30th Annual Holiday Gift Guide

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Decorating, baking, entertaining, shopping - the holiday season is full of fun family activities that bring joy into our hearts. With Christmas memories from folks in the community, information on parades and festive events in our area, holiday history, and more, the 30th Annual Holiday Gift Guide is sure to help get you into the holiday spirit.

This special guide is full of ideas for the perfect gift, mouth-watering recipes, and general holiday information. We hope that it adds a bit more cheer to your holiday season.

So go ahead and pour a cup of hot cocoa, turn on your favorite

Christmas music, and enjoy the Tryon Daily Bulletin’s 30th Annual Holiday Gift Guide. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

The Holiday Gift Guide is a special supple ment to the Tryon Daily Bulletin. For more information, call 828-859-9151 or email advertising@tryondailybulletin.com.

Manager Jeff Allison Marketing

Kevin Powell Pagination

Justin Akey Distribution Jamie Lewis Administration Sydney Wilkie

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

In many ways, family traditions and memories of Christmas are what tie the holiday season together. We visited with folks in the community and asked them to share with us some of their favorite Christmas memories!

(photos by Mark Levin)

SAMANTHA KRUSE, SPARTANBURG

My favorite Christmas memory is going to “The Nutcracker” with my mom and making Christmas cookies with my sister.

LYNN ANKNEY, LANDRUM

My favorite memory of all time was driving around the neighborhood and looking at all the pretty Christmas lights.

TERRI & GARLAND RABURN, GREEN CREEK

Terri: Going to my grandmother’s at Christmas with 40 to 50 people opening gifts is one of my favorite memories.

Garland: Now with our own eleven grandkids, we’re making new memories.

MARCUS IAMURRI, TRYON

When I was two or three years old, the lights on the Christmas tree were mesmerizing. They were magic. When no one was around I would unscrew the lightbulbs that I could reach and put them in a box in my room. I would shine my flashlight on them in the middle of the night and that made it feel like I had my own little Christmas tree in my room. My mother was all about Christmas. The whole month of December she would start each day singing, “We Need a Little Christmas.”

AUTUMN STOTT, STOTT’S CORNER

When Grandma and Grandpa Stott were still alive, all the family got together for both Thanksgiving and Christmas to celebrate in Clifford’s basement. All of the nine children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were there. There were two long tables covered with food, there was a fire in the fireplace, and a little silver Christmas tree in the corner. Grandma and Grandpa Stott would give the grandkids an envelope with five dollars each and the great-grandchildren an envelope with two dollars each. I remember one time when one of the grandkids asked Grandma when we were going to get a raise!

DAN FALKENSTEIN, BLACK MOUNTAIN

DARLENE MCFARLAND, TRYON

One of my favorite memories was getting a little piano and piano bench as a gift and just the joy of playing that when I was four.

My favorite memory was coming back from a tour and going with my lovely lady to visit with her Scottish mother in Greenville, TN. She prepared my first Scotch eggs. It was the most beautiful thing. It was a boiled egg, breaded and with sausage inside and then fried. Being a starving musician, I had about ten of them.

DIANNE PATTERSON, GOWENSVILLE

When I was about five years old, I always looked forward to watching “The Wizard of Oz” on TV during the holiday season. As we only had one TV in the house, my dad was planning on taking it over. He commandeered it to watch a football game while he played cards with his friends. I was sent to my room. His friends weren’t happy about that, so my dad came in to say I could watch my movie. He would switch the channel every so often to see the score, but otherwise I got to see my favorite movie. It’s always been a fond memory.

MONIQUE REEVES, WHITE OAK MOUNTAIN

My favorite Christmas memory was on December 6 each year celebrating Sinterklaas (Saint Nicolas) because my parents were from Holland. It was so exciting to get up each of those mornings with my sisters and see wooden shoes filled with fruit, candy, and a little treat inside. That, to me, was even more exciting than opening gifts on Christmas. It was a wonderful tradition my parents carried on for years and years. It’s still such a fond memory and dear to my heart.

PHILLIP FISK, CAMPOBELLO

My favorite memory was going out and cutting my own Christmas tree with a couple of family members, taking it home, and setting it up.

BOB DENBY, TRYON

My favorite Christmas memory is being together with all my family which is scattered abroad and enjoying all the smells coming from the kitchen.

