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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To our valued advertisers,
In business, there’s nothing more important than building strong relationships with clients. The holidays are the perfect time to share our gratitude and warm wishes with the people who do business with us throughout the year. At this special time of the year, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the trust that you have placed in us. When we think of all the benefts of being in our business, we quickly think of our relationships with great customers like you. Thank you for giving us the chance to do what we enjoy!
To our cherished readers,
During this season, we take time to reflect upon the good things we have . . . like our partnership with you, those who read our paper. We hope that you have enjoyed the products that we put out each week, from our local papers to our theme magazines. By appreciating our weekly print and digital offerings, you encourage us to put out a better product each week and challenge our advertisers to place their message in front of you as often as they can to secure your business with them. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to publishing a community paper that you will be proud of for years to come.
To our tireless staff,
Without you, we would not be able to achieve any degree of success. Your dedication and effort are most certainly appreciated. You have helped us shape our business and for that, we are extremely grateful. As we approach this glorious holiday season, remember to give thanks for all the good things in your life and never take anything for granted. As the Christmas and Holiday Season arrives, let the magic of the holidays bring you joy and happiness with your family, friends and loved ones and may the New Year bring you good health, good fortune and good times. ‘Celebrate the Holidays’, it’s like no other time of the year!
James Austin Robert Biondi Wendy Sutton
Angola Pennysaver Eden- North Collins Pennysaver
Jackie Bigelow, Sallie Bigelow, Kristen Biondi, Rhonda Davis, Kelly Pokigo, Marcy Sikorski
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The origins of some beloved holiday traditions
Christmas time is here. The presents are being purchased and wrapped. The stockings will soon be hung on the fireplace mantle. Mistletoe is pinned above the front entryway, and poinsettias add rich color to home decor.
Tradition is integral come the holiday season. Throughout the month of December, traditions fill people’s days and comprise the many reasons why individuals decorate, celebrate and dine they way the do this time of year. But few may know the origins of some of the more beloved holiday traditions.
Christmas stockings
The Christmas stockings of today may be a byproduct of various traditions. One such tradition dates back to a Dutch custom in which children would leave shoes full of food to feed St. Nicholas’ donkeys, and then St. Nicholas would leave small gifts in return. Another origin story of Christmas stockings can be traced to the twelfth century, when nuns would leave socks full of nuts, fruit and tangerines for the poor. This is why some people still put tangerines in Christmas stockings.
Christmas tree
Christmas Trees are everywhere this time of year. The use of evergreen trees predates Christmas and is associated with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the agricultural god Saturn with partying and gift-giving. During the winter solstice, green branches served as a reminder that spring would arrive anew. Germans are credited with first bringing evergreens into their homes and decorating them.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus’ origin story can be traced to St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived during the fourth century. St. Nicholas was very generous and gave away his fortune to help the needy. He also did various other good deeds. St. Nicholas’ became infamous and began to be known by various names around the world. The Dutch called him Sinter Klaas, which was eventually transformed to Santa Claus. The jolly persona came later when 20th century advertisers — especially the artists responsible for Coca-Cola ads — portrayed Santa in a red suit with a big smile.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is hung in doorways and couples who stand beneath are encouraged to share a kiss. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. Mistletoe was thought to bring good luck to a household and ward off evil spirits. The custom of kissing under mistletoe can be traced to England. Originally, a berry was picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed. When all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing.
Christmas bells
Church bells ring for many special services, including Christmas mass. During Christmas midnight mass in the Catholic church, the altar bells may be rung while the priest says the “Gloria.” Bells are part of caroling, and jingling bells are associated with sleighs and Santa’s reindeer.
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18 ideas for making holiday memories
Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although people likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are some festive ideas to include in the days up until Christmas — a special family calendar of fun finds.
1. Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving and everyone can track milestones.
2. Cookie day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family members over. Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors.
3. Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and
obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season.
4. Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience. Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home.
5. Dine out: Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.
6. Adopt a child/family: Volunteer with a charitable organization that provides for less fortunate families. Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists.
7. See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate.
8. Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a tree-trimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year.
9. Play dress-up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering.
10. Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow to see a local park from a winter perspective.
11. Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this
Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season.
12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing/making a gift for that person.
13. Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold.
14. Read religious stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages.
15. Camp-in: The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights.
16. Scavenger hunt: Plan holidaythemed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find.
17. Surprise box: Put a gender and age non-specific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.
18. Family portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.
Simple ways to dress up your home for the holidays
The holiday season is rife with traditions that focus on fun and family. One such testament to the festive spirit of the holiday season is the many homes and businesses decorated with the lights and colors that have become synonymous with the season.
