2020 Holiday Gift Guide

28th Annual y a d i l o H Gift Guide 2020

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Tryon Daily Bulletin The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Gift Ideas, Recipes, Savings & MORE!!!

HANDMADE CRAFTS FOR HOME & HOLIDAY curator: sherry masters

Beautiful objects of purpose created by 25 great artists.

NOVEMBER 21 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 open house

Sat, November 21, 12-7 pm Upstairs Artspace 49 S. Trade St, Tryon NC, 828.859.2828 Hours: Tues – Sat, noon – 5pm

upstairsartspace.org ar tists clock wise from top left : ray jones ; rob le vin ; leonid siveriver ; jon ladd ; k athleen doyle / tom reardon

Welcome

W

y a d i HolGift Guide

hether you’re a 4 a.m. Black Friday shopper, a last-minute-Lucy running to stores on Christmas Eve or one who paces out the shopping over the season (who are you? I want to know your secrets!), This Holiday Gift Guide features local Foothills stores with gifts to suit any taste.

Speaking of taste, we have also included fantastic recipes for your holiday meal. You’ll find information on holiday traditions, decorations and more.

We hope this season is one of fun and magic, friends and family, peace and joy. From our family at the Tryon Daily Bulletin to yours, may the blessings of the season be with you and your family.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

8 The Christmas House 16 Stocking Stuffers 18 DIY Gifts 20 Under $20 22 Kids 24 Teens 26 Pets 28 Wrapping 30 Home Decor 32 Decorating 34 Christmas Tree 36 Black Friday 38 On Time 40 Ingredients 42 Leftovers 44 Food

Staff General Manager Kevin Powell Graphic Design Jullia Zeleskey

Administration Courtney Smith

Marketing Ben Bouser

Distribution Jeff Allison Jamie Lewis

Intern Macy Cochran HOW TO REACH US

Main number, classifieds and subscriptions: 828-859-9151.

E-mail: news@tryondailybulletin.com. Founded Jan. 31,1928 by Seth M. Vining. (Consolidated with the Polk County News 1955) Holiday Gift Guide is published annually by Tryon Newsmedia LLC at 16 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782-6656. Periodicals postage paid at Tryon, North Carolina 28782. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tryon Newsmedia LLC., 16 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782-6656.

Lights

The Christmas House Bill & Sandra Montgomery

Mark Levin, writer & photographer (additional photos submitted by Bill Montgomery & Ken Toney)

Chances are if you’ve ever driven I-26 East toward Exit 5 (Campobello) during this time of year you’ve noticed a cheery glow up the hill on the right. It’s impossible to miss. And for thousands of people each year, they take that exit and within minutes jumpstart their Christmas spirit. You can’t help but be moved by this incredible display of holiday lights and scenes at Bill & Sandra Montgomery’s “The Christmas House.”

Bill & Sandra look forward to the Christmas season just about as much as kids – and maybe more. It’s in Sandra’s DNA for sure and somehow or other that has taken hold in Bill.

Sandra’s dad, James Blackwell, started putting on this festive show in 1973. At the time James was head of maintenance at Bigelow Sanford in Landrum and was put in charge of decorating the company’s property. That set off a spark in James’s mind and that ignited an idea to start decorating the home that was built in 1884. James’s wife, Doris, must have given 8

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

her nod of approval because decorating the Blackwell home was underway. And now, 47 years later it is one of the most visited winter attractions in the Upstate.

Officially the house is now referred to as “The Christmas House.” It’s an obvious choice for an appropriate name.

Bill & Sandra took over the house and grounds decorating in 2005 and have made this a mission of love. They live for this season, which begins the second weekend in October when the first decorations are moved from their storage buildings to the grounds.

But the planning has been put into place well before the October framework begins. Setting up for something of this scale takes a small army made up of relatives, neighbors, and friends. On some days as many as a dozen elves are on-site helping with the setup and late in the evening it might be just Bill out there taking care of ever last detail.

This is no small operation. Every single item is checked and repairs or rebuilds are made when necessary. Just about all of the displays are homemade and even store-bought items are reimagined to make them better. Bill and Sandra estimate that this year’s display contains over 120,000 bulbs. Their power bill nearly triples during this season but they say it’s worth every penny to see the joy it brings people. Folks have told them that they came as a child and now they bring their own kids. No doubt thirty years from now, those kids will be bringing their own wide-eyed youngsters.

Bill keeps photos of each year’s display to help remember just where they had everything placed the year before. But things change. New ideas are constantly brewing in their minds. Bill mentioned a couple of ideas already on the drawing board for the 2020 version, but I’m sworn to secrecy. But he did let it slip out that he’s adding a “pixel mega tree” for this year. It’s all about being organized and being creative. Bill and Sandra live for this and see it as one way they can remind people that Jesus is the “reason for the season.”

Families driving through are caught up in the moment and probably can’t appreciate what it takes to make this happen. Just last year alone they had to buy 15,000 light bulbs to make sure they had what they needed. Bill says one of the best things to happen recently was the introduction of LEDs, making lighting the displays more energy efficient. The extra expense to upgrade bulbs is worth it. It’s a good thing their son-in-law is an electrician as plenty of upgrades had to be made over the years.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

Even with that, it’s not simple to get this show running each evening. The miniature donkeys get moved from the pasture into their viewing barn and then about ten minutes before opening, Bill has to flip 14 switches and plug in four outlets. At that point, Bill and Sandra retreat into their beautiful home (also decorated) and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie as the real entertainment outside begins.

