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A Season for Small Businesses

How small businesses can prepare for a unique holiday season

Special Supplement to: Niagara Gazette Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Hometown Extra Holiday and Home Improvements Great gifts to spark home improvement projects Handmade and Heartfelt Handmade gifts that are November and personalized and special December 2020 2

2 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Table of Contents 3 Have a healthy shopping experience 14 5 ways to make gift cards more personal 4 How to prioritize shopper safety during the 15 Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping holidays 16 Great gifts for book lovers 5 People to tip and gift this holiday season 16 Tips for successfully gifting teens 6 6 ways to stick to a holiday budget 20 Handmade gifts are personalized and 7 Holiday shoppers may want to start early special 8 How smll businesses can prepare for a 21 Gifts than can make social distancing more Holiday Gift Guide is a special unique holiday sesason enjoyable advertising supplement to the 8 Preparing a store for shoppers concerned by 22 Home holiday decorating ideas Niagara Gazette, Lockport Union-Sun the Covid-19 outbreak 23 Holiday gifts to spark home improvement & Journal, and Hometown Extra. 10 How to support small businesses this ideas holiday season 24 Steps for hanging holiday lights outdoors 12 Promotional ideas for small businesses this 25 Must-haves to achieve a holiday Call 716-282-2311 or 716-439-9222 season wonderland for advertising information. 12 Find the time to shop for holiday gifts 26 The bright side of small holiday celebrations 13 Security tips to consider before buying 27 How to host virtual holiday celebrations We specialize in local business strategies. online this holiday season

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 3 Have a healthy shopping experience Staying healthy this holiday shopping season means taking a proactive approach to avoid germs and illness.

eople are more conscious than ever • Shop online. Avoiding crowds and busy shopping sessions at the mall may get your have said it is unlikely that people can con- about their personal health. In late places may be wise until a vaccine is devel- gift list checked off, but you may feel ill if tract COVID-19 from handling packaging, 2019 and early 2020, the world oped. By early summer, many retailers were you don’t eat and drink. Stop for a healthy do not pick up products and put them in was introduced to the deadly virus allowed to reopen if they implemented strict snack, and drink plenty of water so that dry, your cart unless you plan to buy them. Com- COVID-19,P which spread across the globe policies about workers and customers wear- indoor air doesn’t contribute to dehydration. pare items with your eyes, not your hands. like wildfire, requiring various changes to ing masks and cutting store capacities by a • Alleviate back pain. Heavy bags, lifting • Wash hands frequently. Remember personal routines and daily life to help corral certain percentage. Shopping online enables and inspecting items at arms length from to frequently wash hands during shopping its spread. you to stay closer to home and have gifts racks or shelves and wearing a heavy purse ventures or when returning from the store. COVID-19 is just one factor shoppers either delivered or made available for curb- can contribute to back pain. Minimize such In the absence of a sink, use hand sanitizer should consider if they plan to make health- side pickup. Many retailers, including small movements to ensure a shopping trip doesn’t that’s at least 60 percent alcohol to prevent ful changes to the way they prepare for the mom-and-pop stores, have implemented new end with some aches and pains. the spread of germs. holiday season. These health-minded tips can e-commerce options to increase their online • Touch only what you plan to buy. Staying healthy this holiday shopping ensure the holidays are full of joy and per- shopping capabilities. While the Centers for Disease Control and season means taking a proactive approach to sonal wellness. • Stay well fed and hydrated. Marathon Prevention and other health organizations avoid germs and illness.

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4 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

How to prioritize shopper safety during the holidays

ach November and December, • Be aware of your surroundings. When reach the payment page. If something seems • Invest in security cameras. If you do many people direct their focus on you leave a store, no matter how big or how off, avoid that site or reach out to customer not already have a camera on your home or the festive holiday season. While small it is, put your phone down and avoid service. business, now is the time to get one. Even good intentions reign supreme dur- distractions. Opportunists look for distract- • Change routines. If you always head doorbell cameras can deter crime. Porch Eing the holiday season, it’s best that store ed people who may not see them coming. to the store at a specific time or leave for pirates/bandits are individuals who steal owners and consumers alike pay attention • Shop trusted online retailers. Many work or school at the same time each day, packages right off of people’s front porches. to personal safety amidst all the hustle and people shop online for holiday gifts, and think about altering your routine to thwart Porch Bandit Protection™ says the average bustle. this year the increase in online revenue would-be criminals. This can throw off any- value of stolen packages is $140. Thieves According to Dr. Janet Lauritsen, a pro- may be pronounced as people continue to one who has been observing your patterns. may even follow delivery vehicles closely in fessor of criminology and criminal justice at avoid crowds to protect themselves from The same tactic can be applied to someone order to grab packages minutes after they the University of Missouri, robbery and per- COVID-19. Fraudulent online retailers and working in a retail store, as private homes are delivered. Cameras can deter the crimi- sonal larceny increase around the holidays. false charities prey on unsuspecting con- and consumers are not the only targets this nals who commit these types of crimes. In addition, retail crime increases by around sumers. Consumers can patronize sites of time of year. It’s time to step up on safety so this holi- 30 percent during the holiday season. locally owned businesses or larger retailers • Don’t leave items exposed. At home day season stays festive. Business owners and consumers can keep they recognize and use frequently. Verify and in the car, keep purchases or gifts hid- these tips in mind so this holiday season is as that the site is encrypted by looking for the den. This can reduce the temptation for safe as it is festive. “lock” symbol in the address bar when you thieves. 5

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 5 People to tip and gift FRESH GOURMET FRUIT FOR THE GIFT OF WELLNESS T. GRANA & SON this holiday season Open Daily and Christmas Eve til Noon Are you making a list and checking it tip of $20 each is an appropriate amount. twice? If so, don’t forget to add a few extra • Teachers: Class parents may take up a people to that list who are worthy of a gift collection for the teacher and offer one class Stay Safe! this holiday season. Certainly friends and gift. If your student is educated by multiple Call in your order from home! family are in mind for presents, but what teachers and the school staff is top-notch, about the service providers in your life? consider stocking the staff lounge with Ask about our pickup special. After a challenging year, people in the ser- snacks and beverages or cater a lunch. vice industry might benefit from a holiday • Mail and newspaper carriers: Mail is boost this year more than ever. delivered six days of the week in any and all • Hairdressers and nail techs: It takes weather. Treat your mail carrier to a nice FRUIT a lot of effort to look one’s best, and these gift, but stick to the rules of the U.S. Postal individuals help people put their best selves Service. Mail carriers are not allowed to forward. Consider tipping the amount you accept cash, checks or gift cards that can BASKET would normally spend on one visit. If you be used like credit cards. Like mail carriers, get your hair or nails done frequently and newspaper carriers deliver up to 7 days per ... The Perfect consider this person a friend, opt for a gift week in all weather, but may receive mon- instead. etary gifts. A tip shows your appreciation for Healthy Holiday Gift. • Babysitter or caregiver: This per- the daily service to your home. Order Today! son is likely close with the family and may • Cleaning person: You rely on this per- be deserving of more than a tip. Pick an son to keep your home tidy and clean. He age-appropriate gift you know this person or she is deserving of the cost of one visit, will love. What about a coveted pair of according to “Excuse Me: The Survival 2610 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, NY Bluetooth-enabled earbuds or headphones? Guide to Modern Business Etiquette.” A gift card to a store you know this person Individuals can use their discretion con- 282-6086 We frequents also can be fitting. cerning service providers in their lives who Fax: 282-6076 Deliver • Landscapers: If the same person or may be worthy of some extra cheer this holi- crew services the lawn most of the time, a day season.

