Webb Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2022

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 forward to Santa’s arrival or preparing 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 pinecones 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 various ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

Take kids along when choosing 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 reindeer friends around the yard.

Include kids in culinary decor. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without gingerbread 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 season 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.

Holiday Must-Haves Make holiday shopping a cinch

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching a loved one’s face light up when opening a gift you selected with care, but holiday shopping can be a chore.

If you’re a shopper at heart, it may be a challenge you enjoy, but if the idea of holiday shopping brings out the Grinch in you, consider these ideas for gifts to delight those you love this holiday season.

Power Up Your Holidays with Protein Whether you’re out shopping or traveling for the holiday, savor the season without compromising health goals by treating yourself to a Premier Protein Winter Mint Chocolate High Protein Shake. Featuring cozy chocolate and refreshing mint flavors, this seasonal favorite is back, but for a limited time only. Flavorful and packed with the nutrition you need, each shake includes 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar. Whether you drink this shake on its own or use it as an ingredient, you can ring in the season with a healthy amount of vitamins C and E, important antioxidants to support a healthy immune system as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Learn more at PremierProtein.com.

Holiday Sweets for a Good Cause

Few things go together like the holiday season and sweet treats. By gifting family and friends Wendy’s Frosty Key Tags, which are good for a free Jr. Frosty with every purchase, you can give back all year long because proceeds from every tag sold helps the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption find loving, adoptive homes for children in foster care. Available for purchase every November and December, tags are good for one full year and can be purchased in-restaurant, at the drive-thru, via a kiosk, through the app, or at Wendys. com.

Step Up Gifting with Fashion-Forward Footwear

Every fashionista knows there’s no such thing as too many shoes, and that includes ankle boots and booties that never go out of style. These low-

slung styles can be dressed up or down, depending on the look you’re wearing. Among this season’s hottest designs are faux animal prints, such as cheetah or snakeskin, that add some playful color and texture to complete an ensemble. If you’re not sure about the color or style, a classic black or brown bootie with wellpadded soles and a moderate heel is a versatile choice with universal appeal.

Brrr-ing Gifts of Warmth and Good Cheer

Give loved ones an easy way to brighten a cold, dreary day with a cute and cozy matching hat and glove set. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that brings a smile to recipients’ faces each time they don those warm layers to face a blustery day. What’s more, with all the options for personalization, it’s an affordable way to show you care. When choosing the perfect duo, keep your loved ones’ tastes and preferences in mind. You can find hats and gloves to match virtually any interest, whether it’s a favorite color, sports team or pop culture reference.

Holiday Shopping Hot List

Turns out, Santa may be onto something. Making your list and checking it twice can help you save money (and your sanity) during the holiday season.

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Remember to include all your seasonal expenses, including Secret Santa and teacher gifts, ingredients for dishes you’ll take to potluck gatherings and

admission to special holiday activities.

2. Make a list. Having an idea of what you’d like to buy can help you stick to your budget and avoid frustration when you’re in the stores. You’ll be more likely to avoid costly impulse purchases and you’ll be more efficient while shopping. If you can, jot down a couple of backup ideas just in case what you want proves hard to find or exceeds your budget.

3. Shop for deals. Before you head out shopping, research specials on the items on your list. You may be able to adjust your timing to take advantage of sales or find steep discounts at stores you don’t normally visit.

4. Give yourself plenty of time. If holiday shopping stresses you out, it’s a good idea to start early. That way you can tackle a little at a time and avoid feeling the pressure of a ticking clock. Also try shopping during off-peak hours, such as during the week, when stores are likely to be less crowded.

5. Map out your plan of attack. Planning the most direct route to travel from one retailer to the next can help keep you organized and avoid unnecessary backtracking. You can also save time and gas by making purchases online. Be sure to watch for promotions that provide free shipping and be conscious of shipping times to ensure gifts arrive in time for the big day. (Family Features, Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Unsplash)

Nine Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping

Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable delays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most wonderful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.

Even though the holidays seem to creep up faster and faster every year, and inflation adds an additional worry, there is still hope for your budget this season. To help reduce stress and avoid overspending on gifts, consider these money-saving tips from Regina Conway, consumer expert for Slickdeals, a one-of-a-kind online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more.

