Gift Guide 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

Holiday Gift Guide A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Elizabethton Star

2 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

The fabric of Plaid Friday The holiday season sometimes arrives with a frenetic pace. At the dawn of the holiday season, there seems to be so much to fit into a relatively short period of time, including planning celebrations and shopping. The rush often begins the Friday after American Thanksgiving on a day called Black Friday.

Plaid Friday was born out of a recognition that the frenzied nature of Black Friday may not be for everyone. The event was created in Oakland, Calif., to transform holiday shopping for family and friends into a more connected, pleasurable activity than Black Friday. Plaid Friday promotes the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses. On Plaid Friday, customers are urged to shop locally and enjoy choosing gifts in a more leisurely fashion.

According to event organizers, the name “Plaid Friday” was chosen from the idea of weaving individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates independent businesses. While Plaid Friday may have originated in California, it has now spread to local towns across the country. Plaid

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Shopping locally is now more crucial than ever

METRO - The importance of shopping locally has been emphasized with increasing urgency in recent years. Events Friday precedes Small Business like Small Business Saturday and Plaid Friday have brought Saturday, meaning holiday shoppers can turn their two-day, some much-needed attention to the importance of post-Thanksgiving shopping shopping local, which is excursions into 48 hours of even more crucial now as so opportunities to support small many small businesses try to businesses.

Shoppers have many differ- survive the pandemic.

A poll from the trade ent ways to support the Plaid group the National FederaFriday movement. r -PPL GPS TJHOBHF PS TPDJBM tion of Independent Business reported that about half media advertising regarding Plaid Friday. Many establish- of all the businesses in the survey reported a 25 percent ments may advertise Plaid drop in sales since the Friday sales. Keep an eye out for signs or hashtags on social outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and roughly one in media, such as #plaidfriday, five businesses have seen #shoplocal and #dinelocal. sales decline by more than r -FU PUIFST LOPX ZPV SF 50 percent. If the economic supporting local businesses. climate does not radically Spread the word about Plaid Friday to others who may not improve, 20 percent of small businesses won’t survive. be aware of the movement.

According to NBC News, · Wear plaid clothing on small businesses employ 60 Plaid Friday to show local million people in the United business solidarity.

States, almost half of the na· Search community blottion’s private-sector employters and other local websites ees. In addition, small busito find out more about Plaid nesses generate tax revenues Friday efforts in your comthat help communities by munity. funding schools, maintaining · Certain shops may have parks and contributing to pubscaled-back sales due to COVID-19 restrictions. Continue lic safety programs. However, to support these businesses as based on research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New much as possible, taking adYork, even before COVID-19 vantage of curbside pickup or delivery options that can further spread across the world, only 20 percent of healthy small streamline holiday shopping.

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Small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks due to COVID-19. By supporting small businesses, communities can help them regain stable footing.

businesses had sufficient cash reserves to continue to operate if they experienced a revenue loss for two months. Some have been shuttered for much longer.

Individuals looking for everything from clothing to home improvement services to office supplies can look to small businesses to fill those needs. t -PPL GPS TNBMM CVTJOFTTFT for any and all of your shopping needs. Chances are items sold by big box retailers also are sold by small businesses.

When the options are the same or similar, purchase from a small business instead of its big box competitor.

t 3FBEJMZ QSPWJEF SFDommendations of small businesses with which you have done business. Too often people are quick to complain about places that have failed them, but those same people don’t think to say kind words about companies that went above and beyond. Share great experiences on social media or through word of mouth. t 5BML UP TNBMM CVTJOFTTFT owners first if you have an issue. It’s tempting to go directly to social media to complain about something, but such complaints can have a dire impact. Always take issues to the manager or business

owner first to see if a resolution can be reached. A manager may not be aware of an issue BU BMM (JWF TNBMM CVTJOFTTFT B chance to make it right before taking things public. t *G ZPV PXO B TNBMM business, rely on other small businesses to fulfill your needs.

Order supplies from fellow small business owners, seek the help of local financial advisors and tax professionals and use local suppliers and delivery personnel.