STEPHANIE BAKANOSKY, LANDRUM

One of my favorite memories was made just last year. We had moved down from Massachusetts and had only experienced cold weather for the holidays in the past. We had bought a basketball hoop for our boys and on Christmas morning it was 72 degrees. So, everyone got to play a family basketball game on Christmas Day, something we were never able to do up North because of the weather.

EMILY RAY, DACUSVILLE

I remember finally having a white Christmas when I was nine years old. That was my favorite memory.

ROBERT MANGUM, TRYON

I remember receiving my first “Stretch Armstrong” as a kid. It was the best toy I ever had.

LAURA BIERLY, GREER

My most memorable Christmas is when we do breakfast with the family. We break out the new coffee beans, grind them up, and enjoy a wonderful breakfast with family before opening gifts.

RACHEL BIERLY, LANDRUM

I love watching the animals getting so excited to find their presents under the tree. It is so much fun to watch them rip them open and play with them right afterward.

SHEILA MUNDY, MILL SPRING

My favorite holiday tradition is the Christmas pickle and watching my girls trying to find it hidden in the tree on Christmas morning. That decided who got to open the first present.

PEPPER FORNEY, TRYON

My favorite Christmas memory is every Christmas spending time with my family.

It’s always fun on Christmas Eve baking cookies, having hot cocoa, and watching Christmas movies together.

STEVE MCKINSEY, TRYON

One of my favorite Christmas memories is traveling down to Ft. Lauderdale for the Christmas boat parade parties.

CHRIS BALLIEW, COLUMBUS

Getting a go-cart for Christmas was one of my favorite Christmas memories.

NOVEMBER 17

THROUGH JANUARY 1

Winterfest Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show Nightly beginning at 6 p.m. at Tryon International Equestrian Center

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Polk County Toy Run Ride begins at 2 p.m. at Saluda Fire Departmen

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Light Up Landrum Christmas Parade

and Stroll Parade at 6 p.m. with the stroll immediately after Downtown Landrum

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Tryon Christmas Stroll and Lighting of the Town Christmas Tree Morris’ Merry Kickoff Photos with Santa, Christmas trees for sale, and carolers 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown Tryon

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Columbus Christmas Parade

4 p.m. in Downtown Columbus

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Morris’ Merry Kickoff

Photos with Santa, Christmas trees for sale, and carolers 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Downtown Tryon

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Tuba Christmas 25th Anniversary Holiday Concert 1:30 p.m. at Polk County High School

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Morris’ Merry Kickoff

Photos with Santa, Christmas trees for sale, and carolers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Downtown Tryon WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Tryon Christmas Parade 5 p.m. in Downtown Tryon

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Tryon Midnight 10 p.m. in Downtown Tryon

EXPERIENTIAL GIFTS FOR KIDS

he popularity of experiential gifts is undeniable. In its 2021 Winter Holiday Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that expe riential gifts are superior to tangible items. Such prefer ences are something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they pursue the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Experiential gifts are often associated with adults and their bucket lists, but kids have much to gain from be ing gifted experiences as well. In addition to the lasting memories inspired by experiential gifts, such offerings also get kids up and out of the house. Parents recognize that’s not always so easy in the digital age.

Though children likely don’t have a bucket list that can make it easy for holiday shoppers to find the perfect experiential gift, the following are a number of experi ences that kids of all ages can enjoy.

WHAT TO GIVE NEW HOMEOWNERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years. Sellers have cashed in on re cord-breaking profits, and buyers have had to compete against many others — sometimes in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties. Once listed, homes are selling fast. As interest rates rise and inven tory increases, things are likely to change, though for some it did not come soon enough.

Individuals who were lucky enough to find a new home this year may discover they now have little money to outfit those homes. Shoppers with new homeowners on their holiday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones outfit their homes this season. The following are some home-related gift ideas to get shoppers started.

• Video/smart doorbell: Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. These doorbells serve the dual

purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the door, while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home. Depending on the product, a subscription may be needed to access video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depending on features and resolution.

• Furniture gift card: There’s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home, particularly if they’re coming from an apartment or a smaller place. Many people also like to update fur nishings when they move into new places. A gift card to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas, dining sets, lamps, rugs, and more.

