Village News Magazine December 2020 by Peter Cousin

Visit us online at www.OMyBathandBody.com For ordering and pricing

Dear Village News Readers, Welcome to the December edition of Village News Magazine. This is our annual Holiday issue and as we celebrate Hanukkah which begins on the 10th and ends the 18th and Christmas which always comes on the 25th, we’re mindful of what the end of the year has brough us all.

Celebrating 17 Years Village News Staff Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

It’s very hard to be jolly or even celebrate the holidays with so much sadness due to the virus. And it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. This is so hard, not just for our country but for our world. We will continue to pray that this terrible ordeal will end soon and we may try to get back to normal whatever that will look like.

Sherry Wood Marketing Director Sherry@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

The election brought at least one thing good. No more ads on TV. How this person is so bad or that person should be in jail. They really got to the bottom of the barrel this year.

LaRay Cooper Business Development LaRay@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Sarah Messinger Business Development Sarah@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784

Congratulations to the winner of the presidency: Joe Biden - President Elect. As we celebrate the holidays this year with probably a minimum number of family and friends in person, we at Village News will pray for each of you. I know that isn’t something you hear from us very often but desperate times bring desperate measures. I’ve heard that saying before.

David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620

Best of luck to us all in the coming year. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this month’s read of Village News Magazine!

Golf Golf Tips Tips 5 Golf Tips

Education Education 3 4 9 19 25 27

OMy! Hand Sanitizer Special Fashion Trend VBSPCA - Senior Pets Computer Mandate THE ART CORNER - Mona Lisa Your December 2020 Horoscope

Neighborhood Neighborhood News 26 A Wish for our Readers 29 Falling into home safety

Culture Culture

7 Gourmet SELECTS: 5 COCKTAILS On The House: Sugar Cookie Martini

Humor 15 Golf Humor

FEATURE FEATURE 17 OMy! Special Offer 23 OMy! The Story behind

October 2020

Circa 1960

There have been complaints about the spring 2021 collections. People kvetch in group chats and Twitter threads that digital shows are not as good as the real thing—and that the real thing is not as good as it used to be. That’s one way to look at the current situation, but there’s a thrilling upside to this fragmented season: We are experiencing something actually new. In an industry that hews so passionately to tradition, heritage, and status quo, how exciting is it to feel that after seasons of talk, we are finally on the precipice of real, tangible change? That change will hopefully take many forms beyond a democratized digi-physical fashion week, but this season of shows has been a good start.

Serene Tunics Long layers that drape on the body are the season’s predominant silhouette, seen at Fendi, Jil Sander, Thom Browne, and more. It makes sense: A draped tunic offers plenty of ease without sacrificing grace. Plus, matching sets like Marina Moscone’s cerulean top and trousers are much more comfortable alternative: a suit.

December 2020

Golf Tips for Senior Golfers 1. Grip harder on your club. This is a little uncomfortable, but this manifests better results. Your swing would be more powerful by having a firmer and harder grip on your golf club.

3. Watch your feet. Prevent swaying by turning your right foot out.

If you’re right-handed, you just have to rotate your hands a little to your right. And if you’re left handed, do otherwise.

When I started to feel uncomfortable, what I first did was I checked my flexibility level and my current ability to do the swings.

2. Narrow your stance. Most of us players over 50 find it hard to deal with our range of motion due to ageing. And for some reason, we just can’t swing our golf clubs properly. If you have the same problem, you may try narrowing your stance. Position your legs farther from each other. It would make it easier for you to turn your hip.

This tip is specifically for those who tend to be very stiff while playing golf.

The best thing to do it is to perform a backswing with your foot facing forward. As your foot stays in this position, your hip will remain neutral. After raising your club, allow it to stop over your head. Check if you’re swaying. And if you are, then it means that you have stiff hips.

Doing this would make it easier for you to perform your swings.

Ingredients 1 Pre-made sugar cookie dough 1/4 cup Sprinkles 1/2 cup Vanilla frosting 1/2 cup Whole milk 1 Ice Mix together, sit back and yell... Yay Santa

December 2020

INGREDIENTS

Whole fryer chicken, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds, preferably organic or kosher, wingtips removed Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon, halved or quartered 1 bunch fresh thyme 10 cloves garlic, peeled 8 carrots, peeled, trimmed and halved crosswise 1 to 1½ cups chicken stock 4 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 1 Tbsp red-wine vinegar, more to taste Method 1 Season and stuff the chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season well with salt and pepper. Stuff with lemon, thyme and half of the garlic cloves.

Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No problem!

Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.

2 Truss the chicken: Using butcher's string, secure the wings and legs to the body. 3 Place chicken in a small roasting pan or large, deep, oven-proof heavy skillet. Surround with the carrots and remaining garlic, then add 1 cup of chicken stock. Drizzle with olive oil. 4 Roast the chicken at 425°F (220°C). (If you are using a convection oven, start at 425°F (220°C) then reduce to 375°F (190°C) after the first 15 minutes.) Roast until chicken is golden and carrots are well caramelized, 1¼ to 1½ hours, basting with broth and pan juices every 15 minutes for the first 45 minutes. Add more stock if pan looks dry. 5 Let chicken rest: Transfer chicken, carrots and garlic to a platter. Discard twine, thyme and lemon, and let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes. 6 Add vinegar to pan juices: Skim fat from pan juices and discard. Add 1 Tbsp vinegar to remaining pan juices, taste and add more to taste. Serve over the chicken.

Here, Village News Shows You How.

December 2020

Survey: Pandemic has shifted how Americans view travel The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable, unavoidable impact on the world - from the way you conduct business, to how you shop for groceries. It may have even shifted your idea of what is important in life. According to Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index, Americans say spending time with family is a top priority. In light of everything 2020 has brought so far, Americans are shifting gears with a renewed emphasis on things they may have previously taken for granted: from time spent with loved ones, to road trips to favorite vacation destinations, and even, surprisingly, the daily commute. The rise of the road trip For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in vacation plans. But Hankook found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Americans are still hopeful and excited about the idea of an upcoming vacation. And more than likely, that vacation will be a road trip. As consumers remain skeptical of traveling by plane and other forms of public transit, they are finding a safe hygiene haven in their own vehicles. According to the survey, 60% of Americans expect to take more road trips as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many expect a rise in road trip plans enabling travelers to explore while still safely adhering to social distancing guidelines. So, who are they going with? Even as restrictions lift, Americans remain uncertain about traveling with people outside their households. At the same time, they don't necessarily want to travel with everyone in their household. When asked who Americans would most like to travel with after the pandemic restrictions ease, the top choice was their significant other or spouse (40%), indicating a desire to spend some quality time together. Traveling with a spouse or significant other was more than twice as popular as the next most popular choice: traveling with your children (18%).

December 2020

Redefining the daily drive Americans' preference for wheels over wings doesn't stop when it comes to planning their next vacation. It will also have a significant impact on the daily commute. Americans widely agree automotive travel will be the top form of transportation after the COVID-19 pandemic eventually subsides (62%). Only a small percentage of people expect to regularly use other forms of transportation - including public transit (9%), ride sharing (7%) and trains (6%) - with the same regularity. Of course, nobody knows what that regular rush hour might look like, as offices across the country look for ways to safely stagger workforces and encourage working from home to allow for proper social distancing. Many will continue to avoid commutes altogether as companies encourage employees to keep working from home. When the time is right to resume your daily commute to work or school, make sure your vehicle is ready for the job as well by checking your tire pressure, any flat spots developed from prolonged parking and that A/C and heating systems are ready. Overall, it's clear that one of the many perspectives the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped is Americans' attitudes toward driving. What may have once been a daily drag might now be a necessary change in routine, and a welcome opportunity to spend time with the people that matter most.

