Holiday Wrap-Up

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

Sparkly and shiny are a staple during the holidays, extending into everything from décor to, you guessed it, gift ideas – namely jewelry! There are so many gorgeous gemstones, settings and styles to choose from right now, with special one-of-a-kind pieces in stock just for the holiday season. Dazzle that special person this year with a unique piece that they will treasure for years to come!

As many of us really take pride in our vehicles, and are interested in taking care of them because they are one of our major investments, there are plenty of gift ideas in this area that are sure to please.  The best part about this type of gift is that it is appreciated on a daily basis.  They enhance aspects such as the vehicle’s comfort, appearance, safety, and/or convenience and generally add to the overall enjoyment for the owner.  A gift certificate for a future service is generally the way to go, mainly so that the recipient can schedule an appointment that works best with his or her schedule, making it a quick and easy item to pick up anytime this month. Here are a few good ideas to consider:

–Give the gift of warmth to your loved ones with a remote car starter.  The current technology offered in remote car starters is truly amazing.  These systems can be started remotely from long distances—you don’t even have to be in the same city!  Furthermore, if you’re upgrading a vehicle that didn’t originally come with remote start capabilities, you’ll still be able use your factory key fob by simply pressing a sequence of buttons. Remote car starters are perfect for those who have to walk a distance from work, especially in the inclement weather we are very familiar with in Nebraska, and you can also unlock your vehicle remotely if someone else needs entry.  With the advances in phone apps, you can even use your phone to do all of this!

–Upgrades to a car’s audio and stereo are popular gift for anyone, young or old.  Hands-free elements are particularly useful and also much safer to use while driving, and DVD systems are great for anyone with kids.

–There’s no doubt that installing window film is one of the best ways to improve the look of a vehicle, which makes it a great gift idea!  The sleek, custom look as soon as installation is complete is a noticeable improvement—but that’s just one of the many benefits you’ll get from high quality, high performance tinting film.  It will also make the vehicle cooler and more comfortable, adds privacy, and protects the interior of the vehicle from fading.

–It is crucial to always make the safety of yourself and others your first priority, which includes never getting behind the wheel if you are impaired.  While many of us consider giving the gift of alcoholic beverages in some form or another, very few consider giving a tool that will save a person from worrying about whether he/she can safely and legally get behind the wheel or not.  Discrete handheld devices for testing a person’s blood alcohol level (BAC) come in quite handy.  This will ensure that you aren’t driving over the legal limit after leaving an event where you’ve enjoyed a couple of drinks.

All of these gift ideas and more can be found locally at GP Customs.  Robert Peinado, owner of GP Customs (www.gp-customs.com) , explains, “We take pride in staying on the cutting edge of technology and new products on the market, so this year let us help you decide which of the hottest trends would be the best fit for the people on your gift list.  At GP Customs, all of the products we offer are installed by trained professionals.  With plenty of experience on our side, you can trust that an industry professional will be helping you through the entire process from advising you on the latest technology to performing the installation.  Due to the progress in both design of newer vehicles and the technology incorporated, factory integration also plays a major role.  For example, in a brand new Lexus we would recommend Bluetooth integration as opposed to the installation of a CD player because the way that the dash is assembled makes it the best option, both aesthetically and functionally.  GP Customs goes above and beyond to give our customers top of the line product options as well as the highest quality workmanship and service.  Stop into our showroom at 16th and Cushman Drive this holiday season to see for yourself exactly what we have to offer—you won’t be disappointed!”

If you are a lady who is looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for your significant other, consider a spicy, romantic gesture this holiday season with boudoir photos. “Boudoir photographs are a unique, and likely unexpected, sentimental yet sexy gift for your guy,” says Jaime Incontro of Purple Sky Productions (www.purpleskyproductions.com) . “Boudoir photographs are tasteful studio pictures taken in your lingerie.  This might seem completely out of the realm of possibility for many women, but I strive to make my clients feel comfortable with both myself and their surroundings.  I’ve found that women not only love giving the images to their guy, but they walk away from the experience feeling empowered and sexy.  It is a great confidence boost as well as a special gift, no matter the occasion!”

