Home for the Holidays 2025

for tth he holi hol i da day ys

A Special Publication from:

November 2025

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December

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Monday

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30 All Adult Hardcovers

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Home for the Holidays

In this issue…

By Taryn King Editor

close to home, enjoy recipes from favorite local chefs sure to impress at any gathering, and cozy up with Bethany Beach Books’ top holiday reading list. You’ll also find inspiration for year-end giving, a breakdown of what exactly the kids are asking for this year, and creative ideas for holiday decorating to make your home as welcoming as the season itself.

Wherever you celebrate, may your holidays be filled with comfort, connection, and a touch of seaside magic.

e holiday season has a way of bringing out the very best of our little coastal corner in Delaware — the glow of shop windows along our main streets, the scent of something delicious simmering in local kitchens, and the shared spirit of generosity that warms even the coldest days.

In this issue, we celebrate the simple joys that make this season shine. Explore our local gift guide for thoughtful treasures

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Susan Lyons susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com

Executive Editor Darin McCann darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com

Editor Taryn King taryn.king@coastalpoint.com Susan Mutz susan.mutz@coastalpoint.com

Technical Director Shaun M. Lambert shaun.lambert@coastalpoint.com

Advent Calendars

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Publisher

Advertising Manager

A Bridge of Wreaths

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for the holidays

Digital Content Editor

Ctrl + Gift + Delight Tech Gifts

M. Patricia Titus patricia.titus@coastalpoint.com

A Hallmark House

Reporters

18 24

Kerin Magill kerin.magill@coastalpoint.com

Top Reads

Susan Canfora susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com Jason Feather jason.feather@coastalpoint.com

Avoiding Seasonal Flu

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Laura Walter laura.walter@coastalpoint.com

Elf on the Shelf

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Mike Stern mike.stern@coastalpoint.com

Savor the Season

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Cori Burcham cburcham812@gmail.com

Meaningful Gifting

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Advertising Sales Jillian Stohr jillian.stohr@coastalpoint.com

Holiday Happenings

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Mocktails/ Cocktails

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Graphic Design Chris Aube chris.aube@coastalpoint.com

A Season for Giving

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Holiday Stress

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Trending Toys

94 98 Home for the Holidays

Jessica Heppding jessica.heppding@coastalpoint.com

Pointies Fave Films

On the cover: A holiday wreath adorns brightly painted, red wooden planks. n LOVE_LIFE/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

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A bridge of wreaths

n Coastal Point file photo

Wreaths Across America unites us under a common effort

By Darin McCann Executive Editor eir mission is clear, and charmingly simple: Remember the fallen; Honor those who serve; Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

For those tasked with taking part in the popular Wreaths Across America, those words set the path that will guide every decision and effort in following the vision of the program. And to those tasked with leading the local effort of the Dec. 13 ceremony, those words indeed ring true and loud. at effort, Wreaths 4 Millsboro, will be a ceremony and wreath-laying at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in north Millsboro, with the ceremony kicking off at 10:30 a.m., and the wreaths being placed following that. In all, according to organizers, there will be 5,000 veterans’ graves honored in Millsboro that morning, through the sheer force of volunteerism and patriotism.

Wreaths Across America started in 1992, according to Robin Airey, who shares Location Coordinator duties for Wreaths 4 Millsboro with Barbara Dewey. It was formed as a non-profit organization in 2007 in Maine, and its main purpose is to continue the annual wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries throughout the country, and sometimes elsewhere. In 2018, per Airey, more than 9,000 wreaths were laid at the Normandy-American Cemetery in France.

By 2023, every state and US territory was participating in National Wreaths Across America Day. “Barbara and I both are honored and blessed to be able to do this small part of the big picture,” explained Airey. “We both respect our veterans, military, and our flag. We love this country and thank all the men and women who have served and still serve to keep the United States Please turn to page 6

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Continued from page 4 of America free. We would be remiss to not include our first responders who fight the fight on the streets. It takes a village, and we thank you for being part of our village.”

And quite a village they have for this local effort. Airey said they get a great number of volunteers for the Dec. 13 event, but quickly added, “We never turn away volunteers. Even if you don’t get to place a wreath, just being there and showing your patriotism means a lot. It’s wonderful to see people there to be a part of it.”

She did mention that there is a cleanup date, as well, and that there is a bigger need for volunteers for that effort. It falls one month to the day after the placement ceremony, and it often lands on a weekday, making it more challenging for many who would maybe want to volunteer otherwise. e wreaths are scheduled to be removed this time on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. at will take place rain or shine, and volunteers are suggested to n Coastal Point file photo

Please turn to page 8

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n Coastal Point file photo Continued from page 6 wear gloves, bring a rake or broom, and be prepared to clean debris off the plaques. She added that this was a particularly difficult task last year, as the area

was hit with a snowstorm. “at was kind of a nightmare,” she said, with a little laugh. “But we got it done.”

To Airey, as beautiful and pure as this effort is, there’s even more in terms of

benefits. She argued that with what she sees as dwindling patriotism in our country, this is an important event in terms of uniting these United States. “is is one of many ways that you can show your honor and respect to the veterans,” she explained. “We tell everyone, ‘When placing the wreath, take time to thank them and remember them. You are walking on sacred ground — take your time. It is not a race.’ It is also a time to teach and show the young people that they need to value the freedom they have because of veterans.”

As for the specifics of this particular effort, it costs $17 to sponsor a wreath.

Under the local group’s number (DE0016), for every wreath sponsored, $5 goes “into a bucket,” according to Airey. For every $17 in that bucket, the local group gets a free wreath. ose donations may be made at wreathsacrossamerica/de0016. e cut-off date is Dec. 1. For more information, email Robin Airey at rockravens@comcast.net.

Airey and Barbara Dewey are also available to come speak at other local organizations to share what they are doing.

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Home for the Holidays

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Advent calendars count down the days to Christmas

n KatarinaGondova/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter

The 21st Annual

Around this time every year, Advent calendars laden with treats ranging from tiny pictures to Legos to wine and cheese start popping up on store shelves.

For many families, they’ve become a beloved tradition – a fun way to count down the days until Christmas.

The origins of Advent, however, reflect a different type of anticipation, one that is more spiritual.

The well-known symbol of the four weeks before Christmas, the Advent wreath, is generally adorned with four candles. Traditionally, the candles include four pink and one purple, but some churches use blue and white candles instead.

Each candle represents one of the four pillars of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. They are lighted each Sunday of Advent, Please turn to page 12

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Continued from page 11 with the pink one lighted on the third Sunday, called “Gaudete Sunday” – Gaudete being a Latin word meaning “rejoice.”

At one local church, Advent this year will be a time of deeper contemplation of the meaning of this season.

In centuries past, Advent was known as “Little Lent,” according to Rev. Carla Christopher, pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Frankford.

“It was a time of cleansing, of purification, because it was about preparation,” Christopher said.

“The same way that people, in Lent, really try to focus their hearts and their minds and get rid of some of the distractions that can make us think about everything except a healthy and whole and healing spirituality, a celebration of miracle, and the hope that we can experience in religion” as Please turn to page 14

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Home for the Holidays

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knowledge, convenience, safety, and creative ideas, to games that stimulate our imaginations and problem-solving parts of our brains—technology has touched our lives in more ways than we probably realize. e goal here is to help you find the right gift for that special someone in your life. e items listed here might not be

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Continued from page 12 people of faith do at Easter, “that’s what we do in Advent,” she said.

“It was very much about a season of mindfulness, of meditation, of prayer, of anticipation. Active preparation, so that we can be truly focused and able to surround ourselves in what an incredible gift it is to have a God who would come to be with us in this messy place that we call Earth,” Christopher said.

“New life is new hope,” she added. “This baby who comes into a really difficult situation and is able to survive and escape people chasing him, being born on the road in the middle of an epic road trip…this is all about survival and healing and hope in times of active oppression, the same way that the Jewish people at that time were in exile…this is about hope being born into the world. And so, how can we prepare ourselves to be able to hope?

“In a time when a lot of people are scared, a lot of people are struggling,” and holidays can intensify those feelings, Christopher said, she believes a concentration on Advent’s emphasis on finding hope and joy even in hard times can serve to help the community overcome such challenges.

Community Lutheran is planning a series of Advent study programs, which anyone can join via Zoom, Christopher said.

The sessions include two arcs, the first of which begins Tuesday, Nov. 11 and runs through Nov. 25.

Each session begins at 12:15 p.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

“There’s a tradition called Long Advent,” from the Middle Ages, Christopher said, which was for “new converts and those who want to do a little extra preparation” for Christmas.

That type of pre-Christmas effort made a resurgence in the 1800s and again in recent years, she said, as people are feeling a desire to have more of an emphasis on mindfulness and meditation.

The Long Advent study will also

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Home for the Holidays

focus on “all the different traditions” associated with the season, with an emphasis on “finding hope,” Christopher said. “How do we engage in holy imagination?

How do we find the beauty in our neighbor? How do we find ways to remain hopeful?

“We’ll be doing a lot of interactive things, art-based activities” and “gentle movement that can be done from chairs. It’s about using every one of your senses to open yourself up to the possibility of hope, that we can build a better world,” she said, adding that “we all have the ability to contribute something to the healing of our community, to the nurturing of our world.”

The second study starts Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 12:15 p.m. and continues each Tuesday at the same time through Dec. 16, also on Zoom and open to everyone. This one seeks to help people understand the traditions of Advent. For example, Christopher pointed to

the traditional four-candle Advent Wreath and the candles’ representation of hope, peace, joy, and love.

This portion of the study will help participants to find those things in their own community, she said. Speakers from a variety of community organizations, including CAMP Rehoboth and La Esperanza, will participate in this part of the study.

Links for registering for either of the programs, or for a separate Advent Contemplative Prayer Group which will meet live on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. starting Dec. 1, also on Zoom, can be found on the Community Lutheran Church Facebook Page.

Christopher said the “learning portions” of each of the Advent programs will be available on YouTube after the Zoom events, for those who aren’t available during the Zoom times.

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A Hallmark House One woman’s passion for decking the halls

n All photos courtesy Carol Hurley

By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter Holiday decorating.

Do those two words fill you with unbounded joy or a nagging sense of dread?

Are you a “pack up the pumpkins and set out the Santas” before the Halloween candy is gone kind of decorator?

Or do you subscribe to the “mid-December is good” style of holiday bedazzling?

One tree, with color-coordinated ornaments, or a dozen themed trees?

Or somewhere in between?

Bayard resident Carol Hurley’s friends call her a “fanatic” about seasonal decorating – but specifically Christmas decorating. She begins the process, she said recently, on or about Nov. 1. at’s right, the day after Halloween.

It’s a good thing, though, since Hurley has more than a dozen trees and 17 wreaths to decorate and 30 – yes, THREE ZERO – totes of decorations to distribute throughout her home.

We caught up with Hurley recently while she was on a pre-holiday-craziness “girls’ trip” with friends Dianne Archut and Debbie Grise.

It should be noted here that Hurley doesn’t just decorate her home at Christmas. She is a “four-season” decorator, right down to the pillows on her furniture. All of the things she has collected or inherited over the years are stored in her “she shed,” built for her by her husband.

“Even her she shed is decorated,” noted Archut. “Our friend Carol is a fanatic. We make fun of her a lot,” Grise said.

From start to finish, Hurley spends up to 10 days decorating her home, working six or seven hours a day.

Her friends tease her good-naturedly, admitting there is absolutely no competition between them when it comes to holiday décor. “You can’t compete with Carol,” Grise said.

“I like Christmas, but I’m not a fanatic,” continued Grise, who, Hurley pointed out, has her own special Santa collection, which had belonged to her late husband.

Hurley quickly adds, referring to her boxes and boxes of Christmas décor, that, other than her antique ornaments, “most of it comes from yard sales. Either I make it, or it comes from a yard sale.”

Please turn to page 20

Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 19 “When Carol gets near the Christmas stuff, you just move out of the way,” Grise said of their yard sale exploits together.

Hurley said that “most years,” she and a small group of friends gather before the holidays to do a craft “and just hang out together” before the hustle and bustle gets hectic. Last year’s craft, she said, was a swag, for which the trimmings all came from yard sales.

“We looked on Facebook and found ideas,” Hurley said. Another year, the group made pinecone Christmas trees, which she and Grise said fell apart, eventually, but the day was still a fun gathering. Last year’s swags worked out better. “I think they came out really pretty,” Hurley said.

