DECEMBER 2013

The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Emphasize safety when decorating for the holidays

Deck the Halls

To Save
A Season

Simple ways to curtail holiday spending

Healthy
Holiday Hosting
Stress-free holiday hosting tips

2 December 2013

03 EMPHASIZE SAFTEY when decorating 04 05 06 07 09 10 11 12 13 14

Holiday

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

Gifts & Lifestyle

for the holidays COMPLETE THE HOLIDAY SEASON with gingerbread HOW TO MAKE HOLIDAY TRAVEL less taxing POTTED CHRISTMAS TREES GET YOUR HOME READY for holiday guest KEEPING THE MAGIC of Santa alive THE BASICS OF poinsettia plant care SIMPLE WAYS TO CURTAIL holiday spending PUT A STOP TO THE battle of the holiday buldge HOLIDAY HOSTING PLANNING & TIPS GIFTING THOSE WHO help us throughout the year

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A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 3

Emphasize safety
when decorating for the holidays

ecking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families. A homes exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room bring that holiday cheer inside. Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if revelers do not emphasize safety when decorating their homes. When decorating this holiday season, be sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive, decorative and safe. * Exercise extreme caution with holiday lights. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 150 home res per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting. Such res may start because of frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets or even loose connections. Its important that men and women be especially careful when decorating their homes with holiday lights, inspecting each set of lights for damage and discarding any damaged sets. When choosing lights, use only lights that have been certied for outdoor use on your homes exterior, and never use outdoor lights inside. * Purchase the right Christmas tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of res causing an average of 15 deaths each year. In addition, such res cause an average of $13 million in property damage annually. Though it can be tempting to purchase the most eye-catching Christmas tree you nd, avoid acting rashly until you have learned a little about the tree. Articial trees should be labeled as Fire Resistant. Such trees can still catch re, but they are more resistant to re than trees without such labels. When buying a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh. The tree should be green, and its needles should be difcult to pull off of branches, which should not be easily breakable. Tap the tree on the ground before purchasing it. If the tree loses a lot of needles upon tapping the ground, it isnt fresh. Trees that arent fresh are more susceptible to going up in ames. * Keep the tree away from heat sources. Though it might seem more idyllic to place your Christmas tree next to the replace, its a lot more dangerous as well. When choosing a spot for your tree, nd a place that is away from heat sources like replaces, radiators and vents. But homeowners also should know that even trees placed away from heat sources can still dry out, creating a re hazard even if the tree was fresh and healthy when purchased. Thats because Christmas trees can quickly dry out in heated rooms. Monitor the trees water levels every day, checking those levels in both the morning and at night before going to bed. This prevents the tree from drying out and becoming a re hazard, and it also helps the tree maintain its aesthetic appeal through the holiday season. * Limit use of candles. Like Christmas trees, candles are a popular yet potentially hazardous decorative item during the holiday season. When decorating with candles, be sure that all candles are extinguished before leaving a room and never leave them burning when you go to bed. Candles should be kept away from any decorative items, including Christmas trees, that can catch re. Never place candles near curtains, furniture or presents. Holiday enthusiasts with little children or pets at home might want to decorate with fake LED-light candles instead of traditional candles. Curious kids or excitable pets may not recognize the potential dangers of lit candles and, as a result, might burn themselves or tips candles over. The holiday season is upon us, and that means scores of celebrants will be decking their halls. Though festive decorations are a part of the season, safety should always come rst.

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4 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

Complete theno holiday season with gingerbread Gifts outdoor enthusiast can resist W
hether leaving cookies out for Santa or simply spreading some holiday cheer among family and friends, the following recipe for Soft Glazed Gingerbread from Elizabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertsons Tartine is sure to please this holiday season. Soft Glazed Gingerbread Yields 12 to 20 cookies Dough 3 3/4 1 4 1 1/2 2 1/2 1 1 1/4 1 cup cups all-purpose our tablespoon cocoa powder teaspoons ground ginger teaspoons ground cloves teaspoons ground cinnamon teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground unsalted butter, at room temperature granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well. Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the our mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, atten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick liner. Unwrap the dough and place on a oured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1/3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with our, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, ip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them. If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with our and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with our and roll it into a rectangle about 1/3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes before baking.

