Guide to
Holiday Parties, Dining & Shopping A Blank Slate Media / Litmor Publications Special Section • December 1, 2017
34 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017
Gifting ideas for budget-conscious families T
he holiday season is a magical time of year when many people celebrate their faith and express their love and appreciation for their families. Such expressions are often made through the exchange of gifts, which can stretch families budgets. The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales in November and December of 2016 reached $658.3 billion, marking a 4 percent increase over the same period a year prior. For budget-conscious families, entering the holiday spending fray can have lasting effects that cast a pall over their finances for months to come. Staying within budget is not impossible during the holiday season. It might take a little creativity and discussion among family members, but there are ways to exchange gifts and avoid debt this holiday season.
Embrace a “Secret Santa” exchange. Large families can save money by engaging in a Secret Santa exchange. Rather than asking each member
Homemade item s, such as those created by amateur woodworkers, of ten make for unique, thoughtfu inexpensive holid l and ay gifts.
of the family to buy gifts for one another, a Secret Santa exchange asks each participant to pick a name out of a hat and then only buy gifts for that person. This is a great way to save both money and time, and it saves participants from the potential hassle of returning gifts after the season.
gifting traditional gifts to one another, instead resolving to provide an experience for a loved one. Invite a loved one over for a homecooked meal or offer to take a family member out to dinner once the holiday season has come and gone and there’s more room in the budget.
Establish spending limits. Whether families embrace a Secret Santa exchange or not, they can save money by agreeing on a spending limit for each gift. Families participating in a Secret Santa exchange can set their spending limits a little higher than those families who will be buying gifts for multiple people.
Connect with your creative side. In lieu of purchasing a gift made by someone else, make your own gift. Skilled crafters can create a oneof-a-kind gift out of supplies they already have on hand, while woodworkers can follow suit. Such gifts are thoughtful and inexpensive, and they will likely prove more memorable than another video game or sweater.
Share experiences in lieu of exchanging gifts. Adults tend to be more difficult to shop for than children, as many adults can simply buy their own gadgets, clothing and other items commonly given during the holiday season. To save money, adults can forgo
Budget-conscious families don’t have to sit out of holiday gift exchanges, as there are plenty of creative ways to express your love and appreciation for family without breaking the bank.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
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36 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017
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The holidays are a time to express our to the controlling and bossy parent appreciation for the many people in our who takes it upon herself to organize a group gift with an inflexible contribution lives who help us throughout the year. It would be wonderful to be able to amount. You will be a hero to your fellow give everyone presents to express our af- (more timid) parents. The most challenging holiday gifting fection and appreciation. arena is, undoubtedly, However, in the the workplace. Many real world, the dizzypeople are confused ing number of financial over which colleagues pressures at this time of we are expected to give year, make this impossigifts to, what to spend ble. How can you spread and what constitutes an extra holiday cheer appropriate gift. without going broke? If this is your first Here are some tips holiday season with to point you in the right your company, ask for direction: guidance from H.R or a To avoid the Janusenior colleague. ary spending hangover, If there is no official consider giving modest policy, a good general gifts, such as a $5 cofANN-MARGARET rule is to avoid buying fee gift card with a warm CARROZZA anyone an expensive note. This will make the gift. Even if you can afrecipient feel valued and ford it, you may risk appreciated. It is a far better strategy than avoid- making the recipient feel awkward or ing running into these people during the inadequate. The biggest workplace mistake is givmonth of December! For a babysitters, pet sitters and par- ing the boss a nicer gift than anyone else ents’ health aides, consider one day’s pay – this is just tacky. You might wish to organize a group in cash or a gift card. For hair stylists, and manicurists, I like to double my custom- gift for the boss, such as a gift certificate. This is best done by making a “suggested” ary tip. If your child is enrolled in daycare, contribution amount and letting everyI would recommend deploying most of one place their contribution in cash in a your tipping budget here. These folks are white security envelope in a box. This will avoid causing embarrassnot paid enough and they take care of our ment to colleagues who are financially most precious commodities. For drycleaners, doctors, and den- stretched. The bottom line is that with a little tists, I recommend bringing cookies or other treats for the team as a whole. This planning, you can spread holiday cheer will go a long way to brightening every- without hurting anyone’s feelings- or your financial security. one’s holiday spirit. Remember that some professions are Ann Margaret Carrozza is a renowned prohibited from accepting tips. Most notably, trash collectors mail Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney carriers and many teachers. (I confess to who served for 14 years as a New York having violated all of these prohibitions). State Assemblywoman. She is a TV legal When it comes to teachers, I hope contributor and the author of Love & Monthat everyone is prepared to stand up ey. www.mylawyerann.com
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
Traditions behind holiday gifts
T
he holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family. Several holidays are celebrated in this relatively short time period, making this one of the most festive times of the year. Many holiday celebrations focus on the exchange of presents, which may be exchanged with relatives, friends and even coworkers. But are you familiar with the origins of exchanging gifts? Gift exchanges trace their origins to both religious and secular traditions, each of which has helped shape the holidays into what they are today.
