The Holiday Season is here! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we are truly thankful for your readership and for our loyal advertisers, we couldn't do what we do without you. Christmas and Hanukkah are also quickly approaching and we hope you're in the holiday spirit! Don't miss our Local Holiday Happenings page, which spotlights a list of upcoming festive events. Plus, enjoy other seasonal pieces throughout, along with local news like always. Looking forward to 2024? Keep an eye out for our New Year's Issue, which will be published next month. Until then, enjoy the wonderful Holiday Season and remember, each day is truly a present.
Local Holiday Happenings!
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
November 22 - January 4
Sunday-Thursday from 5:00
PM- 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday from 5:00
PM - 11:00 PM
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price.
BRONX ZOO
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
November 22 - January 5
Visit bronxzoo.com for times Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
The Bronx Zoo, which spans more than 265 acres, will host a family holiday festival that celebrates wildlife with animal lantern trails, holiday decor, animated sculptures, a holiday train and so much more.
FREEZIN' FOR A REASON, 2024 TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN POLAR PLUNGE
November 23
Registration at 9:30 AM
Plunge at 11:30 AM
Cedar Beach
244 Harbor Beach Rd., Mt. Sinai
This fun and unique event provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, schools and businesses to support Special Olympics
New York athletes by jumping into a frigid body of water! If you would like to just watch the event, come cheer on those taking the plunge!
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE ON THE PATCHOGUE RIVER
November 24
Start time: 5:00 PM
Visit patchogueboatparade. org for viewing sites. Watch decorated boats sail the Patchogue River at this fun event! This year's theme is "A ROCKSTAR CHRISTMAS," and there are many viewing spots along the riverfront.
BONAC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 29 - December 21 5:30 PM 8:00 PM
East Hampton High School
2 Long Lane, East Hampton
The East End's only holiday light show is back! Come enjoy this family-friendly walkthrough display, featuring over 70 holiday themed light displays.
HUNTINGTON HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
November 30 - January 2
Wall Street, Huntington Visit huntingtonholidayspectacular.com for more information. The Huntington Holiday Spectacular, which captivated the hearts of many when it debuted in 2020, has since grown into a treasured tradition that unites the Huntington community in the spirit of the holiday season. Stroll a charming holiday market, meet Santa and enjoy live music! Visit their website for up to date information.
PORT JEFFERSON
SANTA PARADE & VISIT
December 1
Santa Parade begins at 3:00 PM, visit Santa after the parade Parade runs from the Port Jeff Railroad to Main Street to the Port Jeff Village Center, meet Santa at the Port Jeff Village Center. Mark your calendars, this will be an unforgettable family-friendly event that will get you in the holiday spirit!
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
- CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD
December 7 & December 8
Tour begins at 10:00 AM, last tour is at 2:30 PM Sagtikos Manor 677 W Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore
Take a guided tour through the Manor all decorated for the holidays! Their docents will tell you about the Christmas
traditions of various countries around the world, including Italy, Scotland, Japan, Finland and more! The gift shop will be open during tour hours.
HISTORIC HOLIDAYS AT HALLOCKVILLE
December 8
12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hallockville Museum Farm 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions! There will be holiday displays in three historic residences on this 28-acre preserved farm, that will be staffed by costumed docents welcoming guests and sharing stories of past holiday celebrations.
SANTA & FRIENDS BREAKFAST
December 14
9:30 AM 11:00 AM
United Skates of America 1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford This is a non-skating event that includes a breakfast buffet and a special meeting with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and a Gingerbread Man! Wear your cutest holiday pajamas and have some good old fashioned fun!
BABYLON
CHRISTMAS MARKET
December 14
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Village Gazebo & Bayman Park
The Babylon Beautification Society is pleased to host this outdoor Christmas Market, featuring over 90 vendors selling fine and unique gifts. Plus, enjoy food and beverages for sale in the Gazebo area. The rain date for the event is December 15. Visit babylonbeautification.org for more information.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also figure prominently 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
Many also are 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.
of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
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 also can 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.
• 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 healthconscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead
• 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 150to 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.
Celebrants can make some smart choices in the foods and beverages they eat to enjoy a healthier holiday season this December.
Small businesses are the backbone those establishments across economic development programs. community. It’s how we keep Learn
’Tis the season to support.
backbone of our communities. That’s why we’re proud to give back to across Long Island and in The Rockaways through our energy efficiency and programs. You too can help support them by shopping for gifts in your keep our local economy strong and how we stick together on our island. we’re supporting local businesses at psegliny.com/businessfirst.
