Holiday Gift and party guide 2021_12_17

a blank slate media special section • december 17, 2021

HOLIDAY & Gift Party Guide

30 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Great gifts for F ood plays a big role come the holiday season, when friends and family tend to gather around the dinner table to share good meals and catch up on the year’s happenings. But while food plays an integral role at holiday gatherings, food also makes a great gift for that friend or family member on your holiday list who loves to savor a good meal no matter the time of year.

Thanks in part to celebrity chefs and television shows that teach viewers how to make gourmet meals at home, it’s now easier than ever before for food lovers to expand their culinary horizons. Gifting such food fanatics can be fun and may even inspire a love of unique cuisine in holiday shoppers, especially those who consider the following gift ideas.

Cooking kit: Ingredients and other essential elements of good meals were once taken for granted. But more and more foodies are now creating their own foods from scratch. Bacon fans may fall in love with a kit that helps them cure and smoke their own bacon, while those

food fanatics

who love fresh, homemade bread may appreciate a bread-making kit that includes flour, a pan, some recipes, and other items necessary to make the perfect homemade loaf of bread. Cooking kit options are vast so find a food your loved one can’t go without and purchase the appropriate kit.

Gardening tools: While the holiday season might not seem like the ideal time to buy your favorite foodie some gardening tools, such items make the perfect gift for your loved one who wants to grow his or her own fruits and vegetables. Locally grown produce has become increasingly popular among foodies focused on eco-conscious cooking practices, and it does not get much more local than home cooks’ own backyards.

Cutlery set: Though it’s easy to overlook, cutlery goes a long way toward making home cooks’ jobs easier. The right cutlery set, which may include one or two chef’s knives, a vegetable knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, and other knives home cooks will appreciate, can make preparing a meal easier and

more efficient than cooking without a set. High-end cutlery sets can cost several hundred dollars, but shoppers on more limited budgets can still find quality cutlery sets for less money.

Food getaway: Many foodies love to travel so they can experience cuisines popular overseas or in different regions of the country.

Men and women whose spouses love food can plan a food-themed getaway weekend to a locale that specializes in a type of food their significant others enjoy or have always wanted to try. For example, men and women who love lobster may enjoy a trip to Maine’s annual Lobster Festival, while those who can’t get enough barbecue may appreciate a trip to one of the country’s more notable barbecue spots, such as Memphis, Kansas City, North Carolina or Texas.

Food-themed gifts make the perfect holiday present for food fanatics, and shoppers have an endless array of options to satisfy their favorite foodies’ appetites.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE

31

Great gifts for

seniors

B

y the time they reach senior status, many adults have amassed a ton of stuff along with their irreplaceable knowledge. Come their golden years, grandparents and other aging loved ones probably don’t need much in the way of material possessions, which can make it challenging to find them holiday gifts.

Finding great gifts for seniors may take a little more effort, but with these ideas at the ready, it’s likely gift-givers can make this holiday merry for everyone on their shopping lists.

Family photo memories Many seniors love to talk about their life histories. What better way to be the catalyst for conversation than to create a photo album that chronicles their lives? Photos can be included alongside historical documents, such as old school projects, military discharge papers, awards, and even genealogical information. Photo puzzles, photo calendars and any home decor with a photo printed on it are variations on this theme.

Assistance gifts Seniors want to remain as independent as possible. By giving items that help them do just that, you can bring smiles to their faces.

One idea is motion-sensing light switches and fixtures. If and when nature calls in the middle of the night, hallways or bathrooms can be illuminated effortlessly.

Shower and bathroom grab bars are another idea. These provide extra security and stability when getting in and out of the shower or when using the toilet.

For seniors who just need a little extra

reach, a grab tool can easily snag packages from a top shelf or pick up items that may have dropped to the floor, eliminating bending or straining.

Practical technology Seniors may not be as immersed in technology as young people, but they purchase their share of gadgets and increasingly rely on tech to get through the day. To free up more time for rest and relaxation, invest in an iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum. This simple device will clean floors easily, moving from room to room without the need for a bulky canister or upright vacuum.

