HOLIDAY GUIDE Babylon Village
November 2025
As the year draws to a close, I f ind myself reflecting on the true gift of ser ving this community. Getting to know the dedicated individuals behind our Babylon Village businesses, f rom the storef ronts to the entrepreneurs working out of their homes, has been a genuine privilege. I've witnessed f irsthand the passion that fuels the vast, beautiful variety of goods and ser vices provided right here in Babylon Village.
There is nothing quite like walking through the village in the winter The scent of baked goods and warm meals in the air, students home for the winter break reuniting with hometown f riends on an evening out, and the warm glow spilling f rom our storef ront windows, that is the ver y soul of our downtown.
In a time that demands resilience, remember that our business owners are real people, our f riends and neighbors, pouring their hear ts into keeping a dream alive. Shopping small keeps their lights on and ensures that the unique vision they hold for Babylon continues to flourish.
Without these dedicated entrepreneurs, the fabric of our town would f ray. Without you, our cherished patrons, that vision cannot sur vive. Thank you for sustaining the warmth and character of our village this year.
Until next time, I am gratefully yours
Tom Vitale President, Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also play a prominent role this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart
food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities—dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of
creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry can also be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many are also high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making health-conscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150- to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
A Recipe To Make Sweet Potatoes
Even Sweeter
Sweet potatoes are available at grocery stores yearround, but they tend to garner more attention come Thanksgiving. Indeed, a 2024 Economist/YouGov poll found that 39 percent of Thanksgiving celebrants intended to eat sweet potatoes on Turkey Day. Sweet potatoes pack a powerful and nutritious punch and they’re also able to be prepared in myriad ways. Those who want to make their sweet potatoes a little more sweet this holiday season can try this recipe for “Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin
Makes 4 servings
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 cup orange juice
5 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄8-inch- thick slices
2
Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄8-inch- thick slices
1 1⁄2 cups mini marshmallows, divided 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cooking spray
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and orange juice in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine potatoes. Pour orange juice mixture over the potatoes; toss to coat well.
2. Spritz an 8” x 8” baking dish with cooking spray. Place potatoes, a handful at a time, in the dish and spread them so that the orange and white slices are evenly distributed. Sprinkle 10 to 12 mini-marshmallows on top of this layer. Repeat process, creating five layers, until you almost reach the top of the baking dish.
3. Cover dish with aluminum foil and seal tightly to hold in moisture; bake for 1 hour.
4. Top with remaining marshmallows and brown sugar.
5. Re-cover with foil and bake 30 more minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.
How To Participate In Giving Tuesday
Theexcitement of the holiday season is palpable. Many people look forward to this time of year so they can deck their homes in lights and find gifts that will delight friends and family.
The spirit of giving that pervades the holiday season extends to Giving Tuesday,
which comes on the heels of the busiest shopping days of the year. According to the Giving Tuesday website, Giving Tuesday is a movement that “reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.” Organizers feel that generosity is the avenue through which humanity can collectively strengthen its social fabric. Those who would like to harness the spirit of charitable giving can explore these ways to give back.
The tenth annual Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday December 2, 2025.
Get involved where it started
Giving Tuesday started with a team from the Belfer Center for Innovative & Social Impact in New York City. In November 2012, these individuals implored
nonprofits, influencers, and businesses to inspire others to get involved with acts of giving. The organization has many initiatives that people can support in addition to the original Giving Tuesday. Learn more at www.92ny.org/ belfer-center.
Plant a community garden
Food insecurity is a problem in many neighborhoods across the country. Petition local city councils for a portion of green spaces to devote to a community garden to grow produce for those who may need it. Doing so can foster a sense of camaraderie in communities.
Start a caremongering movement
Caremongering began as a community-led social movement to address health
and social needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Caremongering is designed to help vulnerable people and can include anything from grocery shopping for those with mobility issues to virtually or physically socializing with others to combat social isolation. Those who want to caremonger can do many other things, like run emergency errands or help with childcare.
Donate goods and supplies
Areas of the southern United States experienced extreme devastation with the one-two punch of recent hurricanes. Natural disasters can displace families and push individuals to the brink as supplies become scarce.
