Home for the Holidays 2025

t h e hol i da y s A Special Publication from: November 2025

Inthisissue…

ByTarynKing Editor

eholidayseasonhasawayofbringing outtheverybestofourlittlecoastalcorner inDelaware—theglowofshopwindows alongourmainstreets,thescentofsomethingdelicioussimmeringinlocalkitchens, andthesharedspiritofgenerositythat warmseventhecoldestdays.

Inthisissue,wecelebratethesimplejoys thatmakethisseasonshine.Exploreour localgiftguideforthoughtfultreasures

closetohome,enjoyrecipesfromfavorite localchefssuretoimpressatanygathering, andcozyupwithBethanyBeachBooks’ topholidayreadinglist.You’llalsofindinspirationforyear-endgiving,abreakdown ofwhatexactlythekidsareaskingforthis year,andcreativeideasforholidaydecoratingtomakeyourhomeaswelcomingasthe seasonitself.

Whereveryoucelebrate,mayyourholidaysbefilledwithcomfort,connection, andatouchofseasidemagic.

Publisher

SusanLyons susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com

ExecutiveEditor

DarinMcCann darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com

Editor

TarynKing taryn.king@coastalpoint.com

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SusanMutz susan.mutz@coastalpoint.com

TechnicalDirector

ShaunM.Lambert shaun.lambert@coastalpoint.com DigitalContentEditor

M.PatriciaTitus patricia.titus@coastalpoint.com

Reporters

KerinMagill kerin.magill@coastalpoint.com

SusanCanfora susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com

Jason Feather jason.feather@coastalpoint.com

LauraWalter laura.walter@coastalpoint.com

MikeStern mike.stern@coastalpoint.com

CoriBurcham cburcham812@gmail.com

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Abridge ofwreaths

ByDarinMcCann ExecutiveEditor

eirmissionisclear,andcharmingly simple:Rememberthefallen;Honor thosewhoserve;Teachthenextgenerationthevalueoffreedom.

Forthosetaskedwithtakingpartin thepopularWreathsAcrossAmerica, thosewordssetthepaththatwillguide everydecisionandeffortinfollowingthe visionoftheprogram.Andtothose taskedwithleadingthelocaleffortofthe Dec.13ceremony,thosewordsindeed ringtrueandloud.

ateffort,Wreaths4Millsboro,will beaceremonyandwreath-layingatthe DelawareVeteransMemorialCemetery innorthMillsboro,withtheceremony kickingoffat10:30a.m.,andthewreaths beingplacedfollowingthat.Inall,accordingtoorganizers,therewillbe5,000 veterans’graveshonoredinMillsboro thatmorning,throughthesheerforceof volunteerismandpatriotism.

WreathsAcrossAmericastartedin 1992,accordingto RobinAirey,who sharesLocationCoordinatordutiesfor Wreaths4MillsborowithBarbara Dewey.Itwasformedasanon-profitorganizationin2007inMaine,andits mainpurposeistocontinuetheannual wreath-layingceremoniesatcemeteries throughoutthecountry,andsometimes elsewhere.In2018,perAirey,morethan 9,000wreathswerelaidattheNormandy-AmericanCemeteryinFrance. By2023,everystateandUSterritorywas participatinginNationalWreathsAcross AmericaDay.

“BarbaraandIbotharehonoredand blessedtobeabletodothissmallpartof thebigpicture,”explainedAirey.“We bothrespectourveterans,military,and ourflag.Welovethiscountryandthank allthemenandwomenwhohaveserved andstillservetokeeptheUnitedStates

ofAmericafree.Wewouldberemissto notincludeourfirstresponderswho fightthefightonthestreets.Ittakesa village,andwethankyouforbeingpart ofourvillage.”

Andquiteavillagetheyhaveforthis localeffort.Aireysaidtheygetagreat numberofvolunteersfortheDec.13 event,butquicklyadded,“Weneverturn awayvolunteers.Evenifyoudon’tgetto placeawreath,justbeingthereand showingyourpatriotismmeansalot.It’s wonderfultosee peopletheretobea partofit.”

Shedidmentionthatthereisacleanup date,aswell,andthatthereisabigger needforvolunteersforthateffort.Itfalls onemonthtothedayaftertheplacement ceremony,anditoftenlandsonaweekday,makingitmorechallengingformany whowouldmaybewanttovolunteerotherwise.ewreathsarescheduledtobe removedthistimeonTuesday,Jan.13, 2026,at10a.m.atwilltakeplacerain orshine,andvolunteersaresuggestedto

n CoastalPointfilephoto

washitwithasnowstorm.

weargloves,bringarakeorbroom,and bepreparedtocleandebrisoffthe plaques.Sheaddedthatthiswasaparticularlydifficulttasklastyear,asthearea

“atwaskindofanightmare,”she said,withalittlelaugh.“Butwegotit done.”

ToAirey,asbeautifulandpureasthis effortis,there’sevenmoreintermsof

benefits.Shearguedthatwithwhatshe seesasdwindlingpatriotisminourcountry,thisisanimportanteventintermsof unitingtheseUnitedStates.

“isisoneofmanywaysthatyoucan showyourhonorandrespecttotheveterans,”sheexplained.“Wetelleveryone, ‘Whenplacingthewreath,taketimeto thankthemandrememberthem.Youare walkingonsacredground—takeyour time.Itisnotarace.’Itisalsoatimeto teachandshowtheyoungpeoplethat theyneedtovaluethefreedomtheyhave becauseofveterans.”

Asforthespecificsofthisparticular effort,itcosts$17tosponsorawreath. Underthelocalgroup’snumber (DE0016),foreverywreathsponsored, $5goes“intoabucket,”accordingto Airey.Forevery$17inthatbucket,the localgroupgetsafreewreath.osedonationsmaybemadeatwreathsacrossamerica/de0016.ecut-offdate isDec.1.Formoreinformation,email RobinAireyatrockravens@comcast.net. AireyandBarbaraDeweyarealsoavailabletocomespeakatotherlocalorganizationstosharewhattheyaredoing.

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Adventcalendarscount downthedaystoChristmas

ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

Aroundthistimeeveryyear, Adventcalendarsladenwith treatsrangingfromtinypictures toLegostowineandcheesestart poppinguponstoreshelves.

Formanyfamilies,they’vebecomeabelovedtradition–afun waytocountdownthedaysuntil Christmas.

TheoriginsofAdvent,however, reflectadifferenttypeofanticipation,onethatismorespiritual. Thewell-knownsymbolofthe fourweeksbeforeChristmas,the Adventwreath,isgene rally adornedwithfourcandles.Traditionally,thecandlesincludefour pinkandonepurple,butsome churchesuseblueandwhitecandlesinstead.

Eachcandlerepresentsoneof thefourpillarsofAdvent:hope, peace,joy,andlove.Theyare lightedeachSundayofAdvent,

The 21st Annual Fenwick Freeze

January 1, 2026 @ 10:30AM (Registration & T-Shirt Sales Begin at 9 AM)

Bayard Street Beach, Fenwick Island, DE

Splash into the new year, take a dip in the Atlantic and show your support for the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol

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withthepinkonelightedonthe thirdSunday,called“Gaudete Sunday”–GaudetebeingaLatin wordmeaning“rejoice.”

Atonelocalchurch,Adventthis yearwillbeatimeofdeepercontemplationofthemeaningofthis season.

Incenturiespast,Adventwas knownas“LittleLent,”according toRev.CarlaChristopher,pastor ofCommunityLutheranChurch inFrankford.

“Itwasatimeofcleansing,of purification,becauseitwasabout preparation,”Christophersaid. “Thesame waythatpeople,in Lent,reallytrytofocustheir heartsandtheirmindsandgetrid ofsomeofthedistractionsthat canmakeusthinkabouteverythingexceptahealthyandwhole andhealingspirituality,acelebrationofmiracle,andthehopethat wecanexperienceinreligion”as

Ctrl+Gift +Delight:

Tech and Gaming PresentsThatHit EveryKey

ByShaunM.Lambert TechnicalDirector

Weallhavesomeoneinourliveswho appreciatestechnology.Whetherit’sused forentertainment,frequenttravel,or work,technologyhasenrichedourlives andbroughttheknowledgeoftheworld toourfingertips.Everythingfromgeneral

knowledge,convenience,safety,andcreativeideas,togamesthatstimulateour imaginationsandproblem-solvingparts ofourbrains—technologyhastouched ourlivesinmorewaysthanweprobably realize.

egoalhereistohelpyoufindthe rightgiftforthatspecialsomeoneinyour life.eitemslistedheremightnotbe

perfectforthem,butmyhopeisthatthey mightpointyouintherightdirection.It’s uptoyoutouseyourinsight,creativity, andintuitiontofindtherightgiftforyour techie.

It’salsoimportanttodoyourduediligenceandfindoutwhatkindoftechie youhaveonyourhands.Forshopping Pleaseturntopage54

peopleoffaithdoatEaster,“that’s whatwedoinAdvent,”shesaid.

“Itwasverymuchaboutaseasonofmindfulness,ofmeditation, ofprayer,ofanticipation.Active preparation,sothatwecanbe trulyfocusedandabletosurround ourselvesinwhatanincredible giftitistohaveaGodwhowould cometobewithusinthismessy placethatwecallEarth,”Christophersaid.

“Newlifeisnewhope,”she added.“Thisbabywhocomesinto areallydifficultsituationandis abletosur viveandescapepeople chasinghim,beingbornonthe roadinthemiddleofanepicroad trip…thisisallaboutsurvivaland healingandhopeintimesofactiveoppression,thesamewaythat theJewishpeopleatthattime wereinexile…thisisabouthope beingbornintotheworld.Andso, howcanweprepareourselvesto beabletohope?

“Inatimewhenalotofpeople arescared,alotofpeopleare struggling,”andholidayscanintensifythosefeelings,Christopher said,shebelieve saconcentration onAdvent’semphasisonfinding hopeandjoyeveninhardtimes canservetohelpthecommunity overcomesuchchallenges.

CommunityLutheranisplanningaseriesofAdventstudyprograms,whichanyonecanjoinvia Zoom,Christophersaid.

Thesessionsincludetwoarcs, thefirstofwhichbeginsTuesday, Nov.11andrunsthroughNov.25. Eachsessionbeginsat12:15p.m. andendsat1p.m.

“There’satraditioncalledLong Advent,”fromtheMiddleAges, Christ ophersaid,whichwasfor “newconvertsandthosewho wanttodoalittleextrapreparation”forChristmas.

Thattypeofpre-Christmaseffortmadearesurgenceinthe 1800sandagaininrecentyears, shesaid,aspeoplearefeelinga desiretohavemoreofanemphasisonmindfulnessandmeditation.

TheLongAdventstudywillalso

focuson“allthedifferenttraditions”associatedwiththeseason, withanemphasison“finding hope,”Christophersaid.“Howdo weengageinholyimagination? Howdowefindthebeautyinour neighbor?Howdowefindwaysto remainhopeful?

“We’llbedoingalotofinteractivethings,art-basedactivities” and“gentlemovementthatcanbe donefromchairs.It’saboutusing everyoneofyoursensestoopen yourselfuptothepossibilityof hope,thatwecanbuildabetter worl d,”shesaid,addingthat“we allhavetheabilitytocontribute somethingtothehealingofour community,tothenurturingof ourworld.”

ThesecondstudystartsTuesday,Dec.2,at12:15p.m.andcontinueseachTuesdayatthesame timethroughDec.16,alsoon Zoomandopentoeveryone.This oneseekstohelppeopleunderstandthetraditionsofAdvent.For example,Christopherpointedto

thetraditionalfour-candleAdvent Wreathandthecandles’representationofhope ,peace,joy,and love.

Thisportionofthestudywill helpparticipantstofindthose thingsintheirowncommunity, shesaid.Speakersfromavariety ofcommunityorganizations,includingCAMPRehobothandLa Esperanza,willparticipateinthis partofthestudy.

Linksforregisteringforeither oftheprograms,orforaseparate AdventContemplativePrayer Groupwhichwillmeetliveon Mondaysat6:30p.m.starting Dec.1,alsoonZoom,canbe foundontheCommunity Luther anChurchFacebookPage.

Christophersaidthe“learning portions”ofeachoftheAdvent programswillbeavailableon YouTubeaftertheZoomevents, forthosewhoaren’t availableduringtheZoomtimes.

Shop Local!

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99GarfieldParkway, BethanyBeach,Delaware 302-539-6400

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Youdon’thavetobeasurfertoloveBethanySurfShop.Fromkidsto adults,youcanfindawesomesweatshirts,sweatpants,andT-shirts,allcustom-designedwiththeirlogosandartwork—greatforanyoneonyourlist. Whilethere,don’tforgettogetyourselfsomeholidayattirewiththeirlimited-editionChristmasteesandhoodies.Andforthesurfer,everythingthey mightneedisavailable,includingboards,wetsuits,andsomuchmore.

ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

Holidaydecorating.

Dothosetwowordsfillyouwithunboundedjoyoranaggingsenseofdread?

Areyoua“packupthepumpkinsandset outtheSantas”beforetheHalloweencandy isgonekindofdecorator?

Ordoyousubscribetothe“mid-Decemberisgood”styleofholidaybedazzling?

Onetree,withcolor-coordinatedornaments,oradozenthemedtrees?

Orsomewhereinbetween?

BayardresidentCarolHurley’sfriendscall hera“fanatic”aboutseasonaldecorating–butspecificallyChristmasdecorating.She beginstheprocess,shesaidrecently,onor aboutNov.1.

at’sright,thedayafterHalloween. It’sagoodthing,though,sinceHurleyhas morethanadozentreesand17wreathsto decorateand30–yes,THREEZERO–totes ofdecorationstodistributethroughouther home.

WecaughtupwithHurleyrecentlywhile shewasonapre-holiday-craziness“girls’ trip”withfriendsDianneArchutandDebbie Grise.

ItshouldbenotedherethatHurleydoesn’t justdecorateherhomeatChristmas.Sheisa “four-season”decorator,rightdowntothe pillowsonherfurniture.Allofthethingsshe hascollectedorinheritedovertheyearsare storedinher“sheshed,”builtforherbyher

“Evenhersheshedisdecorated,”noted Archut.“OurfriendCarolisafanatic.We makefunofheralot,”Grisesaid.

