Holiday 12-10-10

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Friday, December 10 , 2010

An interview with Santa Claus Wooden toys make a comeback Hide gifts from snoops Themed-gift basket ideas Gifts on a budget

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HOLIDAY

By Cyndi Woodworth Feature Writer

To many, the holidays are a time for being with family and friends. Whether it’s gift giving or hosting a holiday party, many people find themselves reaching deep into their pockets to make the holidays truly great.

Use these holiday tips to create a cheerful time that won’t break the bank.

Set a budget

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Financially friendly tips for the holidays

A wise way to have a wonderful holiday is to set up a budget.

Acco r d i n g t o t h e w e b s i t e CNNMoney.com, a budget is, “the only practical way to get a grip on your spending – and to make sure your money is being used the way you want it to be used.� The best way to have an affordable and financially friendly holiday is to set up a budget based on your own income. There are many free online services, such as Mint.com, that can be used to create a personal budget.

Ultimately, the keys to responsible holiday budgeting is to save up in advance, and stick to your plan.

Shop smart Before you hit the holiday stores, go snooping for signif icant deals. Many retailers have online websites that allow customers to sign up and receive newsletters and coupons. So go digital, and within a few clicks, you’ll be inthe-know about special holiday sales and discounts.

Also, pay attention to when and where you go. Year-round, c u s to m e r s c a n f i n d g r e a t deals on slightly used items at consignment shops and charitable stores, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Get crafty Holly Tripp, a teacher from Augusta, shops for the holidays by following the “quality over quantity� mantra. Tripp said, “I try to think of one really special thing for each person, and either buy or make it.� Making gifts can be a challenge, but the joy of giving an affordable, personalized gift may be worth the efforts.

If a person is new to the crafty side of holidays, Tripp suggested to “think of a special skill: knitting, sewing, cooking, making music, building things, and use it. Cruise the Internet for great ideas and try to use things that are around the house or won’t be too expensive to buy.�

Be sure to start early, and plan ahead, because crafts may take a while to complete.

Host “homey� holidays Crystal Stump, a mother of six from Auburn, often celebrates the holidays at home with her family. To Stump, good holiday memories begin with food. The key to success with homemade food is to confirm the number of guests, and always make more food than needed. Stump said, “Ser ve fresh veggie platters with homemade tuna, egg, and ham salad sandwiches.

Toss in some chips, and you have a Christmas party.�

The holidays are a time for family and friends. Regardless of presents and gifts, the spirit of the season is what people remember most. Before setting the table, or running off to the stores, remember that the best gifts are those filled with love.

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Foil the snoops: Extreme gift hiding

By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer Photographer

Local gift-hiders share their tips:

too hard, especially if you use ribbon. It will be too difficult for snoops to unwrap and re-wrap cleanly, and your surprises will remain intact.

If it’s small children you’re worried about, find hiding spots that are high up – if they can’t reach, they can’t peek. Beyond that, you might have to get a little more creative.

Items that aren’t temperaturesensitive can be cleverly placed in a garage, shed, or other outdoor spot that kids or spouses may not think to search.

Picking out the perfect gifts for loved ones is the fun part. The hard part? Keeping those gifts hidden until it’s time to give them.

With snooping gift recipients in the house (especially excited children), it’s important to find great hiding spots for all those presents.

Jules (Courteney Cox), on ABC’s “Cougar Town,” joked that she had to bury her son’s gifts in the backyard. Let’s hope you don’t have to go to such extremes.

Within the home, “The bathroom’s always a good one,” according to Jameson Bacon, of Naples. “Who’s going to look there?” Stashing gifts in the back of a linen closet or under the bathroom sink may keep them safely out of sight. John Pietila, of Lewiston, added that “the drawer under the stove” is a place no one thinks to check. (Just don’t leave anything there while the oven is in use.)

Anything that has storage space and zips shut or locks is a good option. Suitcases, hope chests, and trunks may be good places to

Tip: Treasure hunt

Stashing gifts in the back of a linen closet or under the bathroom sink may keep them safely out of sight. store gifts. Just pile some blankets or pillows on top just in case. And, if all else fails, get the gifts out of the house.

Patti LeBlanc, of Auburn, utilized layaway options at stores when her kids were young. It keeps the gifts at the store until the last minute, and also lets you get an early jump on shopping by letting you pick things out and hold them pretty far

in advance.

Having a friendly neighbor or family member help out is an option as well. Alicia Brissette, of South Paris, who has young children, said, “I’ll bring the presents to my mother’s house.”

Quick tip: wrapping the presents before you hide them may deter family members from snooping

Turn the act of hiding gifts into a treasure hunt for the gift receiver.

Hide the gifts where they won’t be discovered and then leave a clue on the Christmas tree. If the family sits down to breakfast before opening gifts - some families traditionally have a big breakfast first thing upon waking up - leave the clue on the table. Another place to leave the first clue is by the plate of cookies left out for Santa, if that is part of your tradition. The first clue should direct the searcher to another clue and then another clue. Four clues before hitting the jackpot is a good tease to finding the gift. Adjust the number of clues to the age of the searcher.

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Take the time to select gifts for special interests

By Elizabeth Webster Feature Writer / Photographer

What better way to relax after a fun day of skiing than with a good book that was on your “Most Wanted List.” Pam Morris, assistant manager of Walden Books in the Auburn Mall, said that die-hard readers usually provide their friends and family members with “a specific reading list. In addition, we sell a lot of Playboy magazines during this time. Many wives get them as stocking stuffers for their husbands,” she commented.

Readers also seem to like book lights that start at $9.99 and bookmarks, starting at $3.49.

Who doesn’t like snowmen? They’re a happy reminder of Maine’s winter wonderland. And unlike Christmasspecific decorations, which are usually packed away after the holidays, these little guys can stay out and keep you company all winter long.

Sports enthusiasts, ready to watch their athletic games, would probably enjoy receiving some items from Olympia Sports in Auburn, stated sales associate Cari Jolin. She noted that Celtics and other basketball jerseys run from $45 to $54, while Patriot football jerseys cost about $80, and knitted winter hats with fleece lining and team logos go for $22 and up. Celtics and Red Sox fans can start their day right with toast from a $34.99 toaster that imprints their team’s logo on their bread, she noted.

