Holiday Wrap-Up in Omaha, NE

This holiday season is here! After enjoying Thanksgiving with those we hold dear, most of us have quickly shifted into high gear in preparation for the next major celebrations on the horizon. This is the prime month for all things holiday, from packing in all of the festive parties and events to getting all of the last-minute plans and shopping handled. If you’re looking for suggestions regarding any of those things, we’ve certainly got you covered as there’s a wealth of great local businesses that excel at making the holidays merry and bright for all those they have the pleasure of serving!

All across the Omaha Metro there are fantastic places to find all of those last-minute gifts, and if you’re looking for something unique, look no further!

“Give-A-Tree Cards are a great and unique gift offered by the Arbor Day Foundation, where each card purchased plants a tree in one of America’s National Forests,” advises Rachel Schizas, Sales Manager at Lied Lodge & Conference Center. “Whether you choose a traditional printed card or an electronic version, the greeting can be customized with a photo and a personal message. For those who prefer something more traditional, Lied Lodge & Conference Center and Arbor Day Farm have several gift shops throughout the property. Whether it’s a homemade pie or Arbor Day Farm wine, we have a gift for everyone on your list. Gift cards are also a great gift idea during the holiday season. Recipients choose how to use it – for an overnight stay, spa treatments, meals in the Timber Dining Room, tickets/annual passes to the Tree Adventure and Arbor Lodge, and other merchandise.”

For those who will be stopping out during the holidays or still looking for a venue for a holiday party or gathering, she further advises, “Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm offer many one-of-a-kind experiences during the holiday season. The Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights is back by popular demand. Guests climb aboard the Arbor Day Farm enclosed trolley for a one-hour tour of historic Nebraska City’s best Christmas lights, while a storyteller reads the classic book, ‘The Polar Express’. And new this year, Christmas at the Mansion offers guests a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated back in the Victorian era. Guests will tour the 52-room Morton Mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, enjoying vintage décor, holiday themed displays, refreshments, and holiday music. Both daytime and evening/after-hours tours are available.

All year through, our staff is committed to making memorable experiences for each of our guests – and that’s even more important during the holiday season. Let us take the stress out of your planning process, whether it’s a company holiday party or a family gathering. We do all we can to help you focus on the real gift of the season — cherishing time together with others.

Here at Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm, we’re fortunate to offer so many activities during the holiday season which allow our guests to spend time together and enjoy one another’s company. Whether it’s a meal in our award-winning Timber Dining Room, a holiday themed experience like Christmas at the Mansion or the Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights, we truly have something for everyone. Our staff at Lied Lodge is here to help in any way possible and ready to exceed your expectations this holiday season and into the New Year.”

For the sports or fitness enthusiasts on your gift list, Play It Again Sports has a wide variety of options all in one convenient location.

“Play It Again Sports is a great one-stop shop for all your gifting needs for the holiday season!” says Richard Messina, owner of Play It Again Sports – Omaha. “Winter sports are underway and spring sports are right around the corner. Many of these athletes require multiple purchases of equipment for each sport.  Mouthguards make an awesome stocking stuffer, as do baseballs and softballs, lacrosse balls, hockey pucks, or sports socks and laces!   Need a little something extra for that hockey player you love at Christmas?  We have skate guards and training balls for stick handling drills as well as practice pucks called ‘Green Biscuits’ to play with when you are off the ice.  We have a large variety of laces for both figure skates and hockey skates. We also have lots of bike accessories that make great stocking stuffers for those bicycle enthusiasts in your life. Do you have a loved one that travels a lot but is also a fitness buff?  The perfect fitness gift that is lightweight and easily fits in a suitcase is a jump rope and some resistance bands.  Jump roping is a fantastic way to get in an aerobic workout in a short period of time.  Resistance bands are more anaerobic and help build muscle.  They come in a variety of thicknesses, depending on how much resistance you want in your workout.  Gift certificates (in any denomination) also fit nicely in Christmas stockings and are always appreciated by the athlete in your family.

