Shop Local: Give the gift you won’t find just anywherebloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/aberdeennews.com/... · 2014. 12. 9. · home décor and more. Mugs are big items this

The have-it-alls and don’t-need-its. The it’s-not-good-

enoughs and the I-saw-that-in-the-store-or-on-the-Internet-or-on-TVs. Or even worse, the I-already-got-that-four-times-this-Christmas-in-every-size-color-shape-and-form-from-Aunt-Ricki,-Uncle Mick,-Grandma,-and-George. These days with com-mercialism at a peak, it can be hard to find that perfect gift. Actually, “hard” is going easy on the difficulty level of shop-ping for someone who just cannot be bought. Avoid the risk of gifting what some-one else is giving by supporting the smaller retailers in your community. Aberdeen, for exam-ple, has many mom-and-pop businesses that have perfect gift potential – even the person who thinks they have every-thing and have seen it all. In fact, consumers will likely be surprised at what they can find locally. Inspire, 3001 Sixth Ave SE Ste 1 Even the quickest walk through Inspire will have eyes sparkling and the gift-giving idea wheel spinning. The store, which doubles as a coffee shop,

caters to kitchen accesso-ries and supplies, gourmet mixes/spices, beautiful home décor and more. Mugs are big items this time of year, according to the owner, Karen Flakus, “because they always work for everyone.” Given with some hot chocolate or coffee (or perhaps an Inspire gift card) the mug can be a heart-warming, thoughtful gift. But, to most, nothing says thoughtful more than a gift that has been personalized. Inspire also offers photo boxes, light boxes and nightlights that have interchangeable in-

serts, which can be personalized

with family names. The per-sonal-ization, Flakus

says, takes

care of the hard to buy for

person and it can be done right in the store in only five minutes. Inspire will begin their 12 Days of Christmas countdown on Monday, Dec. 8. The countdown and various daily deals can be found (and shared!) on the store’s Facebook page.

Red Rooster Coffee House, 202 S Main St The Red Rooster Coffee House has a selection of

unique gift ideas that are sure to be a conversation piece. From knitted items such as scarves and mittens to hot sauc-es, trin-kets, and collectibles, the possibilities are endless. The Red Rooster also offers Rooster Bucks, which work exactly like dollar bills. The Bucks can be purchased in $5 incre-ments and are perfect for the coffee lover(s) in your life. Boho Closet, 501 S Harvard St For the girl in your life, boutique shopping is all the rage. Locally, Boho Closet offers clothing, jewelry, bags, vintage, and housewares – all of which come with a unique seal of approval. “Bags are a dime a dozen [these days]. When things are everywhere, everything loses its spe-cialness,” owner JoAnn Richter said. For that rea-son, Richter only carries one brand – Blue Skyy.

She also has fun items like Boho Bandeaus and – new

to the store – Toyko Bay watches.

Don’t let the snow or the cold keep you from shopping Boho. The store

operates a fully, functional website

(www.bohocloset.com). Shop local – even

online. For those nicer nights, Boho Closet stays open late on Wednesdays. Check their Facebook page or their marquee for weekly specials and spe-cial Christmas packaging.

Anchors of Faith, 510 S Main St A popular item at Anchors of Faith has been The Clinging Cross, a 3”x4” wood-look cross crafted to fit perfectly in someone’s hand. “It’s a gift that can be given to help someone through a rough time,” Deb Stengel, own-er, said. Are you tired of trying to keep a young child’s hands off of a nativity set? Along with its assortment of potential gift items from inspirational books, Bibles, and more, Anchors of Faith carries kids’ nativ-ity sets, which are made of plastic and meant to be played with.

Millstone Family Restaurant, 2210 Sixth Ave SE Don’t discount food – it is the way to a man’s heart after all. A staple in Aberdeen, the locally owned and operated Millstone Family Restaurant, is of-fering $60 worth of gift cards for $50. That’s right – Buy $50; Get $10 free. Even bet-ter, that $60 can be split up however you want, so $50 can get you three $20 gift cards. Gift cards can seem im-personal – sort of a go-to, get-out-of-no-gift to-give-jail-free card – but, when it’s for something practi-cal that is sure to be used, you really can’t go wrong.

Plus, one spoonful of the Millstone’s

homemade Cream of Tomato soup and you’ll have a lunch buddy for life. The Millstone

will be open until 2 p.m. on Christmas

Eve. They will resume normal hours beginning at 6 a.m. on December 26.

Hitch ‘N Post, 2601 Sixth Ave SE Cowboy up. Cowboy in. Hitch ‘N Post is the go-to place to find boots. Cow-girl, boy, woman, man – you name it, they have it. Hitch ‘N Post also carries BOGS – wintery boots that

keep kids’ piggly wigglies warm in temps down to 30 degrees below. The adult sizes will keep their toes warm in temps down to 40 degrees below.