Snowmen aficionados will definitely want to stop by Provencher’s Landscaping Nursery Home & Garden Shoppe in Lewiston. “Our vanilla scented, battery-operated snowmen candles, priced at $11.99 each, are proving to be very popular with customers this season,” stated co-owner Lorraine Roberge. Complete the wintery effect by adding a star-shaped candle holder for $4.99 and faux star/berry wrap at $3.99 from Bear Necessities in Auburn.

Roberge noted that customers are purchasing outdoor, wooden-arrow holders which can be interchanged and hung with their favorite wooden snowmen and stars. Provencher’s also does brisk sales of fresh balsam wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, boxwood trees, and kissing balls, as well as designing fresh centerpieces.

Jim Myrick, owner of Skier’s Edge in Auburn, recommended that all skiers wear a helmet, which can go for $59 and up.

Myrick noted that he has a leopard fur covered helmet with

Whimsical gifts: Wendy Sinton, April 56 sales associate, stands behind a display of whimsical watering cans in different animal/bug/ bird shapes, designed by April Cornell.

fur-covered goggles in stock for $159. He stated that skiers will have a better day by inserting Super Feet Orthotics, which cost $39, into their ski boots. He also sells hand and feet warmers for under $5.

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Special interests from page 4

“Functional art is quite fun to receive,” commented Wendy Sinton, sales associate at April 56, on Front Street in Bath. She pointed to the whimsical watering cans, designed by April Cornell in different animal, bug, and bird shapes for $42 each.

Sinton said that customers were also buying the clear martini glasses that sit on thick, square-bottomed bases of blue and green glass. “They do double duty as both drink and dessert glasses,” she stated.

The knowledgeable folks at F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies, on 56 Maine Street in Brunswick, hope to convince more customers to turn over a new leaf and become more “green” in 2011. It can start with an attractive stainless steel kitchen compost pail ($39.95) to collect scraps for a compost pile. The carbon filters in the lid absorb odors and keep fruit flies away.

Shari Burke, sales associate, also recommended the BoGo Solar flashlight ($34.95) for its six settings – high, medium, and low for both tents and rooms. “It’s easy and pleasant to read a book at the high room setting,” she said, pointing out that the solar flashlight offers substantial cost savings by eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

“The solar panel recharges NiMH batteries, which are better for the environment than NiCad batteries,” Burke stated. She noted that in this economy, more people are bringing their own food for lunch. “We have a nice selection of reusable lunch ware starting with Wrap-N-Mats at $6.95,” she stated.

Baskets aren’t just for Easter. According to Lee Duguay, president of Craft-Mania on Center Street in Auburn, they provide an easy way to package up many of the above items listed. Duguay, who sells a variety of different-sized baskets and plastic covers at Craft-Mania, held up a gift basket that he quickly put together that included a pattern; popular Noro yarn, made from 50 percent wool, 30 percent angora and 20 percent silk; and bamboo knitting needles, “which traveling holiday knitters can take on planes. Metal knitting needles aren’t allowed,” he explained.

Others may want to hop on their bikes and cycle over to Delorme in Yarmouth to see its new Global Positioning System that won an award from Popular Mechanics “that

Nancy Leeman, floral designer at Provencher’s, holds up two vanilla-scented, battery-operated snowman candles that are proving popular with customers this season. They’re priced at $11.99 apiece.

moved society forward in 2010.”

Delorme’s Earthmate Pn-60w GPS system ($549.95) communicates wirelessly with a California company’s satellite messaging device, allowing users to type and send text messages from practically anywhere in the world via satellites.

While there, Delorme’s retail store is definitely worth checking out. It carries fun and interesting items and maps for all ages and interests, including geocaching, a recreational activity, where someone buries something for others to find using GPS. The geocache normally consists of a waterproof container, holding a logbook and inexpensive trinkets. Delorme’s retail store carries these items and much more.

David Brink, co-owner of CycleMania on Federal Street in Portland, said an under-$50 holiday biking basket could include cycling gloves for $19.95; rear flashing light for $10.95; chain lube for $6.95; and Allen wrench set for $9.95. A basket for about $100 would have a cycling jersey ($49.95); Co2 inflator

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

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Reduce stress this holiday season

By Dan Marois Feature Writer

For many, the holidays bring extra pressure to already stressed lives that often leave people angry, frustrated, or depressed. While there’s no easy solution to eliminate stress entirely, there are ways to help ease you through the season with less difficulty.

According to a staff report from www.mayoclinic.com, holiday meltdowns and disappointments arise from three “trigger” areas.

“Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you’re

to pursue the argument, I have offered, as a last resort, that you may always dismiss yourself from the situation,” said Carbonneau.

“Civility is key.”

thrust together for several days,” reported the Mayo Clinic staff.

The repor t mentioned that finances can pose challenges during the holiday season. “With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind,” noted the report. “Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.”

Carbonneau explained that while removing yourself from a situation is not always optimal, it does set a precedent with that family member and a limit that you will not allow yourself to be placed in a compromising situation.

Lorraine O. Wight, a licensed clini c a l s o cia l wo r ke r f ro m Lisbon Falls, believes that by taking action, disasters can be averted. “Try to enjoy the present moment and don’t dredge up old conflicts,” said Wight.

Holidays also take a physical toll on individuals and families. “Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out,” noted the report. “Being exhausted increases your stress.”

When it comes to relationship problems, Kristy Carbonneau, a licensed clinical social worker in Lewiston, believes that the holidays are never the right time to “hash out” differences. Such conflicts can cause discomfort for those who may witness the interaction and their holiday should not be dictated by arguments rather than celebrations.

When it comes to f inances, one of the biggest stress producers during the holidays is overspending.

“Decide together with your

When it comes to finances, one of the biggest stress producers during the holidays significant other or spouse on is overspending. whom you will be buying for and

“If a family member attempts to raise an issue of discontent, I offer to clients that they attempt to redirect these remarks with a

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allot how much you would like to spend on those individuals,” said Carbonneau. “Also, be upfront with people about gift giving. You may want to set a mutually agreed upon limit or decide not to give each other a gift.”

Pacing oneself and breaking up tasks is vital to survive the weeks before Christmas. Wight recommends that people pick a favorite holiday activity and focus only on those things that will make them feel good.

“If all the baking and cooking stresses you out, (simply) buy the food and use the spare time on things you like doing during the holidays,” said Wight. “Keep it simple and enjoy the moment.”