Fromstarttofinish,Hurleyspendsupto 10daysdecoratingherhome,workingsixor sevenhoursaday.

Herfriendsteasehergood-naturedly,admittingthereisabsolutelynocompetition betweenthemwhenitcomestoholiday décor.“Youcan’tcompetewithCarol,”Grise

“IlikeChristmas,butI’mnotafanatic,” continuedGrise,who,Hurleypointedout, hasherownspecialSantacollection,which hadbelongedtoherlatehusband.

Hurleyquicklyadds,referringtoherboxes andboxesofChristmasdécor,that,other thanherantiqueornaments,“mostofit comesfromyardsales.EitherImakeit,orit comesfromayardsale.”

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Patti’s Hallmark

“WhenCarolgetsneartheChristmas stuff,youjustmoveoutoftheway,”Grisesaid oftheiryardsaleexploitstogether.

Hurleysaidthat“mostyears,”sheanda smallgroupoffriendsgatherbeforetheholidaystodoacraft“andjusthangouttogether”beforethehustleandbustlegets hectic.Lastyear’scraft,shesaid,wasaswag, forwhichthetrimmingsallcamefromyard sales.

“WelookedonFacebookandfoundideas,” Hurleysaid.Anotheryear,thegroupmade pineconeChristmastrees,whichsheand Grisesaidfellapart,eventually,buttheday wasstillafungathering.Lastyear’sswags workedoutbetter.“Ithinktheycameoutreallypretty,”Hurleysaid.

Askedforadvicefor“regular”folkswho mightfindtheprospectofdecoratingtheir homefortheholidaysadauntingtask,Hurley’sfriendschimedin,“hireCarol!”while Hurleyherselflaughedalongwiththem.

Sheadmittedthere’sactuallymoretothe wholedecoratingprocessthanmeetstheeye. “IwashmywindowsinsideandoutbeforeI

putupChristmas,”shesaid. “Whenyouputupthose spotlightsonthefrontofthe house,youcanreallyseethe dirtifyoudon’twashthem.”

Archut,wholivesnext doortoHurley,referredto theHurleyhomeas“aHallmarkhouse.AndI’mlucky thatshe’smyneighborandI canenjoyit.”

Asforwhenshetakesall ofherChristmasdecorationsdownandstoresthem awayforthenextyear,Hurleyfirstsaid,“Usuallythe secondweekinJanuary.” However,afterherfriends startedlaughing,shesaid, “OK,Itakethatback.Istart NewYear’sDay.Iwastrying tostretchit,”shesaid,abit sheepishly.

atprocesstakesabout fourdays,Hurleysaid.

“Itcomesdownalot fasterthanitgoesup.”

BethanyBeachBooks TopHolidayReads

Curlupandgetcozywiththeseason’sbeststories! Fromcharmingkids’talestoheartwarmingteenand adultreads,BethanyBeachBookshassomething specialforeveryreaderonyourlist.

Kids

KnightOwl’sLittleChristmas

Author:ChristopherDenise

CelebratethewinterseasonwithKnightOwlandfriendsastheygatherfor aspecialChristmascelebrationinthisfestiveboardbookburstingwithholidaycheer,featuringbelovedcharactersfromthe#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingseries.

KnightOwlandEarlyBirdarecountingdownthedaysuntilChristmas! eyhavemanyfestiveactivitiesplanned,suchaswrappingpresents,baking cookies,andsingingcarols.Withhelpfromgoodfriends,andwithacupof holidaycheer,theirChristmasissuretobemerryandbright!

Holiday Art Gallery

islift-the-flapboardbookfeaturesthe constructioncharacterskidsknowand love!Pageafterpage,delightfuldetailsare revealedasthecrewworkstogethertolight themenorah,delivermoundsofgifts,and buildadreideloutofconcrete.isheartwarmingstorycentersonHanukkahatthe constructionsite,makingtheholidayextra specialforlittleconstructionfanseverywhere.

Jeromeislookingforwardtocollecting wordsthisholidayseason!Wordsofhope, love,andjoytosharewithhislovedones. Butashebeginshissearch,hediscoversthat inspirationalwordsarehardtocomeby.In theend,Jeromefindsawaytoconnectwith hiscommunityandjointogetherinsharing thegreatestgiftofall:thegiftofwords.

AvoidingSeasonalFlu

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

Itmightstartwithatickleinyourthroat andfeelingofdryness,butthatmorning cupofhotteadoesn’tquitesootheit.By noonyoumightbefeelingfeverishand achyandtheboxoftissuesinthebathroom isalmostempty.

IfaCOVIDtestisnegative,itcouldbe theflu,whichusuallyhitsfast,oracold, whichisgenerallyharmlessbutmiserable. Regardlessofthediagnosis,alltheold treatmentsthatMomusedcanhelp—

warmchickensoup,vaporrubs, aspirin—butitwouldhavebeensomuch bettertopreventthecoldorflu.

CanVitaminCdothat?

Accordingtoanarticlepostedbythe MayoClinic,athttps://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org,Dr.JesseBracamontesaidit’s trueVitaminChelpstheimmunesystem function,buttakinghighdosesdoesn’tnecessarilypreventcoldsandflu.

“Soifyouweregoingtohaveacommon coldthatlastsaboutsevendays,itmaycut itdownabout13hours,”hesaid.

Hesuggestedeatingfruitsandvegetables

togetenoughVitaminCandtotakeadaily supplementofnomorethan500milligrams.

InanarticlepublishedinAARP:e Magazine,JeffreyBlumberg,whoteaches nutritionatTuftsUniversity,reminded readersoftheimportanceoftea,whichhe calledaplantfood,andwhichishighinantioxidants.Allteascomefromtheleavesof thecamelliasinensisplant,hesaid.Black, green,oolongandwhiteteascanleadto longerlifespans.

Preventionmagazine,inaNovember 2024article,remindsreadersthatbythe

timetheyfeelsymptomsofacoldtheyhave alreadybeeninfected,butatruecoldis “typicallyharmless,”accordingtofamily physicianDr.DeborahClements,who practicesatNorthwesternMedicineLake ForestHospital.

“Itjustmightmakeyoufeelcrummy whileyou’relivingthroughit,”shesaid.

It’srecommendedtotakeVitaminD, knownas“thesunshinevitamin,”“because yourcellsdependonDtoactivatetheirimmuneresponses.”

Tipsinthearticleto“stopacoldinits tracks”includeusingahumidifier,because lowhumiditydriesnasalpassages,“making ithardertotrapandeliminatethemicrobugsthatsettleinyoursinuses,eventually leadingtoacold.”

Ofcourse,washinghandsoftenandfollowingtheoften-repeatedadviceofkeepinghandsawayfromtheeyes,noseand mouth,arerecommended,becauseviruses canenterthatway.Don’tjustquicklyrinse yourhands,butscrubthemwithsoapfor atleast20seconds,includingbetweenfingersandunderthenails,thePreventionarticlestates.

Cleanphonesandotherdeviceswitha disinfectingwipe.

Gettingtootiredorstressedcanleadto acold,sotaketimetorelaxandsleepat leasteighthourseverynight.

Zinccandecreasethegrowthofviruses, sotryzinclozengesorzincgluconatenasal sprays.

Takingprobioticscanhelp,becausea largeportionoftheimmunesystemisin thegastrointestinaltract,thearticlestates, buttheNationalCenterforComplementary&IntegrativeHealth,basedin Bethesda,Md.,postedonitswebsite,at www.nccih.nih.gov,thatprobiotics,found insupplementsandyogurt,“mighthelpto preventupperrespiratorytractinfections, suchasthecommoncold,[but]theevidenceisweakandtheresultshavelimitations.”

Duringcoldandfluseason,elderberry supplementsandlozengesarecommonon storeshelves,buteClevelandClinic,on itswebsiteat www.health.clevelandclinic.org,states studiestodeterminehowwelltheywork haveyieldedmixedresults.A2019study determinedelderberryfightstheflubuta yearlateranotherstudyfoundnoevidence thattheberryreducesthelengthorseverityoftheflu.

Continuedfrompage24

Bluey:eMostAmazing AdventCalendarBookBundle

Author:PenguinYoung ReadersLicenses

Hooray,it’sChristmas!isadventcalendarhas24mini-books,includingaspecialstoryforChristmasEve.

Includesstoriesandactivitiesfrom ChristmasSwim,Shadowlands,MiniBluey, how-to-drawbooks,andmore.Return yourbookstoeachwindowsoyoucan reuseyouradventcalendareveryyear!

Teens

Juniper’sChristmas

Author:EoinColfer

Eleven-year-oldJuniperLaneisthrown intoaChristmasadventurelikenoother whensheseeksthehelpofamysterious woodsmanlivinginherlocalpark,whoshe suspectsisSantahimself,andaccidentally getsexposedtoNorthPolemagic.Joina boisterouscastofcharacters—includinga neighborwhoalwaysbelievedinSanta,a youngreindeerintraining,andacutthroat

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Isthereasportscollectoronyourshoppinglist?Ormaybeatradingcardcollector?BethanySportCardsPlusisyourstop.eyhaveahugecollectionofpopular tradingcards.Baseball,basketball,football,hockey…butevenmorethanjustsports. eyalsocarryafantasticselectionofPokémon,plusStarWars,Minecraft,SpongeBob,andthenewDisneycards.

Foryoursportscollector,thereismemorabilia—andwhodoesn’tloveanewjersey towearongameday?Lookingforsomeholidaycash?Sellthemsomeofthoseold cardsyouhavestoredinthecloset.

crimebossouttostealSanta’smagic—on anunpredictablejourneyburstingwith EoinColfer’ssignatureexuberanceand merriment.

FakeSkating

Author:LynnPainter

Growingup,Danicouldn’thelpbutfollowaroundtheadorablesonofhermom’s

Residential

bestfriend.Funny,kindofnerdy,andalittlesoft,Alecwasalwaysdowntohangwith Daniwhentheywerelittle.UntilDani movedaway.Alecpromisedthey’dstayin touch—except,theydidn’t…Daniisresolvedtoiceoutherformerbestfriend untilanunlikelyseriesofeventsbrings themtogether—andforcesthemtofake beingacouple.Onceforcedtogether,they begintoreconnect,unearthcomplicated familysecrets,andfacetheirtruefeelings

Commercial

towardeachother…includingwhyAlechas beenpushingherawayalltheseyears.

Anelffoldingsometoiletpaper.

eholidayseasonisoneripewithtradi-

Religious,culturalandfamilialcustoms takecenterstageaswehonorandcelebrate daysandeventsthatholddeeppersonal andglobalsignificance.Partofthecomfort andjoyofthesetraditionsisthesemblance ofcontinuityandcomfortthatfillsour hearts.Beitfood,music,prayerormatchingpajamas,it“feels”liketheholidaysbecausetheholidaystendtohaveacertain

Oh,andelves.ose#@*ingelves. Forthoseunaware,asomewhat-recent trendthathastakenafirmholdforthose familieswhocelebrateChristmasisthe“Elf ontheShelf.”Itisonepartfun,onepartfrustratingandoneparthow-did-my-life-devolve-into-taping-little-pieces-of-toilet-pape r-to-a-stuffed-doll-at-2-in-the-morning. Itallbeganformostofusin2005,when CarolAebersold’sbook,“eElfonthe Shelf:AChristmasTradition”debutedata Marietta,Ga.,book-signing,peranarticle onToday.com.Aebersolddecidedtoshare herfamily’straditionthatbeganin1974,

whenshereportedlytoldherchildrenthat “Frisbee,”apixieelf,wastheretokeepan eyeontheirbehaviorandreportdirectlyto Santa.

Parents,oftenexasperatedbythebehaviorofwiredSanta-anticipatingchildrenin theweeksleadinguptoChristmas,jumped ontheidea—hopingagainsthopethat something,anything,couldhelpinkeeping theirkidsundercontrol.us,anewholidaytraditionwasborn,and,accordingto thearticle,“morethan17.5millionScout Elveshavebeenadoptedaroundtheworld sincetheirdebut.”

Aebersold’sdaughtersChandaBelland ChristaPittsfoundedeLumistellaCompanyandhavecapitalizedonthetrend, sellingscoutelfdolls,accessories,astage musicalandevenafloatattheMacy’s anksgivingDayParade.Asthewaveof popularityhasgrown,sohavetheinterestingandcreativewaysfamiliesplacethe elvesaroundthehouse.

“ItseemsScoutElveshavegrowntobe quitesillyovertheyears,”saidBell.“Yet, theyalwaysmanagetomatchthepersonalityoftheirfamily.”

Continuedfrompage33

ereare,accordingtoLumistella,afew rules:

•Elveswilllosetheirmagicifchildren touchthem.

•Scoutelveslistentoeverythingbut neverspeaktohumans.

•Scoutelvesarealwaysnice,oftenclever andhumorous,butnevercruelornaughty.

•AfterreportingbacktoSantaevery night,theelvesarefoundintheirnewspot thenextmorning.

Andthat’sthelist.Whathappensnextis uptoyou—or,rather,uptothoseelves,if youwill.Intheinterests oftryingtofilla fewnightsforyouinyourcreativejourney, we’vecompiledafewideas.

Thehelperelf

Havingtheelfappeartobeaidingindecoratingthehousefortheholidaysortrying tobakesomethingsweetisapopularidea andonetoelicitsomesmiles.Remember —elvescanbealittlemessy,sohavinga pileofwrinkledwrappingpaperora

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WhenMariaisgivenanutcrackerbyher mysteriousGodfatherDrosselmeier,it seemslikeanordinarygift.Butastheclock strikesmidnightonChristmasEve,she findshernutcrackerembroiledinafight withasinisterMouseKing—noordinary toyafterall,butacursedhero. AChristmasCarol

Author:CharlesDickens

Inoneofthemostpopularholidaystoriesofalltime,meetEbenezerScrooge,a miserlyoldmanwhohatesChristmasand allthepeopleaskingformoneythatthe holidaybrings.OnefatefulChristmasEve, Scroogeisvisitedbytheghostofhisformer businesspartner,followedbytheGhostsof ChristmasPast,Present,andYettoCome, whobearmessagesforthehardhearted man.

kitchencountercoveredwithsprinkles goesalongway.

