2020 Spaces Magazine: Home for the Holidays

HOME FOR THE

Holidays

NOVEMBER 2020

‘Tis the season for social distancing Quick tips for festive décor COVER PRICE $5

Worldwide celebrations

NOVEMBER 2020

SPECIAL EDITION FOR SUBSCRIBERS OF DESERET NEWS AND THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Plus:

Creative ways to display your holiday greetings

Hype the holiday hues and: The gift that keeps on being given

Table of Contents HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 3

’Tis the season for social distancing

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A custom-made Christmas

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Santa’s just desserts

Play it safe this holiday season when hosting family and friends Start a new holiday tradition this year Five delicious after-dinner treats to offer your holiday guests

12 Grab the remote, let’s watch a movie!

Here’s a list of the top 10 must-see holiday flicks 14 Stress-free scheduling for your extended

family gathering

How to accommodate everyone’s caledar without chaos this

holiday season

16 Let’s play

The best family games that won’t cause Christmas Day conflict

DIY & DECOR 19 Quick tips for festive décor:

Shake up your holiday decorating routine with these 5 easy

DIY ideas

20 Hype the holiday hues:

Add chromatic charm to your home with color-changing lights this season

22 Deck the halls (but do it safely):

Protect your home from fire and other risks this holiday season

24 Lights, Christmas, action!

How to choose and install the right holiday lights for your needs 26 Play your cards right:

Creative ways to display your holiday greetings

28 Worldwide celebrations:

Here is a quick background on six holidays around the globe and how you can decorate for each

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 32 A sanitary Christmas

Tips for safer gift-giving in a season compromised by COVID-19

34 Gift-wrapped goodwill

Consider buying presents for or donating to worthy causes this

holiday season

36 The gift that keeps on being given

Just because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure doesn’t

mean it makes a good Christmas present. A look at the odd tradition of re-gifting

38 Toy shopping in 2020

How to shop for kids’ gifts now that big-box toy stores are extinct 40 When good gifts go bad

Shopper beware: Danger lurks in the quest to find the absolutely perfect holiday present. Just ask these sadder but now much wiser givers

November 2020

©2020 All rights reserved Published by

42 ‘Tis the season for gift giving on a budget

Here are some of the hottest new goodies for 2020

4770 South 5600 West, West Valley City, UT 84118 editor@utahmediagroup.com www.utahmediagroup.com 801-204-6300 President & CEO Brent Low Project Team Sally Steed, Sr. VP of Advertising Megan Donio, Editorial Director Camille Durtschi, Design Manager Content and images from Utah Media Group, CTW Features, Getty

Spaces Magazine is a publication of Utah Media Group. Copyright © November 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of Utah Media Group. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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Tips and tricks for less stress and more joy this holiday season.

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2020

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

’Tis the season for social distancing Play it safe this holiday season when hosting family and friends

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an’t decide how big of a turkey to buy for your upcoming family feast? Planning a big Santa shindig this December? You may want to rethink your holiday festivities this year and take pandemic-related precautions if you expect to congregate with loved ones over the next few weeks, the experts agree.

“COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, and new waves of infection will likely occur in the fall and winter — just as the holiday November 2020

season begins,” says William Li, MD, an internationally renowned physician, scientist, and COVID-19 researcher in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The holidays are times when large numbers of family and friends gather together and socialize indoors, often over meals. But these are the exact circumstances when the coronavirus can spread.”

To reduce your risks, it’s smart to play it safe and plan extra carefully if you’ll be

hosting a holiday dinner or seasonal gettogether this year.

“Try to make your event small. The fewer number of guests, the better,” says Li, who recommends limiting your party to 10 people or less if possible.

That may mean excluding seniors for their own good.

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“Try to make your event small. The fewer number of guests, the better,�

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2020

“It’s best to designate one person for serving the edibles and refreshments,” says Laurie Wilkins, founder of Philadelphiabased Call Outdoors.

Provide your guests with a small brown paper bag they can put their masks in while eating.

“Potentially consider staggering guests who will eat or breaking up space to allow for social distancing while eating,” says Knighton. “And discourage the sharing of any beverage bottles or glasses.”

Holiday traditions like indoor or outdoor caroling, karaoke, meeting with Santa, wine exchanges, and gift exchanges may have to be shelved until next year, or done carefully.

“Ask your guests questions about what would make them feel more comfortable with these traditions,” Knighton says.

Also, try to keep the festivities relatively short.

“All-day-long parties that involve drinking, watching sports on TV, dinners, and into the night carousing should be off the table for now,” Li cautions.

“You probably don’t want to invite your elderly grandma, who is more vulnerable to COVID-19. Instead, let her know that you’re thinking of her safety and health, and offer to call her by phone or Zoom during the party,” recommends Jaime Engebretson, owner and executive event planner for J’aime Events in Minneapolis.

If your climate is amenable, consider eating and gathering outdoors, perhaps around a fire pit, if you can.

“Open-air parties are safer because the coronavirus is quickly dispersed outdoors,” Li notes.

“Make sure you know exactly who is coming well ahead of the event. Some people may decide to bring someone at the last minute, which is not advised right now,” says Shanina Knighton, clinical nurse scientist and infection preventionist for Case Western November 2020

Reserve University in Cleveland. “Tell your guests ahead of time they should wear a mask, prepare to socially distance, wash their hands as needed, and take necessary measures to decrease the risk of transmission.”

Before and after your party, disinfect all surfaces thoroughly, including countertops, doorknobs, handrails, light switches, tables, and chairs. Upon arrival, greet your guests with a bottle of hand sanitizer or show them where the restroom is.

“If you’re going to hug someone, agree to do it in silence and allow your faces to be lateral to each other — not face-to-face.

Encourage elbow-bumping instead,” Knighton advises.

When it comes to the meal, avoid a buffetstyle dinner. You don’t want multiple people touching the same serving utensils and trays.

Of course, if you or another party attendee starts to feel under the weather or experience COVID-like symptoms, or if you’ve been exposed recently to someone infected with the coronavirus, steer clear of the gathering.

“Additionally, if you cannot accommodate your guests space-wise, if you are overwhelmed with planning and don’t have adequate support to ensure both safety and fun, and if you lack adequate cleaning and disinfecting supplies to support frequent hand and environmental wipe-downs, it’s best to cancel your holiday hosting plans altogether,” suggests Knighton.

Remember: We’re experiencing a historymaking, rare event that has affected people worldwide. And as of this writing, there is still no vaccine.

“The holidays are about the joy of togetherness and celebrating relationships.

But it’s not worth risking getting yourself or someone you care about sick with COVID-19,” insists Li. © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

A custom-made Christmas Start a new holiday tradition this year

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November 2020

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our family may not roast chestnuts, hang mistletoe, or put an “elf on the shelf.” But it likely partakes in an annual ritual of some kind around the holidays — a fun practice likely repeated and cherished for years. If not, or if old holiday habits have grown stale, it’s never too late to add new seasonal traditions that can bring kin closer together and diffuse the stress that often accompanies family gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

“Family traditions become memorable moments of each individual’s life narrative.

Traditions often take on a magical quality because they are usually first experienced in childhood or through the eyes of a child, and those youthful memories seem more special than reality,” notes Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine in New York City. “And traditions passed down from generation to generation are a way of keeping the memories of those who came before us alive, even after they’re gone.”

Saltz’s favorite late December ritual is to gather with relatives for a New Year’s Eve dinner at which one favorite food of every participant is represented in the meal, followed by the watching of a family movie: a tradition that’s been in place for 25 years.

Podcaster and retail consultant Rachel Gerli says participating in new or old traditions contributes to a sense of comfort and belonging, especially around the holidays when we crave connection.

“Our family tradition is to hold a campout one night every December in front of the Christmas tree. My husband and I get the couches, and our kids nestle up in sleeping November 2020

bags and floor mats after we read a Christmas story together,” explains Gerli.

benefactors are not revealed until the gifts are given at your party.

Popular holiday traditions throughout the decades have included group caroling, trimming the tree together, receiving a visit from Santa Claus (usually a costumed relative), addressing holiday cards, and, of course, the exchanging of gifts. Saltz says none of these customs have gone extinct or out of fashion, although with coronavirus lingering this year it may be wise to take precautions with any traditions that could more easily transmit the virus.

“For a fresh twist on this custom, try an online Secret Santa,” suggests Meghan Langseder, support and community manager with Elfster in Oakland, California. “Invite all participants via email and use a digital secret Santa generator or app to handle the name selection.

Participants can create comprehensive wish lists and coordinate the gift exchange. If you have to meet up using Zoom this year due to the pandemic, you can even host a holiday video party in which you take turns guessing who drew your name.”

“Obviously something unpleasant or risky doesn’t make for a good tradition. But there’s nothing wrong with tweaking a time-honored tradition to fit the times,” says Saltz.

For example, if Santa visits your party this year, he should probably wear gloves and a mask under the fake beard. But to liven up a social call from Kris Kringle this time around, consider adopting a tradition that Mary Sue McInerney and her family have been engaging in for generations.

“Santa visits our extended family party every Christmas Eve, carrying a sack of presents.

When he pulls out your gift, you have to sing, perform, or do something creative of your choice to earn the package,” says McInerney, a nurse from Friendship, Wisconsin. “It makes for a magical night, and it also becomes a rite of passage for those in the room who are newcomers to our clan — an initiation, if you will.”

