SK Holiday Survival Guide - South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide

South Kitsap

HOLIDAY

2013

Survival Guide

A Special Publication of the Port Orchard Independent

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South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

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Happy Holidays

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Page 3

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Shopping in Port Orchard: Things that make you smile

By BEK ASHBY

D

Special for the Independent

o you get stressed around the holidays? Don’t let holiday gift giving, throw you off! This year, ignore Black Friday and instead be merry and bright by shopping in downtown Port Orchard.

Start by shopping small on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, in downtown Port Orchard. You will find an eclectic mix of high-quality antique shops, art galleries, jewelry, candy and toys to help you find that perfect gift for your hard to shop for list.

Port Orchard will be decked out for the holidays and you can vote for your favorite holiday display. Don’t miss the Festival of Chimes & Lights on Saturday, Dec. 7, when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in town, you can run (or watch) the Jingle Bell Run and (more shopping!) shop at the Jingle Bell Boutique at the Pavilion in downtown Port Orchard.

Be sure to check out the holiday programming for kids at the newly reopened Port Orchard Library.

We asked some of the merchants for things about the holidays that make them smile.

At Wisteria Lane, Brenda Matheson said that watching the faces of the children watching the train in her holiday window display always makes her smile.

Bobbie Stewart, at Olde Central Antique Mall, smiles when her customers come and listen to the old 1920 player piano — The Empress Player with Mandolin and Orchestra Bells — a smile for just 25 cents.

The shop cats at the Fat Cat Gallery and Custom Picture Framing and the Crazy Lady on Bay Street Gallery and Gifts are always good for a smile and a little stress free relaxation. You’ll find traditional and whimsical art and sculpture, terrific gifts and fascinating characters that tickle your senses.

Flowers always make us smile and Gazebo Florist and Gifts has some fun ideas for holiday decorating.

Don’t miss tiny gardens at Artisans Cottage in That’s Beautiful.

Need advice on a bike for that special kid? Be sure to stop and talk to Fred at Olympic Bike. He will greet you at the door with smile.

The Candy Shoppe has expanded and now includes some wonderful toys as well as all the candy you love for the holidays.

“Our customers smile coming through

Courtesy Photo

Shabulous, which opened in downtown earlier this year, offers a variety of unique gifts. the doors, exclaiming how wonderful The Candy Shoppe smells licorice, chocolate, fudge, taffy, and sour gummies — they

shout out,” said Charbonnea. “Our bright SEE SHOPPING, 4

Merchants using Facebook to attract customers

By DANNIE OLIVEAUX

H

Courtesy Photo

This spoon is just one of the many gifts at That’s Beautiful.

Editor

aving a hard time finding the perfect or unique gift this holiday season? Trying searching local businesses on Facebook.

In today’s busy world, taking time to holiday shop may be a cumbersome task to some.

There is traffic congestion and crowded stores, especially the large box stores, such as Walmart and Fred Meyer.

But local businesses and merchants, who have Facebook pages, can make searching for that special or unique gift easier.

Maybe you would like to get your loved one a massage, pedicure or manicure, or antique piece. With the popularity of Facebook.com, many local merchants and businesses are taking advantage of social media outlets to tell

their faithful and potential customers about new products and specials.

My search of Port Orchard business on Facebook brought up businesses, such as That’s Beautiful Jewelry and Accessories, Shabulous, Rings and Things and Lallie Mae’s Chalet Boutique in downtown Port Orchard, along with others.

Lallie Mae’s Chalet Boutique owner Jody Grutzeck said that Facebook posting creates a great response from customers and potential clients.

“We’ll be very busy during the holiday season,” said Grutzeck. “We post a lot of hot trendy items on Facebook and it gets great response by comment or people asking questions about the items.”

Mercedes Boudrand, owner of That’s Beautiful, said she’s using Facebook everyday during the holiday shopping season to promote her products.

“Everyday I’m putting something on Facebook until Christmas,” she said.

“About 80 percent of our handcrafted jewelry is less than $40 dollars and we have lots of one-of-a-kind items.”

Many businesses utilize their Facebook page to promote inventory or special deals on selected items. There are even some local online business who also use the social media giant.

Some businesses use only Facebook, along with a website.

Carter’s Chocolates and Ice Cream of Port Orchard, uses Facebook to promote their products, but uses their website to sell to customers — especially those out of town.