Themischievouself

ey’reelves.eyliketohavefun.One popularideaisanelfrollingaroundthe houseinarolloftoiletpaper.Youcanleave atrailbehindhimorhavetheelf“rock climbing”upadoorusingbowstosupport her.Havingtheelfona“zipline”usinga candycaneasahookisanotheronethat appearsallovertheInternet.Afavoritein myhomewashavingtheelfmakea“snow angel”on thekitchencounter,inflour.

Thesocialelf

AMadMaxthemedelfscene puttogetherbyeditorTarynKing’s fatherforherson. n TarynKing

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Hey,nobodylikesbeingaloneduringthe holidays,andelvesarenoexception.Have theelf“read”toagroupofstuffedanimals, orinvolvedinascenewithdollsoraction figures.Makeitlooklikeyourelfwashangingoutwiththecatordogbyputtingthe pet’sitemsneartheelf.

Theplayfulelf

It’sallabouthavingfun,andwhynot haveyourelfleadthecharge?Haveanote nexttotheelfthatsaysheorshehid12 candycanesaroundthehouseandit’supto the kidstofindthem.Orthereisanote withaseriesofcluestohelpthekidsfind theelf.It’sallaboutthefun.

Anelfonashelf.

n ChatGPTgeneratedimage

TOWN OF MILLVILLE

HOLIDAY TREE

Evans Park - 32517 Dukes Dr Thurs., December 4 • 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

SANTA ARRIVES

6:00 P.M.

Step into a magical evening filled with holiday cheer! Enjoy special performances by the Indian River High School Choir and the Tri-M Music Honor Society Marching Band. Kids will love riding the operational train led by a friendly conductor, and don’t miss out on roasting s’mores by the fire. Be on the lookout - Santa’s elves might make a surprise appearance! Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there to spread the festive spirit.

Food trucks will be on-site, including Taco Reho and Coastal Lemonades LLC, serving up hot chocolate to keep you warm.

Adults

Christmasatthe NantucketRestaurant

Author:PamelaKelley

Nantucket’sfamousChristmasStrollis alwaysthefirstweekofDecemberandthis yeartheO’ToolesistersandPaulTaylor,the executivechef,wanttodosomethingextra specialforMimi’sPlace,therestaurantthey co-own.

ItwillbeEmmaandPaul’sfirstChristmastogetherasacoupleandMandy’sfirst holidayasanewlydivorcedmotheroftwo. eirsister,Jill,andhernewhusband,Billy, areplanningtospendthewholemonthon Nantuckettoo.Meanwhile,barmanager GinaCarusoadjuststoherfirstwinteron theislandandfindsherquietseasonbecomingunexpectedlyexciting.

YoursForeSeason

Author:EmilyStone

Melaniehasn’thadagoodyear.Herjob isn’twhatshehoped,herbestfriendhas movedaway,andFinn—themanshe thoughtwastheloveofherlife—dumped herathissister’sengagementparty.

WhenFinnshowsuptwoweeksbefore Christmasaskinghertopretendthey’re datingagaintopleasehisfamily,Mel agrees—ononecondition:attheendofthe week,shegetstodumphimpublicly.Butas thefestivitiesbringthemcloser,Melstarts

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Theholidaytreeindowntown BethanyBeachshinesbright againstthewinternightsky. n CarlaVarisco

FAQ’S ABOUT REVERSE MORTGAGES

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), also known as the reverse mortgage, was created to help older homeowner’s meet the nancial demands of retirement and aging in their home. It is a loan based on the home value and age of the youngest borrower’s age and the current interest rate. It requires no mortgage payments giving you access to funds without the nancial burden during your retirement years.

Do I still pay property tax & insurance?

Yes, you are still required to keep making timely property tax and homeowner’s insurance premium payments just as you would with a traditional mortgage.

Does my home have to be paid off?

You can have an existing mortgage balance and as long as the proceeds of the HECM are suf cient to pay off the existing mortgage, closing costs and fees, you may qualify.

When is the loan repaid or due?

of the following occur: 1-the last surviving borrower (or the included non-borrowing spouse) has passed away. 2-the home is no longer the primary residence for at least one of the borrower’s (or non-borrowing spouse), 3- an absence by both borrowers for a period longer than 12 months, 4- the borrower fails to pay property taxes and homeowner’s insurance as required or 5- the property is not maintained and deteriorates to a condition deemed unreasonable by HUD.

Do I still own my home or does the bank?

You retain title and ownership to the home just as you would with a traditional mortgage. The only time a borrower could risk losing ownership to the home would be due to a loan default for failure to pay the property tax and homeowner’s insurance or maintaining the property.

Liz Bayer Senior

W: (302) 581-2035 C: (415) 320-5023

Is my property eligible for the HECM?

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is for single family, 2-4 unit multi-family, planned unit developments and FHA-approved condos. The property must be the borrower’s primary home.

How much money am I eligible for?

The amount of your loan proceeds vary based on the age(s) of the borrower(s), current interest rate, the home’s appraised value and the loan product chosen. We provide several loan programs to with an estimate.

How

can I

get cash proceeds?

The HECM has several exible payout options: a lump sum, partial lump sum payout, monthly installment payouts or a line of credit, or combination of these options. Your access to proceeds is limited in the rst year, but you will have access to remaining funds after this time. The unused funds in the line of credit are not charged interest until used and your available line of credit may actually increase each month when unused.

What costs & fees should I expect?

The HECM costs include: origination fee, closing costs and an upfront FHA insurance premium. Most of these costs can be nanced into the loan limiting your out-of-pocket expenses. Applicants should anticipate out-ofpocket costs for an appraisal and the required HECM counseling.

Officer

KalenaJewelers

Whatgirldoesn’tlovejewelry?FindtheperfectpieceforyourlovedoneatKalena Jewelers.eyhaveagreatselectionofgoldandsilverjewelryforallthegirlsonyour list,evenkids’jewelry,andaniceselectionofestatejewelry.Karenhasbeeninthe familybusinessinNewJerseyfor45yearsandhasnowmovedtocoastalDelawareto serveyou.Shedoesitall:Customdesigning,repairs,watchbatteriesandbands,plus pearlandbeadrestringing.eyalsobuyunwantedgold,silver,andplatinum.

Savorthe Season:

Weaskedlocal, fan-favoriterestaurants toshareseasonal recipesforourreaders torecreateathome!

FromChefMaggieat OceanViewBrewing

ButternutSquashBisque

n 2-3butternutsquash, peeled&cubed

n 2carrots,peeled&diced

n 1yellowonion,diced

n 2quartheavycream

n 2tbspgroundcinnamon

n 2pinchgroundnutmeg

n 1lblightbrownsugar

n Salt&Peppertotaste

n Addwaterasneeded

Sautécarrots&onionsuntilslightly brownedinalargestockpot.Deglazewith heavycreamandaddcubedbutternut squash.Keeponlowsimmerandstirevery onceinawhile,untilbutternutsquashis soft.Addallspicesandsugarandadjustas needed.Useanimmersionblenderto blendeverythinguntilsmooth.Addwater dependingonwhatkindofconsistencyyou wantyoursouptobe.Simmerforafew moreminutes.Highlyrecommendedto servewithsweetcremaandcandiednuts!

FromtheFin&Claw kitchentoyourkitchen withChefScottViselli

Grandma’sMarinated SeafoodSalad

n 1lbshrimp(peeled&deveined) poach2minutes

n 1lbknuckle&clawlobstermeat

n 1lbcalamari(rings&tentacles) poach1minute

n 2lbmussels,poach3-4minutes (removefromshellaftercooking)

n 2/3cupextravirginoliveoil

n 1/4cuplemonjuice

n 2tbspredwinevinegar

n 5clovesgarlic(minced)

n 1bunchparsley(chopped)

n 1/2cuproastedredpeppers (smalldice)

n 1/2redonion(smalldice)

n 4ribscelery(thinlysliced)

n 1/4cupcapers(roughlychopped)

n chileflake(optional)

n salt&pepper(totaste)

Lightlypoachalloftheseafoodandset asidetochill.Whiletheseafoodischilling, combinealloftheremainingingredientsin alargebowl.Addthechilledseafoodand lightlytoss.Allowtochillforatleastan Pleaseturntopage49

7th Annual Old Town Holiday Market, Tree Lighting & Trail of Lights

Saturday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 5p.m.

Unique vendors, kids’ crafts, snowball fight zone, gingerbread maze & winter playground, BSA Troop 281 food sales, roasted chestnuts, tree lighting & special visitor at dusk! John West Park • 32 West Ave., Ocean View

Performances by: Indian River High School Choir, Directed by Laura Carey and The Belle Tones

Continuedfrompage43

pickupalaptop,Pauldiscoverstheman hasaverydifferentmission.

Asunexpectedeventsunfold—arobbery,arescue,andnewconnections—Paul beginstowonderwhoorwhatthisChristmasstrangerreallyis,andhowhemight findmeaningagain.

eSecretChristmasLibrary

Author:JennyColgan

MirrenSutherlandstumbledintoacareerasanantiquarianbookhunterafter findingapricelessantiquebookinher greataunt’sattic.NowhiredbyJamie McPherson,lairdofaHighlandclan,she musttrackdownararebookrumoredto savehisancestralestate.

ButwhenrivalhuntereoPalliserappears,andasnowstormtrapsthemallin thecastle,secretsunfoldinthischarming, mysterious,andromanticholidaystory—a treatforbookloversandtreasurehunters alike.

hourinorderfortheflavorstocombine. Makeitaheadoftimesothatyoucanenjoy yourfamilyandguests.Iliketoserveit withtoasted/airfriedpitabread,butit’s alsogoodinpastasalad,overgreensorjust straightoutofthecontainer.

isisherrecipe,butyoucanmakeit yourown.SometimesIliketoaddjalapeno andextraroastedpeppers.Ialsolikemore herbs—oregano,basil,ordillareallgreat additions.Feelfreetouseolivesinsteadof capers.Youcanalsousevarioustypesof seafoodlikeoctopus,bayscallops,clamsor whateveryoulike.Atgrandma’shouseshe usedthoseinotherdishestocompletethe sevenfishes.isrecipemakesalot,but that’sthewayshedidit,thereismeantto beleftovers.erereallyarenorulesother than“don’tkilltheseafood”(shehatedto overcookit)and“italwaystastesbetterthe nextday”.

OceanViewBrewing’sButternut SquashBisque. n Photosubmitted

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FromTheCoastalKitchen atBearTrapDunes withExecutiveChef

JohnBrunski

Cranberry–OrangeRelish

isbrightandrefreshingrelishaddsa burstofflavortoanyholidaymeal.It’ssimpletomake,keepswell,andgetsevenbetterafteradayinthefridge.Aperfect make-aheaddish!

Yield:About2quarts

n 4cupsfreshcranberries n 2oranges

n 2cans(8ozeach)crushedpineapple, drained

n 2cupsgranulatedsugar

n ¼teaspoonkoshersalt

Coarselychop cranberriesandoranges inafoodprocessor.

Transfertoamixingbowl. Addpineapple,sugar,andsalt. Mixwell.

Coverandrefrigerate1–2daysbefore serving.

SweetPotatoSoufflé

Creamy,butterysweetpotatoestopped withawarmpecancrumble—thisSouthernclassiciscomfortinadish.Perfectfor holidaysandfamilydinners.

Yield:Serves12–16

n 8cupsmashedsweetpotato

n 4cupsgranulatedsugar

n ½teaspoonkoshersalt

n 18eggs

n 2cupssaltedbutter

n 2tablespoonsvanillaextract

n 4cupsmilk

n 4cupslightbrownsugar

n 2cupsall-purposeflour

n 4cupspecans

Combinesweetpotatoes,sugar,salt, eggs,andhalfofthemeltedbutterinamixingbowlandmixwell.

Combinebrownsugar,flour,pecans,and remainingbuttertomakecrumbletopping. Topsweetpotatomixturewithcrumble mix.

Bakeat350°Ffor35minutes.

Y Y W OU HOL Y

ease,I’vesplitupgiftideasintoafewdifferentcategories:ConsoleGamers,PC Gamers,Streamers,andFrequentTravelers.

Theconsolegamer

Whetherit’sXbox,PlayStation,or Nintendo,thereareamyriadofchoices fromheadsets,inputperipherals(like controllers,keyboards,andmice),to gamesthatcanenhancethegamingexperienceofyourlovedone.ereare otherconsoles,butsincemanyare SteamOS-poweredorWindows-powered,IbelievethePCgamingcategory fitsalittlebitbetter.

Mostoftheconsoleshavecertainrequirementsorlimitationsontheperipheralstheysupport,soyouwanttomake surethatanyperipheralsyouconsider arecertifiedtoworkwiththeconsole. eperipheralmanufacturerswillusuallymakeitveryclearifitiscompatible withtheplatformofchoice.

Probablythebestplacetostartfor yourconsolegameriscontrollers.e bestchoice,unlessyourgameralready hasoneortwo,isaproorelite controller.Consolemanufacturersoffertheir ownprocontrollers,andtheyarepretty highqualityandofferfeaturesyour gamerwillappreciate.ird-partycontrollersfromScuf,Razer,PDP,Nacon, andGameSirarealsohighlysought-after brandsthatofferjustashighaqualityor better.Ifyou’reinneedofbudgetitems forcontrollers,extrabatteries,orifyour gamerhaswirelesscontrollers,extra plainJanecontrollerswillusuallybewelcomed,especiallyifyourgamerhasfrequentvisitorsforgamingsessions.

Nextupareheadsets.iswillhelp keepyourhomealittlebitquieterand allowforeasycommunicationwithother gamersfromallovertheworld.Withso manygamesthesedaysrequiringaninternetconnectionandquickcommunicationbetweenfriends,agoodheadset goesalongway.Youwillwanttochoose aheadsetfromareputablebrandthatis

Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC The Coldwell

Rediscovering theMeaning ofHoliday Gifting Connection Consumerism: Over

ByCoriBurcham Writer

Whileeveryfamilyhastheirownsetof holidayritualsandcustoms,Christmastime comeswithafewcommonassociationswe collectivelyshareasaculture—memoriesof sleddingwithfriendsdownasnowyhillas thecoldwindandawidegrinprickleatyour cheeks,laughingwithyoursiblingsasyoutry tobuildagingerbreadhousewithnothing buticinganddetermination,andthemagic ofwatchingaChristmastreebebroughtto lifebytwinklinglightsandshinyredand greenbaublesyourfamilyplacedbyhand.It’s thesentimentsurroundingtheholidaythat leavesthemostlastingimpressions,and whileweallremembertheexhilarationof wakingupaschildrenonChristmasmorning tofindpresentswaitingunderthetree,the actualgiftssprungfreefromfestivepaper andstrainedboxesaren’tasmemorablein thelongterm.Whetheryou’reonabudget, encouragingaminimalisticmindset,orsimplywantyourpresentsforfamilyandfriends tohavethesameimpactasaheartfeltholiday memory,thereareplentyofgiftideastoexplorethisholidayseasonpromotingmeaningfulconnectionoverexcessivematerialism.

