Season's Greetings 2018

Season’s Greetings Christmas 2018 - A supplement of the

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I

A message to our readers ...

honestly can’t believe it’s that time of year again!

It feels like just yesterday I was driving to Edmonton to get on a plane to fly out to Halifax to spend a few days with my brother before he and drove for 15 hours, through the night, in a blizzard, on route to Ontario to visit our mom for the break.

It was the best of times, it was the scariest of times.

This year is different and I’ll be driving to Canmore to visit my dad who’s been living there for roughly two years.

Everytime I tell someone about my plans they’re blown away by the fact my dad actually has

a mailing address in Canmore and then the question that’s always asked next is, “what does he do for work out there?”

The point here is traditions change just as people change, and with my brother in Halifax, my

mom in Ontario and my dad out in the mountains, new traditions are becoming well, a tradition.

But hey, I say embrace it and enjoy it because after all the holidays are all about friends and family.

I’ve lived in Alberta going on six years now

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and have come to really enjoy it, and often get asked why I moved out here and how do I like living in Lloyd.

Well, the answer is simple (and maybe I’m more exposed to it because of my job) ... it’s the people in the community that make it so great.

There are so many amazing stories of people in this community giving back and helping others it’s sometimes hard to stay on top of them all.

So I hope you all enjoy your holiday break where ever it may take you!

Merry Christmas and see you in the new year.

- Taylor Weaver, Editor

Don’t miss out on the Parade of Lights!

T

he 2018 Parade of Lights, presented

by Boundary Ford, will light up the night on Dec. 20 and kicks off at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds at 7 p.m.

The parade will leave the Exh and travel south of Highway 17, then east on 46 Street and then north on

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Videre by Jason Whiting 49 Ave. before returning to the Exh Grounds.

Festivities will follow inside the Exh and all proceeds raised through sponsorship of the event goes directly to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.

For more details visit the event’s Facebook page.

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?

S

hopping for some people on your list is fun and easy — you know exactly what they want and where to get it.

For others, not so much.

If you’re stumped on gift-giving ideas, here is some affordable inspiration to keep you within your budget.

For the kids How many toys does a kid really need? Whether you’re shopping for your own child or someone else’s, chances are they’ll receive plenty of toys this season.

Minimize waste and unused toys by using this

list — want, need, wear and read.

Coordinate with relatives to make sure the kids in the family have one of each for a balance of both useful and fun gifts.

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Finding that perfect gift FROM PAGE 5

For work Secret Santa Here, stick with something edible or a fun gag gift if you know them well.

Chocolates are always a safe bet, but look for nutfree varieties in case of sensitivities in the office.

Another idea is to try a twist on the tradition — have everyone pick out a toy the kid version of their recipient would have loved, and donate the lot to a toy drive

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after unwrapping them as a group.

For couples Whether it’s your empty-nester parents, a young couple with a toddler or a power career duo without kids, all partnerships could benefit from a weekend away together.

Think a staycation with a hotel in their same city, a holiday in a new place or a spa retreat in the country.

Keeping the kids entertained over winter break

T

here’s the busy lead-up to Christmas, the happy frenzy of the day itself and that sweet spot afterwards, when children’s gifts are still new and interesting.

But most kids get two weeks off school.

It’s easy to default to Netflix or videogames, but these can leave everyone climbing the walls after awhile.

If you’re home with your kids, there are many things to do to fill the time.

Many involve learning something together — not a bad idea for kids who’ll need to think

again in January.

Here are a few things you can do over the winter break: Take advantage of free activities Check the “What’s On?” schedule for your community.

Community centres, libraries and public parks and rinks often have great ways to spend time together.

Download an educational app or two Then give your kids a series of challenges to complete.

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Google Earth can take them anywhere in the world.

Wh a t a re f i ve t h i ng s they see when standing beside the Eiffel Tower?

Deliver a gift overseas The World Vision Gift Catalogue explores the lives of kids in developing countries. Have your child browse the site and select a gift from your family to theirs.