Avoid procrastinating. Due to shifting shopping habits, there may be excess inventory in certain categories such as home goods. While it’s possible categories with extra inventory may see deep discounts later in the holiday season, don’t expect every item you want to be available at the last minute.

Set your budget with hidden costs in mind. When setting budgets, many people stop at the number they think they’ll spend on gifts alone. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as child or pet care services, shipping fees and travel costs so there are no surprises.

Tap into technology. Whether shopping for toys and technology or travel and home goods, starting your search by visiting a site like Slickdeals can help you find the best deals this holiday season. Deals from

top retailers are vetted and voted on by a community of 12 million shoppers working together to save to help ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices. You can also set Deal Alerts to be notified when a deal matching your criteria gets posted.

Buy online, pick up in-store. Where available — including at many big box retailers — shopping online then picking up your purchases in-store (or curbside for even more convenience) can help you avoid paying shipping fees and confirm your items will arrive on time. Some retailers even offer exclusive discounts for curbside or in-store pickup.

Take advantage of membership programs.

If you haven’t been a member before, many retailers that offer memberships allow for free trials to test the perks, which often include free shipping. However, remember to cancel the trial before it auto-subscribes you for a full year. If you’ve previously done a trial, consider buying just a onemonth membership to take advantage of the benefits during the holiday shopping season.

Abandon your shopping cart. When

into

go through the check-out process to the point where the retailer has your email address then simply close the browser or tab. Often, if you have not shopped from the site previously, the retailer will send you a discount code or coupon to incentivize your purchase decision.

Stock up on discounted gift cards. Taking advantage of discounted gift card sites is a simple way to save some cash on holiday purchases. Not only can you give a gift card you bought at a discount as a gift, you can also use it to shop. Just be sure not to overbuy or you may end up wasting unused cards. Ask for a price match or adjustment. If you bought something and find a lower price within a week of that purchase, ask the retailer for a price adjustment. While

this typically won’t work with special promotions, many stores, both online and brick and mortar, will price match during the holiday season. If you’re shopping in-store, take your smartphone with you and ask for the retailer to match online pricing, which can sometimes be a better deal. Asking for this match can save you time and money on shipping fees you might incur ordering online.

Check return policies. Many retailers offer extended return windows during the holiday shopping season. Make sure you look at the details of retailers’ policies to ensure you understand how much time you have to make returns and don’t have to pay return shipping or other unexpected costs. (Family Features & Slickdeals, photos courtesy of Getty Images)

Bake Up a Sweet Holiday Treat

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

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 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

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1⁄2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

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

• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Gel food coloring (optional)

Directions:

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 combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Mix in the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating 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 baking 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.

Thanksgiving Traditions and Memory-Making Meals

Starting with parades and ending with family meals, Thanksgiving provides all-day opportunities for celebrating life’s special mo ments with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

Waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that brings smiles and happiness for many families, and this year, an icon ic brand will join the festivities. Since 1921, Wonder Bread has captured the “wonder” its founder Elmer Cline ex perienced when first watching a hot air balloon race. It’s often credited with the popularization of sliced bread in the United States and now, for the first time, its legacy will be on display Nov. 24 parading through the streets of New York City.

To celebrate the special occasion and the joy that Thanksgiving brings, you can enjoy Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls as a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share. If you’re searching for a tasty side that’ll leave your loved ones stuffed, look no further than this Thanksgiving Stuff

ing, a classic accompaniment to holi day meals and a favorite of home chefs across the country.

Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 package of Wonder Dinner Rolls

• 2 cups diced turkey, cooked

• 1 cup cranberry sauce or relish

• 6 slices Swiss cheese

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon parsley 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Cover 9-by13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Remove rolls from package in one piece, cutting entire slab in half length wise to create one half of “tops” and one half of “bottoms.”

Place bottom half in foil-covered pan and layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese. Add top half of rolls.

In microwave, melt butter and whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, on ion and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour evenly over rolls.

Cover with foil and let sit 5-10 minutes then bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncov

er and bake 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Slice into individual rolls.

Thanksgiving Stuffing

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided

• 3 cups chopped onion

• 2 1/2 cups chopped celery

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

• 2 teaspoons celery seeds

• 1 pinch grated nutmeg

• 1 pinch ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 loaf Wonder Classic White Bread, cubed

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth

Directions:

Heat oven to 325 F.

