MESSENGER POST MEDIA

H LIDAY
Traditions

Advertising supplement for NOVEMBER 27, 2014

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

JingleJITTERS
simplifying the holiday season ahead of time
By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore | Scripps Howard News Service

Brace yourself. The holiday onslaught is here! The secret

to keeping all of the warm sentiments of the holidays
alive, without capitulating to crass commercialism, is to
simplify. Before you dive headlong into The Season, take
a few moments to consider ways you can streamline your
to-dos, to-buys and to-makes. Here are some ideas to get
you started.
Reflect on priorities. You dont have to do
something like buy gifts for every colleague
or bake cookies for all of your neighbors
just because youve always done it. Take
a few moments now to outline what really
matters to you this time of year. In other words,
determine your true priorities for the season.
Consider questions like: What traditions really
put me (and my family) in
the spirit of
the holiday best? Looking
back on seasons past, what
mattered most to us?
Go potluck. If you are hosting
a big gathering for the holidays, or
even just having a festive party not tied
to a particular holiday, consider making
the event a potluck. Not only will this
make your life easier, but it also enables
others to more fully participate in a
special day, too. If you dont want
to leave the menu to chance, assign
responsibility for specific dishes to
guests.
Set the table a week ahead. Rather
than stressing about the table setting
while youre trying to get food cooked,
get it squared away in advance. Ideally,
you can arrange the tablecloth, plates and
silverware a few days before your event. But the
night before is fine, if you dont have a separate dining-room
table.
Dont enter a grocery store without a list. Shopping lists help you
avoid buying more than you really need. They also eliminate the
predicament of having to run back to pick up an essential ingredient
you forgot. Nothing wrecks entertaining mojo faster than reaching for
an item you thought you had but dont. Another bonus: Lists make it
easier to delegate the shopping.
Assign family members to ongoing cleanup duty. Nobody wants to
spend hours in the kitchen after a big celebration slaving away over
the dishes. Keep a rotating team of dishwashers in the kitchen who
can wash as you go along.
Use packing lists to help you travel light. If you are hitting the road
to visit family or friends, take five minutes to make a list of must-have

items to pack before you start. People typically wear

10 to 20 percent of what they pack for a holiday
trip. This year, just pack the essentials and skip
the rest.
Send an e-card. If sending out cards is stressful and
unpleasant for you, consider making the switch to
e-holiday cards. Many greeting card companies have
huge selections of e-cards you can customize and send
to friends and family right from your computer.
Set a deadline for completing your shopping. A
project will take up whatever time you allot for
it. Simply set a date say, Dec. 10 as the
deadline for getting through your shopping
list this year. Set reminders in your calendar
to keep yourself on track.
Limit decorations. If you have ever been to
Colonial Williamsburg around the
holidays, you know the decorating
wonders that can be accomplished
with four simple things: greens,
red ribbon, babys breath and
candles.
Invest in an ornament box. These inexpensive
bins make it much easier to take out and put
away holiday decorations. They also keep your
decorations in mint condition, which means
you dont have to buy new ones very often.
Plan ahead to use bad-weather days for crafts
projects. If you stock up now on items like
paper, scissors, spray paint and glitter, you can
whip up a crafty item, like spray-painted pine
cones, on a dreary afternoon.
Skip the wrapping paper and gift cards. Instead,
use old newspapers, outdated maps, cloth bags or even
kids artwork to wrap presents. Its better for the planet
and easier on your wallet. Instead of buying individual gift cards for
each gift, use free printable gift tags, which you can find online by the
gazillion these days and print right from your own printer.
Limit commitments and set aside time each week to decompress.
A few holiday events are essential (i.e., your childs school play), but
many are not. Discuss invitations with your family and outline your
true priorities in advance. If you feel guilty saying you cant make an
event, try this RSVP script: My heart says yes, but, sadly, our family
calendar says no. Wish we could be there to celebrate. Hope you have
a wonderful time!
The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to
helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas and questions to
yourlife@getbuttonedup.com.

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS

Sonnenberg
Christmas Gala Ball
Sunday, December 13, 4:30-9:00 pm

The mansion will be decorated festively. Dance the evening away in

the Great Hall and Drawing Room. Enjoy hors doueuvres, desserts and
a cash wine bar. Black tie or better attire. Ladies bring a warm wrap.
Limit 120 reservations. Proceeds to benefit Sonnenberg Gardens
and Mansion. $55/admission; $45/member. 151 Charlotte Street,
Canandaigua, (585) 394-4922, www.sonnenberg.org

Celebrate the season!

at Lollypop Farm with festive
Holiday Pet Portraits

Portrait Sittings: December 6, 7 & 13

10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Memorialize the holidays with a festive portrait of pets and family with
Santa! For just $30, Lollypop Farm provides you with two 4x6 digital
prints of one or more portraits and a CD of your photos. Enjoy holiday
activities, shopping, gift wrapping, a bake sale and more! 99 Victor
Road, Fairport, (585) 223-1330 x139, www.lollypop.org/petphotos

Mix it up with M

Join us for a festive evening full of holiday

party inspiration! Our guest instructors
Friday, December 12 mix up delicious drinks incorporating m
6:30-7:30 pm
creamy wine cocktails, while our Executive
New York Wine & Culinary Center, Chef provides perfectly-paired food
800 South Main Street in Canandaigua samples. Go home with your Holiday Party
Menu all set! $15.
(585) 394-7070

Come celebrate A Night in Bethlehem

Friday, December 5 6:00-8:30 pm

FREE Living Nativity at Crossroads Community Church, 1188 Jackson

Road in Webster. Outdoor dramatized nativity scenes and indoor
activities. For more information call 585-872-2660, or visit www.
crossroads-community-church.org. See you there!