Christmas People exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day all over the world. For Christians, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe was a gift from the Creator. From a religious standpoint, gifting others around Christmastime can be traced back to the stories of the Three Kings (also referred to as the “Three Wise Men”) who visited Jesus after his birth. Frankincense, a fragrance involved in worship; gold; and myrrh, an incense associated with funerals, was presented. These gifts symbolized worship in Christ, that He would be the King of Kings, and that suffering and death would come to Him. Another giver of gifts is part of many Christmas celebrations. St. Nicholas, a fourth century saint, is a beloved figure across the globe who has a reputation for giving gifts in secret and helping the needy. The figure of “Santa Claus” is based on St. Nicholas, and the blending of the two has evolved as history has mixed with folklore and personal traditions.
Hanukkah Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The word “hanukkah” actually means “dedication” in Hebrew. The Jews, including Judah Maccabee, helped drive the Syrians out of Jerusalem. In one of Judaism’s most central texts, Maccabee and others witnessed a miracle at the temple. Even though there was only enough oil to keep a menorah’s candles burning for one day, the flames continued for eight nights. Traditionally, gelt, or money, was given as a Hanukkah gift. Many Hanukkah gift givers aim to give gifts that are thoughtful and sweet. Money is not exchanged as much today, with other gifts taking its place.
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is an American holiday that pays homage to traditions and cultural influences from Africa. The holiday was developed in 1966 by Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga. The focus of Kwanzaa is on family and the harvest as well as certain principles, such as unity and faith. Gifts make up one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa celebrations. However, gift-sharing is not the central part of this special holiday. Gifts are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by their children. Gifts are exchanged in abundance this time of year. The traditions behind the giving of presents is far-reaching and based in religious, secular and cultural traditions.
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38 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017
RSVP etiquette for any gathering I
t’s exciting to be invited to a party any time during the year, but the rate of invites seems to increase come the holiday season. According to party planning resource Punchbowl, holiday party invitations reach their peak in mid- to late-November, but continue to be sent through December. The first Monday in December is the day when the most online holiday party invitations are sent.
respond in a timely manner adds additional work to the party host. This person has to track you down. Or he or she may misinterpret a lack of response as lack of interest.
Regrets only? Only if the invitation states that
Hosting a party involves a lot of coordination. Party hosts rely on an accurate head count in order to plan accordingly. This is only achieved if invitations reach their intended recipients, and invited guests respond in a timely manner. Anyone who has ever hosted a party understands the feeling of having to wait for everyone to RSVP. And in an era of immediate digital gratification, party host patience may be lacking. Failure to RSVP is a failure of party etiquette, and hosts may feel as though their efforts are not appreciated if guests fail to RSVP on time. To avoid a manners mishap — and even worse, miss the party altogether — practice this RSVP etiquette for each and every event.
