If you're still searching for those last few Christmas gifts — the kind that feel thoughtful, unique, and personal — the Christmas Craft & Holiday Market at the New York State Fairgrounds is the perfect place to find them. This festive three-day event transforms the Horticulture Building into a holiday marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, artisan foods, and one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find in big retail stores.
Whether you’re shopping for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, or family members, this market offers an incredible variety of gifts that feel special, local, and full of holiday charm.


Event Dates and Details
The Christmas Craft & Holiday Market runs all weekend long:
Friday, December 12, 2025
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, December 14, 2025
10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission:
• Adults: $8 (advance sale tickets available online, typically with a ...

As housing costs and mortgage rates remain high across much of the country, a new proposal to allow 50-year fixed-rate mortgages has once again attracted attention. The idea could reshape how Americans finance their homes — but it also brings trade-offs homeowners should understand before deciding if it’s right for them.

What Is a 50-Year Mortgage — and Is It Law Yet?
A 50-year mortgage simply means extending the loan repayment period from the traditional 30 years to 50 years (600 months instead of 360). Under this structure, the borrower’s monthly payment is spread out over a much longer timeframe, which reduces what they pay each month.
As of now, the 50-year mortgage is still under discussion — not a standard, widely available loan. The proposal gained renewed attention in late 2025, when the administration and housing policy leaders suggested it as a possible tool to ease affordability struggles for buyers.
Because the idea requires regulat ...

As we look ahead to 2026, design experts and top paint brands are highlighting warm, grounded, nature-inspired colors that bring comfort, personality, and a sense of calm into the home. These emerging palettes mark a shift away from cool grays and stark whites, leaning instead into earthy neutrals, cozy browns, muted greens, and rich, moody tones.
Whether you're planning to sell, stage, or simply refresh your living space, this year’s color trends offer beautiful options for creating a warm and inviting home through the winter and beyond.

The Trending Themes for 2026
Nature-Inspired Neutrals and Soft Warm Tones
One of the major trends for 2026 is the return of warm, natural neutrals. Colors like khakis, warm beiges, soft creams, and gentle off-whites are taking center stage. These tones create a comfortable and versatile backdrop that works in virtually any room and pairs beautifully with natural wood, stone, and textured fabrics.
Designers note that homeowners are seeki ...

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace during an Upstate New York winter. But fireplaces — whether wood-burning or gas — require proper care to keep your home and family safe. Chimney fires, smoke buildup, and carbon monoxide risks are all preventable with the right habits in place.
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you enjoy your fireplace safely and confidently all season long.
 
Understanding the Parts of Your Fireplace and Chimney

A traditional fireplace is made up of several key components that work together to safely contain and vent a fire. The firebox is the area where the fire actually burns, built with fire-rated bricks or metal to handle high heat. Above it sits the damper, a movable metal plate that opens to let smoke escape through the chimney and closes when the fireplace is not in use to prevent drafts; dampers are usually operated by a lever, handle, or chain. The smoke chamber helps funnel smoke ...

When family and friends gather this season, a beautifully styled charcuterie board is one of the easiest, most elegant ways to serve — and make your home feel warm, festive and ready to share. With just a few ingredients and some creative touches, you can put together a spread that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of work. Based on inspiration from a holiday-style board by Kristy New England.
1. Choose Your “Canvas”
Start with a large board, platter or even a wooden cutting board. It becomes the foundation for your visual layout. The board featured by Kristy used a monogrammed wooden board to add a personal, festive feel.
2. Layer in Greenery and Texture
Before placing food items, add visual interest by using herbs like rosemary, pine sprigs or other greenery and arrange them in a “garland-like” design. Kristy sprinkled powdered sugar over her rosemary to mimic freshly fallen snow.
3. Pick a Variety of Cheeses & Breads ...