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Festive Tree-Trimming Tips and Techniques
P
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. Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness. 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. 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. 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. The more lights the better, especially on dense trees. 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.
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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.
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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. www.seasonsmagazineonline.com
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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 20 & 21
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 19
Page 10
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 24
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
Page 14
Holiday Entertaining
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Tree Trimming Techniques
Seasonal Selections Page 22
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Giving the Gift of Charity
T
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:
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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:
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St. Nicholas Day 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.
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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
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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. EDITION FIVE
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. For More Information, Call: 631.226.2636
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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 by Dr. Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed a drink made of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup and water. The drink was dubbed the “hot toddy.” 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. The classic hot toddy can be a versatile drink used to keep guests comfortable and cheerful. This warm libation is soothing and savory, mixing citrus, honey and spices, which each have their various health benefits. Although hot toddy recipes vary, the following is the recipe for a classic hot toddy:
INGREDIENTS
11⁄2 ounces bourbon, whiskey or another brown liquor 1 tablespoon honey 1⁄2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 cup boiling water Cinnamon stick Lemon wedge Cloves or star anise
DIRECTIONS
Combine liquor, lemon juice, honey and boiling water together in a mug or Irish coffee glass. Push cloves or star anise into the lemon wedge. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon wedge to the mug. Allow lemon and cinnamon stick to steep in the beverage for a few minutes. Stir and enjoy.
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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. Choose the Right Location
Stock Up on Paper Shopping Bags
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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Baking Shortcuts for Time-Pressed Entertainers
T
is the season for baking cookies, cakes and other treats. However, during the holiday rush, it’s easy to get sidetracked or tired, and perhaps even a little bit overwhelmed by all the things to do in such a short period of time. Holiday baking doesn’t have to add to seasonal stress. With these tips and shortcuts, there will be plenty of sweet treats for the family: 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
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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. Don’t forget to stock up on other
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KITCHEN & BATH 9 Ways to Maximize REMODELING Entertaining Space FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION BY RJV HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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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. Stow knick-knacks in bedrooms or in closets.
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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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4. Use islands and countertops. Tables can take up valuable space.
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. 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.
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.
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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.
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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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
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 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.
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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.
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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.
21
through December 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Old Bethpage Village Restoration 1303 Round Swamp Road Old Bethpage 516.572.8401 www.NassauCountyCraftShows.com
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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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 FIVE
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.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
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 Through January 1st, 2018 Radio City Music Hall Sixth Avenue, between 50th & 51st Streets 212.247.4777 www.RadioCity.com
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!
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
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
Tschaikovsky’s iconic score transports you to a world of wonder where mischievous mice are foiled by toy soldiers come to life, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals the
enchanting Land of Sweets. This is the version that originated a beloved American tradition.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, November 29th 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues 212.332.6868 www.RockefellerCenter.com 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.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets 212.753.2261 www.SaintPatricksCathedral.org The Cathedral is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. It is open until 7:00 p.m. on the night of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting.
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Set and Stick to Your Holiday Budget
T
he chance to give gifts and spend time with loved ones makes the holiday season a special time of year. But for many people, the holiday season often leads to overspending. A 2016 survey from the American Research Group found that American shoppers anticipated spending an average of $930 on gifts that holiday season. Data from T. Rowe Price confirms that parents are spending between $400 and $500 per child each year. In 2015, CPA Canada conducted a random phone survey of 1,004 adult Canadians and found the average adult planned to spend $766 on holiday gifts. Although these numbers can reflect an overwhelming sense of generosity, many times excessive spending is based on a desire to outdo gifting from the year prior sometimes at the risk of personal finances. Some people are taking drastic measures to make holidays over-the-top, with some delving into emergency savings while others withdraw prematurely from retirement accounts. Budgeting for the holiday season can help shoppers keep their finances in check. Determine Spending Patterns An examination of receipts and spending habits from previous holiday seasons can help individuals establish budgets for the current year. Make a list of all expenses -
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even the ones that extend beyond holiday giving. These may include expenses such as gym service fees, homeowner’s insurance, traveling expenses, gift exchanges at work and more. Extra costs can add up and should be factored into holiday budgets. Try to recall if your spending last year felt comfortable or if you were paying off credit cards long after the holiday season had ended. If it’s the latter, resolve to make adjustments. Establish a Budget that Fits There is no such thing as a onesize-fits-all budget. Figure out if there is extra money this season or if times are tight. This will help you plan accordingly and avoid overspending. Shifting priorities can help free up some cash. If children are interested in this year’s hot (and likely expensive) gift, cut back on holiday travel or entertaining. Instead of buying gifts for coworkers, buy a drink during a night out. Use the Holidays as an Opportunity to Sell Collectibles, gently used toys, video games, action figures - all of these items may be collecting dust at your home, but they might be coveted by other shoppers. Rely on the season for spending to make some extra income that can be cashed in for your own holiday purchases. Set Up an Account and Track Spending Establish a separate account strictly for holiday spending. This can include a credit card only used for gifts and entertaining or a savings account at a bank or credit union. You won’t know what is going out of your account unless you keep careful tabs on it. Tracking spending is the biggest key to sticking with a budget, according to the financial advice group The Balance.
S
Skiing locally can save skiing enthusiasts substantial amounts of money while still allowing them to enjoy the slopes. By choosing to visit local mountains, skiers can save on overnight lodging costs. And since resorts are close, skiers won’t need to purchase potentially expensive flights. In addition, skiers with their own equipment can save on rentals by bringing their own skis. It’s possible to do so when flying to a resort, but that can result in additional baggage and/or packaging fees.
kiing provides a great chance to enjoy the great outdoors at a time of year when such opportunities are often few and far between. As a result, ski trips can help combat cases of cabin fever that can settle in during winter months. Avid skiers and even novices often cannot wait for the season’s first trip to the slopes to enjoy the fresh powder. While an enjoyable recreational escape, people who love to ski would probably do it more often if skiing were more affordable. The following are four ways skiers can save some money when hitting the slopes this season:
4. Make It a Group Effort.
1. Book an All-Inclusive Trip. Lift tickets and equipment rentals can be expensive. Lift tickets are typically valid only for the day of purchase, so such expenses can quickly add up for skiers who want to spend several days on their favorite mountains. Before booking a trip, shop around for all-inclusive offerings that include rentals and lift tickets for the duration of the trip. Skiers who plan to spend several days on the mountain may find it more economical to purchase all-inclusive packages than to pay daily charges for lift tickets and equipment rentals.
Many resorts offer discounted rates on passes and activities to groups of a certain size. Look into the requirements for group discounts at local resorts, and then recruit friends and family to make the trip together. Skiing is an enjoyable activity and a great way to avoid the cabin fever that can settle in as winter drags on. Skiers with tight budgets, but a little creativity, can spend much of the upcoming season traversing their favorite mountains.
2. Book in Advance. If all-inclusive packages are impractical or too expensive, skiers can explore paying for equipment rentals and lift tickets in advance. Resorts may offer discounted rental and lift ticket prices to guests who purchase these items online in advance of their stays. 3. Ski Local.
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!
Holiday budgeting can be challenging. But with some effort, it is possible to avoid debt and still enjoy a happy holiday season.
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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.
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.
Dress Appropriately
Holiday shopping can be less of a chore when shoppers prioritize comfort.
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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