Holiday Gift Guide November 24, 2013

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

CELEBRATE

the season Go Online to view this section!

SEASONAL SAVINGS How to save when holiday shopping

CONCEALING CHRISTMAS Clever ways to hide holiday gifts

MERRY MENU ITEMS Desserts to please the holiday guests

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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CELEBRATE

the season

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Celebrate the season

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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Many Christmas traditions are older than some celebrants might think.

The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree, for example, dates back to the days before Christmas lights.

Before electric-powered twinkle lights were invented and even before electricity was discovered, people used actual candles to adorn the Christmas tree. As one can imagine, having an open flame next to a dried-out tree made for some fast fires. That’s why it was customary to keep a bucket of water next to the tree as well. As if fire wasn’t enough, the tinsel used to decorate trees was made from strips of silver and even lead — something that is now known to be a health hazard to adults and children alike. Although we’ve come a long way from candles and lead, trees that are overly dry paired with lights

that have frayed wires can just as easily lead to fires. Plus, plastic tinsel can be a choking hazard for children and pets.

One Christmas staple that has lost its status as a safety hazard is the poinsettia plant. Poinsettias are a tropical plant that have become a fixture during the Christmas season. It has long been thought that poinsettias are poisonous to people and animals. While there is some toxicity to the plant, it would require the ingestion of hundreds of leaves to get a toxic dose of a plant’s poison. Ingestion may simply cause a case of vomiting or diarrhea instead. But poinsettia leaves are said to have an unpleasant taste, so one bite and most children and animals will probably turn away.

Perhaps one of the biggest hazards come Christmas — both then and now — is not having enough turkey or eggnog to go around for holiday guests!

The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

gainesvilletimes com • Sunday, November 24, 2013

Celebrate the season

Forget sugar plums.

DREAM ABOUT PANDORA.

DID YOU KNOW? Christmas carols, religious songs and pop artists’ interpretations of classic holiday tunes are popular come the holiday season. For many families, it is tradition to gather around and share the holiday spirit or tune into these memorable songs on the radio or from your own private collection. Certain songs have long since become favorites among listeners. According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, these are the 25 most-performed holiday songs:

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• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Mel Tormé, Robert Wells • Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin • Winter Wonderland – Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith • White Christmas – Irving Berlin • Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne • Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – Johnny Marks • Jingle Bell Rock – Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe • I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram • Little Drummer Boy – Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone • Sleigh Ride – Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish • It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Edward Pola, George Wyle • Silver Bells – Jay Livingston, Ray Evans • Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Johnny Marks • Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano • Blue Christmas – Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson • Frosty The Snowman – Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins • A Holly Jolly Christmas – Johnny Marks • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Tommie Connor (PRS) • Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) – Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman • It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Meredith Willson

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• (There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays – Bob Allen, Al Stillman • Carol Of The Bells – Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich • Santa Baby – Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer • Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney (PRS)

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Save when shopping

this holiday season Holiday shopping budgets run the gamut from small to large. But nearly every holiday shopper enjoys finding a bargain regardless of his or her budget.

Bargain hunting when holiday shopping has become even more popular in recent years, as an unpredictable economy has forced many people to stretch every dollar. The following are a few ways shoppers can save money this holiday season.

• Comparison shop. Comparison shopping used to be a time-consuming process that required visiting many stores before ultimately choosing the best price. However, the Internet has made comparison shopping easier than ever before, benefitting shoppers looking for bargains. Shoppers waiting until the last minute might even be able to buy discounted items online and then pick the items up in-store. Such offers are common among online appliance retailers, many of whom have sales that their brick-and-mortar counterparts do not.

• Shop early and return items if necessary. Shopping early has long been a strategy employed by holiday shoppers looking to save some money.

Shopping early gives shoppers more time to find bargains, and those bargains can often be found when shoppers remain patient. Those who shop early should not be afraid to return items if those items are suddenly less expensive when the holiday season arrives full swing.

As long as the items are still able to be returned (receipts should reference how long a window shoppers have to return items), shoppers should be able to return items and then purchase them again at a discounted price.

• Put the credit cards away for the holiday season. Shopping with a credit card is common come the holiday

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Celebrate the season

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season. But using credit cards often leads to overspending, and shoppers might end up paying more thanks to interest. If you know you won’t be able to pay the balance in full when the bill comes, don’t use a credit card to make purchases. When shopping, pay with cash, which allows you to predetermine how much you will spend and guarantees you won’t receive a large credit card bill in January.

Consumers should think twice before using credit cards to make purchases during the holiday season.

• Think twice before purchasing extended warranties. Big-ticket items like televisions, computers and other electronics often come with manufacturer warranties that cover the product for a designated number of years. However, when buying such items, consumers are also encouraged to buy extended warranties that can stretch a budget.