Carb onneau cautione d that expecting to get ever y thing done in a day or in one weekend is unrealistic and can cause you to feel overwhelmed.

“Break your ‘to do list’ into small tasks,” said Carbonneau. “If you try to get everything done at once, by the time the holiday draws near

Stress

page 15 ‰

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Know a Glee fan? Tailor your gifts based on a theme

By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer / Photographer

Part of the fun of giving a gift is showing the recipient how well you know them. You can do this by tailoring your gift to the recipient’s specific interests or hobbies.

COOKING: Put together a cooking basket with some stock baking ingredients (salt, pepper, oil, spices, etc.) and some kitschy kitchenware, like novelty salt and pepper shakers that reflect the recipient’s personality. Throw in a popular cookbook, such as Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking or Irma S. Rombauer’s Joy of Cooking for the chef in your life to play around with, and maybe even a cooking-themed DVD like “Julie and Julia,” starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child. The Food Network has also released several of its shows, such as “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and “Kitchen Classics” that may be of interest to the food guru in your life.

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READING: Pick up a copy of Peter Boxall’s 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die for the recipient, as well as a couple of books from the list to get them started. The list includes page-turners by authors like Chuck Palahniuk, Paul Auster, Joyce Carol Oates, Bret Easton Ellis, Philip Roth, Margaret Atwood, Tom Wolfe, Maya Angelou, Hunter S. Thompson, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jack Kerouac.

official merchandise is available on network websites.) If your recipient is a fan of “30 Rock,” put together a basket of “30”-themed things: cheese puffs, a “would you rather?” or “marry, boff, kill” game, anything with a peacock on it, and a “TGS with Tracy Jordan” t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug, or mousepad from NBC.com.

The gift recipient will enjoy the good literature and the thrill of the challenge. (If you’re not sure which books to get, go for a gift certificate to a book store so they can pick out their own top choices from the list.) You can also throw in a funky bookmark to add a whimsical touch to the gift, or add a journal that they can use to write down favorite quotations, keep track of what they’ve read, or jot down other reading-related notes.

Know a “Glee” fan? Get them a portable karaoke machine so they can practice their singing, and help them out by filling in the gaps in their “Glee” soundtrack collection (there are more than six volumes currently available in stores, including soundtracks to the “Rocky Horror”- and Madonnathemed episodes; the Christmas album is due soon). You can also pick up DVDs featuring “Glee” cast members before they joined show choir, such as “Bloody Mary” (featuring Cory Monteith) or “Music and Lyrics” (featuring Matthew Morrison), or the first “Glee” novelization, Glee: The Beginning.

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TRAVELING:

Base the gift on the recipient’s favorite show. (This is especially fun and easy now that so much

Give a map of the U.S. or the world and a box of pushpins, so they can place the pins on the map where

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

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For the travel buff: Give a map of the U.S. or the world and a box of pushpins.

For the reader on your list, pick up a copy of Peter Boxall’s 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die for the recipient.

they’ve been. It makes cool wall art and charts their accomplishments.

Accentuate the gift with travel books specific to a place they frequent or are dying to visit, or a list of must-see places. For a fun, quirky element, throw in a funky luggage tag.

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Some holiday traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Although they may sometimes change slightly, the purpose always remains the same.

Regardless of whether a tradition began with great-grandparents who brought traditions from their homelands, or at other milestones in your own life, traditions help us remember and celebrate the people and relationships that are, or were, most important in our lives.

Elise Paradis, a lifelong resident of the Lewiston area, celebrated her 101st birthday this year. Elise was born on a farm, the seventh of 13 children. Every year “we cut down the tree right on our own land,” she said. Her family didn’t have electricity, and the Christmas tree was decorated with lit candles.

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The Christmas stockings were hung on the railing in the upstairs hall using sock garters and on Christmas morning were full of candy and small gifts. Paradis’ favorite was the fresh orange that she always found at the very bottom. The oldest children always got to explore their stockings first, while the younger ones waited their turns.

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HOLIDAY

Paradis’ favorite memory is of Christmas the year she turned five years old. That year, Paradis got to the Christmas tree first. “Back then, they didn’t wrap the packages,” and the first thing she found was a little cloth dog. “I grabbed it, and it was mine,” she said with a smile. Many years later, Paradis’ mother-inlaw received a little cloth dog as a gift at Christmas.

Knowing Paradis’ story, her mother-in-law turned and presented the little dog to Paradis. “I kept it for years.”

Laurie Wilson Levine also grew up on a farm. The Wilson family’s big celebration occurred Christmas Eve when their dad would cook a thick, meaty soup they called “Hearty Hodge Podge” and they would open their gifts in new “jammies.” On Christmas

morning, her dad took to the woods and returned with fresh game to batter, pan fry, and serve with Redeye gravy, along with homemade biscuits and jam, hot coffee, and fresh eggs.

Wilson Levine recalled angel costumes and Christmas pageants at church. She enjoyed dressing up in the new, red velvet jumpers or skirts that her mother lovingly made every year for Levine and her three sisters, and “caroling” with their church and her 4H club.

The Wilson Christmas always included extended family and sometimes there were as many as 30 children gathered in their big farmhouse. Wilson Levine’s husband, Ike, described the half-hour that it took to open gifts as “a hurricane.” Levine, who grew up in a 20-story apartment building in New York City, a long way from the farm, celebrated Chanukah with his family and recalled the first Christian holiday that he experienced with the Wilson family. After being picked up at the airport and brought in through the kitchen door, he was dressed up as Santa and sent out to meet the family. The following morning his new father-in-law handed him a firearm and took him hunting for breakfast.

Traditions

page 9 ‰

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Spending time with the people who mean a lot to you shows that you care.

Traditions from page 8

Levine always looked forward to the eight-day Chanukah “festival of light” as he knew that there would be family visits to enjoy and a small gift to open every day. He also loved the food that each “Gramma” prepared. Although he enjoyed the matzo balls in chicken soup, potato latkes with apple sauce and sour cream, and the roasted brisket and potatoes, as well as the abundant baked goods and honey candies, his favorite Chanukah treat was when the children were allowed to drink soda mixed with a small splash of Manishewitz wine. “Our faces would get rosy red.” Levine, his sister, and their cousins enjoyed playing “Spin the Dreidel,” a traditional game with candy and cash prizes.

