2018 Holiday Guide

Season HOME Your

FOR THE

‘Tis the season

holiday festivities listed

 It’s a wrap!

Gift-wrapping tips and tricks

Crafty Christmas

Homemade ornament ideas

Saving the surprise How to keep gifts secret and hidden

2018

D2 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Get Christmas crafty with homemade ornaments

H

andmade gifts, trinkets and treats help make the holiday season special. Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, gift-givers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects.

Ornaments and decorations are one such idea. Here are some clever and, not-too-time-consuming craft projects to try this holiday season. Mini sleighs: Create miniature replicas of Santa’s famous sleigh. Paint several popsicle sticks to form the main body of the sleigh and glue them together. Put one at the top perpendicular to the others to serve as the steering rudder. Two silver-painted popsicle sticks placed on their thin sides act as the blades of a sled. Popcorn garland: Garland made of popcorn is a classic handmade holiday project. For a new twist, toss the popcorn with food coloring and allow it to dry before stringing for some bright color on the tree. Photo ornaments: Print out several different photos that you love.

Purchase round or square thin wood pieces from a craft store and attach the photos with Mod Podge. When dry, drill a hole through the top and thread with twine. Advent calendar: Make an Advent calendar to countdown to Christmas

by covering a foam board with fabric.

Use paper tags or small ornaments and write a number on each for each day of the month. Hang these all from the board. As each day passes, move the tag or ornament to the tree. Wooden snowflakes: Have children collect small twigs from outdoors, as well as holly leaves and some sprigs of evergreen. Arrange similarly sized twigs in the shape of snowflakes and glue together, or tie with twine.

Embellish with stickers, glitter, dried berries, and more. Dough ornaments: Anyone can have fun molding their own ornaments, letting them dry and then painting them. Use cookie cutters to get perfect holiday shapes. Craft stores sell various types of modeling clays and lightweight modeling materials.

Or, make your own salt dough. Reindeer bottle topper: Put to use any wine corks you have lying around.

Attach googly eyes and a small fuzzy nose to the front of a cork. Insert twisted, brown pipe cleaners to make the antlers up top. Add ribbons, small snippets of faux fur or any other extras you desire. Sweet sentiments: Use old Scrabble letter tiles to form a favorite holiday phrase, like “Joy to the World.” Glue the tiles together and hang from the tree on a piece of ribbon.

Metro Creative Connection

Gift-wrapping tips and tricks Much of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping gifts until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts to wrap can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly.

Find inspiration

Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision how the recipient will feel peeling open the paper and finding the gift inside.

Wrapping can be the prelude to the gift itself, and intensify the anticipation.

The wrapping paper or style also may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, a knit scarf can be placed in a crocheted stocking.

Handle oddly-shaped items

Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something that’s round or full of angles? Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item to make the shape more uniform. Shoe boxes, coffee cans and even paper towel rolls can hold items.

Then place the wrapping on these containers.

Cover prices

To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts.

Instead, place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar

visible. This way the gift recipient can return the gift with ease if necessary.

Keep supplies at the ready

Devote a bin or bins to wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt and peck when it comes time to wrap. Martha Stewart suggests getting a rotary cutter to cut long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper.

Rotary cutters may be easier to use than scissors, especially when paired with a ruler.

Wrap on a firm surface

Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding.

Color- or pattern-code gifts

It’s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has his or her own special wrapping paper. This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given

by Mom and Dad. With a few helpful pointers, wrapping gifts can be easy. And for those who prefer to skip the wrapping themselves, many malls and retailers offer complimentary wrapping for a small donation to charity.

Metro Creative Connection

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, November 29, 2018 D3

Tips to prolong the life of your Christmas tree terparts, require daily maintenance.

In addition to supplying the tree with water at least once per day, live Christmas tree owners can take these steps to prolong the life of their trees. Protect the tree on the way home.

Your tree might be vulnerable to damage as you transport it from the farm to your living room. Unwrapped trees placed atop vehicles can be dried out by the wind. Prevent wind damage by wrapping the tree if you plan to place it atop your vehicle.