Decorating for the holiday season can be time-consuming. While decking the halls may not consume as much time as holiday shopping and wrapping presents, according to data from a 2013 American Time Use Survey, interior and exterior decorating for the holidays may consume anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours per session.
Holiday decorating includes things as simple as setting up a menorah or as complex as stringing lights on the exterior of a home. Though elaborate displays can take hours to erect, timecrunched holiday celebrants can still create festive, welcoming displays.
• Hang holiday wreaths. Holiday enthusiasts without much time to decorate can invest in a couple of holiday wreaths, which can be dressed up as much or as little as celebrants prefer. If you do not have the time to string lights on the house, wrap them around wreaths hung in windows or hang the wreaths on a home’s main entrance. Celebrants who want to go a less traditional route can hang wreaths made of holly, citrus fruits, ribbons, or any other greenery instead of the more customary evergreen wreaths.
• Decorate with ornaments. Ornaments are not exclusive to Christmas trees. Fill a vase or bowl with metallic ornaments and place it in a prominent location,
such as a busy hallway or the foyer of your home. Hang ornaments on clear filament from the mantle or within the main window of the house, where they can reflect tree lights and add sparkle.
• Bring in more greenery. Drape evergreen boughs on staircase handrailings or on the mantle, or use greenery to frame doorways. The scent will be inviting and things instantly will look more festive.
• Use throws and decorative pillows. Change the look of a room with holidaycolored decor if you do not want to clutter the space with knickknacks. A red and green blanket draped over the sofa can give off a comforting holiday vibe.
• Focus on the front door and entryway. Celebrants who do not have the time to decorate their entire homes can create a warm, inviting space by decorating their front doors and entryways. Place greenery, bows, tinsel, lights, and winter-inspired accessories by the front door so friends and family visiting for the season catch the holiday spirit the moment they walk through the door.
• Place LED candles in windows. Rather than contending with twinkle lights and electric cords, homeowners can employ battery-operated faux candles to create a homey appeal in windows and hallways throughout their homes. Simplify holiday decorating with some easy tips to make houses cozy and festive.
Baby’s first holiday gifts
The holiday season is a magical time of the year for all age groups, but seems to be especially enjoyed by children. Even though infants and toddlers may not fully appreciate gifts under the tree or holiday lighting displays, that’s no reason not to make tots’ first foray into holiday giving any less special.
Shopping for babies can be challenging because gift-givers may not want to overwhelm new parents with much more stuff — considering their homes may already be inundated with baby gear. However, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to purchase adorable infant and toddler toys and trinkets, particularly when celebrating a child’s first holiday season. The following are some practical and thoughtful gift suggestions for shoppers who want to make children’s first holiday seasons as special as possible.
Activity chairs and mats
Young children who are not yet mobile require entertainment be brought to them. This can be achieved through the various activity chairs and mats designed to stimulate young brains. Children who are practicing tummy time skills can benefit from flat mats. Once baby is holding himself up a bit, he can sit in an activity chair that has teethers, noisemakers and other colorful toys built right into the seat.
Age-specific toys
It is important for shoppers to check product age recommendations prior to purchasing. Examples of gifts that can be appropriate for newborns include soothing rockers and swings, nightlights and cuddly stuffed animal/pacifier hybrids. Teether rings or musical gifts may suit slightly older infants. Older tots may enjoy exercise saucers, bouncing swings or tactile reasoning toys, such as those that require matching shapes with openings in a toy.
Clothing
Within the first year of life, babies go through several growth spurts and will quickly outgrow their clothing. Parents will need to continually meet new wardrobe demands. Think ahead and buy clothing that will be needed in the near future, and consider the seasons in
which they’ll be used. Tack three months onto the baby’s age and that is likely the size he or she will need next.
Classic gifts
Rockers have long been popular gifts for young children. While a little one may not be able to ride a rocker just yet, this can be a great addition to a nursery until it proves functional. Although a rocking horse is the standard, unicorns are currently having their moment, so a unicorn rocker can be a playful touch.
Personalized keepsakes
Placing the date and baby’s name on gifts instantly transforms them into collector’s items that can be cherished through the years. In addition to ornaments, think about engraving photo frames or make a photo book with all of the baby memories thus far.
Fresh Christmas tree care
CThe National Christmas Tree Association states that there are approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold each year in the United States, where there are close to 350 million currently growing on Christmas tree farms. The NCTA also notes that, when a Christmas tree is cut, more than half of its weight is water. To maintain its quality and appearance, keeping the tree hydrated is of utmost importance. There are other steps to take as well to minimize needle loss and help ensure the tree lasts through the holiday season.
Buy a quality tree. It’s adviseable to buy a freshly cut tree from a local nursery or cut one down yourself. Trees available at tree lots may have been cut down weeks prior and may have already started to deteriorate. Some needle loss is to be expected,
but if the tree you’re considering loses lots of needles when shaken, go elsewhere.