Asked for advice for “regular” folks who might find the prospect of decorating their home for the holidays a daunting task, Hurley’s friends chimed in, “hire Carol!” while Hurley herself laughed along with them.

She admitted there’s actually more to the whole decorating process than meets the eye.

“I wash my windows inside and out before I Please turn to page 22

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Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 20 put up Christmas,” she said.

“When you put up those spotlights on the front of the house, you can really see the dirt if you don’t wash them.”

Archut, who lives next door to Hurley, referred to the Hurley home as “a Hallmark house. And I’m lucky that she’s my neighbor and I can enjoy it.”

As for when she takes all of her Christmas decorations down and stores them away for the next year, Hurley first said, “Usually the second week in January.”

However, after her friends started laughing, she said, “OK, I take that back. I start New Year’s Day. I was trying to stretch it,” she said, a bit sheepishly. at process takes about four days, Hurley said.

“It comes down a lot faster than it goes up.”

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Home for the Holidays

Bethany Beach Books Top Holiday Reads Curl up and get cozy with the season’s best stories!

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Kids Knight Owl’s Little Christmas Author: Christopher Denise Celebrate the winter season with Knight Owl and friends as they gather for a special Christmas celebration in this festive board book bursting with holiday cheer, featuring beloved characters from the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Knight Owl and Early Bird are counting down the days until Christmas! ey have many festive activities planned, such as wrapping presents, baking cookies, and singing carols. With help from good friends, and with a cup of holiday cheer, their Christmas is sure to be merry and bright!

Please turn to page 24

Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 23

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e Gift of Words Author: Peter H. Reynolds Jerome is looking forward to collecting words this holiday season! Words of hope, love, and joy to share with his loved ones.

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Please turn to page 28

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Avoiding Seasonal Flu

By Susan Canfora Staff Reporter

It might start with a tickle in your throat and feeling of dryness, but that morning cup of hot tea doesn’t quite soothe it. By noon you might be feeling feverish and achy and the box of tissues in the bathroom is almost empty.

If a COVID test is negative, it could be the flu, which usually hits fast, or a cold, which is generally harmless but miserable.

Regardless of the diagnosis, all the old treatments that Mom used can help —

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warm chicken soup, vapor rubs, aspirin — but it would have been so much better to prevent the cold or flu.

Can Vitamin C do that?

According to an article posted by the Mayo Clinic, at https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org, Dr. Jesse Bracamonte said it’s true Vitamin C helps the immune system function, but taking high doses doesn’t necessarily prevent colds and flu.

“So if you were going to have a common cold that lasts about seven days, it may cut it down about 13 hours,” he said.

He suggested eating fruits and vegetables

to get enough Vitamin C and to take a daily supplement of no more than 500 milligrams.

In an article published in AARP: e Magazine, Jeffrey Blumberg, who teaches nutrition at Tufts University, reminded readers of the importance of tea, which he called a plant food, and which is high in antioxidants. All teas come from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, he said. Black, green, oolong and white teas can lead to longer lifespans.

Prevention magazine, in a November 2024 article, reminds readers that by the

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time they feel symptoms of a cold they have already been infected, but a true cold is “typically harmless,” according to family physician Dr. Deborah Clements, who practices at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

“It just might make you feel crummy while you’re living through it,” she said.

It’s recommended to take Vitamin D, known as “the sunshine vitamin,” “because your cells depend on D to activate their immune responses.”

Tips in the article to “stop a cold in its tracks” include using a humidifier, because low humidity dries nasal passages, “making it harder to trap and eliminate the microbugs that settle in your sinuses, eventually leading to a cold.”

Of course, washing hands often and following the often-repeated advice of keeping hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth, are recommended, because viruses can enter that way. Don’t just quickly rinse your hands, but scrub them with soap for at least 20 seconds, including between fingers and under the nails, the Prevention article states.

Clean phones and other devices with a disinfecting wipe.

Getting too tired or stressed can lead to a cold, so take time to relax and sleep at least eight hours every night.

Zinc can decrease the growth of viruses, so try zinc lozenges or zinc gluconate nasal sprays.

Taking probiotics can help, because a large portion of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract, the article states, but the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health, based in Bethesda, Md., posted on its website, at www.nccih.nih.gov, that probiotics, found in supplements and yogurt, “might help to prevent upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, [but] the evidence is weak and the results have limitations.”

During cold and flu season, elderberry supplements and lozenges are common on store shelves, but e Cleveland Clinic, on its website at www.health.clevelandclinic.org, states studies to determine how well they work have yielded mixed results. A 2019 study determined elderberry fights the flu but a year later another study found no evidence that the berry reduces the length or severity of the flu.

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Juniper’s Christmas Author: Eoin Colfer Eleven-year-old Juniper Lane is thrown into a Christmas adventure like no other when she seeks the help of a mysterious woodsman living in her local park, who she suspects is Santa himself, and accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic. Join a boisterous cast of characters—including a neighbor who always believed in Santa, a young reindeer in training, and a cutthroat Please turn to page 30

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Shop Local!

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                             

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                       

            

                  

            

        

                 

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Continued from page 28 crime boss out to steal Santa’s magic—on an unpredictable journey bursting with Eoin Colfer’s signature exuberance and merriment.

Fake Skating Author: Lynn Painter Growing up, Dani couldn’t help but follow around the adorable son of her mom’s

best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised they’d stay in touch—except, they didn’t…Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them together—and forces them to fake being a couple. Once forced together, they begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings

toward each other…including why Alec has been pushing her away all these years.

Please turn to page 36

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

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A tradition that excites, entertains

An elf folding some toilet paper. n ChatGPT generated image

By Darin McCann Executive Editor e holiday season is one ripe with tradition.

Religious, cultural and familial customs take centerstage as we honor and celebrate days and events that hold deep personal and global significance. Part of the comfort and joy of these traditions is the semblance of continuity and comfort that fills our hearts. Be it food, music, prayer or matching pajamas, it “feels” like the holidays because the holidays tend to have a certain “feel” about them.

Oh, and elves. ose #@*ing elves.

For those unaware, a somewhat-recent trend that has taken a firm hold for those families who celebrate Christmas is the “Elf on the Shelf.” It is one part fun, one part frustrating and one part how-did-my-life-devolve-into-taping-little-pieces-of-toilet-pape r-to-a-stuffed-doll-at-2-in-the-morning.

It all began for most of us in 2005, when Carol Aebersold’s book, “e Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” debuted at a Marietta, Ga., book-signing, per an article on Today.com. Aebersold decided to share her family’s tradition that began in 1974,

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when she reportedly told her children that “Frisbee,” a pixie elf, was there to keep an eye on their behavior and report directly to Santa.

Parents, often exasperated by the behavior of wired Santa-anticipating children in the weeks leading up to Christmas, jumped on the idea — hoping against hope that something, anything, could help in keeping their kids under control. us, a new holiday tradition was born, and, according to the article, “more than 17.5 million Scout Elves have been adopted around the world since their debut.”

Aebersold’s daughters Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts founded e Lumistella Company and have capitalized on the trend, selling scout elf dolls, accessories, a stage musical and even a float at the Macy’s anksgiving Day Parade. As the wave of popularity has grown, so have the interesting and creative ways families place the elves around the house.

“It seems Scout Elves have grown to be quite silly over the years,” said Bell. “Yet, they always manage to match the personality of their family.”

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An elf cooking some veggies. n ChatGPT generated image

Continued from page 33 ere are, according to Lumistella, a few rules: • Elves will lose their magic if children touch them.

• Scout elves listen to everything but never speak to humans.

• Scout elves are always nice, often clever and humorous, but never cruel or naughty.

• After reporting back to Santa every night, the elves are found in their new spot the next morning.

And that’s the list. What happens next is up to you — or, rather, up to those elves, if you will. In the interests of trying to fill a few nights for you in your creative journey, we’ve compiled a few ideas.

The helper elf Having the elf appear to be aiding in decorating the house for the holidays or trying to bake something sweet is a popular idea and one to elicit some smiles. Remember — elves can be a little messy, so having a pile of wrinkled wrapping paper or a Please turn to page 37

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Continued from page 30

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e Nutcracker Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann

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A Christmas Carol Author: Charles Dickens In one of the most popular holiday stories of all time, meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who hates Christmas and all the people asking for money that the holiday brings. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, followed by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who bear messages for the hardhearted man.

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Home for the Holidays

Continued from page 34 kitchen counter covered with sprinkles goes a long way.

The mischievous elf ey’re elves. ey like to have fun. One popular idea is an elf rolling around the house in a roll of toilet paper. You can leave a trail behind him or have the elf “rock climbing” up a door using bows to support her. Having the elf on a “zipline” using a candy cane as a hook is another one that appears all over the Internet. A favorite in my home was having the elf make a “snow angel” on the kitchen counter, in flour.

The social elf

A Mad Max themed elf scene put together by editor Taryn King’s father for her son. n Taryn King Please turn to page 38

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Continued from page 37

Hey, nobody likes being alone during the holidays, and elves are no exception. Have the elf “read” to a group of stuffed animals, or involved in a scene with dolls or action figures. Make it look like your elf was hanging out with the cat or dog by putting the pet’s items near the elf.

The playful elf It’s all about having fun, and why not have your elf lead the charge? Have a note next to the elf that says he or she hid 12 candy canes around the house and it’s up to the kids to find them. Or there is a note with a series of clues to help the kids find the elf. It’s all about the fun.

An elf on a shelf. n ChatGPT generated image

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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.

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Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 36

Adults

Christmas at the Nantucket Restaurant Author: Pamela Kelley

Wishing You a Safe & Happy Holiday!

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Nantucket’s famous Christmas Stroll is always the first week of December and this year the O’Toole sisters and Paul Taylor, the executive chef, want to do something extra special for Mimi’s Place, the restaurant they co-own.

It will be Emma and Paul’s first Christmas together as a couple and Mandy’s first holiday as a newly divorced mother of two. eir sister, Jill, and her new husband, Billy, are planning to spend the whole month on Nantucket too. Meanwhile, bar manager Gina Caruso adjusts to her first winter on the island and finds her quiet season becoming unexpectedly exciting.

Yours For e Season Author: Emily Stone Melanie hasn’t had a good year. Her job isn’t what she hoped, her best friend has moved away, and Finn—the man she thought was the love of her life—dumped her at his sister’s engagement party.

When Finn shows up two weeks before Christmas asking her to pretend they’re dating again to please his family, Mel agrees—on one condition: at the end of the week, she gets to dump him publicly. But as the festivities bring them closer, Mel starts Please turn to page 43

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Santa rides a classic fire truck during Millville Vol. Fire Company’s annual event that sends Santa to many local neighborhoods. n Carla Varisco

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The holiday tree in downtown Bethany Beach shines bright against the winter night sky. n Carla Varisco

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Continued from page 40

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 financial 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 financial burden during your retirement years.

Do I still pay property tax & insurance? Is my property eligible for the HECM?

to lose track of which feelings are fake, and which are real.

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.

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.

Does my home have to be paid off?

How much money am I eligible for?

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

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.

When is the loan repaid or due?

How can I get cash proceeds?

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.

The HECM has several flexible 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 first 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.

Do I still own my home or does the bank? What costs & fees should I expect?

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.

e Christmas Stranger Author: Richard Paul Evans ree years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grief-stricken Paul Wanlass has given up on life. When a stranger appears at his door claiming to Please turn to page 48

Home for the Holidays

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

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Kalena Jewelers 101-B, Atlantic Avenue Ocean View, Delaware 302-541-5550 Kalenajewelers.com

What girl doesn’t love jewelry? Find the perfect piece for your loved one at Kalena Jewelers. ey have a great selection of gold and silver jewelry for all the girls on your list, even kids’ jewelry, and a nice selection of estate jewelry. Karen has been in the family business in New Jersey for 45 years and has now moved to coastal Delaware to serve you. She does it all: Custom designing, repairs, watch batteries and bands, plus pearl and bead restringing. ey also buy unwanted gold, silver, and platinum.

Serving Home-Style Meals for Over 30 Years!