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Levine’s favorite memory is of lighting the candles of the Menorah.

To this day, as he lights each candle, he remembers the beloved members of his family who have passed on. The Levines, who live in Poland, keep both the Christian and Jewish traditions alive in their celebrations with their own children, though both will admit that the blending of faiths during the holiday season is “sometimes a tricky thing to do.”

In Vermont, Debra Miller’s three children set up a small tree in each of their rooms and on Christmas eve she sneaks a small gift under each tree for them to enjoy in the quiet of the moment that they wake up. Mary and Patsy Borsavage, sisters who grew up in a large family of Polish descent, remember tables filled with Polish ham, spicy kielbasa and butterball cookies

rolled in powdered sugar. In the Borsavage family, the youngest children got to open their Christmas stockings first, with Dad filming every moment.

Levine still lights the Menorah every year, and remembers. Wilson-Levine still gives her family new, freshly laundered jammies first so that they can wear them as they open their gifts. Miller’s children still set up their own small trees and look forward to that first gift. And Paradis still remembers the joy that she felt 96 years ago when she picked up “that little cloth dog” and hugged it, and the love she felt many years later, when her mother-in-law gave her a similar “little dog.”

Sometimes, it seems, it’s the small gestures and the special traditions that we remember every year that bring us the most joy during the holidays.

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

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HOLIDAY

9

Santa Claus: Behind the scenes with David Knight

By Deb Conway Feature Writer / Photographer

Maine lobster dinner.

When Santa isn’t busy working with the elves or singing his favorite Christmas Carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” his favorite hobby is cooking, and he can usually be found in the kitchen making sure that “his little round belly” will shake when he laughs “like a bowl full of jelly.”

As a child, after the cookies and carrots were left by the hearth and “the children were nestled all snug in their beds,” I would lay awake. It wasn’t visions of sugarplums, however, that danced in my head. I was carefully constructing the classic childhood Christmas caper. A covert operation that, if not perfectly planned and expertly executed was likely to land me on Santa’s “Naughty List,” permanently.

My mission: to observe from the shadows of the landing atop the stairs as Santa Claus stuffed stockings, unpacked presents, and tasted the treats that we had spent the afternoon baking. The Sandman always got to me first, and I never got to hear “the prancing and pawing of each little hoof” on the rooftop.

Sure, I had seen him at the mall and on the corner with his bells. I had even spent a few moments sitting on his knee, examining his beard for signs of fraud while reciting my Christmas list.

I wasn’t convinced, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

Now, years later on a sunny October day, it was time. Time to meet jolly old St. Nicholas face-to-face and time to ask him all the burning questions of my youth. It was time for the truth.

10 HOLIDAY

1

My first question: What question do you get asked most often? According to Santa, most people ask where Rudolph and the other reindeer are at the moment. Sometimes his answer is simply that they are resting up for the holiday and “sleeping in.”

Other times, however, depending on their recent cookie consumption (apparently, like the man in red, reindeer have quite a sweet tooth) they ’re of f to “summer training camp.” “Summer,” of course, being any season but the Christmas season.

While we were on the subject of cookies, Santa shared that although he “has never met a cookie [he] didn’t like,” his favorite is chocolate chip with walnuts, with a big glass of milk. As for the reindeer, when they are not sneaking Mrs. Claus’ cookies out of the North Pole kitchen, they enjoy carrots and celery.

After the “cookie” conversation, I naturally needed to know whether

Santa had ever gotten stuck in a chimney. No, he said, but he gets “pretty dirty, and sometimes the reindeer need to help.”

As to how he does it, usually “I just lay a finger aside of my nose” and then, by magic, “up the chimney I go.”

Santa never goes anywhere without several of his trademark red suits made of German velvet with a faux fur trim. When Santa isn’t “working,” he can often be found sporting bright Hawaiian shirts, with festive patterns.

I wondered if any child had ever “caught” Santa as he went about his work. According to Santa, in more than 500 years only one child has been successful and, no, it wasn’t me. The lucky tot’s cleverness was rewarded with a book and a glass of milk with Father Christmas, before being sent back to bed.

Santa’s favorite activities are reading to children and visiting children and the young-at-heart at hospitals and residential care facilities like the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and the Gorham House. Although he loves to meet kids at the mall, he also likes attending parties and both he and Mrs. Claus have been known to enjoy a

3

Doing that requires making sure that the whole family is on board with the idea before the shopping begins. Remind family and friends about the “reason for the season” and suggest homemade, gift giving.

All too soon it was time for me to spring to my own “sleigh” and “I heard him exclaim as [I] drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Though some quotations used above are excerpts of Santa’s favorite poem, “Twas The Night Before Christmas”

by Clement Clark Moore published in 1823, many quotes came directly from Santa himself.

By Jackie Rybeck Feature Writer / Photographer

Approaching the holidays without overspending requires us to reflect on the love and joy our family members share with one another. The emphasis should be on creating memories and not focusing on material things.

When Santa was a little elf, his favorite Christmas gifts were sleds and ice skates. This year, Santa’s wish is to take Mrs. Claus on a trip to North Carolina to visit their one-year-old granddaughter, Penelope, and her parents who are both in the medical branch of the Navy.

Their son is scheduled for deployment with the Marines this November, and Santa Claus will do his jolly best to spread good cheer amongst the Marines and their families before they deploy. Otherwise, Santa admits that he doesn’t like to travel much, with one David Knight really BIG exception!

I didn’t need to ask about the beard. It really was “as white as the snow.” Santa did confess, however, that he actually spends a lot of time primping and that he is no stranger to modern appliances, including a curling iron.

On a budget? Get crafty with your gifts

4

According to Lee Duguay at Craft-Mania in Auburn, putting effort and thought into a homemade treasure can be much more rewarding than running to the mall and buying the first thing you see.

2

David Knight became Santa Claus in 1982. At that time, he was living on the island of Guam and working for the Navy. Though he currently enjoys his work with the U.S. Postal Service in Denmark, Maine, he has also worked as a paramedic with the fire and rescue departments in Naples and Casco.

Sharing his enthusiasm and Christmas spirit is his “way of giving back” and encouraging others to embrace “the spirit of giving.” Mrs. Claus, his biggest helper, shares his enthusiasm and thoroughly supports his efforts to spread Christmas cheer.

