Great Gifts For Family Members And Friends Who Are Travel Enthusiasts
John Denver sang about “leavin’ on a jet plane,” inspiring many to take a flight to parts known and unknown. Millions of people travel to and from the country every year, with TravelPerk estimating the market size of the United States tourism sector at $798.81 billion in July 2023. Tourism took a hit during the global pandemic, but traveling has since rebounded in a big way.
With so many people taking to the roads, rails and skies, shoppers can customize their gift lists when shopping for people who have caught the travel bug. Below are several gifts for those with wanderlust.
• Portable Bluetooth speaker: Music can make the journey more interesting and create a welcoming ambiance upon arrival. People who don’t want to leave home without their favorite tunes often have curated playlists on popular music streaming services. While earbuds are a goto for personal listening, a portable speaker can provide impressive sound to share songs with friends when relaxing by the pool or traversing trails.
• Ergonomic neck pillow: Getting some rest and being comfortable while traveling is key. Ergonomic neck pillows keep the neck and head in a comfortable
position when sitting upright during long flights or rides.
• Highquality passport cover: Consider a passport travel cover that is personalized with a graphic, name or monogram. A cover can protect the passport and
keep other travel documents orderly while adding a layer of elegance to travel.
• Compression packing bags or cubes: Travelers want to ensure they can bring all their gear when getting away, but sometimes
suitcase space can come at a premium. Compression products work like a vacuum sealer, removing air to reduce the space that items take up.
• Travel pouch or money belt: Keeping valuables out of the hands of pickpockets means being savvy about safe storage. Travel pouches and money belts are designed to be discrete, and some can be hidden in waistbands or under clothing to protect valuables.
• Travel journal: Journals allow travelers to capture memories along the way, with space to jot down experiences and add photos. It can make for a cherished keepsake in the future.
Holiday Program Schedule Ephrata Cloister, The Place Where Ephrata Began
Tickets available online at ephratacloister.org/events
Nov. 30 - Candlelight Open House 5-8:30pm Dec. 9 & 10 - Christmas at the Cloister 6:30pm & 8pm Dec. 27-30 - Lantern Tours 6-9pm Or call 717-733-6600
632 West Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522
For details and links to purchase tickets, visit www.ephratacloister.org
• Travel adapter: International travel requires contending with different power outlets. In order to use electronic equipment brought from home, travelers will require the right adapter. Look for ones with multiple ports.
• New luggage: Every traveler needs a durable piece of luggage or two when the desire to see the world strikes. A rolling, vibrantly colored carryon ensures the luggage is easily spotted and gives travelers the option to skip baggage check and bring it on board. Travel enthusiasts can appreciate gifts that cater to their desire to get away from home.
Christmas Trees Brighten The Season - Tips To Choosing A Variety
Decked out in tinsel, lights, ornaments, and garland, Christmas trees are enduring symbols of the holiday season that boast a rich history.
Evergreen trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, and eventually became associated with Christianity. Plants and trees that remained green all year held special meaning to ancient peoples, and were purported to keep away illness and evil spirits.
Germans were credited with tying evergreen trees to Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.
Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, is believed to have first added lighted candles to these trees after he was inspired by twinkling stars in the night sky.
While early Americans found Christmas trees an
oddity, the tradition, brought over by German settlers, eventually caught on. Today, between 25 and 30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, states the National Christmas Tree Association. Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada.
The following is a look at some popular tree varieties.
Living Christmas Trees
Living Christmas trees, which refers to those with their roots still intact, are popular among ecoconscious holiday enthusiasts. That’s because living trees can be promptly planted after they’ve served their purpose indoors.
Opt for a moderately sized tree, as root balls on larger trees can be heavy and difficult to move. Living trees can typically be kept indoors for around seven to 10 days before they will need to be returned outside. Move such trees to a sheltered outdoor area for one to two weeks so they can reacclimate to the climate. So long as the ground is not frozen, trees can then be planted when the reacclimation period ends. Better Homes and Gardens suggests selecting a mild day to plant the tree.