A long-practiced tradition in many groups is to partake in a Secret Santa gift exchange (also called a Yankee swap), in which the names and gift wish lists of participants are pulled randomly from a hat; whichever name you pull is who you buy a present for. The

New traditions involving appreciation or charity are also recommended to celebrate a more selfless seasonal spirit.

“After the meal, everyone takes a turn around the table citing one or more things they are grateful for over the past year and offers a toast to them,” Saltz recommends.

Gerli proposes a new yearly rite: composing thank-you notes the day after Christmas for gifts received.

“There are never enough opportunities to express gratitude to the ones you love and share just how much they mean to you,” says Gerli.

Lastly, volunteering your time individually or in a group this time every year can also create goodwill — ­ and feel-good memories, too.

You can offer your services at a food pantry, soup kitchen, nursing home, homeless shelter, or other facility where the underprivileged and overlooked are given priority. © CTW Features

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2020

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Santa’s just desserts Five delicious after-dinner treats to offer your holiday guests

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othing quite caps a perfect holiday gathering like a tasty treat — a sweet tooth indulgence that exemplifies the joys of the season and the pleasure of sharing goodies with good company.

— which will save you loads of time that you can spend with family and friends.”

But choosing and making the ideal desserts for your get-together can be stressful. This year, experts recommend keeping things simple by planning ahead and offering after-dinner delights designed to please everyone in the room.

“I like to always offer at least one chocolate option and one fruity option that can be a healthier choice,” notes Wilk. “It’s also important to keep in mind that COVID-19 will likely be with us this holiday season, which means that offering individual mini bite-sized desserts could be smart.”

“A well-executed dessert ensures the holiday ends on a high note,” says Jessica Ellington, a Chicagobased pastry chef. “I recommend picking desserts that are easy to execute or can be done in advance

Here are recipes for five acclaimed desserts worthy of a spot on your holiday table:

1. Easy Christmas fudge

2. Vanilla budino

(12 servings), suggested by Chris Riley, culinary expert/ founder of The Daring Kitchen in Rogers, Arkansas

(6 servings), suggested by Ellington

Ingredients:

1½ tsp. Kosher salt 5 tbsp. cornstarch 1 cup granulated sugar, divided 1 egg 3 egg yolks 1½ cups heavy cream 3 cups half-and-half 5 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed 1 tbsp. pure vanilla bean paste

3 cups chocolate chips 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 4 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. heavy cream 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt 3 tbsp. sprinkles cooking spray parchment paper

Directions:

Line an 8 x 8” baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate, condensed milk, cream, vanilla, butter, and salt together over medium heat. Stir well until the mixture is smooth, and pour into the pan. Top with sprinkles and refrigerate for 2 hours to set.

Cut into squares and serve.

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Tracy Wilk, lead chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, agrees.

Ingredients:

Directions:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together salt, cornstarch, and ½ cup sugar. Add egg and yolks to the bowl and whisk to combine. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring cream, half-andhalf, and the remaining sugar to a simmer. Turn off heat and gradually ladle half of the hot cream mixture into the bowl of the egg yolk mixture.

Whisk to combine after each ladle. Slowly add the egg and cream mixture to the saucepan. Whisk constantly over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to whisk while boiling for two minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. When the butter is fully incorporated, add vanilla paste and stir. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the cream. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Serve chilled and top with fresh berries and whipped cream.

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3. Blitzen’s blueberry pie (8 servings), suggested by Gianna Stanley, a New York City-based private chef

Ingredients:

Crust 2½ cups flour 1 cup butter 10 g salt ½ cup water 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar Filling 16 oz. blueberries ½ cup sugar

Directions:

Mix the flour and salt. Cut the butter into cubes. Mix it moderately into the flour so some butter chunks remain.

Combine the water and apple cider vinegar. Pour it into the dough mixture a bit at a time. Knead until you have a slightly broken dough. Refrigerate overnight. Remove the dough and roll it out. Shape it into the pie dish and refrigerate for another two hours. Bake crust for 20 minutes at 350°F before filling. Heat the blueberries and sugar in a large pan over medium heat for 5-8 minutes.

When they are deep purple and syrupy, remove from heat and allow to cool. Scoop the filling into the baked pie crust. Use excess piecrust dough to create a top crust.

Whisk egg white and brush it on the top crust. Sprinkle on some turbinado sugar. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool for at least one hour after baking.

4. Peppermint truffles

5. Berry trifle

(40 servings), suggested by Wilk (recipe by the Institute of Culinary Education)

(8 servings), suggested by Lynell Ross, a certified health and wellness coach and nutritionist based in Auburn, California.

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

1½ cups heavy cream ¼ cup light corn syrup 4 cups dark chocolate, melted 4 oz. butter, room temperature and cubed 2 tsp. peppermint extract crushed candy canes.

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap and set aside. In a small pot, combine the heavy cream and light corn syrup.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the cream over the melted dark chocolate in three additions, combining after each addition. Stir until the surface is smooth, then add the butter and combine until smooth. Pour this mixture (the ganache) over the baking sheet and refrigerate until slightly chilled. Transfer the chilled mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a #806 pastry tip. Pipe the ganache into small mounds. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until fully hardened. Remove the piped ganache from refrigerator and gently roll into smooth balls with your palms. Place crushed candy canes in a medium-sized bowl. Roll the truffles in the crushed candy canes, shaking off any excess.

Place on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper until ready to serve.

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3 cups vanilla yogurt 4 cups plain yogurt 1 cup strawberries, rinsed and sliced 1 cup blueberries, rinsed and sliced 1 cup raspberries, rinsed and sliced 2 cups frozen mixed berries, warmed in saucepan then cooled 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes

Directions:

In a large bowl, blend the yogurts until fluffy. Using small glass cups or a large glass trifle dish, place a bit of yogurt on the bottom. Place a layer of cake cubes into the cups/dish.

Drizzle some cooked frozen berries over the cake cubes.

Add just enough of the juicy berries to lightly soak into the cake for color and flavor without drowning it. Add another layer of blended yogurt. Add a layer of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, making sure the berries show against the sides of the glass. Repeat all layers at least 2-3 times, using all your ingredients or what fits into your dish or glass. Top with whipped cream and a single berry. © CTW Features

November 2020

BY JARAYA JOHNSON, CTW FEATURES

Grab the remote, let’s watch a movie!

Here’s a list of the top 10 must-see holiday flicks

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t’s that time of year again — time to put on matching festive pajamas and turn on your favorite holiday films. Of course, there are a few classics that your family has to see every holiday season to get everyone in the spirit. However, if you’re interested in switching things up this year, here’s a list of films that you could incorporate into your holiday plans.

Drama/horror

This Christmas (2007)

This drama-filled holiday movie stars wellknown names such as Chris Brown, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, Lauren London, Regina King and David Banner.

The film follows the Whitfield family as they all gather at their childhood home with their mother for Christmas. But each family member holds their own secret. Watch lives unravel and a family changed in this Christmas film.

Black Nativity (2013)

In this musical drama, based on Langston Hughes’ play with the same name, a mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson) and a son, Langston (Jacob Latimore) are torn apart for the holidays when the pair receive an eviction notice on their small Baltimore home. Naima sends Langston to New York to spend Christmas with his estranged grandparents.

The story follows Langston as he fights to be reunited with his mother. He learns a few life lessons, gains long-lost friends and family and a new look on the world along the way.

Better Watch Out (2016)

This film, filled with twists, turns and holiday gore, would possibly be a change in your holiday movie traditions. Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), a well-known babysitter, travels to her favorite family, the Lerners and their 12-year-old preteen, Luke (Levi Miller), 12

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

to babysit one last time before she moves away forever. But the night turns less jolly when the two have to protect themselves from trespassers. Looking for a weird plot twist this Christmas? Babysit with Ashley to find out how the night begins and how long it takes to end.

Comedy

A Madea Christmas (2013)

Travel to Alabama with Madea (Tyler Perry) and her niece Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) as they drive up to surprise Eileen’s daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter) after she says she isn’t coming home for Christmas. Lacey has her own secret that she’s trying to keep under wraps for as long as possible. She eloped with her white husband, a peer from college. In Eileen’s eyes, that is not a good look for her daughter or their family. Watch Lacey’s lie unravel just days before the most wonderful time of the year. *Disclaimer: This film touches on topics of racism, interracial dating and does have instances of explicit language.

Home Alone (1990)

The first of the film series, Home Alone, is widely known for following the interesting and, sometimes, dangerous adventures of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin). He was accidentally left at home for Christmas when his family set off for Paris. He spends the holiday dodging and comically setting traps for robbers who plan to steal from his family home. If you want a whole night of Home Alone, check out the rest of the series.

The Best Man Holiday (2013) This film, a mixture of comedy and drama, also known as a “dramedy,” is a continuation of the 1999 film entitled The Best Man. The 2013 film is set 14 years later when best

friends reunite to celebrate Christmas together. Old flames reignite, and so do old feuds, but one tragic event that will change their lives forever brings them closer than ever before.

This heart-stringpulling movie isn’t like your typical Christmas flick.

The film is made to get you to shed a tear or two and realize that life is precious and should not be wasted feeling hatred toward friends.