Supporting Long Island Oyster Reef Restoration
Reworld™,
a leader in sustainable waste solutions, recently sponsored the Huntington-Northport Oyster Reef Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at creating, restoring and revitalizing Long Island’s oyster reefs. As a committed partner in this environmental effort, Reworld™ is working alongside the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) to improve water quality and strengthen marine ecosystems in the local embayment.
“At Reworld™, we understand the critical role that sustainable waste solutions play in protecting and restoring our natural environments,” said Maureen Early, Lead Community Relations Specialist at Reworld™. “Our staff is honored to be part of a project that not only benefits our local marine life but also engages the community in meaningful environmental stewardship.”
Launched in 2022 with support from various local partners, including National Grid Ventures (NGV), Rotary International, and REACH Rotary Club, the HuntingtonNorthport Oyster Reef Project has made significant strides in its first three years. From modest beginnings, the project has more than doubled its oyster production and tripled volunteer participation, with plans to further expand the number of oyster reefs into a network of spawner sanctuaries. The group has just deployed its oysters into two new reefs in Huntington Harbor, further stressing their expanding efforts.
Long Island has a rich history as an oyster hub, but years of overharvesting
and pollution have severely impacted the local reefs. The Huntington-Northport Oyster Reef Project seeks to reverse this decline and revive a keystone maritime legacy that once thrived in the region. Reworld™ is committed to environmental sustainability and community engagement, and by supporting initiatives like this, they contribute to the revitalization of Long Island’s waterways and foster a healthier ecosystem for future generations.
“The support from Reworld™ has been instrumental in helping REACH grow its impact. Since the start, we’ve expanded our [footprint] in the Huntington community and increased our capacity,” said James Wylie, Project Coordinator, and President of REACH Rotary Club. “The nursery docks provide a foundation for the essential volunteer efforts needed for the success of our long-term reef restoration program. The environmental focus has resonated so well with the community that a new Rotary club was created to engage people of all ages in this important work. We’ve also branched out into other water-related projects like half-shell recycling, sugar kelp cultivation, and native plant restoration to help strengthen our fragile ecosystems. For us, it all begins with oysters, and we’re seeing very encouraging results. With consistent monitoring and analysis, we hope to quantify our success year over year. This progress is directly connected to continued contributions and support from Reworld™.”
The impact of this project extends beyond just the oysters. Oyster reefs create vital habitats for a multitude of marine species, and one oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, significantly improving water quality. The HuntingtonNorthport Oyster Reef Project continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the support of organizations like Reworld™ and NGV.
For more information about Reworld™ and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.
Photos credit to Glenn Gordon
Why Supporting Local Small Businesses Matters
Theholiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
• Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money
more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
• Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
• Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
• Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
• Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being
SupportingShop Local
small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a bigbox store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.
Add A New Offering
To Your Christmas
Cookie Lineup
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different. “Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers
20 to 24 cookies
1 1⁄2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notable Chanukah Traditions
Eachyear on the twentyfifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition
involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really they
According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah. Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts.
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan.
Chanukah begins on December 25, 2024, and will last through January 2, 2025. It’s a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.
CFestively Chase Away Chills
Seasonal Sips
ooler temperatures have arrived to coincide with what many characterize as the most festive time of year. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is filled with major holidays and many opportunities for friends and family to gather together in good cheer. Naturally, spending time indoors in close company with others increases the likelihood that people will encounter the sniffles and sneezes that are symptomatic of viral illnesses. Many people insist a hot toddy can help soothe the throat, open the nose and help a person get rest. There are various iterations of a hot toddy, but author Gustave Flaubert’s “French Hot Toddy” delivers flavors that pair nicely with November and December events. It’s so delicious that it can be served at any holiday gathering, or just to feel better if the common cold is an unwanted visitor. Enjoy Flaubert’s take, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan.
Gustave Flaubert’s French Hot Toddy Serves 1
4 ounces apple cider
2 ounces calvados
2 ounces apricot brandy
2 ounces heavy cream
Ground cinnamon for garnishing
Directions:
In a small saucepan, heat apple cider until warm. Remove from heat. Add calvados and apricot brandy, stirring to combine. Pour into a heatproof glass. Pouring in a circular motion, slowly add cream, allowing it to settle on top. Garnish with the cinnamon.
