Celebrate the Season 2013 by Journal Gazette & Times-Couier

Partying

Outside the Box

Creative themes for your seasonal soiree

Gifting the Family Foodie

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Gift ideas for the food fanatic on your list

Last Minute Shopping for the holidays

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2 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Last-minute shopping for the holidays..............................3 Great gifts for men and women hoping to get healthier ....4 Gift ideas for the food fanatic on your list .........................5 Holiday decorating not bound to strict schedules..............6 Gift wrapping tricks and tips ............................................7 Colors of Christmas Coloring Page ...................................8 Travel tips for holiday visits ............................................10 Out-of-the-box themes for your holiday party.................11

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Celebrate the Season 2013 Produced by JG-TC

700 Broadway Ave East Suite 9A Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 235-5656 Carl Walworth, Publisher ............................................238-6822 Tammy Jordan, Advertising Director...........................238-6835 Connie Anderson, Classified Sales Consultant ..........238-6828 Karen Collier, Classified Sales Consultant..................238-6821 Sherri Aldrich, Auto & Real Estate Sales Consultant ..238-6832 Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon....238-6831 Shellie Jeske, Mattoon/Sullivan Sales Consultant......238-6837 Tyler Hilligoss, Arthur/Effingham Sales Consultant.....238-6834 Rob Scheffer, Charleston Sales Consultant................238-6838 Pagination/Artist: Laura Kazmer

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s! liday o H y Happ

Last-minute shopping for the holidays

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 3

Many people wait until the last minute for Christmas shopping, when there are still gifts and deals to be had.

t's December 22 and you've just barely made it through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don't have enough time to get everything done.

This is a common scenario around the holidays. Shoppers have the best intentions to get their gifts early, but whether because of work obligations or social events, the task seems to get pushed further and further into December. Soon many are staring down the calendar experiencing sweaty palms. Many others may be putting off holiday shopping

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simply because of the current state of the economy and affordability.

For the scores of shoppers who consciously or subconsciously wait until the last possible minute to shop, there are ways to survive and surprise friends and family with great gifts.

• Gift cards: They may not have sentimental meaning behind them, but gift cards are fast and easy. Chances are you can run into a store and be out with a handful of gift cards in less than 15 minutes, depending on lines at the checkout counter. Also, many supermarkets, bookstores and other retailers offer gift card kiosks enabling you to shop for different gift cards all in one place. • Food and beverages: While everyone is heading to the mall in droves, you can be stepping inside of a gourmet food or spirits store. Splurge on fine cheeses or that trendy bottle of liquor that a gift recipient has mentioned but not yet purchased for him- or herself. • Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand

and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year's worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.

• E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will email a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill.

• Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally acceptable gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can be an expensive venture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help. Online retailers are also there to help last-minute shoppers. Many online retailers guarantee in-time-forChristmas shipping even on gifts ordered as late as December 23. However, overnight shipping charges will cost more. But it's all worth it to get the item in time.

Waiting until the last minute for shopping can induce some anxiety. But knowing about easy gifts for procrastinators can take the stress out of this type of shopping.

Great gifts for men and women hoping to get healthier

4 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Subsidizing a loved one’s gym membership is a great way to help him or her realize a resolution of living healthier in the year ahead.

member who's looking to turn over a new leaf in the new year by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

the tradition of gift-giving with the tradition of making New Yearʼs resolutions by giving a loved one who wants to improve personal health a gift that can make keeping that resolution that much easier.

he holidays are synonymous with many things, including gettogethers with family and friends, shopping and, at the tail end of the season, resolutions. One of the more common New Yearʼs resolutions is a commitment to getting healthier. This year, holiday shoppers can combine

When holiday shopping this season, consider the following gift ideas for that healthconscious friend or family

