Last Minute Gift Guide 2014

e t u n i Last M

E D I U G T F I G

Tri-Cities Republican December 2014

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Editor’s Choice

10 great gifts for the season Giving gifts at the holidays is an age-old tradition in many cultures, representative of friendship, reward and affection, and in Christian religions, a symbol of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Kings.

But whatever the reason you give, it’s always better when the gift is thoughtfully chosen, cleverly designed, and from the heart.

Here are some great options, found locally in our communities, to fill your gift list:

The Little Traveler, home to room after room of great gift merchandise, is always a must-stop on your holiday gift buying jaunts. We found a clever “brie” bakers pot with brie recipe book, for any foodie, aspiring chef, or home entertainer. Makes a great hostess gift for that upcoming Christmas party! Check it out at the store, 404 S 3rd Street in Geneva.

If you’re looking for a truly unique book, Town House Books in St Charles has limited edition, hand sewn letter press books available. The Least Little Thing is a beautiful collection of contemporary haiku by local author Mark Mitchellm, and each book is signed by the author. Hardcover editions are available for $28, paperback editions are $20. The poetry is sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, and always reveals some truthful experience. Pair it with a gift card, and Continued on page 4

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The diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods produces a bounty of food variety throughout the city, capture it all with an “Ethnic Chicago Neighborhoods spice box, from The Spice House in Geneva. These popular gift boxes come with a map of the Chicago neighborhoods featured and a full description of the seasonings. Four different combinations, it’s the perfect gift for an out-of-town pal, the brother who moved away, or a brand new neighbor. Visit the Spice House at 577 South Third Street in Geneva.

8 S. Third Street Geneva 630-232-6060 www.genevachamber.com

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they can enjoy a book along with a cup of coffee in the Town House Café, located at 105 N. Second Avenue, St. Charles.

Galena Cellars is more than just a wine shop, it’s a store for wine lovers and the people who adore them!

We fell for these decorative and easy tools to make the wine corks collecting in your kitchen drawer a personalized work of art! Find them at Galena Cellars, 477 S 3rd Street in Geneva.

A collection of all things homey, kitchy and clever, Cocoon in Geneva is the place to find just the gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. We found trendy bird bookends, perfect for the lover of books or birds, or both! Located at 212 S. Third Street, Geneva.

For a gift that’s full of fun, stuff Santa’s pants at the Olive Mill in Geneva! A festive gift basket styled like the Jolly Old Elf’s pants holds 2 bottles of olive oil and two jars of spices. Stop in and fill yours at 315 James St, Geneva.

Is there a beer aficionado on your list with time on his hands? Let him try his hand at his own craft brew,

with a home brewing kit from the Home Brew Shop in St. Charles. The basic home brew equipment kit sells for $74.99 and the two-stage home beer making equipment kit sells for $149.99. Other products include beer making and wine making books, soda pop kits, liquor and cordial kits, and brewing spices. Stop in at 225 West Main Street St. Charles.

Give a gift of peace and wellness this holiday season, with a gift card or gift box from Tranquility Spa and Wellness Center in St. Charles. Gift cards are available for in-store purchase during regular business hours for spa services and products. The front desk staff can help customize the perfect gift for any occasion. Stop in at 113 N 2nd Avenue, St. Charles.

Choose from a gift envelope or gift box. Gift certificates also are available online at www.relaxattranquility.com.

Looking for a timeless gift for a special person on your list? Look no further than State Street Jewelers, and the store’s Signature Collection of fine timepieces. High quality Swiss movements watches feature genuine sapphire crystals, water resistance, and a two-year warranty. A variety of stylish pieces are available for both men and women in stainless

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steel, gold and gold plated, whichever you prefer.

Located at 230 West State Street, Geneva.

The Fox Valley is full of cyclists, so there’s likely one on your list this year! For your rambling rider, consider a Banjo Brothers Top Tube Bag from Prairie Path Cycles, to keep all must-haves (phone, wallet, keys, snacks) within reach. Made with a lined and padded interior, it sits on the top tube, and its clear top allows the rider to see what’s in inside while keeping it all dry. Prefer to keep your valuable out of the way while riding? The Banjo Brothers’ Frame Pack attaches to your top and down tubes to securely stow gear within arm’s reach, but out of harm’s way. 160 W. Wilson, Batavia.

Happy Holidays from

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Electric Avenue

Residents make homes a seasonal spectacle of lights and music

By Stephanie Kohl Growing up, it was a holiday tradition for Brian Larsen and his family to go look at holiday lights.

When the Elburn resident, and owner of Elburn-based County Wide Landscaping, purchased his home at 42W891 Beith Road, he knew he wanted to do a light show of his own.

Currently in his eighth season of decorating, Larsen is going big at home.

Comprised of more than one million lights, Larsen got started programming by watching YouTube videos of different light shows. Since he uses all LED lights, he says his displays have not affected his electric bill much at all.

His show begins around 5 p.m. nightly and runs until about 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until about 11:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Make sure to tune to 88.5 FM to hear the accompanying music.

Averaging about 300 to 400 cars per night, Larsen likes to get outside on the weekends to direct traffic and talk with people. He often gets letters and hears from people that love his show, and have even made it a holiday tradition of their own.

“Now I’m at max capacity,” Larsen says. “There are no more outlets at my house.”

His musical light display takes a good three months to set up. He starts in August and opens his show on Thanksgiving night. Larsen’s favorite part of his display is his cosmic ribbons, which he can form into words or pictures that change color.

“If you bring your family out to watch the show, it gets you into the Christmas spirit,” he says.

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Those visiting Larsen’s display in Elburn need look no further than nearby Geneva for another display.

Geneva resident Greg Parcell and family are in the thirteenth season of setting holiday lights to music and nineteenth year of having a large display at their home, 813 Cheever Avenue. The show begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. nightly. Tune to 88.5 FM for the accompanying music.

According to Parcell’s website, www.twasthenightbefore.com, like most families with extensive Christmas displays, his family started small. Over the years, more lights and decorations were added, and now they boast quite an elaborate display. “(Our display has) about 50,000 lights,” Parcell says.

“We do use music, mostly feature small displays (like) Santa’s Workshop (and) Polar Bear Café, and a virtual Santa. I’ve actually scaled the display slightly back over the last few years. I want to keep a true Christmas feel for people.”

“It gets a little harder every year,” Parcell says. “I’m 19 years older than when I started, but it is fun and Christmas is my favorite time of year.”

Every year, the family receives emails and letters with comments and compliments on the display.

“The best ones are those from parents or grandparents telling us how our display has become part of their family holiday tradition and how much they look forward to coming back again and again,” Parcell wrote on the website. “We hope their children and grandchildren grow up to bring their families year after year.”

For those interested in creating a display of their own, Larsen’s advice is to start small, especially when it comes to the computer programming part of it. He also advised to stick with the basics, like mega trees and mini trees, as well as using LED lights.

“They’ll last a lot longer and you’re able to do more,” Larsen says.

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In 2004, the Parcell home became an official drop off location for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and have collected almost 3,000 toys for local children over

the years. Since 2007, the family has also handed out “The Polar Express”-themed “I Believe Bells” to visitors.

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Holiday Events Aurora Now through December 21 The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Located at the Copley Theatre, at 8 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora Ahh the Holidays. Searching for parking, standing in lines, cooking for 30, relatives that kiss you on the lips and then overstay their welcome. We get it, you need an escape and Second City is here to take your mind off things with the return of the Dysfunctional Holiday Revue. It’s an evening of skits, songs and making equal opportunity fun. Nothing is off limits from your drunken Uncle Adolph and office parties to how that first Christmas really went down. Be ready to laugh and be ready to buy tickets early. Tickets are $35. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit www.paramountaurora.com.

Now through December 21 Holiday Express 2014 2pm to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays through December 21. Located at Blackberry Farm at 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora All aboard the Holiday Express train as holiday music plays and twinkling lights glitter! Listen to storytelling of holiday classics, enjoy the festive decorations, crafts, reindeer food bar, Victorian Christmas lights, hayride and visit with Santa!

Ages 2 and up $5 and children under 2 are free.

For more information, please call 630-892-1550 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

There’s no way you can plan a more memorable holiday experience than Pancakes with Poppins!

Held in the Paramount’s beautiful Grand Gallery, this great event features a delectable breakfast buffet that’s sure to please you and your little ones. Have the kids sit on Santa’s lap, visit the craft area and take pictures with Mary Poppins herself. For the adults, Mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for purchase. All tickets are $35. For more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit www.paramountaurora.com.

Mooseheart Now through December 31 5th Annual Holiday Lights 5-9pm everynight at Mooseheart Child City and School in Mooseheart (Batavia and North Aurora) Santa visits Dec 12,13,14 & Dec. 19,20,21 from 5:30-8:30 This is a great way for families to “kick off” the holiday season, a unique opportunity where members of a family can join together to enhance the family bond regardless of age. $10.00 per car. For more information, please call 630-966-2200 or visit www.mooseheart.org.

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Batavia Now through December 14 The BEST Christmas Pageant Ever Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Located at the Albright Theatre, at 100 N. Island Ave. in Batavia In this hilarious and heart-warming Christmas tale, Mom and Dad take on the church Christmas pageant. Enter the Herdman kids – probably the most awful kids in history! The Herdmans add their own flare to the Christmas story and Mom has her hands full thinking that the Herdmans will certainly ruin the pageant. Or can they help make this the “best Christmas Pageant ever?” Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors.

For tickets or more information, please call 630406-8838 or visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

each Saturday will represent the featured country.

Santa Claus will be dropping by. Cost is $29 per person. For more information, please call 630-2320173 or visit www.oscarswan.com.

December 13 Saturday with Santa 1pm-3pm at Peck Farm Park, at 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva Get into the holiday spirit with the entire family by spending Saturday with Santa! Visit with Santa, create a holiday craft with his elves, sip hot cocoa, and warm your feet by the fire! Cost is $5 per person. To pre-register or for more information, please call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

December 14 Sundays on Stage: Holiday Concert 2:00pm at the Batavia Public Library, at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia The Batavia-based Festive Singers, an a cappella quartet, are back to spread holiday cheer at the Library. Bring the family and enjoy free refreshments while listening to these amazing voices.

Registration required. To register or for more information, please call 630-879-1393 or visit www. bataviapubliclibrary.org.

Geneva December 14 Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 1pm-5pm at the Geneva Commons at 602 Commons Drive in Geneva Shoppers can board the 8 to 10 passenger carriage that runs continuously around the perimeter of the 437,000 square-foot shopping center. For more information, please visit www.shopgenevacommons.com.

December 13 & 20 Christmas Around the World Saturdays 12pm-3pm at the Oscar Swan Country Inn, at 1800 W. State Street in Geneva Oscar Swan Country Inn opens its mansion for Christmas Around the World. The food and decor

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St. Charles Now through December 21 Sing-Along with Santa: Santa and the Snow Queen Saturdays and Sundays at the Steel Beam Theatre, at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles Don’t miss out on this special Children’s Theatre event! This is a festive visit from Santa and his friends, along with goodies for the kids! All tickets are $10. For more information, please call 630587-8521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

December 14 & 21 Breakfast with Santa 8:30am-11:30am at Hotel Baker, at 100 W. Main Street in St. Charles

December 11 Ho! Ho! Hoey With Gary Hoey 7:30pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Gary Hoey’s popular “Ho Ho Hoey” series of Christmas CDs and on-air station visits during the holiday season have become an annual staple at hundreds of radio stations nationwide. Moreover, his live annual interpretation, “Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Show,” gains new fans each year.

Hallmark’s musical greeting cards feature two of Gary’s “Ho Ho Hoey” classics. Tickets start at $29.

For more information, please call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 11- December 21 Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 3pm at the Steel Beam Theatre, at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles

Celebrate the holidays with a special breakfast with Santa! Cost is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 13. Reservations are required.

To register or for more information, please call 630-584-2100 or visit www.hotelbaker.com.

A theatrical tour de force one actor who portrays the familiar characters in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Told from Jacob Marley’s pointof-view, this is a holiday story for all ages. Tickets for adults are $28, seniors (62+) $25, students (16

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and under) $23, and groups (10+) $22. For more information, please call 630-587-8521 or visit www. steelbeamtheatre.com.

December 13 -21 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Saturdays at 1pm & 4:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the Vero Voce School of Performing Arts at 951 State Avenue, Ste. F in St. Charles A hilarious Christmas Classic. A couple struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant, casts the most inventively awful kids in history. Join the Vero Voce young performers for mayhem and fun. Tickets for Adults $15 and children $9. For more information, please call 630-584-0139 or visit www.verovoce.com.

December 14 Trans Infinity Orchestra 5pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Just in time for Christmas, it’s a night of TransSiberian Orchestral music. Chicago’s ultimate tribute act, Infinity brings their holiday magic to the Arcada Theater. Enjoy the full spectrum

experience with eight musicians, four singers, and a fantastic laser light show. Performing to sold out auditoriums in the Midwest for the past four years, now families in the area can enjoy classic holiday songs with this compelling show. For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 18 LeAnn Rimes: One Christmas 7:30pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Rimes made her breakthrough into country music in 1996 with her debut album, Blue, which reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart and was certified multiplatinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

When she released her sophomore studio effort in 1997, You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs, she moved towards country popmaterial, which set the trend for a string of albums released into the next decade. Come check out her once in a lifetime Christmas show! For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

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December 26 & 27 Holiday Sleigh Rides 6pm-7pm or 7pm-8pm each night at Primrose Farm, at 5N726 Crane Road in St. Charles

December 20 Holiday Classics Concert Presented by the Illinois Brass Band 5pm at Baker United Methodist Church, at 307 Cedar Avenue in St. Charles Celebrate Christmas at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church as The Illinois Brass Band presents “Holiday Classics.” The program will feature glorious music of the season. The sanctuary will come alive as thirty of the area’s finest brass players fill the air with the sounds of this “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” With a cheerful mix of traditional carols, holiday classics, and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites, it will be an afternoon that will put the entire family in the holiday spirit. Vocal soloist, Bev Nesbitt will be featured with the band as she sings holiday selections by British composer and arranger Mr. Andrew Wainwright. This is the band’s first appearance in the Fox Valley since 2007. Adults $12, children and students 18 and under $6 and families are $30.

For more information, please visit www.illinoisbrassband.org.

All ages are invited to enjoy an old-fashioned, tractor-drawn holiday excursion! Bundle up for a tractor-drawn bobsled ride around the fields & trails. Per person fee: $10 residents: $15 non-residents. Under 1 year are free. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, please call 630-513-4370 or visit www.primrosefarmpark.com.

December 31 New Year’s Eve Party 6:00pm & 8:30pm at Hotel Baker, at 100 W. Main Street in St. Charles This event features a multi-course gourmet dinner, DJ entertainment, dancing and party favors. For tickets or more information, please call 630-5842100 or visit www.hotelbaker.com.

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Create a gift wrapping area Nearly as much energy goes into wrapping gifts as purchasing them.

Some people excel at wrapping gifts, while others do not enjoy the task at all. Part of the trouble with gift-wrapping is the room and tools needed to wrap all of those holiday treasures. But a gift-wrap station in a corner of the home that is seldom used can make wrapping presents any time of the year easier and more enjoyable.

• Install a folding shelf on a hinge, and use that shelf to do your wrapping. Fold the shelf up when it is not needed and secure it with a latch at the top.

• Hang hooks to store tape and scissors. Attach the scissors to the hook with a string so they won’t go missing.

• A basket tucked nearby can house bows and ribbons so that they are easily stored until needed.

• Find a place to store gift wrap and the tools needed to wrap gifts. Many people find the back of Having the wrapping station so a closet door works perfectly. accessible also allows you to take inventory of supplies and restock • Install wire hanger racks so the when necessary. gift wrap tubes can be stored vertically along the surface of the door.

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Gift exchange dos and don’ts Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping.

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags

are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points.

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DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only

to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The

idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know

specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts.

Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks.

Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended.

DO make sure everyone is aware that there will

be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution.

Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities. They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion.

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