Holiday Guide 2021

Major Benefits To Early Holiday Shopping This Season

Some people begin their holiday countdowns the day after the festivities have come and gone. With 365 days until the next celebration, it may seem like one has all the time in the world to complete holiday tasks. But before long, holiday crunch time arrives and some people find themselves rushing around to buy gifts and other essentials.

A 2020 Gallup poll found the average holiday shopper

planned to spend $942 on gifts in 2019. The personal finance site Mint.com from Intuit reported roughly $729 billion was spent during the holidays in 2019 — making it the biggest holiday season to date.

Though the pandemic changed the holiday shopping landscape in 2020, a return to normalcy appears to be on the horizon for the 2021 holiday shopping season. In fact, the adage of

“the early bird catches the worm” could help shoppers scoop up gifts and bargains before the holiday shopping rush begins. Individuals who start their holiday shopping early this year may discover there are many benefits to such an approach.

Spread out spending

Those who begin shopping well before the holiday season arrives can spread their spending over several months rather than a short period of time. This can make shopping more affordable for those who may have limited financial leeway. It may be easier to swallow spending an extra $100 per month throughout the year as opposed to

having a $1,000 bill at year’s end.

Shop sales

A Coresight Research survey found that more than 25 percent of shoppers expected to start holiday shopping earlier than usual in 2020, when retailers offered their promotions earlier than

normal to compensate for a decline in brick and mortar shopping. While it remains to be seen what retailers will do this year, shopping early means people are not beholden only to holiday sales promotions; they can take advantage of major sales throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, back to school season, tax free weekends (often offered in August), and even retailer-specific sales like Prime Day.

Avoid delays

Continued pressure on shipping companies as online shopping has become so prevalent inadvertently leads to delays. Couple this with supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, and certain items may be out of stock or on back order.

“With potential product shortages continuing, if you see something you know you want, go ahead and buy it,” said Karl Haller, retail industry expert at IBM Global Business Services.

Shopping early also assists those who have to ship gifts domestically or internationally. Shopping early ensures those presents get to their recipients on time.

Getting a head start on holiday shopping is advantageous to shoppers who want to budget, save and ensure items are available.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Historians have uncovered the origins of many popular Christmas carols, but others remain somewhat mysterious. Such is the case with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” an instantly recognizable tune that some historians believe can be traced back to the 16th century. According to Songfacts. com, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” reflects an English tradition in which wealthy people in England would give treats to visiting carolers on Christmas Eve. One such treat was figgy pudding, which the song has immortalized.

We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Now bring us some figgy pudding,1 Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, And a cup of good cheer!

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We all like our figgy pudding; We all like our figgy pudding; We all like our figgy pudding; With all its good cheer.

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We won’t go until we get some We won’t go until we get some We won’t go until we get some So bring it out here!

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year! And a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lyrics courtesy of Hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com

‘Tis The Season For Baking Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

Tradition plays a big role during the holiday season. Food is at the center of many families’ traditions, which may include big family dinners and Sunday brunches together.

Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many households. Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.

Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Yields 12 to 20 cookies

Dough

3¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

4 teaspoons ground ginger

1½ teaspoons ground cloves

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ cup blackstrap or other dark molasses

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons water

To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well. Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and

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

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

Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife

and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the

dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

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

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

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

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.

Did You Know?

Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century.

Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe­inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first

to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles. While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight­bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must­have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe.

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“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

~ Calvin Coolidge

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Support Small Businesses

This Season

Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. There is something to be said about being on a first-name basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.9 percent of companies in the country, due in large part to the broad definition of small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees). How­

ever, the vast majority of businesses in the United States have a staff that’s smaller than 20 workers, according to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. These firms employ nearly 60 million workers, says the SBA.

Despite the prevalence of small businesses, fewer than 80 percent of entrepreneurial small business ventures make it beyond their first year, and only around half make it beyond five years.

Consumers who want to help their favorite businesses survive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success. Consumers can make a concerted effort to fuel this important cog in their local economic engines.

• Shop local. The concept is simple but effective. Opting to shop in local

stores over larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root. Before making holiday shopping lists, visit local stores and base gift ideas on items they have in stock. Chances are those gifts will be one­of­a­kind.