Your donation before December 31 means a 2018 tax receipt.

Read a new book together You can share the same book or read your own together. Chat about the latest chapter at dinner-

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time each day.

Which character do they like best? Can they guess what will happen next?

Take a bus or train trip Is there a part of the city you haven’t visited?

A nearby town you’d like to see? Pack a lunch, then hit the road on wheels or rail. If they have a phone, document the day with pictures.

Smart home gadgets for the new year

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m a r t h o m e devices are at the top of everyone’s wish list this holiday season.

In fact, a recent Statista study found that the number of smart homes in Canada will rise from 13.9 per cent in 2018 to 31.5 per cent by 2022.

To get a head start on your shopping, here are what to look for: Nest Indoor Camera Nest is offering an array of smart products like thermostats, cameras, doorbells, alarms and more.

These devices are a great

way to keep your home and family safe and environmentally responsible.

Nest Security allows you to keep tabs on your home, giving you peace of mind whether you’re down the street or across the world.

Amazon Echo Ask Alexa to do anything, whether it’s changing the song you’re listening to, dimming the lights or turning on the heat.

There’s no need to get up from the couch; connect Alexa and let it do the work for you.

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Shopping for the tech-savy on your list FROM PAGE 9

Philips Hue Mood lighting has never been easier.

Connected to your Amazon Echo, Nest and more, Philips Hue smart lighting connects to your WiFi to create the perfect lighting for selfies, pulsating light alarms, mood lighting or light timers for when you’re away. iRobot Roomba The Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum lets you clean your home from anywhere, making it easy to have last minute

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company.

Just click and clean from your smartphone.

LG Smart Refrigerator Gone are the days of opening the fridge to see what’s inside.

Now you can knock on the fridge door to see what you need without letting out cold air, keeping your food fresh for longer.

You can even keep an eye on your energy usage straight from your smartphone by connecting the fridge to Wi-Fi. This is the future of freshness.

Give greener gifts this year Christmas can be very hard on the planet we love.

The traditions we embrace so often come wrapped in layers of paper, reams of plastic and mountains of disposable shopping bags.

The numbers are enough to take the shine off the season. In Canada, household waste increases by a whopping?45 per cent between mid-November and New Year’s Day. Gift wrap and shopping bags are the biggest culprits, sending about 545,000 tonnes to the landfill every year.

How can we enjoy giving, while caring for our

planet? Aside from saving on money and gas, you might find your stress level is lower, too.

You’ll also have time to breathe in that crisp December air knowing you’re helping keep it that way.

Here are some ways to help keep the green in Christmas: Carry re-usable shopping bags It’s a no brainer. And if you’re concerned about getting mincemeat on that new sweater for grandma, keep some for groceries and others for gifts.

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Skip the wrapping Choose re-usable gift bags or give an experience.

Take mom out for tea and cake or invite a friend to a movie. Most people would relish the one-on-one time with you.

Give love, not slippers Honour a loved one with a meaningful gift in their name through the World Vision Gift Catalogue.

There’s something to reflect every interest and personality. Many Canadians prefer this to a wrapped gift.

Re-gift or buy second-hand Set the tone by inviting

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others to do this for you.

Thrift shops can be filled with treasures, many of which are nearly new. And they’re much less hectic than the malls.

Don’t forget ecards Card companies carry a beautiful selection of ecards for a fraction of the price of paper.

Opening one at work can make someone’s day.

A coconut cookie that’s perfect for the holidays This coconut-studded milk chocolate cookie with two layers of buttery dough – one with an added hit of cocoa – makes these slice-and-bake cookies an instant holiday hit. Incorporating milk chocolate with toasted coconut makes them irresistible.

“This recipe makes a large batch, but don’t feel like you have to make them all at once – simply thaw frozen dough and then slice and bake,” says Michelle Pennock, executive chef for the President’s Choice Test Kitchen.

