Glow Big or Go Home

Are you the type who hangs a tasteful wreath on the door? Or do you believe every shrub, shutter, and shingle deserves its own extension cord? Either way, plan to jumpstart your joy with these holiday displays.

Gardens Aglow in Boothbay, ME sends visitors through a forest filled with seasonal colors. In Brooklyn, NY, Dyker Heights turns decorating into a neighborhood-wide competition. Expect giant Santas, glowing reindeer, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Prefer palm trees with your holly jolly? St. Augustine, FL blankets its historic downtown in millions of white lights. Farther west in Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain winter wonderland sparkles with the twinkle of more than 6 million lights.

The Midwest gets merry at Chicago's Lincoln Park ZooLights, where you can partake in seasonal treats as you watch animal-inspired displays come to life. Down south in Texas, the Austin Trail of Lights illuminates Zilker Park with rainbow-colored trees and illuminated tunnels while guests enjoy a variety of activities and musical performances.

Experience Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where the plants may be sleeping, but the pathways are wide awake. Even better, the display uses only LED lights, making the sparkles more sustainable. On the West Coast, Riverside, CA drapes the Mission Inn and surrounding downtown in glorious, over-the-top decorations.

If traveling isn't on your list, check your local zoo, botanical garden, or even neighborhoods that put on their own show. Some displays are made for walking, while others let you admire everything from the convenience of your car. Either way, bring enough cocoa to share and leave plenty of time to take it all in.

Know Before You Glow!
Use this handy checklist to make sure you don't miss out on any merriment.

• Is it open tonight?
• Do you need tickets or reservations?
• What time is the last entry?
• Is it a walk-through or drive-through display?
• What's the weather forecast?
• Are food and drinks available, or can you bring your own?

Holiday Support for Small Business Has Big Benefits

Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday highlights local merchants and encourages neighbors to patronize stores in their own backyards.

These shops rely on local commerce year-round, but as the holiday retail season kicks off, Small Business Saturday is a reminder of the important role small businesses play in our communities. The day offers an opportunity to support job creation, enjoy friendly service, and discover unique gifts by local artisans.

Beyond supporting local merchants, the sales tax you pay on locally sourced goods helps fund essential public services like fire and police, as well as schools, parks, and infrastructure. That means spending locally positively impacts your community all year. Holidays or not, that’s worth celebrating.

It's Not too Early To Deck the Halls

Whatever your family traditions, the holiday season can be a frenzy of parties, shopping, baking, and travel plans. But experts say this simple hack can ease the season's emotional toll.

Decorate early … as early as you want, even if it's the moment the jack-o'-lanterns go into the compost bin.

Mental health advocates encourage us to forget misconceptions about the appropriate timing for holiday decorating. In fact, they say the early appearance of outdoor lights and decorations sends a welcoming message to the neighbors. Bonus: It's easier to haul boxes around your yard in nicer weather.

Tapping into festive cheer earlier provides a mood booster. Unpacking favorite ornaments fosters memories of loved ones and holidays past. Simply planning your design scheme is a way to practice mindfulness, a habit that helps manage stress and mood.

As the days grow shorter, the twinkling lights in the trees and a glow under the eaves bring much-needed light, literally and figuratively, especially for those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Some holiday stress is unavoidable, but starting a new tradition of early decorating may be just the lift you need this year.

Unbearably Fun Polar Bear Facts

Chill out and celebrate Polar Bear Week with these cool facts.

• Dependent on marine ecosystems, polar bears are the only bear species classified as marine mammals.
• At over eight feet long and weighing around 1,500 pounds, polar bears are the largest land carnivores.
• Polar bear fur is translucent but appears white because it reflects light.
• When they're born, polar bear cubs are roughly the size of a guinea pig. Cubs will stay with their mothers for more than two years to learn survival skills.
• Polar bears have black skin, which scientists believe helps them absorb solar warmth.
• A grizzly and a polar bear can produce hybrid offspring, known as "grolar bears."

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Ingredients
3 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small yellow onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 qt. chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (8-oz.) pkg. Neufchatel cheese

Optional Toppings:
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Bacon crumbles
Chopped green onions

Directions
Add potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to a large slow cooker. Cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 7–8 hours.

After cooking, add cheese in chunks to slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30–40 minutes. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed, and serve with optional toppings.

Serves 6–8