Classics

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Though this isn’t exactly a movie, it’s a mustsee Christmas TV special. It focuses on Charlie Brown, a young child battling seasonal depression and his thoughts on Christmas. This short touches on what young children may experience, including bullying, depression and anxiety. When Charlie Brown is asked to direct a Christmas play, he realizes that his “friends” don’t have faith in his directorial skills. Watch what happens on Charlie Brown’s Christmas to find out where the phrase “Charlie Brown tree” originates.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

You know him, you love him­­— It’s Rudolph!

This film is narrated by Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives), and the audience gets to go November 2020

through a world of emotions felt by Rudolph.

It begins with him getting teased because of his bright red nose and attempting to hide it.

When he tries to fit in with other reindeer and join the reindeer games with a fake nose, it falls off, and other competitors see him for who he really is, a red-nosed reindeer. He goes on a journey that shows his strength and tenacity despite his distinctiveness. But even though Rudolph’s uniqueness may mark him different from the bunch, he is rewarded for being unique and saving Christmas!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

When Jack Skellington falls into Christmastown, he is exposed to a world of bright colors, snow, decorations and gifts that he is unaware of. With hopes of bringing Christmas to his friends in Halloweentown, Jack, the pumpkin king, takes Santa Claus November 2020

away from his duties to take on the role.

When he does that, Christmas is altered forever for children in Christmastown.

The Polar Express (2004)

Wouldn’t it be cool if a train drove past your window on a dark, snowy night and the conductor told you to hop on if you wanted to go to the North Pole? Maybe it sounds a little creepy, but the children on The Polar Express didn’t think so. Ride on the Express with believers (and skeptics) eager to meet the man himself, Santa Claus. The passengers’ wildest dreams come to life as they embark on their miraculous journey and they learn that if you believe in something hard enough, it can happen. © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Stress-free scheduling for your extended family gathering How to accommodate everyone’s calendar without chaos this holiday season

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ven with the coronavirus lingering, people’s schedules seem busier than ever. And that makes it challenging to coordinate calendars among family members when it’s time to plan for holiday gatherings. Deciding which house will host a party, who will make and bring a particular dish, limits on gift-giving, and picking the perfect date and time can trigger family schisms and stress — especially this year, when relatives may have to adapt their plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But these details don’t have to descend into disarray if you take the right approach. That means grabbing the holidays by the reins early and encouraging a democratic dialogue with your loved ones.

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“The holiday season seems to begin so much earlier these days, and families often feel pressure to plan and host the perfect gatherings,” says Meg Nordmann, the St. Augustine, Florida-based author of “Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas” (Amazon, 2020). “But if we can curate and edit our calendars in advance and decide what’s most important to us, it’s easier to block out the holiday noise and avoid becoming distracted and overscheduled.”

Risa Williams, a licensed psychotherapist and online life coach in Los Angeles who specializes in anxiety and stress reduction, agrees that the key is to get a head start on holiday prep.

“Particularly due to coronavirus, many people are deciding on whether or not they want to engage in social events and travel.

That’s why it’s a good idea this year to communicate holiday ideas well ahead of time while also listening to the current needs and concerns of the family and friends involved,” suggests Williams.

Olga Zakharchuk, a busy mother and small business owner in Los Angeles, recommends that all folks involved in holiday planning should meet up on Zoom weeks before the big day.

“As you work through the details and settle on arrangements with your loved ones, remember that your best-laid plans will never November 2020

be perfect. Focus on accommodating everyone in a reasonable manner and maintaining the comfort and entertainment of your guests,” says Zakharchuk.

Many families follow the recommended tradition of rotating holiday hosting duties, whereby, for example, one adult sibling has the Christmas Day feast at their house one year, followed by another sibling hosting at their residence the next year, mom and dad having everyone over the following year, and so on.

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s happening so close in succession, inter-season rotations are common, too, in which one relative hosts Thanksgiving while another family member invites everyone over a month later for Christmas Eve. “Rotations for hosting work well for many families. But it’s best to talk about this and decide on a rotation schedule well before the holiday season begins to reduce the tension of it being an immediate concern,” notes Jaime Engebretson, owner and executive event planner for J’aime Events in Maple Grove, Minnesota. “There can also be a discussion about on-off rotations — meaning families who can attend the party one year but need November 2020

to skip the next year to partake in a celebration at their in-laws, for instance.”

To manage the fine details, Nordmann suggests using a group text, social media message thread, or email chain for ongoing quick communication and firming up of plans.

“This is where you can delegate food dishes, drinks, dishware, or decor. If your family or group is very large, you could even share an online calendar, online spreadsheet, or Google doc that everyone could fill in and claim the listed items for that they’d like to contribute,” advises Nordmann.

When it comes to setting boundaries — such as how much to spend on gifts and enforcing pandemic precautions — aim for an open and honest conversation and try to set clear expectations.

“The host should be the one to give clear directions on these guidelines so that everyone is on the same page,” Nordmann says.

Lastly, while many believe it’s important to remain flexible when making holiday plans, others insist that opening the door to too many changes could be a recipe for disaster.

“Family gatherings should be less flexible.

There are a lot of people trying to juggle their schedules to fit in with work, vacation days, and other family events,” adds Nordmann.

“So once a date, time, and location have been agreed upon, try to stick to that as much as possible. Rescheduling everything just because a couple of relatives can’t make it could wreck plans for everyone else.” © CTW Features

“Focus on accommodating everyone in a reasonable manner and maintaining the comfort and entertainment of your guests,”

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BY LISA IANNUCCI, CTW FEATURES

Let’s play The best family games that won’t cause Christmas Day conflict

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ven with the coronavirus lingering, people’s schedules seem busier than ever. And that makes it challenging to coordinate calendars among family members when it’s time to plan for holiday gatherings. Deciding which house will host a party, who will make and bring a particular dish, limits on gift-giving, and picking the perfect date and time can trigger family schisms and stress — especially this year, when relatives may have to adapt their plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When families and friends get together for the holidays, it’s the perfect time to break out 16

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the board games and have some fun.

Unfortunately, some players become a bit too competitive or argumentative and the fun goes out the window. However, there are board games to play that don’t cause conflict, but still allow you to get in some good competitive fun.

W. Eric Martin recommends Codenames, a spy game created by Vlaada Chvátil that is good for players aged 14 and up. “It’s incredibly clever,” says Martin, who is the news editor of Board Games Geek. “There are teams, clue givers, and super agents and you need to give teammates a one-word

clue to guess agents. One person is also a secret assassin and you need to avoid that person. You, as the clue giver, have to be clever to give as much info to your team as you can and it’s fascinating to see what type of clues people give.”

Martin also recommends Mysterium, good for ages 10 and up, where one player takes on the role of a ghost and other players are mediums. “You’re murdered and have to communicate the information about the murderer to the other players until someone guesses the actual murderer,” Martin says.

“The only problem is that you’re a ghost so November 2020

game for ages 8 and up, where players have to plan a strategy to squash a disease.

“Other cooperative games are Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert. All three are wonderful, no-conflict games because everyone is on the same team,” Arneson says.

For players who are looking for something a bit more active, Donald Dennis of On Board Games, an Inverse Genius podcast, recommends Happy Salmon. “It has been incredibly popular,” he says. “In Happy Salmon, players race to play all their cards by finding other players to perform an action that matches the top card on both of their decks. It has folks fist bumping, high fiving, and racing around the table. The frantic real-time pace usually ends up with loud outbursts of laughter and much fun being had.” you can only communicate to them in their dreams. They have to try to interpret the dream and guess the object. It’s an extremely visual game with gorgeous art.”

Finally, Martin recommends games based on the popular escape room craze. “You need to work together to solve the problem within an hour,” he said. He recommends both Unlock! and Exit: The Game

Unfortunately, even the best of games end up in confrontation, so what do you do to get back on track? “Sometimes it’s better to concede to someone and proceed to the game if that’s what you want to do,” Martin says. “Keep any conversation about the game itself.”

If all else fails, Martin suggests just playing a different game. © CTW Features

“I recommend Pandemic because it’s a totally cooperative game and great fun,” says Erik Arneson who writes about games for About. com and other publications. Pandemic is a November 2020

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Creative ideas to reuse, recycle and reinvent your holiday dĂŠcor this year.

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November 2020

BY CARLEY LINTZ, CTW FEATURES

Quick tips for festive décor Shake up your holiday decorating routine with these 5 easy DIY ideas

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fter years of the same holiday decorating routine, it can feel like you’re just going through the motions — put up the tree, string the lights, hang the stockings — over and over again. So shake things up this year!

1. Simply merry centerpieces

“Unlike the commitment you make to more permanent interior design, the holidays allow you to try on a ‘look’ just for the fun of it,” says interior designer David Stark, of David Stark Design and Production in Brooklyn, New York. “Your design does not need to last for years and years, and your décor can be silly or seriously elegant, but at worst, it’s a six-week commitment which alleviates a lot of design pressure! It’s a great time to experiment and most of all, have fun!”

You also can do the same with an assortment of colorful ornaments. It’s an easy way to use those extra ornaments that don’t fit on the tree.

Make traditional holiday décor fresh and new with these five creative and simple do-it-yourself decorating ideas: November 2020

Create a cheerful centerpiece for your holiday table by simply filling a bowl or vase with seasonal materials like cranberries.

“Surrounded by candles, you have an instant and chic table centerpiece!” Stark says.

