Our guide to North Jersey holiday shopping, entertainment, dining and more
You may have noticed — we’re covering the holidays.
From holiday tips on, well, tipping, to advice on where to dine and what to bake, the journalists at The Record and NorthJersey.com have been as busy as elves in Santa’s workshop this season, writing stories, taking photos and making videos about the holiday.
We’ve told you where to cut down your Christmas tree and how to make sugar cookies. We’ve even looked at traditions and culture around the holidays (isn't it cool that all holidays around this time of year celebrate light?).
Still, it’s possible you may have missed some of our stories. (We write a lot of stories.) So, we gift you our handy holiday guide, which gathers in one place everything you need to know about celebrating this year. We’ve even thrown in a Spotify playlist for you to play in the background while you curl up and read.
All about the season
What do all the great winter holidays have in common? Light!
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali. Whatever the culture, whatever the origin, whatever the foods, sweets, games, songs, rituals, presents, trimmings on the tree or dreidels made of clay, there is light. Always light. Turn it on: Light the way through the season.
Here are some crazy Christmas customs you never heard of
In many places, fish — not turkey or goose — is the main course at Christmas dinner. Some cultures exchange gifts, not on Dec. 25, but on Saint Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) or the Feast of Epiphany (Jan. 6). And the gift giver, in some cultures, is not Santa Claus or some variation of the jolly old elf, but the Christkind (Christ Child) or the Three Wise Men. They do what?:Here are some crazy Christmas customs you never heard of.
Eight objects tell the story of the eight days of Hanukkah
If you really want to know about Hanukkah, as celebrated in America, you could do worse than look at some of the gift items sold in The Judaica House Ltd. in Teaneck. Here, in honor of the eight days of Hanukkah, are eight objects that help tell the Hanukkah story. Eight objects tell the story of the eight days of Hanukkah
The principles of Kwanzaa are universal, so should everyone celebrate it?
Kwanzaa is in part a private, family observance. "But Kwanzaa is also a community celebration," said Khadijah White, founder and executive director of SOMAjustice, a volunteer social justice organization that serves the South Orange and Maplewood area. "So non-Black people join in." Light a candle: The principles of Kwanzaa are universal, so should everyone celebrate it?
"Io Saturnalia!" Do we owe our Christmas customs to a pagan holiday?
Time to take a stand! People were forgetting the meaning of the holidays. What was supposed to be a joyous winter festival honoring the the god of agriculture — and the return of the sun — was being turned into some sort of birthday celebration for a child born in a manger. Why at this rate, people might not be allowed to say "Io Saturnalia!" anymore. We might all be forced to say "Merry Christmas!" "Io Saturnalia!" Do we owe our Christmas customs to a pagan holiday?
Why do we stuff stockings? Here's the answer, and little gift suggestions for all ages
Stocking stuffers! Those little extra doodads to send our already brimming Christmas cup running over! For some, they are a no-brainer. A candy bar, a Hot Wheels car. Done. But others take as much care with the extras as they do with the main event under the tree. Here's why: Why do we stuff stockings? Here's the answer, and little gift suggestions for all ages
We’ve looked at Christmas traditions and found some curious things. Did you know many of the most famous Christmas songs were written by Jews? Here are some other stories, too. ave fun exploring!
Carols: 'Silent Night' celebrates its 200th birthday this year
Read it: Having a Christmas tree is not as traditional as you think it is
The old days: Return to simpler time at a 'Colonial Christmas'
Oy! Did you know your favorite Christmas songs were written by Jews?
A classic: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus | Editorial
That crazy toy: Lessons we've learned from the Elf on the Shelf
White lights or multi-color?: The debate over Christmas decor rages
Santa Claus from the North Pole? Nope, he's a New Yorker.
Food and restaurants
Indulge in a decadent Christmas Eve feast at these 5 North Jersey restaurants
From Morris County to Bergen, here are five Christmas Eve feasts happening in North Jersey this season. Book your table: Indulge in a decadent Christmas Eve feast at these 5 North Jersey restaurants.
5 festive North Jersey restaurants will get you in the Christmas spirit
Around the world, the New York City metro area is known as one of the most magical places to celebrate the season. Evergreen trees grow to the heights of skyscrapers, and thousands of colored lights illuminate street lamps, windows and walkways. My personal favorite thing about the holidays, however, is the way the local restaurants transform from counter service hole-in-the-walls to warm Christmas oases. Bring on the bling: 5 festive North Jersey restaurants will get you in the Christmas spirit.
