The Holiday Season is here! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we are truly thankful for your readership and for our loyal advertisers, we couldn't do what we do without you. Christmas and Hanukkah are also quickly approaching and we hope you're in the holiday spirit! Don't miss our Local Holiday Happenings page, which spotlights a list of upcoming festive events. Plus, enjoy other seasonal pieces throughout, along with local news like always. Looking forward to 2024? Keep an eye out for our New Year's Issue, which will be published next month. Until then, enjoy the wonderful Holiday Season and remember, each day is truly a present.
Local Holiday Happenings!
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
November 22 - January 4
Sunday-Thursday from 5:00
PM- 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday from 5:00
PM - 11:00 PM
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price.
BRONX ZOO
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
November 22 - January 5
Visit bronxzoo.com for times Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
The Bronx Zoo, which spans more than 265 acres, will host a family holiday festival that celebrates wildlife with animal lantern trails, holiday decor, animated sculptures, a holiday train and so much more.
FREEZIN' FOR A REASON, 2024 TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN POLAR PLUNGE
November 23
Registration at 9:30 AM
Plunge at 11:30 AM
Cedar Beach
244 Harbor Beach Rd., Mt. Sinai
This fun and unique event provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, schools and businesses to support Special Olympics
New York athletes by jumping into a frigid body of water! If you would like to just watch the event, come cheer on those taking the plunge!
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE ON THE PATCHOGUE RIVER
November 24
Start time: 5:00 PM
Visit patchogueboatparade. org for viewing sites. Watch decorated boats sail the Patchogue River at this fun event! This year's theme is "A ROCKSTAR CHRISTMAS," and there are many viewing spots along the riverfront.
BONAC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 29 - December 21 5:30 PM 8:00 PM
East Hampton High School
2 Long Lane, East Hampton
The East End's only holiday light show is back! Come enjoy this family-friendly walkthrough display, featuring over 70 holiday themed light displays.
HUNTINGTON HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
November 30 - January 2
Wall Street, Huntington Visit huntingtonholidayspectacular.com for more information. The Huntington Holiday Spectacular, which captivated the hearts of many when it debuted in 2020, has since grown into a treasured tradition that unites the Huntington community in the spirit of the holiday season. Stroll a charming holiday market, meet Santa and enjoy live music! Visit their website for up to date information.
PORT JEFFERSON
SANTA PARADE & VISIT
December 1
Santa Parade begins at 3:00 PM, visit Santa after the parade Parade runs from the Port Jeff Railroad to Main Street to the Port Jeff Village Center, meet Santa at the Port Jeff Village Center. Mark your calendars, this will be an unforgettable family-friendly event that will get you in the holiday spirit!
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
- CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD
December 7 & December 8
Tour begins at 10:00 AM, last tour is at 2:30 PM Sagtikos Manor 677 W Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore
Take a guided tour through the Manor all decorated for the holidays! Their docents will tell you about the Christmas
traditions of various countries around the world, including Italy, Scotland, Japan, Finland and more! The gift shop will be open during tour hours.
HISTORIC HOLIDAYS AT HALLOCKVILLE
December 8
12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hallockville Museum Farm 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions! There will be holiday displays in three historic residences on this 28-acre preserved farm, that will be staffed by costumed docents welcoming guests and sharing stories of past holiday celebrations.
SANTA & FRIENDS BREAKFAST
December 14
9:30 AM 11:00 AM
United Skates of America 1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford This is a non-skating event that includes a breakfast buffet and a special meeting with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and a Gingerbread Man! Wear your cutest holiday pajamas and have some good old fashioned fun!
BABYLON
CHRISTMAS MARKET
December 14
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Village Gazebo & Bayman Park
The Babylon Beautification Society is pleased to host this outdoor Christmas Market, featuring over 90 vendors selling fine and unique gifts. Plus, enjoy food and beverages for sale in the Gazebo area. The rain date for the event is December 15. Visit babylonbeautification.org for more information.
