Holiday Guide II 12-7-17 by Cheshire Herald

Holiday Guide December 7, 2017

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

Make This Season Special

ounting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families 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 leading up to 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 evolv-

ing 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 classics: 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 concerts: Host a gathering of children where they

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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 and 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 purchase or make 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 holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find. 17. Surprise box: Put a gender and age nonspecific 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.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

Early Shoppers Get The Best Deals may pale in comparison to those that can be had throughout the rest of the year. Holiday shoppers who begin shopping early can always skip buying in late summer or autumn if they think better deals can be had once the holiday season begins.

ome the end of the often hectic holiday shopping season, many people resolve to begin shopping earlier in the following year. While such resolutions can be hard to keep, shoppers would be wise to consider the myriad ways they can benefit by starting their holiday shopping earlier than they’re typically accustomed to doing. Deals The more time shoppers give themselves to find gifts for their loved ones, the more time they have to comparison shop and find the best deals. Retailers often offer steep discounts during the holiday season, but such deals

Shipping By shopping early, shoppers can choose the least expensive shipping option offered by online retailers, potentially saving substantial amounts of money as a result. In addition, shoppers who start early won’t have to worry about items failing to arrive on time, a common source of stress for last-minute holiday shoppers. Credit score Another advantage to shopping early for holiday gifts is it allows consumers to protect their credit scores by spreading their spending out over several months instead of doing so in the handful of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In a survey examining debt associated with the holiday season, MagnifyMoney found that the average holiday debt in 2016 was slightly more than $1,000. Credit card debt can negatively affect consumers’ credit scores, especially if balances are

not paid in full when bills are due. Shoppers can avoid such situations entirely by shopping early using only disposable income to make purchases instead of credit cards. Such financial flexibility may not be possible for shoppers who wait until the holiday season has begun to start shopping. Time Shoppers can save more than money by starting their holiday shopping in advance of the holiday season. In spite of the popularity of online shopping, many people still visit traditional brick and mortar retailers. Such stores can be overwhelmed with shoppers between Thanksgiving and Christmas, leading to long lines and lengthy searches for parking. So while you may not have taken advantage of the pre-holiday opportunities this year, remember that shoppers are far less likely to encounter big crowds and crowded parking lots if they get their shopping done before the dawn of the holiday season, saving themselves substantial amounts of time as a result. Shoppers who commit to getting their holiday shopping done early can save money and time and protect their financial reputations as well.

Green Beans Make For The Perfect Side Dish

he holiday season is a season of hosting friends and family. This holiday season, wow your loved ones with a helping of “Green Beans Sauteed with Wild Mushrooms” courtesy of Peggy Knickerbocker's “Simple Soirees’ (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Green Beans Sauteed with Wild Mushrooms Serves 6 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 pound chanterelles or other wild mushrooms, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 pounds haricots verts or

green beans, trimmed Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until it becomes translucent. Add the mushrooms, cooking them until they give off their juices and then reabsorb them—5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mushrooms warm on the stovetop. Add the beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly tender (haricots verts will take less time than green beans). Drain. Transfer about half of the mushrooms to a small dish and keep warm. Add the beans to the mushrooms in the skillet and stir to combine. Mound the beans and the mushrooms gently on a serving platter and top with the reserved mushrooms. Season again with salt and pepper.

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Four

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Make Sure To Catch Santa’s Eye

t the tip of the North Pole resides a jolly man who collects letters from children asking him to deliver all of their hearts’ desires. Although Santa Claus does a thorough job of making sure children’s treats are delivered on the same night, sometimes he needs assistance with reading and responding to the thousands upon thousands of letters sent to him each year. That is why he often relies on an extensive list of helpers to handle much of his holiday correspondence.

According to Smithsonian, the practice of writing to St. Nick dates back more than 150 years. Early depictions of Santa show him as a disciplinarian. The ﬁrst Christmastime Santa letters were actually sent by Santa, rather than the other way around. Such letters encouraged children to be good boys and girls. Eventually, an illustration by Thomas Nast depicted “Santaclaussville, N.P.” as Santa’s address, providing children with a place where they could send their correspondences to the big guy in red.

The Universal Postal Union, an intergovernmental organization that coordinates postal policies across 192 member nations, indicates that 1,350,000 letters to Santa were sent by Canadians, while Americans sent more than one million and Brits mailed roughly 800,000 such letters in 2012, the most recent year from which ﬁgures are available. To account for the staggering number of letters sent, various post ofﬁces and postal programs were established to help Santa with the task of tackling children’s wish

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with details. Santa has even gone high-tech with personalized videos and pictures as well. A quick web search can yield the instructions on how prospective helpers can get started. Children can improve their chances of letters being read and received, with these tips. • Identify who is writing the letter and share some details about your life. • Make sure you’ve been nice and well-behaved. • Ask Santa how he has been and engage in some polite conversation. • Politely ask for the toys you’d like. Understand that Santa is busy, so keep the list brief. • Thank Santa in advance for his kindness. Hopefully, he’ll have time to reply. • Write and mail the letter as early as possible, as things tend to get busy as Christmas nears.

