November 26, 2013

The 2013 Christmas

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Gift Guide E-EDITION

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TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

christmas gift guide

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Stress-free holiday hosting tips

Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season

Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well. Thus an abundance of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year.

All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun.

• Enlist help. Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can’t pitch in or will be unwilling to help.

If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist. When hosting a holiday

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dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities.

• Plan well in advance.

The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you’re likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be

responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

• Hire a cleaning service.

One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive.

A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party. Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more timeconsuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list.

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• Have a theme for the party.

Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along.

Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun.

• Pass the buck. Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where staff can worry about guests and you can relax and have a good time.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Visit Santa without all the tears Turn a visit with Santa into a pleasant experience for children of all ages.

The holiday season means it’s time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chances to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red.

But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying fit or meltdown away from having this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, it’s understandable when everyone’s patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tearstained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips.

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• Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red suit and a big, white beard may be nervous.

Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is. Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa.

• Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses, try to get to the mall when the doors first open.

Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter.

• Consider another venue. Many dif-

ferent places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees.

A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall.

• Go well-fed. There’s little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry. Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing.

• Make it a family photo. Sometimes the only way to entice a little one to take a picture with Santa is to provide some added security. Dress your best and be prepared to have to step in and cozy up to Santa to ensure your child is all smiles.

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TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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Most popular Christmas songs Decorations and shopping are integral parts of the holiday season, but very often it is the music being played over the airwaves that sets the tone for the festivities to come. Christmas music has been enjoyed for decades and certain compositions are widely loved and played year after year. The American Society of Composers,

Authors and Publishers, who compiles lists of the most popular songs, lists “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,” both of which were written in 1934, as the oldest and most popular tunes.

The newest popular song is “Wonderful Christmastime,” composed in 1979. Though personal preference often

determines a holiday playlist, the following tunes are of the more popular Christmas songs: “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” – Mel Tormé, Robert Wells “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie “Have Yourself a Merry

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Little Christmas” – Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin “Winter Wonderland” – Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith “White Christmas” – Irving Berlin “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” – Johnny Marks “Jingle Bell Rock” – Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram “Little Drummer Boy” – Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone “Sleigh Ride” – Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” –

Edward Pola, George Wyle “Silver Bells” – Jay Livingston, Ray Evans “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Johnny Marks “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano “Blue Christmas” – Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson “Frosty the Snowman” – Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins “A Holly Jolly Christmas” – Johnny Marks “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Tommie Connor “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” – Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Meredith Willson “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays”

– Bob Allen, Al Stillman “Carol of the Bells” – Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich “Santa Baby” – Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney “White Christmas” is the most covered Christmas song of all time. There are more than 500 versions in several different languages.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Finding time during the busy holiday season

Staying home for the holidays can save families a significant amount of time during this busy time of year.

Perhaps no time of year is as busy as the holiday season, when social engagements and holiday shopping combine to dominate so much of what is normally our free time. Additionally, holiday travel and late nights spent at work to make up for lost time also cut into our free time, leaving many people in search of ways to add more hours to the day. Though there’s no way to make a day last longer, there are ways to save some time this holiday season.

• Go it alone. Holiday shopping can be very time consuming, but shoppers who decide to shop alone may find themselves more pro-

ductive and focused on the task at hand. Rather than going from store to store and checking items off multiple shopping lists, shoppers who shop singularly can devote all of their attention to their own lists.

• Plan ahead. Whether shopping for holiday gifts, taking the family to buy a Christmas tree or organizing a holiday dinner with friends, the more you can plan ahead of the holiday season the less time you will waste once the season hits full swing.

For example, when choosing a weekend to go Christmas tree shopping, inform others a few weeks in advance and let them know you want to go early to avoid

crowds. This saves you time and might just help you land one of the best trees on the lot. The same principle of planning can be applied to other aspects of the holiday season as well.

Planning a meal early allows you to gradually stock up on menu items, saving you the hassle of rushing to the store at the last minute or planning a menu in the days before the party when you will already have enough on your plate.

• Don’t shy away from shortcuts when hosting holiday dinners. Hosting a holiday dinner is a big undertaking, one that often finds hosts spending a significant amount of time in the kitchen. But hosts can save time by taking some shortcuts regarding the menu. For instance, when hosting an especially large meal, don’t

be afraid to buy some premade side dishes from a local grocery store or buy a bakery cake rather than whipping up your own homemade dessert.

