Holiday 2017 - Edition Three

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Holiday 2017

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18 Ideas for Making Holiday Memories

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ounting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are some festive ideas to include in the days leading up to Christmas - a special family calendar of fun finds: 1. Annual Memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones.

2. Cookie Day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family members over.

Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors.

3. Holiday Classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season.

4. Christmas Concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience. Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home.

5. Dine Out: Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.

6. Adopt a Child/Family: Volunteer with a charitable organization that provides for less fortunate families.

Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists.

7. See the Sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays.

Bring along cookies and hot chocolate.

8. Trim a Tree: Get together with adult friends at a treetrimming party.

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9. Play Dress-Up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering.

10. Wilderness Walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow and see a local park from a winter perspective.

11. Acts of Kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season.

12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person.

13. Hand Out Hot Chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold.

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14. Read Religious Stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages.

15. Camp-In: The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights.

16. Scavenger Hunt: Plan holidaythemed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find.

17. Surprise Box: Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.

18. Family Portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.

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Holiday 2017

SEASONS® MAGAZINE

In Season with

CONTENTS

Jamie Lynn Ryan

Holiday Happenings

"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." ~ Charles M. Schulz

Welcome to our Holiday issue of Seasons® Magazine! Now mailed to 100,000 homes and businesses across Long Island, we are celebrating our fourth year of showcasing the best of Long Island. Thank you to all of our readers for their continued support, as well as our loyal merchants - we look forward to continuing to serve your community as 2017 draws to a close.

Pages 24 & 25

The Holidays are a time of festive happenings for the entire family to enjoy, and our calendar of events includes everything from a host of tree lightings to old-fashioned Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations to holiday house tours, and even a few toasts to the New Year.

Of course, New York City is brimming with holiday spirit as well! For those looking to stroll the city streets, we have compiled a guide to your favorite window displays. If taking in a performance is more your style, pick up tickets to see The Nutcracker or The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Winter Village is up and running at Bryant Park, and the rink at Rockefeller Center will be brimming with ice skaters by the time you read this.

Our Seasonal Selections have returned, featuring recipes for "No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Pie" and "Double Chocolate Chip Cookies." The holidays are a time full of guests and gatherings, and having a delectable dessert on hand is always helpful.

No issue of Seasons® would be complete without our helpful hints on how to make these next few months a success, from decking the halls and creating inviting spaces for entertaining in your home, to shopping for presents and packaging gifts in a memorable way for your loved ones.

Page 14

Page 12

Santa Letter Writing Secrets

Gift Wrapping Tips & Tricks

Christmas in New York

The Holiday season is one that tends to fly by faster than Santa's sleigh, so be sure to take a moment to appreciate all the magic that surrounds you.

We hope that you find the content in the pages of this magazine helpful as you create memories to last a lifetime.

Page 32

Until next time, Happy Holidays . . . we wish you a season filled with peace, love and joy as you celebrate this special time of year with family and friends.

See you in 2018!

Thanks for reading!

Jamie Publisher: Jeff Lambert For more information, or to advertise, call 631.226.2636 or visit www.SeasonsMagazineOnline.com

Editor: Jamie Lynn Ryan Editorial@SeasonsMagazineOnline.com Creative Director: Jason Santana Art@SeasonsMagazineOnline.com

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Holiday Entertaining

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Tree Trimming Techniques

Seasonal Selections Page 30

Copyright © 2017 by Long Island Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, and such responsibility, if any, shall be limited to the first use of advertising, in the case of repeated use. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising at its sole discretion. The advertiser shall represent that all artwork and copy provided by the advertiser is owned by the advertiser, and it has the right to utilize such in this publication.

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he charity watchdog organization Charity Navigator says that total giving to charitable organizations equalled $390.05 billion in 2016. This was an increase of 2.7 percent in current dollars from 2015. In fact, giving has increased every year since 1976 with the exception of 1987, 2008 and 2009.

Historically, religious groups receive the largest share of charitable donations. However, education-based charities and human services charities also received a large percentage of donations in 2016, says Giving USA’s 2017 Annual Report on Philanthropy.

Giving can be a year-round occurrence, but philanthropy tends to rise during the holiday season when people are feeling charitable. Some people even turn their charitable efforts into gifts for loved ones. The following are some gift ideas that can benefit the recipient, the person doing the giving and a third-party group as well: Real Estate Donating real estate can be an option for the person who has a piece of property or a home they no longer need. Rather than face taxes on the property once it’s been sold, donating it to an organization or individual represents a charitable offering, and in some cases, may be eligible for a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the real estate. Giving a plot of land or transferring a deed to a home to someone worthy can make

for a memorable, life-altering gift.

Educational Bequest A donation to a university or other school may help pay the tuitions of future students. Some philanthropists like to fund particular renovations at their alma maters or fund scholarships for students looking to work in a particular industry.