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses 2 tablespoons light corn syrup Glaze 1 cup confectioners sugar 2 tablespoons water To make the dough, stir together the our, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer tted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the

Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar and water until smooth. When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool on the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque nish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 5

How to make holiday travel less taxing

hough holiday travel is rarely hassle-free, many travelers would no doubt admit that enduring long lines at the airport or heavily trafcked highways are prices worth paying for the chance to spend time with their families come the holiday season. But while theres no way for travelers to guarantee their ights leave on time or the roads stay clear of fellow drivers, there are ways to make the holiday travel less taxing.

Prepare to wait. Check-in lines and lines at security checkpoints tend to be especially long during the holiday season. Travelers should prepare to wait at such lines and leave their homes early enough so they can still make their ights without having to rush through airports at the last minute. If you normally leave your home two hours before your scheduled check-in, then leave an hour earlier to account for trafc en route to the airport and the long lines once you get there. If you make it through the security checkpoint with plenty of time to spare before your ight departs, you can always unwind at an airport coffee shop or restaurant, but arriving too late to the airport will only add stress to an already stressful situation. Drivers also should prepare to wait when traveling during the holiday season. Roads will have more drivers, so travelers should build in trafc jams when estimating how long it might take for them to arrive at their destinations. Sitting in trafc might still be stressful, but it wont be as stressful if youre still likely to arrive to your destination on time.

Bring your own food. Hunger can only make ight delays and trafc jams that much worse. When traveling for the holidays, bring along your own food, especially when traveling with youngsters. Pack small meals for kids and some snacks for the ight or the drive. Its not a safe assumption that there will be food on the ight or that you will have time to grab some snacks in the terminal before boarding the plane. So pack some snacks before you leave for the airport. Drivers also should anticipate trafc jams and should not assume that there will be rest stops along the way where they can pick up beverages, snacks or meals. Drivers also may want to avoid pulling over so they can get to their destinations on time. Packing food and beverages for the trip can save you the trouble of making frequent pitstops to quell hunger and thirst. Pack some distractions. Whether youre waiting to board at the gate or driving on a seemingly endless highway, pack some distractions so you or your fellow travelers arent left with nothing to do during delays. People traveling via airplane may want to bring along a book or a tablet on which they can play games or watch television. Drivers may not be able to take their eyes off the roads, but they can pack books and tablets or video game consoles for their passengers. Children may nd delays or long trips especially uncomfortable, so adults should make sure kids have things to keep them occupied during such excursions. Holiday travel can be unpredictable and tedious, but travelers can take steps to make the process of getting from point A to point B a lot less taxing.

Ship your gifts. Holiday travelers often try to cram gifts into their suitcases or the trunks of their vehicles, reducing the space they have to bring personal items or stretch out in their cars on road trips. Instead of squeezing as many gifts into your suitcase or vehicle as possible, ship the gifts and travel light. Traveling light can save you from having to pay potentially costly baggage fees at the airport, while drivers will notice passengers tend to be a lot more comfortable and relaxed when they dont have to share space with bags lled with gifts.

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6 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