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• Gym membership: Fitness centers tend to see a spike in enrollment at the dawn of a new year, as men and women who want to get healthier take the first step by signing up for a gym membership. The holiday season can be a great time to sign up for a membership, as many fitness centers waive their initiation fees in an effort to attract more customers. When trying to help a friend or family member get back on a healthy track, offer to pay a portion of their membership fees or, if their preferred club is charging an initiation fee, offer to pay that instead. Recipients might feel more obligated to go to the gym if they know a loved one helped pay for it. • Cardiovascular machine: Many people cite a lack of time as the primary reason they donʼt exercise enough. Getting to and from the gym takes time, but having a cardiovascular machine, whether itʼs an elliptical machine, an exercise bike or a treadmill, at home removes

this hurdle, increasing the chances that people will exercise more often. And the potential benefits of routine cardiovascular exercise are considerable. According to the American Heart Association, as little as 30 minutes of daily cardiovascular exercise each day can significantly reduce an individual's risk for heart disease.

• Bicycle: Few activities are more enjoyable and simultaneously beneficial as riding a bicycle. Many people still enjoy riding a bike just like they did when they were children, when they might not have known just how healthy riding a bicycle was. Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, lowering a person's risk for heart disease while helping to build and tone muscles. In addition, men and women with preexisting joint conditions often find riding a bicycle is a great low-impact exercise that encourages them to get off the couch in a way that doesnʼt aggravate their conditions. Many adults received a bicycle as a holiday gift when they were children, and those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle might be just

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• Cookbook: Adopting a healthier lifestyle does not have to be all about exercise. In fact, eating healthier is just as important as exercising more. A common misconception about eating healthy is that healthy foods donʼt boast the flavor of those irresistible, yet ultimately unhealthy, foods we canʼt get enough of. However, a healthy diet can be flavorful, so help health-conscious men and women get started with a cookbook filled with healthy and delicious recipes. Before buying a cookbook, find out if the bookʼs eventual recipient has any specific dietary restrictions, including if he or she needs to eat gluten-free or has been told to avoid red meat. Then find a cookbook that suits them but does so in a way that allows them to embrace healthy eating.

Gift ideas for the food fanatic on your list Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 5

Gift the foodie on your holiday shopping list with something that encourages their love of cuisine. but feel pressed for time on weeknights. And while pressure cookers employ steam to cook foods quickly, that steam also traps flavor, whereas boiling can wash flavor out.

ome people are a cinch to shop for come the holiday season, while others can be more of an enigma. When it comes to the latter, shoppers should determine what tickles their mysterious friend or family memberʼs fancy, such as a favorite hobby or even something to do with his or her profession. Food is a passion for many people and provides holiday shoppers with a great opportunity to make a loved oneʼs holiday season even more special. Perhaps thanks to the increase in cable networks focusing on food, foodies, those people with an appreciation and passion for cuisine, have grown in number in recent years, and holiday shoppers with foodies on their lists have a host of potential gift options at their disposal. • Cooking class: Many foodies donʼt just like eating food but cooking their favorite

Many foodies also laud pressure cookers for their nutritional benefits. Steaming certain foods can intensify their flavor, which allows cooks to rely less on potentially unhealthy additions like salt or butter to ensure a meal is flavorful. cuisine as well. For those who like to get their hands dirty before filling their bellies, consider paying for a cooking class. Many communities have cooking classics for various types of cuisine, so consult your friend or family member, asking them which cuisine theyʼd like to learn and when theyʼre available. Or let them find their own class and then pay for the class. This can be a great way for foodies to learn something new and meet fellow food afficionados along the way. • Specialty spices: Spices can make the difference between an ordinary meal that's void of flavor and a meal thatʼs so flavorful it wonʼt soon be forgotten. When spicing things up for a foodie this holiday season, donʼt just buy regular spices at the grocery store. For example, instead of standard cinnamon, buy a specialty spice like Mexican or Vietnamese cinnamon. Such specialty spices can add extra flavor to a meal while becoming the go-to spice for the home chef among your friends and family members. • Pressure cooker: Many foodies are fawning over pressure cooking, which can cut down on cooking times without sacrificing nutrition. Some recipes may take half the time to prepare with a pressure cooker as they might with a more traditional cooking method, an important time saving element thatʼs attractive to foodies who want to enjoy their favorite foods

fallback item for holiday shoppers who canʼt seem to find anything for their favorite foodies, cookbooks filled with recipes for dishes from their favorite type of cuisine (i.e., Italian, Thai, Cajun, etc.) are sure to please. When gifting

with a cookbook, peruse a few of its recipes to determine if there are any special ingredients that appear throughout. If there are, purchase these ingredients and gift them as well.

