Holiday Home 2023

SPONSORED BY

State Road Battery and Fabrics

Page 2

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 3

Safely Decorate Your Home Exterior This Holiday A person doesn’t have to drive far or look too closely to be inspired by holiday decor come the month of December. Enthusiastic celebrants go to great lengths to express their holiday spirit, and that typically includes decorating their home exteriors.

Home holiday decorations are a tradition in millions of households. Though the tradition helps make this special time of year even more festive, decorating a home exterior for the holidays is not without certain safety risks. Homeowners must prioritize safety when decorating their home exteriors for the holidays. These tips can ensure the holiday season is as safe as it is special.

• Never decorate alone. The buddy system should be employed when decorating a home for the holidays. No fewer than two people should decorate a home. A second person can ensure a ladder remains steady while hanging lights and can help lift potentially heavy lawn decorations, thus reducing the risk for injury.

• Use the appropriate decorations and tools. The American Red Cross urges individuals to use only decorations designed for outdoor use when decorating their home exteriors. Indoor lights should never be strung outdoors, even on small spaces. In addition, the Red Cross recommends homeowners who intend to use nails or hooks to hang decorations first confirm they are insulated, which can help to avoid electrocution and reduce fire risk.

• Plug decorations into the correct outlets. The energy experts at FirstEnergy note that outdoor lights and inflatable decorations

METROCREATIVE

should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Older homes may not be equipped with such outlets, particularly on their home exteriors. Replacing existing outlets with GFCIs is a quick and relatively inexpensive job that a professional electrician should be hired to handle before decorating for the holidays.

• Utilize a timer for exterior lights. Lights should be not kept on overnight, which can be costly and pose a safety hazard. Utilize a timer so lights come on at night and turn off around bedtime, if not earlier.

• Inspect decorations. Exterior string lights and other plug-in decorations should be inspected at the beginning of each season to ensure there are no frayed or cracked wires. Damaged wires pose a significant fire hazard, so any damaged strands should be discarded and replaced.

• Pick the right day to decorate. Consult the weather forecast prior to decorating the exterior of a home. Pick a day when efforts to decorate won’t be compromised by wind, rain, snow, or other inclement weather. If it’s already snowed, avoid decorating until the snow has melted, as there could be ice lingering beneath the snow. It’s also unsafe to

work on a snow-covered roof. Decorate on a day with ample daylight and pause decorating if weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse.

It can be fun to decorate a home’s exterior for the holiday season. But homeowners must prioritize safety and take every step necessary to reduce their risk for accident or injury.

Page 4

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Bow & Reels Highlights Tricks to Getting Holiday Lights Disentangled Upcoming Deals Submitted Hunters and fishers need look no further than Bow & Reels in Parkman Township, which made its debut in May, for everything they need.

The store, at 18305 Madison Road (state Route 528) on the north side of U.S. Route 422, is also a great spot for Christmas and holiday gift buying, as well as for any special occasion.

“We opened Bow & Reels on May 6, 2023, to meet the needs of those in the area who like to hunt and fish in Ohio and Pennsylvania,” said owner Raymond Miller.

“It’s been busy since we opened. A good decision.”

The store is filled with several different types of bows and arrows, as well as a large selection of rods and reels to meet any fishing requirement — and everything that goes with it are within easy reach.

Air rifles and ammunition, blinds, tree stands, coolers to bring home the catch, camping equipment and trail cameras are also available, Miller said, adding live bait is on hand during the summer months and they also do bow stringing.

You don’t have to travel far for a hunting and fishing licenses, which are available at the store for Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania, he said.

The store will have a holiday sale from Dec. 4 to 9, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Have a hunting/fishing question? Stop in and ask, Miller said, adding they will have an answer for you or will get it.

Gift cards are available. Regular store hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.

MetroCreative The joyous holiday season is enhanced by the beautiful and festive decorations that adorn homes and businesses during this special time of year. Twinkling lights are part of the holiday decorating equation. However, tangled lights in storage bins and boxes can sap anyone’s holiday spirit.

Christmas lights can turn into a tangled mess no matter how hard people work to avoid such an outcome.

