Community Newspaper Special Sections Holiday Gift Guide 11-11-2020 | Page 2

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2 | THURSDAY , NOVEMBER 12 , 2020 | THE RECORD
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE / ADVERTISING SECTION

Passaic county

Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Kim Parks CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS LEAD kjparks @ localiq . com
James Emolo and Joseph Ritacco CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS SPECIALISTS jemolo @ localiq . com jritacco @ localiq . com
2020 Passaic County Holiday Gift Guide is a product of the community newspapers of The Record . To advertise , call 973-569-7237 For content inquiries , call 973-569-7223
North Jersey Media Group 1 Garret Mountain Plaza Woodland Park , NJ 07424

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This holiday season will be unlike any other we ’ ve experienced . It is still 2020 , after all . While large

gatherings at town centers , houses of worship , shopping malls and even dining room tables may be limited , there are still ways to celebrate in creative , fun , meaningful and , most importantly , safe ways . The Passaic County Holiday Gift Guide 2020 will explore those opportunities , offering readers ideas to shop on a tighter budget , celebrate with loved ones in responsible ways and prepare some mouth-watering treats sure to delight everyone around the table . Happy holidays , and here ’ s to a safe and prosperous 2021 !
Budget-Friendly Tips ( Page 4 ): Stretch funds , create merry moments and stay safe during the holiday season by thinking outside the box when planning festivities with loved ones .
Giving Thanks ( Page 4 ): Send a gift of appreciation to those who went above and beyond in 2020 .
Delectable Desserts ( Page 6 ): One of the most enjoyable holiday activities with family and friends is teaming up and creating sweet eats in the kitchen .
Lend a Helping Hand ( Page 8 ): Due to COVID-19 , more families are experiencing hardship during the holidays . Voluntering at soup kitchens or donating food and gifts are ways to ease the burdens of those struggling .
O Christmas Tree ! ( Page 9 ): A certified arborist offers tips for picking the right Christmas tree and finding the ideal spot in the home to place it .
Holiday Centerpieces ( Page 10 ): Celebrate the season by serving tasteful main courses centered around tender cuts of beef .
Safety First ( Page 11 ): Select safe toys for children by sticking to verified sellers , following age recommendations and monitoring playtime .

Get crafty this year to spread some holiday cheer

Holiday decorations bring a smile

to everyone ’ s face , and this year we could all use that now more than ever . Crafting seasonal décor instead of shopping for it gives you something to occupy your extra time at home and helps you avoid big crowds and shopping stress . Ready to get crafty and holiday savvy ? Here ’ s what to do :
Make a plan . Visualize your project in your space and measure the location so you know how many supplies you need . Take a look around to notice what areas have the most room . Get a view from the outside to see what your neighbors will see when passing by .
Browse social media / decoration sites for inspiration . Save pictures of your favorites and then picture it fitting in your space . You could even sketch out your design on paper to get a clearer vision of what you ’ re going to create . Locate
PHOTO / BRANDPOINT
Equip yourself with tools that are lightweight , versatile and portable .
your sources of electricity if you want to incorporate lights , music or even snow machines . Be sure you have extension cords if you ’ ll need them .
Shop for your materials . Shop for and select the items that are eye-catching and fun . Consider bright , festive colors and pretty patterns . Research the items
you need , and what stores near you carry them before you leave to save some time . Price check between stores to ensure you don ’ t overspend . If possible , you can even order online supplies ahead of time .
Have the best tools in your tool belt . Equip yourself with tools that are lightweight , versatile , portable , user friendly and the very best to get the job done . The new MakerX line of tools from Worx will elevate your home-crafter game , giving you a range of creative options , allowing you to create from anywhere and perfecting the small details that make all the difference . The tool set revolves around a 20V Power Hub battery that powers five versatile tools , including an air brush , angle grinder , mini heat gun , rotary tool and wood and metal grinder , so the possibilities are limitless . Be sure to test out your tools on some scraps first before diving into your perfect materials and
always follow safety measures .
Set the mood . You ’ ve got everything you need so now it ’ s time to start feeling festive . Light an apple cinnamon , vanilla cookie , fir and firewood or whatever spiced-snow-scent-tickles-your-fancy candle , turn on the cold weather carols and get your groove on .
Kick back and admire your work . Enjoy the company of those around you as you work together to make your holiday crafts and see the beauty in creating something with your hands , regardless of the imperfections . Work any mistakes into your final design . After all , the experience is half the fun .
Display your holiday decorations in and out of your home for yourself , your family and your neighbors to enjoy . Take lots of pictures for friends and family who can ’ t be there in person and share your work on social media . ( Brandpoint )