2. New spots for lights

While your tree is a natural home for a string of lights, that’s not the only area that can benefit from a little extra brightness. Add a touch of festive glow to any part of your home — along your mantle, wrapped around a wreath or incorporated into a centerpiece.

3. No mantle? No problem

Stockings can be hung with care just about anywhere. If you don’t have a fireplace, try hanging your stockings from the banister, from a coat rack, the knobs of a dresser, back of a chair, or even the hooks of a hanging pot rack.

4. Quick & easy tree skirt

Even details as small as the tree skirt can make a world of difference to your décor.

Bring new life to a plaid blanket or hit up your local thrift shop for inexpensive fabrics to fashion a brand new spot to place bundles of beautifully wrapped gifts.

5. A touch of greenery

Fresh winter greenery is the perfect complement to any holiday décor scheme. © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Hype the holiday hues Add chromatic charm to your home with color-changing lights this season

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November 2020

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oliday lights festooned around your interiors provide a bright, festive, and colorful sparkle to your seasonal decor.

But the truth is that conventional string lights, bulbs, and related fixtures are downright dumb; on their own, they can’t be programmed or personalized to make for a custom Christmas celebration.

Here’s an illuminating idea: Implement colorchanging and voice-controlled smart lights into your indoor display this year. Thanks to a growing number of wireless, smart assistantactivated, and smartphone app-controlled devices available on the market, you can accent your holiday decorating, liven up December gettogethers, and even get some of these gadgets to sync to your favorite Christmas carols.

“There are things that the newest lights can do that no traditional string lights could ever do, and that means the experiences are richer, more impressive, and longer-lasting,” says Ignacio Rosenberg, director of business development for Chicago-based Lightswitch, Inc., a visual design firm. “Now, we can all expect much more sophistication and visual panache in our homes and during holiday parties.”

Tim Rider, consumer connected product marketing manager for Signify US, the Somerset, New Jersey-based parent company of Philips Hue, says color-changing lights can bring new life to your tried-and-true holiday decor.

“You can instantly create the perfect atmosphere, whether you’re having a family dinner, opening gifts, or enjoying your favorite holiday movie,” notes Rider.

What’s more, you can save money and safeguard your home using these LED products.

“LED lights use up to 90% less energy and have a lifespan typically up to 50,000 hours — depending on the brand,” says Eric Regan, CEO of Mission Painting & Holiday Lighting in Overland Park, Kansas. “Plus, smart LED lights are much less of a fire hazard; most burn around 86°F, compared to 334°F for most incandescent lights.”

One breakthrough in recent years is the increasingly affordable color light strip — a continuous and flexible circuit board strip sporting hundreds of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), usually equipped with adhesive backing for ease of hanging. Many of these strips can be cut and reconnected to make special shapes — November 2020

such as a rectangle you can attach to the back of your TV set for a cool backlight glow effect on the wall behind. Made by brands like C by GE, Nexlux, Lifx, Govee, and TP-Link, today’s smart light strips boast millions of colors and can pulse or change colors to the beat of tunes playing, making them ideal for fun gatherings.

“You can use a flexible light strip to line your fireplace mantel and accent holiday displays, or weave one into a garland on a staircase to add a festive focal point,” says Rider, citing the Bluetooth-controlled Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus as a product capable of these feats.

Additionally, you can swap out the standard bulbs in your light fixture sockets with smart LED bulbs that, like smart light strips, operate via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and mobile apps. Lifx, Philips Hue, Sylvania, Feit, Wyze, C by GE, and others all make quality color-changing smart bulbs that can be fine-tuned to display cozy Christmas colors.

One new twist on this formula comes in the form of LED light panels offered in various shapes, such as connecting triangles or hexagons you can hang on the wall.

“Nanoleaf sells multiple flat light panel shapes that can be built into patterns you can create different color themes for,” says Rosenberg.

Manufacturers are also creating small smart lamps that can add a unique colorful radiance to any room, such as the Amazon Echo Glow and Philips Hue Go. “Lifx also now offers a smart bulb shaped like and mimicking the look of a candle flame,” Rosenberg adds.

If you’re simply looking for more convenient control of your non-smart lights — such as those old Christmas tree string lights — consider connecting them to a smart plug that can be operated by voice assistant or app.

Want to spice up your holiday happening even more? As mentioned, many of these smart lights can be synchronized to music, either using a built-in microphone (included in some strip lights) or with the help of an app. You can create a custom music-and-light show with Philips Hue lights, for instance, using computer and mobile apps like Hue Sync, Hue Disco, or Hue Christmas. © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Deck the halls (but do it safely) Protect your home from fire and other risks this holiday season 22

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irth, merriment, and mistletoe go hand-in-hand with the holidays. But unfortunately, fires, electric hazards, and choking risks do as well — especially in homes that don’t follow recommended precautions. Being safe this season doesn’t mean being a Christmas killjoy. Protecting your family, guests, and property simply requires good common sense and abiding by best practices, say the experts.

“The holiday season marks that time of year when families across the country decorate November 2020

To reduce risks inside and around your home over the next few weeks, follow these tips:

Fireplace and cooking do’s and don’ts

• Burn the right materials in your fireplace. “Never burn cardboard or wrapping paper, which can cause a flash fire and damage your chimney,” says Chuck Roydhouse, a Millersville, Maryland-located owner of Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County Chimney Repair & Maintenance, and president of the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

“And use a non-combustible metallic container with a lid to dispose of fireplace ashes and coals.”

• Keep all decorations and flammables at least three feet away from your fireplace.

• Maintain countertop safety. “Don’t leave hot pots on the stove that can tip over or knives on the counter that can drop onto someone’s foot. Be sure to angle all pot handles toward the side or back atop your stove. And avoid wearing loose clothing around your stove, which can get caught on pot handles or catch on fire,” advises Roydhouse.

• Keep flammables away from your stove.

“Paper towels and oven mitts often catch on fire if they are too close to the burners,” O’Brocki cautions.

Electrical safety recommendations

their homes and cook meals for large gatherings,” says Ray O’Brocki, fire service relations manager for the American Wood Council in Leesburg, Virginia, and former assistant fire chief for the city of Baltimore.

“However, it’s also the time of year that sees an increase in fires and injuries.”

Case in point: O’Brocki says the highest number of candle- and decoration-ignited fires occur in December; and Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve are the three days of the year with the most cooking fires.

• Examine and plug in lights carefully.

“Thoroughly inspect all your holiday lights before putting them up, and replace all worn, frayed, damaged, or burned-out light strings and bulbs,” suggests Mark Dawson, chief operating officer at Mister Sparky, a Columbia, Marylandheadquartered electrical franchise. “Be sure all outdoor illuminations like light strings are rated for outdoor use and properly protected. Also, never exceed the recommended wattage, and plug outdoor electrical equipment into GFCI outlets.

Don’t plug too many lights into one outlet, as well, which can start a fire.”

• Avoid using long extension cords.

“Extension cords can be a tripping hazard, but they can also overheat and overload a receptacle. Ideally, you want to plug whatever device you’re using directly into

an outlet with the cord it came with,” notes Roydhouse.

Christmas tree to-dos

• Instead of a real tree, opt for an artificial tree that’s flame-retardant and safety tested.

• Place your tree in the right spot. “Keep it at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heat vents, and televisions,” says Andrew Roszak, a Washington, D.C.-based emergency preparedness expert and executive director for the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. “Make sure not to place it in an emergency exit pathway or in front of stairs.”

• If you use a real tree, water it properly.

“Keep the bottom of the tree in a pan of water that you refill daily. Check it multiple times a day so that you get an idea of how much water the tree requires,” Roydhouse says. Additionally, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk so your tree can absorb water more easily.

• Never put candles or cracked/ compromised electrical lights (frayed or exposed wiring is a no-no) on or near your tree. “Opt for LED string lights and bulbs, which burn longer and brighter, are more energy-efficient, and don’t get too hot to the touch,” Roszak says.

• Switch off any tree lights and other electrical decor before bedtime or leaving the house.

Child safety considerations

• Remove choking hazards. “Immediately discard of any wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows that can cause suffocation, strangulation, or choking in young children,” recommends Roszak. “Avoid singing holiday cards that contain button batteries, too, which can damage the esophagus if ingested by young kids.”

• Be cautious with toys. “Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid toys with flying parts, shooters, and sharp edges or points unless the child is old enough. And always clean up and store toys away after use to prevent falling and injuries,” Roszak says. © CTW Features

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Lights, Christmas, action!

How to choose and install the right holiday lights for your needs

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here’s nothing quite like artificial colored lights to illuminate the holidays in and around your home.

But while traditional string, strip, rope, and other lights can brighten your property, they can also raise your electric bill and create hazards if improperly installed.

That’s why it’s smart to take stock of the lights you’ll need this November and December, plan carefully how you’d like to show them off, and prioritize safety, the experts concur.

spectacle of light. And that’s especially true around the holiday season,” says Alisha Kesler, product development manager for Jasco, an Oklahoma City-based consumer electronics company. “Holiday lights are a great way to show off your family’s personality, add flair to your home’s look, and provide curb appeal.”

“Ever since our ancient ancestors lit that torch for the first time, we’ve been drawn to the

“But much of the seasonal lighting products that become available around the holidays

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Christien Methot, a professional lighting designer in New York City, agrees that the right holiday lighting products and strategies can make a big difference.

often sell out quickly and are priced higher toward the end of the year, which is why it’s best to plan and purchase as early if you can,” says Methot.

