2024 Holiday Gift Guide by WORRALL MEDIA

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Gift suggestions to spark endless creativity in children

The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you're looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the latest offerings from Crayola.

Parents and kids alike will love the inspiration of the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection where kids can transform their favorite creatures into one-of-a-kind creations. Also, if you haven't seen Color Wonder in action yet, you'll definitely want to give this a try, as there are plenty of no-mess gift ideas for kids and toddlers.

Here are great gift ideas to get you started.

Endless creativity with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection

Kids who love animals and art will have endless fun decorating these lovable pets over and over again, as they scribble colorful decorations, clean them under the faucet with the provided scrub brushthen scribble again. Whether you're adding to your child's collection or starting a new one, they'll love the opportunity to express their creativity by drawing and coloring on their fuzzy friends, recommended for kids aged 3 and older.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur: These kid-friendly favorites had a super-sized makeover with new Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur. At 6 inches tall, this loveable jumbo pet has the same fuzzy exterior as original Scribble Scrubbie Pets, and a head and legs that are poseable too! This charming, cuddly French Bulldog can be colored with the included 5 Ultra-Clean washable markers or any Ultra-Clean Markers you already have at home.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Spray Boutique: Kids will love to use this brand-new marker airbrush to give their pets fresh designs while learning the fun of spray art! Kids can explore whole new design ideas to decorate Scribble Scrubbie Pets in a completely new way, plus they can also draw

directly on pets with the 8 washable markers for even more personalization.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets 1ct: These add-on toy packs contain one adorable mini pet, two washable Crayola markers and a scrub brush, perfect for expanding your existing Scribble Scrubbie Pets collection - and are perfect stocking stuffers.

Discover the mess-free magic of Crayola Color Wonder

Kids and parents alike love Color Wonder for its mess-free creativity, as the marker ink or paint only appears on specially formulated Color Wonder papernot on skin, clothing or walls. Parents can let kids explore the magic of Color Wonder mess-free art tools without worry. Color Wonder is the dream gift for every sprouting young artist.

Color Wonder Magic Light Brush: Interactive and fun - though Color Wonder paints are clear, the special brush lights up to indicate the chosen color! Watch as little ones unleash their creativity with paint, celebrating the season in vibrant color, all while parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with mess-free entertainment. Designed to prevent paints from drying out, so kids can use it again and again

throughout the holiday season!

Color Wonder Activity Kits: Color Wonder Activity Kits combine kids' favorite preschool licensed characters with a multidimensional role play twist! Kids will love interacting with their favorite licensed characters like Bluey, Gabby's Dollhouse and Spidey & His Amazing Friends while extending play with colorable cardstock pieces. Parents will sit back and relax knowing this messfree activity will not color on skin, furniture, or walls.

Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers: Continue your mess-free holiday journey with 18 funfilled coloring pages depicting characters and scenes by kid-favorites like Bluey, Paw Patrol and Princesses, and 5 Color Wonder markers to make them your own. The convenient folder-style packaging works as reusable storage for coloring pages and markers. Little artists will love expressing themselves in this smaller set perfect for travel and snowy days this holiday season. These gifts will help you complete your holiday list, so you can bring a smile to the faces of the little ones in your life.

$1000 DISCOUNT FOR EARLY ORDERS BEFORE DECEMBER 20TH $195

Santa Bass shares 10 holiday gift ideas for American anglers Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Have you been a good angler this year? Were you helpful at the boat landing? Did you pick up some trash while you were fishing? Did you introduce someone new to fishing? Did you avoid hogging another angler's fishing spot?

Santa Bass knows all! He sees you when you've been nice and when you've been naughty on the water.

So, this holiday season, Santa Bass and his eight flying minnows offer 10 perfect holiday gift ideas for anglers throughout America. Maybe you'll find one of these gift ideas in your stocking or under your tree this year.

1. Keep your favorite angler warm and dry with a heated jacket - The R12 Series heated jacket is fueled for action. The R12's battery delivers the strength, durability and reliability to perform day after day, year after year, to keep you on the water longer.

2. Tournament-winning softbaits - To lead CrushCity, you need to be dependable, adaptable and fearless, which is why The Mayor is the perfect candidate to crush big bass. The Mayor is a swimbait you can leave tied on all season long to handle almost any situation on any body of

water. Belly and top hook slots help in rigging the bait straight and the top hook slot helps to hide the hook point. Paddle tail soft tail provides instant kicking action at the slowest retrieve speeds and in the coldest of waters.

3. Giant fishing lure for the man caveInstant storytelling erupts every time anglers get near this massive replica of America's favorite lure. Makes a natural centerpiece in a woodsy bar setting, any basement, rec-room, log cabin or office. This 29-inch version of the Original Floater is packaged in a giant fishing lure carton with its legend story on back.

4. She loves to fish, too - Women and girls love to fish, too. Surprise them with a high-quality red women's fleece pullover hoodie that offers the ultimate combination of comfort, function and warmth, and a must-have for when the temperatures head south. Great for cool mornings on the water or evenings fireside with friends.

5. High-quality fishing tools - You'll never go wrong giving high-quality tools, such as pliers, scissors, forceps, a knife sharpener, clippers, a hook sharpener or a fish counter to your favorite angler. Tools designed specifically for anglers can make

fishing that much more productive and enjoyable.

6. An angler can never have enough fishing caps - Let's face it, anglers love their fishing caps. It's a no-brainer. So, this year, get your favorite angler(s) a U.S. of Fishing baseball-style cap that they'll be proud to wear.

7. The fish anywhere backpack - If your favorite angler loves to fish from a kayak or fish from shore, they need a way to easily move with all of their fishing tackle and gear. Now there's a solution. Built for anglers who are always on the move, the new Venture 13 backpack allows anglers who enjoy shore and kayak fishing to store and organize all of their fishing lures and

accessories in one location and take it with them, hands-free, wherever they venture.

8. Keep your angler humble - In today's social media world, give your angler a digital scale that will let the phone camera clearly see how big their catch is. The readings you see in the screen that this 20 lb. High-Vis Digital Scale delivers are crystal clear - under any light conditions, day or night, even when the sun is at its brightest.

9. Fishing rods inspired by bass tournament pros - Inspired by tournament pros, 13 Fishing rods are tournamentgrade rods that consistently deliver the performance that tournament anglers demand, whether you're competing at the highest levels, or want to dominate your local Tuesday or Wednesday evening bass tournament.

10. Fun after a long day of fishingWhen you put down the fishing rod and are ready to relax, you might want to have a little fun sharing stories and enjoying the evening with friends and family. Here are some gift items that can add to the vibe - a deck of playing cards, cribbage board, a bottle opener, a speaker to hear your favorite tunes, and more.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

The Christmas Price Index 2024 reflects wage growth and rising service prices

On the first day of Christmas, holiday gift giving begins with the traditional gift of a Partridge in a Pear Tree. By the first day of January, True Love pays the bill.

Each holiday season, the PNC’s Christmas Price Index tabulates the price to gift all the items in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and this year, that figure amounts to $49,263.47, a 5.4% increase from 2023.

PNC’s Christmas Price Index mimics the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices consumers pay for goods and services over time. Notably higher in 2024 than the BLS’ CPI, which increased 2.4% year over year, PNC’s index reflects wage growth in the service industry as the primary driver of the overall higher price tag.

“Believe it or not, we’re still seeing the cause and effect of the pandemic-inflation hangover, even nearly five years later,” says Amanda Agati, chief investment officer of PNC’s Asset Management Group. Services Over Goods

The service-based economy is represented by the last four gifts in the index –the Ladies Dancing, Lords-a-Leaping, Pipers Piping and Drummers Drumming. They’re traditionally priced based on the cost to hire various performers and musicians. The Ten-Lords-A-Leaping, at $14,539.20, is the highest priced gift in the index for the third straight year.

This rise of service-sector prices reflects a long-term evolution away from a focus on manufacturing in the U.S. economy since PNC’s index launched in 1984. At that time, goods comprised 70% of the Consumer Price Index, while today that number stands at just 35%.

Many of the gifts in the index representing goods remained unchanged in price in 2024 – the Turtle Doves, Calling Birds, Gold Rings and Swans all stayed flat, though still expensive year over year.