Small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks due to COVID-19. By supporting small businesses, communities can help them regain stable footing.

How to cut back on holiday waste $

METRO - The holiday season is a joyful time of year. But the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season.

Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season. t (JWF FDP DPOTDJPVT gifts. The environment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looking for gifts for their loved ones. But giving reusable gifts can have a positive, long-term impact on the planet. Reusable coffee mugs or water bottles can dramatically reduce waste over time, and such items make great stocking stuffers.

Shoppers also can look for items made from recycled materials, which run the

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The holiday season is a wasteful time of year, but there are ways for celebrants to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

gamut from home furnishings to calendars to clothing, as eco-friendly alternatives to gifts produced without the environment in mind. t 3FVTF IPMJEBZ TQFDJGJD items. Many people only use gift wrap, gift boxes and gift bags during the holiday season. Such items are oftentimes discarded after Christmas morning. But

these items can be reused to cut back on holiday waste.

Reusing wrapping paper from year to year can be especially beneficial to the environment. That’s because wrapping paper tends to be dyed or laminated, and many wrapping papers contain non-paper additives that cannot be recycled.

Reusing wrapping paper,

purchasing only recyclable paper or wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines can help holiday celebrants reduce their carbon footprints. t 1SFQBSF MFTT GPPE BOE donate any leftovers. The Worldwatch Institute notes that, during the holiday n See WASTE, 4

How did Black Friday begin?

METRO - Black Friday is seen by many as a shopping extravaganza that begins in the wee hours of the morning on the day after Thanksgiving, offering deep discounts on various items, doorbuster deals and other specials that have customers anxious to raid the aisles.

Many believe Black Friday was named for the day retail companies would become profitable for the year (retailers would record losses in red in and profits in black), but other accounts of the origins of Black Friday differ.

Gold Rush One story attributes the name of Black Friday to September 24, 1869, when

two speculators created a boom and subsequent bust in the gold market. According to the History Channel, rebel TQFDVMBUPST +BZ (PVME BOE Jim Fisk attempted to control the nation’s gold market.

They hoped to drive the price of gold sky high, relying on a corrupt network that extended from Wall Street and the government of New York City all the way to the family PG 1SFTJEFOU 6MZTTFT 4 (SBOU Eventually, the conspiracy unraveled on what became known as “Black Friday.”

Brotherly Love Other historians say that Black Friday has ties to n See BLACK FRIDAY, 4

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Black Friday is a phenomenom that marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, though its history might be rooted in more than just buying gifts for loved ones.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 - STAR - 3

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How small businesses can prepare for a unique holiday season METRO - When the famous ball dropped in Times 4RVBSF PO /FX :FBS T &WF and 2020 officially began, few people might have anticipated what awaited the world in the months ahead.

By the end of March, a global pandemic had changed the way people across the globe lived their lives as governments scrambled to prevent a potentially deadly virus from spreading.

No aspect of life has been left untouched by the COVID-19 outbreak, including IPX QFPQMF TIPQ 4UBZ BU home measures and government-mandated closures proved a formidable challenge for small business owners. Another challenge awaits such businesses this holiday season, when consumers are expected to do much of their shopping online.

Many small businesses thrive on welcoming customers into their facilities. While no one can predict how long social distancing measures will remain in place, it’s reasonable to assume that consumers may be hesitant to visit stores en masse this holiday season. But the spirit of the holiday season will return, and that spirit will still compel consumers to