Two-Toned Chocolate Coconut Cookies Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 50 minutes Makes: 5 dozen cookies Ingredients:

- 1 cup (250 mL) unsalted country churned butter, softened - 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 ½ cups (625 mL) allpurpose unbleached flour 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda - Half bar (300 g bar) PC Milk Chocolate Coconut, finely chopped (about 1 ¼ cups) - 2 tbsp (25 mL) cocoa powder Directions: Line bottom of 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving 1-inch (2.5 cm) overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.

Beat butter with sugar in large bowl using elec-

tric hand mixer until fluffy.

Beat in egg, scraping down side of bowl. Set aside.

Whisk flour with baking soda in separate large bowl. Stir half of flour mixture into butter mixture just until combined. Stir in remaining flour mixture and chocolate just until combined.

Remove half of dough to

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separate large bowl; stir in cocoa powder.

Press cocoa dough evenly into bottom of prepared baking dish; press white dough evenly over top.

Refrigerate 15 minutes.

Lifting with parchment, remove dough from baking dish and transfer to work surface.

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Cut dough in half; invert one piece over the other piece so that both white strips are in centre of stack (you should have two thin strips of chocolate dough with one wide white strip in between).

Press gently to adhere.

Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate two hours or up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Cut dough in half lengthwise to make two 2-inch (5 cm) wide logs.

Cut each log crosswise into scant 1/4-inch (5 mm) thick slices.

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Arrange, 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart, on non-stick cookie sheets or parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Bake, one sheet at a time, until pale golden and tops are no longer shiny; 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets.

Chef’s tip: If the dough crumbles when you slice it, let it stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften, then try slicing again.

Nutritional information per cookie: Calories 70, fat 4 g (3 g of which is saturated), sodium 15 mg, carbohydrates 9 g, fibre 0 g, sugars 4 g, protein 1 g.

A holiday mule to warm up your guests This extra-festive twist on a Moscow mule is sure to spice up your holiday party.

Flavoured with the zing of ginger beer, notes of caramel and vanilla from bourbon, and balanced by the sweetness of apple cider, it strikes a perfect balance.

“To make your drink look as good as it tastes, try garnishing with accents such as crystallized ginger,” suggests Michelle Pennock, executive chef for the President’s Choice Test Kitchen.

“This small step

brings the drink to the next level.”

Maple Bourbon Cider Mule Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 1 Ingredients: 1/3 cup (75 mL) honeycrisp sweet apple cider 2 tbsp (25 mL) bourbon (1 oz) 4 tsp (20 mL) pure maple syrup 1 tsp (5 mL) fresh lime juice 1/4 cup (50 mL) ginger beer 1 slice crystallized ginger (optional) CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Directions: Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup and lime juice.

Cover and shake vigorously 15 to 20 seconds.

Strain into PC Stemless Red Wine Glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer. Thread crystal-

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lized ginger onto wooden cocktail skewer (if using); place in glass.

Chef’s tip: Leave out the bourbon for a nonalcoholic version.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 220, fat 0 g, sodium 10 mg, carbohydrates 39 g, fibre 0 g, sugars 36 g, protein 0 g.

Outdoor exploring this winter Discovering nature in the colder months takes a little more prep and forethought than summertime adventures.

To enjoy the great outdoors safely with your family, check out these tips from Harrowsmith magazine.

Play it safe. Check the weather conditions at your destination ahead of time.

Pack appropriate gear and wear layers and reflective clothing.

Remember, it’s best to swap cottons for fabrics that wick away moisture and keep you warm and dry.

A compass, map, first-

aid kit and multi-tool or knife might come in handy, as well as extra socks, hats, gloves, an additional layer, sunglasses, water and highenergy snacks.

Buddy up. Ideally, go with a friend or group.

The risks are a lot higher with winter outings, so if you’re going to adventure solo, make sure someone knows where you’re going, what route you’re taking and approximately when you’ll be back. Also, don’t rely on your phone, as many cellphones don’t work in park interiors.

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Think timing. Take sunset into account when you plan your route.