• Household tool kit: What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improve ment retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets, but shoppers can grab separate

items they think will be used and group them together into one gift. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a level, and measuring tape are good starter tools.

• Customized doormat: Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners’ names, such as Wel come to the Smith Home. Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.

• Programmable thermostat: A programmable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on

their energy bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption.

• Linens: A high thread count sheet set or plush Turk ish cotton towels may not be something new homeown ers think to get for themselves. But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfortable.

Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor. Carefully curated gifts can tap into what new homeowners need the most.

Walker

ECHO

GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Certain people feel right at home in the great outdoors. With the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair, rock scramblers and kayak ing buffs simply can’t get enough of being outside in the elements.

Outdoor enthusiasts need reliable gear to make their experiences that much more enjoyable. Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice reports that $230.6 billion was spent worldwide on sportswear and outdoor apparel in 2021. However, there’s always room to im prove on adventures large and small, and holiday shop pers can keep these items in mind as they look for items for their favorite nature lover this season.

• Plasma lighter: A plasma lighter can start fires in con ditions that aren’t conducive to other fire-starting mea sures. Plasma lighters are water- and wind-resistant and work in nearly all weather conditions. Saberlight even makes a rechargeable option with USB charging cable.

• Lantern: Outside magazine recently named the Bi oLite AlpenGlow 250 as its new favorite road trip item. It can be used in a variety of settings, including inside a tent or at a hunting cabin, and produces customizable illumination.

• Backpack cooler: Yeti is known as a leader in cool ers, and the Yeti Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler makes carrying food and beverages even more convenient. This product is a backpack and a cooler, so it’s a hands-

free and portable option when out in nature.

• Hiking socks: Keeping feet cool and comfortable is essential on hiking trips. Injinji socks are made from CoolMax fibers that help provide a blister-free wilder ness experience designed to minimize friction.

• Waterproof backpack: Whether a loved one spends time in or near the water or just wants to safeguard his or her belongings in inclement weather, a waterproof backpack is the ideal outdoor gift. It’s easy to clean and keeps items inside dry. IDRYBAG Waterproof Back pack is one to consider.

• Lightweight sleeping bag: Maybe someone’s sleep ing gear needs an overhaul? Enlightened Equipment offers an 850-fill, zero-degree sleeping bag that is warm, but only weighs 1.5 pounds. That helps free up space and lessens hikers’ loads when carrying gear on the trail.

• Power bank/solar charger: Many people can’t live without their devices, even when out in the great out doors. Since you can’t plug a phone into a tree, a por table solar charger and power bank is key. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ comes with its own built-in battery, so a person can capture the sun’s rays during the day and save some power reserves for charging after sunset.

These are just a few of the innovative items that can appeal to outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list.

BAKE UP A SWEET HOLIDAY TREAT

Entertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family and professional colleagues.

Entertaining requires keeping plenty of refreshments on hand to ensure guests maintain their holiday spirit. Dessert is no stranger to the season, with office break rooms, dining tables and buffet stations brimming with sweet treats to tempt celebrants’ palates. Everyone should have a go-to dessert to bring along to a holiday party or to offer guests when hosting their own fêtes. Cookies are a standard due to their versatility and porta bility.

Festive “Sour Cream Cookies” provide all of the holiday feels and can be customized in color to reflect celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s. Bake up a batch, courtesy of “Live Well Bake Cookies” (Rock Point) by Danielle Rye.

SOUR CREAM COOKIES

Makes 22 cookies

11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

11⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

11⁄2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Gel food coloring (optional)

1. To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.

4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully com bined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Mix in the dry ingredients in two additions, alter nating with the sour cream. Make sure to mix in each addition until just combined, and be careful not to overmix the batter.

6. Using a 11⁄2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one.

7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the tops of the

cookies are set and spring back when touched lightly. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on the bak ing sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1⁄2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.

9. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and gel food coloring (if using), and continue mixing until fully combined.

10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top of the cookies.

11. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

GIFTS TO REV AUTO LOVERS’ ENGINES

Since they first became widely available in the early 20th century, cars have inspired no small number of passionate devotees. Some people simply can’t resist the thrills of the open road, while others love driving because of the sense of indepen dence it provides. Regardless of what inspires their passions, come the holiday season, auto enthusiasts undoubtedly would be excited to unwrap these au to-related gifts.