Off-Season Specials

Monday – Build Your Own Omelet Add up to 4 items from your BYO Omelet

Tuesday – Build Your Own Burger Add up to 4 items from your BYO Burger

Wednesday – All You Can Eat Pancakes Thursday – Cheesesteak Sub Friday – Any Breakfast Bowl Saturday – Half-Priced Bottles of Wine Sunday – Bottomless Mimosas

$10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $15

ovrestaurant.com • (302) 539-4864 42 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE Catering & Private Party Space Available

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Home for the Holidays

Nutcracker figurines standout amonngst this collection of Christmas figures. n Carla Varisco

Call to Order Your Holiday Pies! 302-537-2433 Artisan, hand rolled, grilled pizzas, awesome wine & local craft beer

Full Bar • Carryout Available Call for Off-Season Hours

(left side entrance)

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Savor the

Season: A culinary celebration from our community’s finest Fin & Claw’s Grandma’s Marinated Seafood Salad. n Photo submitted

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HH

Home for the Holidays

We asked local, fan-favorite restaurants to share seasonal recipes for our readers to recreate at home!

From Chef Maggie at Ocean View Brewing Butternut Squash Bisque

n Salt & Pepper to taste

n 1 lb calamari (rings & tentacles)

n Add water as needed

poach 1 minute

Sauté carrots & onions until slightly browned in a large stockpot. Deglaze with heavy cream and add cubed butternut squash. Keep on low simmer and stir every once in a while, until butternut squash is soft. Add all spices and sugar and adjust as needed. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth. Add water depending on what kind of consistency you want your soup to be. Simmer for a few more minutes. Highly recommended to serve with sweet crema and candied nuts!

n 2 carrots, peeled & diced

From the Fin & Claw kitchen to your kitchen with Chef Scott Viselli

n 2 quart heavy cream

Grandma’s Marinated Seafood Salad

n 2 pinch ground nutmeg

n 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)

n 2-3 butternut squash, peeled & cubed

n 1 yellow onion, diced

n 2 tbsp ground cinnamon n 1lb light brown sugar

poach 2 minutes

n 1 lb knuckle & claw lobster meat

n 2 lb mussels, poach 3-4 minutes (remove from shell after cooking) n 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil n 1/4 cup lemon juice

n 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

n 5 cloves garlic (minced)

n 1 bunch parsley (chopped)

n 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (small dice)

n 1/2 red onion (small dice)

n 4 ribs celery (thinly sliced)

n 1/4 cup capers (roughly chopped) n chile flake (optional)

n salt & pepper (to taste) Lightly poach all of the seafood and set aside to chill. While the seafood is chilling, combine all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chilled seafood and lightly toss. Allow to chill for at least an Please turn to page 49

7th Annual Old Town Holiday Market, Tree Lighting & Trail of Lights Saturday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 5p.m.

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

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

Visit OceanViewDE.Gov Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 43 pick up a laptop, Paul discovers the man has a very different mission.

As unexpected events unfold—a robbery, a rescue, and new connections—Paul begins to wonder who or what this Christmas stranger really is, and how he might find meaning again.

COASTAL HOME DECOR ² LAMPS ²PICT PICTURES ACCENT FURNITURE ² WALL ART ² GIFTS & MORE

e Secret Christmas Library Author: Jenny Colgan

:(·5( 23(1 <($5-ROUND! ROUND!

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now hired by Jamie McPherson, laird of a Highland clan, she must track down a rare book rumored to save his ancestral estate.

But when rival hunter eo Palliser appears, and a snowstorm traps them all in the castle, secrets unfold in this charming, mysterious, and romantic holiday story—a treat for book lovers and treasure hunters alike.

302-539-4502 34444 Coastal Highway York Beach Mall Bethany Beach, DE 19930 www.sealeveldesigns.com 48

Home for the Holidays

Continued from page 47 hour in order for the flavors to combine.

Make it ahead of time so that you can enjoy your family and guests. I like to serve it with toasted/air fried pita bread, but it’s also good in pasta salad, over greens or just straight out of the container. is is her recipe, but you can make it your own. Sometimes I like to add jalapeno and extra roasted peppers. I also like more herbs—oregano, basil, or dill are all great additions. Feel free to use olives instead of capers. You can also use various types of seafood like octopus, bay scallops, clams or whatever you like. At grandma’s house she used those in other dishes to complete the seven fishes. is recipe makes a lot, but that’s the way she did it, there is meant to be leftovers. ere really are no rules other than “don’t kill the seafood” (she hated to overcook it) and “it always tastes better the next day”.

Ocean View Brewing’s Butternut Squash Bisque. n Photo submitted Please turn to page 50

Home for the Holidays

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n 18 eggs

n 2 cups granulated sugar

Continued from page 49

From The Coastal Kitchen at Bear Trap Dunes with Executive Chef John Brunski Cranberry–Orange Relish is bright and refreshing relish adds a burst of flavor to any holiday meal. It’s simple to make, keeps well, and gets even better after a day in the fridge. A perfect make-ahead dish!

Yield: About 2 quarts

n 2 cups salted butter

n ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Coarsely chop cranberries and oranges in a food processor.

Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add pineapple, sugar, and salt.

Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate 1–2 days before serving.

Sweet Potato Soufflé Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes topped with a warm pecan crumble—this Southern classic is comfort in a dish. Perfect for holidays and family dinners.

n 2 tablespoons vanilla extract n 4 cups milk

n 4 cups light brown sugar n 2 cups all-purpose flour n 4 cups pecans

Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, eggs, and half of the melted butter in a mixing bowl and mix well.

Combine brown sugar, flour, pecans, and remaining butter to make crumble topping.

Top sweet potato mixture with crumble mix.

Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.

Yield: Serves 12–16

n 4 cups fresh cranberries n 2 oranges

n 8 cups mashed sweet potato

drained

n ½ teaspoon kosher salt

n 2 cans (8 oz each) crushed pineapple,

n 4 cups granulated sugar

Black Friday Gift Card Sale!

Buy a $50 Gift Card and Receive a Free $20 Gift Card Buy a $100 Gift Card and Receive a Free $50 Gift Card (Offer Valid Nov. 28th ONLY )

Visit Our Website for Holiday Gift Card Deals

Open Thanksgiving at 4pm (Midtown Location) Lite Fare Menu Only

Dine.

Bowl.

Play.

Find the newest games and mini bowling at Alley Oops.

Load money on electronic cards to play games and rack up points to earn prizes at the redemption center.

Black Friday Sale - Buy any value gift card and receive a FREE game card of the same value (in-store & online).

Gift Card Sale - Dec. 2-Dec. 24, Buy a $50 gift card, receive a FREE $20 game card or buy a $100 gift card, receive a FREE $50 game card (in-store & online).

Merchandise Sale - Buy one, get one half price Ropewalk Bethany is a family, seafood and resort destination venue

Open Thurs.-Sun. (Visit Website for Times) • 302-537-1330 Carry Out | FREE Parking

Bethany.Ropewalk.com • 107 Garfield Parkway • Bethany Beach, DE

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on merchandise the entire month of December.

AlleyOopsOC.com Uptown OC - 13101 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City | Midtown OC - 5509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City Check our website for daily specials/hours

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Home for the Holidays

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Live We ell With Coldwell

Continued from page 13 ease, I’ve split up gift ideas into a few different categories: Console Gamers, PC Gamers, Streamers, and Frequent Travelers.

The console gamer

119 Ye ears of Experience

#1

Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offfices which are owned by a subsidiary off Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offfices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supportts the principles off the Fair Housing Actt and the Equal Opporttunity Act.

Whether it’s Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo, there are a myriad of choices from headsets, input peripherals (like controllers, keyboards, and mice), to games that can enhance the gaming experience of your loved one. ere are other consoles, but since many are SteamOS-powered or Windows-powered, I believe the PC gaming category fits a little bit better.

Most of the consoles have certain requirements or limitations on the peripherals they support, so you want to make sure that any peripherals you consider are certified to work with the console. e peripheral manufacturers will usually make it very clear if it is compatible with the platform of choice.

Probably the best place to start for your console gamer is controllers. e best choice, unless your gamer already has one or two, is a pro or elite controller. Console manufacturers offer their own pro controllers, and they are pretty high quality and offer features your gamer will appreciate. ird-party controllers from Scuf, Razer, PDP, Nacon, and GameSir are also highly sought-after brands that offer just as high a quality or better. If you’re in need of budget items for controllers, extra batteries, or if your gamer has wireless controllers, extra plain Jane controllers will usually be welcomed, especially if your gamer has frequent visitors for gaming sessions.

Next up are headsets. is will help keep your home a little bit quieter and allow for easy communication with other gamers from all over the world. With so many games these days requiring an internet connection and quick communication between friends, a good headset goes a long way. You will want to choose a headset from a reputable brand that is Please turn to page 64

S E LL Y O U R VAL U AB L E S We buy gold, silver, diamonds, coins & more!

3 DAYS ONLY | DECEMBER 2 - 4 Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 5:30pm 35785 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE 19967 C all for dire ctions: (302) 537-1121

RE C E IVE A 2 0 % BO NU S When you trade for store c re dit* Call (888) 787-1112 for any item-related questions. *A free evaluation will be provided, but there is no obligation to purchase your items. Exclusions Apply. **We are not an authorized Rolex dealer nor are we affiliated or endorsed by Rolex, Ro Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries.

54

Home for the Holidays

Happy H app pppyy Ho Holidays... olilid idays yss....

Beest Best est Wi W Wishes ishe is shes hes es For For A H app ppy ppy, y, He ealt lthy tth hy Ne ew Y earr!!

Happy, Healthy New Year!

Ha

RE REALTOR® SE SERVING DE AND MD COASTAL AREAS jhenderson@cbrealty.com Call Direct: 410-430-0084

Office: 302-539-1777

89 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View

Home for the Holidays

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Connection Over

Consumerism: Rediscovering the Meaning of Holiday Gifting

By Cori Burcham Writer While every family has their own set of holiday rituals and customs, Christmas time comes with a few common associations we collectively share as a culture — memories of sledding with friends down a snowy hill as the cold wind and a wide grin prickle at your cheeks, laughing with your siblings as you try to build a gingerbread house with nothing but icing and determination, and the magic of watching a Christmas tree be brought to life by twinkling lights and shiny red and green baubles your family placed by hand. It’s the sentiment surrounding the holiday that leaves the most lasting impressions, and while we all remember the exhilaration of waking up as children on Christmas morning to find presents waiting under the tree, the actual gifts sprung free from festive paper and strained boxes aren’t as memorable in the longterm. Whether you’re on a budget, encouraging a minimalistic mindset, or simply want your presents for family and friends to have the same impact as a heartfelt holiday memory, there are plenty of gift ideas to explore this holiday season promoting meaningful connection over excessive materialism.

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Shared Experiences Whether you’re traveling to visit family across country or hosting them within your own home, the holiday season is often one of the few times throughout the year when everyone has the opportunity to get together as a family. e time spent passing the turkey around the Christmas dinner table or swapping gag gifts in a game of white elephant is often too limited after so much time apart. With this in mind, the perfect present for the loved ones you don’t get to see enough is the gift of your time.

Buying tickets to an experience — a play, concert, sporting event, or other performance — that appeals to your shared interests can be a great gift that strengthens your bond and sets the plan to see each other again soon in motion. To make the event all the more memorable, try to choose an activity that’s unconventional — an escape room or axe-throwing — or more niche — like a weekend reading retreat or fan convention — , as long as it’s specific to their interests.

Similarly, a voucher for lessons that encourages them to undertake the hobby they’ve been meaning to try for years, such as classes on cooking, pottery making, ball-

room dancing or playing the guitar, can also be a meaningful gift that shows how well you know them. If they live local to you, consider taking on the challenge together, becoming more connected by attending a class on a weekly basis, learning something new, and creating a shared memory. Even if the vase you sculpt in pottery class is lopsided, the true gift will be the memories you share of its creation.

Kindness Punch Cards While the holiday season has long been heralded as the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the busiest. All the preparation that goes into the holidays, the additional seasonal events, the winter break from school, and the pressures to reinvent yourself in the new year only seem to add more tasks onto your agenda until it begins to rival Santa’s naughty and nice list. Instead of managing your loved one’s overwhelm with well-meaning wellness gifts like bath bombs, essential oils, or meditation app subscriptions, the best gift for them this holiday season could be one that convention Please turn to page 58

Home for the Holidays

n mallmo/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Happy Holidays!

