Plano Holiday Guide 2026 PROOFv3 - Flipbook - Page 43
HAVE A GREEN HOLIDAY
SIMPLE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON
AND GO EASY ON THE PLANET
WRAP IT UP, THE GREEN WAY
Skip shiny paper that can’t be recycled. Wrap gifts in tea towels, bandanas or thriftstore fabric, or tuck them into mason jars, cookie tins and baskets that become
part of the gift. Plain kraft paper tied with twine and a sprig of evergreen or a dried
orange slice looks charming. Save gift bags and tissue as you unwrap to use again
next year.
A TREE WITH ROOTS
Choose a live, balled-and-burlapped tree you can plant in the yard come spring,
or cut your own at a local tree farm that replants every season. Already own an
artificial tree? Keep using it – the longer it lasts, the better. After the holidays, check
for your town’s tree pickup or recycling program so real trees become mulch.
KEEP IT LOCAL
Hometown shops, craft fairs, farmers markets and local makers offer one-of-akind finds, and buying nearby means fewer delivery trucks and less packaging.
Resale and antique shops are full of treasures, too – and every dollar spent locally
helps your neighbors’ businesses thrive.
LIGHT UP SMARTER
Trade old incandescent strands for LED lights, which use far less energy and last
for years. Try solar-powered lights outdoors, and add a timer or smart plug so
displays switch off once everyone’s gone to bed.
GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Bake family-recipe cookies, frame a favorite photo or mix up a jar of homemade
cocoa. Experience gifts – concert tickets, a cooking class or a day together – make
memories without the clutter. For the person who has everything, try a donation to
a local cause or tree-planting group in their name.
Hot Cocoa Fluff
INGREDIENTS:
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese,
room temperature
1 cup Marshmallow Fluff
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. hot cocoa
mix (from about 4 [1.38-oz.]
packets)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
powder
Whipped cream, mini
marshmallows, and holiday
sprinkles, for serving (optional)
Oreos, graham crackers,
shortbread cookies, peppermint
sandwich cookies, and/or whole
strawberries, for dipping
DIRECTIONS:
Step 1: In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle
attachment, beat cream cheese and Marshmallow Fluff on
medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add hot cocoa mix, cream, and cocoa powder and beat on
low speed until just combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Increase
speed to medium-high and continue to beat until dip is
smooth and cocoa mix has fully dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer dip to a serving bowl. Top with whipped cream,
marshmallows, and sprinkles (if using). Serve with cookies
alongside.
Sponsored by
Homegrown Meat Company &
Homegrown Ice Cream
6 & 8 E. Front Street, Newark, IL 60541
www.homegrownmeatco.com
DECK THE HALLS WITH NATURE
Pinecones, evergreen clippings, holly and bare branches make beautiful
centerpieces. Simmer orange peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove for
a natural holiday scent, or string popcorn and cranberries for an old-fashioned
garland. Afterward, compost natural items and pack up keepsakes for next year.
GREETINGS WITH LESS WASTE
Send an e-card or a family video message to faraway friends. If you mail cards,
pick recycled paper and skip glitter and foil, which can’t be recycled. Cut the cards
you receive into gift tags for next season.
A Little Winter
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Start a new tradition by giving your time. Volunteer as a family at a food pantry or
animal shelter, collect warm clothes for a coat drive, or organize a donation drive
at work, school or church. It’s a gift that truly gives back.
Yorkville Heating &
Air Conditioning
for the
Season
Trivia Contest
The Nightmare Before
Christmas
Clarence
Arnold Schwarzenegger
NELSON PUBLISHING, INC. | 2026 NELSON MULTIMEDIA HOLIDAY GUIDE
43