And, because toes should be

warm inside too, Hitch ‘N Post offers both Old Friend

and Min-netonka

sheepskin slippers.

If the person you’re gifting could use a taste of South Dakota – you’re in luck. Hitch ‘N Post carries S.D. made jams and jellies, as well as S.D. made jew-elry and hand lotion. Not in all cases is ‘out with the old and in with the new’ pertinent. Very unique items can be found in the antique consignment part of the store, which has multiple vendors. “The good thing about our antique section is it gets people in a western store, that wouldn’t nor-mally come in a western store,” owner Terry Larson said. And once they are in, it can be imagined that – just like in other local businesses – consumers are likely to be surprised

at what they find. Yet, perhaps not as

surprised as those who receive an unexpected gift with a little extra thought behind it.

Fingers crossed, the last thought will

be: “Where’d you get that?”

Shop Local: Give the gift you won’t find just anywhereVictoria LuskAmerican News

Red Rooster.

Inspire.

Boho Closet

.

Millstone.

Anchors of F

aith.

Hitch ‘N Post.

The Internet is a vast resource for all things and the way

many of “us” learn nowa-days. What we don’t learn on the Internet, we learn by trial and error. Hence, the nearly one-eyed snow-man I gifted my manager. Especially during the hol-iday season, the Internet predator formally known as Pinterest can consume one’s soul – First with the hours that quickly pass while our fingers pin away; and then with the hours that disappear when a person tackles a “pin.” After all, the lone eyeball wasn’t the only casualty – but, nonetheless, I couldn’t resist the idea of crafting custom mugs as DIY Christmas gifts. And, in the end, I learned more than the Internet alone could teach me.

Time Required: depends on the number of cups and level of perfection required by DIYer. Add 24 hours drying time, 30 minutes in the oven, and an overnight cool down period plus a few minutes to assemble if gifting as a package deal

Supplies Needed: ceramic mugs, oil-based Sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, q-tips, baking pan, oven

Additional Items As Needed: anything extra that makes your DIY proj-ect a “package deal” such as hot chocolate

Instructions: 1. Clean the coffee mugs with rubbing alcohol. 2. Once dry, explore all creative possibilities and design away with the mark-ers.

Consult Pinterest for ideas as needed. If you make a mistake, use q-tips and rubbing alcohol to erase the Sharpie. 3. Let it dry. (Seriously.) 4. Bake it. Pins, blogs, and other worldly Internet advice vary on the degrees and the times. Some say 350 degrees for 20 minutes while others set the oven at 425 degrees and the tim-er at 30 minutes. I opted for the latter. 5. Shut the oven off but DO NOT remove the cups. They need to cool in the oven. Removing the cups too soon can cause them to crack or break. 6. Assemble the finished product with any addi-tional items. Cups for my co-workers included a package of hot chocolate, mini marshmallows, a straw/stir stick, and a small Christmas/to&from card. A special cup for my nephew has the hot chocolate (or “chocolate coffee” as we call it) bit and Snowman Lego Creator kit and some holiday candy.

And the research says: I certainly did my share of reading. I am not one to do something to just have to do it again because 1) it didn’t work or 2) I didn’t do it right or 3) I didn’t know what I was doing. As mentioned above, while the Internet says many things, it also says

many different things. Here’s my perspective: The longer and hotter the better. It certainly wasn’t going to hurt anything, and some blogs recommend periodically checking to make sure the cups aren’t browning. Also, the cheaper the mug the better. It’s good news on all ends. You don’t have to feel bad about giving a cheap gift, because more expensive mugs have a better glaze. A better glaze prevents the Sharpie from permanently sealing in the oven. This is one project where you can confidently go cheap!

What I learned by trial and error: Even after an hour of supposedly “cooling” in the oven, the cups will be too hot to the touch. It is best to put them in a half hour before you go to bed so you can just shut off the oven and then take the cups out in the morning. Trust someone who learned the hard way: your fingers will appreciate you not touch-ing hot ceramic cups.

Check your work before you gift it. Will it wash off under hot water? If so, it needs to bake longer.

That third step in the instructions? DO

THAT. If you bake before you dry, the Sharpie will not

seal – hence, the near-ly one-eyed snowman. And, finally, what was the other casualty? No mat-ter the soap or how hard I scrubbed, underneath my fingernails were black for days. If you are a hands on “Pinterest Perfectionist” add gloves to your list of supplies. Otherwise, I’ll chalk this up as a PinSuc-cess.

Felted Soap(Never heard of it? Don’t be embarrassed, not many of us have.)

