Feeling festive yet? We’re loading up your December with tree lightings, twinkle lights, tasty treats, and hometown holiday magic. From Santa sightings to cozy crafts and winter day trips, this week’s Ocean Senior Scoop is packed with fun just for you. Let’s sleigh this season — cocoa in hand!

👀Here’s what’s inside this week:

Up first…

Because even Santa needs carbs before the big season.
Mathis House Victorian B&B, 600 Main St., Toms River. Info

Give a pint, get a shirt — and hero status.
St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1528 Church Rd., Toms River. Info

Talk art. Talk life. Talk snacks. It all counts.
Ocean County Artists Guild, 22 Chestnut Ave., Island Heights. Info

The holiday reset button you actually need.
Sanctuary Yoga & Meditation, 675A Batchelor St., Toms River. Info

Old-fashioned charm, Santa, cookies — say no more.
Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave., Toms River
Free! Santa visits 11 am–2 pm. Info

Because baklava is a love language.
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 2200 Church Rd., Toms River. Info

Gorgeous textiles → instant inspiration.
Peto Studio Museum, 102 Cedar Ave., Island Heights. Info

Wreaths, gifts, and the smell of hot glue guns in the air.
American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Rd., Toms River. Info

Elks + holiday shopping = unexpected joy.
Manahawkin Elks Lodge, Manahawkin. Info

If you missed the baklava earlier… here’s round two.
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River

Beach Haven goes full holiday mode.
Beach Haven Vol. Fire Co. #1, Beach Haven. Info

Holiday magic, with history peeking over your shoulder.
LBI Historical Museum, Beach Haven. Info

Pick the tree. Shop the vendors. Pretend you're in a Hallmark movie.
Headley Family Farm, West Creek. Info

One price fits all: free, free, free.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant Beach. Info

The cure for a grinchy mood.
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
🎟️ surflight.org

Christmas trees + charcuterie + whodunit energy.
Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River
🎟️ 732-818-7580 | mathishouse600main.com

Vote for your favorite wreath and flex your holiday taste.
Ballots at participating Downtown Toms River shops. Info

When the county hits the switch — and the season officially begins.
Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Info

At the most wonderful time of the year, Victorian Cape May becomes even more charming and luminous. Check out Christmas in Cape May for up-to-the-minute details.

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Americans are Unprepared for the Expensive and Complex Process of Aging: Aging is an unpredictable, highly individualized process that varies depending on a person’s genetics, medical history, cognitive status and socioeconomic factors. The Conversation, Nov. 18.

Time to Stop Driving? When Older Drivers Need to Hang up the Car Keys: Does your older parent or spouse need to stop driving? It's one of the hardest transitions in aging, and there's no simple fix. Kiplinger, Nov. 19.

A Car-Buying Guide for Older Drivers: Seniors have different needs when it comes to cars. Here’s what you need to consider. U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 17.

New Social Security Scam Uses ‘High Pressure’ Scare Tactics. What to Watch For: A new scheme seeks to convince individuals that their Social Security numbers may be suspended due to criminal activities, the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration said in a recent warning. CNBC, Nov. 18.

Social Security Scraps Plan to Limit Disability Benefits After Uproar: The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider. The Washington Post, Nov. 19.

Your weekly dose of books, crafts, concerts & cozy community time.

Yarn, chat, repeat.
Beachwood Branch
Bring your knitting or crochet and make new friends.
Ages: Adults & Seniors

Because helping others shouldn’t mean running on empty.
Stafford Branch – Meeting Room
With Hackensack Meridian Health.
To register: 609-978-4728
New members welcome.

Come stitch, learn, or just hang out with fellow makers.
Stafford Branch – Meeting Room
Beginners: bring size 9 needles + light-colored yarn; or size “I” hook for crochet.

Yes, you can plié in a chair — and look fabulous doing it.
LBI Branch – Meeting Room
Beginner-friendly, ballet + gentle exercise.
Wear comfy clothing; waiver required. Please register.

Support for those doing the hardest work of all.
Stafford Branch – Meeting Room
With Hackensack Meridian Health. Register: 609-978-4728

Classic movie + free lunch? Yes, please.
Barnegat Branch – Meeting Room
Lunch by Causeway CARes at 12:30 pm (register if eating).
Movie starts at 1 pm.

Pop hits meet classical flair — holiday-style.
Jackson Branch – Meeting Room
A virtuosic crossover piano performance by NGXB.

Parlez-vous déjà? Come chat.
Brick Branch – Meeting Room
Intermediate & advanced speakers welcome.

Quick, free, and great for peace of mind.
LBI Branch – Meeting Room
Walk-ins welcome.

Free flu shots for the 2025–26 season.
Jackson Branch – Meeting Room
Register: oceancountyhealth.gov
Questions: 732-341-9700 x7290
Uninsured residents may qualify for no-cost vaccines.

Gentle support for a tough season.
Brick Branch – 2nd Floor Computer Lab
Part 4 of a 4-week session. New participants welcome.

Start December on a serene note.
Manchester Branch – Meeting Room
Music by harpist Connie Arcilla.

Step back into the Golden Age of radio.
Toms River Branch – Mancini Hall
Featuring Ozzie & Harriet, Life of Riley, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Pre-show music & trivia at 6:30 pm.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library.