If possible, lay the tree in the bed

of a pickup truck and close the cover over the bed. If you don’t have access to a pickup truck but can use a minivan or SUV to transport your tree, see if the tree fits inside your vehicle. If it doesn’t, wrap it tightly in a blanket or another form of cover, making sure the cover won’t blow off in the wind when you hit the open road. Have the tree cut before you take it off the lot. If you typically purchase your tree from a florist or tree lot instead of a tree farm, then remember to ask the seller to recut the stem of the tree before you take it home.

Tree farm trees are freshly cut, but trees sold away from the farm might have been chopped down weeks before they are ultimately sold. During the interval between being cut down and sold, trees’ vascular systems can clog and prevent the tree from getting the water it needs to survive the season.

A fresh cut of the stem unclogs the system and ensures the tree will be able to consume water. Avoid placing the tree near heaters or drafty windows. Many people know that placing a live tree near a potentially hot heating vent poses a fire

hazard. But doing so also can dry out the tree, decreasing the chances it will make it through the season. Placing the tree near drafty windows also can dry out the tree, so try to find a spot in your home with a consistent temperature. Water the tree often. Christmas trees need lots of water to make it through the season. You may notice the water in the tree stand disappears quickly when you first bring the tree home.

That’s because freshly cut trees will consume more water than trees that were cut several weeks ago. As the season goes on and the tree’s vascular system begins to clog, you might not need to water the tree as much as you did when you first brought it home.

But check the tree’s water stand twice per day when you first bring it home, refilling the stand with water whenever necessary.

A few tricks of the trade can help holiday celebrants maintain lush, awe-inspiring Christmas trees throughout the holiday season.

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Christmas trees are symbols of the holiday season and the spirit of giving that the season champions.

Choosing and decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition for many families, and depending on the trees they choose, families may have some work to do to keep their trees glowing all season long.

Artificial Christmas trees require little, if any, maintenance.

But live Christmas trees, which some people feel are more authentic and welcoming than their artificial coun-

D4 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Calvary Lutheran Church

The most downloaded holiday songs

Catholic Area Faith Community of Jesus Our Living Water Church of St. Mary

302 Olena Ave. SE, Willmar 320-235-2508 calvarywillmar.org

First Reformed Church

713 12th St SW, Willmar 320-235-0118 ourlivingwater.org

Music is integral to many celebrations during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning an office party, hosting friends and family at home or simply looking to get in the holiday spirit, you might want to explore this list of the most downloaded Christmas/holiday songs on iTunes.

Bethel Lutheran Church

Catholic Area Faith Community of Jesus Our Living Water Our Lady of the Lakes

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey 2. Mary, Did You Know? – Pentatonix 3. Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) – Trans-Siberian Orchestra 4. Mistletoe – Justin Bieber 5. Christmas Canon – Trans-Siberian Orchestra 6. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee 7. Believe – Josh Groban 8. Last Christmas (Single Version) – Wham!

9. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms 10. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams 11. Hallelujah – Pentatonix 12. Wizards in Winter (Instrumental) – Trans-Siberian Orchestra 13. Winter Song – Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson 14. Hallelujah – Lindsey Stirling 15. Last Christmas – Taylor Swift 16. Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano 17. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande 18. A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives 19. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) – Nat “King” Cole 20. Hard Candy Christmas – Dolly Parton

Crossroads Community Church

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1237 15th St SW, Willmar 320-235-5730 firstreformedwillmar.com

411 Becker Ave SW, Willmar 320-235-5450 bethelinwillmar.org

6680 153rd Ave NE, Spicer 320-796-5664 ourlivingwater.org

Vinje Lutheran Church 1101 SW Willmar Ave, Willmar 320-235-1441 vinjechurch.com

3400 113th Ave NE, Spicer 320-796-2339 crossroadsspicer.com

Rock of Life CRC

Faith Lutheran Church

1708 SW 8th St, Willmar 320-235-3060 rockoflife.org

310 Medayto Dr, Spicer 320-796-2522 faithspicer.org

Open Door Church

Willmar United Methodist Church

Norway Lake Lutheran Parish

Unity Christian Reformed Church

Peace Lutheran Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church

12720 51st St NE, Spicer 320-292-5995 opendoornewlondon.org

1818 9th St SW, Willmar 320-235-5403 willmarumc.org

6338 County Road 40 NW, New London 320-354-4222 norwaylakeparish.org

510 6th St North, Prinsburg 320-978-4300 unitycrc.org

100 4th Ave SW, New London 320-354-2774 peacenewlondon.org

1401 6th St SW, Willmar 320-235-4685 redeemerwillmar.org

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 1816 5th St SW, Willmar 320-235-5996 willmarwels.net