hanks to sales featuring heavily discount- holidays, it is a good idea to choose the location ed Christmas trees are the quintessential where the tree will eventually grow and dig the decoration of the holiday season, often hole as early as possible before the ground freezerected in front windows gleaming with decora- es and becomes difcult to excavate. Consider tions, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes digging the hole in the autumn and then lling it into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration. Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an articial or real tree. Those who opt for a real tree may think their only options are the cut trees available at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a potted Christmas tree, all the while adding an eco-conscious element to their holiday celebrations. Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be transplanted outdoors after Christmas. This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides various benets to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air lter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Trees help control excessive moisture issues in the soil by drawing up water for survival, and can A live, potted Christmas tree can be planted help prevent erosion of soil in more arid climates. enjoyed for years and years to come. Caring for a potted tree takes a bit more effort than a standard cut tree. There are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure its post-Christ- with leaves or a tarp until the time comes to plant mas survival. You can purchase the tree several the tree. weeks in advance of the holidays, provided you Roughly two weeks before Christmas, you will water the tree frequently and keep it outdoors need to transition the tree for indoor use. Nein the cool weather in the weeks leading up to glecting this step may result in shock to the tree, the holiday. Select a tree variety that is hardy to which can cause it to wilt or die. Place the tree the specic zone in which you live and will ac- inside of a garage or a shed where it is generally climate to the climate and soil conditions. A local warmer than outside but not yet room temperanursery should be able to guide you to the right ture. After this two-week period, move the tree evergreen. inside where it will have a place of honor for fesBecause you intend to plant this tree after the tivities. Do not leave the tree inside the house for

produce holiday cheer all year long

more than 10 days. It will need to be moved back into the garage and then outside before planting. Many evergreens are durable, and the majority of the decorations you use on the tree should not harm it. But be careful not to tug or break

Potted Christmas trees

outdoors after the holidays where it can be

branches. Use small lights that do not generate much heat; otherwise, you risk damaging the boughs with burns. When the tree is indoors, its also essential to keep it in an area that gets ltered sunlight and is away from heating vents that may dry it out. A spot in front of the front window may be the best location. Potted Christmas trees make an eco-friendly addition to holiday traditions. They can be planted year after year, adding some aesthetic appeal to the backyard while benetting the environment.

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 7

How to get your home ready

H
osting family members for the holidays is a great way to spend quality time with loved ones during a special time of year. For many families, the holidays are the one time each year when everyone can get together regardless of where they live or how demanding their commitments to work and family can be. When families gather for the holidays, many people often nd themselves playing host to distant relatives. Accepting such hosting duties is an act that comes with many responsibilities, including readying the home for overnight guests. The following are a few ways hosts can prepare their homes for holiday guests. Take inventory of linens. Overnight guests mean you will need extra bed linens, blankets and pillows. Take inventory of your linen closet now, and inspect each set of sheets to make sure they are still usable. If sheets are ragged or the blankets have thinned, purchase new linens so your guests feel as if theyre at home and dont get cold overnight. If your linen closet is fully stocked with quality linens, clean them in the days leading up to your guests arrival. Buy some night lights. You might be familiar enough with your homes layout in the dark, but your guests likely wont have that same sense of familiarity. Purchase a few night lights for the hallways and restrooms so guests can easily get around should they need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Childproof your home if necessary. Kids can be curious, so holiday hosts without children of their own should childproof their homes before any guests arrive with kids in tow. Move hazardous materials to high shelves that kids cant reach, and make sure any prescription medications are also out of reach of youngsters. If your home has any steep staircases, consider purchasing some child gates or asking your guests to bring their own gates to reduce the risk of young kids falling down your stairs.

for holiday guests

Stock up on toiletries and other essentials. Replenish your supply of toiletries before guests arrive. Stock up on toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the days leading up to the holidays. In addition, consider buying kitchen items like paper towels, napkins, plastic cutlery, and paper plates. Paper plates may come in especially handy, saving you the trouble of having to load up the dishwasher after meals in which paper plates and plastic cutlery would have sufced.
Give your common areas a thorough cleaning. Any common areas

of the home, including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, and restrooms, should be given a thorough cleaning prior to your guests arrival. Clean any bedrooms where guests will be staying as well. You dont need to devote as much time to cleaning your own bedroom or home ofce, but make sure these rooms are presentable as well. Clean out the closets. If your hall

closets are largely used for storing miscellaneous items, clean them out for the coming days to make room for your guests coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and shoes. Moving these items, be it to the garage, a backyard shed or the basement, can be temporary, but you will need your closets to serve a more traditional purpose while your guests are in town for the holidays.