Christmas lights get tangled partly because of their design. There is a metal wire inside the cord to help with the packaging of the lights, which gives the cord a natural curve. Furthermore, most light cords are made from twisted or braided wires that have spaces throughout. The lights themselves can get snagged in these pockets between the wires.

Although it can be frustrating to deal with tangled lights that look like balls of yarn in a knitting basket, there are ways to disentangle them with relative ease — and then pack them in a way that can reduce further tangles.

Begin by plugging all lights into the outlet to see if they work.

If most of the bulbs are burnt out or the lights do not go on at all, discard the strand.

There’s no point untangling lights only to learn they don’t work.

Start slowly, beginning on the plug end, when untangling the lights. Keep the strand you’re working on separate from the other

lights so they do not inadvertently become entangled. Tackle this job in a space with a lot of room. Lay the lights out on a large table or sit on the floor to do the untangling.

Utilize a pen or pencil to fish out more stubborn snags. This can help you loosen any knots and make it easier to pull snags through.

Lay the untangled strands out in a safe area away from your working space as you work through each strand.

One of the ways to avoid the hassle of tangled lights is to remember to store the lights in ways that will reduce their propensity for tangling in the first place.

• Rather than wrap lights around your hand or arm to condense the strand, use something else. A piece of cardboard, a hanger and some PVC tubing can keep lights from becoming tangled.

• Store lights in a zip-top bag to keep them from tangling with other strands stored together.

• Save the original boxes and return the lights to them after each use.

• Icicle lights have hanging strands of lights on longer strands, which can compound tangling issues. Use a rubber band to gather the hanging “icicles” together, or use some plastic wrap for the same purpose.

• Invest in a cord reel, similar to what you might use for a garden hose. Longer light strands or wires are stored on such reels, and they can be used with Christmas lights.

Patience and care can prevent holiday lights from becoming tangled.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 5

The Do’s and Don’ts For The Holiday Wreath MetroCreative No greenery is more recognized during the holiday season than Christmas trees.

However, wreaths likely take a close second to towering evergreens when it comes to green holiday decor.

It is important to treat wreaths with care in order to maximize their longevity and beauty. The following tips can help ensure wreaths remain fresh and festive throughout the month of December.

• Choose the right design. Select a wreath that is not too busy nor too boring.

It is important to strike the right balance.

A good wreath has a focal point, which may be a festive bow or another decorative piece.

Keep in mind this is a wreath which should have lots of greenery on display, rather than flowers that characterize other seasonal wreaths.

• Weigh your wreath. Take a moment to ask a salesman how heavy the wreath is when you purchase it. Knowing the weight of the wreath will help you identify the proper hanging mechanism, as hooks are generally characterized by the weight they can hold. A less than sturdy hook can increase the chances the wreath falls down and ends up damaged.

• Determine your hanging method. Once you know the weight of the wreath, you can figure out how to secure it to a door or window without having to drill holes into any structures. Removable adhesive strips are one option, provided you attach something like cardboard or another material to the back of the wreath upon which the adhesive strips can be stuck. Otherwise, over-the-door

METROCREATIVE

wreath hangers are wise investments that can support large, heavy wreaths.

• Consider the safety of pets. When decorating with plant material, it is important to know what is safe for pets in the household.

According to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, most holiday plants cause irritation of the mouth. Pine trees produce oils that can cause gastrointestinal issues.

• Exercise caution with storm doors. If you hang a wreath between a glass storm door and your front door, the air around the wreath will heat up and cause the wreath to turn brown.

• Choose a cool spot. In addition to avoiding heat that builds up between doors, you should select a cool spot out of the hot sun.

Many pine trees, like balsam fir, react more favorably to cooler temperatures and will

keep their vibrant green color and fragrance more readily.

• Go artificial. If you want to hang a wreath indoors, opt for an artificial one. Prolonged warm temperatures inside may prematurely dry out a fresh wreath, ultimately turning it into a fire hazard.

A few pointers can ensure wreaths remain a beautiful component of holiday decor throughout the season.

Page 6

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Ways to Stay Fit and Focused During the Holidays

By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com The winter months and holiday season often go hand-in-hand with family traditions, gatherings around tables of rich comfort foods and planning-related stressors.

As the temperatures dip and schedules begin to fill up, area experts encourage people to take a proactive approach to their health and wellness.