The French Hens and Geese were the avian exceptions, with the latter representing one of the most volatile gifts in this year’s index, growing by more than 15%.

The most volatile gift in the 2024 index is the first one – the Partridge in a Pear Tree - which rose in price by 17.1%. The least volatile gift, the Eight-Maids-a-Milking, has remained unchanged since 2009.

The Christmas Price Index also calculates the “True Cost of Christmas,” which is the cost of purchasing all of the gifts as they repeat in the verses of the song. That cost increased by 3.6% to $209,272 in 2024, crossing the $200K threshold for the second year in a row.

If you prefer to shop online, you’ll pay nearly $5K more for the convenience, and of course the packaging and shipping that gifts of birds require. PNC’s online Christmas Price Index cost rose by 3.9% in 2024 to a total of $54,073.69. For more information on the index, individual gifts and a 41-year tradition, visit pnc.com.

“Buying the same gifts year after year may seem boring,” says Agati, “but keeping track of changes in your spending enables you to be more brilliant with your money, which is what I think the Christmas Price Index sets out to do.”

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy Prostock-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus

How to design your holidays with a love of nature Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Do you love everything about the natural world, from the colors and textures to the smells and sounds?

Have you considered incorporating your love of nature more in your home design, especially around the holidays? If so, you're right on trend with biophilic design, a popular approach to home decor that celebrates elements like earth tones, natural materials and plants.

This holiday season, you can embrace both biophilic design and the joy of the holiday season through thoughtful choices in decor, accessories and appliances.

Bring the outdoors inside

One of the easiest ways to blend biophilic design with holiday cheer is through traditional decorations derived from nature like wreaths, tree decorations and wall hangings made from spruce and fir boughs or holly branches.

Consider using homemade and handcrafted tree decorations made from wood, straw, pinecones and other natural materials for an authentically outdoor look that also evokes the nostalgic feeling of holidays from years gone by.

Embrace biophilic design in your kitchen

The KitchenAid 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer: Evergreen provides a beautiful and practical appliance that's a trusted partner for all your baking while also offering a stunning countertop statement.

The Evergreen stand mixer combines the best of culinary, design and nature through its deep forest green body with lush matte finish, along with a gorgeous true walnut wood bowl, plus accents like a unique debossed leaf design on its brass-

plated hub cover and more.

"The Evergreen design marks a first for the brand, as it introduces outdoor elements to the iconic Stand Mixer like never before," said Chad Ries, global brand director for KitchenAid small appliances at Whirlpool Corporation.

Think natural colors

You can embrace biophilic design in your holiday décor by drawing colors from nature. Whether you're decorating your tree, hanging holiday pictures, adding throw pillows or blankets or choosing festive tabletop decorations, consider colors that draw on elements of the natural world: wood and earth tones like browns, beige, taupe, gray and greens. For colorful accents, choose shades of blues, reds or yellows that you're likely to see in nature. Celebrate light during the darker months

Wintertime brings shorter days and longer evenings, which can fuel a need to bring brighter touches into your home celebration. There are plenty of options to brighten your ambiance, such as using candles for your table setting or having crystal glassware and shiny tableware to

reflect light in the room and bring more sparkle to any event you're hosting.

Need even more brightness? Have fun by decorating with string lights in any room of your home - not just on your tree - to lighten up your next occasion.

Come to your senses

And don't forget scents: Natural potpourri, evergreen boughs, eucalyptus and other natural sources can bring the best aromas of the outdoors inside, without using artificial ingredients. Need an easy DIY option for scent? Consider creating a simmer pot on your stove by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon to water and boil for a while. Before you know it, your house will feel cozy and warm, and smell like you've been baking up a storm - and may just inspire you to conjure up some holiday goodies.

With these tips, you can make the most of the holidays this year by celebrating everything you love about the season and the natural world, combined. Let your imagination be your guide, and your home will become a haven of beauty and joy this special time of year.

Less stress and more magic: Holiday hosting made simple 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

Nobody feels the holiday bustle quite like the host. From buying the gifts to wrapping the gifts, and preparing the food to setting the table, the host is busy making the magic happen.

Whether it's the cost or the time it takes to shop, prep and cook, hosts everywhere deserve a round of applause. And maybe a few festive tips for making the moment less stressful and more joy filled.

Skip the stress of meal planning and let someone else do the heavy lifting by purchasing a curated meal basket. At Walmart you can get a meal that serves 12 people for less than $5 per person.

From ham and fan favorite sides like sweet potato and green bean casseroles, to brown-and-serve rolls and pumpkin pie, the basket includes 28 ingredients to pull together a traditional meal and is available in stores or with a click on Walmart.com/HolidayMeal through Dec. 31.

Need to check gifts off the list too? You can also gift this meal to friends and family afar, or donate one to your local Salvation Army unit, all in one click on the Walmart website.

Mix and match trendy appetizers

Impress your guests with easy-to-make light bites that are as delicious as they are stylish. The seasonal bettergoods items at Walmart are perfect for your holiday hosting needs. Elevate your holiday table with chef-inspired bites like these:

• Sweet and Spicy Fruit Spreads and Pepper Jellies: Inspired by the flavors and colors of the season, the Fruit Spreads Combo and Pepper Jellies Combo are perfect for gifting or holiday charcuterie. Each pepper jelly is made with real jalapeno or habanero peppers to bring a kick to your holiday meals. ($6.97)

• Comforting Gluten Free Muffin Mixes: Bite into seasonal flavors with gluten free muffin mixes available in Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread flavors. ($4.93)

• Delectable Holiday Candy: Deck out the dessert table with Holiday Chocolate Truffles, Peppermint Bark, Sleigh Ride Mix and Luxury Selection Belgian Cookies. Rooted in classic flavors, these treats are sure to be a hit. ($6.82).

– BPT

arts jul 8 – aug 9

ages 13 – 18

There’s no better place to explore the performing arts this summer than NJPAC! Connect with accomplished faculty and other young artists of all ages in a variety of programming.

Scan the QR Code or visit njpac.org/education to learn more.

Or email artseducation@njpac.org to inquire about registration and pricing.

Stay

on the roads and protect your vehicle this season

As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Americans are planning road trips to visit loved ones or enjoy seasonal getaways.

Holiday road trip and winterweather preparedness tips

• Inspect Your Tires:

Check tire pressure and tread depth before hitting the road. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, which is especially helpful for long-distance travel.

Mercury Insurance would like to offer essential tips to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions and ensure safe travels during this busy time.

"Winter and holiday road trips bring unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to heavier traffic," said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance VP. Winter and holiday road trip facts

• Heavier Traffic: Holiday travel increases congestion, making defensive driving and proper vehicle maintenance critical.

• Tire Performance: Tire pressure drops with colder temperatures, potentially compromising your car's ability to grip icy or snowy roads.

• Battery Drain: Cold weather can weaken your battery.

• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden snowstorms or icy roads can significantly impact your journey.

• Prepare an Emergency Kit for Road Trips:

• Check Your Battery: Replace it if it's over three years old.

• Maintain Visibility: Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid.

• Check Your Brakes: Winter weather reduces stopping distances, so well-maintained brakes are essential for safety.

• Monitor Weather and Traffic Alerts: Use navigation apps to monitor real-time weather and traffic updates. Review Your Insurance Policy: Holiday travel can mean driving in unfamiliar areas, so ensure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage. Mercury Insurance offers options that protect you from winter-related incidents and roadside emergencies.

BPT

Four poinsettia styling tips to add holiday cheer to your home Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

When it comes to Christmas flowers, poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the

These four styling tips from Ball Horticultural Company, a leader in delivering standout poinsettia varieties, will help you add color to your celebrations this season. Time it right: poinsettias for every festive moment

These holiday beauties are pre-potted to bloom at different points in the season. Early season varieties like Early Elegance are perfect for adding subtle sophistication from Mid-November through Thanksgiving. As the season progresses, mid-season varieties such as Christmas Beauty shine with their compact, long-lasting blooms. They're an ideal choice for classic displays that transition seamlessly into the heart of the holidays. For a timeless look closer to Christmas, the Christmas Feelings series stands out with its vibrant red, white, and pink options, perfect for dramatic groupings. Pro tip: pair your poinsettias with metallic pots or evergreen candles to create a cohesive, joyful atmosphere.