Felted soap is just that – a bar of soap wrapped in wool roving. (Never heard of wool roving? Don’t be embarrassed, as not many of us have.) Basically it’s raw wool that comes in long, colorful strands. You can find it at local craft stores or you can order it online. Felted soap is like soap and washcloth in one. The wool exfoliates and the natural lanolin moisturizes the skin. So these are not just pretty things to deco-rate the bathroom – they are actually useful. Here is your list of ‘ingredients.’ • A bar of scented soap – generally under $1 each. • Wool roving • Nylon stocking • Hot water Take a chunk of wool roving and spread it out so it looks like a thin blanket. Wrap it around your soap so that no blank spots appear. (It helps if you moisten your fingers just a bit.) Tuck it in. Too little wool and you’ll have soap peeking out. Too much wool and it will bunch around the soap. Now take a few strands of another color or two other colors and wrap them around to make a pretty design. Drizzle a LITTLE hot water over the soap and press the wool down and onto the bar. Gently insert the bar into the nylon stock-ing or cut the nylon and wrap it around the bar. Sprinkle a little cold water on the nylon and gently rub – alternating cold and hot water for about 10 minutes. The soap will lather up, but that’s to be expected. Keep rubbing until the wool tightens around the soap and becomes a nice, firm casing. Carefully unwrap the soap from the nylon, pat the moisture off with a paper towel or linen towel and set on a rack to dry. As the soap shrinks in the shower, the wool shrinks as well. Cool, huh? Now wrap the bar in a pretty ribbon and attach a gift tag explaining what it is – because some people may not have ever heard of Felted Soap.

Homemade gifts are gaining a new popularity, and

the reasons are as varied as those who make and receive them: • A homemade gift can be economical – you’ll spend far more for the same thing at the depart-ment store. • A homemade gift is something that will be treasured all year ‘round. • Some people are blessed with amazing artistic talents. Getting a homemade gift from such a person is like getting a one-of-a-kind work of art. • Homemade gifts are

high-quality. You made it, you took your time and you did a good job. • The person who has everything – ‘nuff said. • A homemade gift can be personalized – a framed cross-stitch with her favor-ite saying or an enlarged black and white photo of him with his hunting dog. The list of homemade gifts is only limited by your imagination: think a mixed CD of favorite

songs or, even better, songs written and sung by you; a bird feeder; a knit-ted scarf, a wicker basket of fresh bread and home-made wine or bath salts, bar soaps and face scrub, or any of the recipes for home brewed Kahlua or Irish Cream. One of my favorite gifts is a pair of red mittens made from a wool sweater that had been purchased at a rummage sale and shrunk in hot water. But even for those of us who are not particularly talented, there are still creative projects that are fun to make and receive. As an example, here’s one that’s almost as easy as washing your hands:

Cup ‘o Joe the DIYwayMade from the heartGretchen Mayer American News

May

er.

Lus

k.

Victoria LuskAmerican News

Even in South Dakota, in our smaller-than-the-

rest-of-the-world’s bustling cities and in the tiniest of towns, the list of whom to gift can get lengthy. After all, there are those who do selflessly all year long – whether it’s their job or not. The following is a “nice” list of those who have earned their gift: 1. Teachers. Day in and day out, parents entrust their child’s education to one person – their teach-er. In addition to teaching children mathematics and grammar, a teacher helps establish morals and un-derstanding, compassion and every day lifelong skills like teamwork. Yet, most likely a teacher’s day doesn’t end when your child gets home – and their statistically their classroom budget over-extends that allotted by their school. Standard teacher gifts of years gone by are hand lotions, picture frames, candles – the go-to pres-ents that a person can accumulate too much of. Instead, it is recommend-ed to get a teacher some-thing they can use in their classroom – with your child – without reaching into their own pocket or dipping into a limited school budget. Teacher’s Pet, located at 1923 Sixth Avenue SE Suite 105, has plenty of reasonable teacher gifts, including magnetic whiteboard spinners and erasers and every day classroom accessories. Dawn Rux, owner, said a perfect gift for this time of year is an inside recess activities – which includes constructive sets such as Crystal Climbers by Lake-shore or a Superstructs Starter set.

Items purchased for teachers can be given with a gift receipt – just in case another parent or caregiv-er had the same idea. Gift cards are also available. As a bonus, many local teachers participate in the store’s rewards program. For each $100 spent, the teachers get $10 off. Those purchasing gifts for teachers may choose to put the gift on the teach-er’s reward account.