In large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add onion, celery, gar lic, sage, thyme, celery seeds, nutmeg, cloves and salt.

Cover and cook until onions are soft, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

In large bowl, toss sauteed vegetables with bread cubes and season with pep per. Melt remaining butter and pour

over stuffing along with broth then toss to coat.

Bake, covered, until heated through, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 15 minutes. (Family Features & Wonder Bread)

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 kayaking 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 improve on adventures large and small, and holiday shoppers 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 conditions that aren’t conducive to other fire-starting measures. 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 BioLite 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 coolers, 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 wilderness 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 Backpack is one to consider.

Lightweight sleeping bag: Maybe someone’s sleeping 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 outdoors. Since you can’t plug a phone into a tree, a portable 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.

Holiday Gift Guide

The real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years. Sellers have cashed in on record-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 inventory 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 furnishings 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 improvement 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 Welcome to the Smith Home. Other customizable 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 Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners 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.

Experiential Gifts for Kids

The 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 experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Such preferences 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 being 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 experiences that kids of all ages can enjoy.

• A day at the zoo

• A trip to a trampoline park or bouncy house facility

• Tickets to a sporting event, concert or

live show

• Music lessons

• A paint and sip (juice) event with one or both parents

• Cooking lessons

• A day at a nearby national park

• A camping trip

• Horseback riding lessons

• A day at a nearby amusement park

• A day at a local arcade

• A day at a local museum with interactive exhibits

• A helicopter ride

• Art lessons

• A day on the ski slopes

• A day on the beach

• Gymnastics lessons/classes

• A day at the local bowling alley with friends

• Ice skating lessons

• A round of mini golf

• Jewelry-making lessons/classes

• A fishing trip on a nearby body of water

There’s no shortage of experiences that can benefit children’s lives. That’s something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they shop for the perfect gifts for youngsters on their shopping list this December.

Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is a special time of year. Many factors combine to make the holiday season so unique and festive, and that includes all the effort people put into decorating their homes.

Much thought is given to holiday lighting arrangements and which tree to buy, but it’s equally important to consider pets when decorating. Many common household pets are naturally curious, and that curiosity can make it difficult to decorate safely come the holiday season.

But various pet-proofing strategies can ensure holiday decorations and displays aren’t compromised by four-legged friends this season.

Secure the Christmas tree. Much like other residents of the home, pets may be mesmerized by a glowing Christmas tree. Pets may sniff around the tree or investigate it closely, which can increase the chances that it tips over. That poses a significant safety hazard and underscores the importance of using a sturdy stand. Fastening the tree to a wall, much like

one might do with a television that isn’t mounted, adds a further layer of protection from tip-overs.

Block off the base of a live tree. Live trees need water to stay green and keep their needles throughout the season. That water could prove enticing to thirsty pets. Drinking water from a tree stand could increase the risk of the tree tipping over and the water could upset the stomach of pets if the tree was treated with pesticides prior to being brought home. When decorating with a live tree, make sure the base of the tree where the water will be is blocked off. A small fence around the tree could keep curious pets away. The room where the tree is located should be locked or inaccessible when pets are home alone. Inspect and conceal light wires. Wires can become frayed over time, and that could pique pets’ curiosity. Lighting wires should always be inspected prior to decorating and frayed or damaged wires should be thrown away, even if it means replacing lights. If wires are still sturdy, conceal them along the base of the wall using a cable concealer, which prevents pets from chewing on them.

Avoid lighting candles. Candles should not be lit in homes with pets. Even candles on shelves that are seemingly beyond pets’ reach can be hazardous, as pets, especially cats, have a way of accessing spaces they seemingly shouldn’t be able to reach. Use electric candles in lieu of traditional ones. Speak to a vet about seasonal plants and flowers before bringing them into the

home. Pet owners can speak with their veterinarians before bringing poinsettias, holly and other seasonal plants and flowers into their homes. Some pets could suffer allergic reactions if they eat certain seasonal plants, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and speak to a vet before including live plants and flowers in decorative displays.

Decorating is part of the holiday season. Pet owners must exercise an extra bit of caution to keep their pets and homes safe when decorating during this special time of year.