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8 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

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December 2013 9

Keeping the magic of Santa alive H

e had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. - A Visit From St. Nicholas Christmas just wouldnt be the same without Santa Claus. Santa will forever be ingrained in the holiday season, serving as an endearing symbol of the season regardless of your religious afliation. Parents typically go to great lengths to ensure their children enjoy the holiday season. By keeping the magic of Santa alive, parents can add a special touch to the holiday season for their youngsters. Children may become more skeptical of Santa around the time they turn 10, but there are plenty of ways to encourage this spirit to live on year after year. with stories that tug at the heartstrings. Parents can take their children to the library and rent a Christmas tale or take home a book of holiday stories, reading a different one before bed each night. Encourage children to write their own positive stories of what the holidays mean to them and read them aloud to family and friends. The book 101 Ways to Keep the Spirit of Santa Alive: For Kids From 1 to 92 by John HagerRead an uplifting story. The holidays are ripe

man is a great way to get everyone in the house enthusiastic about Santa. Keep the magic owing. Children who believe in Santa for an extra year or two often come from families that keep the magic of Santa alive. In addition to the standard traditions of leaving cookies and milk out for the jolly old man, come up with new ways to evoke the essence of Santa. Spray peppermint air freshener around the tree and other places Santa is sure to visit. Use a large boot to make a footprint in a plush rug. Find a way to trigger noise on the roof to give kids the impression that Mr. Claus himself has arrived. Extra measures to keep Santa alive can help everyone enjoy the holiday that much more.
Take advantage of opportunities to spend time with Santa. Parents and children alike have

many opportunities to spend time with Santa during the holiday season, including photo opportunities at the mall and personalized videos sent directly to youngsters email accounts. Elf dolls and breakfast with Santa at a nearby restaurant are other opportunities to spread the magic. Make the most of these opportunities over the course of the holiday season. bring presents to the worlds children. Channel

Spread some Christmas cheer. Santas job is to

the notion that giving is better than receiving and spend time giving back to others as a family. Schedule a day when you can distribute gifts at a senior center or arrange to bring gifts to a foster child. Bake cookies and deliver cellophanewrapped dishes to all of your neighbors. These activities put the emphasis on giving. Keeping the tradition of Santa Claus alive can help adults and children alike enjoy a more festive holiday season.

10 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

The basics of

poinsettia plant care

tias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plants health. Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That means they will need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night. During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, ll the overow saucer on your ower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent. While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season. Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plants exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year.

lthough poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last long after the holidays have come and gone. Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The owering plant was rst introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The owers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant. Its important to note that poinset-

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 11

Simple ways to curtail

holiday spending
should something happen to the item down the road. But many appliances already come with a manufacturers warranty, and extended warranties often just duplicate coverage already provided by the manufacturer. Some might still be hesitant to pass on the extended warranty, but its important to know that many extended warranties often defer to the manufacturers warranty, so you may very well be paying, and paying a lot, for something you are unlikely to ever use.
Only buy gifts for children. For many adults, the joy of the holiday season

comes not from receiving gifts but from the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. So rather than buying adult friends and relatives gifts, propose that adults only buy gifts for the kids in the family. This saves adults time and money, and the youngsters still get the joy of unwrapping gifts come the holiday season.

Adults looking to curtail their holiday spending can agree with relatives to only purchase gifts for children.
he holiday season is synonymous with many things, including spending. Spending money is an accepted part of the season for many celebrants, who exchange gifts with loved ones, travel to see family and friends and host holiday parties this time of year. None of those things comes without a cost, and for some consumers, curtailing those costs is an early New Years resolution. Part of the danger of holiday spending is that many consumers are already in debt before the season even begins. In a holiday report issued prior to the 2012 holiday season, TransUnion, one of the three main credit reporting agencies, noted that the average credit card debt per buyer in the United States was just under $5,000. That means the average consumer began last holiday season having already accrued a signicant amount of credit card debt. Though it might seem impossible to rein in holiday spending, there are ways consumers can do just that and still enjoy a festive holiday season.
Propose a gift exchange. Many families exchange gifts during the holidays, but there are ways to make such exchanges less expensive. Instead of a traditional exchange in which every member of the family buys a gift for everyone else, propose an exchange in which family members pick names out of a hat and only buy a gift for the person whose name they draw. This saves shoppers time and money, and families still get to enjoy the thrill of putting a smile on a loved ones face. Dont purchase extended warranties. Big-ticket items like televisions