Bill and Sandra do this for the enjoyment of others and to help remind everyone that we’re celebrating the birthday of Jesus. Sandra says, “That’s what Christmas is all about. We want to keep traditions going and to keep family close. We want something families can do to help keep them connected to each other.”

The Christmas House opens every year on Thanksgiving night and closes on New Year’s Eve. Hours are 5:30 until 10, though if you’re in line at 10…Bill keeps it open. There is no charge. Visitors

can leave a donation if they wish and often Bill and Sandra will find coins left by a child in a plastic bag in the donation box or a hand-scribbled note or card. They love to read how much the children, and the adults, love this place.

If you weren’t in the holiday mood before driving in, you will be by the time you leave. And as many people do, they get back in line and go through again…and again. And you can be sure they’re already planning to be back next year. Looking into the future, Sandra wistfully mentions that she has a daughter and a granddaughter that are showing a sincere interest in keeping The Christmas House going for another 47 years and beyond.

Bill has a tagline he uses on his occasional videos he posts, and that is “Come out and see the lights and hear the sounds of Christmas at The Christmas House.” I can assure you, the invitation is genuine.

We’re the lucky ones.

More To Know: The Christmas House is located at 360 Foster Road, Inman. Your GPS will bring you right there but if that starts to fizzle, you can’t miss it. The Montgomery’s suggest you visit Monday through Thursday to avoid the biggest of the lines.

They do ask that all visitors remain in their car because of plenty of trip hazards. You can ride through as many times as you wish and look for your favorite scenes from last year and new ones that are added each year.

Stocking Stuffers

Clever Stocking Stuffers A Hot Sauce Gift Set Give your favorite heat-loving family member the whole set, or divvy it up among several.

www.countryliving.com

Kids Backyard Explorer Kit Boys and girls alike will be ready to camp and explore with this kits that includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, flashlight, compass, and more.

Always be prepared! www.countryliving.com

Holiday Treats Facial Masks How cute are these? Your family can use these anti-aging, nourishing, brightening, and soothing face masks right on Christmas Day. www.countryliving.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

Credit Card Tool With a can opener, knife blade, screwdriver, ruler, bottle opener, and much more packed into this slim card, this is a musthave for everyone on your list. www.countryliving.com

Cat or dog Wine Markers Wish your favorite feline lover a meowy Christmas with a set of six wine markers. www.countryliving.com

Log Color Pencil Truck & Sharpener Rather than logs, this truck carts colored pencils—and doubles as a darling sharpener.

DIY Gifts

DIY

Christmas Gifts YOU JUST CAN’T BEAT HOME SWEET HOME(MADE).

Why bother with DIY Christmas gifts, you ask? Because Christmas presents just mean so much more when they’re homemade, that’s why.

Your friends and family know you had to spend a little more time on them, and that thoughtfulness is always appreciated. Enter our list of the ultimate, most creative DIY Christmas gifts around. They’re perfect for Mom, for Dad, for friends, for sons

and daughters, for neighbors, and everyone in between. Whether you use them as fun stocking stuffers or easyto-make hostess gifts, we have a gift for everyone on your list. And yes, we’ve even got you covered when it comes to finding the perfect DIY Christmas gifts for your boyfriend.

How will he be able to resist a sweet cross-stitched truck or a handmade mason jar coaster? We’ve also rounded up a few out-of-this-world delicious DIY Christmas food gifts, like a home-

Pine-Scented Candles These striped candles smell positively delightful (like pine!), but they’re also just really, really pretty. And that mint and white design will look lovely in your recipient’s home all the way until springtime.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

made dark chocolate toffee that’ll leave your recipient craving more and a set of flavored salts that even the more sophisticated foodies will appreciate. Short on time this year?

We can help you out with that too!

Cute crocheted cozies, DIY stovetop potpourri, and a “Christmas tea tree” are just a few of the ideas on our list that take minimal effort—but still allow you to claim DIY status.

Fabric Covered Christmas Tree Ornaments DIY gifts don’t have to look fuddy-duddy, you know! We love the modern look of these whimsical ornaments, which can be customized with just about whatever pattern you want.

DIY Christmas Gift for Men

DIY Bubble Bath Gift Box

For the man who has everything, put together a DIY gift set complete with some grilling essentials: homemade ketchup, dry rub, skewers, a basting brush, and cutting board.

Odds are, your bestie could always use a good night of pampering. Give her everything she needs to unwind with this sweet gift box, complete with bath salts, rosé, a bar of chocolate, and more.

Charming Bookmarks

Flavored Salt Gift Idea

Jewelry designer Andrea Singarella fashioned these bibliophilic baubles for just a few bucks each.

To assemble your own, cut velvet ribbon into nine-inch lengths. Purchase ribbon clamps the same width as your ribbon, then use flat-nose jewelry pliers to affix clamps to both ends of each ribbon. Finish by attaching charms, trinkets, or vintage earrings, to the clamps with jump rings.