Consider an easy-to-use tablet, pre-loaded with handy applications.

Grandparents can use video chatting to keep in touch with grandchildren living across the country. Easily refill prescription medication with a pharmacy app just a click away. Stream favorite movies or channels through video streaming sites, like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Tablets tend to be lightweight, portable and user-friendly.

Personal care Even independent seniors may benefit from a little extra companionship and assistance when family members are not able to make frequent visits.

Hiring a visiting care worker, who can do everything from organizing pills to making dinner to tackling some laundry, can provide the help seniors need with their daily errands.

Seniors are a thriving and growing demographic. It may seem challenging to purchase gifts for older loved ones, but with a little know-how, it’s easy to find the right present.

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32 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Eco-friendly gift ideas for G

green giving

iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown.

Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural

Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts.

resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle.

For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.

Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded

plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts.

Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.

Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners.

Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.

Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories.

The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

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34 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Gifts for holiday hosts

T

he season of entertaining is in full swing, with family, friends and coworkers gathering at various locales to enjoy some holiday spirit together.

When celebrating the holidays, it is customary to offer hosts a token of appreciation.

During the season of giving, it may be challenging to find a gift that stands out in the crowd. However, some of the best gifts for hosts focus on their love of entertaining family and friends.

Music speaker: Music often is an integral part of entertaining, but not every party host is equipped with a stellar sound system. Today’s Bluetooth-enabled music speakers run the gamut from handheld options to speakers that combine mood lighting with sound to large units.

Shoppers can find speakers that suit the space hosts have to work with and ones that won’t bust shoppers’ budgets.

Bar tools: Toasting the season (or any occasion) is par for the course at a party or get-together. Avid entertainers can benefit from having new bar tools, such as mixers and serving glasses, to make sure guests’ cups are never empty.

Party games: Keeping guests content often involves having plenty of beverages and food available. However, for the hosts who want to go above and beyond, game night or other entertainment-based

activities can add flair to special events.

Board games, physical games (like horseshoes or bean bag tosses), games for video gaming systems, and even karaoke machines can fit the bill.

Cake stand or serviceware: Hosts may want to put foods on display, and a decadent cake stand or serving plate will make occasions more glamorous.

Spa gift certificate: Hosting can be hard work. After the guests have come and gone, hosts will no doubt need some time to rest and recuperate. This can be achieved more easily with a gift card to a nearby spa or massage therapist.

Cleaning service: The gift of a cleaning service saves hosts from having to do the post-party cleanup, and giving such a gift in advance of the party can be the helping hand hosts need as the chore list grows in the days before the party.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE

Create a delicious dessert for holiday

celebrations

L

avish meals are a large part of holiday celebrations, with many people indulging in dinners and desserts throughout the holiday season. This is a time when many families display their best recipes, and these may include certain desserts that can be labor-intensive to make or something more fitting for a special occasion.

Cheesecake is an example of a dessert that, due to the time it takes to create and the richness of the dessert itself, is not something many people eat on a regular basis. However, with a time-saving recipe, cheesecake can become a dessert prepared in little time for holiday festivities. Try “Cinnamon Caramel Cheesecake Squares” from “Pampered Chef Season’s Best, Fast, Fun & Fabulous” by Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens.

Cinnamon Caramel Cheesecake Squares Makes 24 squares 2 2 1 2 ¾ 1 ½

8-ounce packages seamless crescent dough 8-ounce packages cream cheese egg teaspoons vanilla extract cup sugar, divided Flour for dusting tablespoon cinnamon cup caramel topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Unroll one package of crescent dough into a shallow baking pan. Roll out the dough to edges.

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2. Heat the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, uncovered, on high for 30 to 40 seconds, or until softened. Whisk until almost smooth.

3. Add the egg, vanilla and 1⁄2 cup of the sugar to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Spread over the crescent dough.

4. Lightly sprinkle the flat side of a cutting board with flour. Unroll the second package of crescent dough and roll it into a 13- by 12-inch rectangle.