Charitable Trust or Stocks A charitable trust is a great way to transfer wealth to heirs or simply provide a stream of income over the years. Individuals can establish a period of time during which the assets are held in a trust and when those assets can be accessed.

A tax-efficient way to give is to contribute to long-term securities in a person’s name.

Recipients of such gifts can choose to cash in their stocks at a later date.

Charitable giving rises during the holiday season.

Providing opportunities for friends and loved ones can make a wonderful gift. Find out which options are best for you by speaking with a financial advisor or tax professional.

The History of Christmas Stockings

J

ust when the excitement of opening presents abates after the last of the packages under the Christmas tree have been torn open, children and adults alike may discover that there are more treats to be had nestled inside of stockings hung on the mantle.

The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular: St. Nicholas Day

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Rather than hanging stockings on Christmas, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th, and this is when stockings are proudly left out for treats. The small, inexpensive trinkets are later unwrapped and enjoyed on Christmas Day. Dutch Heritage One tradition says that, in 16th century Holland, children kept their clogs filled with straw in front of the hearth for Santa’s reindeer to find.

They also left treats for Santa Claus. In return, Santa would leave gifts in the clogs. Over time, stockings were swapped out for clogs.

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Merchant’s Family Story A popular tale tells the story of a merchant, his wife and three daughters. After the wife falls ill and dies, the man becomes devastated and squanders all of his wealth on frivolous things to mask his sadness. When it comes time for the daughters to marry, the man does not have money for a dowry. St. Nicholas hears of the plight and knows the man would be too proud to accept charity.

Therefore, St. Nicholas anonymously tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The man’s daughters had done the laundry prior and left their stockings hanging by the fireplace to dry.

The gold landed in the stockings, thus starting the Christmas stocking tradition.

Italian Good Witch One stocking story does not attribute the tradition to Santa, but to a kind-hearted Italian witch named “La Befana.” La Befana arrives on a broomstick the night of January 5th and fills the stockings of good children with sweet treats and toys. Bad children are awarded lumps of coal. La Befana is also credited with being the old woman who the wise men ask for directions to Christ’s manger in the Christ child’s story. After turning down an offer to accompany them, La Befana later carried gifts in search of Christ.

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Baking Shortcuts for Time-Pressed Entertainers

Stick with Tested Recipes Although holiday bakers may want to branch out a bit with their culinary creativity, recipes that have previously been prepared with great success can take some of the work out of holiday baking. Preparing recipes you recall preparing in the past is much easier than trying something new. If you’d like, add sparkle to old standards, such as decorating oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies with colored sprinkles.

Cookies are Fast-Baking Did you know that cookies were originally made to test oven temperatures? Culinary historians say that cookies were first made to

test if an oven was hot enough to bake other goods. Today, cookies can be whipped up in mere minutes.

Make a batch of dough and then freeze or refrigerate it, thawing it when the time comes to bake. Also, think about baking one day and decorating the next if pressed for time.

Embrace Colored Candy Melts Icing can be tricky to master. Simply heating colored candy melts and pouring over cakes or painting onto cookies can add festive appeal to desserts. Candy melts even come in many different colors and can be combined to achieve the tint desired.

baking staples, such as vanilla and almond extracts, baking powder/ soda, molasses and confectioner’s sugar.

Don’t Bake from Scratch Not all recipes need to be made from scratch. Boxed cake mixes can be embellished and turned into delicious desserts without much fuss. Substitute melted butter for oil, buttermilk for water, and add an extra egg for a rich cake.

Mix in chocolate chips or nuts or experiment with garnishes for a festive look.

Parchment Paper is Key Line cookie sheets or cake pans with parchment paper for easy dessert release and quick cleanup.

Parchment paper and even foil can help lift cakes or cookie bars out of pans so they look neat and do not stick.

Keep Ingredients in Top Form Don’t let poorly performing ingredients or a lack of supplies be your undoing. Butter can be softened quickly in the microwave when needed for recipes. Eggs can be brought to room temperature by allowing them to sit in a bowl of warm water. Ensure that brown sugar stays soft by putting a piece of sliced bread in the container.

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Be Prepared for Unexpected Company

T

he latter part of the year is full of social engagements with family and friends. Pew Research Center says 92 percent of all Americans plan to celebrate Christmas as a holiday, with 69 percent using it as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

While many social occasions

surrounding Christmas are anticipated for months in advance, unexpected pop-ins are also the norm this time of year. Rather than being caught off guard, individuals can take steps to prepare for unexpected guests: Have food available. Even if guests pop in for a little while, it’s nice to be

able to offer them something to eat.

Keep cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, pretzels and other snacks on hand. Make-ahead, crowd-friendly foods can be prepared and frozen.

Casseroles, pasta dishes and stews are hearty and can serve in a pinch when unexpected visitors arrive.