SharedExperiences

Whetheryou’retravelingtovisitfamily acrosscountryorhostingthemwithinyour ownhome,theholidayseasonisoftenoneof thefewtimesthroughouttheyearwhen everyonehastheopportunitytogettogether asafamily.etimespent passingthe turkeyaroundtheChristmasdinnertableor swappinggaggiftsinagameofwhiteelephantisoftentoolimitedaftersomuchtime apart.Withthisinmind,theperfectpresent forthelovedonesyoudon’tgettosee enoughisthegiftofyourtime.

Buyingticketstoanexperience—aplay, concert,sportingevent,orotherperformance—thatappealstoyoursharedinterests canbeagreatgiftthatstrengthensyour bondandsetstheplantoseeeachother againsooninmotion.Tomaketheeventall themorememorable,trytochooseanactivitythat’sunconventional—anescaperoom oraxe-throwing—ormoreniche—likea weekendreadingretreatorfanconvention —,aslongasit’sspecifictotheirinterests.

Similarly,avoucherforlessonsthatencouragesthemtoundertakethehobby they’vebeenmeaningtotryforyears,such asclassesoncooking,potterymaking,ball-

roomdancingorplayingtheguitar,canalso beameaningfulgiftthatshowshowwellyou knowthem.Iftheylivelocaltoyou,consider takingonthechallengetogether,becoming moreconnectedbyattendingaclassona weeklybasis,learningsomethingnew,and creatingasharedmemory.Evenifthevase yousculptinpotteryclassislopsided,the truegiftwillbethememoriesyoushareof itscreation.

KindnessPunchCards

Whiletheholidayseasonhaslongbeen heraldedasthemostwonderfultimeofthe year,itcanalsobethebusiest.Allthepreparationthatgoesintotheholidays,theadditionalseasonalevents,thewinterbreak fromschool,andthepressurestoreinvent yourselfinthenewyearonlyseemtoadd moretasksontoyouragendauntilitbegins torivalSanta’snaughtyandnicelist.Instead ofmanagingyourlovedone’soverwhelm withwell-meaningwellnessgiftslikebath bombs,essentialoils,ormeditationapp subscriptions,thebestgiftforthemthisholidayseasoncouldbeonethatconvention

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Monetary

Donate:One-time,recurring,orinsomeone’sname. Roundupyourchange:Turneverydaypurchasesintoholidaycheer.

Sponsoraprogramorfamily:Helpfundmeals,gifts,or winterneeds.

Volunteer

Hands-onvolunteering:Servemeals,wrapgifts,decorate spaces.

Virtualhelp:Tutor,read,orsendholidaycardsfromhome. Shareyourskills:Marketing,design,tech,ormentorship fornonprofits.

Goods

Food,clothing,orwinteressentials:Meetimmediatecommunity needs.

Toys,schoolsupplies,orholidaytreats:Perfectforseasonal drives.

Creativecontributions:Art,photos,orhandmadeitemsfor fundraisersandraffles.

(Seemoreonpage80)

preventsthemfromaddingontotheir Christmaswishlist:arespitefromtheir never-endingto-dolist.

Tailoringittotheirspecificneeds,create

ahand-madepunchcardbookletfilledwith couponsofferingyourservices,whether that’sbabysitting,yardwork,helpingthem move,orcookingahomemademeal.Byofferingtoundertakeataskyouknowyour parentorpartnerdislikes,thetruegiftyou’ll

begivingthemissupportandasenseof community,unburdeningsomeoftheir mentalloadandhelpingthemintheways thattrulymatter.Apartfromdailychores, thecouponbookletcouldalsoincludeactivitiesthey’lllookforwardto,suchasafamily gamenight,adatenightfortwo,orsome well-deservedme-time.

SentimentalHandmade Keepsakes

Everyyear,countlesscatalogsandgift guidesadvertisingthemostanticipatedgifts oftheholidayseasonoftenshareonething incommon:productsthatarenewlyreleasedandmanufacturedforthemasses— lackingthepersonaltouchthatoutlaststhe excitementofChristmasmorning.Instead ofoptingforallstore-boughtgifts,consider givingkeepsakesthisholidayseasonthat havemoresentimentalvalueandarehandmadewithlove.ebestpartaboutthis mindfulgiftingideaisthatit’sonlylimited byyourimaginationandcreativity.

Compilingfamilyrecipesacrossgenerations,youcouldmakeapersonalizedrecipe

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book,writingthedirectionsintoajournal byhandandleavingroomatthebackfor newcreations.Ifalovedonecelebrateda milestonethispastyear—agraduation, babyshoweroraonce-in-a-lifetimetrip— youcouldhandcraftanornamentthat’ll bringbackthosehappymemoriesevery timetheyseeithangingonthetree.It’llbe evenmoremeaningfulifitmarksatimeyou

sharedtogether.Ifyouweretheofficiantat yoursister’swedding,cutthescriptfromthe ceremonyintolittlepiecesofcrinklepaper tocommemoratehervowsandthepartyou playedonthebigday.Ifyousawyourfavoritebandinconcertwithyourbestfriend, trytoincorporatetheticketstubsintothe ornament’sdesign.eseheartfeltgifts, whichreflectyourcreativeeffort,thought, andyourlastingconnection,willcarrymore significancetothereceiverthananything

elseyoucould’veboughtthemfromastore.

StartANewTradition

NoteveryChristmasgiftneedstofitinsideofaboxorbetoppedwithabow.Relyingonthetraditionofexchangingpresents toexpressourgratitudetofamilyand friends,weoftenforgetthatthetimespent togetherduringtheholidayscanbeagiftall onitsown.Anothermindfulgiftcouldbe establishinganewfamilytraditionorholiday ritualwithfriends,onethatwillkeepongivingyearafteryear.Forafamilywithyoung childrenoradultcrafterswhoenjoyacreativeproject,you couldhostaDIYholiday decorationnight,makinganythingfrom hand-paintedtreeornamentstodriedflower Christmaswreaths,evergreenscentedsoy candles,orfestivegingerbreadhouses.Ifyou prefertoworkwithyourhandsinthe kitchen,anothercustomtoexploreisbaking together—recreatingtraditionalfamily recipes,holidayclassicsoranewholiday dishfromaroundtheworld.Withsomethingnewtotryeveryyear,thegiftisn’tjust theresultingbakedgoodordecoration,but thecollectivememorythat’llstaywiththem formanyChristmasestocome.

Lookingforthatperfectgiftforafriendorrelative?Somethinguniqueanddifferentfor thehome?isquaintshopindowntownDagsboroisalwaysfullofnicesurprises.Pieces OnMainidentifiesitsinventoryasacarefullycuratedmixofoldandnew.Fromvintage furniturerepaintedincoastalcolorstonewgifts,homedécor,andkitchenware.Aunique selectionofbooks,rangingfromcookbooks,coffeetablebooks,andevenchildren’sbooks, canbefoundaroundtheshop,and theentireupstairsisfilledtothebrimwithbeautiful Christmasdécor.eyalsocarryawonderfulpantrylineofmustards,jams,andsauces thatarereasonablypriced.TotopitalloffisafulllineofDebi’sDesignDiaryDIYlineof paintfortheDIYers,andgoodsfromlocalartisans,includingcreationsfromSmartGirl StudiosbyKateGloyd,SandyBottomcandles,andMouthPartyCaramels.

withinyourpricerange.Forthird-party headsets,Irecommendbrandslike SteelSeries,Logitech,TurtleBeach,Astro, Corsair,HyperX,andRazer.Youcould alsooptforofficialheadsetsfromthe consolemanufacturers;thequalityof thesehasimprovedmassivelyoverthe years,andabouttheonlydownsidefor manyoftheseheadsetsismicquality, whichistheleastofconcernsformany gamers.

Recommendedexampleswithvarious pricingfromeachofthemanufacturers listedabove:

n TurtleBeach|Recon70|PS5,PS4,XBoxSeriesX|S,NS, PC,Mobile|$39.95

n HyperX|CloudIII|PC,PS5,PS4,XboxSeriesX|S,Xbox One,NS,Mac,Mobile|$99.99

n SteelSeries|ArctisNova5Wireless|PC,PS5,PS4,NS, Mobile|$149.99

n SteelSeries|ArctisNova5XWireless|AboveplusXbox SeriesX|S,XboxOne|$149.99

n Logitech|G321|PC,PS5,PS4,NS,Mobile|$59.99

n Razer|BarracudaX|PC,PS5,PS4,NS,Mobile|$99.99

n Sony|Pulse3DWirelessHeadset|PS5,PS4,PC, 3.5mm |$99.99

n Microsoft|XboxStereoHeadset|XboxSeriesX|S,Xbox One,Windows|$64.99(Wiredonly)

n Corsair|VOIDWirelessv2|PC,PS5,PS4,NS,Mobile| $119.99

n Astro|A50X|PC,PS5,XboxSeriesX|S,NS|$379.99

Everyyearbringswithitnewgames, andtwoofthebiggestshooterfranchises havejustreleasedtheirnewestgames, CallofDuty:BlackOps7(PC,PS5,and XboxSeriesX|S)andBattlefield6(PC, PS5,andXboxSeriesX|S).Ifyourgamer isanarcadeshooter,they willbesureto enjoyeitherofthesetitles.ispastSeptember,Gearboxreleaseditslatestlootershooter,Borderlands4(PC,XSX,and PS5).Perhapsaction/hack-and-slashstyle gamesaremoreappropriate;Ninja Gaiden4justreleased(PC,PS5,and XboxSeriesX|S).Goodchoicesforthe NintendoSwitchincludeMinecraft,e LegendofZelda:TearsoftheKingdom, MarioKart8,AnimalCrossing,Luigi’s Mansion3,andKirby’sReturntoDream LandDeluxe.Justdoyourdue diligence

andmakesureyourgamerdoesn’talreadyhaveanyofthesegames. etopfivegamesforeachoftheconsolesthisyear:

n Xbox:Borderlands4,JurassicWorldEvolution3,Mafia: TheOldCountry,ReadyorNot,SilentHill n PlayStation:SilentHill,Mafia:TheOldCountry,Hollow Knight:Silksong,NHL26,Ghostof Yˉotei n NintendoSwitch:MarioKartWorld,PokémonLegendsZA,HollowKnight:Silksong,DemonSlayer—Kimetsu Yaiba-HinokamiChronicles2,JustDance2026Edition

Youcanalsogiftyourconsolegamer miscellaneousaccessorieslikebattery packsforcontrollers,chargersforsaid batterypacks,externalharddrives,subscriptionstotheirfavoritegamesorservices(likeXboxLiveUltimate,PlayStation Network,NintendoSwitchOnline,etc.), standsororganizationsystemsfortheir consoleofchoice—thechoicesarenearly endless.

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HolidayHappenings

Schellville2025Enchanted WinterCelebration

Saturdays&Sundays—Nov.16th–Dec.31|Fridays—Nov.22nd,Dec.6th |Thursdays—Dec.12th-26th.1:004:00pm&5:00-9:00pm(Dec.31st4:007:00pmonly).Filledwithholidaymagic, goodwill,andfunfortheentirefamily! LocatedbehindtheTangerOutletsin RehobothBeach.

WinterfestofLights

OpenWed-Sun,November20th–December21st,anddailyfromDecember22nd-31st.Hours5:30pm–9:30pm.Embarkonajourneyintothe enchantingspiritoftheholidayseason atthe2025WinterfestofLightsin OceanCity,MD.Thisyear,enjoyawalkthroughwinterwonderlandexperience andexplorethe58-acreNorthsidePark. PetsarewelcomeonWednesdays.

AnnualBethanyFenwick

ThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot Nov.27th,7:30am-10:00am.Theuntimed2-mileFunRun/Walkstartsatthe BethanyBeachBoardwalkBandstand withaboardwalkfinish.Dressupin yourbestThanksgivingcostumes!Pies fortheoverallMaleandFemalewinners, BestIndividual,BestFamily,andBest PetCostumes!

OldTownHolidayMarket &TreeLighting

Saturday,Nov29th,1:00pm-5:30pm atJohnWestParkinOceanView. Marketvendors,kids'activities,trail oflights,trainrides,&aspecialvisitor atdusk!

HolidayTrailofLights

Saturday,Nov.29th–Jan.1st.Atdusk dailyuntil9:00pm.Self-guidedandfree

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n Filephoto

n Filephoto

attheJohnWestParkin OceanView.

Millsboro ChristmasParade Tuesday,December2nd, 7:00pmatMillsboroTown Center.Kickofftheparade withthetreelightingatTown Hall!Participationlineup startsat5:00pm.

MillvilleTreeLighting Thursday,December4th, 5:30pm–7:00pm.Santaand Mrs.Claus'arrivalkicksoffthe treelightingat6:00pm.PerformancesbytheIRHSchoir andTri-MMusicHonorSocietyMarchingBand.Train rides,foodtrucks,ands'mores!

GeorgetownCaroling onTheCircle Thursday,December4th, 6:00pm–9:00pm.Celebrate thestartoftheholidayseason

n PhotoCourtesyofSusanLyons

attheGeorgetownCirclewithaChristmasparade,caroling,andtheannual PackthePodcountyfooddrive.

64thAnnualSelbyville

ChristmasParade

Friday,Dec.5th,7:00pmatChurch StreetinSelbyville.Festivefloats, marchingbands,firetrucks,antique cars,avisitfromSantaClaus,andfood andfunforeveryone!