If you haven’t made the transition from filament-filled incandescent bulbs to LED lights, this is the year to make that jump.

“Homeowners who make this switch can save up to 80 percent more on electricity usage and enjoy up to 20 times the lifespan,” notes Mark Dawson, chief operating officer at Mister Sparky, an electrician service headquartered in Columbia, Maryland.

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According to Fixr.com, incandescent holiday string lights cost only about 66% of what comparable LED string lights are priced at.

Incandescents also offer more lights per string, are usually brighter and offer truer colors, and are easier to replace if one or more bulbs are broken. But LED lights can last for 50,000 hours on average, use less energy (and are thus better for the environment), and are safer because they generate much less heat, which can start a fire.

“LEDs also offer a reduced risk of tripping your circuit breaker, an issue that can be costly to fix if the circuit breaker switch breaks,” Dawson explains.

For best results, map out and measure where you’d like to hang your lights, Kesler says.

“Do this before you go shopping for your lights to know how many strings, extension cords, and surge protectors you’ll need,” adds Kesler.

When it comes to light placement, besides the Christmas tree, many homeowners November 2020

increasingly like to decorate their exterior with string lights. Methot recommends outlining the roofline of your home and tracing the perimeter of your windows on the inside.

“Animated icicle string lights are fantastic inside or out, and placing a single flickering artificial candlelight in each window provides a classic and festive look,” says Methot, who adds that an increasing array of LED fixtures that resemble candles and candlesticks are available today.

impending electrical overload, in which case you should try different outlets assigned to different circuits or replace your lights with more energy-efficient ones,” recommends Kesler.

Avoid any trip hazards like loose cords, and think twice before climbing a ladder to tall heights, particularly if there’s ice or snow around; instead, hire someone for the job to reduce your risk of slips, falls and other injuries.

Before hanging holiday lights, give careful thought to how you plan to affix them.

When it’s time to take down your lights after the season, practice patience and care.

“Gutter clips, 3M Command strips, and zip ties work great,” Methot says. “If you plan to use a staple gun, be extremely careful not to pierce the cable.”

“Carefully unplug and detach the lights section by section without yanking on any cables to avoid damage,” Methot advises.

“Corral each strand in a small circular bundle you can make hand-over-hand, and tie the ends with a small zip tie — this prevents them from getting tangled. Lastly, store them in a sturdy container that is well labeled and covered to keep moisture and pests out.”

Before expending the effort and time to install and plugging in any lights or illuminated decorations, test them to ensure they work.

“If you switch your decorations on and your overhead lights dim, that’s a sign of

© CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Play your cards right Creative ways to display your holiday greetings

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and-written letters are practically extinct in this increasingly digital age where texts, social media posts, and emails make for quicker and more convenient communication.

But there’s one time of year when you can, refreshingly, still count on getting a snailmailed personalized message signed by a human hand: the holiday season. The problem is that many don’t know exactly what to do with those colorful holiday cards after they’ve been opened and read.

There are many clever ways to showcase the paper-based sentiments friends and loved ones have sent you — strategies that can accent your seasonal decorating, too.

“It’s smart to organize and display your holiday cards while also keeping them safe because they are sentimental mementos you’ll want to save and look back on,” says Celeste O’Connor, organizational expert for Dublin, Ohio-headquartered Unikeep Organizational Products. “Instead of simply using scotch tape to hang them up somewhere or just leaving them standing on a countertop where they could fall and get damaged, it’s better to find a way to preserve and protect them while also displaying them for everyone to see.”

Hence, O’Connor suggests collecting your cards and placing them in a three-ring greeting card binder (often sold at crafts stores), using standard-size page protectors, and add a customized cover to the binder’s overlay.

“Now, you have a nice way to show off your cards on your coffee table that you

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can open up and flip through while also safeguarding the cards from any spills or accidents,” she says.

Another recommended strategy is creating a holiday card wall display using a piece of holiday ribbon, clear adhesive hooks, and small clothespins.

“Extend the ribbon across the length or height of your wall, cut it, hang it on the wall using the adhesive hooks, and attach every new card you receive using the clothespins,” explains Michele Vig, a certified organizer professional and owner of Neat Little Nest in Minneapolis. “Choose an open wall that needs a punch of festive delight. A hightraffic area can lend itself well for this.”

Alternatively, consider turning your cards into Christmas tree ornaments, says Vig. Simply use a paper punch to create a hole through the top of the card and tie a ribbon ring through it that you can use to hang on your tree branches. Or string the holepunched cards together on one long piece of twine and hang it as Garland on your tree.

Robbie Maynard, an interior designer with Robbie Interiors in San Diego, offers several nifty suggestions.

“Get a short branch from an evergreen tree with the needles on it, mount the branch in a pot or vase, then glue or clip on your holiday

cards,” says Maynard. “If you have wood blinds or miniblinds, arrange your cards within the slots, or lean an old window shutter against the wall and insert the cards through the slats.

Or, fashion a customized Christmas wreath by filling it up with attached cards.”

If you feel particularly ambitious, ponder purchasing or knitting a long quilt (Maynard recommends one approximately 12” high by 48” wide) with shallow pockets that you can insert holiday cards into.

Don’t be afraid to array your cards throughout the main living area.

“Fill your home with different card displays — such as one for each room, which will make your home feel cozy and festive,” O’Connor notes. “Holiday cards look great on a fireplace mantel or windowsill, too.”

If more cards arrive late in the season, make them part of your Yuletide décor as well.

“The beauty of using ribbon or string is that you can easily add to your display by getting another piece of ribbon. And if you run out of space on one wall to display your holiday cards, just pick another spot in the house to exhibit a second display,” advises Vig. When it’s time to pack away your holiday decorations, put your displayed cards in the recycling bin and aim to create new card displays and ornaments next year as they arrive. © CTW Features

November 2020

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BY JARAYA JOHNSON, CTW FEATURES

Worldwide celebrations Here is a quick background on six holidays around the globe and how you can decorate for each

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very year, millions of families all over the world celebrate the end of the year in some way. Even though Christmas is one of the top celebrated holidays in the country, other countries and families decide to celebrate in their own way. Take a look at these six holidays that are celebrated worldwide.

Diwali (Nov. 12-16)

Diwali, also called Deepavali or Divali, is a five-day Hindu festival of lights that celebrates new beginnings, good over evil and light beating darkness. Diwali is celebrated by millions every year. This 28

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holiday occurs in either October or November each year and does not have a set date because it is determined by the position of the moon.

Though the festival is five days long, the main event occurs on the third day, known as Amavasya, new moon day. This year, that will be on November 14.

According to Hinduism Today, when decorating for Diwali, families light up households and streets with oil-wick lamps and string lights, and they dress in new color-popping clothing and jewelry.

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Hanukkah (Dec. 10-18)

Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish celebration to commemorate Maccabees revolting against Greek and Syrian soldiers who threatened their way of life, according to History.com. After the revolt, Judah Maccabee, the leader of the “Maccabees,” instructed his followers to begin rebuilding and light the sevenbranch Menorah of the Second Temple.

The Menorah was lit using a small amount of oil thought to only burn for one day, but it burned for eight days and eight nights, according to the site. In this, Nes Gadol Haya Sham, a great miracle happened there.

Decorations for Hanukkah include: The Star of David: this could be candle holders, Star of David stars hanging around the house or ornaments. According to My Jewish Learning, a website meant to educate readers, the six points of the Star of David represent “six male sefirot (attributes of God), in union with the seventh sefirah of the female (the center of the shape).”

Dreidel: these are spinning tops with four sides, and they can be played with during the celebration, or they can be used in décor as lights to hang and can be incorporated into the holiday in many ways. Each side of the dreidel represents something different and presents a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. When using the dreidel for games, on each side, a letter stands for nun, gimel, hei and shin. According to My Jewish Learning, the sides represent the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham”.

Hanukkiyah or Menorah: the Hanukkah Menorah has nine branches and can also be referred to as a Hanukkiyah, according to History.com. The branch raised above the others holds the Shamash candle, which is the candle used to light the others. Each night, a new candle is lit. According to Reform Judaism, a website educating on Jewish history and practices, the candles are lit from left to right “so that the kindling begins with the newest light”.

Las Posadas (Dec. 16–24)

This celebration is a religious nine-day festival to reenact Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem so Mary could safely give birth to Jesus. The festival originated in Spain and is now celebrated in Mexico as well. For eight nights of Las Posadas, families, friends and neighbors participate in dressing as angels and shepherds walking the streets with two people dressed as Mary and Joseph.

The group sings songs and search for a house, a place for Mary to give birth. The house they choose is not a random house but a house that is designated for that night, and each night they go to a different home.

While walking, the group stops at multiple houses only to get turned away. Finally, they reach the designated home, and they’re allowed inside for a continuance of praying and singing and food is also involved.

On the ninth night, which is Christmas Eve, everyone goes to midnight mass.

In the designated house, also known as a posada, it is decorated with a nativity scene and a star-shaped piñata with goodies inside for everyone to enjoy.

Kikombe cha Umoja which is the unity cup meant to be passed around to each family member and each person takes a sip from the cup,

Kwanzaa (Dec. 26- Jan. 1)

Mazao which is the produce such as fruits, vegetables and nuts shared amongst the family,

Kwanzaa is a holiday that was founded back in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga, an African American professor at California State University. According to History.com, after the huge riots in Watts, Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga began searching for a powerful way to bring Black people together. Soon after, Kwanzaa was born.

