2021
Fall Festival Holiday Guide
&
2 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
Films kids can enjoy this Halloween
Scary movies are a must-see for many Halloween enthusiasts each October. Classic characters like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers and Jigsaw make their way into millions of people’s living rooms each year and serve as testaments to the staying power of scary movies. A scare might be what many people want on Halloween night, but such movies are best left to teenagers and adults. When it comes to more kid-friendly films this Halloween, parents can give these classics a try. • “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966): Parents can take a stroll down Memory
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and significantly funnier than Frankenstein. • “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005): This film based on the British stop motion comedy franchise gave the feature film treatment to Wallace and his dog, Gromit. The film’s action is centered around Tottington Hall’s annual giant vegetable competition and features enough silliness to keep kids laughing throughout its 85-minute run time. Lane and enjoy this classic that has been entertaining kids for more than half a century. The costumes for the Peanuts gang, most notably
Charlie Brown’s, elicit a few laughs, while kids will no doubt be in awe as Linus speaks of the Great Pumpkin. • “Monsters, Inc.”
Freshly cut Fraser & Balsam Fir trees New this year Korean & Canaan Fir trees Wreaths and Roping
Turner Tree Service
130 W. Walnut, Jacksonville, Il
217-243-7479
(2001): Halloween wouldn’t be the same without monsters, but the monsters in this beloved Pixar classic are decidedly more kid-friendly
• “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (1998): Youngsters who love Scooby-Doo and his mystery-solving pals are no doubt accustomed
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to a few lightly scary moments, so this story that unfolds when the gang heads to Louisiana to investigate a haunted mansion is sure to please. • “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982): Produced and directed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, this tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends a charismatic extraterrestrial. The film is loaded with memorable scenes and dialogue, and parents who watched it as children will no doubt love the chance to watch their own youngsters’ eyes light up at the sight of E.T.
The leaves are turning and the air is crisp….Fall is here….time to decorate your home, office, porch or patio. Nickorbobs has many fall decorations including florals for inside and furniture,isadult The leaves areThe turning leaves and arethe turning airoutside, is crisp….Fall and thesigns, air is is here….time crisp….Fall here….time The leavesoffice, are turning and theporch air isorcrisp….Fall is here….time The leaves are turning and the air ismany crisp….Fall here….time boutiques, baby your clothing, plus much to decorate tohome, decorate your porch home, ormore. office, patio. Nickorbobs patio. hasNickorbobs fall hasismany fall
The leaves are turning and the air is crisp….Fall is here….time to decorate home, office, porch or patio. Nickorbobs has many fall toyour decorate your home, office, porch or patio. hasfurniture, many fall adult decorations including decorations florals including for inside florals and outside, for inside signs, and Nickorbobs furniture, outside, signs, adult
The leaves are turning and the air issigns, crisp….Fall is here….time decorations including forporch inside and outside, signs, furniture, adultmany decorations including florals for inside and outside, furniture, adult kids your boutiques, and kids babyflorals boutiques, clothing, plus baby much clothing, more. plus much more. to decorate home, office, orantiques patio. Nickorbobs has fall Shop atand Hilda’s and you’ll find many fine and collectibles including and kids boutiques, baby clothing, much plus more. and kids boutiques, babyplus clothing, much more. to decorate your home, office, porch or patio. Nickorbobs has many fall furniture, glassware, vintage stained glass lamps, vintage signs, sports cards, decorations including foryou’ll inside and outside, signs, furniture, adult Shop at Hilda’s Shop and you’ll at florals Hilda’s find and many fine find antiques manyand finecollectibles antiques and including collectibles including decorations including florals for inside and outside, signs, Shop at Hilda’s and you’ll find many fine antiques and collectibles including hot wheel cars…plus much more. Shop at Hilda’s and you’ll find many fine antiques and collectibles including furniture, glassware, furniture, vintage glassware, stained vintage glass lamps, stained vintage glass signs, lamps, sports vintage cards, signs,furniture, sports cards,adult and kids boutiques, baby clothing, plus much more. furniture, glassware, vintage stained glass lamps, vintage signs, sports cards, furniture, glassware, vintage stained glass lamps, vintage signs, sports cards, hot wheel hot wheel much cars…plus more. much more. and kidscars…plus boutiques, baby clothing, plus much more.