Serving Sea Colony and the surrounding

Coastal Resort Area Nicole Peterdozzi

Nicole@NicolePeterdozzi.com • Nicolepeterdozzi.com O: 302.539.1777 • M: 302.542.8344

89 Atlantic Ave • Ocean View, DE

©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Coldwell Banker and Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC share common ownership and because of this relationship the brokerage may receive a financial or other benefit.

You are not required to use Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC as a condition of purchase or sale of any real estate. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC; NMLS #1598647. For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply.

Give the Gift of Impact Through Holiday Donations!

Monetary Donate: One-time, recurring, or in someone’s name.

Round up your change: Turn everyday purchases into holiday cheer.

Sponsor a program or family: Help fund meals, gifts, or winter needs.

Volunteer Hands-on volunteering: Serve meals, wrap gifts, decorate spaces.

Virtual help: Tutor, read, or send holiday cards from home.

Share your skills: Marketing, design, tech, or mentorship for nonprofits.

You can count on us now, & for many years to come

REALTOR ®

Air Conditioning Heat Pumps Boilers Geothermal Gas/Oil Heating

Goods Food, clothing, or winter essentials: Meet immediate community needs.

Toys, school supplies, or holiday treats: Perfect for seasonal drives.

Creative contributions: Art, photos, or handmade items for fundraisers and raffles.

(See more on page 80)

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302.539.4436 bladeshvac.com

57

be giving them is support and a sense of community, unburdening some of their mental load and helping them in the ways that truly matter. Apart from daily chores, the coupon booklet could also include activities they’ll look forward to, such as a family game night, a date night for two, or some well-deserved me-time.

Sentimental Handmade Keepsakes

n lambada/E+ via Getty Images

Continued from page 56 prevents them from adding onto their Christmas wish list: a respite from their never-ending to-do list.

Tailoring it to their specific needs, create

58

a hand-made punch card booklet filled with coupons offering your services, whether that’s babysitting, yard work, helping them move, or cooking a homemade meal. By offering to undertake a task you know your parent or partner dislikes, the true gift you’ll

Every year, countless catalogs and gift guides advertising the most anticipated gifts of the holiday season often share one thing in common: products that are newly released and manufactured for the masses — lacking the personal touch that outlasts the excitement of Christmas morning. Instead of opting for all store-bought gifts, consider giving keepsakes this holiday season that have more sentimental value and are handmade with love. e best part about this mindful gifting idea is that it’s only limited by your imagination and creativity.

Compiling family recipes across generations, you could make a personalized recipe Please turn to page 60

Home for the Holidays

“A Real Person Selling Real Estate”

LET’S FIND YOUR

HAPPY PLACE Serving Delaware and Maryland

LIVELOVEBEACHHOMES.COM

Kim Bowden, Realtor® Patterson Schwartz Coastal Offices Licensed in DE & MD Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate Ocean View Sales Center 53 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 1, Ocean View DE 19970

Cell: 302.462.5284 kbowden@psre.com • kim@livelovebeachhomes.com

Office: 302.537.1300 Home for the Holidays

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else you could’ve bought them from a store.

Start A New Tradition

n GMVozd/E+ via Getty Images

Continued from page book, writing the directions into a journal by hand and leaving room at the back for new creations. If a loved one celebrated a milestone this past year — a graduation, baby shower or a once-in-a-lifetime trip — you could handcraft an ornament that’ll bring back those happy memories every time they see it hanging on the tree. It’ll be even more meaningful if it marks a time you

shared together. If you were the officiant at your sister’s wedding, cut the script from the ceremony into little pieces of crinkle paper to commemorate her vows and the part you played on the big day. If you saw your favorite band in concert with your best friend, try to incorporate the ticket stubs into the ornament’s design. ese heartfelt gifts, which reflect your creative effort, thought, and your lasting connection, will carry more significance to the receiver than anything

Not every Christmas gift needs to fit inside of a box or be topped with a bow. Relying on the tradition of exchanging presents to express our gratitude to family and friends, we often forget that the time spent together during the holidays can be a gift all on its own. Another mindful gift could be establishing a new family tradition or holiday ritual with friends, one that will keep on giving year after year. For a family with young children or adult crafters who enjoy a creative project, you could host a DIY holiday decoration night, making anything from hand-painted tree ornaments to dried flower Christmas wreaths, evergreen scented soy candles, or festive gingerbread houses. If you prefer to work with your hands in the kitchen, another custom to explore is baking together — recreating traditional family recipes, holiday classics or a new holiday dish from around the world. With something new to try every year, the gift isn’t just the resulting baked good or decoration, but the collective memory that’ll stay with them for many Christmases to come.

Ho Ho Holidays are Here – Stop in for Stress Free Shopping!

Local Art – Vintage – Unique – Antique – Architectural Salvage

Furniture & Accessories for Home & Garden

302.927.0049

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM EMAIL: JAYNESRELIABLE0GMAIL.COM

Current Hours: Friday,Sunday 10am/4pm

Last Shopping Day is Sunday, 12/21 We Will Reopen Friday, 1/2

On the corner, south of the stoplight | 33034 Main St., Dagsboro 60

Home for the Holidays

Shop Local!

Pieces On Main Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or relative? Something unique and different for the home? is quaint shop in downtown Dagsboro is always full of nice surprises. Pieces On Main identifies its inventory as a carefully curated mix of old and new. From vintage furniture repainted in coastal colors to new gifts, home décor, and kitchenware. A unique selection of books, ranging from cookbooks, coffee table books, and even children’s books, can be found around the shop, and the entire upstairs is filled to the brim with beautiful Christmas décor. ey also carry a wonderful pantry line of mustards, jams, and sauces that are reasonably priced. To top it all off is a full line of Debi’s Design Diary DIY line of paint for the DIYers, and goods from local artisans, including creations from Smart Girl Studios by Kate Gloyd, Sandy Bottom candles, and Mouth Party Caramels.

Paul Morin’s

33119 Main Street Dagsboro, Delaware 302-927-0601 piecesonmain.com

Tile • Hardwood Laminate • Carpet Vinyl Planks

Floor & Wall Design Happy Holidays!

Family Owned since 1961 Exceptional Service Professional Installation

Window Treatments Backsplashes Shower & Bath Renovations Home for the Holidays

Come Visit Us at 5 Atlantic Ave, Ocean View (One Mile West of Rt. 1)

302-539-7322 MorinsFloors.com

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  

         



   

           

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Home for the Holidays

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   

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Continued from page 54 within your price range. For third-party headsets, I recommend brands like SteelSeries, Logitech, Turtle Beach, Astro, Corsair, HyperX, and Razer. You could also opt for official headsets from the console manufacturers; the quality of these has improved massively over the years, and about the only downside for many of these headsets is mic quality, which is the least of concerns for many gamers.

Recommended examples with various pricing from each of the manufacturers listed above: n Turtle Beach | Recon 70 | PS5, PS4, XBox Series X|S, NS, PC, Mobile | $39.95 n HyperX | Cloud III | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, NS, Mac, Mobile | $99.99 n SteelSeries | Arctis Nova 5 Wireless | PC, PS5, PS4, NS, Mobile | $149.99 n SteelSeries | Arctis Nova 5X Wireless | Above plus Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One | $149.99 n Logitech | G321 | PC, PS5, PS4, NS, Mobile | $59.99 n Razer | Barracuda X | PC, PS5, PS4, NS, Mobile | $99.99

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n Sony | Pulse 3D Wireless Headset | PS5, PS4, PC, 3.5mm | $99.99 n Microsoft | Xbox Stereo Headset | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows | $64.99 (Wired only) n Corsair | VOID Wireless v2 | PC, PS5, PS4, NS, Mobile | $119.99 n Astro | A50X | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, NS | $379.99

Every year brings with it new games, and two of the biggest shooter franchises have just released their newest games, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S) and Battlefield 6 (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S). If your gamer is an arcade shooter, they will be sure to enjoy either of these titles. is past September, Gearbox released its latest lootershooter, Borderlands 4 (PC, XSX, and PS5). Perhaps action/hack-and-slash style games are more appropriate; Ninja Gaiden 4 just released (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S). Good choices for the Nintendo Switch include Minecraft, e Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Just do your due diligence

and make sure your gamer doesn’t already have any of these games. e top five games for each of the consoles this year: n Xbox: Borderlands 4, Jurassic World Evolution 3, Mafia: The Old Country, Ready or Not, Silent Hill n PlayStation: Silent Hill, Mafia: The Old Country, Hollow Knight: Silksong, NHL 26, Ghost of Yˉotei n Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart World, Pokémon Legends ZA, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Demon Slayer — Kimetsu Yaiba-Hinokami Chronicles 2, Just Dance 2026 Edition

You can also gift your console gamer miscellaneous accessories like battery packs for controllers, chargers for said battery packs, external hard drives, subscriptions to their favorite games or services (like Xbox Live Ultimate, PlayStation Network, Nintendo Switch Online, etc.), stands or organization systems for their console of choice—the choices are nearly endless.

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Home for the Holidays

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9/29/25 1:36 PM

Holiday Happenings n File photo

Schellville 2025 Enchanted Winter Celebration Saturdays & Sundays — Nov. 16th – Dec. 31 | Fridays— Nov. 22nd, Dec. 6th | Thursdays— Dec. 12th - 26th. 1:004:00pm & 5:00-9:00pm (Dec. 31st 4:007:00pm only). Filled with holiday magic, goodwill, and fun for the entire family!

Located behind the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach.

Winterfest of Lights Open Wed-Sun, November 20th – December 21st, and daily from December 22nd - 31st. Hours 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Embark on a journey into the enchanting spirit of the holiday season at the 2025 Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, MD. This year, enjoy a walkthrough winter wonderland experience and explore the 58-acre Northside Park.

Pets are welcome on Wednesdays.

Annual Bethany Fenwick Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Nov. 27th, 7:30am - 10:00am. The untimed 2-mile Fun Run/Walk starts at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Bandstand with a boardwalk finish. Dress up in your best Thanksgiving costumes! Pies for the overall Male and Female winners, Best Individual, Best Family, and Best Pet Costumes!

Old Town Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Saturday, Nov 29th, 1:00pm - 5:30pm at John West Park in Ocean View.

Market vendors, kids' activities, trail of lights, train rides, & a special visitor at dusk!

Holiday Trail of Lights n File photo

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Saturday, Nov. 29th – Jan. 1st. At dusk daily until 9:00pm. Self-guided and free Please turn to page 68

Home for the Holidays

64TH ANNUAL SELBYVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, December 5, 2025 7:00 PM | Church St., Selbyville Festive Floats, Marching Bands, Fire Trucks, Antique Cars, a Visit from Santa Claus, and Food and Fun for Everyone

50/50 Raffle Proceeds Benefit the y Selbyville Historical Society all Tickets Available at Town Hall $1 Each or 6 for $5 Drawing December 5, 2025 Do Not Need to Be Present to Win

Presented By

Register to be in the parade at www.bethany-fenwick.org

by Monday, November 24th!

Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 66 at the John West Park in Ocean View.

Millsboro Christmas Parade Tuesday, December 2nd, 7:00pm at Millsboro Town Center. Kick off the parade with the tree lighting at Town Hall! Participation lineup starts at 5:00pm.

Millville Tree Lighting Thursday, December 4th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival kicks off the tree lighting at 6:00pm. Performances by the IRHS choir and Tri-M Music Honor Society Marching Band. Train rides, food trucks, and s'mores!

Georgetown Caroling on The Circle n Photo Courtesy of Susan Lyons

Rediscover Christmas

Thursday, December 4th, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Celebrate the start of the holiday season

Community Lutheran Church

Find peace. Feel joy joy.

Experience the joy, hope, and music of the season on Christmas Eve. Sing familiar carols, light candles that brighten the night, and hear the story that still changes everything.

4:30 p.m. | Carol Sing-Along Worship Service 5 p.m. | Festive Wor 30897 Omar Rd, Frankf ankfor ord, DE bridgebuilder.church 68

Home for the Holidays

in downtown Milford. Experience Christmas with family and friends and visit the beautifully decorated shops, bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries.

There will be a firetruck display by Carlisle Fire Hall, children's activities, holiday music, and more!

at the Georgetown Circle with a Christmas parade, caroling, and the annual Pack the Pod county food drive.

64th Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade Friday, Dec. 5th, 7:00pm at Church Street in Selbyville. Festive floats, marching bands, fire trucks, antique cars, a visit from Santa Claus, and food and fun for everyone!

A Holiday Tour of Lewes Saturday, Dec. 6th, 9:30am - 4:00pm Lewes Historical Society Holiday House Tour.