Avoid signing up for store credit cards. When shopping at major retailers, consumers are often asked if they want to sign up for store credit cards, an offer that seems all the more enticing when store representatives dangle an immediate discount between 10 and 20 percent just for signing up. Though it might seem like a great deal, instantly earning as much as 20 percent off your purchase, signing up for store credit cards is not always in consumers best interests. Thats because store credit cards tend to come with steep interest rates, meaning consumers must be able to pay off their balances immediately, or they will be forced to pay interest charges that could dwarf the initial savings earned upon signing up for the card. Give gift cards. Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they can save shop-

pers money while allowing recipients to truly get something they want. Shoppers on strict budgets can purchase a gift card that ts into that budget, removing the temptation to spend a few extra dollars when they nd the perfect gift that costs a few dollars more than they had initially budgeted. In addition, gift cards are great for distant relatives, as they can be included in greeting cards, saving the added expense of shipping. The holiday season and spending seemingly go hand in hand, but there are ways for consumers to cut costs this holiday season.

and other household appliances make for popular gifts come the holiday season. When purchasing such items, shoppers are often asked by a salesperson if they want to purchase an extended warranty. In theory, extending the warranty seems like a great idea, acting as a safety blanket

12 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

he holiday season is dominated by parties, family gatherings and festive foods. Overindulgence in rich foods and drink during the holiday seaThe holiday season is dominated by parties, family gatherings and festive foods. Overindulgence in rich foods and drink during the holiday season, compounded by cold weather that can make it difcult to exercise, often leads to weight gain by the end of the holiday season. But focusing on diet and exercise during the holiday season can help you avoid unwanted weight gain and provide more energy as the season progresses. The following are some effective ways to sail through the season without gaining weight. The body is a powerful machine, but it does not always work the way that we want it to. According to nutritional experts, rather than metabolizing food on a daily basis, the body is geared to work over longer periods of time. That means you can balance out a high-calorie day by eating less food and/ or lighter fare on the days before and after those days when you anticipate overeating. Fill up before you go out. If you are worried about high-calorie foods and drinks that are often served at parties or holiday gatherings, eat before going to the event. Hunger may cause you to overeat and ll up on the wrong kinds of foods. Instead, eat a low-calorie snack thats high in protein and high in ber before leaving the house. Eating be-

Put a stop to the battle of the holiday bulge

mix of foods. Devote more space to lean proteins, such as roasted turkey or chicken. Even lean ham is good. Devote much of the rest of your plate to roasted vegetables and whole grains. Take only small portions of high-fat foods like candied yams or bread stufngs. You will still satisfy your craving, but you wont be overdoing it. Skip the spirits for the most part. Alcoholic beverages are loaded with empty calories. Many people would rather reserve bonus calories for a piece of pie or a rich brownie. Limit yourself to one drink per day. Exercise every day. It can be easy to push exercise aside when youre busy with holiday tasks. But soon your metabolism may slow down in response to your bodys suddenly more sedentary lifestyle, leading to weight gain. Aim for some sort of daily exercise, whether you decide park further away from stores at the mall or take the stairs instead of the escalator. Dont relegate exercise to a New Years resolution. Inactivity will only mean you have to work harder in the future to shed those unwanted pounds you packed on during the holiday season. Weight gain may be another part of the holiday season for many men and women. But individuals concerned about adding extra pounds can stop the pattern of gaining weight during the holiday season by making smart choices throughout the season.

Dont scrimp and sacrice all of the time.

forehand may help you avoid the chips and dips. Get plenty of sunshine when possible. Lack of sunlight can attribute to winter blues, which may lead some people to rely on comfort foods. Such foods are typically rich in carbohydrates, fats and sugars. Spending time outdoors in the sun each day can improve your mood and get you off of the couch.