Looking and feeling great is an important factor in being able to enjoy all of the holiday festivities and the gift of beauty and relaxation is always welcome too.

“We have everything from travel-sized products that are perfect for stocking stuffers to full size luxury hair, skin and body products that are always a treat to receive!” says Tasha Schmeichel, owner of Tranquility Salon & Spa (www.tranquilitydayspaandsalon.com) . “Gift cards are also available, which can be purchased in any dollar amount to be used towards services and/or products! We know how busy everyone gets with the holidays so if a guest is not able to make it in to purchase a gift card we will happily take payment over the phone and mail it to you or directly to the recipient! As we get closer to Christmas we also offer specials such as giveaways, discounts, and plenty of treats at our holiday open house. Additionally, we always offer a special on the first Tuesday of each month when all of our products are 20% off, which is a great time to stock up on your favorites and gifts for any occasion!”

She adds, “We recommend taking time for yourself during the holiday season as it can get rather stressful. Even if you can spare 30 minutes for a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage or our rejuvenating express facial, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on more holiday action. A hand and foot massage is always so relaxing and these even come with manicure and pedicure services. If you have a special event to attend or even if you’re just going out to dinner, come in to see our highly experienced stylists for a shampoo blowout with a scalp massage for a luxurious treat.

You might also consider treating others and hosting a holiday party at Tranquility Salon & Spa! We are opening a brand new salon and spa the beginning of January at Wilderness Hills Shopping Center and we cannot wait to welcome all of our guests!  We will be adding new services such as a blowdry bar, makeup bar, couples massage room, our new experience manicure and pedicure system, locker rooms w/steam showers, relaxation room and new products such as Aveda! Our phone number will stay the same and gift cards will carry over to our new location!  This is also perfect for those who want to host their holiday party after the actual holidays have passed. Give us a call and we’d be happy to provide you with plenty of options for your holiday party – we absolutely love spa parties and with our new location opening we promise to make it special for you and your guests. Whatever it may be we are here to pamper you and relax your mind and body!”

When it comes to an easy gift that’s safe because it allows the recipient the freedom to choose what they like, it’s true – gift cards are pretty great. Keep in mind that just about every business in town has gift cards available, so there is still a personal touch when you know the person well enough to get them a gift card to his or her favorite restaurant, boutique, or hangout spot.

“For the last minute shopper, or the one who wants to give something simple or just needs a little extra something to add into the mix, we offer gift cards,” says Jen Miseno of Sun Valley Lanes (www.sunvalleylanes.com) . “The great thing about a gift card is that it’s versatile. It can be used for open bowling, food and beverages, or to buy new bowling equipment.”

Sun Valley Lanes is not only a popular place to hang out with family and friends during the holidays, but it’s also got a full line-up of holiday parties this time of year. Miseno advises that if you haven’t nailed everything down quite yet, scheduling your party for January or even into February might be a good idea. “The biggest advantage is that you aren’t trying to compete with all the other parties, events and personal planning that everyone has going on this time of year.  Also, there is a better opportunity to get the time and date you want for your event.

She adds, “Especially if you are in charge of the event, make it a point to get all of the details ironed out now.  Then when it’s time for the party you can relax.  Our staff will help to create a fun atmosphere for all of your guests so you can enjoy the party too.”

“Probably the biggest advantage that we see with those who host their holiday parties after the actual holidays have passed is that everyone is a little more relaxed and not so hurried when they wait and have their party after the first of the year,” agrees Barb Ballard, owner of From Nebraska Gift Shop (fromne.com) and James Arthur Vineyards (www.jamesarthurvineyards.com) . “In fact, that is a trend that we’re seeing more every year, especially with businesses that are very customer service oriented. That’s exactly why we have our Christmas party here at JAV usually sometime in January. We can all take a deep breath and have fun knowing we’ve just made it through another holiday season!

If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a thought for a fun last-minute idea for a party or gathering – Buy a number of wines, including those from JAV, put them in brown bags and do a blind wine tasting. Have guests make notes and have fun trying a number of different styles of wine. Or, the winery makes a great place for an impromptu gathering, especially if family is in town. It’s a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy each other’s company while sipping on wine and enjoying some Nebraska-made food items.”