The sun goes down earlier this time of year, so head out earlier and plan to be off the trail well before dark.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and carry a map and a flashlight

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just in case.

Be adventure savvy.

Travelling over frozen lakes and ponds is not recommended, as ice conditions vary greatly.

Stay on the designated marked trails and be aware of avalanches — check conditions before you leave.

Know the warning signs and always remain in visual contact with your travel partners.

Splurging and saving this season The holidays are all about celebrations and gift-giving. But all the festivities can mean you end up spending more than you wanted to.

Avoid impulse buys and January regrets with this guide to spending and saving.

Splurge Buying in bulk can save you in the long run, even if it costs more upfront.

For items you’ll need plenty of like wrapping paper and greeting cards, get that deluxe jumbo pack — if you have leftovers, you can keep them

in storage for next year and save even more.

Save The costs when playing host can add up very quickly.

To avoid food waste and a big dent in your wallet, embrace a potluck approach to parties.

Coordinate with guests to each bring a dish or treat to make entertaining more affordable.

Remember to offer to bring something in return when you’re the guest.

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Splurge Relaxation is priceless and can have positive benefits to your physical and mental health, especially during a season that can be stressful.

So don’t be afraid to pamper yourself with a massage mid-season or a weekend getaway postfestivities.

If you’re staying over

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with family for the holidays, treat yourself with at least a night or two at a hotel to maintain your sanity and keep everyone jolly.

Save Gift-giving is an expensive process, especially when your nice list is long.

To save, use your rewards points to buy things like clothes, tech and experiences.

Budget-friendly holiday hosting tips With parties, family dinners and pesky outof-town guests, this season of joy can end up being stressful and expensive. But you can ease the pressure and be the hostess with the mostest with these budget-friendly hosting tips.

Create a scent-sational experience. Make your house a home by simmering ingredients like fresh cinnamon, pine or ginger.

It’s an inexpensive way to add some extra magic your guests will love.

Clean out your closets and make space. Clear out your entryway closet to make room for your guests’ coats and winter

boots Making extra space will help make them feel at home and help you feel less cluttered and stressed.

Always have an extra gift on hand. This season can get busy, which means you never know when an unexpected guest may drop by. Using your Walmart Reward Dollars you can pick up a little extra something that’s neutral and suitable for a variety of would-be recipients while still staying on budget.

Nothing sings holiday cheer like music. Get your guests in the holiday mood with some classic Christmas carols. They’re sure to add some festive cheer to any party.

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How to nail your gift-giving Chances are you have someone on your nice list who is tricky to shop for.

Meanwhile, sizing, personal style and the latest and greatest holiday launches can also all be overwhelming when trying to make a decision.

Avoid having to go the gift card route with these tips from street style expert Christina Cheng that are sure impress the most discerning of gifting recipients.

Cheng’s rule of thumb is always keeping the recipient’s personal style at the forefront of your shopping decisions.

For example, if you’re shopping for apparel and are used to seeing some-

one in streamlined, minimalist looks, don’t opt for something super bright or patterned.

Check out lifestyle brands like Nike that offer apparel, footwear, accessories and home goods all in one place, which will allow you to check off people with a variety of interests from your list quickly.

Don’t be afraid to ask the recipient for sizing.

It doesn’t take away from the surprise factor, but will expedite your shopping experience, avoid a potentially awkward interaction and spare your friends and family long return lines after the holidays.

If that’s not an option,

you can’t go wrong with accessories – a hat or bag is easy to incorporate with any look without a firm size.

Lastly, Cheng recommends exploring outerwear or layering apparel pieces that are always useful and appreciated over our cold winters.

“We live in a climate where almost half the year

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requires layers, so buying multi-purpose pieces and accessories that can be layered is a great way to ensure longevity with your gift giving and something that can transition for your recipient.” She notes sportswear brands like Nike have countless outerwear options that are stand-out additions to any outfit.

Savings this holiday season This time of year is busy for everyone.