Fit the stand to the tree. Rather than whittling down the trunk to fit the stand, choose a stand with an adequate reservoir to fit the trunk and water. Stands should provide one quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Make a fresh cut in the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Be careful to cut perpendicular to the stem axis, not at an angle or v-shape. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in absorbing water, and should not be removed.
Keep it cool. Trees are used to being outdoors and not inside. Therefore, inside the home, place the tree away from a heat source to prolong its life. Avoid drafts from heating vents, radiators and fireplaces as well.
Consider a living tree. Living trees can be planted in the yard after the season, ensuring the beauty of the evergreen can be enjoyed yearround. Select a tree that is hardy to your planting zone. Live trees often need to be transitioned from the outdoors to a garage and then into the house so they will not be shocked. Reverse this process when returning the tree to the outdoors. Do not keep the tree inside longer than 10 days, advises HGTV.
Monitor any tree’s condition daily, keeping it watered regularly. Select lights that use low heat. Remove the tree if it has dried out to avoid a fire risk. Following these suggestions can help trees last the entire holiday season as they serve as the centerpiece of holiday decorations.
Dixieland Tree Farm
Christmas Trees & Wreaths
Open November 24th - December 24th Weekdays: 12pm - dusk • Weekends: 10am
hristmas trees are often the centerpiece of holiday decor and one of the hallmarks of the season.
November 10 – 26 Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM South Pacific Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
November 18 9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
November 18 6PM
King of the Cage Seneca Allegany 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca senecaalleganycasino.com 1-877-8SENECA
November 18 10AM-5PM
Christmas in the Village Findley Lake, Findley tourchautauqua.com 716-326-3504
November 18
10AM-6PM Vintage Christmas Eason Hall 23 Elm Street , Westfield tourchautauqua.com 716-326-3504
November 18 7:30PM
Bob Dylan & His Band Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
November 18 7PM
Holiday Play the Apple Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
November 19 4:05PM Buffalo Bills @ LA Chargers buffalobills.com
Erie, Cattaraugus & Chautauqua County
November 19
11AM-3PM
Christmas in the Village McClurg Museum 15 E., Main, Westfield tourchautauqua.com 716-326-3504
November 19
12:30-5PM
30th Annual Holly Tour of Homes 8305 West Main Rd., Westfield 716-680-1317
November 20 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
November 22 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
November 22 8PM
DNR On Tap Band Eden VFW Post 8265 2551 March Rd., Eden edenvfwpost8265.com
November 24 – January 7 10AM-5PM Pointsettias Expect the Unexpected Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
November 24 – January 7 10AM-5PM Garden Railway Exhibit Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
EVENTS
November 24 – 26
5-10PM
Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg the-fairgrounds.com
November 24 – 26
Black Friday The Stagecoach West Rts 5 & 20, Irving 800-648-1121
November 24 – 26 Christmas in Ellicottville Village of Ellicottville ellicottvilleny.com
November 24 & 25
9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
November 24 8PM
Dej Loaf & Jacquees
Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
November 24
5:45-8:15PM Holiday Candlelight Tours
Fenton History Center 67 Washington St., Jamestown fentonhistorycenter.org 716-664-6256
November 25 & 26
Sat.: 7PM Sun.: 2PM
Neglia Balet ArtistsThe Nutcracker Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
November 25 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens sabres.nhl.com
November 25 7PM
Holiday Play the Apple Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
November 25 12PM
Turkey SkeeBall Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
November 26 1PM
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs buffalobills.com
November 28 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay Lightening KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
November 28
Winners Game Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
November 30 – December 3
It’s A Wonderful Life Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
November 30 7PM
Holiday Play the Apple
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 1 – 3 5-10PM Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg the-fairgrounds.com
December 1 – 3
It’s a Wonderful Life Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
December 1 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburg Penguins KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
December 1
Holiday Tree Starts Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 1 5:45-8:15PM Holiday Candlelight Tours
Fenton History Center 67 Washington St., Jamestown fentonhistorycenter.org 716-664-6256
December 1 8PM Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
December 1 5-10PM 2017 Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Canalside 44 Prime St., Buffalo canalsidebuffalo.com 716-328-0320
December 1 6:30PM Annual Christmas Parade Third Street, Jamestown 716-489-3496
December 1 5:30-8:30PM
Christmas in the Village Village of Hamburg townofhamburgny.com 716-649-0200
December 1 7PM ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Marvel Theatre 280 Central Ave., Fredonia 716-673-3501
December 2 & 3 Sat. 7PM Sun. 5PM Lonestar Seneca Allegany 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca senecaalleganycasino.com 1-877-8SENECA
December 2 & 3 Sat.: 10AM-5PM Sun.: 10AM-4PM Yuletide in the Country Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg wnypremierpromotions.com
December 2 & 3 American Academy of Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
December 2 7PM Buffalo Sabres @ Pittsburg Penguins sabres.nhl.com
December 2 A Christmas Stroll Village of Ellicottville ellicottvilleny.com
December 2 10AM-3PM Miracle on Main Street Barkers Common Gazebo Main St., Fredonia tourchautaqua.com 716-680-2844
December 2 3-5PM Tree Lighting Ceremony
Buffalo Zoo 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo buffalozoo.org 716-837-3900
CELEBRATE