• Purchase gift cards/ certificates. All businesses have slow periods, and postholidays is often a time when sales stagnate. Gift cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them, potentially creating new repeat customers.

• Cater holiday meals and gatherings. The holiday season is full of entertainment opportunities. Individuals can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to cater holiday parties. Some businesses also may be

willing to discount or donate food for nonprofit group activities, such as church holiday bazaars, school concerts or fundraising fairs.

• Mention small businesses on social media. The holiday season breeds excitement. Therefore, when shoppers are in local stores, they can snap pictures of products and overflowing shopping bags and post them online while praising local businesses.

• Think about subscription gifts. Enrollment in a health club or a massage therapy service are gifts that keep on giving, but also help ensure incoming cash for the business providing the service.

When shopping this holiday season, consumers can look to the small, local businesses in their communities that help make towns and cities unique.

FLAVORShometown

Our Hometown Flavors section turns five years old this month! We enjoy receiving the recipes for each new

Magic Peanut Butter

Middles

Emily Zimmerman, New Holland

1½ cups flour

½ cup cocoa

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup butter, softened

¼ cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat sugars, butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat well. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Set aside.

Filling: ¾ cup peanut butter

¾ cup 10X sugar

Combine peanut butter and sugar. Roll filling into (30) 1” balls.

For each cookie, shape about 1 tablespoon of dough around a peanut butter ball, covering it completely. Place 2” apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.

Bake at 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until set and slightly cracked. Do not over bake.

Sour Cream Cookies

Christina Hursh, Ephrata

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter

3 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 cups flour

Cream sugar and butter. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Frost with your favorite frosting and some colorful sprinkles or other desired topping.

Our next Hometown Flavors theme will feature a breakfast table staple that makes a great addition to many dishes:

Date Nut Balls

Rachel Hoover, Ephrata

½ cup butter

1 cup chopped dates

¾ cup white sugar

1 egg, beaten

½ cup chopped nuts

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups Rice Krispies

fine flaked coconut

Heat butter, dates and sugar and bring to boiling point. Add egg and stir well. Cook about 1 minute.

Remove from stove and add nuts, vanilla and Rice Krispies. Mix together well and roll into little balls.

Roll balls in flaked coconut. Put on wax paper and let cool.

Chocolate Mallow Drops

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

½ cup 2% milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1¾ cups flour

½ cup baking cocoa

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped pecans

18-22 large marshmallows, halved

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla.

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in pecans.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons 2” apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 6 minutes.

Press a marshmallow half, cut side down, onto each cookie. Bake 2 to 3 minutes longer, or till edges are set and marshmallows are softened. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting:

¼ cup butter, cubed 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped 2 cups confectioners sugar 3 to 6 tablespoons brewed coffee

In a microwave, melt butter and chocolate. Stir until smooth. Whisk in confectioners sugar and enough coffee to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cookies.

Note: You can also frost cookies with a vanilla frosting.

Holstein Cookies

Rachel Hoover, Ephrata

Chocolate Dough:

½ cup margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup sugar

2 eggs

¾ cup brown sugar

2½ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 small box chocolate pudding mix

Vanilla Dough:

½ cup margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup sugar

2 eggs

¾ cup brown sugar

2½ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 small box vanilla pudding mix

Mix one bath of chocolate dough and one batch of vanilla dough. Take a small portion of each dough and roll together. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F or until lightly browned.

Sour Cream

Orange Cookies

Pat Roth, Ephrata

½ cup butter

1½ cups brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

2¼ cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chopped walnuts Cream the butter and sugar.

Add the eggs and vanilla. Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients with the sour cream beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend well, then stir in the nuts.

Drop from a teaspoon onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. While warm, frost with a creamy orange frosting.

Orange Frosting: 2 cups confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon grated orange peel

1 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

Combine confectioners sugar, vanilla, butter and orange rind. Blend in orange juice to spreading consistency.

Makes 6 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Coffee Drops

Pat Roth, Ephrata

2¼ cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons nutmeg

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons boiling water

2 tablespoons instant coffee

2/3 cup shortening

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

12 oz. package mini chocolate chips

½ cup chopped nuts

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a small bowl, pour boiling water over the coffee and let cool.

Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Add the flour alternately with the coffee. Stir in the

chocolate chips and the nuts.

Drop by tablespoons full on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Makes about 41/2 dozen.

Nutty Fingers

Rachel Hoover, Ephrata

1 cup butter

1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups finely chopped nuts

Cream together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.

Add flour gradually, then add nuts and mix well.

Form cookies the size of a little finger. Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool, then roll in powdered sugar.

Cherry Winks

Anna Martin, New Holland

2½ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup chopped dates

2½ cups corn flakes, crushed

30 to 35 maraschino cherries, halved frosting

Mix all ingredients together except cornflakes, cherries and frosting. Roll balls of dough in crushed corn flakes. Bake at 375°F just until brown.

Frost, and immediately press

a cherry half in the middle of frosted cookies.

Notes: Cherries should be dry. Lay halved cherries on a paper towel. To create a pretty pink frosting, make your favorite vanilla frosting, substituting cherry juice for some of the liquid.

Five

Children often marvel at the world around them. They’re delighted to receive just about any toy, and play with items that others may not see as fun — including everything from mixing bowls to cardboard boxes.

Slowly that cherubic toddler turns into a school aged wonder, and later into a young adult trying to find his or her place in the world. With each passing year, the task of finding gifts for tweens and teenagers becomes that much more challenging.

While most parents and other relatives may never

Ideas For Tweens And Teens This Holiday Season

seem “cool” in the eyes of their teens, they can gift the tweens and teens they love with presents that will earn them a few extra brownie points. The following are five gift ideas that are tailormade for tweens and teens.

1. LED strip lights

Both girls and boys may enjoy customizing their rooms as they see fit. Teens can utilize LED strip lights to create a unique ambiance that reflects their style. These often self sticking ribbons of lights adhere right to walls. They come in a variety of lengths so they

can be used to frame the perimeter of the room, if desired. Complete with multicolored options and a remote control, teens can set their room colors as their mood dictates.

2. Gift cards

Teens try to keep up with the latest styles. A gift card or clothing gift from one of their favorite retailers can help them build their ensembles that much quicker. Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Forever 21, Zumiez, American Eagle, and Tilly’s are just some of the stores popular among today’s tweens and teens.

3. Wireless earbuds or headphones

Wireless headphones are used on a daily basis by tweens and teens. They rely on them for listening to music, watching movies on their devices and even during remote learning sessions. There are many brands to choose from, and

Beats by Dre and Apple AirPods are among the most popular.

4. Sneakers and shoes

Sneakers have long been popular gifts for teenagers, but they tend to be costly, especially for trending styles and brands. Vans Slip-On™ Core Classics, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneakers, Reebok Club C 85 Vintage,

Nike Air Force One, and Adidas Sobakov are popular among today’s tweens and teens. In addition, thanks to the resurgence of 1990s style, Dr. Martens boots are once again in demand.

5.

Video game consoles

Each gamer has his or her preferred platform for gaming. From the Nintendo Switch to the Xbox Series X to the Sony PlayStation 5, these systems are in high demand. Due to that demand, these products may be harder to find the closer you get to Christmas Day. Grab them while you can and soak in the smile on your favorite tween’s or teen’s face.

Teens and tweens are notoriously challenging to shop for. However, with some knowledge, loved ones can find gifts tweens and teens are more likely to use and enjoy.

Decorative Holiday Symbols

Add To 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 sevenarmed candelabras used in Jewish religious worship.

To mark the Chanukah celebration, a special nine armed 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.

Advent wreath Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran, among others, Christian symbol

The Advent wreath is used by various Christian

denominations and draws attention to the weeks preceding Christmas. A new candle is lit on the wreath each Sunday at mass to prepare the faithful to receive the Lord Jesus.

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.

Ten Gift Ideas For The People You Know Who Love To Cook

Many people know someone who loves spending lots of time in the kitchen. Certain home cooks may enjoy whipping up favorite recipes, while others might get excited about experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

A love of cooking paves the way for many different gifting opportunities. Food related gifts also come in a wide variety of price points, making it easy for shoppers to spend as little or as much as they want. Check out these 10 gift ideas for the foodie on your holiday shopping list.

