< PreviousChristmas in Cayman 8 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Alternative gifting We all have that certain someone on our gift list who just wouldn’t be happy with a traditional Christmas present. So, if socks and ties just won’t suffice, think outside of the box this year, while still supporting local businesses. Here are a few options for gifts which are slightly different, offering unique experiences and memories to last a lifetime: NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP Buying for a lover of culture, heritage and all things Cayman? Gifting a National Trust membership brings benefits both in Cayman and overseas. Check out the different packages available, as well as pricing at nationaltrust.org.ky/get-involved/become-a- member. ADOPT AN IGUANA The National Trust offers another option when it comes to alternative gifting, in their Adopt- an-Iguana packages. Visit nationaltrust.org. ky/get-involved/adopt-a-blue-iguana to view all the Blue Iguana adoption options, the most popular being their $50 adoption. ATV EXCURSION Cruising around Barkers National Park on an ATV is exhilarating, and a unique way to explore this protected area of West Bay. Buy this experience for a loved one and give them a morning out they will never forget. Different options are available, with scheduled stops or a ‘joy ride’ experience, so check out atvcayman.com for more information. Gift certificates are available. ARTEE KEEPSAKE BOOKS GIFT CARD If you are struggling to keep children’s artwork under control, Artee will collect it, photograph it and transform it into hardcover keepsake books. While Christmas deadlines have already passed, a gift card to this local company will be a perfect for grandparents, aunties and uncles. Visit artee.ky for more information. PERSONALISED CARICATURES Sands Creative Ltd. creates personalised caricatures of residents, which make perfect, and very unique, gifts for $100. The creative team will need a clear photograph of the subject in order to work their magic. Email info@sandscreativeltd.com for more information or to start the creative journey. BOTANIC PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Another gift which makes a difference is an annual membership to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. A range of options are available, with individual membership costing $75 and offering unlimited access throughout the year as well as numerous other benefits. Check out botanic-park.ky/donate for more information. TURTLE PASSES AND RELEASES The Cayman Islands Turtle Centre has many great options for gifts. Purchase a family annual pass gift set for US$350 which gives two adults and 2 children unlimited annual access, or a Kid’s Annual Pass Gift Set for US$75 for one child’s unlimited entry. Also on offer is a range of sponsorship opportunities to help turtles on their journey to release. The ultimate gift, however, would be a private turtle release. Check out turtle.ky/private- turtle-release for more information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. CINEMA PASSES Take advantage of Camana Bay Cinema’s Super Savers bulk movie ticket vouchers. Offered at a discounted rate, and carrying no expiration date, purchasers can either distribute vouchers as gifts to multiple people, or all to one lucky recipient, who can then exchange for movie viewings. These can be purchased directly from the cinema via the guest service counter. Standard Movie Super Savers are $243.75 for 25 vouchers, and VIP Movie Super Savers are $815.75 for 25 vouchers.Christmas in Cayman 8 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Alternative gifting We all have that certain someone on our gift list who just wouldn’t be happy with a traditional Christmas present. So, if socks and ties just won’t suffice, think outside of the box this year, while still supporting local businesses. Here are a few options for gifts which are slightly different, offering unique experiences and memories to last a lifetime: NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP Buying for a lover of culture, heritage and all things Cayman? Gifting a National Trust membership brings benefits both in Cayman and overseas. Check out the different packages available, as well as pricing at nationaltrust.org.ky/get-involved/become-a- member. ADOPT AN IGUANA The National Trust offers another option when it comes to alternative gifting, in their Adopt- an-Iguana packages. Visit nationaltrust.org. ky/get-involved/adopt-a-blue-iguana to view all the Blue Iguana adoption options, the most popular being their $50 adoption. ATV EXCURSION Cruising around Barkers National Park on an ATV is exhilarating, and a unique way to explore this protected area of West Bay. Buy this experience for a loved one and give them a morning out they will never forget. Different options are available, with scheduled stops or a ‘joy ride’ experience, so check out atvcayman.com for more information. Gift certificates are available. ARTEE KEEPSAKE BOOKS GIFT CARD If you are struggling to keep children’s artwork under control, Artee will collect it, photograph it and transform it into hardcover keepsake books. While Christmas deadlines have already passed, a gift card to this local company will be a perfect for grandparents, aunties and uncles. Visit artee.ky for more information. PERSONALISED CARICATURES Sands Creative Ltd. creates personalised caricatures of residents, which make perfect, and very unique, gifts for $100. The creative team will need a clear photograph of the subject in order to work their magic. Email info@sandscreativeltd.com for more information or to start the creative journey. BOTANIC PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Another gift which makes a difference is an annual membership to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. A range of options are available, with individual membership costing $75 and offering unlimited access throughout the year as well as numerous other benefits. Check out botanic-park.ky/donate for more information. TURTLE PASSES AND RELEASES The Cayman Islands Turtle Centre has many great options