5. Fold the dough in half from the short end; gently lift and place in the pan.

Unfold and gently stretch the dough over the cream cheese layer; press the edges to seal. Cut off corners of dough hanging over and discard.

6. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Combine the remaining 1⁄4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Place the caramel topping in a 1-cup measuring cup.

8. Remove the pan from the oven.

Immediately pour the caramel topping over the cheesecake and spread to the edges of the crust. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture; let stand for 10 minutes.

9. Using a utility knife, cut into 4 x 6 rows to make 24 squares.

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36 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE

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38 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Steps to take before giving pets as gifts some people may be allergic to certain animals or simply not have the time or energy to devote to pet ownership.

No one wants to return an animal to a kennel, and forcing a loved to take on the unwanted responsibility of pet ownership does not make much of a gift.

I

t’s not uncommon for families to welcome a new pet into their homes during the holiday season. Parents may give their children their first pet during the holidays, but those who choose to give a pet to someone outside their immediate family or to someone they don’t live with should consider the following advice before going through with that decision.

Consult the eventual recipient first The element of surprise is part of what makes the holiday season of giving so special, and few things may inspire more enthusiastic responses than new pets under the tree. But however appealing you may find such reactions, it’s still best to first consult the intended recipient before buying or adopting the pet. Pets make wonderful additions to a home, but

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Let the recipient choose the pet Aunts or uncles may think a cute puppy is an ideal holiday gift for their nieces and nephews, but it’s best to let those youngsters’ parents choose the pet rather than going it alone. Once mom and dad have given you the greenlight to gift their kids a pet, let them decide which type of pet will become the newest member of their households.

Parents may not feel their children are ready to handle the significant responsibility of dog ownership, and they may prefer their kids first receive a more low-maintenance pet, such as a fish.

Pay for everything Pets are expensive, even those that are adopted from nearby shelters. Cats and dogs adopted from local shelters or even animals bought directly from breeders will need some immediate

medical care, including shots and initial examinations at the veterinarian’s office, as well as food, dishes, leashes (if giving a dog), and bedding. When giving pets as a gift, men and women should fit the bill for these additional expenses, which can be significant. Recipients may not be able to afford these additional expenses, especially during the holiday season, nor did they ask to take on such a financial burden. So men and women giving pets as gifts should be capable of handling the oft-overlooked costs of adopting or buying a new pet.

Be willing to take the pet Some households simply are not a good match for pets. Men and women looking to give pets as holiday gifts should be willing to take the pet into their own homes if things are not working out with the recipient. This does not mean gift-givers have to keep the pet forever, but they should be willing to temporarily care for the animal until it finds a new home.

Pets sometimes make wonderful gifts, but men and women who are considering giving pets as gifts this holiday season should not approach such gestures lightly.

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40 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Get to know favorite wines for

A

glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy and sip while conversing with friends in social situations. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present.

Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. According to the experts at Wine Enthusiast, learning to taste wine and differentiate between flavors is similar to appreciating art or music.

Understanding the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a fullbodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins.

a dry red that pairs very well with food.

Chianti, which comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends.

• Merlot: The smoothness and mild flavor of this red wine make it a great option for those who need an introduction to red wine. This wine is lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tends to have a more fruity flavor profile as well.• Cabernet Franc: This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and savory flavors.

• Chardonnay: This is a mediumto full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France.

• Malbec and Carménère: Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile.

• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France, where it is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name.

• Zinfandel: Although mostly associated with the rosé wine White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia.

• Pinot Noir: Soft tannins and high acid give this light-bodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were first widely planted in France but can now be found elsewhere.

• Chianti: Chianti is the most famous Italian red wine in North America. It’s

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Herricks Teachers’ Association honored School-Related Professionals on SRP Day, which was held Nov. 16, 2021.

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giving

• Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France. It also is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Reisling: Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer.

There are many wines to tempt palates. When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE

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How to gift the people

who aren’t family

C

ome the holiday season, many people find it’s not just family and friends on their shopping lists. Coworkers and acquaintances often land on such lists as well, and it’s not always easy deciding what to get those people who aren’t close friends or family members.