“The holidays can be a challenging time of year,” said Lana Niebuhr, wellness director at the Geauga Family YMCA in Chardon.

“With busy schedules, holiday parties and Christmas shopping, it is easy to allow our workouts to fall by the wayside.”

Niebuhr, Geauga Park District Chief Naturalist John Kolar and Pro-Form, a company that provides in-home fitness equipment and products, shared the following tips to help people find balance during the holidays: • Make Plans Ahead “When it comes to planning a workout, there are a few things to consider. Set simple workout goals,” she said. “(It’s) always good to have realistic SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) goals in place during the holidays. It's a great way to plan steps in meeting your goals.”

• Try to Get Workouts in at the Start of Day & Balance Cardiovascular Exercise & Strength Training “The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week,” Niebuhr said, listing walking,

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Participants in a Saturday morning Les Mills BODYPUMP class, led by instructor Cassie McDougal, get their sweat on at the Geauga Family YMCA. The class incorporates total body strength building designed to shape and tone all major muscle groups, increase core strength and improve bone health, and is choreographed to music using low to moderate weight barbells and high repetitions.

biking and aerobic classes as some examples.

“Strength training is also recommended, with a minimum of two days a week for health benefits.”

• Find a Workout Partner “An accountability partner can be helpful,” she said. “For those who prefer to work out alone, there are numerous fitness track-

ers that can help keep record of your steps, workouts. This can be helpful for those who want to track their progress over time.

See Fit • Page 8

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 7

Page 8

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Fit

from page 6 • Try Something New “It is beneficial to change things up in order to challenge the body. It is amazing how the body responds with just a slight change in routine,” Niebuhr said.

“There is no change without challenge.

Group exercise classes are a fun way to work out and stay motivated in a class setting.”

• Consider Personal Training/Wellness Coaches “This can be helpful for those who prefer more one-on-one assistance,” she said. Personal trainers create specialized workouts and assist clients in achieving their goals.”

• Get Plenty of Rest “Getting quality sleep is not only important for our body, but it helps regulate our mood and is beneficial for brain development. Sleep is essential in everything we do,” Niebuhr said.

• Stay Hydrated “(It is) critical in keeping the body healthy and can help curb those cravings,” she added.

• Stick to a Normal Nutrition Plan as Much as Possible “Sticking to your normal nutrition plan as much as possible will make it easier to continue with it when the new year comes, rather than facing the roadblock of getting back to a normal routine later,” according to Pro-Form.

“Plus, eating healthy will give you more energy throughout the season.”

• Portion out indulgences “No need to sacrifice your enjoyment,” ProForm said. “Simply stick to the rule of moderation when you indulge in rich meals and desserts that are traditions of the holidays.”

• Make Meal Prep a Priority When you include meal prep within your schedule, you may find it easier to stick to a healthy eating routine or let experts, like Clean Eatz in Mentor — a restaurant offering meal preps for customers with busy lifestyles — do it for you. “When you have meals already made, it can be easier and less time-consuming to follow a healthy eating plan rather than

giving into fast food or grabbing whatever treats are in front of you with,” according to Pro-Form.

• Get Outside “The outdoors provides many amazing opportunities for people to stay active and in shape during the winter season,” Kolar said.

“That said, many people are a bit hesitant to go outside during the cold winter months because of, well, the cold. In order to get active in the great outdoors this winter, one must be prepared with the proper winter gear. A winter jacket, hat, gloves, proper footgear etc. go a long way in providing a much more enjoyable outdoor experience during the winter season.”

Kolar provided the following list of a handful of outdoor activities GPD offers to help people stay active and get their heartrate during the winter: • Take a hike in one of GPD’s 27 open parks, either on your own or on a naturalist-guided hike; • Sign up for GPD’s 2024 Geauga Gems Trekking Series; • Head to The West Woods and become a human bird feeder at the Bird in Hand Feeding Station; • Borrow a pair of snowshoes from The West Woods Nature Center; • Get out your cross-country skis and head out on one of several groomed trails in our parks; • Sign up for a snowshoe or cross-country ski class in January; • Sign up for one of many indoor archery programs in January and February; • Bring your sled and head to one of our sledding hills at Orchard Hills Park or Beartown Lakes Reservation.

