Your complete local gift guide for holiday savings and events!
published by Enterprise newspapers, inc.
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Last Minute Gift Guide 2013
Enterprise Newspapers, Inc. 23856 Andrew Road, Suite 104 Plainfield, IL 60585 (815) 436-2431 buglenewspapers.com General Manager V.P Advertising and Marketing Michael James mjames@voyagermediaonline.com
Managing Editor Nick Reiher
nreiher@enterprisepublications.com
Creative Director Andrew Samaan
andrew@voyagermediastudios.com
Advertising Manager Pat Ryan
pryan@enterprisepublications.com
Marketing Director Laureen Crotteau
lcrotteau@enterprisepublications.com
Assistant Managing Editor Jonathan Samples
jsamples@buglenewspapers.com
in this issue ... LAST MINUTE GIFTS The Bugle Staff has boiled down a seemingly endless number of options to help you find the perfect gift in a last minute rush.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS A breakdown of the upcoming holiday events in your area that you should keep an eye out for! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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ADOPTABLE PETS Check out the adorable pets that could use a new home for the holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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HOLIDAY RECIPES facebook.com/thebuglenewspapers twitter.com/buglenewspapers instagram.com/buglenewspapers
The Bugle Staff shares some of their favorite family holiday recipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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KIDS COLORING PAGE Give your opportunity to your little ones to get creative with this holiday Santa scene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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LETTERS TO SANTA Children who attend Creme de la Creme Early Learning Centers of Excellence submitted letters for what they wanted from Santa this year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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MEMORIES FROM YESTERDAY Check out photos of past local holiday memories in your area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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LIT GIFTS:
GREAT HOLIDAY BOOK BUYS
Books are a great gift, no matter who is on your holiday shopping list. But matching the right book with the right person isn’t always easy and we’re here to help. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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For t h e Tech Lover Texting Gloves Price: Varies Let’s face it; our smart phones are here to stay. But, how many times have you bundled up to face the winter elements, only to have no way of accessing your snazzy new iPhone. With REI’s many varieties of tech compatible winter gloves, that frustration can be a thing of the past. So bundle up, head to your favorite snow hill and watch the latest grumpy cat video with ease on your mobile device.
Family Pajama Sets Cute for all! Still don’t have your shopping done? Are you looking for that hard-to-buy gift for somebody? Here are some last minute gift ideas you can purchase at your local retailers. From texting gloves to jammie sets, that special someone will never know that you waited until the last minute with these trending gift ideas.
t f a r C e h t r Fo over! Beer l
Price: Varies Holiday family pajama sets from Pajamagram are a fun way to match while you open gifts with loved ones on Christmas morning. These fun and festive sets are perfect for Christmas time, and come in a variety of holiday designs.
Deluxe Starter Home Brewing Kit Price: $75 The Urban Brewery Deluxe Starter Kit is great gift for hobbyists and craft beer connoisseurs alike. This deluxe kit comes with a 2 gallon utility pail without a lid; 1-gallon glass jug fermenter with liquid crystal thermometer strip; brew bag; 6-inch funnel; stainless steel racking cane; bi-metal thermometer; 3-piece airlock; natural gum rubber stopper; blow-off house; and a siphon house with clamp shut-off valve. Making a delicious hand-crafted beer at home has never been easier with this kit!
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HEARTS ON FIRE
Gift Cards Price: Varies Gift certificates are the ultimate last-minute gifts, and there are enough to match interests with the amount you want to give. But like stocking stuffers, try to make them as personal as you can. A gift certificate for a spa may not be the best match for the babysitter, but a gas card could be a bulls eye. Don’t see any gift cards or certificates that are just perfect? Make your own. Go on the computer, or get out the paper and craft
Cost: Varies The perfect gift for any occasion, Hearts on Fire diamond jewelry will help show off her beauty and ensure your gift shines brightest in her heart. With a variety of choices no matter what her style may be, Hearts on Fire offers brilliantly designed necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets.
SPA DAY
r o f t c e f Per m! Mo
So Romant ic!
Price: Varies With all the stress of the holiday season, sometimes the best gift is a little time off. Mario Tricoci day spa packages are thoughtful gift that will help your someone special relax. The stress will melt away with a package that includes a facial, message, body treatment, manicure, pedicure, hair design, makeup artistry and more!
Tag a photo of your best Ugly Sweater with #VMGIFTGUIDE for a chance to win a pair of Hollywood Cinemas Movie Tickets!
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CALENDAR
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upcoming Holiday events in your area Christmas Ballroom Dance Winter Wonderland
6 to 8 p.m. December 13-15, 2023 at First Assembly of God, 1741 Essington Road, Joliet A free drive-through Christmas experience featuring scenes depicting the Christmas Story, a live nativity, carolers, a tunnel of lights, and traditions from around the world. Bring your whole family and see it all from the warmth of your car. For more information visit, www. firstassemblyjoliet.org.