But such extended warranties aren’t necessarily worth it. According to Consumer Reports.org, products rarely break within the extended warranty window. And when a product does break and repairs are necessary, those repairs rarely cost more than a typical extended warranty. Though many basic manufacturer warranties no longer offer the same extensive coverage they once did, extended warranties are still not worth the money in many instances.

Saving money is important to many people during the holiday season. Savvy shoppers can employ a few simple strategies to find bargains this year.

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Stay organized and save time this holiday season

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A few simple strategies can make the holiday season more peaceful and less hectic.

The holiday season can be hectic and expensive. Men and women often find themselves yearning for more hours in the day during the holidays, when people’s social schedules are busier and holiday shopping takes up what’s left of their free time.

Though it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed and overspent during the holiday season, the following tips can ensure your holiday season is a lot less hectic and much more affordable and organized than in previous years.

• Ready the goodies ahead of time.

Many families cook a host of goodies and treats come the holiday season to share with friends or simply enjoy as part of their various holiday traditions. Instead of waiting until the holidays to stock up on ingredients, buy nonperishable items in advance. Baked goods, such as cookies and brownies, often call for nonperishable

ingredients, which can be purchased any time of year, saving shoppers the hassle of visiting crowded stores during the holidays while enabling them to spread out of the ancillary costs of the holiday season that often stretch the budget.

• Have a calendar designated specifically for holiday activities.

Holiday parties, children’s pageants and religious festivals are just a few of the events exclusive to the holiday season. It can be difficult to keep track of each and every holiday event, so create a calendar that is exclusively designated for holiday events. In addition, pencil in time to shop and even some time for a little rest and relaxation.

• Shop early. One way to lighten your load during the holidays, and possibly even save some money, is to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Begin shopping late in the fall and you might find

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sales that won’t still be around come the holiday season. Shopping early can also save time, as malls only get more crowded as the holidays draw closer and closer.

• Use gift lists. Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of items you hope to buy. This way you won’t forget certain items and force a return trip to the mall. Bringing a list along also saves you from wandering aimlessly around the mall looking for the perfect gift, a time-honored tradition for many holiday shoppers but one that also wastes a significant amount of time.

• Use the Internet to your advantage.

Holiday shopping still takes a lot of time, but nowadays shoppers are not beholden to store hours. Thanks to the Internet, holiday shoppers can shop at their own convenience without having to trek to the nearby mall or shopping center. Shop from your desk at the office while eating lunch or do some late-night shopping before going to bed at night. Many times there are better deals to be had online than there are in brick-and-mortar stores, so you might just save some money as well.

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Smart phones can brighten your holidays Shopping and entertaining are key components of the holiday season.

Some people relish the thought of heading to stores and finding deals, while others are less excited, even during the holidays. However, using the myriad apps designed for today’s tablets and smart phones can make shopping a bit easier.

Check prices Wondering if you are getting the lowest price on items can be frustrating during the holiday season. Comparison shopping is time-consuming when consumers must walk or drive from store to store. However, apps designed for comparison shopping can make the process as simple as taking a photo.

Apps like Amazon’s Price Check, Barcode Hero and Barcode Scanner enable individuals to enter the name of the product or scan the barcode on the packaging. Shoppers are given comparison prices from various stores, some online and some brick-andmortar. Depending on the app, you also may be able to read customer product reviews to determine if the buy is a smart one. These apps can save you time and money, which is something many holiday shoppers desire.

Set an alarm clock Sometimes holiday shopping can seem interminable, or you may get engrossed in the task and spend too much time in the stores. Set the alarm clock on your phone to go off at a specific time, and it will serve as your reminder to wrap up your shopping or move on to another task.

Organize receipts Those who want to keep receipts handy and digital can use apps like Receipt Keeper and Receipt Hog. These programs can store information to help you budget while ensuring you never lose a receipt. With Receipt Hog you also can earn money for your receipts.

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Celebrate the season

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The app is designed by a market research company that tracks purchases. For each receipt you upload, you can earn coins to be redeemed for cash, donations and goods.

Keep in touch

Keep lists handy

updates to social messaging sites. Use your phone to keep in touch with friends and family and wish them well during the holidays.

Instead of making a hand-written list, use the notes function on your phone to keep your list handy at all times. Even those who do not have a phone with Internet access can keep lists handy. Snap a photo of the paper list before you leave the house and then refer to it while shopping.

It can be difficult to make time for face-toface visits during the busy holiday season, but you may have time for quick texts or

Having a smart phone handy can make the holidays easier in a number of ways.

Amuse the children Shopping during the holidays can be stressful. But shopping with children in tow can be even more stressful — particularly if children are bored and crabby. While you cannot foresee every situation, ensuring children are well-rested, well-fed and entertained during a shopping trip can make the process go more smoothly. Download a child-friendly game for your phone so your son or daughter can play. Or stream movies or TV shows on your phone to keep kids busy.

Scanning a bar code or a quick response (QR) code at the store can help shoppers save money.