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GIVING BACK IN BABYLON GIVING BACK IN BABYLON
MISSION STATEMENT:
To present to the public the ar ts for the benef it of the community. To encourage and promote the active par ticipation of citizens in the creation of works of ar t that will foster a greater sense of community
HOW TO HELP:
To maintain diverse cultural ar t experiences like the Ramp Galler y, Little MOMA , Ar t by the Falls, poetr y readings, and children's workshops, BVAC is seeking volunteers for 2026 events, along with monetar y and in-kind donations this season. babylonvillagear ts.org
Babylon Village is proudly home to many non-prof it organizations. You can lend a helping hand this season through donating:
HOW TO HELP:
MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowering and uniting our diverse community, Babylon Village Pride is committed to fostering inclusivity, celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, promoting equality, and creating a suppor tive environment where all individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
To keep the Pride of Babylon going all year long and to fund the annual parade and scholarships, the organization is seeking volunteers and monetar y contributions. prideofbabylon.org
HOW TO HELP:
MISSION STATEMENT:
Save The Great South Bay is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprof it dedicated to restoring water quality and marine habitats across Long Island’s South Shore. Through community action, science-based solutions, and local stewardship, we empower residents to protect our creeks, bays, and coastal ecosystems for future generations.
Save the Great South Bay is actively seeking a Matching Gift Donor for its Giving Tuesday/End of Year Appeal to double its community impact; please reach out to learn more about the robust marketing incentives offered in return to their 35,000+ strong network. savethegreatsouthbay.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
Ser vice before Self
babylonrotar y.com
HOW TO HELP:
HOW TO HELP:
The Babylon Rotar y is seeking volunteers, monetar y gifts, and in-kind donations this season to fund and staff multiple upcoming events for local food pantries and community clean-ups
MISSION STATEMENT:
We, at Catholic Health, humbly join together to bring Christ’s healing mission and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church expressed in Catholic health care to our communities.
Good Samaritan University Hospital is always seeking volunteer assistance at the hospital as well as their thrift shop, located in Babylon Village at 179 Deer Park Avenue.
catholichealthli org/good-samaritan-university-hospital
Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Tips
Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. In fact, AAA indicates that, in the United States, it may be the most traveled of all the holidays, with record numbers of both drivers and air travelers. In 2024, nearly 80 million Americans were expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a particularly busy day on the roads, but high volumes continue throughout the weekend.
A high demand for travel during this time of year means individuals wanting to see friends or family for Thanksgiving should plan accordingly. These tips, courtesy of AAA and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly.
• Book flights early. If you are able, secure flights early in the day and use personal time off from work to fly in to a destination at the beginning of the week. The propensity for flights to be delayed or canceled increases as the day and week goes on. An early departure may increase the chances of a flight leaving on time. Also, the TSA reports that the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are the busiest days for Thanksgiving air travel. Choosing an alternative day to fly may mean smaller crowds and less stress.
• Consider TSA PreCheck®.
TSA PreCheck is a paid program that enables you to get through security lines faster. Interested parties must verify their identities through a thirdparty service that handles PreCheck applications, and await confirmation of approval. A TSA PreCheck member-ship lasts for five years. This membership offers consistent time savings at the airport with dedicated PreCheck lanes, and the benefit of keeping items like laptops and liquids in your bag.
• Consider traveling by train. If Amtrak services your destination, taking the train may be the least stressful way to travel over Thanksgiving. In addition to not having to navigate roadways or sit in traffic, you won’t face security screening like you will at
the airport. Once on the train, there is Wi-Fi, nice views and efficient travel. Trips booked in advance are more affordable than booking closer to the holiday.
• Pack light. Avoiding the baggage carousel can shave much time off of travel. Plus, there’s no risk of luggage getting diverted or not making it to your final destination. A carry-on bag is the way to go for ease, particularly if you must get on a different flight if the original one is delayed or canceled.
• Service your car. If road travel is planned for Thanksgiving, make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip. Be up-to-date on oil changes, make sure the tires are properly inflated
and double-check your emergency preparedness kit prior to leaving. It also may be a good idea to invest in AAA benefits, which afford extra peace of mind in the event of a breakdown as well as savings on travelrelated expenses, such as lodging.
