•December 1, 2021•
Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century. Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe-inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles. While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight-bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must-have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe. HL21A363

•December 1, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Who doesn’t need more joy in their lives? I wanted to share this great article from Extension Educator Kristin Bogdonas about how to find more joy. Kristin says: When you’re feeling down in the dumps, what do you do? You have two options: keep doing what you’re doing or try one of these happy hacks to bring a smile back to your face and ultimately boost your mood.
Here are five simple ways to bring more joy to your life right now:
Unplug- Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. If you are vulnerable to social comparison, limit your time spent on social media. Social media can help us stay up-to-date with our social networks but too much of a good thing can have negative effects. Frequent cellphone use is associated with higher anxiety levels and reduced happiness. Be careful how much time you spend scrolling through your newsfeed so you can stay present in your own life. There is no substitute for human interaction so if you miss seeing your friends, give them a call and find out how their day is going. Read More

•December 1, 2021•
Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, age-appropriate gifts.
Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.
· Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and they’ll also know the child’s level of maturity. Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest. Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t. Read More

•December 1, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

I hope you like leftovers!
I write this with the promise of leftovers still a week away.
As you read this, I will be returning from a column-foraging expedition to Tennessee. I hope to bring home some souvenirs.
So please enjoy a couple of old favorites as you try to digest what’s left in the fridge.
Put away the apostrophe
If you’ve read this column for a while, you might remember my bringing up the subject of addressing holiday cards just before Thanksgiving. I apologize if you’ve lost your taste for leftovers, but if last year’s batch of Christmas cards delivered to Casa de Baumann is any indication, this subject bears repeating. Read More