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, November 29, 2018 D5

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Holiday Festivities 

Through Jan. 6

The “Celebrate the Light of the World” fundraiser for the Salvation Army will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily at Robbins Island in Willmar.

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Dec. 6-9

The Barn Theatre presents the musical “Charlie Brown Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the theater in downtown Willmar; adults $20, students $10. Box office open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, call 320-2359500; 321 Fourth St. S.W., Willmar or visit thebarntheatre.com

Dec. 1

The 26th annual “Christmas at Trinity” will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City.

There will be a cookie walk, crafts, baked goods and ethnic goodies for sale. Brunch will be served, adults

$9, ages 10 and under $4, take-outs $9.50, coffee and roll $3. The church is located at 54384 U.S. Highway 12 East, Grove City. “Christmas in the Village: Winter Holidays Around the World” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Chippewa City, located at the junctions of Highways 7 and 59 in Montevideo. It will feature horse-drawn rides, candy and bake sales, crafters, Santa Claus, old-fashioned radio show, lunch line and the decorated village. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 12-17 and children 11 and under admitted free. The 23rd annual Pioneer Christmas will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Forest City Stockade. Admission is $5, ages 12 and under will be admitted free.

Have a wagon or sleigh ride, visit with Santa, see a winter Native American encampment with teepee, wall tent and A-frame; tour the historic buildings, pioneer crafts and demonstrations. A variety of food will be available. Dress warmly as many of the activities will be outdoors. Forest City is north of Litchfield in Meeker County. Bake sales will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kandi Mall in Willmar; churches, schools, nonprofit groups and organizations are participating; additional sales Dec. 8 and 15.

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Dec. 2

A pioneer Advent service will be at 2 p.m. in the Old Log Church of Norway Lake with an old-fashioned hymn sing in both Norwegian and English and traditional refreshments. The Christmas message will be delivered by the NLLHA Reader’s Theatre. The church, located at the intersection of County Road 40 and 99th Street Northwest near Norway Lake, is not heated. Dress warmly and bring a blanket for added comfort. The annual Advent tea will be at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in

Benson. The program “Home” will feature 6:4devotion, a group of six women from Champlin United Methodist Church. Refreshments will be served by the St. Lucia girls.

Dec. 5

“Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. by the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. 13th St., in Montevideo. It will be followed by an evening tea.

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: Page D6

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D6 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES From Page D5

Dec. 6

An Advent luncheon and bake sale will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 504 Gilman Ave. N., in Litchfield. Lunch beginning at 11 a.m.; $8 per person.  The Marine Corps Toys for Tots New London campaign will have a family-friendly evening beginning with social hour at 6 p.m. followed by a variety show at 7 p.m. at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Admission is $15 for adults or a toy of equal or great value, under 17 admitted free. The Christmas Voices of Renville

County will present a Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. at St. Aloysius Church in Olivia. “Christmas Presence … a Gathering of Hope, Peace and Love” will be performed by singers from throughout Renville County. Freewill donation will go to Santa’s Closet and the Renville County Food Shelf; refreshments to follow the program.

Dec. 6-9

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries presents a Christmas Dinner Theater “Coming Home for Christmas” at 5:30 p.m. at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer with a 12:30 p.m. matinee on Dec. 8; call the camp for reservations at 320-796-2181.

Dec. 8

The Willmar GEMS girls club will have a bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rock of Life Christian Reformed Church in Willmar. The 66th annual Lucia Day Festival will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. S.W., in Willmar. The St. Lucia Lighting ceremony will be at 9 a.m., followed by coffee. Holiday baked goods for sale. The Charles Dickens Christmas will begin at 9 a.m. and have activities into the evening in New London.