• Pack your patience. In addition to your holiday essentials, it is wise to also pack some patience this Thanksgiving travel season. Leave extra time so you’re not racing to your destination and can calmly contend with people also looking to get home for the holidays.
Thanksgiving means turkey and trimmings, but also millions of people traveling to give thanks alongside those they love.
Pumpkin Pie Is The Classic Holiday Dessert
Turkeymight garner the bulk of the Thanksgiving feast fanfare, but a notable and wildly popular dessert also provides something to look forward to during a holiday when food is a focal point. After a couple of helpings of turkey and various side dishes, Thanksgiving celebrants know it’s time for pumpkin pie. It’s a testament to the flavor and popularity of pumpkin pie that overstuffed Thanksgiving celebrants still find a way to squeeze in this beloved dessert.Hosts who want to truly impress can prepare a homemade pie that’s sure to please loved ones. This recipe for “Pumpkin Pie” from Lines+Angles can be just what guests are looking for as they seek to tie a bow on their Thanksgiving feast.
Directions:
1. For the crust: Combine the butter, flour, maple sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg, vinegar and 1 tablespoon iced water. Pulse until the dough starts to form around the blades; add more water as needed if too dry, or a little more flour if too wet.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Wrap in parchment paper and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the pumpkin halves flesh-side down on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender to the tip of a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool to one side.
6. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash well until smooth.
7. Beat the eggs with the flour, maple sugar and ground spices in a large mixing bowl until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
8. Gradually beat in 11⁄2 cups of the pumpkin mash followed by the maple syrup and cream until fully incorporated.
9. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large round approximately 1⁄3-inch thick.
10. Drape into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing well into the base and sides. Cut away any excess pastry before crimping the edges with your fingers.
11. Gently prick the base all over with a fork before slowly pouring the filling into the lined pastry.
12. Bake for 20 minutes before reducing the oven to 350 F. Bake for a further 40 to 50 minutes until the filling is set and starting to come away from the edges of the pastry; a knife should come out clean from the center.
13. When ready, remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
Tip: If preparing in advance before serving, let the pie cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and chilling.
Pumpkin Pie Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie For the crust:
butter, cold and cubed
1⁄4
all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
egg, lightly beaten
to 3 tablespoons iced water
the filling:
halved, seeded and cored
Seasonal Sips
Craft A Cocktail With Seasonal Staples As The Star Ingredients
Holiday season parties are particularly festive affairs. The jovial spirt of the season lends itself to fun gatherings with family and friends. When welcoming loved ones at home this holiday season, hosts can consider some seasonal staples and craft a unique cocktail guests won’t soon forget. Pumpkin might be more synonymous with fall than winter, but cinnamon certainly has a place on holiday season dinner tables. This recipe for a “Pumpkin Martini Cocktail With Cinnamon” from Lines+Angles combines staple flavors of fall and winter into a delicious drink holiday celebrants will love.
Directions:
1. Pour the maple syrup in a saucer and put the graham cracker crumbs in a separate saucer. Dip the rims of 2 chilled martini glasses first into the simple syrup, then into the graham cracker crumbs.
2. Fill a shaker with ice and add the pumpkin spice liqueur, Baileys, vodka, and vanilla extract. Shake for 15 seconds and strain between the prepared glasses. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick.
Pumpkin Martini Cocktail With Cinnamon
Serves 2
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1⁄4 cup graham cracker crumbs
5 ounces pumpkin spice liqueur
2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
2 ounces vodka
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cinnamon sticks
I am thrilled to introduce myself as your local real estate agent, Patty Vorilas. As a member of this community, I am committed to helping my fellow neighbors navigate the real estate market with ease and confidence.
My goal is to provide exceptional service to each and every client I work with. Whether they are looking to buy their first home, sell their current property, or make a real estate investment. With years of experience in the industry and a deep understanding of the local market, I am well-equipped to guide you through every step of the process and help you achieve your real estate goals.
If you have a friend or family member that wants to move into an amazing town, I am here to help. Pass along my information to anyone you feel could use my services.
I look forward to meeting you in the near future.
Best of everything.