If the recipient’s more of a savory person, make an assortment of salts for a food gift with some kick. Bottle in jars, stick on our cute labels, and place in a metal box with shredded newspaper for padding.

Goat’s Milk Soap A goat’s-milk formula and a beguiling bird mold—along with thoughtful packaging— result in bars that seem like they cost a fortune. First, melt the soap according to package instructions. Pour the mixture into the silicone mold. Let it set for four hours, then pop out your bar. To wrap these soaps, we used unbleached coffee filters, rectangular cardboard boxes, and paper color-copied from a vintage bird guide. Enclose each oval soap in a coffee filter before boxing—the ruffles gather neatly around curves.

TRYONDAILYBULLETIN.COM

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Under $20

Gifts

Under $20

That Are Guaranteed to Impress The perfect budget-friendly present Let’s be real: Holiday shopping can be expensive. In a perfect world, we could buy any gift on that special someone’s wish list without thinking twice. But in reality, you have to buy for your mom, dad, spouse, teenager, and everyone in between, so you have stick to a budget.

And believe it or not, great gifts under $20 actually exist. How do we know? We found perfect present ideas for everyone on your list this year that won’t break the bank. These $20 and under gifts include ideas for women, gifts for travelers, and even unique gifts for people who have everything.

Mini Waffle Maker Who doesn’t love waffles?

Better yet, who doesn’t love mini waffles? Any person who likes breakfast will love this tiny waffle maker. redbookmag.com

Palm Hydroponic Grow Kit It’s hard figuring out if you’re over watering your plant sometimes, but this hydroponic grow kit lets your plant take in as much water as it wants — all you need to do is set it up and give it love. goodhousekeeping.com

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Organic Loose Leaf Tea No strainers required: They can drop these adorably shaped teas straight into their mug to enjoy their sweet flavor. This 8-piece sampler set will give them a taste of all that Tea Drops has to offer, ranging from caffeinated green tea to cooling sweet peppermint. www.goodhousekeeping.com

Patchwork Wooden Christmas Card Handcrafted with geometric shapes that make up a heart, this wooden card is something your mom will keep forever.

www.goodhousekeeping.com

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Kids

Gifts

for the kids Air Wars Battle Drones Let your kids show off their battle skills in the sky. Kids (and adults!) go crazy for this intense, action-filled, drone-powered game. It’s easy to build up skills, too, with three different speed settings and four pre-programmed attack moves.

Kids Sewing Kit Etsy reports its seen a huge increase in interest in kids’ sewing kits.

And why not? Kids can entertain themselves while creating new DIY projects to decorate their rooms.

bestproducts.com

LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian

Moon Lamp Illuminate their rooms with the light of the moon! This lamp is 3D-printed to look like the lunar surface, and it glows in 16 colors.

This expert-level LEGO building set comes with more than 1,000 pieces to assemble. The finished product? A brick-built toy model of everyone’s favorite tiny Star Wars character! Once built, you can pose The Child’s head, move his ears, and adjust his mouth to make different expressions.

goodhousekeeping.com www.uncommongoods.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

goodhousekeeping.com

A 3-D play carpet No space for a train table? Get them a 3-D play carpet instead! Designed by an architect (who is also a mom), the colorful carpets come in five different designs—mini city, beach house, farm, playhouse, and traffic—and four different sizes. Kids will love steering the wooden vehicles through the streets, and parents will love that the carpets can be rolled up and stored when not in use. usatoday.com

Our favorite scooter Scooters are always a popular holiday gift, but if you’re not sure which one to buy, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the best scooter. Our kid testers all agree that the Micro Maxi is the perfect scooter for first time riders. Not only does it come in a variety of colors, but it’s easy to use and super fun to ride—plus it has awesome light-up wheels. . usatoday.com

Their own Microphone If the kid in your life dreams of one day performing on “America’s Got Talent,” why not encourage their aspirations with a wireless microphone?

The Bonaok pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth so they can perform their best karaoke songs right at home. It also comes in a variety of bright and metallic hues so they can have one in their favorite color. .

usatoday.com TRYONDAILYBULLETIN.COM

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Gift Ideas for teens

Best for gifts teen s

Personal Charging Hub This silicone charging station was made for all of your teen’s devices. The chargers (sold separately) plug into the back for a neat display. goodhousekeeping.com

Bluetooth Speaker Perfect for summer pool parties or after-school hangs, this easyto-carry speaker can be moved from one room to the next. It uses Bluetooth to connect to their phone or laptop. goodhousekeeping.com 24

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

DIY Bubble Tea Kit Bubble tea is the new iced coffee, and this DIY kit comes with everything your teen needs to make their own. goodhousekeeping.com

Mahogany Soprano Ukulele If she’s been begging you for ukulele lessons, this Kala uke delivers quality mahogany at an affordable price. Pick from Classic style, Hawaiian Island, Hawaiian Tattoo, or Spruce Top. goodhousekeeping. com

Give a Gift that Keeps Giving!

Make a gift in honor or memory of someone special this holiday season.

Your gift will touch lives in our community forever.

