University of Wisconsin-Extension

Series: Help For The Holidays

The winter holidays are a time when families and friends often gather to share time and traditions. Preparing for these gatherings can be simultaneously joyful and stressful, but proper planning can help people can get the most out of the season, its celebrations and spirit, and renew relationships with others near and far.
 
Every year, my large, extended family gathers for the entire week of Thanksgiving, which also coincides with deer hunting season in Wisconsin. While we agree to get along, we also rarely talk about controversial topics.
Often sold during the holiday season in a decorated topiary form, the value of rosemary goes beyond its ornamental use.
As the winter holiday season arrives, many people travel to visit family and friends, give gifts and prepare traditional foods. But the many special occasions can place a strain on budgets.
Breads and cakes baked in glass jars and then sealed with canning lids are not safe to eat.
It's called by a variety of names around the United States: stuffing, filling and dressing. No matter the name, though, it is a favorite for Thanksgiving and through the holiday season.
Holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy traditions with family and friends. But for people trying to focus on their health, navigating calorie-laden foods and coping with busy schedules can be challenging.
Every once in awhile, winter traditions can lead to unexpected cases of insect activity inside homes. At the heart of these cases is the same phenomenon: an outdoor object brought inside and allowed to warm up.
Holidays often bring to mind iconic images of the whole family gathered around the dinner table. But when the imaginary tinsel and cooking aroma clears, the truth is that many families can't be together during the holiday season.
With so many varieties and sizes of live Christmas trees, making a suitable selection that stays fresh throughout the holiday season can be daunting.
The winter holiday season would not be complete without a traditional floral display of poinsettias. Known for their showy, colorful and often red-toned bracts and dark green leaves, poinsettias add a festive spirit and brighten homes when daylight is fleeting.