Fraser Fir
Fraser fir trees are typically uniformly pyramidshaped trees that have strong branches that turn slightly upward. These trees have good needle retention and a dark, bluegreen hue. Many
people feel these trees have a pleasant scent. Because they are such a quintessential Christmas tree, Fraser fir, as well as their close cousin, Balsam fir, tend to be more expensive than others.
Scotch Pine
One of the advantages of Scotch pine trees is their needle retention. Experts say Scotch pine needles will not drop off even if the tree is dry. Scotch pine is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers, and it’s known for dark green foliage and sturdy, stiff branches. The Scotch pine is one of the most popular Christmas trees today.
White Spruce
As a Christmas tree, the white spruce is known for excellent foliage color, short stiff needles and good needle retention. The bluegreen color is pleasant, but when needles are crushed, the tree doesn’t produce a favorable evergreen aroma. White spruce trees keep their needles longer than other spruces.
With proper care, any variety of Christmas tree can look beautiful throughout the holiday season.
Did You Know?
The search for the perfect gift tends to be easier when shoppers are aware of the latest trends, and perhaps no current gifting trend is more popular than giving experiences.
According to a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide, 77 percent of individuals surveyed indicated they would rather receive experiences than physical gifts come the holiday season. Travel experiences are the most soughtafter experiential gifts, as 63 percent of individuals surveyed indicated surprise travel is the experience they would most enjoy receiving.
However, a trip to parts unknown is not the only experience shoppers can give, nor is it the only one friends and family would love to receive. The GetYourGuide survey found that tickets to a concert or show (50 percent); outdoor activities, such as skiing, boating or hiking (43 percent); and a food tour or cooking class (36 percent) also made for desirable experiential gifts.
Shop Local For The Holidays And Beyond
Various components come together to make the holiday season a festive time of year. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time during the holiday season, and part of that includes shopping for all of the family members and friends on your shopping list. Shopping can be a complicated process that involves identifying which stores will be the best places to shop. Local retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items.
According to the American Express Business Economic Impact Study, more than twothirds of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community. Indeed, shopping local benefits consumer and community alike. The following are some of the many perks to shopping locally throughout the holiday season.
• Personalized attention: Small businesses are known for their personalized customer service and owners and staff are often lauded for taking the time to interact and learn about their customers, a dynamic that is impossible at larger retailers.
• Meet and interact with
people: Shopping inperson at local stores, you’ll see faces from your community and become better known in the local area.
• Shorter lines: Local stores are bound to have smaller crowds and thus shorter lines. That translates to less stress and hassle when it comes to getting in and out with holiday gifts.
• Smaller carbon footprint: Pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss, and resource depletion may not occur on the same levels when shopping locally compared to patronizing big box stores. That’s because local retailers tend to create or source their products locally, whereas many big box stores secure their goods overseas.
• Easier parking: This goes handinhand with smaller crowds, as shopping locally does not typically require driving up and down endless aisles at malls or standalone retail stores in an effort to find a parking spot. Local retailers in town may have onstreet parking or closed lots that are convenient to shoppers.
• Small batch shopping experience: Consumers can secure items in small businesses that are not carbon copies of those found across the country at major retail chains. When seeking a unique, thoughtful gift, shopping locally is the way to go.
How To Stay Safe When Stringing Holiday Lights
Lighting displays are one of the many things that help make the holiday season a special time of year. Often aweinspiring, holiday lighting displays present a perfect opportunity for communities and individuals to showcase their festive sides.
Safety should always be a priority when stringing holiday lights both inside and outside a home. The National Fire Protection Association notes that, between 2009 and 2014, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 210 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Lighting displays strung on home exteriors also can pose safety risks if homeowners do not exercise caution. Fortunately, various strategies can help homeowners safely decorate their homes’ interiors and exteriors this holiday season.