• Serving dishes: Of course, many foodies want to share the fruits of their labors with friends and family. For the person who loves throwing dinner parties, consider some serving dishes this holiday season. Serving dishes can range from casual (for the foodie who canʼt wait to fire up the grill) to formal (for the gourmet foodie), so get a feel of your friend or family memberʼs preferences before purchasing a set of serving dishes. • Cookbook: The ideal

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Holiday decorating not bound to strict schedules

6 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

ome people are so eager for Christmas to arrive that they simply cannot wait long to transform their homes from the traditional decor into a holiday wonderland. Others prefer to build up the suspense of the season and wait until midDecember before decking the halls. There is no right or wrong time to start decorating, but there are some tips to make that process easier.

Christmas items can sometimes be found on store shelves as early as September, and even those homeowners who intend to decorate when the season is in full swing can purchase items now and then bring them out when the time comes to decorate. Shopping early allows holiday enthusiasts to be more choosy about their decorations. Many families start their holiday decorating on the day after Thanksgiving. Such families should know there are benefits to using artificial greenery in the decor. A real Christmas tree or wreath may dry out and present a fire hazard if purchased too early. If you want the tree in the window for a full month or more, an artificial tree is a safer choice. Decorating before December also allows families to enjoy their decorations much longer. It can be hard work to decorate the house, and equally arduous to remove those decorations, so decorating

earlier allows homeowners to enjoy the fruits of their labors a lot longer than they would if they decorate in December.

Some people feel that decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving is a tad too early, and there are advantages to decorating in early or mid-December, when stores have a wider selection

of decorations at shoppersʼ disposal. Some stores do not display all of their merchandise until after Thanksgiving. If you have your heart set on a natural Christmas tree, decorating later helps to ensure the tree remains fresh, fragrant and safe with the right care. Homeowners who delay their

decorations also can take inventory of what neighbors are doing and design a decorating scheme that blends with the neighborhood or stands out. Some families even prefer to save their decorating until right before Christmas, choosing to decorate on Christmas Eve. Those who prefer to a more religious them to their holiday decorations may prefer to

decorate later and keep their decorations on display until the celebration of the Epiphany, when the magi are said to have arrived bearing gifts for the baby Jesus.

Whether families enjoy stringing up lights as soon as Thanksgiving is over or waiting until Christmas Eve, there is no wrong way to embrace the spirit of the season.

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Gift wrapping tricks and tips Wednesday, December 4, 2013

he holidays are here and that means shoppers have started to stockpile gifts for those they love. Once the shopping rush is over, the time to wrap all of those great finds and treasures has come.

Although some people are giftwrap gurus, there are many others who feel that their wrapping skills are lacking. Regardless, anyone can create delightful wrapped gifts with a little know-how. The first step to wrapping is to have all of the supplies in one place. There are some people who have actually dedicated small rooms as gift-wrap stations. While you donʼt have to go this far, find a large table and keep your tape, tags, paper, ribbon, scissor, pen, and other accessories nearby. Prepare

Also, sort out the gifts according to recipient and have any gift receipts handy to wrap up with the gift. Wrap at a time when there are

no distractions and you can devote your attention to the task at hand, like after children have gone to bed or during the day when no one is home. When purchasing wrapping paper, it may be tempting to skimp on the quality of the paper to save money. However, a thicker, higher quality paper will make wrapping go more smoothly. Thatʼs because it will be less likely to tear on boxes or when you're rolling out and cutting it. Paper or Bags?

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 7

often more convenient.

waste.

• Buy neutral-patterned wrapping paper that coordinates with other papers. This way if you run out of one type of paper you can stagger other pieces and make a collage of papers so there's no

• Keep a stack of paper scraps and use it instead of tissue paper to fill in gift bags.

