Winterfest 2020: Holiday shortcuts courtesy of local merchants

The month of December is a hectic time of year for most people. When the ever-growing holiday to-do list gets overwhelming, look to local merchants to save both your time and your sanity.

 Here are some practical solutions for easing that anxiety available right here in Eddy County.

 1. Limit lists. It’s fun to light up the eyes of children on Christmas. However, it can be overwhelming to buy all those gifts. Consider limiting each child’s list to just three items, one thing he wants, one he needs, and one you can purchase locally. To find out what local stores have they might love, do a little ‘stealth shopping.’ For example, have each child pick an angel off a “Sharing the Joy of Christmas” tree. Then shop together for the gifts right in New Rockford, and while you shop have the kids show you things at the local stores they would enjoy receiving on Christmas. Each Christmas Do it Best Hardware brings in great new toys in a variety of price ranges, and the Transcript office has great locally themed gifts such as Rocket gear and New Rockford apparel. Make mental notes and go back shortly thereafter to purchase one item for each child. They are guaranteed to smile when they open those gifts on Christmas morning!  

 2. Get creative on the wrapping. The shopping is one thing; wrapping the pile of newly-purchased packages presents a completely different challenge. One way to reduce the wrapping fatigue is by purchasing gifts at Central Pharmacy in New Rockford and letting the staff wrap them for you!! Their perfectly-wrapped presents come with festive paper and are finished off with a coordinating bow. What’s better than bringing it home already wrapped?All that’s left to do is to put it under the tree! Another option is to make the wrapping part of the gift. For example, fill a fabric storage box or wicker basket with toys, gifts, craft supplies or baking tools. The best kind have a cover. Then the recipient can use the box to store the gift, and all you have to do is add a bow!

 3. Ship local. There may be relatives and friends you won’t see over the holidays, but you still want to give them a gift. Transcript Publishing offers UPS services for your convenience. Our office is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays for shipping anywhere in the U.S. (yes even Alaska). You can drop your return packages there too for free processing!

 4. Leave the food prep to the experts. When you have a crazy busy day, preparing a meal adds a lot of undue stress. Enjoy a flatbread from the Latte Lobby Bistro, order a GameDay Tender Tray from Champ’s Chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken and fresh salad in a bag from Miller’s Fresh Foods for a quick meal with out the work. Top it off with a loaf of french bread and delicious homemade pie from Bakers Dozen. Then use the 30 minutes to an hour you would normally spend in the kitchen to catch up on gift wrapping, have a quiet conversation or drive around town looking at the Christmas lights.

 5. Give gifts to help alleviate stress all year. Consider purchasing a gift certificate for a pedicure from Alyssa Bachmeier at Shear Delight Salon, or a deep tissue massage from Michelle at Relax & Retreat Massage. NAPA Auto Parts offers financing on Husqvarna snow and yard equipment. Ditch the shovel for a new snowblower or electric shovel, and your back will thank you throughout the winter!