HomeLiving Places & Spaces - January 2026

January 2026

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HOMELIVING

Take A Class Bridal Expos Self-Defense Cosmetic Surgery

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contents Protect Yourself: Self-Defense Methods to Consider Trending Treatments Ready for a Refresh?

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Around Michiana Be Bold and Try Something New this New Year Bridal Expos Help Provide Inspiration and Vendors for that Perfect Day

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January 2026 VOLUME 2

Creative Corner: A Teacher’s POV - Lessons from the ‘Yummy Jar’ Same Store, Different Name Book Nook Did You Know?

Easy Eats

NO. 1

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Cover photo by shutterstock.com

HOMELIVING PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

www.homelivingplacesandspaces.com Member of:

PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Kristin DeVittorio kdevittorio@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox Julie Young Nicholette Carlson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com HomeLiving Places & Spaces is a newsmagazine with emphasis on lifestyle, exploring the community, travel and home decor and design.

HomeLiving does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HomeLiving or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

Copyright © HomeLiving Places & Spaces All rights reserved, 2026

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HomeLiving has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HomeLiving makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the

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advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Mail the order form, along with your check to HomeLiving, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 3

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Lauren

4 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 5

P rotect yourself

Self-defense methods to consider

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

Hand-to-hand combat.

According to the Pew Research Center, 79 percent of Americans say owning a gun makes them feel safer, and while it is not for everyone, it can be the most effective method of self-defense available. Kodiak Firing Range & Training Facility in South Bend is a one-stop shop for all of your training and firearm needs. With a wide range of services, products, and training for both the beginner and more experienced individual, Will Smith says there is something for everyone looking to protect oneself.

“We offer instructional courses in everything from guns to knives and weapons-based Jiu Jitsu,” he said. “For those looking to purchase their first firearm, the paperwork process is fairly instantaneous, provided that you have a clean record, and training will vary immensely depending on what product you are considering.”

6 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

byrna.com

Firearms.

Byrna.

For those looking for a non-lethal alternative to firearms, a Byrna launcher might be the right choice. A Byrna C02 launcher is legal in all 50 states, has up to 60 feet of range, offers up to 30 minutes of incapacitation, and does not require a permit. This device launches a solid plastic or exploding (i.e. teargas or pepper spray) projectile that will give someone the time they need to put distance between them and the threat. Unlike similar launchers, the Byrna C02 cartridge is not punctured when it is loaded but when it is fired, giving handlers the maximum amount of force when the need arises.

“Depending on the model, which run from $379.99-$549.99, you get between 15-25 shots,” said Kayla Paquette, manager of the Fort Wayne Bryna store. “While I have never been on the wrong end of one of the devices, I was hit by a ricocheting projectile, and it left a softball sized bruise.”

Like firearms, it is important to train regularly with a Byrna in order to keep your skills sharp so that if you are in a stressful situation, you’ll know what to do.

“We also offer service for those products that aren’t launching properly,” Paquette said.

When fending off an attacker who gets up close and personal, most people will use any means necessary to get as far away as possible. Whether you train in the martial arts, learn to box, or take a basic self-defense class, each technique can be useful should the need arise.

Michiana is home to a number of dojos that specialize in a variety of martial art disciplines, including Suibukan in South Bend that offers Okanawa Karate (think Cobra Kai), the Phoenix Karate-Do Association, also in South Bend, that offers Karate, Akido, and Kendo in a family friendly atmosphere. There is also the South Bend Judo Club, which offers classes for both kids and adults at all ability levels.

Gabriel Aguero says Judo is a martial art from Japan that was founded in 1882 and helps people learn to defend themselves by throwing their opponent into submission.

“We teach the technique from a sport aspect, but our students can utilize it in their personal lives if necessary,” he said.

“We work with all age groups and abilities, and those who have experience or catch on right away, have the ability to progress quickly.”

The ability to defend oneself is every American’s right, so do your research and find the right option for you! n

photos: shutterstock.com

In the state of Indiana, self-defense is the “reasonable use of force to protect oneself or another person from the imminent use of unlawful force, serious bodily injury, or a forcible felony.” The force used must be comparable to the threat, and you are under no obligation to retreat, provided you have the legal right to be on the premises. So how can you protect yourself from outside, and what is the best method for you? We’ve got the options to help you decide!

www.bontragerconcrete.com

574-773-7311

598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 7

g n i d n e r s t n e m t a re

T

Ready for a refresh?