hot wheelus cars…plus much more. hot wheel cars…plus much more. Be sureat toHilda’s join for our Annual Christmas Open House and Candlelight Shop and you’ll find many fine antiques and collectibles including Be sure to join Be us for sure our to join Annual us for Christmas ourthAnnual OpenChristmas House and Open Candlelight House and Candlelight th th, and Shop at Hilda’s and you’ll find many fine antiques and collectibles including , 13 14 , glass (5:00pm –15 9:00pm) and 14th, 15th cards, Walk on November 12 Be sure to join us for our Annual Christmas Open House Candlelight thand furniture, glassware, vintage stained vintage signs, sports BeWalk sure13th, to join us for our Annual Christmas Open House (10-6pm). (10-6pm). Walk on November on November (5:00pm –13th, 9:00pm) (5:00pm and 14th, –lamps, 9:00pm) and 14th,and 15thCandlelight th (10-6pm). Walk on will November 13th, (5:00pm –malls. 9:00pm) 15 (10-6pm). Everything will be 10 % both malls. Plus weth have an sports cards, furniture, glassware, vintage stained glass lamps, vintage (10-6pm). Walk November 13th, (5:00pm –and 9:00pm) and 14th, 15 Everything Everything be on 10 % OFF will in be both 10 OFF % OFFin in Plus both we14th, malls. have an Plus extended we have an signs, extended hot wheel cars…plus much more. Everything will be 10November %Sale OFF in both Plus anwe extended st November ndmalls. stboth nd. have st Everything will be 10 % OFF inand malls. have an extended Christmas Sale Christmas November 21 and 22 . th21 and 22we extended Christmas Sale 20 21 . Plus hot wheel cars…plus much more. st nd Christmas Sale November 21 and 22 .st
Sale November 21 and 22 . Be sure to joinChristmas us for our Annual Christmas Open House and Candlelight Beon sure to join us for (5:00pm our Annual Christmas House and Candlelight Walk November 13th, – 9:00pm) andOpen 14th, 15th (10-6pm). Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, Home, Gifts, Nickorbobs Hilda’s AntiqueHilda’s Mall AntiquethMall (10-6pm). Walk on November 13th, (5:00pm – 9:00pm) and 14th, 15 Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, Hilda’s Antique Mall Everything will be 10 % OFF in both malls. Plus we have an extended Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, Hilda’s Antique Mall Antiques & Boutiques Antiques Boutiques 14266 Frazee Road 14266 Frazee Road Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, & Hilda’s Antique Mall Antiques &Antiques Boutiques 14266 Frazee Road Everything will be 10 % OFF in22 both malls. Plus we have an extended st and nd. Divernon, & Boutiques 14266 Frazee Road 14260 Frazee Road 14260 Frazee Road IL 62530 Divernon, IL 62530 Christmas Sale November 21 Antiques & Boutiques 14266 Frazee Road 14260 Frazee Road Divernon, IL217-628-9192 62530 IL 62530 nd. Frazee Road Divernon, Divernon, IL14260 62530 Divernon, IL 6253021st and 22 217-628-9192 Sale November 14260Christmas Frazee Road Divernon, IL 62530 Divernon, IL217-628-9191 62530 IL 62530 217-628-9192 Divernon, 217-628-9192 217-628-9191 217-628-9191 Divernon, IL 62530 217-628-9192 217-628-9191 Exit 82 I-55 & Exit 82 I-55 & I-55 & -Exit 82 I-55 & Exit OPEN EVERYDAY 10:00 AM – 6:00PM BOTH MALLS BOTH - OPENMALLS EVERYDAY 10:00 AM82 – 6:00PM 217-628-9191 Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, Hilda’s Antique Mall BOTH MALLS - OPEN EVERYDAY 10:00 AM – 6:00PM BOTH MALLS - OPEN EVERYDAY 10:00 AM – 6:00PM I-55 & Exit 82 Nickorbobs Home, Gifts, Hilda’s Antique Antiques & Boutiques 14266 Frazee Road Mall nd
October 7, 2021 | 3
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
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HOLIDAY GUIDE CALENDAR November
October
Friday & Saturday Nov. 5 & 6
Saturday, Oct. 9
Noon-5:30PM West of Wise Winery Fodder Shock Festival 14096 UL-97 Petersburg, IL
Saturday, Oct 23
10-3 Jacksonville Main Street Pumpkin Festival $10.00 per person Pumpkin drop, petting zoo, pet costume contest, blazing wing challenge, kid costume contest, pumpkin pie eating contest, pumpkin games, trick or treat downtown businesses
Sunday, October 31
Trunk or Treat 6-8pm White Hall Drag-O-Way 6-8pm Roodhouse Square Roodhouse, IL Games, hot dogs, candy