Reconditioned & Rentals
Thousands Of Students Receive Vital School Supplies
UnitedWay of Long Island celebrated its 16th Annual Stuff-A-Bus school supply distribution in partnership with Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc., delivering over $50,000 worth of essential school supplies to elementary students across Nassau and Suffolk counties. This initiative ensures that students from all communities are equipped with the vital tools they need for academic success.
This year, the event saw tremendous success, special thanks to United Way’s Young Professionals Network, which raised $20,000 to support the program through their annual Cornhole Tournament and Networking Event. In addition, throughout August, United Way of Long Island, alongside local companies, collected essential school
supplies for local students.
On September 13, 2024, volunteers from National Grid and Zebra Technologies generously donated their time to pack school buses with boxes filled with school supplies including backpacks, pens, pencils, markers, folders, index cards, glue sticks, and more and delivered them to students in Brentwood and Central Islip school districts. Their assistance with distribution ensured that thousands of local students are prepared for the school year ahead.
Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island, said, “When we provide quality supplies to our students, we alleviate financial burdens and allow them to focus on learning. United Way is extremely grateful to all our supporters
Pride for Youth, Pronto of Long Island, Rescue Angel, Restoration Revival, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, SCO Family Services, The Retreat, Wings of Empowerment, Wyandanch Homes & Property, YouthBuild Long Island, and Brentwood, Central Islip, Copiague, Hicksville, PatchogueMedford, Uniondale, Valley Stream, and Westbury school districts.
and collaborators that help make Stuff-A-Bus a reality.”
“At National Grid serving our customers and community comes naturally, but to work with United Way and partner in Stuff A Bus to be able to support students help set them off into the school year the right way is really, truly an honor,” said Victor Vientos, director of engineering at National Grid.
Several organizations and school districts received supplies from United Way of Long Island to prepare students for the academic year ahead including; ABBA Leadership, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, Colonial Youth, Hicksville Boys & Girls Club, Housing Help, Mineola Ministries, Nassau County Office of Youth Services,
Stuff-A-Bus had over 40 contributing companies and lead supporters which includes: Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.; Esquire Bank; Local 338 RWDSU UFCW; Green Acres; National Grid; National Grid Ventures; RXR; Merchants Insurance Group; and Sheehan Accountants & Advisors. Young Professionals Network lead supporters of Stuff-A-Bus: Bulovas Restoration Inc.; Bethpage Federal Credit Union; The Mosquito Guido; Gas Tec Plumbing and Heating; SK Pool Care; Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.; Flushing Bank; Clear View Building Services; Borg Insurance Agency & Associates; and G-Rock Handcovers Inc.
United Way of Long Island’s Stuff-A-Bus program is part of a broader effort to strengthen education, a key pillar in the organization’s mission to promote financial stability and opportunity for all. Since 2008, Stuff-A-Bus has delivered over 1 million back-to-school supplies to children. By providing vital supplies, Stuff-A-Bus aims to set students up with the proper tools for academic success while increasing the economic opportunity of students’ families. To learn more about Stuff-A-Bus, visit https://www.unitedwayli. org/stuff-bus.
How To Make Shopping Black Friday/Cyber Monday Pay Off
Theholiday shopping season is a profitable period for retailers. So it should come as no surprise to consumers that many stores now begin stocking shelves with Christmas decor and other holiday-related items as early as September, reminding shoppers that the countdown is on until the holidays arrive. Historically, Black Friday has been the busiest day for retailers, but Cyber Monday has increasingly become a go-to holiday shopping opportunity. Now largely known as BFCM, Black Friday Cyber Monday is undoubtably the busiest time of year for retailers. These days can be a make-or-break period for many merchants.
According to Drip, an e-commerce customer data aggregator, Cyber Monday was the biggest shopping day in 2023, with shoppers spending $12.4 billion — a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase. The National Retail Federation reported a record 200.4 million shoppers participated in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2023.
As people consider their BFCM shopping plans for 2024, these tips can help them make the most of these unique opportunities.
• Become a price connoisseur. Consumers who would feel right at home calling out correct prices on “The
Price is Right” will have an advantage come the holiday shopping season. By understanding the standard retail price on many items, it is easier to know just how customerfriendly BFCM deals are. Consumers can look at the advertisements in newspapers or online and only shop the best deals to save money.