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6 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 6 ways to stick to a holiday budget he holidays are an exciting, fun up any deficit by curtailing expenses like and joyful time of year. And for dining out or entertainment extras. Many many people, the holidays also are people plan to use credit cards to pay now expensive. and worry about the aftermath later. Only TAccording to the Motley Fool Company, use credit cards if you have the money in the a financial wellness resource, the average bank and can pay off the entire bill when the American spent $882.45 on Christmas gifts, balance due is in January. food, decorations, travel, and other holiday- 3. Set a spending limit for individuals. related expenses in 2019. Around 56 per- Based on your numbers and how much you cent of gift shoppers set a budget for holiday plan to spend overall, start allocating money spending, but only 64 percent stuck to it. In to categories, including gift recipients. addition, 21.5 percent of respondents went Come up with a spending range for each into debt due to holiday shopping. person and stick to it. Who doesn’t want to have a super holiday 4. Pay in cash as much as possible. It’s with delicious foods on the table and lots easy to know what you’re spending when of presents to share with family and friends? using cash as opposed to credit. There is While that’s tempting, such a bounty should some risk with carrying around cash, but never result in financial peril. These six strat- that risk may be offset by the benefit of egies can make it easy to establish and stick spending only what you can afford to spend. to a budget this holiday season. 1. Budget for everything. When work- 5. Track all purchases. Save the receipts ing out holiday spending plans, factor and keep a running total of expenditures so in all of the expenses associated with the you can see how your spending is measuring holidays — not just the most obvious, like up to your budget. If necessary, scale back gifts. Costs for gas, parking lot fees, greeting on one category if you’ve tipped the scales cards, postage, travel expenses, and much in spending on another. more should be included in your final num- 6. Shop sales and deals. High-end stores ber. may have the impressive tag, but their prices 2. Determine how much you can can set you back. Instead, look for com- spend. Money for gifts and other holiday parable gifts at discount stores and other expenses should ideally come from your retailers. Also, if you must use a credit card, disposable income. Look at your finances in use one that earns you a cash-back bonus for advance of the holiday season and figure out added savings. how much extra cash you have for the holi- A holiday budget is a must to avoid over- days, and use that figure to determine how spending and finding yourself in debt early much you should spend. Find ways to make next year. 7

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 7 Holiday shoppers may The Perfect Gift! want to start early Quality Handcrafted Indoor and Outdoor Furniture he outbreak of the novel coro- transportation ability resulting from the navirus COVID-19 in late 2019 COVID-19 outbreak. That’s an important and early 2020 had a ripple effect consideration for holiday shoppers who on the world economy. One want the gifts they purchase for loved ones consequenceT felt by consumers across the to arrive on time this holiday season. In globe was longer than usual delivery times anticipation of longer delivery times, which on products purchased may be even longer during the notoriously online. Retailers like busy holiday season than they were at the Amazon and delivery outset of the pandemic, shoppers may want services like the United to begin their shopping early. Doing so not States Postal Service only accounts for longer shipping times, informed consumers that but also increases the chances shoppers will products and packages find what they’re looking for during a time may require more when many retailers’ supply chains have delivery been interrupted. Shoppers concerned by time due online shopping this holiday season due to to lim- the likelihood of catching COVID-19 by ited contacting cardboard boxes likely have little to fear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that the chances are low that the virus spreads from packaging that’s shipped over a period of several days at ambient temperatures.

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8 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE How small Preparing businesses a store for can prepare shoppers for a concerned unique by the holiday COVID-19 season outbreak usiness owners cannot predict what the future holds, but many hen the famous ball dropped are hopeful that the 2020 holi- in Times Square on New day retail season will provide a that money will be tight this holiday sea- Bmuch-needed boost to their bottom lines. Year’s Eve and 2020 officially began, few people might have son, and small business owners can expect The outbreak of the novel coronavirus anticipatedW what awaited the world in to compete for every dollar. By starting COVID-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 the months ahead. By the end of March, sales early and keeping those sales going led to plunging revenues for small busi- nesses across the globe, forcing some to a global pandemic had changed the way throughout the holiday season, small busi- ness owners can put themselves in the best close their doors for good while others had people across the globe lived their lives to lay off or furlough staff to stay afloat. as governments scrambled to prevent a position possible to capitalize on consumer The holiday season is a lucrative time potentially deadly virus from spreading. spending, however limited that spending for retailers, and while small business own- No aspect of life has been left untouched may be. ers are hopeful consumers will return this by the COVID-19 outbreak, including • Apply past experiences. Small busi- December, they may need to go the extra how people shop. Stay-at-home measures nesses have had more than a few litmus mile to calm any safety concerns their and government-mandated closures proved tests to gauge consumer behavior during customers may have. Officials with the a formidable challenge for small business the outbreak. Easter marked the first major Centers for Disease Control and Preven- owners. Another challenge awaits such holiday to occur while stay-at-home restric- tion have warned about the potential for businesses this holiday season, when con- tions were in place, and since then retail a second wave of COVID-19 infections in sumers are expected to do much of their holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s late 2020, and that could compel holiday shoppers to stay home and shop online shopping online. ning by announcing sales well in advance Day have come and gone. Small business owners can examine consumer behavior rather than in person. While it’s wise for Many small businesses thrive on welcom- of the holiday season. Consumers have small business owners to improve their during past retail holidays to inform their ing customers into their facilities. While no adapted to lengthy delivery times during e-commerce capabilities so shoppers find one can predict how long social distancing the outbreak, and retail analysts predict approaches to the coming holiday season. it easier to buy their products online, busi- If consumers expressed a desire for gift measures will remain in place, it’s reason- many will begin shopping earlier than ever ness owners also can follow these CDC- packages that reduced their need to make able to assume that consumers may be before to account for potential delivery recommended procedures to prepare multiple shopping trips, small business hesitant to visit stores en masse this holiday problems. By discounting items early, small their stores for shoppers concerned by the season. But the spirit of the holiday season owners can design and promote gift bas- COVID-19 virus. business owners can put themselves in kets filled with an assortment of products will return, and that spirit will still compel CLEANING consumers to look for gifts for their loved position to capitalize on early bird shop- available in their stores. Creativity figures ones. Small business owners looking to pers. to be a necessity to attract customers this When cleaning a store, the CDC advises capitalize on the holiday shopping season • Keep sales going. The Bureau of holiday season, and past retail holidays can owners and their employees to wear dispos- able gloves. Surfaces should first be cleaned can try these strategies as they prepare for Economic Analysis noted that economic inspire a new approach. with soap and water, and then disinfectant what promises to be a unique final month growth in the United States declined by Small businesses can confront the chal- should be applied. That’s because soap of 2020. 5 percent in the first quarter of 2020, and lenge of the coming holiday season by and water and disinfectant perform differ- • Start early. Holiday promotions typi- in June the Congressional Budget Office embracing a handful of strategies to attract ent functions. Soap and water reduces the cally feature discounted items, and small predicted that growth would ultimately consumers during what promises to be a number of germs, dirt and impurities on business owners can hit the ground run- decline by 38 percent. Such figures suggest season unlike any other in recent memory. surfaces, while disinfectant kills any remain- ing germs. 9