Tis The Season ... For Boxing Day

or much of the world, December 26 represents just another day. However, in Canada, the United Kingdom and other former and current British colonies, December 26 is a day to celebrate Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a signiﬁcant holiday for people with ties to Great Britain. The holiday began more than 800 years ago during the Middle Ages and gets its name from alms boxes, which were collection boxes that were kept in churches to collect money for the

poor. On Boxing Day, the boxes are traditionally opened so that contents can be distributed to needy people. Boxing Day also references a time when servants of afﬂuent individuals were given a day off so they could spend time with their families. The servants normally would have to work on Christmas, and Boxing Day was their respite. These servants may have been given small gifts and boxes of leftovers to take home. December 26 also marked a day See WREN’S, page 12

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lists. In Canada, children can address letters to Santa and use the postal code H0H, 0H0. In 2016, the USPS instituted a new letter-writing option that enables parents or guardians to include a personalized response letter back to children who address letters to Santa. The package can be postmarked to: North Pole Postmark Postmaster, 4141 Postmark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998. Many other letters to Santa end up routing to various post ofﬁces where thousands of volunteer “elves” can adopt letters and make children’s wishes come true. A “Letters to Santa” program enables children in serious need to get items that can help keep them safe and happy. Parents may also investigate a number of services that will provide letters from Santa, Mrs. Claus or elves for nominal fees. These letters can be personalized

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Five

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Treat Your Holiday Guests To This Chocolate Confection

o holiday celebration is complete without dessert. The holiday season is one time of year when no one seems too worried about indulging in dessert or having an extra cookie. Many families have their own traditions when it comes to holiday fare, but those who want to wow their guests with something new this holiday season can try the following recipe for “Chocolate-Dipped Sesame Tuiles,” courtesy of Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage’s “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Inspired by the classic French tuile cookies, these delectable treats are sure to draw a crowd to your holiday dessert table this season. Chocolate-Dipped Sesame Tuiles Makes about 48 cookies 1⁄2

cup plus 1 tablespoon

sesame seeds, preferably unhulled 1⁄3 cup granulated cane sugar

How To Decorate For Kwanzaa

wanzaa is celebrated by millions of people every year. Individuals of all ages take part in the festivities, which were established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Karenga, prompted by the Watts riots in Los Angeles, sought ways to bring African Americans together as a community, and Kwanzaa was born. Kwanzaa can be a fun opportunity to gather with friends and family in the heart of the holiday season.

Kwanzaa, which celebrates the symbolism and traditions of African American culture, begins on December 26 and lasts through January 1. There are many components of Kwanzaa celebrations, and decorating for the holiday remains an important way to demonstrate spirit. Celebrants can start by decorating with the traditional colors of red, green and black. These can be displayed in fabrics used in the home, clothing, linens, and other decor. The Bendera Ya Taifa, or the traditional Kwanzaa ﬂag, can be hung and serve as the holiday’s centerpiece. See AFRICAN, page 15

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should be ready to be moved. Ideally, though, you will have two rolling pins.) If some of the cookies are not a uniform color, or if some cool too much and are no longer pliable, return them to the oven for another minute until evenly golden brown and again pliable. Leave the cookies on the rolling pin until they cool completely and have become brittle, a matter of seconds. Carefully lift them off and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to dip them. They will keep well for up to 3 days.

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To bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line the bottoms of four 12-by-18-inch sheet pans with parchment paper. Lightly coat the paper with ﬂavorless vegetable oil. Put a rolling pin on a work surface. If you have two rolling pins, ready both. Combine the sesame seeds, ﬂour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk by hand until combined. Mix — don’t beat — the egg whites into the sesame seed mixture with a rubber spatula. Stir in the butter with the spatula until no streaks of butter remain. Measure 2 level teaspoons batter onto a prepared sheet pan. Using a small offset spatula, spread it into a round about 31⁄2 inches in diameter. Repeat with the remaining batter, putting 8 rounds on each pan and leaving 11⁄2 inches between the rounds. Bake the trays, one at a time, until the cookies are a uniform golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and, while the cookies are still warm, run the offset spatula under each cookie and place it upside down on the rolling pin so that it curls around the pin. (You should be able to do 5 cookies on a rolling pin, so by the time the sixth cookie is about to be draped over the pin, a few

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Six

HOLIDAY GUIDE Where Did These Traditions Begin? 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 12th 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.

hristmastime 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 the way they do this time of year. But few may know the origins of some of the most 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

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 famous 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 CocaCola 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. Christmas is rife with traditions that date back ages.