We can really feel the time pinch as we prepare special meals, purchase gifts and decorate the house.

Spend a few moments preparing and save time with these steps to efficient shopping.

Make a list We’ve all heard it, but it bears repeating that making a list keeps you organized and on budget, and helps prevent you from forgetting some-

thing or someone.

Strategize your shopping Group that list by store and section so that there’s no inefficient back and forth across the store – or town.

For example, consider list categories and subcategories: groceries (fresh, non-perishable), gifts (toys, electronics), home (paper products, cleaning products) and so on.

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Shop in one place If you could get groceries, buy some décor to impress guests and pick up gifts in one

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place, why wouldn’t you?

In store (ideally during off hours) or online, one checkout means less time shopping and more time enjoying the season.

Managing mental health over the holidays The festive season can be both the best and the worst of times.

We are faced with social commitments (or lack thereof), financial pressures and family expectations.

It’s also a time that for many can be shaped by grief over loved ones no longer with us.

Our personal resources can be stretched to the limit, and in the face of heavy demands and high stress, we often let our own physical and mental health slide.

So, what can you do?

Here are some ideas: Take breaks to clear your head and get some fresh air.

Make time for a class, climb on an exercise bike, or just take a brisk walk around the block.

Don’t let your eating habits go off track.

Overdoing it and not balancing your intake will negatively affect how you feel physically as well as mentally.

Watch your alcohol intake, especially in the face of a stretch of time typically marked by less

sleep than usual.

On that note, commit to getting enough sleep.

When you need support, reach out in a way that suits you, whether it’s talking to a close friend, speaking with your family doctor, locating local mental health resources or trying an online mental health support.

One such option is Big White Wall which, thanks to government funding, is now avail-

able to those ages 16 and older.

An anonymous online peer community, the service is available without a referral to help with anxiety and depression.

You can register yourself and start using it immediately as often as you want, whenever you want.

The service provides an opportunity to express yourself verbally or through images on “bricks” about your cir-

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cumstances and to connect anonymously with others sympathetic and familiar with the issues you may be struggling with.

It also provides selfguided courses in the areas of depression, weight management, smoking cessation and grief.

The site is monitored by trained mental health professionals 24/7 who ensure that the community is safe.

Smart holiday hacks The holidays should be a happy time, but between family gettogethers, grocery shopping and decorating, it’s sometimes hard to find enough time to get everything done.

Fortunately, you can use the wifi-enabled iHome Smart Plugs available at the Home Depot Canada to make the holiday season a little easier.

Pre-holiday prep When getting your home ready for the holidays, decorating the exterior can be a chilly experience.

Skip the cold by plugging your lights or inflatables into a smart outlet and turn them on with

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the touch of a button.

You can even use the plugs to turn on the slow cooker while you’re at work to save you time when cooking a large family meal.

Christmas morning Want your Christmas morning go off without a hitch? Connect and control appliances connected to your smart plug from any location to ensure the perfect start to your day.

You can schedule your smart plugs to turn on the festive music early, have the coffee maker brewing and get the lights twinkling.

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After Christmas. Smart plugs aren’t just helpful on the holidays.

Use them on a daily basis this winter to turn o n l i g h t s d ur i ng th o se short winter days or turn

on the humidifier to prevent dryness.

Create a “scene” in a full room by linking all your smart plugs together or while travelling use the “away” mode, which will set an entire room to your preference.

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Home improvement gadgets to gift this holiday season Wondering what to get your friends and family this holiday season?

Make the smart decision and choose from one of the many new smart home gadgets on the market.

Ron Cleary, senior merchant of electrical and smart home at the Home Depot Canada, covers the best options for the new homeowner, eco-conscious friend or securityminded individual in your life.

Smart lighting For the one in your life who is looking to be more energy efficient or who tends to be forgetful when leaving their home, smart

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lighting is the perfect fit.

With the touch of a button on your smartphone, smart lights can turn on as you approach your home, change colour or adjust to a certain mood based on the time of day or year.