There are different tips that can help with wrapping. Other Tips

• Use ribbon to dress up a gift and direct the eye away from any imperfections. • Keep scissors sharp for clean cuts.

• Pack smaller items or oddly shaped things into a different

container that is easier to wrap.

• Roll up clothing and place into a paper towel tube to turn the wrapping into a candy cane shaped gift.

Practice often makes perfect when it comes to wrapping gifts. Having the right paper, a few decorative supplies and some patience can ensure that gifts look festive this year.

Thicker paper means youʼll also be able to achieve more intricate folds and better creasing around boxes. It also may be more forgivable around oddly shaped items.

Gift bags are the go-to wrapping medium when youʼre short on time or have items that are not easily wrapped with paper. Because they come in a variety of sizes -and even giant plastic bags to contain large gifts -- they are

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8 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Wishing Your Family Safe Travels This Holiday Season!

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Travel tips for holiday visits

10 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

travelers may not know where they'll be spending the holidays until the last minute, leaving them at the mercy of the airlines.

housands of people take to the skies come the holiday season. High fares do doubt await holiday travelers, who also can count on higher baggage fees and fuel surcharges. Buying tickets early can help offset some of those costs, but many

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specific date range. Airlines continually evaluate just how many seats they have already sold to determine prices on reduced-fare seating. Getting a good deal or being gouged may come down to a variety of factors, but buying early when flying during a heavy travel season is often the best way to go. Airlines rarely discount tickets during the holiday season, when demand is especially high. Therefore, booking as soon as you know your travel plans increases the liklihood you can get the flight you want and not have to make concessions. In addition to booking early, there are other ways to save some money and arrive relatively jolly for a holiday visit. • Travel midweek. Flying on a weekday is often less expensive than flying on a weekend. Some travel experts say flights on a Tuesday or

Wednesday traditionally offer the lowest fares.

• Consider an alternate route. Choosing connecting flights in travel hub cities may cost less than direct, nonstop flights. While from flight to flight may be less convenient, itʼs likely to cost less money.

• Ship your gifts. Rather than paying high fees for extra checked baggage, ship your gifts or have them directly shipped to your loved ones when buying online. • Book in mid-November. Some travel experts say that Christmas travel is at its cheapest during the middle of

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• Choose an unpopular flight time. Early-morning, overnight and dinnertime flights are less expensive than more popular travel times. • Arrive on Christmas. Itʼs often less expensive to travel on Christmas, when surcharges may be waived and flights may be less packed.

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Themes for your t u o x f t h o e-b O holiday party Wednesday, December 4, 2013

arties are an integral part of the holiday season, when friends and family gather to celebrate and give thanks. For holiday hosts, parties are a great

Caribbean theme for your holiday party this season. Rather than wearing sweaters

reminiscent of the Caribbean instead of more traditional holiday fare like eggnog and gingerbread cookies. • Film festival: Holiday movies are

consideration.

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 11

• Christmas karaoke: For those who love to belt out their favorite holiday tunes, consider throwing a Christmas karaoke party that allows guests to perform their own renditions of their favorite Christmas carols. Purchase a

home karaoke set and ask guests in advance of the party if there are any particular songs theyʼd like to perform.

Gift Certificates $6 for $5 opportunity to make the season even more festive with an event that guests wonʼt soon forget. The following are just a few themes to make your holiday party as memorable as it is merry.

• Christmas sweater party: Christmas sweater parties have grown in popularity over the last decade, when revelers have tried to outdo one another with the most outrageous holiday-themed sweater. Give prizes for the most outlandish sweater and let guests know early on so they can begin their hunt for a holiday sweater thatʼs so ugly or outrageous you can't help but love it. • Christmas costume party: Costume parties arenʼt just for Halloween. This holiday season, consider making your holiday bash a costume party, encouraging guests to dress up as their favorite characters from holiday tales like “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas Carol” or any of the host of beloved holiday legends.