1. Sheet pans: They may

not seem like the most glamorous or high tech tools of the kitchen, but sheet pans are among the most versatile. They can be used for cookies, sheet pan cakes, oven frying cutlets or fries, or even serving as the perfect bases for candy brittles.

2. Air fryer tool set: By now many people have hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, but they may not have all of the accessories to take air frying to the next level. From spatulas to tongs to silicone brushes, an air fryer tool set can make meals even more delicious.

3. Dutch oven: You’d be hard-pressed to find a more

hard working tool in the kitchen than a Dutch oven. These heavy, often enameled cast iron vessels come in various quart sizes. They can be used to cook stews, breads, cakes, and much more.

4. Kitchen compost bin: Home cooks who want to cut down on waste will appreciate a countertop compost bin to gather food scraps.

5. Serving board: The rise in cheese and charcuterie boards means cooks will need something attractive to serve their spreads. Wooden and stone boards are attractive when serving sliced cheeses, crackers, chutneys, and other appetizer.

6. Electric wine opener:

Wine is the perfect complement to many dishes, and what easier way to open bottles than with an electric wine opener? Many are compatible with almost any

bottleneck and can open several bottles on a single charge.

7. Spiralizer: The trend for pasta alternatives continues, and having a spiralizer that can turn vegetables like zucchini into spiraled “noodles” will be handy in

most kitchens.

8. Apron and accessories: Home cooks need to protect their clothing in the kitchen. A fashionable apron and matching oven mitts can make a statement and keep clothes clean.

9. Meat delivery: The number of direct to home meat shipping providers continues to grow. Have quality cuts of meat delivered right to a home cook’s house so that he or she can cut back on trips to the store.

10. New blender: Today’s blenders can crush ice, process foods, puree, and chop foods. These versatile appliances make a welcome addition to any kitchen.

Stock up on food related gifts now for those people on your holiday shopping list who love to cook.

How To Make The Most Of Small Business Saturday

Gifts and gatherings take center stage come the holiday season. The holiday season begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. During that time, families gather to exchange gifts, break bread, celebrate their faith, and toast the year to come.

The good times and gatherings that are such a big part of the holiday season were absent from many celebrations in 2020.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the successful rollout of various vaccines should make the coming holiday season feel more normal. That means gift exchanges and gatherings are back in play.

Savvy celebrants recognize the benefits of shopping early, and Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.

• Plan ahead. Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity.

American Express estimates that 110 million people participated in Small Business Saturday in 2019, which underscores how

shoppers can benefit from planning ahead. Research sales and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you’re ready to go come Saturday morning. Doing your homework can make it easier to navigate the crowds.

• Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. A great meal with friends and family can be an ideal way to cap off a day of shopping, and it’s a great way to support a local restaurant. It’s worth noting that a National Today survey of 1,000 shoppers that focused on Small Business Saturday shopping

habits found that food and groceries were the most popular things to buy local.

Saturday is traditionally a popular night to dine out, and that popularity is even greater on Small Business

Saturday. Shoppers can ensure they aren’t waiting for a table by booking a reservation in advance.

• Check your social media feeds. Many small businesses have recognized the value of communicating directly with consumers through their social media feeds. Throughout the day, shoppers can keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about special sales or events. In addition, shoppers can share their shopping experiences via their own feeds. Many small businesses rely on word of mouth from existing customers, so this can be another way to show your support for the establishments that call your community home.

Small Business Saturday is a great way to begin the holiday shopping season on the right foot.

Crafts Families Can Make Together

Decorating for the holidays can be made even more special when decorations are handmade creations families can cherish for years to come.

Holiday crafting is an enjoyable way to pass some time and create lasting holiday traditions and

memories. The following are some crafts families can make together.