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 9 Stores with heavy if need be. Follow foot traffic should be manufacturer applica- cleaned frequently, but tion recommendations, all stores require daily which should be listed cleaning to keep cus- on product labels. Avoid tomers safe. Store own- mixing chemicals, such ers can devise their own as household bleach cleaning schedules, with ammonia or any but those whose other cleansers. 2429 Military Road - N.F., NY • 298-8232 stores are rou- tinely welcom- ELECTRONICS ing customers The CDC urges business owners to use Now taking orders for Christmas throughout the wipeable covers on electronics to further day should plan reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. to clean and dis- Such covers also can calm customers’ nerves 298-8232 and reassure them that business owners Sahlen and Smith Hams Fruit and Cream Pies Leg of Lamb infectant their facili- Beef Tenderloin Cheesecakes Lobster Tails ties several times per day. are taking every safety measure possible to ensure their health. Rib Roasts Cooked Roast Beef Shrimp The CDC advises paying special attention Pork Roasts Turkeys Polish Sausage to high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, EFFORTS Crown Roasts Turkey Breasts Pierogi handles, countertops, and tables. Business owners should post their poli- DISINFECTING cies regarding cleaning and disinfecting in The CDC recommends using household full view of customers. Such postings may Party Snacks disinfectants registered by the Environ- reduce anxieties about entering a store. In Stuffed Banana Peppers Taco Dip mental Protection Agency, a list of which is addition, business owners can inform cus- Stuffed Mushrooms Pizza Logs available at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide- tomers they are willing to offer delivery or Buffalo style Chicken Fingers Mozzarella Sticks registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against- curbside pickup to anyone who’s hesitant to Chicken Wing Dip Jalapeno Poppers sars-cov-2-covid-19. When using disinfec- enter stores this holiday season. tants, business owners and their employees Opportunity awaits small business own- GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE IN ANY AMOUNT should wear skin protection and consider ers this holiday season. Taking every step to protective eyewear to protect again potential clean and disinfect their stores each day can splash hazards. Ensure adequate ventilation reassure potential customers who may be Click For More Info when using disinfectants, opening windows hesitant to shop in person.

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10 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

• Purchase gift cards. Gift cards take the guesswork out of holiday shopping, How to and such cards are easily shipped or even emailed to loved ones. That’s a significant benefit during the 2020 holiday season, support small when delivery times are expected to be lengthy. Gift cards to local businesses sim- businesses plify holiday shopping, support small busi- nesses and help shoppers avoid potential delivery delays. this holiday • Share your experience. Word-of- mouth is vital to small businesses at any time, and can be especially season 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 informa- he holiday season is an important ed steep declines in revenue. A ZenBusiness traditionally been domi- tion about the lengths local small one for small businesses every survey of more than 1,000 small business nated by big box retailers. businesses have gone to in regard year, and it figures to take on founders, senior managers and decision However, many small busi- to safety measures, order fulfillment heightened importance in 2020. makers found that 37 percent of small busi- nesses increased their e-com- and their delivery and pickup efforts. TheT outbreak of the novel coronavirus nesses that employ between 11 and 25 peo- merce capabilities to generate rev- Such sharing may compel neighbors and COVID-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 hit ple were considering laying off more than enue. Shoppers concerned about shopping friends to follow your lead and provide vital small businesses especially hard, with many one-fifth of their workforce. in person this holiday season should explore support to local businesses in need this holi- being forced to close their facilities to cus- As small businesses face difficult chal- the delivery and curbside pickup options day season. tomers in an effort to prevent the virus from lenges, it’s no surprise that many consumers available at locally owned small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of spreading. want to support locally owned small busi- Even businesses that have not traditionally many communities, and the holiday season Estimates regarding the effects of the nesses this holiday season. Such support not been allowed to deliver, such as breweries provides a great opportunity to support COVID-19 outbreak on small businesses only can help small businesses, but also can and wineries, have been able to do so during such firms as they look to recover from a varied, but many small business owners were help to revitalize local communities. the outbreak, giving consumers unlimited difficult year. forced to let go employees as they confront- • Shop online. Online shopping has online shopping options.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 11