• Pay attention to early bird deals. BFCM is a great opportunity to save, and many retailers have extended this exclusive price-slashing period to offer “sneak peeks” and “early bird” opportunities that precede Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers can keep an eye out for early BFCM deals to save even more money.
• Explore loyalty rewards. Shoppers who are part of stores’ rewards programs, whether that entails earning loyalty points or having a store credit card, may be eli gible for additional perks. Although one’s email inbox may be overflowing this time of year with promotions, individuals should double-check their accounts to see if they’ve been given early access to sales or special coupon codes that can bring prices down even further. Some retailers also may utilize digital coupons that need to be “clipped,” which is basically saving them to a loyalty account.
• Plan the shopping list in advance. A complete shopping list at the ready can make it easier to shop for specific items during Black Friday or Cyber Monday hours.
• Avoid impulse buying. It may be tempting to grab many different items because the prices seem so good. However, sticking to a list and only shopping for necessary items is an effective way to avoid overspending.
• Don’t forget small businesses. Be sure to check out the sales at local small businesses during BFCM as well as Small Business Saturday. Shoppers may find that deals at smaller retailers rival those at larger chains.
These shopping opportunities can translate to scoring holiday gifts at the lowest prices possible.
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Make This Side Dish
Stuffin’ Muffins
Makes 1 dozen
1 pound breakfast sausage
2 medium onions, diced
2 cups diced fresh baby portobello mushrooms
1⁄2 cup butter
8 cups crumbled cornbread
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 cup shaved or grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 1⁄4 cups chicken or veggie broth or stock
The Star On Thanksgiving
Food
is foremost on the minds of Thanksgiving guests. While food is a big deal on just about every holiday, the meal really takes center stage on Thanksgiving. Although turkey can be a delicious main course, many Thanksgiving diners might admit they anticipate the side dishes more than the turkey. Potatoes, soups, salads and dinner rolls are all competing for space on the Thanksgiving table and can be equally tasty. However, perhaps no side dish is more synonymous with Thanksgiving than stuffing. Though stuffing is sometimes cooked inside the turkey, while others prefer to prepare it in a casserole dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare stuffing, and adventurous types might enjoy this recipe for “Stuffin’ Muffins” courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes With a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith. In this recipe, stuffing is baked in muffin tins for the perfect portion you can sink your teeth right into.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 12-hole muffin tin.
In a large skillet, crumble the sausage and cook until halfway done. Add the onions, mushrooms and butter. Cook until tender. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and the sausage mixture. Add salt and pepper. Add the sage, onion powder, parmesan cheese, eggs, and broth. Mix with hands until all ingredients are moist but hold together. Using a 3-ounce ice cream scoop, place 12 balls into the prepared muffin tin and pat tops flat. Bake for 30 minutes.
Small businesses are the backbone those establishments across economic development programs. community. It’s how we keep Learn
’Tis the season to support.
backbone of our communities. That’s why we’re proud to give back to across Long Island and in The Rockaways through our energy efficiency and programs. You too can help support them by shopping for gifts in your keep our local economy strong and how we stick together on our island. we’re supporting local businesses at psegliny.com/businessfirst.
The Society Of Saint Vincent de Paul’s 16th Annual Friends Of The Poor Walk
Reworld™,
a leader in sustainable waste solutions, proudly sponsored and participated in The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s 16th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk, held at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. The walk, which saw hundreds of participants come together, aimed to raise funds and awareness for Long Island’s most vulnerable communities, helping to provide essential services for individuals and families in need.
“Reworld™ is committed to community empowerment and it is always a heartwarming experience to contribute to such a meaningful cause,” said Maureen Early, Lead Community Relations Specialist at Reworld™. “Being able to play even a
small part in helping those less fortunate reminds us of the importance of community and how we can all make a difference, one step at a time.”
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to offer person-to-person service to those suffering from poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Funds raised from the Friends of the Poor Walk directly support programs that provide food, shelter, clothing, and other critical resources to those in need across Long Island.
The Friends of the Poor Walk is an annual fundraising event held nationwide by SVDP to support their wide array of charitable programs.