• Car wash kit: It’s one thing to drive, and another thing entirely to drive a car that looks like it’s fresh off the dealership lot. Car wash kits come in various sizes, so they’re ideal for holiday shoppers working with various budgets. Kits may include wet wax, wheel gel, glass cleaner, a short handle brush, and microfiber towels, among other supplies. Each accessory within the kit can make cars or trucks shine and look as good as new.

• Mechanics’ tool kit: Many car lovers enjoy working on their vehicles almost as much as they love driving them. That makes a mechanic’s tool kit a must-have for auto enthusiasts. Like car wash kits, mechanics’ kits are ideal gifts because they can suit shoppers working with

various budgets. Extensive kits include all the tools car lovers need, from ratchets to extension bars to sockets and more, to spend a fun day working in the garage.

• Tire inflator: All those miles on the open road is bound to catch up with tires over time, and a porta ble tire inflator can ensure tires are always properly inflated. Cordless varieties are popular, but so are options that can be plugged into vehicle lighters. Either way, this is a must-have item for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their vehicle.

• Autocross lesson: Of course, gifts for auto lovers needn’t be restricted to helping them take care of their own cars. Autocross lessons can teach drivers the finer points of timed competitions while enabling them to get behind the wheel of an exotic car they’ve dreamed of driving. Autocross schools typically have classes for drivers with experience as well as novices, making this a fun gift for anyone who wants to take the thrill of driving to the next level.

There’s no shortage of gift ideas to please the auto en thusiast on your holiday shopping list this year. From the fun to the functional, there’s something for every one who loves being behind the wheel.

A CAN’T-MISS HOLIDAY SIDE DISH

Side dishes are just as important to a holiday meal as the main course. It’s perfectly accept able to offer a few new and unique dishes on your holiday table, but guests likely will be expecting some tried-and-true classics as well.

Green bean casserole is a staple of many holiday dining tables. Alongside mashed potatoes and candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole is a beloved holi day recipe — and it’s easy to make as well. This recipe for traditional “Green Bean Casserole,” courtesy of Campbell’s®, can hit the right tone for guests who want a taste of holidays past this year.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE Serves 6

1 can (101⁄2 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom soup or Condensed Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup

1⁄2 cup milk

1 teaspoon soy sauce

4 cups cooked cut green beans

11⁄3 cups French’s® Fried Onions (divided)

Heat the oven to 350 F. Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, beans and 2⁄3 cup onions in a 11⁄2-quart casserole. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes or until hot. Stir the bean mix ture. Sprinkle with the remaining 2⁄3 cup onions. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

Variations: This recipe can be customized as one sees fit. Double up the amount of condensed soup if you desire a wetter casserole, or change the flavor by selecting a different flavor soup variety, such as Cream of Asparagus. You can add grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar if you want a cheesy option. Some people prefer to use French-style green beans instead of the thicker cut variety.

Alternate cooking method: The traditional recipe has you cooking the casserole in the oven. However, if you have a large enough toaster oven, you can cook it in there to free up oven space; otherwise, prepare the casserole as directed in a slow cooker and cook on low for around 3 to 4 hours, until tender. Then add the re maining onions and transfer the casserole to the oven to crisp up for 5 minutes. (Check that the slow cooker crock is oven-safe; otherwise, spoon the mixture into an oven-safe dish for the final baking and serving.)

MOVIES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR FAMILIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Various traditions take center stage during the holiday season. One of those traditions may be sitting down and enjoying any of a number of timeless Christmas movies or even newer holiday films that are quickly becoming favorites.

Film fans have their own ideas about the best films to watch during the holidays, but the following movies are some kids and adults can enjoy together.

• “The Polar Express” (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Ex press train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way.

• “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in its more theat rical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more family-friendly.

• “A Boy Called Christmas” (2021): Based on the book by Matt Haig, this movie is a reimagined take on Father Christmas. It focuses on Nikolas as he goes on an adven ture to find a magical town called Elfhelm.

• “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004): The Kranks decide to forgo thir annual Christmas party and plan a va cation since their daughter will be out of town. But when said daughter decides to come home after all, chaos sets in as the couple tries to figure out how to put together an extravaganza at the last minute.

• “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997): The Beast does not favor the holiday season, so Belle must change his mind on the matter in this animat ed Disney offering.