We’ve got the latest in cosmetic trends

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By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

Everyone knows that we can’t turn back time, but we can slow its progress with a variety of trending treatments designed to reset, refresh and recharge our look. Whether you plan to schedule a procedure with a board-certified plastic surgeon, book an appointment at your local med spa, or invest in some over-the-counter products that have proven successful, we’re here to help you find the right options for you.

Regenerative aesthetics Regenerative aesthetics (including microneedling and collagen stimulating fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse) are treatments that use the body’s natural healing abilities to achieve a more youthful appearance. The techniques focus primarily on minimally invasive procedures such as Platelet Rich Plasma, exosomes and other techniques to stimulate the body’s cells to repair, rejuvenate and renew the skin from within to promote improved dermal quality, texture and firmness. These techniques focus mainly on regeneration rather than repair by restoring the skin’s natural function rather than altering one’s look with a temporary solution. The result is more natural-looking than other methodologies and typically have longer lasting results.

photos: shutterstock.com

Menopause makeovers The menopause makeover addresses the common skin, weight, hair loss and other changes that happen as women age. This makeover may include cosmetic procedures coupled with a style reset, lifestyle changes and targeted treatments that can help women feel confident and vibrant while embracing this new season of life. Some of the key procedures in the menopause makeover include Liposuction, tummy tuck, Renuvion (a process using hot and cold plasma technology), and Avéli (a cellulite smoothing process).

Do your ho mework

Before bookin g your app work. When meeting with ointment, do your homeap that he or sh e is board cert lastic surgeon, make sure ified and ask in the past th how ey to look at bef have done a specific proce many times ore and after photos to get dure. Be sure what you can a realistic idea expect, and d on’t forget to of es so that you as can make an informed dec k for referencIf you are visi ision. ting a med sp has qualified a, be sure that and experien the facility ced er medical su pervision. Mak staff who are under prop e sure they u products and se h eq treatments an uipment, that they offer a igh quality d w for before an they are transparent abou ide range of d after picture t their work.

Ask s and make su clean. Don’t b re e remember, th afraid to look at reviews an the facility is er d of mouth! n e is no better recommend ratings, but ation than wo rd

Hair, there, and everywhere Though it is more commonly associated with men, female pattern hair loss affects about 40 percent of women over the age of 50. It is caused by genetics, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, menopause, stress and nutritional deficiencies, but there are a number of treatments that can help, including over the counter, topical ointments such as Minoxidil, prescription medications such as Spironolactone, or in-office treatments designed to stimulate follicles and improve scalp health.

Many of these procedures fall into the regenerative aesthetic category, including PRP and microneedling, but are geared for a specific result - the stimulation and growth of hair.

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 9

around

michi mi chiana ana

YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY

TRAIL TALES

Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.

JAN. 1-31 | SOUTH BEND

SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission.

1105 Northside Blvd.

(574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com.

JAN. 2 | BRISTOL

JAN. 16 | SHIPSHEWANA

Elkhart Historical Museum 304 W. Vistula St. 10 a.m. to noon.

For kids ages 5-16 School aged kids are invited to come and play at the Museum. Get up and moving with life-size Hungry Hungry Hippos, giant Jenga, obstacle courses and more. Admission is free.

Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 750 S. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.95-$99.95 For more information visit thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gatetheatre/event/josh-turner.

GAMES DAY AT THE MUSEUM

JAN. 6 | ELKHART COUNTY

WINTER WALKING CLUB

Feedlot Shelter at Bonneyville Mill County Park 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Hosted by Elkhart County Parks During January and February, join a weekly winter walking group and enjoy the benefits of fresh air, friendly faces and staying active. Each week, walkers will meet and hike at a different park location. For more information call (574) 535-6458.

JAN. 10 | SOUTH BEND

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MICHIANA HOTWHEELERS COLLECTORS CLUB

8 a.m. to noon German Township Community Center, 51755 Portage Road A die cast collector’s club whose main goal is to have fun collecting the toy cars they all love. The club gets together to swap stories, trade/ sell die cast cars and engage in other events during the year.

Call (269) 462-0974 or (269) 4621000 for more information.

JOSH TURNER IN CONCERT

JAN. 16 | SOUTH BEND

THE DINNER DETECTIVE TRUE CRIME MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW

Solve a hilarious true crime murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner.

6-9 p.m.

123 N. Doctor MLK Jr. Blvd.

Tickets are $66.54 and include dinner theater show, dinner, gratuity Call (866) 496-0535 or visit sbn. info@the dinnerdetective.com.

