University of Wisconsin-Extension

Series: Help For The Holidays

The winter holidays are a time when families and friends often gather to share time and traditions. Preparing for these gatherings can be simultaneously joyful and stressful, but proper planning can help people can get the most out of the season, its celebrations and spirit, and renew relationships with others near and far.
 
Series: Help For The Holidays

Roasting A Turkey Requires Some TLC

Barbara Ingham
UW-Extension
Thanksgiving and the holiday season brings families together to share a meal that often centers on roast turkey and all the fixings. But to avoid spreading foodborne illness, appropriate steps for roasting the bird should be taken.
Series: Help For The Holidays
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

How To Make Sure Food Pantry Giving Is More Effective

Barbara Ingham
UW-Extension
Amber Canto
UW-Extension
Community groups often host food drives at various points during the year to fill local pantry shelves. Donors can enhance the value of their gifts by ensuring the food is safe, nutritious and of high quality.
Series: Help For The Holidays
Series: Growing Container Gardens

How To Help Poinsettias Brighten The Holiday Season

Vijai Pandian
UW-Extension
The winter holiday season would not be complete without a traditional floral display of poinsettias. Known for their showy, colorful and often red-toned bracts and dark green leaves, poinsettias add a festive spirit and brighten homes when daylight is fleeting.
Series: Help For The Holidays

How To Pick And Place A Fresh And Fragrant Christmas Tree

Vijai Pandian
UW-Extension
With so many varieties and sizes of live Christmas trees, making a suitable selection that stays fresh throughout the holiday season can be daunting.
Series: Help For The Holidays

Unexpected Winter Beasts And Where To Find Them

PJ Liesch
UW-Extension
Every once in awhile, winter traditions can lead to unexpected cases of insect activity inside homes. At the heart of these cases is the same phenomenon: an outdoor object brought inside and allowed to warm up.
Series: Help For The Holidays

5 Ideas For Families To Stay Connected Over The Holidays

Anne Clarkson
UW-Extension
Holidays often bring to mind iconic images of the whole family gathered around the dinner table. But when the imaginary tinsel and cooking aroma clears, the truth is that many families can't be together during the holiday season.
Series: Help For The Holidays

Savoring Holiday Favorites While Heading Off Excess

Beth Olson
UW-Madison
Robert Davis
UW-Extension
Holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy traditions with family and friends. But for people trying to focus on their health, navigating calorie-laden foods and coping with busy schedules can be challenging.
Series: Help For The Holidays

Safely Stuffing Family Starts With Safely Stuffing Birds

Barbara Ingham
UW-Extension
It's called by a variety of names around the United States: stuffing, filling and dressing. No matter the name, though, it is a favorite for Thanksgiving and through the holiday season.
Series: Help For The Holidays

'Canned' Baked Goods Can Bring Botulism Home For The Holidays

Barbara Ingham
UW-Extension
Breads and cakes baked in glass jars and then sealed with canning lids are not safe to eat.
Series: Help For The Holidays

Make A List And Check It Twice To Balance Holiday Budgets

Peggy Olive
UW-Extension
As the winter holiday season arrives, many people travel to visit family and friends, give gifts and prepare traditional foods. But the many special occasions can place a strain on budgets.