may be. t "QQMZ QBTU FYQFSJFODFT 4NBMM CVTJOFTTFT IBWF IBE more than a few litmus tests to gauge consumer behavior during the outbreak. Easter marked the first major holiday to occur while stayat-home restrictions were in place, and since then retail holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have Metro Photo DPNF BOE HPOF 4NBMM CVTJSmall business owners looking to capitalize on the holi- ness owners can examine day shopping season can try these strategies as they pre- consumer behavior durpare for what promises to be a unique final month of 2020. ing past retail holidays to look for gifts for their loved position to capitalize on early inform their approaches to POFT 4NBMM CVTJOFTT PXOFST bird shoppers. the coming holiday season. looking to capitalize on the If consumers expressed t ,FFQ TBMFT HPJOH 5IF holiday shopping season can Bureau of Economic Analysis a desire for gift packages try these strategies as they that reduced their need to noted that economic growth prepare for what promises to JO UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT EFDMJOFE make multiple shopping be a unique final month of trips, small business owners by 5 percent in the first 2020. can design and promote quarter of 2020, and in June t 4UBSU FBSMZ )PMJEBZ gift baskets filled with an the Congressional Budget promotions typically feature assortment of products Office predicted that growth discounted items, and small available in their stores. would ultimately decline business owners can hit the Creativity figures to be a CZ QFSDFOU 4VDI GJHVSFT ground running by announc- suggest that money will be necessity to attract customers ing sales well in advance of this holiday season, and past tight this holiday season, the holiday season. Consum- and small business owners retail holidays can inspire a ers have adapted to lengthy new approach. can expect to compete for delivery times during the 4NBMM CVTJOFTTFT DBO every dollar. By starting sales outbreak, and retail analysts early and keeping those sales confront the challenge of predict many will begin shop- going throughout the holiday the coming holiday season ping earlier than ever before season, small business owners by embracing a handful of to account for potential deliv- can put themselves in the best strategies to attract consumers ery problems. By discounting position possible to capitalize during what promises to be items early, small business on consumer spending, how- a season unlike any other in owners can put themselves in ever limited that spending recent memory.

The bright side of small holiday celebrations METRO - To say the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changed life would be an understatement. Due to COVID-19, the way people interact with one another has changed dramatically over the last several months. Despite this, the public has proven very resilient and adaptive, often finding a silver lining while confronting challenges that might once have seemed insurmountable.

The holidays are one aspect of life that have been modified as people continue to navigate the new normal. It’s easy to lament the fact that extended family may not be able to travel or celebrate the holidays together. However, there is something to be said for small celebrations. The following are some of the positive aspects of scaling back holiday festivities. t .PSF QFSTPOBM $FSUBJOMZ JU DBO CF HSFBU UP TFF EJTUBOU cousins or old college roommates for the holidays. But the more people who you see each holiday season, the less personal interaction you get. When the holidays are scaled back, dinner becomes more intimate and everyone can exchange gifts and see their loved ones’ reactions. t 3FEVDFE FYQFOTFT 1VUUJOH PVU BO FYUFOTJWF IPMJEBZ spread and entertaining 10 or more people can be expenTJWF 4NBMM HBUIFSJOHT BSF MFTT FYQFOTJWF CFDBVTF UIFSF T fewer mouths to feed. t "CJMJUZ UP TQMVSHF 0O UIF PUIFS TJEF PG UIF GJOBODJBM coin, having fewer people for the holidays means one can indulge on items that may not be possible when hosting a crowd. Therefore, if chicken was normally on the menu, it could be possible to upgrade to a roast or something indulgent like lobster and other seafood. In addition, a small holiday celebration may free up the budget to spend more on gifts. t 4QFDJBM UPVDI 8IFO UIFSF BSF POMZ B GFX QFPQMF celebrating, hosts can go the extra mile to give celebrations a special touch. Create a special holiday dessert even if the recipe is time-consuming. In addition, immediate family

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While holiday celebrations may need to be scaled back this year, small gatherings can produce some pleasant, unanticipated benefits.

can pile into the car to tour the neighborhood decorations, something that may not be as manageable with a motorcade of relatives.

Eggnog is a classic for holiday celebrations METRO - No beverage is more associated with holiday cocktail parties than eggnog, which is a beloved beverage come the holiday season.

While it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase storebought eggnog in the dairy case and dress it up with a favorite spirit, most eggnog recipes only feature a handful of ingredients and are quite easy to make at home.

Metro Photo Rum, whiskey and brandy Quick Brandy Eggnog is a beloved beverage come the are customary liquors to use holiday season. in eggnog recipes. However, Brandy Eggnog” below.