Go small for big holiday impact

Mini poinsettias are a charming way to add festive flair to smaller spaces. Christmas Eve Red, with its striking color and long-lasting freshness, is perfect for brightening up work desks, bedside tables, or windowsills.

Embrace novelty colors to brighten the season

While red poinsettias are classic, novelty colors can elevate your décor. Peach Glow, with its warm tone, adds an unexpected pop of color that pairs beautifully with neutral or gold accents for a modern holiday look.

Meet the whimsical Christmas Mouse

If you're looking for something truly unique, the Christmas Mouse poinsettia is sure to delight. Its whimsical, mouse-earshaped bracts make it a playful addition to any holiday. Children especially love its fun and distinctive shape, making it an easy way to bring extra joy this season.

To learn more, visit BallHort.com. – BPT

Five top tech holiday gifts for friends and family Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

The holidays are almost here and that means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right?

The good news?

One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list:

Smartphones for the family

T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile - this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices - and four lines for just $100/month. It doesn't get better than that!

These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you.

High tech spiral notebook for students

We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture

ideas, brainstorm, draw - whatever you do on paper - on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer.

Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be)

program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line.

Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs

Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again.

Speakers perfect for hosting and giving

Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs.

For additional tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at tmobile.com/devices/tech-gifts.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Santa Bass shares 10 holiday gift ideas for American anglers

Santa Bass knows all! He sees you when you've been nice and when you've been naughty on the water.

1. Keep your favorite angler warm and dry with a heated jacket - The R12 Series heated jacket is fueled for action! The R12's battery delivers the strength, durability and reliability to perform day after day, year after year, to keep you on the water longer.

This 29-inch version of the Original Floater is packaged in a giant fishing lure carton with its legend story on back.

fishing that much more productive and enjoyable.

accessories in one location and take it with them, hands-free, wherever they venture.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Gift suggestions to spark endless creativity in children

Here are great gift ideas to get you started.

Endless creativity with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection

directly on pets with the 8 washable markers for even more personalization.

throughout the holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Five top tech holiday gifts for friends and family

One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done!

Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list.

Smartphones for the family

T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile -

this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices - and four lines for just $100/month. It doesn't get better than that!

High tech spiral notebook for students

We've got to admit, this is pretty cool.

The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw - whatever you do on paper - on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go.

Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer.

Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be)

adding a qualifying watch line.

Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs

Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance - audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when

For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts. – BPT

2024

Holiday Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

Less stress and more magic: Holiday hosting made simple

Nobody feels the holiday bustle quite like the host. From buying the gifts to wrapping the gifts, and preparing the food to setting the table, the host is busy making the magic happen.

Whether it's the cost or the time it takes to shop, prep and cook, hosts everywhere deserve a round of applause. And maybe a few festive tips for making the moment less stressful and more joy filled.

Skip the stress of meal planning and let someone else do the heavy lifting by purchasing a curated meal basket. At Walmart you can get a meal that serves 12 people for less than $5 per person.

Need to check gifts off the list too? You can also gift this meal to friends and family afar, or donate one to your local Salvation Army unit, all in one click on the Walmart website.

Mix and match trendy appetizers

• Comforting Gluten Free Muffin Mixes: Bite into seasonal flavors with gluten free muffin mixes available in Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread flavors. ($4.93)

– BPT

The Christmas Price Index 2024 reflects wage growth and rising service prices

On the first day of Christmas, holiday gift giving begins with the traditional gift of a Partridge in a Pear Tree. By the first day of January, True Love pays the bill.

cians. The Ten-Lords-A-Leaping, at $14,539.20, is the highest priced gift in the index for the third straight year.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

How to design your holidays with a love of nature

Do you love everything about the natural world, from the colors and textures to the smells and sounds? Have you considered incorporating your love of nature more in your home design, especially around the holidays? If so, you're right on trend with biophilic design, a popular approach to home decor that celebrates elements like earth tones, natural materials and plants.

This holiday season, you can embrace both biophilic design and the joy of the holiday season through thoughtful choices in decor, accessories and appliances. Bring the outdoors inside

Embrace biophilic design

in your kitchen

The KitchenAid 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer: Evergreen provides a beautiful and practical appliance that's a trusted partner for all your baking while also offering a stunning countertop statement.

plated hub cover and more.

Think natural colors

Celebrate light during the darker months

reflect light in the room and bring more sparkle to any event you're hosting.

Need even more brightness? Have fun by decorating with string lights in any room of your home - not just on your tree - to lighten up your next occasion. Come to your senses

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Streamline your cooking to make the holidays easy

Anyone who has ever hosted a big holiday meal knows there can be a lot of pressure to ensure everything comes out at the right time, and more importantly, tastes great.

Whether you’re feeding your family or a crowd, here’s how to streamline your cooking during the holidays and beyond by using the right equipment to its maximum capabilities:

Versatile appliances eliminate the need for a slew of single-use pieces of equipment like pizza ovens, air fryers and secondary ovens, which can clutter the kitchen and make your job more complicated. Being able to do the majority of your cooking with just a few appliances will keep you organized during the busy holiday meal prep rush. With that in mind, consider outfitting your kitchen with a double oven range or multi-function oven, which will allow you to cook independently in a single standard size appliance.

With two ovens, you can prepare multiple dishes that require different temperatures or modes simultaneously, so that you can roast the holiday turkey or ham in the larger oven, while steaming or baking your sides in the smaller oven and stovetop, without the hassle of over and undercooking, or crossing flavors between dishes. A double oven like the Italian-made Verona Appliances 36” Double Oven Prestige Range gives you the extra space you need to produce the quantity and quality of food you want. Available in stainless steel, matte black and white, it offers a stylized, upgraded look, along with high-pow-

ered, professional-level cooking performance.

The 10 easy-to-use cooking modes of a Lofra luxury Italian range empower you to just as easily achieve a flawless crust on a casserole as to perfect your favorite seasonal cookie recipe. Representing the perfect union of

form and function, you’ll benefit from modern cooking features and gorgeous design.

To stay truly agile as a home chef, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re making full use of every accessory that is included in your appliances. The Verona Ultima range, for example, is a premier cooking appliance that comes with upgraded features and accessories, including an air fry tray, space saver shelf, a broiler pan and a griddle, for the ultimate all-in-one range. Its blend of beautiful design and innovative features will likely inspire compliments from your holiday guests. Both Verona and Lofra are exclusively imported by EuroChef USA. For more information, visit eurochefusa.com.

Beyond equipment, your day will go more smoothly if you make a plan. Write out a timeline of the tasks you must complete, including the times when items need to go into the oven and be removed. You can also recruit a family member or two to assist with dicing, peeling and other prep tasks. Finally, don’t be afraid to take guests up on their inevitable offers to bring something. Whether it’s dessert or cocktail ingredients, they’ll be giving you one less thing to worry about and you’ll be making them feel helpful – win-win!

With multifunctional equipment and a smart game plan, you can streamline your kitchen and take your hosting to the next level this holiday season.

Happy cooking!

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Ship smarter, not harder: holiday shipping insights unwrapped

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, there are many gift-giving options for loved ones far and wide, from sending egift cards to their favorite shops and restaurants to creating custom video messages. However, a new survey from Duck brand, a leading maker of mailing and shipping products, finds that the festive fun of sending physical presents isn’t lost.

“We learned that most people—98%— send at least one package containing gifts and nearly half—46%—typically mail up to three gifts throughout the season,” says Natalie Guillaume, director of product marketing, packaging tapes, at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets Duck brand. “To make the process holly and jolly, we recommend planning ahead and purchasing highquality supplies to ensure presents arrive on time and in one piece.”

Good Tidings Delivered on Time

More than 60% of survey participants say they send their packages two to four weeks in advance of when they need to arrive. Still, 43% express their greatest concern when mailing goods throughout the yuletide season is the parcel arriving on time. Knowing they can’t rely on the magic of Santa’s sleigh to make a timely

delivery, Guillaume suggests getting ahead of the holiday hustle by checking delivery deadlines for the busy season. Then, leave a little leeway for delays due to weather or other logistical challenges.

