"Good things come to those who hustle."

The vibrant poinsettia’s journey to becoming a holiday staple begins with a beautiful Mexican legend.

It tells of a young girl’s humble gift of weeds miraculously transforming into brilliant red flowers at a nativity scene, earning the name “Flor de Nochebuena.”

For centuries, this plant was a regional treasure in southern Mexico.

Its path to American homes started in 1828 with Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

A keen botanist, he sent cuttings to his South Carolina greenhouse, and the flower was later named in his honor.

However, it was California grower Paul Ecke who cemented the poinsettia’s status as a Christmas icon.

He developed a technique for the full, bushy plants we see today and masterfully promoted them on television, securing their cherished place in our local holiday celebrations.

Living to age 100 is becoming a real possibility for many in our community, with the number of centenarians expected to quadruple by 2054.

This incredible longevity, however, raises a profound and widespread anxiety.

For a growing number of Americans, the fear of running out of money now actually outweighs the fear of death.

The key to building confidence for a retirement that could span decades is having a source of guaranteed monthly income in addition to Social Security.

This creates a reliable paycheck that you simply cannot outlive, providing true peace of mind.

Pairing that income with a detailed strategy from a financial professional transforms abstract fears into a concrete, actionable plan.

Now is the time to make longevity planning a priority for your future.

🎄 LONG ISLAND HOLIDAY WEEK ITINERARY (Dec 12–18, 2025)

Here are top 5 awesome things to do on Long Island between Friday 12/12 and Thursday 12/18 — packed with festive seasonal fun and memorable local
experiences for all ages: luminocityfestival.com+

🎄 1. LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland at Eisenhower Park

One of Long Island’s biggest holiday lights experiences! Wander through acres of glowing light sculptures, seasonal displays, and immersive holiday artistry — perfect for families, a date night, or just some seasonal wonder. luminocityfestival.com

👉 Great for: holiday photos, kids, night strolls, cozy vibes.

🎅 2. Visit Bayville Winter Wonderland

Experience the transformed Bayville Adventure Park — now a full Christmas village with lights, festive decor, family activities, and seasonal cheer. It runs through early January, so mid-December is prime time. 

👉 Great for: families and kids, night visits, holiday atmosphere.
Location: Bayville Winter Wonderland

🎁 3. Holiday Craft & Market Fairs

Local seasonal craft fairs are happening — Northport Winter Craft Fair (Dec 14) with 200+ local makers, and a Holiday Fair at East Wind in Wading River (Dec 11–18 window) — great for unique gifts, artisan goodies, and music. 

👉 Great for: holiday shopping, local art & food, festive browsing.

☕ 4. Brunch with Santa & Other Family Festivities (Dec 14)

Catch a Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Windows on the Lake (Lake Ronkonkoma) — a classic seasonal experience with food, chats with Santa, and fun holiday spirit. 

👉 Great for: kids, families, festive meals.

🏙️ 5. Christmas House Long Island — Immersive Holiday Walk-through

Step inside a 45-minute immersive Christmas showcase at Broadway Commons — think lights, decorations, themed displays, and seasonal magic.

👉 Great for: unique holiday experience, photos, family fun.

• Here’s the weather forecast for Long Island, NY from Friday, Dec 12 through Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 — so you can plan your holiday outings, outdoor lights tours, or market hopping! 🌬️❄️☔️

   

  🌨️ Friday, Dec 12

  Cool with breezy conditions in the morning.

  Intervals of clouds and sun.

  High: ~36 °F | Low: ~24 °F.
  
  

  ☀️ Saturday, Dec 13

  Mostly cloudy in the morning, becoming sunnier later.

  High: ~39 °F | Low: ~26 °F.
  
  

  ❄️ Sunday, Dec 14

  Snow likely — some accumulation (light), with cold breezes.

  High: ~32 °F | Low: ~21 °F.

  Snow could make walking/driving slippery — plan accordingly!
  
  

  🥶 Monday, Dec 15

  Very cold with sunshine and some clouds.

  Breezy morning.

  High: ~30 °F | Low: ~23 °F.
  
  

  🌤️ Tuesday, Dec 16

  Partly sunny and cold.

  High: ~32 °F | Low: ~26 °F.
  
  

  ☁️ Wednesday, Dec 17

  Not as cold with sunshine through high clouds.

  High: ~42 °F | Low: ~35 °F.
  
  

  🌦️ Thursday, Dec 18

  Cloudy with a chance of a few showers in the afternoon.

  High: ~46 °F | Low: ~40 °F.

• •