9:30-5 Primrose & Lace Christmas Open House 635 E. Morton Ave. Jacksonville Holiday Decorating Needs
Thursday, Nov.11-13
10-4 The Design Shed is hosting a Christmas Open House 2114 Nortonville Rd, Murrayville New holiday décor and gifts
Friday & Saturday Nov. 12-13
Christmas Open House at Pharmacy Plus 508 N. Main, Carrollton Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-3 Mask and social distancing required
Friday & Saturday Nov. 12-13
Christmas Open House at All Occasions Flowers & Gifts 220 South Main, Jacksonville Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-2 Text 217-245-0064 and receive a special invite
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 20-21 Extended Christmas Sale Nickorbobs 14260 Frazee Rd. Divernon
Friday, Saturday & Sunday Nov. 12-14 Open House & Candlelight Walk Nickorbobs 14260 Frazee Rd. Divernon Hilda’s Antique Mall 15266 Frazee Rd. Divernon
Nov. 15-27
Santa Stroll 12 Days of Loving Local online and in person Shopping, Surprises, Santa hats Jacksonville Main Street Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Jacksonville area Chamber of Commerce
December Friday, December 3rd
Salem Lutheran Ladies Guild 3-5pm in the Salem Lutheran Annex Corner of College & S. East St. Home made cookies, candles, breads, etc. Face Masks are required
Saturday, December 4th
Christmas Gift Show at Beardstown Christian Academy 9-3 Free admission 1421 Beard St just off Route 125 & Boulevard Rd, Beardstown, IL
Saturday, December 4th
WINCHESTER’S 7th ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS *Vendors 9am-3pm *Story Time with Mrs. Clause at the Winchester Public Library 9am-11am *Cookie Walk at the First Christian Church 9am-Noon *Gift Wrapping Station
by Local 4-H Group 9am-3pm *Gingerbread House Contest at the Old School Museum 9am3pm *Santa Drive Around 1:00pm-1:45pm *Areas Largest Lighted Parade 6:00pm *Memory Tree Ceremony in Douglas Park immediately following the parade.
Friday & Saturday, December 10-11
Friday 4-8 Saturday 10-4 Jacksonville Main Street Christkindlmarket Specialty vendors, local stores, Horse-Drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot goodies
Sun. Nov.28
3pm Faith Lutheran Church “Shall I Play For Him?” Free outdoor concert to begin Advent featuring Drum lines of Jacksonville High School And Illinois College 1385 W. Walnut, Jacksonville
4 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
Top tips to stay safe this Halloween season
Much like Christmas, Halloween is no longer relegated to a single day. A number of Halloween enthusiasts now begin decorating at the start of October. Hijinks and autumn revelry fill the air as individuals eagerly count down to the end of the month. Though the lightheartedness of Halloween festivities, such as costumes and candy, garner the bulk of celebrants’ attention, it’s important to take safety into consideration as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween as other nights of the year. Cuts and burns also are more common on October 31. A good Halloween scare should come from costumes, not accidents or injuries. This Halloween, consider these safety measures, courtesy of
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Safe Kids Worldwide, the Mayo Clinic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Make sure you’re visible when trick-ortreating. Reflective tape, glow sticks, flashlights, or camping lanterns can make pedestrians more visible to motorists. • Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks if they are available. When sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic and do so as far off to the side of the road as you can get. • Drivers should be especially alert to pedestrians on Halloween. Drive slowly, as many kids scurry from house to house in search of Halloween candy.
Cookie Walk
• Pedestrians and drivers
Friday, Dec. 3rd - 3-5pm
Homemade cookies, candies, breads, etc Salem Lutheran Annex Corner of College and S. East Street Jacksonville
217-243-3419
Enter Thru the West Parking Lot • Face Masks will Be Required
should follow the rules
• Consider alternatives
of the road, stopping at
to carving pumpkins,
intersections and cross-
since the risk of be-
ing in crosswalks.