She continues, “At the From Nebraska Gift Shop in the Haymarket, it’s a one-stop shop for great gifts. We offer all Nebraska products; anything grown or made in Nebraska, from food items, clothing and art to award-winning wine, the store has something for everyone. The great thing about it is that we have pre-made gift baskets that are beautifully created or we can customize a basket to fit any need or budget. If the gift needs to be shipped, we can take care of that as well.

When it comes to our offerings at James Arthur Vineyards, wine always makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers. Whether it’s a gift for a host or wine for that special holiday dinner, we can help find the perfect match.

We really try to encourage people to let us take care of all the details and make it as easy as possible for the customer. For example, if someone walks into the From Nebraska Gift Shop, all they need is a budget and an idea of what they want and we’ll take care of the rest. Our goal is to simplify the process however possible. And, what better way to reduce stress than sampling some wine while you shop? For those tying all of the loose ends together towards the end of the month, we will have our ‘Twilight Hours’ again this year at the winery during December 21-23 when we stay open until 8 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. to accommodate our last-minute shoppers.”

Another prime example of popular Nebraska-made gift items are those found at Smoking Gun Jerky (www.smokinggunjerky.com) . Whether you’re looking for a few stocking stuffers or gift baskets for corporate clients, you’ll find an amazing flavor selection and it’s even a healthy alternative to all of the sweets that are in our faces all month long. You can also grab a gift card for the grilling enthusiast on your list to hold onto until the weather cooperates!

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.

Rachel’s Boutique, located at 7121 Pioneers Blvd, has a fantastic selection of gift items that will fit the bill perfectly.

“Our store is full this time of year with gift items like small clocks and frames for host gifts,” says Cherie Travis, owner of Rachel’s Boutique (rachelsboutiquelincoln.com) . “We also have lots of jewelry, scarves and small pick-up items.

Furthermore, if you need something new to wear for a party or just because, Rachel’s has lots to pick from. And remember we only buy a few pieces of an item. All Pandora is also currently on sale as we will no longer be carrying it, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get a great deal on a popular gift item. There will also be several wonderful Brighton gifts with purchase throughout the holiday season. Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all the holiday specials going on at Rachel’s Boutique.”

She adds, “We are here to help when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. In order to be of assistance in the most beneficial way possible, encourage your special someone to fill out a wish list. A wish list is a win/win. The person that fills it out is happy with what she receives and the person giving the gift is a hero.  Gift wrap is always FREE!”

Speaking of holiday parties, they 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!

“The Lied Center is a great place to throw a holiday party,” says Bill Stephan, Executive Director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts (www.liedcenter.org) . “Not only can you enjoy some of the most picturesque views of campus at a state-of-the-art venue, you can also make a world-class performance on the Lied stage part of your special evening.

Moreover, as far as last minute holiday shopping goes, tickets make great gifts! Tickets to a live performance are the perfect gift for just about anyone on your holiday shopping list, particularly those who are impossible to shop for. You don’t have to worry about selecting the wrong color or size and it’s something your loved ones will remember forever! Consider giving the gift of an unforgettable live performance at the Lied Center this holiday season. There is truly something for everyone in every art form – classical, theater, popular, Broadway and so much more. Your receiver will remember their experience at the Lied Center long after the holiday season is over.

We hope everyone will consider making the Lied Center part of their holiday traditions. Our resident orchestra, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, presents their holiday concert at the Lied Center every December and Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s brings the Nutcracker to life each Christmas season. This year, the Lied Center is also presenting a holiday concert by the ten-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble Take 6. There are so many opportunities to get into the spirit of the season this December at the Lied!”

If you’re looking for something outside of the box, or an adventure of sorts, consider presenting a fun challenge to your group for this year’s holiday party. Brand new to the local holiday party scene is Lincoln Escape Room and there are still plenty of times available for booking an event.

“The Lincoln Escape Room is a mental challenge game in which you and your friends/colleagues will solve a series of puzzles, riddles, and clues in order to escape within 60 minutes,” explains Travis Cornelius, owner of Lincoln Escape Room. “We cater to corporate events, retreats, team building activities, leadership training and of course, those who just want to have some fun. We also have gift cards for the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family. This is a must try experience for your holiday plans!