The Olde Central Antique Mall in downtown uses its website for listing unique items, along with its Facebook page which lists photos of different items inside the business. Owner Bobbie Stewart also lists events and happenings in the city.

SEE FACEBOOK, 4

Page 4

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

A man’s view on shopping I

By KEVAN MOORE For the Independent

learned many years ago that the absolute best time to go Christmas shopping is on Christmas Eve. And, by “absolute best time,” I mean it’s the worst possible time.

That’s why, year after year, come Dec. 24, I put my game face on and head for the mall. Anytime after 5 o’clock in the evening will work. At this stage in the game, there is sheer desperation in the air and you can smell it more clearly than an Orange Julius or a Cinnabon.

My Christmas Eve shenanigans were handed down to me and my brothers by our father and I can’t imagine doing it any other way. As the youngest brother, I clearly remember the Christmas when my older brothers and my dad had all picked something nice for my mom.

In a moment of serendipity, with only minutes to spare to get home for dinner and eventually head for Midnight Mass, I alighted upon a beautiful kaleidoscope. It was a hit the next morning and my mom wound up getting a different type of kaleidoscope on Christmas morning for about the next 20 years.

Now, isn’t that a beautiful, if not kind of weird, thing? Do you think I would have wound up buying a kaleidoscope if it hadn’t been Christmas Eve, with the promise of a nice meal and a trip to church for a taste of salvation wasn’t so imminent. I think not.

I don’t like crowds and I don’t like malls. I’m not wild about surprises, either.

Christmas Eve shopping has all of those things in spades. Every once in a while, once a year as it were, you’ve got to be willing to put yourself out there. Be bold. Take a chance. Who knows, perhaps you, too, can develop a charming tradition?

Trust me, nothing says, “I love you mom,” like a nice kaleidoscope.

SHOPPING CONTINUED FROM 3

colors, free sweet tastes, and native music from around the world lightens their step.

Smiling and laughing as they touch the premium wood games and fluffy plush animals. The Candy Shoppe provides joyful stimulation for children of all ages.”

Sparkly always makes me smile and at Rings N Things you find the best sparkles in town. But also check out That’s Beautiful Jewelry and Accessories and Lallie Mae’s Chalet Boutique for sparkly, unique gifts.

For a gift with a personal touch, at Shabulous, you can take a class and design your own unique blackboard gifts.

And at the Sidney Art Gallery, the volunteers and artists have outdone themselves this year with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. Be sure to check out the opportunity to adopt a Sidney mouse for Christmas. They are sure to make you smile.

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You can take pictures with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8 and 14 and 15 — you bring the camera, family, pets and smiles and we provide Santa, the tree and candy canes.

Gift certificates are available for personal services from Rose Nails, Salone Pettirosso, Sugar Daddy’s, The Itty Bitty Beauty Shoppe, and Harborview Massage and Wellness Center.

And a perfect and unexpected gift might be a night or so at the Cedar Cove Inn. And after a successful day of shopping, a holiday martini at the One Ten Lounge will make you smile and then you can relax with a beverage and a meal at one of the great restaurants or take in a movie at Dragonfly Cinema.

FACEBOOK CONTINUED FROM 3

According to InsideFacebook.com, Facebook will have more influence on the holiday shopping season based on a report by Facebook strategic preferred marketing developer Adobe.

As 30 percent of consumers polled said they plan to increase their online shopping, 36 percent said that social media sites, such as Facebook, will play a role in purchasing decisions.

Tamara Gaffney, principal analyst at Adobe Digital Index, noted that retailers will get smarter about targeting their Facebook advertisements during the holidays, as they need to stand out among a more crowded news feed.

Other major results from Adobe’s study: • Cyber Monday this year is projected to be the biggest shopping day in history, pulling in $2.27 billion.

• Thanksgiving will become a bigger shopping day, and could eclipse Black Friday in five years. Spending is projected to rise on that day 21 percent year-overyear.

• More consumers will turn to online shopping, lured by cheaper prices and free shipping.

• 28 percent of consumers plan to rely more on mobile apps for holiday shopping this year.

• Toys and hobbies will be the biggest shopping categories on Cyber Monday.