Simply take out to defrost and heat up. Keep cookies in air-tight tins and purchase a premade frozen pie to serve, if necessary.

In a pinch, you can always order out, but over time the cost of having food delivered can add up.

Cue the playlist. Put together a playlist of favorite holiday music that will provide the ideal ambiance should guests ring your doorbell.

Thanks to services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Pandora, holiday music that fills a home with the sweet sounds of the season is now always accessible.

IS YOUR ROOF LEAKING? Keep things neat. Set aside a closet or space that can serve as a catch-all where errant items can quickly be stored should guests arrive. Gather loose toys, books or stray papers in a basket and then stash the basket in the closet until guests depart. Routinely empty the dishwasher so dirty dishes left in the sink can be quickly loaded before guests arrive.

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Toasting to a happy holiday season is the norm during this time of year. Toasting requires hosts have some spirits on hand. Stock the bar with a few staples, such as red and white wine, vodka, rum, whiskey and mixers. Also, you may just want to create a signature or seasonal cocktail that can be served when guests arrive, such as a spiced punch or a holiday eggnog.

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In homage of the first German Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies.

To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree stand inside of a waterproof planting container. Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt.

For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home decor and the color of furniture.

Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family.

Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed.

Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in.

Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.

Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real trees are sold annually.

Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that:

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For added safety, anchor a tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets.

The more lights the better, especially on dense trees.

Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th century.

Early Americans were late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan settlers thought the tradition as well as carols and other concepts - were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States.

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eople have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations.

Prune the tree first.

Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out.

Wear gardening gloves to avoid being covered in sap.

Position trees away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a fire risk.

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Santa Letter-Writing Secrets

A

t the tip of the North Pole resides a jolly man who collects letters from children asking him to deliver all of their hearts’ desires. Although Santa Claus does a thorough job of making sure children’s treats are delivered on the same night, sometimes he needs assistance with reading and responding to the thousands upon thousands of letters sent to him each year. That is why he often relies on an extensive list of helpers to handle much of his holiday correspondence.

The Universal Postal Union, an intergovernmental organization that coordinates postal policies across 192 member nations, indicates that 1,350,000 letters to Santa were sent

by Canadians, while Americans sent more than one million and Britains mailed roughly 800,000 such letters in 2012, the most recent year from which figures are available.

To account for the staggering number of letters sent, various post offices and postal programs were established to help Santa with the task of tackling children’s wish lists.

According to the Smithsonian, the practice of writing to St. Nick dates back more than 150 years.

Early depictions of Santa show him as a disciplinarian. The first Christmastime Santa letters were actually sent by Santa, rather than the other way around. Such letters encouraged children to be good boys and girls. Eventually, an illustration by Thomas Nast depicted “Santaclaussville, N.P.” as Santa’s address, providing children with a place where they could send their correspondences to the big guy in red.

In Canada, children can address letters to Santa and use the postal code H0H, 0H0. In 2016, the USPS instituted a new letter-writing option that enables parents or guardians to include a personalized response letter back to children who address letters to Santa. The package can be postmarked to: North Pole Postmark Postmaster, 4141 Postmark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998.

Many other letters to Santa end up routing to various post offices where thousands of volunteer “elves” can adopt letters and make children’s wishes come true. A “Letters to

• Make sure you’ve been nice and well-behaved.

Santa” program enables children in serious need to get items that can help keep them safe and happy.

Parents may also investigate a number of services that will provide letters from Santa, Mrs. Claus or elves for nominal fees. These letters can be personalized with details.

Santa has even gone high-tech with personalized videos and pictures as well. A quick web search can yield the instructions on how prospective helpers can get started.

Children can improve their chances of letters being read and received, with these tips:

• Ask Santa how he has been and engage in some polite conversation.

• Politely ask for the toys you’d like.

Understand that Santa is busy, so keep the list brief.

• Thank Santa in advance for his kindness. Hopefully, he’ll have time to reply.

• Write and mail the letter as early as possible, as things tend to get busy as Christmas nears.

• Identify who is writing the letter and share some details about your life.

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Holiday Gift-Wrapping Tips and Tricks

A

fter all the holiday presents have been purchased, the task of wrapping can begin. Although some people find wrapping is relaxing and provides a chance to embrace one’s artistic flair, many others find wrapping gift after gift becomes tedious quite fast.

While there are no statistics on just how many gifts the average person purchases over the course of the holiday season, the National Retail Federation says the average consumer will spend around $800 on all things holiday. That means there will be a lot of gifts to wrap before the big exchange. Those who want to make gift-wrapping less tedious this holiday season can consider these ideas to streamline the process: Gather All Supplies When the time comes to wrap gifts, there’s nothing more frustrating than hunting for wrapping supplies. Have paper, bows, bags, tissue, pens, tape (double-sided tape streamlines the process), scissors, ribbon and any other wrapping accoutrements at the ready. Set up a folding snack

bags. Or wrap the gift in twine and add a sprig of evergreen for a rustic look. Children can even use markers or crayons to create their own designs on gifts, personalizing even further.

with ribbon and a tag for extra flair.