89 West Mills Street, Suite B, Columbus, NC • (828) 894-2693

PLEASE GIVE slhfoundation.org

Portable Inflatable Lounger Amazon users love this lounger because it’s as easy to collapse and pack as it is to inflate. Whether your teen uses it to float across the lake or lounge at a campsite, it’ll be ready to use in minutes. goodhousekeeping.com

One-Step Tie-Dye Kit Tie-dying is back and here to stay, we think. This kit includes five color bottles, rubber bands, gloves and instructions so your teen can tie-dye anything from her socks to her gym shorts. goodhousekeeping.com TRYONDAILYBULLETIN.COM

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Pets

Gifts to Give Your Pet This Christmas Your pets are always up for hugs and they provide better warmth than a snuggly blanket, so it’s natural to want to include them on your holiday gift list. Not sure how to indulge your lovable dogs and cats?

Here’s exactly what to get them to show you care.

Dog Bandana’s Help your pup to look fashionable and festive this holiday season, or any of the other seasons, with a stylish bandana. They will be the talk of the party as they strut their stuff. sandypawco.com

Organic Pet Grass Kit If your kids have been begging for a pet, now’s the time to reward them. This pet grass kit is nearly as good as the real thing. (Well, maybe not, but at least it’s funny.) goodhousekeeping.com

Slow Treater Suction this treat dispenser to your shower wall to keep your pet happy — and fed — during bath time. Personalize it to your pup by adding wet food, peanut butter, bananas, or your dog’s treat of choice. goodhousekeeping.com 26

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

DJ Scratch Pad Your top-notch scratcher will shred this turntable with his sick clawing skills. You know what that means: Your cat won’t be scratching your furniture and pillows to shreds (at least, here’s hoping). goodhousekeeping. com

Wrapping

Gift TOPPERS

RUSTIC WRAP For easy Christmas wrapping, choose solid-colored paper and a simple gift tag. Add a bit of rustic flair with evergreen branches secured with decorative cord or twine.

CARDBOARD BOX SNOWMAN IDEA Do you want to build a snowman...out of presents?

Your kids will love unwrapping this cute stack of gifts.

ROAD MAP Freebie road maps and atlas pages serve as great graphic gift wrap. Instead of tying a bow on top, thread thin cord through a vintage button and knot tightly to secure.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

MINI CHRISTMAS TREE GIFT WRAPPING IDEA Searching for the perfect thing to use for your custom wrapping paper? Start with what’s outside your back door! Pine needles make a quick and easy mini Christmas tree that you can put on all of your Christmas gifts.

BAGS Sometimes paper just won’t cut it. These simple bags, adorned with merry messages, work for gifts of all shapes and sizes.

RECYCLE IN STYLE Design your own festive gift wrap from a material you already have: paper shopping bags. Make the project easier by choosing bags from stores that issue holiday patterns.

Add colorful ribbon or string to your gift for extra personality.

GAME TIME To create these winning packages, Nany Laboz glued vintage game boards and pieces to plain cardboard boxes. Incomplete games often sell for only a few dollars at flea markets and garage sales so they only look like they cost a fortune!

Stay near, go far.

For more information, call 828-395-1100.

Polk Center, Columbus, NC

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Home Decor

Christmas m o o R g n i v i L Decor

IDEAS FOR THE COZIEST ROOMIN THE HOUSE

Artsy Living Room

Bold Burgundy Living Room

Sometimes, all it takes is one piece of word art (an engineer print!) to tie together your holiday décor and make a room feel complete.

Go a few shades deeper that the usual red with burgundy accents, then add other great elements, like art with Christmas song lyrics and a wreath on a wooden www.goodhousekeeping.com ladder.

www.goodhousekeeping.com

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Classic Christmas Living Room Quirky features — the ice-skate stockings or the Santa pillow — are the perfect complement to the more traditional elements in this living room.

www.goodhousekeeping.com

Cozy Christmas Living Room

Warm and White Living Room

Bright Ornaments

Keep that farmhouse feel through the holidays with a rustic sign, some snowflake ornaments, and a coffee table topper that makes a statement.

The wall art, the white stockings, and the candles on the coffee table — not to mention the tree itself—all add to the warm, winter feeling in this family room.

If your living room already has bold décor, you’ll need some bright ornaments to stand out against it.

www.goodhousekeeping.com

www.goodhousekeeping.com

www.goodhousekeeping.com

Decorating

Home holiday s a e d i g n i t a r o dec The holidays often involve purchasing gifts for close friends and loved ones as well as making a delicious meal the entire family will love. But nothing sets the holiday scene and overall mood more so than beautiful decorations and other seasonal accoutrements.

Many people leave no room untouched for the holidays, meaning color schemes or trinkets may carry through from top to bottom. Decking the halls this season can be made even easier with some of these handy ideas.

HOLIDAY TIMELINE If you keep holiday photo cards each year, put them in chronological order and hang them from a piece of garland from the mantel or drape on a staircase banister. This can be a fun way to see how your own children or other members of the family have grown.

MAKE MINI EVERGREEN DISPLAYS Clip your favorite pieces of evergreen and push the stems into floral foam. Display in small vases or other containers and place in groupings to emulate an evergreen forest.