• Choose a fresh tree. The NFPA recommends celebrants who prefer natural
Christmas trees choose ones with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire than freshly cut trees. Adding water to the tree stand each day will keep trees fresher longer. When placing the tree, avoid placing it too close to heat sources, making sure it is at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
• Check all lights before stringing them. All lights, including those going on trees inside a home and those being strung outside,
should be inspected prior to being strung. Look for any worn or broken cords and replace any defected lights.
• Employ the buddy system. When stringing lights, always work with at least one other person. This makes it safe for homeowners who must climb ladders to string lights on especially tall trees and/or on their home exteriors.
• Avoid working in inclement weather. The weather
during the holiday season can sometimes be unpleasant or unpredictable. Check the forecast before stringing exterior lights to ensure Mother Nature won’t pose a threat. Avoid hanging lights if the forecast predicts wet, icy or windy conditions that can make ladders unstable.
• Turn lights off when going to bed and/or leaving the house. Interior and exterior holiday lights should not be left on when no one is home or everyone inside is sleeping. If left on overnight or when no one is home, lights may contribute to fires that damage homes and may even prove fatal. Holiday lighting displays help make this time of year special. Following some simple safety procedures when decorating with lights can ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.
Cheese, Kirkland Diapers, Regular Croquet Sets & Flag Croquet
Five Fun And Creative Ways To Exchange Gifts This Holiday Season
Giftgiving is a significant component of the holiday season. Families can embrace traditional giftgiving, but those who want to add a touch of whimsy to gatherings with loved ones can consider these five creative and fun ways to exchange gifts.
1. Play the plastic wrap game. To exchange small stocking stuffer gifts, compile gift cards, cash, small toys, candy, and even some larger gifts (all participants can chip in and one person shops for the gifts). The designated person in charge begins rolling up the gifts in the plastic, adding one every few rolls. Turning the ball 90 degrees while wrapping helps make a more round, finished gift ball. To
play, the person with the ball puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much as they can to access the gifts, while the person to the left is attempting to roll doubles on dice. When doubles are made, that person passes the dice to the left and starts his or her own attempts to get at the gifts in the plastic ball. The game ends when all the gifts are revealed, whether everyone has had a chance to unwrap or not.
2. Plan a white elephant gift exchange. A white elephant exchange is like a secret grab bag. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and then takes turns choosing a gift based on the number they’ve been given. When the gift is chosen, the person opens it. The next player can
select a fresh gift or steal one of the presents that’s already been opened.
3. Host a makeandtake craft party. With this type
of exchange, participants will engage in some form of crafting for the duration of the event, whether it’s pottery, painting, epoxy resin pouring, or even knit
crafts. At the end of the night everyone can swap their creations with another or keep their own crafts as gifts.
4. Give the gift of a group outing. Instead of exchanging material gifts, focus on sharing experiences with friends and family. A trip to watch a sports game or a theater performance
can be an excellent way to spend time together, and something a person may not be inclined to do on his or her own. Certain venues will offer discounts on group tickets, so everyone can pool their resources.
5. Host a DIY cookie and cocoa exchange. Cookies, cocoa and the holidays are a perfect combination. A gift exchange where participants supply ingredients for these sweet treats, share their favorite recipes and then put together the finished products can make for an entertaining and festive afternoon. Each person can fill a cookie tin with baked cookies to take home and mason jars filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows can be an additional gift to enjoy later on a chilly evening.
There are plenty of fun ways to exchange gifts during the holiday season.
Hometown Flavors turns eight years old this month! We enjoy seeing what our readers cook up for each new theme. As we enter the holiday season, we thank all of our loyal readers and contributors.
FLAVORShometown
Christmas Cookies and Holiday Treats
We began this special feature by asking you to send us your favorite cookie recipes, as we did once again this year. We received many responses, including those below. To view all of the recipes submitted, along with those submitted for past Hometown Flavors sections, visit www.snews.com/recipes.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Pat Roth, Ephrata
1½ cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
3½ cups all-purpose flour
can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup pecan halves
In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and butter until crumbly; press into a greased 13”x9”x2” baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Gently spread over crust.