Gifts to Excite the Family Athlete This Holiday Season

oliday shoppers know that few things can match the joy of finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Whether that loved one is a tiny tot who can’t wait to unwrap this year’s must-have toy or an adult hoping to find the latest gadget under the tree on Christmas morning, the thrill of giving a great gift is part of what makes the holiday season so enjoyable.

Friends and family members may fall into certain categories, and that can make holiday shopping a little easier. For example, loved ones who can’t wait to sit down with a good book would no doubt appreciate a new e-reader or the latest bestseller. When it comes to gifting the family athlete, the following ideas can provide the inspiration shoppers need to put a smile on the face of fitness-minded friends and family members.

Weighted vest: Weighted vests have gained popularity in recent years. Available from a variety of manufacturers and for athletes of varying skill levels, weighted vests can be ideal for athletes who want to burn more calories and build strength during their workouts. This can be an especially useful gift for endurance athletes who want their training sessions to mimic the challenges posed by nature or difficult competitive terrains.

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds: Many athletes relish their workouts not only as opportunities to zero in on their

fitness goals, but also as chances to block out distractions and clear their heads for an hour or two each day. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds effectively block out external noises, allowing athletes to direct all of their focus on their workouts and training sessions.

Energy drinks: Though it might not seem like the most exciting gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, energy drinks are vital to many fitness enthusiasts’ athletic endeavors. For example, endurance athletes may appreciate a tub of Osmo Active Hydration Performance Drink Mix, which contains an optimal ratio of sucrose, glucose and electrolytes, helping athletes improve their endurance and power while reducing instances of cramping and fatigue. Energy drinks make for a perfect stocking stuffer. Home gym equipment: Pandemic-related gym closures turned athletes into their own personal trainers, and some may not want to return to local fitness facilities even now that they’ve safely reopened. Home gym equipment can help athletes continue to build their own private home gyms, making items like kettle bells, dumbbells, weight benches, and resistance bands great items to put under the tree this holiday season.

It’s never been easier to shop for the family athlete during the holiday season. A heightened focus on fitness ensures there’s something for every type of athlete on your holiday shopping list.

Decorative Holiday Symbols Add to Seasonal Celebrations

Decorating homes and other spaces is a major component of the holiday season. Holiday decorations often reflect celebrants’ religious beliefs, and the following are some traditional holiday decor symbols for people of various faiths.

Christmas tree

Christian or secular Christmas symbol

Few things evoke thoughts of Christmastime quite like a towering evergreen parked front and center in a home’s picture window. Christmas trees are believed to date back to sixteenth century Germany. The custom ultimately arrived in America when the country welcomed an influx of German immigrants. It is widely believed that various non-Christian cultures may have used evergreen plants indoors in celebration of the winter solstice, which suggests Christmas trees may pre-date Christian symbolism.

Menorah – Jewish Chanukah symbol

Menorahs are seven-armed candelabras used in Jewish religious worship. To mark the Chanukah celebration, a special ninearmed hanukkiah is displayed for eight days and nights. A candle is lit each day to commemorate the miracle of oil lasting in the rededicated Temple after the Maccabees’ successful uprising against the Syrian Greeks. The menorah typically is placed in a highly visible spot, such as the front window of a home or in a high-traffic living space.

Kinara and Mishumaa Saba – Kwanzaa cultural symbol

The Kinara (candle holder) and the Mishumaa Samba (the seven candles) are symbolic of Kwanzaa. The candles and holder represent the Seven Principles, or the minimum set of values by which African people are urged to live.

Baby New Year – Secular symbol

Baby New Year is a popular promotional symbol used to commemorate the dawn of a new year. The baby represents rebirth and may be traced back to the ancient Greeks or Egyptians. Historians say the Greeks believed that their god of wine, Dionysus, was reborn on New Year’s Day as the spirit of fertility. While people may not decorate with Baby New Year figurines, they do participate in “First Baby” competitions, which celebrate those infants born in the opening moments of a new year.

Nativity scene – Christian Christmas symbol

It’s customary for nativity scenes to be included in Christmas decor schemes. The nativity depicts the birth of Christ and typically includes a manger, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, various animals, an angel, and the three visiting Magi. The infant Jesus also is included, though some people prefer to wait until the after the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve to place Jesus in the manger. Live nativity scenes also are commonplace around Christmas. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223.