2. School Bus Driver. Someone who safely hauls children to and from school four or five days a week (depending on the school) should be appre-ciated. A travel mug with a hot beverage should do the trick. If your child rides a bus that has a bus aide, don’t forget to also thank them for ensuring that your child – and others – are minding their p’s and q’s while also keeping them safe. 3. Day Care Providers or Routine Babysitters. Much like a teacher, day care providers and routine babysitters play important roles in the lives of the little ones you love most. Again, while it’s “the thought that counts” stan-dard go-to gifts can pile up and go unused. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your day care provider if there’s any-thing that he/she needs. What can help his/her business or family? Could she use a relaxing mani/pedi? Gift cards to spas are never ever a bad thing. Slip the babysitter and extra $10 or $20 for a few hours work. Or, in both cases, something made by the children would be valued. 4. Your Boss and Coworkers. If you give to one, do you have to give to all? Where do you draw the line? If you plan

to gift many, it’s okay to go cheap (i.e. a mug with make-it-yourself hot chocolate or some holiday candy). And you shouldn’t expect everyone you gift to gift you in return. If you want to even the giving field, get in on a Secret Santa or coworker gift exchange.

5. Personal Trainer. Hint: this is one person to whom a plate of cookies will NOT do. Chances are any time that you’ve spent with your personal trainer you’ve been a sweaty hot mess, but hopefully you were listening to more than just his or her “give me ten more push up” commands. Where do they shop? A gift card to a health food store like Natural Abun-dance or to a nutritional center would be most appropriate – and it could potentially earn you a free pass when it comes to those ten more push-ups.

6. A Soldier. Few people would say there is anyone who has sacrificed more of his or her own life than someone who has fought for our country. Consider dropping off some cookies at your local National Guard Armory or American Legion with a Christmas/Thank You card. Nationally, the non-profit group Valiant Veterans sponsors Oper-ation Christmas Cards. Information can be found at valiantveterans.org. Card submission deadline is Dec. 12.

7. Your Neighbor(s). Is Christmas getting too expensive? Bring your neighbor a cup of coffee and carry in their newspaper next Saturday morning. Encourage your child to help you shovel their sidewalks or carry in their groceries. Tag on a

“Happy Holidays” when you’re done and – well, you’re done. Point made. The gift of caring was ex-emplified and can certain-ly show that even small things go a long ways.

8. Your Clergy – and your child(ren)’s Sun-day School teacher(s). Someone who knows you as well as the person who leads you in your faith should not be forgotten come Christ-mas. Show how much you ap-preciate him/her by displaying the knowledge is mutual. Where do they get their daily coffee? Which book-stores do they frequent? What can you give them to make the “little things” in their life easier? This might include things like a gift certificate for an oil change or night at the movies with compli-mentary tickets. An entire congregation might go together to gift clergy with a larger gift, such as a new office desk, a night away, or a bonus. Above all, simply letting them know how they are making an impact on your life can be very rewarding – and shy of a Christmas miracle – just what he or she has been praying for.

9. Pets. Most people consider their pets family so it’s important to not forget the four-legged friends (or the swimmer in your tank, bird in your cage – whatever it might be). Noah’s Critters downtown Aberdeen has

pet supplies including sweaters, toys, and treats (or new aquarium fea-tures, etc.) to fill your pet’s stocking with. Also, while according to the store buying a pet to gift is rare, it is important to remember that animals – unlike merchandise – cannot be returned.

10. Your Newspa-per Carrier. Trudging through the snow is no easy feat, especially in below zero early morn-ing temperatures. The most typical newspaper carrier gift is a monetary tip, which – rain, snow or shine – is earned 365 days a year.

Looking to give more? 1. Nursing Homes and/or Hospitals. Some people cannot get out for the holiday. Spread holiday cheer by caroling through the halls, mail-ing Christmas cards to residents, or spending the day volunteering at a local

nursing home. (Set these up ahead of your visit.)

2. Local Fire and Police Departments. For a large group of people, a plate of baked goods usually does the trick. It’s something that can be easily shared without garnering complaint. Don’t forget the volun-teer firefighters that serve rural areas. Many of them would leave their own family at Christmas dinner to ensure your safety and wellbeing. If you’re looking to give something more, a donation to a smaller department can help update equipment – which may just save your property or family.

3. A Stranger. Pay it forward with an act of kindness. Nothing can beat a random act of kindness. It puts a pep in the steps of any unsus-pecting recipient and can be passed for person to person – all season long.

Small Town USA: Who should you gift?Victoria LuskAmerican News

ABOVE: No apples or candles here. Think outside the typical “teacher” gift basket with classroom supplies found locally at Teacher’s Pet. LEFT: Gifting four-legged friends with swarm sweaters and treats and keep them both warm and full this holiday season. Photos by Victoria Lusk.

Continued from previous page

8:15 p.m. AMC Miracle on 34th Street An adwoman’s lawyer boyfriend tries to prove that Macy’s Santa Claus is the real thing.

8:30 p.m. CBS Frosty Returns A snow-removal spray threatens magic Frosty (voice of John Goodman); narrator Jonathan Winters.

9:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town A mailman (the voice of Fred Astaire) explains why Santa has whiskers, lives at the North Pole and brings presents once a year. Animated.HALLMARK The Nine Lives of Christmas After a stray cat adopts Zachary, he meets Marilee and realizes the single life is not as fulfilling as he thought it was.

10:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Mickey’s Christmas Carol Mickey Mouse is Bob Cratchit to Scrooge McDuck’s Scrooge in this version of “A Christmas Carol.”

December 149:00 a.m. HALLMARK The

Most Wonderful Time of the Year A snowbound stranger brightens the holidays for a retired police officer and his niece.

9:30 a.m. FOOD Giada at Home Breakfast lasagna; triple ginger soufflé; Todd’s scramble; strawberry Santas.

10:00 a.m. FOOD Guy’s Big Bite A holiday meal with a healthy spin includes grilled swordfish, a wheat berry and butternut squash salad, and individual dishes of apple cinnamon bread pudding.

10:30 a.m. ABC FAMILY Jack Frost A man who died on Christmas Eve returns to his wife and son one year later in the form of a snowman.

11:00 a.m. HALLMARK The Nine Lives of Christmas After a stray cat adopts Zachary, he meets Marilee and realizes the single life is not as fulfilling as he thought it was.

12:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY Fred Claus The yuletide season brings headaches for Santa Claus, who bails his ne’er-do-well brother Fred out of trouble and puts him to work in his factory.

1:00 p.m. HALLMARK Best Christmas Party Ever A young party planner arranges a special Christmas party for a New York toy store. When a powerful corporation threatens to shut her down, she decides to follow her heart and move forward with the party plans.

2:30 p.m. TBS Nothing Like the Holidays Secret revelations, major life-changes and inevitable

December 8 5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Elf

Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves, a man leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York.HALLMARK Snow Bride A tabloid reporter races to find juicy gossip on a prominent political family. She ends up spending the week before Christmas with the family and falls for one of their sons.

5:30 p.m. EWTN Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception From Our Lady of the Angles Chapel in Irondale, Ala.

6:00 p.m. EWTN Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception From Our Lady of the Angles Chapel in Irondale, Ala.

7:00 p.m. AMC The Santa Clause 2 Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.HALLMARK One Christmas Eve A series of mishaps disturbs the plans of a recently divorced mom for her two kids on their first Christmas without dad.

8:00 p.m. TLC Four Houses: Deck the Halls Designer Marie matches her elegant holiday decorations against the Christmas light spectacular of retired firefighter Kevin; philanthropist Dhonna creates an over-the-top live holiday house; retail coordinator Jason does a heartfelt family tribute.

9:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town A mailman (the voice of Fred Astaire) explains why Santa has whiskers, lives at the North Pole and brings presents once a year. Animated.HALLMARK Angels Sing During the holidays, a mysterious stranger tries to help a man overcome his tragic past and find the Christmas spirit he lost many years ago.

9:30 p.m. AMC The Santa Clause 2 Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.

10:00 p.m. TLC Four Houses: Deck the Halls Designer Marie matches her elegant holiday decorations against the Christmas light spectacular of retired firefighter Kevin; philanthropist Dhonna creates an over-the-top live holiday house; retail coordinator Jason does a heartfelt family tribute.

December 9 5:00 p.m. HALLMARK

Window Wonderland Two department store employees with secrets vie for the coveted window dressing job for the height of the Christmas shopping season. As the competition heats up, the two realize they have more in common than they thought.

7:00 p.m. CBS Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The reindeer with the incandescent nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. Based on the song by Johnny Marks.HALLMARK The Christmas Ornament Kathy plans to avoid any holiday traditions that bring back memories of her late husband until she receives an ornament from a handsome shop owner. To move on from her loss, Kathy works

for a balance between her memories and finding a future.

9:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Rudolph’s Shiny New Year Rudolph the reindeer comes to the rescue when an evil bird kidnaps the New Year baby. Voices of Red Skelton, Frank Gorshin, Morey Amsterdam.HALLMARK The Christmas Spirit Charlotte and a greedy developer are left in coma after a car accident. Her spirit tries to change the man’s mind and stop development in the town before the decision becomes final.

December 10 5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The

Year Without a Santa Claus Feeling sad and unwanted, Santa takes the day off before Christmas; voices: Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth; animated.HALLMARK The Christmas Shepherd Sally is heartbroken when her dog runs away during a thunderstorm. When she learns he was found by Mark, a widower, she travels to Boston to get him. Sally and Mark are given the best Christmas gifts of their lives when they fall in love.

7:00 p.m. AMC The Santa Clause 2 Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.HALLMARK A Very Merry Mix-Up A woman plans to meet her future in-laws at Christmas and, through a serendipitous series of events, spends the holiday with a warm and caring family whose son catches her eye.

8:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK One Christmas Eve A series of mishaps disturbs the plans

of a recently divorced mom for her two kids on their first Christmas without dad.