December 2 7PM
Just My Luck
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 2 9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
December 2 7:30PM
Buffalo Beauts @ Boston Pride nwhl.zone
December 3 1PM
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
New Era Field 1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park buffalobills.com
December 3 7PM
Platinum Sunday
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 3
10:30AM- 12:30PM
Breakfast with Santa Newell Faulkner Post 880 Eden Legion 2912 Legion Dr., Eden post880.com 992-3304
December 4
SNI Birthday Nation Night
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 5 9PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Colorado Avalanche sabres.nhl.com
December 6 6:30PM
Explore and More
Graham Cracker Houses
Eden Library 2901 East Church St., Eden buffalolib.org
December 7 – 10
It’s A Wonderful Life
Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
December 7 7PM
$1000 Thursday Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 8 – 10
5-10PM Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg the-fairgrounds.com
December 8 – 10
It’s a Wonderful Life
Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
December 8 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits vs. Toronto Rock KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo bandits.com
December 8 8:30PM Buffalo Sabres @ Colorado Avalanche sabres.nhl.com
December 8
5:45-8:15PM Holiday Candlelight Tours
Fenton History Center 67 Washington St., Jamestown fentonhistorycenter.org 716-664-6256
December 9 – 10 9-11AM
Breakfast with Santa & the Animals Buffalo Zoo 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo buffalozoo.org 716-837-3900
December 9 9-11AM 18th Annual Christmas in the Village of Angola J.T Waugh School 100 High St., Angola
December 9 10AM
Holiday Shopping on Ice Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
December 9 6PM
Kissmas Bash 2017 KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
December 9 7PM
Meat Raffle
Newell Faulkner Post 880
Eden Legion 2912 Legion Drive, Eden post880.com 992-3304
December 9
10AM-2PM
Santa’s Workshop
Buffalo & Erie County
Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
December 9 9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
December 9 10AM-5PM
Holiday on Ice
Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
December 10 1PM
Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts New Era Field 1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park buffalobills.com
December 10 3PM
Buffalo Beauts @ Metropolitan Riveters nwhl.zone
December 10 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ St. Louis Blues sabres.nhl.com
December 10 7:30PM
Natalie MacMater & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
December 10 12PM
Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner
Newell Faulkner Post 880- Eden Legion 2912 Legion Drive, Eden post880.com 992-3304
December 10 2:30PM
Chili Cook Off Eden VFW Post 8265 2551 March Rd., Eden edenvfwpost8265.com
Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers
December 12 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottowa Senators KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
December 12 8PM
Dover Quartet Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
December 13 – 17
The Lion King Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
December 13 – 17
Cleveland Metro
Pre-Season Race Camp Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
December 14 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers sabres.nhl.com
December 14
Nation Night Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 15 – 17
The Night Before Christmas Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
December 15 – 23 5-10PM Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg the-fairgrounds.com
December 15 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
December 15
5:45-8:15PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours
Fenton History Center 67 Washington St., Jamestown fentonhistorycenter.org 716-664-6256
December 16 – 17
9-11AM
Breakfast with Santa & the Animals Buffalo Zoo 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo buffalozoo.org 716-837-3900
December 16 1:30PM
Buffalo Beauts vs. Connecticut Whale Harbor Center 100 Washington St., Buffalo nwhl.zone
December 16 3PM & 8PM Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Ghost of Christmas Eve KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
December 16 7:30PM
Nick Kody and Creek Road Band Newell Faulkner Post 880- Eden Legion 2912 Legion Drive, Eden post880.com 992-3304
December 16
Demo Day Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
December 16 8PM
Kenny Rogers Christmas & Hits
UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
December 16 9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
December 17 1PM
Buffalo Bills vs. New Miami Dolphins New Era Field 1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park buffalobills.com
December 19 – 24
The Lion King Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
December 19 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
December 20 7PM
USA vs. Belarus Northwest Arena
319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
December 21 7PM
Belarus vs. Slovakia Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
December 22 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Philadelphia Flyers KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
December 22 7:30PM Jingle Bell Rock Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
December 23 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Carolina Hurricanes sabres.nhl.com
December 23
Fast Dash For Cash Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 23 7:30PM Buffalo Bandits @ Rochester Nighthawkes bandits.com
December 23 9AM-5PM
The Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market 6017 Westfeld Sherman Rd., Westfeld thecrossroadsmarket.com 716-326-6278
December 24 1PM
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots buffalobills.com
December 24
Christmas Eve Doors Closed @ 5PM Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
2017 • Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers 13 CELEBRATE
December 25
Merry Christmas Doors Open @ 5PM
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 26 – 31
The Lion King Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