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12 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Promotional ideas for small businesses this season hen the holiday shopping season hits full swing Find the this year, small, locally owned businesses may find themselves in a unique position. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in late 2019 and early 2020 time to forcedW many small businesses to close their facilities to customers in March. While that was devastating to many small businesses, such closures led many consumers to recognize just how vital shop for a role these companies play in making their communities great places to live. With that recognition in mind, many communities have rallied holiday gifts around their local business owners and encouraged residents to patronize them. Local business owners can further increase their chances to recover lost revenue by considering an assortment of promotional ideas this holiday season. • Turn dollars into donations. Local charitable organizations The holiday season is a busy time of also suffered during the COVID-19 outbreak, when unemploy- year. So many activities are packed into ment claims rose and families cut back on spending in response to a relatively short period of time, and it or in anticipation of layoffs, furloughs and reduced salaries. Small is easy to become a tad overwhelmed business owners can pay it forward this holiday season by running by it all. Once Black Friday arrives community-based promotions that promise a percentage of each on November 27 (or Thanksgiving sale will be donated to a local charity. This is a win-win situation evening for those who can’t wait until that can entice more customers into your store and benefit a local Friday), holiday shoppers have less than charity at the same time. a month to get all of their shopping • Offer discounts to repeat customers. Small businesses done. thrive on repeat customers. A 2018 survey from InMoment, a Planning, decorating, entertaining, firm devoted to helping businesses compete in the experience and socializing takes time away from economy, found that 77 percent of consumers acknowledge hav- shopping. To find the time to get ing had relationships with specific brands for at least a decade. everything done — especially shopping Such figures indicate the importance of sustaining long-term —consider these time management tips relationships with consumers, and business owners can reward and tricks. customer loyalty by implementing a discount club. A coffee • Shop during off-peak hours. The shop may reward customers one free coffee for every 10 cups busiest times of the day for holiday purchased, while restaurants can reward takeout customers with shopping will be lunch hour during a business day and right before or after free desserts or appetizers for every five meals purchased. Such and Instagram. Encourage customers to engage via social media supper time. Wading through crowds rewards can attract more customers this holiday season and let by offering exclusive sales and discounts. Customers can then be can be time-consuming. Try to shop loyal customers know just how much they’re valued. encouraged to share their experiences with their followers, which when the stores are more sparsely pop- • Encourage social media engagement. Even if it’s not pos- is a simple and effective way for business owners to generate ulated so you can get in and out faster. sible to welcome as many customers into your store as it was last interest in their products and services. • Shop local. Think about patron- holiday season, the avenues to connect with customers are seem- Small business owners affected by the COVID-19 outbreak can izing small, independent retailers. Not ingly endless. Social media provides a great opportunity for small employ various strategies to connect with customers and regain only will you enjoy customized, exem- business owners to promote their products and reward customers lost revenue this holiday season. who share their experiences via platforms like Twitter, Facebook plary customer service, but the stores

A recent survey from the cloud-based voice and analytic supply chain solutions provider Voxware found that consumers were planning to change their approach to holiday shopping as early as June. The survey, which included 500 consumers in the United States and sought to determine how holiday shopping behaviors may be altered due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus, found that 76 percent of respondents intend to purchase more than half of their gifts online in 2020. Did With that in mind, small business owners can work to build up their e-commerce and delivery capabilities so they are in position to capitalize on a retail season that, while different, can still prove lucrative. In fact, the earlier businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season, the more lucrative it may be, as 51 percent of respondents to the Voxware survey indicated you that they expect to begin holiday shopping earlier than normal this year. In addition, 62 percent of respondents indicated they plan to purchase more stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts online. Small businesses can capitalize on that likelihood by offering free shipping on orders that exceed a certain amount. Such offers may compel consumers to more thoroughly know? peruse small businesses’ online offerings as they look to find everything from big gifts to stocking stuffers in the hopes of earning free shipping. 13

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 13 Security tips to consider before buying probably will not be able to fit as many online this customers as large chains. That means you can browse more readily and shop faster and more safely. holiday season • Schedule online shopping blocks. Pepper your calendar with blocks of time devoted to online shopping. This way you can handle it without distraction and easily Online shopping has become a wildly extension that encrypts shoppers’ cards. Though conditions apply, credit check people off of your list. popular way for consumers to meet communications with major websites, card users are not liable if fraudulent • Delegate some tasks. Pool your their holiday shopping needs. Accord- thereby making their browsing more purchases are made with their cards, resources with friends or family members ing to Mastercard, e-commerce sales secure. Compatible with browsers such while debit card users could face an and divide up your shopping lists. Each hit a record high in the 2019 holiday as Chrome, Firefox and Opera, HTTPS uphill battle to avoid being on the hook person can be in charge of a different season. Data from Mastercard’s Spend- Everywhere employs technology to for fraudulent purchases. category of shopping. For example, if you ingPulse report indicated that consum- ensure websites do not default to unen- • Shop via mobile apps instead are in charge of gaming gifts, buy all of ers spent 19 percent more on online crypted HTTP sites, which are not as of websites. Cyber criminals are less these and then distribute them to whoever shopping in 2019 than they did in the secure as HTTPS sites. likely to target mobile apps in an effort needed them. Delegating saves time and previous holiday season. • Don’t just use any Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi to access consumer data because apps lets shoppers avoid rushing from store to That record may be short lived, as can make holiday shopping a breeze, require hackers to create specific attacks store. shoppers are expected to spend even but shoppers should know that unse- for each app. Websites are vulnerable to • Take a day off. While it may not more online this holiday season as cured Wi-Fi connections make it easy general browser attacks, which means be ideal to use vacation time for holiday they continue to confront the global for cyber criminals to see everything hackers don’t have to work as hard to shopping, sometimes it can be an effective COVID-19 pandemic. A recent sur- users are doing online. When using Wi- access site visitors’ sensitive data as they way to check off a good portion of your vey of 1,000 consumers conducted by Fi to shop, make sure the connection would if they were to target retail apps. list. Start in the early morning when the the omnichannel technology provider requires a password and never purchase Experts expect online shopping to children are at school and visit as many Radial found that two-thirds of shop- items from a site that does not. WPA2 reach new heights this holiday season, stores as possible. Stow away those gifts pers expect to increase their online pur- AES encryption does not make users and it’s up to consumers to take every until you have the opportunity to wrap chases this holiday season. invulnerable to hackers or other crimi- step necessary to ensure their sensitive them. Make the day off a little more spe- Online shopping may be especially nals, but it does provide substantial financial information is kept safe from cial by treating yourself to a solo lunch or convenient during a pandemic, but security that’s superior to other encryp- online criminals. a midday meal with a friend. online shoppers must take steps to pro- tion technology. The holiday season is one of the busiest tect themselves from cyber criminals. • Use a credit card instead of your times of the year. Finding the time to fin- • Make your browsing more debit card. Credit cards provide more ish shopping and complete other tasks is secure. HTTPS Everywhere is an protection to consumers than debit challenging, but possible.