Brunch With Santa
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 21, Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club, Crest Hill, (Banquet Room) Fees: $9/Resident (ages 2-11), $12/ Resident (ages 12 & Older), $12/ Non-Resident (ages 2-11), $15/ Non-Resident (ages 12 & Older). VIP seating also available at an additional cost Register by: Dec. 16, 815-838-1183.
Ugly Sweater Party 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 20. at Inwood Golf Club 3200 W Jefferson 60435 blegan@jolietpark.org Come out in your most festive sweater and take par t in some holiday spirits. We have a great night planned, so let us know if you are going to attend.”
Nutcracker Puppet Theater
2-3 p.m. Dec. 20 in the large meeting room of the Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St. Dress as your favorite character from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and make a puppet dance in a Nutcracker Puppet Theater. Choose a Nutcracker puppet and assemble at home.
Shorewood
The Del Bergeson Orchestra will perform at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 in the ballroom for the “Christmas Ballroom Dance” at the Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Road. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.
Plainfield Noon Year’s Countdown 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 31 at the Heritage Center, corner of Lockport and Illinois Streets, Plainfield Hosted by the Plainfield Park District, this event gives children ages 1-6 (parents must accompany kids) the chance to ring in the new year. Instead of the traditional midnight countdown and balloon drop, this event happens at noon. Cost is $12 for residents; $18 for nonresidents. For more information, call Misty Bartlett at (815) 436-8812.
Penguin & Polar Bear Snowball Hunt
10-10:45 a.m. Jan. 3 at the Streams Recreation Center, 24319 Cedar Creek Lane, Plainfield. The penguins and polar bears have lost their snowballs and need help finding them. This Plainfield Park District program is aimed at kids 2-6 years with a parent. Cost is $12 for Park District residents/$18 for nonresidents. Call (815) 436-8812 for information or to register.
Novel Dishes
2-3 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Plainfield Public Library, 15025 Illinois St. Integrate book-related cuisine to any book club gathering. Here’s a chance to taste and discuss pairings of food selections along with books of all genres.
Holiday Lights Contest
get a picture taken with Santa, tell him their wishes, and receive a special gift. Children will have the opportunity to listen to stories by Mrs. Claus, make crafts in the Little Elves’ workshop, join in the Reindeer games, and enjoy delicious cookies and milk. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Be sure to register early. No registrations will be accepted at the door. $15 for first child; $10 for each additional child. With resident ID, $10 for first child, $5 for each additional.
7-10 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Plainfield Park District
Holiday Open House
Unlocking the Secrets of Your Family Tree
7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Plainfield Public Library, 15025 Illinois St. Genealogist Tina Beaird will teach par t one in a series of courses on tracing your family tree. Learn how to star t researching a family history using documents and keepsakes found in the attic or around the house.
Contest is open to all Plainfield Park District residents. Registration Deadline is Fri., Dec. 13.
Bolingbrook & Romeoville Symphony in Lights Holiday Light Show.
Nightly through December 31 at The Promenade, Bolingbrook. Begins at dusk and runs every hour on the hour until 9 p.m.
Pajama Party with Santa Claus
6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Annerino Community Center, Bolingbrook All ages welcome. Come in your favorite Christmas pajamas and celebrate with Santa. Each child will
Dec. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the White Oak Library, Romeoville
Countdown to Noon Year
11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the White Oak Library, Romeoville Come to the library and enjoy ringing in the New Year, with our annual Count Down to Noon Year program. Kids of all ages are welcome to attend; we will play games, make party hats, and have count down until Noon. When the ball drops we will have a fun dance party! All ages are welcome, but children under 8 year of age should be accompanied by an adult. Register with the children services desk.
Wacky Water Week
Starting on December 21 through January 5 Get the kids out of the house and into some splashtastic fun with Wacky Water Week. Themed games and activities are offered starting at noon each day. For full schedule of activities and holiday hours, please visit www.bolingbrookparks.org.
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Downer’s Grove Westmont & Woodridge
Holly Days Ice Dance 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Westmont Community Center, 55 E. Richmond St.
Visits are free. Parents, bring your camera to capture the moment. More info at (630) 7250991.
The Winter holidays are celebrated by activities such presents, treats and family. Now we can add dancing and fun to that list of activities. Come to the Westmont Community Center on the last day of school before you take a break for the holiday. Bring your friends and show off dance moves. We will have concessions available throughout the dance. There is no better way to celebrate the Holidays than with a dance, fun and friends. Event is free.
Santa’s Jingle Hotline
Breakfast with Santa
Visit with Santa 1 to 4 p.m. Every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22 at the Gingerbread House at Main St. and Curtiss St., Downers Grove.