Don’t Let Tape Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle

When it comes to shipping, the wrong tape can turn anyone into a Grinch. Nearly half of people (45%) say tape not sticking well to boxes is their biggest challenge. In this case, a heavy-duty tape will do the trick. Look for one with a wide temperature range performance, so you don’t have to worry about damaged deliveries due to a frosty forecast.

Additionally, 40% of people have experienced difficulty tearing packing tape. Duck Brand EZ Start Packing Tape, made with FrustrationFree technology, provides a simple solution for smooth, easy and quiet removal from the roll. The easy-touse dispenser is uniquely designed to eliminate the annoyance of losing the tape end, which 39% of respondents say is a struggle.

With these tips, you can send parcels on their merry way for a holiday season of stress-free gift giving.

–StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

How to keep kids’ minds active during holiday break

Even a short vacation from school can cause learning loss and leave kids feeling behind when they return to the classroom. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep minds active during the holiday break, some of which will reinforce the concepts they are learning in school. Here are a few of them:

Vacation Reading

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or sticking close to home, curling up with a book is a great way to spend some of the inevitable down time. At the start of the break, hit up the library so everyone in the family will have plenty to read on subjects of interest to them. You might also consider giving at least one title to each gift recipient on your list this year to emphasize the idea that books can be treasured objects.

Online Math Tools

Casio’s suite of engaging education resources can help ensure students keep up their skills during the holidays. Those with the fx-9750GIII graphing calculator or (other easy-to-use models with hundreds of functions) will find plenty to challenge them when they check out

Casio’s expansive resource library of activities, Python programs and more, all of which are available for free online. From calculating slopes and finding derivatives to evaluating inferences and predications based on data, the resource

includes exercises for every area of mathematical focus, including calculus, geometry and statistics.

Historical Day Trip

Take a day trip to a historic site to bring the past to life. Whether you visit a battle-

field, the home of a notable figure, or a historically preserved city center, your trip will provoke discussion and keep minds engaged.

If taking a scheduled tour is not possible due to limited holiday hours, do a bit of research on the site beforehand to give your family more context about what they will be seeing. This will make the trip more enjoyable and engaging.

Exercise

Staying active is not just good for physical health, it’s also good for the mind and soul. With no P.E. class on the schedule however, kids may be missing out on their daily dose of exercise. Be sure to go on a walk or bike ride each day or get out in the yard for some touch football or frisbee. If the weather is frightful, visit a yoga studio or even stay home and do an exercise class on YouTube.

This holiday season, balancing educational and healthy activities with fun and relaxation can help ensure your students return to school focused, engaged and ready to start a brand new semester.

160 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110

(973) 662-0242

info@mammavittoria.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Enjoy the holidays more with a festive cookie recipe exchange

When we think about the holidays, a lot of the special moments we remember most fondly from years past involve sharing food with loved ones — from festive cookie exchanges to the scents and smells of family-favorite dishes and desserts, to warm beverages on cold nights.

That’s why McCormick is dishing up these cooking tips for creating special moments:

• Incorporate seasonal herbs, spices and seasonings like sage, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg into your cooking and baking to provide long-lasting fresh flavors, vibrant colors and appetizing aromas.

• Use ready-to-make dry recipe mixes, such as turkey or brown gravy, to easily create perfectly blended flavors for sauces that elevate your holiday meals.

• Rely on extracts like pure vanilla and peppermint to enhance the flavors and aromas of holiday treats.

This holiday season, the McCormick brand is also going on a virtual quest for the best holiday cookie recipe through the McCormick Cookie Quest contest. If you have a winning cookie recipe, consider joining in the fun. Official Rules and entry instructions can be found by visiting:

mccormick.com/cookie-quest-terms-andconditions.

In the spirit of the virtual cookie recipe exchange, McCormick is partnering with famed bakery Milk Bar and its rule-breaking, award-winning founder and CEO, Christina Tosi, to create and share Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookies. On Dec. 4, which is National Cookie Day, select Milk Bar locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. will give away these scrumptious cookies to the first 100 customers, while

supplies last. The limited-time cookie will also be on sale at select locations starting on National Cookie Day through December 31. And as part of the collaboration, McCormick and Milk Bar are also sharing the recipe, so you can make these delectable cookies at home!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups white chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons McCormick Candy Cane Sugar, divided

• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two half-sheet pans with no-stick cooking spray or line with parchment or silicone baking mats. Mix butter and sugars in

large bowl with heavy spatula for about 2 minutes until well blended. Add egg and extracts, stirring until combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of the Candy Cane Sugar and mini pretzels, mixing until evenly blended.

3. Place remaining 1/4 cup Candy Cane Sugar in medium bowl. Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup or 2 3/4-ounce cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Toss dough balls in Candy Cane Sugar to coat and place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared baking pans.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.

“The holiday season is all about sharing. That’s why we’re so excited to share one of our favorite holiday cookie recipes and encourage creative bakers all around the country to do the same,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president of Marketing, North American Consumer at McCormick.

–StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Gifts that loved ones will actually use this winter

Staying warm during the cold winter months is a top priority for many, which is why holiday gifts that help in this endeavor are always a surefire hit! Here are some head-to-toe gift ideas that will add comfort to the season and show your loved ones you care.

1. Functional gloves for the fashionista. From navigating with GPS to queuing up a playlist, your loved one relies on her devices all the time outdoors. That’s why her gloves should offer touchscreen-capable fingertips so that even in frigid temperatures, she can stay cozy and connected. Enter the Women’s Mya Faux Fur Cuff Gloves from Isotoner, where style meets practicality. With SmarTouch technology for superior touchscreen capability and SmartDri water-repellent features that make rain and snow roll right off, elevating winter weather ensembles has never been easier!

2. On-the-go coziness for the fashion forward. Staying warm and stylish with this must-have beanie and scarf set is easy. Featuring a waffle knit beanie with Levi’s iconic red tab and a soft buffalo plaid scarf, this duo is perfect for on-the-go coziness and will keep your loved one comfortable during all their favorite winter activities. Designed for the fashion-forward, it’s an ideal gift for anyone looking to blend warmth with timeless style.

3. For the best dressed friend. Ultimate comfort and style go hand in hand with these Women’s Shortie Stretch Microsuede Gloves. Made from super soft and stretchy microsuede fabric, these slim-fitting contoured

gloves feature a velour interior and plenty of stretch, providing warmth and flexibility with none of the bulk. With touchscreen-enabled fingertips and a water-repellent exterior designed with beautiful stitching detail, your loved one will stay warm, dry and stylish all winter.

4. For the multitasking guy. For the type who tackles winter head on–whether it’s shoveling snow or scraping icy windshields– you’ll want the Men’s Neoprene Gloves from Isotoner. With a durable exterior, sleek tech detailing and an adjustable zip closure, they’re designed to handle the cold. Plus, a non-slip palm offers extra grip and SmartDri water-repellent technology, to keep hands warm and dry in all kinds of weather, so that he can find comfort in any moment.

5. For the on-the-go guy who wants to be comfortable. The Isotoner Men’s Carter Microsuede Water Repellent Boat Moccasin is made with durable microsuede. Not just a slipper, this versatile indoor/outdoor footwear doubles as a shoe. The moisture-wicking lining and cooling gel-infused memory foam with super supportive enhanced heel cushion offer ultimate comfort, rain or shine.

6. For the cozy homebody. Make winter movie marathons and sleep sessions toastier and more restful with a weighted blanket. After all, it’s also important to stay warm inside. Research has found that weighted blankets may improve sleep quality, making this a great choice for those in need of some extra shut-eye.

– StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

’Tis the season to give gifts of joy that have style

The holidays are all about spreading cheer, and what better way to do that than with gifts that bring both comfort and style? This guide is your one-stop shop for finding the perfect shoes to keep your loved ones looking and feeling good all season long!

1. Stylish boots: From sleek ankle booties to statement knee-highs, there's a perfect pair for every personality from brands like Timberland and Dr. Martens. Chunky soles and bold textures are in this season, so don't be afraid to make a statement!

