Holiday Guide 11.18.2022

Pitfalls to avoid when making

New Year’s resolutions this year

Estimates vary depending on the year and scope of the study, but research into New Year’s resolutions has generally found that fewer than 10 percent of people who make resolutions each year stay the course until they’ve accomplished their goal.

In fact, a 2020 poll conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crispy Green found that the average person has aban doned his or her resolution by Feb. 1.

Resolutions could fall victim to various pitfalls that can affect anyone. Recognition of these pitfalls when making a resolu tion may improve your chances of being successful in the year ahead.

♦ Lack of specificity:

When making a resolution, be as specific as possible. If you want to read more, resolve to read two books per month (or however many books you feel you can reasonably read in a month). If you want to lose weight, speak to your physi cian to help you set a specific weight loss

goal you can meet without compromising your overall health.

♦ No measuring stick to track progress: Specificity is important, but it’s not the only tool you can use to stay the course with a resolution. Maintain a resolu tion journal or blog that allows you to

gauge your performance. This can help you engage more fully in your resolution efforts, providing an outlet you can use to explore your successes and failures. The more engaged you are in your resolution efforts, the more likely those efforts will prove successful.

♦ Going it alone:

The buddy system works when pursuing various goals, and New Year’s resolutions are no exception. A friend or family member along for the resolution journey can make it easier to maintain your motivation. For example, anyone who wants to read more can join a book club, which can provide the motivation to finish books or excerpts before a weekly discussion.

♦ Biting off more than you can chew:

Small resolutions may not seem like much, but minor efforts can serve as the stepping stones to realizing larger goals. If your goals are too ambitious at the outset, you’re more likely to give up at the first setback.

♦ Not anticipating setbacks:

Setbacks will happen, and as noted, it’s easy to let them derail your efforts when they first appear. Recognize that there will be bumps in the road but that these bumps should in no way end your journey. Take setbacks as the valuable lessons that they can be, and use them as an opportunity to examine what you did that didn’t work and what you can do to avoid future setbacks.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Recognition of these pitfalls when making a resolution may improve your chances of being successful in the year ahead.

SantaCon to ride through East County

The Contra Costa Santa Convention (CoCo SantaCon) takes off on Saturday, Dec. 17, in three locations across Contra Costa County.

SantaCon is a merry pub crawl that includes drink specials, games, team competitions, prizes and opportunities for networking and socializing. CoCo SantaCon is one of 465 SantaCons in 52 countries and a “FUNdraiser” for 10 chil dren’s charities in 10 cities in Contra Costa County, organizers said. This convention of thousands dressed as Santa gathers to have a good time and raise money for a charity: improving children’s lives.

The first-time event locally is part of the event that includes 50 venues in 10 cities, supporting 10 children’s charities –one in each city. Organizer and Discovery Bay resident Amanda Dove hopes to raise $50,000 for each charity, which would include the $10 minimum donation to join the parade. The transportation is donated and many of the bars and restaurants will have drink specials available and live music.

Because it is a fundraiser, 100% of money raised is used to support children’s organizations in Contra Costa County that deliver an essential service to local chil dren. They include opportunities for at-risk youth, mental health support, healing for exploited and trafficked children, school backpacks and supplies, scholarships to teenage foster kids, new winter coats and clothing, access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), music and arts education, and summer camps for young foster children.

Dove said bringing people together with the spirit of Christmas is what SantaCon is all about.

“I love seeing people get together,” Dove said. “And if it’s for a charity and celebrating Christmas, then that’s for me. It started because people want to celebrate the joy of Christmas and now it’s world wide. They have SantaCons everywhere, and in Contra Costa County, it’s hard to do it in one town. So we said ‘Let’s stretch it across the whole county,’ and we did it.”

There are three starting locations: The DB Sports Bar and Steakhouse in Discovery Bay, Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek, and E. J. Phair Brewing Company in Pittsburg. That way, Dove explained, the crowds won’t get too overwhelming for businesses. After that, the remaining locations are secret.

“Our list of Santa Stops is mostly secret,” Dove said. “People know the first stop, but we don’t release the list until two days before, and each stop has reindeer games and there’s prizes and it’s so ridiculous and fun. At each start loca tion, we take a big group photo, and here in Discovery Bay at the start, we’ll have a band playing.”

“You can join any time – we go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – so it doesn’t interfere with the business in the evening,” she added. “So even though we have thou sands of people, it won’t be that huge at every location, because everyone will be in their cities. And we have the buses because it’s a Santa pub crawl and we want to keep people from driving (under the influence).”

Dove noted these events – even in Stockton and San Francisco – happen yearly without incident. Participants are asked to refrain from inappropriate behavior, and local business centers, property owners and charity volunteers are heavily involved to ensure a peaceful and fun event.

Registration is still open and spon sorships are available. For more infor mation, follow CoCo SantaCon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit the website at www.santacon.info/ Contra_Costa_County-CA/

DAWNMARIE FEHR

Discovery Bay pub is area party zone for first-time pub crawl, fundraiser Dec.