6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Street, Room 105, Downers Grove. Ages 3 to 10 years old. Fee: $1 per child. Give your child an opportunity to speak to “Mr. C” himself! Download forms at dgparks.org beginning November 8. Registration is open to Downers Grove Park District residents only. Forms must be submitted by Saturday, November 30 at 12:00 p.m.
A Christmas Story Friday, December 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, located at 835 Maple Avenue Come together as a family and enjoy a holiday reading of the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, presented by the Downers Grove Park District Museum. Participants are encouraged to wear their pajamas, bring a pillow and favorite blanket and settle in for a comfy evening with their loved ones. Traditional holiday refreshments will be served. The program is for all ages. Register one adult and list the names and ages of household members who will attend. The fee is $25 per household for residents and $38 per household for non-residents. Browse, click and register online at dgparks.org. For more information, call the Museum at (630) 963-1309.
Westmont Winter Wonderland 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Westmont Community Center, 55 E. Richmond St. You won’t want to miss your chance to experience the Westmont Winter Wonderland! You’ll be able to visit Santa and his elves in Santa’s Workshop, learn about dogsledding and meet some real huskies from Adopt a Husky, board the Trackless Train for a ride around the park (nominal fee), and learn about Winter Outdoor Fun with the outdoor experts from REI, Recreational Equipment Incorporated. Bundle up as most activities will be outdoors! We will also have a bonfire, hot chocolate and s’mores packs for purchase. Please note: the Huskies are friendly, but we appreciate you leaving your own family pets at home! FREE.
9 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 21 at the Linden Room 55 E. Richmond, Westmont All ages! Bring in the Christmas Cheer as we welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolf when they stop by to see the good boys and girls. Enjoy a delicious all you can eat breakfast of pancakes, sausages, juice, milk and cookies. Hosted by the Westmont Lions Club, this morning is a special holiday tradition combining the young and the young at heart with a show that’s filled with fun, laughter and memorable moments for the entire family! Take your family Christmas picture in front of our tree. Each child will also visit Santa in his beautiful workshop and share their list with him. Don’t forget the camera! Breakfast begins promptly at 9:00AM. Sign up early as this is a sell-out event! You must pre-register. Children under 2 are free. Entry fee: $12/$15
The Twelve Days of Christmas 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Gregg House Museum, 117 S Linden Ave, Westmont. All ages! Leaping Lords, the Milk Maids found Two Turtle Doves next to the Partridge in the Pear Tree and put 5 Golden Rings around! Yes, you must have guessed by now the Gregg House Museum will be paying honor to the beloved holiday song the Twelve Days of Christmas by decorating its Christmas trees to match the lyrics. Earn a small prize when you play our fun, mystery holiday game. Children can make a small craft to take home. Don’t miss this FREE family event!
A Grinch Whobilation 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Westmont Community Center, 55 E. Richmond St. The Grinch returns to Westmont! He will be taking over Santa’s Workshop again and turning it into his dark, dingy cave. Visit him in his cave… if you dare! We’ll be playing Grinch Games in Whoville like the Snowball Toss, Grinch Gift Towers, the Grinch Slither and making Grinch crafts and treats. Play games inside, then bundle up and take a ride around the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights on the Long Eared Mules Wagon. FREE.
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Chili Open Golf Outing 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Twin Lakes Golf Club 400 W. 59th St., Westmont. Ages: 16+ This event is especially for die hard golfers. Dress warm and prepare to challenge yourself to a unique round of golf. Specific rules have been developed for this golf open in the snow. Sign up as an individual, or register in a foursome. Tee times may be requested but are not guaranteed. Fee includes greens fees, prizes, snow golf balls, hot dogs, chili, and beverage. Call (630) 852-7167 for reservations. Entry fee: $35/Golfer. All day!
Morton Grove, Park Ridge & Niles Breakfast with Santa 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to11 a.m., Dec. 14 at Howard Leisure Center Banquet Room, 6676 W. Howard St., Niles. Join Santa for his annual breakfast buffet with Niles Park District. Every
year, Santa makes a stop at the Howard Leisure Center, to enjoy breakfast, visit, and of course pictures with the children. It’s a jolly time. Register early, spaces fill up fast! All adults and children in attendance must register for this event. $10 for registered, $12 for non-registered. For more information visit www. niles-parks.org/.
Santa’s Holiday Express 10:50 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 15 departs from Dee Rd. Station, Park Ridge. All aboard Santa’s Holiday Express! Join Santa and his jolly holiday crew as we sing songs, talk with Santa, play games, and enjoy face painting and holiday tattoos. Please bring a NUT free sack lunch to enjoy as Santa reads us a stor y. We stay on Santa’s Holiday Express train all the way to Santa’s barn (Har vard) where it turns around and heads back home to Park Ridge (Dee Rd.) station. Depar ts from Dee Rd. Station. For more information visit www.prparks.org/.