Wayne Countys 2014

HOLIDAY BROCHURE is here!

The Wayne County Office of Tourism teamed up with local tree growers,
specialty shops, restaurants, museums, wineries and more to create
the 2014 Wayne County Holiday Traditions Guideeverything you need
to make your holidays a success! Mark your calendar with the special
events and Christmas open houses included in the guide. For a free
copy call 1-800-527-6510 or visit www.waynecountytourism.com.

Live from Hochstein: A Cup of Good Cheer, with Madrigalia December 10 12:10 to 12:50 pm
WXXI and Hochstein School of Music and Dance present the Madrigalia, a Rochester based chamber ensemble, with sacred and holiday favorites
in their inimitable style. Guest Conductor, Cary Ratcliff. Tune in to Classical 91.5, 90.3, and streaming online at wxxi.org.
Broadcast live and free to the public from Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester. For more information visit www.wxxi.org

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

cheer on the cheap!

host a fabulous holiday party that wont break the bank
BY WYNNE EVERETT | MORE CONTENT NOW

Hosting a holiday get-together for friends and neighbors can be a budget-buster. After all, Christmas
and New Years parties traditionally call for formal and elaborate menus and decor. Author and
lifestyle expert Victoria Amory says you can have a sophisticated party without spending a fortune.
Something upscale doesnt have to be expensive, Amory says. It just has to be tasteful.

Decor

Cocktails

Food

When youre decorating, think of things

you already have around the house or that
you can use later, Amory said. I like to
shop for decorations at the grocery store.
Amory said she likes to use bowls of fruit
for party decor. Choose one fruit, or one
color of fruit, and place the bowls in several
rooms for a unifying look. Red apples or
green apples with green pears work well,
for instance. If you live near the coast,
consider seashells displayed in a pretty
holiday bowl.
I also like to use natural things, Amory
said. Leaves or cuttings from outdoors
can be nice. It just gives a natural, organic
look.
For a Christmas party, try stapling the
Christmas cards you receive to a long, thick,
red ribbon and framing a door or window
with the ribbon. Its festive, displays your
cards nicely and creates a conversation
piece.

Skip the full bar and offer a

house drink along with a
couple of alternatives like white
wine and soft drinks.
Making a house drink is a nice
way to say, This is what were
drinking, Amory said.
She suggests choosing an
unusual or festive cocktail
maybe a holiday malt wine or a
mixed drink with pineapple juice
to give the event a specialoccasion feel.
For a cocktail party, I would really
splurge and hire a bartender,
Amory said. A lot of people use
their older children or a friend,
but they are able to serve the
first drink and then they lose
interest.

Instead of a sit-down dinner or full buffet,

plan a party of heavy hors doeuvres. Choose
five to nine dishes, and keep the menu simple
and budget-friendly by making everyday
dishes with a special twist. You can sort of
elevate the mundane, Amory said.
She suggests boiled baby potatoes with a
dipping sauce of mayonnaise with truffle
oil. Potatoes arent exotic, but truffle oil
definitely signals this is a special occasion.
Make sure one or two dishes will appeal to
healthy eaters. Amory suggests thick-sliced
cucumber rounds topped with sour cream
mixed with lemon juice and rolled smoked
salmon. Its pretty and good for guests who
are watching their weight and avoiding
bread.
For a New Years celebration, consider
having a New Years Day brunch instead of
a New Years Eve party. You can serve chili
with cornbread.

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

GIFTS decor
to
hot chocolate ideas for the holidays

As gifts go, chocolate has timeless

appeal for any occasion. Many people
who might forgo the sweet during the
rest of the year, treat themselves to
an exception at holiday time. From
basic bars in milk or dark chocolate to
complex flavors like Platinum, a dark
chocolate shell wrapped around pecan
praline and caramel, its possible to
find a chocolate treat that appeals to
virtually all tastes.
Sending gourmet chocolates as a
holiday gift has many advantages.
The chocolatiers at Kohler Original
Recipe Chocolates create truly unique,
memorable offerings, and online
ordering makes it easy to send a one-of-a-kind chocolate gift without
the hassle and fuss of wrapping, packing and shipping on your own.
Holiday decorating doesnt have to start with tinsel and end with

twinkling lights. Chocolate also makes

a great decorating element. Decorating
with chocolate shouts festive, and
when done right, chocolate decorations
can do double-duty as treats or
dessert.
Start with creating chocolate tree
ornaments. One of the easiest ways to
make an ornament using chocolate is
to purchase clear plastic ornaments at
your local craft store and fill them with
colorful chocolate candies.
Another easy option is to tuck colorful
chocolates into your favorite holiday
centerpieces. To create an illuminating
centerpiece, choose a large pillar candle
in a festive color. Place the candle atop a round mirror (also available
at craft stores), and create a ring around the candle with colorful
chocolates. [BPT]