Chanukah traditions you may not know about C

hanukah is a relatively modern holiday in regard to the Hebrew calendar. Unlike Yom Kippur or Passover, which are steeped in rich traditions, there are few Chanukah customs.

Chanukah celebrants still participate in various customs each year, some of which are customized accord ing to family preferences. While some traditions, such as the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, are familiar, others may not be as widely known - especially to those outside of the faith. Here’s a look at a select few.

Saying the Shehecheyanu blessing:

Traditionally, there are two blessings that some people say each night while lighting the candles. The first is recited while holding the lit shamash, and the second is said while lighting the candles. Another blessing, known as the “Shehecheyanu,” is said the first night. According to 18Doors, a resource on the Jewish faith, it’s the same blessing traditionally said on the first night of all Jewish holidays and other special occasions.

Display or use of the shofar:

A shofar is a type of instrument made from a ram’s horn. It is a symbol of the ram that Abraham offered as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac, exemplifying heroic faith of the fathers of the Jewish people. The shofar also serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jeru salem, and calls people to strive for Israel’s renewal and fellowship with God.

Singing “Ma’oz Tzur”:

Chanukah songs may not be as numerous or as widely sung as Christmas carols during the holiday season, but there are a select few that are part of the festivities. “Oh Chanukah Oh Chanukah” and “The Dreidl Song” are some of the most widely known songs, but some people also follow the custom of singing “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)” around the menorah. The words were composed in the 13th century, and the song summarizes historical challenges faced by the Jewish people who were overcome with God’s help.

Use of oil in Chanukah feasts:

It’s well known that latkes, or fried potato pancakes, are served around Chanukah. The reason is due to the oil used to fry them, which traditionally is olive oil. Fried foods call to mind a specific Chanukah miracle. After the Greeks destroyed the sanctuary and defiled what was thought to be all of the oil, one jug sealed with the imprint of the High Priest was found. That one jug managed to keep the Temple’s menorah lit for eight days, despite it being insuf ficient to handle this task. This was considered a miracle and celebrated in subsequent years.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

While some traditions, such as the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, are familiar, others may not be as widely known.

SEAN TONGSON

is approaching around the corner, with

already building elaborate displays for Christmas trees, lights, and gift wrap, towns and cities announcing plans for holiday events and community celebrations, and party planning companies in full swing in anticipation of the holiday season.

Driving out and about, motorists and passers-by are more likely to find more Christmas lights and increasingly festive and inviting home Christmas displays deco rating front yards.

The approach of Christmas also means another certainty along with snowmen, reindeer, and pres ents – Santa Claus.

Whether it is at a parade, store, mall, party, corporate event, or TV appearance, the demand for a St. Nick appearance is always high each and every year, bringing cheers and smiles to millions of people across the globe. Companies that specialize in Christmas celebrations, like HireSanta.com, said that the demand for Santa Claus is always high, resulting in constant sell-outs and a further demand for more Santas.

“We sell out every year, and 2022 will be no exception,” said HireSanta.com founder and head elf Mitch Allen. “We’re going to have a much busier season, and we’re up 30 percent in terms of requests over last year. And last year was a record year. It’s going to be an extremely busy season this year!”

According to Allen, HireSanta.com was started in 2012 to help bring the season to life to the growing demand of people and companies that needed a Santa Claus. Furthermore, HireSanta. com recently purchased Santa Claus & Company, which at 50 years old, is the oldest Santa Claus Staffing company in the world. In addition to staffing Santa Clauses for stores, malls, family gatherings, and corporate events, Hire Santa also staffs Mrs. Clauses, elves, and mascot entertain ers nationwide and worldwide.

“The biggest thrill is bringing the love

and joy of Christmas to millions of people around the world,” said Allen. “It’s a great honor that HireSanta.com is able to be a small part of Christmas and help so many brands like Disney and Bloomingdale’s, as well as just families to enjoy Christmas in new and exciting ways. We help brands associate themselves with Christmas through the use of holiday entertainers. HireSanta.com works with companies all over the world, and it’s very exciting to be able to help them.”

The demand and allure of Christmas and Santa Claus also brings out many volunteers to play the role of Santa as well for gatherings for local churches, commu nity functions, and family gatherings as well.

“A friend asked me to dress up as Santa for their Boy Scouts Christmas party,” said Christopher C., an Antioch resident who asked that his last name not be used, and who volunteered to play Santa Claus for four years.

“I enjoyed it a lot. It’s easy to volunteer a few hours of your time and it is time well spent. The biggest thrill for me were the smaller kids whose eyes got wide.”

Amongst some of the popular ques tions asked by children include asking what it’s like to live at the North Pole, questions about the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, the where abouts of Santa’s reindeer, and if they are, in fact, the “real” Santa Claus.

‘Kids aren’t stupid,” Christopher said. “The most common questions were about where my elves were, was my beard real, and was my stomach real.”