Dr. Karenga created seven principles, also known as Nguzo Saba. The principles, with pronunciations by History.com, include Umoja (oo-MO-jah) which is unity, Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) meaning self-determination, Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) for collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) as cooperative economics, Nia (nee-YAH) for purpose, Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) meaning creativity and Imani (ee-MAH-nee) for faith.

The holiday is celebrated for seven days with seven candles, and each day, a new candle is lit for a new principle.

When celebrating Kwanzaa, the table is set with seven items, including: Mkeka which is a woven mat and the foundation for the other items to rest on,

Kinara which is the candleholder, Mishumaa Saba is the name of the seven candles, they are black (1), red (3) and green (3), Muhindi which is corn and each child in the family is given an ear, Zawadi is given on the last day of Kwanzaa and are gifts that are usually meant to educate children on their African American heritage and promote growth and success.

Families usually decorate their homes with the pan-African flag (also known as a Bendera), which horizontally presents the three colors: red, black and green, and some may decide to put up a Nguzo Saba poster which displays the seven principles.

Habari Gani?

Boxing Day (Dec. 26)

This holiday originated in the UK and has been known for being the day after Christmas, where people boxed up goods and gifts to give to the less fortunate.

Boxing Day is celebrated in many countries to this day in different ways. Some families

go out shopping, others have feasts and celebrate with family members, and others choose to be charitable. However you prefer to celebrate Boxing Day, decorating for it is easy as pie. Many families keep up their decorations from Christmas and incorporate a few extra boxes in their holiday décor to get more into the spirit.

Omisoka (Dec. 31)

Omisoka is celebrated in Japan to ring in the New Year while saying goodbye to bad vibes and misfortunes and leaving them in the previous year.

To decorate for this celebration, families hang paper lanterns and certain things like pine, also known as Kadomatsu, to cleanse the household, allow deities to enter, and prepare for the new year with good vibes and luck. According to Nippon.com, a website sharing news, guides and blogs about Japan, if all Omisoka decorations are not in place by Dec. 28 and are placed out later, it is “a sign carrying the consequence of divine rebuff and misfortune in the coming year.”

When waiting until the last minute to place the important decorations such as Kadomatsu, shimekazari, which is decorative rope, and kagami mocha, which are rounded rice cakes, it signals to the New Year gods that they aren’t welcomed as properly as they wished, according to the site. © CTW Features

“Dr. Karenga began searching for a powerful way to bring Black people together. Soon after, Kwanzaa was born.”

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“Everyone should be on board with proper planning, hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing, even on Christmas�

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November 2020

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

A sanitary Christmas Tips for safer gift-giving in a season compromised by COVID-19

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long with trimming the tree and gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts is a timehonored tradition that makes the holiday season special. But with coronavirus lingering, experts are concerned that gift-givers and recipients may be opening up Pandora’s Box and putting themselves and others at risk of acquiring COVID-19 through this cherished gesture of goodwill. And no amount of feel-good holiday spirit can neutralize the threat of getting sick.

Fortunately, you can take precautions if you plan to exchange presents this December or substitute plans to ponder if you deem this practice too precarious this year.

“Gift-giving is important to make people feel loved, valued, and remembered, especially during the holiday season. But this may not be what’s best for our friends and relatives,” says Morgan Falevai, a giftgiving expert and marketing manager for Brilliant Gifts in Kaysville, Utah. “Social distancing, mask-wearing, and other recommended guidelines are in place to keep our family and friends safe. But we should also be careful with how we prepare, give, receive, and open gifts this year.”

Shanina Knighton, an infection preventionist and nurse scientist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, recommends playing it extra safe in 2020.

She says it’s best to do gift exchanges only with people you live with or have been in quarantine with. But if you plan to swap presents with others, too, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission.

“First, if you are the gift giver, put on a mask and pick a durable wrapping paper that can withstand a light disinfectant spray,” says Knighton. “Wash your hands, disinfect the surface where the item will be

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wrapped, gently clean the item, wrap it, then wash your hands again. Label the item so that the recipient will be the only one who next touches it.”

Giuseppe Aragona, MD, a general practitioner and medical advisor with PrescriptionDoctor.com, advises wiping the packaging and gift with a disinfectant that meets the EPA’s criteria for fighting against the coronavirus (visit tinyurl.com/ wipescovid19 to see a list), where possible.

“I also suggest using wrapping paper that’s easy to wipe — something shiny.

Additionally, consider purchasing gifts that are already in boxes,” says Aragona.

Try to wrap the gifts at least four days in advance of giving them so that viral germs, if present, can die off before the person receives the gift. Of course, if you have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, wait until you test negative to give any gifts.

Plan on mailing the package? If so, send it as early as possible.

“Remember, it will pass through multiple individuals and carriers in the exchange to get to your recipient,” Knighton notes. “Put a sticky note inside the package reminding the recipient to wash their hands after opening the gift.”

re-wrapping it. They should also make sure their kids properly wash their hands,” adds Knighton. “Keep in mind that many toys and children’s gifts are made of plastic; COVID-19 can survive on plastic for three days.”

In-person gift exchanges, whether at work or in someone’s home, should be handled carefully as well.

“Everyone should be on board with proper planning, hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing, even on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,” says Knighton.

To keep things even simpler and avoid pandemic hazards altogether, consider alternative arrangements.

“Gift cards — especially electronic ones — are a great way to support small and local businesses and help keep everyone safer this season,” suggests Falevai. “You can also offer to donate money to a charity of your loved one’s choice instead of giving them a gift.”

Even though these recommended safeguards may seem onerous, it’s important to put these matters in proper perspective.

“Gifts are things that are temporary, whereas human life is something that is precious and cannot be replaced,” says Aragona. © CTW Features

Recipients should practice similar safety protocols.

“When receiving the package, wash your hands, clean off the surface to place the item onto, unwrap the gift, gently disinfect the item, and then wash your hands again,” suggests Knighton.

If the recipient is a child, “parents should consider accepting the gift ahead of time, unwrapping it, disinfecting the item, and Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Gift-wrapped goodwill Consider buying presents for or donating to worthy causes this holiday season

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here are many people on Santa’s “nice” list who deserve a handsomely wrapped holiday present. But the ones who have the greatest need for a gift this time of year are often overlooked and undercounted.

Many people will have to do without this December, from the homeless and underprivileged to needy families and impoverished children. But you can make a difference in some of these lives and generate instant holiday hope and cheer by 34

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putting some worthy charitable organizations on your gift list.

“This year more than ever, many charities were hit hard by COVID-19 and need the support of others to ensure they can continue to help those in need,” says Adina Lescher, vice president of Community Development at Smile Train (SmileTrain. org), a New York City-based organization that helps kids around the planet receive free treatment and care for cleft lip/cleft palate conditions. “Giving back to those November 2020

• Heifer International (Heifer.org), a philanthropic organization that allows you to pick a specific gift designed to benefit needy folks in developing countries, including water for life, a goat, or a flock of chicks.

• Make-A-Wish Foundation (Wish.org), which helps make the dreams and wishes of young ones with life-threatening conditions come true via public donations.

• National Alliance to End Homelessness (EndHomelessness.org), whose mission is to end homelessness in the United States and eradicate racial disparities among the homeless.

less fortunate during the holiday season can be a great way to pay it forward and show your friends and loved ones that you care.”

the gift of sponsorship or making a donation is a beautiful way to celebrate,” explains Dixon.

Meg Nordmann, author of the book, “Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas” (Amazon, 2020), says a great date to practice generosity is Giving Tuesday, which occurs on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving (Dec. 1 in 2020).

There are countless worthy causes and charitable associations you can contribute to, including organizations specific to your area as well as national and international groups. Many accept monetary contributions, wrapped gifts, or both. In addition to the two mentioned above, consider donating to or volunteering for any of the following:

“Participating in Giving Tuesday and helping nonprofit charities throughout the holiday season helps counter the mass consumption mindset practiced on Black Friday or Cyber Monday,” notes Nordmann. “Too often, we let the marketing messages and culture of consumerism become the loudest aspect of the holidays. But it’s important to remember that the true meaning of the season is about togetherness, joy, love, and a giving spirit.”

• Action Against Hunger (ActionAgainstHunger.org) focuses on treating and preventing malnutrition in more than 45 countries.

• American Cancer Society (Cancer.org) aids less-fortunate American children and adults in fighting cancer and contributing to cancer research.

Diamond Dixon, media relations specialist for Unbound (Unbound.org), a Kansas City-headquartered charity that helps children, families, and older adults overcome extreme poverty worldwide, points to an increasing trend.

• Doctors Without Borders (DoctorsWithoutBorders.org) uses donations to provide medical care and basic medications, equipment and supplies to patients in countries coping with conflict and disaster.

“At Christmas time, we notice many people give charitably to our organization in honor of a loved one instead of giving traditional Christmas gifts. For a family member who doesn’t want more material things, giving

• Everest Effect (EverestEffect.com), a group that provides relief resources to help people and communities recover and rebuild after a disaster.

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• Operation Christmas Child (SamaritansPurse.org), a Christian charity that encourages the donation of shoeboxes loaded with toys, candy, school supplies, and other items along with a personal note.