• Caribbean Christmas: The weather come the holiday season may be the one thing to put a damper on the festivities. To combat blue feelings from potentially inclement weather, consider a

and long pants, wear beach attire and give the party a touch of the Caribbean. Outfit your home in beach decor and serve food and drinks

another tradition of the season, so why not invite friends and family over for a holiday film marathon? Include classics like “Itʼs a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” and encourage guests to submit their own favorites for

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Gifting those who help us throughout the year

12 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

oliday gift-giving etiquette can be confusing, especially when it comes to gifting those men and women who aren't necessarily friends or family members, but still help us out in a variety of ways. Deciding how to thank the people who intersect our lives by delivering mail or cleaning the pool can take a little ingenuity. ifting preferences often vary from region to region. What might be acceptable in a certain area of the country may be frowned upon elsewhere. For example, in urban areas cash gifts are usually appreciated, whereas rural, close-knit communities tend to give homemade gifts. The rule to remember, above all, is that if a gift is given with good intentions, it should be happily received. That being said, here are some general guidelines for gifting those

men and women who help us throughout the year. Determine your list. Think about the people with whom you interact regularly. The sanitation workers who pick up the trash twice a week and your mail carrier may take priority over the hairstylist you visit once every month or two. Establish a budget. The holiday season can be costly, so set a firm limit on what you plan to give, perhaps between $10 and $20 each, and stick to that budget for each recipient. Recognize that not everyone is allowed to accept gifts. Some service providers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or presents. Government employees, for example, may be prohibited from accepting cash gifts or gifts that exceed a predetermined amount. With

* *

this in mind, gloves or a gift basket may be your best option. Gift a little more to personal care professionals. Your hairstylists, masseuse or anyone who performs more personal tasks for you may warrant a larger gift. Etiquette suggests giving a gift equal to the price of one session of service, even if that gift is cash. Therefore if your hair cut costs $35, gift $35. Health and child care employees warrant special treatment. A private nurse, nanny or nursing home worker should be gifted for the holidays. Avoid cash gifts with health service providers, opting for a more personal gift that is a token of your affection and appreciation. If gifts are not allowed, consider making a charitable donation in the person's name.

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King Queen Full Twin ✂ Custom-made quilts ✂ ✂Hand-made baskets ✂Crochet Accessories ✂Wall Hangings ✂Table Runners ✂Doilies • Quillows ✂Tote Bags ✂Crafts

“Sew” much more – come see us! Melrose Quilts & Sewforth

Richards Farm Gift Cards Make The Perfect Gift For Anyone On Your List! 607 NE 13th Street, Casey, IL 62420 • Call 217-932-5300 • www.richardsfarm.com

¼ mile south of Arthur (Vine Street) M-Sat. Please Call Ahead For Winter Hours.

217-543-2844

Homemade in our Kitchen

• Illinois Dutch Sausage • Delicious Fried Chicken • Sweet & Sour Salad Bar

• Warm Homemade Bread • Yoder’s Famous Apple Butter • Shoo-Fly Pie & Much More

127 East Main Street Arcola, Illinois 61910 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Tues. - Sun. 7:30 AM - 7 PM 217-268-3518 • Off I-57 Far Off The Beaten Path

CALL & RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW! 235-0123 oups Catering avail. To gr Of 100 or more: • Banquets • Receptions • Spor ting Events • Group picnics

Gift Certificates Make Great Stocking Stuffers. 3020 Lakeland Blvd., Mattoon

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 13

BECAUSE SAFETY IS KEY,

PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

“Key” Strategies For A Safe New Year’s Celebration:

t probably comes as no surprise that more traffic fatalities due to drunk driving occur at the New Year than any other time, but of course, you should never drink and drive. With your safety in mind, these community sponsors urge you to review these important tips for hosting or attending a safe celebration!

A New Year is coming, bringing much celebration, With good friends and good times and free-flowing libation -So party on hearty, but leave driving alone, Because we want to see you get safely home!