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

HOLIDAYSEASON
how to take the perfect family holiday portrait

If your familys seasonal traditions include taking a holiday

portrait, you probably have a stack of photos that all pretty
much look the same. Rather than adding another stilted
family photo to the pile this year, consider breaking out of
the mold with a candid portrait instead.
Think for a moment about one of your favorite photos. Is
it the one where everyone is posed, sitting properly with a
perfect smile, all eyes on the camera? Or is it the one where
you caught an unexpected laugh?
Candid photography is how you can really capture the
personality and spirit of your subjects, say the experts.
George Lange, author of the new book, The Unforgettable
Photograph: 228 Ideas, Tips, and Secrets for Taking the Best
Pictures of Your Life, says the secret to great photography is
shooting what a moment feels like, rather than what it looks
like. He is offering all family photographers whether they
are using a point-and-shoot, a top-end manual camera or
smartphone tips for capturing their loved ones in special
and unique ways.
Be in the moment. Fight the nostalgic impulse to take a
picture designed to memorialize the moment for future
generations. Instead, be in the moment, shoot in the
moment. Encourage inspiration by gathering your family
in a place where everyday moments occur, such as the
backyard or porch.
Ditch the zoom. Move your feet, bend your knees, get your
pants dirty. Get low. Climb above. Get down to the eye-level

of the subject. Dont zoom the lens unless its completely

necessary. Push your camera right into things.
See the light. Light is the photographers palette and
toolbox, a kind of visual thesaurus that offers a thousand
ways to portray the same scene or subject. Learn to play
with it.
Feel the rhythm. Theres a natural rhythm to life. Outside
the studio, every scene has its own rhythm, every place its
beat. Listen for that. If youre in sync and just a little bit
lucky, the shutter will open at just the right beat.
Keep shooting. Often I see people spending more time
examining the shots theyve just taken on their camera
screen than taking more pictures. This is not productive!
says Lange. You cant predict when youll get a good shot
in a sequence, and you certainly cant see it on a tiny screen.
Just keep shooting. No harm asking most subjects for a doover and another. For kids its a game.
Use objects out of context. Props often make portraittaking easier by giving subjects something to relate to and
play with, distracting them from the camera. Props taken out
of context a dining chair on a lawn, even in a snowstorm
immediately add interest and fun.
By rethinking the way you shoot your familys holiday
portrait, you can add depth and emotion to your family
photo album this year.
More photography tips can be found at wwwunforgettablephotograph.com. [STATEPOINT]

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

BUTTONEDUP
cheap and fun gift-exchange party ideas
By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore | Scripps Howard News Service

When you are on a budget, the holiday gift-giving

season can be a seriously stressful time of year,
especially if you are the type of person who loves
getting together with others to swap gifts.
Dont despair. If your wallet is feeling the pinch this
year, there are wonderful ways to organize gift-giving
gatherings that cost next to nothing, are loads of fun
and create lasting memories for all involved.
Dont believe us? Weve got more than just a few
ideas for you below and there are many other
inexpensive ways to throw a holiday gift exchange.
All it takes is a little creativity.
All of the gifts brought to the various exchanges
below can be handed out via Secret Santa draws,
or by playing a game such as Dirty Santa (http://
dirtysantarules.blogspot.com/) or bingo or even a
variation on musical chairs.

The dollar gift exchange. This is perfect for the

office, where everyone feels obligated to buy a gift
for colleagues, but most have no idea where to start
and cant afford anything big. Invite everyone to a
gift-giving event but specify on the invitation that
no one is allowed to bring a gift costing more than
a dollar. Tell everyone to visit a thrift store or dollar
store and find a fun gag or useful gift. Place all the
gifts on a table and, at a certain time, have everyone
grab a gift (not their own) from the pile and open
it. The resulting laughter and conversation are often
legendary.
The home wrap-up. Ask participants to bring
something fun from home. They can make a music
mix, gently used DVDs, a pack of light bulbs, crafts
or just about anything they already own or made at
home. The only requirement is that it be something
people want.

