Holiday Magic 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers

Home Holiday Decorating Ideas 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

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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 “map” in hand, you can more readily purchase supplies and start decorating.

Go for a specific natural color scheme If you desire an overall holiday feel but aren’t interested in Santa figurines or kitschy elements, decorating with color in mind can be key. It’s 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 flow-

ers 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.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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During the holidays, there are endless ways to show the humans around you how much you love them. Finding ways to extend the joy of the season to pets who are a part of the family takes a bit more creativity.

Here are five ideas for celebrating with furry friends this holiday season: 1. Spend quality time together: Between shopping, cooking and decorating, the hustle and bustle of the season can be distracting. However, no matter what’s going on, it’s important to spend quality time with your pet each day. So, go on some extra long walks with your dog, extend your cat’s playtime sessions and brush your pet’s coat. These activities may help alleviate situational anxiety brought on by shifting holiday routines.

2. Pamper your pet: The holiday season can be tiring and stressful on every member of the family, including your dog. Gift your dog relaxation and better health with Pet Releaf CBD-infused Edibites. Whether your dog is in incredible health or is experiencing discomfort, these chews offer a needed immune system turbo boost, making them a great daily supplement. Not only that, they have calming and soothing properties, which may help ease your pet’s situational anxiety should travel or houseguests be part of your plans this season. Containing human-grade ingredients, no fillers and no chemical preservatives, these handmade chews come in flavors like Peanut

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3. Stuff your pet’s stocking: A whopping 72 percent of pet parents plan to give their pets a gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season, according to a recent Pet Releaf survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Not only is hanging a stocking for pets a fun way to include them in a family tradition, it’s also a great opportunity to give products a test run.

Look for pet products offered in trial or small sizes, such as CBD-infused Edibites Hemp Oils, Liposome Hemp Oils, or Hemp Oil Capsules.

4. Decorate safely: When selecting holiday décor, prioritize your pet’s safety above all. Steer clear of plants toxic to pets, like holly, poinsettias and mistletoe; and avoid stringy items such as tinsel, curling ribbons or other tree and gift trimmings that when ingested, can cause intestinal blockage.

5. Outfit your pet: Taking a festive family portrait for this year’s greeting card? Just want your pet to be comfortable and stylish on all those winter walks in the months ahead? With several major retailers offering ugly holiday sweaters for pets in a variety of sizes and designs, it’s easy to get your pet in on the fun.

For more pet parent tips and insights, visit petreleaf.com/blog.

The holiday season is all about showing loved ones you care. This year, make sure that also includes furry friends.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Great Gifts for Book Lovers Books are very popular gifts come the holiday season. Genres that run the gamut from fantasy to nonfiction ensure there’s a book out there for everyone. But finding the right gift for a book-loving loved one may not be as easy as it seems.

Avid readers may have personal book collections that rival local libraries, so it can be difficult to find something they haven’t already read. In addition, asking them what’s on their wish list of books can remove the element of surprise from holiday gift-giving. Fortunately, shoppers can still light up their favorite book lovers’ eyes this holiday season, even if they’re not giving them a recent bestseller. • Bookshelf: E-readers may provide instant access to millions of books, but many avid readers still prefer physical books. Bookshelves can make the perfect gift for book lovers who take great pride in their home libraries. Bookshelves come in all shapes, sizes and styles, from ladder bookcases to floating bookshelves to builtins. A basic understanding of your loved one’s home decor preferences is all you need to find a bookshelf that can blend in seamlessly in his or her reading room. • Audio book subscription: Audio book subscription services have grown in popularity in recent years. These services make it possible for busy readers to devour their favorite

books while commuting to and from work or running daily errands in the car. Amazon’s Audible membership provides readers with a host of benefits, including discounts on audiobook purchases, monthly credits toward anything available through the service and even complimentary digital newspaper subscriptions. • Bookends: Book lovers tend to put a lot of effort into designing their reading rooms. Dec-

orative bookends, which can have a humorous angle or tie into a theme that correlates to readers’ favorite literary genre (i.e., boat bookends for lovers of maritime histories), can make for great, unique gifts. • Embosser: Embossers allow readers to put their personal stamps on every book in their collections. That not only adds a unique touch to readers’ personal libraries,

but also may increase the chances that the books they loan out to friends and family members are ultimately returned. After all, who wouldn’t return a book to its original owner when that book has been personally embossed?

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

5 Tips for Thanking How to Involve Kids Your Heroes this with Holiday Baking Holiday Season Those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others are rarely in it for recognition. However, in this especially challenging year, the holiday season is a perfect time to not just show these selfless people your appreciation, but also take inspiration from their kindness. Here are five simple ways to thank the everyday heroes in your life.