According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Monday spending reached historic heights in 2019. Online spending on Cyber Monday totaled $9.4 billion in 2019, which marked a $1.5 billion increase in total spending from the year prior. A global pandemic figures to compel even more shoppers to shop online in 2020, though economic uncertainty and high rates of unemployment may make it hard for some online retailers to exceed their Cyber Monday sales figures from 2019. Though holiday shopping belts might be tightened in 2020, small businesses with e-commerce capabilities and strong online pres- ences should not let that get in the way of their efforts to capitalize on Cyber Monday. In recognition of the struggles small businesses have faced during the pandemic, many local governments have emphasized the importance of supporting locally owned small businesses. Communities across the country have answered that call in many ways, and chances are strong locals will continue to do so this holiday season. Small business owners who are ready to meet consumer demands this holi- day season, even if those demands are not as great as in holiday seasons past, can capitalize on what figures to be a unique time for shoppers and businesses alike. 14

14 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 5 ways to make gift cards more personal hen in doubt while holi- find a unique way to wrap it. After day shopping, go with a all, that will make the gift card a gift gift card. Gift cards pro- within a gift. Find a small gift box vide a convenient way to and wrap the gift card as you would Wensure people of all ages ultimately any other gift. Or make it even more get something special. exciting by designing a scavenger According to a 2016 survey by the hunt with clues on where to find the gift card sales tool CardCash, gift hidden gift card. cards are a $127 billion market that • Assemble a gift basket. Add a keeps growing. Physical gift cards few extra treats to a basket with the have been growing at an annual rate Mastercard® enable gift-givers to gift card that ties into a theme. If the of 6 percent, but digital gift cards personalize cards with their own gift card is for a boating or fishing are growing at an annual rate of 200 photos. Shoppers also can choose retailer, place tackle, a floating key percent. The financial resource The ring or a dry storage bag in the gift Motley Fool indicates that, during from predesign galleries to present a basket. the 2018 holiday shopping season, card that has a little more flair. The people buying gift cards purchased gift cards can then be tied to specific • Add a sweet message. Attach a roughly four cards each, with an aver- occasions or holidays. greeting card and share a few senti- age value of $45 per card. • Choose a popular store. Rather ments about why the gift card was Many people enjoy the conve- than buying the first gift card you chosen. This will help make the gift nience of storing digital gift card see, iselect a card for a specific store more personal and show that time information on their phones. Even your loved one likes. For example, if was taken to select the item. though gift cards are any easy option, the person is an outdoors enthusiast, The National Retail Federation like giving cash, they may seem like a gift card to L.L. Bean may be per- and Prosper Insights & Analytics impersonal gifts. However, gift givers fect. If he or she wants to be the next reassures that gift cards are one of the can explore these ways to add a per- top chef, money toward Sur La Table most popular entries on holiday wish sonal touch to the gift card. or Williams Sonoma is fitting. lists each year. Making the gift a bit • Make your own gift card. • Wrap it in a unique way. Don’t more personal can increase the enjoy- Companies including Visa® and just give the gift card in an envelope; ment factor even further.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 15 Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping

he holiday season is a busy time of their shopping online. Shipping times have year. People devote many hours changed due to COVID-19, which has dis- to generating gift lists and plan- rupted some supply chains and put added ning their shopping excursions. pressure on shipping companies. The U.S. ShoppingT can be all-encompassing during Postal Service says products and packages the holiday season, but it is only half of may require more time to be delivered due the gift-giving equation. After all of those to limited transportation availability, so toys, articles of clothing and other goodies shopping early can help ensure everything are purchased, those items will need to be arrives on time. wrapped and hidden away. Gift-givers may be looking for ways to make these tasks just Tackle the kids’ gifts first a little easier. Watching children’s bright grins and all their excitement opening presents can make Shop early all the hard work worth it. Be sure that you The sooner you begin shopping, the more shop for all of the gifts for children in your be tough to keep organized because they’re horizontally on thin curtain rods attached to time you will have to purchase everything household first, especially if you play Santa’s usually awkward sizes and can eat up a lot a wall or the back of a door. Simply pull off you need and then get it prepared for giv- helper. Use opportunities when the kids are of space. That’s where a wrapping station the amount of paper you need and cut. ing. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday in school or at daycare to bring gifts into the can come into play. It can be custom-made Organize other supplies in a nearby draw- sales feature great deals, there are discounts house and then wrap them. Wrapping as you or you can use items already around the er or organizational caddy. Store gift bags to be had all year long if you keep your eyes go can help to ensure there are no “spoiler house. A laundry room or a large closet can and tissue paper in a fabric tote bag. Having open. Grab an item here and there when alerts” prior to the holidays. be the ideal location for a wrapping station. everything within arm’s reach cuts down on there is something that catches your eye and Because wrapping paper rolls are the most time spent searching for supplies. fits the needs of a gift recipient. Create a wrapping station cumbersome wrapping supplies, find a way It’s that time of year for shopping and Shopping early also affords shoppers a A dedicated area for wrapping can stream- to corral them. A tall laundry hamper works, wrapping. Ensure it is a low-stress experi- greater buffer if they plan to do some of line the process. Gift wrapping supplies can or consider hanging wrapping paper rolls ence with some time-saving tips. Did you know? Visit Our Site Holiday shoppers on the lookout for the perfect gift might want to avoid buying clothing or electronics for their loved ones. A 2019 For Any Occasion study from the personal finance website WalletHub found that 34 percent of gift recipients in the United States intended to return gifts they received • Custom Uniform Alterations for the holiday season. Among those who planned to return gifts, 68 per- • Couture and Dressmaking cent intended to return clothing while • Specializing in those “Hard to Fit” 23 percent indicated they planned to return electronics. Clothing is often • Brides - Petite to Plus! returned due to issues with sizing, but • Brides Bridesmaid, Mothers, fashion sense also can vary significantly from individual to individual. That can Proms, and Special Occasions make clothing a tricky item to gift a loved • Gown Restoration Expert one. Electronics also can be difficult, as techies may have loyalties to certain brands or simply prefer devices that are compatible with items they already own. So unless shoppers know which devices their loved ones already rely on, it may be best to avoid giving gadgets this holiday 1997 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 season. Of course, shoppers who want to gift clothing or electronics can always give gift (Across Street from Prime Factory Outlet Mall) cards to their loved ones’ favorite stores. 298-8828 16