Where to get gooey, decadent holiday cookies in North Jersey
Does Santa leave better presents if you leave him better cookies? Not sure, but now's the season to figure out. With Christmas coming, it's officially time to start placing your holiday cookie orders. Follow the crumbs: Christmas cookie rundown.
Dazzling Christmas pop-up bars are coming to North Jersey. Here's where to get festive
Imagine a warm, festive oasis; a light-adorned indoor space filled with over-the-top Christmas decorations. Waiters, in ugly sweaters, carry seasonal hors d'oeuvres and hot drinks in gingerbread man mugs between tables of smiling guests. In the back of the space, decorative snowmen never melt; lasting forever alongside their human counterparts. Think we're talking about the Polar Express? Think again — this Santa-themed paradise exists, for real, at North Jersey's Miracle Holiday Cocktail Bars. And, this year, there are six of them popping up in the area. Need a miracle? Dazzling Christmas pop-up bars are coming to North Jersey. Here's where to get festive
Tips and advice
Why is everyone asking for tips? How tipping culture in America is changing
Tips used to be limited largely to taxi rides and sit-down restaurants. Maybe you'd throw a few bucks to a car valet or a bellhop. Now we see prompts for tips at every business with a spin-around touchscreen. Not to mention fast food restaurants. Food trucks. Delivery apps. Rideshare services. People are upset:Why is everyone asking for tips? How tipping culture in America is changing.
Tipping guide 2023: How much to tip your mailman (and others) for the holidays
But how do you know whom to tip for the holidays? And, how much should you tip? “Anybody who makes your life easier, you take care of them,” said Steve Dublanica, bestselling author of “Waiter Rant” and “Keep the Change." “If it is a luxury that I can afford, I tip them.” Here's how much: Tipping guide 2023: How much to tip your mailman (and others) for the holidays.
Say cheese: Tips on how to get the best holiday photos for your Christmas cards
Christmas shopping? We've got the opening hours for all the malls, big box stores and more
And we broke down the hours on Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 25, in case you need to get out of the house, run any errands or make any returns or exchanges on your gifts. Open and shut: Christmas shopping? We've got the opening hours for all the malls, big box stores and more.
We break down the 2023 holiday shipping deadlines for FedEx, UPS and the USPS
To avoid last-minute headaches, preparation is key. Luckily, the major carriers — UPS, FedEx and USPS — have released the cutoff dates for when you should get your parcel out into the mail if you want it to arrive at your destination on time. Here's when to send: We break down the 2023 holiday shipping deadlines for FedEx, UPS and the USPS.
Decorating and celebrating
Where to cut down a Christmas tree in New Jersey and New York this year
Our region is full of local farms where you can go to experience cutting down your own tree. And, if you've never cut down your own tree before, then this year might just be the perfect time to start a new tradition. Get out your saws:Where to cut down a Christmas tree in New Jersey and New York this year.
Do lights go on the tree vertically or horizontally? An expert answer and other tips for decorating
Decorating the Christmas tree each holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many. But even if you've been hanging lights, garland and ornaments for years, there are always new tips and tricks to make your tree look its very best. String that garland: Do lights go on the tree vertically or horizontally? An expert answer and other tips for decorating.
Where do Christmas ornaments come from? Ask the expert. He's back
Christmas ornaments don't grow on trees. So where do they come from? The dollar store, one might answer. Or — in the case of the exquisitely hand-crafted baubles made by HeARTfully Yours — from several dozen high-end boutiques that are carrying the new line of decorations from ace designer Christopher Radko. Where do Christmas ornaments come from? Ask the expert. He's back
These North Jersey historic holiday home tours will transport you to Christmas past
Have you ever wanted to be transported back to the Victorian era to see what the holiday season was like? What about the roaring '20s? Now you can: The beloved historical sites of North Jersey are decorated from head to toe for the holiday season. For a limited time, these mansions, castles and museums will be adorned with festive décor and open to the public to explore. Go back in time:These North Jersey historic holiday home tours will transport you to Christmas past.
See decorative floats and bright lights at these North Jersey holiday parades
This season, there are plenty of local holiday parades taking place across our region. If you're still deciding which one to see this hear, here's a look at the parades taking place: See decorative floats and bright lights at these North Jersey holiday parades.
Explore thousands of holiday lights at these New Jersey light shows and drive-throughs
The season for grand displays full of twinkling lights is upon us, and New Jersey is full of shows and drive-throughs showcasing thousands (and sometimes more) of holiday lights all in one place. Regardless of where you plan to spend your time this holiday season, there are light events across the state, so you'll be sure to find one wherever you are. Here are seven light shows and drive-throughs happening in New Jersey this holiday season: Explore thousands of holiday lights at these New Jersey light shows and drive-throughs.