Saturday, Dec. 6th, 9:00am - 4:00pm LHS Holiday Village & Market.

Fenwick Island Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, December 5th, 5:30pm in the Fenwick Island Town Park. Enjoy festive performances by the Phillip C. Showell Elementary School Choirs and Band as they sing and play your favorite Christmas songs. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and decorate your own ornament and add it to the town tree. Plus — a very special visitor will make an appearance to help kick off the holiday cheer!

Holiday Happenings in Bethany Beach Saturday, Dec. 6th • 10:30am – Noon: Ginger Man Siting at the Nature Center • 11:00am – 1:00pm: Pony rides on the beach (pre-registration required) • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Party with Santa in Town Hall • 1:00pm – 4:00pm: Trolley, Train, & Tractor Rides

Holiday Stroll & Christmas Market

n File Photo

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

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Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 69 • 5:00pm: Tree lighting featuring SDSA Show Choir at Bandstand

Christmas at the Cottages Bethany Beach Saturday, December 13th • 10:30am – Noon: Live Alpaca Christmas Adventure at the Nature Center • 11:00am – 1:00pm: Victorian Carolers, craft activity, and tours at the decorated Dinker-Irvin Museum

Weekend Wonderland in Bethany Beach • 10:00am – 5:00pm: Every Saturday in December prior to

Christmas, shoppers and visitors can take advantage of great tax-free shopping and fun activities at participating businesses.

3rd Annual OC/Fenwick Island Christmas Boat Parade Saturday, Dec. 6th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Harpoon Hanna's in Fenwick Island.

Dining seats are "first-come, firstserved". Decks will be open to the public for great viewing of festive decorative boats. All are encouraged to bring a toy for donation to Toys for Tots.

12th Annual Dagsboro Christmas Parade Tuesday, Dec. 9th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

The Parade will feature floats, marching units, and fire trucks.

Live Nativity at Sonshine Equine December 12th – 13th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Enjoy the play of the story of the nativity (performed twice per evening), meet live donkeys, enjoy the food truck featuring Messy's BBQ, do some holiday shopping at unique vendor

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Home for the Holidays

n File Photo

booths, sip some hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar, and bring your kiddies for a craft.

Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 12th, 13th, and 14th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Beacon Baptist Church.

A free outdoor family event with a live nativity, hayride, animals, and much more, including free hot chocolate and cookies!

Christmas at the Train Station & Cruise-in Car Show Saturday, Dec. 20th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the Georgetown Train Station. Visit with Santa and enjoy the museum displays, festive atmosphere, Christmas carols, and model trains. A Christmas drop-box will be available for kids to drop off their letters to Santa. Light refreshments will be served.

Holiday Peace Concert Sunday, December 21st, 3:00pm. Held at Cape Henlopen High School and performed by the Rehoboth Concert Band, as the band’s big annual fundraiser.

15th Annual Hair of the Dog Walk/Run & Leo Brady Plunge Thursday, Jan. 1st, 8:00am - 5:00pm at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF) proudly presents the 15th Annual Hair of the Dog 5K run/one mile walk and the 29th Annual Leo Brady Polar Plunge! The 5K race and 1 Mile walk start at 10 AM after the Kiddie Dash. The Leo Brady Polar Plunge is at Noon.

Fenwick Freeze Thursday, Jan. 1st on Bayard St. Beach. Ring in the new year Fenwickstyle! Registration and shirt sales begin at 9:00am. Dive in the ocean at 10:30am.

Warm up afterwards by the bonfire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and grab a commemorative t-shirt to remember the day!

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Home for the Holidays

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By Laura Walter Staff Reporter

n Photos by Laura Walter

We asked two local bartenders to share some tasty mixed drink recipes with our readers. Wow, did Mike Lara and Delaney Twining deliver! Whether you’re planning a holiday party or just sipping some wintertime cheer, these cocktails will help charm the over-21 crowd, and the nonalcoholic mocktail will sparkle any time of day.

Raíces Latin Kitchen Raíces Latin Kitchen serves Latin and Mexican fusion in Millsboro. Bartender Mike Lara and his team get creative with drinks, using fresh-squeezed juices, house-infused liquors and handmade garnishes, such as the coral tuile: the lace-thin wafer of pan-fried flour, oil, water and food coloring.

Pumpkin Espresso Martini

Winter cocktails and mocktails 72

1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream 1 oz. Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur 1 oz. your choice of vodka, gin or tequila (whatever kind of martini base you prefer) ½ oz. pumpkin spice liqueur 1.5 oz. Espresso Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain out the ice. Serve in an elegant coupe glass.

Garnish with star anise, crushed pumpkin seeds roasted with cinnamon.

Home for the Holidays

Thank you for a wonderful year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Fresh-Squeezed Margarita 2 oz. tequila 1 oz. any Cointreau, triple sec or other orange liqueur 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice Splash of red sangria or other red wine Shake tequila, triple sec and lime juice with ice. Strain ice (optional). Serve in a fresh glass with additional ice. Top with red sangria for bright color. “e margarita’s already sweet, so you want to balance it with any wine that’s not too sweet,” said Lara.

Garnish with salt rim, fresh or dried fruit.

2 oz. 1800 Coconut tequila ½ oz. blue curaçao 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice Splash of lemon-lime soda Shake tequila, blue curaçao and lime juice with ice. Strain ice (optional). Serve in a fresh glass with additional ice and a Please turn to page 74

Home for the Holidays

Bruce Mears

Photo by Krista Valliant

Blue Heaven

Since 1985

DESIGNER/BUILDER

31370 Railway Rd, Unit 2 | Ocean View, DE 19970

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Continued from page 73 splash of soda.

Garnish with shredded coconut flakes, whiskey-soaked cherries (made at home or purchased from a gourmet shop).

Nantuckets Restaurant Nantuckets Restaurant serves hearty fine dining in Fenwick Island. When it comes to crafting cocktails at home, beverage manager Delaney Twining says, “Keep it simple. If it’s just you at home, you’re not trying to impress anyone. But for a party, add some more garnishing elements.” ink fresh cranberries, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

Marksmanship 3 parts bourbon whiskey 1 part St. Germain 2 parts cold grapefruit juice or hot apple cider 1 part simple syrup made from brown sugar and cinnamon Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain out the ice. Serve in a fresh glass.

Tastes like mulled cider, even if you choose the grapefruit variation!

Garnish with ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick.

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Home for the Holidays

Fun with garnishes: different colors of salt 1. rimCreate for your margarita, said Mike Lara. A mixture of kosher salt, water and food coloring is gently oven-baked, then cracked into chunky new crystals.

Purchase dried citrus slices at 2. specialty shops. (Or dehydrate fruits at home with a low-and-slow ovenbaking method.)

Sugar Cookie Equal parts of: Vanilla vodka Amaretto RumChata seasonal flavor (autumn pumpkin or winter peppermint bark) Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain out the ice. Serve in a fresh glass.

Garnish with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Home for the Holidays

Cranberry Bog Mocktail Equal parts of: Non-alcoholic sparkling wine (such as alcohol-removed Prosecco) Cranberry juice cocktail Orange juice Soda water Scoop ice into the serving glass. Gently add ingredients one at a time. Avoid mixing in order to serve a sunset-like multihued concoction!

Garnish with orange slice, fresh cranberries.

Shaken or stirred?

Shaking a drink helps to quickly chill, dilute and even aerate the ingredients.

Use a cocktail shaker or (carefully) two pint glasses that are gently, but securely, wedged together.

“With something that’s cream-based, I recommend shaking it; that’s how you agitate it, get that foam,” said Delaney Twining

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Home for the Holidays

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Continued from page 64

The PC gamer Gift idea possibilities for PC gamers are extensive. ere are always hardware upgrades, input devices, streaming devices, games, subscriptions, and so much more.

With that said, headsets are a great start for PC gamers, but many of the brands or manufacturers listed above are going to be the same ones I’d recommend here. Since this is the case, here are some more appropriate models, at varying price points: n SteelSeries | Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | $379.99 n Logitech | PRO X @ Wireless Lightspeed | $229.99 n Corsair | HS80 Max Wireless | $189.99 n HyperX | Cloud Alpha R Wireless | $127.49 n Logitech | G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB | $109.99 n HyperX | Cloud Stinger 2 | $54.99 n Razer | BlackShark V2 X | $49.99 n Logitech | G432 Wired | $39.99

Keep in mind that most of these brands have models for just about every price range, so feel free to pick a brand and do some of your own research. Look at reviews and feature lists and find one that fits your gamer. (e same can be said for most of the things included in this story.)

Next up, we’ll look at input devices. PC gamers love their keyboards and mice, and perhaps your gamer needs an upgrade or replacement. Low-latency devices are crucial for competitive, smooth gameplay. Wired devices generally have this built in; however, wireless devices you are going to pay extra for. Most PC enthusiasts, including me, prefer wireless devices, as long as the input latency doesn’t affect gameplay.

Here are 10 popular devices for each category, 5 each of wired and wireless.

We will start with mice and mice-like devices. Gamers like mice with extra mouse buttons, giving them the ability to keybind often-used keys to their mouse

buttons. I will also include my personal pick for each type of device.

Wired:

n Logitech | G502 Hero | $99.99 n Razer | Basilisk V3 | $69.99 n Corsair | Nightsword RGB | $99.99 n HyperX | Pulsefire Haste 2 | $59.99 n SteelSeries | Rival 3 | $29.99

Wireless:

n Logitech | G PRO X Superlight 2 | $139.99 n Razer | Basilisk v3 X HyperSpeed | $69.999 n SteelSeries | Aerox 3 Wireless | $119.99 n Corsair | Harpoon RGB Wireless | $59.99 n Glorious | Model 0 Wireless | $79.99

My Pick: For my pick, I’m going with the Razer Naga V2 Pro | $179.99. It includes 3 swappable sideplates that allow the installation of 2, 6, or 12 programmable buttons. e 12-button sideplate is great for those playing MMOs, which often require a lot of keybinds to play efficiently, and you can swap it out for other types of Please turn to page 88

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Home for the Holidays

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LennarAtTheBeach.com | 302.660.1366 Imag e s a re s ol e l y fo r illu str ative p u r p o se s a n d s houl d neve r b e re lie d up o n. You s houl d neve r re l y o n the ac cu r acy of p hoto g r a p h s o r vi de o s in ma k ing a ny de ci s io n s re lative to pu rc ha s in g a ny p ro p e r t y. We r e se r ve the r i g ht to ma ke cha n g e s at a ny time withou t noti c e. Ple a se se e you r N ew Ho me C o n sult a nt a n d ho me pu rcha se ag re e me nt fo r ac tu a l fe atu re s de s ignate d a s a n Eve r y thin g’s In clu de d fe atu re, ad diti o na l info r matio n, di s clo su re s, a n d di s cla ime r s re latin g to you r ho me a n d its fe atu re s. Mo de l s / life st yl e W OV[V Z KV UV[ YLÅ L J [ Y HJP H S V Y L[ OUP J W YLML YL UJ L ( SS TH W Z H YL UV[ [V Z J H SL H U K H YL MV Y YL SH[P]L SV J H[PV U W\ Y W V ZL Z V US` 7Y P J L Z \IQL J [ [V JOH UN L ^P[OV\ [ UV[P J L 4H W Z H YL Z VSL S` MV Y illu str ative pu r p o s e s a n d s houl d neve r b e re lie d up o n. You s houl d neve r re ly o n the ac cu r acy of thi s ma p in ma k in g a ny de ci s io n s re lative to pu rcha s in g a ny p rop e r t y. V i s it Le nna r. c o m o r se e a Le nna r N ew Ho me Co n sult a nt fo r fu r the r det a il s a nd imp o r t a nt le g a l di s cla ime r s. Voi d whe re p ro hibite d by law. C opy r ight © 20 25 Le nna r Co r p o r atio n Le nna r, the Le nna r l o g o a re U.S. re gi ste re d s e r vi c e ma r ks o r s e r vi c e ma r ks of Le nna r Co r p o r atio n a n d /o r its sub s i dia r ie s. U.S. H o me Co r p o r atio n, MHBR #316. D ate 11/25

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A Season for Giving: Year-end donations make an impact on your community n Imagery supplied by CatLane/E+/ via Getty Images

By Taryn King Editor

The holiday months are ideally a time filled with seasonal cheer, love, and generosity.