5 fall tips for protecting your pet's health Whether fall is when you switch out your exercise regimen or schedule your annual flu shot, staying healthy is at the top of most "to do" lists right now. Just remember your four-legged family members when considering seasonal changes to your wellness program. Fall is the perfect time to take steps to keep pets healthy, too. 1) Plan that vet visit. Annual check-ups that include immunizations, physical exams, routine blood work and prescription refills are as important to pet health as they are to human health. Routine wellness visits can also save pet-care dollars in the long run through preventive care and early disease detection. If your pet missed his or her annual check-up last spring, consider getting that visit rescheduled. Most veterinarians offer pet wellness appointments with curbside drop-off and pickup to help safeguard owners' health. 2) Get off the couch. Summer's heat is giving way to cooler temperatures, so resist the temptation to forgo your dog's evening walk for yet another movie marathon. Not only will outdoor exercise help whittle your pet's waistline and promote joint health, but getting outside to enjoy the fall colors can boost your own caloric burn and mental outlook as well. 3) Don't "fall" back on parasite prevention. Just because you aren't slapping mosquitoes like you did in July doesn't mean you should stop protecting your pets from parasites. The American Heartworm Society recommends giving heartworm preventives - many of which prevent a host of common parasites - to dogs and cats year-round. While heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, it's nearly impossible to guess when you'll see the last one in the fall or the first one next spring. Disease-carrying mosquitoes can also survive as temperatures drop by migrating indoors or to protected areas near houses and other buildings. 4) Rethink your pet's fall wardrobe. Protective wearables make more than a fashion statement for many pets. Arthritic senior dogs, as well as short-haired dogs or lean breeds that chill easily, will be more comfortable if you slip on a cozy fleece coat when clipping on their leash. Just make sure your pup's garment has a snug vs. a tight fit - and consider coats with reflective fabric if you favor nighttime walks. And if your fall activities include hunting with your dog, make sure to outfit your four-legged companion with a hunting vest. 5) Hide the Halloween treats. Whether or not your kids go trick-or-treating this year, you may be making plans to stock up on Halloween candy. Just remember that certain human treats may be toxic to your pets. Chocolate is hazardous to both dogs and cats, sugar can throw off your pet's electrolyte balance and certain artificial sweeteners can cause liver failure in dogs. So go ahead and keep the candy to yourself. Just keep it away from your pets while you're at it. Staying healthy has never felt more important than it does this fall. Do your pets a favor and prioritize their health, too.

December 2020

Get crafty this year and spread a bunch of holiday cheer Holiday decorations bring a smile to everyone's face, and this year, we could all use that now more than ever. Crafting seasonal dĂŠcor instead of shopping for it gives you and your family something to occupy your extra time at home and helps you avoid big crowds and shopping stress. Perhaps you'll make wooden signs with jolly messages or metal snowflakes covered in lights? Or maybe you'll craft ornaments for the tree or engrave life-lasting messages into the menorah? No matter the craft, a homemade holiday novelty will bring a sense of pride and happiness to all. Ready to get crafty and holiday savvy? Here's what to do:

difference. The tool set revolves around a 20V Power Hub battery that powers five versatile tools, including an air brush, angle grinder, mini heat gun, rotary tool and wood and metal grinder, so the possibilities are limitless. Be sure to test out your tools on some scraps first before diving into your perfect materials and always follow safety measures and be careful when handling tools. Set the mood You've got everything you need so now it's time to start feeling festive. Light an apple cinnamon, vanilla cookie, fir and firewood or whatever spiced-snow-scent-ticklesyour-fancy candle, turn on the cold weather carols and get your groove on.

Make a plan Visualize your project in your space and measure the location so you know how many supplies you need. Take a look around to notice what areas have the most room. Get a view from the outside to see what your neighbors will see when passing by. Browse social media/decoration sites for inspiration. Save pictures of your favorites and then picture it fitting in your space. You could even sketch out your design on paper to get a clearer vision of what you're going to create. Locate your sources of electricity if you want to incorporate lights, music or even snow machines (hey, we can dream!). Be sure you have extension cords if you'll need them. Shop for your materials Shop for and select the items that are eye-catching and fun. Consider bright, festive colors and pretty patterns. Research the items you need, and what stores near you carry them before you leave to save some time. Price check between stores to ensure you don't overspend. If possible, you can even order online supplies ahead of time to avoid the crowds. Have the best tools in your tool belt Equip yourself with tools that are lightweight, versatile, portable, user friendly and the very best to get the job done. The new MakerX line of tools from Worx will elevate your home-crafter game, giving you a range of creative options, allowing you to create from anywhere and perfecting the small details that make all the 12

December 2020

Pour a cup of cocoa - or a glass of spiked cider for mom and dad - and get to work!