Fabric bends and moves, making it more forgiving for oddly shaped gifts as well.

table near your wrapping area to hold the supplies so they don’t get in the way.

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Always wrap on a large, flat and sturdy surface. Avoid wrapping on a carpet, which will give gift wrap a wrinkled look and increase the amount of time needed to wrap.

On your next trip to Trader Joes or Whole Foods, bring home more than organic produce. Walk away with paper bags and free gift wrap. Craft a DIY stamp roller or handmade stamps to dress up plain brown

Square It Up If you are a master at wrapping rectangular or square gifts but fail when presents are oddly shaped, place misshapen gifts into boxes and then wrap the boxes. Gift bags also can be used for such gifts, but wrapped boxes may look more appealing under the tree.

Diversify Gifts Identify each recipient’s gifts by wrapping in a different color or style.

Just jot down the key to decoding the wrapping, and you’ll save time on individual gift tags.

Fabric Over Paper If you think gift wrap is wasteful, think about repurposing fabric into beautiful wrapping for presents. A square of leftover fabric, a piece of a t-shirt or even a portion of a sweater that has seen better days can be transformed into an innovative package for gift-giving.

Tie the gathered ends into a bow and skip the tape as well. Dress up

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Christmas Cards Made Easy

F

estive greetings sent to family, friends, coworkers and business associates are an enjoyable element of the holiday season. The first Christmas card was sent in England in 1843.

Despite the popularity of online cards and social media posts for other occasions, and a greeting card industry that is declining at a rate of about 5 percent per year according to an IBISWorld analysis, when it comes to Christmas cards, many people still choose to write out and mail their cards.

The amount of money spent on holiday greeting cards is substantial, accounting for roughly 25 percent of total annual greeting card sales, according to the Greeting Card Association. Around $2 billion per year is spent on the 1.6 billion Christmas cards people send each year.

Although millions of people are still buying boxed cards, signing and mailing them, there is no denying that the process of choosing, addressing and mailing cards can take a considerable amount of time. Streamlining the process and

starting card preparation early can make sending Christmas cards that much easier. Here is how to get started: Choose Your Card Photo greetings remain fashionable, particularly among families who may want to show how much their children have grown over the last year. Photographers book up quite quickly come the holiday season, and photo printing services may be backlogged in December. The best way to streamline the process is to choose your family photo early (take advantage of summer vacations or autumn foliage trips to snap a great shot) and have those cards printed well in advance of the holidays.

If you have the forethought to shop end-of-season sales, purchase deeply discounted generic boxed cards, if this is your card preference.

Maintain Your Contact List Keeping a digital file of current addresses can make sending cards much more efficient. Update it regularly as people move or life situations change. While it may be more personalized to hand-

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address each card, sometimes time constraints may not permit that. Printing address labels can save time. This also gives you more wiggle room to put personal sentiments inside of the card, where they are more appreciated.

Edit Your Recipients Mailing greeting cards can get expensive. Carefully review your holiday card list and see if anyone can be removed from the list. Opt for electronic greetings for those people on your list who you are not close with, such as coworkers.

Reduce postage costs by personally delivering cards to family, friends and neighbors who live nearby.

Did You Know?

Consumers may readily recognize Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the holiday shopping lexicon. But what about Super Saturday?

Super Saturday, sometimes called “Panic Saturday,” refers to the final Saturday before Christmas. This can be a big day for retailers. Super Saturday deals tend to target lastminute shoppers who wait until the very end to make the majority of their purchases or pick up those final gifts.

Super Saturday 2017 occurs on December 23rd.

Beat the Rush Spend the weekend after Thanksgiving getting cards sealed and ready to ship. This way your attention can be focused on the other holiday-related activities instead of on getting and sending cards.

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Safety Measures for Winter Drivers

W

inter weather causes many people to retreat indoors until the spring thaw.

However, for those who embrace the cooler temperatures or find that life must go on despite snow and ice, taking inventory of their vehicles is a must before the first snowflakes start to fall.

Tire care is an especially important area of vehicle maintenance. The tire experts at Michelin say that regular tires may be ineffective for winter driving. Summer tires are made from materials that are optimized for warm conditions. When the mercury drops, these same materials can harden, reducing their ability to grip the road. That lack of traction can be compounded by the presence of snow or ice. Even all-season tires, which are designed to be driven year-round, can be insufficient in severe weather conditions. Winter tires can help drivers safely navigate winter roadways.

Bridgestone Tires says that having the right snow tires matters when driving in winter weather conditions.

It’s important to look for tires that can disperse water sufficiently and

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also grip the road. Snow tires are designed to remain softer and more flexible to conform to the road better in cold conditions. Some winter tires are even studded to provide better traction.