1⁄2 ounce simple syrup 5IF 4QSVDF &BUT IBT UBTUF Quick Brandy Eggnog 1 egg yolk tested them all and believes 1 cocktail Grated nutmeg or cinbrandy tops the others for 1 ounce brandy namon for garnish the perfect finished product.

11⁄4 ounces milk In a cocktail shaker, Enjoy their version of “Quick

combine the brandy, milk, simple syrup, and egg yolk.

Dry shake without ice.

Fill shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure the egg JT XFMM NJYFE 4USBJO JOUP BO old-fashioned or cocktail glass. Add a dash of grated nutmeg or cinnamon as a garnish. /PUF 0OMZ VTF B GSFTI FHH Test the egg’s freshness by placing it in a glass of water.

If the egg floats, discard it, as this indicates the egg is too old. Only use eggs that rest on the bottom of the glass. This will ensure the most flavorful drink and helps to reduce the risk of salmonella.

Support Your Local Retailer!

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Parents can make the holiday baking that much more fun by letting their kids pitch in this year

How to involve kids with holiday baking METRO - The holiday season is steeped in tradition.

Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings.

Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started. t 1VSDIBTF LJE GSJFOEMZ baking equipment. Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes.

Kids may be more excited about baking if they have

their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking. t 1MBO BIFBE 4FBTPOFE bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing ingredin See BAKING, 4

4 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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Prepare a delicious turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner table .&530 8IJMF UIFSF BSF no laws governing which dishes must appear on Thanksgiving dinner tables, for many the fourth Thursday of November simply would not be complete without turkey. Turkey can be cooked in various ways, but roasting might be the most popular method used

by Thanksgiving celebrants.

This recipe for “Herb3PBTUFE 5VSLFZw GSPN :PMBOEB #BOLT i$PPLJOH GPS :PVS .BOw #SPBEXBZ Books) produces a mouthwatering bird that’s sure to make a lasting impression this Thanksgiving.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Serves 10 UBCMFTQPPOT c sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1⁄4 cup packed fresh flatleaf parsley leaves, chopped, plus 4 whole sprigs 1 large sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, plus 2 whole sprigs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 4 whole sprigs 15 leaves fresh sage, DIPQQFE QMVT XIPMF MFBWFT c UFBTQPPO LPTIFS TBMU plus more for the turkey 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the turkey 1 15-pound turkey 1 lemon, quartered 8 shallots, peeled and halved 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock c DVQ ESZ XIJUF XJOF UBCMFTQPPOT BMM QVSQPTF flour 1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary,

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ent or to dig out some tools from the back of the pantry.

Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake. t %FMFHBUF XJTFMZ :PVOH kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and a strict

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Philadelphia. According to Bonnie Taylor-Blake, a neuroscience researcher at the University of North Carolina, in the 1950s stores around Philadelphia promoted big sales the day after Thanksgiving when many people

WASTE

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season, celebrants generate three times as much food waste as they do during other times of the year. Large family meals are a tradition of the holiday season, but hosts who routinely find themselves discarding leftovers can plan on

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Beef Roast with Dark Rum Sauce

Slow cooker meal makes holiday entertaining a breeze Metro Photo

Herb-Roasted Turkey produces a mouth-watering bird that’s sure to make a lasting impression this Thanksgiving.

chopped thyme, chopped sage, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

2. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 F. Sprinkle the main cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the whole sprigs of parsley, rosemary and thyme and the sage leaves into the cavity. Add the lemon, 4 shallot halves and half of the garlic cloves.

4UBSUJOH BU UIF OFDL end, carefully slide a hand between the skin and the breast meat to loosen the TLJO 4QSFBE UBCMFTQPPOT of the herb butter over the breast meat under the skin.

Tuck the wing tips under the skin, and tie the legs together to hold the shape. Season the turkey generously all over with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey on a wire rack set in a large roastJOH QBO 3VC UBCMFTQPPOT of the herb butter over the UVSLFZ 3PBTU BCPVU minutes, until golden brown, BOE SFEVDF UIF IFBU UP ' Baste the turkey with 1⁄2 cup

of the broth. Cover only the breast area with a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Scatter the remaining shallots and garlic cloves in the pan around the turkey.