FenwickIslandHoliday TreeLighting

Friday,December5th,5:30pminthe FenwickIslandTownPark.Enjoyfestive performancesbythePhillipC.Showell ElementarySchoolChoirsandBandas theysingandplayyourfavoriteChristmassongs.Warmupwithhotchocolate andcookies,anddecorateyourownornamentandaddittothetowntree.Plus —averyspecialvisitorwillmakeanappearancetohelpkickofftheholiday cheer!

HolidayStroll& ChristmasMarket

Saturday,Dec.6th,3:00pm-8:00pm

indowntownMilford.Experience Christmaswithfamilyandfriendsand visitthebeautifullydecoratedshops, bakeries,restaurants,andartgalleries. Therewillbeafiretruckdisplayby CarlisleFireHall,children'sactivities, holidaymusic,andmore!

AHolidayTourofLewes

Saturday,Dec.6th,9:30am-4:00pm LewesHistoricalSocietyHolidayHouse Tour.

Saturday,Dec.6th,9:00am-4:00pm LHSHolidayVillage&Market.

HolidayHappenings inBethanyBeach

Saturday,Dec.6th

•10:30am–Noon:GingerMan SitingattheNatureCenter

•11:00am–1:00pm:Ponyrides onthebeach(pre-registration required)

•1:00pm–3:00pm:PartywithSanta inTownHall

•1:00pm–4:00pm:Trolley,Train,& TractorRides

•5:00pm:Tree lightingfeaturing SDSAShowChoir atBandstand

Christmasatthe CottagesBethany Beach

Saturday,December 13th

•10:30am–Noon: LiveAlpacaChristmas Adventureatthe NatureCenter

•11:00am–1:00pm:Victorian Carolers,craftactivity, andtoursatthedecoratedDinker-IrvinMuseum

Weekend Wonderlandin BethanyBeach

•10:00am–5:00pm:EverySaturday inDecemberpriorto

Christmas,shoppersandvisitorscan takeadvantageofgreattax-freeshoppingandfunactivitiesatparticipating businesses.

3rdAnnualOC/FenwickIsland ChristmasBoatParade

Saturday,Dec.6th,5:00pm-8:00pm atHarpoonHanna'sinFenwickIsland. Diningseatsare"first-come,firstserved".Deckswillbeopentothepublic forgreatviewingoffestivedecorative boats.Allareencouragedtobringatoy fordonationtoToysforTots.

12thAnnual DagsboroChristmasParade

Tuesday,Dec.9th,7:00pm–9:00pm. TheParadewillfeaturefloats,marching units,andfiretrucks.

LiveNativityatSonshine Equine

December12th–13th,4:00pm–6:00pm.Enjoytheplayofthestoryof thenativity(performedtwiceper evening),meetlivedonkeys,enjoythe foodtruckfeaturingMessy'sBBQ,do someholidayshoppingatuniquevendor

booths,sipsomehotchocolatefromthe hotchocolatebar,andbringyourkiddiesforacraft.

JourneytoBethlehem

Dec.12th,13th,and14thfrom 6:00pm-8:00pmatBeaconBaptist Church.

Afreeoutdoorfamilyeventwitha livenativity,hayride,animals,andmuch more,includingfreehotchocolateand cookies!

ChristmasattheTrainStation &Cruise-inCarShow

Saturday,Dec.20th,5:00pm-7:00pm attheGeorgetownTrainStation.Visit withSantaandenjoythemuseumdisplays,festiveatmosphere,Christmas carols,andmodeltrains.AChristmas drop-boxwillbeavailableforkidsto dropofftheirletterstoSanta.Lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.

HolidayPeaceConcert

Sunday,December21st,3:00pm.Held atCapeHenlopenHighSchoolandperformedbytheRehobothConcertBand, astheband’sbigannualfundraiser.

15thAnnualHairoftheDog Walk/Run&LeoBradyPlunge

Thursday,Jan.1st,8:00am-5:00pmat theBethanyBeachBoardwalk

TheQuietResortsCharitableFoundation(QRCF)proudlypresentsthe 15thAnnualHairoftheDog5Krun/one milewalkandthe29thAnnualLeo BradyPolarPlunge!The5Kraceand1 Milewalkstartat10AMaftertheKiddieDash.TheLeoBradyPolarPlungeis atNoon.

FenwickFreeze

Thursday,Jan.1stonBayardSt. Beach.RinginthenewyearFenwickstyle!Registrationandshirtsalesbegin at9:00am.Diveintheoceanat10:30am. Warmupafterwardsbythebonfire, enjoyacupofhotchocolate,andgraba commemorativet-shirttorememberthe day!

Turning Leaf Landscapes

Wintercocktails andmocktails

ByLauraWalter StaffReporter

n

PhotosbyLauraWalter

Weaskedtwolocalbartendersto sharesometastymixeddrink recipeswithourreaders.Wow, didMikeLaraandDelaneyTwiningdeliver!Whetheryou’replanningaholidaypartyorjust sippingsomewintertimecheer, thesecocktailswillhelpcharm theover-21crowd,andthenonalcoholicmocktailwillsparkle anytimeofday.

RaícesLatinKitchen

RaícesLatinKitchenservesLatinand MexicanfusioninMillsboro.Bartender MikeLaraandhisteamgetcreativewith drinks,usingfresh-squeezedjuices, house-infusedliquorsandhandmade garnishes,suchasthecoraltuile:the lace-thinwaferofpan-friedflour,oil, waterandfoodcoloring.

PumpkinEspressoMartini

1oz.Bailey’sIrishCream 1oz.Kahlúaorothercoffeeliqueur 1oz.yourchoiceofvodka,ginor tequila(whateverkindofmartinibase ½oz.pumpkinspiceliqueur

Shakeallingredientswithice.Strain theice.Serveinanelegantcoupe

Garnishwithstaranise,crushed pumpkinseedsroastedwithcinnamon.

Fresh-SqueezedMargarita

2oz.tequila

1oz.anyCointreau,triplesecorother orangeliqueur

1oz.freshsqueezedlimejuice

Splashofredsangriaorotherredwine

Shaketequila,triplesecandlimejuice withice.Strainice(optional).Serveina freshglasswithadditionalice.Topwith redsangriaforbrightcolor.

“emargarita’salreadysweet,soyou wanttobalanceitwithanywinethat’s nottoosweet,”saidLara.

Garnishwithsaltrim,freshordried fruit.

2oz.1800Coconuttequila

½oz.bluecuraçao

1oz.freshsqueezedlimejuice

Splashoflemon-limesoda

Shaketequila,bluecuraçaoandlime juicewithice.Strainice(optional).Serve inafreshglasswithadditionaliceanda

BlueHeaven

Photo by Krista Valliant

splashofsoda.

Garnishwithshreddedcoconutflakes, whiskey-soakedcherries(madeathome orpurchasedfromagourmetshop).

NantucketsRestaurant

NantucketsRestaurantserveshearty finedininginFenwickIsland.Whenit comestocraftingcocktailsathome,beveragemanagerDelaneyTwiningsays, “Keepitsimple.Ifit’sjustyouathome, you’renottryingtoimpressanyone.But foraparty,addsomemoregarnishingelements.”inkfreshcranberries,orange slicesandcinnamonsticks.

Marksmanship

3partsbourbonwhiskey

1partSt.Germain

2partscoldgrapefruitjuiceorhot applecider

1partsimplesyrupmadefrombrown sugarandcinnamon

Shakeallingredientswithice.Strain outtheice.Serveinafreshglass. Tasteslikemulledcider,evenifyou choosethegrapefruitvariation!

Garnishwithgroundcinnamonorcinnamonstick.

SugarCookie

Equalpartsof:

Vanillavodka

Amaretto

RumChataseasonalflavor(autumn pumpkinorwinterpeppermintbark)

Shakeallingredientswithice.Strain outtheice.Serveinafreshglass.

Garnishwithcinnamonandnutmeg.

CranberryBogMocktail

Equalpartsof:

Non-alcoholicsparklingwine(suchas alcohol-removedProsecco)

Cranberryjuicecocktail

Orangejuice

Sodawater

Scoopiceintotheservingglass.Gently addingredientsoneatatime.Avoidmixinginordertoserveasunset-likemultihuedconcoction!

Garnishwithorangeslice,freshcranberries.

Funwithgarnishes:

Createdifferentcolorsofsalt rimforyourmargarita,saidMike Lara.Amixtureofkoshersalt,waterand foodcoloringisgentlyoven-baked,then crackedintochunkynewcrystals.

Purchasedriedcitrusslicesat specialtyshops.(Ordehydrate fruitsathomewithalow-and-slowovenbakingmethod.)

Shakenorstirred?

Shakingadrinkhelpstoquicklychill, diluteandevenaeratetheingredients. Useacocktailshakeror(carefully)two pintglassesthataregently,butsecurely, wedgedtogether.

“Withsomethingthat’scream-based,I recommendshakingit;that’showyouagitateit,getthatfoam,”saidDelaney Twining 1. 2.

Shop Local!

Southernexposurefenwickisland.com

WhenyouthinkofFenwickIsland,oneofthefirstthingsthatcomesto mindisSouthernExposure,astapleinclothingforthelast49yearsinthis growingbeachcommunity.Womenlivingatthebeachwanttwothings: Comfortableclothingandtolookgood.isisSouthernExposure’sspecialty.Featuringyourfavoritebrands,includingpetites.Lookingforsomethingnewtoweartoupcomingholidaypartiesorshoppingforagreatgift? isiswhereyouwillfinditwithasweater,ajacket,orjewelry.eirawesomestaffwillhelpyoufindsomethingfortheladiesonyourlist.

ThePCgamer

GiftideapossibilitiesforPCgamersare extensive.erearealwayshardwareupgrades,inputdevices,streamingdevices, games,subscriptions,andsomuchmore.

Withthatsaid,headsetsareagreat startforPCgamers,butmanyofthe brandsormanufacturerslistedaboveare goingtobethesameonesI’drecommend here.Sincethisisthecase,herearesome moreappropriatemodels,atvarying pricepoints:

n SteelSeries|ArctisNovaProWireless|$379.99

n Logitech|PROX@WirelessLightspeed|$229.99

n Corsair |HS80MaxWireless|$189.99

n HyperX|CloudAlphaRWireless|$127.49

n Logitech|G733LightspeedWirelessRGB|$109.99

n HyperX|CloudStinger2|$54.99

n Razer|BlackSharkV2X|$49.99

n Logitech|G432Wired|$39.99

Keepinmindthatmostofthese brandshavemodelsforjustaboutevery pricerange,sofeelfreetopickabrand anddosomeofyourownresearch.Look atreviewsandfeaturelistsandfindone thatfitsyourgamer. (esamecanbe saidformostofthethingsincludedin thisstory.)

Nextup,we’lllookatinputdevices.PC gamerslovetheirkeyboardsandmice, andperhapsyourgamerneedsanupgradeorreplacement.Low-latencydevicesarecrucialforcompetitive,smooth gameplay.Wireddevicesgenerallyhave thisbuiltin;however,wirelessdevices youaregoingtopayextrafor.MostPC enthusiasts,includingme,preferwireless devices,aslongastheinputlatencydoesn’taffect gameplay.

Hereare10populardevicesforeach category,5eachofwiredandwireless. Wewillstartwithmiceandmice-like devices.Gamerslikemicewithextra mousebuttons,givingthemtheabilityto keybindoften-usedkeystotheirmouse

buttons.Iwillalsoincludemypersonal pickforeachtypeofdevice.

Wired:

n Logitech|G502Hero|$99.99

n Razer|BasiliskV3|$69.99

n Corsair|NightswordRGB|$99.99

n HyperX|PulsefireHaste2|$59.99

n SteelSeries|Rival3|$29.99

Wireless:

n Logitech|GPROXSuperlight2|$139.99

n Razer|Basiliskv3XHyperSpeed|$69.999

n SteelSeries|Aerox3Wireless|$119.99

n Corsair|HarpoonRGBWireless|$59.99

n Glorious|Model0Wireless|$79.99

MyPick:

Formypick,I’mgoingwiththeRazer NagaV2Pro|$179.99.Itincludes3 swappablesideplatesthatallowtheinstallationof2,6,or12programmablebuttons.e12-buttonsideplateisgreatfor thoseplayingMMOs,whichoftenrequirealotofkeybindsto playefficiently, andyoucanswapitoutforothertypesof Pleaseturntopage88

he Upper $400s om trf amily Homes Single F NowSelling LEWES,DE

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ASeason forGiving: Year-end donations makean impact onyour community

n ImagerysuppliedbyCatLane/E+/viaGettyImages

ByTarynKing Editor

Theholidaymonthsare ideallyatimefilledwith seasonalcheer,love,and generosity.

It'salsoatimetoreflectonthepast yearandwhatwewantournextyearto looklike.Ifyouwanttheworldtobea betterplace,yourholidayspiritmaybe stirredtoactintheformofgiving.

Whetherit'sgiftingtofamilyandfriends, monetarydonations,orvolunteering timeinthecommunity,theopportunities toengageinaltruisticactivitiesarenumerous.

Forthenonprofits,charitableorganizations,andsocialentrepreneurs,thisis anopportunitytoendtheirfiscalyearon astrongnote.Manyorganizationssetannualfundraisinggoalstosupporttheir programsandservices.Year-endgiving canhelptheminthatfinalpushtowards reachingthosegoals.M+RBenchmarks, anannualreportonnonprofitdigital programs,foundthatnonprofitsraisean

averageof40%oftheirrevenuesinDecemberalone.esehigh-stakesnumbersdrivehometheimportanceofthis make-or-breakfundraisingseason.

Manyorganizationskickofftheir year-endfundraisingcampaignswith GivingTuesday(thefirstTuesdayafter anksgivingintheUnitedStates),a movementthatfocusesonadvocacy,volunteering,andcommunitybuilding.In 2024,36.1millionpeopleparticipated, with12.9millionpeopledonatinggoods, whileanother9.2millionvolunteeredin variouscapacities,showcasingthevalue ofnon-monetar ycontributions.

n ImagerysuppliedbyVladimirVladimirov/ iStock/GettyImagesPlusviaGettyImages

GivingTuesdayisafree,openmovementthatanyonecanjoin.Learnmoreat GivingTuesday.org

AccordingtotheIRS,thereareabout 1.9millionregisterednonprofitsinthe UnitedStates.Fromthedonor'sperspective,thisbegsthequestion,"WhichorganizationdoIchoose?"Ofcourse,you canchoosetosupportanyorganization thatspeakstoidealsthatareclosetoyour heart,regardlessofitslocation.Butfor thosewhowanttocreateimpactalittle closertohome,looktoyourcommunities.

