December 2000

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Celebrate! the holidays

BH&G TV

Host Jeannette Trompeter and the entire crew of Better Homes and Gardens TV celebrated the holidays early when they traveled to New York City to produce festive episodes for December. You'll be right at Jeanette's side as she enjoys the season (and seasonings!) with some tasty dishes. As she discovers chefs' secrets, you'll gain insight into hosting gatherings that are a hit. We'll also meet two creative women with homes where the season is always merry and bright.

Between Friends

Stuffed with Style

Sock it to 'em this year with stockings made from novel materials, done up in creative shapes, and packed with coordinated gifts. Matching the stocking to a gift-giving theme makes it all the more fun for both you and your loved ones.

Trees & trimmings

Consider giving your favorite ornaments a rest this season. Instead, branch out with a themed tree. On the following pages, you'll find projects designed to evoke a holiday mood, from nostalgia to wonderment

Fresh Fruit Gift

Crafts for All Seasons

Keepsake Wraps

These gift-wrapping ideas send extra greetings of joy-- the package is part of the present.

Trumpeting Angels

Timekeepers

Around the world millions of families count down the holidays. Celebrations of religion, history, and culture usher out one year and ring in the new. Join us as we mark the days in four different family tradition

Wreath Spruce-Ups

The lush greens of a basic tree-lot wreath get into the jolly holiday spirit with some spiffy embellishments.

To grandmother's house we go...

This Christmas story is about family-- a big, blended one. Sharri Kinkead and Michael Madden married at Christmastime 13 years ago in their Wisconsin dairy farmhouse, accompanied by his six adult children and her son. Since then, holidays at Morning Glory Farms have been celebrated in earnest and have come to include 12 grandchildren (with more on the way). For these late-in-love grandparents, creating traditions and building memories take precedence over expensive gifts and fancy decorations.

Dreaming of a white christmas

Depending on where you live, the notion of a white Christmas may be only a dream. But at Sunny Van Nice's home overlooking the Missouri River, this romantic winter wish is guaranteed, even when there's not a single snowflake on the ground.

With their eyes all aglow

Step out of the holiday hubbub and wander with us down a wooded lane to a Christmas past. Warm yourself by the freshly stoked woodstove while we gather some homespun decorating ideas for you.

Writing the Holiday Letter

I have in front of me a rainbow stack of about 200 holiday letters that my friends and family gathered for me. Many are printed on elaborate holiday-motif stationery; some have family pictures integrated right into the text. Others are printed in green or red ink-- or both! At a glance, it looks as if the holiday letter has become as much a decorating project as putting up lights and other seasonal adornments.

Our "Best Software" Picks for Kids

Make the holiday season merry and your children "bright" with electronic toys and software that will both teach and entertain. Our annual Best Educational Software and Toys list offers guidance in your shopping decisions. Each pick has been fully tested by software experts, as well as kids, to make sure it will deliver hours of entertainment.

Trading in that old runner for a safer ride

What a difference a year makes. Last Christmas, Santa wanted to trade that old sleigh for something a little safer-- good crash tests, air bags all around, that sort of thing. He especially wanted those new inflatable head-protection devices, the kind that cushion your head and neck in a side crash. (Who can blame him? Streets are risky, especially for someone who drives only one day a year.)

From Our Little House

These decorations and gift ideas convey a message that matches the holiday spirit felt by all at Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Enjoy the happiest of holidays "From Our Little House to Yours."

Power Smarts Update

ACTIVATE SAVINGS

ENERGY STAR equipment "goes to sleep," usually after 10 to 30 minutes of inactivity. (Sleep is not the same as off; there is no potential information loss.) Here's how this feature is a friend to both your wallet and the world.

Got a passion for the tropics?

Looking Good

Perfect Pairs

Smart Gardening

Test Garden Tips

This month's Editor's Choices is the Maypop

Home for the Holly Days

When you are decking the halls, live holly plants in your yard can provide you with more fa-la-la than you can shake a sprig at. Plant a bush or a tree or two in the spring, and by the time the snow flies you will be ready for a berry merry Christmas.

Toasting made easy

Lift a glass to life's simple joys: A visit from a favorite uncle, friends over for dinner, holiday feasts with family. All these occasions deserve to be acknowledged with a toast. But there's no need to get formal about it. There are lots of rules about toasting at banquets, but you're not at one, so keep these basics in mind.

Foods for giving

Finding treats for the healthy eaters on your list can be as challenging as a trip to the North Pole on snowshoes. Not this year. We've gathered some goodies that provide you with choices beyond a turkey-shaped soybean-mushroom loaf or a box of tofu wrapped in a festive bow. To get you started, here are several healthful options full of joyous flavor. You don't even have to venture into the wintry deep freeze to do the shopping. These offerings are available by mail order. When ordering by phone or from a Web site, be sure to get a confirmation number. Most Web-based businesses will e-mail you upon receipt of your order.

New Ways to Fight Colds and Flu

Even if you're left standing after an attack, you may be sore for up to two weeks. And if you're too weak to put up a good fight-- or if bacterial bullies like pneumonia join in-- you could be knocked out permanently.

Save your Brain

Strategies to boost mental fitness and help prevent memory loss.

Holiday gifts

That gift list of yours looks long-- and your weekly allowance comes up short. Plus, you're too young to hold a job. The solution: Stretch your dollars and have fun by crafting your own gifts. Make everything from tasty treats to hand-stamped stationery. So put on your Santa's Helper hat, and turn the page.

The Shopper Mart

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order with comfort and convenience from your own home.

The family next door