• Pajama Program (PajamaProgram.org), which has delivered more than 7 million pajamas and books to kids across the United States and Puerto Rico over the past 19 years.

• Salvation Army (SalvationArmyUSA. org), which teams up with Walmart for its annual Fill the Truck toy drive designed to area families in need.

• Semper Fi Fund (SemperFiFund.org), a group that offers “urgently needed resources and support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families,” according to its website.

• Toys for Tots (ToysforTots.org), a well-known organization that accepts new unwrapped toys that are delivered to less fortunate kids.

• UNICEF (Unicef.org), which helps children across the planet overcome malnutrition.

• USO (USO.org), which depends on donations to provide support to troops and their families. © CTW Features

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BY EMELANIE WANZEK, CTW FEATURES

The gift that keeps on being given Just because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure doesn’t mean it makes a good Christmas present. A look at the odd tradition of re-gifting

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odi Newbern’s introduction to the idea of re-gifting began early. At six years old, she tried to give her mom a box of gloves that her mom already owned. For others, the initiation into the world of re-gifting came later — when they unwrapped a gorgeously wrapped box to find a hot pad with Elvis’ face smirking back at the annual white elephant party.

Newbern, the author of “Regifting Revival: A Guide to Reusing Gifts Graciously” 36

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(Synergy Books, 2009), has grown up re-gifting. Though re-gifting and white elephant parties are often thought of as tacky and tasteless, she says the traditional holiday exchange is an opportunity to recycle gift waste, reduce clutter and use your creativity.

“White elephant parties are a great idea,” she says. There are countless varieties. “Everyone can bring things they don’t want, have an open exchange, bring wrapped gifts to pass

around, or even make bids on gifts. You end up with something someone else didn’t want, so it doesn’t go to waste.”

“White elephant” is an expression used to describe something valuable that has, or will, become a burden to the one who possesses it, according to Albert Jack, author of “Red Herrings and White Elephants: The Origins of Phrases We Use Every Day,” (Harper Collins, 2005). As the legend goes, in Siam (present-day Thailand), white November 2020

elephants were highly valued. When discovered, they became the property of the king. The king would occasionally give the huge beasts as royal gifts to subjects who displeased him. The king’s gift — impossible to refuse and costly to keep — drove the hapless new owners to financial ruin. Jack writes that the phrase arrived in England when empire-builders brought it home with them and began using the phrase to refer to impressive yet useless structures.

While there are plenty of theories — and even a Wikipedia entry — the origins of white elephant gift exchanges are murky.

Cele Otnes, professor of business administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with expertise in giftgiving, says perhaps the ritual was limited to certain cultural subgroups. “Holiday traditions that are widely celebrated or supported by marketing have origins that are typically better developed and more easily traceable,” she says.

Nowadays, various familiar exchanges carry the white elephant label, ranging from the “most ridiculous gift you can find” theme to more focused parties, such as an ugly lamp swap. Another white elephant exchange call for attendees to bring useful items they received but never actually used, such as glassware, kitchen utensils or wine. Newbern suggests a holiday-themed white elephant exchange, where people bring the best and worst gifts received in years past and never used, from Christmas ornaments to gingerbread cookie jars.

Usually, white elephant exchanges begin with everyone drawing a number. The guest who picks number one selects a gift, unwraps the package and can opt to keep it or to pass. Subsequent guests choose a gift from the pile or “steal” one already opened by someone else. Otnes says the process continues until the pile is depleted. Usually, an item can only change hands a certain number of times, perhaps three, until it can no longer be swapped.

Aficionados of white elephant gifts believe that while almost any gift can be re-gifted, how it is given makes all the difference.

“Sometimes people think just change the tag and it’s good, but there are different things you can do to make it unique and thoughtful,” Otnes says. In a process she calls “gracious re-gifting,” Newbern suggests November 2020

embellishing a gift you received but never used by adding personal touches. Repackage it or mix it with other unwanted gifts to create a white elephant theme basket.

Otnes cautions that white elephant parties carry a certain amount of social risk with them and should be thrown with caution. In a poor economy, exchanging unwanted or slightly goofy items may not be as much fun as it was in better times. Rather than participating in a white elephant extravaganza, families or co-workers may settle for simply drawing names and buying for one person.

However, Newbern remains convinced that white elephant exchanges can be an excellent way to save money and reduce stress at a time when many families could use a break.

After all, exchanging white elephant gifts is preferable to dropping the gift-giving entirely, she says.

“Our family decided we will have a re-gift Christmas this year. When you make it apparent, it takes the pressure off, so people can have fun with it. You can still give great gifts without feeling cheesy or tacky.” © CTW Features

“Aficionados of white elephant gifts believe that while almost any gift can be re-gifted, how it is given makes all the difference.”

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Toy Shopping in 2020 How to shop for kids’ gifts now that big-box toy stores are extinct

T

oys ‘R Us has packed up and left town. KB Toys is kaput. FAO Schwarz is DOA. How do adults shop for popular children’s gifts now that the big box toy store is defunct?

Don’t panic, say the experts. Virtually every toy made today is available via online merchants. Some brick-and-mortar chains carry a decent selection of goodies for youngsters. And, contrary to popular belief, smaller independent toy retailers are still in business — although their presence is limited to certain markets and you may not know they exist because of the costs and challenges to compete in a cutthroat retailing environment.

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“Big-box toy stores like Toys ‘R Us disappeared mainly because of the cheap prices and good toy selections offered by competitors like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay,” says Hassan Alnassir, founder/owner of Premium Joy, a Walnut, California-based toy company. “Not having physical toy stores around doesn’t necessarily make it tricky for people to purchase kids’ gifts and toys, however. You can easily find a variety of toys through the Internet nowadays without leaving your home. And some brickand-mortar chains offer a great selection of toys, including Target and Walmart.”

Minnesota, is proud to still be in business after 21 years.

Dan Marshall, co-owner of Mischief Toy Store, a brick-and-mortar retailer in St. Paul,

“The benefit of visiting a store versus shopping online is that you can speak in

“Many locally owned independent stores like ours are still going strong. Curated and thoughtful local shops are appreciated by consumers because they offer advice, service, and the joy of discovery that websites can’t match,” says Marshall.

Kristin Morency Goldman, a spokesperson for The Toy Association in New York City, a trade association for the U.S. toy industry, agrees.

November 2020

person with a trained associate and oftentimes touch and feel the product to assess its quality and design,” she says.

The problem is that stores like Mischief Toy Store are few and far between, forcing many grownups to purchase toys online. And with the pandemic persisting, it makes more sense than ever today to avoid shopping in a physical store.

But whether you choose to buy your toys with a real shopping cart or a digital one, it’s important to pick and purchase toys carefully.

“When shopping in-store or online, make sure you check for the age grading of the toy. Specifically, toys labeled ‘3+’ may have small parts that are choking hazards to children younger than age three or those who still put toys in their mouth,” suggests Goldman. “Also, when shopping online, make sure the product you buy is a legitimate toy sold by a legitimate seller.

Counterfeit products are often unsafe, unlike authentic toys, and are unfortunately still making their way onto marketplaces.”

To avoid toy giver and receiver regret, learn more about the child’s interests ahead of time.

“Purchasing a suitable gift for children other than your own may be a bit challenging, but you can sidestep getting a toy they won’t like by simply asking their parents for guidance beforehand,” Alnassir notes.

“This season, especially due to COVID19, we highly recommend shopping early, as many stores will be limiting their capacity of shoppers during the peak holiday season, and online retailers may run low on stock of certain toys and other items,” Marshall cautions.

When it comes to blind buys, do a little research before completing the transaction.

Skim through magazines, hunt around online, read reviews, and check out The Toy Association’s ToyAwards.org for toy gift ideas.

“You can almost guarantee the toy is totally worth getting if it has won a respectable award where rigorous testing was involved. Examples of award programs to trust while shopping for toys are those administered by Good Housekeeping, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and Mom’s Choice,” recommends Alnassir.

“When shopping in-store or online, make sure you check for the age grading of the toy.”

If you’re still in doubt, fall back on a failsafe: a gift card that the child can use to pick out their preferred toys or other gifts.

“Most kids through their teenage years will be super excited to get a gift card, as long as they understand the purpose of it,” says Laurice Wardini, a holiday gift expert and founder of GiftMighty.com in Los Angeles.

“Just be sure to include a gift receipt with whatever present you end up buying.” © CTW Features

Get a head start on the shopping season if possible, too.

November 2020

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BY LISA BERTAGNOLI, CTW FEATURES

When good gifts go bad Shopper beware: Danger lurks in the quest to find the absolutely perfect holiday present. Just ask these sadder but now much wiser givers

A

pricey box of Belgian milk chocolate — presented with a flourish to a dark chocolate lover. A pink cashmere sweater lovingly set under the tree for a woman who adores luxury ­— and loathes pastels. A boxed set of every recording the Beatles ever made — wrapped and ready for a music lover who swears by the Stones.

Sometimes, even the most thoughtfully chosen gift can backfire.

Take, for instance, the kilt that Kate Zabriskie’s husband gave her. Zabriskie, who is of Scottish descent, had dropped a few hints that she wanted a kilt. But when her husband started asking questions about her waist and hip measurements, Zabriskie didn’t put two and two together, and gave him, well, less-than-truthful figures.

“You typically fudge a little bit,” she says.