1. Send a unique care package. Even if you can’t share your appreciation in person, you can still say thanks with a care package filled with goodies you know your recipient loves. Start with special holiday treats, then add personalized items. If your recipient enjoys cooking and baking, you might include a handwritten recipe card. For those who love doodling or writing to-do lists, a lovely journal and a set of long-lasting G2 gel ink pens from Pilot are a great pair. Available in more than 25 ink colors, your recipient will be able to color-code tasks or sketch lively bullet journal

spreads with ease. Snag a pack for yourself and write a thoughtful note to accompany the gift.

2. Make a donation in their honor. Consider thanking those often unsung heroes doing the hard work of keeping our communities strong by making a donation to a charity close to their heart. In these uncertain times, many such organizations are in particular need of financial support.

Whether it’s an animal shelter in a region affected by natural disaster, a food bank, or a nonprofit that offers support to essential workers, take a cue from the giving folks around you.

3. Give thanks to someone who always gives back. We all know someone who goes beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to help make the world a better place. Let them know just how much their work is valued by nominating them for the G2 Overachievers Grant. For the fifth year, the see HEROES page 14

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The holiday season is steeped in tradition.

Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings.

Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started.

• Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment.

Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about baking if they have their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking.

• Plan ahead. Seasoned bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing ingredient or to dig out some

tools from the back of the pantry. Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake.

• Delegate wisely. Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and a strict adherence to recipes.

So it’s important that parents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking.

Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kidfriendly tasks.

• Add some fun foods to the menu. If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kidfriendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or Rudolph cookies.

• Make a mess. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. Moms and dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl.

Parents can make the holiday baking that much more fun by letting their kids pitch in this year.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

How to Support Small Businesses this Holiday Season The holiday season is an important one for small businesses every year, and it figures to take on heightened importance in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in 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 e-commerce 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 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-of-mouth is vital to small businesses at any time, and can be especially valuable as these companies try to 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.

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Serve Potato Pancakes for Holiday Celebrations Potato pancakes are traditionally served during Chanukah celebrations. This dish is often referred to as “latkes,” a Yiddish word that loosely translates to “little oily thing.”

Potato pancakes are not exclusive to Jewish celebrations and cuisine. Germans have their own variation called “kartoffelpuffer” that can be served with sour cream, applesauce or smoked salmon.

The Irish have “boxty,” which may be made with a combination of shredded potato and mashed potato before being fried.

Many potato pancake recipes are quite similar. They involve only a few ingredients and fry up in a flash. Some chefs recommend draining the shredded potato prior to cooking so that the pancakes will fry up crispy and not be soggy or break

apart. Enjoy this recipe for “Latkes,” courtesy of AllRecipes.com.

Latkes

(Potato Pancakes)

Serves 12

3

large potatoes, peeled and shredded

1

small onion, shredded

3

large eggs

1

teaspoon salt

2

tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed cup vegetable oil

1⁄2

1. Place the potatoes and onion into a bowl, and stir in eggs, salt and flour as needed to make the mixture hold together. With wet hands, scoop up about 1⁄3 cup of the mixture per patty, and form into flat round or oval shapes.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, and gently place the patties into the hot oil. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes, then flip with a spatula and fry the other side until golden.

3. Line a colander or strainer with 2 paper towels, and drain the cooked latkes in the colander. Serve hot.

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Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The Bright Side of Small Holiday Celebrations To 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.

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• 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.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Keeping Traditions Alive During an Unusual Holiday Season This holiday season may look a bit different due to social distancing. But just because everyone is not physically together, doesn’t mean your family can’t share its favorite traditions.

The Olesen family of O&H Danish Bakery knows how important holiday traditions are to feeling connected to loved ones. Now in its fourth generation, the family-owned and operated bakery is sharing its best tips for creating holiday cheer from anywhere: · Celebrate virtually: In a survey commissioned by O&H Danish Bakery and conducted by SWNS Media Group and OnePoll, nearly 80 percent of respondents say time with family is their favorite part of the holiday season. Whether your tradition is a Christmas movie marathon, a caroling session around the piano or eating certain foods and baked treats, you can enjoy these activities together over video chat this year. · Share traditional foods: The sensory memories that good food creates are powerful. In fact, 44 percent of people say the holiday spirit wouldn‘t

be the same if they didn’t have their traditional holiday dessert.

