Plano Holiday Guide 2026 PROOFv3 - Flipbook - Page 12
Pesto Green Beans
INGREDIENTS:
10-12 ounces green beans,
trimmed and rinsed
kosher salt
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup chopped raw walnuts
zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
pinch red pepper flakes,
optional
1/3 cup pesto
Christmas Eve
CHECKLIST
Ten ways to make the night before
Christmas extra merry!
PAJAMA PARTY
DIRECTIONS:
• Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a generous pinch of
salt, then add the green beans. Cook for about 4 minutes, until the
beans are tender and bright green in color. Drain into a colander
and set aside.
• While the green beans are cooking, set a large skillet over medium
heat. When hot, add the butter, walnuts, lemon zest and juice, red
pepper flakes if using, and another pinch of kosher salt. Toast
the mixture, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes, until the butter is
lightly browned and the walnuts are fragrant and golden. Watch
carefully that the walnuts don’t burn.
• When walnuts are toasted, add green beans to the skillet, followed
by dollops of the pesto. Toss to warm through and lightly coat the
green beans. Top with extra pesto to taste, and serve right away.
Kick off the night by unwrapping a fresh pair of Christmas Eve
pajamas. Matching family sets earn bonus holiday points!
TRACK SANTA’S SLEIGH
Follow along online with NORAD Tracks Santa and see how close
the big guy is getting to your neighborhood.
A NOTE FOR THE NORTH POLE
Write a quick thank-you note to Santa and tuck it next to his treats.
Elves love a good thank-you!
MIX UP SANTA’S SNACK
Cookies and milk are classic, but why not surprise Santa with a
mug of hot cocoa or a slice of homemade pie?
A DRINK FOR THE REINDEER
Flying around the world is thirsty work! Set out a bowl of water and
a few apple slices for the reindeer team.
Sponsored by
Homegrown Meat Company &
Homegrown Ice Cream
6 & 8 E. Front Street, Newark, IL 60541
www.homegrownmeatco.com
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Pile into the car with a thermos of cocoa and cruise the
neighborhood to 昀椀nd the brightest, most dazzling displays in town.
SING A CAROL
Gather around the tree for a family sing-along. Extra credit for
anyone who knows all the verses to “Jingle Bells!”
Yorkville Heating &
Air Conditioning
Trivia Contest
SNAP A TREE-SIDE PHOTO
Capture the moment with a family photo in front of the tree. It’s a
memory you’ll be glad to have for years to come.
MAKE A WISH ON A STAR
Step outside, look up at the winter sky and make a wish on the
brightest star you can 昀椀nd.
LIGHTS OUT EARLY
The Grinch
Theodore Roosevelt
Frosty’s Winter
Wonderland
Remember, Santa only stops by when everyone is fast asleep!
Snuggle in, close your eyes and wake up to Christmas morning
magic.
Merry Christmas from all of us!
A Little Magic ⸀
A Lot of Joy ⸀
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2026 NELSON MULTIMEDIA HOLIDAY GUIDE | NELSON PUBLISHING, INC.