More information about GPD’s winter activities can be found after Dec. 20 on their website and in their newsletter.

As for indoor exercise options, Geauga Family YMCA classes are included in their memberships, but a person does not have to be a member to take classes, Niebuhr said.

Participants have the option of paying $10 per class and new participants can visit the Y and come as a guest for up to three free visits, she said.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 9

METROCREATIVE

Four Creature Comforts to Offer Your Holiday Guests MetroCreative Overnight guests can make the holiday season feel that much more special. Spending extra time with loved ones is part and parcel of the holiday season for millions of individuals, and hosting overnight guests ensures hosts get quality time with friends and family members they may not see much of throughout the rest of the year.

Holiday hosts may want to go the extra mile for their overnight guests who traveled long distances to see them. With that in mind, hosts can provide these four creature comforts to make overnight guests feel right at home during their stay.

1. Charging dock: Just about anyone who has traveled over the last two decades has forgotten to pack a phone charger or left one behind at one point or another. A charging dock on each guest room nightstand can ensure no such fate awaits hosts’ friends and family members.

2. Fresh bedding: It’s customary to wash sheets after overnight guests leave so the next time loved ones are welcomed into a home the bedding is clean. But if it’s been awhile since you’ve hosted an overnight guest, wash the bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, covers, and, if necessary, com-

forters or duvets, prior to guests’ arrival.

The scent of freshly washed bedding can set a welcoming tone that guests will appreciate.

3. Toiletries: Stock up on extra toothbrushes and travel-sized accessories like mouthwash and hand sanitizer so guests who might have forgotten their own items don’t feel like they have to impose and ask for a ride to the store to purchase new items. If kids are coming, be sure to purchase some spare kids’ size toothbrushes.

4. Privacy: Privacy is perhaps the most significant creature comfort to offer overnight holiday guests. In homes with small children, hosts can check guest room door locks to ensure they still work and install replacements if they don’t. In addition, in homes where this is possible, designate one bathroom as “guests only” during their stay.

If possible, pick a room away from the hustle and bustle of the house so guests can get some quiet time and rest during their stay. If that’s not possible, hosts can make sure the holiday festivities quiet down at a certain hour each night so overnight guests can rest if they so desire.

Holiday hosts can take their offer of hospitality to the next level by offering their overnight guests some creature comforts that can make their stay that much more enjoyable.

Happy Holidays from all of us to you We believe in positive, effective and safe methods that are fun for the whole family.

Let us help you find the joy in training your dog.

Dog Training for Family Dogs

CHARDON, OH

855-286- DOGS (3647)

12531 GAR Highway coldnosecompanions.com

SUBMITTED

Find New, Used, Vintage and Antique at Marketplace Mall

By Pam Molnar pam@karlovecmedia.com

If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas present, look no further than the Marketplace Mall & Café at 15864 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield.

The store — open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — has more than 8,500 square feet of new, used, vintage and antique items.

“There’s something for everyone here at the Marketplace Mall,” said Maureen Foldesi, who owns the store with her husband, Frank.

The store is made up of more than 40 vendors who have individual booths in which to sell their wares. All of the vendors are area individuals, helping keep dollars local.

“Each vendor has their own ‘mini-busiSee Marketplace • Page 10

Page 10

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

SUBMITTED

Marketplace from page 9

ness’ here,” said Foldesi. “You never know what you’re going to find. New items are brought in daily.”

Shoppers can find holiday decorations in the year-round Christmas section, as well as yard art to help share the spirit with neighbors.

However, the real draw are the one-of-akind items that can be found in nearly every corner of the store. There are multiple vendors who handcraft furniture, decorations and other items in a variety of price points.

“One of our vendors, Dave, makes beautiful wooden furniture using repurposed antiques,” said Foldesi. “Another vendor, Ruth, loves to turn ordinary items into something special.”

There is a large amount of vintage and antique merchandise if you are looking to reminisce about the good ol’ days. Pyrex and Corningware, Barbie and Beanie Babies, or movies and books make great gift ideas.

“You might be able to find the same dishes your grandmother used to serve Christmas dinner,” Foldesi said. “Wouldn’t that be a great way to celebrate this year?”