PLAN THE OUTSIDE Exterior illumination and other exterior decorations share the holiday spirit with others. It can be overwhelming trying to visualize it all without a plan in place. Take a photo of the house and map out where you want lights and decorations to go. Then with your ÒmapÓ in hand, you can more readily purchase supplies and start decorating.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

GO FOR A SPECIFIC NATURAL COLOR SCHEME If you desire an overall holiday feel but arenÕt interested in Santa figurines or kitschy elements, decorating with color in mind can be key. ItÕs easy to tie things together with some natural elements in your desired palette. For example, white, gold and green may look beautiful. Put boxwood clippings and white amaryllis flowers together. Pine cones, twigs and holly pieces also can add touches to mantels, doorways and table centerpieces.

ORNAMENTS ELSEWHERE Who says ornaments only have to go on a tree? Display antique or favorite ornaments by hanging them from beautiful ribbons throughout the home.

SCENT THE SCENE Hang something aromatic on the tree to mingle with the pine. Fresh cinnamon sticks tied with twine or ribbon can be nestled among the boughs. Another scented idea is to make pine

cone candles and use pine or cinnamon scents to make them smell just like the season.

Holiday decorating gets a hand from some creative ideas. Always follow safety precautions, especially when using candles, hanging lights and plugging in multiple items to electric sockets. With ingenuity and safety in mind, holiday decorations can be extra special.

Christmas trees

CHRISTMAS TREE TIPS AND TRICKS 1. CHOOSE A HEALTHY CHRISTMAS TREE. First, note that if you prefer to buy your tree from a garden store or roadside lot, it likely came from out-of-state and has been exposed to drying winds in transit. So if you’re looking to start with the freshest possible tree, opt to pick one up from your local Christmas tree farm. Either way, it’s essential to know how to choose the best Christmas tree.

keep a tree fresh. Just remember to check the water level daily — it should always cover the cut end of the trunk. Refill as needed.

2. TRIM THE TRUNK (AND THEN TRIM IT AGAIN).

When you purchase a Christmas tree, make sure the seller makes a fresh cut straight across the base of the trunk to aid water absorption. This gets rid of any dried-over resin that might block the tree from absorbing water. When you get home, if you’re not putting your tree up right away, place it in a bucket of water. (Note that you should always store real trees in an unheated garage or area that’s protected from wind and freezing temperatures.) When you’re ready to bring it inside, make another fresh one-inch cut off the bottom of the trunk. Once inside, place it in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

4. KEEP IT AWAY FROM HEAT SOURCES. Sure, there’s nothing more lovely than a beautifully decorated Christmas tree beside a roaring fireplace — but, along with sunlight radiators, air ducts, and stoves, a regularly used fireplace could contribute to your tree drying out at a much quicker pace.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE ALWAYS HAS ENOUGH WATER. Don’t forget to regularly give your Christmas tree water — too little can cause resin to form, which means the tree won’t absorb water and it will dry out quickly. Here’s an easy way to figure out how much water your tree needs: For every inch of the trunk’s diameter, fill the stand with one quart of water.

Even though you’ve heard people talk about adding things like bleach, corn syrup, aspirin, and sugar to the water, tree preservatives and additives are probably unnecessary. Most experts agree that plenty of plain water is all you need to 34

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

If you lower the temperature in the room, it can help slow down the drying process (and therefore result in your tree requiring a bit less water)

If your home is prone to dryness, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the room. It performed well in our tests and can add enough moisture to the air to keep your tree fresh longer.

5. TAKE YOUR TREE DOWN BEFORE IT DRIES OUT. If you wait too long, you’ll have more dead pine needles covering your floor than you want. The easiest way to clean up fallen needles is by using your vacuum’s hose. Skip the fancy attachments and just use the end of the hose to draw needles directly into the bag or canister.

When you’re officially done with your tree, you have a couple options. You can start a new compost pile with it, recycle it, or turn it into mulch yourself. You can also ask your town about what disposal options it offers for more eco-friendly ways to get rid of your Christmas tree.

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Black Friday

Black

Friday SHOPPING TIPS

People of a certain age might remember the often hectic Black Friday of old, when shoppers would line up outside stores in the wee hours of the morning hoping to land the best deals on gifts for their loved ones. While many shoppers still make such early morning pilgrimages to their favorite stores, the internet has helped to thin the deal-crazed herds on Black Friday.

Though stampeding crowds might not be as common as they once were on Black Friday, shoppers may still face some stiff competition as they try to land great deals before the shelves empty. The following are a handful of tips to help shoppers make the most of the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

• DON’T GO SHOPPING EMPTYHANDED. Shopping on Black Friday without a list can lead to excess spending on items you or your loved ones may not even need or want. Creating a shopping list in advance gives shoppers time to research the best deals and where to find them.

That organized approach can increase the likelihood that they land the best deals on a day that the National Retail Federation reported brought in $6.2 billion in online sales alone in 2018. ThatÕs stiff competition for deals that typically have limited supplies, which only highlights the importance of shopping with a list in hand.

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• SHOP LOCAL. Shoppers who want to venture out on Black Friday but still avoid crowds should skip shopping malls and big box stores in favor of local retailers. Shopping local is a great way to keep money in your community, and local shops tend to have more unique offerings than chain stores. One-of-a-kind gifts can be a great way to show loved ones how much you appreciate them. And local shopping districts likely wonÕt draw the massive crowds or produce the long checkout lines that consumers are likely to encounter at malls.

