Category Archives: Holiday Extras

(BPT) – Nearly everyone has more than one special person in their life. Whether it’s a neighbor who lets the dog out, the friend who watches the kids in a pinch or a colleague who makes Mondays a little more bearable, loved ones make our days better. A simple thank you or a small thank […]

Fanciful pink peppermint frosting and snowy cake layers will brighten any holiday party. To decorate, choose between simple candy adornments (pictured) or whimsical white-chocolate trees. 2 1/4 cups cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/4 cups whole milk 4 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick) 1 1/2 cups sugar […]

(BPT) – Processed, sugar-packed candies are collected door-to-door every year at Halloween. This year, try a different angle with homemade sweet treats that parents can make with their kids for Halloween. Chef Claire Menck from The Art Institute of Wisconsin loves making ghostly “gorp” wrapped in white parchment paper with her two children. “Gorp is […]

These Carnival basics are offered to first-timers, or as a brush-up for repeat revelers. Mardi Gras always falls on the Tuesday that is 46 days before Easter. It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent. • Carnival refers to the season of revelry before Mardi Gras. It begins officially on […]

(ARA) – With the onset of spring comes the Easter holiday and the celebration is not complete without the traditional treat-filled basket. For those looking for a unique twist to this holiday ritual, consider customizing the Easter baskets you give your loved ones. Include a variety of trinkets and toys that match your little (and […]

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year’s eve, “Auld Lang Syne” is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an […]

This classic Christmas story is a family favorite. Gather the children around and read this story with excitement. Watch the children smile and eyes twinkle. Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas […]

This is a Christmas classic. When the kids hear this song, they know Santa is on his way. Sing it with the children and have some family fun. You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?  Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had […]

This is a classic song of the season. The children love it and so do adults. Sing this with your kids and grandkids and make your own family memories. Frosty the SnowmanWas a jolly happy soulWith a corncob pipe and a button noseAnd two eyes made out of coal Frosty the SnowmanIs a fairytale they […]

This was my late wife’s favorite Christmas song. We would dance by the Christmas tree lights knowing all was fine. Bells will be ringing, the glad, glad news;Oh, what a Christmas, to have the blues;My baby’s gone;I have no friends;To wish me greetings, once again;Choirs will be singing, Silent NightOh, Christmas Carols, by candlelight;  Please come home for Christmas;Please come […]