JAN. 17 | NEW CARLISLE

SWEET AND SAVORY MAPLE CUISINE

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nature Center West Wing 56960 Timothy road Learn how versatile and fun cooking with pure, local maple syrup can be by preparing and cooking maple cranberry sweet potatoes and Pouding Chômeur (Québécois Maple Pudding). Registration and payment required by Tuesday, Jan. 13. Fee is $15 Call (574) 654-3155 for more information.

JAN. 31 | WINONA LAKE

PJ PARTY SALE

The Village of Winona Annual Pajama Party sale with each shop offering different deals and discounts. Sale begins at 7 a.m. n

10 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

BE BOL BOLD

and try something new this new year

The new year is a great time to try something new! For anyone who has been considering trying out a new skill or routine, there are plenty of options to choose from throughout the area. Thinking of getting back into painting after a few years or trying a new art form? There are multiple locations and classes to choose from. There are also a variety of dance and recreation options available. Now is the perfect time to be bold and take that class you’ve been considering.

By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer

When it comes to art classes, there are many locations to choose from with a variety of different classes offered at each location. The Bremen Arts Collective has classes available for adults, teens, children and homeschool students taught by resident and local artists. These classes include traditional options as well as more unique options, such as pottery, stained glass, acrylic painting and crafts, oil painting, watercolor painting, candlemaking, moss art and quilling. The Elkhart Art League has both workshops and classes available. Classes are typically eight weeks long, though there are also some four-week options over the holidays. The art forms include hand-built pottery, ceramic sculpture, wheel-thrown pottery, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, multi-media painting and alcohol ink painting. Workshops offer students the chance to create a single project in one day using one of these art forms. The South Bend Museum of Art has classes for children, teens and adults that typically last six weeks. Most classes are all-inclusive, meaning all items required for the class are included. They also have traditional art form options along with unique options, including ceramics, painting and drawing, photography, metalsmithing and jewelry, weaving and print making with etching and aquatint. Chautauqua Wawasee in Syracuse also offers a variety of art classes, such as pottery workshop, stained glass mosaics, poured paint and plein air painting.

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Previously a theater kid or have a child rs adult who enjoys theater? Premier arts offe actor and teen acting workshops as well as improv classes for high school students and adults.

Private acting lessons are available. Theatre camp options are open for children and teens.

These workshops and lessons also provide the opportunity to audition for and act in local theatre productions.

Interested in dusting off those dancing shoes? Epic Dance Studio and Robin’s School of Dance in Elkhart offer a variety of dance class options for children, teen s, adults and seniors. Epic Dance Studio offers ballet, tap, hip hop , jazz and contemporary classes. They also offer special arts classes free of charge to students with special needs and a class for those at ADEC. Robin’s School of Dance also offers classes to children, teens and adults. Children and teen’s classes include ballet, tap, hip hop, POMS, jazz, lyrical dance and prepointe. Adult dance and fitness clas ses include Pound, a cardio drumming wor kout, hip hop , Zumba dance workout , line dancing and dance fitness. For a more traditional dance class, Dan O’Day Dan ce Club in Mishawaka offers an introductory prog ram with four private lessons. Further private less ons are also available. There are two Thursday dance party nights each month on the first and third week. The se dance parties allow students and non-membe rs to practice their dancing skills and meet new friends.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center in South Bend has something for anyone to try with either a membership or a day pass. There are activities for children, teens, adults and seniors. Creative art classes are offered for children and adults along with family art nights. Dance classes with ballet and hip hop are offered. Fitness classes include HIIT, yoga, cycling, tai chi, Zumba, rep and rev, bootcamp, strength and stamina, aqua aerobics and drumming. People can also find a personal fitness trainer. Recreation opportunities include soccer, football, basketball, pickleball, volleyball and a climbing wall. For seniors, there are silver fitness classes, senior recreation classes, lunch and learns, pottery classes, cooking classes, and coffee and bingo. Swim lessons are available along with the opportunity to become a lifeguard and/or CPR certified. There are also individual music lessons for voice, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, percussion, brass, woodwinds and strings. Group classes include a drum circle, group guitar, group ukulele and a music education class day from Northern Indiana Music School. STEM classes are available for video game creation and LEGO robotics. Cooking classes are available for children and teens as well as special family cooking night classes and a culinary for foodies class. English Language Learning classes are offered. Financial empowerment classes can help get the budget under control for the new year. n | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 11