Smart doorbells For the person who is always ordering products online or who has children staying home alone, a smart doorbell can provide peace of mind.

Motion sensors alert you when anyone approaches your door, allowing you to see and speak to visitors through your mobile app.

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Smart air filters One of the newer smart home products available, the Filtrete Smart Air Filters can make any homeowner’s life easier.

Through an app, these filters monitor air flow, time and usage and will even notify you when it’s ready to make a change.

Not only can the smart app provide information about your filter’s life, it

can give active tips about how to help improve the air quality in your home.

Smart door locks Give the gift of protection this holiday season with a smartphoneenabled door lock. Grant access to visitors from afar or unlock the door from your car when hauling groceries.

Some even come with built-in alarms that can alert homeowners audibly when someone enters their home.

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Naughty and nice list for holiday travel Santa Claus is coming to town just as you’re preparing to fly out.

To figure out what’s naughty or nice when it comes to packing your luggage, head over to the Canadian Air Transport Secu rit y Au t hority’s website.

Their searchable “What can I bring?” list will let you know what’s allowed and where it belongs, either in your carry-on or checked luggage. Here are a few examples: Nice: Baked goods are a yes, but icings, fondant or any liquids are lim-

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ited to containers of 100 millilitres or less and must be able to fit in a 1-litre clear plastic bag with any other liquids, gels or aerosols you have with you.

Ice skates are on the nice list too, but note that skates with detachable blades must go in your checked bag.

Inorganics and granular materials like bath salts or hand warmers are permitted in limited quantities. You can bring an amount roughly the size of a pop can (350 mL) in your carry-on.

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Trying to catch Santa on camera?

Camcorders and cameras are allowed in your carry-on baggage.

Video-game consoles are permitted too, but check with your air carrier for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic devices during the flight.

Naughty: Wrapped presents are on the naughty list, as screening officers may need to see what’s inside.

Fortunately, some airports offer gift-wrapping services after security during the holiday season.

If Santa brought you a toy gun or replica knife this holiday season, you’ll have to leave it at home.

Replica illegal weap-

ons – ones that look real, including replica explosives and guns – are not permitted in carry-on or checked bags.

Knives with a blade longer than six centimetres, box cutters, utility knives and safety razor blades are not permitted in carry-on baggage.

Small knives with blades six centimetres or less are permitted in carry-on on domestic and international flights, but not on flights to the U.S.

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Airport security tips to get seniors to the holiday table on time You’ve been hosting the holiday family gettogether for years, but this year, someone else is stepping up to the plate.

If you’re flying to the party, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has some tips to help make your air travel as smooth as Bing Crosby’s “Silver Bells.”

Maybe you packed gifts for all the grandchildren, and now the thought of lifting your luggage on the screening belt makes you wish you just bought gift cards.

If you need assistance to get through the airport to your departure gate, alert your airline in advance.

A non-travelling fam-

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ily member or friend can help, but they must have authorization from the airline and be screened like everyone else.

If you are travelling alone, an airline representative can assist you.

Speaking of gifts, ensure they are unwrapped in case they need to be inspected.

Some airports offer giftwrapping services after security during the holiday season.

Have prescriptions over the 100 millilitre limit for liquids? You won’t land on CATSA’s naughty list because medications are exempt from this rule.

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Just remember to remove them from your bags so they can be properly inspected.

Medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids are also permitted as part

of your carry-on baggage.

You can wear your eyeglasses while undergoing screening.

If you choose to put them in the bin, please ensure they are in a hard protective case to avoid breakage.