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Warm Yourself With A Hot Toddy This Holiday

ome the holiday season, hot toddies are ideal for entertaining, providing spirited fun and a means to chasing away the winter chill. Hot toddies have been around for centuries. Usually a mix of a spirit — either whiskey, rum or brandy — hot water, honey and spices, some believe the word “toddy” comes from an Indian drink of the same name that is produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees. Other sources say the hot toddy was created by Dr. Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed a drink made of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup, and water. The drink was dubbed the “hot toddy.” Hot drinks embellished with alcohol were long used for medicinal purposes. While alcoholic beverages are no longer used as medicine, hot toddies can still chase away a chill. “Grog” is another name given to hot alcoholic drinks, or any drink in which unmeasured amounts of spirits are mixed with other ingredients. Grog may also refer to a water-and-rum mixture that sea merchants once drank. The water kept the merchants hydrated, while the rum prevented the water from spoiling during voyages. The classic hot toddy can be a versatile drink used to keep guests comfortable and cheerful. This warm libation is soothing and savory, mixing citrus, honey and spices, which each have their various health beneﬁts. Although hot toddy recipes vary, the following is the recipe for a classic hot toddy, as culled by recipes from Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe and PBS Food. Classic Hot Toddy 11⁄2 1 1⁄2 1

ounces bourbon, whiskey or another brown liquor tablespoon honey ounce fresh lemon juice cup boiling water Cinnamon stick Lemon wedge Cloves or star anise

Combine liquor, lemon juice, honey, and boiling water together in a mug or Irish coffee glass. Push cloves or star anise into the lemon wedge. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon wedge to the mug. Allow lemon and cinnamon stick to steep in the beverage for a few minutes. Stir and enjoy.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Seven

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Unexpected Guests? Don’t Fret And Follow This Advice

he latter part of the year is full of social engagements with family and friends. Pew Research Center says 92 percent of all Americans plan to celebrate Christmas as a holiday, with 69 percent using it as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. While many social occasions surrounding Christmas are anticipated for months in advance, unexpected pop-ins are also the norm this time of year. Rather than being caught off guard, individuals can take steps to prepare for unexpected guests. • Have food available. Even if guests pop in for a little while, it’s nice to be able to offer them something to eat. Keep cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, pretzels, and other snacks on hand. Makeahead, crowd-friendly foods can be prepared and frozen. Casse-

roles, pasta dishes and stews are hearty and can serve in a pinch when unexpected visitors arrive.

Simply take out to defrost and heat up. Keep cookies in air-tight tins and purchase a premade fro-

Trim That Tree Festively And Properly This Year sources, such as ﬁreplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a ﬁre risk. • For added safety, anchor a See MATCH, page 9

zen pie to serve, if necessary. In a pinch, you can always order out, but over time the cost of having food delivered can add up. • Keep the bar stocked. Toasting to a happy holiday season is the norm during this time of year. Toasting requires hosts have some spirits on hand. Stock the bar with a few staples, such as red and white wine, vodka, rum, whiskey, and mixers. Also, you may just want to create a signature or seasonal cocktail that can

be served when guests arrive, such as a spiced punch or a holiday eggnog. • Cue the playlist. Put together a playlist of favorite holiday music that will provide the ideal ambiance should guests ring your doorbell. Thanks to services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Pandora, holiday music that ﬁlls a home with the sweet sounds of the season is now always accessible. • Keep things neat. Set aside a closet or space that can serve as a catch-all where errant items can quickly be stored should guests arrive. Gather loose toys, books or stray papers in a basket and then stash the basket in the closet until guests depart. Routinely empty the dishwasher so dirty dishes left in the sink can be quickly loaded before guests arrive. • Create an aromatic atmosphere. Scented candles that evoke the aromas of the season can refresh stale indoor air. Butter cookie-, apple pie- and cinnamon-scented candles can make it seem like you just ﬁnished some holiday baking. Guests tend to drop by on a moment’s notice come the holidays. Preparing for the unexpected can make such visits more enjoyable.

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eople have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artiﬁcial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations. Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness. Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th century. Early Americans were

Jewelers, Inc. late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan settlers thought the tradition — as well as carols and other concepts — were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States. Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually. Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that: • Prune the tree first. Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out. Wear gardening gloves to avoid being covered in sap. • Position trees away from heat

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Eight

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Safety Is Paramount To Enjoying Your Holiday Season

he holiday season might not be the most hazardous time of the year, but there is an uptick in safety concerns during this season of festivity and fun. Components of the holiday season such as decorating, shopping, celebrating, and traveling, carry some risk. The National Fire Protection Association says 30 percent of all home ﬁres occur

during the months of December, January and February. Christmas trees and decorative holiday lighting displays contribute to the uptick in ﬁres and other accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. But ﬁre is not the only concern during the holiday season. Revelers who celebrate a bit too much can pose a threat, as can road weary travelers or overnight guests who unknowingly put loved ones in harm’s way during their stays. Thankfully, many accidents that occur during the holiday season are avoidable if holiday celebrants focus on safe ways to celebrate. • Choking: All of that entertaining and partying means more food is consumed. To keep up with the hustle and bustle of the season, many people must eat on the go. The National Safety Council says nearly 3,000 people in the United States die each year from choking. Taking small bites and chewing completely, while also avoiding talking while chewing, can help. Children should be kept away from small decorations, as

even pine needles can be a choking hazard. • Toxic plants: Some plants, including mistletoe and holly, can be toxic to pets and young children whose smaller bodies may be more vulnerable than adults’. When decorating, consider decorating with artiﬁcial plants instead of live, potentially poisonous plants. • Alcohol-related incidents:

Holiday fun frequently involves alcoholic beverages. Law enforcement ofﬁcials point out that the rate of driving while intoxicated tends to increase during the holidays. Implementing strict “designated driver” rules and making contact information for taxi or ridesharing services readily available to holiday guests can prevent tragedies. • Medicine mishaps: Relatives

Dreidels: Long And Cherished Chanukah Tradition

reidels are especially popular during the eightday Jewish festival of Chanukah. Even though they may seem like novelty items for children, dreidels have a rich and interesting history. In ancient times, Greek Syrians inﬁltrated areas where many practicing Jews resided. Over time, the Greek Syrians became more oppressive and tried to convert the Jewish people to their pagan beliefs. However, their ef-

forts were not very successful. As a result, the Greek Syrians established laws that outlawed ritual commandments and the study of the Torah. It is widely believed that Jewish people used dreidels to fool the Greeks into thinking they were just playing a game. Instead, rolls of the dreidel corresponded to numerical equivalents that could represent elements of the Jewish faith, according to My Jewish Learning. Others say the

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dreidel was a distraction. Children of Israel would learn the Torah in outlying areas and forests. When Greek patrols were nearby, the children would hide their texts and take out dreidels instead, says Chabad.org. Today the dreidel is a token of the Chanukah miracle. In Israel, the letters upon the dreidel are Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Pay, which stand for the Hebrew equivalent of “a great miracle happened here.” Outside of israel, the last letter is Shin, which transforms the phrase into “a great miracle happened there.”

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

any people host friends and family during the holiday season. Holiday dinners may garner the bulk of hosts’ attention, but overnight guests need to eat breakfast and lunch as well. Brunch can save hosts some work and give families a great opportunity to break bread without some of the formalities that may accompany holiday dinners. This holiday season, consider serving this ideal brunch recipe for “Farfalle with Crabmeat, Asparagus, Scrambled Eggs, Garlic, and Herbs” from Norman Kolpas’ “Buongiorno! Breakfast and Brunch, Italian Style” (Contemporary Books). Farfalle with Crabmeat, Asparagus, Scrambled Eggs, Garlic, and Herbs Makes 4 to 6 servings 1 1⁄2 10 4 1 1⁄4 2 1⁄2 1⁄4 2

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pound farfalle pound asparagus, trimmed and sliced diagonally, 1⁄4-inch thick extra-large eggs tablespoons unsalted butter garlic clove, minced cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving tablespoons heavy cream pound cooked lump crabmeat, picked over to remove any bits of shell or cartilage cup ﬁnely chopped fresh chives tablespoons ﬁnely chopped fresh Italian parsley Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook until al dente, following the manufacturer’s suggested cooking time. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk until slightly frothy. Set aside. When the pasta and asparagus are done, drain and set aside. Immediately melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the pasta and asparagus and toss brieﬂy to coat them with the butter mixture. Pour in the eggs, add 1⁄4 cup Parmesan and the cream, and stir and toss the mixture until the eggs just have begun to form moist curds, about 2 minutes. Add the crabmeat, chives and parsley and continue cooking and tossing until the eggs have formed more solid curds that cling to the farfalle, 1 to 2 minutes more. Serve immediately, passing freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper for guests to add to taste.

Match Your Home And Tree Decor continued from page 7

tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets. • In homage of the first German Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies. • To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree stand inside of a waterproof planting container. Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt. • The more lights the better, especially on dense trees. • For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home decor and the color of furniture. • Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family. • Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed. • Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in. Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.

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Ten

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Make Worship An Integral Part Of Your Hectic Season

he hustle and bustle of the often-hectic holiday season can make it easy to overlook religion during this special time of year. Come the holidays, adherents of Judaism celebrate Chanukah while many Christians celebrate Christmas. Though different, the two holidays share some similarities. In celebration of Chanukah,

families gather for an eight-day commemoration to honor the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a miracle in which a small amount of oil illuminated a menorah for eight days. Perhaps because it falls during the holiday season, Chanukah has become one of the most wellknown Jewish celebrations, even for those who do not adhere to the Jewish faith.

For devout Christians, Christmas isn’t about eggnog and Santa Claus. Christmas (Christ’s Mass) is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. Christmas is a day of great joy in the Christian faith because it marks the beginning of Jesus’ time on earth. Both Chanukah and Christmas, while joyous celebrations, are laced with solemnity. The Second Jewish Temple was desecrated by Greek-Syrians, who had erected an altar to Zeus and sacriﬁced pigs within its sacred walls. At this point in time, Jews had to practice their faith in secret, reading the Torah underground and using dreidels to simulate games and confuse Greek soldiers. However, the Jews, led by a small group of rebels known as the Maccabees, persevered, marking the joy of Chanukah for years to come. The period leading up to Christmas known as Advent is a time for repentance and preparation for the grace and miracle of Jesus’ birth. According to Christianity.com, the word “advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” Advent is a time to both reﬂect on the past and look forward to the future. Much like Lent, Advent is

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intended to be a season of fasting, prayer and reaching out to God. During the holiday season, houses of worship customarily host prayer sessions and special holiday-related events. The faithful are encouraged to participate

in these events in celebration of their faith. Prayer can help remove distractions during the holiday season, helping individuals reconnect with the true meaning of the holiday season.

