PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
Unique holiday traditions across the globe The holiday season is a special time of year. Regardless of which holiday people celebrate in December, billions of people across the globe embrace chances to be a little more festive and spend additional time with family and friends over the final month of the year. Tradition contributes to the special feeling felt in many communities each December. Holiday celebrants who can’t get enough seasonal magic can take note of some of the many unique traditions across the globe that help make the month of December such a special time of year. The Yule Lads, Iceland In a tradition that might call to mind the seven dwarves who welcomed Snow White into their home in the classic fairy tale, the Yule Lads of Iceland are said to leave a small gift for children who leave a shoe on their windowsills before going to bed beginning on the night of December 11. The tradition continues through
Christmas Day, with each night featuring a visit from a different Yule Lad. Hiding Brooms, Norway Norwegian folklore suggested evil spirits and witches awoke on Christmas Eve, and this unique tradition is rooted in efforts to keep those unwelcome holiday guests grounded and avoid lost brooms. On the night of Julaften (Christmas Eve), Norwegians hide their brooms in closets inside their homes to keep them from being stolen by ill-intentioned witches. Night of the Radishes, Oaxaca, Mexico Held annually on December 23, the Night of the Radishes is a local celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. This unique event celebrates oversized radishes, which certainly merits the celebration’s inclusion on any list of unusual holiday season celebrations.
The event involves the carving of large radishes into figures, a tradition that began as a way to attract
more customers to Oaxaca’s Christmas market. A formal radish-carving competition was instituted in the late nineteenth century, and the Night of the Radishes continues to draw visitors today. Krampus Parades, Austria (various sites) The holiday season might be a heartwarming time of year in many locales, but the various Krampus parades throughout Austria turn that notion on its head.
Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure in central and eastern Alpine folklore. Krampus is something akin to Santa Claus’s alter ego who’s said to punish bad children rather than reward good ones with gifts. Legend says Krampus and his band of less-than-jovial elves roamed an area of the Alps and delighted in causing mayhem. Austrian Krampus parades take place at night and feature revelers dressed in scary costumes, making this a unique if not exactly lighthearted holiday season tradition.
The holiday season is a special time of year. Regardless of which holiday people celebrate in December, billions of people across the globe embrace chances to be a little more festive and spend additional time with family and friends over the final month of the year.
NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
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PAGE 9 | NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
Kid-Friendly Holiday Traditions That Create Lasting Memories Tradition is a big part of the holiday season. Families lean into cherished customs each December, and perhaps no one participates in holiday activities with more enthusiasm than children. Whether it’s decorating the family Christmas tree, baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, or watching classic holiday movies together, children eagerly anticipate these special moments once the calendar turns from November to December. For parents of young children, the holiday season offers a unique opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create memories that may last a lifetime. By establishing a few kid-friendly traditions, families can help make the season feel even more magical, meaningful and fun.
Advent calendars:
The precise origins of Advent calendars are unknown, but historians believe the tradition began with German Lutherans in the 19th century. More than a century later, roughly 50 million Advent calendars are sold worldwide each year, according to Marketplace.org. Advent is a period of preparation leading up to Christmas Day, and for children, it’s also a daily reminder that something exciting is just around the corner. Each day, children open a flap, window
or small door to reveal a treat, toy, festive image, or message. While many calendars feature chocolate or candy, families can also create homemade versions filled with notes, small toys or fun activities like “family game night” or “make paper snowflakes.” These creative touches can help make the countdown to Christmas even more personal and memorable.
Matching pajamas:
While matching holiday pajamas may not be steeped in centuries of tradition, they’ve quickly become a beloved modern custom. Many families choose to wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve, making for fun photos and cozy nighttime memories. To extend the tradition throughout the season, parents might consider hosting weekly holiday movie nights. Whether gathered around classics like Home Alone or The Polar Express, or newer festive favorites, children get to enjoy the fun of dressing alike while building excitement for the big day. In colder climates across the U.S., U.K. and Canada, warm, festive pajamas also make a practical and cosy seasonal staple.
Holiday lights tours:
Holiday lighting displays have come a long way over the years. Where once a simple strand of lights around a doorway
might have sufficed, some households now turn their properties into full-scale winter wonderlands, complete with synchronized music, glowing figures and oversized inflatables. Children are often especially enchanted by these dazzling displays. Families can schedule a special evening to drive or walk around their neighborhood, sipping hot chocolate and admiring the lights together. Many towns and cities even offer official holiday light routes or
community displays, making this tradition easy to enjoy year after year.
Christmas dance parties:
Sweets are a staple of the holiday season, but all that extra sugar often results in lots of pent-up energy. A Christmas dance party is a fun and healthy way for kids to burn off that excitement. Parents can create a festive playlist featuring holiday classics alongside their children’s favorite upbeat tunes.