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

The beverage exchange. Invite participants to bring their

favorite alcoholic or other beverage to trade. When you play
Dirty Santa or Bingo with this gift, people will get a variety of
options beer, wine, peppermint schnapps, tequila, scotch,
hot chocolate mix and more.
The re-gift giving. This is a great activity to have just after
Christmas. Everyone gets gifts they wont use or dont need,
so this is the perfect time to repackage those gifts up and give
them to someone else.
The ugly-sweater exchange. Ask everyone to bring an ugly
Christmas sweater they already have in their closet (most
people own at least one). Play Dirty Santa and trade the
sweaters between all participants. Put them on and then take
a great picture of all the participants. Frame the photo and it
will bring lasting memories to everyone.
Edible exchange. Invite everyone to bring a yummy edible
gift to the party. They can make these themselves or buy
something. It can be sweet or savory. After exchanging gifts,
everyone can share in their goodies.
The book exchange. Who doesnt like to read? Who wouldnt
love to swap a book theyve already read for a new one? Book-

MESSENGER
POST MEDIA

advertising supplement

exchange parties are a perennial favorite, although as people

shift their libraries to digital versions, this type of party may
become obsolete. So host one before its too late! You could
even choose a special theme and ask participants to bring
books related to the theme.
The crafty gift. Hold a gift-giving party where the participants
actually roll up their sleeves and make something each attendee
would want to give as a gift to someone not at the party. You
can make interesting Christmas-tree ornaments, figurines or
other decorative items. Just be sure to have the materials on
hand and a printout of the assembly instructions.
These are just a few fun gift-giving events you can hold with
friends, kids or family. All of them are a wonderful reminder
that the holidays are all about sharing your time, not your
wallet.
Have you ever had a creative gift exchange? What did you
do?
The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company
dedicated to helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas
and questions to yourlife@getbuttonedup.com. Distributed by
Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com

a division of gatehouse media inc.

73 buffalo street canandaigua ny 14424
585.394.0770
www.MPNnow.com

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

Bake eat repeat

Comforting casserole recipes
by alissa harb | relish

Faced with hosting a dinner during the holiday season,

casseroles can be nothing short of a lifesaver. Whether
accounting for an entire meal or a hearty, filling side, a casserole
is a warm, stick-to-your ribs dish that will fit right in with your
cozy holiday atmosphere. Three tips for making the most of all
your holiday casseroles:
Dont be afraid to substitute ingredients for something
fresher or more flavorful. Instead of crispy fried onions from
a canister (that many traditional casseroles suggest) try frying
up your own fresh onions or shallots, with or without a little
breading. Try crisping up some smoky bacon or prosciutto to
sprinkle on top of your finished product. And of course, lest we
forget the cheese, you can always consider choosing a cheese
to melt atop your one-dish-wonder if your recipe doesnt
already call for one.
Practice time management. Casserole bake-time affords
the perfect opportunity for multi-tasking, particularly if your
guests are of the last-minute variety. While your dish is in the
oven, youll have plenty of time to whip up a quick salad or tidy
up and set the table.
Make it a theme night! Breakfast casseroles or casseroles with
international ingredients provide an excellent excuse for a
theme night, perfect when youre in need of distraction from
holiday stress.

Butternut Squash and Cheese Panade

10 slices artisan-style multigrain or whole-wheat bread
(about 12 oz.)
2 sweet onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 cubes
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 T. chopped fresh sage or 1 t. dried
2 t. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 t. dried
1 1/4 t. salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
4 C. homemade or canned reduced-sodium
chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2 C. (6 oz.) grated gruyere or Swiss cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Tear bread into 1 pieces and bake until crisp,
stirring once, 10-12 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 400.
Combine onion and squash in a large bowl. Add oil, sage, thyme, salt
and pepper. Toss well. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast until onions begin to brown and squash is fork-tender, 22 to 25
minutes.
Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or 12 (1-cup) or 6 (2-cup) ovenproof
bowls or ramekins with cooking spray. Place bread in a single layer in
the bottom of pan or bowl. Distribute half the squash mixture over
bread. Sprinkle on half the cheese. Repeat layers.
Slowly pour in 2 cups broth over top, allowing bread to soak up broth
and pressing with the back of a spoon. Add remaining broth until it
reaches 1 inch below the pans rim.
Reduce oven heat to 375. Cover pan with aluminum foil and place it
on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake, covered, 30 minutes. Remove
foil and bake 35-45 minutes, until bubbling, puffed and golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 12 servings.
Recipe by Lynne Sampson Curry
Continued on Page 15...

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014

Calendar of events

Now through December 14: Granger Homestead

Festival of Trees features over one-hundred items
are displayed each year at the Granger Mansion.
Visitors from all over the region come to get into
the holiday spirit by walking through the festively
decorated, holiday wonderland. $5/adults, $4/seniors
and members, $1/students k-12, under 5 free. 295
North Main Street, Canandaigua, 585-394-1472, www.
grangerhomestead.org.
Now through December 17: George Eastman House
Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display This
popular holiday tradition returns for its 19th season.
Dozens of cleverly designed and decorated gingerbread
creations will be on view throughout the museum.
Clever confections from professional bakers, families,
and community groups. Each is available for purchase
via silent auction. 900 East Avenue, Rochester, www.
eastmanhouse.org.
Now through December 17: A Christmas Carol The
sparkling classic returns for the entire family, full of
magic, music and holiday tradition. Wilson Mainstage,
Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd., box office
585-232-4382, www.gevatheatre.org.