Unfortunately, even the best winter tires cannot provide perfect traction on slippery roadways. That is why it is essential - in conjunction with the use of winter tires or snow chains to modify driving techniques to navigate safely.

slush, drivers should take their feet off of the pedals and steer gently in the direction they want to go. As the vehicle regains traction, only then should the brakes or accelerator be applied.

vehicle are in good working order.

Replace windshield wipers.

Reduced visibility can compromise the safety of drivers and their passengers. Replace windshield wiper blades before winter arrives.

Consider purchasing winter-rated windshield blades.

Know how to recover from a skid.

When skids occur on black ice or

Winter weather requires making some vehicle modifications, and drivers may want to alter the way they drive to be more safe on the road.

Drive slowly. Slow down on winter roads. Allow a greater distance for stopping than for dry conditions. Slippery conditions can make it more challenging to stop, and excessive speeds can make the situation worse.

Shift into low gear. On hills, rely on low gears to maximize traction to travel up and down hills. This can minimize skids or sliding.

Get the vehicle a tuneup. In addition to tires, be sure the braking system, battery and other major components of the

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Guide to Comfortable Holiday Shopping

D

uring the period between Black Friday and Super Saturday, millions of people flock to stores or shop online in order to meet their holiday deadlines. The National Retail Federation states that, during the holiday retail season of 2016, spending was up by 4 percent over the same period in 2015,

and $658.3 billion was spent from November through December.

Consumers have more options today than ever before when shopping for holiday gifts. Shoppers about to get into the holiday shopping swing of things can make the process more comfortable in various ways: Swap Black Friday for Cyber Monday According to NRF’s Cyber Monday Expectations Survey conducted

by Prosper Insights Analytics, 122 million Americans planned to shop online on Cyber Monday in 2016.

Millions of people

recognize that stores are using all means possible to increase sales.

Online deals can be too good to pass up, and shoppers don’t even need to leave the comfort of their homes to shop. Early morning is the busiest time for online shopping, so if you’re worried about retailer site slowdowns, opt for early or late evening to make purchases. Many retailers preview deals for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so you can make a list of what to buy to streamline shopping.

Use a Ridesharing Service Take the hassle out of endlessly circling mall parking lots looking for parking spots by taking a cab or ridesharing service to the stores.

Drivers can drop you off right at the main entrance, which can increase safety and comfort, particularly on the way home when you have packages in tow.

Dress Appropriately Wearing too much clothing can leave you feeling overheated and uncomfortable in crowded retail centers. Skip the heavy coat and layer clothing instead. This way you

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can shed layers as necessary to remain comfortable. Wear flats or walking shoes to protect your feet.

Consider bringing along a rolling beach cart so that packages do not weigh you down.

Pack Nutritious Snacks Hunger can try your patience, which doesn’t bode well when holiday shopping. Eat well before visiting the store and bring along filling, nutritious snacks, such as trail mix or edamame, so you don’t have to navigate crowded food courts when hunger strikes.

Build in Breaks Whether shopping at home or in-store, take breaks from marathon shopping to relax. Too much focus on spending can impede your ability to enjoy all the wonders of the holiday season. Plan shopping sessions around dining out, visiting or sightseeing.

Holiday shopping can be less of a chore when shoppers prioritize comfort.

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Holiday Ha Long Island Run for the Warriors

Saturday, November 18th at 9:00 a.m.

Babylon Town Hall 200 East Sunrise Highway Lindenhurst 631.587.3696 www.HopefortheWarriors.org

There will be a 10K/5K/1-mile run, beginning and ending at Babylon Town Hall.

1863 Thanksgiving

November 19th through November 26th Old Bethpage Village Restoration 1303 Round Swamp Road Old Bethpage 516.572.8400 www.OBVRNassau.com

Enjoy the sights and aromas of an old-fashioned Thanksgiving, including decorated pumpkin pies baked in a beehive oven and turkey roasted over an open fire. Traditional fiddle music will be played, and children’s stories will be read several times each day.

631.661.4879

Kick off the holiday season by helping decorate the holiday tree. Bring a handmade ornament relating to the sea, nature or the Lighthouse to hang.

There will be free hot chocolate and cookies.

Lighting the Montauk Point Lighthouse

Saturday, November 25th at 4:00 p.m.

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum 2000 Montauk Highway 631.668.2544 www.MontaukLighthouse.com

The Montauk Historical Society will once again adorn the Lighthouse with thousands of white lights for the holiday season. The celebration will include holiday music and caroling.

Santa has also promised to make an appearance. Gate opens at 4:00 p.m., with the lighting after sunset. The tower climb will be closed. The lights will remain on every night until Sunday, January 1st, 2018.