Whether it’s a short dance break after dinner or a full living-room dance party complete with lights and decorations, this tradition encourages movement, laughter and carefree fun. Holiday traditions help make the season truly special. By embracing kid-friendly customs like these, families can create moments of joy, connection and wonder that children will remember long after the decorations are packed away.
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PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
Cake pops to light up kids’ eyes this holiday season There’s no denying Christmas Eve is a little more special in homes where kids are excited about an overnight visit from Santa Claus. Indeed, kids’ joy and enthusiasm helps to make the holiday season such a special time of year. Since kids add so much to the holidays, it makes sense to prepare something special for youngsters. Of course, treats such as these “Christmas Tree Cake Pops” from Lines+Angles also may appeal to festive adults. Christmas Tree Cake Pops Makes 24 cake pops 1 3⁄4 1⁄2 1 1 1 31⁄2 24
box vanilla cake mix cup canola oil cup unsalted butter, softened cup confectioners’ sugar teaspoon vanilla extract teaspoon milk cups green candy melts cake pop sticks Icing dots Icing stars
©2025 UCM-AH AH-1789_6X6
1. Prepare cake according to package instructions, adding 3⁄4 cup canola oil to
the cake mix before baking. 2. Once cake is cool to the touch, transfer to a large mixing bowl and break up into crumbs. Allow to cool completely. 3. In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy. 4. Add 3⁄4 of the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until mixture can hold together well. Refrigerate for at least an hour. 5. Using your hands, shape the cake pop mixture into 24 conical shapes. 6. Melt the green candy melts. Dip one end of each of the cake pop sticks into the melted chocolate before inserting into the bottom of the cake pops. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover completely, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. 7. Use a toothpick to create the textured look of the tree and decorate with the icing dots and stars before standing upright to dry completely.
Since kids add so much to the holidays, it makes sense to prepare something special for youngsters.
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NOVEMBER 26-27, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 13
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BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE
Maximize Cyber Monday Savings with Smart Planning Cyber Monday has become the final bookend to a series of shopping-centric days leading up to Christmas. Along with Black Friday, Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday provides shoppers with yet another opportunity to secure deep discounts on everything from electronics and home goods to clothing and gift items.
What started as an online-only extension of Black Friday has since grown into one of the biggest digital shopping days of the year, attracting millions of eager consumers looking to stretch their holiday budgets. According to Adobe Newsroom, Cyber Monday generated a record $13.3 billion in online spending in 2024, representing an increase of more than 7 percent from the previous year. A significant portion of that spending took place on smartphones and tablets, as mobile devices accounted for 54.8 percent of online purchases. This shift highlights how convenient and accessible online shopping has become, allowing shoppers to participate in deals from virtually anywhere. Each Cyber Monday presents a valuable opportunity to save money and check off items on your holiday shopping list. However, the sheer volume of deals and limited-time offers can be overwhelming. By approaching the day with a plan and following a few smart strategies, shoppers can improve their chances of finding meaningful savings without unnecessary stress. One of the most effective ways to pre-
pare is to make a list of intended purchases. Write down the specific items you need or want and research their typical prices ahead of time. Knowing the regular retail price allows you to quickly spot genuine discounts and avoid falling for inflated “sale” prices that do not offer real value. Consumers should also prioritize safe online shopping practices. Cybercriminals often take advantage of the increased online traffic during major shopping events. Scammers may mimic well-known retailers and advertise deals that are simply too good to be true. The Better Business Bureau advises shoppers to double-check website addresses, spelling and contact information before entering any personal or payment details. It’s also important to confirm that the website uses secure encryption, indicated by “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.
Another helpful strategy is to search for coupon codes before completing a purchase. Many retailers offer additional promo codes that can be stacked on top of existing Cyber Monday sales. Browser extensions that automatically scan for and apply coupon codes can save time and help you secure extra discounts with minimal effort. Shoppers should also be mindful of shipping costs, which can sometimes offset the savings of a good deal. Whenever possible, purchase from retailers offering free shipping. If free shipping is not available, review the shipping fees carefully and factor them into the
Each Cyber Monday offers a chance to save big and streamline shopping. Utilizing these tips for making the most of the day can enhance success.
total cost to ensure you’re still getting a worthwhile discount.
ping costs and reduce the hassle of packaging and mailing items yourself.
time when comparing products and making purchasing decisions.
For those buying gifts for friends and family who live out of town, consider shipping items directly to recipients. Many online retailers allow you to enter a different shipping address at checkout and even include gift messages.
Finally, it’s wise to shop during off-peak hours. While online stores operate 24 hours a day, heavy traffic during the middle of the day or evening can slow down websites and cause frustration at checkout. Early morning or late-night shopping often provides a smoother experience and allows you to take your
With careful planning, attention to security and a few strategic shopping habits, Cyber Monday can be a stress-free and rewarding experience. From last-minute holiday gifts to long-anticipated personal purchases, shoppers who prepare ahead of time can maximize both their savings and their peace of mind.
This option can help you save on reship-
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