The Marketplace Mall is also an option for getting the most bang out of your budget.

You might be able to find a DVD of your favorite movie for only a few dollars.

And, since the store is large, patrons are welcome to lunch or a snack in the Marketplace Café. They offer daily specials and food that is made on site and gourmet coffee drinks.

The Marketplace Mall offers layaway and financing options, along with UHaul rentals if you need a way to transport any new furniture you discover while shopping. There is a great selection of brand-new couches and chairs made in America by Lane Furniture.

For more information on The Marketplace Mall, follow them on Facebook at MarketplaceMallMiddlefield and tune in Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for their weekly Facebook Live that showcases individual booths throughout the store.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

METROCREATIVE

Black Friday Shopping Tips MetroCreative Retail holidays now dot the consumer landscape throughout much of the year. That shift has made a day like Black Friday somewhat less unique than it was in years past.

However, Black Friday remains the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and it’s still a major day for retailers big and small.

According to Adobe Analytics, in 2022 consumers spent $9.12 billion while online shopping on Black Friday. A separate report from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics indicated just under 200 million consumers shopped online and in store between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, which is the Monday following Black Friday.

Such figures indicate that holiday shopping on the weekend of Thanksgiving might have changed, but it’s still wildly popular.

This Black Friday, shoppers can consider these tips to ensure they find the right gifts at the right price.

• Do some research before the big day.

The spirit of competition is alive and well on Black Friday. Consumers once flocked en masse to store parking lots in the wee hours of the morning in order to get sale items before shelves emptied. Some still do, so shoppers may need to be willing to compete to find the best deals.

But some pre-Black Friday research might prove the best way to land the best deals, and it may not require waking up in the middle of

the night. Much like shoppers compete with one another to grab sale items, retailers also compete to get shoppers in store or on their websites. As a result, it’s not uncommon for retailers big and small to advertise Black Friday sales weeks in advance. Shoppers can research these sales and plan when to visit certain stores in order to land the best deal.

• Wake up early. Shoppers may not need to get out of bed at 3 a.m. to land the best Black Friday deals, but the early bird still gets the worm on the day after Thanksgiving. Plan to shop early in the morning, which increases the chances of finding the right gift at the right price. If an item you’ve earmarked is part of a doorbuster deal, plan to get to the store or onto the website as early as possible.

• Establish a budget. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping deals on Black Friday.

However, busting the budget on the first day of the holiday shopping season sets a bad precedent for the weeks to come.

A holiday debt survey from LendingTree found that 35 percent of shoppers took on debt to pay for their holiday purchases in 2022, with the average consumer accumulating more than $1,500 in debt. Savvy shoppers devise a budget prior to shopping and stick to that budget. Black Friday remains a wildly popular retail holiday. A little research, a willingness to get up early and some determination to stay on budget is a formula for a successful Black Friday.

Page 11

Page 12

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022

METROCREATIVE

Suggestions For Clearing Out Home Office Clutter Home offices have garnered more attention in recent years. Restrictions implemented as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many professionals to start working from home, which created a greater need for home office space.

Though millions of professionals have now returned to the office full-time, millions more have continued to work from home five days a week or are now working on a hybrid schedule. As a result, home office spaces have maintained their utility even as restrictions related to the pandemic move further into the rearview mirror.

Since home office spaces remain vital for so many, it’s important that these spaces are conducive to productivity. Conquering home office clutter is a step in that direction.

• Cut through the piles of paper. Home offices have a tendency to transform into paper depositories over time. Work files, notes, monthly bills, receipts, and junk mail can quickly overwhelm a home office. Professionals who spend ample time working from home can resolve to cut through the piles of paper. Use a paper shredder to discard documents with sensitive information, such as bank statements and utility bills. Signing up for e-statements can prevent the piling up of paper in the future. Invest in a small file cabinet to store important personal and professional documents.

• Discard old devices. Old devices are another space eater in many home offices.

In fact, a recent survey from Material Focus found that more than 20 million unused elec-

trical items are currently hoarded in homes throughout the United Kingdom. Old smartphones and laptops that users are afraid to throw out can be wiped clean and discarded in adherence with local laws. Contact your local government to determine how to safely discard old devices rather than simply tossing them in the trash once they’ve been wiped clean.