• Plan an alcohol-free celebration – Host a fondue or “make your own” ice cream sundae party as a fresh alternative. Add some fun party games to keep guests entertained without drinking! • Check your keys with the host – This is an effective strategy for giving the host some control over inebriated guests. • Keep the number of a taxi company handy – A good tip for both party guests and hosts alike. • Offer to drive a guest home – Start the New Year off right by performing a good deed and help keep drunk drivers off the road. • Appoint a designated driver – Use the buddy system and you can return the favor next time. • Provide lots of snacks to party guests – Drinking on an empty-stomach rapidly increases alcohol’s debilitating effects. • Post transportation info on party invites – Include information for public transportation, car pools and taxi company phone numbers. • Don’t let a friend drive drunk – Take the car keys away or use one of the strategies above to see your friends safely home.

Most popular Christmas songs

14 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013

ecorations and shopping are integral parts of the holiday season, but very often it is the music being played over the airwaves that sets the tone for the festivities to come. Christmas music has been enjoyed for decades and

certain compositions are widely loved and played year after year. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, who compiles lists of the most popular songs, lists "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and

"Winter Wonderland," both of which were written in 1934, as the oldest and most popular tunes. The newest popular song is "Wonderful Christmastime," composed in 1979. Though personal preference often determines a holiday playlist, the following tunes are of the more popular Christmas songs: "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" - Mel Torme, Robert Wells

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" - Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin

"Winter Wonderland" - Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith

* * *

"White Christmas" - Irving Berlin "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" - Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne

We have kittens & cats available for adoption.

"Little Drummer Boy" Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone

"Sleigh Ride" - Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish

* *

"Silver Bells" - Jay Livingston, Ray Evans "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" - Johnny Marks

Great Savings On Gift Certificates!

"Feliz Navidad" - Jose Feliciano

* * * * * *

"Blue Christmas" - Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson "Frosty the Snowman" - Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins

$24 for $20 $30 for $25 $60 for $50 5

Other denominations available! Just ask us what they are!

Hunan Restaurant

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram

* *

217-235-5773 • 6040 Lerna Rd. • Mattoon

$6 for $5 $12 for $10 $18 for $15

"Jingle Bell Rock" - Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" - Edward Pola, George Wyle

Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones At Home This Holiday They will have more fun at Kieffer’s

Accommodating Large Groups!

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" - Johnny Marks

* *

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" Johnny Marks "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" - Tommie Connor

116 S 17th Street Mattoon 234-4855 www.chinesehunan.com

"Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" - Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" - Meredith Willson

Come in and see our new styles of Amish made bedroom and dining room furniture!

Amish Crafted Furniture

468 E. Springfield Rd. Arcola, IL 61910 217-268-3355 • 888-268-3355 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-5 • Closed Sundays

"(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" - Bob Allen, Al Stillman

"Carol of the Bells" - Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich

"Santa Baby" - Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer

"Wonderful Christmastime" Paul McCartney

* * 1608 Broadway Mattoon, IL

(217) 234-4277

"White Christmas" is the most covered Christmas song of all time. There are more than 500 versions in several different languages.

Fun New Year's Eve activities for adults and children alike

ew Year's Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year, when friends and families gather to count down the waning moments of the year as they anticipate the fun times ahead in the year to come. While adults tend to look forward to New Year's Eve festivities more than children, there are ways parents can ring in the New Year with their kids.

Invite kids into the kitchen. New Year's Eve festivities often include food, so why not invite youngsters into the kitchen to cook alongside you? Kids may not be interested in preparing the main course, but let youngsters get involved when baking the night's more delectable treats, like cookies and cakes. Little ones can choose their favorite treats and then help Mom and Dad prepare those treats for guests coming over to join in the festivities. Decorate cakes and cookies with a New Year's Eve theme.

Pick funny resolutions out of a hat. New Year's resolutions are a big part of the holiday, and families who want to add some fun to this tradition can sit down and write their own funny resolutions. Keep the resolutions you write down to yourself, place each person's ideas in a hat and then pick them out before the kids go to bed or right after the clock strikes midnight, whichever happens to come first.

Make a New Year's pinata. Many people love to watch the ball drop from Time's Square in New York City on

New Year's Eve. Celebrants can bring a taste of this beloved tradition into their own homes come New Year's Eve by creating a pinata that looks exactly like the ball in Time's Square. Fill the ball with treats and games for youngsters, who can take chances trying to break the pinata once the clock strikes midnight or earlier if they aren't likely to still be awake by the time the new year begins.