If you don’t know what you want to get for someone you love, but you know they are interested in sports and fitness, come on over to Play It Again Sports and talk to one of our sales associates.  We would love to guide you through the different sections of our store that are pertinent to the interests of those on your gift list.  We really enjoy getting to know our customers so we can help meet their sports and fitness needs.  We do offer delivery and set-up if that is something you would like.  We also have a layaway plan for those who would like to pay a little at a time, but still pick up the equipment in time for Christmas.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we also offer 10% off any item to those who bring in any nonperishable food item or clothing donation.  It’s our way of saying thanks to our customers for their holiday generosity.  Someone could bring in a can of beans (or more if they choose) and save $100 or more on a new treadmill.  That’s a pretty good incentive to give to those less fortunate this time of year.

Our store hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.  Please drop by and let us help you brainstorm for those perfect gifts for the loved ones on your list.”

He adds, “Everyone knows that staying active and getting exercise helps reduce stress and is key to a healthy lifestyle. When the weather outside is preventing you from staying fit, work out at home with exercise equipment from Play It Again Sports.  We have a good selection of new and gently-used treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowers, benches and weights, boxing gloves and punching bags – many types of fitness equipment in a range of different price points.  Even if you aren’t looking for sporting goods for your loved ones, let us help reduce your financial stress with extra holiday cash!  Bring in your gently-used gear and let us make you an offer!  We buy the equipment you are no longer using all day, every day.  We pay cash on the spot, offer 20% more for in-store credit or will consign higher end equipment as well.”

You really can’t go wrong with gifts that incorporate a person’s hobbies, and likewise, you may even want to consider giving those on your list the gift of a new talent or experience.

“If you have a woodworker on your list, we’re your one-stop gift shop with thousands of woodworking items in stock,” says Gerry Phelan, owner of Midwest Woodworkers.  We realize that it can be hard to buy for a woodworker but we’ll be happy to help.  We’re woodworkers ourselves and we can offer gift suggestions and answer your questions.  Tell us a little about what your favorite woodworker makes and we’ll do our best to steer you towards gifts that they would appreciate.

If you have someone on your gift list who needs a creative outlet and has never tried woodworking but enjoys working with their hands, a woodworking class is a great choice.  There are a number of disciplines people can pursue, from carving to cabinet making and everything in between.  One very popular choice is to take the pen making class – even if they never try woodworking again, they will leave with a pen that they actually made themselves. And remember, woodworking isn’t just a guy thing; we are seeing more and more women getting involved.  We make sure everyone learns and has a great experience in our classes.

We always have new tools and special woodworking items for the holidays.  Remember that your time and attention is the best gift of all.  If you are able to make something special with your own hands, that gift has a much stronger personal connection.  If you are thinking of giving a certificate for a class, consider taking a class with them.  You can both enjoy learning and doing, while sharing some quality time together.

How about keeping your woodworker safe?  Did you know that there is a saw that can’t cut fingers off?  It has a brake mechanism that stops and retracts the blade instantly on contact with skin.  If you slip or make a mistake, you end up with a minor cut instead of dismemberment.  Imagine how good you would feel to give a gift like that to your woodworker.  Safety and a new tool – what a great gift!

If all else fails, you can be sure to make your woodworker very happy with a gift certificate.  We offer gift certificates in any amount that never expire and have no service charges.”

He further advises, “Be sure to pause occasionally to enjoy the season.  The holiday season should be fun and enjoyable, not a hassle.  Don’t worry about perfection; instead focus on the positive and making those around you happier. And stop in at Midwest Woodworkers to find that perfect gift with no rush, no crowds, and no pressure.   If you can’t make it to the store, email us with some ideas and we will do the research and get right back to you.”

Aside from finding unique gifts for family, friends, bosses, co-workers, clients – you get the idea – keep in mind that it’s also proper etiquette to bring a gift for the hosts of the holiday parties you’ll be attending. Instead of waiting until the last minute, consider purchasing a few generic gifts that most anyone would enjoy getting or be able to use.