Kick back and admire your work

December 2020

2020 Combo Associate Memberships ALL of 2020 for the low price of $299 or $29 per month* (Limited Combo Associate $199 year/$19 per month Includes Heron Ridge, VB National & Riverfront Golf Courses Call For Details (757)426-3800

Goldfish Crackers Celebrates National Family Day with Exclusive Giveaway According to a new research study, Goldfish crackers uncovered that 91% of Americans who live with or visit children regularly feel that they would like to spend even more quality time with their family than they currently do! To encourage these family moments, Goldfish will release a oneof-a-kind GOldFISH card game via an Instagram giveaway, to help inspire valuable family bonding time and bring smiles to people of all ages. The giveaway launches today, and consumers can enter to win through National Family Day on Sept. 26, 2020. Inspired by a love for creativity, imagination and of course, everyone's favorite #SnackThatSmilesBack, the game includes a pack of custom playing cards in the shape of iconic Goldfish crackers and a bag of Goldfish Colors crackers for snacking on while playing the game at home with loved ones. Goldfish also uncovered that 96% of respondents agree that the quality time they spend with their family is one of the most fun parts of their current day-to-day routine and nearly eight in ten (75%) Americans who regularly

spend time with kids in their family are "extremely" or "very" interested in finding new activities that could be fun to do together. That's why Goldfish crackers created a new, family-friendly activity that brings the two together. Want to enter? The brand will select 100 winners that visit @GoldfishSmiles on Instagram and tag someone who makes them smile in the comments of the GOldFISH Card Game giveaway post starting at 8 AM ET on 9/23/2020 through 11:59 PM ET on 9/26/2020. No Purchase Necessary, open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC, 18 years or older, void where prohibited. METHODOLOGY: An online poll was conducted between Sept. 11-13, 2020 among U.S. Nationwide Sample of Adults, 18+ years-old, who currently live with at least one child <18, who is their relative or regularly (at least once a week) visits relatives (i.e. immediate or extended family) that have at least one child <18 living with them.

December 2020

www.OmyBathandBody.com Goat Milk is very beneficial to the health of our skin due to the similar PH Balance, as well as the natural Vitamins and Minerals found within! O My! Goat Milk Soaps have been known to moisturize dry skin, help to heal sensitive skin conditions, and exfoliate dead skin cells,

Where can I find O My! You can now find O My! products in over 3,000 retail locations nationally, at your favorite spas & pharmacies, at hospitals, general stores, natural grocery stores, hallmarks, retail gift stores, garden centers, hardware stores, gourmet stores, fabric stores, bookstores, college campuses, private schools, as well as military commissaries and exchanges. But WAIT!!! You can now find "O My!" products by going directly to their website: OMYBathandBody.com. You will LOVE this site! Take a look at the page on the right. OMy! is now located at 2404 Castleton Commerce Way in Suite 501 here is Virginia Beach. New location with same great products and YOU can buy them right from the manufacture.

877-842-5478 Come by and visit the new DIGS!

December 2020

The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net

and performing the way you want it. No down Time is the key to making users happy. Dear Village News Readers, Where did this year go? Seems like we were just celebrating the holiday last year. Time really flew and that’s amazing in itself because of Covid has sidelined most of us from doing much else except... working on our computers. That’s right. The use of the Internet has jumped significantly during the 2020 outbreak. But because of that our team has been working night and day and weekends to keep up with the demand for service. Not to worry Village News readers. We’re always here for you. We have been for more than 10 years and we’ll continue for as long as Peter produces the publication.

Call us for an appointment to get your computer cleaned and made optimum for performance. We’re always here for you and we take social distancing seriously. We want you as well as us to be as safe as possible. We will make sure you’re protected so not to worry. Call us today to setup an appointment. Looking foward to seeing you. David always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”

So what do you need to do during this time? A clean computer inners would go a long way in staying vibrant

Were you born in December?

Curious and energetic, Sagittarius is

one of the biggest travelers among

all zodiac signs. Their open mind and

philosophical view motivates them

to wander around the world in search

of the meaning of life.

Sagittarius is extrovert, optimistic and

enthusiastic, and likes changes.

Sagittarius-born are able to transform

their thoughts into concrete actions

and they will do anything to achieve

their goals.

Like the other fire signs, Sagittarius

needs to be constantly in touch with

the world to experience as much as

possible. The ruling planet of Sagit-

tarius is Jupiter, the largest planet of

the zodiac. Their enthusiasm has no

bounds, and therefore people born

under the Sagittarius sign possess

a great sense of humor and an intense curiosity.

Freedom is their greatest treasure, because only then they can freely travel and explore different cultures and philosophies. Because of their honesty, Sagittarius-born are often impatient and tactless when they need to say or do something, so it's important to learn to express themselves in a tolerant and socially acceptable way.

