Explore Holiday 2022

Holiday Happenings

A supplement to the Stanwood Camano News

3 places to hang Christmas stockings

Christmas stockings are a classic holiday decoration. Here are three places to hang them in your home.

1. Mantel

To give your living room a festive feel, affix your stockings to a mantel using discreet or ornate holders.

2. Door Use metal Christmas wreath holders and place your stockings at eye level on one or several doors.

3. Bannister

Attach your stockings to the handrail on your staircase with string or selflocking fasteners.

If Santa is particularly resourceful, you can also hang your children’s Christmas stockings in their rooms.

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Gifts to entertain them

Doyou want to give your loved ones gifts that help them forget their worries? If so, here are some presents to include under your tree.

• Tickets to a performance. Offer a friend or family member a night out on the town with tickets to a concert, comedy act, dance recital, circus or play.

• Board games. Playing board games is a great way to spend quality time with the people you love. Pick out one that matches your loved one’s age, abilities and interests.

• TV shows or movies. If you want to give a gift that combines entertainment and relaxation, purchase your friend or family member a film or TV series you think they’ll enjoy. A gift card to your local movie theater is also a great option.

• Books. Let your loved one immerse themself in an exciting thriller, funny comic or inspiring biography. No matter what they’re passionate about, you’re sure to find a book that interests them.

ere are many more entertaining gift options to consider including puzzles, craft kits, video games, CDs and passes to festivals and tourist attractions.

Useful

gifts for practical people

If you’re not sure what to buy your loved ones for Christmas, you may want to consider giving them something practical. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

• A gas station gift card

• A firewood sling

• Reusable containers, food wrap or sandwich bags

• A set of quality bedsheets

• A portable cell phone charger

• A bathtub tray

• A gardening tote

• Heated gloves

• A bike repair kit

• Car storage accessories like a trunk or seat organizer

• Compact camping dishes such as a pot with a folding handle

• Warm socks

To find a host of gifts that will make

Christmas Guide

your loved ones’ lives easier, visit your local retailers.

7

for cycling buffs

1. Gloves

Cycling gloves protect hands from cold weather and provide excellent grip on handlebars. Look for a pair that’s insulated, waterproof and windproof.

2. Backpack

Consider a backpack designed for the type of cycling your loved one enjoys the most. For example, mountain biking bags have a reservoir that can replace bulky water bottles.

3. Rear pannier rack is accessory is perfect for urban riding because it allows the cyclist to carry items safely.

4. Frame bag ese small bags can hold snacks, a cellphone and other personal items like keys. Most models can be detached easily when the cyclist needs to take a break.

5. Helmet light

A helmet light will illuminate the road ahead during dark evening outings and allow the cyclist to remain visible to other road users thanks to the included rear light.

6. Sunglasses

Look for a pair of aerodynamic sunglasses that grip the ears and nose.

7. Windbreaker

A thin, compact windbreaker can be packed into a small bag and is ideal for windy rides.

For more great ideas, check out your local bike store.

5 holiday trends for your home

Do you want to transform your holiday decor this year? If so, here are five looks for 2022 that may inspire you.

1. Nature themed Natural elements like tree branches and pinecones, and organic materials like wood and hemp are trending choices for Christmas decor.

2. Retro inspired A vintage holiday look is currently all the rage. Bring out your old-fashioned ornaments or find new ones that match this theme.

3. Upcycled Turn used items into decorative pieces or shop for ornaments made from reclaimed materials. You can take this trend a step further by wrapping your gifts in fabric, flyers or newspapers.

4. Dried fruit Dried limes, oranges and lemons can be made into garlands and tree ornaments or displayed in glass jars. As a bonus, they smell great!

5. Shimmer and shine

Shiny decor is sure to put you in a festive mood. Use metallic items in shades like blue and green or silver and gold that can be used year after year. For more ideas, and to find everything you need, visit your local stores.

How to make it look like Santa visited your home

The holiday season is full of enchantments, especially for young children who marvel at Santa’s ability to deliver gifts unseen. Here are a few ways to make it look like Saint Nick really visited your home.

Make footprints

If there’s fresh snow on the ground, put on big boots and leave footprints around the outside of your home. You can also create reindeer tracks with a stick or broom handle.

Leave a key

If your home doesn’t have a chimney, give Santa a magic key. You can have one made at a store or create one yourself out of wood or cardboard. On Christmas Eve, place the key in a Christmas stocking on your porch.