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TREATS Holiday recipes from our families to yours
Aunt Sharon’s Kolacky It wouldn’t be Christmas without these sweet little bits of heaven. Making kolacky each year is a Polish family tradition and an unspoken battle of who can make the best. Somewhere along INGREDIENTS the way, two different recipies 3 sticks of margarine emerged in our family. Don’t tell 8 heaping Tbs. my mom, but my Aunt Sharon’s of sour cream always seem to make it on my 3 cups flour plate. Preserves of your Soften butter, but do not melt. choice (apricot, Mix ingredients together to form strawberry, dough. Roll out dough on floured prune) surface. Use small round glass or Powdered Sugar biscuit cutter to cut out small circles. Press a thumb imprint into each circle and add a small spoonful of jelly in middle. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
TAMMY’S HOLLY WREATH COOKIES Cream shortening, cream cheese and sugar. Beat in vanilla; add flour. Put through cookie press, using small, star shape, then make into circles. Bake 8 – 10 minutes at 350 degrees. To decorate, put a cinnamon candy on each cookie and use green frosting to make leaves.
INGREDIENTS ½ cup shortening 1 ½ oz. cream cheese ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp. vanilla 1 cup flour cinnamon candies green frosting
LAUREEN’s GREEN JELLO MOLD That’s what we’ve always called the jello mold INGREDIENTS my mom made every 1 lg. lime jello (or 2 sm.) Christmas. It was lime jello 1 c. hot water and had cherries to make it 16 oz. can Christmas colors. crushed pineapple She passed away in (drained) 2010 but we will still have 8 oz. sour cream “Green Jello” at our family 1/2 c. maraschino celebrations. cherries/sliced Combine lime jello and hot water and stir completely until dissolved. Add crushed pineapple. Stir in sour cream. Add cherries. Fold into mold, if desired. Chill in refrigerator until gelled. Unmold and serve on plate.
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Holiday Coloring Fun!
Directions: Color Santa as he gets ready to deliver gifts to boys and girls all over the world. don’t be afraid to get creative!
Holiday Coloring Fun!
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Letters to Santa were submitted by children who attend Creme de la Creme Early Learning Centers of Excellence 724 Center Blvd, Romeoville, IL 60446
FROM SABASTIAN
(815) 306-0307
FROM JEFF
FROM AIDEN
All I want for Christmas is . .
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Joliet Christmas Parade
he holidays are a time for remembering: remembering the ones who are most dear and remembering the times that you’ve shared. Look back on those times with us as we remember past holidays we’ve shared with our readers. Enjoy these scenes from the area’s past holidays.
Downers Grove
A winter festival was held for a number of years at Prince Pond and a snow queen was elected. Here is Lori Andrews the 1969 Snow Queen with Santa.
0 4 9 1 , . t S o g a c i h C n o h t r o N Ice skating at Hummer Park, 1950s Bottom photo & top right photo courtesy of Joliet Area Historical Museum, IL
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For Gamers The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect Hardcover
By Chris Melissinos List Price: $40.00 From the Space Invaders of the seventies to sophisticated contemporary epics BioShock and Uncharted 2, Melissinos examines each of the winning games, providing a behind-thescenes look at their development and innovation, and commentary on the relevance of each in the history of video games.
For Kids
LEGO Play Book: Ideas to Bring Your Bricks to Life Hardcover By Daniel Lipkowitz List Price: $24.99 The LEGO Play Book has all-new ways to encourage kids to think, build and play creatively. Featuring more than 200 different LEGO builds, this fun guide encourages readers to use their imagination and play in new ways, creating amazing LEGO models of their very own. Featuring a mixture of simple, medium and complex models, the book teaches builders tips and tricks to get the most out of their blocks.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAZON
Music Lovers
MUSIC: The Definitive Visual History List Price: $50.00 Produced in association with the Smithsonian and including images from The National Music Museum in South Dakota, The Definitive Visual History guides readers through the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, discussing not just Western classical music, but music from around the world. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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GIFTS
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History Buffs
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The Conquest of the Ocean
By Brian Lavery List Price: $35.00
A wide-ranging tale spanning 5,000 years of the oceans’ history, The Conquest of the Ocean tells the stories of those who sailed seas for trade, to conquer new lands and to explore the unknown.
Sports Fans The Sports Book Hardcover List Price: $35.00 Fully updated with the latest statistics and world records, The Sports Book is packed with comprehensive full-color illustrations and details about more than 200 different sports, including baseball, hockey, jujitsu, cross-country skiing, water polo and gymnastics.
For Travelers
Travel Guide: Paris List Price: $25.00 Experience the best of France’s greatest city with Eyewitness Travel Guide: Paris. This newly updated travel guide will lead readers straight to the best attractions this city has to offer, whether they are planning visits to the Louvre and other city museums, a climb up the Eiffel Tower or just want to go shopping.
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