• Buy a bigger bookshelf. Home offices often double as reading rooms, which makes them vulnerable to clutter associated with leisure time as well. Books stacked in a corner or taking up space on your desk can create a cluttered look, but also compromise your ability to concentrate. A 2011 study from researchers at Princeton University published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task. If books are strewn about your office, purchase a bookshelf that can hold them. Once books are shelved, the less cluttered space can make it easier to concentrate.

• Go digital. If space is limited, forgo traditional file cabinets in favor of digitizing important records and documents. Scan important receipts and statements and store them on a desktop or backup hard drive so they’re never out of each. This creates space and makes it easier and quicker to find important files.

Home offices can quickly become overwhelmed with clutter. Some simple strategies can help any professional transform their home offices into more organized spaces.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 13

Page 14

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Tips for Organizing and Storing Your Holiday Decorations MetroCreative Decorating a home for holidays is quite popular. A survey from the National Retail Federation found that 53 percent of respondents said they were planning to decorate their home or yard for Halloween in 2023.

Lombardo Homes polled 1,000 Americans in 2021 and 94 percent said they celebrate Christmas in at least some way, and 84 percent said they decorate. According to Time2Play, which surveyed 1,000 Canadians about their holiday decorating habits, Manitoba puts up Christmas decor earlier than any other province, with these residents taking out decorations 4.3 weeks ahead of Christmas Day on average.

With so many avid holiday decorators, individuals will need to find ways to organize and store their seasonal items. Holiday decor comes in many different sizes — from the smallest tree ornaments to illuminated statues for the yard or inflatable items. Figuring out a storage plan can take a little effort.

These seven tips can help.

1. Purchase clear, similarly sized storage bins and shelving racks, hanging them where you plan to keep the decorations. Most people prefer an out-of-the-way spot, such as in the garage, attic or basement. Label each bin by holiday and put the bins in chronological order to make finding items more convenient. Uniform bin sizes make it easier to stack and store.

2. Store smaller items inside larger decor items. Decorative baskets or wrapped boxes brought out for Christmas or Chanukah are ideal places to keep smaller tchotchkes like ceramics, dreidels, candlestick holders, or

METROCREATIVE

mantel hooks. Delicate items can be tucked into Christmas stockings or wrapped and stored in a fluffy tree skirt. Egg cartons can be used to keep small items safe as well.

3. Label everything so you will not need to dig through boxes or bins to know what is inside. This might be a good year to ask for a label maker for the holidays!

4. Use overhead or wall storage for holiday decor. Overhead spaces in the garage or basement walls can be good spaces to keep

holiday decorations. Always keep bins and boxes off the floor so they are not vulnerable to damage related to leaks or floods.

5. Garment bags can protect larger decorations, such as wreaths, artificial trees or signs. If you have a large number of mechanical, illuminated or inflatable lawn ornaments, consider investing in a small shed where these items can be safely kept. Wrap the extension cords and any bracing stakes or strings used with the decorations so it’s easy to find.

6. Utilize pieces of cardboard as well as toilet paper or paper towel tubes to keep lights and wires tidy. Tuck cords into the toilet paper tubes, and wrap lights around the cardboard to avoid tangles.

7. Each year, take inventory of your decoration collection and toss out anything that is damaged or has seen better days.

Storing holiday decorations will take some time, but once you establish a system, things will be simple year after year.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 15

New Year’s Eve Party Pointers MetroCreative

SUBMITTED

Fun Ways For The Family to Enjoy The Start of Winter MetroCreative Winter begins on December 21, 2023, and ends on March 19, 2024. Many people lament the arrival of winter, perhaps thinking the colder temperatures and shorter hours of sunlight will compromise their chances to have fun. Even though particularly chilly thermostat readings or stormy conditions can hamper some plans, when people dig deeper they may find that even the coldest days present opportunities for enjoyment.

When winter begins, the following activities can make for an entertaining way to celebrate the arrival of the season.

• Build a snow creation. Use the first significant snowfall of the season to organize a snowman, snowwoman, or snow-animal-making event or contest. Waterproof gloves are a necessary piece of equipment, as are buckets for moving snow, shovels, carving and shaping tools (which can be plastic cutlery), and accessories to dress up the final product.