It's also a time to reflect on the past year and what we want our next year to look like. If you want the world to be a better place, your holiday spirit may be stirred to act in the form of giving.

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Whether it's gifting to family and friends, monetary donations, or volunteering time in the community, the opportunities to engage in altruistic activities are numerous.

For the nonprofits, charitable organizations, and social entrepreneurs, this is an opportunity to end their fiscal year on a strong note. Many organizations set annual fundraising goals to support their programs and services. Year-end giving can help them in that final push towards reaching those goals. M+R Benchmarks, an annual report on nonprofit digital programs, found that nonprofits raise an

average of 40% of their revenues in December alone. ese high-stakes numbers drive home the importance of this make-or-break fundraising season.

Many organizations kick off their year-end fundraising campaigns with GivingTuesday (the first Tuesday after anksgiving in the United States), a movement that focuses on advocacy, volunteering, and community building. In 2024, 36.1 million people participated, with 12.9 million people donating goods, while another 9.2 million volunteered in various capacities, showcasing the value of non-monetary contributions.

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n Imagery supplied by Vladimir Vladimirov/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

GivingTuesday is a free, open movement that anyone can join. Learn more at GivingTuesday.org According to the IRS, there are about 1.9 million registered nonprofits in the United States. From the donor's perspective, this begs the question, "Which organization do I choose?" Of course, you can choose to support any organization that speaks to ideals that are close to your heart, regardless of its location. But for those who want to create impact a little closer to home, look to your communities.

Delaware Gives is a platform that connects donors and Delaware non-profits, ensuring donations impact local communities within the state. e platform boasts over 600 registered non-profits, which are searchable by county, town, or sector, enabling donors to find their perfect match. Delaware Gives offers yearround fundraising and event registration, and anyone can donate via DEGives.org Tangible results are a key motivator in the choice to donate, regardless of donation method. While budgetary concerns may push donors toward volunteering or non-monetary, goods-based donations, these methods are just as important to the philanthropic ecosystem. When reviewing the various ways you can contribute, consider the following options in each category—

Share the gift of financial impact this season • One-time or recurring holiday donations to brighten the year for those in need.

Please turn to page 82

Home for the Holidays

81

n Imagery supplied by Hispanolistic/E+/ via Getty Images

Continued from page 81 • Round-up programs: let spare change from shopping be a gift to a cause.

• Corporate matching gifts to double

your generosity during the festive season.

• Sponsor a program or family: fund a holiday meal, winter gear, or special project.

• Legacy giving or holiday pledges:

make a lasting impact beyond the season.

• Holiday “gift donations”: give in someone’s name to a favorite charity or social venture.

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Home for the Holidays

Everything You Need for the Perfect Celebration! n Imagery supplied by Vladimir Vladimirov/E+/ via Getty Images

Bring warmth and connection with your time and talents • Hands-on holiday volunteering: help serve meals, wrap gifts, or decorate community spaces.

• Pro bono services for holiday campaigns: marketing, design, tech support, or event planning.

• Mentorship or coaching: guide social entrepreneurs or students as a seasonal gift of knowledge.

• Virtual volunteering: tutor, read stories, or write cards for those celebrating in isolation.

• Holiday fundraising events: host or coordinate seasonal drives, benefit dinners, or online auctions.

• Board or committee involvement: lend your expertise to help nonprofits plan and thrive.

Give tangible gifts that bring immediate joy • Food, warm clothing, or hygiene kits for shelters, families, and neighbors in need.

• Winter gear, toys, or school supplies: perfect for holiday drives.

• Office supplies, furniture, or tech: help nonprofits run smoothly into the new year.

• Gift baskets, experiences, or handmade items for holiday auctions or fundraising.

• Space, transportation, or equipment: loan venues, vehicles, or storage for festive events.

• Creative contributions: photography, art, or media content to spread holiday cheer and awareness.

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Millville pastor helps congregants, visitors deal with holiday stress, loneliness

By Mike Stern Staff Reporter

“Christmas is all about Jesus Christ,” said Butterworth. “I use that as my firm foundation and grow it from there. at allows me to stay focused on the real reason for why we have Christmas. I expand on that with grace, love, joy and all those things that come with being a part of the holiday.” e Christmas holiday season is obviously a busy time for faith leaders such as Butterworth. is year in particular, Lent arrives just six weeks after Advent, which means she must deal with Christmas and then Easter in relatively short order.

“I have a lot going on both in the church and at home,” she said. “I start preparing for the holiday very early — usually in July — and just keep moving. And I find the joy in what is to come. I may not have the most beautifully wrapped gifts, nor is my home as decorated as I’d like it to be. And that’s OK, because the reason I find so much joy

n Photos courtesy of MUMC

It’s the winter holiday season, with all of its color, lights, festivities, joy and enthusiastic anticipation.

It is also a time when loneliness, stress, despair and sorrow can significantly dim the cheerful mood and joyous sensations usually associated with Christmas. e Rev. Wendy Butterworth, pastor at Millville United Methodist Church, understands the range of challenging emotions that may be felt during the late-December holiday.

Before ministering to members of her congregation, as well as visitors to the church, Butterworth said, she always reminds herself of what Christmas is all about.

in Christmas is knowing that Jesus came into the world and what he’s come to do.”

Helping congregants and church visitors deal with depression and loneliness One of the most important things that people need when they are lonely during Please turn to page 86

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Continued from page 84 the holidays, Butterworth said, is for someone to tell them, “It’s OK, you don’t have to feel joyful all the way or put on a happy face and pretend it’s joyful. You’ve suffered a loss, you’re dealing with something that’s caused you great pain — perhaps the loss of a loved one, or a job,” she said. “We have a lot of folks coming from Washington, D.C. who don’t know if they will have jobs in the near future. So I sit and listen. I don’t absorb the pain, but I share the pain. I hear what is being said, and what is not being said. “is is a safe place where we let them be who they are,” added the pastor. “If they want to come here and vent, or cry, or just be in the moment of their pain, that’s OK. at’s very helpful for them.”

In addition to helping congregants and visitors to her church office, Butterworth also makes arrangements to visit those who need help navigating the emotions of the season.

Drawing on personal experience When Butterworth meets with a congre-

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gant or visitor to the church who is experiencing sorrow or loss during the holiday, she said, she draws on personal experience.

“One of the many things I have experienced after the unexpected death of my mom in November 2011. … When you experience a loss of any type, it feels as if your whole life has been rearranged without your permission,” she said. “And loss comes in many forms. Certainly, the death of a loved one, but also the loss of a relationship, a job or source of income, good health, a home, or anything that was part of your ‘usual life’ that no longer exists can create pain and fear.

“Everything you knew is no longer normal,” she added. “Finding your footing again takes time, and there is never a date circled on the calendar to say that, after this date, you will be OK again. It takes as long as it takes, and it will never be as it once was. But while your world is torn apart and at a standstill, the world around you goes on, and you have no idea how that is possible.

“At Christmas and the new year, it gets harder. Not only do you need to figure out how to navigate the new ‘daily routine’ and all that it brings — but adding the pressure

to look forward to a new year, finding joy and good cheer for Christmas, and putting a smile on your face so you don’t diminish the holidays for others can be overwhelming.”

Helping congregants, visitors deal with death of loved-ones e holidays can be very difficult for those who have lost a spouse, relative or a close friend, regardless of whether the passing was recent or several years prior. “e sorrow and the feeling of loss can go on for years,” said Butterworth. “I make sure to recognize that the pain is there for them, and I let them know that it’s OK for them to feel the way they feel. I never tell them anything like, ‘It’s been so long — get over it.’”

Home for the Holidays

e pastor said she usually tries to share the memories of a loved-one at holiday time and to determine Millville United where the Methodist Church is pain is comopen to all visitors ing from. “ere may have been so many holiday traditions that relied on that person being a part of your life,” she said. “To not have those traditions can make it difficult to maintain the Christmas spirit. I attempt to get them to discuss what a new tradition looks like, or how to adjust those traditions. We often say there is an empty chair when someone is no longer with us. Perhaps the act of physically putting that empty chair at the table can be a way of recognizing that person and reflecting how much you’d love for them to be there.”

Helping congregants and visitors deal with finances, gifts and entertaining Because the loss of financial resources can be an obvious deterrent to holiday joy, Butterworth and her staff try to help those in need as best they can.

“It’s not what you give, it’s the thought behind it,” she said. “We ask people to focus on that. We know that some folks have the desire to keep up with the Joneses or get their wife the perfect gift. We try to focus on the love that is behind the gift, which is much more important than the gift itself. “ere are also those who want to entertain, to have the perfect Christmas dinner for their son and his girlfriend,” added the pastor. “We try to help folks understand that it’s an important part of the holiday to do what they can do, and to avoid getting stressed. We encourage them to concentrate on the joy and love that come with the holiday season, and to focus on the true nature of the holiday, in addition to all of the gifts, color and glitter.” e holiday cheer can also be dimmed by the loss of employment.

“We try to recognize that this is not the end of a career, but just a bump in the road,” she said. “I tell people that, when you’re down, God is up to something. It may not be clear now, and it may be diffi-

Home for the Holidays

cult, but we need to recognize that God may shut some doors so others can open.”

Focusing on the spiritual aspect of the holiday Butterworth said she focuses on the spiritual aspect of the Christmas holiday and asks people to realize that Jesus came to save them.

“For all of life’s trials and tribulations, they should realize what Jesus did for us,” she said. “We are going to get through this together, with God by your side. With Him, all things are possible.”

As a faith leader, Butterworth said she often finds that the best help she can do is to offer a safe place where someone can come and be in their genuine place of pain, grief, confusion, fear, or whatever else they are experiencing. “ere will be no judgment and no admonition to get over it, no matter how long they have suffered,” said the pastor. “I desire to be a person who can offer hope through the promise of what God is doing through his Son, and to share the true promise of Jesus as Savior — the savior of all who are hurting, lost and broken when others

around them are singing ‘Joy to the World.’” e pastor acknowledged that there is nothing she can say or do that will instantly remove a person’s pain.

“But I can at least hold the pain for a while as someone tries not only to get back on their feet, but also needs to take a deep breath again,” she said. “My door is always open to all, and everyone is welcome to visit me at Millville United Methodist Church. If someone is looking for a safe place to experience loss this Christmas, we are here with open hearts to walk with them in peace, grace and Christ’s love.”

Millville United Methodist Church is located at 36405 Club House Road at Atlantic Avenue (Route 26). e church phone number is (302) 539-9077, and their e-mail address is millvillechurchwesley@yahoo.com. e Rev. Wendy Butterworth can be reached at (302) 743-4047 or PastorWendyB@gmail.com. e church website is at www.millvillemethodistchurch.org.

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Continued from page 78 games that don’t require as many keybinds. It also has a Hyperscroll Pro Wheel, which allows you to change the feel of the scroll wheel. You can toggle between 5 different modes, and even customize one to your liking. You can also get wireless charging for the device, and it can connect via HyperSpeed, Bluetooth, or USB Type-C (to be able to use the mouse while charging the battery).

Up next on the docket is keyboards.

For the most part, wired or wireless, it doesn’t really matter that much (how often are you not sitting at your desk and typing on a desktop computer?) You don’t need to move the keyboard much either, so a wire isn’t usually any kind of hindrance. Unless your gamer has their PC rather far from their desk space, it won’t really matter much. Below are the top 5 mechanical keyboards and the top 5 nonmechanical. e mechanical varieties are going to be the more expensive ones, but they are tactile and usually last longer.

Plus, the sound they make is quite pleasing. (Maybe not for everyone, especially if your gamer games in a common area, which is why I’m including non-mechanical as well.)