Guests will understand if you cut some corners in an effort to save some time, and the food will likely be just as delicious.

• Stay home. Travel is a big commitment come the holiday season, but what about staying home this season? If the time commitment of traveling is something you truly want to avoid this year, invite some friends and family over to your home instead.

You might be more busy on the day of the holiday, but

you will save yourself the travel days you usually build into the holiday season. Parents of young children might prefer to stay home so they can create their own unique holiday memories, while those without children might just appreciate some peace and quiet during this hectic time of year.

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TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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Clever ways to give gift cards Gift cards are a staple of the holiday season. Often a go-to gift when other options just do not seem to suffice, gift cards remove the worry about whether or not the item will fit or if it’s the right color or model. Gift cards can make ideal gifts because they are chosen with the recipients’ likes and tastes in mind while allowing recipients to shop without spending their own money.

Still, giving a gift card can remove some of the excitement of unwrapping a

mystery gift. By employing a few creative tips, gift cards can be fun and unique.

Scavenger hunt Have the gift recipient work a little in a clever way for the gift. Plant clues around the house that will gradually lead to the hiding spot where the gift card is stashed. Clues can include witty poetic verses or tie into recipients’ personal interests.

Nesting boxes Another way to present a gift card is to hide it inside

of a box that looks like any other gift. However, once the person unwraps the gift, he or she will discover another wrapped box inside. This prank can be repeated over and over as many times as desired until the gift card is unearthed.

Gift basket A gift card can be ensconced with other trinkets and tied into a theme.

For example, a gift card for a spa massage may be complemented by lotions, massage oil and a terry-cloth robe.

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aged together in a decorative basket to make the entire gift eye-catching and appealing.

Themed wrapping Place the gift card inside of an item that epitomizes the gift. A card for a bookstore can be nestled inside of the pages of a classic book. A gift card to a hair salon can be attached to the end of a hairbrush.

For those gifting to a favorite coffee shop, place the gift card inside of an empty cof-

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Shopping savvy Offering a gift card as a present is entitling the recipient to a day of shopping. Wrap the card with a reusable shopping tote so that he or she can carry purchases inside. You can

monogram the bag with initials or even decorate it. Otherwise, purchase a new wallet and place the gift card inside. Wrap the wallet and encourage the recipient to go on a spree.

Special delivery For a creative spin, work with a retailer that offers home delivery service. When the recipient receives the delivery, he or she will be surprised by the added gift.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

A look back at popular toys from years past Many parents have spent time during the holiday season on endless quests for the perfect gift for their children. Many gifts have earned “must-have” status over the years, and although many of these gifts are forgotten by the time the next holiday season comes around, certain products have remained timeless.

Some of these more memorable products have even been resurrected into newer, modern-day versions of their previous selves. Here’s a look at some of the toys that have made their mark over the last several decades.

Rubik’s Cube: The Rubik’s Cube reached the height of its popularity during the 1980s, when the colorful game puzzle was mass-marketed to the public.

Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik actually invented

what he dubbed the “Magic Cube” a decade prior. Since the product’s inception, millions of Rubik’s Cubes have been sold across the globe, making it one of the topselling puzzles and toys.

Cabbage Patch Kids: Adults stormed stores in the mid 1980s for Cabbage Patch Kids, which became one of the most popular toys of the decade. Designed by art student Xavier Roberts, Cabbage Patch Kids began as dolls called “Little People.” The dolls were marketed with a fantastical story about a cabbage patch in a magical valley, where dolls were born and awaited their adoption into loving homes.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started as a comic designed to parody established popular comics of the early 1980s. The concept of genetically mutated

turtles who possessed ninja skills quickly caught on and the TMNT franchise expanded to television shows and scores of complementary merchandise.

Beanie Babies: Ty Inc. introduced a series of plush toys filled with tiny plastic pellets instead of traditional polyester stuffing in 1993.

These pellets made the dolls flexible and cuddly, which played a role in their popularity. Throughout the 1990s, children collected as many of the Beanie Babies as they could, though some of the dolls were more coveted than others.

Tickle Me Elmo: The hottest toy of the 1996 giving season was Tickle Me Elmo, a plush doll based on the beloved Sesame Street monster. When prompted, Elmo would laugh, giggle and gyrate to the delight of kids and adults alike.

Nintendo DS: The Nintendo DS, first offered in 2004, was the first Nintendo console released in North America before it was released in Japan. With its dual screens (the lower being a touchscreen) and portability factor, the handheld device became one of the most popular gifts for young gamers.