Page 5

Things to do during the holiday season

December 6-8 n The Bremerton-Manette Winterfest and Artwalk is Friday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. There will be a tree lighting and marching band, Santa’s arrival, pictures with Santa, refreshments, entertainment, activities, and horse drawn carriage rides on Pacific Avenue. Admission is free. n St. Gabriel Catholic Church will host a “Winter Bazaar” on Dec. 6-8 at the church, 1150 Mitchell Ave., Port Orchard. There will be handcrafted items and paper crafts. There will be gift baskets, silent auction and children’s gift bags for $5, along with baked goods, used toys and Christmas items.

Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9-11 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. Sunday.

All proceeds will help needy individuals in the community. n The Central Valley Garden Club’s Annual Bazaar and Wreath Sale is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7, at the Community Hall, 10200 Central Valley Road, Bremerton. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be decorated handmade wreaths from fresh, locally grown greens, floral arrangements, handcrafted items and a wide variety of baked goods.

Profits support many organizations within Kitsap County including an annual scholarship to a high school senior. n The women of Faith Lutheran Community Church will hold its annual Bake Sale and Craft Show on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is free. There will be Norwegian goodies, bread, candy, cookies, crafts and more.

Proceeds to benefit SK Helpline and Kitsap Community Resources. The church is located at 2483 Mitchell Road SE, Port Orchard. n The Sidney Museum and Art Association will host “Pictures with Santa” on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, at the Log Cabin Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations will be accepted at the event. The museum is located at 202 Sidney Ave. n The Sidney Museum and Art Association will host a “Christmas Tea” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

There will be sandwiches, scones, desserts and tea served. For more information or to make reservations, call Lynne Little at 360-871-4965. The museum is located at 202 Sidney Ave. n The Church of Latter-Day Saints, 3877 Mullenix Road, will host the seventh annual Port Orchard Nativity Exhibit on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7. It is a family friendly display of over 500 nativities gathered from around the world. Sacred Art Gallery featuring framed art from the life of Christ. There is also a children’s nativity craft, story time and nativity dress up room, scavenger hunt and Christmas caroling sing-along. A live re-enactment and reading of the Christmas story will take place every 30 minutes starting at 5

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Seasons to Remember 15th Annual

p.m. There will also be live musical performances by local schools, choirs and musicians. Admission is free and hours are 9 a.m. to 9. p.m. n The Festival of Chimes and Lights is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Satuday, Dec. 7, in Port Orchard. Be dazzled with all the lights including the giant Christmas tree in front of City Hall, the decorated boats in the harbor and all the shops lit up along the way. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck, hay rides run throughout, choirs sing, pets compete in the Pooch n’ Purr Parade and families are entertained with activities including crafts and stories in the library. Included is the third annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk, a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, with costumed participants ranging from the serious runner to friends chatting as they stroll the 5K route. n The Western Washington Center For the Art’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 and 8. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m Sunday. Jan Peterson Ewen is the play’s director. The play is a about a couple stuggling to put on a church Christmas pageant who is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most awful kids in history. The mayhem and fun begins when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on. For ticket information, visit www.wwca.us or call 360-769-7469.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Featuring the 3rd Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk

City Hall & Downtown Port Orchard

December 13-15 n The Port Orchard Eagles Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, at the Eagles Hall, 4001 Jackson Ave. SE. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is free. There will be Christmas crafts, soaps, candles, woodwork, jewelry and many more handcrafted items. The kitchen will serve soup and sandwiches. There will be hourly raffles.

Bring a can food item to donate for South Kitsap Helpline. n The Sidney Museum and Art Association will host “Pictures with Santa” on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, at the Log Cabin Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations will be accepted at the event. The museum is located at 202 Sidney Ave. n The Western Washington Center For the Art’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13, 14 and 15. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m Sunday. Jan Peterson Ewen is the play’s director. The play is a about a couple stuggling to put on a church Christmas pageant who is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most awful kids in history.

The mayhem and fun begins when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on. For ticket information, visit www.wwca.us or call 360-7697469.

Celebrate the season!

