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HOSTING A
Holiday
Friendsgiving
LIGHT MAP
GIVING BACK
DIY Gifting
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Contents
EMERALD media group publication
6 Friendsgiving
12 Traditions
7 Gifting
14 Map of Holiday Lights
8 DIY Gifting
15 Winter Entertainment
9 Giving Back
Staff
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER
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WRITERS Anya Caro Delaney Rea Nicole Scopelliti Sam Styles
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Hosting a Friendsgiving By ANYA CARO Let’s face it, some of us can’t go home for the holidays to be with our families. Instead of eating a sad bowl of chicken ramen and calling it a holiday dinner, invite your friends over and host a college style “Friendsgiving.” Not only will it bring high holiday cuisine to your living space, but it will bring together everyone for a cozy homestyle get-together. Couponing
Don’t Stress
Get your coupons ready! Use them to buy everything you need at a much cheaper price. You’ll save tons of cash while being able to bargain shop for all your necessary ingredients. Double-check your cabinets before heading to the store to avoid the panic of realizing you are missing ingredients the night of. Staying organized will help the dinner go smoothly and help you save money.
This should be fun! Don’t stress yourself out over preparations. It’s a group activity, so everyone can bring something or help. Also, you can always run to the store for a pre-prepared meal item. Rotisserie chickens are easy and delicious replacements for a whole turkey. Use disposable dishes for less mess, which means less stress. It doesn’t have to be perfect, so neither do you.
No Such Thing as Being Too Prepared There’s so much to be done for Thanksgiving, so don’t limit yourself to doing it all on Thanksgiving day. Start prepping food the day before. If you have really complicated or detailed recipes, prepare them the day before so the actual cooking or recooking is done on the big day. Grab a few decor items at the Dollar Tree in advance and don’t forget to think of some vegetarian, vegan or allergy friendly recipes so no one is left out. Everyone should be able to enjoy all the feastivities.
DIY Aroma Nothing is better than the sweet scent of fall. Instead of burning candles and creating a fire hazard or disaster, use this recipe to create a warm (and cheap!) aroma that will put everyone in a good mood: gather 1 peeled orange and 2 cinnamon sticks, boil them together, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes and add more water if needed. I recommend simmering for an hour so the smell can last throughout the evening.
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Gifting By SAM STYLES
The holiday season descends upon us like a swirling storm of snow made up of dreams, pleasant memories, gifts and mom’s home cooking. Now for some of you, this is the single greatest event of the season. You love the pageantry, the lights, the wonderful blend of fireplaces and cold weather - and the gifts, of course the gifts. For others, the holidays are a snowstorm you’d rather sleep through. One where your many older relatives will bombard you with flurries of questions about your still interesting life. You will withstand the downpour as long as you can, but will eventually give in under the sweet influence of champagne. Whether we fall under the camp of the holiday lovers or the holiday haters, we will all be united under one common challenge. Most of us are poor and living on our student budgets, yet there are many people we need to buy gifts for. From this point on, I will guide you towards buying gifts for everyone who needs one while still having enough leftover to buy yourself a little something.
Roommates If you are buying gifts for your roommates, then I highly suggest you do a Secret Santa. This immediately cuts your gift count from three or six down to one, which will bring down costs tremendously, especially if you live with a large group. If you don’t know what Secret Santa is, then you probably don’t have family in Orange County (like I do). In Secret Santa, you put all your roommates’ names in a hat and then take turns drawing. Once you have drawn a name, you buy that person a gift. Simple and cheap.