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 28 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.
1/3 cup flaked coconut
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup apricot or red raspberry preserves
In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the flour. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle. Place coconut in a bowl . In another bowl, whisk the egg and water. Shape the cookie dough into 1” balls. Dip the tops in the egg mixture, then
in the coconut, pressing to adhere.
Place balls 2” apart on parchment paper lined baking sheets, coconut side up. Press a deep indentation in the center of each with the end of a wooden spoon handle. Fill with preserves.
Bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned.
Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
¾ cup peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, well beaten
½ cup milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped salted peanuts
the sugars. Add the vanilla and egg mixture, and mix thoroughly. Stir in the flour mixture alternately with the milk; mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips and peanuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Makes 4 dozen cookies.
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Chocolate
Peanut Butter Drops
Pat Roth, Ephrata
1½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter or margarine
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Cream the butter or margarine and peanut butter. Gradually blend in
Slam
Dunks
Doug Bashore, Lititz 1¾ cup flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Combine first five ingredients with a spoon. Shape into 1” balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes.
Combine powdered sugar and cinnamon. Sift the cinnamonsugar mixture over the warm cookies.
(Continued On Page 8)
Acorn
Cookies
Gloria Dougherty, Akron
“Almost too cute to eat!”
25 Almond Hershey’s Kisses
25 Special Dark Hershey’s Kisses (or any kind of Kisses you like)
25 Nutter Butter Bite
chocolate chips, plus extra for melting
Unwrap Kisses and set aside.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out Nutter Butter Bites. Separate the Nutter Butters and scrape off the icing with a fork or knife. It will not be used.
Put a plate in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the plate and while the plate is warm (not hot), place 10 Kisses on the plate; let them sit for a few seconds. Test them by lifting and checking
the bottom of the first one you put on the plate. If it’s starting to melt, then start placing on the Nutter Butter Bites in the same order you put them on the plate. Let harden.
When ready, melt a small amount of chocolate. Use a toothpick to put a dab of melted chocolate in the center of the top of an acorn. Put a mini chocolate chip on top of melted chocolate. Repeat with remaining acorns. Chill in refrigerator.
Fruit Cocktail Gems
Pat Roth, Ephrata
16 oz. can fruit cocktail
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins
Drain fruit cocktail, saving the syrup.
Cream the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add the egg and beat well.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add alternately to the creamed mixture with 1/3 of the cocktail syrup.
Stir in the nuts, raisins and drained fruit cocktail.
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pistachios
In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Combine flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Stir in the cereal, oats, cranberries and pistachios. Drop by tablespoons 2” apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Yield: 5 dozen.
Drop dough from a teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Makes 3½ dozen.
Chinese Almond Cookies
Mary Ann Dell, East Earl
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Mary Ann Dell, East Earl
½ cup softened butter
½ cup canola oil
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup crispy rice cereal
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 egg white
½ teaspoon water
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg and extract.
Combine the flour, baking
soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Roll into 1” balls. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a fork. Sprinkle with the almonds. In a small bowl, beat the egg white and water. Brush over the cookies.
Bake at 325°F for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges and bottoms are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Yield: 5 dozen.
hometown
Nutmeg Sparklers
Doug Bashore, Lititz
3 tablespoons red sanding sugar
3 tablespoons green sanding sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
FLAVORS
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg with each of the colored sugars.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat on low speed about 3 minutes. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed.
Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into 1” balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, about 2” apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until centers are firm to the touch.
Remove from over and sprinkle with colored sugar. Remove cookies to cool on wire racks.
and Holiday Treats
Date Nut Bars
Marilyn Bashore, Lititz
½ cup plus 1½ tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced dates
1 cup toasted walnuts
confectioners sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until foam. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Fold in the flour mixture.