Holiday Tree Lighting Patchogue River Boat Parade

Sunday, November 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Along the Patchogue River

Admission is free. Boats decorated in Christmas lights will travel down the Patchogue River and compete for the most holiday spirit.

Tree Trimming Event

Saturday, November 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fire Island Lighthouse Robert Moses State Park

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Friday, December 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park 440 Montauk Highway, Oakdale 631.581.1002 www.Parks.NY.gov

Join in a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, who will light the tree for the 2017 holiday season. Hot beverages will be served outside after Santa lights the tree.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Town Hall Park EDITION THREE

Lindenhurst

Friday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Park 200 East Sunrise Highway Lindenhurst 631.587.3696 www.BabylonArts.org

All town residents are invited to attend this popular holiday event, featuring gifts for children, costumed characters, musical entertainment and refreshments for all.

Belmont Lake Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, December 2nd at 4:15 p.m.

Belmont Lake State Park 631.667.5055 www.Parks.NY.gov

Patrons walk through a winter wonderland on their way to the main area for the tree lighting on the front lawn of the headquarters building.

In addition to the holiday music and tree lighting by Santa Claus, there will be an ice sculptor, roving carolers, refreshments and fireworks.

Tree Lighting at Old Westbury Gardens

Saturday, December 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Road Old Westbury

The lighting of the Christmas tree will be followed by holiday music.

Reservations required.

Charles Dickens Festival Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd Village of Port Jefferson

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appenings 631.473.4724 www.PortJeff.com

The Village of Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era, with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps. Featuring ice skating at the Village Center, an a cappella performance by choirs and harmony groups, Nutcracker performances, magic shows by The Great Wizard of the North, and many fine musical performances by area musicians.

In addition, this year’s festival will feature Theater Three’s 34th annual production of A Christmas Carol. The Santa Parade is Sunday, December 3rd, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Holiday Tree Lighting at the Planting Fields Arboretum Friday, December 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Planting Field Arboretum Historic State Park 1395 Planting Fields Road Oyster Bay 516.922.9200 www.Parks.NY.gov

Carolers will kick off the festivities singing on the south side of the Camelia Greenhouse, followed by Santa Claus arriving to light the holiday tree. Patrons can view the first floor of Coe Hall’s exquisite interior and enjoy the view of the spectacular poinsettia display in the main greenhouse, then meet Santa in the Hay Barn.

Christmas House Tour at Sagtikos Manor

Saturday, December 9th & Sunday, December 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Sagtikos Manor 677 Montauk Highway Bay Shore 631.661.5169 www.SagtikosManor.org

Theme: Presidential Christmas Celebrations – tour each room and hear how different presidents celebrated the holidays with their family traditions.

Reenactment of the Flying Santa

Saturday, December 9th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fire Island Lighthouse Robert Moses State Park 631.661.4876 www.FireIslandLighthouse.com

Back in 1953, Pilot Snow (a.k.a. “Flying Santa”) flew his plane past the Fire Island Lighthouse and left a package of holiday gifts for the Lighthouse Keeper and his family. Relive this historic event!

Special Twilight Tours of Decorated Mansion

Tuesday, December 26th & Wednesday, December 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport 631.854.5579 www.VanderbiltMuseum.org This highly popular event is a treat for visitors, and the only time of the year the Vanderbilt family’s private living quarters can be seen at night.

25

through December 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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Featuring 19th century buildings lit by candlelight, an 1866 decorated Christmas tree, Civil War era Christmas songs, stories of Christmases past, music by local schools and organizations, a holiday brass quartet and old time fiddle music, a traditional bonfire and hot apple cider.

Midnight on Main Street Sunday, December 31st from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Patchogue Village 631.207.1000

Festivities include music, free noisemakers, a street dance party and Grucci Grand Illuminations. All attending are invited to continue the celebration at the town’s restaurants before or after this celebration.

Fish & Wishes New Year’s Eve

Sunday, December 31st Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center 431 East Main Street, Riverhead 631.208.9200 www.LongIslandAquarium.com

Ring in the New Year with your family.

Featuring a buffet dinner, DJ & dancing, cash bar, plus the Aquarium. There will be a Mock Midnight toast at 10:30 p.m.

Candlelight Evening & Holiday Craft Show December 22nd

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Gifting Ideas for Budget-Conscious Families

T

he holiday season is a magical time of year when many people celebrate their faith and express their love and appreciation for their families. Such expressions are often made through the exchange of gifts, which can stretch families' budgets.

The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales in November and December of 2016 reached $658.3 billion, marking a 4 percent increase over the same period a year prior. For budget-conscious families, entering the holiday spending fray can have lasting effects that cast a pall over their finances for months to come.