16 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Great gifts for book lovers ooks are very popular gifts come home libraries. Bookshelves come in all the holiday season. Genres that run shapes, sizes and styles, from ladder book- the gamut from fantasy to nonfic- cases to floating bookshelves to built-ins. tion ensure there’s a book out there A basic understanding of your loved one’s Bfor everyone. But finding the right gift for a home decor preferences is all you need to book-loving loved one may not be as easy as find a bookshelf that can blend in seamlessly it seems. in his or her reading room. Avid readers may have personal book col- • Audio book subscription: Audio book lections that rival local libraries, so it can subscription services have grown in popu- be difficult to find something they haven’t larity in recent years. These services make already read. In addition, asking them what’s it possible for busy readers to devour their on their wish list of books can remove the favorite books while commuting to and element of surprise from holiday gift-giving. from work or running daily errands in the have a humorous angle or tie into a theme but also may increase the chances that the Fortunately, shoppers can still light up their car. Amazon’s Audible membership provides that correlates to readers’ favorite literary books they loan out to friends and family favorite book lovers’ eyes this holiday sea- readers with a host of benefits, including genre (i.e., boat bookends for lovers of mari- members are ultimately returned. After all, son, even if they’re not giving them a recent discounts on audiobook purchases, monthly time histories), can make for great, unique who wouldn’t return a book to its original bestseller. credits toward anything available through • Bookshelf: E-readers may provide the service and even complimentary digital gifts. owner when that book has been personally instant access to millions of books, but newspaper subscriptions. • Embosser: Embossers allow readers embossed? many avid readers still prefer physical books. • Bookends: Book lovers tend to put a to put their personal stamps on every book Many items make the perfect gift for book Bookshelves can make the perfect gift for lot of effort into designing their reading in their collections. That not only adds a lovers, even if shoppers are unsure about book lovers who take great pride in their rooms. Decorative bookends, which can unique touch to readers’ personal libraries, buying their loved ones actual books.

Tips for successfully gifting teens

iving gifts during the holiday sea- While shopping for gadgets, think about LUGGAGE/TRAVEL GEAR son may be rewarding, but certain investing in Bluetooth-enabled earbuds or A thirst for exploration may inspire teens people on your shopping list may over-the-ear headphones. This way teens can to travel the country or the world. A high- leave you scratching your head enjoy their favorite streaming music stations quality piece of luggage can be a building Gwondering what to buy. or binge Netflix series without disturbing block for teens’ travel gear. Other travel others. Teenagers often fall into that confusing items to consider are RFID blocker ID and category. As trends and interests change at a GAMING credit card holders, money toward a pass- moment’s notice, adults may not know what Many teens immerse themselves in game- port or an overnight toiletries bag. to get the teenagers on their list. These sug- play, whether solo or online multiplayer. SCHOOL FUNDING gestions can set you on the right course. Games can be enjoyed while using various GADGETS consoles, computers and even smartphones. Some gifts can focus on the future, including teens’ education. Consider donat- Teens like staying abreast of the latest Find out which platform teens are using and then purchase gift cards, points or e-codes ing to or opening up an account to help technology, and what better way to do so fund college costs. Different plans have than with hot-off-the-assembly-line prod- so that they can get new games or enjoy in- app purchases and upgrades. different annual contribution limits and tax ucts? Moderns teens use multiple mobile deferments, so it’s a good idea to speak with devices — from tablets to smartphones to GYM EQUIPMENT retailers are likely to be a hit. If you’re not a financial professional to figure out which sure where the teen on your list shops, con- notebook computers — so an outlet mul- Adolescents are conscious of their per- avenue is right for you and your gift recipi- sider a gift card good for any store in a local tiplier with surge protection could be the sonal health and body image. To foster posi- ent. way to go. A charging caddy that keeps all tive experiences, gift givers can encourage mall. of their devices organized and within reach healthy physical activity. A gym membership RETAILER GIFT CARDS Shopping for gifts for teens can be a little while replenishing the batteries can make for or personal fitness equipment can help teens Teenagers always enjoy some extra pur- easier if shoppers get a nudge in the right another go-to gift. get on track with a weekly regimen. chasing power, so gift cards to their favorite direction. 17

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20 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Handmade gifts are personalized and special 020 has been year unlike any other. • Candles: Candles add light, warmth and A global pandemic affected commu- aroma to help a home feel cozy. With some nities in every corner of the globe, basic components, such as a wax source, and many people found they had wick, tint, and scent oils, it’s easy to make much2 more time on their hands due to stay- candles. Pour the wax into a favorite vessel, at-home restrictions. That extra free time such as a mason jar or delicate teacup. may have opened up the opportunity to • Handmade soaps: Those who dabble re-engage with old hobbies or start entirely in candles may want to parlay those skills new ones. Such endeavors may have resulted into soapmaking as well. Soaps can be craft- in items that can make ideal handmade holi- ed relatively easy and packaged as part of the day gifts. ultimate homemade spa package. Crafting or engaging in other creative • Oven mitts or skillet handle covers: pursuits is a great way to pass the time and Gift that special home chef with custom alleviate anxiety related to self-quarantining. oven mitts and a coordinating skillet holder Katie Carey Levisay, a clinical neuropsychol- for popular cast-iron cookery. An easy pat- ogist in Denver, said that crafting requires tern, some durable fabric and some basic focused attention and forces a person to sewing skills are all that’s needed. be completely immersed in the moment. • Handmade blanket: Those who love For those who prefer to continue to avoid to knit or crochet know the bounty that can crowds until COVID-19 is in the world’s be made with needle, hook and yarn. From collective rearview mirror, producing hand- homemade afghans to cozy slippers to scarf made gifts also cuts down on trips to shop- and hat sets, the options are endless. ping malls and other retailers. • Food: Those whose talents lean more Those interested in making handmade • Jewelry: Most craft stores now have brackets and all the essentials in between, toward culinary than crafty can pour their gifts this holiday season can consider these entire aisles dedicated to making jewelry. jewelry crafters can create something fitting holiday love into delicious desserts or tasty ideas. From earring posts and loops to necklace for the special people on their lists. tidbits.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 21 Gifts that can make social distancing more enjoyable Exchanging gifts with loved ones is a holi- need to stay entertained while social dis- day season tradition. That tradition figures tancing this winter. For fans of classic films, to continue this year, though families will including indie movies, foreign films and almost certainly have to adjust the ways they big studio productions, a subscription to the exchange gifts. Criterion Channel might make the perfect The outbreak of the novel coronavi- gift. Curated by the Criterion Collection, rus COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 this streaming service provides access to a changed how people across the globe live library of more than 1,000 classic and con- their lives. Social distancing guidelines temporary films, making it an ideal gift for encouraged people to limit get-togethers, the family film buff. particularly indoor gatherings. Experts anticipate restrictions on indoor gatherings COOKING CLASSES will continue in the early part of the winter Many people have spent the last several of 2020-21, which could force families to months honing their culinary skills. Gift rethink how they get together during the givers can help them take those skills to holiday season. the next level by enrolling them in online Families also may want to think outside cooking classes. The options are endless and the box when buying gifts for their loved some even include access to legendary celeb- ones, targeting items that can make social rity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Many online distancing easier. The following gift ideas cooking classes feature monthly member- can make a socially distant holiday season ships or single classes, making them ideal for sions or weekly virtual happy hours with crafting reinvigorated while social distanc- that much more special for a loved one. loved ones of all skill and interest levels. coworkers and friends. If a new tablet or ing, making a crafting kit an ideal gift to STREAMING SUBSCRIPTION TECHNOLOGY laptop stretches your budget, consider a pair help them fill their downtime. Beginner’s of noise-canceling headphones, which can Movie theaters have been closed for Technology has helped many people stay kits also can make an ideal gift for novices make it easier to concentrate while working looking for an engaging, time-consuming months in many areas. But movie lovers still connected with friends and family while remotely in a crowded house. want to see their favorite flicks, so a stream- social distancing, so a new tablet, laptop or hobby. ing subscription to a service such as Netflix desktop computer can be just what people CRAFTING KIT Certain gifts can be a perfect fit during a or Amazon Prime can be just what they need to fully engage in family Zoom ses- Hobbyists may have had their passions for socially distant holiday season.