Zhu Zhu Pets: Interactive, robotic hamsters, Zhu Zhu Pets first appeared on the scene in 2009. Their name was derived from Mandarin Chinese and translates to “little pig.”

Nintendo Wii: In addition to the Sony Playstation and Microsoft’s Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii became the latest in a history of

must-have video game consoles in the early 21st century. Games on the Wii were interactive through the use of motion-sensing hand controllers. The later release of the Wii Fit package made the Nintendo Wii even more popular.

It remains to be seen which toy will become this season’s “must-have” item.

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christmas gift guide

TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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Holly and mistletoe

are symbols of Christmas “Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time for mistletoe and holly. Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents, countrysides covered in snow.”

As exemplified by this holiday hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday imagery and tradition.

Holly is used to adorn a home in green and red finery alongside evergreen boughs and wreaths.

In addition, it has become customary to hang a bouquet of mistletoe under which people are encouraged to share a holiday kiss. While these elements of celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins.

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Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honor at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn.

To avoid persecution during the Roman pagan Saturnalia festival, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evil-repelling holly on their homes to appear like the masses. Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and more associated with Christians and Christmas. Some people have inferred that holly and its prickly edges is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion, with the red berries representing blood.

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Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. Heavy infestation can dwarf the growth and kill these trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality). The plant also was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection.

When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day. This is how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe likely began, and why a ball of mistle-

Whether faux or fresh mistletoe, a bouquet of this plant symbolizes peace and tranquility for Christmas. toe is now hung in homes during Christmas, a season of peace and affection.

Homeowners who hang mistletoe and holly around their homes during the holiday season should be mindful of pets and youngsters around the plants. Mistletoe and holly are considered to be moderately to severely toxic, and ingesting the leaves could be dangerous. Therefore, keep these plants away from curious hands. Mistletoe is commonly hung up high, which should make it less problematic, but holly should be hung high as well.

Now largely associated with Christmas celebrations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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‘Tis the season for

gingerbread cookies The holiday season is dominated by tradition.

Families typically have their own unique traditions, but certain practices are so widely popular that they have become synonymous with the holiday season. Such is the case with certain foods, including gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed year-round, but many people only enjoy this tasty treat during the holiday season. For those who can’t wait to indulge in gingerbread cookies this year, consider this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).

COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Yields 12 to 20 cookies Dough • 3¾ cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder • 4 teaspoons ground ginger • 1½ teaspoons ground cloves • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.

Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

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

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 large egg • ½ cup blackstrap or other dark molasses • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar • 2 tablespoons water

Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan.

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

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

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

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

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

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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A pastry perfect for holiday parties

The holidays are a time synonymous with food.

In fact, the most popular New Year’s resolution each year is the pledge to shed a few pounds.

Some of the more popular foods this time of year are pastries. Be it cakes or cookies, many people find holiday desserts too delicious to resist.

For those hosting a holiday party this season or those simply looking to satisfy their cravings for sweets, the following recipe for “Carrot Cake with Coconut” from Michael van Straten’s “The Healthy Jewish Cookbook” (Frog Books) is sure to please even the pickiest of pastry palates.

Few foods are more synonymous with the holiday season than desserts. This delicious “Carrot Cake with Coconut” makes for the perfect end to a holiday dinner.

Carrot Cake with Coconut Serves 6-8 • 2 tablespoons honey • 2⁄3 cup raw sugar (if unavailable, use light brown) • 3 eggs, beaten • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ cup whole-wheat flour • 1¾ teaspoons baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt

• 9 ounces carrots, grated (about 1¾-2 cups) • 4 ounces (about 12⁄3 cups) dry unsweetened coconut, plus 2 tablespoons for decorating* • ¾ cup mixed unsalted nuts, crushed • Scant cup olive oil *can decorate with coconut flakes

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Put the honey, sugar and oil into a bowl and whisk briskly until well combined. Add the eggs and cinnamon and whisk well again. Gradually sift in the flour and whisk until well combined, then stir in the husks that have collected in sifter. Stir in the carrots, coconut and nuts. Pour into a greased 7-inch cake pan and cook for about 90 minutes.

Let cool and serve sprinkled with the extra coconut.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

The basics of

poinsettia plant care Although poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last

long after the holidays have come and gone.

The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant.

It’s important to note that poinsettias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plant’s health. Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That means they will need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need

to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night.