Staying within budget is not impossible during the holiday season. It might take a little creativity and discussion among family members, but there are ways to exchange gifts and avoid debt this holiday season: Embrace a “Secret Santa” exchange. Large families can save money by engaging in a Secret Santa exchange. Rather than asking each member of the family to buy gifts for one another, a Secret Santa

come and gone and there’s more room in the budget.

exchange asks each participant to pick a name out of a hat and then only buy gifts for that person. This is a great way to save both money and time, and it saves participants from the potential hassle of returning gifts after the season.

Connect with your creative side.

In lieu of purchasing a gift made by someone else, make your own gift. Skilled crafters can create a one-of-a-kind gift out of supplies they already have on hand, while woodworkers can follow suit. Such gifts are thoughtful and inexpensive,

Establish spending limits.

Whether families embrace a Secret Santa exchange or not, they can save money by agreeing on a spending limit for each gift. Families participating in a Secret Santa exchange can set their spending limits a little higher than those families who will be buying gifts for multiple people.

Budget-conscious families don’t have to sit out of holiday gift exchanges, as there are plenty of creative ways to express your love and appreciation for family without breaking the bank.

Share experiences in lieu of exchanging gifts. Adults tend to be more difficult to shop for than children, as many adults can simply buy their own gadgets, clothing and other items commonly given during the holiday season. To save money, adults can forgo gifting traditional gifts to one another, instead resolving to provide an experience for a loved one. Invite a loved one over for a homecooked meal or offer to take a family member out to dinner once the holiday season has

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27

SEASONS® MAGAZINE

Get the Facts About “Checkout Charities”

S

hoppers visiting supermarkets and other retailers who make their way to the checkout counter face various impulse purchases. Along with the packs of gum, tabloid magazines and chilled soft drinks, consumers have another possible purchase to consider: a charitable donation.

charity name here) today?” That’s a question people are increasingly hearing when they run to grab a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread.

According to a recent Good Scout Group study, nearly three out of four Americans admit to having given donations when checking out at stores or restaurants.

“Do you want to donate $1 to (insert

Checkout charities can be extremely

thorough with their giving have other options. Organizations can use signage and other informational takeaways to help the public understand their charities better and make more informed giving decisions.

effective for raising awareness and collecting considerable donations.

Forbes has found that checkout charities raise hundreds of millions each year.

These charity programs take many forms and can be featured everywhere from department stores to supermarkets to fast food restaurants. Some charities ask for flat donations while others request shoppers “round up” their purchases. Other retail centers have coin or bill collection containers at the checkout counters. In 2014, McDonald’s raised roughly $27 million by collecting loose change at their checkout counters.

Technology has changed the way checkout charities may work, with donors adding donations into their checkout bills or using donation kiosks. Some of these technologies may make it possible to record donations and track the impact of a campaign, but other donations may not come with receipts, making it hard for donors to claim tax deductions.

Some argue that checkout charities are impersonal and that they pressure or guilt shoppers into making impulsive donations.

Consumers have the choice to decline solicitations without explaining themselves.

Although checkout charities can be quite effective and help a vast array of groups and people, there are some things to consider.

When faced with a split-second decision of whether to donate or not, consumers do not have the proper time to evaluate a charity.

While many charities featured at checkout counters are valid and do worthy efforts, shoppers who want to be more thoughtful and

Checkout charities are popping up more and more at stores and restaurants. Consumers can weigh the benefits of donating in this way or more traditional ways.

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Classic Hot Toddy

C

ome the holiday season, hot toddies are ideal for entertaining, providing spirited fun and a means to chasing away the winter chill.

Hot toddies have been around for centuries.

Usually a mix of a spirit - either whiskey, rum or brandy - hot water, honey and spices, some believe the word “toddy” comes from an Indian drink of the same name that is produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees.

Other sources say the hot toddy was created

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Hot drinks embellished with alcohol were long used for medicinal purposes. While alcoholic beverages are no longer used as medicine, hot toddies can still chase away a chill. “Grog” is another name given to hot alcoholic drinks, or any drink in which unmeasured amounts of spirits are mixed with other ingredients. Grog may also refer to a water-and-rum mixture that sea merchants

once drank. The water kept the merchants hydrated, while the rum prevented the water from spoiling during voyages.

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Seasonal Selections No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Pie

Yields 1 Pie

The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including delicious foods. While Thanksgiving turkeys or Christmas geese will be found on many a table this holiday season, baked goods and desserts are what many people look forward to this time of year.

Holiday hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests. Thankfully, the following recipe for Chocolate-Strawberry Pie can be prepared in just 15 minutes, all without turning on the oven:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved • 1 store-bought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust • 2⁄3 cup sugar • 1⁄4 cup cornstarch • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • 1⁄4 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger • 1⁄8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • Pinch of kosher or sea salt • 6 large egg yolks • 21⁄2 cups half-and-half • 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped • 1⁄2 tablespoon rum extract • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg and salt over medium heat.

Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste.

Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

In a food processor or blender, purée the kiwi fruit with the juice, syrup and sugared zest. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, to freeze without an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a 9-inch nonreactive square pan. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze just until solid, 2 to 3 hours.

Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes.

Scrape out into an electric mixer or food processor and process briefly until light and fluffy.

Serve at once or transfer to a container, cover, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

Pour the filling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set.

At serving time, garnish with a lime wedge to squeeze over each serving.

Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 12 large cookies

Many people enjoy baking come the holiday season, and perhaps no dish is more synonymous with holiday baking than cookies. Children leave cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, while adults may indulge and enjoy an extra cookie or two at family gatherings or holiday office parties.

Cookies come in all shapes and sizes, so bakers have an array of options at their disposal when planning their holiday menus. Chocolate chip cookies may be among the most popular types of cookies, and bakers who want to capitalize on that popularity while giving loved ones something a little different may want to try the following recipe for “Double Chocolate Chip Cookies”...

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • •

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted 1 large egg, beaten 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract (see note) 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 2⁄3 cup (or more) dark and white (or milk) chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate) A heavy, nonstick baking sheet

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DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence.

Sift the flour with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips.

Place 4 heaping tablespoonsful of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1⁄4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened fingers (you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 EDITION THREE

minute, then transfer to a wire rack.

When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Note: Chocolate extract is a fat-free flavoring ingredient made from a blend of roasted cacao beans, water and alcohol.

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Christmas in New York Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Central Park at 59th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues 212.439.6900 www.CentralPark.com The Wollman Rink is located on the east side of the Park, very close to the Central Park Zoo. It offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals and lockers.

Hours are Monday and Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Through March 4th, 2018 Behind the New York Public Library, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues 212.661.6640 www.WinterVillage.org

The Rink is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Holiday Shops are open daily through January 2nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All hours are weather permitting.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

enchanting Land of Sweets. This is the version that originated a beloved American tradition.

Through January 1st, 2018 Radio City Music Hall Sixth Avenue, between 50th & 51st Streets 212.247.4777 www.RadioCity.com

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The 2017 tree will be lit for the first time, with live performances from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tens of thousands will crowd the sidewalks for the event and hundreds of millions will watch it live across the globe. The Tree will remain lit and can be viewed until 9:00 p.m. on January 7th.

The Rockettes® will shine like never before in a breathtaking new finale that transforms the theater into a glistening winter wonderland. Share in the joy of this one-of-a-kind celebration for family, friends and loved ones. Every moment is magic!

November 24th through December 31st, 2017 David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center Between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues 212.496.0600 www.NYCBallet.com

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SEASONS® MAGAZINE

9 Ways to Maximize Entertaining Space

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eople who live in compact homes or apartments may find space is at a premium during regular times of the year. When the holidays arrive, decorations, trees and presents can make homes seem even more cluttered. This can make it especially challenging for holiday hosts who want to open up their homes for festive gatherings.

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1. Put nonessential furniture and other decor away. It’s impossible for would-be holiday hosts to move all of their belongings out of their homes to create entertaining space. But hosts can certainly cut down on clutter. Check out the flow of a room and then move pieces around as needed to open up floor space. Push tables or large pieces of furniture up against walls. Swap out armchairs for folding chairs.

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2. Put benches and wide ledges to use. Narrow benches, such as those common to picnic tables, can seat three or four comfortably. Do not discount deep window ledges as potential seats, as these areas can be made more comfortable with pillows or cushions.

4. Use islands and countertops.

Tables can take up valuable space.

5. Create conversation areas.

Encourage guests to spread out by setting up intimate spots in various rooms. This way guests won’t feel the need to congregate in the same space. Bistro tables in a den, a few floor pillows in front of the fireplace and stools by a kitchen island will create conversation areas.

6. Expand outside, if possible.

Rent a tent that can be warmed with a space heater. If your home has a closed-in porch or patio space, cover screens with insulating plastic to create a comfortable added room.

3. Collapse tables after meals.

If a sit-down dinner is the goal, set up tables accordingly. Then break down the tables afterward to free up more space. Serve small desserts that can be easily transported from room to room.

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Even if space is at a premium, all it takes is a little ingenuity to entertain successfully:

When entertaining a lot of guests, set up an all-purpose counter island and add barstools. This can be an area for food prep, eating and entertaining.

7. Skip a sit-down meal. Large tables take up a lot of space, so serve a buffet, tapas or passed hors d’oeuvres so guests mix and mingle rather than sit down at one large table.

8. Use all available surfaces.

Invest in some sturdy serving trays that can be placed on television stands, upright speakers, ottomans or even wooden crates. This will increase the amount of room you have to serve and store items.

9. Spread out refreshments. Avoid bottlenecks in common areas by putting food, beverages and other items in various locations. Fill up the kitchen sink with ice and make it an oversized beverage cooler.

Holiday entertaining requires some creativity when hosting in compact spaces.

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