ing cut while carving
Christmas Gift Show Saturday, Dec. 4 - 9am-3pm
The largest craft show in the area. 75+ quality crafters fill the gym, cafeteria and entrance hall. Free Admission - Lunch Served
For more information, call Tierney Swan 217-248-6494
Beardstown Christian Academy
1421 Beard St (Just off Rte 125 & Boulevard Rd)
is high. If you want to carve, leave the carving to adults. Utilize battery-operated flameless candles or glow sticks to illuminate jack-o’-lanterns. • All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant. Make sure that costumes do not impede your ability to walk or see. • Test makeup to check for skin irritation before application. Remove it promptly after returning home. • Set up a buddy system so that no one is going it alone. Agree on a spe-
cific time children should return home. Adults should chaperone young children. • While incidences of candy tampering may be minimal, no one should snack on candy until it has been inspected. Inspections also protect against food allergies. • The candy bounty should be rationed so no one overindulges and feels ill later on. Halloween season is a fun time of year, but safety should go hand in hand with all the celebrating on this special day.
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Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
Pilot Club
Home Tour and Tea
In consideration for the safety of our homeowners and ticket buyers, we have decided to cancel our Pilot Home Tour. We look forward to an even bigger and better Home Tour for 2022
October 7, 2021 | 5
6 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
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Tips to simplify Thanksgiving entertaining
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a houseful of close friends and relatives can be a tad overwhelming. Thanksgiving is a food- and tradition-centric holiday, and all eyes will are typically on the dinner table. Pulling off a feast of this magnitude — multiple courses, side dishes and desserts — takes considerable effort. These tips,
tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host’s saving grace. Pick the menu early Don’t leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. Decide what you’ll be cooking in addition to turkey several weeks before the big day. Select two or three side dishes, preferably items that can be prepared in advance
and then reheated on Thanksgiving. These can include a baked macaroni-and-cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a cornbread stuffing. Brine your bird Turkey is the centerpiece of the feast, so give it every opportunity to shine. No one wants a dry turkey, but unfortunately this lean poultry can dry out easily. Meats typically lose about 30 percent of their weight during cooking. However, by soaking the turkey in a
The Best Meat for your Holiday Celebrations & Gifts for those who are hard to buy for! Beef Tenderloin Prime Rib
brine prior to cooking it, you can reduce this moisture loss to as little as 15 percent, according to Dr. Estes Reynolds, a brining expert at the University of Georgia. Brining the fowl for a day or more can infuse flavor and moisture. Food Network personality Alton Brown has a fan-favorite roast turkey recipe with an aromatic brine that has garnered five stars and was featured on his show “Good Eats” (www. foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/goodeats-roast-turkey-recipe-1950271). A simple salted water soak also can work. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiv-
ing Take some stress out of Thanksgiving by cutting all vegetables and/or preparing some dishes a few days early. Label and organize prepared ingredients by recipe and store in the refrigerator. Make extra room in the fridge by removing nonessential items and placing them in a cooler with ice and cleaning out any old food or condiments. Plan your table settings and label which bowls and other serving dishes will be used for which items. This will make it much easier to set the table on Thanksgiving. Serve batched cocktails It can be challenging and expensive to have a full
bar for guests. Mulled wine, hot cider and punches are ideal ways to service a crowd looking for delicious spirited drinks. Create simple centerpieces Use seasonal sights for your centerpieces or place settings. These can include small squashes, gourds, citrus fruits, nuts, or acorns. A hollowed-out pumpkin filled with fresh flowers also can be eye-catching. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate bounty. Treat guests to a great experience by learning some hosting tips to make the holiday easier to manage.
Christmas Open House Thurs, November 11th - Sat, November 13th 10am to 4pm
Bring your friends and enjoy the ambiance of the season, stocking up on new holiday decor and gifts!
Brown-Sugar Cured Ham Steaks & Chops
Gift Boxes, Meat Bundles & Gift Certificates jonesmeatandlocker.com 217-243-1521
2108 East State Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Free delivery in Jacksonville for orders over $30
The Design Shed a unique floral and gift decor shop
2114 Nortonville Road, Murrayville, IL
217.291.3231
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
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October 7, 2021 | 7
What are you thankful for?
Shop local this holiday season for gifts for the holidays, ladies apparel, children’s gifts, Ladies apparel Spacious buildings for easy social distancing to shop 110 W. Adams, Pittsfield 217-285-4488
Guess Who?
I am an actress born in Washington, DC on November 24, 1978. I gained fame for playing a doctor on a popular TV series. I’ve starred in several romcom movies as well, including a comedy opposite Seth Rogen.