Learn To Decorate Like A Holiday Pro
Thesights and sounds of the holiday season help to make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll from the decorating, culture, and travel experts at Veranda, 65 percent of respondents said that the time to decorate for Christmas is right after Thanksgiving or the first week of December. Many stores now display holiday decorations and other wares concurrently with Halloween and fall items, so people can plan their decorating early if they expect to be adding to their holiday collections.
These tips can help with decorating and make anyone deck the halls like a professional.
• Choose your theme and color palette. Consider a specific style of decorating, whether it’s traditional, minimalist, country, or even winter wonderland. Then select a few coordinating colors to complement the theme and existing items in your home. Pick up these items as they become available in stores, as holiday merchandise often goes quickly.
• Focus on a few key areas. While it’s tempting to decorate an entire home, pros know to focus on key areas like tables, doorways, and mantels to create the most visual interest. This also makes decorating more manageable.
• Rely on the rule of thirds. Create balanced and visually pleasing arrangements by dividing the space visually into nine equal parts, symbolically drawing two equally spaced horizontal and two equally spaced vertical lines. Designers often place important elements along these lines or at their intersections to create a more visually balanced and appealing composition. When grouping decorative items on shelves and tables, threes often look best.
• Remove clutter. It’s important to declutter a space prior to introducing holiday elements in order to create a clean and organized look. Store additional decorations and knick-knacks until after the holiday season.
• Start with lights. It’s often easier to decorate by beginning with lights first, and then weaving additional decorations into the mix. Build on lights with garlands and accent items.
• Less is often more. Keep the decorating simple. A few elements here and there can have a much more effective impact than
several things that draw attention away from one another. When taking out holiday decorations this year, use it as an opportunity to assess and cull the collection, which will make things easier next year.
Homeowners can decorate their spaces for the holidays effectively with some guidelines professional designers often use.
Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields
Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.
Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.
Home for the Holidays
Dates & Times:
Friday, December 12 5 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM & 1 – 4 PM Sunday, December 14, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 4 PM & 4 – 8 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.plantingfields. org or at the door.
Adults: $20; Children: $15; Kids under 3 are free. Reservations are recommended.
Photo courtesy of Corinne Tousey
Photo courtesy of David Almeida
The Perfect Treat To Indulge In This Holiday Season
There’smuch to look forward to come the holiday season. Celebrations with family and friends, awe-inspiring lighting displays and opportunities to see loved ones’ eyes light up after opening the perfect gift are just some of the many things that excite holiday celebrants. Foodies also have much to look forward to come the end of the year. Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through the new year, food figures prominently in holiday season celebrations. Indeed, everything from tasty appetizers to main courses to dessert excites holiday celebrants. Dessert is particularly appealing come the holiday season, when many people relax their dietary restrictions and indulge in some treats they tend to avoid during the rest of the year. Holiday hosts who want to ensure guests get as much indulgence as they can handle can try this recipe for “Chocolate Crumble Pie” courtesy of “Chocolate” (Love Food) by the editors at Parragon Books Ltd.
Chocolate Crumble Pie
Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie
Pie Dough
Scant 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1⁄4 cup superfine sugar
1 egg yolk
1 to 2 teaspoons cold water
Filling
2⁄3 cup heavy cream
2⁄3 cup milk
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 eggs
Crumble Topping
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
3⁄4 cup toasted pecans
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
3 ounces amaretti cookies
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
Directions:
To make the pie dough, sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, rub in the butter, and stir in the sugar, then add the egg and a little water to bring the dough together. Turn the dough out, and knead briefly. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Roll out the pie dough and use to line a 9-inch loose-button tart pan. Prick the pastry shell with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or baking beans. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and take out the paper and beans. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F.
To make the filling, bring the cream and milk to a boil in a saucepan, immediately remove from the heat, and add the chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Beat the eggs and add to the chocolate mixture, mix thoroughly and pour into the shell. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, and let rest for 1 hour.
When you are ready to serve the pie, place the topping ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop. (If you do not have a processor, place the sugar in a large bowl, chop the nuts and chocolate with a large knife, and crush the cookies, then add to the bowl with the cocoa and mix well.) Sprinkle over the pie, then serve it in slices.