Now through December 18: George Eastman House

Tabletop Tree Display & Auction Pre-lit, 3 trees
decorated by local businesses, displayed throughout
the historic house. Trees available for purchase in a
silent auction. Proceeds go toward providing fresh
flowers in the historic house year-round. 900 East
Avenue, Rochester, www.eastmanhouse.org.
Now through January 4: Holiday Laser Show
A special holiday treat bringing you a wide variety
of music via the Star Theaters fine sound system,
choreographed with colorful and dramatic laser light.
The music selections come from the festive, public side
of the holiday season. 50 minutes. Appropriate for
younger children. Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East
Avenue, Rochester, 585-271-4320, www.rmsc.org.
November 28 & 29: Holiday Open House: Legacy
at the Fairways, 681 High St., Victor, 9 am-4 pm,
informal tours and refreshments provided, free.
November 28-30: Flying Whale Studios & Friends
Artist Open House & Holiday Sale Friday 5-8 pm,
wine tasting 6-8 pm; Saturday 9 am-5 pm; Sunday 11
am-4 pm. 30 regional artists offer fine art photography,
handcrafted holiday sculptures and decorations,
artisan glass, pottery, jewelry, candles and more, free
admission, refreshments and prizes. 143 William Street,
Geneva, 585-719-1499, www.flyingwhalestudios.com.
November 28-30: The Rochester Folk Art Guild Holiday Festival of Crafts, Friday & Saturday 10am5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm. Admission $2, free with
invitation printed from www.folkartguild.org. Free
parking. Harley School, 1981 Clover Street, Rochester.
November 29: Miniatures Vendors Show and Sale:
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, 10 am-4pm, miniature
furniture and accessories for dollhouses, admission
to show included in reduced museum admission, $6
($2.50/ages 7-18, free 6/younger), 8419 Rt. 54, Hammondsport, www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org.
November 29: Naples Holiday Bazaar: Maxfield
Memorial Bingo Hall, 8181 Maxfield Road, Naples,

10am-5pm, gift ideas such as pottery, fresh wreaths

and greens, textiles, clothing, jewelry, maple products
and more, proceeds benefit Naples Fire Department.

November 30-December 6, 13, 14 & 21: Pictures with

Santa at the Apple Shed 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge
Road, Newark, 315-331-6294, theappleshed.com.

November 29: Holiday Open House: The Lehigh

Valley Railroad Station Museum, 8 E. High Street,
Shortsville, 10am-5pm, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society, visit with Santa, balloon artists, carolers, operating model train displays;
snacks, beverages, gift items for purchase, free admission with donations welcome, visit www.lvrrhs.org or
call (585) 289-9149.

December 1: Universal Worship Service 5:15-6pm,

candle lighting ceremony honoring all the religions
traditions of the world, known and unknown. Sufi
Order of Rochester Center for Sufi Studies, Carriage
House behind AAUW Mansion, 494 East Avenue,
Rochester, www.sufiorderofrochester.org.

November 29: Christmas in the Village: Downtown

Victor and Mead Square Park, 10am-5pm, holiday
celebration with music, costumed characters, activities like face painting, cookie decorating and horse
and pony rides, Girl Scout Cake Bake at Town Hall,
horse-drawn wagon rides (11am-3pm), concluding
with tree-lighting ceremony at 5pm with Santa and
Mrs. Claus.
November 29: Breakfast with St Nick 9:30 & 12:30pm.
The Genesee Country Village & Museum invites kids
to crawl up on Santas lap and whisper their innermost
wishes. The Meeting Center will be decorated for the
season and serving a kid-delicious breakfast in addition
to the encounter with the 19th-century style Jolly Old
Elf. Each child will receive a 19th-century treat from
Santa. $12/pp. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, 585260-8218, www.gcv.org.
November 29: 38th Annual Irondequoit Craft Sale,
Sponsored by the Irondequoit High School Baseball
Club. 10am-4pm. 80 vendors offering a wide variety of
crafts including holiday items. Refreshment available.
Free admission. Handicapped accessible. Cafeteria,
Irondequoit High School, 260 Cooper Road.
November 29, December 6 & 13: Christmas
with Santa at Springdale Farm Enjoy a visit with
Santa and Mrs. Claus, a breakfast of pancakes and
sausage, childrens holiday crafts, petting zoo and
more! $9 pp (children under age 2 are free sitting on
parents lap). Space is limited! Tickets are available
at Wegmans. Breakfast seatings are at 9, 10, 11am &
noon. Colby Street, Spencerport, 585-349-2090, www.
springdalefarm.com.
November 29: Shortsville Railroad Station Museum
Holiday Open House, 10am-5pm, Santa Claus will
be on hand to visit with children. Balloon artists
and carolers will provide entertainment. The station
museum will be decorated for the holidays and will
have operating model train displays. Snacks, beverages,
and gift items will be sold at the station. Admission is
free, donations are welcome. Station museum at 8 East
High Street, Shortsville, 585-289-9149, www.lvrrhs.
org.
November 30: Free Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
in Downtown Canandaigua, 1-4pm, by Gladacres
Farms, 585-396-0300.
November 30: Wild Wings 7th Annual Shopping
is for the Birds Sale, 9am-3pm. Tons of gift items
including a variety of animal-themed clothing, wildlife
books, holiday handpainted ornaments, plush, various
nature items, gift baskets and photography! All
proceeds benefit Wild Wings. Mendon Ponds Park,
334-7790, www.wildwingsinc.org.