Please join us for FREE, family-fun events: • Elf Movie • SK High School Marching Band • Pooch & Purr on Parade Costume Contest • Christmas Lane Decorated Boat Contest • Choirs and Community Sing-Along • Jingle Bell Boutique – Gift Fair

• Holiday Tree Lighting and Clock Tower Chimes • Arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus • Mary Shaver’s Marionettes performing The Shoemaker and the Elves • Free Hayrides, Crafts, and Refreshments

Presented by the City of Port Orchard and these generous sponsors: Kitsap Bank, our presenting sponsor. Arthritis Foundation - Pacific Northwest Chapter, Brad Page - Caseco, Del’s Feed & Farm Supply, Dennis & Michele Simpson - Santa & Mrs. Claus, Dragonfly Cinema, Fathoms O’ Fun, Jones Tree Farm, Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor Club, Port of Bremerton - Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard Bay Street Association, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Port Orchard Library, Saints Car Club, Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club, Wave Broadband & Port Orchard Independent

Page 6

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South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Christmas trees: real or artificial?

A locally cut tree is often the best environmental choice

e love trees. They clean our air and water, store our carbon, and lend a hand in creating many of the things we depend on, from our homes and furniture to our beloved Louisville Sluggers.

So we should never, ever cut one down for the sole purpose of decorating our living rooms for the month of December, right? Actually, wrong.

“If you choose a real Christmas tree over an artificial one, count yourself among the ‘greener’ holiday makers,” according to James Schroeder, Eastern Washington program director for The Nature Conservancy.

More than 30 million trees are harvested annually for Christmas, out of the 350-500 million growing on tree farms across the country. As each year’s trees are harvested for sale, there are more than 10 times as many left standing.

A tradition of buying real trees keeps tree farms in business – and their lands

Picking the right tree Five tips from The Nature Conservancy to ensure a healthy tree and happy holiday are: 1. Buy real, not plastic. Real trees provide all those clean air and water benefits we need.

2. Buy reputable, meaning a tree from a local, well-established tree seller. That could be your local hardware store, the nearby nursery, or some other well-established business. Here’s why: A fly-by-night operation is more likely not to have trees that have been inspected for invasive bugs.

3. Buy resilient, healthy trees. Run your hand along the branches— they should be flexible.

covered in forest.

Conversely, about 10 million artificial trees are purchased each year. Ninty percent are shipped to the U.S. from China.

Artificial trees are not recyclable. In fact, most are made from a kind of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is derived from petroleum.

If the needles are falling off, that suggests a tree that’s been dead awhile, either cut too soon or maybe infected by invasive pests like the woolly adelgid.

4. Don’t move firewood! Remember that warm toasty fire? Make sure those logs came from a nearby area. Bringing firewood in from infected trees is the number one way new neighborhoods are infected.

5. Dispose of your tree safely. When Christmas is over, don’t just toss it in the backyard to sit around. If there are any invasive bugs on the tree it may allow them to spread to your yard.

Want to make your already green choice even greener?

• Visit a cut-your-own tree farm instead of purchasing a pre-cut tree. That way, you’ll know for certain that it wasn’t shipped in from outside your home state.

• Use LED lights—they’ll use as little as 10 percent of the electricity and last for

years.

• Pass up the non-recyclable tinsel and make garland out of popcorn and/or cranberries.

• Keep using heirloom ornaments year after year, but if you’re still looking to fill some space on the tree, you don’t have to go the store-bought route. Try turning holiday cards or your child’s artwork into ornaments. Or go for a walk to collect pine cones or seashells and decorate with glue and glitter.

• If you are planning to purchase ornaments, choose wooden ones over plastic.

When you travel during the year, pick up a painted wood ornament from the destination you visit. Soon you’ll have a collection of ornaments that brings back memories of trips with friends and family.

• Recycle your Christmas tree whenever possible. Many areas now offer a postChristmas curbside pickup, and the trees are typically chipped or ground to use in mulch.

From all of us here at Amy’s, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

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WELCOME TO

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. NOV 30

Show Your Support by pledging to shop small on November 30th at the Port Orchard downtown merchants.

Keep our Communities Strong - Locally owned businesses build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communites, linking neighbors and by contributing to more local causes.

Page 7

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Enjoy holiday season with Yuletime movies

By DANNIE OLIVEAUX Editor

W

ith the holiday season, comes crowded malls and retail stores, along with dreaded traffic congestion on the highways.

After a hard day at the office or even shopping, most people need time to relax and enjoy time with family and loved ones.

One way to survive the holiday season and relax is gathering up some DVDs or videos, and watch some of the greatest Christmas movies ever made. These Yuletide flicks can tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh.

With the inconception of movie rental kiosks scattered throughout South Kitsap and Kitsap County, renting a movie is convenient, cheap and easy.