• COMPARISON SHOP. Comparison shopping can make Black Friday even more deal-friendly. If youÕre stuck on a long checkout line, use the time spent waiting for the next cashier to look for the same item online. You might find itÕs less expensive somewhere else, and you can then present that price to the cashier at checkout. Many retailers are willing to match lower prices from other retailers, but you wonÕt know unless you ask.

• START EARLY. The proverbial saying Òthe early bird catches the wormÓ is especially true on Black Friday. If you want to find the best deals, you should probably avoid sleeping in on the day after Thanksgiving.

Black Friday has changed, but many of the strategies that worked in the pre-internet era can still help shoppers land the best deals today.

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On time

Get gifts

THERE ON TIME Thanks to families being more spread out than

ever before, today’s holiday shoppers must figure out ways to get holiday gifts to their destination on time. The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year for many delivery services. The following tips should help shoppers ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive on time.

SHIP DIRECTLY: Adobe Analytics reported that online shopping hit a record high of $108.2 billion in the 2017 holiday shopping season, and all indicators suggest online shopping will only increase in the years to come. Holiday shoppers who want to ensure their loved ones will receive their gifts on time can rely on online shopping. When checking out, have gifts shipped directly to loved ones’ homes. Many online retailers will even wrap gifts for a nominal fee.

RESEARCH SHIPPING OPTIONS: In 2018, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. Shoppers who plan to rely on two-day or overnight shipping should keep that in mind. Some delivery services may be open throughout the weekend before Christmas, while others may only be open on Saturday.

Last-minute shoppers, whether they’re shopping online or in-person, should confirm their shipping options well in 38

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advance of Christmas. Because Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, getting gifts to their destination on time may require shoppers to purchase and ship them earlier than they otherwise might.

PURCHASE PACKAGE INSURANCE: Consumer Reports notes that UPS and FedEx shipments automatically come with declared-value coverage of up to $100 (declared value is the carrier’s maximum liability). Purchasing additional insurance can ease shoppers’ concerns about lost or stolen packages. Just be sure to keep all invoices and receipts in case claims must be filed. Shoppers also should ask for tracking numbers on all packages so they can confirm when packages are delivered.

PROPERLY SECURE THE PACKAGE: Many delivery services now have off-site drop-off boxes that can make it easy to send gifts. This is a convenient service, but shoppers who use them won’t be able to have a company employee provide in-person confirmation that their packages are secured to company standards. Poorly packaged items may never be shipped. Visit the shipping company’s website for packaging guidelines, and include a business card and duplicate label inside the package just in case it is damaged after being dropped off.

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Ingredients

STOCK THE PANTRY WITH

holiday baking ingredients Many holiday traditions begin with family and friends gathered in the kitchen or around the dinner table.

Food is an integral part of celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah, and key components of each holiday are tied exclusively to food.

Come the holiday season, many people gather to make delicious desserts for holiday dinners or even as gifts.

The right ingredients are necessary to produce a bounty of baked goods. ItÕs also essential to ensure those ingredients are fresh, as age can compromise the taste of some spices, and leavening ingredients like yeast, baking soda and baking powder may lose efficacy over time.

• FLOURS: All-purpose flour is versatile and useful in many recipes. In addition, bread flour, cake flour and pastry flour have attributes that make them better suited for their respective jobs than all-purpose flour. Individuals who follow certain diets, including gluten-free diets, can find alternative flours that can be substituted in many different recipes.

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• BAKING SODA: This leavening agent is activated when it is combined with acid and heat. That is why it is often paired with citrus juice, buttermilk and sour cream. ¥ Baking powder: This leavening agent is baking soda mixed with a powdered acid and cornstarch. If baking soda is the only leavening agent, it will not require the addition of another acidic ingredient. ÒDouble-actingÓ means carbon dioxide bubbles will form during mixing and again during heating.

• YEAST: Yeast takes more time to metabolize and cause doughs to rise than other leavening agents.

• SUGAR: Granulated sugar is the most common sugar found in recipes. ConfectionerÕs sugar (powdered sugar) is used in frosting and icings. Brown sugar is refined sugar with molasses added, and is used in certain recipes, like gingerbread.

• SALT: Granulated table salt is used in everyday baking.

• UNSALTED BUTTER: Unsalted butter will be the default for baked goods unless the recipe specifically mentions salted butter.

• EGGS: Eggs help to bind ingredients together. Large eggs are most often cited in many baking recipes.

• MILK: Dairy adds moisture and texture to batters. Alternative milks, such as soy or almond milk, can sometimes be substituted, but the resulting texture may change.

• VEGETABLE OIL: Many recipes call for vegetable oil, which has a neutral flavor.

• SHORTENING: Shortening is a solid vegetable fat used to make tender baked goods. Shortening also has a higher melting point, which helps cookies and other items retain their shape while cooking.

• FLAVORINGS: It is helpful to have various spices and extracts on hand. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are some common baking spices. Almond and vanilla extracts are quite versatile and add extra punch to recipes.

• ADDITIONS: Mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, often turn up in holiday recipes.

Certain ingredients are essential for baking and holiday cooks can take steps to ensure their pantries are stocked in time for the holidays.