December 26 – 31
Holiday Weekend at the Wineries lakeeriewinecountry.org 814-725-1079
December 26 – 31
IIHF U20 World Junior Cahmpionship
KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
December 26 Winner’s Game
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
December 27 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ New York Islanders sabres.nhl.com
December 28
10AM-5PM
Dollar Day
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
December 29
USA vs. Canada World Junior Outdoor Game
New Era Field
1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park harborcenter.com
December 29 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ New Jersey Devils sabres.nhl.com
December 30
2:30 & 7:30PM
A Polish Christmas Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
December 30 7PM
Buffalo Bandits @ Toronto Rock bandits.com
December 31
First Night Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin St., Buffalo frstnightbuffalo.org 716-635-4959
December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
December 31 1PM
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins buffalobills.com
December 31
Rock the Roundabout Village of Hamburg townofhamburgny.com 716-649-0200
December 31
New Year’s Eve Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
January 1 1PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
January 2 – 7
The Lion King Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
January 2
IIHF U20 World Junior Cahmpionship
KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
January 4 & 5
IIHF U20 World Junior Cahmpionship
KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
January 4 8PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Minnesota Wild sabres.nhl.com
January 5 & 6
7:30PM
Elvis Birthday Weekend
Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
January 5 & 6
NY State Ski & Stay Weekeend
Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
January 5 8PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Winnipeg Jets sabres.nhl.com
January 6 1:30PM
Buffalo Beauts vs. Boston Pride Harbor Center 100 Washington St., Buffalo nwhl.zone
January 6 3-7PM
Winter Grapes & Hops
Festival Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown www.northwestarena.com 716-484-2624
January 6 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits vs. Calgary Roughnecks KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo bandits.com
January 7 – 9
College Daze
Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
January 7 1PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers sabres.nhl.com
January 7 11AM-4PM
Tuxedo Junction Bridesworld 2017 Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin St., Buffalo bridesworld.com
January 9
Swim @ 1PM
Polar Bear Swim for Charity Fireman’s Club 23 Jackson St., Silver Creek 716-934-3775
January 9 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Winnipeg Jets KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
January 11 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
January 12 – 14 Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM Over The Tavern Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
January 12 – 15 Bare the Barrles Weekend lakeeriewinecountry.org 814-725-1079
January 13 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits vs. Vancouver Stealth KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo bandits.com
January 13 12-9:30PM
2018 Buffalo on Tap Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin St., Buffalo americaontap.com
January 14 2PM
Buffalo Beauts @ Connecticut Whale nwhl.zone
January 15 10AM-4PM Kids Day
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
January 16 8PM
Calidore Quartet Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
January 17 6:30PM
Daniel Tiger’s Neigborhood Live: King for a Day!
UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
January 18 7:30PM
Buffalo Sabres @ New York Rangers sabres.nhl.com
January 18
Discover NY Ski Day
Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
January 19 – 21
Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM Over The Tavern Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
January 19 & 20
Winter Blues Weekeend Washington St., Ellicottville ellicottvilleny.com
January 19 8:30PM
Buffalo Bandits @ Saskatoon Rush bandits.com
January 20 7 & 10PM
Larry the Cable Guy Seneca Allegany 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca senecaalleganycasino.com 1-877-8SENECA
January 20 1PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Dallas Stars KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
January 20 7 & 10PM
Impractical Jokers “Santiago Sent Us” Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
January 20 1PM Buffalo Beauts vs. Connecticut Whale Harbor Center 100 Washington St., Buffalo nwhl.zone
January 21 7:30PM
Dancing with the Stars Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
January 22 9PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Calgary Flames sabres.nhl.com
January 23 9PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Edmonton Oilers sabres.nhl.com
January 25 – 28
Disney on Ice presents FROZEN KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
January 25 & 26 Your Turn Women’s Ski Clinic Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
January 25 10PM Buffalo Sabres @ Vancouver Canucks sabres.nhl.com
January 25 Fun Night Game Night Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
January 26 – 28 Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
January 26 6-9PM Lumagination Launch Party Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
January 27 & 28 Lumagination Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
January 27 & 28
USASA Boardercross Weekend Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
January 27 1:30PM
Buffalo Beauts vs. Boston Pride Harbor Center 100 Washington St., Buffalo nwhl.zone
14
CELEBRATE
January 27 7:30PM
Wits ‘n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy Northwest Arena 319 West Third St., Jamestown northwestarena.com
716-484-2624
January 30 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
January 30 8PM
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
February 1 – 3
Thurs. & Fri.: 10AM-4PM Sat.: 9AM-3PM WNY Farm Show Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg ecfair.org
February 1 – 3
Lumagination
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