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Now when picking out the gift, places like secondhand clothing stores, Amazon, used book stores, Etsy and Target are going to be your best friends. Remember, thinking outside the box is key. The thought of the gift could end up being way more important than the actual thing. If nothing is coming to mind, try going to a place like Hirons and see if anything jumps off that walls at you. The unfortunate thing is, many of us already have more stuff than we need. I’ll give you an example: don’t tell him, but this year I’m going to give my friend a 50 percent-off cake from Safeway, which I will then customize with frosting to write his name and probably a few choice words. Bam! You’ve got a personalized gift. Just pay attention to the person. You live with them, so chances are you know them pretty well. If they talk about a TV show a lot, look into a patch with their favorite character on it that they can sew to their backpack. If they like lavender incense, get them a pack. Like I said, making it about them is more important than the money spent. Parents Now I have a few gift ideas here, but before I dive into those, I highly recommend writing your parents a letter. We are all sentimental in our own way, and I can’t think of many moms who wouldn’t love to read
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a letter dedicated to describing just how wonderful a job they did raising you. They deserve to hear it too, raising a child is no cake walk (or so I’ve heard.) Plus, they will show it off to their friends and you will look exactly like the shining star that you are. When it comes to getting your parents gifts, I would suggest targeting practicality. You can get away with giving your dad socks if they come with a clever card the makes the whole thing funny. You can say something like, “Bought you more socks because your feet smell so bad, I think you should wear two on each foot.” Now it’s all a laugh. For your mom, something small and personal is great, but I promise you that if you put a bit of effort into a letter she will be more than content with that. Significant Others Here’s the fact of the matter: if you go into the holiday season with someone special in your life, it can’t hurt to spend some extra money because they mean a little something extra. One theme of this article has been saving money, but another equally important theme has been making your gifts personalized. With a significant other, always make it personal. Start listening, ask them questions about the things they want, REMEMBER what they say, then pretend like you forgot and surprise them Christmas morning. If you are out one day and they fall in love with something but don’t purchase it, go back later and buy it for them. As humans, we love nothing more than the feeling that we have been understood. If you can recognize how important a certain gift can be to someone, then you are killing it at being an S/O. If it is a relationship that is just starting, then gift something fun and small. Maybe burn them a CD or get them that desk cactus they have been eyeing. If you’ve been together longer, then try thinking of a gift that reminds them of your time together.
DIY Gifts By SAM STYLES
Some people buy gifts, others painstakingly sacrifice their time in the pursuit of the ultimate personalized gift, and some people just love a good crafting session. All three kinds of people can benefit from a few good DIY ideas. The holiday season calls for a downpour of gifts, and if you can make a few of them yourself, all the better. Thankfully for those short on ideas, a person of great DIY knowledge and wisdom such as myself is here to lead the way to holiday nirvana. Gifts generally fall into two categories: the small and plentiful, and the large and few. I have ideas for both.
A lot of these ideas are going to start with this statement: swing by the Dollar Tree. So do just that, and while you’re there, pick up clear plastic ornaments, chocolate cocoa mix, marshmallows and peppermint sticks. Crunch up the peppermint sticks, add all the ingredients to to an ornament, and you have a stocking stuffer in under 30 seconds. And the best part: they can use it as decoration and eat it too!
What a better gift for a friend than reminding them of memories you’ve shared throughout the year. Pick up some thick thread and clothes pins. Weave the thread through the clothes pins and tie the ends off to push pins, now find some great photos of you and your friend and print them off at the nearest Target. You have created a super simple way of displaying your best memories and it looks great hanging from a wall.
Personalized Mugs
Save on Gif t Wrapping
You will need a white mug, a paint pen and letter stencils. Take the first letter of your friend’s name and put it on the side of a white mug. Start dotting all along the edge of the letter heavily at first and then lighter the farther you get from the edge of the letter. Once you are done dotting, peel the letter back and you will have an amazing outline that will be sure to dazzle the eye.
On Amazon, a 900-foot roll of butcher paper costs 25 dollars. 900 feet is enough wrapping paper for at least the next ten holidays. Once you have it, roll out a stretch and get to painting. Draw patterns, place hand prints, make a stamp and then let the whole mess dry. Now your wrapped gifts with be personalized in and out.
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Pic ture Web 7
Hot Cocoa Ornament
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GIVING BACK By NICOLE SCOPELLITI
It’s easy to get caught up in incessant trips to the mall and never-ending shopping lists during the holiday season. The holidays have evolved into a time for buying dad another bag of socks that he is bound to lose, and for mom, another shower gel set that she will happily accept but never use. It’s time to switch up this holiday ritual. You can achieve this in a productive way by giving back to your community in a multitude of ways. Volunteering is a perfect way to spread cheer to someone in need, and it’s also a way to connect with groups in your community. Plus, you can bring your friends and family along and make volunteering an annual holiday tradition. Along with volunteering, you might consider donating to a charity or supporting a brand that helps those in need. With so many options, you’re likely to discover a method of giving back that not only helps others, but makes you feel good on the inside too. Sackcloth & Ashes
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Beneath this company’s stunning social media platforms and charming website is a memorable story and a mission that challenges traditional ways of giving back to the community. For each blanket you purchase from Sackcloth & Ashes, the company will donate one to a local shelter in your community. Not to mention, Sackcloth & Ashes also originated and operates in Oregon. Support a local business this holiday season!