There will be carolers, kids activities from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Midtown Plaza, NLS students in grades 4-12 will present “A Christmas Carol” at 1

and 7 p.m., and more. The Atwater Area Historical Society will have a holiday open house from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 500 Pleasant Ave. W., in Atwater.

Dec. 9

The Christmas Voices of Renville County will present a Christmas Cantata at 2 p.m. at Emden Reform Church in Renville. “Christmas Presence … a Gathering of Hope, Peace and Love” will be performed by singers from throughout Renville County. Freewill donation will go to Santa’s Closet and the Renville County Food Shelf.

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: Page D6

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, November 29, 2018 D7

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES From Page D6

Dec. 9

 A Christmas choir concert “Songs and Stories: A Christmas Celebration” will be at 3 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in New London to benefit the Link. The concert will feature the choirs from New London and Spicer area churches. Donations to the Link will be accepted. The Litchfield Area Male Chorus present “Deck the Halls,” a holiday concert at 3 p.m. at the Litchfield Christian Church; freewill donation.

Dec. 11

The Sacred Heart Historical Society will celebrate Santa Day from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Community Center. Kids’ activities and lunch starts at 5 p.m., Santa arrives at 6 p.m. followed by photos with Santa and music.

Dec. 13

The Willmar Public Library will have “Holiday Cookies and Holiday Hearts, That’s the Way the Season Starts” story hour from 10 to 11 a.m. for children of all ages and their families.

Celebrate the holidays with stories, crafts, singing and a treat. No registration necessary. The Holiday Express 18-Wheeler presented by the Kandiyohi Men’s Club and the Atwater Chamber will make four stops tonight. The schedule is 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Lillian Fire Hall, 6:15 p.m. at the Blomkest Fire Hall, 7:15 p.m. at the Raymond Community Center and 8:15 p.m. at the Pennock Community Center.

Dec. 13-16

WEAC in Willmar; adults $10, ages 5-18 $5 and under 5 admitted free.

Dec. 14

The Holiday Express 18-Wheeler presented by the Kandiyohi Men’s Club and the Atwater Chamber will make four stops tonight. The schedule is 5:30 p.m. at the Mug Shot parking lot in Cosmos, 7 p.m. in front of Kinsella Chiropractic in Litchfield, 7:45 p.m. at the Grove City Fire Hall and 8:15 p.m. at the Atwater Community Center.

The annual Lillejulaften (Little Christmas Eve) Norwegian language worship service will be at 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 302 Olena Ave. in Willmar. The service will feature Norwegian scripture readings, prayers and songs. The service folder will be in Norwegian with a full English translation. Those with Norwegian sweaters and/or bunads are asked to wear them.

Dec. 15

Dec. 25

The Willmar Public Library presents “Lefse Making 101 for Children” from 2 to 3 p.m. with lefse makers on hand to demonstrate how to make lefse for the holidays. Children will get a chance to roll and taste lefse. The annual Christmas program will be held at the Historic Salem Community Church, four miles north of Paynesville. Sleigh rides with real reindeer will be given from 3 to 4:15 p.m., followed by the program at 4:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served following the program. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Paynesville Community Center; freewill donation. The Holiday Express 18-Wheeler presented by the Kandiyohi Men’s Club and the Atwater Chamber will make five stops tonight. The schedule is 5:15 p.m. at the Lake Region Bank in Sunburg, 6 p.m. on First Avenue S.E. in New London, 6:45 p.m. at the Green Lake Mall in Spicer, 7:30 p.m. at the Kandiyohi Civic Center and 8:15 p.m.at the YMCA in Willmar. The Dawson-Boyd Arts Association present “Holiday Wail” by the American infused Gypsy Jazz band Harmonious Wail at 7 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium in Dawson; adults $15, students $5, call 320-312-2311 or at the door.

Dec. 22

Christmas in the Barn at Dale and Debbie Tonsfeldt farm, 13200 15th Street Southeast, Blomkest. The 9:30

a.m. Svea Lutheran Church service will include singing and a live nativity. Everyone is welcome, please dress warmly.

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Symphony Ball will begin with cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. at the Willmar Convention Center. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. and music by the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra at 8:30 p.m.