Prepare a snack

Encourage your children to put out a glass of milk and cookies for Santa and a bowl of water and carrots for his reindeer. While your kids are asleep, help yourself to the goodies, making sure to leave behind a few crumbs.

Write

a letter

Have Santa thank your children for the snacks by leaving a note. Change your handwriting so it’s not recognizable or enlist the help of a friend.

Leaving these convincing clues is sure to make the holiday extra magical for your kids.

1.

To find holiday gifts

If you’re looking for unique items for your friends and family members, Christmas markets are a great place to go. You can find an assortment of handmade toys, crafts, baked goods, jewelry and more.

2. To discover new products

Christmas markets typically gather hundreds of vendors in one place. If you decide to attend, you’re sure to discover new products to try.

3. To support local makers

If you want to support the artisans and producers in your region, visit your nearest Christmas market. By buying locally made goods, you’ll help stimulate your region’s economy.

4. To stock up on needed items

Christmas markets typically feature a wide range of exhibitors, so you won’t have to visit multiple stores to find everything you need for the holidays. You can load up on gourmet foods, handcrafted soaps, unique clothes, Christmas decorations and much more.

5. To enjoy complimentary entertainment

Christmas markets frequently provide free entertainment. You may be able to enjoy a play, concert or food tasting. In many cases, children’s activities are also offered. You can even bring the whole family and make a day of it.

is year, find out about the Christmas markets in your area and schedule a time to visit them.

How to cat-proof

Christmas tree

• Secure your tree to a solid base to prevent it from tipping over and falling on your pet.

• Leave your tree undecorated for a few days to let your cat get used to it.

• Use decorations made of plastic or other durable materials. Firmly attach them to the branches so they don’t fall off easily. Avoid edible ornaments.

• Fill a spray bottle with water and gently spritz your cat if it gets too close to the tree. is will let them know the behavior is prohibited.

• Spray your tree with store-bought cat repellent.

Be patient to ensure you get the results you want.

Real vs. fake Christmas trees

Are you looking forward to putting up your Christmas tree and decorating your home for the holidays?

If so, you may be wondering whether a real or artificial tree is best. Here’s a short guide to help you make the right choice.

Real

A real tree is an eco-friendly option, especially if it’s grown locally. When properly disposed of at the end of the holiday season, it can be used to make compost and mulch or feed farm animals.

Keep in mind you must regularly water a real tree and vacuum any fallen needles. While pine trees smell great, they have a limited lifespan and aren’t ideal if you enjoy decorating early for Christmas.

Fake

ough artificial trees are manufactured in large facilities that produce pollution, they can last several years. If you reuse your tree for at least 15 years, it may be the more ecological choice.

However, you must carefully store your fake tree to keep it in good condition. is means you must set aside space for it in your home. Make sure to purchase a high-quality tree to ensure the branches and needles don’t fall out prematurely.

To find a Christmas tree for your home, visit a local farm, market or retailer in your area.

home for Christmas

Decorate your trees

Whether you have lush evergreens or bare deciduous trees in your yard, you can dress them up for the Christmas season with ornaments or outdoor string lights.

Put up a Christmas wreath

Make a wreath or buy one from a local artisan. Hang it on your front door or lean it against a nearby wall to create a welcoming entranceway.

Embellish your stairway

If you have sufficient space, place one or more ornate flowerpots, lanterns, nutcrackers or other decorative elements at the top or bottom of your stairway. Wrap your railing in a garland for a festive flair.

Fill vacant spaces

If you have a large front yard, you can set up decorative structures. Inflatable figures and lighted characters will help bring holiday cheer to your home.

For more inspiration and to find great decorations, visit your local retailers.

How to throw a hasslefree holiday brunch

Are you planning to host Christmas brunch this year? If so, here are a few ways to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.

Start prepping the day before

Avoid making everything you need the morning of your brunch by doing some set up the night before. You could wash, cut and plate fresh fruit and prepare whipped cream and custards ahead of time. If you want to serve an easy dish that can be portioned out the day before, consider putting together small bowls of yogurt and berries with granola.

Opt for fresh-baked goods

Visit your local bakery for bread, croissants, muffins and bagels to accompany your meal. Purchase a batch made the morning of your event, or ask about frozen, ready-tobake products. If the business has a tempting specialty, don’t hesitate to add it to your menu.

Offer a variety of beverages

Spice up your brunch by serving mimosas, Bellinis, sparkling cider or white wine. You can also offer your guests coffee flavored with a variety of liqueurs. For kids, hot chocolate and fresh fruit juice are great choices. Finally, be sure to decorate your table with festive accessories the day before your event.