According to Knight, although Santa Claus is known by many names throughout the world, in essence, he is “the spirit of friendship and kindness that you share at Christmastime. Santa is a twinkle in your eye, and a smile on your face.”

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

“In these days of text messaging and electronic greeting cards, people really enjoy receiving gifts that you have made with your own hands,” he said.

“Craft-Mania has a lot of items that you might not think about in a craft store,” he added. “We carry decorating supplies, boxes, and tins for creative packaging.”

Homemade gift ideas: Masterpieces for grandparents are always treasured gifts. Your child can do most of the work by using paints, crayons or markers depending on their age. Purchase a nice frame with matting and create a work of art fit for hanging on the wall. It always beats being hung on the refrigerator with a magnet and can be changed when the next holiday comes around.

What child doesn’t love to use their imagination? A sock puppet theater can easily be made for hours and hours of play.

Depending on your skills, the theater can be made from a large cardboard box or three pieces of MDO or matboard.

it. Grab your computer and put together a cookbook, including photos of the person submitting the recipe. If you aren’t crafty with the computer, you can put handwritten recipes in a recipe box with memories on the back.

Check online for dozens of decorating ideas, including gluing sparkly gems around the stage to appear like lights. For the puppets, you can use miniature dolls or stuffed animals. Better yet, wrap a package of socks and add wiggly eyes, hair, and accessories to let the child create their own puppets, making for more hours of fun.

The gift of time. You may have close friends or relatives with two children and a hectic schedule. A night alone may be quite a luxury that they can’t afford. Throw in a DVD of their favorite movie or create a DVD with family photos for them to watch.

Add homemade fudge, popcorn, and hot cocoa. Most importantly, throw in a gift

Contact family members – the older the better. Ask for family-favorite recipes and a cherished memory that goes along with

Get crafty

page 15 ‰

PHOTOS: 1. Frame a child-made piece of art for a grandparent; 2. Puppet theaters create hours of fun; 3. Homemade cookies for cookie swaps, gifts, or to fill the cookie jar; 4. Candy made-by-you or candy-making supplies for the candy lover on your list.

HOLIDAY 11

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Wooden toys today still make great gifts

By Donna Rousseau Feature Writer / Photographer

Wooden toys, once a mere twinkle in the eye of a wood carver, have held their appeal and charm over the years.

Catherine Raynor, of Morin’s Fine Furniture and Refinishing in Lewiston, said that she has seen a trend toward wooden toys and children’s furniture over the last 10 years. In fact, Raynor makes trips to Lancaster, PA and Amish country throughout the year to purchase wooden toys for the showroom and she takes orders from people who want specific items in time for Christmas. She is currently restoring a customer’s baby doll high chair as well as another family’s wooden plane, wagon, and tractor.

“People like the idea of passing on wooden toys to the next generation. Wooden toys have character and have stood the test of time. They hold memories and stories for sharing,” said Raynor. “Wooden toys can be repaired. How many times has a child come to a parent with a broken plastic toy that can’t be fixed?

I remember saving plastic kitchen sets and toys for my grandchildren and now I realize they aren’t at all what I want to pass on to them.”

Cheryl Cloutier, of Lewiston, says her love of refinished wooden toys is sentimental.

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12 HOLIDAY

“I had a rocking chair that was mine as a child and I had it re-finished for my grandchild. Now Cathy is refinishing a doll high chair and I ordered an Amishmade baby carriage through her. I thought they would make a nice set, the rocker, the chair, and the carriage.”

Wooden toys needn’t be heirlooms, however.

Companies, including Melissa & Doug, offer a wide range of wooden toys that may become the heirlooms of tomorrow.

Laurie and Shawn Rousseau, of Kennebunkport, have two daughters, Sophie, age 4, and Whitney, 16 months. Among the girls’ favorite toys are the Melissa & Doug wooden castle with wooden characters, a wooden birthday cake, and a dollhouse and schoolhouse, also wooden, from Pottery Barn Kids.

“We love the Melissa & Doug toys,” said Laurie. “They are simply better quality products; they last longer and are made with better materials. As a mom, I think wooden toys are more appealing to the eye. I just like wooden toys better.”

Susan Hilton, of Warren, who has two children, Charlotte, 5, and William, 3, agreed. “I like wooden toys for the kids because they look like something Santa and his elves really could have made, which is magical. They are made from natural materials and when they are no longer played with or broken I don’t have to concern myself with the environmental impact of filling a landfill with non-biodegradable plastic. I also am concerned with the impact of making plastics.

Wooden toys are simple, quiet, and when the kids play with them you can see them thinking and using their imaginations.”

Laurie St. Pierre, owner of Percy’s Burrow in the Auburn Mall, carries a full line of wooden toys and sees how children engage with them right in her store. “We have a whole kitchen set up in the store and the kids love to play in it. We have wooden pots and pans, wooden cupcakes that can be decorated with markers then wiped clean to decorate again,” stated St. Pierre. “We carry predominately wooden toys, specifically Melissa & Doug, though we also have Roy Toy, a version of the old Lincoln Logs, that is Maine-made .”

Previously, St. Pierre’s customers had to travel 3 0 m i l e s to Au g u s t a , Freeport, or Brunswick to find a good inventory of Melissa & Doug toys. Today, she said, her customers tell her she has one of the largest selections of wooden toys they’ve seen. St. Pierre’s inventory also includes wooden train sets, work benches, and, in time for Christmas, 12 styles of wooden dollhouses for construction and decorating.

“We can also special order items and have them here in three days,” said St. Pierre. “And we can help parents and grandparents select toys that are developmentally appropriate for a child.”

Whether an heirloom or newly bought from the store, wooden toys certainly have play appeal. For parents, it may be a wooden toy’s charm or durability.

For some, it may be their “green” factor or simply that wooden toys are produced in the U.S.A. Perhaps, however, it is, as St. Pierre has witnessed in her own store, the wooden toys beckon a child’s imagination. In a child’s midst, wooden blocks become castles and bridges that take them to far-off lands and wooden kitchens and cradles set the stage for a child’s story to magically unfold the play.

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

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It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Very Best Fudge Manager for the Nestle Test Kitchens, you can This recipe makes 4 pounds or 48, 2-piece servings bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me 3 cups granulated sugar pass along to you some 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk of my best recipes, tips 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or and baking secrets. margarine Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like sharing some homemade goodies with friends and neighbors.