Personalized elf

For families who want to make their own personalized elf dolls, all it takes is a little computer knowledge, some clever photo work and a some sewing skills. Find a template for a rag doll sewing pattern or an illustration of an elf online. Superimpose an image of your child’s face on the template in a photo editing program. Print out the entire

image onto iron on fabric transfer paper. Iron it on to a light colored piece of fabric from the craft store according to the product directions. Cut out the fabric with ironed on decal, leaving about a one inch margin to allow for sewing and eventual stuffing. Duplicate the shape of the doll onto another piece of fabric to make the back of the elf doll. Place the front elf image face down on the back piece of fabric and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening at the end. Using that opening, flip the elf right-side out and stuff with pillow fill material. Sew the small opening closed and enjoy a personalized elf doll for the holidays.

Holiday candle

This craft is attractive and also smells good. Gather one bar of fragrant soap (like Irish spring); a small, white washcloth; red and green ribbon; a round of colorful mesh or tulle fabric measuring roughly 12 inches or enough to wrap your bar of soap; craft glue; a piece of yellow felt cut to look like a flame; and one or two sewing pins. Roll the washcloth into a cylinder shape to serve as the “wick” of the candle. Glue the edges together and wrap a piece of ribbon diagonally around the wick and adhere to secure even further. Glue the felt flame to the top of the wick. Place the soap in the center of the round piece of fabric. Attach the wick vertically to the soap using the pins. Then gather

Rearrange the letters in each word to spell the name of a Christmas carol.

ANSWER:SilentNight

the tops of the mesh fabric around the base of the wick and use another piece of ribbon to tie into a bow and secure the fabric to the wick base. The soap and pins should now be concealed. Place the “candle” out of direct sunlight and away from heat, preferably on a little dish so the soap will not damage any furniture.

Purchase a large glass or plastic Christmas tree ball. Select an acrylic paint in your color of choice and squirt some into a paper plate. Have a child dip his or her hand into the paint and then transfer the handprint to the ornament. Let dry and then attach a ribbon to hang on the tree. Through the years see how much children have grown from that little handprint.

Nov. 27 - Candlelight Tour, 5-8:30pm

Dec. 13 & 14 - Christmas at the Cloister

Advanced tickets required.

Dec. 27-30 - Lantern Tours Advanced tickets required.

For tickets, call 717-733-6600

Majestic Christmas trees garner the lion’s share of the decorative fanfare when the holidays arrive. Trees may be the focal points of holiday decor, but the humble wreath adorning the front door is the first decoration guests are likely to see when visiting a home.

Wreaths may need some care to maintain their beauty all month long. Here are some tips to help holiday wreaths last as long as possible.

Choose a wreath wisely

When shopping for a wreath, choose freshly cut greenery that you assemble yourself; otherwise, look for wreaths made from freshly cut boughs with their foliage intact. Make sure not too many needles or leaves are falling off. Heavily decorated, preassembled wreaths may be convenient, but ornaments can make it challenging to give the

wreath the moisture it needs to survive.

Moisture/water

Access to moisture will help to keep the wreath fresh. While a Christmas tree trunk may sit inside of a stand filled with water, wreaths require a little ingenuity.

According to the wreath and garland retailer Club Botanic, if you will not be hanging a freshly purchased wreath right away, keep it in a plastic liner in a cool, dark place to help it retain moisture. Just make sure you don’t seal that liner closed. Before hanging, lay the

wreath in a couple of inches of water for about an hour or up to a day so that the cut stems can soak up water.

Once the wreath is hanging on a door or elsewhere, spritz it with water every few days to prevent it from drying out.

Location, location, location

Where you hang the wreath is key to its longevity. Wreaths and garlands hung indoors likely won’t last as long as those hung outside, advises the floral retailer

Bouqs.com. Evergreen boughs tend to require a colder climate to thrive, and indoor heat can prematurely zap moisture from the wreath. Using a humidifier indoors or misting the wreath may help.

It’s probably best to hang fresh wreaths outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the greenery.

Slightly shaded spots are best. If your front door is bathed in full sun for hours, hang an artificial wreath here instead of a fresh one.

Maintain airflow

Another factor that can affect the wreath’s longevity is an ample flow of oxygen.

Wreaths tend to last much longer when kept on an outer door, indicates Harbor Farm in Ellsworth, ME. Wreaths sandwiched between a front door and a storm door will probably perish faster due to lack of oxygen.

Following these tips can help keep fresh wreaths as vibrant as the day they were brought home.