Christmas Under Wraps After unexpectedly moving to Alaska, an ambitious doctor starts a new romance and learns that her small town is hiding a holiday secret.

6:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in a RV.

7:00 p.m. AMC Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas Blake Shelton hosts a star-studded event that includes comedy bits, performances of classic holiday songs and new music.HALLMARK Debbie Macomber’s Mr. Miracle At Christmastime, angel-in-training Harry Mills helps an insecure college student realize her purpose in life.

8:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Scrooged A ruthless TV-network chief meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

8:45 p.m. TCM Holiday Affair A war widow has a 6-year-old son, and two men who want to marry her for Christmas.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK Hats Off to Christmas! Mia, the manager of a small town’s Christmas shop, has to train Nick, the owner’s son, for a position she coveted. Mia does not like Nick’s unreliable ways until he helps convince her disabled son to continue physical therapy so he can walk again.

December 12 5:00 p.m. HALLMARK One

Christmas Eve A series of

mishaps disturbs the plans of a recently divorced mom for her two kids on their first Christmas without dad.

6:00 p.m. AMC White Christmas Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.FOOD Guy’s Disney Holiday Guy explores the holiday-themed meals and treats at Disneyland.

6:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Santa Clause An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

7:00 p.m. FOOD Outrageous Christmas Outrageous Christmas creations including a 1,000 pound chocolate Santa sculpture, a life-size Christmas tree cake, eight-feet tall handmade candy canes, and the world’s biggest gingerbread village.HALLMARK Christmas at Cartwrights An angel delivers good fortune and the possibility of holiday romance to a struggling single mother who takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.

8:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY Miracle on 34th Street A retail-war lawyer goes to court to prove a department-store Santa Claus is for real.TBS Four Christmases When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers.

8:45 p.m. AMC White Christmas Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK A Cookie Cutter Christmas Two schoolteachers take their rivalry to a new level while they scramble to win a holiday baking contest and the affections of a handsome single father.

December 139:00 a.m. EWTN Saints

and Heroes Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world.HALLMARK Let It Snow An executive examines her company’s new property and prepares a presentation to transform the rustic lodge into a new hot spot. She tries to ignore the lodge’s festive celebrations during her stay, but an unexpected romance changes her heart.

11:00 a.m. HALLMARK Debbie Macomber’s Mr. Miracle At Christmastime, angel-in-training Harry Mills

helps an insecure college student realize her purpose in life.

1:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Prancer A widower’s daughter finds a wounded reindeer that she is sure must be from Santa’s sleigh.

1:30 p.m. ENCORE Michael Tabloid employees investigate a rumor about an angel and find a surprising creature with healing powers and a lot of sex appeal.

2:00 p.m. HALLMARK One Christmas Eve A series of mishaps disturbs the plans of a recently divorced mom for her two kids on their first Christmas without dad.TBS Home Alone Accidentally left by his Paris-bound family, an 8-year-old makes mincemeat of two burglars in the house.

3:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Miracle on 34th Street A retail-war lawyer goes to court to prove a department-store Santa Claus is for real.

4:00 p.m. HALLMARK Christmas at Cartwrights An angel delivers good fortune and the possibility of holiday romance to a struggling single mother who takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.


5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Santa Clause An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.HALLMARK A Boyfriend for Christmas A strangely familiar man may be the answer to a 33-year-old woman’s long-ago holiday wish for true love.


7:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.HALLMARK Best Christmas Party Ever A young party planner arranges a special Christmas party for a New York toy store. When a powerful corporation threatens to shut her down, she decides to follow her heart and move forward with the party plans.

Continued on next page

There’s time like family timeThe stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The tree is glistening. Gifts for family and

friends are wrapped. Cookies are baked. Plans have been made. Santa letters have been written – signed, sealed and delivered.

For many people the holidays are often packed with busy schedules and to-do lists that seem to never end. But even in life’s busiest times, the best moments can be the ones when people slow down and take a minute – or a few hours – to spend time with their loved ones and truly appreciate what they have.

What better way to celebrate the season than to nestle up on the couch and share in the holiday spirit. From classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty to new hit favorites like Disney’s Fro-zen, the following line up offers opportunities for plenty of family-friendly TV nights.

Heat up some hot chocolate and butter some popcorn. Cuddle up under a blanket and – Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it Snow! Introduction by Victoria Lusk, Special Sections Lead

TV Holiday Preview courtesy of Gracenote

SN WContinued from our first gift guide – To&From: A guide to getting it right this holiday season, published Nov. 27, 2014

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERDecember 9, CBS

Continued from previous page


8:30 p.m. CBS Frosty Returns A snow-removal spray threatens magic Frosty (voice of John Goodman); narrator Jonathan Winters.

9:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town A mailman (the voice of Fred Astaire) explains why Santa has whiskers, lives at the North Pole and brings presents once a year. Animated.HALLMARK The Nine Lives of Christmas After a stray cat adopts Zachary, he meets Marilee and realizes the single life is not as fulfilling as he thought it was.


December 149:00 a.m. HALLMARK The

Most Wonderful Time of the Year A snowbound stranger brightens the holidays for a retired police officer and his niece.

9:30 a.m. FOOD Giada at Home Breakfast lasagna; triple ginger soufflé; Todd’s scramble; strawberry Santas.

10:00 a.m. FOOD Guy’s Big Bite A holiday meal with a healthy spin includes grilled swordfish, a wheat berry and butternut squash salad, and individual dishes of apple cinnamon bread pudding.

10:30 a.m. ABC FAMILY Jack Frost A man who died on Christmas Eve returns to his wife and son one year later in the form of a snowman.

11:00 a.m. HALLMARK The Nine Lives of Christmas After a stray cat adopts Zachary, he meets Marilee and realizes the single life is not as fulfilling as he thought it was.


1:00 p.m. HALLMARK Best Christmas Party Ever A young party planner arranges a special Christmas party for a New York toy store. When a powerful corporation threatens to shut her down, she decides to follow her heart and move forward with the party plans.

2:30 p.m. TBS Nothing Like the Holidays Secret revelations, major life-changes and inevitable

bickering mark a Chicago family’s Christmas reunion.

3:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.HALLMARK Christmas in Conway Hoping it will be the perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard.

4:00 p.m. FOOD Outrageous Christmas Outrageous Christmas creations including a 1,000 pound chocolate Santa sculpture, a

life-size Christmas tree cake, eight-feet tall handmade candy canes, and the world’s biggest gingerbread village.

5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas A curmudgeon living atop Mount Crumpit sets out to quash the yuletide preparations of the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates.HALLMARK A Bride for Christmas A man bets his friends that he can convince a woman to marry him by Christmas.

7:00 p.m. AMC The Santa Clause 2 Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.HALLMARK The Christmas Parade A humiliated TV personality flees to a small town, where she becomes involved in a budding artist’s battle to save a community arts center.USA It’s a Wonderful Life Ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve, a suicidal family man sees life anew thanks to his guardian angel.

8:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas A curmudgeon living atop Mount Crumpit sets out to quash the yuletide preparations of the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK Christmas in Conway Hoping it will be the

perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard.



Matchmaker Santa Stranded during the holidays, a young baker discovers the magic of Christmas and love.

6:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Disney Prep & Landing An elite unit of elves, Prep & Landing, ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared to be visited by Santa Claus each Christmas Eve.

6:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice Lanny and Wayne race to recover classified North Pole technology that falls into the hands of a naughty kid.

7:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Year Without a Santa Claus Feeling sad and unwanted, Santa takes the day off before Christmas; voices: Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth; animated.HALLMARK Northpole Santa Claus and his wife prepare to bring joy to the world on Christmas.

8:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Polar Express Animated. The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK A Royal Christmas Queen Isadora, the ruler of Cordinia, interferes with Prince Leopold’s plans to marry a humble seamstress from Philadelphia.


Debbie Macomber’s Mr. Miracle At Christmastime, angel-in-training Harry Mills helps an insecure college student realize her purpose in life.

5:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Polar Express Animated. The conductor of a train to the North Pole guides a boy who questions the existence of Santa Claus.

7:00 p.m. NBC Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas Santa Claus tells the story of Buddy’s trip to New York to meet the father he never knew he had – and how Buddy transforms the lives of everyone he meets.AMC Miracle on 34th Street A retail-war lawyer goes to court to prove a department-store Santa Claus is for real.HALLMARK Christmas in Conway Hoping it will be the perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard.

7:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY Home Alone Accidentally left by his Paris-bound family, an 8-year-old makes mincemeat of two burglars in the house.

9:00 p.m. PBS A Chef’s Life Holiday Special Chef Vivian Howard’s holiday celebration features Southern cooking and Hanukkah traditions;

recipes include corned ham, oyster dressing, hoppin’ john and red-velvet cake.HALLMARK Christmas at Cartwrights An angel delivers good fortune and the possibility of holiday romance to a struggling single mother who takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.

9:30 p.m. AMC Miracle on 34th Street A retail-war lawyer goes to court to prove a department-store Santa Claus is for real.

December 17 5:00 p.m. FOOD Guy’s

Disney Holiday Guy explores the holiday-themed meals and treats at Disneyland.HALLMARK Christmas at Cartwrights An angel delivers good fortune and the possibility of holiday romance to a struggling single mother who takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.

5:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY Home Alone Accidentally left by his Paris-bound family, an 8-year-old makes mincemeat of two burglars in the house.