According to Allen, HireSanta.com is always looking for more Santa Clauses, highlighting the difficulty in finding people to play Santa, resulting in shortages as they receive hundreds of requests every day from people who want a Santa Claus. Hire Santa performs background checks, insures, and professionally trains all Santa Claus entertainers.

“We are always looking for new Santa Claus entertainers,” said Allen. “Santa needs to have a real beard, a real belly, and be real jolly! It’s not easy because we always run out of Santa Claus entertainers and have to turn people away.”

More information, including informa tion on hiring a Santa Claus, as well as prospective jobs for Santa Claus entertain ers, can be found at the following link: https://www.hiresanta.com/hire-santa/

To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

Have joined forces at their new location in Downtown Brentwood 8335 Brentwood Blvd. (next to Jalisco’s) M-F 9:30-5:00 • Sat 9:30-2:00 634-4313 or 634-1593 www.brentwood-florist.com

You can be Santa for a senior

DE AMARAL

The Brentwood Senior Activity Center has opened registration for its annual Adopt-A-Senior program for the holiday season.

The program provides seniors with holiday cheer through local nonprofit BrentwoodSTRONG and community generosity to help seniors who are on fixed incomes with the rising cost of living.

According to senior center Recreation Supervisor Olivia Alvarez, the program had a goal of serving 50 seniors, and ended up serving double that number.

“2021 was the first year we piloted this program in the hope of adopting 50 seniors in our community. We were all amazed at our community’s generous response since we surpassed our goal and were able to adopt 103 seniors,” she said.

“This year, we plan to serve and adopt 150 seniors,” Alvarez said. “The current economic climate has impacted seniors’ ability to obtain their basic needs. Since we started registrations this year, we have regis tered over 150 seniors who have not all yet been adopted.”

According to Alvarez, programs like these are important because of how they benefit local seniors who are isolated at home. “For

those who are adopted, it improves their quality of life and gives them holiday joy and a sense that their community cares about them and that they matter,” she said, “For donors and sponsors, this program provides them the opportunity to make a positive impact and make a difference in the life of a senior. For those behind the scenes who coordinate the program, there are no words that can describe the sense of fulfillment and joy we feel to see the smiles of joy and tears of gratitude in their eyes as they receive their sponsor’s gifts. It is truly priceless.”

Once sponsors sign up for the program, they agree to purchase items from a wish list created by the seniors at a total value of $75, organizers said..

Sponsors will receive the wish lists in the order that they are submitted to the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. Sponsorship gifts are due no later than Friday, Dec. 9 and all gifts must be delivered to 101 A Sand Creek Road.

Donation drop-off times are Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m.; Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m.

Anyone interested in joining their efforts to spread some holiday joy can do so in two ways. They can sponsor a senior or make a donation to the program. To sponsor, participants may register online at https://bit. ly/3g2WkhY. Donation checks made payable to BrentwoodSTRONG may be mailed to City Hall 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513

Frolic Inn

Pets Frolic Inn

RENE

The late-night revelry of New Year’s Eve has made New Year’s Day brunch a go-to tradition for millions of people. Staying up until the calendar officially turns from one year to the next at the stroke of midnight can make it harder to get out of bed on the morning of Jan. 1, so there may be no better day to plan a brunch than the first day of the calendar year.

Many restaurants offer brunch specials on New Year’s Day, but people need not leave home to ensure their first meal of the new year is delicious. This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.

Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices

Serves 4

Mushroom Sauté

11/4 ounces mixed dried mushrooms

11/2 cups boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary (see tip)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Toast and Eggs

4 1/2-inch thick sourdough slices Olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. For the Mushroom Sauté: Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let stand until softened, 20 minutes. Strain in a sieve lined with a double thickness of paper towels and reserve the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the brown mushrooms

and sauté, stirring often, for 6 minutes. Add the reserved mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir for 1 minute. Add the mushroom liquid and cook, stir ring, until it has evaporated, 4 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and several grinds of pepper. Remove the frying pan from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm. (The mushrooms can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

3. For the toast and eggs: Brush both sides of the bread slices generously with olive oil. Set a 10- to 11-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and, when hot, add the bread and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the toast and cover loosely with foil. When pan is cool enough to handle, wipe it out with clean paper towels.

4. Add the butter to the frying pan and set it over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, break an egg into a saucer, being careful to remove any shell fragments., and gently slide it into the frying pan. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook, basting the eggs with some of the butter in the pan frequently, until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft and runny, 3 minutes.

5. While the eggs are cooking, arrange a toasted bread slice on each of four plates. Mound the mushrooms evenly over the toast.

6. Remove each egg with a spatula and arrange on top of the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and, if desired, garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you can’t find dried crushed rosemary, crush regular dried rosemary in an electric spice mill, or place it in a selfsealing plastic bag and roll over it with a rolling pin.

Photo by Betty Rosbottom

This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.