for gifts. Purchase a family annual pass gift set for US$350 which gives two adults and 2 children unlimited annual access, or a Kid’s Annual Pass Gift Set for US$75 for one child’s unlimited entry. Also on offer is a range of sponsorship opportunities to help turtles on their journey to release. The ultimate gift, however, would be a private turtle release. Check out turtle.ky/private- turtle-release for more information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. CINEMA PASSES Take advantage of Camana Bay Cinema’s Super Savers bulk movie ticket vouchers. Offered at a discounted rate, and carrying no expiration date, purchasers can either distribute vouchers as gifts to multiple people, or all to one lucky recipient, who can then exchange for movie viewings. These can be purchased directly from the cinema via the guest service counter. Standard Movie Super Savers are $243.75 for 25 vouchers, and VIP Movie Super Savers are $815.75 for 25 vouchers. Christmas in Cayman 9 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Wellness is the greatest gift of all. At Doctors Hospital, we are committed to delivering exceptional, private healthcare with one focus in mind – you. We go beyond traditional medicine to bring you tailored, holistic programs that empower you to take control of your health to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. We wish you and yours all the best of the season and health and happiness for years to come. Grayscale PositiveChristmas in Cayman 10 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENT LTD SALES OFFICE (345) 949 4979 INFO@DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENT LTD SALES OFFICE (345) 949 4979 INFO@DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT.KY ONLY 3 LUXURY TOWNHOMES ARE AVAILABLE. WE ARE HEADING OUT EAST... WISHING YOU A VERY Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! FROM THE DAVENPORT FAMILYChristmas in Cayman 11 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENT LTD SALES OFFICE (345) 949 4979 INFO@DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENT LTD SALES OFFICE (345) 949 4979 INFO@DAVENPORT.KY DAVENPORT.KY ONLY 3 LUXURY TOWNHOMES ARE AVAILABLE. WE ARE HEADING OUT EAST... WISHING YOU A VERY Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! FROM THE DAVENPORT FAMILYChristmas in Cayman 12 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Christmas dinner: To cook, or not to cook, that is the question We’ve all seen the adverts, and many of us have experienced it at some point in our lives: Family and friends gathered around a perfectly cooked Christmas feast. Then again, we’ve also had the times when the potatoes are burned, or the Brussels sprouts are off, or that turkey the size of a Buick is taking 17 hours to cook. And even after it’s all been served, there are towering piles of dishes like crockery Alps that need to be cleaned. A wonderful, home-cooked meal is a joy – and effortless for some – but for those who think of their oven as a storage cupboard, there are alternatives. For starters, consider a catering or private chef company. They’ll have menus to choose from with different price points, and you can still enjoy a sumptuous repast in your home and take all the credit without having to do any of the work. You can book anything from just the food, to all the cutlery, glassware and plates needed for a multi-course affair. Some restaurants and supermarkets offer package meals as well, with a turkey to serve six or eight people and all the trimmings. You can pick up, heat up on the day, et voila! The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will actually deliver to the Seven Mile strip area on Christmas Day, with items beautifully and individually packaged, transported in boxes custom-designed to keep the food warm inside. Exquisite cuisine, easy to serve, and if everyone wants to just wear pyjamas, they can. Now, should staying at home not be an option, it’s time for Plan B to kick in: Christmas brunch. Brunch on 25 Dec. has become a pretty big tradition in the islands, maybe because it’s possible to have it outdoors without risking hypothermia. Venues such as The Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Blue Cilantro, Marriott, Kimpton, Luca, Tillies, Grand Old House and others have been advertising their brunches for at least a month, with reservations coming in thick and fast. Prices vary, but are usually a fl at rate for a high-end buffet, with the option of adding bottomless bubbles. The most important thing is to book sooner rather than later. Some options have already sold out, and with hotels expected to be at capacity over the Christmas week, residents are competing with tourists for seats. In the end, if all else fails, maybe start a new tradition of potluck dishes, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and cakes, with a whole lot of Champagne bottles on ice. Because even though a turkey dinner with all the fi xings is the classic way to celebrate the season, spending time with the ones you love is really what Christmas is all about. Vicki WheatonChristmas in Cayman 13 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 19 Compass Dr ive, G eorge Town, Cayman Islands (345) 949-6233 ar washbur n@mar ksons.k y mar ksons.k y To all our customers, friends & family A World of Good Wishes. One of the real joys this holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the New Year. HOLIDAY HOURS Closed 12:00pm - Sat. 24, Dec. 2022 Reopens 8:30am - Tues. 3, Jan. 2023Christmas in Cayman 14 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Wonderland Christmas Trees Every year in early December, snow falls in a picket-fenced lot in Cayman. Fairy lights glisten, carollers sing, and a small team of elves bustle about pairing perfect Christmas trees with cheery customers. Wonderland Christmas Trees is the company behind this cheer, an organisation that brings in Christmas trees to Cayman annually. Wonderland is run by husband-and-wife team Blake and Jaime Rogers, who, as well as parenting 4-year-old Miles and 14-year-old pup Harley, juggle spreading Christmas cheer with day jobs. Jaime is graphic design lead for Real Vision and Blake is the operations manager for DMS Broadcasting’s seven radio stations and one half of the 106.1 Kiss FM morning duo ‘Blake & Erin’. Blake explains everything that goes into bringing Christmas cheer to so many customers. Q: What made you want to start Wonderland Christmas Trees? A: We love Christmas time and bringing joy to others for the holidays. I have previous experience selling Christmas trees for the Boy Scouts in the US, and locally we saw the need in Cayman for something more focused on bespoke customer service and the entire family experience of picking out that perfect Christmas tree at a real Christmas tree lot. There wasn’t anything too magical about a family picking up their tree from a container, so we created Wonderland Christmas Trees, which features a real Christmas tree lot that is focused on the sights, scents and sounds that help make this experience so memorable and special. The lot is a winter wonderland with visits from Santa on his sleigh and we even have nightly snowfalls – the only place in the Caribbean where you can fi nd snow. Q: Where do you source your trees from and why did you choose this location? A: We work very closely with a fantastic tree farm located in the fertile regions of Quebec, Canada that produce some of the fi nest Christmas trees grown in North America with several hundred acres of balsam fi rs, which are known for their needle retention and lasting fragrance. Our tree farm is also committed to the eco-friendly practices of the industry ensuring that cutting trees has low impact to the environment. As a matter of fact, one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people. Our farm also does a great job working with our Department of Agriculture’s pest control guidelines to make sure unwanted critters are not imported. Q: What is the behind-the-process when it comes to importing trees to Cayman and sending them home with happy customers? A: We actually start the planning in May and start talking with our tree farm about our upcoming season and number of trees that we’ll be needing. We usually fi re up the social media and website in late August when we open up for tree orders. Believe it or not, we have a large number of Christmas lovers that order in August to secure their Christmas tree. The trees are usually freshly cut the fi rst week in November and are loaded onto containers (we usually bring in two 40ft refrigerated containers with about 1,000 trees each year) which are then driven to Brooklyn, NYC and then get loaded onto a cargo ship that sails through Jamaica, then to Cayman…arriving in Cayman in late November. A lot happens once they arrive – clearing them from Seaboard and customs, getting them trucked to our lot location at Cost-U-Less, and then having the Dept. of Agriculture do the inspection of the trees. The inspection process is the most nerve-racking part of the season as the Dept. of Agriculture requires us to unload every tree from the container, cut open every 10th tree and shack it onto a white sheet on the ground, which then gets closely inspected for bugs and unwanted critters. They could ‘fail’ the container based on what they fi nd, which would then require the painful process of cutting open every tree and having them fumigated for several days in extra containers. You pray that your tree farm has done their job throughout the growing process with their bug treatments. Q: Tell us about Wonderland’s partnerships with Meals on Wheels and Cayman Food Bank. A: Part of our ethos is to give back to our community, and bringing joy to people during the holiday season comes in many different forms. One of the basic necessities in life is food, and nobody should ever have to go hungry. So, we fundraise throughout our season for Meals on Wheels and the Cayman Food Bank, and then at the end, Wonderland matches dollar for dollar what we have fundraised. Ellie and William Anderson visit with Santa in the 2020 Christmas tree lot. Jaime and Blake Rogers enjoy bringing a complete Christmas experience to Wonderland customers.Christmas in Cayman 15 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Enjoy Holiday savings on our holiday sets www.glamorous.ky @caymanhairsalon shop on our website and qualify for free shipping Give the Gift This year, give the gift of water! Water Authority gift certificates make a unique present for friends and family and are a practical way to give back to local charities this holiday season. G GG of WaterChristmas in Cayman 16 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 A sparkling holiday season In Cayman, Christmas is always done up big – and bright. From elaborate lighting displays and spectacular fireworks to homes draped in dazzling decorations, the holiday season sparkles on-island. Commercial properties get into the holiday spirit with shopping centres, office buildings and resorts on Seven Mile Beach aglow with festive lighting and themed displays. From the magical setting at Camana Bay to the stunning lights and animated displays at the Crighton family home in Red Bay, it’s worth taking time out to admire these holiday attractions. Christmas in Cayman 16 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 A sparkling holiday season In Cayman, Christmas is always done up big – and bright. From elaborate lighting displays and spectacular fireworks to homes draped in dazzling decorations, the holiday season sparkles on-island. Commercial properties get into the holiday spirit with shopping centres, office buildings and resorts on Seven Mile Beach aglow with festive lighting and themed displays. From the magical setting at Camana Bay to the stunning lights and animated displays at the Crighton family home in Red Bay, it’s worth taking time out to admire these holiday attractions. Christmas in Cayman 17 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Christmas in Cayman 17 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022Christmas in Cayman 17 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022 Christmas in Cayman 17 FRIDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2022Next >