Winter Wonderland
November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21 • 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$20/person (under 2 years old free) • Discount for military
Enjoy a walk-through experience across
& activities:
Winter Themed Games
Storybook Readings
Hot Chocolate & Treats
Outdoor Holiday Movies
Enchanted Garden
Equine Themed Winter Village
Festival of Trees & Lights
Holiday Music & Caroling
Family Photo Opportunities
Live Nativity Scene
Holiday Gift Shop
Visits from Special Guests....
PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS LIMITED ON-SITE PARKING. Pal-O-Mine
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.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
DRIVES FOR CHARITY
PAJAMA DRIVE
November 4 – 24
Emma Clark Library is hosting a drive for local charities, collecting new pajamas for all ages. Pajamas must be new (with tags). All sizes are welcome.
SHARE THE WARMTH DRIVE
December 2 – January 12
Emma Clark Library is collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community. All sizes are welcome. With all of our community drives, there’s a table located in the Library lobby. Anyone (residents or nonresidents) is welcome to donate during Library hours.
Follow Emma Clark On Social Media Facebook and Instagram: @emmaclarklibrary
Join our social media community! We post important information on the Library and the community, as well as entertain with fun photos, interesting articles & book lists, great quotes, funny cartoons, and more!
CAFE
Cozy Up Inside!
Relax indoors with a warm cup of coffee and delicious food in an inviting, charming space. Perfect for unwinding, catching up, or getting work done. Visit emmaclark.org/ café for the latest menu.
ADULTS
Game Day
Every Friday 10:00 a.m. – Noon We provide the space, tables and chairs. You bring your
friends and a favorite board or card game to play. We also have 2 Mahjong sets available upon request. (You must supply your own cards.) No registration required.
Knit, Crochet, and Chat
First Friday afternoon of every month Friday, December 6, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Join with friends, old and new, to work on your current knitting or crochet project. Share tips, techniques, and conversation. No registration necessary. No instruction will be provided. Please bring your own supplies. If you have any questions about this program, contact Emma Yohannan at eyohannan@emmaclark.org.
Evening Book Discussion
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, December 11 – The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy (Book pickup starts 11/13) Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required.
KIDS
Jewelry Making for KidsSaturday, December 14, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Drop by the Library to make beaded bracelets or necklaces with library teen volunteers. Perfect for ages 3 - 12 years. No registration. Bring a friend!
PLEASE NOTE:
The Library is closed on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28), Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25), and New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1). We will close early at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15 (in order to accommodate the Electric Holiday Parade, which will assemble in front of the library); Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24), and New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 30).
Get Creative With Holiday Decor
Theend of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70 percent of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34 percent will do so before Thanksgiving. Everyone has a different vision of a wellappointed holiday home, but there’s always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.
Decorate other rooms
Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.
Coordinate the ornaments
Identify a color theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. Purchase white package paper and color or paint the paper to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.
It’s hip to be square
While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame. Square wreaths may be unexpected, and you also can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.
Add a spot of color
Certain holidays are known for their particular color palettes, such as red and green for Christmas. But you also can do something
unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.
Try a different accent tree
Use a styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard. Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.
Suspend belief
Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add even more whimsy.
Mix and match
When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic tableau.
Shift into neutral
unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same color family or adding an accent color like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.
Make an unexpected bouquet
Swap flowers for pine cones, berries and greenery in
Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colors, rely on neutral, wintry tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces.
Unique holiday decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home this December.
Small businesses are the backbone those establishments across economic development programs. community. It’s how we keep Learn
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.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps
Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also figure prominently this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.
No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities. Dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.
• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose
Many also are high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.
of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.
leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.
• Use broths instead of creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.
• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry also can be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.
• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making healthconscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead
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).
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.
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.
BBlack Friday Sales
The Meaning Of The Menorah
Mlack Friday sales have become a staple of the holiday shopping season. On Black Friday, many items are deeply discounted, and shoppers often target high-profile, expensive electronics. In fact, according to the retail advisor and trend forecaster NerdWallet, technology products are among the most sought-after products among Black Friday shoppers. Each year, televisions, tablets, laptops, notebooks, smartphones, and gaming consoles fly off the shelves in record numbers on Black Friday. According to the shopping resource Deal News, shoppers poised to purchase one of the latest smartphone offerings this shopping season may find that Android products are more available and more heavily discounted than Apple products. Shoppers also may have their eyes on gadgets for their homes. Black Friday isn’t all about technology, however. Kitchen cookware and small appliances also attract shoppers on Black Friday. Typically high-priced items like stand mixers, brewing systems, vacuums, and blenders are popular among Black Friday shoppers.
enorahs are a prominent symbol of Chanukah. Menorahs are seven-branched candelabras that have been used in Jewish worship since ancient times. The seven branches refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah is the traditional symbol of Judaism and the emblem of the state of Israel. For Chanukah, a nine-branched candelabra called a hanukkiah is used, but the word "menorah" has become interchangeable. The Chanukah menorah consists of nine candles. The center and ninth candle are referred to as the Shamash. It is used to light all the other candles. The Shamash is raised above the other candles to make it kosher. The lighting of the menorah over the eight days of Chanukah symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt. The sacred oil, of which there was only enough for one day's lighting, miraculously lasted for eight days.
Stony Brook University 5K Raised Funds For A New Ronald McDonald House
Hundredsgathered at Stony Brook University on October 13 as Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New York Metro hosted “Anthony’s Red Shoe Fund Run”. Members of the community laced up their shoes to take part in either the 5K Race or 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk to raise funds for the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, serving the families of sick or injured children. The $30 million House scheduled to open in 2026, will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County. This three-story building will be in addition to the two rooms already in the hospital and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The first room originally opened in 2013, and the other family room in the NICU opened in 2022. The 60,000 square foot Ronald McDonald House will allow families receive no-cost housing, respite, meals and hospitality just across the street from their child’s bedside. It will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, community kitchens and more. The Ronald McDonald House staff and volunteers will provide meals for families throughout their stay as well as fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.
Dr. Lisa Muratori, a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the Stony Brook University School of Health Professions helped organize the run to support the efforts to build a Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children's Hospital. Photos courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine
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.