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22 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Did you know? It is customary to decorate for the holiday season, but not every- one has the time, inclination or wherewithal to handle the task. Home holiday decorating ideas Those who want to enjoy the holidays but do not have time to he holidays often involve pur- and push the stems into floral foam. Dis- boxwood clippings and white amaryllis decorate can rely on the services chasing gifts for close friends and play in small vases or other containers and flowers together. Pine cones, twigs and hol- of professional holiday decora- loved ones as well as making a place in groupings to emulate an evergreen ly pieces also can add touches to mantels, tors. These individuals are avail- delicious meal the entire fam- forest. doorways and table centerpieces. able across the United States and ilyT will love. But nothing sets the holiday Canada and can design top-notch scene and overall mood more so than ORNAMENTS ELSEWHERE lighting displays. Depending on beautiful decorations and other seasonal PLAN THE OUTSIDE the decorator, interior and exterior accoutrements. Exterior illumination and other exterior Who says ornaments only have to go on design services may be available. Many people leave no room untouched decorations share the holiday spirit with a tree? Display antique or favorite orna- Professional decorators can work for the holidays, meaning color schemes others. It can be overwhelming trying to ments by hanging them from beautiful rib- in residential or commercial set- or trinkets may carry through from top to visualize it all without a plan in place. Take bons throughout the home. tings. Furthermore, some services bottom. Decking the halls this season can a photo of the house and map out where may include preventative mainte- be made even easier with some of these you want lights and decorations to go. nance as well as timely takedown SCENT THE SCENE handy ideas. Then with your “map” in hand, you can of decorations once the season Hang something aromatic on the tree is over. Hiring a professional has more readily purchase supplies and start to mingle with the pine. Fresh cinnamon its merits, including time savings, HOLIDAY TIMELINE decorating. sticks tied with twine or ribbon can be nes- reduced injury risk and the assur- If you keep holiday photo cards each tled among the boughs. Another scented ance that a clean and thorough year, put them in chronological order and GO FOR A SPECIFIC NATURAL COLOR idea is to make pine cone candles and use job will be done. Professional dec- hang them from a piece of garland from SCHEME pine or cinnamon scents to make them orating also eliminates the need to the mantel or drape on a staircase banister. smell just like the season. If you desire an overall holiday feel store lights and other decorations This can be a fun way to see how your own Holiday decorating gets a hand from but aren’t interested in Santa figurines or between seasons, freeing up valu- children or other members of the family some creative ideas. Always follow safety able storage space. have grown. kitschy elements, decorating with color precautions, especially when using candles, in mind can be key. It’s easy to tie things hanging lights and plugging in multiple together with some natural elements in items to electric sockets. With ingenuity MAKE MINI EVERGREEN DISPLAYS your desired palette. For example, white, and safety in mind, holiday decorations can Clip your favorite pieces of evergreen gold and green may look beautiful. Put be extra special. 23

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 23 Holiday gifts to spark home improvement ideas

eople have spent more time at home now, like a chop saw or cordless power drill. in 2020 than they likely have in Purchasing one of these items can help proj- years past. This has provided home- ects move along more smoothly. owners with plenty of time to pon- • Expert consultation: Who can’t use derP potential upgrades to their homes. After a little help with their home remodeling taking inventory of their lifestyles, surround- efforts? Give the gift of a consultation from ings and furnishings, people have embarked an interior designer or professional contrac- on construction projects or home interior tor to help complete plans that may be a design renovations in record numbers. little out of reach for the average DIYer. Holiday gifts that cater to projects around • Big-ticket item: Some friends and fam- the house are likely to be highly valued this ily members may want to pool their resourc- holiday season. Here are some ideas for es and offer loved ones an over-the-top gift. home improvement-related gifts. This can include a backyard playset for chil- • Home improvement retailer gift card: Home improvement centers are one-stop dren, a storage shed, a pool installation, or shopping for do-it-yourselfers. To help offset even a new appliance package. Gift ideas are the cost of supplies, gift-givers can give a gift endless and only limited by budget. card to a neighborhood hardware store. • Room re-do: All it may take is some • Magazine subscription: There are new linens or accents to transform a room. plenty of ideas on the internet, but a sub- From throw pillows to curtains to wall art, scription to a home remodeling or interior give the gift of an easy room makeover. design magazine puts inspiration right in Riding the momentum of increased home homeowners’ hands. Pages can be marked improvement projects from the past several or cut out and used on idea boards. months, holiday shoppers can choose home- • Tools and supplies: Homeowners just Stores often sell starter tool kits that can be Experienced DIYers may have a special tool related gift ideas to keep the projects and starting out may benefit from the basics. used in home improvement-themed baskets. in mind that is outside their budget right ideas flowing.