December 2020

The OMy! Story O My! was born from an expression of utter joy after bathing with a bar of natural handmade goat milk soap. In 2011, Vicki, our product formulation extraordinaire and President, was selling her goat milk soap at a local farmers market in Virginia Beach when Heather, our CEO, came by her booth and decided to give one of her bars a try. Later that evening Heather bathed with the Goat Milk Soap and the first words out of her mouth were “O My”!? Heather found out the home-grown Goat Milk Soap recipe had been perfected over the course of 10 years on Vicki's goat farm. She started researching the benefits of Goat Milk Soap and found goat milk is greatly beneficial to the health of our skin due to the similar PH Balance, as well as the natural vitamins and minerals found within! The ability to moisturize dry skin, help to heal sensitive skin conditions, and exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving a healthy glow that is noticeable by others lead Heather to form a partnership with Vicki and O My! was quickly born.

Hand sanitizers too expensive at the grocery store? Don’t know how good they are? O My! has the answer. Let us keep you safe.

Healthy, Soft Lips... the All Natural Way!" Made in USA, 100% natural Say "NO" to unhealthy SPF additives found in other lip balms, lip salves and lip glosses and say "YES" to Natural O My! Goat Milk Lip Balms.

www.OMyBathandBody.com 2404 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 501, Virginia Beach 23

December 2020

Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa, also called Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, Italian La Gioconda, or French La Joconde, oil painting on a poplar wood panel by Leonardo da Vinci, probably the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous painting. It was painted sometime between 1503 and 1519, when Leonardo was living in Florence, and it now hangs in the Louvre Museum, in Paris, where it remained an object of pilgrimage in the 21st century. The sitterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mysterious smile and her unproven identity have made the painting a source of ongoing investigation and fascination. Do you have a favorite painting you would like to exhibit here next month? Send us the name with the artist to ARTCORNER@VillageNewsVA.com. We will do our best to present to our fellow readers and art enthusiasts.

December 2020

The whole â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gangâ&#x20AC;? at Village News wishes you and your loved ones a very happy Holiday! Sights of the Season

December 2020

3 ways to give and get the best tech this holiday Heading full speed toward winter, we all know holiday shopping won't look the same as years past. But that doesn't mean you should let the latest trends pass you by this gift-giving season. These tips from UScellular will keep you from missing out on the best gifts and gadgets for you and your loved ones. And don't forget, UScellular has all the latest tech on their online store, helping you shop earlier, avoid congestion at stores and keep your community as safe as possible. 1. Beat the rush! Get started early With holiday shopping expected to start earlier than ever this year, don't wait for Black Friday to get started and end up missing out on some of the best gear. Right now you can get the coolest tech like the Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS & Cellular) and the Lander Cairn XL Smart Lantern + Power Bank online through UScellular. The audiophile in your family will be blown away by the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live earbuds or the JBL Flip 5 portable speaker.

3. Get yourself a new phone, without breaking the bank For many of us, the holidays might need to be celebrated from afar to be sure everyone stays safe. With a potentially remote holiday experience, having a phone and service that will give you all the features necessary to connect with family and friends is more important than ever. If you are looking to make a carrier switch, UScellular is offering the latest smartphones free with no hidden requirements through Jan 11, 20211. That means you can score 5G smartphones like the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Google Pixel 5 for free. All three phones are great for video chatting with family, and with UScellular's unlimited data plans and high-quality network, you can confidently connect with all your loved ones. Plus, be sure to get all the essential accessories for your new device, including cases, screen protectors and chargers. If you want to view the latest holiday tech deals, visit www.uscellular.com/deals.

2. Shop safer, right from home Picking up stocking stuffers has never been easier and safer thanks to online shopping. UScellular's online store is brimming with fun tech-friendly items like the PopSockets PopGrip in a Carbonite Weave design. And if you are looking to help your loved ones keep their phones clean, be sure to add the Case-Mate CLEANSCREENZ Phone Cleaning Wipes to your cart.

1Offer requires new qualifying smartphone purchase on a 30-month retail installment contract with $0 Down and 0% APR. Port in and postpaid plan required. Discount comes via a monthly bill credit. Credit approval required. Taxes and charges such as USF and RCRF apply. Additional terms apply. See uscellular.com for details.

If you have any questions about products available online, just pick up the phone and call your local UScellular store to get some helpful insights from their associates.