The Blues Brothers tribute band, 1060 West Addison Blues, will play from 10:30 to midnight. Tickets are $50 and available at Cash Wise Foods and Whitney Music in Willmar or online at www.willmarorchestra.com. A limited number of $25 tickets will be sold at the door starting at 9:30 p.m.

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The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra presents “A Very Merry Christmas” holiday concert at 7 p.m. at

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The 54th annual night of music, “Four Tickets to Christmas,” will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday at the Assembly of God Church in Willmar. Tickets are free, but required, and available at the church or online at www.willmar-

ag.org/events. A freewill offering will benefit Family Promise of Kandiyohi County.

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D8 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Visions of a Norman Rockwell Christmas Certain holiday images have been ingrained in the minds of the public.

Coca-Cola’s smiling bearded Santa Claus, in his now universally recognized red coat, helped create a model from which all other Santas evolved.

And an early 20th century artist and illustrator helped to establish the feelings of the Christmas season for millions with portraits featured on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell was born in New York City in 1894 and dreamt of becoming an artist when he was young.

Rockwell received his first commis-

sion at age 17 and illustrated for Boy’s Life, the monthly magazine of the Boy Scouts of America.

In 1916, Rockwell was hired by The Saturday Evening Post. When Rockwell began working for the Post, his humorous and deadpan depictions of American life tugged at the heartstrings of the public – even if they weren’t so adored by art critics.

Rockwell spent 47 years working for this iconic magazine. Rockwell produced paintings for the Post and other publications that depicted key images in American history, including Charles

Lindbergh’s crossing of the Atlantic, the Moon Landing and World War II. However, some of Rockwell’s most beloved work pertains to his holiday scenes.

Rockwell used real people as his models, and every detail in his reproduction paintings of photographs was fastidiously planned, say biographers.

Over time, Rockwell’s paintings helped define an idealized vision of American life and Christmas celebrations.

Even now people seek to emulate the merriment and magic exemplified in Rockwell’s imagery – from tired toy

Season’s Greetings from all of us in Benson!

store clerks to a boy discovering Santa kissing his mom to the great holiday dinner.

Rockwell produced 29 Christmas covers as well as greeting cards and other holiday scenes.

The holiday season would not be the same without the work of artist Norman Rockwell. His influential images helped reflect a glorified version of American life and have helped to make the holiday season even more special for millions of people.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, November 29, 2018 D9

Make a child’s first holiday special A

baby’s life is filled with milestones. First smiles, first steps and first words are just a few of the moments parents will treasure.

A baby’s first holiday season is another special time to cherish. Shoppers seeking gifts to make a baby’s first holiday special have many clever, cute and functional items to choose from.

Several of these gifts can become keepsakes to be tucked into memory boxes for growing kids to look at later in life. Christmas pajamas: What better way to await for the arrival of Christmas than in a pair of snuggly pajamas? Send pajamas ahead of Christmas Day so that new parents will have plenty of adorable photo opportunities as their baby boy or girl tears open the gifts.

Stores stock several different fun and festive prints, or look into pajamas that can be personalized.  Photo print package: Photography packages can involve the entire expanding

family and will catalog special moments in time. Purchase studio or on-location time with a private photographer, or use one of the popular photography chains found in malls and department stores. Personalized framed print: Commemorate the first holiday season with your child by getting a print made with his or her name and age. Leave a space on the print so that the child’s parents can customize it even further with their son or daughter’s footprints.

Include a matted frame and child-safe ink or paint to complete the gift. Keepsake ornament: Some families embrace the tradition of adding a new ornament to their Christmas trees each year. Purchase an ornament for the new baby with the year so he or she can join in the tradition. Crochet or knit blanket: Crafty individuals can make a blanket that the newest addition to the family can enjoy during the chilly days of winter. These blankets often

become treasured keepsakes that may be passed down throughout the family or kept tucked away for kids so they can give them to their own children once they start their own families. Rocking horse: Babies don’t wait long before they start to run around and climb.

