GUIDE TO
Parties, Dining & Shopping
A Blank Slate Media Special Section • December 4, 2020
22 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping
T
he holiday season is a busy time of year. People devote many hours to generating gift lists and planning their shopping excursions. Shopping can be all-encompassing during the holiday season, but it is only half of the gift-giving equation. After all of those toys, articles of clothing and other goodies are purchased, those items will need to be wrapped and hidden away. Gift-givers may be looking for ways to make these tasks just a little easier.
Shop early The sooner you begin shopping, the more time you will have to purchase everything you need and then get it prepared for giving. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales feature great deals, there are discounts to be had all year long if you keep your eyes open. Grab an item here and there when
THE DUX BED FROM SWEDEN
!#$%$ÂŽ
HOME FOR THE ./0# $12
20% OFF THE DUXÂŽ BED & BEDROOM ACCESSORIES ! " !#$%$ & ' ( ) ( ) ) * ( *( ( !#$%$ + ( , ) -
DUXIANA MANHASSET 34 % " 4356758639 www.duxiana.com :, % 9 ; <3 - = > - ? * * - @ ) -
there is something that catches your eye and fits the needs of a gift recipient. Shopping early also affords shoppers a greater buffer if they plan to do some of their shopping online. Shipping times have changed due to COVID-19, which has disrupted some supply chains and put added pressure on shipping companies. The U.S. Postal Service says products and packages may require more time to be delivered due to limited transportation availability, so shopping early can help ensure everything arrives on time.
Tackle the kids’ gifts first Watching children’s bright grins and all their excitement opening presents can make all the hard work worth it. Be sure that you shop for all of the gifts for children in your household first, especially if you play Santa’s helper. Use opportunities when the kids are in school or at daycare to bring gifts into the house and then wrap them. Wrapping as you go can help to ensure there are no “spoiler alerts� prior to the holidays.
Create a wrapping station A dedicated area for wrapping can streamline the process. Gift wrapping supplies can be tough to keep organized because they’re usually awkward sizes and can eat up a lot of space. That’s where a wrapping station can come into play. It can be custom-made or you can use items already around the house. A laundry room or a large closet can be the ideal location for a wrapping station. Because wrapping paper rolls are the most cumbersome wrapping supplies, find a way to corral them. A tall laundry hamper works, or consider hanging wrapping paper rolls horizontally on thin curtain rods attached to a wall or the back of a door. Simply pull off the amount of paper you need and cut. Organize other supplies in a nearby drawer or organizational caddy. Store gift bags and tissue paper in a fabric tote bag. Having everything within arm’s reach cuts down on time spent searching for supplies. It’s that time of year for shopping and wrapping. Ensure it is a lowstress experience with some time-saving tips.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
23
How to prioritize shopper safety during the holidays E
ach November and December, many people direct their focus on the festive holiday season. While good intentions reign supreme during the holiday season, it’s best that store owners and consumers alike pay attention to personal safety amidst all the hustle and bustle. According to Dr. Janet Lauritsen, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri, robbery and personal larceny increase around the holidays. In addition, retail crime increases by around 30 percent during the holiday season. Business owners and consumers can keep these tips in mind so this
holiday season is as safe as it is festive. • Be aware of your surroundings. When you leave a store, no matter how big or how small it is, put your phone down and avoid distractions. Opportunists look for distracted people who may not see them coming. • Shop trusted online retailers. Many people shop online for holiday gifts, and this year the increase in online revenue may be pronounced as people continue to avoid crowds to protect themselves from COVID-19. Fraudulent online retailers and false charities prey on unsuspecting consumers. Consumers can patronize sites of locally owned businesses or larger
retailers they recognize and use frequently. Verify that the site is encrypted by looking for the “lockâ€? symbol in the address bar when you reach the payment page. If something seems off, avoid that site or reach out to customer service. • Change routines. If you always head to the store at a specific time or leave for work or school at the same time each day, think about altering your routine to thwart would-be criminals. This can throw off anyone who has been observing your patterns. The same tactic can be applied to someone working in a retail store, as private homes and consumers are not the only targets this time of year.
• Don’t leave items exposed. At home and in the car, keep purchases or gifts hidden. This can reduce the temptation for thieves. • Invest in security cameras. If you do not already have a camera on your home or business,
now is the time to get one. Even doorbell cameras can deter crime. Porch pirates/bandits are individuals who steal packages right off of people’s front porches. Porch Bandit Protection™ says the average value of stolen packages is $140. Thieves may even follow
delivery vehicles closely in order to grab packages minutes after they are delivered. Cameras can deter the criminals who commit these types of crimes. It’s time to step up on safety so this holiday season stays festive.
1030 Willis Ave. • Albertson, NY 11507 516-484-6444 • email: solomonsalb@optonline.net
(''6ƒ *1745 ƒ 1((
KLGJ=OA<= K9D= 6RPH H[FOXVLRQV PD\ DSSO\
6DWXUGD\ ‡ 'HF WK )URP DP WR SP @GDA<9Q @GMJK2 LM=K<9Q % K9LMJ<9Q )(2+(9E % -HE KMF<9Q )*HE % -HE 6DOH LV RQ LQ VWRFN GLVSOD\HG PHUFKDQGLVH RQO\ 1RW YDOLG RQ SULRU VDOHV ULQJ VL]LQJ FXVWRP ZRUN RU FXVWRP RUGHUV UHSDLUV OD\DZD\V RU VSHFLDO RUGHUV &DQQRW EH FRPELQHG ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU RIIHUV $OO 6DOHV )LQDO 6HH VWRUH IRU PRUH GHWDLOV
:LOOLV $YH ‡ $OEHUWVRQ 1< ‡ ‡ HPDLO VRORPRQVDOE#RSWRQOLQH QHW E9PAEME ;GF>A<=F;= 9F< 9F =FBGQ9:D= K@GHHAF? =PH=JA=F;=& @=9DL@ JMD=K O= >GDDGO 9F< 9<@=J= LG 9DD @=9DL@ 9F< K9>=LQ J=?MD9LAGFK LG HJGNA<=
24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
We Want To Thank Our Customers ;OL JVSK ^LH[OLY PZ JVTPUN (YL `V\ YLHK`& For Voting Us the #1 Fur Store
SUPERIOR FURS 1697 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030 P: 516.365.4123 F: 516.365.4124 All Major Credit Cards Accepted
www.fursbysuperior.com
The bright side of small holiday celebrations
'217 :$7&+ <285 )/(; 63(1',1* '2//$56 ',6$33($5
86( 7+(0 25 /26( 7+(0
*5($7 *,)7 ,'($6
*,)7 &(57,),&$7(6 $9$,/$%/(
+XJH VHOHFWLRQ RI QHZHVW 0DXL -LP 6XQJODVVHV $YDLODEOH LQ QRQ SUHVFULSWLRQ SUHVFULSWLRQ &217$&7 /(16 5(%$7(
2))
:,7+ 0267 $118$/ 6833/,(6
'RFWRU DYDLODEOH IRU H[DPV FRQWDFW OHQV Ć“WWLQJV GU\ UHG H\HV JODXFRPD FDWDUDFW HYDOXDWLRQ ([DPV DUH FRPSUHKHQVLYH DQG E\ DSSRLQWPHQW RQO\ DW RXU VDIH DQG VDQLWL]HG IDFLOLW\
285 (;3(5,(1&( 48$/,7< 0$.( 7+( ',))(5(1&( )8// 6(59,&( )$0,/< 2:1(' 237,&$/ &(17(5 6,1&(
*$5'(1 &,7< 3$5. -(5,&+2 73.( %(7 +(55,&.6 5' 0$5&86 $9(
&20( ,1 )25 <285 (;$0
0267 81,21 3/$16 0(',&$5( $66,*10(17 $&&(37(' :( $&&(37 (<(0('
9LVLW XV DW ZZZ IRFDOSRLQWJFS FRP
T
o say the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changed life would be an understatement. Due to COVID-19, the way people interact with one another has changed dramatically over the last several months. Despite this, the public has proven very resilient and adaptive, often finding a silver lining while confronting challenges that might once have seemed insurmountable.
The holidays are one aspect of life that have been modified as people continue to navigate the new normal. It’s easy to lament the fact that extended family may not be able to travel or celebrate the holidays together. However, there is something to be said for small celebrations. The following are some of the positive aspects of scaling back holiday festivities. • More personal: Certainly it can be great to see distant cousins or old college roommates for the holidays. But the more people who you see each holiday season, the less personal interaction you get. When the holidays are scaled back, dinner becomes more intimate and everyone can exchange gifts and see their loved ones’ reactions. • Reduced expenses: Putting out an extensive holiday spread and
entertaining 10 or more people can be expensive. Small gatherings are less expensive because there’s fewer mouths to feed. • Ability to splurge: On the other side of the financial coin, having fewer people for the holidays means one can indulge on items that may not be possible when hosting a crowd. Therefore, if chicken was normally on the menu, it could be possible to upgrade to a roast or something indulgent like lobster and other seafood. In addition, a small holiday celebration may free up the budget to spend more on gifts. • Special touch: When there are only a few people celebrating, hosts can go the extra mile to give celebrations a special touch. Create a special holiday dessert even if the recipe is time-consuming. In addition, immediate family can pile into the car to tour the neighborhood decorations, something that may not be as manageable with a motorcade of relatives. While holiday celebrations may need to be scaled back this year, small gatherings can produce some pleasant, unanticipated benefits.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
25
Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland T
he end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step. The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene. • Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. • Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, typically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites.
• Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice. • Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6. • Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at
the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”
Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonderland.
26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
+DZWKRUQH 6HUYLFH Gifts that can make &HQWHU social distancing 9G 9CPV VQ 9KUJ 1WT %QOOWPKV[ C *CRR[ *CPWMMCJ /GTT[ %JTKUVOCU CPF C9QPFGTHWN CPF 5CHG 0GY ;GCT
more enjoyable
Cooking classes
+DZWKRUQH 6HUYLFH &HQWHU $ )DPLO\ 2ZQHG DQG 2SHUDWHG 6WDWLRQ &DULQJ )RU <RXU &DU DQG 6HUYLQJ 7KH &RPPXQLW\ )RU 2YHU \HDUV
E >PSSPZ (]LU\L >PSSPZ[VU 7HYR 5@ ‹
-RDQQHÂśV ,V <RXU +ROLGD\ +HDGTXDUWHUV 7LPH WR &HOHEUDWH WKH -R\V RI WKH 6HDVRQ
)XOO /LQH RI „ *UHHWLQJ &DUGV IRU DQ\ RFFDVLRQ
683(5 9$5,(7< 6725( )($785,1* $ )8// 6(/(&7,21 2) ‡ :KLWH 0RXQWDLQ 3X]]OHV ‡ +ROLGD\ 'HFRUDWLRQV ‡ 'LVSRVDEOH +ROLGD\ 0DVNV ‡ 7R\V ‡ 3DUW\ )DYRUV
‡ &DQG\ ‡ 6HDVRQDO ‡ &DPS ,WHPV ‡ +ROLGD\ ‡ 6FKRRO 6XSSOLHV
)5(( *LIW :UDSSLQJ 'RQH RQ 3UHPLVHV
+,//6,'( $9( :,//,6721 3$5. _ ZZZ MRDQQHVYDULHW\ FRP _ 0 ) 6DW 6XQ
)UHH 'HOLYHU\ 3LFN 8S &XUEVLGH $VVLVWDQFH
xchanging gifts with loved ones is a holiday season tradition. That tradition figures to continue this year, though families will almost certainly have to adjust the ways they exchange gifts.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 changed how people across the globe live their lives. Social distancing guidelines encouraged people to limit gettogethers, particularly indoor gatherings. Experts anticipate restrictions on indoor gatherings will continue in the early part of the winter of 2020-21, which could force families to rethink how they get together during the holiday season. Families also may want to think outside the box when buying gifts for their loved ones, targeting items that can make social distancing easier. The following gift ideas can make a socially distant holiday season that much more special for a loved one.
Streaming subscription Movie theaters have been closed for months in many areas. But movie lovers still want to see their favorite flicks, so a streaming subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime can be just what they need to stay entertained while social distancing this winter. For fans of classic films, including indie movies, foreign films and big studio productions, a subscription to the Criterion Channel might make the perfect gift. Curated by the Criterion Collection, this streaming service provides access to a library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films, making it an ideal gift for the family film buff.
Many people have spent the last several months honing their culinary skills. Gift givers can help them take those skills to the next level by enrolling them in online cooking classes. The options are endless and some even include access to legendary celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Many online cooking classes feature monthly memberships or single classes, making them ideal for loved ones of all skill and interest levels.
Technology Technology has helped many people stay connected with friends and family while social distancing, so a new tablet, laptop or desktop computer can be just what people need to fully engage in family Zoom sessions or weekly virtual happy hours with coworkers and friends. If a new tablet or laptop stretches your budget, consider a pair of noisecanceling headphones, which can make it easier to concentrate while working remotely in a crowded house.
Crafting kit Hobbyists may have had their passions for crafting reinvigorated while social distancing, making a crafting kit an ideal gift to help them fill their downtime. Beginner’s kits also can make an ideal gift for novices looking for an engaging, time-consuming hobby. Certain gifts can be a perfect fit during a socially distant holiday season.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
The meaning of the menorah M
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.
3L[ -HTV\Z 4H_ÂťZ (WWL[PaPUN 2VZOLY +LSP +V (SS [OL 7V[JOHPUN MVY @V\ 9LTLTILY /V^ .VVK .YHUKTHÂťZ 3H[RLZ >LYL +VUÂť[ 7V[JOH ^P[O [OL 3H[RLZ 7(9;@ 6- 7,673,
‡ /EV RI %ULVNHW ZLWK *UDY\ ‡ &KRLFH RI 7KUHH
0DVKHG 3RWDWRHV %UXVVHO 6SURXWV 6WULQJ %HDQV $OPRQGLQH
‡ $FFRPSDQLPHQWV ,QFOXGH
'R]HQ )UDQNV LQ D %ODQNHW 'R]HQ 0LQLDWXUH 3RWDWR /DWNHV +RPHPDGH $SSOH 6DXFH &KDODK 5ROOV +RPHPDGH &ROHVODZ
‡ 'HVVHUW
-HOO\ 'RQXWV
6-:LWK WKLV FRXSRQ
7(9;@ 6- 7,673,
)9<5*/ :7,*0(3 ‡ $VVRUWHG YDULHW\ RI 4XLFKHV DQG )UHQFK 7DUWHWV 6SLQDFK &KHGGDU $VSDUDJXV
0L[HG 9HJHWDEOHV )HWD 0XVKURRP
‡ +RPHPDGH *UHHN 6DODG ‡ $VVRUWHG /DWNHV 'R] 0LQLV RU 'R] /DUJH
6SLQDFK ‡ 3RWDWR ‡ 6ZHHW 3RWDWR
‡ +RPHPDGH $SSOH 6DXFH ‡ /EV 3ODWHG 1RYD 6FRWLD 6DOPRQ ‡ 6PDOO 7RPDWR 2QLRQ 3ODWWHU ‡ %RZO &UHDP &KHHVH ‡ 3ODWWHU RI $VVRUWHG 5XJHODFK RU -HOO\ 'RQXWV
6-:LWK WKLV FRXSRQ
/PSSZPKL (]LU\L 5L^ /`KL 7HYR 5@ *VTTPZZHY` SVJH[LK ^P[OPU ;LTWSL ;PR]HO
6 7 , 9 (; 0 5 . : 0 5 * ,
27
28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 4, 2020
How to support small businesses this holiday season
T
he holiday season is an important one for small businesses every year, and it figures to take on heightened mportance in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 n late 2019 and early 2020 hit small businesses especially hard, with many being forced to close their facilities to customers in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading. Estimates regarding the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on small businesses varied, but many small business owners were forced to let go employees as they confronted steep declines in revenue. A ZenBusiness survey of more than 1,000 small business founders, senior managers and decision makers found that 37 percent of small businesses that employ between 11 and 25 people were
considering laying off more than one-fifth of their workforce. As small businesses face difficult challenges, it’s no surprise that many consumers want to support locally owned small businesses this holiday season. Such support not only can help small businesses, but also can help to revitalize local communities. • Shop online. Online shopping has traditionally been dominated by big box retailers. However, many small businesses increased their ecommerce capabilities to generate revenue. Shoppers concerned about shopping in person this holiday season should explore the delivery and curbside pickup options available at locally owned small businesses. Even businesses that have not traditionally been allowed to deliver, such as
Holiday shoppers may want to start early
breweries and wineries, have been able to do so during the outbreak, giving consumers unlimited online shopping options. • Purchase gift cards. Gift cards take the guesswork out of holiday shopping, and such cards are easily shipped or even emailed to loved ones. That’s a significant benefit during the 2020 holiday season, when delivery times are expected to be lengthy. Gift cards to local businesses simplify holiday shopping, support small businesses and help shoppers avoid potential delivery delays. • Share your experience. Word-ofmouth is vital to small businesses at any time, and can be especially valuable as these companies try to
T
he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 had a ripple effect on the world economy. One consequence felt by consumers across the globe was longer than usual delivery times on products purchased online. Retailers like Amazon and delivery services like the United States Postal Service informed consumers that products and packages may require more delivery time due to limited transportation ability resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. That’s an important consideration for holiday shoppers who want the gifts they purchase for loved ones to arrive on time this holiday season. In anticipation of longer delivery times, which may be even longer
overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. Holiday shoppers can share their experiences with local businesses via social media. Share information about the lengths local small businesses have gone to in regard to safety measures, order fulfillment and their delivery and pickup efforts. Such sharing may compel neighbors and friends to follow your lead and provide vital support to local businesses in need this holiday season. Small businesses are the backbone of many communities, and the holiday season provides a great opportunity to support such firms as they look to recover from a difficult year.
during the notoriously busy holiday season than they were at the outset of the pandemic, shoppers may want to begin their shopping early. Doing so not only accounts for longer shipping times, but also increases the chances shoppers will find what they’re looking for during a time when many retailers’ supply chains have been interrupted. Shoppers concerned by online shopping this holiday season due to the likelihood of catching COVID-19 by contacting cardboard boxes likely have little to fear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that the chances are low that the virus spreads from packaging that’s shipped over a period of several days at ambient temperatures.