• Go sledding on the best hills. Sledding is a popular wintertime activity that doesn’t require too much equipment. Sleds can be purchased at sporting goods stores or toy stores. Sledders of all ages should consider wearing helmets to protect against injury if they will be traversing especially steep hills.

• Host a winter block party. Many cities and towns across North America participate in WinterFest events, which run the gamut from food and craft festivals to sporting events. Individuals can take cues from these type of activities and plan neighborhood fes-

tivals right on their streets. Neighbors can wheel out their fire pits or utilize outdoor propane heaters to keep spots cozy. Hot cocoa and cider stations and warm treats can keep everyone from feeling too cold. Electric slow cookers can keep everything from soups to chilis to stews warm and participants can enjoy a buffet of hearty foods.

• Visit an ice rink. Whether a rink is indoors or outside, ice skating is a quintessential wintertime activity. Skaters of all skill levels can take to the ice and enjoy some exercise and laughs. Check local rink schedules to take advantage of open skate times when hockey games or practices are not dominating the ice.

• Mark the winter solstice. The winter solstice, also known as the start of astronomical winter, is the shortest day of sunlight on the calendar. It occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches maximum tilt away from the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs on December 21, 2023. Because there will be only roughly seven hours of daylight, take steps to make the fact that the sun will set at its earliest a little easier to swallow. Kids can run around outdoors with glow sticks, while adults can deck their homes in twinkle lights if they are not decorated for Christmas. Lanterns, campfires and candles can be lit, and everyone can gather outdoors to chat and socialize.

Winter begins on December 21, 2023, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate this fun, if sometimes frigid, season.

Many people consider New Year’s Day the unofficial end of the holiday season.

That often means that New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to socialize, gather and party one final time before returning to the routines of daily life.

The first known instance of New Year’s celebrations can be traced to around 2,000 B.C. As individuals count down the days until New Year’s Eve festivities, these planning tips can make the celebrations occasions to remember.

1. Consider a theme. Everyone who is anyone is having or attending a NYE party.

Let your event stand out from the throngs of others with a theme. Guests can come dressed as dynamic duos (like Mario and Luigi) or the party can evoke a bygone era, such as the roaring 1920s. Let guests know what they can do to play the part.

2. Start late. You do not want guests wiped out by the time midnight arrives.

Therefore, start the party at around 9 or 10 p.m. and anticipate it lasting into the wee hours of the morning.

3. Tailor drinks to the season. Utilize seasonal ingredients when crafting drinks, or serve drinks that are expected this time of year, such as a boozy eggnog or cranberry Moscow mules.

4. Provide various activities. Plan fun activities during the party. Offer card games or board games to give guests something to do. Karaoke or group activities like trivia also can spread out the fun.

5. Beverages should be accessible. Un-

less you are hiring a bartender who will be on call to pour drinks, having drinks ready to go is a smart idea. In addition to cans/bottles of beer or malt beverages, have readyto-go mixed drinks available by selecting a signature drink and preparing a bulk batch.

6. Curate a winning playlist. Ask guests to submit a list of their favorite tunes so you can create a collection of songs that will ebb and flow with the evening’s events. Be sure to include some sing-a-long favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Tiny Dancer.”

7. Offer self-serve foods. Much like having drinks ready to go, make foods accessible as well. Finger foods and bite-sized morsels will not require guests to carry plates, reducing the chances for spillage. Sliders, miniature quiches and dessert shooters should suffice.

8. Tie decorations into the theme. Classic New Year’s Eve decorations include balloons, streamers and confetti. Think about a very festive balloon arch or backdrop that also can serve as a place to pose for photo opportunities.

9. Offer takeaway gifts for designated drivers. Encourage guests to stay sober and volunteer for designated driving duties by offering prizes. Ideas include gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants.

10. Be ready for midnight. Have a large television at the ready to show the midnight countdown and start pouring champagne roughly 20 minutes before midnight to ensure all glasses are full when the clock strikes 12.

New Year’s Eve celebrations get an extra boost from a well-planned party.

Page 16

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 17, 2022