When it comes to dealing with stressful situations during the holidays, taking a break from the real word to deal with stress in a fictional setting can make everything else in the real world seem easy! At the Escape Room, we lock you in a room for 60 minutes and test/increase your stress levels. Upon finishing our experiences you’ll most likely be much better at working against the clock, communicating, listening, and much more.

We are also excited to announce that December will be the grand opening of our third room, which will hold up to 12 participants. This special room is about an evil, slightly strange billionaire who has been marked suspect to theft of many authentic art pieces…you could call him ‘The Grinch.’ Your team has been contracted to recover a special piece of art and save the holidays! Currently, Escape Room can handle up to 25 participants per hour between our three rooms. Reserve your event today!

He adds, “With our unique concept we are constantly looking to drive immersive, entertaining team-building experiences for those in our community. You can find out more on our website at www.LincolnEscapeRoom.com.”

As another option that’s brand new to the Lincoln community just in time for the holiday season, you could also choose to host this year’s holiday party at a true-to-concept, full-service wine bar – which is pretty exciting for all of the wine connoisseurs and lovers out there!

“barVino provides guests with a comfortable, chic atmosphere and personal service from knowledgeable professionals along with a selection of over 100 boutique wines served by the bottle and even eight wines on tap,” says Jen Tomka, co-owner of barVino (www.facebook.com/BarVino). “For those who aren’t as crazy about wine as most of our customers, we also have a selection of craft beers and top shelf liquor. We are still taking reservations for holiday parties and the space will comfortably accommodate 80-90 guests. A holiday party at barVino might include a wine tasting to entertain your guests and allow for a variety of wines to be sampled along with providing some awesome appetizers. Or you could just invite everyone to sit back, relax and enjoy the company of one another while sharing some great bottles of wine or a few cocktails. We can arrange an appetizer menu that pairs well with the wines of choice, but we also allow catered food to be brought in if that’s what you have in mind. Just give me a call at (402) 525-1572 and we will plan your upcoming holiday party together!”

She adds, “Wine also makes a great gift, and we have a huge variety of boutique wines to choose from. Gift certificates are also available and perfect if you don’t know exactly what variety the person would prefer. Furthermore, we will be offering a wine club which would make an awesome gift that the recipient could enjoy all year long. We welcome everyone to stop in to barVino, located at 2801 Pine Lake Road, and see what we have to offer!”

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 caterer and/or bakery are oftentimes a necessity.
There are so many great catering options in the Lincoln community that it just depends on what you and your guests like and what your vision is for the food – appetizers, a buffet-style meal, a full-service meal, and so on. Oftentimes these professionals are so experienced that you just need to let them know how many guests you’re expecting, your theme, and if you have anything particular in mind and they will have plenty of suggestions from there.

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.

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.

• If you do choose to have the party in your home, which is particularly common in the case of holiday parties with family and friends on the guest list, another item you’ll want to consider delegating is the cleaning before and after the event.

“When you are planning a large event there is already a long to-do list,” says Crystal Patzel, owner of Crystal Clean Housekeeping (www.crystal-clean-housekeeping.com). “Making sure your home is tidy and ready for the guests just adds to the stress—and stress makes parties less exciting!

It is important to give a couple weeks’ notice to the cleaning company you chose. This helps because many times when it comes to events such as holiday parties there is a high demand for cleaning services and you want to be sure and get the date and time you prefer. When we schedule services for clients, we always ask how many rooms will need to be cleaned and the date and time preferred for scheduling purposes. One of our favorite things to do, especially with new clients, is to have them prepare a priority list. This way there is no confusion on what our clients expect from us during their specified time frame.

When you chose to hire a professional to clean before, after or both you are likely to focus more on the important tasks of planning and enjoying your time with family and friends.”

• 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. For those who haven’t established a normal exercise routine, consider signing up for the upcoming winter session at Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping (www.extremebodyshaping.com) ! (As our New Year’s resolutions are also right around the corner, this is also an excellent gift to give the person who would like to join you, has set a health or fitness-related goal for the coming year, or who would enjoy spicing up their current fitness routine with something new!) 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!