Mississippi State has experts for holiday stories including seasonal plants, blended families, feeding feathered friends
The Mississippi State University Extension Service has experts ready to help everyone celebrate the holidays with news stories on a variety of topics:
1. SEASONAL PLANTS, including poinsettias: Dr. Gary Bachman, MSU horticulture specialist and Southern Gardening columnist/TV personality, can share ideas for keeping the landscape beautiful for the holidays, gifts that will please the gardener in your family, and how to care for finicky holiday plants, such as poinsettias and live Christmas trees. Phone: 228-546-1009. Email: [email protected]
2. RELATIONSHIP STRESS: The frantic pace and high expectations of the holidays can strain the strongest relationships. Dr. Cassandra Kirkland, MSU Extension family life specialist, is available to discuss strategies for nurturing relationships, reducing stress and focusing on priorities during the holiday season. Phone: 662-325-0749. Email: [email protected]
3. BLENDED FAMILIES: Children from “his, hers and ours” families often experience challenges during the holidays, including travel, different sets of rules and new family traditions. Dr. Carla Stanford, child and family development agent with the MSU Extension Service, says advance planning and sensitivity will help make the holidays more fun for blended families. Phone: 662-489-3910. Email: [email protected]
4. LIGHTER RECIPES: The term “holiday cooking” may bring visions of calorie-laden treats to mind, but simple substitutions and careful recipe choices can keep the holidays healthier. Natasha Haynes, Extension nutrition agent, can share tips and tricks for keeping the flavor but losing the fat this year. Phone: 601-825-1461. Email: [email protected]
5. FEEDING FEATHERED FRIENDS: Winter is a fun time to attract birds to your backyard or balcony with feeders, and bird-watching equipment can make a great holiday gift. Extension environmental educator Leslie Burger shares advice for selecting the appropriate feeders, seeds, books and binoculars for the budding bird-watcher in your family. Phone: 662-325-6686. Email: [email protected]
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