In a small bowl, toss dates with the remaining 1½ tablespoons flour to prevent the dates from sinking. Fold the dates into the batter. Spread the batter into the pan.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Cut into squares and dust with confectioners sugar.
Butter and flour a 10” square pan. Combine 1/2 cup flour with baking powder and salt in a bowl.
Christmas carolers may not be as visible as they once were, but holiday celebrants who still engage in this fun tradition will have many songs to choose from as they inspire their neighbors with holiday cheer. No song may align with caroling better than “Here We Come ACaroling” (or “Here We Come Awassailing”). Though it’s hard to pinpoint the precise origins of this beloved song, historians believe it dates back to the midnineteenth century. Since then, the song has been performed by many notable groups, artists and even rodents, as distinguished entertainers such as the Boston Pops, Perry Como and Alvin and the Chipmunks have recorded the tune.
Here we come acaroling Among the leaves so green
Here we come awand’ring
So fair to be seen
Love and joy come to you
And to you glad Christmas, too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door
But we are neighbors’ children
Whom you have seen before
Love and joy come to you
And to you glad Christmas, too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth
God bless the master of this house
Likewise the mistress, too
And all the little children
That round the table go
Love and joy come to you
And to you glad Christmas, too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
Good master and good mistress
While you’re sitting by the fire
Pray think of us poor children
Who are wandering in the mire
Love and joy come to you
Bring us out a moldy cheese
And some of your Christmas loaf
Love and joy come to you
And to you glad Christmas too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
And to you glad Christmas, too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongsandcarols.com.
Holiday Shopping For Those Who Have It All
MadeforTV movies often depict holiday shopping in the best possible light. The story’s protagonist wanders into the town center and easily finds everything on his or her list at a series of perfectly decorated local boutiques that have nary a shopper in sight. Hot chocolate or mulled cider and repartee also tends to be par for the television movie course.
People in the real world understand that holiday shopping doesn’t always work so smoothly. Certainly shopping local is a great way to avoid the crowds and introduce shoppers to more unique gift options, but it’s impossible to remove every obstacle in holiday shopping — particularly getting stumped over shopping for that particularly difficult person on your list. The
holly jolly nature of the season can be eclipsed when a person doesn’t know where to begin when shopping for those people who seem to have it all.
The following ideas can help shoppers who are stuck on what to buy for that loved one who already has it all.
• Consider experiences. A recent Harris Group study found 72 percent of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than things. If the person on your shopping list has just about every material possession one can imagine, giving unique experiences might be the way to go. The National Retail Federation confirms the shift in attitude, noting consumers across all age groups now spend more on experiences than they did in years past.
• Consolidate memories. Technology continues to evolve, which means that the way music, videos and photos are captured and stored is always changing. Unless a person has older gear, it’s no longer possible to watch a VHS tape featuring a family member’s
graduation ceremony or reprint photographs that are on film negatives. However, shoppers can work with a company that will transfer media onto a new format, such as a thumb drive or in a cloudbased account. This can be a heartfelt gift for someone who wants to reminisce.
• Food or beverage subscription. Everyone needs to eat (and drink), so there is
always a need for tasty offerings. Introduce loved ones to new foods with various subscriptions. If a person is missing flavors from a home country, have delicacies shipped so the recipient can enjoy a taste of their childhood.
• Make a family cookbook. Enlist the help of other family members and compile beloved family recipes. Utilize a cookbook pub
lishing service to compile all of these recipes together. Then gift recipients can revisit their favorites time and again.
• Trace family lineage. If the gift recipient is a history buff or is interested in his or her family tree, then a membership to an ancestry service could be an ideal
gift. Individuals can spend hours uncovering distant relations and studying their family history in the process. Holiday shopping can be challenging when looking for gifts for people who seemingly have it all. A few outsidethebox ideas can make it easier to overcome that challenge.