2026 Events
Month
Event Name Description
January Spa Week
April Annual Raffle Auction
April Easter Bunny Crawl
May Spring Fling
June- Aug Block Party
September Shopping Crawl
October Fall Festival
October Creepy Crawl
November Small Business Saturday
December Old Fashioned Night of Shopping
Monthly Member Meeting
Monthly Young Professionals Group
Quarterly Business Development Group
A special week where local beauty locations (spas, salons, etc ) feature exclusive discounts and promotional packages on their most popular services
Our one and only fundraiser for the year. Win big-ticket gifts from your favorite local businesses.
Meet the Easter Bunny for a photo op, collect Easter eggs throughout village stores, and follow a story map that concludes at the library
A family-friendly Saturday afternoon event featuring local vendors, live music along Deer Park Avenue, and a kid zone with bouncy houses.
Thursday night block party once per month with live music, drinks, food trucks, and more
"Spend More to Win" event designed to kick off the holiday shopping season Submit receipts for a chance to win big-ticket raffle items from local stores
Similar to the Spring Fling, featuring local vendors, live music, and a kid zone.
Trick-or-treat through the village stores, ending at the library (similar structure to the Easter Bunny Crawl).
Shop through the season for a chance to win big (check the back page of this packet!)
Continue small business support with a walk through the village's closed streets, outdoor movie night, carousel ride, and more
Monthly meetings for member updates, and are open to the public
Networking events held on weekday evenings at a different location each time. All ages welcome!
New event designed for members only to address pain points, connect with like minds, and provide support where needed.
Shining A Light On Hanukkah Celebrations
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is a Jewish festival that lasts eight days. It starts on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which usually falls within the month of December, and commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees. The Temple had been previously desecrated by the Syrians.
Why is Hanukkah eight days?
After the Maccabees fended off the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed their Temple, they sought to light the Temple's menorah. However, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination, according to Chabad. org. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. Sages subsequently instituted the festival of Hanukkah to commemorate and publicize this miracle.
Menorah lighting
The menorah is the centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration. It holds nine flames, one of which is called the "shamash" (attendant). That candle is used to kindle the other eight lights. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, eight lights are lit and glowing. The menorah is placed in a doorway or window.
Oily foods
Since the Hanukkah miracle focuses on oil, it is customary to enjoy foods fried in oil. Potato latkes are commonly enjoyed, as are jelly-filled donuts called "sufganiyah."
Giving Hanukkah really isn't about exchanging gifts. The tradition actually is to give out Hanukkah gelt, which is gifts of money to children. Also, individuals reward positive behavior and devotion to Torah study. The cash gifts enable kids to give to charity.
Maximize Cyber Monday
CyberMonday is the final bookend to a series of shoppingcentric days preceding Christmas. Along with Black Friday, Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday presents an additional opportunity to realize great deals on items shoppers may need for gifting or entertaining. Adobe Newsroom reported Cyber Monday hit a record $13.3 billion in online spending in 2024. Consumers also spent heavily on mobile devices, which accounted for 54.8 percent of online sales.
Each Cyber Monday offers a chance to save big and streamline shopping. Utilizing these tips for making the most of the day can enhance success.
• Make a list of intended purchases. Draft a list of items that you need or want and research their typical prices in advance. This enables you to quickly identify if a Cyber Monday discount is a good deal.
• Safely shop online. Scammers are in the business of taking your hard-earned money or personal data. They mimic the look of popular stores and promote deals that often are too good to be true. Before entering payment information, doublecheck the web address, spelling and contact information, warns the Better Business Bureau. Check the website URL
to ensure that the site is secure before purchase.
• Look for coupon codes. Check for promo codes in advance, which can help you get deeper discounts. Utilizing browser extensions that automatically search for and apply coupon codes can streamline this process.
• Be mindful of shipping costs. Shop at online retailers that offer free shipping whenever possible. Double-check the costs of shipping when it isn't free to ensure that the discount is enough to offset shipping costs.
• Ship directly to recipients. In some instances, you can enter a recipient's address at checkout and have the items arrive directly. This can be a great way to avoid costly shipping charges.
• Shop during off-peak times. The convenience of online shopping enables shopping for gifts when it fits into your schedule. Online retailers are open all hours and seven days a week. Save Cyber Monday bulk shopping for the early morning or late evening when you can think through gifts more readily. Although improvements to internet speeds have been made in recent years, online traffic may slow down transactions made during peak hours.