88

Mechanical:

n Logitech | G PRO X TKL Rapid | $189.99 n Corsair | K100 RGB | $229.99 n Razer | BlackWidow V4 75% | $189.99 n SteelSeries | Apex 9 TKL | $139.99 n Keychrono | C3 Pro | $54.99

Non-mechanical:

n Corsair | K55 RGB | $69.99 n Logitech | G213 Prodigy RGB | $59.99 n HyperX | Alloy Core RGB | $54.99 n Razer | Ornata V3 X | $39.99 n SteelSeries | Apex 3 TKL | $54.99

My pick: I prefer low-profile keys and a full keyboard, so I personally use a Logitech G815, but Logitech currently has the G915 X at the same price or lower, so I would recommend the G915 X. It uses improved materials, a slightly shorter actuation point for improved responsiveness, and improved macro support. If I were buying one today, this would be my choice. ere are always big games launching throughout the year, but the holiday season is usually when the big boys release their blockbuster games. I have already named a bunch of them in the console section, but here is a list of the most popular and/or the most anticipated games of the year.

n Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | Activision Blizzard | November 14, 2025 n Battlefield 6 | Electronic Arts | October 10, 2025 n Ninja Gaiden 4 | PlatinumGames Inc. | October 21, 2025 n Hollow Knight: Silksong | Team Cherry | September 4, 2025 n Borderlands 4 | Gearbox Software | September 12, 2025 n Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Ubisoft | March 20, 2025 n Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 | Warhorse Studios | February 4, 2025 n Dying Light: The Beast | Techland | September 18, 2025 n The Outer Worlds 2 | Obsidian Entertainment | October 2, 2025 n Frostpunk 2 | 11 Bit Studios | September 18, 2025 n Marvel Cosmic Invasion | Tribute Games | December 1, 2025 n Anno 117: Pax Romana | Ubisoft | November 13, 2025 n Paralives | Paralives Studio | December 8, 2025 n Arc Raiders | Embark Studios | October 30, 2025

ere are likely tons of games your gamer hasn’t played that have stood the test of time, and may be worth looking into to provide some good entertainment and maybe even a bit of nostalgia.

Some of the best games of all time: n Half-Life 2 | Valve | 2004 n The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | CD Project Red | 2015 n Counter-Strike: Global Offensive/CS2 | Valve | 2012/2023 n The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Bethesda | 2011 n Civilation IV/VI | Firaxis Games | 2005/2016

Please turn to page 91

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Don’t forget your little buddy when you are doing your holiday shopping. is local pet store has everything you need. New holiday toys for the stocking, lots of great snacks, and a large selection of collars, leashes, and harnesses for large to small cats and dogs. From keeping them warm with fleece dog jackets to keeping them healthy with vitamins, flea, and tick products, they have it all.

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Continued from page 88 n StarCraft/StarCraft II | Blizzard Entertainment | n Minecraft | Mojang | 2011 n Portal 2 | Valve | 2011 n Grand Theft Auto V | Rockstar Games | 2013

Honorable mentions:

n Baldur’s Gate 3 | Larian Studios | 2023 n World of Warcraft | Blizzard Entertainment | 2004 n Elden Ring | FromSoftware Inc. | 2022 n Mass Effect 2 | BioWare | 2010 n Warframe | Digital Extremes | 2013

The Streamer With the popularity of YouTube and Twitch streaming, more and more people are flocking to test the streaming waters, and if your loved one dreams of making it big, you’ll want to help them acquire some of the basic equipment needed to get started. e biggest thing needed is a computer capable of gaming and encoding the video for the stream. ere are multitudes of systems out there, and I don’t have enough space to get into those details. If they are interested in gaming, they likely

have something that will work, at least for the moment. I’d like to focus on some of the smaller things they’ll need to make their dreams come true. ese things include a decent microphone, a webcam, and miscellaneous devices.

Probably the best place to start is microphones. is will allow your streamer to communicate with their audience with clarity and allow their viewers to connect with them. e better and clearer they sound, the more likely a viewer is to return and watch more content.

Top 10 microphones:

n Shure | SM7dB | XLR | $549 n Shure | MV6 USB Gaming Microphone | USB | $169 n Blue Yeti | USB | $99 n HyperX | QuadCast 2 USB Microphone | USB | $129.99 n Fifine | AmpliGame AM8 | Hybrid XLR/USB | $74.99 n RODE | PodMic USB/Hybrid | Hybrid XLR/USB | $99.99 n RODE | NT-USB+ USB Condenser Microphone | USB | $149 n Sennheiser | Profile USB Microphone | USB | $299.95 n Elgato | Wave Neo USB Condenser Microphone | USB | $89.99 n HyperX | SoloCast USB Condesner Microphone | USB | $59.99

Another device that helps to connect viewers with their favorite streamers is the webcam. Below is a list of varied price ranges and brands to help you find one within your budget. n onn 4K Webcam: Ultra-budget 4K option (~$30-40) delivering 2160p capability. Good for entry setups or backup cams. n Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam: A stalwart in streaming, 1080p, good quality, solid value (~$50-70). Great starting point. n Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam: A step up for streamers: 1080p, 720p@60fps support, good for smoother motion (~$110-120). n Logitech StreamCam: Creator-oriented, 1080p@60fps, USBC, better lens/encoding (~$90-170 depending region). n EMEET S600 4K Webcam: 4K webcam at a mid-price (~$6070), offering 4K video and good specs for streaming. n Logitech BRIO 100: Budget full-HD (1080p) with basic streaming features (~$30), good for backup or simple setups. n Elgato Facecam MK2: Prosumer level full HD (1080p) streaming cam with better control and image quality (~$140). n Elgato Facecam 4K: Premium 4K streaming cam, high quality, ideal for serious streamers who want crisp visuals (~$199).

Please turn to page 92

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Continued from page 91 n Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra: High-end gaming streaming webcam with large sensor and excellent low-light performance (~$350-400). n OBSBOT Tiny 2 AI-Powered 4K Webcam: Top tier, 4K, AI tracking, high-end features (~$299+), for streamers who move around and want dynamic cams.

Next up are a few miscellaneous devices that relate to streaming and might be the perfect gift for your streamer. n Elgato Stream Deck +: A hardware pad with customizable buttons (macros, scene switches, audio muting) — super helpful to manage your stream workflow without alt‐tabbing. MSRP ~ $199.99. n Elgato HD60 X Capture Card: Ideal if you’re streaming from a console or want a second PC or camera feed. High quality capture + passthrough is key. MSRP ~ $139.99 n Logitech Litra Glow Streaming Light: Proper lighting improves your video look dramatically — reduces shadows, improves readability of your face. MSRP ~ $69.99. n Kikkerland Live-Streaming Kit (Phone Holder + LED): A budget-friendly starter kit for streaming from phone or extra angle — includes LED light + phone clamp. Price ~ $30. n Benro MeVIDEO LiveStream Accessory Kit: Mounting rig for phones/cameras/lights with flex arms — great for multiangle or creative stream setups. Price range $45–$50.

92

n Logitech G Litra Beam LX Dual-Sided Streaming Light: Premium lighting tool: one side key light, the other ambient/RGB — for more professional look. MSRP ~ $159.99. n North Complete Creator Streaming Kit: All-in-one bundle (webcam + light + mic stand/tripod) for creators who want a “pull-everything-together fast” solution. Price around $40–50 (bundle). n j5create ScreenCast HDMI Wireless Display: Wireless HDMI display transmitter — helpful if you want to stream content from another device wirelessly or show your gameplay on a second screen. Price ~$45. n Hangman Smart Device Shelf: A small but useful device. It is a secure shelf for mounting streaming gear (camera, lights, capture hardware) on a wall or desk. $20–25.

The Frequent Traveler Everyone has reason to travel once in a while; some of us have to do it more often, and there are plenty of items that are quite convenient and even necessary to help make our travels that much easier. Ideas are items that are lightweight and/or compact, items that help travelers keep their tech gadgets powered through their travels, or even help them stay organized and help to carry them to all their destinations. e most obvious place to start is lap-

tops. Your traveler is likely to want something lightweight, but still powerful enough to keep them in the game during those long trips. Here are a few of the lightest, most powerful, and even some budget-friendly laptops to help them get through their journeys. n Apple MacBook Air 13” (M4): A top travel choice. In reviews it delivered ~14-15 hours of web-surfing battery life in real-world tests. Weight is low and build is excellent. Some trade-offs: fewer ports. You could also look into the MacBook Pro, if your traveler needs something with a bit more oomph in the power department. $999 for the 13” base model.• Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8” Copilot+ PC: Windows option, ultrathin and light weight, good for travel. $1,099.99 starting price. n Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13: A business traveller’s favourite. Excellent durability and portability. Starts around $2,000 for the business model. n Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 14”: Strong performance plus good travel credentials (battery + portability) based on recent reporting. $1,099.99 as listed for a 14” model. n ASUS ZenBook A14: Great for ultra-portable travel focus: lighter weight, good specs, good value. $999.99 listed for the model cited. n Microsoft Surface Laptop 13” (2025): Very portable, good battery life, solid travel companion for daily productivity. $299.99 for the baseline model.

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n ASUS Vivobook 14: More budget-friendly travel option: decent specs for everyday tasks while still being portable. $1,199 for the 15” model at launch. n ASUS Vivobook 16”: Slightly larger screen (16”) but still relatively portable; good if you want more display real-estate while traveling but still manageable. Starting at $599.99 for the base model, and the higher S16 starts at $999.99. n Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (Chromebook): Lightest and most budget-friendly; great if your tasks are workflows compatible with Chrome/Android ecosystem and you prioritize portability over raw power. $319 for the base model, however it is often on sale for as low as $183. n Lenovo Yoga 7i 16” 2-in-1: A more versatile 2-in-1 option for travel: tablet mode + laptop mode. Slightly heavier, but good flexibility for travel usage. $1,019.99 for the base model.

Another much-needed accessory for those on the go is battery banks. ey help keep their devices powered up when they aren’t close to an outlet.

n Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K: 20,000 mAh, three ports (two USB-C, one USB-A). Perfect if you travel with multiple devices. n Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K USB-C Power Bank: 10,000 mAh capacity, USB-C focus—great for phone/tablet travel minimalists. n INIU 10,000 mAh PD 22.5W Portable Charger: Budget option, light and compact, 10,000 mAh capacity, good for basic travel needs. n DeWalt Rugged Power Bank 10,000 mAh: 10,000 mAh but designed rugged (dust/water resistant) — good if your travel involves outdoor or rough-handling. n Pocket Juice Slim Pro 20,000 mAh: 20,000 mAh capacity at a more affordable price point, slim form factor—good value travel pick. n INIU 20,000 mAh PD 22.5W Power Bank: Another value high capacity option: 20,000 mAh, fast charging, multiple ports—great for extended trips on a budget. n Onn 5,000 mAh Compact Portable Battery: Ultrabudget/ultra-portable: 5,000 mAh capacity, pocket friendly—ideal tripod, secondary bank for travel.

n Anker Laptop Power Bank 25K 165W: 25,000 mAh capacity, 165 W output—excellent for charging laptops + multiple devices. Good for serious travelers who use high-power devices. n UGREEN Nexode 100W 12K mAh Power Bank: 12,000 mAh but supports 100 W USB-C output—great balance: high power, decent size, good for tablets/laptops in travel. n Anker 737 PowerCore 24K: 24,000 mAh capacity, solid mid/high capacity for extended travel, charging multiple devices.

A good backpack, briefcase, or suitcase for frequent travelers is a must. It should be of good quality, have plenty of storage for all of their favorite take-alongs, and tech gadgets. e best one I’ve seen is designed by one of my favorite YouTubers, Linus Tech Tips. Be sure to check it out at https://www.lttstore.com/products/back-

pack. It has plenty of pockets (22, if you’re counting) for chargers, cables, and all kinds of other accessories, allowing for quick access to almost everything being carried by your frequent traveler. It was designed to fit under most airplane seats, so it’s made for frequent travelers. It can fit up to 2 laptops of just about any size, features a raised microsuede-lined tablet sleeve, and has a spot for a handheld gaming device. It’s a bit on the pricey side at $249.99, but it’s definitely built to last and accommodates almost everything needed for your frequent traveler. Here are a few other, cheaper options if you can’t swing the $250 price tag. n Lovevook Travel College Bookbag: A very budget-friendly option (~$46.99) that includes a dedicated laptop compartment (fits up to ~15.6”) and multiple pockets for tech gear.

Great value if you’re watching cost. n Travel Select Grayville 17” Multifunctional Tech Laptop Backpack: Around ~$31.99 — larger size (fits up to 17” laptop), built for travel: padded laptop compartment, USB charging port, luggage-handle sleeve. Nice for tech-loaded travel without premium cost.

Please turn to page 102

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Kid Stuff: Toys, games, and collectibles for the young at heart

Get competitive with knowledge, logic and strategy with several board games.

By Laura Walter Staff Reporter

n Photos by Laura Walter

What’s that toy your kids have been talking about lately? What are these collectibles? What is the fandom that seems to be a book, TV show, video game, deck of cards, and lunchbox? ree local toy and game shops shared some gift options that will delight the young folks on your gift list.