What’s Behind Your Favorite Songs?

cores of artists have released Christmas albums or holiday-infused singles during their careers. Christmas music can be broken down into two distinct categories: traditional hymns and carols and popular secular songs. Some believe that the religious standards have been passed down since the earliest days of Christianity. However, that is not so. Before the 12th century, music wasn’t typically included in religious services, and even then music was included only sporadically. In present day, religious tunes identiﬁed as Christmas music typically are not sung until

Christmas Eve and thereafter until the Epiphany. Many of the oldest Christmas songs are not old at all. Many popular carols sung today are less than 200 years old. The world’s most popular Christmas carol was originally a poem penned in 1816 by Austrian Catholic priest Josef Mohr. Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber, an organist and local schoolteacher, to put his words to music. The resulting song, “Silent Night,” was not translated into English for 40 years. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” also originated from a poem and had the original opening line of, “Hark how all the welkin rings.” The subsequent version was more catchy, and the faster-paced accompaniment was courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn, added 100 years after the poem was written. “Jingle Bells,” a nonreligious tune that has become synonymous with Christmas, was not originally written as a Christmas tune. In fact, the song was intended to celebrate Thanksgiving. Christmas music is diverse, with lively tunes, modern interpretations and religious classics enjoyed through the years.

Nip Your Stress In The Bud This December

any people ﬁnd the holiday season can be stressful. Holiday hosts may bear the brunt of seasonal stress, but the season also may be challenging for those who have lost loved ones or do not have close families to celebrate with. When holiday hustle leads to frayed nerves, there are some things people can do to reduce their stress. • Hit the gym. The American Society for Exercise Physiologists says exercise has been shown to increase one's sense of well-being, mood, self-esteem, and stress responsivity. Stress can rev up adrenaline, and exercise can help relieve any pent-up energy and frustration.

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• Eat the right foods. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of ﬁber, fruits and vegetables. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and decrease cravings for comfort foods. Do not turn to caffeine, sugary sweets and alcohol to reduce stress, as such foods and beverages may only compound the problem. • Get ample rest. Go to bed and rise at the same time each day. Many adults function best when they get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, and a good night's rest can help in the ﬁght against stress. • Engage in activities you enjoy. Make time for activities that you like to do, such as crafts, hobbies and listening to music. Take time away from holiday tasks to give yourself a break. See IGNORE, page 14

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Eleven

HOLIDAY GUIDE A Sweet Way To Celebrate The Season

he holiday season is synonymous with many things, including delicious foods. While Thanksgiving turkeys or Christmas geese will be found on many a table this holiday season, baked goods and desserts are what many people look forward to this time of year. Holiday hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests. Thankfully, the following recipe for “Chocolate-Strawberry Pie” from Addie Gundry’s “No-Bake Desserts” (St. Martin’s Press) can be prepared in just 15 minutes, all without turning on the oven. Chocolate-Strawberry Pie Yields 1 pie

How To Make BlendedFamily Holidays Work

motions run deep come the holiday season. Holiday planning can be hectic, especially for blended families. Today’s families are increasingly blended, meaning they’re a combination of families due to divorce or death. Even though the holidays are meant to be joyous, navigating traditions and accommodating the unique needs of all involved — including cultural traditions, visitation schedules, rituals, and religious beliefs — can be challenging. But blended families need not fret as they attempt to negotiate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Years. Logistics The first step to holiday planning is to keep in mind predetermined custody or visitation agreements. Although there can be hope for holiday flexibility and generosity, try to stick as close to existing arrangements as possible. Some families choose to divvy up particular holidays throughout the year in advance. Others may do it as plans get arranged. As long as the arrangement is fair to everyone, the choice is up to the families. The plans should be made known to all involved. Discuss expectations The Stepfamily Association of America says that communication during the holiday season is vital, especially for children so they know what to expect. Writing down specific itineraries can help alleviate the stress of not knowing where they will be at a given time.

All members of the family should vocalize how they feel about particular aspects of the holidays so that no one is disgruntled. Do not expect others to be mind readers. Perhaps one person is focusing a significant amount of energy on trimming the tree when that isn’t as important to others. Discussing expectations can make planning that much easier. Create new traditions The holidays without everyone under the same roof enjoying traditions that have been part of celebrations for years can contribute to feelings of anxiety for people accustomed to these annual traditions. Draw the focus away from how things used to be done and create new traditions that all can anticipate. Host a holiday movie night if this isn’t the year to have the kids for Christmas. An annual outing to see a concert or show might be a new tradition the entire blended family can enjoy. Don’t expect perfection Putting too much emphasis on trying to make the holidays perfect can backfire. Blended families must recognize that holiday celebrations will change. It can take time to find a new celebratory rhythm, and comparisons always will be made. It’s acceptable to have mixed feelings about new traditions, but each member should go into the season with a positive attitude. Blended families may face additional challenges during the holidays. Working together, such families can restore joy to the season and create new traditions.