Food Prizes Drinks
Holiday Open House
Friday, November 12th 9-6
Saturday, November 13th 9-2 Text this number 217-371-2403 and you will get a special invite
All Occasions Flowers & Gifts
229 S Main, Jacksonville
www/faithutheranjacksonville.com 1285 West Walnut in Jacksonville
Answer: Katherine Heigl
8 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
How to make the most of Small Business Saturday recognize the benefits of shopping early, and Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.
7th Annual
Winchester Hometown Christmas December 4, 2021
• Vendors 9am-3pm • Story Time With Mrs. Clause at the Winchester Public Library 9am-11am Come and Go at will. • Cookie Walk at the First Christian Church 9am-Noon • Gift Wrapping Station by Local 4-H Group 9am-3pm • Gingerbread House Contest at the Old School Museum 9am-3pm • Santa Drive Around 1:00pm-1:45pm Check the Winchester Hometown Christmas page for his route. • Areas Largest Lighted Parade 6:00pm Coordinated by The Winchester High School Key Club. • Memory Tree Ceremony in Douglas Park immediately following the parade. Brought to you by the Winchester Civic Group’s Find us on Facebook Hometown Christmas Committee
and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you’re ready to go come Saturday morning. Doing your homework can make it
easier to navigate the crowds. • Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. A great meal with friends
• Check your social media feeds. Many small businesses have
recognized the value of communicating directly with consumers through their social media feeds. Throughout the day, shoppers can keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about special sales or events. In addition, shoppers can share their shopping experiences via their own feeds. Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth from existing customers, so this can be another way to show your support for the establishments that call your community home. Small Business Saturday is a great way to begin the holiday shopping season on the right foot.
www.jacksonvillemainstreet.com
• Plan ahead. Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity. American Express estimates that 110 million people participated in Small Business Saturday in 2019, which underscores how shoppers can benefit from planning ahead. Research sales
and family can be an ideal way to cap off a day of shopping, and it’s a great way to support a local restaurant. It’s worth noting that a National Today survey of 1,000 shoppers that focused on Small Business Saturday shopping habits found that food and groceries were the most popular things to buy local. Saturday is traditionally a popular night to dine out, and that popularity is even greater on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers can ensure they aren’t waiting for a table by booking a reservation in advance.
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Gifts and gatherings take center stage come the holiday season. The holiday season begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. During that time, families gather to exchange gifts, break bread, celebrate their faith, and toast the year to come. The good times and gatherings that are such a big part of the holiday season were absent from many celebrations in 2020. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the successful rollout of various vaccines should make the coming holiday season feel more normal. That means gift exchanges and gatherings are back in play. Savvy celebrants
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Kevin & Carolyn Denney
preciousjewelers.net 104 E. Vandalia Rd. Jacksonville, IL 217-245-0671
October 7, 2021 | 9
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
Journal-Courier
Tips to ensure holiday road trips are safe and stress-free After a 2020 holiday season in which the pandemic forced the postponement or cancellation of festivities, families are planning to get together once again in 2021. Many people will head home for the holidays this year, and the vast majority will take to the highway to do so. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest for long-distance travel. The highways will be busy with motorists criss-crossing the country to visit loved ones. Holiday travel may require covering a long distance in a limited amount of time. Finding ways to be efficient in regard to time manage-
ment can reduce stress and improve safety. Travel at night If you can safely manage it, you may experience considerably less traffic in the evening hours than during other times of day. In addition, if kids are in tow, they may sleep much of the way, helping to reduce the number of times they ask, “Are we there yet?” Share driving responsibilities with another person so that each driver can take a break to prevent drowsy driving. Get a vehicle maintenance check No one wants to get stranded on the side of the road with a car filled with gifts and treats. It’s well worth the investment to have a mechanic
give a vehicle a checkup prior to leaving. Get an oil change even if it’s a little early to do so. Look at tire tread wear and ensure that you have the right tires for the road conditions where you’ll be headed.
a general idea of the route so that if service drops out you can still find your way. Scout out rest stops or acceptable restaurants online prior to leaving so you have a plan for making stops in safe areas.