December 1: Holiday Fun Concert 7:30pm. Penfield

Symphony Orchestra. Adults $14, seniors $12, students
free. Penfield High School Auditorium, 585-872-0774,
www.penfieldsymphony.org.
December 1: Annual NWCH Tree of Lights
Ceremony. 7:30pm, lobby of Newark-Wayne
Community Hospital.
December 1-15: Festival of Trees 10am-8pm. Trees
sold via silent auction. Wayne County Nursing Home,
Nye Road, Lyons, www.waynecountynursinghome.
org.
December 1-22: Memorial Art Gallery Special
December Store Hours Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm,
Thursday until 9pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. 500 University
Avenue, Rochester, 585-276-9010, maggallerystore.
com.
December 2: Candlelight Night 4-9pm. Annual
holiday celebration in the Village of Pittsford featuring
live music, carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, visits
with Santa and the lighting of village Christmas trees.
Many merchants offer holiday treats and special sale
items as well. www.townofpittsford.org.
December 4: Sodus Chamber Christmas Party. 6pm,
open to public. Sodus Center Fire Hall. RSVP by Dec
1, (315) 576-3818.
December 4: 21st Annual Park Avenue Holiday
Open House 5-9pm. Free. Evening of holiday
entertainment, seasonal fun and horse-drawn wagon
rides. Hospitality at more than 80 businesses. Outdoor
festivities from Alexander Street to Culver Road,
with the street decorated with beautiful lights. Bring
your family and friends for festivities beginning with
Opening Ceremony at 5pm on Barrington Street. 585721-3299, www.park-avenue.org.
December 4 - January 18: Rochester Contemporary
Art Centers 24rd Annual Members Exhibition.
Hundreds of artists! Opening Reception: December 4,
6-9pm. 137 East Avenue (between Scio & Gibbs), 585461-2222, www.rochestercontemporary.org
December 5: Hochstein Winter Dance Gala, 7:30pm.
Annual dance showcase with Ballet, Flamenco, LatinCaribbean, Modern, Tap and more. Family friendly
performance. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N.
Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, 585-454-4596
December 5: A Night in Bethlehem: A Dramatized
Live Nativity 6-8:30pm, free outdoor walk through five
scenes of the very first Christmas. Followed by caroling
around the shepherds fire. Warm up inside with crafts,
games, refreshments. For all ages. 1188 Jackson Road,
Webster, 585-872-2660, www.crossroads-communitychurch.org.
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Calendar of events

December 5: A Christmas Carol 7-9:30pm. 25

characters in Charles Dickens famous story are
brought to life by the talented Kim Tenreiro who
brings to life the true spirit of the story. Free, donations
welcomed to benefit Hands of Hope Kitchen. St. Peters
Church, 44 Main Street, Bloomfield.
December 5: Village of Macedon Tree Lighting and
Veterans Torchlight with Santa and Happy Elf in
Parade 6pm, refreshments, free. Village Hall, 81 Main
Street.
December 5 & 6: Holiday Boutique. Artisans and
crafters fill the museum. Lunch served 11am-2pm.
Boutique 10am-6pm. Wayne County Museum, 21
Butternut Street, Lyons. www.waynehistory.org.
December 5 & 6: Christmas Prism Concert 7:30pm.
Savior of the Nations Come! is an artistic exploration
of the joy of Christmas manifest through music,
dance, visual art and poetry. Celebrate and revel in the
sights and sounds of this glorious season. Tickets $10/
adults, $5/children under 12 & seniors over 65, www.
houghton.edu/prism. Friday, Browncroft Community
Church, 2530 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester. Saturday
dinner, $30, 6pm, concert 8pm, Houghton College.
December 5 & 6: Metro Justices 33rd Annual
Alternative Fair Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 10am-2pm.
Thousands of unique fair trade, earth friendly and
locally produced goods supporting a strong local
economy and sustainable world. Holiday shopping at
prices everyone can afford. Pottery, textiles, jewelry,
fine art, toys, games, ornaments and much more.
Donation $3 over age 12. First Unitarian Church, 220
S. Winton Road, Rochester, 585-325-2560.
December 5 & 6: Christmas Bazaar Friday 9-11am,
1:30-5pm, Saturday 8am-noon. December 7 Free
Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Come on out and enjoy!
After filling up on pancakes, shop at the Christmas
bazaar with unique items for gift giving. Donations for
breakfast gratefully accepted. LeTourneau Christian
Camp, 4950 County Road 11, Rushville, 585-554-3400
or lccmail@letourneau.org.
December 6: Historic Palmyra Candlelight Holiday
Homestead Tour. Begin at the Wm. Phelps General
Store, 4-8pm. Different homes, amazing architecture.
(315) 597-6981. www.historicpalmyrany.com.