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Be a better gift giver this season Sports Editor - Meridian Source CHEESE AND RED PEPPER OMELETTE Ingredients:

• • • •

1 tablespoon margarine 2 tablespoons water 2 eggs pepper to taste

• 1/8 cup red pepper diced • 1 - 2 Kraft Singles cheese slices • hot sauce to taste

Directions: Melt margarine in a pan. While the margarine is melting, add water and eggs to a bowl, sprinkle in a dash of pepper and whisk together. Pour the egg, water and pepper concoction into the pan and let cook until mixture becomes somewhat firm. Tip the pan over to the side a bit to let the runny part of the eggs in the middle drift over to the edge and come in contact with the pan. Turn the eggs over in the pan for 30 seconds or so to let both sides cook. Flip the eggs back over, place the cheese on one side of the eggs along with the diced pieces of red pepper and sprinkle a bit of hot sauce on top. Fold the opposite side over the cheese, red pepper and hot sauce, remove from heat and enjoy.

When you’ve got a lot of people to buy presents for during the holidays, it can be easy to grab the first thing you see and call it a day.

To help check off that shopping list – and support small businesses and communities – check out these tips for shopping with a social conscience.

Support local businesses Certain online marketplaces offer the option to filter by location, so you can browse items from businesses and artisans in your area. ‘Craft sales, holiday markets and

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bazaars are also another good way to introduce yourself to your local arts scene – and pick up some goodies for friends and family.

Know where your gifts come from Sometimes shopping at a big box store is the easiest way, but in recent years several online groups have been launched to help you learn where products from bigger companies come from and if they’re being made in an ethical and sustainable fashion.

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It might take a little googling, but this way you can ensure you’re supporting companies with values that match yours.

Give a gift that gives back. Select online retailers like UNICEF Market by UNICEF Canada

are designed to support local artisans around the world.

When you make a purchase here, not only are you getting a great gift for someone you love, you’re also helping to support a global artisan, their family and community.

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Make the holidays truly wondrous for kids Today’s children are exposed to so much.

Smartphones in hands, kids browse a world of endless content, often for many hours each day.

That digital world is full of wonderful stuff, but it’s also populated with content we never imagined our kids would encounter.

Many parents lament the loss of innocence that comes when children innocently click the wrong link.

The holiday season is a chance to reclaim some childhood wonder, right here in the real world.

It’s not about trees loaded with tinsel, or

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piles of expensive presents. Real wonder lies in family time, in breaks from routine, and in the gently falling snow. It’s found in beloved traditions and new adventures alike.

Here are five ways to restore childhood wonder this year: Spend time with them This is likely the single biggest gift you can give your kids. Laugh. Listen.

Tell stories. Make pancakes, instead of rushing out to the mall.

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Make new friends What about the family that’s just arrived on the street? The elderly neighbour who always seems lonely?

Invite someone to your home and enjoy making them welcome.

Share an old tradition.

What did you love doing as a child?

Cut out snowflakes together and decorate the front window. What about watching all the old TV specials, like How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

Start a new tradition Perhaps it’s skating in the park on Christmas Eve, then toasting marshmallows over the barbecue. Or try signing up to help with the local Santa

Claus Parade. Brainstorm with your kids.

Change a life together Share your festive spirit with a family on the other side of the world. The World Vision Gift Catalogue is a great tradition in many homes. Kids love imagining the excitement a child will feel when those piglets, chickens or fruit trees are delivered.

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Gifting a smartphone this holiday season?

For today’s creative personalities, a good phone is a paintbrush. So, what does a smartphone need to take the best photos and videos?

Here are three things you need when phone shopping for your kids or other media mavens in your life.

Brightness. For photos and videos to have a nice, professional gloss, you need light — but sometimes, the sun isn’t around to provide it. With a smartphone you’ll get a range of brightness options, so you can make your content brighter and more beautiful.

The best display. To post the best photos, creatives need to make sure they are taking the best pho-

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tos—and only the best display will help them know whether they’re hitting the mark or committing a major faux pas.

Before buying be sure to look up what the best displays on the market are, and how close every smartphone comes.

Artificial Intelligence camera. Even if you have no photography training, this neat tool can help you take amazing photos. LG’s G7 ThinQ AI camera analyzes the subjects in the frame and provides recommendations on how to improve the picture. It makes it easy to take professional quality photographs the envy of social media feeds everywhere.

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