Consider shopping local at these and

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other shops, which will be open all season: Bethany Sports Cards Plus, Comics and Gaming West Fenwick, Kisa Toys and Games, Myriads Toys and Games, Ocean View Sports Cards & Collectibles, Tidepool Toys & Games, and Yesterday’s Fun.

Games for One and All Board games and card games never get old—maybe because there are always new inventions. “ese are all games that take like 20 minutes to play. It’s not all day,”

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Get hands on with building or helping to learn more at home. said Sandy Smyth of Tidepool Toys & Games. “e big thing we try to look for is: they learn while having fun.”

Blank Slate provides fun with words and creative thinking. Tacta is like a cousin of dominoes, where “you can only lay your card on another card with the same shape … it can be anywhere from two people to a whole group,” said Smyth.

Flip 7 was a staff favorite for playing with elementary-aged nieces, as players press their luck to collect point cards. IQ Pentagon is a one-player logic game, as you arrange colorful pieces to match a puzzle.

Frog Hopkins is an award-winning strategy game for ages 4+ with recycled materials, vegetable-based inks, and created by a woman-owned company.

be proud of."

My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon is for kids interested in computer coding, as they build a robot lizard that performs tasks depending on the color it senses.

Lego Formula 1 model car kits range from big to small, $20 to $200. Lego Botanical Collection kits have an 18+ age suggestion, not due to complexity, but probably because it’s considered delicate décor instead of a toy.

Which One Did You Get? Mystery bags, blind boxes, surprise gifts … opening those little packages launches a dopamine rush that, yes, adds to the delight of the unknown. ey’re also good stocking stuffers. “You don’t know what you’re going to get,” said Sandy Smyth of Tidepool Toys & Games.

“You’re going to get one of these series.”

Smiski figurines show a glow-in-thedark figure often doing everyday activities, like carrying moving boxes, or daydreaming with a cat. Nano Pods by Wow Stuff bring favorite DC superheroes to your desktop with fun, cartoon-like miniatures. Posture Pal created Hippers

Collect them all, knowing you’re getting a mystery surprise.

Funbarus, a line of adorable, attachable animal minis—especially fun because “Japanese collectables are a very hot item right now.”

Nerds Have the Most Fun You’ve probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer 40,000, and both Please turn to page 96

Build It, Code It, Display It Activity kits are made for all ages. ese are geared toward slightly older audiences and can be displayed afterward.

“On a rainy day, or if you’re home from school, you can still have a little fun with crafts and learning,” said Sandy Smyth of Tidepool Toys & Games. "And once it's completed, it's something you want to have on your shelf. It's a project you can No shame feeling nerdy while feeling competitive at the same time.

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Your Room is So Cool

Make your room shine with lots of colors with these lava lamps.

Continued from page 95 have been around for decades. ey’re the most fun when played in person. “We’ve seen a big uptick in Dungeons & Dragons.

‘I’m present, I’m here physically playing this with my friend,’” explained Ryan Stuckey of Kisa Toys and Games.

At its heart, D&D is cooperative group storytelling, using dice to determine if your character’s desired actions are suc-

cessful. Try the 5-Minute Dungeon game to solve quick scenarios as a group if you're new to this style of play.

Meanwhile, Warhammer is a tactical strategy game between armies of handpainted minis. Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set provides everything for two beginners to build and paint opposing armies, then roll some dice and play the game.

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Good news: lava lamps are still cool. So are the plasma ball lamps that shoot electric-blue light to your fingers.

“If you’ve grown up with a phone in your hands, I think there’s a fascination with the unplugged and the tactile,” said Ryan Stuckey of Kisa Toys and Games. “I think for a lot of [young] people, it’s the first time they are seeing it. ese … lamps are an enduring thing.” “ey come in, and they’re like, ‘Oh my god, how does this work?” added Ksenia Litvinova.

People continue to be delighted by any colorful phenomenon that they can watch or touch.

Design It or Dissect It How does the world around us work?

From fossils to planetariums, color labs to sensory activities—there’s always something to get your hands on.

Bracelet weaving and art kits provide a creative outlet. “ey’re coming back, all the classic arts and crafts,” said Ksenia Litvinova of Kisa Toys and Games. “Beads are coming back. ere’s a lot of friendship bracelets.”

“I’ve also noticed an uptick in the traditional science,” said Ryan Stuckey, like the

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Dissect-It synthetic animal dissection kits, or the Science Advent Calendar with activities for each night of December. “I find a lot of people give these aspirational gifts around Christmas.”

Pokémon … ‘Nuff Said.

For anyone who still doesn’t know: the Pokémon franchise revolves around a kidfriendly (but all-ages-obsessed) world in which human characters collect “pocket monsters” that can be released to do battle. e base collection includes 151 creatures, but over 1,000 different creatures exist, ranging from cool (dragons and sea creatures) to charmingly dumb (a carp or an actual rubbish pile). "ere's a lot of people who play a game, and others just like the look of it," said Brian Ligon of Ocean View Sports Cards & Collectibles. “ere are so many different products.” e shop sells those oh-so-coveted Pokémon cards. Some people build a competitive deck to actually play the trading card game (each character card has stats for battling). For that, consider buying card packs, display binders, or starter

Pokémon remains popular, from the originals to the new generation. kits. “Pokémon comes out with a new set every few months. It comes with a number of packs [plus supplies] to play the game. ese are to get people going,” Ligon said.

Other people just love collecting cards, and they’re looking for the rare prints, mint conditions, holographic designs, or their favorite creature.

“We cater to the kids. … We have

something—even if a kid comes in here with a dollar,” said Tommy Johnson. e shop also sells more coveted cards that can cost $5, $10, or investment levels of money.

Because cards are collectible, Johnson also warned families to watch out for counterfeit cards, especially if you’re considering an expensive purchase online or from an unknown dealer.

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Pointies Favorite

Holiday Movies Susan Lyons: “Home Alone” is one of my favorite movies that I watch every year. Mainly because I love good oldfashioned slapstick. I like movies that entertain, and you can just clear your mind and laugh out loud.

Darin McCann: It’s “A Christmas Story”, simply because of the connection with my family. My parents took us to see that movie in the theaters when it was first released, and we made sure to watch it every Christmas we were together until my mom passed. Now I watch it with my own family every year, and we still laugh at the same scenes every time around.

Susan Mutz: “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” has been my favorite Christmas movie since I was a teen. Watching it now with my own kids brings back the laughter, lessons and magic I felt growing up. e festive streets of New York and Kevin’s wild adventure never lose their charm.

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Taryn King:

machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.”

But in all seriousness, I think my favorite Christmas movie is the 2000 movie, “e Family Man”. I am not sure why, but it’s a movie that just hits me in the feels every time I

Patricia Titus:

Growing up my family always watched “Miracle on 34th Street” on anksgiving day. is tradition has held true, but when “e Santa Clause” came out, we also worked that one into the mix. I really do love the story and the quotability of “Miracle on 34th Street”, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. But, if I have to choose, “e Santa Clause” is my favorite. I do not, in any way care for the film sequels, but the first one is absolutely fantastic. Not only does Tim Allen bring his reluctant Santa down to earth in ways that only he can, but the film is full of laughter, emotion, nostalgia, and the best grumpy elf to exist since the Elf Foreman in “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” (Bernard is probably my spirit animal).

I love all the Rankin/Bass holiday specials, but my favorite is “e Life and Adventures of Santa Claus,” based on the story by “Wizard of Oz” author Frank L. Baum.

It uses the wonders of their stop-motion animation to tell a Santa origin story rooted in nature and myth.

watch it.

Jillian Stohr: e 1966 cartoon, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is my favorite holiday film. Even after sixty years, the song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” remains hilarious.

Shaun Lambert: “Die Hard”, 1988. I know many of you will argue that it is NOT a Christmas movie but allow me to retort. e movie takes place on Christmas Eve, and I believe the main criteria for a Christmas movie is that it takes place during the Christmas season. e soundtrack is filled with many traditional holiday songs. All of the great Christmas movies are about love, reconciliation, sacrifice and hope, all of which are the main themes in Die Hard, but with more bullets! It also gave use the ultimate Christmas quote: “Now I have a

Chris Aube: My favorite holiday movie of all time is “Home Alone”. If I ever need something that will make me laugh out loud (sometimes obnoxiously), Home Alone is definitely a go-to especially during the holiday season.

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Kerin Magill: “It’s a Wonderful Life” is hands-down my favorite holiday movie. I love it because George Bailey represents all that is good and pure and kind and forgiving.

Fun fact: We named our dog “Bailey” because we got her right before Christmas and wanted her name to reflect that without saddling her with something like “Jingles” or “Noël”.

Mike Stern: Love and still watch the movie “Christmas Vacation” because it embodies the importance of family life and humorously exhibits the lengths we go to in order to make the holidays so wonderful.

Jason Feather: Our family’s favorite holiday movie is “Elf” starring Will Ferrell. No matter how many times we watch it, we always get a good laugh.

Laura Walter: “e Holiday”. I adore this romantic comedy where the lead characters switch houses (snowy England and balmy Los Angeles) in order to shake off their own failed relationships. What’s to love? In a plot featuring some of my favorite actors, Kate Winslet befriends elderly neighbor/Hollywood legend Eli Wallach and lighthearted Jack Black long before considering romance with the latter. Meanwhile, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law enjoy immediate romance, while recovering from fractured relationships and frayed emotions. Christmas and New Years are a background to the story, so “e Holiday” is delightful year-round. Bonus: movies about filmmaking are always fun and self-aware.

Susan Canfora: My favorite holiday movie is “A Christmas Carol”, the old black and white version from 1951 starring the Scottish actor Alistair Sim, portraying Ebenezer Scrooge. Charles Dickens wrote the book in 1843 and the story remains important and valuable, especially in today’s society. My favorite scene is Christmas morning, when Scrooge awakens after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future and he’s so grateful to be alive he is giddy. “I must stand on my head,” he says, then rushes to the window to ask a boy passing by his house to go to the butcher shop and buy the big goose hanging in the window as a gift for Bob Cratchit. e day after Christmas he is sitting at his desk and, tossing his pen into the air, he laughs and says, “I don’t deserve to be so happy.” It’s a delightful movie with a serious, yet uplifting, message, about the importance of having faith, of believing and of practicing kindness to the less fortunate.

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Home for the Holidays

Jessica Heppding: “Gremlins”. Growing up, my family gatherings for Christmas were huge.

My Nanny and Poppy were Horror movie fans so there were always classics on the TV. My brother and I loved Gremlins and would watch it every year even as adults.

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Scan for Santa’s Schedule

Santa’s House on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach opens on Friday riday,, November 28th!

Whether in Downtown Rehoboth, in Dewey Beach or on Coastal Highway, Highway, there are hundreds of shops, restaurants and places to stay. Visit Beach-Fun.com and look for the Beach Fun & Bargains calendar for holiday events, activities, and specials.

Make sure to check out the 3rd Annual Holiday Lobby Decorating Contest! Visit, View and Vote Vote for your favorite holiday decorations at local accomodations.

Don’t forget, while checking off your Christmas list...your purchases are TAX-FREE in Delaware.

Support local businesses and SHOP LOCAL! For info, contact the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

Center.

302-227-6446 · Beach-Fun.com

Continued from page 93 n Travelpro T-Pro Bold 2.0 Computer Backpack: Mid-price (~$92–$101 depending on deals) by a brand known for travel gear. Rugged water-repellent fabric, padded sleeves for 15.6” laptop + tablet, good for tech and travel combined. n Thule Accent Backpack 26 L: Around ~$105. Durable materials (1680D polyester), excellent tech protection (SafeZone compartment for fragile gear) and organization. n BANGE Stylish Waterproof Commute/Tech Travel Backpack: Budget (~$59.90) waterproof tech-friendly backpack with lots of compartments for organizing gear, cables, laptop, etc. Good “value-travel” option.

Lastly, if you can’t find anything I’ve already listed that fits for your techie, or you just aren’t sure what to get, there is always the more generic gift that is sure to be appreciated. ings like gift cards or different game currencies for their favorite game or gaming platform. Whether it’s Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, Roblox, Minecraft, Nintendo, or even something like an Amazon gift card, you’re sure to please your techie by letting them pick what they know they need/want.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts, and spending some quality time with those you love is what matters the most. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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