Great Gifts for School-Aged Children

shopping for adults on a holiday list o en involves identifying a loved one’s favorite hobby and then nding something that makes that hobby even more enjoyable. For example, a new e-reader can be just what the family bookworm needs to make reading even more immersive.

School-aged children may not be so simple to shop for, as their interests are always evolving, and they tend to outgrow toys as quickly as their growing bodies outgrow their clothes. No two kids are the same, but these gi ideas can appeal to school-aged youngsters at a time in their lives when their curiosity is always piqued.

STEM gi s: Parents know that the term “STEM” is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. ese academic disciplines have gained heightened importance over the last couple of decades, and many toy manufacturers now make products that reinforce STEM lessons kids learn in the classroom in a fun way. STEMbased toys are available for kids of all ages, including children who are still in diapers.

Nature-based gi s: Many parents do everything they can to reduce the amount of time their kids spend looking at screens, which is a tall order in the digital era. But various manufacturers produce toys designed to help kids be more physically

active in the great outdoors. From ageappropriate binoculars that encourage kids to explore natural settings to birdhouses and fairy gardens kids can build and paint in their favorite colors, shoppers can choose from a host of nature-based gi s that encourage kids to get away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors.

Board games: Board games remain a wonderful way for kids to learn and have fun doing it. Board games are made for kids of all ages, and they’re not just fun, but also bene cial to early childhood development. For example, clinical psychologist Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D. noted to the children’s book publisher and distributor Scholastic that board games requiring strategy help the frontal lobes of the brain develop. ose lobes are responsible for planning, organizing and

decision-making. Board games also provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together free from distractions.

Cookbooks: Cookbooks are another great gi for school-aged youngsters, who can learn a lot from pitching in at dinnertime.

Children who cook with their parents can learn valuable lessons about nutrition and measuring ingredients can reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Shoppers can choose from any number of cookbooks designed for kids, and even children as young as two can pitch in when baking cookies or preparing family meals.

Shopping for school-aged children during the holiday season can be made easier with some suggestions that can reinforce classroom lessons while keeping the focus on fun.

Transportation Security Administrators screened more than 1.3 million people on January 3, 2021, at airport security checkpoints across the United States. at was the largest number of travelers the TSA had seen since March 15, 2020, which was just four days after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Airports and other transportation hubs are now as crowded as ever, as the world has largely opened up and vaccinations have helped people feel more con dent about traveling.

With millions once again returning to the roads, rails and skies to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, it is once again prudent to go over safety tips that pertain to holiday-related travel. Follow these guidelines when heading home for the holidays.

Make your home secure

Travel safety begins before you even step outside your door. It means securing the home and any belongings inside and protecting them from thieves who prey upon holiday travelers. Burglaries tend to rise in both the summer months and during the holidays, when

homes are more likely to be vacant. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the property and report any suspicious activity. Install a home alarm and activate it. Utilize a video doorbell, which can be answered remotely. Don’t post travel plans on social media and be sure your home looks occupied while you’re away.

Practice safe air travel

Airports are busy at all times of the year, but particularly so during the holiday season. Guard belongings by always keeping an eye on your luggage and other bags, even a er boarding the plane. If you will be bringing a tablet, laptop, or another expensive device onto the plane, put it on the x-ray belt last, so the device will not be out in the open for too long. Keep close to young

children so they cannot wander off and get lost.

Prepare for vehicle travel

If you’re driving, get an oil change if it is due or close to it. Have an emergen cy kit packed into the car that includes road breakdown tools, flares, blankets, water, and snacks.

Avoid distractions while on the road and depart after getting plenty of rest. Designate a sober driver to get every one home after drinking at a party where alcohol is being served.

It’s cold, icy, and snowy in most areas during the holidays. Roads can be slip pery and conditions suboptimal. Leave

extra time, drive slowly, and avoid driv ing until roads have been treated.

Keep gifts out of sight

When transporting gifts to and from home, including shopping for presents, keep items away from curious eyes.

Packages should be kept in a locked trunk or in a covered cargo area. Con sider shipping items to their destina tions (and insure the packages) to avoid running the risk of gifts being lost or stolen en route.

These are just a few ways to keep safe when traveling for the holiday season. Keep merry and bright by avoiding theft and injury.