February 1 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Florida Panthers KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 4 7:30PM
David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Art Fredonia Opera House 9 Church St., Fredonia fredopera.org
716-679-1891
February 2 – 4
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
February 3 1PM
Buffalo Beauts vs. Metropolitan Riveters Harbor Center 100 Washington St., Buffalo nwhl.zone
February 3 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 4 10AM-4PM
Snowfake Local Living Festival Audubon Nature Center 1600 Riverside Rd., Jamestown jamestownaudubon.org 716-569-2345
February 3 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits @ Rochester Nighthawkes bandits.com
February 6 – 11
Waitress Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
February 6 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 6 8PM
Project Trio
Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
February 7 – 11
Lumagination Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
February 8 – 11 Thurs. – Sat.: 10AM-10PM Sun.: 10AM-7PM Buffalo Auto Show 2018 Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin St., Buffalo buffaloautoshow.com
February 8 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 2 – 4 Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM
The Diary of Anne Frank Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave., Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
February 9 7PM
Harlem Globetrotters KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo keybankcenter.com
February 9 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits @ New England Black Wolves bandits.com
February 9
Mountain Man Day Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
February 10 7PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins sabres.nhl.com
February 10 7:30PM
Buffalo Bandits vs. Georgia Swarm KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo bandits.com
February 10 12-6PM
5th Annual Winterfest
Bemus Point Golf Club 72 Main St., Bemus Point 716-581-5253
February 10 12PM
L’Elisir d”Amore
(The Elixir of Love)
Fredonia Opera House 9 Church St., Fredonia fredopera.org 716-679-1891
February 11 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Colorado Avalanche KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 13 7PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay Lightening KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers •
February 13 8PM
Doric Quartet
Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
February 13 10:30AM
Daruis & Twig
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
February 14 – 24
Lumagination
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo buffalogardens.com 716-827-1584
February 15 – 18
Master Harold & the Boys Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
February 15 7:30PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Ottoawa Senators sabres.nhl.com
February 16 – 18
Fri. & Sat.: 7:30PM Sun.: 2:30PM
The Diary of Anne Frank Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Ave.,Lancaster lancopera.org 716-683-1776
February 16 – 18
Wine & Chocolate Weekend
11727 East Main Rd., North East, PA lakeeriewinecountry.org 814-725-1079
February 16 – 18
2018 Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival Lakeside Park, Mayville chautauquachamber.org 716-484-1101
February 16
Chinese New Year’s Auction Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
Irving Gaming Center 11099 Rte. 5, Irving senecagames.com 716-549-4389
February 16 – 18
2018 Heartland Travel Show Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin St., Buffalo buffaloautoshow.com
February 17 & 18
Sat.: 10AM-5PM Sun.: 10AM-4PM
WNYRHS Winter Train & Toys Show
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg wnypremierpromotions.com
February 17 1PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. LA Kings KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 18 2:30PM
Buffalo Beauts @ Boston Pride nwhl.zone
February 18 3PM
Remi Geniet, Paino Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
February 19 3PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals KeyBank Center
1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 20 7PM
National Geographic Live: Point of No Return Kleinhan’s Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo kleinhansbuffalo.org 716-885-5000
February 22 – 25 Thurs.: 2-8PM Fri.: 12-8PM Sat.: 10AM-8PM Sun.: 11AM-5PM
WNY Home & Garden Expo
Hamburg Fairgrounds 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg wnyhomeandgarden.com
February 22 – 25
PAW Partrol Live The Great Pirate Adventure
Shea’s Performing Arts Center 646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
February 22 7:30PM
Buffalo Sabres @ Detroit Red Wings sabres.nhl.com
February 23 8PM
Garth Fagan Dance UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
February 24 & 25 9AM-4PM
2018 Sportsman’s Show Seneca Allegany 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca enchantedmountain.com
February 24 7PM Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals sabres.nhl.com
February 24 Penguin Paddle Holiday Valley, Ellicottville holidayvalley.com 716-699-2345
February 24 7:30PM Buffalo Bandits vs. Rochester Nighthawkes KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo bandits.com
February 24 12:30PM La Boheme
Fredonia Opera House 9 Church St., Fredonia fredopera.org 716-679-1891
February 24 8PM
An Evening with Andrew Bird UB Performing Arts Center 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo ubcfa.org
February 25 5PM
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins KeyBank Center 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo sabres.nhl.com 716-855-4100
February 25 3PM Buffalo Beauts @ Metropolitan Riveters nwhl.zone
February 28 7PM Buffalo Sabres @ Tampa Bay Lightening sabres.nhl.com
February 28 7:30PM
The Illusionists present Adam Trent
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
646 Main St., Buffalo sheas.org
The Village Board encourages you to support our local businesses when shopping for the holiday season. Special blessings to all for a wonder ful Holiday Season from the Village of Angola Officials, Mayor Hub, Trustees Bill H. John W, Carole K and John O, and Staff Nicole, Janice, Tara, Christie, Ray, Jack, Bill L, Hank, Cody, Phil, Andy, Elmar, Don, John G, Meghan, Sandy and Mark. May peace, happiness and health be with you and yours.