Thoughtful Holiday Gifts For Grandparents To Show Your
Grandparents play important roles in millions of families. Though grandmothers and grandfathers may always be ready to give a warm hug and provide a treat to their grandchildren, their role in modern families also includes helping with child care and other responsibilities.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 20172021 American Community Survey indicates approximately 33 percent of grandparents living with their grandchildren under the age of 18 were responsible for kids’ care. In addition, USCB data indicates one in four children under the age of five is cared for by a grandparent while
parents go to work or attend school.
There’s no denying modern grandparents are actively involved in their grandkids’ lives, providing an invaluable benefit to parents who might struggle to afford or find reliable child care elsewhere. With that in mind, families can make a concerted effort to find thoughtful gifts for grandparents this holiday season.
• Travel gifts: Grandparents may play an integral role in the daily lives of their families, but many aging individuals still aspire to travel, especially if they’re retired. In fact, a recent poll by RBC Wealth ManagementU.S. found that 63
percent of individuals age 50 and older identify travel as an important retirement goal. Families can surprise grandparents this holiday season with a cruise vacation, money to book flights to parts unknown or additional travelrelated gifts, such as new luggage.
• Framed children’s artwork: Whether it’s purchased through a child’s school or via a third party seller or created at home as a family craft project, framing artwork created by children in a frame designed for grandparents is a heartwarming gift. Schoolaged youngsters are especially productive artists, so artwork can be updated over the
course of a year as grandparents are gifted more and more memorable pieces.
journals, a suggestion to detail their life stories lets them know their families are interested in how they became the people they are today. Grandparents may cherish the opportunity to pass on their life stories and anecdotes to the younger generations of their family.
Such a gift might not be as heartwarming as children’s artwork in a specialty frame, but it is a practical and potentially lifesaving token of your love and appreciation.
• Ancestry kit: Interest in genealogy has increased dramatically in recent years, as advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to trace one’s ancestry. If grandma and grandpa have yet to join the genealogy party, a DNA kit from a popular ancestry service can open the door to an illuminating and fascinating hobby.
To Go Bowling!
• Home upgrades: Upgrades around a grandparent’s home can vastly improve their quality of life, particularly if they’ve long since reached retirement age. Arrange for the installation of grab bars in grandparents’ bathrooms and reinforced staircase bannisters around the house.
• Journal: A journal is another thoughtful gift that encourages grandparents to share their life stories.
Though it’s up to grandparents to decide what they want to write about in their
Grandparents do a lot for their families, and the holiday season provides a great opportunity for families to show grandmothers and grandfathers how much they’re appreciated.
Safety First When Buying Toys This
December is a special time of year for children, millions of whom await the arrival of Santa Claus and the bounty of toys he delivers each year. When buying holiday gifts for youngsters, adults must consider safety. According to the Alliance for Children and Families, approximately 217,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toyrelated injuries each year. Holiday shoppers are urged to stick to agerelated recommendations on product packaging and avoid toys that do not contain the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) label. 9 9 9
Seven Ways To Enjoy A Healthy Holiday
Certain words are synonymous with the holiday season, and “festive,” “family,” “friends,” and “food” are certainly among them. Celebrants focus on being a little more indulgent with their time and habits as the year comes to a close, and health and fitness may be set to simmer on the back burner.
According to a research review published in the journal Obesity, the average person gains between 0.8 and 2 pounds during the holiday season. Food represents more than just nutrition this time of year, as family gatherings around the dinner table are about tradition and fellowship. While no one wants to feel deprived when holiday celebrations arrive, it is important to make smart choices and continue to prioritize health as much as possible. These seven tips can help.
1. Plan your daily eating.
Scale back meals accordingly if a large family feast is on the docket at dinnertime. While you shouldn’t skip meals altogether, a light breakfast or lunch may enable you to save more calories for dinner and treats to come later in the evening.
2. Aim for mostly healthy foods. Buttery rolls, fatty roasts, candied yams, and pies come out in full force during the holidays. Try to make the majority of your plate full of lean protein,
lowfat dairy and plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Then you can splurge on one or two foods like pumpkin pie.