Fill up your plate with the right mix of foods. Dont deny yourself when faced with a big

holiday dinner. Rather, ll the plate with a good

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A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 13

Holiday menu planning

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G

holiday hosting tips

ovice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, rst-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the rst time they are hosting. When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips. Get a head count. Though other factors will inuence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to ve people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have conrmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list. Decide which type of party you want to host. The type of party you want to host also will inuence what you serve. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course. Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyones demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appro-

atherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well. Thus an abundance of gatherings comes in December, when ofce parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last ve weeks of the year. All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun. Enlist help. Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others cant pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist. When hosting a holiday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities. Plan well in advance. The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress youre likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible. Hire a cleaning service. One of the more difcult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party. Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more time-consuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list. Have a theme for the party. Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along. Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun. Pass the buck. Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare. Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often nd themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

priate snack if you cannot provide one for them. Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years. Dont overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so its easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts dont have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals. Hosting a holiday dinner for the rst time can be nerve-wracking. But there are a variety of steps rst-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like old pros.

14 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

ifting preferences often vary from region to region. What might be acceptable in a certain area of the country may be frowned upon elsewhere. For example, in urban areas cash gifts are usually appreciated, whereas rural, close-knit communities tend to give homemade gifts. The rule to remember, above all, is that if a gift is given with good intentions, it should be happily received. That being said, here are some general guidelines for gifting those men and women who help us throughout the year. Determine your list. Think about the people with whom you interact regularly. The sanitation workers who pick up the trash twice a week and your mail carrier may take priority over the hairstylist you visit once every month or two. Establish a budget. The holiday season can be costly, so set a rm limit on what you plan to give, perhaps between $10 and $20 each, and stick to that budget for each recipient. Recognize that not everyone is allowed to accept gifts. Some service providers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or presents. Gov-

Gifting those who help us throughout the year

ernment employees, for example, may be prohibited from accepting cash gifts or gifts that exceed a predetermined amount. With this in mind, gloves or a gift basket may be your best option. Gift a little more to personal care professionals. Your hairstylists, masseuse or anyone who performs more personal tasks for you may warrant a larger gift. Etiquette suggests giving a gift equal to the price of one session of service, even if that gift is cash. Therefore if your hair cut costs $35, gift $35. Health and child care employees warrant special treatment. A private nurse, nanny or nursing home worker should be gifted for the holidays. Avoid cash gifts with health service providers, opting for a more personal gift that is a token of your affection and appreciation. If gifts are not allowed, consider making a charitable donation in the persons name. Gifts to nannies or caregivers can include a cash bonus as well as a gift given from a child to show appreciation for services.

At the Carbon County Arts Guild this holiday season

Please Support Stillwater Youth Centers Pathway for Life Project, this Christmas Season.
East Rosebud Crossing

5th Annual Holiday Bazaar through the end of December Miniature Exhibit
continues now through January

Santa visits the Arts Guild

Dec 21, 2-4pm
Free Admission Open Mon - Sat, 10-5 & Sun, 12-5 446-1370 11 W. 8th St, Red Lodge www.carboncountydepotgallery.org

Juliana and Carol Hartman will both be donating 10% of artwork sales to Stillwater Youth Center until New Years Day.
Picture by Carol Hartman

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

December 2013 15

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Turn a visit with Santa into a pleasant experience for children of all age.

he holiday season means its time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chances to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red. But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying t or meltdown away from having this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, its understandable when everyones patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tear-stained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips. Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red suit and a big, white beard may be nervous. Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is. Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa. Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses, try to get to the mall when the doors rst open. Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter. Consider another venue. Many different places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees. A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall. Go well-fed. Theres little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry. Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing. Make it a family photo. Sometimes the only way to entice a little one to take a picture with Santa is to provide some added security. Dress your best and be prepared to have to step in and cozy up to Santa to ensure your child is all smiles.

16 December 2013

A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News