Christmas cookies made simple
Baking cookies is a holiday tradition for many families. Some the holiday season, many homes are bathed in the inviting scents of vanilla, cinnamon and melting chocolate. Baking cookies can be a social occasion in which family members and friends gather to create recipes passed down through generations. Or baking can be a solitary venture in which cookies are prepared and packaged as holiday gifts. Either way, people who bake during the holiday season understand that making Christmas cookies can be a timeconsuming, yet rewarding process. This year, holiday bakers can embrace a number of time-saving tips and tricks to reduce the amount of time they spend in the kitchen and possibly even improve upon existing recipes.
Use a cookie mix. Who says you have to toil and make cookies from scratch? It’s the thought that counts, and any number of creative recipes can begin by utilizing a pre-made baking mix. These mixes already have most of the dry cookie ingredients sifted together, including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. All you have to do is add the wet ingredients and any extra embellishments to make the mix your own. If mixes are too much work, purchase refrigerated or frozen cookie dough. Include your own add-ins, such as nuts, white chocolate chips, bits of dried fruit, or crumbled candy canes, to give the premade dough a unique flavor. Prepare ahead. Many cookie dough recipes can be made and stored for later use. In fact, refrigerating a log of
cookie dough can make it easier to cut or handle later on. Spread out the bulk of your baking over two days and you might feel less taxed.
Try a no-bake recipe. Creative culinary experts continually reveal their clever tricks, and many of these include nobake versions of favorite desserts. No bake cookies come together in a matter of minutes, but still employ a host of delicious ingredients. Recipes frequently feature similar ingredients to traditional cookies, but rely on chocolate, honey or peanut butter as the setting agent to keep them together. Bakers may also like having no need to turn on their ovens.
Recycle leftover cookies. If you have a fair amount of cookies remaining or several that broke apart that do not look good enough to serve, never fear. Such cookies can be used as part of another delicious dessert. Grind cookies into crumbs that can serve as a pie crust for pudding pies or no-bake cheesecakes, or mix cookie crumbs with cake frosting or a nut butter and roll into balls. Dunk the balls into melted chocolate, add a lollipop stick and make delicious cookie pops. Cookies may be holiday traditions, but there are ways to reduce the amount of work and time required of holiday baking.
Holiday gift-wrapping tips and tricks
After all the holiday presents have been purchased, the task of wrapping can begin. Although some people find wrapping is relaxing and provides a chance to embrace one’s artistic flair, many others find wrapping gift after gift becomes tedious quite fast.
While there are no statistics on just how many gifts the average person purchases over the course of the holiday season, the National Retail Federation says the average consumer will spend around $800 on all things holiday. That means there will be a lot of gifts to wrap before the big exchange. Those who want to make gift-wrapping less tedious this holiday season can consider these ideas to streamline the process.
Gather all supplies
When the time comes to wrap gifts, there’s nothing more frustrating than hunting for wrapping supplies. Have paper, bows, bags, tissue, pens, tape (double-sided tape streamlines the process), scissors, ribbon, and any other wrapping accoutrements at the ready. Set up a folding snack table near your wrapping area to hold the supplies so they don’t get in the way.
Choose the right location
Always wrap on a large, flat and sturdy surface. Avoid wrapping on a carpet, which will give gift wrap a wrinkled look and increase the amount of time needed to wrap.
Square it up
If you are a master at wrapping rectangular or square gifts but fail when presents are oddly shaped, place misshapen gifts into boxes and then wrap the boxes. Gift bags also can be used for such gifts, but wrapped boxes may look more appealing under the tree.
Fabric over paper
If you think gift wrap is wasteful, think about repurposing fabric into beautiful wrapping for presents. A square of leftover fabric, a piece of a t-shirt or even a portion of a sweater that has seen better days can be transformed into an innovative package for gift-giving. Tie the gathered ends into a bow and skip the tape as well. Dress up with ribbon and a tag for extra flair. Fabric bends and moves, making it more forgiving for oddly shaped gifts as well.