If you are like many families, that favorite dessert is Kringle, a traditional Danish treat made of 36 layers of butter and pastry. Among O&H’s special holiday offerings are Thanksgiving Stuffed Kringle, A Very Danish Christmas Kringle and the classic Pecan Kringle. Over the past 70 years, the award-winning bakery has shipped to more than 100 countries, making landfall in all seven continents, including Antarctica. This year, doorstep delivery makes it easy to order a traditional favorite for your own household or send a gift to family members near and far. Visit ohdanishbakery.com. · Plan ahead: When it comes to ordering gifts and specially baked treats, make sure to account for busy schedules and congested delivery services to ensure all your goodies arrive on time. Take note of shipping times and policies, as well as ordering deadlines for each company. For example, O&H allows customers to pre-order Kringle and schedule a preferred delivery date in the future.

· Create hygge: Evoking the sights, sounds and aromas of a typical holiday season will help make this year feel more cheerful. Take a cue from Danish culture and embrace hygge.

Pronounced “hoo-ga, it means creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life, such as the warm glow of

candlelight or a steaming cup of cocoa -and there is no better time of year to do it than the holiday season.

This year might be especially difficult for families who are physically separated, but there are many ways to spread cheer and keep traditions alive.

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Send a heartfelt thank you note this holiday season.

grant is recognizing individuals making measurable differences in the lives of others. One exceptional overachiever will be awarded $100,000 to help continue their charitable works and broaden their positive impact. Visit G2Overachievers.com before November 15 to learn more and submit your handwritten nomination. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate someone’s passion for giving and show the impact of their hard work.

4. Give the gift of relaxation. Give those always in the service of others an excuse to practice some self-care. Whether it’s an at-home spa kit, a new book to curl up with, or a nice bottle of wine, some of the most welcome gifts are those that give someone a chance to unwind.

5. Write a thank you note. There is something so personal about putting pen to paper. In this digital age of emails and texts, a heartfelt, handwritten letter or card can become a true keepsake. With the right tools, it’s easy to let your feelings flow and craft a meaningful message. So, pick up some nice stationery and a smooth, vibrant G2 gel ink pen to let your loved ones know just how much you appreciate them.

For those who kept our communities strong during this difficult year, let the holiday season be your opportunity to give thanks and give back.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Slow Cooker Meal Makes Holiday Entertaining a Breeze The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a delicious meal to share with family and friends. A holiday roast is often the centerpiece of festive occasions. Having a go-to recipe for this classic main course makes holiday preparations that much easier.

Utilizing a slow cooker to make a beef roast reduces time spent in the kitchen, affording hosts more opportunities to mingle with their guests. That’s just the idea behind this recipe for “Beef Roast With Dark Rum Sauce” from “Crock•Pot® 356 Year-Round Recipes” (Publications International, Ltd) by Crock•Pot Kitchens.

Beef Roast With Dark Rum Sauce Makes 6 servings 1

teaspoon ground allspice

1⁄2

teaspoon salt

1⁄2

teaspoon black pepper

1⁄4

teaspoon ground cloves

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1

beef rump roast (about 3 pounds)

2

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1

cup dark rum, divided

1⁄2

cup beef broth

2

cloves garlic, minced

2

whole bay leaves, broken in half

1⁄2

cup packed dark brown sugar

1⁄4

cup lime juice

1. In a small bowl, combine allspice, salt, pepper, and cloves. Rub spices onto all sides of roast.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Sear beef on all sides, turning as it browns. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add 1⁄2 cup rum, broth, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover; cook on low 1 hour.

3. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1⁄2 cup rum, brown sugar and lime juice, stirring well. Pour over roast. Continue cooking on low 4 to 6 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.

Baste beef occasionally with sauce.

4. Remove and slice roast. Spoon sauce over beef to serve.

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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• • • •

Hospice Assistance Complex Care Management Respite Care Insulin-Dependent Diabetics

We provide assistance, as needed, with activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, incontinence care, toileting, transferring, transportation to doctors and much more.

Lic# 347004702

Call today for a FREE In-Home Consultation!

(916) 424-6292 Or visit us at: CareGiversofLandPark.org PROVIDING SENIORS THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEED, IN THE COMFORT,, CONVENIENCE & SECURITY OF THEIR OWN HOME

Available 24 hours a day for in-home care for seniors who need assistance due to illness, injury, surgery, or active seniors who need some assistance at home.

No set minimum hours in the Land Park, Pocket, and Greenhaven areas.

Respite care Full time care Meal preparation Food & diet monitoring Grooming & bathing assistance

Appointments & errands Medication reminders Incontinence care Pet care assistance Light housework & laundry

Owners Rangi Giner and John Cimino Jr. live in Sacramento’s Greenhaven neighborhood, where they also operate a highly personalized assisted living facility of thirty-four clients. Both have worked in elderly care & assisted living for over 30 years. They are guided by compassion & an abiding respect for elders.

“We live here, we work here, and we make a difference right here in our neighborhood!”

A-16

HCO#344700030

Holiday Magic • November 2020 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901