• “Elf” (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and uncover a way to fit in.

• “Santa Hunters” (2014): A young boy teams up with his sibling and cousins to try to capture new footage of Santa in action and prove that the man in red truly exists.

Holiday films enhance the celebratory nature of the sea son. Certain movies are tailor-made for families to watch together during this special time of year.

CRAFT AN ENTIRE DAY AROUND TREE SHOPPING

Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree.

There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial Christmas trees that can be stored and taken out each year. Others make a yearly expedition to a tree lot or a Christmas tree farm to find the perfect fir or spruce. Historians believe a man named W.V. McGallard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings at his Mercer County, New Jersey farm in 1901, essentially establishing the first commer cial Christmas tree farm. By 1908, customers could visit the farm and choose trees for $1 each. McGal lard helped create an entirely new industry that now accounts for 350 million trees being grown and sold in the United States every year.

Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for families and oth er tree shoppers to maximize their time spent looking for a tree.

• Bring refreshments. Couple Christmas tree shop ping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other filling treats can keep everyone satisfied and energized while they shop for a tree.

• Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting dis plays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out potentially scenic spots to view holiday lighting dis plays nearby. Neighborhood Facebook or other social media groups often tout homes that put up eye-catch ing displays. Ask around for addresses and plan your own tours.

• Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hun gry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it’s typically a good idea to wait some time for boughs

to open before decorating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occurrence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.

• Watch a classic film. Many different holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. While putting up the

tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meager ever green at the same time?

Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertaining way to spend time together as a couple or family.

SIMPLE WAYS TO INVOLVE KIDS IN HOLIDAY DECORATING

Millions of people across the globe feel that the holiday season is a magical time of year. Though those people come from all walks of life, it’s likely that no group is as taken by the unique spirit of the holiday season as much as children.

Whether they’re looking for ward to Santa’s arrival or prepar ing for a school holiday pageant, kids have much to be excited about come December. Parents can channel that enthusiasm by involving kids when decorating around the house this holiday season.

• Make homemade ornaments. The options are limitless when making holiday ornaments with children. From simple ornaments made from pine cones picked up outside to more complex projects designed for children nearing

adolescence, parents can look to the internet to find design ideas and directions for hundreds of ornaments.

• Let kids lead the way when decorating the tree. Families that celebrate Christmas can let kids lead the way when decorating their Christmas tree. Kids are likely to spend the weeks leading up to Santa’s arrival gazing in awe at the tree, and knowing they decided where to place the vari ous ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

• Take kids along when choos ing lawn ornaments. It’s not safe to involve children when installing lighting displays, but kids will get a kick out of choosing inflatable lawn decorations and other items to place around the yard. Take kids along when buying new items and then seek their input when

placing Frosty, Santa and his rein deer friends around the yard.

• Include kids in culinary decor. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without ginger bread houses and cookies. These traditions provide another great opportunity to involve children in holiday decorating. Set aside some time to make homemade gingerbread houses, which can be used as decorations before they’re ultimately eaten. Cookies may not have the shelf life of a typical gingerbread house, but kids can pitch in and decorate cookies prior to a holiday party or family meal.

The spirit of the holiday sea son can be seen on the faces of children each December. Inviting kids to pitch in when decorating for the holidays can make the season even more special for its youngest celebrants.

EXPERIENTIAL GIFTS FOR SENIORS

Holiday shoppers know that, seemingly every year, there’s one person on their shopping list who’s hard to shop for. Seniors may fit that bill, as many have already ac cumulated a lifetime’s worth of goods and gadgets. That’s why ex periential gifts can be such a good fit for seniors come the holiday season.

Experiential gifts are wildly popular. In its 2021 Winter Holi day Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Seniors who already have every thing they need might be even more enthusiastic about experi ential gifts, which may encourage them to get out of the house or pursue passions they’ve long had a passing interest in. This holiday season, shoppers can consider these experiences as they look for something new and unique for the seniors on their shopping lists.

• Biplane flight: Few experiences are as exhilarating as a flight in

an open cockpit biplane. Biplane flights are unique to each company that offers them, but some planes can accommodate two passengers (in addition to the pilot), making this an ideal gift for senior couples who aren’t afraid of a bird’s eye view. The length of a flight depends on shoppers’ budgets, but no mat ter how long seniors are in the air, they’re sure to return to the ground having enjoyed a truly unique experience.