5. Continue to roast the turkey for about 11⁄2 hours, basting with 1⁄2 cup of broth FWFSZ NJOVUFT 3FNPWF the foil from the turkey breast. Continue to roast the turkey, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, about 1 hour longer, until it’s golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers ' 5SBOTGFS UIF UVSLFZ UP a platter and brush with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter.

Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

6TJOH B TMPUUFE TQPPO transfer the shallots and garlic from the roasting pan to a plate. Transfer the pan juices to a medium bowl, then skim off and discard the fat. Set the pan over two burners on mediumhigh heat. Deglaze the pan with the wine and 1 cup of

adherence to recipes. So it’s important that parents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking.

Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kidfriendly tasks. t "EE TPNF GVO GPPET to the menu. If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid-friendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more

fun if they get to make Santa $MBVT 'SPTUZ PS 3VEPMQI cookies. t .BLF B NFTT %PO U CF afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. .PNT BOE EBET NBZ MPWF B clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl.

were off from work. The sales also were held in advance of the Army/Navy football game that traditionally took place in Philadelphia on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Stores knew that suburban shoppers and football fans would be milling about town during the extended weekend. As a result, traffic cops and other law enforce-

ment personnel had to work 12-hour shifts to corral the extra foot and vehicle traffic around the city. These cops referred to the day as “Black Friday.” Despite city officials’ best efforts to remove any negative connotations and rename the day “Big Friday,” the name “Black Friday” stuck and even spread to other areas of the country.

preparing less food this year.

Consider how much guests are likely to eat and plan meals accordingly instead of buying enough food to feed a small army. Donate leftovers to nearby shelters so nothing goes to waste. t 3FDZDMF MJWF $ISJTUmas trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25.9 million real

trees were sold in the United States in 2015. Trees put out on the curb for collection after the holiday season has ended typically end up in landfills, but some communities recycle Christmas trees each ZFBS 3FBM USFF FOUIVTJBTUT DBO contact community officials to determine if they can recycle rather than discard their trees.

chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until it’s reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large measuring glass. Add the degreased pan juices, and broth, if OFDFTTBSZ UP FRVBM DVQT PG liquid.

7. Blend the flour into the remaining herb butter until combined. Pour the broth mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the herb-butter mixture. Add any accumulated juices from the turkey platter and boil until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon, whisking ocDBTJPOBMMZ BCPVU NJOVUFT Add the remaining shallots and garlic to the gravy and simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Serve the turkey with the gravy.

.&530 5IF IPMJEBZT wouldn’t be complete without a delicious meal to share with family. A holiday roast is often the centerpiece of festive occasions. Having a go-to recipe for this classic main course makes holiday preparations that much easier.

Utilizing a slow cooker to make a beef roast reduces time spent in the kitchen, affording hosts more opportunities to mingle with their guests.

That’s just the idea behind UIJT SFDJQF GPS i#FFG 3PBTU 8JUI %BSL 3VN 4BVDFw GSPN i$SPDLt1PU¥ :FBS 3PVOE 3FDJQFTw 1VClications International, -UE CZ $SPDLt1PU ,JUDIFOT Beef Roast With Dark Rum Sauce .BLFT TFSWJOHT 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves CFFG SVNQ SPBTU BCPVU

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2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 1 cup dark rum, divided 1⁄2 cup beef broth 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 whole bay leaves, broken in half 1⁄2 cup packed dark brown sugar 1⁄4cup lime juice 1. In a small bowl, combine allspice, salt, pepper, BOE DMPWFT 3VC TQJDFT POUP all sides of roast.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Sear beef on all sides, turning as it browns. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add 1⁄2 cup rum, broth, garlic, and bay leaves.

Cover; cook on low 1 hour. *O B TNBMM CPXM combine remaining 1⁄2 cup rum, brown sugar and lime juice, stirring well. Pour over roast. Continue cooking on MPX UP IPVST PS VOUJM beef is fork-tender. Baste beef occasionally with sauce.

3FNPWF BOE TMJDF SPBTU Spoon sauce over beef to serve.