of year, and many people may find themselves hosting everything from intimate gatherings to large family dinners. As people will be attending many different events in the weeks to come, savvy hosts and hostesses may want to set their occasions apart in different ways. One option is to pick an entertaining party theme that guests can get excited about. A fun theme can provide a break from the standard traditions. Consider these four unique party themes when planning holiday parties.
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Inspiring ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers (MS) - It’s unlikely that anyone aspires to be a last-minute holiday shopper. Putting off holiday shopping until the last minute can make for a stressful home stretch to the season, and there’s no guarantee store shelves won’t already be picked clean or that gifts purchased online will arrive on time. Despite how unappealing last-minute shopping can be, it’s still a fact of life for millions of holiday shoppers. As the clock winds down this holiday season, shoppers can look to these ideas for inspiration.
Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
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• Gift cards: Gift cards may never earn a distinction as the most sentimental item to give a loved one during the holiday season, but they are surprisingly sought-after. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Chain retailers, small businesses and restaurants are among the many establishments that sell gift cards, so shoppers are bound to find a card to please anyone on their shopping list. • Food/beverage: The holiday season is a popular time to indulge in some great food and wash it down with a favorite wine or another adult beverage. That makes food and beverages a great holiday gift. Shoppers can take a loved one out to a favorite restaurant, prepare a homemade treat or purchase a favorite dish from a local specialty grocery store or eatery. Pair the food with an appropriate beverage and this accessible last-minute gift idea is sure to be a hit.
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• Tickets: Tickets to a movie, sporting event, live theater performance, or concert are another gift idea that likely won’t be gobbled up by early bird shoppers. People of all ages enjoy experiences, and a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 50 percent of survey respondents indicated they would enjoy tickets to a concert or show. • Books: Books make an ideal holiday gift for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Traditional print books are small enough that they can likely arrive on time even if they’re purchased just a few days before Christmas. E-book sellers enable gift givers to pick the perfect time to notify loved ones they have received an electronic book. Audiobooks, which can be downloaded to a smartphone or given as a CD, make an ideal gift for loved ones who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful. However, various sought-after items can be secured at the last minute, ensuring gift givers’ loved ones have a happy holiday season.
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(MS) - No greenery is more recognized during the holiday season than Christmas trees. However, wreaths likely take a close second to towering evergreens when it comes to green holiday decor. It is important to treat wreaths with care in order to maximize their longevity and beauty. The following tips can help ensure wreaths remain fresh and festive throughout the month of December. • Choose the right design. Select a wreath that is not too busy nor too boring. It is important to strike the right balance. A good wreath has a focal point, which may be a festive bow or another decorative piece. Keep in mind this is a wreath which should have lots of greenery on display, rather than flowers that characterize other seasonal wreaths. • Weigh your wreath. Take a moment to ask a salesman how heavy the wreath is when you purchase it. Knowing the weight of the wreath will help you identify the proper hanging mechanism, as hooks are generally characterized by the weight they can hold. A less than sturdy hook can increase the chances the wreath falls down and ends up damaged. • Determine your hanging method. Once you know the weight of the wreath, you can
figure out how to secure it to a door or window without having to drill holes into any structures. Removable adhesive strips are one option, provided you attach something like cardboard or another material to the back of the wreath upon which the adhesive strips can be stuck. Otherwise, over-the-door wreath hangers are
wise investments that can support large, heavy wreaths. • Consider the safety of pets. When decorating with plant material, it is important to know what is safe for pets in the household. According to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, most holiday plants cause irritation of the mouth. Pine trees produce oils that can cause gastrointestinal issues. • Exercise caution with storm doors. If you hang a wreath between a glass storm door and your front door, the air around the wreath will heat up and cause the wreath to turn brown. • Choose a cool spot. In addition to avoiding heat that builds up between doors, you should select a cool spot out of the hot sun. Many pine trees, like balsam fir, react more favorably to cooler temperatures and will keep their vibrant green color and fragrance more readily. • Go artificial. If you want to hang a wreath indoors, opt for an artificial one. Prolonged warm temperatures inside may prematurely dry out a fresh wreath, ultimately turning it into a fire hazard. A few pointers can ensure wreaths remain a beautiful component of holiday decor throughout the season.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
Holiday wreath dos and don’ts