Leftovers

WHAT TO DO WITH

Thanksgiving leftovers Holiday hosts toil for hours to create lavish meals everyone will enjoy. ItÕs not uncommon for Thanksgiving tables to be covered with more food than guests can conceivably (and comfortably) consume. Leftovers are the norm, but without a plan for what to do with leftovers, food can spoil or end up in the trash.

Here are some delicious and waste-conscious ways to put Thanksgiving or other holiday meal leftovers to use.

WRAP IT UP PROMPTLY Even though you may want to sit around and chat with guests when the meal is finished, leaving food out at room temperature for too long can create a breeding ground for microbes that may lead to food spoilage and sickness. With a few helping hands, all foods can be packaged away in no time, ensuring that drumsticks or stuffing can safely be served another day.

COLLECT CONTAINERS Be sure to have reusable food storage containers, zip-top bags, foil, and plastic wrap at the ready. Before all of the food is put away, encourage guests to make their own doggie bags.

PLAN WITH OTHER MEALS IN MIND Shop for and prepare holiday fare with a nod toward what 42

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

can be used in subsequent meals. Turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be made into everything from breakfast burritos to casseroles. Turn potatoes and sausage stuffing into latke patties that can be whipped up for breakfast or lunch. Sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin can be mashed and reworked into batters for quick breads, pancakes and even doughnuts. Spoon leftover cranberry sauce over hot oatmeal in the morning or use it as a substitute for grape jelly in PB&J sandwiches. Try grinding up stale biscuits to make a breading for turkey slices and turn them into fried cutlets.

TAKE CARE OF THE NEEDY Find out which organizations accept food donations. Even if you cannot donate previously prepared foods, if you have surplus packaged, boxed or canned items, you can bring them to food pantries and soup kitchens to help others.

ORGANIZE A POST-HOLIDAY POT LUCK Turn leftovers into an opportunity to fraternize with friends or relatives who couldnÕt make it to Thanksgiving dinner. Pool your leftover resources and enjoy the fruits of everyoneÕs labor. A pot luck can be a great place to gather after shopping Plaid Friday sales in the community.

Thanksgiving leftovers can provide a few extra delicious meals when hosts plan ahead.

Walker

ECHO

Food

PRIME RIB IN GARLIC BUT TER Ingredients PRIME RIB: 6 pound (3 kg) standing rib roast, (4 bone rib roast) 2 heads garlic, unpeeled and halved horizontally (unpeeled keeps it together) GARLIC BUTTER: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon black pepper RED WINE JUS: 3 cups low sodium beef stock, (or broth) 2 cups red wine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, (cornflour) -- optional for a thicker sauce.

Instructions

PRIME RIB: Take prime rib out of the refridgerator atleast 2 - 3 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat dry all over with paper towel.

PREHEAT: STANDARD oven to 460˚F (240°C) | FAN/ CONVECTION 430˚F (220°C).

GARLIC BUTTER: Mix together the butter and garlic and 1/2 tablespoon of salt in a small bowl until combined.

SKILLET OR ROASTING PAN: Arrange garlic halves in a heavy-based pan or cast-iron skillet. Spread 2 tablespoons of garlic butter on the underside of the beef (bone-side) to completely coat. Place the roast, bone-side down, in the pan/skillet on top of the onion and garlic halves (the bones create a natural roasting rack for the meat). Spread another 2-3 tablespoons of garlic butter on the top and sides, rubbing into the flesh. Coat well.

Season with remaining salt and pepper.

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ROAST: For 20-30 minutes or until the roast has nicely browned.

GARLIC BUTTER 2: Carefully remove roast from oven.

Spread with remaining garlic butter.

REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE: STANDARD oven 250°F (120°C) | FAN/CONVECTION oven 220°F (100°C).

COVER WITH FOIL and continue to slow roast for 1 - 1 1/2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices, until reaching your desired preference. Internal temperature should read 118°F | 48°C for med/rare.

(TIP: Start checking internal temperature after 45 minutes of roasting. Continue to keep checking with each baste to ensure it doesn’t over cook.)

Once cooked to your liking, allow to rest for 20 minutes.

The roast will continue to cook as the juices inside settle, raising the internal temperature to 130°F | 55°C for a perfect medium-rare prime rib.

REST: Transfer roast to serving plate, tent loosely with foil and let rest for 20 - 30 minutes. Internal temperature will rise to 125°F (52°C) for medium rare.

SLICE AND SERVE with Red Wine Jus/Sauce.

RED WINE JUS: Place skillet with pan juices and the cooked garlic halves left in the pan on the stove top over high heat. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the beef stock and all of the wine. Bring to a fast simmer for 10 minutes until iquid has reduced by roughly half.

REDUCE HEAT to medium. Whisk cornstarch (cornflour) into the remaining beef stock. Whisk half of the mixture into the red wine jus. Sauce will begin to thicken. Whisk in remaining cornstarch mixture for a thicker jus.

Strain jus into a bowl, pressing garlic juices through the strainer, then pour jus into serving jug.

SAUSAGE BALLS Total Time 25 minutes Servings 24

Ingredients 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese shredded 1 pound ground pork sausage 2 cups biscuit baking mix 1 tablespoon freeze dried chives ( optional) 1/4 cup milk (if needed)

Instructions Preheat your oven to 350 °F. In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix and shredded cheese.