I love giving creamy, chocolaty fudge to folks – it’s always a hit and it’s so easy to make. I have a new cookie recipe to share this year, too, and I’m very excited about it. These lemon cookies have just the right amount of bright, lemony flavor that balances beautifully with the white morsels in every bite.

And dipping them in the melted morsels not only adds more of that great taste, it makes them very pretty, too.

I hope you have as much fun as I do baking and sharing your favorite recipes this holiday season. You can find even more giftable goodie recipes at www.

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

HOLIDAY 13

Giftable

into prepared pan(s). Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

from page 13

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PREHEAT oven to 350º F. 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup grated lemon peel 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels, divided 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening

UNWRAP logs; cut each log with serrated knife into 16 slices, about 1/2-inch thick. If necessary, reshape edges of cookies. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

COMBINE flour and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, lemon peel and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until fluffy. Add flour mixture just until blended. Stir in 1 cup morsels.

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DIP top half of cookies into melted morsels. Scrape off excess against side of bowl. Place on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until set.

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Kids gifts by the numbers Toys”R”Us announces 2010 holiday hot toy list Squishy Pencil-Toppers, a Kooky Harmonizing Quartet, Monstrous Fashion Dolls and Collectible Critters among toys expected to WOW kids this Christmas

Every holiday season, parents look forward to finding the perfect presents that will WOW their kids and elicit cheers of excitement when the wrapping paper is torn off on Christmas morning. To provide gift-givers with a starting point in developing their holiday s h o p p i n g c h e c k l is t s , to d ay Toys”R”Us unveiled its annual Holiday Hot Toy List, filled with 36

items that are new this year and offer outstanding value in quality, price and play.

As the world’s leading dedicated specialty toy retailer, Toys”R”Us spends the year testing and tracking new product introductions from around the world to identify the best-of-the-

Toy list

page 15 ‰

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Get crafty

Toy list

certificate to take their children for the evening or overnight.

best items to include on this annual list.

from page 11

Food is always a cherished gift, but it doesn’t have to be a simple box of candy or a tin with cookies. Be creative. If making cookies, throw in a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and recipe on a bow. For candy giving, fill the gift box with molds, melting chocolates, and wrappers or fill the candy in something the person can use, like a decorative bowl or flower vase. If giving homemade preserves, add items to go along with them. For example, if you make jam, add elegant crackers or biscuits and a fancy knife for spreading.

Memory jar. An elderly relative or friend will enjoy this gift every day of the year. Pass out recipe cards and request that everyone write their favorite memories of that person. Try to gather 365 cards and fold them in half. Decorate a large jar and fill it with the cards and instructions to open one per day.

Winter warmth. Throw 3 peppermint sticks, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 cup of nondairy cream, and 3 / 4 cup of unsweetened cocoa in a blender.

Grind to a powder and place in a decorative jar or tin. Gift wrap with a snow-themed mug, personalized calendar, or book and fuzzy socks.

According to Duguay, homemade gifts can be as much fun to make as they are to give. Some of his favorite memories have come from homemade gifts and will be cherished for a lifetime.

“As a child, my whole family would get together and each would make a Christmas ornament every year,” he smiled.

“I still hang some of these ornaments made almost 40 years ago on my tree.”

THE TOYS”R”US 2010 HOLIDAY HOT TOY LIST

sounds, lights, music and more.

Little ones will love controlling the dancing lights on the tabletop whenever they slide the seashell door back and forth. Kids can also turn a starfish around to hear fun bubble noises and flip the pages of the attached book to hear a silly sound! 3 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 36 months.

Baby’s First Christmas

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Go Baby Go Stride-to-Ride Dino from Fisher-Price

1-2-3 Large Zoo from Playmobil

from page 14

There to assist little ones as they begin to take their first steps, this friendly-faced prehistoric pal will have tiny tots stomping along in no time! Featuring a large wheel base and sturdy handle bar, this dino makes the perfect walker for little ones preparing to take their first steps.

While in motion, three lights on the dino’s head will dance along as music plays, including three songs, two tunes and five fun sound effects. When a child is ready to ride their dinosaur, rather than walk behind it, moms can easily slide the two rear legs together to create a comfy seat. 3 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.

Ocean Wonders Deep Blue Sea Table from Fisher-Price Loaded with fun ocean-themed activities for babies and toddlers, this Toys”R”Us exclusive starts an under-sea adventure when children roll the ball – with a friendly fish inside – to activate

Stress

from page 6 you run the risk of getting sick due to stress and a potentially compromised immune system.”

Carbonneau suggested creating group projects to ease the burden of things to be done.

“Encourage others in the family to help. Bake cookies and sing holiday carols while everyone in the family helps to wrap gifts.

Make a special family night out

Young animal lovers will be delighted with this playset, which comes with everything needed to create an imaginary day at the zoo and is available exclusively at Toys”R”Us. The bright colors, chunk y pieces and rounded animal f igures, including a giraffe, monkey, elephant, zebra, horse, lamb and more, are easy for little ones to grab and place on display. Additional figures and pieces, including a family of four, zookeeper and bench for spectators, complete the set and make for hours of pretend zoo fun.

No batteries required. Ages 1-1/2 and up.

Disney Dance Star Mickey from Fisher-Price Kids can get into the groove with their fun-loving pal, Mickey Mouse as he takes over the dance floor.

Just by pressing Mickey’s foot, the marvelous mouse comes to life as he dances along to one of six different songs in a variety of musical stylings, such as Disco, Techno and Latin – he even does the “Moonwalk.”

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Toy list

page 16 ‰

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of decorating the house,” she said. “It can create a feeling of togetherness and you don’t have to feel the burden of the holiday on your shoulders alone.”

Despite your best efforts, if you find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores, during the holiday, the Mayo Clinic staff recommends talking with your family physician or a mental health professional.

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

HOLIDAY 15

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2 to 4 years Lil’ Zoomers Spinnin’ Sounds Speedway from Fisher-Price From rattling cars and zooming speedway sounds to lively music and flashing lights, little ones will stay captivated by this fast-moving miniature racetrack. Kids can make the easy-to-grasp, shake-and-roll cars travel down a ramp and into a light-up raceway where they whiz and swirl around until the spinning action sends each vehicle through the exit. The first car to zip under the spinning flag wins this wacky race. 4 “C” batteries required (not included). Ages 6 months and up.