A classic rocking horse makes for a fun baby gift, and rocking horses come in many different styles. If you are the family carpenter, you can even purchase some unfinished wood from a craft store and then make this into a homemade gift your favorite little guy or gal will always cherish. Piggy bank: Foster good saving habits by gifting a personalized piggy bank. Get kids off on the right foot by depositing a few dollars into the bank before giving the gift.

A new baby brings many changes and fun experiences.

Gift-givers can make a baby’s first holiday season one filled with joy and whimsy with creative gift ideas.

Metro Creative Connection

Great gifts for holiday hosts Hosting family and friends during the holiday season is a big responsibility, especially for those men and women welcoming overnight guests into their homes.

Hosts anticipate opening their homes to loved ones during the holiday season and would never ask for anything in return. But guests who want to show their appreciation to their gracious hosts can consider these gift ideas this holiday season. Decorative vase: The holiday season is colorful, and many people deck their halls with poinsettias or other plants and flowers during this time of year. A decorative holiday vase is a thoughtful gift that can be part of hosts’ holiday decor for years to come. Wine rack: Wine makes a perfect complement to holiday meals, and hosts might appreciate a place to

store their collections. Guests unfamiliar with the layout of their hosts’ homes may want to choose a countertop wine rack, which won’t take up much space and can be a convenient place to store a bottle or two before dinner. Guests who want to go the extra mile can bring along a few bottles of wine so the wine rack is presented fully stocked. A night out: While it might not be a gift in the traditional sense, paying for a night out is a great way to show hosts you recognize and appreciate all of their hard work. Call your host in advance of your visit and insist on taking everyone out to dinner one night during your stay, even splitting the tab with other guests if a lot of people will be staying overnight. Holiday photo frame or album: Men and women like to host family during the holidays because it’s a

great chance to make lasting memories and reconnect with loved ones.

Help hosts commemorate those memories by giving them a photo frame in which they can place a picture of the whole family, or an album where they can place various photos of the family from this holiday season. Spa day: Of course, gifts for holiday hosts need not tie in to hosting. A certificate for a day at a local spa can be just what exhausted hosts need to refresh once all of their guests have come and gone. If a day at the spa is beyond your budget, put together a home spa package with bubble bath, scented candles and a bottle of wine.

Holiday hosts deserve a little extra for inviting family and friends into their homes during this joyous time of year.

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D10 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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Do’s and don’ts of holiday safety

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, as long as holiday happenings go as planned.

Celebrants can ensure that this joyous time of year is not marred by injury, theft or accidents by always keeping safety in mind.

DO turn off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving home. Lights left on can overheat and cause fires.

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two of every five home Christmas tree fires between 2011 and 2015, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.

DON’T locate a Christmas tree too close to a heating source, fireplace or lit candles, as trees can dry out and ignite.

DO extinguish candles before retiring for the night.

DON’T gift without doing research into whether or not toys are age-appropriate. Pay attention to toy recalls as well. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides lists of recalled items.

DO roast rather than fry the holiday turkey. Burns, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning are some of the dangers associated with turkey fryers.

The CPSC, which discourages the use of fryers, says there have been 168 turkey-fryer related incidents since 2002.

DON’T keep purchases in view of potential thieves. Resist putting pres-

ents under the tree until the night before Christmas. Hide large product boxes so they’re not visible in the trash or recycling pickups, where thieves might look to see what’s inside the house.

DO wait until after your holiday excursion to take to social media about it. Otherwise, you’re simply advertising that you are not home and risking a break-in.

DON’T drive distracted or under the influence. This is a busy time of year when more people are out and about, so keep your eyes on the road at all times.

DO keep poisonous plants out of reach of pets and children. These can include Jerusalem cherry, mistletoe berries and holly berries.

DON’T locate breakable ornaments close to the bottom of the tree in reach of young children. Glass can shatter and cause serious injuries.

DO tie the Christmas tree to the car securely after purchasing it to avoid lift-off while taking it home from the lot. At home, secure the tree to the ceiling or a wall with a piece of invisible fishing line for extra security against tip overs.

DON’T underestimate the things that can and will go wrong when hosting for the holidays. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and stay calm through any hiccups.

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Stay safe when stringing holiday lights Lighting displays are one of the many things that help make the holiday season a special time of year.