Boss Gifting the boss is a sensitive subject and should be dictated by company protocol. If you are the only employee to buy your boss a gift, it may seem like you are trying to curry favor.

However, if everyone else is gifting and you fail to offer a gift, you may be caught off guard.

Some business etiquette experts say that it is customary for bosses to give gifts to employees but not the reverse. However, employees who are especially close with their bosses or who work closely with them each day may want to offer a small token of appreciation.

When selecting gifts for bosses, do not give anything too personal, such as clothing, perfume or jewelry. Food or gift cards are a safer bet. Experts say a gift in the range of $10 to $25 is adequate. Chipping in for a gift with other employees may be the best course of action so you don’t inspire resentment among coworkers.

Babysitter or nanny Caregivers play important roles in the lives of children. Once you have found a sitter or nanny who you trust, you want to ensure you keep that person content. If you regularly use a nanny or sitter, money is always a great gift.

For a full-time nanny, one week to one month’s pay is adequate. For a regular sitter, consider a gift equal to two nights’ pay.

Coach or club leader Children today are involved in many different activities, and chances are parents’ schedules are filled with sports games and practices. A small gift of $10 to $20 can show your appreciation to a coach or club leader.

This is another instance when it might be nice to pool your resources with fellow parents to purchase one large gift.

Mail carrier If your mail is delivered by the same mail carrier week after week, you may want to spread some holiday joy. Mail carriers have an extra workload during the holidays, when they are tasked with delivering packages and greeting cards in addition to more routine mail.

Civil servants may be forbidden from receiving cash. In such instances, a gift card makes a great gift.

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Trash collector Hauling garbage is neither an easy nor glamorous job. Many garbage collectors appreciate a tip for their hard work. Take notice of who collects the trash from your home. If it is the same people each week, take the time to personally deliver an envelope with a small tip of around $20.

Large Selection of Holiday Gifts!

Hairstylist If you are a regular for frequent treatments and color in a salon, show the stylist you appreciate his or her work with a cash gift. If you want to give a wrapped present, avoid tools of the trade or anything that is too personal. Stylists are on their feet much of the day, so a gift for a massage appointment or pedicure may be just what they need.

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42 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Gifting ideas for budget-conscious families T

he holiday season is a magical time of year when many people celebrate their faith and express their love and appreciation for their families. Such expressions are often made through the exchange of gifts, which can stretch families budgets.

Homemade item s, such as those created by amateur woodworkers, of ten make for unique, thoughtfu inexpensive holid l and ay gifts.

person. This is a great way to save both money and time, and it saves participants from the potential hassle of returning gifts after the season.

Staying within budget is not impossible during the holiday season. It might take a little creativity and discussion among family members, but there are ways to exchange gifts and avoid debt this holiday season.

Establish spending limits. Whether families embrace a Secret Santa exchange or not, they can save money by agreeing on a spending limit for each gift. Families participating in a Secret Santa exchange can set their spending limits a little higher than those families who will be buying gifts for multiple people.

Embrace a “Secret Santa” exchange. Large families can save money by engaging in a Secret Santa exchange. Rather than asking each member of the family to buy gifts for one another, a Secret Santa exchange asks each participant to pick a name out of a hat and then only buy gifts for that

Share experiences in lieu of exchanging gifts.

Adults tend to be more difficult to shop for than children, as many adults can simply buy their own gadgets, clothing and other items commonly given during the holiday season. To save money, adults can forgo gifting traditional gifts to one another,

instead resolving to provide an experience for a loved one. Invite a loved one over for a homecooked meal or offer to take a family member out to dinner once the holiday season has come and gone and there’s more room in the budget.

Connect with your creative side. In lieu of purchasing a gift made by someone else, make your own gift. Skilled crafters can create a oneof-a-kind gift out of supplies they already have on hand, while woodworkers can follow suit. Such gifts are thoughtful and inexpensive, and they will likely prove more memorable than another video game or sweater.