What Do You Know About Rudolph?

dults and children alike are familiar with the tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As the lyrics of the song illustrate: “Rudolph the red-nosed reinSee POPULAR, page 15

1 1 2⁄3 1⁄4 2 1⁄4 1⁄8

pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved store-bought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust cup sugar cup cornstarch tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder teaspoon minced crystallized ginger teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of kosher or sea salt 6 large egg yolks 21⁄2 cups half-and-half 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1⁄2 tablespoon rum extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)

1. Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust. 2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat. 3. Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. 4. Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes. 5. Pour the ﬁlling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set. 6. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

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Twelve

HOLIDAY GUIDE Wren’s Day: A Christmastime Tradition Common In Europe

continued from page 4 when postal workers, butchers, milkmen, and other people who plied their trades might collect their Christmas box or tip. Boxing Day celebrations in modern times are quite different from those of the past. Today, Boxing Day provides a chance to shop sales and exchange gifts received on Christmas. However, people can put their

own unique spins on the Boxing Day festivities. • Go horseback riding. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen, who is the patron saint of horses. Celebrants can enjoy a stroll on horseback, watch a horse race, visit a farm to interact with equines, or engage in other horserelated activities. • Donate to charity. To pay

homage to the early traditions of Boxing Day, individuals can spend time ﬁlling boxes with nonperishable foods or belongings before donating them to charity. People also can volunteer for church functions that involve helping the needy. • Tip service providers. Use Boxing Day as a chance to tip doormen, postal workers, favorite delivery persons, salon employ-

ees, or other service workers with whom you routinely interact. • Celebrate Wren’s Day. Wren’s Day also takes place on December 26. This is a Christmastime tradition with Celtic roots. While the traditions surrounding Wren’s Day vary in different parts of Europe, the myth most widely told in Ireland is that God wanted to know which bird was the king of all birds, ultimately

noting the one who ﬂew the highest and longest would earn the distinction. The birds took to the air, with the eagle outlasting all other birds until it began to drop. When the eagle began its descent, a wren appeared from under its wing and soared higher and further than all other birds. Boxing Day can be enjoyed in many different ways by all people.

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Thirteen

HOLIDAY GUIDE

No Better Or Healthier Gift To Give A Loved One Than A Book

he season of gift-giving is upon us and many are wondering what to buy friends and family. According to research, a book may not only provide hours of pleasure, but a healthy activity for the brain as well. The availability of digital content has made it easy to forget how pleasurable it can be to pick up a good book and get lost in a story. In fact, a 2015 Hufﬁngton Post/YouGov poll of 1,000 adults in the United States found that 28 percent hadn’t read a single book in the previous 12 months. Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analyzed 12

years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study concerning reading habits. Among the 3,600 participants over the age of 50, those who read books for as little as 30 minutes per day over several years were living an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read. Studies have shown that reading improves ﬂuency and story retention while providing a host of additional beneﬁts to young children. However, the perks do not end with the passing of adolescence. Data published in the journal Neurology found reading regularly improves memory func-

Pomagranates Full Of Rich Tradition

omegranates are an ancient fruit steeped in tradition that impress modern food enthusiasts thanks to their tart taste and various health benefits. Primarily in season in North America between September and February, pomegranates are typically stocked during the holiday season when they can be enjoyed as part of festive meals. Native from the area now known as Iran and the Himalayas in northern India, pomegranates have been cultivated since ancient times throughout Mediterranean-influenced areas of Europe, Africa and Asia. Historians believe Sicilians were likely the first to introduce pomegranates to the rest of Europe, while Spanish conquistadores brought the pomegranate to the Americas. Because they begin to ripen at the end of summer close to the Jewish New Year, pomegranates were often used in decorations and blessings for New Year’s celebrations, according to the Madera Chamber of Commerce, which hosts a pomegranate festival each year in November. The pomegranate also played a central role in the foundations of some religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Greek Orthodox, and Hinduism. Sometimes referred to as “The Fruit of Life,” pomegranates were believed to spring from The Garden of Paradise and represent fertility and rebirth. Some early Christians also associated the fruit with resurrection and eternal life. The name pomegranate is derived from a Latin word meaning “seeded apple,” a reference to the fruit’s appearance. Pomegranates grow on shrubs or small trees and form large fruits that are filled with anywhere from 200 to 1,400 seed berries. The seeds are edible, while the remainder of the rind is usually discarded. Enjoying the pomegranate out of hand is a social endeavor. Families often gather around the table, where the pomegranates are scored and then the clusters of seeds and juice are lifted out of the rind to be enjoyed. Even though this process is laborious, many people enjoy it while engaging in conversation. The seeds can also be pressed to produce pomegranate juice, which is now a part of many health beverages. The resource Health says pomegranates are full of potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which also are present in red wine. These compounds protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Certain studies show that pomegranate juice can target bacteria in the mouth, helping produce healthier teeth and gums. Research also suggests that pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve muscle soreness. Data from Purdue University says parts of the pomegranate plant, including the bark and roots, have been used for medicinal purposes. Extracts of the bark, leaves, immature fruit, and fruit rind have been given as astringents to treat diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages. Dried, pulverized flower buds have been employed as a remedy for bronchitis. Pomegranates are beautiful fruits that have a storied past and many attributes that make them a coveted food today.