Bridal expoosn help provide inspirati and vendors for that

PERFECT DAY

By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer

Planning that big day?a bridal expo will want to do a little pre-planning. ion at

Brides looking to gain some inspirat

es, to choose. Wearing comfortable sho a or ent par a cé, fian the ging brin er Wheth aways bringing a bag for samples and give eone best friend, brides should bring som es is not take to and bringing a notebook cific for a second opinion. Creating a spe ists flor at also recommended. If looking email address for the wedding is also tchswa and bakers, consider bringing color helpful to organize all the planning The es of your colors for them to match. and vendor information. It can ir the is ask to n most important questio be a good idea to research some wed the s availability to ensure it matche of the vendors beforehand a ut ding date. It is also good to ask abo and prioritize which type of uests req cial spe any , nce vendor’s experie vendors to visit - wedding packand ing pric , that particular vendor cakes, wedding dress, venue, for be may t tha ages, including special offers music, photographer, etc. offered to expo attendees.

Knowing the wedding and vendor budget is also helpful to decide which vendors

12 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

Winona Lake Bridal and Event Expo

This is the third year for the bridal expo in Winona Lake featuring Kosciusko County and nearby vendors. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 7, at Grace College’s Rhodeheaver Auditorium in the Village of Winona. Cost to attend is $12 plus $2.64 Eventbrite online ticket fee. For this year’s show there are over 20 vendors booked. These vendors include caterers, photographers, florists and other small businesses. Each attendee receives a free gift. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Winona Lake Bridal and Event Expo 2026 Facebook page.

Indiana Bridal Spectacular

This annual event at the Century Center in South Bend has featured the best in area wedding professionals, products and bridal fashions for over 38 years and has one of the largest selection of top vendors in the local wedding industry. This year it takes place from 12-4 p.m., Jan. 4. Cost to attend the event is $5. There are door prizes, a fashion show and even a grand prize drawing for a honeymoon from CS Travels. There are wedding vendors from tuxedo and bridal shops; wedding venues and banquet halls; photographers, video and photo booths; DJs, live music and quartets; catering, food and beverage; wedding cake; wedding planning and coordinating; and wedding floral, decor and party rentals. There are vendors for transportation and limo rentals as well as lodging and hospitality. Vendors for hair, makeup, beauty and health and wellness are also available. For pre-wedding or post-wedding planning, there are vendors for wedding publications, gifts and registries, travel and honeymoon planning, destination weddings, bachelorette and bachelor parties, bridal showers and real estate planning. For more information, visit www.indianabridalspectacular.net.

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No matter what stage of wedding planning, visiting a bridal expo can help narrow down options or planning that still needs done or decide likes and dislikes. It is recommended to arrive early in order to take time visiting all desired vendors and ask questions. Find a vendor you love? Ask that vendor for referrals for other vendors still needed. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 13

CREATIVE CORNER

A Teacher’s P O V

Lessons from the ‘Yummy Jar’

By Christi Lee Ziebarth Guest Writer

I was no more than five years old and had no idea what I had found.

But, I knew it was special.

“Found this on the playground,” I said in a whispered voice while unfurling a tight fist. “Somebody might be sad they lost it.” It was small, round and shiny and I had never seen one like this before. It wasn’t a nickel, a quarter, a penny or a dime; the only coins I could identify.

Without missing a step in his athletic stride, the teacher turned on his heel, walked to his desk, fished a plastic spoon out of the top drawer and plunged it into a giant jar of candy resting beside a stack of ungraded papers.

he “...caught someone being good!” A play on words, for sure. It’s what he did. He was known for it. The Yummy Jar: his legacy.

As I watched his career unfold, I realized this was more than a legacy, it was a perspective. We choose to see the good or the not-so-good. We choose to focus on positive or negative. He chose the good.

Eighteen years later when I had my first teachers’ desk in my first classroom, I made sure I had a Yummy Jar on my desk,

“Here.” he said with a ginger mustache twisting into a smile, “I caught you being good. It was honest to turn this in.

I’ll give you this and you give me that. I’ll take this silver dollar to the lost and found.”

To me, the trade was in my favor. How many times had I stared at the candy jar, dubbed the “Yummy Jar,” and wished to get “caught” being good.

The teacher was my dad.

He taught fifth grade. I was in Kindergarten at the time, but spent mornings and afternoons, before and after school in his classroom. Candy was only given out in scarcity when

14 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

too. I think his had been a washed-out jar of pickles while mine was a washed-out jar of cheeseballs. The contents were the same: candy and positivity.