2. Cozy comfort: Looking for some cozy classics to keep feet warm this winter? Look no further than Ugg, Bearpaw and Birkenstock. These brands have something for everyone, from plush sheepskin boots to supportive cork footbeds. The holidays are the perfect time to kick back, relax and stay cozy with these timeless favorites.

3. Crocs and Jibbitz: Crocs are versatile all year round, and insulated options, especially the styles with a plush lining, are perfect for colder

months. Thanks to the endless options of Jibbitz charms, it’s easy to add a splash of personality. Choose from charms that are festive, or which feature favorite characters or hobbies to create a one-of-a-kind pair that's perfect for the season.

4. Retro style: Indulge in nostalgia and style with retro and Y2K looks from Adidas, Puma or New Balance. These iconic brands offer a modern twist on classic designs, making them the perfect choice for a thoughtful and trendy holiday gift.

Unwrap the joy of the season of style with thoughtful gifts that offer comfort and functionality by visiting rackroomshoes.com.

For one-stop-shopping, visit a Rack Room Shoes in your area, for more fun and exclusive accessories and stocking stuffers only available in store.

The holiday season is about creating unforgettable memories, and the perfect gift can add a touch of magic to their celebrations.

– StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Holiday gift suggestions for the students in your life

Want to brighten the holiday season for the students in your life?

Consider gifts that will ease the transition into the spring semester. Here are few to consider:

1. Support a musical journey: With 44 mini keys, the SA-81 from Casio is a great keyboard for both first-time players just embarking on their musical education and accomplished instrumentalists. A built-in metronome makes practice sessions a breeze, and features such as scale tuning, octave shift and transpose help introduce musical concepts.

One-hundred high-quality built-in tones covering a range of instruments, including piano, wind, percussion and acoustic instruments, along with 50 rhythm patterns in a variety of genres like pop, ballad, dance, and more, offer budding musicians a chance to experiment and express themselves creatively right away. All housed in a compact frame, it’s a great choice for young students, students on-the-go, and dorm dwellers.

2. Lighten their load: If you remember lugging around heavy textbooks during your own student days, consider lightening the load of your gift recipient with a high-quality e-reader. Look for a model with note-taking features, adjustable lighting to protect eyes and portability. A color screen is also a good idea, as it will make diagrams and charts easier to examine if your student will be reading textbooks on the device.

3. Bring the world of STEM within reach: With the advanced features of a next-generation graphing calculator, the fx-CG50 PRIZM can support students through middle school, high school and into college. With Natural Textbook Display and an intuitive icon menu, students

will find the calculator incredibly easy to use. Its 3D graphing and improved catalog functions allow for greater engagement and real-life application in the mathematics classroom, and a host of compatible resources available at casioeducation.com can set them up for success. Because the model is approved for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP tests, your gift will be helping them prepare for a bright future.

4. Help them keep time: Is your student an athlete? Whether they run track, do swim team or tackle contact sports head-on, a durable, water-resistant sports watch can help them track their speed and progress throughout the season.

5. Expand their world: While many people today get their news by rapidly scanning headlines on apps, a deeper dive can improve literacy, expand knowledge and foster an understanding of the world. Consider gifting your student a subscription to a high-quality newspaper or news magazine.

This holiday season, give students thoughtful gifts that will ease their life and make their schoolwork and extracurriculars more enjoyable.

– StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Survey says what’s top of mind for holiday shoppers

As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are planning to kick off their shopping earlier this year, aiming to lock in low prices, take advantage of promotions, and ensure all their gifts arrive on time. A recent survey by Sensormatic Solutions reveals key insights that can guide both shoppers and retailers during this busy time.

According to the survey, 52% of respondents plan to start their holiday shopping earlier than last year, and while shoppers are looking for deals, 48% plan to spend more than they did last year.

“Understanding consumer trends is critical for both shoppers and retailers alike,” said Christa Anz, global marketing leader, Sensormatic Solutions. “This survey highlights important considerations that can enhance the shopping experience and inform retail strategies.”

Here are some of the survey’s top findings:

• Early Shopping Trends: Over half (54%) of shoppers plan to begin their holiday shopping before November. This trend indicates a shift towards early planning to secure deals and avoid the rush of the season’s busiest shopping days. Early

shopping also helps lock in the best prices and ensure stock availability.

• Preferred pickup options: This year, 42% of shoppers plan to use Buy-OnlinePick-Up-in-Store and 35% will opt for curbside pickup. However, 29% of respondents are concerned about possible

long wait times, suggesting to retailers the importance of efficient customer service during peak hours and the need to provide several pick up options.

• Spending management: While nearly half of shoppers plan to spend more this year, 52% of respondents noted they are

creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. In fact, 64% of younger shoppers have used recent deal days and flash sales to maximize their spending.

• Prioritize safety: Safety is key to a productive holiday shopping season. In fact, 69% of consumers feel safer with visible security measures such as security personnel, surveillance cameras, and Electronic Article Surveillance tags, and 34% of them consider these features essential for in-store shopping. This aligns with performance data that suggests such visual deterrents can effectively reduce theft and organized retail crime. Retailers should prioritize safety features, such as surveillance cameras and security personnel, to foster a positive shopping environment.

For more holiday shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com.

This holiday season presents an opportunity for both consumers and retailers to adapt to evolving shopping behaviors. By understanding these insights, retailers can better meet customer expectations, while shoppers can enjoy a more informed and relaxed shopping experience.

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Happy Holidays Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Don't let this holiday season set you up for debt in the new year

The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than you plan to and rack up debt you can’t manage.

According to Certified Financial Planner professionals, here’s how to celebrate the season in style while positioning yourself for a financially healthy 2025:

Create your budget: Take a look at your budget to determine how much you can earmark for holiday expenses. Do you need to cut back on any nonessential spending to afford the holiday season you desire? Make a comprehensive list of all your expected expenditures, including for travel, hosting, decorating, gifting and charitable giving. Don’t have a budget? A CFP® professional can help you create one to stay on track with your financial goals during the holidays and beyond.

Stretch your budget: Stretch your holiday budget creatively. When shopping online or booking travel, find the best deals by using a browser extension that comparison shops. Entertaining? Rather than providing every dish yourself, host a cookie exchange or potluck. If you have a large extended family or circle of friends that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.

Maintain your credit: While it’s fun to be extravagant and give big-ticket items that will wow your recipients, your holiday spending shouldn’t harm your credit. Keep an eye on your debt-to-credit ratio throughout the season and set reminders of when credit card payments are due. If

you purchase an item using a Buy Now Pay Later plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.

Give wisely: Many people make charitable contributions around the holidays. If you plan to give, do it in a way that offers a tax advantage. From deductions to donating appreciated assets to using a Donor Advised Fund, a CFP® professional can help you find a strategy that is good for you and for the cause you care about.

Save all year: Diverting a small portion of each paycheck into a special savings fund all year long can help ensure you’re prepared to meet holiday expenses. Once this current season wraps up, you can begin to plan for next year. A CFP® professional can help you set this fund up and offer suggestions for maximizing these savings.

Make your resolutions now: Whether it’s to pay down debt or set up a retirement fund, you don’t have to wait until the new year to get started on your resolutions. Get a healthy money mindset now so that come January, you’ll have already established habits that move you toward your goals.

During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. However, smart spending habits can help ensure you enter 2025 in the black.

Photo Courtesy of julief514 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Pediatricians say sharing books is the best holiday gift of all

A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.

“Turning the pages of a high-quality, print book filled with colorful pictures and rich, expressive language is best,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician. “While touchscreens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are typically passive or solitary experiences for children and do not offer the same benefits of interpersonal connection and relationship building.”

Starting from infancy, reading aloud helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development. Sharing books helps with language development and vocabulary, and gets them ready to listen and learn in school. And over the past decade, research has found that reading together helps foster positive interactions, strengthening the safe, stable and nurturing relationships young children must have to thrive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.

Remember that the experience should be fun. You don’t have to finish a story if your child loses interest. Let your child choose the book, even if it means reading the same book over and over. You can invite your child to “read” to you from a familiar book that they have memorized. Dr. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments.