“At Nouvelle Eve we offer an array of candles, lotions, and soaps including Simpatico, Barr and Co., and Capri Blue,” says Susie Keuck, owner of Nouvelle Eve. “We also love the cozy blankets, robes and pajama sets by Barefoot Dreams, PJ Harlow and PJ Salvage. We have several one of a kind designer jewelry pieces that make the best gifts and are non-size specific which also makes it a winner. Another great gift idea, Swell water bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours, hot drinks hot for 12 hours and are completely washable and reusable so it’s also a gift to our environment.

When it comes to gift shopping, I find it helpful to make a list with names, genders and ages. Nouvelle Eve prides itself on customer service and making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed when they step in our doors. We are here to make it effortless and yet special. If we can help you wrap up your holiday shopping please stop by. We also offer free gift wrap so it’s one stop shop and off to your event!

Happy Holidays to everyone from the passionate team at Nouvelle Eve. We love fashion and gifting and want to make it easy for you to love it too.”

Holiday parties are a major part of how we celebrate with one another so it’s no surprise that it’s largely what fills up our free time during the next month or two. Whether you’re still looking to plan your event or on to all of the finishing touches, you’re likely in good company. Not to worry, there’s still time to get everything in order!

After setting your date and deciding on your venue, then comes booking your vendors. As good food is a staple of any holiday party, the talents of an experienced culinary professional is oftentimes a necessity.

If you’re one of the many people who still have putting together a holiday meal on their to-do list, consider calling or stopping by Just Good Meat because it’s their specialty and they are always ready to help! “We have so much to offer for holiday parties and dinners,” says Sean Fuller, owner of Just Good Meat. “It’s as easy as letting us know your budget and any ideas you have – we’ll take it from there! Whether you need to bring a dish to a potluck, are in charge of the family meal, want to put together a holiday party spread or are in need of a caterer for your upcoming event, we have plenty of options for each. As you’d expect from our name, we always have a wide variety of meats to choose from including farm fresh and smoked whole turkeys, bone-in turkey breasts, bone-in or boneless old-fashioned dry cure ham, smoked prime rib and whole beef tenderloins, duck, geese and capons, just to name a few. Even better, every year we run specials on these items around the holidays as an added bonus. Along with the vast selection of main dishes to choose from, we have plenty of homemade sides available from garlic mashed potatoes to sage stuffing with sausage mixed in, all the way down to rolls and desserts. With the option to stop in and pick up items in the store, schedule an order for pick-up or delivery, or schedule our catering service, all with the ability to completely customize your meal, flexibility is our forte. While the majority of our offerings are always available at the store any time you pay us a visit, it’s important to be aware that some of the items such as the smoked prime rib are by pre-order only. Unless you’re already in the area, I highly recommend giving us a call first, if not to have everything ready when you do stop in but just to make sure that we have what you’re looking for and that you’re covered if it’s something that does in fact need to be pre-ordered. As we are all familiar, things get hectic during the holidays and time is precious, so it’s our pleasure to make your experience quick and simple. We look forward to serving those in the Omaha community this holiday season and we are honored to help make this year’s holiday meal one to remember.”

There’s never a shortage of sweet treats around during the holidays, that’s for sure. Your local bakery can help you with anything you could possibly think of, whether it’s picking up a tray on the way to the office or gathering, gift baskets for your friends or clients, desserts for your party or holiday meal, or even just satisfying a craving when you’re passing by.

“During the holidays our most popular items are our party trays, gift baskets and of course, our fancy decorated Christmas cookies!” says Michelle Kaiser, owner of Alotta Brownies Bakery. “This year we are offering more specialty candy items too, such as a wide variety of fudge. For those who enjoy baking during the holiday season, our gourmet mixes are perfect to add to any gift basket. The trays are generally a combination of cookies, candies, brownies, and pastries – a good variety gives you a better chance of pleasing everyone. Dessert items are perfect as corporate gifts, to bring with you to holiday parties, or if you’re hosting a holiday event. As the holidays can get quite hectic, we make it easy for our customers by offering the option of ordering customized items ahead of time to be picked up at a convenient time or having ready-made gifts available that are easy to grab on-the-go. Our trays can serve anywhere from 25 to 125 people, so let us know how many people and we can help you find the right fit. Whatever you need, don’t waste any time worrying about it just call us and tell us what you’re looking for and we can go from there! In fact, at Alotta Brownies Bakery we really love getting creative and coming up with fun ideas for our customers. We also make it a point to accommodate special requests and all budgets.”