Make predictions for the year to come. Another fun and wholesome New Year's Eve activity parents can enjoy with their children is making predictions for the year to come. Ask young sports fans to predict which teams will win championships in their respective leagues while encouraging other youngsters to share their predictions on awards shows or other popular social events for the coming year. Younger kids might not be able to make such specific predictions, so ask them to write down what they hope to see happen in the new year.

Ring in the new year under the stars. Families who live in warm climates might want to forgo television countdowns in favor of spending the final hours of the year under the stars. A New Year's Eve camping trip is a great way for families to bond and spend time together at the end of what is often a hectic time of year. Instead of hoisting champagne or sparkling cider at the stroke of midnight, share some s'mores and hot chocolate around the campfire as everyone gazes up at the stars.

Simple ways to curtail holiday $pending Wednesday, December 4, 2013

he holiday season is synonymous with many things, including spending. Spending money is an accepted part of the season for many celebrants, who exchange gifts with loved ones, travel to see family and friends and host holiday parties this time of year. None of those things comes without a cost, and for some consumers, curtailing those costs is an early New Year's resolution.

Part of the danger of holiday spending is that many consumers are already in debt before the season even begins. In a holiday report issued prior to the 2012 holiday season, TransUnion, one of the three main credit reporting agencies, noted that the average credit card debt per buyer in the United States was just under $5,000. That means the average consumer began last holiday season having already accrued a significant amount of credit card debt. Though it might seem impossible to rein in holiday spending, there are ways consumers can do just that and still enjoy a festive holiday season.

Propose a gift exchange. Many families exchange gifts during the holidays, but there are ways to make such exchanges less expensive. Instead of a traditional exchange in which every

Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide 15

member of the family buys a gift for everyone else, propose an exchange in which family members pick names out of a hat and only buy a gift for the person whose name they draw. This saves shoppers time and money, and families still get to enjoy the thrill of putting a smile on a loved one's face.

Don't purchase extended warranties. Big-ticket items like televisions and other household appliances make for popular gifts come the holiday season. When purchasing such items, shoppers are often asked by a salesperson if they want to purchase an extended warranty. In theory, extending the warranty seems like a great idea, acting as a safety blanket should something happen to the item down the road. But many appliances already come with a manufacturer's warranty, and extended warranties often just duplicate coverage already provided by the manufacturer. Some might still be hesitant to pass on the extended warranty, but it's important to know that many extended warranties often defer to the manufacturer's warranty, so you may very well be paying, and paying a lot, for something you are unlikely to ever use.

Only buy gifts for children. For many adults, the joy of the holiday season comes not

from receiving gifts but from the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. So rather than buying adult friends and relatives gifts, propose that adults only buy gifts for the kids in the family. This saves adults time and money, and the youngsters still get the joy of unwrapping gifts come the holiday season.

Avoid signing up for store credit cards. When shopping at major retailers, consumers are often asked if they want to sign up for store credit cards, an offer that seems all the more enticing when store representatives dangle an immediate discount between 10 and 20 percent just for signing up. Though it might seem like a great deal, instantly earning as much as 20 percent off your purchase, signing up for store credit cards is not always in consumer's best interests. That's because store credit cards tend to come with steep interest rates, meaning consumers must be able to pay off their balances immediately, or they will be forced to pay interest charges that could dwarf the initial savings earned upon signing up for the card.

Give gift cards. Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they can save shoppers money while allowing recipients to truly get something they want. Shoppers on strict budgets can purchase a gift card that fits into that budget, removing the temptation to spend a few extra dollars when they find the perfect gift that costs a few dollars more than they had initially budgeted. In addition, gift cards are great for distant relatives, as they can be included in greeting cards, saving the added expense of shipping. The holiday season and spending seemingly go hand in hand, but there are ways for consumers to cut costs this holiday season.

16 Celebrate the Seasons Gift Guide Wednesday, December 4, 2013