Form into 24 golf ball sized balls and place on baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and the sausage is cooked through entirely.

Remove and serve hot!

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Food

PARMESAN SCALLOPED POTATOES Serves 4

Ingredients 4 cups very thinly sliced potatoes 1 medium onion (thinly sliced) 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 cups heated milk

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Instructions Place a layer of potato slices and onion slices in the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart lightly buttered casserole. Sprinkle with some of the flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dot with small pieces of butter. Repeat, ending with a layer of potato. Dot with butter.

Add enough hot milk to almost cover potatoes.

Cover and bake at 375 F for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer, until potatoes are tender and golden brown.

EGGNOG CHEESECAKE Original recipe yields 16 servings

Ingredients 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons white sugar 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¾ cup eggnog 2 eggs 2 tablespoons rum 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F In a food processor combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim.

In a medium bowl combine graham cracker

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Food

PIZZA CRESCENT RING Yield: 8 to 10 servings Ingredients • 8 ounces ground sweet Italian sausage • 1/2 cup prepared pizza sauce, plus more for serving • Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan • Two 8-ounce tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough • 4 ounces deli ham slices, cut in half • 16 slices pepperoni • 5 slices Mozzarella or Provolone cheese, cut in half (about 5 ounces) • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Directions Special equipment: a 5-inch ramekin Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the sausage, stirring and breaking up into pieces, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until browned in some spots and cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the pizza sauce. Let cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

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Coat the back of a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Unroll both cans of crescent dough and separate unto 16 triangles. Put a 5-inch ramekin in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the triangles in a ring around the ramekin so the short sides of the dough are touching the ramekin, overlapping slightly, and the pointed ends are facing outward (it should look like a giant sun).

Spoon the sausage mixture over the short ends of the triangles closest to the ramekin. Cover the sausage with the ham slices. Top the ham with the pepperoni and then cover pepperoni with cheese slices. Remove the ramekin. Take hold of the pointed end of one of the triangles and fold it up and over the filling, tucking the tip under the bottom edge of dough to secure (the dough will not cover the filling completely). Repeat with the remaining triangles (there will be some gaps where you can see the mixture).

Bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes. Brush the dough with the butter and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning. Let cool for 15 minutes. Use a spatula to slide the ring off the baking sheet onto a platter. Serve with more pizza sauce.

REAL HOT CHOCOLATE Serves 1 to 2

2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 4 cups milk Chocolate curls to decorate Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened.

Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth.

Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly.

Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS TREE TARTS Ingredients • One 14.1-ounce box refrigerated rolled pie crusts, such as Pillsbury • 1 large egg • One 21-ounce can cherry pie filling • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar Directions Special equipment: 2 1/2-inch round plain-edged cookie cutter, 2-inch round plain-edged cookie cutter, 1 1/2-inch Christmas tree cookie cutter Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Unroll one of the pie crusts onto a cutting board. Using a 2 1/2-inch plain-edged round cutter, cut out 8 circles from the crust. Place the circles on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Discard the remaining

dough.

Unroll the second pie crust onto the cutting board.

Using the same 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out 8 more circles. Then, use a 2-inch plainedged round cutter and cut out 8 smaller circles from the larger circles on the board. Set aside the rings.

Using a 1 1/2-inch Christmas tree cutter, cut out 8 small trees from the smaller full circles. You should now have eight 2 1/2-inch full circles, eight 2 1/2-inch rings and eight small Christmas trees of dough.

Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Use your finger or a brush to brush the edge of the 2 1/2-inch circles. This will help the rings adhere

Call for a

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during baking. Lay the rings on top of the egg-washed circles. Working carefully, spoon 3 cherries into the center of each tart. Place a tiny tree on top of each tart over the cherries. The trunk of the tree should be touching the outer ring. Using your finger or a pastry brush, brush the pie-crust ring and tree with the egg wash. Bake the tarts until the dough is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Create a bed of rosemary on a platter or cake stand and arrange the baked tarts on top of the rosemary. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and enjoy!

November 26 - January 3 •Lighting Ceremony Broadcast• THANKSGIVING NIGHT•11/26•6PM

Tune in to WAGY Radio 107.5FM with Mayor Steve Holland and his special guest conducting the countdown. Drive through or watch the lights come on via the Town’s webcam at townofforestcity.com.

•Carriage Rides• FRIDAYS 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18•SATURDAYS 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19•6-9PM

Visit exploreforestcity.com beginning November 30 at 12PM to make reservations for your private horse-drawn carriage for a ride under the lights along historic Main Street for $40!

•Ice Skating• FRIDAYS 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18•SATURDAYS 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19•6-UNTIL Skate under the stars for $8/person (includes skates). All ages are welcome!

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WORKING HARDER

to Keep You Healthier for the Holidays The Holidays are for trips to grandma’s house, the smell

of cookies baking, joyful family gatherings, and the anticipation of Christmas morning.

They are a special time of tradition; of bringing families together, expressing our gratitude, and making life-long memories.

Holidays are nostalgic, magical, and joyous.

To our neighbors, friends, and relatives, we at St. Luke’s Hospital wish you the happiest, merriest, and healthiest of holiday seasons.

Be well, be safe, and make more unforgettable memories.

(828) 894-3311 SaintLukesHospital.com 101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722