Plan your route People often rely on mobile phone or dashboard GPS systems to get where they need to go. However, it helps to have
Stock the car While presents may be taking up valuable real estate, pack a cooler with snacks and beverages to help reduce how many
Start your Christmas season in Carrollton Join us for Our Christmas Open House
Friday Nov. 12th and Saturday Nov.13th Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-3 Mask and social distancing required Specials everyday • Special discounts for Veterans on Veterans Day
Pharmacy Plus
508 N. Main Carrollton, Il 942-3427
times you need to get off the highway. Also, games or other forms of entertainment can keep children occupied on long trips. Slow down in inclement weather The holiday meal can be reheated if you’re late, so don’t feel compelled to speed or drive erratically when the weather is stormy. It’s not worth the risk of getting into an
accident that can cause serious injuries. Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that represents all travelers, also warns that quick storms that pop up after a long dry spell can immediately make road surfaces extremely slippery. Use caution. Planning and preparation are essential to getting home safely this holiday season.
Primrose & Lace
Christmas Open House Friday Nov. 5th & Saturday Nov. 6th 9:30am-5pm Find us for all of your Holiday decorating needs.
635 East Morton Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650 217-245-4499 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Sun 11am-4pm
10 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
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Tips to keep your tree fresh this holiday season
Christmas trees are often the pièce de résistance of holiday decor. Few things draw the attention of holiday guests quite like an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, especially when that tree maintains its fresh, healthy sheen throughout December. Many families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December. Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul. • Pick the right tree. Choosing the right tree is one of the simplest ways
to keep a tree looking good throughout the holiday season. A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day. • Cut an inch off the base of any tree that is not freshly cut. MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks. Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water. Cutting an
inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. MSU Extension notes that this approach should be taken with any tree that was not cut within six to eight hours of being put in a stand. • Replenish the water supply every day. Fresh tree veterans recognize that Christmas trees can be very thirsty, especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day. MSU Extension
notes that many decorative or antique tree stands do not hold much water, so anyone with such a stand may need to replenish the water supply more than once or twice per day. • Keep the tree away from a heat source. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keeping trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also decreases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.
Warm and wow guests with homemade hot mulled apple cider When hosting friends and family at home, it’s understandable that hosts direct so much of their focus to the foods they plan to serve. The main course is often the focal point and most memorable aspect of a dinner party, and that’s true whether the get-together is a backyard barbecue, a holiday meal with the family or a formal affair with colleagues. Food might be a focal
point, but guests also will need something to drink. Traditional spirits like wine and cocktails are the standard, but hosts who want to get a little creative should not hesitate to do so. When choosing a
special beverage, timing is everything. Guests wil want to cool down on warm summer evenings, so something cold and refreshing can make for the perfect signature cocktail. When hosting on nights when the mercury has dropped, a warm beverage can heat up guests in a matter of minutes. On such nights, hosts can serve this version of “Hot Mulled (Sherried) Apple
Cider” courtesy of Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey). One added benefit to Masterton’s recipe is it can produce a welcoming winter aroma, helping hosts establish a warm ambiance for the festivities. Hot Mulled (Sherried) Apple Cider Serves 16 • 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange, unpeeled, cut into slices • 1⁄4 cup whole cloves • 4 sticks cinnamon • 1⁄4 cup honey, preferably cranberry honey • 1 cup sherry (optional) 1. Combine the cider, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, and honey in a large pot over medium heat. If you are picky about things floating in your cider, make a little bundle out of cheesecloth
and place the cinnamon and cloves inside before adding to the cider. I like to chew on cloves, so I just toss everything in. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer over low heat for an hour or so to spread these lovely winter aromas around your home. 2. If you’re serving it to adults, add the sherry. It might make everyone want to go sledding!
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October 7, 2021 | 11
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
Coming Soon… Save the Dates!
12 Days of Loving Local! A joint sales event by Jacksonville Main Street Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce
ONLINE & IN-PERSON! November 15th
thru
27th
SHOPPING * SURPRISES * SANTA HATS
eat drink & be merry 12 | October 7, 2021
Fall Festival & Holiday Guide
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> Culinary Temptations > Gucci Rooms & Grasshoppers > Outrageous Sweets > 60 Locally Owned Spots > LOCAL FIX FOOD GUIDE > Scenic Settings > Award-Winning Whites & Reds > 7 Family Owned Wineries > MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WINE TRAIL > Decked Out Mansions > Candlelight Tours > Historic House Museums > Buy One Get One Admittance > MUSEUM PASS > Miles of Magic > Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day > 5-9pm > FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS > Magnificent Architecture > Custom East End Tours > Groups of 6+/Reservations > PRIVATE HOME TOURS
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