She adds, “If you’re looking for a special dessert for a special event, our chocolate gateau is consistently one of our most popular and unique offerings. It’s essentially a flourless chocolate cake with a French white chocolate mousse and then a top layer of chocolate ganache. It is absolutely perfect for the holidays! We can also switch up the mousse filling to another flavor, such as salted caramel, peanut butter, crème de menthe – the sky is the limit as long as you pre-order it.”

“In the bakery world we love the holidays!” agrees RaChell Merklin, owner of Smallcakes: A Cupcakery of Omaha. “There are so many possibilities to choose from at Smallcakes and we are featuring some really great seasonal holiday flavors this month. From custom orders to picking up a few
items on-the-go, we’re definitely here to help you find your last minute sweet treats!”

She continues, “Our most popular or recommended holiday party and gift offerings are our minis. They are especially great because we offer a variety of flavors and they are perfect to grab quickly without having any mess to clean up afterwards as you would if you baked something yourself.

For corporate parties, our cupcakes are pretty great because our customers can chose from three different sizes and pick from over 100 flavors to have for their party. These can also be decorated in a fun way to go along with the party theme or to represent a company’s colors or brand. Cupcakes are also ideal for family gatherings where members may have particular flavors that they do or do not like and we are able to provide a wealth of different options. They are also are so easy to pick up and transport to the location and don’t take up as much space on a plate.

Aside from our specialty, cupcakes, our Ho-Ho’s, cake bites/pops, Whoopie Pies, cookies and gluten-free cupcakes are also perfect for a party or gift platter. Custom dessert arrangements provide a fun element of surprise and a variety of treats for everyone, even those who have dietary concerns.”

She adds, “When in doubt, gift cards are always a great party gift to give because you can purchase them for any amount you like. We also provide little messages that the customer can have written and put in the cupcake to give as a gift!”

You’ll likely find yourself on the attending end as well as the planning end of upcoming holiday festivities. Here are a few party planning tips that will make your life much easier during the holiday season:

• Establish a budget and stick to it. This will make it much easier to plan for everything else.

• Set up a holiday planning checklist. This might include guest list, invitations, venue, catering or bar services, entertainment, decorations, necessary supplies (it helps to make two checklists – items you have and items you need), table settings, gifts or party favors, and so on. You’ll also want to know in detail exactly what you are responsible for and what you’ve delegated to others or outsourced to your vendors so that nothing falls through the cracks.

• Limit the amount of food you will personally be responsible for preparing. There are many fantastic caterers that can provide you with a few simple dishes all the way up to an impressive spread. Alternatively, there are plenty more great places where you can pick up a really nice arrangement of items. This might be something like an appetizer or dessert tray all the way up to meals that are pre-assembled and can be put together or cooked with minimal time and effort. Remember, the grab-and-go finger food items are usually the most popular for a casual party where people are mingling whereas a meal with tableside service might be more appropriate for a formal party. As a unique way to get rid of any excess food, simply purchase some Chinese to-go boxes with the handles and leave them near the food with a fun sign welcoming people to take what they like.

• Think ahead as to how you can minimize clean-up after the party, such as eliminating the need for silverware or delegating a few clean-up tasks to be done periodically throughout the event so everything doesn’t pile up to be dealt with at the end. You could also simply fill a large plastic bin with warm, soapy water and keep it concealed in the kitchen so that you can toss dirty dishes in it to soak. For those who will be hosting holiday parties at their homes this year, consider utilizing a professional cleaning company to get everything presentable for your guests so that you can focus on other details. It’s all about teamwork and being smart about employing the resources that are available!

• Opt for self-serve drinks instead of getting complicated with the cocktail shaker (unless of course your venue will be providing you with bar service or is able to plan a drink menu for you). These days there are plenty of ways to get creative with the good ol’ punch bowl, especially thanks to Pinterest. Mix up a batch of sangria or a festive concoction with enough to serve your group, stock up on wine and beer, or pop the champagne in true holiday fashion and keep orange juice handy for those who’d go for a delicious mimosa.