• Hot air balloon ride: If riding shotgun with a pilot in a tiny plane is more adventure than your favor ite senior may be seeking, a hot air balloon ride may be more suitable. Hot air balloon rides provide a truly stunning way to experience idyllic settings and a calm way to take to the skies on a beautiful day. Rides tend to last around an hour, but companies typically offer various packages and may even let shoppers customize rides for their loved ones.

• Theatre tickets: The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for any one, but seniors were among the groups most vulnerable to serious

infection if they caught the virus. As a result, many seniors strictly adhered to social distancing guide lines prior to getting vaccinated. Now that seniors are eligible to be fully vaccinated and even receive two rounds of booster shots, a trip to the theatre can reignite their passion for live entertainment and make for a memorable night out.

• Cycling tour: Modern seniors are among the most physically ac tive demographics. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Med ical Internet Research found that, within months of the pandemic being declared, adults age 65 and older averaged 100 more minutes of physical activity than the next closest cohort. A cycling tour can make for a perfect gift to active seniors. Tours may be designed to visit local places of historical sig nificance, idyllic natural settings or local eateries. Wherever the tours ultimately end up, they’re sure to put a smile on active se niors’ faces.

Experiences can make for the perfect holiday gifts for seniors who have it all.

SPORTS EXPERIENCES MAKE GREAT GIFTS

The thrill of sports has inspired billions of loyal fans and athletes across the globe. Profession al, collegiate, scholastic, and even recreational sports entertain people all year long. That popularity is something shoppers can keep in mind as they look for the perfect gift for the family sports fan this holiday season.

Many adults undoubtedly recall receiving sports equipment as a holiday gift when they were children. Whether it’s a baseball mitt or a field hockey stick or a new ball, these gifts tend to light up kids’ eyes come Christmas morning. Adult sports fans may not need such equipment, but they might be just as excited to receive these unique sports experiences this holiday season.

• Tickets: For diehard sports fans, nothing is better than going to the big game. Perhaps in acknowledg ment of the growing popularity of following a favorite team on the road, many professional sports leagues now release team schedules months in advance of the first game of the season. For example, the National Football League released its 2022 schedule in mid-May, despite the fact that the season does not begin until September. Shoppers can peruse schedules and circle a must-see home game or lay the foundation for a mem orable trip by giving tickets to a road game.

• Stadium tour: Stadium tours are another great experience the family sports fan will undoubtedly ap preciate. Many professional sports teams now welcome fans to tour their stadiums both in-season and during the offseason. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at stadiums, arenas and ballparks. Teams may even host tours on game days, making this a great stocking stuffer to pair with tickets to a game.

• Fan fest: Fan fest tickets make an ideal gift for indi viduals who can be accurately described as “diehards” for their favorite teams. These family-friendly gath erings tend to happen in the weeks leading up to the start of a new season. A handful of current and former players typically attend fan fests, which are hosted by the team and typically include activities for adults and children alike.

• Lessons: Holiday shoppers may have a sports fan on their list who still enjoys lacing up their cleats. For example, pro golf fans may still enjoy hitting the links themselves. In such instances, lessons from a nearby golf pro can be just the thing to make sports fans smile this holiday season.

experiences make an ideal gift for

whose passion for a favorite team is a big part of their life.

WHEN DID CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BECOME SO POPULAR?

Holiday lights are now everywhere come the holiday season. Private homeowners tend to hang the holiday lights outside their homes around Thanksgiving weekend and

Grover Cleveland used electric lights to illuminate a Christmas tree in the White House in 1895, it would be another eight years before General Electric would begin selling Christmas light kits.

The ultimate question for almost everyone saving for retirement is “how much do I need to be saving?” Financial professionals recommend saving enough to replace 75 80% of your pre retirement income But is that benchmark right for you?

Contact us today to find out your retirement numbers. With the right information, you can move ahead and plan with confidence.

Need your numbers? Contact us to learn more.

Katheryn Gordon,

www.ashworthfinancialgroup.com

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

Adair’s Rod & Gun Supply

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Landrum Vetrinary Hospital

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Price Services Heating & Air

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Tryon Downtown Development Association

The Book Shelf

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