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24 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Steps for hanging holiday lights outdoors t begins to look a lot like Christmas shrub to cover. A 6-foot evergreen needs when twinkling lights brighten up at least 400 lights for a basic level of light- homes inside and out. Few things liv- ing. en up the season more than holiday • Exercise extreme caution. Accidents decorationsI , particularly clear and colored can happen when stringing lights. While lights. many professionals use harnesses, home- Prior to taking out the lights, ladder owners are not always so cautious. Utilize and thermos of coffee to get you through a spotter to hold the ladder and make sure the job, it’s important to note that there things are safe. Never set foot on a wet or are right and wrong ways to hang holiday icy roof. Do not attempt to string lights in lights. inclement weather. • Sketch out your plan. Start by taking • Know the wattage. Each outlet can a few photos of your home from various generally hold about 17 amps or 1,870 vantage points. Print out the photos on watts if the lights are not sharing a circuit regular paper so that you can draw your with another outlet, says Parrish. Plan lighting arrangement and decoration accordingly to ensure you have enough placement right on the photos to see how power to handle your lights. things will look. • Use plastic clips. Plastic light clips • Measure the area. Use a measuring hang strands along eaves and gables. tape to roughly measure the width and They’re specially designed for hanging height of eaves or other areas of the home lights over the gutters. Some slip under the where you plan to hang light strands. Cal- edges of roof shingles. Lights can be hung culate how much overall footage you will without staples or nails, which can damage need so you can purchase all of the lights exterior surfaces. Plastic zip-ties or deck in one shopping trip. clips also can attach lights along a handrail. • Test the lights first. Plug in the lights • Use only outdoor extension cords. to be sure all strands are operational. Be sure the extension cords you use are • Begin where the lights will be designed specifically for outdoor use. plugged in. Start where the lights will • Use a timer. Timers can make sure the be plugged in and then work your way lights turn on and off even if homeowners around the house. forget. • Add to shrubs and trees. Lights also Once lights have been safely strung, can adorn shrubs and trees. Lowes Home sit back and enjoy the splendor of a well- Improvement says a good rule of thumb decorated house. is 100 lights for every 11⁄2-feet of tree or 25

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 25 Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland he end of the year marks a period Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with of heightened festivity. Come the primitive marriage rites. holiday season, homes and busi- • Lights: Lights are commonly seen nesses are decorated and everyone during the holiday season. The custom of seemsT to have an extra spring in their step. having holiday lights dates back to when The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, Christmas trees were decorated with candles, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can which symbolized Christ being the light of elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the the world. These traditions evolved from past, as well as excitement for what is yet to pagan rituals that would celebrate the return come. When it comes to decorating for the of light of the sun as the days grow longer holidays, there are certain items that set the after the winter solstice. scene. • Yule log: Many families burn a yule log • Christmas trees: Germany is credited in the fireplace and watch it burn while lis- with starting the modern Christmas tree tening to Christmas carols. The familiar cus- tradition. It dates back to the 16th century tom of burning the log dates back to solstice when devout Christians brought trees into celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. their homes and decorated them. German The Christmas tradition called for burn- settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to ing a portion of the log each evening until America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, the 19th century. which takes place on January 6. • Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the • Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical “kissing plant” and it is customary for cou- plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Rob- ples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, erts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy typically hung in doorways and arches. the United States to Mexico. He became services, so she picked a handful of weeds Night.” Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil enamored with the plants, and brought and put them at the bottom of the nativity Holiday decorations borrow traditions spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the them back to his native South Carolina. An scene. These weeds burst into bright red from all over the world to help establish a mistletoe was first found associated with the old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had flowers and became known as “Flores de festive wonderland.

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26 November-December 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE The bright side of small holiday celebrations o say the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changed life Twould be an understate- ment. 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 chal- lenges that might once have seemed insurmountable. The holidays are one aspect of life that have been modified as people continue to navigate the new nor- mal. 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: Cer- tainly it can be great to see mouths to feed. there are only a few people distant cousins or old col- • Ability to splurge: celebrating, hosts can go lege roommates for the hol- On the other side of the the extra mile to give cel- idays. But the more people financial coin, having fewer ebrations a special touch. who you see each holiday people for the holidays Create a special holiday season, the less personal means one can indulge dessert even if the recipe is interaction you get. When on items that may not time-consuming. In addi- the holidays are scaled be possible when host- tion, immediate family can back, dinner becomes more ing a crowd. Therefore, if pile into the car to tour the intimate and everyone can chicken was normally on neighborhood decorations, exchange gifts and see their the menu, it could be pos- something that may not loved ones’ reactions. sible to upgrade to a roast be as manageable with a • Reduced expenses: or something indulgent like motorcade of relatives. Putting out an extensive lobster and other seafood. While holiday celebra- holiday spread and enter- In addition, a small holiday tions may need to be scaled taining 10 or more people celebration may free up the back this year, small gath- can be expensive. Small budget to spend more on erings can produce some gatherings are less expen- gifts. pleasant, unanticipated sive because there’s fewer • Special touch: When benefits. 27

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November-December 2020 27 How to host virtual holiday celebrations

The 2020 holiday season figures to be the background can sure to have every- has the floor to speak, such as raising a hand vastly different than seasons past. The novel set the scene. one gathered and or even showing a festive picture. coronavirus COVID-19 has transformed gifts nearby so no daily life in many ways. The public has one is scrambling in TUNE INTO VIRTUAL WORSHIP become accustomed to wearing masks while CHOOSE THE and out of view. shopping, limiting the number of people RIGHT While some places of worship have CONFERENCING reopened to some capacity, others may still in public venues and keeping their distance POSITION THE from friends and loved ones. Many events APP be offering hybrid services. If your place have been reimagined as virtual celebra- CAMERA AT EYE of worship offers services via YouTube or Certain programs LEVEL another video platform, gather around and tions because of social distancing protocols. may work better For those with large families or people with Try to set up the watch together and participate just as if you than others depend- inherent risk factors that make them more camera so you’re were there in person. Better yet, share the ing on your needs. susceptible to illness, sharing the holidays not looking up or link with other family and friends so they over video conferencing apps may be the For example, if everyone has the same oper- down. Practice looking straight into the can tune in as well. safest way to go in 2020. ating system platform (iOS or Android), camera instead of at yourself in the mini- you may be able to use an app inherent to The following tips can help holiday hosts mized window or even others on the screen. SHARE DINNER ‘TOGETHER’ make the most of a virtual holiday experi- that system, which won’t require a separate This way you’ll appear engaged. ence. download or login. Set up your camera source so it captures Apps also may be chosen depending on the holiday table. All parties gathering virtu- how many people can be invited in, as some USE MUTE WHEN NOT SPEAKING ally can then sit down to the holiday meal PICK A BRIGHT, FESTIVE SPOT set limits. Do your homework and conduct a Muting yourself (and encouraging others as one and enjoy one of the season’s more Set up your tablet, smartphone or com- test run prior to the holidays. to do the same) when you are not speaking endearing traditions. puter in a bright area with a festive back- will limit the amount of background noise. Virtual celebrations may continue drop. You’ll want others who join the virtual As the host, serve as the moderator and through the holiday season. Adapting with hangout to be able to see you clearly. A KEEP PROPS NEARBY encourage everyone to speak one at a time. some video conferencing tips can ensure Christmas tree or a decorated fireplace in If the goal is to open gifts virtually, be Choose a visual cue to signal when someone everyone enjoys the festivities.

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