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Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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Simple tricks to disentangle holiday lights (MS) - The joyous holiday season is enhanced by the beautiful and festive decorations that adorn homes and businesses during this special time of year. Twinkling lights are part of the holiday decorating equation. However, tangled lights in storage bins and boxes can sap anyone’s holiday spirit. Christmas lights can turn into a tangled mess no matter how hard people work to avoid such an outcome. Christmas lights get tangled partly because of their design. There is a metal wire inside the cord to help with the packaging of the lights, which gives the cord a natural curve. Furthermore, most light cords are made from twisted or braided wires that have spaces throughout. The lights themselves can get snagged in these pockets between the wires. Although it can be frustrating to deal with tangled lights that look like balls of yarn in a knitting basket, there are ways to disentangle them with relative ease — and then
pack them in a way that can reduce further tangles. Begin by plugging all lights into the outlet to see if they work. If most of the bulbs are burnt out or the lights do not go on at all, discard the strand. There’s no point untangling lights only to learn they don’t work. Start slowly, beginning on the plug end, when untangling the lights. Keep the strand you’re working on separate from the other lights so they do not inadvertently become entangled. Tackle this job in a space with a lot of room. Lay the lights out on a large table or sit on the floor to do the untangling. Utilize a pen or pencil to fish out more stubborn snags. This can help you loosen any knots and make it easier to pull snags through. Lay the untangled strands out in a safe area away from your working space as you work through each strand. One of the ways to avoid the hassle of tangled lights is to remember to store the
lights in ways that will reduce their propensity for tangling in the first place. • Rather than wrap lights around your hand or arm to condense the strand, use something else. A piece of cardboard, a hanger and some PVC tubing can keep lights from becoming tangled. • Store lights in a zip-top bag to keep them from tangling with other strands stored together. • Save the original boxes and return the lights to them after each use. • Icicle lights have hanging strands of lights on longer strands, which can compound tangling issues. Use a rubber band to gather the hanging “icicles” together, or use some plastic wrap for the same purpose. • Invest in a cord reel, similar to what you might use for a garden hose. Longer light strands or wires are stored on such reels, and they can be used with Christmas lights. Patience and care can prevent holiday lights from becoming tangled.
A guide to dining out for the holidays 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 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, 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. • 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. Dining out during the holidays is a possibility with practical planning.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
(MS) - For some 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 time-consuming. 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
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Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • November 2023
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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5 characteristics to consider when looking for a new dog (MS) - Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for hundreds of years. Dog owners know their canine companions can be friendly, affectionate and entertaining. Dogs also are quite intelligent and can perform various jobs that help them stay focused and healthy. Anyone considering bringing a dog home might be wondering which dog is best for them. Every dog is unique, and a breed that is a perfect fit for one person or family may not be the right choice for another. The following are five characteristics to consider when searching for a new dog. 1. Energy level Dogs require different levels of exercise and are sometimes classified by how much energy they are likely to exert. A working breed like a German shepherd, for example, may need more exercise than a dog that is known to lounge more often, such as a basset hound. Talk through exercise expectations and be realistic on how much time can be devoted to walks and play sessions before narrowing down breeds. 2. Size The larger the dog, the more indoor and outside space the animal will require. Larger dogs also will need more food and larger toys and sleeping spots. They also may be more difficult to walk if they are particularly large and strong compared to the individual doing the walking. Some people may want a dog that can be easily transported in a carrier when traveling. Therefore, size is an important consideration when looking for a new dog. 3. Health predispositions Though predisposition to certain health issues may not be too great a concern with mixed-breed dogs, purebred animals are another story. For example, RSPCA Pet Insurance says pugs and bulldogs, as well as other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, may experience overheating because they have trouble panting to cool off. Some brachy dogs are predisposed to skin, eye or oral health conditions. Other dogs may be more prone to allergies or hip dysplasia. It’s important to do your homework on breeds and identify potential health issues a given dog may be predisposed to. 4. Grooming needs Coat will determine how often or how much grooming a dog will require. Dogs with double coats may need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting and to help with the shedding process. While certain dogs are billed as hypoallergenic, this really isn’t a thing. Allergies often form from exposure to dog dander or the oils on their skin, so reduced propensity for shedding will not remove the chances for allergic reaction entirely. 5. Personality It is important to read the breed standards on dog disposition. While personality will be affected by breeding and how the animal was raised, inherent traits may make some dogs act a certain way across the board. Dogs bred to be watchdogs may be more aloof or weary around strangers. Dogs that are bred to do jobs like herding may be more independent. Other dogs are family-oriented and bigger lovebugs, which is why Golden retrievers are so popular among families. Speak with a qualified breeder or veterinarian about which dogs will best fit a particular lifestyle. Various characteristics merit consideration when shopping for a new dog.