tion by working out the brain. This can help slow a decline in memory and other brain functions. Frequent brain exercise can lower mental decline by 32 percent, according to research published in The Huffington Post. Studies even suggest that reading can help a person be more empathetic to others’ feelings. Research published in the journal Science showed that reading literary works (not popular fiction) cultivates a skill known as “theory of mind,” which is the “ability to ‘read’ the thoughts and feelings of others.” Reading also can be calming, helping to reduce stress as a result. By losing oneself in a book, worries and stress can melt away, says research conducted in 2009 at the University of Sussex. Measuring heart rate and muscle tension, researchers discovered that study participants needed just six minutes to relax once they began reading. There are many other reasons why reading is good for the mind and body. The following tips can help men and women find more

time to read: • Find small minutes to read. Busy people may think they don’t have the time to devote to reading, but if they read in small intervals, the amount of time will add up. Read during commutes (if you’re not driving), while in physicians’ waiting rooms or during a lunch hour. • It’s okay to quit. If you’re a few chapters into a book and it’s not striking your fancy, it’s okay

to trade up for a more interesting tale. Don’t feel obligated to ﬁnish a book if you are not engaged. • Read paper books. Reading printed books can be a welcome, relaxing change from looking at screens all day. This may inspire you to read more and for longer periods of time. • Join a book club. A book club in which you engage with fellow readers can motivate you to read more often.

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Fourteen

HOLIDAY GUIDE Holiday Greeting Cards ... Made Easy

choose your family photo early (take advantage of summer vacations or autumn foliage trips to snap a great shot) and have those cards printed well in advance of the holidays. If you have the forethought to shop end-of-season sales, purchase deeply discounted generic boxed cards, if this is your card preference.

estive greetings sent to family, friends, coworkers, and business associates are an enjoyable element of the holiday season. The ﬁrst Christmas card was sent in England in 1843. Despite the popularity of online cards and social media posts for other occasions, and a greeting card industry that is declining at a rate of about 5 percent per year according to an IBISWorld analysis, when it comes to Christmas cards, many people still choose to write out and mail their cards. The amount of money spent on holiday greeting cards is substantial, accounting for roughly 25 percent of total annual greeting card sales, according to the Greeting Card Association. Around $2 billion per year is spent on the 1.6 billion Christ-

mas cards people send each year. Although millions of people are still buying boxed cards, signing and mailing them, there is no denying that the process of choosing, addressing and mailing cards can take a considerable amount of time. Streamlining the process and starting card preparation early can make sending Christmas cards that much easier. Here is how to get started. Choose your card Photo greetings remain fashionable, particularly among families who may want to show how much their children have grown over the last year. Photographers book up quite quickly come the holiday season, and photo printing services may be backlogged in December. The best way to streamline the process is to

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Maintain your contact list Keeping a digital ﬁle of current addresses can make sending cards much more efﬁcient. Update it regularly as people move or life situations change. While it may be more personalized to hand-address each card, sometimes time constraints may not permit that. Printing address labels can save time. This also gives you more wiggle room to put personal sentiments inside of the card, where they are more appreciated. Edit your recipients Mailing greeting cards can get expensive. Carefully review your holiday card list and see if anyone can be removed from the list. Opt for electronic greetings for those people on your list who you are not close with, such as coworkers. Reduce postage costs by personally delivering cards to family, friends and neighbors who live nearby. Beat the rush Spend a weekend shortly after Thanksgiving getting cards sealed and ready to ship. This way your attention can be focused on the other holiday-related activities instead of on getting and sending cards.

Many Traditions For Epiphany Celebrations

hile some may think the holiday season ends once New Year’s Day comes and goes, for Christians, the season continues into January with the feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas, which falls on January 6 (or January 19 for some Orthodox churches that celebrate Christmas on January 7). The Epiphany celebrates the Three Kings, also known as the Three Wise Men, who visited Jesus shortly after his birth. The Epiphany is celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Among Hispanics, the day is known as El Día de los Reyes. Many traditions are included in Epiphany celebrations. According to the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, three historical traditions of the Epiphany include baking a “Kings’ Cake,” marking a door lintel with the Magi’s blessing, and participating in worship with lighted candles. Some families also exchange gifts on the Epiphany to commemorate the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that the

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Three Wise Men presented to Jesus upon arriving at the manger. Chalking doors Celebrants of the Epiphany can mark their own doors, also called “chalking the doors.” This tradition is a centuries-old practice that serves as a request of Christ to bless the homes marked so that all those who dwell inside remain blessed throughout the year. The marking includes the first digits of the year, followed by the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Malchior and Balthazar — followed by the last digits of the year. For 2018 the formula should read: 20+C+M+B+18. Others believe the letters represent the abbreviation of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “May Christ bless the house. King cakes King cakes vary by region. In Spain, local bakers make a special ring-shaped roll. In France, it is a flat almond cake with a toy crown cooked inside. In Mexico, bakers put a figure of Baby Jesus inside a cake. The person who finds the figure is awarded the honor of baking or providing the cake for the following year and hosting the Epiphany celebration. Lighting candles Individuals are urged to keep candles lit on the Epiphany. This is to symbolize how Jesus’ presence on Earth was comparable to light entering a darkened world. The arrival of the New Year beckons an important religious celebration that extends the magic of the Christmas season.