I, too, watch for students who do good, encourage others, pick up trash without asking, help friends without expecting anything in return…or turn in lost items found in the hallways. My dad has since retired. I keep his legacy of recognizing the good alive in my classroom and as a life motto. See the good. Recognize the good. Empower the good.

One initiative in his honor is the emergence of this article and future articles that “bleed green” for education. The term “bleeding green” in the athletics arena signifies unwavering dedication to a team.

Wawasee Colors bleed for the spirit colors of green and gold.

How fitting to carry over. This is the team spirit of education… beyond the Yummy Jar. What happened to the coin?

By the end of the year, the silver dollar had not been claimed. It came back in my direction. It was worth more than any coin I had ever seen; $1! The lesson of doing good? Priceless. n

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tenthousandvillages.com

Same store, different name

One Village Fair Trade is the new name for the long time, downtown retail store formerly known as Ten Thousand Villages. The fairtrade store came to Goshen in 1977 and since that time has been a destination for unique, treasured gifts.

Rooted in compassion and committed to fair trade, One Village Fair Trade connects artisans and consumers to enrich lives, honor craftsmanship, and build common ground. By purchasing fair trade products, the lives of women, men, and children in developing countries are assured a fair wage for the handcrafted products they create.

The name change is the result of Ten Thousand Villages, the parent company, transitioning away from retail stores to focus solely on wholesale and e-commerce. One Village Fair Trade will continue to source some inventory from Ten Thousand Villages as well as other fairtrade organizations.

Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label working to make trade fairer for people. Through the global fair trade movement businesses, NGOs, and shoppers alike are rebalancing trade – one product at a time. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 15

k o o N k o o B e h T

Want to su g ge st a b o o k? Send the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.

A DANGER TO THE MINDS OF YOUNG GIRLS: MARGARET C. ANDERSON, BOOK BANS AND THE FIGHT TO MODERNIZE LITERATURE

by Adam Morgan

Morgan, a journalist, tells the story of a woman navigating politics, police handbill collectors all in the service of publishing good writing. Anderson was a publisher who ran afoul of the law in 1921 for publishing James Joyce’s Ulysses.

THE WHITE HOT

by Quiara Algeria Hudes Single mom April leaves her daughter for a temporary stint that ends up being longer. The novel is a letter April writes to her daughter explaining what happened. This is Hude’s debut novel, but she’s no stranger to writing.

Her work includes ‘In the Heights” and “Water by the Spoonful” which earned her a Pulitzer in drama.

SHADOW TICKET

by Thomas Pynchon

Taking place during the Great Depression we meet Hicks McTaggert a one time strikebreaker turned private eye who goes out on a routine case that turns out to not be routine.

16 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

It ’s a new year, so check out these recently published books. The staff at National Public Radio recommended these, and others, recently on NPR’s website. ­— Lauren

PAPER GIRL: A MEMOIR OF HOME AND FAMILY IN A FRACTURED AMERICA

by Beth Macy

Macy, the author of Dopesick and a journalist, turns her reporting skills on her hometown. The book touches on addiction, loneliness, anger and loss.

ALL THAT WE SEE OR SEEM

by Ken Liu

This is a thriller about a hacker who retired from her hacking ways until a problem shows up at her front door. Liu is a known entity in hard sci-fi circles.

VAGABOND: A MEMOIR

by Tim Curry

Fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, may want grab a copy of Curry’s book.

Curry also played Pennywise in It. n

photos: amazon.com

RESOURCE GUIDE Be Bold and Try Something New This Year

Check out all of our publications online: - inkfreenews.com - autorv.com - thepapersonline.com - themunicipal.com - themailjournal.com - glo-mag.com - shoppingguidenews.com - lakelifemagazine.com - homelivingplacesandspaces.com - seniorlifenewspapers.com

Elkhart Art League (574) 264-1810 ealonline.org

Salvation Army Kroc Center (574) 233-9471 mykroc.org

Robin’s School of Dance (574) 333-3819 robinsschoolofdance elkhart.com

Chautauqua-Wawasee (574) 377-7543 chautauquawawasee.org

Dan O’Day Dance Club (574) 255-1168 danodaydancestudio.com

Premier Arts (574) 293-4469 premierarts.org

Bridal Expos Help Provide Inspiration and Vendors for that Perfect Day Indiana Bridal Spectacular Century Center January 4 indianabridal spectacular.net (574) 243-4060 or (574) 360-5372

Winona Lake Bridal & Event Expo February 7 See their Facebook page for more information

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 | 17

? w o n K u o Y Did

So how many of the obvious traditions did you observe?