DelawareGivesisaplatformthatconnectsdonorsandDelawarenon-profits, ensuringdonationsimpactlocalcommunitieswithinthestate.eplatform boastsover600registerednon-profits, whicharesearchablebycounty,town,or sector,enablingdonorstofindtheirperfectmatch.DelawareGivesoffersyearroundfundraisingandeventregistration, andanyonecandonateviaDEGives.org Tangibleresultsareakeymotivatorin thechoiceto donate,regardlessofdonation method.Whilebudgetaryconcerns maypushdonorstowardvolunteeringor non-monetary,goods-baseddonations, thesemethodsarejustasimportantto thephilanthropicecosystem.Whenreviewingthevariouswaysyoucancontribute,considerthefollowingoptionsin eachcategory—

Sharethegiftoffinancial impactthisseason

•One-timeorrecurringholidaydonationstobrightentheyearforthosein need.

Pleaseturntopage82

yourgenerosityduringthefestiveseason.

makealastingimpactbeyondtheseason.

•Round-upprograms:letsparechange fromshoppingbeagifttoacause.

•Corporatematchinggiftstodouble

•Sponsoraprogramorfamily:funda holidaymeal,wintergear,orspecialproject.

•Legacygivingorholidaypledges:

•Holiday“giftdonations”:givein someone’snametoafavoritecharityor socialventure.

n ImagerysuppliedbyVladimir Vladimirov/E+/viaGettyImages

Bringwarmthandconnection withyourtimeandtalents

•Hands-onholidayvolunteering:help servemeals,wrapgifts,ordecoratecommunityspaces.

•Probonoservicesforholidaycampaigns:marketing,design,techsupport, oreventplanning.

•Mentorshiporcoaching:guidesocial entrepreneursorstudentsasaseasonal giftofknowledge.

•Virtualvolunteering:tutor,readstories,orwritecardsforthosecelebrating inisolation.

•Holidayfundraisingevents :hostor coordinateseasonaldrives,benefitdinners,oronlineauctions.

•Boardorcommitteeinvolvement: lendyourexpertisetohelpnonprofits planandthrive.

Givetangiblegiftsthatbring immediatejoy

•Food,warmclothing,orhygienekits forshelters,families,andneighborsin need.

•Wintergear,toys,orschoolsupplies: perfectforholidaydrives.

•Officesupplies,furniture,ortech: helpnonprofitsrunsmoothlyintothe newyear.

•Giftbaskets,experiences,orhandmade itemsforholidayauctionsor fundraising.

•Space,transportation,orequipment: loanvenues,vehicles,orstorageforfestiveevents.

•Creativecontributions:photography, art,ormediacontenttospreadholiday cheerandawareness.

Millvillepastorhelps congregants,visitorsdeal withholidaystress,loneliness

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

n PhotoscourtesyofMUMC

It’sthewinterholidayseason,withallof itscolor,lights,festivities,joyandenthusiasticanticipation.

Itisalsoatimewhenloneliness,stress, despairandsorrowcansignificantlydim thecheerfulmoodandjoyoussensations usuallyassociatedwithChristmas.

eRev.WendyButterworth,pastorat MillvilleUnitedMethodistChurch,understandstherangeofchallengingemotions thatmaybefeltduringthe late-December holiday.

Beforeministeringtomembersofher congregation,aswellasvisitorstothe church,Butterworthsaid,shealwaysremindsherselfofwhatChristmasisall about.

“ChristmasisallaboutJesusChrist,”said Butterworth.“Iusethatasmyfirmfoundationandgrowitfromthere.atallowsme tostayfocusedontherealreasonforwhy wehaveChristmas.Iexpandonthatwith grace,love,joyandallthosethingsthat comewithbeingapartoftheholiday.”

eChristmasholidayseasonisobviouslyabusytimeforfaithleaderssuchas Butterworth.isyearinparticular,Lent arrivesjustsixweeksafterAdvent,which meansshemustdealwithChristmasand thenEasterinrelativelyshortorder.

“Ihavealotgoingonbothinthechurch andathome,”shesaid.“Istartpreparingfor theholidayveryearly—usuallyinJuly— andjustkeepmoving.AndIfindthejoyin whatistocome.Imaynothavethemost beautifullywrappedgifts,norismyhome asdecoratedasI’dlikeittobe.Andthat’s OK,becausethereasonIfindsomuchjoy

inChristmasisknowingthatJesuscame intotheworldandwhathe’scometodo.”

Helpingcongregantsandchurch visitorsdealwithdepressionand loneliness

Oneofthemostimportantthingsthat peopleneedwhentheyarelonelyduring

Pleaseturntopage86

theholidays,Butterworthsaid,isforsomeonetotellthem,“It’sOK,youdon’thaveto feeljoyfulallthewayorputonahappyface andpretendit’sjoyful.You’vesuffereda loss,you’redealingwithsomethingthat’s causedyougreatpain—perhapsthelossof alovedone,orajob,”shesaid.“Wehavea lotoffolkscomingfromWashington,D.C. whodon’tknowiftheywillhavejobsinthe nearfuture.SoIsitandlisten.Idon’tabsorbthepain,butIsharethepain.Ihear whatisbeingsaid,andwhatisnotbeing said.

“isisasafeplacewhereweletthembe whotheyare,”addedthepastor.“Ifthey wanttocomehereandvent,orcry,orjust beinthemomentoftheirpain,that’sOK. at’sveryhelpfulforthem.”

Inadditiontohelpingcongregantsand visitorstoherchurchoffice,Butterworth alsomakesarrangementstovisitthosewho needhelpnavigatingtheemotionsofthe season.

Drawingonpersonalexperience

WhenButterworthmeetswithacongre-

gantorvisitortothechurchwhoisexperiencingsorroworlossduringtheholiday, shesaid,shedrawsonpersonalexperience.

“OneofthemanythingsIhaveexperiencedaftertheunexpecteddeathofmy mominNovember2011.…Whenyouexperiencealossofanytype,itfeelsasifyour wholelifehasbeenrearrangedwithout yourpermission,”shesaid.“Andlosscomes inmanyforms.Certainly,thedeathofa lovedone,butalsothelossofarelationship,ajoborsourceofincome,good health,ahome,oranythingthatwaspartof your‘usuallife’thatnolongerexistscan createpainandfear.

“Everythingyouknewisnolongernormal,”sheadded.“Findingyourfooting againtakestime,andthereisneveradate circledonthecalendartosaythat,afterthis date,youwillbeOKagain.Ittakesaslong asittakes,anditwillneverbeasitonce was.Butwhileyourworldistornapartand atastandstill,theworldaroundyougoes on,andyouhavenoideahowthatispossible.

“AtChristmasandthenewyear,itgets harder.Notonlydoyouneedtofigureout howtonavigatethenew‘dailyroutine’and allthatitbrings—butaddingthepressure

tolookforwardtoa newyear, findingjoy andgood cheerfor Christmas, andputting asmileon yourfaceso youdon’t diminish theholidays forotherscanbeoverwhelming.”

Helpingcongregants,visitorsdeal withdeathofloved-ones

eholidayscanbeverydifficultfor thosewhohavelostaspouse,relativeora closefriend,regardlessofwhetherthepassingwasrecentorseveralyearsprior.

“esorrowandthefeelingoflosscan goonforyears,”saidButterworth.“Imake suretorecognizethatthepainistherefor them,andIletthemknowthatit’sOKfor themtofeelthewaytheyfeel.Inevertell themanythinglike,‘It’sbeensolong—get overit.’”

epastor saidsheusuallytriesto sharethe memoriesof aloved-one atholiday timeandto determine wherethe painiscomingfrom.

“ere mayhavebeensomanyholidaytraditions thatreliedonthatpersonbeingapartof yourlife,”shesaid.“Tonothavethosetraditionscanmakeitdifficulttomaintainthe Christmasspirit.Iattempttogetthemto discusswhatanewtraditionlookslike,or howtoadjustthosetraditions.Weoften saythereisanemptychairwhensomeone isnolongerwithus.Perhapstheactof physicallyputtingthatemptychairatthe tablecanbeawayofrecognizingthatpersonandreflectinghowmuchyou’dlovefor themtobethere.”

Helpingcongregantsand visitorsdealwithfinances,gifts andentertaining

Becausethelossoffinancialresources canbeanobviousdeterrenttoholidayjoy, Butterworthandherstafftrytohelpthose inneedasbesttheycan.

“It’snotwhatyougive,it’sthethought behindit,”shesaid.“Weaskpeople tofocus onthat.Weknowthatsomefolkshavethe desiretokeepupwiththeJonesesorget theirwifetheperfectgift.Wetrytofocus onthelovethatisbehindthegift,whichis muchmoreimportantthanthegiftitself.

“erearealsothosewhowanttoentertain,tohavetheperfectChristmasdinner fortheirsonandhisgirlfriend,”addedthe pastor.“Wetrytohelpfolksunderstand thatit’sanimportantpartoftheholidayto dowhattheycando,andtoavoidgetting stressed.We encouragethemtoconcentrateonthejoyandlovethatcomewiththe holidayseason,andtofocusonthetruenatureoftheholiday,inadditiontoallofthe gifts,colorandglitter.”

eholidaycheercanalsobedimmed bythelossofemployment.

“Wetrytorecognizethatthisisnotthe endofacareer,butjustabumpinthe road,”shesaid.“Itellpeoplethat,when you’redown,Godisuptosomething.It maynotbeclearnow,anditmaybediffi-

cult,butweneedtorecognizethatGod may shutsomedoorssootherscanopen.”

Focusingonthespiritualaspect oftheholiday

ButterworthsaidshefocusesonthespiritualaspectoftheChristmasholidayand askspeopletorealizethatJesuscameto savethem.

“Foralloflife’strialsandtribulations, theyshouldrealizewhatJesusdidforus,” shesaid.“Wearegoingtogetthroughthis together,withGodbyyourside.WithHim, allthingsarepossible.”

Asafaithleader,Butterworthsaidshe oftenfindsthatthebesthelpshecandois toofferasafeplacewheresomeonecan comeandbeintheirgenuineplaceofpain, grief,confusion,fear,orwhateverelsethey areexperiencing.

“erewillbenojudgmentandnoadmonitiontogetoverit,nomatterhowlong theyhavesuffered,”saidthepastor.“Idesire tobeapersonwhocanofferhopethrough thepromiseofwhatGodisdoingthrough hisSon,andtosharethetruepromiseof JesusasSavior—thesaviorofallwhoare hurting,lostandbrokenwhenothers

aroundthemaresinging‘JoytotheWorld.’” epastoracknowledgedthatthereis nothingshecansayordothatwillinstantly removeaperson’spain.

“ButIcanatleastholdthepainfora whileassomeonetriesnotonlytogetback ontheirfeet,butalsoneedstotakeadeep breathagain,”shesaid.“Mydoorisalways opentoall,andeveryoneiswelcometo visitmeatMillvilleUnitedMethodist Church.Ifsomeoneislookingforasafe placetoexperiencelossthisChristmas,we areherewithopenheartstowalkwith theminpeace,graceandChrist’slove.”

MillvilleUnitedMethodistChurchislocatedat36405ClubHouseRoadatAtlantic Avenue(Route26).echurchphone numberis(302)539-9077,andtheire-mail addressis

millvillechurchwesley@yahoo.com.e Rev.WendyButterworthcanbereachedat (302)743-4047or PastorWendyB@gmail.com. echurchwebsiteisat www.millvillemethodistchurch.org.

Continuedfrompage78

gamesthatdon’trequireasmanykeybinds.ItalsohasaHyperscrollPro Wheel,whichallowsyoutochangethe feelofthescrollwheel.Youcantogglebetween5differentmodes,andevencustomizeonetoyourliking.Youcanalso getwirelesschargingforthedevice,andit canconnectviaHyperSpeed,Bluetooth, orUSBType-C(tobeabletousethe mousewhilechargingthebattery).

Upnextonthedocketiskeyboards. Forthemostpart,wiredorwireless,it doesn’treallymatterthatmuch(how oftenareyounotsittingatyourdeskand typingonadesktopcomputer?)Youdon’t needtomovethekeyboardmucheither, soawireisn’tusuallyanykindofhindrance.UnlessyourgamerhastheirPC ratherfarfromtheirdeskspace,itwon’t reallymattermuch.Belowarethetop5 mechanicalkeyboardsandthetop5nonmechanical.emechanicalvarietiesare goingtobethemoreexpensiveones,but theyaretactileandusuallylastlonger. Plus,thesoundtheymakeisquitepleasing.(Maybenotforeveryone,especiallyif yourgamergamesinacommonarea, whichiswhyI’mincludingnon-mechanicalaswell.)

Mechanical:

n Logitech|GPROXTKLRapid|$189.99

n Corsair|K100RGB|$229.99

n Razer|BlackWidowV475%|$189.99

n SteelSeries|Apex9TKL|$139.99

n Keychrono|C3Pro|$54.99

Non-mechanical:

n Corsair|K55RGB|$69.99

n Logitech|G213ProdigyRGB|$59.99

n HyperX|AlloyCoreRGB|$54.99

n Razer|OrnataV3X|$39.99

n SteelSeries|Apex3TKL|$54.99

Mypick:

Ipreferlow-profilekeysandafullkeyboard,soIpersonallyuseaLogitech G815,butLogitechcurrentlyhasthe G915Xatthesamepriceorlower,soI wouldrecommendtheG915X.Ituses improvedmaterials,aslightlyshorteractuationpointforimprovedresponsiveness,andimprovedmacrosupport.IfI werebuyingonetoday,thiswouldbemy choice.

erearealwaysbiggameslaunching throughouttheyear,buttheholidayseasonisusuallywhenthebigboysrelease theirblockbustergames.Ihavealready namedabunchofthemintheconsole section,buthereisalistofthemostpopularand/orthemostanticipatedgamesof theyear.

n CallofDuty:BlackOps7|ActivisionBlizzard| November14,2025

n Battlefield6|ElectronicArts|October10,2025

n NinjaGaiden4|PlatinumGamesInc.|October21,2025

n HollowKnight:Silksong|TeamCherry| September4,2025

n Borderlands4|GearboxSoftware| September12,2025

n Assassin’sCreedShadows|Ubisoft|March20,2025

n Kingdom ComeDeliverance2|WarhorseStudios| February4,2025

n DyingLight:TheBeast|Techland|September18,2025

n TheOuterWorlds2|ObsidianEntertainment| October2,2025

n Frostpunk2|11BitStudios|September18,2025

n MarvelCosmicInvasion|TributeGames| December1,2025

n Anno117:PaxRomana|Ubisoft|November13,2025

n Paralives|ParalivesStudio|December8,2025

n ArcRaiders|EmbarkStudios|October30,2025

erearelikelytonsofgamesyour gamerhasn’tplayedthathavestoodthe testoftime,andmaybeworthlooking intotoprovidesomegoodentertainment andmaybeevenabitofnostalgia.