During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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otted Christmas trees Pproduce holiday cheer all year long

Christmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration Christmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration.

Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an artificial or real tree.

Those who opt for a real tree may think their only options are the cut trees available

at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a potted Christmas tree, all the while adding an eco-conscious element to their holiday celebrations.

Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be transplanted outdoors after Christmas. This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides

various benefits to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air filter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Trees help control excessive moisture issues in the soil by drawing up water for survival, and can help prevent erosion of soil in more arid climates.

Caring for a potted tree takes a bit more effort than

COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

13

leaves or a tarp until the a standard cut tree. There where it is generally warmer time comes to plant the tree. than outside but not yet are a few steps that need to Roughly two weeks before be taken to ensure its postroom temperature. After this Christmas, you will need Christmas survival. You can two-week period, move the purchase the tree sevtree inside where it will eral weeks in advance have a place of honor for of the holidays, providfestivities. Do not leave ed you water the tree the tree inside the house frequently and keep for more than 10 days. it outdoors in the cool It will need to be moved weather in the weeks back into the garage leading up to the holiand then outside before day. Select a tree variplanting. ety that is hardy to the Many evergreens specific zone in which are durable, and the you live and will acclimajority of the decoramate to the climate tions you use on the and soil conditions. A tree should not harm local nursery should it. But be careful not to be able to guide you to tug or break branches. the right evergreen.

Use small lights that do Because you intend not generate much heat; to plant this tree after otherwise, you risk damAfter the holidays, a live, potted the holidays, it is a aging the boughs with Christmas tree can be planted outdoors, good idea to choose the burns. where it can be enjoyed for years and location where the tree Potted Christmas years to come. will eventually grow trees make an ecoto transition the tree for and dig the hole as early as friendly addition to holiday indoor use. Neglecting this possible before the ground traditions. They can be freezes and becomes difficult step may result in shock to planted year after year, addthe tree, which can cause it to excavate. Consider diging some aesthetic appeal to to wilt or die. Place the tree ging the hole in the autumn the backyard while benefitinside of a garage or a shed and then filling it with ting the environment.

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TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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How to make holiday travel less taxing Though holiday travel is rarely hasslefree, many travelers would no doubt admit that enduring long lines at the airport or heavily trafficked highways are prices worth paying for the chance to spend time with their families come the holiday season. But while there’s no way for travelers to guarantee their flights leave on time or the roads stay clear of fellow drivers, there are ways to make the holiday travel less taxing.

• Prepare to wait. Check-in lines and lines at security checkpoints tend to be especially long during the holiday season.

Travelers should prepare to wait at such lines and leave their homes early enough so they can still make their flights without having to rush through airports at the last minute. If you normally leave your home two hours before your scheduled check-in, then leave an hour earlier to account for traffic en route to the airport and the long lines once you get there. If you make it through the security checkpoint with plenty of time to spare before your flight departs, you can always unwind at an airport coffee shop or restaurant, but arriving too late to the airport will only add stress to an already stressful situation.

Drivers also should prepare to wait when traveling during the holiday season. Roads will have more drivers, so travelers should build in traffic jams when estimating how long it might take for them to arrive at their

destinations. Sitting in traffic might still be stressful, but it won’t be as stressful if you’re still likely to arrive to your destination on time.

• Ship your gifts. Holiday travelers often try to cram gifts into their suitcases or the trunks of their vehicles, reducing the space they have to bring personal items or stretch out in their cars on road trips.

Instead of squeezing as many gifts into your suitcase or vehicle as possible, ship the gifts and travel light. Traveling light can save you from having to pay potentially costly baggage fees at the airport, while drivers will notice passengers tend to be a lot more comfortable and relaxed when they don’t have to share space with bags filled with gifts.

• Bring your own food. Hunger can only make flight delays and traffic jams that much worse. When traveling for the holidays, bring along your own food, especially when traveling with youngsters. Pack small meals for kids and some snacks for the flight or the drive. It’s not a safe assumption that there will be food on the flight or that you will have time to grab some snacks in the terminal before boarding the plane. So pack some snacks before you leave for the airport.

Drivers also should anticipate traffic jams and should not assume that there will be rest stops along the way where they can pick up beverages, snacks or meals. Drivers also may want to avoid pulling over so they can get to their destinations on time. Packing food and beverages for the trip can save you the trouble of making frequent pitstops to quell hunger and thirst.