December 6: Sonnenbergs Holiday Tour of Homes

Tour elegant homes decorated for the holidays in
historic Canandaigua. 11am-4pm. Sonnenberg
Mansion will be open to the public, cookies and
punch served throughout the day. $22, $25 day of
tour. 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, 585-3944922, www.sonnenberg.org.
December 6: Holiday Open House at the Humane
Society, 10am-2pm. Stop by for coffee, cider and
cookies, visit the animals and browse our gift case
to purchase something for your furry friends. 1475
County House Road, Lyons, www.hswaynepets.org.
December 6: Open House at Iroquois White Corn
Project 11am-4pm. Experience Native American
history, see a bit of what life was like more than 200
years ago. Featuring delicious Iroquois White Corn

recipe samplings and an opportunity to purchase

meaningful and unique gifts. Ganondagan State
Historic Site Farmhouse, 7191 County Road 41,
Victor, 585-924-5848, www.ganondagan.org.

December 6: Phelps Hometown Christmas Get

into the holiday spirit! 6pm. Santa will arrive on a
fire engine to light the town Christmas tree. Holiday
vendors, hot chocolate, cookie walk, holiday crafts,
pictures with Santa, letters to Santa, cake auction
and more entertainment. Front lawn of the Phelps
Community Center, 8 Banta Street, 315-548-5691,
phelpsny.com.
December 6: Family Holiday Fest, Sodus Point
Community Center. 11am-2pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus
will make a visit. Cookies, hot cocoa, door prizes,
games and fire truck rides.
December 6: 46th Annual Wassail Bowl & Sale
presented by the Geneva Historical Society, 10am2pm. Fresh wreaths, greens, kissing balls, table
decorations and tree ornaments. Handcrafted items,
baked goods, attic treasures, gently used Christmas
decorations and Wassail Bowl raffle. Wassail, a
traditional spiced cider, will be available for tasting.
Free admission. All proceeds benefit the Geneva
Historical Society. The Presbyterian Church, 24 Park
Place, Geneva, 315-789-5151.
December 6: Holiday Gift Shop Open House,
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society, 10am3pm. Find all those special, individual items needed to
make your Christmas giving and decorating personal
and unique. 4130 Mill St., Pultneyville. 315-589-9892.
www.w-phs.org.
December 6: 28th Annual Corn Hill Holiday Tour
of Homes Traditional walking tours, 10am & 1pm,
$25. Tour the beautiful homes of historic Corn Hill,
adorned in holiday splendor. Refreshments. Tickets:
262-3142, www.cornill.org.
December 6: Annual Crafts for a Cause Holiday
Craft Show 9am-3pm. Free. Come do your holiday
shopping and support local artists and a good cause!
Door prizes, raffles and concessions. Eastside Family
YMCA, 1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield,
585-341-4000.
December 6 & 7: Spencerport Community Chorus
Free Holiday Concert Saturday 7pm, Sunday 3pm.
Songs of the season. Guest performers at both
concerts will be members of the Amadeus Chorale.
Handicapped accessible. Free refreshments follow
each concert. Ogden Presbyterian Church, 2400 South
Union Street (Route 259), 585-352-6223.
December 7: Annual Holiday Open House at
Marbletown Schoolhouse and Newark-Arcadia
Museum noon-4pm. Arts and crafts. Newark Arcadia
Museum, 120 High Street, Newark and Marbletown
Schoolhouse, 6631 Miller Road, Newark, 315-3316409, www.newarkarcadiahistory.org.
December 9-14: Rodgers and Hammersteins
Cinderella - The Musical. Be swept away by the
twinkling timeless of Cinderella, the definitive rags
to wonderful story that has charmed and inspired
audiences all over the world since first broadcast

with the legendary Julie Andrews on CBS in 1957.