• Add a few simple touches to set the mood. You don’t need to go over the top with decorations unless someone else is in charge of doing the decorating for you, because it’s likely that once everyone arrives they won’t even notice because they’ll be so busy enjoying themselves—conversing, eating, dancing, it is a party after all. Put together a nice centerpiece, turn the overhead lights down and use candlelight for a warm glow, and strategically place metallic or sparkly accents to instantly create a festive vibe.

• Arrange for entertainment. While getting everyone together will lead to some great stories to be told afterwards, it helps to have something fun for everyone to focus on. Consider an icebreaker, which will help all of the “plus ones” or employees from different departments feel more comfortable with one another. Holiday music is a must, but that doesn’t mean guests need to be subjected to the holiday greatest hits CD on replay. Get creative and hire a DJ, live music such as a band or holiday carolers, or set up karaoke. Or you could simply add a little variety by creating a playlist ahead of time that incorporates some holiday tunes with some favorite party tunes.

• Pay attention to the little things. Again, it’s a little bit different hosting a holiday party in your home versus at a local venue. There are some great tricks for those who opt for the first. Baby it’s cold outside, so consider renting a coat rack from a local party rental company – and make sure to ask if hangers are included! For guests who want to catch some fresh air or to accommodate smokers, you could also consider renting a firepit or an outdoor heater. Also, it’s nice to make sure there’s a good flow to the space so rearrange furniture accordingly.

From gifts to parties and everything in between, there are plenty of wonderful things about the holidays. While the holidays are generally an enjoyable time filled with all sorts of things to be grateful for and happy about, it is a time where many will struggle with effectively managing stress and depression. According to an article on www.psychologytoday.com, psychotherapist Dr. Barton Goldsmith provides 10 Tools for Dealing with Holiday Stress and Depression:

1. Keep your expectations balanced. You won’t get everything you want, things will go wrong, and you won’t always feel like Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas.” Remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect and don’t worry about things that are out of your control.

2. Don’t try to do too much. Fatigue, over-scheduling, and taking on too many tasks can dampen your spirits. Learn to say no, delegate as much as possible and manage your time wisely. If you choose to do less you will have more energy to enjoy the most important part of the season – friends and family.

3. Don’t isolate. If you’re feeling left out, get out of the house and find some way to join in. There are hundreds of places you can go to hear music, enjoy the sights or help those less fortunate.

4. Don’t overspend. Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. Remember it’s not about the presents, it’s about the presence.

5. It’s appropriate to mourn if you’re separated from or have lost loved ones. If you can’t be with those you love, make plans to celebrate again when you can all be together.

6. Many people suffer depression due to a lack of sunlight because of shorter days and bad weather. Using a full spectrum lamp for twenty minutes a day can lessen this type of depression called SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

7. Watch your diet and remember to exercise. It’s normal to eat more during the holidays, but be aware of how certain foods will affect your mood. If you eat fats and sweets, you will have less energy, which can make you feel more stressed and run down. It can be very helpful to take a walk before and/or after a big holiday meal.

8. Be aware of Post-Holiday Syndrome. When all the hustle and bustle suddenly stops and you have to get back to the daily grind it can be a real letdown. Ease out of all the fun by planning a rest day toward the end of the season.

9. Plan ahead as much as possible. Many people don’t go to the mall after Thanksgiving to avoid shopping stress and others do much of their party prep in advance.

10. Learn forgiveness and acceptance. If some of your relatives have always acted out or made you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you’re getting into, it will be easier to not let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable go to a movie or for a drive and adjust your attitude.

When it comes to finding the best gifts and putting the finishing touches on your holiday parties – all while keeping your stress level to a minimum and taking time to enjoy yourself during the holiday season – make sure to take full advantage of our local resources and be mindful of buying local whenever possible. There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than to support those in our community who are hard at work sharing their talents and expertise so that we all have the best of everything during the holidays. From our family here at Strictly Business to yours, we wish you a safe and blessed holiday season!