These programs range from emergency assistance with basic needs to longer-term support that helps individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. By sponsoring the walk, Reworld™ reinforced its dedication to fostering positive change and supporting local initiatives that promote compassion, service, and sustainability.
Participants of the walk enjoyed the scenic paths of Heckscher State Park while contributing to the overall success of the event. With smiles on their faces and hearts full of purpose, walkers, volunteers, and families worked together to help alleviate the struggles of those living in poverty on Long Island. The funds raised will provide direct assistance to people who are struggling to make
ends meet.
The company’s sponsorship aligns with its broader mission to give back to the communities it serves, especially by supporting causes that reflect values of empathy, service, and environmental stewardship. Reworld™ looks forward to continuing its involvement in community-centered events and building partnerships with organizations that make a lasting impact.
For more information about Reworld™ and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www. reworldwaste.com.
4 Popular Wine Varieties And The Foods That Go With Them
Ingredients and culinary skills are not the only components that can bring out the flavor in a delicious meal. Wine can serve as the perfect complement to a meal, particularly when individuals identify which varieties go well with certain foods. Wine lists can sometimes be intimidating when dining at establishments known for their extensive offerings. Diners can ask servers for recommendations, as many restaurants teach staff about which wines go well with the various dishes on their menus, but diners also can learn which wines pair best with certain types of food, a process that can be both enjoyable and illuminating. The following are four popular wine styles, their flavor profiles and foods that go well with them.
1. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a popular style of wine that can be found
on the red wine list at many establishments. Wine Folly notes that Pinot Noir is a dry, light-bodied red that has a very fruity, floral taste. Wine Folly notes that a Pinot Noir typically pairs well with chicken, pork, veal, duck, or cured meat.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine.com reports that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted and popular red wine grape in the world. A Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and tends to be higher in alcohol by volume (ABV) than other styles. Wine Folly indicates lamb, beef and smoked meats pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is widely considered the most popular white wine in the world. In fact, WineInsiders.com reports that almost every wine region around the world grows the
variety of grapes necessary to make Chardonnay. Wine Folly indicates Chardonnay boasts a yellow citrus fruit taste that can be akin to banana or pineapple and often features a touch of butterscotch, vanilla or toasted caramel. Chardonnay pairs well with seafood like lobster, crab and shrimp, but also goes well with chicken and pork.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that boasts a fruity flavor profile. The profile of Sauvignon Blanc calls to mind exotic fruits like honeydew melon and kiwi. Sauvignon Blanc is considered a light- to medium-bodied white wine, and Wine Folly reports it goes well with fish, chicken, pork, and veal. Sauvignon Blanc also pairs well with various ethnic cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese and French dishes.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling
wines can make special occasions even more enjoyable. That is why they're generally reserved for big events that warrant toasts, like weddings or New Year's Eve celebrations. But bubbly can be enjoyed at any time of year. Many people mistakenly believe that all sparkling wines are champagne, so much so that the term champagne has become something of an umbrella term. However, true champagne is made in the Champagne region of France from a combination of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. It can only be made in the region's traditional method, called Méthode Champenoise, and the taste will typically be nutty and toasty.
Sparkling wines can be produced across the globe in various ways. The taste will vary depending on how it is produced. Sparkling wines are named depending on where they are made.
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, cava a Spanish variety and sekt is a German version.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also figure prominently this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities. Dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose
Many also are high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
your turkey as well.
leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry also can be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making healthconscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor
T• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
Celebrants can make some smart choices in the foods and beverages they eat to enjoy a healthier holiday season this December.
Did You Know?
rends come and go, and that impermanence can make it hard to predict how certain times of year, including the holiday season, will play out. However, one notable trend in regard to the holiday season that has seemingly withstood the test of time is the popularity of Black Friday among holiday shoppers. But even that dynamic has shifted in the digital age. Though Black Friday remains a big day for retailers, consumers spend more on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) than they do on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving).
Why Supporting Local Small Businesses Matters
Theholiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
• Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money
more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
• Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
• Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
• Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
• Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being
SupportingShop Local
small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a bigbox store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.