December 2020

Falling into home safety While the crisp autumn air signals the change of seasons, it also brings fire safety risks associated with fall activities, such as getting cozy around a campfire and burning candles. While spending more time at home and cooking more indoors as cooler weather approaches, it is important to be prepared. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): * Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S.; * Campfire accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms with burn injuries every year; * More than half of candle fires (59%) start because a flammable object is too close to the candle. As temperatures begin to drop, make sure to check out these fire safety tips from First Alert: Be alert while cooking. Cooking fires are expected to continue to increase with more cooking occurring at homes across the country right now, so it is important for you to stay alert and be mindful in the kitchen. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or dish towels - away from your stovetop. Play it safe around a campfire. Whether in your backyard or on a campsite, it is important to know how to enjoy a campfire safely. Campfires need to be placed at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn, such as dry leaves and shrubs. Avoid burning on windy, dry days and never use gasoline or other flammable liquids. Always attend to the campfire and keep a close eye on children while the fire is burning, especially when roasting marshmallows.

to your indoor and outdoor areas, but they can easily ignite anything that can burn. When burning candles, keep them at least a foot away from anything flammable, never leave them unattended and place them out of reach from children. Make it a routine to check that all flames are extinguished before you leave the area. Be prepared to put out a fire. Fires can spread very quickly and have the potential to cause significant damage. You should always be prepared with a fire extinguishing device nearby, like First Alert EZ Fire Spray. It's easy to use - just point and spray - and features a familiar lightweight spray-can design to help stop fires fast. Plus, it discharges four times longer than regular extinguishers (based upon approximate size of fire extinguishing vs. 1-A:10-B:C) and is easy to clean up after use. Its small size makes it easy to store, like in your kitchen cabinet, or perfect to have near you around the campfire. Teach kids about fire safety. While many children will be at home this school year, it is important to remind them about staying safe when near an open flame. Teach kids to stop, drop and roll. Talk about the dangers of open flames and run through safety drills so everyone will feel confident to handle a scary situation. "While spending more time at home, it is important to be prepared, such as having a fire extinguishing device nearby and discussing safety with your entire family to help ensure everyone is ready in the event a fire incident occurs," said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. To learn more about fire safety, visit FirstAlert.com.

Practice candle safety. Candles can add lots of ambiance

December 2020

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season Traditionally, the holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends to reminiscence and celebrate all that has happened throughout the year. But with an ongoing pandemic, many are left looking for new and unique ways to enjoy those timehonored traditions in a way that keeps everyone safe and healthy. So while things will likely look different than we are accustomed to, that doesn't mean you and your loved ones have to miss out on those most important and cherished traditions. Instead, consider trying these tips and tricks for safe, socially distant holiday fun. Host safely If you plan to host, there are a number of precautions you can take to keep guests safe. If possible, take your gatherings outside where you can increase physical distance and airflow. Choose outdoor activities, such as a bonfire or an active game. If you live in a colder climate, bring out the hats, coats and gloves - and try using a patio or porch heater to warm up. To limit travel, it is best to only invite people from your local area and limit the number of attendees. Provide information to guests about your local safety guidelines and take steps to prevent spread by providing masks and hand sanitizer. Get help from the experts With everything to consider this year, there is nothing better than receiving a helping hand in the kitchen - especially one that can be delivered right to your doorstep. Boston Market, known this time of year as the Holiday Experts, has fully prepared, precooked holiday meal spreads, as well as a la carte sides and desserts that can be delivered to your home, preordered or picked up at any location nationwide. This helpful solution is also perfect 30

December 2020

for those taking extra precautions during this unusual holiday season. Go virtual Since you may not be able to see family and friends in-person, consider spending time with your loved ones from afar by using one of the many apps and programs that allow them to gather virtually. To keep the conversation flowing, prepare a list of fun topics, questions to ask or games to play while you are digitally celebrating the season together. Shop conveniently Online shopping has never been easier - or safer. Instead of heading out to crowded malls or stores, do as much online shopping as possible. Be sure to start early, as shipping times will likely be delayed and stocking of the season's most popular gifts may be limited. If you do plan to shop in person, be sure to follow your local guidelines to ensure you stay safe. Don't let the pandemic steal your joy and ruin those time-honored holiday traditions. Instead, try following these helpful tips to ensure a safe and healthy season. You might even discover a new tradition to add to the list!