Some people think they don’t have to respond unless they’re not coming to the party. The fact is, unless the invitation specifically says to RSVP for “regrets only,” assume that you have to respond one way or another.
RSVP
Rescinding your response
Avoid laziness RSVP is an abbreviation for the French phrase “respondez s’il vous plait.” This means to “please respond.” Until roughly 50 years ago, RSVP was not commonly included on invitations because it was implied that guests would do the right thing and respond of their own accord to the hospitality extended. Everyone is guilty from time to time of
getting a little forgetful. But when hosts are counting on your response to plan their events, it pays to make responding a priority, and doing so within 24 hours is best.
It is improper etiquette to agree to attend a party only to cancel at the last minute if a better invitation comes along. Unless it is an emergency situation or someone is sick, canceling an RSVP without a good reason is rude.
Etiquette for hosts Recognize the RSVP’s importance to the host Put yourself in the place of the host. He or she is counting on receiving responses to invitations. Failure to
Send invites out several weeks in advance so people can check their schedules. As the date approaches, it is fine to reach out to guests who didn’t RSVP. Be polite and ask nicely if that person will be able to join you.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
Set your sing-a-long party apart C
hristmas carols became part of holiday celebrations roughly 200 years ago. Initially gaining popularity in England before becoming holiday traditions in the Americas, carols are part and parcel of modern holiday celebrations. One popular holiday party theme is a sing-a-long. Although door-to-door caroling has long been a holiday staple, celebrants can enjoy staying in and singing as well. To make your sing-a-long party unique, include some of these ideas in the celebration.
Rent or borrow karaoke equipment Increase the performance factor by securing a karaoke machine. Many are preprogrammed with holiday standards. Various karaoke services exist online as well. For a small fee you can sign up for an account and access lyrics and music that can be streamed over a computer or any device with an internet connection.
Pair picture-drawing with singing Combine singing sessions with a game of “guess the picture.” Guests select a holiday title out of a basket and then have to draw their interpretation so others can guess what song is being drawn. Afterward, everyone joins in to sing the tune.
Provide bound carol books Give each guest a customdesigned book of Christmas carols, complete with sheet music or just lyrics that they can use to follow along while joining in singing. Afterwards, this book can be a take-home present and memento.
Book live accompaniment Singing along to live music can be a treat. Find someone who is proficient on the piano, guitar or another musical instrument who will come and
guide the musical interludes. Guests will gather around and offer their own voices. If the goal is to hire an accompanyist, note that the holiday season can be a busy time for performers, so book early.
Highlight a singing virtuoso Chances are there is someone in your group of friends or family who is adept at singing. Ask this person if he or she would be willing to perform a special solo.
Set the mood Dim overhead lights and sing by candlelight or by the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. Guests may feel less inhibited if they aren’t on full display. Holiday songs are intertwined with the magic of Christmastime. A sing-a-long party can be the ideal way to gather friends and family.
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40 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 1, 2017
Holiday Events
Experience the magic of a New York holiday season at the iconic Garden City Hotel. Our calendar of events has something for everyone, from hot cocoa to haute cocktails. RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE GARDEN CITY HOTEL Live Music by “Long Island’s Best Party Band” Hot Date Band Admission Includes Hors d’oeuvres buffet with carving stations and dessert Open Premium Bar till 2am Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight Hats and Noise Makers Hangover Exit Station $175.00 inclusive per person Must be 21 and over Book on eventbrite.com
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December 7 | 6:30 – 9:30pm Kick off the holiday season at The Polo Lounge with live music, signature cocktails, Winter White swag bag, and more.
December 9 | Seatings begin at 8:00am
December 16 | 2:00 – 4:00pm Gather with Leggz Ltd Ballet Cast Members of the Nutcracker for our Traditional Saturday Afternoon Tea in The Polo Steakhouse.
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Featuring Special guests, Leggz Ltd Ballet Cast Members of The Nutcracker Bring the kids for a festive holiday breakfast in Kingsley featuring keepsake photos with Santa, mingling with Nutcracker characters and interactive stations.
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