Stock up on paper shopping bags
On your next trip to Trader Joes or Whole Foods, bring home more than organic produce. Walk away with paper bags and free gift wrap. Craft a DIY stamp roller or handmade stamps to dress up plain brown bags. Or wrap the gift in twine and add a sprig of evergreen for a rustic look. Children can even use markers or crayons to create their own designs on gifts, personalizing even further.
Diversify gifts
Identify each recipient’s gifts by wrapping in a different color or style. Just jot down the key to decoding the wrapping, and you’ll save time on individual gift tags.
Wrapping presents doesn’t have to be a chore. With some time-saving tips and tricks, the work can be a breeze.
Tips to simplify holiday hosting
Hosting family and friends for the holidays is a tall task. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, during the Christmas/New Year holiday period, the number of longdistance trips (to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 23 percent compared to the rest of the year. While many of those traveling will stay in hotels, many more will enjoy the hospitality of loved ones.
Holiday hosting can make an already hectic time of year that much busier, as hosts must prepare their homes for guests in the midst of holiday shopping excursions, office Christmas parties and social engagements around the neighborhood and at kids’ schools. Holiday hosting does not have to run hosts ragged in the days leading up to guests’ arrival. The following are a handful of ways to simplify holiday hosting.
Plan menus well in advance of guests’ arrival. One of the more time-consuming tasks associated with holiday hosting is cooking. Hosts who plan their holiday menus in advance can get started on prep work several weeks before guests arrive. Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and then frozen, so dishes need only be defrosted and cooked once guests arrive.
Let guests pitch in. Some hosts may feel obligated to cater to all of their guests’ needs during the holiday season. But many guests want to pitch in any way they can. If guests offer to do some holiday baking or take the family out for dinner during their visits, allow them to do so. This takes a little responsibility away from hosts while
also allowing guests to show how much they appreciate the hospitality of their hosts.
Plan a night out. Another way to make hosting friends and family for the holidays less taxing is to plan a night out for everyone. In lieu of cooking at home, dine out at an affordable, family-friendly restaurant before taking everyone to a local holiday light display or bazaar. This gets everyone out of the house and allows hosts to showcase their hometown pride.
Rotate hosting duties. The holiday season is full of tradition, and some hosts may feel beholden to tradition and offer to host each year. But family traditions are about getting together, not about getting together in a particular place each year. Families who rotate hosting duties each year can ensure one member of the family does not feel overwhelmed time and again. And sharing hosting duties means someone new gets to avoid the hectic holiday traveling season each year.
Holiday hosting is an enjoyable yet sometimes difficult task. Fortunately, hosts can take steps to simplify holiday hosting without sacrificing tradition.
Strategies to avoid holiday weight gain
Pack in the fun without packing on the pounds this holiday season. Staying fit during the holiday season can be quite challenging, even for the most ardent fitness enthusiasts and disciplined calorie-counters. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, many people are offered a wide assortment of foods, beverages and other indulgences - typically in mass quantities.
According to researchers at Stanford University, although the average person only gains around one pound during the holiday season, quite frequently that pound sticks around, and those extra pounds add up year after year. As a result, it doesn't take too many years of holiday bundt cakes to gain a considerable amount of weight.
Holiday season weight gain is not unique to the United States and Canada. Investigators at Tampere University of Technology in Finland tracked weight gained in the United States, Germany and Japan during those countries' festive times and found that each country's participants gained weight, particularly during the holiday season. Annual holiday weight gain can contribute to weight-based problems such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
The holiday season might not be the best time to start a diet, but holiday eating does not have to derail healthy lifestyles. The following are ways to avoid holiday weight gain and still enjoy all of the parties, adventures and time spent with friends and family.
· Focus on festivity instead of food. When hosting holiday festivities, make the bulk of the celebration about an activity rather than food. If guests are
focused on fun, such as a sing-a-long, dancing or tree-trimming, they may be less likely to overeat.
· Don't show up starving. Eat a light, healthy snack before participating in any holiday revelry. Hunger pangs may drive one straight to the buffet table.
· Survey your options prior to eating. Guests should scope out the food choices and then make the smartest selections possible. Avoid creamy sauces, greasy foods and those that are heavy on cheese. Fill up on vegetables and then you won't feel bad about splurging on a dessert.
· Go sparingly on alcohol. People seldom realize how quickly calories from beverages can add up. A 12-ounce glass of beer has about 150 calories, a five ounce glass of red wine has about 125 calories and a 1.5-ounce shot of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila has about 100 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Furthermore, alcohol lowers inhibitions, so you may be more likely to overindulge in more spirits or extra food when intoxicated.
· You can't buy back calories with exercise. Putting in a marathon exercise session the next day probably will not undo the damage done from overeating the night before. Maintain a consistent workout schedule all through the holidays.
Holiday weight gain is not inevitable for those who take control and exercise discipline