Someofthebestgamesofalltime:

n Half-Life2|Valve|2004

n TheWitcher3:WildHunt|CDProjectRed|2015

n Counter-Strike:GlobalOffensive/CS2|Valve|2012/2023

n TheElderScrollsV:Skyrim|Bethesda|2011

n CivilationIV/VI|FiraxisGames|2005/2016 Pleaseturntopage91

SCREEN & ALL-SEASON ROOMS SCREEN&ALL-SEASONROOMS SHOWER & TUB ENCLOSURES SHOWER&TUBENCLOSURES

Shop Local!

Don’tforgetyourlittlebuddywhenyouaredoingyourholidayshopping. islocalpetstorehaseverythingyouneed.Newholidaytoysforthe stocking,lotsofgreatsnacks,andalargeselectionofcollars,leashes,and harnessesforlargetosmallcatsanddogs.Fromkeepingthemwarmwith fleecedogjacketstokeepingthemhealthywithvitamins,flea,andtick products,theyhaveitall.

LocatedinahistoricMillvillebuilding,thislocally-ownedfamilybusinesshaseverythingyouneedforyourfamilypet.

n StarCraft/StarCraftII|BlizzardEntertainment|

n Minecraft|Mojang|2011

n Portal2|Valve|2011

n GrandTheftAutoV|RockstarGames|2013

Honorablementions:

n Baldur’sGate3|LarianStudios|2023

n WorldofWarcraft|BlizzardEntertainment|2004

n EldenRing|FromSoftwareInc.|2022

n MassEffect2|BioWare|2010

n Warframe|DigitalExtremes|2013

TheStreamer

WiththepopularityofYouTubeand Twitchstreaming,moreandmorepeople areflockingtotestthestreamingwaters, andifyourlovedonedreamsofmakingit big,you’llwanttohelpthemacquiresome ofthebasicequipmentneededtoget started.ebiggestthingneededisacomputercapableofgamingandencodingthe videoforthestream.erearemultitudes ofsystemsoutthere,andIdon’thave enoughspacetogetintothosedetails.If theyareinterestedingaming,theylikely

havesomethingthatwillwork,atleastfor themoment.I’dliketofocusonsomeof thesmallerthingsthey’llneedtomake theirdreamscometrue.esethingsincludeadecentmicrophone,awebcam,and miscellaneousdevices.

Probablythebestplacetostartismicrophones.iswillallowyourstreamerto communicatewiththeiraudiencewith clarityandallowtheirviewerstoconnect withthem.ebetterandclearerthey sound,themorelikelyavieweristoreturn andwatchmorecontent.

Top10microphones:

n Shure|SM7dB|XLR|$549

n Shure|MV6USBGamingMicrophone|USB|$169

n Blue Yeti|USB|$99

n HyperX|QuadCast2USBMicrophone|USB|$129.99

n Fifine|AmpliGameAM8|HybridXLR/USB|$74.99

n RODE|PodMicUSB/Hybrid|HybridXLR/USB|$99.99

n RODE|NT-USB+USBCondenserMicrophone|USB|$149

n Sennheiser|ProfileUSBMicrophone|USB|$299.95

n Elgato|WaveNeoUSBCondenserMicrophone|USB| $89.99

n HyperX|SoloCastUSBCondesnerMicrophone|USB| $59.99

Anotherdevicethathelpstoconnect viewerswiththeirfavoritestreamersisthe webcam.Belowisalistofvariedprice rangesandbrandstohelpyoufindone withinyourbudget.

n onn4KWebcam:Ultra-budget4Koption(~$30-40)delivering2160pcapability.Goodforentrysetupsorbackup cams.

n LogitechC920SHDProWebcam:Astalwartinstreaming, 1080p,goodquality,solidvalue(~$50-70).Greatstarting point.

n LogitechC922ProStreamWebcam:Astepupforstreamers: 1080p,720p@60fpssupport,goodforsmoothermotion (~$110-120).

n Logitech StreamCam:Creator-oriented,1080p@60fps,USBC,betterlens/encoding(~$90-170dependingregion).

n EMEETS6004KWebcam:4Kwebcamatamid-price(~$6070),offering4Kvideoandgoodspecsforstreaming.

n LogitechBRIO100:Budgetfull-HD(1080p)withbasic streamingfeatures(~$30),goodforbackuporsimplesetups.

n ElgatoFacecamMK2:ProsumerlevelfullHD(1080p) streamingcamwithbettercontrolandimagequality (~$140).

n ElgatoFacecam4K:Premium4Kstreamingcam,highquality,idealforseriousstreamerswhowantcrispvisuals (~$199).

Peace On Earth

n RazerKiyoProUltra:High-endgamingstreamingwebcam withlargesensorandexcellentlow-lightperformance (~$350-400).

n OBSBOTTiny2AI-Powered4KWebcam:Toptier,4K,AI tracking,high-endfeatures(~$299+),forstreamerswho movearoundandwantdynamiccams.

Nextupareafewmiscellaneousdevices thatrelatetostreamingandmightbethe perfectgiftforyourstreamer.

n ElgatoStreamDeck+:Ahardwarepadwithcustomizable buttons(macros,sceneswitches,audiomuting)—super helpful tomanageyourstreamworkflowwithoutalt‐tabbing.MSRP~$199.99.

n ElgatoHD60XCaptureCard:Idealifyou’restreamingfrom aconsoleorwantasecondPCorcamerafeed.Highquality capture+passthroughiskey.MSRP~$139.99

n LogitechLitraGlowStreamingLight:Properlightingimprovesyourvideolookdramatically—reducesshadows, improvesreadabilityofyourface.MSRP~$69.99.

n KikkerlandLive-StreamingKit(PhoneHolder+LED):A budget-friendly starterkitforstreamingfromphoneor extraangle—includesLEDlight+phoneclamp.Price~ $30.

n BenroMeVIDEOLiveStreamAccessoryKit:Mountingrigfor phones/cameras/lightswithflexarms—greatformultiangleorcreativestreamsetups.Pricerange$45–$50.

n LogitechGLitraBeamLXDual-SidedStreamingLight:Premiumlightingtool:onesidekeylight,theother ambient/RGB—formoreprofessionallook.MSRP~ $159.99.

n North CompleteCreatorStreamingKit:All-in-onebundle (webcam+light+micstand/tripod)forcreatorswhowant a“pull-everything-togetherfast”solution.Pricearound $40–50(bundle).

n j5createScreenCastHDMIWirelessDisplay:WirelessHDMI displaytransmitter—helpfulifyouwanttostreamcontentfromanotherdevicewirelesslyorshowyourgameplay onasecondscreen.Price~$45.

n HangmanSmartDeviceShelf:Asmallbutusefuldevice.Itis asecureshelfformountingstreaminggear(camera,lights, capture hardware)onawallordesk.$20–25.

TheFrequentTraveler

Everyonehasreasontotravelonceina while;someofushavetodoitmoreoften, andthereareplentyofitemsthatarequite convenientandevennecessarytohelp makeourtravelsthatmucheasier.Ideasare itemsthatarelightweightand/orcompact, itemsthathelptravelerskeeptheirtech gadgetspoweredthroughtheirtravels,or evenhelpthemstayorganizedandhelpto carrythemtoalltheirdestinations. emostobviousplacetostartislap-

tops.Yourtravelerislikelytowantsomethinglightweight,butstillpowerfulenough tokeeptheminthegameduringthoselong trips.Hereareafewofthelightest,most powerful,andevensomebudget-friendly laptopstohelpthemgetthroughtheirjourneys.

n AppleMacBookAir13”(M4):Atoptravelchoice.Inreviews itdelivered~14-15hoursofweb-surfingbatterylifein real-worldtests.Weightislowandbuildisexcellent.Some trade-offs: fewerports.YoucouldalsolookintotheMacBookPro,ifyourtravelerneedssomethingwithabitmore oomphinthepowerdepartment.$999forthe13”base model.•MicrosoftSurfaceLaptop13.8”Copilot+PC:Windowsoption,ultrathinandlightweight,goodfortravel. $1,099.99startingprice.

n LenovoThinkPadX1CarbonGen13:Abusinesstraveller’s favourite.Excellentdurabilityandportability.Startsaround $2,000 forthebusinessmodel.

n SamsungGalaxyBook5Pro14”:Strongperformanceplus goodtravelcredentials(battery+portability)basedonrecentreporting.$1,099.99aslistedfora14”model.

n ASUSZenBookA14:Greatforultra-portabletravelfocus: lighterweight,goodspecs,goodvalue.$999.99listedfor themodelcited.

n MicrosoftSurfaceLaptop13”(2025):Veryportable,good batterylife,solidtravelcompanionfordailyproductivity. $299.99forthebaselinemodel.

n ASUSVivobook14:Morebudget-friendlytraveloption:decentspecsforeverydaytaskswhilestillbeingportable. $1,199forthe15”modelatlaunch.

n ASUSVivobook16”:Slightlylargerscreen(16”)butstillrelativelyportable;goodifyouwantmoredisplayreal-estate whiletravelingbutstillmanageable.Startingat$599.99 forthebasemodel,andthehigherS16startsat$999.99.

n LenovoIdeaPadSlim3(Chromebook):Lightestandmost budget-friendly; greatifyourtasksareworkflowscompatiblewithChrome/Androidecosystemandyouprioritize portabilityoverrawpower.$319forthebasemodel,howeveritisoftenonsaleforaslowas$183.

n LenovoYoga7i16”2-in-1:Amoreversatile2-in-1option fortravel:tabletmode+laptopmode.Slightlyheavier,but goodflexibilityfortravelusage.$1,019.99forthebase model.

Anothermuch-neededaccessoryfor thoseonthegoisbatterybanks.eyhelp keeptheirdevicespoweredupwhenthey aren’tclosetoanoutlet.

n AnkerLaptopPowerBank25K165W:25,000mAhcapacity, 165Woutput—excellentforcharginglaptops+multipledevices.Goodforserioustravelerswhousehigh-powerdevices.

n UGREENNexode100W12KmAhPowerBank:12,000mAh butsupports100WUSB-Coutput—greatbalance:high power,decentsize,goodfortablets/laptopsintravel.

n Anker737PowerCore24K:24,000mAhcapacity,solidmid/high capacityforextendedtravel,chargingmultipledevices.

n BelkinBoostChargePro3-PortLaptopPowerBank20K: 20,000mAh,threeports(twoUSB-C,oneUSB-A).Perfectif youtravelwithmultipledevices.

n BelkinBoostChargePlus10KUSB-CPowerBank:10,000 mAhcapacity,USB-Cfocus—greatforphone/tablettravel minimalists.

n INIU10,000mAhPD22.5WPortableCharger:Budgetoption,lightandcompact,10,000mAhcapacity,goodfor basictravelneeds.

n DeWaltRuggedPowerBank10,000mAh:10,000mAhbut designed rugged(dust/waterresistant)—goodifyour travelinvolvesoutdoororrough-handling.

n PocketJuiceSlimPro20,000mAh:20,000mAhcapacityat amoreaffordablepricepoint,slimformfactor—good valuetravelpick.

n INIU20,000mAhPD22.5WPowerBank:Anothervalue highcapacityoption:20,000mAh,fastcharging,multiple ports—greatforextendedtripsonabudget.

n Onn5,000mAhCompactPortableBattery:Ultrabudget/ultra-portable:5,000 mAhcapacity,pocket friendly—idealtripod,secondarybankfortravel.

Agoodbackpack,briefcase,orsuitcase forfrequenttravelersisamust.Itshouldbe ofgoodquality,haveplentyofstoragefor alloftheirfavoritetake-alongs,andtech gadgets.ebestoneI’veseenisdesigned byoneofmyfavoriteYouTubers,Linus TechTips.Besuretocheckitoutat https://www.lttstore.com/products/back-

pack.Ithasplentyofpockets(22,ifyou’re counting)forchargers,cables,andallkinds ofotheraccessories,allowingforquickaccesstoalmosteverythingbeingcarriedby yourfrequenttraveler.Itwasdesignedtofit undermostairplaneseats,soit’smadefor frequenttravelers.Itcanfitupto2laptops ofjustaboutanysize,featuresaraisedmicrosuede-linedtabletsleeve,andhasaspot forahandheldgamingdevice.It’sabiton thepriceysideat$249.99,butit’sdefinitely builttolastandaccommodatesalmost everythingneededforyourfrequenttraveler.Hereareafewother,cheaperoptions ifyoucan’tswingthe$250pricetag.

n LovevookTravelCollegeBookbag:Averybudget-friendly option(~$46.99)thatincludesadedicatedlaptopcompartment(fitsupto~15.6”)andmultiplepocketsfortechgear. Greatvalueifyou’rewatchingcost.

n TravelSelectGrayville17”MultifunctionalTechLaptop Backpack:Around~$31.99—largersize(fitsupto17” laptop),builtfortravel:paddedlaptopcompartment,USB charging port,luggage-handlesleeve.Nicefortech-loaded travelwithoutpremiumcost. Pleaseturntopage102

KidStuff: Toys,

ByLauraWalter StaffReporter

n PhotosbyLauraWalter

What’sthattoyyourkidshavebeen talkingaboutlately?Whatarethesecollectibles?Whatisthefandomthatseems tobeabook,TVshow,videogame,deck ofcards,andlunchbox?

reelocaltoyandgameshopsshared somegiftoptionsthatwilldelightthe youngfolksonyourgiftlist.