7:00 p.m. AMC White Christmas Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.HALLMARK The Christmas Parade A humiliated TV personality flees to a small town, where she becomes involved in a budding artist’s battle to save a community arts center.TNT A Christmas Carol Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge receives visits from three

Christmas spirits who show him his past, present and future.

8:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Santa Clause An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

9:00 p.m. TNT A Christmas Carol Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge receives visits from three Christmas spirits who show him his past, present and future.

9:45 p.m. AMC White Christmas Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general’s hotel in Vermont.

December 18 5:00 p.m. HALLMARK A

Princess for Christmas A woman escorts her niece and nephew to spend the holidays with their grandfather, an English duke.

5:15 p.m. STARZ Frozen Animated. A fearless young princess sets out with a mountaineer to find her

sister, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.

5:30 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Santa Clause An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.EWTN The Fowler Sisters: Christmas Gift The singers perform holiday music; songs include “O Holy Night,” “Ave Maria” and “Away in a Manger.”

7:00 p.m. AMC Miracle on 34th Street An adwoman’s lawyer boyfriend tries to prove that Macy’s Santa Claus is the real thing.HALLMARK Best Christmas Party Ever A young party planner arranges a special Christmas party for a New York toy store. When a powerful corporation threatens to shut her down, she decides to follow her heart and move forward with the party plans.TCM A Christmas Carol Dickens’ London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.


8:15 p.m. TCM Scrooge Dickens’ London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

9:00 p.m. HALLMARK Christmas in Conway Hoping it will be the perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard.


9:30 p.m. EWTN Life Is Worth Living Archbishop Sheen reminds us of why we celebrate Christmas.

10:15 p.m. TCM Scrooge Dickens’ London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

December 19 5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY

Home Alone Accidentally

left by his Paris-bound family, an 8-year-old makes mincemeat of two burglars in the house.HALLMARK Christmas in Conway Hoping it will be the perfect Christmas present for his wife, a man plans to construct a Ferris wheel in his backyard.

7:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Elf Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves, a man leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York.AMC Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas Blake Shelton hosts a star-studded event that includes comedy bits, performances of classic holiday songs and new music.HALLMARK Naughty or Nice A woman uses a special book from Santa Claus to expose those behaving badly.

8:00 p.m. CBS A Home for the Holidays Inspirational stories of adoption.PBS Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Deborah Voigt and John Rhys-Davies A Christmas celebration features soprano Deborah Voigt and actor John Rhys-Davies.AMC The Santa Clause 2 Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.

9:00 p.m. PBS Christmas in Norway With the St. Olaf Choir The St. Olaf Choir from St. Olaf College and the Norwegian girl choir Nidaros Jentekor perform Christmas music, gospel spirituals, Norwegian hymns and folk songs.ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in a RV.HALLMARK The Christmas Parade A humiliated TV personality flees to a small town, where she becomes involved in a budding artist’s battle to save a community arts center.

Find more holiday programs in the American News’ TV grid or with your local cable provider.

In many locations – not only households, but plenty of other gathering spots – it wouldn’t be the end of one year and the start of another without this special being on the nearest television screen. Seacrest continues in the role he shared with, then inherited from, the late Clark as he and co-hosts introduce musical acts at a party in California … and, of course, count down the moments until the ball descends to mark midnight in New York’s Times Square.

helps an insecure college student realize her purpose in life.

1:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Prancer A widower’s daughter finds a wounded reindeer that she is sure must be from Santa’s sleigh.

1:30 p.m. ENCORE Michael Tabloid employees investigate a rumor about an angel and find a surprising creature with healing powers and a lot of sex appeal.

2:00 p.m. HALLMARK One Christmas Eve A series of mishaps disturbs the plans of a recently divorced mom for her two kids on their first Christmas without dad.TBS Home Alone Accidentally left by his Paris-bound family, an 8-year-old makes mincemeat of two burglars in the house.

3:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY Miracle on 34th Street A retail-war lawyer goes to court to prove a department-store Santa Claus is for real.

4:00 p.m. HALLMARK Christmas at Cartwrights An angel delivers good fortune and the possibility of holiday romance to a struggling single mother who takes a job as a department store Santa Claus.


5:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY The Santa Clause An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.HALLMARK A Boyfriend for Christmas A strangely familiar man may be the answer to a 33-year-old woman’s long-ago holiday wish for true love.


7:00 p.m. ABC FAMILY National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.HALLMARK Best Christmas Party Ever A young party planner arranges a special Christmas party for a New York toy store. When a powerful corporation threatens to shut her down, she decides to follow her heart and move forward with the party plans.

Continued on next page

THE SANTA CLAUSEDecember 18, ABC FAMILY

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASDecember 14, ABC FAMILY

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest”

(Wednesday, Dec. 31,

ABC)

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