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Bob Dalton, the creative mind behind Sackcloth & Ashes, was inspired to start the business after his own mother became homeless, and he discovered that local homeless shelters were most in need of blankets. From this point, he began making the blankets himself, until he decided to get local seamstresses on board with the project. Shortly after, the company was featured on Instagram’s official account and sales took off. The mission of Sackcloth
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& Ashes, according to Bob, is simply to “empower the consumer to actually make a difference in their local town.” The company offers various types of blankets, including blankets intended for indoor use, and blankets intended for outdoor use. Bob also plans on launching many new products throughout next year. Sackcloth & Ashes aims to combat social injustices and make a lasting change in the lives of others. Bob chooses to live out this philosophy in his own life, and encourages other to do the same. Bob suggests that there are two questions that can help one discover their life purpose: “One: what brings you joy? Two: what injustices do you hate more than anything in the world? When you can answer both of those questions, then you’ve discovered your life’s purpose.”
You can buy Sackcloth & Ashes products at SackclothandAshes.com. Consider buying blankets as gifts for friends and family. They won’t disappoint.
Boy Scout Christmas Tree Pick-Up Help support the legacy of outdoor adventure, friendship and leadership by participating in a local Christmas tree pick-up program. If you’re displaying a tree in your home this season, let the Boy Scouts take it off your hands once the holiday festivities have quieted down. All that is required of you is to have your tree in front of your house by a designated time (usually 8 a.m.), so that the Scouts can pick it up. There is a $10 fee for the service, which is used to fund exploration and leadership trips throughout the year. You can mail the check to the designated address: Boy Scout Troop 182, Irving Grange, PO Box 40566, Eugene, OR 97404. For more information on specific pick-up dates and times, refer to the troop’s website, ScoutTroop182.org. Sponsor a Diner
If you’ve got it, cut it! Donating to Locks of Love is a quick and effective way to give back to those in need as long as you have 10 inches of hair or more to donate. Locks of Love donates hair to children experiencing medical hair loss of all varieties, and their goal is to provide children with the confidence they need to participate in and enjoy activities essential to childhood. The donation process is straightforward, and simply requires you to mail in the hair you wish to donate. For more instructions, visit LocksofLove.org.
Shopping for a Cause Donating your time to an organization is a great way for college students on a budget to help their community. By volunteering your time, you can help children in Lane County have a memorable holiday season this year. The non-profit organization Christmas for Kids of Lane County needs volunteer shoppers to choose toys and clothing from children’s wish lists. Join them on December 9 at 8pm at the Target on West 11th. 9 HOLIDAY GUIDE
Many people in the community face hunger and malnutrition, and luckily, many organizations are striving to end these pervasive issues. Food for Lane County’s The Dining Room is located at 270 East Eighth Ave. in Eugene and serves up to 300 guests in need per day. It is completely free of cost, and diners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The Dining Room operates like any other restaurant and offers its guests a variety of nutritious, filling meals and dishes, including vegetarian options. A donation of $18 will provide a diner with three months of meals at The Dining Room. To make a donation, you can visit FoodforLaneCounty.org or text “fullplate” to 41444.
Locks of Love
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Traditions for College Roommates By NICOLE SCOPELLITI
Creating and participating in holiday traditions is a great way to grow closer to friends and family while having a little fun. These life-long holiday traditions can be created, celebrated and sustained without breaking the bank. Try one of these ideas listed below, or create your own variation of these beloved holiday activities. Not to mention, these traditions are easily adaptable for your college lifestyle. When it’s chilly and gloomy in December, consider staying in, making hot drinks and creating holiday memories with your friends. The Christmas Pickle
You might have participated in this tradition as a child with your family. If you
These sweaters are not always fun to wear, considering that they’re scratchy and probably smell like mothballs from your Grandma’s coat closet. Even though ugly Christmas sweaters might not be the most comfortable thing to wear, they are fun to show off to your friends and take pictures
Bûche de Noël
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Elf on the Shelf
The Ugly Christmas Sweater
in. Consider taking pictures in your ugly christmas sweater with friends, and turning it into a Christmas card. Host a “DIY Ugly Sweater” holiday party and have your guests bring old sweaters to adorn with any kind of holiday decor that is readily available. At the end of the night, award the person who made the ugliest sweater! 11
Don’t fret, no real dill pickles are required for this holiday tradition. Instead, a pickleshaped glass ornament is used and placed in a Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, one member of the household hides the pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. Traditionally, the first person to discover the pickle ornament on Christmas morning is allowed to open their gifts first. However, college students might consider other variations of this game: for example, cooking the winner breakfast before class. Although this tradition is often cited as having German roots, it is now celebrated by people of a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and it has become quite popular in the United States. Give this tradition a try during your next White Elephant for a fun and rewarding twist to the traditional gift-giving game.
did, you might recall your parents sneakily placing a small elf around your home. They also might have warned you that if you didn’t behave during the holiday season, the elf would tell Santa Claus, and you would be left with a Christmas tree devoid of presents. This tradition takes a turn for the better during college, when Elf on the Shelf becomes a hilarious game of trickery between you and your housemates. Once your roommates agree to participate, you can begin by purchasing an Elf on the Shelf online. Once you receive your elf, you can begin hiding it around your living space and creating hilarious, elfish displays. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a treasured tradition among your friends!