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Whether going on a stroll with Mom and Dad or learning how to ride a tricycle, little ones will love this red and black-themed grow-with-me tricycle that offers three distinct modes and is available exclusively at Toys”R”Us. Featuring a full metal frame and handle, parents can push their children around town using the adjustable handle, while a built in clutch switches control of the vehicle between the parent and child. Kids can stop on their own with the included foot brake system. The Smart Trike can also be outfitted with a washable seat cover and a red and black canopy to keep toddlers shaded while riding, and an included play phone lets kids cruse the neighborhood while pretending to talk to their friends. Additionally, a storage bucket lets kids take their favorite treasures along on any

BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES from Hasbro Little ones will love playing “mommy ” to this energetic doll that that moves and makes babbling sounds, just like a real toddler. Kids grab hold of their baby’s hands to watch her spring to life, bouncing as she plays.

Showing off her wide eyes and huge smile, BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES is barely able to contain her excitement, chattering and chuckling as she bops up and down. 3 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 3 years and up.

Calico Critters Luxury Townhouse from International Playthings This four-room, two-story, spacious townhouse features enough space for an entire family of Calico Critters and their Cloverleaf Corner friends, available exclusively at Toys”R”Us. Boasting a balcony and an outdoor patio, this luxury playset is the finest home in the Cloverleaf Corner Community. Measuring 12 x 12 inches, the house has many amenities, including chandelier fixtures and customizable decor pieces to offer children hours of open-ended pretend play, as well as fun and easy storage for all of their Calico Critters. 2 “AA” batteries required. Ages 4 to 6 years.

Disney-Pixar “Toy Story 3” Imagine Tri-County Landfill from Fisher-Price

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Kids can relive the climax of “Toy Story 3” with this Toys”R”Us exclusive playset that recreates the Tri-County Landfill movie scene where everyone’s favorite toys were almost incinerated! Just like in the movie, the toys can be picked up in a giant scoop and then dropped into a sorter before landing on a conveyor belt that leads to an incinerator. Featuring two-inch scale versions of Buzz Lightyear, Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and three Aliens, kids can plan a great escape using the “claw” or anything else that sparks their imagination. No batteries required.

Ages 3 to 6 years.

Geotrax Transportation System Christmas in Toy Town RC Set from Fisher-Price All aboard for a Christmas of WOWs with this Toys”R”Us exclusive radiocontrolled train set, designed for the smallest engine er s.

Featuring more than 20 pieces of interchangeable Snap-Lock track, children can reconstruct Toy Town many different ways, whether they want to create a traditional city or add holiday cheer by making the train travel around the Christmas tree. Kids can even trim their town with miniature wreaths, trees and more, while Christmas music plays from both the train and controller.

3 “AA” and 15 “AAA” batteries required (included). Ages 2 to 7 years. This item will be available in November.

Imaginext Bigfoot the Monster from Fisher-Price The legendary Bigfoot has left the forest and landed in homes, not as a mythical creature, but as a remote-controlled friend.

Featuring over 80 actions and phrases, Bigfoot stomps around, throws t antr ums , e xe rcis es , somersaults, naps and more when kids press buttons on a foot-shaped remote control.

Each button on the included remote features a symbol, making it easy for kids to use, even before they learn how to read. Bigfoot also comes with a ball he can toss and food for munching. 2 “AA” (not included) and 1 “7.2 V” (included) batteries required. Ages 3 to 8 years.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, December 2, 2010

Tree skirts: Beautiful from top to bottom

By Tresa Erickson

Set up the Christmas tree, string the lights, hang the ornaments, add the tree topper, and voila, you’re done, right?

Nope. You forgot all about the bottom of the tree. How are you going to dress it up and disguise the tree stand? You could use a traditional tree skirt, or you could go with something else entirely, like a damask tablecloth or silk sheet. The choice is yours.

Should you prefer the traditional tree skirt, you may already have one on hand you can use.

If not, you may want to purchase one or make one. You will find hundreds of tree skirts to choose from. Generally, the more elaborate the design, the higher the price tag will be.

If you don’t find anything you like, perhaps you could make your own tree skirt. Several patterns are available, some requiring little to no sewing. Just make sure you select a tree skirt that suits your decor and can be used from year to year.

While that bright red skirt with Santa and his reindeer might be cute, it might not work so well for future color palettes.

If you like to change things up a lot, you might want to consider using the alternative. Take a look around your home and see if there are any linens or fabric scraps that would complement your holiday decor.

That plaid throw on your recliner might work well for a rustic theme, whereas that large scrap of crushed red velvet might work well for a Victorian theme.

Planning to run a train around your tree?

Why not purchase some sparkled white batting and create a snowy backdrop for the train to run against?

Sleigh Ride Tree Skirt: NOSTALGIC SLEIGH RIDE counted cross stitch tree skirt by Nicky Boehme—for this year and many more to come. Kit includes 11-count white Aida cloth, presorted cotton floss, needle, chart and directions. 45” diam.

– Courtesy of The Stitchery.

Whatever type of tree skirt you choose, it should be large enough to cover the tree stand and extend the width of the branches. Anything smaller than that will look overwhelmed, while anything larger could pose a tripping hazard.

The point of a Christmas tree skirt is to dress up the bottom of the tree, disguise the tree stand and provide a good backdrop for the presents. Sure, by the time the holiday arrives, the bottom of your tree might be loaded down with presents, but until then, you can make it look good with the right tree skirt.

Tree skirts shown here are available at www.stitchery.com.

Celebrate the most celebrated holiday with tag’s holiday collection. The Merry Moose Felt Tree Skirt by tag is hand appliqued and embroidered with ric rac trim and a pom pom nose. With a metal snap closure, decorating your tree will be fun and simple. – Courtesy of The Stitchery.

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Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

HOLIDAY 17

On a budget: Create and enjoy festive trees for less Hosts and hostesses celebrating Christmas often find that Christmas trees are the focal point of a well-decorated home.

And it’s easy to create a beautiful and fun Christmas tree, while saving enough money for presents.

First, you’ll need a Christmas tree. To get more tree for your money, consider an artificial tree. They are available in all shapes, sizes and materials, and they can easily be stored after the holidays for use year after year. Once you have your tree up, make it sparkle with lights.