• Pack some distractions. Whether you’re waiting to board at the gate or driving on a seemingly endless highway, pack some distractions so you or your fellow travelers aren’t left with nothing to do during delays.

People traveling via airplane may want to bring along a book or a tablet on which they can play games or watch television. Drivers may not be able to take their eyes off the roads, but they can pack books and tablets or video game consoles for their passengers.

Children may find delays or long trips especially uncomfortable, so adults should make sure kids have things to keep them occupied during such excursions.

Holiday travel can be unpredictable and tedious, but travelers can take steps to make the process of getting from point A to point B a lot less taxing.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

15

The benefits of

putting it on plastic

Many shoppers are aware of the dangers of making too many credit card purchases during the holiday season.

Though it’s important to avoid accumulating debt, there are advantages to using credit cards throughout the year, including the holiday shopping season.

• Cardholders can earn rewards. Paying in cash or with debit cards rarely earns shoppers any rewards.

However, many credit card companies reward responsible cardholders. Some cards allow cardholders to get a percentage of cash back on each purchase, which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.

Other cards offer discounts on air travel or offer gift cards with a predetermined amount of money. Some

reward qualified applicants just for signing up, offering bonuses as high as a few hundred dollars.

• Cardholders can pad their portfolios. Shoppers with strong credit histories and a grasp of the financial markets might be able to find a credit card that invests a certain percentage of their purchases.

• Credit cards offer more security than debit cards. Security is another advantage of credit cards.

When a debit card is used fraudulently, that money is immediately taken out of a cardholder’s account just as it would be when the card is used legally. Though account holders are likely to recover those funds eventually, they do not have those funds at their disposal until

the situation is resolved, which can take as little as a few days to much, much longer. However, when credit cards are used fraudulently, cardholders simply notify their companies and the charges being disputed do not need to be paid until the issue has been resolved.

Card numbers can be stolen at any time by anyone, be it store clerks or hackers.

• Credit cards offer more insurance than debit cards. Though gifts for friends and family may account for the bulk of holiday budgets, consumers still make additional purchases during the holiday season.

Using credit cards to rent vehicles, purchase airline tickets and buy products for the home may help save money in the long run.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

A less traditional yet tasty take on a holiday dinner

Holiday dinners vary from household to household.

Some might prefer a traditional meal of turkey with all of the trimmings, while others might want to try their hands at something new. For those among the latter group, the following recipe for “Winter-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin,” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing), is sure to make a splash at your holiday dinner table this season.

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Serves 8

• ½ cup dried apricots • ½ cup dried cherries • ½ cup dried figs • 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 pounds total) • 1 teaspoon salt 1. Mince the apricots, cherries and figs by hand or in a food processor.

2. Slice the tenderloins lengthwise, almost all the way through. Open them up and lay them flat. Place each tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound each piece of meat with a meat tenderizer until it is about 1⁄2-inch thick. Remove the top piece of plastic.

3. Season the surface of the pork with the salt and pepper. Divide the fruit mixture in half and spread evenly on the cut surface of each tenderloin. Top each with half

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 4 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup honey, preferably sourwood honey

of the cheese. Roll up each tenderloin, using the bottom piece of plastic to help you, tucking in the fruit and cheese as you go. Tie kitchen string every 2 inches around the tenderloins, continuing to push in any fruit or cheese that may fall out.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the tied tenderloins, turning as each side is browned. Be careful when searing the open side, as some fruit and cheese might fall out. You are just trying to seal in the meat juices, not trying to cook the pork all the way through.

6. Combine the butter and honey in a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted.

Drizzle the butter over the tenderloins.

7. Place the tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 150 F. Remove the baking sheet and allow the tenderloins to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

This will keep the juices in the meat rather than all over your kitchen counter.

8. Snip off and discard the strings. Slice the pork into 1-inch-thick pieces and serve.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • tuesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Holiday menu planning

for first-time hosts

Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting.

When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips.

• Get a head count. Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrées, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have con-

firmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list.

• Decide which type of party you want to host. The type of party you want to host also will influence what you serve.

A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees.

A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course.

• Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or

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First-time holiday hosts can take a number of steps to ensure their menus appeal to all of their guests. medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests’ needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake.

19

You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate snack if you cannot provide one for them.

• Include traditional holiday fare.

People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions.

Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years.

• Don’t overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it’s easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking. But there are a variety of steps first-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like old pros.

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TUesday, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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