Considershoppinglocalattheseand

othershops,whichwillbeopenallseason:BethanySportsCardsPlus,Comics andGamingWestFenwick ,KisaToysand Games,MyriadsToysandGames,Ocean ViewSportsCards&Collectibles,TidepoolToys&Games,andYesterday’sFun.

GamesforOneandAll

Boardgamesandcardgamesneverget old—maybebecausetherearealwaysnew inventions.“eseareallgamesthattake like20minutestoplay.It’snotallday,”

Gethandsonwithbuildingorhelpingto learnmoreathome.

saidSandySmythofTidepoolToys& Games.“ebigthingwetrytolookfor is:theylearnwhilehavingfun.”

BlankSlateprovidesfunwithwords andcreativethinking.Tactaislikea cousinofdominoes,where“youcanonly layyourcardonanothercardwiththe sameshape…itcanbeanywherefrom twopeopletoawholegroup,”saidSmyth. Flip7wasastafffavoriteforplayingwith elementary-agednieces,asplayerspress theirlucktocollectpointcards.IQPentagonisaone-playerlogicgame,asyou arrangecolorfulpiecestomatchapuzzle. FrogHopkinsisanaward-winningstrategygameforages4+withrecycledmaterials,vegetable-basedinks,andcreatedby awoman-ownedcompany.

BuildIt,CodeIt,DisplayIt

Activitykitsaremadeforallages. esearegearedtowardslightlyolderaudiencesandcanbedisplayedafterward. “Onarainyday,orifyou’rehomefrom school,youcanstillhavealittlefunwith craftsandlearning,”saidSandySmyth of TidepoolToys &Games."Andonceit's completed,it'ssomethingyouwantto haveonyourshelf.It'saprojectyoucan

Noshamefeelingnerdywhilefeeling competitiveatthesametime.

beproudof."

MyRoboticPet:CodingChameleonis forkidsinterestedincomputercoding,as theybuildarobotlizardthatperforms tasksdependingonthecoloritsenses. LegoFormula1modelcarkitsrangefrom bigtosmall,$20to$200.LegoBotanical Collectionkitshavean18+agesuggestion,notduetocomplexity,butprobably becauseit’sconsidereddelicatedécorinsteadofatoy.

WhichOneDidYouGet?

Mysterybags,blindboxes,surprise gifts…openingthoselittlepackages launchesadopaminerushthat,yes,adds tothedelightoftheunknown.ey’re alsogoodstockingstuffers.“Youdon’t knowwhatyou’regoingtoget,”said SandySmythofTidepoolToys&Games. “You’regoingtogetoneoftheseseries.”

Smiskifigurinesshowaglow-in-thedarkfigureoftendoingeverydayactivities,likecarryingmovingboxes,or daydreamingwithacat.NanoPods by WowStuffbringfavoriteDCsuperheroes toyourdesktopwithfun,cartoon-like miniatures.PosturePalcreatedHippers

Collectthemall,knowingyou’regetting amysterysurprise.

Funbarus,alineofadorable,attachable animalminis—especiallyfunbecause “Japanesecollectablesareaveryhotitem rightnow.”

NerdsHavetheMostFun

You’veprobablyheardofDungeons& DragonsorWarhammer40,000,andboth

Pleaseturntopage96

havebeenaroundfordecades.ey’rethe mostfunwhenplayedinperson.“We’ve seenabiguptickinDungeons&Dragons. ‘I’mpresent,I’mherephysicallyplaying thiswithmyfriend,’”explainedRyan StuckeyofKisaToysandGames.

Atitsheart,D&Discooperativegroup storytelling,usingdicetodetermineif yourcharacter’sdesiredactionsaresuc-

cessful.Trythe5-MinuteDungeongame tosolvequickscenariosasagroupif you'renewtothisstyleofplay.

Meanwhile,Warhammerisatactical strategygamebetweenarmiesofhandpaintedminis.Warhammer40,000IntroductorySetprovideseverythingfortwo beginnerstobuildandpaintopposing armies,thenrollsomediceandplaythe game.

YourRoomisSoCool

Goodnews:lavalampsarestillcool.So aretheplasmaballlampsthatshootelectric-bluelighttoyourfingers.

“Ifyou’vegrownupwithaphonein yourhands,Ithinkthere’safascination withtheunpluggedandthetactile,”said Ryan StuckeyofKisaToysandGames.“I thinkforalotof[young]people,it’sthe firsttimetheyareseeingit.ese… lampsareanenduringthing.”

“eycomein,andthey’relike,‘Ohmy god,howdoesthiswork?”addedKsenia Litvinova.

Peoplecontinuetobedelightedbyany colorfulphenomenonthattheycanwatch ortouch.

DesignItorDissectIt

Howdoestheworldarounduswork? Fromfossilstoplanetariums,colorlabsto sensoryactivities—there’salwayssomethingtogetyourhandson.

Braceletweavingandartkitsprovidea creativeoutlet.“ey’recomingback,all theclassicartsandcrafts,”saidKsenia LitvinovaofKisaToysandGames.“Beads arecomingback.ere’salotoffriendshipbracelets.”

“I’vealsonoticedanuptickinthetraditionalscience,”saidRyanStuckey,likethe

Dissect-Itsyntheticanimaldissection kits,ortheScienceAdventCalendarwith activitiesforeachnightofDecember.“I findalotofpeoplegivetheseaspirational giftsaroundChristmas.”

Pokémon…‘NuffSaid.

Foranyonewhostilldoesn’tknow:the Pokémonfranchiserevolvesaroundakidfriendly(butall-ages-obsessed)worldin whichhumancharacterscollect“pocket monsters”thatcanbereleasedtodobattle.ebasecollectionincludes151creatures,butover1,000differentcreatures exist,rangingfromcool(dragonsandsea creatures)tocharminglydumb(acarpor anactualrubbishpile).

"ere'salotofpeoplewhoplaya game,andothersjustlikethelookofit," saidBrianLigonofOceanViewSports Cards&Collectibles.“erearesomany differentproducts.”

eshopsellsthoseoh-so-coveted Pokémoncards.Somepeoplebuilda competitivedecktoactuallyplaythetradingcardgame(eachcharactercardhas statsforbattling).Forthat,considerbuyingcardpacks,displaybinders,orstarter

kits.“Pokémoncomesoutwithanewset everyfewmonths.Itcomeswithanumberofpacks[plussupplies]toplaythe game.esearetogetpeoplegoing,” Ligonsaid.

Otherpeoplejustlovecollectingcards, andthey’relookingfortherareprints, mintconditions,holographicdesigns,or theirfavoritecreature.

“Wecatertothekids.…Wehave

something—evenifakidcomesinhere withadollar,”saidTommy Johnson.e shopalsosellsmorecovetedcardsthat cancost$5,$10,orinvestmentlevelsof money.

Becausecardsarecollectible,Johnson alsowarnedfamiliestowatchoutfor counterfeitcards,especiallyifyou’reconsideringanexpensivepurchaseonlineor fromanunknowndealer.

SusanLyons:

“HomeAlone”isoneof myfavoritemoviesthatI watcheveryyear.Mainly becauseIlovegoodoldfashionedslapstick.Ilike moviesthatentertain,and youcanjustclearyour mindandlaughoutloud.

DarinMcCann:

It’s“AChristmasStory”, simplybecauseoftheconnectionwithmyfamily.My parentstookustoseethat movieinthetheaterswhen itwasfirstreleased,andwe madesuretowatchit everyChristmasweweretogetheruntilmy mompassed.NowIwatchitwithmyown familyeveryyear,andwestilllaughatthe samesceneseverytimearound.

SusanMutz:

“HomeAlone2:Lostin NewYork”hasbeenmy favoriteChristmasmovie sinceIwasateen.Watchingitnowwithmyown kidsbringsbackthelaughter,lessonsandmagicIfelt growingup.efestivestreetsofNewYork andKevin’swildadventureneverlosetheir charm.

TarynKing: Growingupmyfamily

alwayswatched“Miracle on34thStreet”on anksgivingday.istraditionhasheldtrue,but when“eSantaClause” cameout,wealsoworked thatoneintothemix.Ireallydolovethe storyandthequotabilityof“Miracleon 34thStreet”,anditwillalwaysholdaspecial placeinmyheart.But,ifIhavetochoose, “eSantaClause”ismyfavorite.Idonot, inanywaycareforthefilmsequels,butthe firstoneisabsolutelyfantastic.Notonly doesTimAllenbringhisreluctantSanta downtoearthinwaysthatonlyhecan,but thefilmisfulloflaughter,emotion,nostalgia,andthebestgrumpyelftoexistsince theElfForemanin“RudolphtheRednosedReindeer”(Bernardisprobablymy spiritanimal).

PatriciaTitus: Iloveallthe Rankin/Bassholidayspecials,butmyfavoriteis “eLifeandAdventures ofSantaClaus,”basedon thestoryby“Wizardof Oz”authorFrankL.Baum. Itusesthewondersof theirstop-motion animationtotellaSantaoriginstoryrooted innatureandmyth.

ShaunLambert: “DieHard”,1988.Iknow manyofyouwillargue thatitisNOTaChristmas moviebutallowmetoretort.

emovietakesplace onChristmasEve,andI believethemaincriteriaforaChristmas movieisthatittakesplaceduringthe Christmasseason.esoundtrackisfilled withmanytraditionalholidaysongs.Allof thegreatChristmasmoviesareaboutlove, reconciliation,sacrificeandhope,allof whicharethemainthemesinDieHard, butwithmorebullets!Italsogaveusethe ultimateChristmasquote:“NowIhavea

machinegun.Ho-ho-ho.” Butinallseriousness,I thinkmyfavoriteChristmasmovieisthe2000 movie,“eFamilyMan”.I amnotsurewhy,butit’sa moviethatjusthitsmein thefeelseverytimeI watchit.

JillianStohr: e1966cartoon,“How theGrinchStoleChristmas!”ismyfavoriteholidayfilm.Evenaftersixty years,thesong“You’rea MeanOne,Mr. Grinch”remainshilarious.

ChrisAube: Myfavoriteholiday movieofalltimeis“Home Alone”.IfIeverneed somethingthatwillmake melaughoutloud(sometimesobnoxiously),Home Aloneisdefinitelyago-to especiallyduringtheholidayseason.

KerinMagill: “It’saWonderfulLife”is hands-downmyfavorite holidaymovie.IloveitbecauseGeorgeBaileyrepresentsallthatisgoodand pureandkindandforgiving.

Funfact:Wenamedourdog“Bailey”becausewegotherrightbeforeChristmas andwantedhernametoreflectthatwithoutsaddlingherwithsomethinglike“Jingles”or“Noël”.

MikeStern: Loveandstillwatchthe movie“ChristmasVacation”becauseitembodies theimportanceoffamily lifeandhumorouslyexhibitsthelengthswegoto inordertomaketheholidayssowonderful.

JasonFeather: Ourfamily’sfavorite holidaymovieis“Elf”starringWillFerrell.Nomatterhowmanytimeswe watchit,wealwaysgeta goodlaugh.

LauraWalter: “eHoliday”.Iadore thisromanticcomedy wheretheleadcharacters switchhouses(snowyEnglandandbalmyLosAngeles)inordertoshakeoff theirownfailedrelationships.What’stolove?Inaplotfeaturing someofmyfavoriteactors,KateWinslet befriendselderlyneighbor/HollywoodlegendEliWallachandlightheartedJackBlack longbeforeconsideringromancewiththe latter.Meanwhile,CameronDiazandJude Lawenjoyimmediateromance,whilerecoveringfromfracturedrelationshipsand frayedemotions.ChristmasandNewYears areabackgroundtothestory,so“eHoliday”isdelightfulyear-round.Bonus: moviesaboutfilmmakingarealwaysfun andself-aware

SusanCanfora: Myfavoriteholiday movieis“AChristmas Carol”,theoldblackand whiteversionfrom1951 starringtheScottishactor AlistairSim,portraying EbenezerScrooge.Charles Dickenswrotethebookin1843andthe storyremainsimportantandvaluable,especiallyintoday’ssociety.Myfavorite sceneisChristmasmorning,whenScrooge awakensafterbeingvisitedbytheghostsof ChristmasPast,ChristmasPresentand ChristmasFutureandhe’ssogratefulto be aliveheisgiddy.“Imuststandonmyhead,” hesays,thenrushestothewindowtoaska boypassingbyhishousetogotothe butchershopandbuythebiggoosehanginginthewindowasagiftforBobCratchit. edayafterChristmasheissittingathis deskand,tossinghispenintotheair,he laughsandsays,“Idon’tdeservetobeso happy.”It’sadelightfulmoviewithaserious,yetuplifting,message,abouttheimportanceofhavingfaith,ofbelievingandof practicingkindnesstothelessfortunate.

Restore Your Castle

This Holiday Season

JessicaHeppding: “Gremlins”.Growingup, myfamilygatheringsfor Christmaswerehuge. MyNannyandPoppy wereHorrormoviefansso therewerealwaysclassics ontheTV.Mybrotherand IlovedGremlinsandwouldwatchitevery yearevenasadults.

Continuedfrompage93

n TravelproT-ProBold2.0ComputerBackpack:Mid-price (~$92–$101dependingondeals)byabrandknownfor travelgear.Ruggedwater-repellentfabric,paddedsleeves for15.6”laptop+tablet,goodfortechandtravelcombined.

n ThuleAccentBackpack26L:Around~$105.Durablematerials(1680Dpolyester),excellenttechprotection(SafeZone compartmentforfragilegear)andorganization.

n BANGEStylishWaterproofCommute/TechTravelBackpack: Budget (~$59.90)waterprooftech-friendlybackpackwith lotsofcompartmentsfororganizinggear,cables,laptop, etc.Good“value-travel”option.

Lastly,ifyoucan’tfindanythingI’vealreadylistedthatfitsforyourtechie,oryou justaren’tsurewhattoget,thereisalways themoregenericgiftthatissuretobeappreciated.ingslikegiftcardsordifferent gamecurrenciesfortheirfavoritegameor gamingplatform.Whetherit’sXbox, PlayStation,Steam,Roblox, Minecraft, Nintendo,orevensomethinglikeanAmazongiftcard,you’resuretopleaseyour techiebylettingthempickwhattheyknow theyneed/want.

Justremember,it’sthethoughtthat counts,andspendingsomequalitytime withthoseyouloveiswhatmattersthe most.HappyHolidaystoyouandyours!