Auditorium Theater, 875 East Main Street, Rochester
www.rochester-theater.com.
December 12 & 13: 5th Annual Free Live Nativity
Hayride Friday 6:30-8:30pm, Saturday 5:30-8:30pm.
Begin your Christmas celebration with an adventure
back in time and encounter the wonder of Jesus
birth. This outdoor drama provides an unforgettable
experience! Approximately 20 minutes. Warm up with
hot cocoa and cookies. Avon Wesleyan Church, corner
of West River Road|Rt. 5, Caledonia, 226-3577.
December 13: Stellas Free Winter Festival! 9-5pm.
Visit from Santa! Each child gets a prize. Refreshments.
Flowers by Stella, 1880 Rochester Road (Rt. 332),
Canandaigua, 585-394-1830.
December 13: Santa Skydives into Stokoe Farms 1pm
arrival. For over 10 years Santa has been skydiving
into Stokoe Farms to visit children and spread holiday
cheer to all! Check www.facebook.com/stokoefarm for
updates. 656 South Road, Scottsville, 585-889-0770,
www.stokoefarms.com.
December 13: Christmas Cookie Sale, 10am til
all sold out. Cookies good enough to give as a gift
will feature decorated cutouts, fruit and nut filled,
gingerbread, fudge, and many holiday specialties. $7/
pound. The First United Methodist Church, 301 South
Main Street, Newark, 315-331-3895.
December 13: Lyons Community Center 17th
Annual Holiday Bazaar Breakfast with Santa (fee),
free photos with Santa, holiday music and shopping
bazaar with over 95 vendors 9am-4pm. Elsa, Anna and
Olaf 10am-3pm. FREE. 9 Manhattan Street, 315-9466202, www.lyonscc.org.
December 13: Hochstein Holiday Singers 3pm.
Youth Singers, Hochstein Singers and Little Singers
in concert. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 North
Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, 585-454-4596, www.
polishheritagerochester.org.

December 15: Moscow Ballets Great Russian

Nutcracker 7pm. Star-studded dancers perform
with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas
trees and astounding, Olympic-worthy ballet moves.
Delight in the experience and celebrate the beauty of
the holidays! Rochester Broadway Theatre League.
Auditorium Theatre, 885 East Main Street, Rochester,
box office 585-222-5000, www.rbtl.org.
December 15: Holiday Cookie Walk and Bake Sale
10am until sold out. Holiday cookies, cheesecake,
candy, pies, brownies, cakes, flavored popcorn and
much more. Wayne County Nursing Home, 1529 Nye
Road, Lyons.
December 18: Heinrich Schutz: Christmas Story
This holiday program features Thatcher Lyman,
tenor; Adelaide Boedecker, soprano; and singers and
baroque instrumentalists from the Eastman School of
Music. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue,
Rochester, 585-274-1100, free with gallery admission.
December 18-20: RPO Gala Holiday Pops Friday 8pm,
Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 2pm. A perfect way to
ring in the holiday season, with tenor Doug LaBrecque
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an RPO favorite! Youll enjoy favorites

such as White Christmas, Winter
Wonderland, Silent Night, Sleigh Ride,
Ave Maria, and more. Kodak Hall at
Eastman Theatre, 433 East Main Street,
Rochester, 585-454-2100, rpo.org.

December 19: Come Hide with Me

at Liberty Cottage All the shopping,
decorating, wrapping, baking and
errands are finished and all you want is a
little bit of time to yourself. Now that you
have completed gifts for others, bring
your current project, plan a new one or
just relax and do nothing but enjoy good
conversation, holiday treats, punch and
share the spirit of the season with new
and old friends. 116 South Main Street,
Canandaigua, 585-393-1070, www.
libertycottage.com
December 20: 3rd Annual Reindeer Run
5k, check in 7:30am, race starts 8:30am,
kids series 9:15am, awards 9:45am.
Sprint over for downtown Rochesters
only all-ages winter 5K event and kids
race series. Reindeer antlers are available
to the first 1,700 registrants, including
kids run participants. One Manhattan

Square, Rochester, 585-410-6365, www.

museumofplay.org
December 20: 32nd Annual Tuba
Christmas 3pm. $3 admission.
Hochstein Performance Hall, 50
North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester,
rochestertubachristmas@gmail.com.
December 20 & 21: The Nutcracker,
Presented by the New York State Ballet,
2pm. This magical rendition of the classic
fairy tale centered on a German familys
Christmas Eve celebration and a
dreamland filled with a cast of fanciful
characters. Get swept away in the holiday
spirit with Tchaikovskys unforgettable
music and breathtaking dance. Callahan
Theater, Nazareth College Arts Center,
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, http://
boxoffice.naz.edu.

December 30: Kwanzaa Family Day

noon-5pm. Join us at our family day
celebration. Celebrate the African
American cultural holiday with familyfriendly art activities, storytelling, tours,
music and dance performances, Kwanzaa
ceremony, and more. $5 suggested family
donation. Memorial Art Gallery, 500
University Avenue, Rochester, 585-2768900, mag.rochester.edu

Scalloped Sweet and White Potatoes

1 pound white
potatoes, peeled and
cut into 2 cubes
1 pound sweet
potatoes, peeled and
cut into 2 cubes
2 T. butter
3 T. flour
2 1/2 cups 2 percent
reduced-fat milk
4 oz. aged shredded
white Cheddar cheese
or Comt cheese
2 oz. finely grated Romano cheese
Cover potatoes with cold water in a large saucepan. Bring to
a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 10 minutes. Drain
well in a colander. Preheat oven to 350.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add
flour and whisk until smooth. Add milk, stirring until thickened,
about 10 minutes. Add Cheddar or Comte cheese and stir until
melted.
Combine potatoes and cheese sauce in a shallow gratin dish.
Sprinkle with Romano cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and
bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes. Serves 4.
Recipe by Jill Melton

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holiday TRADITIONS NOVEMBER 27, 2014