Did you go to a party, or have one? Did everyone kiss at midnight, throw confetti, drink champagne? Music and dancing? Who else remembers Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, or later, Dick Clark and his Rockin’ Eve? A special meal, or lots of snacks? Or were you sleeping when the old year slipped away and the new year arrived right on schedule?

There are lots of traditions you may not have known, though.

They mostly focus on luck, prosperity, and cleansing the old year – perhaps in the belief that the new year will be a better one. Harmless enough to do, right? It can be as simple as eating 12 grapes in Spain, one for each month’s luck, or smashing plates in Denmark to scare away spirits (only bad ones, obviously). And there are many other ideas meant to deal with spirits: the noise of bells and firecrackers is supposed to banish evil, while in Ecuador you might burn effigies – whose those are, is your choice. In Ireland there’s bread-banging, which is just what it sounds like: bang bread against the walls to drive out bad spirits. In Japan, you could ring Buddhist temple bells 108 times to cleanse worldly sins.

Would you ever have guessed that the color of your underwear could determine luck? Latin Americans wear yellow for wealth, and Brazilians wear white for peace; whether or not you choose to do that all year is up to you!

Other things to try? Scotland celebrates first-footing: the first person to cross your threshold after midnight brings you luck, and usually includes gifts such as coal.

(When we’re used to thinking of coal in stockings for naughty children, that might give you pause.) So you could try, instead, should you care to, eating round foods; in Italy, that means lentils, in the Southern states black-eyed peas, or 12 round fruits in the Philippines.

Here we are in the new year; did it seem to come quickly, or has the last year seemed endless? In my life, there’s been an equal amount of both; 2025 seemed twice as long as usual. Has me wondering what 2026 will be like! You too?

If you always sing “Auld Lang Syne,” do you know its history and intent? Originally written in the 18th century by Robert Burns, it was first a poem, meaning “old long ago,” and the love and kindness of past days. It became an American tradition in 1929, as celebrants sang it to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. And though you don’t see him as often as you used to, the Baby New Year, with his diaper and top hat, and Father Time, got their origins in ancient Greece as far back as 600 B.C. I will always love Norman Rockwell’s renditions of the two best of all.

Wherever and however you celebrated the beginning of this new year, we hope you were with the ones you love most, and that 2026 will be happier, healthier, more prosperous and far more joyous than any year you have known before ... and that every year thereafter is even more so. n

... and now you know!

You could carry an empty suitcase around the block as they do in Latin America, meant to symbolize travel in the new year, which requires no travel agent at all.

You could jump seven waves at the beach, which you’ll see in Brazil, as a way to thank the ocean goddess. And if you need an excuse to redecorate?

Italians throw old furniture out their windows, symbolizing getting rid of problems.

18 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | January 2026 |

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—— E A S Y E A T S —— Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Chowder

By Nicole Russell, from allrecipes.com.

This slow cooker loaded potato chowder is the easiest soup there is - just dump and go.

The cream cheese makes it perfectly creamy, and the best part of this recipe is that it only takes 5 minutes to put together.

INGREDIENTS:

q 1 (28 ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes

q 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of celery soup

q 3 cups chicken broth q 1 (1-ounce) package dry

ranch dressing q 1 (3-ounce) bag bacon bits, divided q 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese q 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese q 2 green onions, sliced q salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS:

q 1 pint cherry tomatoes,

halved q 16 ounces fresh mozzarella balls q 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese q 1/4 cup prepared pesto q sun-dried tomatoes (optional) q drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional) Cook’s Note To minimize oil from pesto, you can decrease the amount of pesto by 50% and add enough fresh chopped basil instead for a total amount of pesto and fresh basil to equal 1/2 cup.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 25 Minutes Servings: 6

DIRECTIONS: Place frozen hash browns, cream of celery soup, broth, ranch packet, and 1/2 cup bacon bits in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on Low for 4 hours.

Remove lid and mash potatoes to desired

consistency (or leave them whole for a thinner chowder). Add cream cheese. Cover and cook for 1 hour more. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, green onions, and remaining bacon bits. n

Hot Caprese Dip

By Shelia Johnson, from allrecipes.com.

photos: allrecipes.com

DIRECTIONS: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Combine tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pesto in a large bowl and mix well. Place mixture in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Top with a few sun-dried tomatoes and drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. n