Budget-conscious families don’t have to sit out of holiday gift exchanges, as there are plenty of creative ways to express your love and appreciation for family without breaking the bank.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE

43

5 reasons it’s smart to use credit when

holiday shopping he average American shopper will spend around $975 on holiday gifts, according to past spending trends and estimates from the American Research Group and the National Retail Federation. Although shoppers

T

have various payment options at their disposal, the use of credit cards remains a popular and financially savvy way to handle purchases, albeit when done correctly.

1. Build your credit history.

Creditors look at how individuals use credit cards when determining credit scores. One of the biggest components of a credit scoring model is payment history, or the pattern of using credit and paying it back on time. Making repeated purchases on credit cards and then paying the bill when it is due can result in a spike in

credit score and help consumers build a healthy credit history. The key is to make payments in full and on time.

2. Credit is safer than carrying cash.

Stores are very busy during the holiday rush, and consumers are easily distracted. Carrying around large sums of cash for purchases can put you at risk for theft or losing the money along the way. There’s little chance of having lost or stolen cash returned, but a credit card can be cancelled and replaced. Plus, financial institutions have security protocols in place to freeze accounts and erase purchases that were made under fraudulent scenarios.

3. Track your purchases.

Credit card companies track all purchases and will itemize shopping excursions on cardholders’ statements.

The benefits of LED

holiday lights M

any people put significant effort into their holiday lights. When a bulb goes out, all that effort can seem like it was for naught. Replacing a single bulb or multiple bulbs can be a lot of work. Fortunately, LED holiday lights provide a more user- and eco-friendly alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the following are some of the attributes that make LED holiday lights a superior alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Safety: LED lights burn a lot cooler than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion. And because they burn cool, they also reduce the risk of burnt fingers, which may make them more appealing to parents of curious youngsters and people who will be hosting family and friends during the holiday season.

Sturdiness: Because they’re made with epoxy lenses and not glass like traditional incandescent bulbs, LED holiday lights are less likely to break.

That can be especially beneficial to

people with pets who might bump into the family Christmas tree.

Longevity: LED lights are initially more expensive than more traditional lights. However, the OEERE notes that lights bought today may still be in use 40 holiday seasons from now. That longevity makes them well worth the higher initial investment.

Ease of installation: LED lights are easily installed, and the OEERE says as many as 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. That can ease the nerves of homeowners concerned about the potential hazards of elaborate holiday lighting displays.

Energy savings: LED lights consume considerably less energy than incandescent lights, saving homeowners money on their energy bills, which can skyrocket in December thanks to interior and exterior holiday lighting displays using incandescent lights. In fact, the OEERE estimates that, by 2027, widespread use of LED lights could save consumers more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.

This can make it much easier to keep track of your spending. In addition, some stores do not require receipts for purchases made with credit cards.

4. Earn reward points while spending.

Competition in the credit card world is stiff, and many financial institutions are trying to entice customers with special deals for signing up and using their cards. Some credit cards give cash back. Others accrue points based on spending on particular categories, such as dining or travel. Rewards can be redeemed in various ways and can be

a big bonus of using credit over cash.

5. Cards may come with warranties.

Credit cards can provide built-in warranties on purchases made on the card, such as replacement coverage for an electronic device or cancellation insurance on a trip. What’s more, if you have a dispute with a merchant or aren’t happy with something you bought, you can often request a chargeback through the credit card company.

Credit cards have many advantages, but it’s imperative that consumers pay their balances in full and on time.

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44 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 17, 2021

Festive tree-trimming tips and techniques P

eople have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations.

Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness.

Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th century. Early Americans were late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan settlers thought the tradition — as well as carols and other concepts — were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States.

Trees are very popular today.

According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually.

Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that.

Prune the tree first. Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out. Wear gardening gloves to avoid being covered in sap.

Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies.

Position trees away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a fire risk.

To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree stand inside of a waterproof planting container.

Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt.

For added safety, anchor a tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets.

In homage of the first German

The more lights the better, especially on dense trees.

For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home

decor and the color of furniture.

Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family.

Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed.

Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in.

Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.