Ignore Pressures

continued from page 10

• Skip the need to be perfect. Christmas movies and holiday ideals portrayed in advertisements can put undue pressure on the average person. Ignore any perceived pressure to have a perfect holiday season, instead resolving to enjoy the time with family and friends. Stress can impact the ability to enjoy oneself during the holidays. But stress can be overcome, even during this busy time of year.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Fifteen

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Have A Waste-Free Holiday In 2017

he holiday season is a joyful time of year. But the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season. Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season. • Give eco-conscious gifts. The environment may not be the ﬁrst thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looking for gifts for their loved ones. But giving reusable gifts can have a positive, long-term impact on the planet. Reusable coffee mugs or water bottles can dramatically reduce waste over time, and such items make great stocking stuffers. Shoppers also can look for items made from recycled materials, which run the gamut from home furnishings to calendars to clothing, as eco-friendly alterna-

tives to gifts produced without the environment in mind. • Reuse holiday-specific items. Many people only use gift wrap, gift boxes and gift bags during the holiday season. Such items are oftentimes discarded after Christmas morning. But these items can be reused to cut back on holiday waste. Reusing wrapping paper from year to year can be especially beneficial to the environment. That’s because wrapping paper tends to be dyed or laminated, and many wrapping papers contain non-paper additives that cannot be recycled. Reusing wrapping paper, purchasing only recyclable paper or wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines can help holiday celebrants reduce their carbon footprints. • Prepare less food and donate any leftovers. The Worldwatch Institute notes that, during the holiday season, celebrants generate three times as much food waste as they do during other times of the year. Large family meals are a tradition of the holiday season, but hosts who routinely find themselves discarding leftovers can plan on preparing

Popular Character Dates Back To 1939

continued from page 11 deer had a very shiny nose / And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows.” Popularized by the song written by Johnny Marks and sung by Gene Autry, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer dates back to 1939. A copywriter named Robert L. May created the story of the misﬁt reindeer in 1939 when working for Montgomery Ward. The retail giant was producing marketing holiday coloring books for children and wanted to come up with a clever character. Although Rudolph is now beloved, May's original ideas included Rollo and Reginald. Also, Rudolph's famed red nose almost didn't come to be. Because a red nose at the time was viewed as a sign of alcoholism, Montgomery Ward was hesitant to be on board with the bulbous, red snoot. A blue nose was considered, but later changed. In its ﬁrst year of publication, Montgomery Ward had distributed 2.4 million copies of Rudolph's story. The catchy tune came thereafter, followed by a cartoon short in 1948. In 1964, the stop-motion animated television special further propelled Rudolph to celebrity and became the most recognizable Rudolph adaption.

African Artwork Completes Kwanzaa Look continued from page 5 Celebrants also will want to decorate with the seven symbols of the holiday, or Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Posters, crafts or photographs can be used to symbolize these seven principles. Another component of Kwanzaa is a seven-branched candleholder known as the “kinara.” The kinara represents African ancestors and should be displayed on a

table or in another prominent area of the home. Light seven candles to represent the seven principles. Articles of African culture, such as masks or artwork, can complete Kwanzaa decor. Cultural artifacts can be tied into the creative aspect of the holiday. Celebrants might want to craft their own masks or African-inspired artwork to use throughout the holiday. Families come together during Kwanzaa to celebrate African American culture and unity. Decorating for the holiday is a great way for African Americans to exhibit pride in their heritage.

less food this year. Consider how much guests are likely to eat and plan meals accordingly instead of buying enough food to feed a small army. Donate leftovers to nearby shelters so nothing goes to waste. • Recycle live Christmas trees. According to the National Christ-

mas Tree Association, 25.9 million real trees were sold in the United States in 2015. Trees put out on the curb for collection after the holiday season has ended typically end up in landﬁlls, but some communities recycle Christmas trees each year. Real tree enthusiasts can contact com-

munity ofﬁcials to determine if they can recycle rather than discard their trees. The holiday season is a wasteful time of year, but there are ways for celebrants to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Now Available! 2017 Annual

Town of Cheshire Christmas Ornament

Plus Tax

2016 & 2015 Ornaments Also available (limited quantities)

Get Your Ornaments Today At:

231 Maple Avenue, Cheshire 203-272-4463

1079 S. Main Street, Cheshire 203-272-5316

the cheshire herald, December 7, 2017

Sixteen

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Sale Ends 12/25/17 *NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS*