Home. it's got a different feeling this year. Take a deep breath and savor the season right here in Northeast Ohio. Don’t let a smaller-than-usual gathering dampen your enthusiasm for holiday meal planning. This is an opportunity to shine, regardless of how many gather around the table. Chef Eric Wells tells us how. Enjoy!

Winging It;
The Audubon Bird Count If you like watching birds and you can count reasonably well, then sign up for the 121st Audubon Christmas Bird Count Dec. 14-Jan. 5. Groups have formed throughout Northeast Ohio, a prime bird-watching region because of our proximity to Lake Erie. The Christmas Bird Counts go into a database where scientists use the information to monitor the vitality and range of cardinals, blue jays, dark-eyed juncos and other feathered friends.

If you have a chance to travel for the holidays, it is still great to bring something made by you to the gathering. I often like to make a dessert, but if you know the menu your host is preparing, you might want to bring a savory side dish. The host may even appreciate the offer to bring a potato dish, as it would provide a little relief in what they need to prepare. 

Leaving the home behind can be both physically and emotionally difficult, but it is a decision most older adults eventually will make. Part of the process of downsizing is finding a real estate agent to help with the process.   

We know that there is a strong connection between oral health and heart health. Fortunately, the dental profession has risen to the occasion, ensuring that the dental office can be considered a relatively safe place, with PPE (personal protection equipment) used throughout the office. These include items like forehead thermometers, air filters, masks, shields, gowns, protective eyewear, and decontamination of operatory surfaces.  

Many of us will celebrate the holidays at home this year, and in far different ways than we could have imagined. It’s a special season that deserves special treatment, regardless of the background noise and calamity. The good news is, we’ve got you covered with great stories about food, safe visits and holiday lights — and a bit of local nostalgia thrown in for fun.