3. Remain physically active. It may be tempting to hibernate inside watching heartfelt holiday movies on television, but resist the urge to be sedentary. Keep up normal fitness routines, aiming for the recommended 150 minutes of moderateintensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity exercise. Take the stairs at malls and park further away from stores when shopping for the holidays to add a little extra movement to your day.
4. Get enough sleep. It may seem your schedule is packed with everything from parties to holiday preparation, but it is important to get adequate rest. Without enough sleep, you may feel sluggish and your immune system may not be as strong.
5. Lay off the alcohol. Holiday toasts are replete with delicious cocktails. However, moderation is key whenever alcohol is being
served. Popular drinks often are caloriedense, and health experts warn that consuming too much alcohol is linked to a higher risk of developing certain conditions, like liver issues, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, says WebMD. Opt for nonalcoholic beverages. Water and unsweetened drinks are healthy options.
6. Position yourself away from the buffet. When you are close to food, you might engage in mindless nibbling. Find a seat away from the dinner table or buffet during holiday gatherings.
7. Slow down and be aware. The holiday season is a busy time of year, and that
means people may be racing around distracted or in a rush. Take special care to be alert while driving to avoid accidents that can lead to injuries or even fatalities. Although nutrition often isn’t top of mind during the holiday season, healthy behaviors shouldn’t be completely forgotten during this festive time of year.
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“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white.’” ~ Bing Crosby
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How To Make Holiday Crafting A Fun Family Affair This December
Families gather frequently during the holiday season as everyone enjoys the feasts and festivities that are synonymous with this time of year. Families often bake and decorate together, as these activities are inclusive of people of all ages. This time of year also is one for dabbling in creative pursuits. Now is a prime
opportunity to bond with children over a table full of paint, glue, beads, and other crafty supplies. The crafts made during the holidays often become cherished mementos that will be regarded fondly for years to come. Here are some ideas to inspire holiday creativity.
Snowman Family Handprint crafts are pop
ular among children. Adults and children can dip their hands into washable white paint and make a handprint stamp on a small canvas, wooden palette or even a terracotta flowerpot. Decorate the white fingerprints with black dots to look like the faces of the snowmen and paint on top hats and scarves. In the years to come, artists can marvel at how small their hand prints once were.
Wine Cork Reindeer
Repurpose wine corks by crafting adorable little reindeer. Two corks make up the head and the body, and four vertically will comprise the feet. Stick on googly eyes, and add a small red or black bead for the nose. Pipe cleaners can be bent to form the reindeer’s antlers.
which the ornament can be hung on the tree. Allow to dry completely before use.
Paper Chain Advent Calendar
Cut strips of paper to make a link for every day of Advent. Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and lasts until Christmas. The top link can be any design artists prefer, but those who need a little inspiration can consider a religious symbol, the face of a reindeer, a snowman, or a Christmas tree. Hang the chain and then children can take turns ripping off a link from the bottom each day as they count down to the holiday.
in the tops and then string a ribbon through. Decorate the Christmas tree or a mantle with this garland.
tree trunks, and attach a small wooden star to the top of the trees for the finishing touch.
Decoupage Ornaments
Miniature
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Family Garlands
Christmas Trees
Purchase wooden or plastic ball ornaments.
This craft also makes use of handprints. Ask all family members to trace their handprints on different colors of construction paper or card stock. Cut out all of the paper hands, punch holes
Paint the tips of gathered pine cones with green paint and allow to dry. Add white glitter or paint as “snow.”
Glue the pine cones to wine corks that will serve as the
Cover with small scraps of cut fabric or paper dipped in craft glue or Mod Podge®, and attach to the ornament in an overlapping fashion. Remember to add a string from
Paint four popsicle sticks per snowflake in desired colors. Decorate with glue, pompoms, beads, or other trinkets. Add small looped strings to hang the ornaments.
Parents, grandparents and children can have fun crafting holiday decorations this December.
Tips To Plan An Eclectic Holiday Menu
The holiday 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 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 applepicking 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 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.
• 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.