So, imagine Zabriskie’s surprise when she unwrapped a present to find the muchdesired kilt but sized to fit a person several pounds lighter than she. “If he had just told me, ‘I want to get this for you, but let’s get the size right ... ’” Zabriskie laments.

It happens all the time: One person drops gift clues; the other interprets them not accurately. “We often give gifts we perceive someone would value,” says Robyn Spizman, an Atlanta-based gift expert, author and creator of The Giftionizer, a gift-giving organizer. Danger lurks when a giver seizes on an extravagant idea for a gift without knowing all the particulars. For example, take the innocent instinct to give someone a 40

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version of an item of yours that they have admired. It’s a sure bet they’ll love the gift, right? Wrong, says Spizman. “I might compliment you in cashmere,” Spizman observes, “but it might itch me like crazy.”

Like the bread-making machine that Spizman, who neither bakes nor eats bread, once got as a gift from a friend. Spizman received the bread maker several years ago when the machines first gained popularity.

“It was so big I couldn’t even find a closet for the thing,” Spizman says.

The friend kept asking Spizman if she liked the gift, and Spizman kept lying – until she couldn’t anymore. “I wrote a poem and went and bought a loaf of bread and put it in her mailbox,” Spizman recalls. Spizman eventually returned the bread maker, “but before I did, I had to be honest.”

Which begs the question: If you receive the perfect present that’s not so perfect, how do you react without dimming that expectant gleam in the gift-giver’s eye?

The correct response is always “thank you so much, it’s so thoughtful of you,” says Zabriskie, an etiquette expert and founder of Port Tobacco, Maryland-based Business Training Works Inc., which specializes in workplace soft skills (good manners being one of them).

However, once you thank the giver politely, you’re under no obligation to use it or even keep it, Zabriskie says. This is something gift-seekers should keep in mind: “Never give something to someone with the idea that they’ll wear it or use it,” Zabriskie says.

While there’s not much you can do to prevent receiving thoughtfully chosen, yet inappropriate gifts, you can prevent yourself from giving such gifts. First, “step back and see what someone values,” Spizman says.

For instance, say a friend positively dotes on her powder room, festooning it with delicate soaps, candles and hand towels. A perfect gift? Monogrammed soap. “Monogrammed personal items will always hit home with a person who values details,” Spizman says.

Second, don’t give gifts related to avocations or passionate hobbies. Wine aficionados, November 2020

skilled home cooks and bakers, among others, “have very strong preferences” about what they like, Spizman says. “To give a phenomenally seasoned baker a cookbook, you’re risking it,” she cautions. A better bet: One of those new silicone Bundt pans or baking sheets.

Unless you know the recipient as well as you know yourself, avoid gifts of art or decorative items. Art, especially, “is a hideous gift to give someone,” Zabriskie says. “You’re saying ‘hang this in your house.’ That’s a horrible position to put someone in.”

November 2020

Finally, keep in mind that the gift might be perfect, but the timing might be off. That’s what happened to Jodi Hoatson of Omaha, Nebraska. Hoatson and her boyfriend of nine years had a week at a time-share in the Bahamas. Hoatson wanted to fly, but the boyfriend had his heart set on a cruise.

Hoatson found one online for $2,000: “I blew my Christmas budget out of the water,” she says.

Hoatson had gift certificates printed and tied with a ribbon, all ready to give to her boyfriend. But a week before their designated holiday gift exchange day,

Hoatson’s boyfriend broke up with her.

“Turns out he had been cheating on me all along and was leaving me for another woman,” she says.

Luckily, Hoatson had purchased trip insurance. “Word to the wise,” she says, “buy some sort of insurance on big gifts.”

And, adds Zabriskie, “if you’re not sure, get a receipt.” © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Tis the season for gift giving by budget Here are some of the hottest new goodies for 2020

H

oliday gift hunting for friends and family was never an easy task, considering the diversity of tastes, preferences, and proclivities of your many loved ones. And it’s bound to be even more challenging this year while coronavirus lingers, making the idea of shopping inside a brick-and-mortar store downright worrisome.

To help, we’ve researched several wares worthy of wrapping paper, across three different price categories that can each be purchased safely online for any adult on your list — including many items released in 2020 that your gift recipient likely doesn’t already own.

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Gifts under $25 • Upcycled record coasters ($18; UncommonGoods.com): Crafted from labels cut from the center of bona fide vinyl records, these beverage coasters are sealed to prevent moisture from seeping through and arrive in a set of six different labels (from an array of musical genres) packed in a round, clear case.

• Shiner blocks ($15 and up; Shinerphoto.com): Want to give a phototastic gift that also stands out as a geometrically handsome piece of décor?

Buy him or her a Shiner handmade birchwood block that sports a favorite photo on the front, a magnetic back for fridge mounting, and a kickstand for resting on a shelf or table.

• Cashmere knit face mask ($25; Altalun.com): Face facts — we’re probably going to be wearing coronavirus facial barriers for a while. So why not do it in style, comfort, and warmth? These cashmere masks are designed to fit just right while protecting your skin from Old Man Winter.

• Schwab Stock Slices (from $5; Schwab.com): The best gifts are those that keep on giving — especially in the form of money that continues to grow.

So why not purchase a fraction of a share of stock for as little as five dollars (forking over $25 can get you a slice of Apple, Disney, Google, or Netflix) and November 2020

Gifts over $50

• Vertiball ($50; Vertiball.com): Sure, there are plenty of musculoskeletalfriendly massaging tools, balls, and other objects competing for space on store shelves. But here’s a first: a hands-free massage ball that easily mounts onto any smooth surface, whether it be drywall, metal, plastic, wood, or laminate, that you lean into with your body weight to easily ameliorate tense and knotted muscles.

• The Couple’s Bucket List ($50; Flowjo.co): Got a newlywed friend or loved one who’s in a serious relationship? This gift set of clever cards serve as a date night in a box that provides conversation starters and suggests exciting activities any twosomein-love can do together — like build a pillow fort, create an instant dance party, or create a list of your favorite movies and watch them together on one weekend.

make this a green Christmas for someone special?

reengineered to replicate the fun flips, jumps, and rolls you remember.

• Mid-Century Holiday Popcorn Cylinder ($22.50; PoppyHandcraftedPopcorn. com): Santa isn’t the only one who enjoys nibbling on goodies next to the tree; consider getting them a container of gourmet popcorn wrapped in beautiful packaging and boasting delectable flavors like Reindeer Crunch, Cinnamon Bourbon Econ, or Butter Almond Toffee. Warning: Spontaneous salivating may occur.

• Bond Sanitizer ($30; BondSanitizer.com): When you leave home and venture indoors elsewhere these days, it’s natural to have coronavirus on your mind — and on your hands, too, if you can’t get to a handwashing or sanitizing station. But the Bond Sanitizer takes the guesswork out of pandemic safety by providing a convenient refillable container stocked with gel hand sanitizer right from your belt or waistband.

Gifts $25-$50 • Everyday Aged Tea 3-pack ($26; MansaTea.com): Carefully curated tea is hot stuff these days, and bound to get hotter as the temperature outside plummets. But not every tea brand is made to stimulate the palate and reward your body like Mansa’s handcrafted and naturally fermented aged teas. They have a three-pack that includes teas from China aged 13 years, nine years, and eight years, respectively. Now that’s a warm thought.

• Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle ($40; EvelKnievelToys.com): Anybody who grew up in the 1970s recalls this durable and exciting wind-up toy with fondness.

Now, it’s been resurrected for a new generation and an older generation who refuses to grow up. Using the original 1970s molds, this classic has been November 2020

• Dinner for Two ($42; Shop.

DorothyLane.com): Here’s a two-for-one gift idea bound to satisfy couples, romantics, and lovers of Italian cuisine.

It’s a gift box with Rustichella Authentic Italian Pasta, DLM Original Marinara, a side of Rustic Country Bread, Dorothy Lane Market Extra-Version Olive Oil, and two Killer Brownie desserts. Hungry yet?

• Copper H2O water bottle ($35; CopperH20.com): You’re probably thinking that fancy water bottles are a dime a dozen. But how often do you see one of these containers made from naturally antibacterial copper, a material widely recommended by health experts?

Water contained in a copper vessel becomes natural alkaline water, which helps balance your body’s pH levels. Plus, the cool design is bound to attract envious eyes.

• iRig Mc Cast HD ($100; ikmultimedia.com): Everyone’s sick of the crappy sound and weak performance of the built-in microphone on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Here’s a sound idea: Buy that special someone an iRig Mic Cast HD, an impressive tiny mic that quickly and securely attaches to these devices with a magnetic mounting system (no batteries required).

• Legacybox Digitizing Kit (from $50; Legacybox.com): The chances are that someone on your gift list has a collection of photo prints, VHS tapes, or home movies overdue for a digital rebirth. With this kit, you ship these items to Legacybox and they send them back along with a DVD, thumb drive, or digital downloads of your analog images and recordings.

• AeroGarden Harvest indoor garden ($100; AeroGarden.com): Mother Nature and a love of gardening don’t have to be abandoned once wintertime comes. With the Harvest indoor hydroponic gardening system, you can grow up to six different herbs, veggies, or flower varieties across the calendar year, and without being a green thumb pro. The automated 20-watt LED grow lights produce healthier and fastergrowing flora, and the three-button control panel reminds you when it’s time to add plant food and water. © CTW Features

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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