But free rentals are available at the Kitsap Regional Library branches.

Rebekah Dalby, reference librarian at Port Orchard, said some of the 38 Christmas movies available include All I Want for Christmas (2008), Once Upon A Christmas (2006), Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (2007), The Christmas Card (2007), A Dog Named Christmas (2009), A Christmas Story (2003), and The Christmas Shoes (2006).

Port Orchard Library Branch Manager Kathleen Wilson

said all feature films are available for a one-week checkout and that the movies float between all of the Kitsap Regional Library branches.

“If you don’t find what you’re looking for on our shelves, you can place a hold on the title,” Wilson said. “It will be delivered to the branch of your choosing and it will be held under you name for one week.”

Wilson added that the library has plenty of holiday music, which is available for a three-week checkout.

TOP HOLIDAY MOVIES

According to AMCtv.com, the top 20 holiday movies are: 1— It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Whether or not you have your own guardian angel hovering, the lesson here is that it’s not money that makes you rich.

2 — A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Charlie Brown sets out to find the true meaning of Christmas in this animated anti-commercialism classic.

3 — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This 1960s stop-motion-animation movie is impossibly cute, right down to Sam the Snowman.

4 — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): Decking the halls and other traditions are all colossal failures for the Griswold family — riotous because it hits close to home.

5 — Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Uplifting without being cloying. It’s no wonder that this movie is a muchbeloved holiday chestnut.

6 — White Christmas (1954): The follow-up to Holiday Inn is once again full of Irving Berlin tunes, with Bing Crosby providing the vocals. What’s not to love?

7 — A Christmas Story (1983): This comedy satisfies two sets of audiences: kids (Ralphie gets his BB gun) and parents (it does exactly what they warned him it would).

8 — Home Alone (1990): A game-changer for the Christmasmovie category: it has action, like a zip line to the neighbors’ house.

9 — How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1965): Boris Karloff ’s dulcet baritone lends sinister charm to everyone’s favorite Who hater in this short, sweet Christmas special.

10 — Frosty the Snowman (1969): This holiday staple features one of the most memorably catchy Christmassy theme

songs ever.

11 — A Christmas Carol (1984): George C. Scott plays Scrooge in this classic made-for-TV version of the Charles Dickens holiday tale.

12 — Elf (2003): It may star Will Ferrell as a dim-witted elf, but the movie’s payoff is old-fashioned, familiar, and welcome.

13 — Holiday Inn (1942): Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire celebrate a year’s worth of holidays, against a steady flow of Irving Berlin tunes.

14 — The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen deconstructs Saint Nick and reconstructs his waistline as a hapless Santa in training.

15 — Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): It’s rather hard to say who’s the real star of this funny live-action version: is it Jim Carrey or Dr. Seuss?

16 — Scrooged (1988): The Bill Murray renaissance began with his turn as ultimate crank Frank Cross. A Solid Gold Dancers cameo helps get the lesson across.

17 — The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): The Muppet adaptation of the classic story is fun, sweet, and definitely appropriate for the whole family.

18 — Christmas in Connecticut (1945): A war hero has Christmas dinner with the Martha Stewartesque Barbara Stanwyck (who actually can’t cook) in this holiday classic.

19 — The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s enchanting tale has all the familiar, er, bones of a holiday classic — love, redemption, and Santa.

20 — Bells of Santa Mary (1945): Father O’Malley the unconventional priest continues his work for the Catholic Church. This time he is sent to St. Mary’s, a run-down parochial

school on the verge of condemnation.

Other popular Christmas movies are The Polar Express (2004), Jingle All the Way (1996), The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Prancer (1989), Surviving Christmas (2004) and Deck the Halls (2006). For the science fiction buff, there is Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964).

Page 8

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Getting organized is the key to less stress

By JESSICA GINET For the Independent

R

ushing around with 90 things to do in the next 10 minutes and absolutely no way to back out of the 15 commitments you have agreed to? Welcome to the holidays.

There’s nothing that screams “Joy to the World” more than a frantic soccer mom baking dozens upon dozens of cookies that nobody really cares about while shuttling her children to recital practice and trying to create the perfect Martha Stewart holiday.

So if you actually enjoy feeling hopeless, helpless and taken advantage of, stop reading. If you want to change things up a bit this year --- perhaps starting a new family tradition that fits for you--- continue on, gentle reader.

PLAN AHEAD.

Look at your schedule for the holiday season. Don’t over schedule yourself or

your family. Leave time for yourself to take a time-out every day. Rather than focus on how you’re going to get from one errand and activity to another, plan on what is worth your time and what is not. It is completely okay to decide to keep your schedule wide open, too.

There is no rule that says everyone must be busy during the holidays.

When organizing your gift list, do some research first. Are there any problems or customer satisfaction issues with certain items? Do local stores offer price matching? If so, make sure you bring the ads with you.

Look for coupons and have them ready to go. Highlight your list items if you have a coupon for it. Likewise, group your coupons by store so it’s easy to locate things.

When planning, look at your entire schedule for the holiday season.

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West Bremerton (360) 377-2534

11/23/13 to 12/24/13

BUDGET.

This is perhaps the most difficult for many people. We worry about hurting other’s feelings so we automatically agree to attend every event, donate to every cause and we suffer personally because of it. Before committing to anything, settle on a specific number of things you will help with and stick to it.

There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I’m going to have to say no to helping with the cupcake brigade/Christmas pageant/etc., for this year.” And leave it at that. No explanation is required.

Whether you set one budget that includes decorations, gifts, travel, etc., or a separate budget for each category, set a budget and stick to it.

I like to set my budget in January so that I can break up my spending into monthly increments. I like to utilize the end of the year sales to buy gifts for friends and family for the following year; as a military dependent, I also take advantage of the Nex’s layaway program to meet my budget while also getting gifts taken care of months before the holidays. Many stores have layaway plans, too.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOU.

If you don’t enjoy large, boisterous SEE STRESS, 9

POOCH & PURR ON PARADE 15tuhal

Ann

Saturday, December 7th 2013 Downtown Port Orchard

Part of Festival of Chimes & Lights • Register under the Kitsap Bank drive-thru between 4:45 pm and 5:10 p.m.

• Registration “cost” is a non-perishable pet food item for the Kitsap Humane Society.

• Be prepared, if they poop to scoop!

• At 5:15 pm the pet parade, (with your decked out pets) starts.

19812 Viking Way

We also have

(360) 297-2428

LEARN TO SAY, “NO.”

for Everyone on Your List!

Purdy

Gig Harbor

(253) 851-9965

Have respect for your time and energy.

You should enjoy the holidays, too.

Mall, guest services advises that if you want to order any photos taken with Santa as a gift, make sure you come early in the season. If you wait too long your photos might not arrive in time.

Are you shopping with little ones in tow? Make sure they have a chance to run off some energy. There is a children’s play area inside the Kitsap Mall for kids age 6 and under.

Winners will be announced at 5:45 p.m. at City Hall.

• Prizes to be awarded

• Leashes Required

Free movies at Dragonfly Cinema, Jingle Bell Boutique at Port Orchard Pavilion, Jingle Bell Run, Wagon Hay Rides, Tree lighting, Music, Santa and more!

Sponsored by:

1550 Navy Yard Hwy

Visit us on the web www.westbayautoparts.com

To register go to www.portorchard.com or call (360) 876-3505

Page 9

STRESS CONTINUED FROM, 8

gatherings, then don’t attend them. If you dislike large crowds, perhaps reconsider that 2 p.m. trip to the mall on Saturday. Shop earlier in the day before the crowds arrive.

Alternatively, if you thrive on social events, by all means attend them. The key is to understand how you are feeling and act accordingly. If you are comfortable and content it will show; if you’re miserable and unhappy, that will show as well. Don’t set aside your feelings.

TAKE A BREAK.

If you need a break, take one! Go hide away and take a quick 20 minute nap, read a good book, watch a movie you’re interested in or get a massage.

If you’ve been walking around shopping all day, stop by a local salon that takes walk-ins, like Hot Nails and Tanning on Plaza Road (adjacent to the Kitsap Mall) and get a spa pedicure with a nice foot massage.

Don’t want to leave the mall? That’s okay, too. The Kitsap Mall has coin operated massage chairs that are perfect for a respite.

A special insider tip: Centering Massage inside the 3100 Building on Bucklin Hill Road has walk-in massage times posted on their door every day.

It may well be worth the few minutes it takes to stop by --- why not take an hour out of your marathon shopping session for some relaxing?

BE REALISTIC.

The holidays are an emotionally charged time for many individuals and families. Things are not going to be perfect and that is okay. Many families get together for the holidays and with that comes old arguments, disagreements and the mashing together of a multitude of personalities. What works for me is to realize that I cannot control others’ reactions or attitudes but I have complete control over my own.

Use that to your benefit. Realize

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013 that you might not be able to purchase gifts for every friend and family member; you might take a shortcut with the cooking; and rather than decorate every single room in the house, the sole decoration will be a tree or a wreath or a menorah.

KEEP YOUR ROUTINE.

Or at least try to. I go to the YMCA every morning Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., year round. My husband and I have date night every Friday and we eat dinner at the same time each day. We go to bed at the same time each night.

These routines provide consistency in the midst of chaos. I’m not so thrown off balance with a new task if I have completed my usual exercise/work/ home routines. So whether you’re a night owl or not, try to stick to your usual schedule as much as possible.

ASK FOR HELP.

There are small things that can save you time and hassle. For example, the Kitsap Mall offers gift wrapping services. There’s also catered meals and desserts available through our excellent local restaurants.

If you’re hosting the whole family for a party or dinner, and you’re overwhelmed with stuff to do, ask for help.

Delegate tasks to others. Once you have passed along some of the responsibilities onto others, though, it’s important that you let go. Allow each participant to go about things in their own way.

National & State Historic Site

Holiday Show

November 29th - December 24th

• Original Art • Handmade Holiday Gifts • Food Donations for Helpline accepted here.

• Affordable Prices

Holiday Cards Available Image Art Studio “Snowman”

by Elissa Whittleton

202 Sidney Avenue • Port Orchard

(360) 876-3693

www.sidneymuseumandarts.com

Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am - 4pm Sunday 1pm - 4pm

PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE.

Your holiday will not be like those in the magazines or on those Lifetime holiday movies and that’s OK. Make your holiday matter to you and your family in your own way. Make no apologies for it and enjoy every second of each day.

You might just realize that your 2013 holiday season was the best one yet --- whether it’s with the artificial tree, store bought cookies or a prepared Christmas dinner courtesy of Shari’s or an artisanal free range turkey dinner lovingly prepared in front of the organically grown live balsam tree.

Pictures With Santa at the Log Cabin December 7th & 8th and th 14 & 15th 11am to 3pm Bring Your Own Camera 416 Sidney Avenue • Port Orchard

Page 10

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Holidays can put strain on the body, think Floor Plans of them as athletic activities and training “Until now, residents seeking upscale apartment homes in Port Orchard have had to settle for less,” stated Matt Smith, president of Rush Commercial. “As we break ground on The Sidney, we signal the start of luxury apartment living in this wonderful community.”

I

t’s almost upon us — the holiday season. During this hectic season, people take on more responsibilities and commit to more events and gettogethers than any time of the year.

All of this extra work can put a strain on the body if the average person is unprepared.

Surviving the holidays requires thinking of them as athletic activities and training for the work ahead.

The added responsibilities of the holidays, including shopping, decorating and hosting, puts added stress on everyone this time of year.

Those not used to the on-the-go speed and long days may find they suffer frequent ailments this time of the year, including physical injuries.

Think about how the holidays are akin to an athletic event: • During shopping a person can

Olympus 3x2

unknowingly walk several miles in a store or mall.

• Individuals often tote around heavy packages and/or lift weighty items.

• Long hours are spent on one’s feet.

• Fast decisions have to be made on purchases.

• Holiday decorating may entail climbing up and down a ladder or bringing heavy boxes out of the attic.

• People may keep long hours traveling to social engagements, taxing their bodies.

These are just a few demands on the body. In order to prevent fatigue or more serious injury from holiday activities, consider these pointers.

• Stretch out before you hit the stores.

Warm up stiff muscles to prepare for the day ahead.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can tax the body and lead to feelings of sluggishness or even

Aldwell 2x2

1287 sq. ft.

982 sq. ft.

Port Orchard’s New Luxury Apartment Homes

Amenities

The Sidney is conveniently located within minutes of retail, medical, shopping, entertainment, freeways and highly rated public schools.



Open, Spacious Floor Plans



Pet Friendly

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Full Size Washer and Dryer



Carports Available

 Stainless Steel Appliances Port Orchard’s New  Cardio/Weight Training Center  Internet Café  Walk-In Closets Luxury Apartment Homes Port Orchard’s New  BBQ Area  Storage on the Patio The Sidney is conveniently located within minutes Start the Year Right Luxury Apartment Homes of retail, medical, shopping, entertainment, freeways Outdoor Picnic Area

induce headaches.

• Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning to withstand the impact of walking all day.

• Use a backpack to tote essentials along. Plus, packages can be stuffed into the backpack to free up hands or balance the weight of purchases.

• Don’t carry around more than you can handle. Plan frequent trips to the car to drop off purchases. If lockers are available in the mall, use them.

• Take breaks every hour and sit down to rest feet and de-stress.

• Eat light, healthy foods. Greasy fast food could strain overstressed organs. Heart attacks during the holidays are common. Healthy Elwha foods 2x1 can also help combat the average six pounds of 849 sq. ft. weight a person gains during the season of overindulgence.

• Caffeine can stress the body even more, so try to limit intake.

• Know your limits.

If your body is telling you enough is enough, call it a day.

Happy Holidays!



Resident Retreat with HDTV

at the Sidney!

and and highly rated public schools.

Full The Sidney is Kitchen conveniently located within minutes  Tot Land of retail, medical, shopping, entertainment, freeways  Conveniently Located with and highly rated public schools.  Nature Trail

Access to Shopping, Amenities Dining and Freeway

• Open, Spacious Floor Plans • Full Size Washer and Dryer • Stainless Steel Appliances • Walk-In Closets • Storage on the Patio • Resident Retreat with HDTV & Full Kitchen

• Conveniently Located with Access to Shopping, Dining and Freeway • Pet Friendly • Carports Available • Cardio/Weight Training Center • Internet Cafe

Quinault 1x1 728 sq. ft.

• BBQ Area • Outdoor Picnic Area • Tot Land • Nature Trail

Luxury. Convenience. Open Space.

From all of us at the Port Orchard Independent.

487 Mansfield Court SW, Port Orchard, WA 98367 • 360-519-3407 email: TheSidney@TheRushCompanies.com • www.TheSidney.com

Remember to Shop Small and Shop Local!

Page 11

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

Unlimited options for the sports fan

By CHRIS CHANCELLOR

I

Happy Holidays It’s been our privilege to work alongside you this year to help support hundreds of events and organizations in our communities. As we’ve labored together, we’ve been inspired by the generosity and dedication of the people who call this community home. It’s that heart of giving that reflects what the holiday spirit is all about.

Thank you for helping us give back.

Sports Editor

nternet shopping combined with brick-and-mortar stores have given sports enthusiasts seemingly unlimited options when it comes to holiday shopping.

About 25 years ago, the jersey selection for Seahawks fans was limited to a white, No. 80 Steve Largent replica uniform. A visit to the team’s online pro shop (www.proshop. seahawks.com) shows that fans now can choose from four different wide receivers — Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Sidney Rice and Golden Tate.

Or perhaps the fan wants to don the jersey of hard-hitting safety Kam Chancellor or dynamic quarterback Russell Wilson.

Those uniforms, and several others, are available in the team’s home navy blue, road white, gray and other combinations. Several uniforms are available that specifically fit men, women and children.

Several men’s and women’s jerseys are priced around $100 with children’s often

running about $70, although options for preschoolers and infants often run less.

Similar options are available for Seattle’s other professional sports teams, including Sounders FC (proshop. soundersfc.com) and Mariners (seattle.mariners.mlb.com).

Brick-and-mortar stores for fans in Kitsap County have become more limited.

The Mariners once had team shops throughout the Puget Sound region, but many, including one at Kitsap Mall, have shuttered.

That does not mean there are not options for those that prefer traditional methods of shopping, though.

Kitsap Mall has a Seattle Team Shop store that features paraphernalia from the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Sonics, Storm, Thunderbirds, University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University.

Items can be ordered online at www.seattleteams.com or purchased in store. Items range from stainless steel mugs to bobbleheads.

Page 12

South Kitsap Holiday Survival Guide • 2013

HAPPY HOLI DAYS

Call Us For Your Complimentary Lunch Tour

From all of us at...

1761 Pottery Avenue, Port Orchard, WA 98366

ASSISTED LIVING

(360)874-1212 www.staffordsuites.com