Holiday entertainment
They're your favorite Christmas movies. But do you know why you love them?
We've rewatched some of our favorite holiday films. And here are some things we've noticed about them this time — little things that play a big part in the film's effectiveness. These are all great movies. You knew that. But here, arguably, is why they're great. They're your favorite Christmas movies. But do you know why you love them?
With this Christmas classic, the audiobook was born
A happy accident in 1952 was the making, not just of the record, not just of the label — a trailblazing women-owned business — but ultimately of today's entire $1.6 billion audiobook industry. With this Christmas classic, the audiobook was born.
From the mundane — magic: 'A Christmas Story' turns 40
"A Christmas Story" stands out from the pack in that it deals, not with the miraculous, but with the mundane. That's the special gift of Jean Shepherd, the maverick humorist who was the unlikely source of everyone's favorite holiday film. Celebrate its 40th: From the mundane — magic: 'A Christmas Story' turns 40
Celebrate 'It's a Wonderful Life' and other classics with anniversaries this Christmas
In 2021, we had three major anniversaries. "It's a Wonderful Life," many people's favorite Christmas movie, turned 75. "A Christmas Carol," the definitive film adaptation with Alastair Sim, turned 70. "Amahl and the Night Visitors," lesser-known now, but for many years a Christmas tradition on TV, was also 70. Watch: Celebrate 'It's a Wonderful Life' and other classics with anniversaries this Christmas.
Here are 10 Christmas movies to binge-watch this holiday season
Here is trivia — anecdotes, factoids, observations — about your favorite holiday movies and shows. All you need to do is drop them casually into the conversation, as you're cueing up your programs, or loading your DVD. You will be the hit of the holiday. Binge away: Here are 10 Christmas movies to binge-watch this holiday season
Cooking and baking
8 last-minute dishes to make for a holiday party — and ones to avoid
Grab a hot cocoa or apple cider — perhaps spiked — and get to know the USA TODAY Network's food and dining journalists. These folks make their living visiting the most inviting restaurants with the most delicious food across the United States. They understand how a simple dish can wow a crowd. They also know which ones to avoid. Read on for their recommendations for last-minute dishes to bring to holiday parties. Get cooking: 8 last-minute dishes to make for a holiday party — and ones to avoid.
It’s fruitcake weather, Buddy! (OK, we don’t actually have a fruitcake recipe, but we just love “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote and wanted an excuse to quote it.) Here are some other things to make that probably taste a lot better.
Baking: Here's the secret to building the perfect gingerbread house
Video: How to bake vanilla sugar cookies
Video: How to make Christmas pizzas
Ervolino: On the first day of Christmas, I like chilly fish for breakfast, with a big glass of milk
Coping for the holidays
In a difficult year, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' speaks to us more than ever
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has been neutered over the years. Its poignance — which was its point — has been obscured, painted over, in dozens of cover versions and TV specials. But it speaks to our 2020 Christmas of COVID like no other song. In a difficult year, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' speaks to us more than ever
The holidays aren’t easy for everyone. Here are some stories that offer good advice for the holiday blues.
Christmas blues: Depression and grief during the holidays? How to cope
'Tis the season to feel overwhelmed: Here's what you can do to not sweat the small stuff.
Opinion: I was a military spouse on my own at Christmas. It was painful but also special.
Personal essays about our holiday traditions
Our staff shares the best holiday gifts we've ever received
"The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received — or would ever receive." That's how Ralphie, in the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story," remembers the "official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle BB gun with a compass in the stock" that he pleads for throughout the movie — and defying the odds, finally gets. Most of us have a memory like that — if perhaps of a slightly less belligerent gift. Here are ours: Our staff shares the best holiday gifts we've ever received.
'A Christmas Memory' has guided my holidays for a decade. This is how
“Oh my,” exclaims the woman with shorn white hair and sherry-colored eyes as she stands by the kitchen window. “It’s fruitcake weather!” So begins Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” — well, sort of. It’s the sentiment the book begins with, as seven-year-old Buddy and his 60-something-year-old “friend” — they are each other's only friend — go on a journey to bake 30 fruitcakes and send them to friends they’ve barely or never met (including President Roosevelt). We read it every year. Here's why:'A Christmas Memory' has guided my holidays for a decade. This is how.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey holiday guide to shopping, restaurants, movies