Local libraries offer a wide variety of children’s literature, including fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, as well as non-fiction books on subjects children love, such as the ocean or dogs. Follow your child’s interests in choosing books. Children’s librarians can help you with high-quality book selections on a wide range of topics. And during the holidays, consider building your home library and reinforcing the value of great books by giving them as gifts.

By age 4, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to

you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.

“It might be a book on kindness after your child experienced or witnessed cruelty,” Dr. Navsaria said. “It might be a book on expressing emotions after your child s aw or heard scary news coverage, or maybe a book on understanding differences after your child saw someone who looked different than they expected.”

The AAP and Reach Out and Read have compiled a list of books—organized by age and topic—to help you raise children who are curious, brave, kind, thoughtful and aware of the world around them. You can find the list at healthychildren.org.

“Books are great conversation starters,” Dr. Navsaria said. “They’re also just a lot of fun and can help create wonderful memories, particularly during the holidays when you’re spending extra time together. A shared reading experience, as a tender, magical and loving time spent with your child, is truly a gift.”

Photo Courtesy shironosov iStock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Hack your holiday menu: smart swaps for allergy-friendly feasting

Planning to host a holiday feast but worried about accommodating different dietary needs? Gone are the days of serving bland alternatives or making multiple separate meals. With some smart planning, you can create a stunning holiday spread that naturally works for everyone at your table.

Below is the ultimate cheat sheet for transforming traditional recipes into home-cooked, organic and allergy-friendly alternatives that taste as good as they are convenient:

• Hosting someone who is lactose intolerant? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream as the base for creamy dishes.

• Have a guest that doesn’t eat meat? Try substituting turkey or ham with Amy’s Kitchen Vegetable Pot Pie or Family Size Vegetable Lasagna. They are both savory and filling.

• For those with gluten allergies, swap wheat flour cup-for-cup with gluten-free flour in most baked goods.

• Tired of the same casseroles year after year? Say hello to Amy’s Kitchen’s new gluten-free Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese. It offers all the comfort with zero regrets.

• For the ultimate holiday host hack, stock your pantry with allergen-free soups for those “Oh, you’re vegan?” moments. Amy’s Kitchen offers many delicious options that are gluten free and dairy free, from a Vegetable Jambalaya to a hearty 3 Bean Vegetable Chili.

The best part?

Your guests without dietary restrictions won’t even realize they’re enjoying allergen-free dishes! These alternatives are so delicious that everyone will be too busy savoring the meal to play “spot the substitute.”

Offering allergy-friendly options has never been more convenient, as Amy’s Kitchen products are available at virtually every supermarket near you. Want more inclusive feast ideas?

Follow @amyskitchen on Instagram for your daily dose of food inspiration.

Remember that the best holiday gift is everyone actually getting to eat the food you served. By thinking of dietary needs as a chance to explore new flavors, you can create a holiday spread that goes from “Sorry, you can’t eat that” to “Seconds, anyone?”

– StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Pediatricians say sharing books with children is the best gift

A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime

routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.

Dr. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments.

By age 4, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop

character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy shironosov / Stock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Don’t let the holiday season leave you in debt

The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than you plan to and rack up debt you can’t manage.

According to Certified Financial Planner professionals, here’s how to celebrate the season in style while positioning yourself for a financially healthy 2025:

that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.

you purchase an item using a Buy Now Pay Later plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.

for you and for the cause you care about. Save all year: Diverting a small portion of each paycheck into a special savings fund all year long can help ensure you’re prepared to meet holiday expenses. Once this current season wraps up, you can begin to plan for next year. A CFP® professional can help you set this fund up and offer suggestions for maximizing these savings.

During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. However, smart spending habits can help ensure you enter 2025 in the black. – StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of julief514 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Holiday gift ideas for students to make life easier

Want to brighten the holiday season for the students in your life? Consider gifts that will ease the transition into the spring semester. Here are few to consider:

One-hundred high-quality built-in

tones covering a range of instruments, including piano, wind, percussion and acoustic instruments, along with 50 rhythm patterns in a variety of genres like pop, ballad, dance, and more, offer budding musicians a chance to experiment and express themselves creatively right away. All housed in a compact frame, it’s a great choice for young students, students on-the-go, and dorm dwellers.

Desserts Holiday Desserts

use. Its 3D graphing and improved catalog functions allow for greater engagement and real-life application in the mathematics classroom, and a host of compatible resources available at casioeducation.com can set them up for success. Because the model is approved for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP tests, your gift will be helping them prepare for a bright future.

This holiday season, give students thoughtful gifts that will ease their life and make their schoolwork and extracurriculars more enjoyable.

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of Halfpoint / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Streamline your cooking and make holidays easier

Anyone who has ever hosted a big holiday meal knows there can be a lot of pressure to ensure everything comes out at the right time, and more importantly, tastes great.

Whether you’re feeding your family or a crowd, here’s how to streamline your cooking during the holidays and beyond by using the right equipment to its maximum capabilities:

The 10 easy-to-use cooking modes of a Lofra luxury Ital-

ian range empower you to just as easily achieve a flawless crust on a casserole as to perfect your favorite seasonal cookie recipe. Representing the perfect union of form and function, you’ll benefit from modern cooking features and gorgeous design.

With multifunctional equipment and a smart game plan, you can streamline your kitchen and take your hosting to the next level this holiday season. Happy cooking!

– StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

How to keep kids’ minds active during the holidays

Vacation Reading: Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or sticking close to home, curling up with a book is a great way to spend some of the inevitable down time. At the start of the break, hit up the library so everyone in the family will have plenty to read on subjects of interest to them. You might also consider giving at least one title to each gift recipient on your list this year to emphasize the idea that books can be treasured objects.

Online Math Tools: Casio’s suite of engaging education resources can help ensure students keep up their skills during the holidays. Those with the fx9750GIII graphing calculator or (other easy-to-use models with hundreds of functions) will find plenty to challenge them when they check out Casio’s expan-

sive resource library of activities, Python programs and more, all of which are available for free online. From calculating slopes and finding derivatives to evaluat-

ing inferences and predications based on data, the resource includes exercises for every area of mathematical focus, including calculus, geometry and statistics.

Historical Day Trip: Take a day trip to a historic site to bring the past to life. Whether you visit a battlefield, the home of a notable figure, or a historically preserved city center, your trip will provoke discussion and keep minds engaged. If taking a scheduled tour is not possible due to limited holiday hours, do a bit of research on the site beforehand to give your family more context about what they will be seeing. This will make the trip more enjoyable and engaging.

Exercise: Staying active is not just good for physical health, it’s also good for the mind and soul. With no P.E. class on the schedule however, kids may be missing out on their daily dose of exercise. Be sure to go on a walk or bike ride each day or get out in the yard for some touch football or frisbee. If the weather is frightful, visit a yoga studio or even stay home and do an exercise class on YouTube.

This holiday season, balancing educational and healthy activities with fun and relaxation can help ensure your students return to school focused, engaged and ready to start a brand new semester. – StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of Olga Yefimova / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Pediatricians say sharing books with children is the best gift

A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime

routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.

WINTER IS HERE

Call or visit for

Salt, Calcium Pellets, Ice Melt

character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy shironosov / Stock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Don’t let the holiday season leave you in debt

The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than you plan to and rack up debt you can’t manage.

According to Certified Financial Planner professionals, here’s how to celebrate the season in style while positioning yourself for a financially healthy 2025:

that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.

you purchase an item using a Buy Now Pay Later plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.

Working with a financial advisor to prep for the holidays can help ensure you have a stress-free season. Find your CFP® professional, trained to offer comprehensive solutions for your unique situation, by visiting letsmakeaplan.org. During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. However, smart spending habits can help ensure you enter 2025 in the black. – StatePoint

• Monday Closed • Tuesday, Wednesday 4pm-10pm

Room opens 5pm

• Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4pm-11-pm

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Photo Courtesy of julief514 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Streamline your cooking and make holidays easier

Anyone who has ever hosted a big holiday meal knows there can be a lot of pressure to ensure everything comes out at the right time, and more importantly, tastes great.

Whether you’re feeding your family or a crowd, here’s how to streamline your cooking during the holidays and beyond by using the right equipment to its maximum capabilities:

The 10 easy-to-use cooking modes of a Lofra luxury Ital-

With multifunctional equipment and a smart game plan, you can streamline your kitchen and take your hosting to the next level this holiday season. Happy cooking!

– StatePoint

Sunday December 8

1:00-4:00pm

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Hack your holiday menu: make smart swaps to have allergy-friendly feasting

Below is the ultimate cheat sheet for transforming traditional recipes into home-cooked, organic and allergy-friendly alternatives that taste as good as they are convenient:

• Hosting someone who is lactose intolerant? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream as the base for creamy dishes.

• Have a guest that doesn’t eat meat? Try substituting turkey or ham with Amy’s Kitchen Vegetable Pot Pie or Family Size Vegetable Lasagna. They are both savory and filling.

• For those with gluten allergies, swap wheat flour cup-for-cup with gluten-free flour in most baked goods.

• Tired of the same casseroles year after year? Say hello to Amy’s Kitchen’s new gluten-free Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese. It offers all the comfort with zero regrets.

The best part? Your guests without dietary restrictions won’t even realize they’re enjoying allergen-free dishes! These alternatives are so delicious that everyone will be too busy savoring the meal to play “spot the substitute.”

Offering allergy-friendly options has never been more convenient, as Amy’s Kitchen products are available at virtually every supermarket near you. Want more inclusive feast ideas? Follow @amyskitchen on Instagram for your daily dose of food inspiration.

– StatePoint

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Ship smarter, not harder: holiday shipping insights

Good Tidings Delivered on Time

magic of Santa’s sleigh to make a timely delivery, Guillaume suggests getting ahead of the holiday hustle by checking delivery deadlines for the busy season. Then, leaving a little leeway to account for delays due to winter weather or other logistical challenges.

– StatePoint

Snack lunch ideas your family will love 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

Creating lunches for your kids every day can be challenging, but as the holiday season approaches, life can get even more hectic, making this daily task seem daunting. While the holiday season is a stressful and busy time of year, it's still possible to assemble balanced, nutritious lunches your kids will eat - and actually enjoy.

What's the key? Thinking of lunches as a group of easy-to-fix, easy-to-eat snack foods. The popularity of snack foods for kids' lunches is growing because they are often completely eaten, and they can be a huge time saver during a busy season when parents need easy solutions.

Here's a quick guide of the food groups to include in your snack lunches:

Whole grains/starches: Think beyond bread to include pita, flatbread, crackers, naan and bagels.

Protein-rich foods: Choose from meat sticks, string cheese, hard-boiled eggs and more.

Fruits: Consider fruits like berries that are easy to pack and eat, mandarin oranges/small tangerines or dried fruits.

Vegetables: Opt for options like baby carrots, broccoli florets and colorful bell pepper slices.

You can also find tasty and wholesome

snack options that straddle more than one food group, like Nature's Bakery bars, which combine whole grains and real fruit in their plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, and Non-GMO certified snack bars.

"Nature's Bakery bars are ideal for kids' lunchboxes and your snack pantry," said Registered Dietitian Sarah Remmer. "And you can rest assured knowing that their ingredients are plant-based, dairyfree and nut-free, making them wholesome and school-friendly for any child's lunch kit."

1. Charcuterie boards aren't just for grownups anymore

Create a kid-friendly charcuterie experience by compiling choices like tasty crackers, meats, cheeses, cucumber rounds, nut-free trail mix, Nature's Bakery bars, chia pudding and berries.

2. Travel to the Mediterranean

You can combine options like mini naan bread, hummus, mini caprese salad skewers, a Nature's Bakery Blueberry Fig Bar, fruit and dried chickpeas.

3. Fun finger food favorites

Choose easy-to-eat selections like edamame beans, seed butter and banana roll-ups, string cheese, a Nature's Bakery bar plus mini carrots.

NJ author to explain the history of various Christmas traditions 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

The Victorian Society in America’s Northern New Jersey Chapter will be holding a special presentation on Christmas traditions.

Kevin Woyce will lead the presentation that is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Montclair Women's Club, 82 Union St., Montclair.

Woyce has published books about the New Jersey Shore, lighthouses, New Jersey state parks, Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, and favorite Christmas traditions.

All of these books are illustrated with his original black and white photographs, plus some vintage images, according to a press release from the Society, which said that he has also published a book of color photographs.

Woyce began lecturing on regional history in 2008, and in 2018 he launched Christmas Traditions, which was not only his first holiday-themed presentation, but also the first to include live music.

Woyce will use original photographs, vintage images, and live seasonal music

as he explains the history of favorite Christmas Traditions, from the first Christmas to "A Christmas Carol," festive cards and decorations, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

He also explains how historical figures including St. Nicholas, Martin Luther, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Thomas Nast, and many others shaped the way we celebrate "The Most Wonderful TIme of the Year."

The Montclair Women's Club is handicap accessible. Parking is available behind the building and on the street. Holiday refreshments, coffee and tea will be served. The program is free for members, and $10 for guests.

The Society normally meets monthly from September to June for lectures and events related to 19th Century history, usually on the third Monday of the month.

For more information, please contact christinapmayer@gmail.com or 973-8869956 or visit www.vsa-nnj.com.

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How to keep kids’ minds active during the holidays

sive resource library of activities, Python programs and more, all of which are available for free online. From calculating slopes and finding derivatives to evaluat-

ing inferences and predications based on data, the resource includes exercises for every area of mathematical focus, including calculus, geometry and statistics.

This holiday season, balancing educational and healthy activities with fun and relaxation can help ensure your students return to school focused, engaged and ready to start a brand new semester.

StatePoint

With techniques refined over 81 years since its founding in 1943,

Photo Courtesy of Olga Yefimova / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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Kick off the holidays with a fun, festive cookie recipe exchange

That’s why McCormick is dishing up these cooking tips for creating special moments:

• Use ready-to-make dry recipe mixes, such as turkey or brown gravy, to easily create perfectly blended flavors for sauces that elevate your holiday meals.

• Rely on extracts like pure vanilla and peppermint to enhance the flavors and aromas of holiday treats.

instructions can be found by visiting: mccormick.com/cookie-quest-terms-andconditions.

also be on sale at select locations starting on National Cookie Day through December 31. And as part of the collaboration, McCormick and Milk Bar are also sharing the recipe, so you can make these delectable cookies at home!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups white chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons

McCormick Candy Cane Sugar, divided

• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two half-sheet pans with no-stick cooking spray or line with parchment or silicone baking mats. Mix butter and sugars in

large bowl with heavy spatula for about 2 minutes until well blended. Add egg and extracts, stirring until combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.

3. Place remaining 1/4 cup Candy Cane Sugar in medium bowl. Use a 1/3cup measuring cup or 2 3/4-ounce cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Toss dough balls in Candy Cane Sugar to coat and place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared baking pans.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.

Tip: Can’t get your hands on McCormick Candy Cane Sugar? Increase McCormick Peppermint Extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons, stir in 2 tablespoons of red colored sugar along with the chocolate chips, then use 1/4 cup red colored sugar to roll cookies before baking.

– StatePoint

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Great gifts that they’ll actually use this winter

Staying warm during the cold winter months is a top priority for many, which is why holiday gifts that help in this endeavor are always a surefire hit!

Here are some head-to-toe gift ideas that will add comfort to the season and show your loved ones you care.

5. For the on-the-go guy who wants to be comfortable. The Isotoner Men’s Carter Microsuede Water Repellent Boat Moccasin is made with durable microsuede. Not just a slipper, this versatile indoor/outdoor footwear doubles as a shoe. The moisture-wicking lining and cooling gelinfused memory foam with super supportive enhanced heel cushion offer ultimate comfort, rain or shine.

– StatePoint

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Make your holiday meals pop with delicious pomegranates

Nake your holiday dinner pop by adding pomegranates. These ruby-like seeds are eye-catching and add a juicy sweetness to any dish.

California-grown pomegranates are harvested from October to January. The season may be short, but it's oh-so-sweet, just like the fruit. Because the pomegranate season is perfectly aligned with the holidays, there's no shortage of festive ideas to make snack time and recipes pop with color, flavor and nutrition.

Best of all? Pomegranates are high in vitamin C and potassium, a great source of fiber and low in calories.

"From a gorgeous cheese platter to a holiday ham, the pomegranate's bright, juicy, red arils elevate any dish. Not to mention, they make a fabulous centerpiece!" said Tara "Teaspoon" Bench. Tara served as the former food editor of Martha Stewart Living.

To celebrate the season, Bench has partnered with the Pomegranate Council to help create a holiday dish that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Baked Ham with Pomegranate Glaze

Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 2 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

1 (7-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut smoked ham

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups 100% pomegranate juice (divided)

2/3 cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup pomegranate arils

Herbs for garnish (if desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a large roasting pan and pour in chicken broth along with 1/2 cup of pomegranate juice.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring remaining 1 1/2 cups of pomegranate juice, brown sugar and lemon juice to boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat and let mixture simmer until it slightly thickens, about 10 minutes.

3. Stir in mustard and ginger and continue simmering until sauce reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 5 more minutes.

4. Pour half of glaze over ham, cover with foil and roast for 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally. Internal temperature should reach 125°F in thickest part of ham.

5. Remove foil, brush ham with remaining glaze and roast uncovered for another 30 minutes until top is lightly caramelized.

6. Transfer ham to cutting board and carve it off the bone. Arrange slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs and sprinkle with pomegranate arils.

7. If desired, pour pan juices into a bowl to serve alongside ham. Leftover ham can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Want to know more about pomegranates and how to incorporate them into your holiday meals? Visit www.Pomegranates.org or www.TaraTeaspoon.com. – BPT

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Crane House and Historic YWCA decorated for their holiday tours

MONTCLAIR — The Crane House and Historic YWCA have been decorated for the holidays by the Garden Club of Montclair.

The 40 year tradition of decking the halls in period decorations at the historic buildings was voted the fourth best tour of its kind in the nation by readers of USA Today in 2020, according to a press release from the Montclair History Center.

Self-guided tours let people explore the 227-year-old home at their leisure. There are also live demonstrators who will talk about holiday food traditions past while quests warm themselves by the hearth.

The holiday tours are free and sponsored by The Wright Group at Christie’ International Real Estate as a gift to visitors.

People are also invited to stop in the Nathaniel Crane House to shop for unique holiday gifts in the Museum Store. The store has a curated selection of locally crafted products from talented artisans, including This Bee Lana, Clare Cohen of Montclair Made, Kier McElroy and water-

color prints of Montclair by artist Ling Chen.

The shop also offer a variety of locallythemed and New Jersey history books, mugs, postcards, cookbooks, personalized maps, History Center merchandise, and fun stocking stuffers.

Essex County Holiday House Tours begin Saturday and Sunday, Dec, 7 and Dec. 8, and run from 12 noon to 3 p,m. Winter Wonderland Open House Tours are scheduled for Sundays, Dec. 15 and Dec, 22 from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

The Montclair History Center, formerly the Montclair Historical Society, is an independent not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1964.

Montclair History Center shares stories of Montclair’s diverse and complex history through research, education, and programs.

For more information, please visit the website www.montclairhistory.org or contact the Montclair History Center at 973744-1796 or mail@montclairhistory.org.

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Holiday gift ideas for students to make life easier

Want to brighten the holiday season for the students in your life? Consider gifts that will ease the transition into the spring semester. Here are few to consider:

This holiday season, give students thoughtful gifts that will ease their life and make their schoolwork and extracurriculars more enjoyable.

– StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of Halfpoint / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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Doctors’ Tips for a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season

The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment. Doctors advise prioritizing healthy choices during this period, so you can start 2025 on the right foot.

“Everyone’s holiday wish is to be happy, healthy and safe, but the season is often a time for overindulgence in food and drink, increased stress and exposure to respiratory illness,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

The AMA recommends taking these steps during the holidays:

1. Vaccines are a safe and remarkably effective defense from a number of serious respiratory viruses that circulate in the fall and winter. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination as well as the monoclonal antibody immunization.

If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources,

including getvaccineanswers.org.

2. Watch what you eat. Pay particular attention to labels and avoid processed foods as much as you can, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Consider having a healthy snack before the big meal or offer to bring a healthier dish for the holiday spread. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, and eat nutritious, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables alongside richer holiday fare.

3. Stick to your exercise schedule and prioritize physical activity during this

busy time of year. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Brisk walks, bike rides, hikes and even familyfriendly sports like basketball and touch football are good for heart health.

4. Use time with relatives to find out whether your family has a history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and whether other family members have been told they have prediabetes. With this information, you can better understand

your risk and take charge of your health.

5. Prioritize your mental health. Factors like holiday spending and navigating time with extended family can bring on extra seasonal stress. You can help manage stress by getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

6. Make smart choices and plan ahead if you’re driving. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 Americans died in alcohol impaireddriving crashes. Do not drive under any circumstances if you intend to drink. And if you are the designated driver, make a 100% commitment to sobriety.

7. Be prepared when traveling. Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, you might be tempted to grab convenient, unhealthy food for the journey. Consider packing your own snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables or small portions of dried fruits and nuts.

-Get New Year’s resolutions started early. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use, and declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

Photo Courtesy of monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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Five easy tips for hosting a festive holiday brunch

The holidays are all about bringing friends and family together, and there's no better way to enjoy company than with a festive holiday brunch.

With a bit of planning and some creative touches, hosting can be as enjoyable as the celebration itself! Singer, songwriter and cookbook author Jessie James Decker shares her top tips to help make your holiday get-together even more special.

1. Simplify food prep

Get ahead of the game by preparing food in advance so you can relax and savor time with your loved ones. Opt for dishes like breakfast casseroles or quiches that only need to be warmed up before serving.

2. Set up a kid-friendly station

Keep your guests entertained with a festive DIY pancake, waffle or hot cocoa bar. Both kids and adults will enjoy choosing from fun toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles and marshmallows.

3. Create a holiday atmosphere through music

You can make your brunch atmosphere as relaxing, upbeat and joyful as you'd like through a curated playlist of your favorite holiday music. The perfect playlist can set

the tone for a warm and festive atmosphere, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.

4. Add personal design touches

Add thoughtful details to your holiday table. Decker recommends putting out conversation starters or writing handwritten notes and holiday-themed nameplates to make your guests feel welcome. You can even involve the kids by letting them help out with these personalized touches, such as cutting out paper snowflakes to hang around the dining table.

5. Start a holiday tradition with a signature recipe

A go-to holiday brunch recipe gives everyone something to look forward to each year. Decker's family-favorite recipe are these King's Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sandwiches from Eggland's Best.

Incorporating Eggland's Best eggs in your recipes is also a great way to put your wellness at the forefront of the season, as they contain 6 times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost your body's immunity and fight off harmful bacteria. EB eggs also have 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, which performs as an antioxidant in

the body to reduce oxidative stress and protect the cells from damage.

Even more egg-citing, Eggland's Best has also launched the Season's Best with Eggland's Best Sweepstakes! Head to EBFamilySweeps.com now through January 3 for a chance to win $5,000 to take your holiday recipes to the next level.

Hawaiian Breakfast Roll Sandwiches

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the eggs:

• 5 Eggland's Best eggs, large

• About 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons whole milk

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the rolls:

• 1/2 pound bacon

• 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

In skillet, drizzle in a good amount of oil and set pan over medium heat. In medium bowl, whisk Eggland's Best eggs with the milk until light.

• When the oil is hot, put beaten eggs

into the skillet and watch them sizzle and fry, but don't touch them. You want them to stay flat and in one piece.

• Fry scrambled eggs 5 minutes, or until the edges are set, then flip the eggs with a spatula and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and cover while you prepare bacon and rolls.

• In large skillet, fry bacon over medium-high heat until the strips are browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Lay flat on paper towels to drain while you assemble the rolls.

• Slightly toast the Hawaiian rolls with a layer of butter on top. Simply slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls open and brush the butter on the cut sides. Then brown in toaster oven or under hot broiler for a good 3 minutes.

• Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise over the bottom buns, then top with the egg and then the bacon. Finish with another layer of mayo on the top bun, if desired, so it all sticks together, and sandwich them together. That's it!