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Complete the holiday season with gingerbread Whether leaving cookies out for Santa or simply spreading some holiday cheer among family and friends, the following recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elizabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” is sure to please this holiday season.

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Soft Glazed Gingerbread Yields 12 to 20 cookies Dough 3¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 4 teaspoons ground ginger 1½ teaspoons ground cloves 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 large egg ½ cup blackstrap or other dark molasses 2 tablespoons light corn syrup Glaze 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons water To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft.

Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.

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Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick liner.

Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1⁄3-

inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan.

Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1⁄3inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes before baking.

Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool on the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely.

When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.

The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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Celebrate the season

Chocolate indulgence tempts sweet tooth Few people can resist the call of sweet and savory chocolate. It is a common ingredient in desserts, and often just a little goes a long way in satisfying a craving.

Although many people equate pumpkin pie or traditional butter and sugar cookies with the holidays, chocolate can help add variety to the festivities.

This recipe for “Chocolate Coconut Meringues,” courtesy of EatingWell.com produces cookies that are so light and airy, they are a perfect little treat that’s not too heavy. They’re perfect when you’ve indulged just a little too much during holiday dinner but still desire a sweet dessert.

Chocolate Coconut Meringues Yields: 30 cookies 4 large egg whites ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon coconut extract or imitation coconut extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 /8 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate 2 tablespoons trans-fat-free white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate, such as Sunspire

1⁄2-inch tip). Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Cut a 1⁄2-inch hole in one corner of the bag. Pipe the meringue into 2-inch circles, about 1 inch apart, on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake on the upper and lower racks for 50 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the meringues stand in the oven with the door closed until completely dry, about 11⁄2 hours.

6. Melt semisweet and white chocolate (see Tips & Techniques) and drizzle or pipe onto the cooled meringues. Let stand until it sets.

1. Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 250 F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

2. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, coconut, almond and vanilla extracts, and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until combined.

Gradually beat in sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff, shiny peaks form, 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Sift cocoa over the mixture and gently fold together with a rubber spatula until combined.

4. Spoon the meringue into a gallon-size sealable bag (or pastry bag fitted with a

Tips & Techniques To melt chocolate, place chocolate in a bowl and microwave on medium for 45 seconds. Stir; continue microwaving on medium in 20-second intervals until almost melted, stirring after each interval. Continue stirring until completely melted. Or place in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until melted. To decorate cookies with melted chocolate, use a pastry bag fitted with a fine writing tip to pipe the melted chocolate or dip tines of a fork in chocolate and drizzle. You can improvise a pastry bag with a small plastic bag. Add melted chocolate to the bag, cut a tiny hole in one corner and squeeze the chocolate out.

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Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Clever ways to hide holiday gifts

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Hide gifts in plain sight Sometimes the best hiding spot is no hiding spot. Children are less likely to look for items that appear as regular things already in the home. It may be possible to simply keep gifts in cardboard shipping boxes or tucked away in drawers. It’s once those gifts are wrapped in vibrant paper and bags that they tend to be more visible targets.

Choose inconspicuous bags or even pillowcases to keep gifts hidden.

Chances are children will not be looking for things in the linen closet. They will, however, look for shopping bags from favorite retail stores, especially toy stores.

Go with gift cards The easiest gifts to hide are the smallest ones. Gift cards are some of the smallest presents around. They can easily be tucked inside of a desk drawer, jewelry box or another small nook. Individuals who are lacking in storage space may find that gift cards are the ideal option.

Holiday shopping can be stressful enough without worrying about where to store presents.

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Today’s kids can program their favorite shows on the DVR and beat the latest levels on “Skylanders.” So there is a good chance that these savvy youngsters can find holiday gifts no matter the hiding place. That means parents have to be more clever than ever before in finding worthy spots to stash gifts.

Parents typically spend hundreds of dollars each year on holiday gifts for their children. Finding places to hide all of the gifts could take a little creativity.

Out of the home Parents who really want to conceal their kids’ gifts should consider keeping gifts outside of the home. If it is safe to do so, think about storing them in a closet at work, ideally one that can be locked.

You also can ask a friend or relative if you can keep gifts there and offer to swap for their own gifts.

This may be risky if you park your vehicle

outdoors, but keeping the gifts in the car trunk of a car that stays safely in the garage may be feasible. Just be sure that the kids do not have access to your keys or have a tendency to go into the car unsupervised.

For those who have particularly wily children, it may be worth the expense to temporarily rent a safety deposit box or even a small storage container and keep gifts there.

Delay purchases Some people like to delay buying gifts until a couple of days prior to the holiday.

This way there is not the temptation for children to look for their gifts days or weeks prior. It also saves parents the hassle of hiding gifts.

Online retailers may have the option for buyers to choose their own shipping dates. This way you may be able to target your delivery closer to the holidays.

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Closets may not be the ideal place to hide holiday gifts away from prying eyes.

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Celebrate the season

Sunday, November 24, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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