Add A New Offering
To Your Christmas
Cookie Lineup
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different. “Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers
20 to 24 cookies
1 1⁄2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notable Chanukah Traditions
Eachyear on the twentyfifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition
involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really they
According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah. Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts.
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan.
Chanukah begins on December 25, 2024, and will last through January 2, 2025. It’s a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.
Notable Christmas Celebrations Around The World
It’sbeginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the world. Christmas celebrations include various time-honored traditions that celebrants hold near and dear to their hearts. Depending on where someone lives, their Christmas traditions may look quite different from those in other parts of the globe.
It can enjoyable to learn how Christmas is celebrated elsewhere and perhaps even incorporate a few new traditions into your celebrations. Take a peek at these customs near and far.
• Seafood and beachside celebrations: Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, which means
Aussies are enjoying the peak of their summer come December 25. A white Christmas is unlikely, unless the “white” refers to white, sandy beaches. Santa is probably swapping his thick coat for a pair of board shorts, and heavy, roast-laden meals are unlikely to make it on to the menu. Instead, Australians dine on seafood feasts and spend Christmas outdoors camping or at the beach.
• Krampus parade: Some Christmas elves are not so jolly. Just ask residents of the Austrian, German and Hungarian Alps. Each year in this region, a true “Bad Santa” is the talk of town. Villagers
believed that Krampus, a half-man, half-goat creature with a legion of ill-tempered elves, roamed the mountains wreaking havoc. Krampus was said to abduct miscreants and set unruly youth or even intoxicated adults straight. Today, Krampus is more the “bad cop” to Santa’s “good cop” persona. Krampus is celebrated as an antihero at parades and other events.
• Las Posadas: According to scripture, Joseph and Mary had to make an arduous journey from their hometown to Bethlehem for census purposes while Mary was pregnant. When the couple arrived, they found lodgings were
nonexistent, and Mary ended up giving birth to Jesus in a manger surrounded by animals. In celebration of that journey, people in Mexico and Guatemala celebrate Las Posadas, a procession representing Mary and Joseph’s journey and their struggle to find lodging.
• La Befana: In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch-like old woman who, like Santa, delivers gifts to children throughout Italy. Instead of this gift-giving taking place on Christmas, La Befana hands out gifts on the Epiphany Eve in a similar way to how the Three Magi brought presents to Baby Jesus. Le Befana also is believed to fly through the night sky to sweep away all the troubles of the old year and clear the way for a fresh start.
• Move over reindeer: Although reindeer often garner fanfare this time of year, the Yule goat is a Christmas symbol and tradition in Scandinavia and northern Europe. Each year in towns throughout Sweden and other areas, large statues of Yule goats are built on the first day of Advent and stand throughout the holiday season. This tradition dates back to ancient Pagan festivals, and some believe the goat is connected to the Norse god Thor, who rode in the sky in a chariot pulled by two goats. Holiday traditions differ considerably in various regions of the world. Celebrants may want to consider incorporating foreign traditions into their own Christmas celebrations this year.
CFestively Chase Away Chills
Seasonal Sips
ooler temperatures have arrived to coincide with what many characterize as the most festive time of year. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is filled with major holidays and many opportunities for friends and family to gather together in good cheer. Naturally, spending time indoors in close company with others increases the likelihood that people will encounter the sniffles and sneezes that are symptomatic of viral illnesses. Many people insist a hot toddy can help soothe the throat, open the nose and help a person get rest. There are various iterations of a hot toddy, but author Gustave Flaubert’s “French Hot Toddy” delivers flavors that pair nicely with November and December events. It’s so delicious that it can be served at any holiday gathering, or just to feel better if the common cold is an unwanted visitor. Enjoy Flaubert’s take, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan.
Gustave Flaubert’s French Hot Toddy Serves 1
4 ounces apple cider
2 ounces calvados
2 ounces apricot brandy
2 ounces heavy cream
Ground cinnamon for garnishing
Directions:
In a small saucepan, heat apple cider until warm. Remove from heat. Add calvados and apricot brandy, stirring to combine. Pour into a heatproof glass. Pouring in a circular motion, slowly add cream, allowing it to settle on top. Garnish with the cinnamon.