New Year’s Eve Celebration Ideas For Families
TheNew Year’s Eve countdown is on, with people eagerly awaiting the opportunity to say goodbye to this year and welcome the possibilities of the year ahead. The month of January’s name was derived from the Roman god Janus, who was the god of beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions. Symbolized by his two faces looking in opposite directions, Janus presided over many transitions.
Billions enjoy celebrating the arrival of a new year. While New Year’s Eve may be known for its raucous nature, complete with overflowing cocktails and packed dance floors, parents looking to celebrate with their young children have plenty of
Comeoptions to turn NYE into a more family-friendly affair. Explore these ideas for family-friendly NYE fun.
• Noon Year’s Eve: Staying up until midnight might be a stretch for young children, who tend to get wired and cranky the later into the evening they go beyond typical bedtime. Instead of waiting until 12 a.m. for the countdown, move it back (or ahead) 12 hours to 12 noon. Young children won’t mind if it’s the sun out instead of the moon, as long as they get to make noise and throw confetti.
• Homemade noisemakers: Making noise is part of the fun of welcoming the new year. Kids can get in on the act of crafting
Did You Know?
New Year's Eve, it's customary to count down the last 10 seconds until the clock strikes midnight and the new year officially begins. It seems like the 10-second countdown is as old as time itself, but the tradition actually is much more modern. According to Alexis McCrossen, a history professor at Southern Methodist University, prior to the twentieth century, New Year's Day was celebrated rather than New Year's Eve. And even up until the mid-twentieth century, countdowns were not associated with New Year's Eve or even festive occasions. However, the tides turned on countdowns with the Apollo moon launch in 1961. After that, countdowns for radio hits and other fun activities began. Although some TV announcers in the 1960s began counting down to the new year, it wasn't until 1979 that the crowd at Times Square in New York City began joining in. This was despite the first New Year's Eve ball drop being held more than 70 years earlier in 1907. Publisher Adolph Ochs organized the first New Year's Eve party in Times Square in 1904, while the first-ever ball drop took place three years later when the city banned fireworks for the celebration. Yet it was not until the final year of the 1970s for it to be fashionable for a crowd to gather and participate in shouting out the 10-second countdown, a practice that is now tradition.
their own noisemakers from items that already may be around the house. Collect empty toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tubes for this purpose. Cover one end of the tube with masking tape or a round piece of plastic. Fill the tube with beads, small seashells, rice, or dried beans, leaving enough room for the materials to move around inside the tube. Seal the other end and allow the kids to decorate their noisemakers. Then it’s only a matter of shaking them when it’s time to welcome 2026.
• Dress-up photo booth: Many people love to dress up for a special occasion. At a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, set aside a corner of a room with dress up props like funny glasses, feather boas, top hats, and NYEspecific items. Explore digital disposable camera apps like POV, Lense or Pixel Party. Guests simply scan a QR code for the event that the party host
has established for a low price, and can snap moments at this “photo booth” that are shared effortlessly to one digital place.
• Kids beverage bar: Ensure that younger guests can be age-appropriate mixologists with sodas, fruit juices, citrus slices, and maraschino cherries. Or set up a hot cocoa bar with miniature marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and peanut butter chips.
• Family-friendly dance club: Put together a playlist of popular songs and choose the “clean” versions so children will not hear questionable lyrics. Clear an area of the party to serve as the dance floor, and utilize strobe lights or a disco ball to enhance the atmosphere.
Families can celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids in entertaining ways that are appropriate for everyone in the home.
WIN $1,000 WIN $1,000
Y O U R H O L I D A Y H A U L O N U S
Because ever y dollar you spend shopping small suppor ts our neighbors and keeps Babylon vibrant, the Chamber of Commerce is giving back by covering the holiday shopping costs, up to $1,000, for one lucky local winner!
How to WIN Your $1,000 Back!
Shop Local: Make purchases at any business within the Babylon Village 11702 zip code.
Earn Entries: For ever y $25 you spend, you'll earn one entr y into the reimbursement drawing. The more you shop, the better your chances!
Submit Receipts: Scan the QR code and follow the easy instructions to upload your receipts.
Promotion Runs November 1 - December 31, 2025
Winner Selected January 2, 2026