Often awe-inspiring, holiday lighting displays present a perfect opportunity for communities and individuals to showcase their festive sides.

Safety should always be a priority when stringing holiday lights both inside and outside a home.

The National Fire Protection Association notes that, between 2009 and 2014, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 210 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.

Lighting displays strung on home exteriors also can pose safety risks if homeowners do not exercise caution. Fortunately, various strategies can help homeowners safely decorate their homes’ interiors and exteriors this holiday season. Choose a fresh tree. The NFPA recommends celebrants who prefer natural Christmas trees choose ones with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Dry trees are more likely to catch fire than freshly cut trees.

Adding water to the tree stand each day will keep trees fresher longer. When placing the tree, avoid placing it too close to heat sources, making sure it is at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights. Check all lights before stringing them. All lights, including those going on trees inside a home and those being strung outside, should be inspected prior to being strung. Look for any worn or broken cords and replace any defective lights. Employ the buddy system. When stringing lights, always work with at least one other person. This makes it safe for homeowners who must climb ladders to string lights on especially tall trees and/or on their home exteriors. Avoid working in inclement weather. The weather during the holiday season can sometimes be unpleasant or unpredictable. Check the forecast before stringing exterior lights to ensure Mother Nature won’t pose a threat. Avoid hanging lights if the forecast predicts wet, icy or windy conditions that can make ladders unstable.

Turn lights off when going to bed and/or leaving the house. Interior and exterior holiday lights should not be left on when no one is home or everyone inside is sleeping. If left on overnight or when no one is home, lights may contribute to fires that damage homes and may even prove fatal.

Holiday lighting displays help make this time of year special.

Following some simple safety procedures when decorating with lights can ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, November 29, 2018 D11

How to keep gifts secret and hidden S

urprising loved ones and friends with gifts is part of the excitement of the holiday season. It can be just as exhilarating for gift-givers to witness the gifts being opened as for the recipients who are tearing into the paper to reveal their gifts.

But in order for presents to be the ultimate surprises, it is essential for items purchased to remain a secret.

Whether shopping online or in-store, gift buyers can do their best to hide gifts from others.

Online shopping

The popularity of online shopping has now made it possible for just about anything to be purchased from the comfort of home or while on-the-go.

This same convenience has created a new obstacle pertaining to keeping gifts a secret, especially from a spouse or children living in the same house.

Gift-givers have to essentially be package ninjas, intercepting parcels from delivery people and burying the digital trail leading back to the purchase. Here are some tips for success. Clear your web search history and computer cache frequently on shared devices. This way you avoid loved ones stumbling across past searches for gifts as well as seeing all of those advertisements that seemingly pop up magically in accordance with your search history. Use your work email for receipts and purchase correspondence. This helps when spouses share one email account. Investigate if online retailers have private shopping modes, which may

mask purchases from others. Create a family account to mask orders. Retailers like Amazon enable you to set up family sharing. This way each family member can have a unique log in, which will then separate order history logs among relatives. This helps relieve the stress of wondering if the kids saw your long history list of past purchases. Turn off push notifications of purchases or when the items will ship.

This is key for those who share digital devices and accounts. You’ll avoid the message of “Name item has just shipped” from being shared with others. Opt to have items shipped to the store for in-store pickup, or arrange for an alternate delivery address.

until they can be brought to the house when others are not home.

Regardless of how gifts are purchased, make sure to promptly wrap

and hide presents so they are not discovered before the big day.

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In-store purchases

Shoppers who do the bulk of their shopping at brick-and-mortar shops may have an easier job of keeping purchases a secret. Invest in a nondescript, opaque shopping tote that will not draw attention to where you have shopped.

Retailers love to emblazon their shopping bags with names and logos, and that can cue savvy kids and adults as to where you shopped. Pay in cash as much as possible.

Reduce the paper trail of purchases by purchasing the more secretive gifts with cash. Tuck receipts into a well-hidden place that others will not think to look. Consider shopping on lunch hour at work and hiding gifts in the office

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D12 Thursday, November 29, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Tips to simplify holiday hosting Hosting family and friends for the holidays is a tall task.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, during the Christmas/ New Year holiday period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 23 percent compared to the rest of the year. While many of those traveling will stay in hotels, many more will enjoy the hospitality of loved ones.

