62 THE QUEENS COURIER • HOLIDAY GUIDE • DECEMBER 13, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
holiday guide
Holiday entertainment with friends and family of all ages
Holiday entertaining is no small chore.
From feeding the masses to keeping
everyone happy and engaged, it can be a
big job playing host during the holidays.
From time-saving meal options to
ideas that encourage everybody to take
part in the festivities, consider these tips
to help make it easy to keep guests of all
ages entertained:
Simply catch up. Once the whole crew
gets together, make a game out of giving
everyone the chance to catch up. Put
topics in a hat and draw to determine
which category you’ll hear about, such as
“favorite vacation this year” or “the latest
on the grandkids.” Go around the room
and give each guest a turn to share.
Go out for a change. Rather than trying
to cook at home, save time by fi nding
a restaurant or take-out option that suits
everyone’s tastes. Keep pricing in mind,
as a large group can rack up quite the bill
if you don’t plan ahead. Several restaurants
off er special deals, such as the 10
percent discount available at select eateries
for AARP members. From Italian to
seafood, fi nding the right spot for a bite
to eat with grandkids or longtime friends
can be a breeze.
Catch the newest release. When you
feel like getting out of the house, heading
to a movie theater can provide a chance
to relax, especially for family members
who have traveled long distances to join
the group. Re-makes of classic favorites
and holiday blockbusters can put a smile
on just about anyone’s face. Additionally,
some theaters off er discounts for ordering
tickets online ahead of time.
Deck the halls. Adding a touch of festive
fl air can make guests feel welcome
and ready to celebrate the occasion. But
you don’t have to spend hours dragging
out boxes of decorations to get
your home holiday-ready. Colorful fl ower
arrangements can add instant seasonal
character and cheer to a room. Some fl oral
services make it easy and aff ordable
to have those bouquets delivered straight
to your door, so all you have to do is fi nd
the perfect spot to showcase the pretty
blooms.
Head to the mall. Shopping is another
option for those looking to leave
cramped quarters behind, and fi nding
last-minute holiday deals could appeal to
the procrastination-inclined gift givers.
Take advantage of stores off ering special
deals or discounts with your AARP
membership.
Find more solutions for your entertaining
and holiday needs at AARPBenefi ts.
com.
Courtesy Family Features
5 ways to support your community this holiday season
Each year, the true spirit of the holidays
can seem to get buried further
beneath mountains of wrapping paper
and drowned out by commercialism.
However, when it comes to the holidays,
gift s don’t have to come in glossy
paper with crisp edges and hidden tape
(though those are nice, too). For example,
author Carol Lavin Bernick recommends
focusing on gift s that make an
impact, such as giving back within your
community.
Th e former chairman of beauty conglomerate
Alberto Culver, Bernick published
“Gather As You Go,” a book sharing
insights she’s learned through her
many roles: corporate leader, working
mother, philanthropist and founder of
the nonprofi t organization Enchanted
Backpack.
Consider these tips from Bernick for
making a diff erence without breaking
the bank.
1. It’s About More
Than Just Dollars
Instead of measuring your support by
how much money you give, focus on the
many ways you can support organizations
near and dear to you by spreading
the word online and in-person while
recruiting new supporters. Alternatively,
you can fi nd an organization that puts
your knowledge and skills to work. For
example, if you’re an artist or IT specialist,
fi nd a charity that needs your
skill set.
2. Think Long-Term
When you’re working with an organization,
consider how you can help it
fi nd a long-term solution to problems.
For example, if you’re interested in helping
young girls excel in science and math,
work with your local elementary or junior
high school to establish or support an
aft er-school STEM program.
3. Start at Home
Teach your children the importance of
giving back by donating gift s to those in
need through charitable programs, volunteering
at a food pantry or fundraising
through a bake sale.
4. Shop with Purpose
Th is year, you can make an impact with
your holiday shopping by buying gift s
that give back. For instance, all proceeds
from “Gather As You Go” directly benefi t
Enchanted Backpack.
5. Focus on Your Passions
Defi ne your focus and make a diff erence
by dedicating yourself to one or two
causes that excite you the most. Find your
passion and pursue it.
Find more inspiration to give back at
gatherasyougo.com.
Courtesy Family Features
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Getty Images