Choose between a variety of colors or white lights. Check discount stores such as Dollar General for inexpensive lights that will make your tree beautiful and bright.

For a sophisticated look, decorate your tree according to a theme, such as a food or candy motif. Hang candy canes, popcorn and candy garlands, which can be made by stringing hard candies like Life Savers on fishing wire.

Or focus on special interests such as sports, traveling or gardening. Decorate

a tree with your favorite sports team’s memorabilia and colors. Keep your tree simple by choosing one or two colors for the tree’s decor. For kids, decorate with their favorite color. Make tissue-paper flowers to place on your tree. All you need is tissue paper and pipe cleaners.

Instructions can be found online at www. craftjr.com.

For a tree that will help you remember the good times, hang mementos that you’ve collected throughout the year instead of traditional, often expensive ornaments. Choose knick-knacks from family vacations, party pictures, favors from weddings or showers, or kids’ arts and crafts projects.

Hang holiday greeting cards from family and friends on your tree. To turn these trinkets into ornaments, glue or attach ornament hangers to each item. Your tree will be a reminder of the fun shared throughout the year. For a more international feel, use inexpensive wrapping paper to make origami cranes – symbols of peace. Paper birds of all sizes will look beautiful on your tree and can be a fun project for the whole family.

For directions on making numerous origami shapes, visit www.origamiinstructions.com. (NewsUSA)

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Nov. 26-Dec. 24, Bethel: Country Christmas in Bethel has small town atmosphere, lots of fun events; Dec. 11 & 18: Free horse-drawn wagon rides, 2-4 p.m. on the Bethel Common; Dec. 19: Living Nativity on the Bethel common, Sunday, 5 p.m.; and more.

Dec. 3-12, Monmouth: The Monmouth Community Players will present The Butterfingers Angel, Mary & Joseph, Herod the Nut, & the Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree at the Cumston Hall Theater.

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Dec. 11-12, Lewiston: Heritage Christmas Concert, FrancoAmerican Heritage Center. Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

Dec. 11-12, Augusta: Augusta Armory Christmas Craft Show.

Dec. 12, Norway: The Second Congregational Church will present CHRISTMASTIDE concert, 3 p.m.

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Dec. 11, Farmington: Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Fairbanks Union Church.

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Dec. 18, Paris: The Paris Public Library’s annual Children’s Holiday Fest, 1-3 p.m.

Dec. 19, South Paris: Heritage Christmas Concert, First Congregational Church, is a collaboration of the Androscoggin Chorale and the Edward Little High School Chamber Choir. 4 p.m.

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

Homemade gifts you can make on a Saturday afternoon

By Suzanne DeJohn

Spend a Saturday afternoon making some homemade gifts.

There are a number of different projects that can be completed in the time it would take to shop for alternative gifts. And because most people are too busy these days to find time to make gifts, homemade items seem all the more appreciated.

Soap. Although making soap from scratch is time-consuming and requires the use of caustic lye, there’s an easier way to make “handmade� so ap. You c an purchase glycerine soap in bulk, melt it down, then mix in some herbs, essential oils, pumice, fragrance oils, ground oatmeal, or flower petals. Pour the mix into soap molds, let it cool and harden, and you’ve got a special gift.

Glycerine soap is available at craft supply stores; you can get goat milk glycerine soap from Pinetree G ard en S e e ds (ht tp: //w w w. superseeds.com). Lotions and salves are a little more involved to make, but are also welcome gifts.

Homemade notecards. If you have some favorite plant pictures, turn them into notecards by mak ing color copies of the photos. Purchase blank cards and matching envelopes, then cut out the photos and use a glue stick or double-sided tape to attach them to the front of the blank cards. If you have a scanner, you can scan in the photos, resize them as necessary, and even play with photo-editing software for some cool special effects. Another option is to glue plant material, such as leaves, grasses, flower petals, or ferns onto a piece of paper, and photocopy this collage to use on the cards. (The flatter

the plant material, the better the photocopy, so avoid large berries or thick seedpods.) Sometimes simpler is better – a few wellplaced grass seed heads can make an elegant and tasteful image.

Herb blends. Using your own homegrown herbs or purchased ones, create special herb mixes.

Consult recipe books for common herb combinations, or go out on a limb and make something unusual.

Include a recipe card with the blends. Consider sage, rosemary, and thyme for a cream cheese dip mix, or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for mulled cider mix.

Homemade curry mixes can be made mild or hot, and might include coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. Taco seasoning might include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. You can purchase herbs and spices in bulk at most natural foods stores.

together, or an herb blend tasting.

These days, time is a precious commodity, so giving a gift you’ve made yourself sends a special message of caring to the recipient.

And you might be surprised at just how little time it takes to make homemade gifts. – Courtesy of the National Gardening Association.

These days, time is a precious commodity, so giving a gift you’ve made yourself sends a special message of caring to the recipient.

Candles. Decorate store-bought candles with ferns, leaves, or flower petals. Start by melting a tray of paraffin over a pan of water. Melt it over low heat and watch it carefully! Then use a dab of the melted wax to attach the leaves and petals to the candle.

Once you’ve got it all attached, gently roll the candle in the tray of paraffin to form a coating over the added plant material. Allow it to dry, then buff it with a cloth.

Painted flowerpots. Use acrylic paint to decorate a flowerpot. Terra cotta pots are now available in a range of sizes and shapes, and they are usually relatively inexpensive.

You can use stencils or draw something freehand. Or use leaves or fern fronds to “stamp� an image onto the container – just paint the leaf, then press it against the pot to transfer the paint. You may want to prime the pot first with a waterbased primer, and, once you are done decorating, finish it off with coat of clear varnish to protect it.

Kits. If the recipient enjoys crafts, consider putting together kits for these projects. Include all the materials necessary, plus instructions. You might even plan an afternoon soap-making get-

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010

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HOLIDAY 19

Look for more letters in the rest of our Holiday Series and in the Season’s Greetings on these dates: Fridays. December 17 and 24.

We’ll pick a winner every week!

This week’s winner is Owen V. He will take his family to see the Maineiacs at the Colisee on Thursday, December 30th at 7:00 pm. (4 tickets!)

20 HOLIDAY

Feature Stories & Advertising, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 10, 2010