Holiday hosting can make an already hectic time of year that much busier, as hosts must prepare their homes for guests in the midst of holiday shopping excursions, office Christmas parties and social engagements around the neighborhood and at kids’ schools.

Holiday hosting does not have to run hosts ragged in the days leading up to guests’ arrival. The following are a handful of ways to simplify holiday hosting. Plan menus well in advance of guests’ arrival. One of the more time-consuming tasks associated with holiday hosting is cooking. Hosts who plan their holiday menus in advance can get started on prep work several weeks before guests arrive. Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and then frozen, so dishes need only

the family does not feel overwhelmed time and time again. And sharing hosting duties means someone new gets to avoid the hectic holiday traveling season each year.

Holiday hosting is an enjoyable yet sometimes difficult task. Fortunately, hosts can take steps to simplify holiday hosting without sacrificing tradition..

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Diets

Ask guests before they arrive if they have any particular food allergies or

items they need to avoid because of any medications they might be taking. This is especially important for youngsters, who may forget to avoid homemade cookies with nuts despite having nut allergies.

By asking in advance if your guests have any food allergies or foods and ingredients they must avoid, you will know to avoid serving particular dishes so no one accidentally eats foods that might make them sick and you can prepare alternative dishes for people who must avoid certain foods.

Activities

If guests will be staying for several nights, explore a few local activities so everyone can get out of the house for a night or two. Time spent with family is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but spending all of that time inside in cramped quarters can grow

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It’s hard to overlook accommodations when hosting for the holidays, but it’s best to inspect linens and other items that might go largely unused throughout much of the year.

Check fold-out couches or air mattresses a few weeks before your guests are slated to arrive. This gives you

ample time to address any issues and also allows you to comparison shop and find great deals on any items you need to replace.

Hosts who are parents to young children may want to discuss sleeping arrangements before guests arrive if kids will be asked to sleep in different beds. Kids might embrace the change, while others might be less enthusiastic.

If younger cousins will be staying over, let kids choose their new roommates, which might make them more excited about sharing rooms with their guests. Explaining the situation in advance gives youngsters time to ready themselves for their temporary move.

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Things to consider when hosting for the holiday

Holiday hosts have a lot on their plates. The work of holiday hosting does not begin when the first guest arrives. It starts weeks before, when homeowners begin preparing their homes for overnight guests.

Because the holiday season can be so busy, it’s easy for hosts to overlook certain things as the day their first guests are set to arrive draws nearer.

But the following are a few things hosts should consider in the weeks before their guests show up.

Accommodations

be defrosted and cooked once guests arrive. Let guests pitch in. Some hosts may feel obligated to cater to all of their guests’ needs during the holiday season. But many guests want to pitch in any way they can. If guests offer to do some holiday baking or take the family out for dinner during their visits, allow them to do so.

This takes a little responsibility away from hosts while also allowing guests to show how much they appreciate the hospitality of their hosts. Plan a night out. Another way to make hosting friends and family for the holidays less taxing is to plan a night out for everyone. In lieu of cooking at home, dine out at an affordable, family-friendly restaurant before taking everyone to a local holiday light display or bazaar. This gets everyone out of the house and allows hosts to showcase their hometown pride. Rotate hosting duties. The holiday season is full of traditions, and some hosts may feel beholden to tradition and offer to host each year. But family traditions are about getting together, not about getting together in a particular place each year.

Families who rotate hosting duties each year can ensure one member of

uncomfortable over time. Plan a family night or two out that everyone can enjoy.

Pets

When hosting for the holidays, let your guests know if you have any pets.

Some people have dog and cat allergies, and those allergies may make it difficult for them to enjoy their stay.

Others’ allergies might be so severe that they have to find alternative lodging. Let guests know about your pets when you invite them to stay at your house so no one is surprised at the last minute.

In addition, let guests know if they can bring their own pets along to your house. Hosting for the holidays is a great way to welcome loved ones into your home. Considering and discussing a few factors before your guests arrive can ensure everyone enjoys their stay.