Ditch the cookies this holiday season and make a Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log, instead. Buche de Noel is a variation of a French roulade dessert, which is eaten as a holiday treat. It is typically constructed out of sponge cake and a filling of choice, however it is most often a cream filling. Watch out though, Buche de Noel is notoriously difficult to make, which makes embarking on this holiday roulade journey just as rewarding. Consider having a Buche de Noel competition with your friends or roommates and see whose cakes end up looking like a Yule Log, and which cakes fall flat. Either way, you’re bound to end up with something delicious. EMG Magazine
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WINTER ENTERTAINMENT By DEL ANEY REA
For most of us, the academic year is a barrage of school pressures, social events and other responsibilities and distractions. When the holiday break finally comes, we all let out a collective sigh of relief, for our college nightmare lets up for a few weeks. At this point, you might realize you’ve been too busy to keep up on current entertainment options. This might overwhelm, or even scare you - but fear not, for I have compiled a list of the best offerings in the world of entertainment coming up during our period away from UO life. Featuring the biggest film releases of the year’s end and the books you probably missed in 2016, here’s your guide to some of the best in entertainment this holiday season. 12/09: La La Land
Film 11/18: Nocturnal Animals How would you react if your ex wrote a novel that described disastrous consequences for characters who were suspiciously similar to yourself? This is the strange, high-concept question posed by “Nocturnal Animals.” This mysterious, multilayered nature of this film is worth checking out for curiosity’s sake alone.
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11/23: Moana
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Broadway musical “Hamilton” has arguably been the biggest pop culture phenomenon to take hold in 2016, but the show’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wasted no time moving onto his next project: writing the music for the animated feature “Moana.” If the guy can make the dude on the ten dollar bill seem cool, then this should be a breeze. Telling the story of a young girl who must find a way to navigate to a fabled island, the film should be on the radar of fans of Miranda’s work and animated adventures alike. 14
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From Damien Chazelle, the director behind the jazz-drumming adrenaline shot that was 2014’s “Whiplash,” comes the musical throwback “La La Land.” Telling the story of a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress trying to make it in Hollywood, the film is set to be a hit with audiences. Featuring what’s said to be career-best performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the film is already in the Oscar conversation for its compelling visual style and innovative original music. 12/16: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Chances are you’ve heard about this one. Just one year after the last “Star Wars” phenomenon, we’re getting another chapter in the never-ending epic saga. In this episode, there’s a twist: instead of following the same storyline of the past films, “Rogue One” tells the story of a rebellious team who attempt to destroy the Death Star. One thing is for sure: this movie will make more money than most humans ever will.
Books Born a Crime - Trevor Noah The Daily Show” comedian Trevor Noah’s new autobiography refers to his illegal birth to mixed-race parents during apartheid era South Africa. Tracing his unlikely journey from a child kept indoors to avoid seizure by a tyrannical government to the comedic face of an American talk show, the book is sure to be a fascinating character study. But What If We’re Wrong? Chuck Klosterman “Thinking about the present as if it were the past.” That’s the central conceit behind this inquisitive work of nonfiction. Examining everything we understand to be true in 2016 from popular music to astronomical science, Klosterman makes a very compelling case that much of what we take for granted now could eventually be seen as ridiculous as the earth being flat. It’s a mind-bending read that will force you to reevaluate your opinion on a variety of topics.
The Girls - Emma Cline Set in 1969, “The Girls” tells the story of a young girl who joins a family cult, only to see it explode into Manson-esque activities. Met with rave reviews, The New Yorker called it “finely intelligent…with flashingly brilliant sentences.” For fans of the ongoing true-crime genre craze, the true events-inspired “The Girls” is essential material. The Lonely City - Olivia Liang What does it mean to be lonely? It’s a question that many of us have pondered, and in this acclaimed memoir-cultural critique combination, the thought is explored to great success. Liang draws on her lonesome experience moving to New York City and compares it to the work of artists like Andy Warhol that deals with the city, exploring the meaning of solitude in the modern era.
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