Not everyone wants to baste, roast, or mash on Thanksgiving — and luckily, Toms River has plenty of spots ready to welcome you on Nov. 27. Whether you’re craving a full traditional feast, a relaxed meal with options, or something completely different, these local favorites will be open:

Villa Amalfi – 1006 Route 166
Open 11 am–8 pm

Tardi’s Ristorante – 931 Fischer Blvd., Bellcrest Plaza
Open 4 pm–9 pm

The Grove Restaurant & Tavern – 955 Hooper Ave.
Open 11 am–8 pm

Water Street Bar & Grill – 4 Robbins Pkwy.
Open 11:30 am–11 pm

Artisan’s Restaurant & Brewery – 1171 Hooper Ave.
Thanksgiving seatings at 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm (reservations required)

Teresa’s Osaka Asian Bistro – 1801 Route 37 East
Open 11 am–10 pm

Xina Restaurant – 340 Route 37 East
Open Noon–2 pm & 4–9 pm

Gal Mediterranean Cuisine – Routes 166 & 37
Hours vary

Royal Grill 37 – 10 Route 37
Open 11 am–8:30 pm

Many national chains, fast-food spots, and coffee shops will also be open — though holiday hours vary.

Pro tip: Thanksgiving reservations fill up fast and hours can change — always call to confirm.

Winter getaways just got easier — and cheaper! Allegiant Airlines is spreading its wings in our backyard with three new nonstop flights out of Trenton–Mercer Airport (TTN) starting in February 2026. If you’re dreaming of palm trees, warm breezes, and skipping Newark’s chaos, this one’s for you.

Here’s where you can fly:
🛫 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Flights begin Feb. 19, 2026
🛫 Punta Gorda, FL – Flights begin Feb. 20, 2026
🛫 St. Pete–Clearwater, FL – Flights also begin Feb. 20, 2026

🌐 Book at AllegiantAir.com »

From chocolate wonderlands to South Pacific dreams, here's what’s new in travel this week:

Orlando is going all out this season with holiday festivities. In addition to all the fun to be had at Disney World and Universal, there are Nutcracker-themed afternoon teas, “Holidays in Space” at Kennedy Space Center, and a million-light trail with snowball zones at Leu Gardens.
📍 Florida | 🗓️ Now through early Jan
🔗 More Info »

Five Gaylord Resorts across the U.S. have transformed into immersive holiday destinations, with spectacular décor, themed attractions, gingerbread scenes, and festive activities from morning to night.
📍 Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, Denver, D.C.
🔗 More Info »

Explore Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and more aboard Holland America’s 14–35 day cruises. Deep-dive itineraries include overnights in iconic ports, plus new routes from Sydney and Auckland.
📍 Departing from Australia & New Zealand | 🗓️ 2027–2028 Season
🔗 More Info »

The 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition winners have been announced! The iconic Asheville resort hosted more than 235 edible entries from across the country, now on display for the holiday season. (More on this below.)
📍 Asheville, NC
🔗 More Info »

Hershey’s Chocolate World has unveiled a ride makeover with 2,000+ lights, dancing animatronic elves, and a festive soundtrack. Their holiday bundle ($44.95) includes five attractions, bakery treats, and free parking.
📍 Hershey, PA | 🗓️ Nov 24 – Jan 4
🔗 More Info »

New Jersey’s own Buddy Valastro — star baker of Carlo’s Bakery — is teaming up with The Salvation Army to launch a limited‑edition red velvet cake called “Give With Joy”. The deep red hue celebrates the charity’s Red Kettle Campaign and symbolizes warmth, generosity and holiday spirit. Available online (nationwide shipping) and in select Carlo’s Bakery locations (Hoboken, Times Square, Port Authority). Info

From Barone family laughs to Beatles deep dives, there’s plenty to stream post‑pie.

CBS celebrates 30 years of Everybody Loves Raymond with a brand-new special hosted by Ray Romano and creator Phil Rosenthal. Expect a recreated Barone living room, interviews with the cast, and tributes to Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle.
📺 Monday on CBS & streaming on Paramount+
📲 All 9 seasons also available on Peacock

Cue the country stars and Christmas magic! Brad Paisley, Mickey Guyton, and more appear in this musical holiday flick about heritage, harmony… and possibly time travel.
📺 Streaming Sunday on Hallmark+

This nine-part docuseries traces the Fab Four from Liverpool lads to global legends. The ultimate musical deep dive just in time for a holiday binge.
📺 Starts Wednesday on Disney+

The jokes are aging like fine wine in this new comedy special. Kevin Hart tackles middle age, parenting, and the perils of getting older.
📺 Monday on Netflix

“Disney’s Hulu’s Family Guy’s Hallmark Channel’s Lifetime’s Familiar Holiday Movie” is exactly what it sounds like — a hilarious roast of every cheesy holiday plot you love to hate.
📺 Drops Friday, Nov. 28 on Hulu & Disney+

Whether you're walking the boardwalk, wrapping gifts, or sipping cocoa on the couch, these are the hottest listens this week according to Audible — just hit play and enjoy.

Looking for a unique twist on the holiday tree tradition? The American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree is back — and this year, it’s out of this world.

Now on display just off the Central Park West entrance, this 13-foot tree is decked out with 2,000–3,000 hand-folded paper ornaments crafted by origami artists from around the globe. Expect everything from cranes and turtles to t-rexes and triceratops — all in miniature, delicate detail.

🦕 This year’s theme: “New Beginnings,” inspired by the museum’s new exhibition Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs. Topping the tree? A fiery golden asteroid, of course.

📍 American Museum of Natural History, NYC
🎟️ Included with museum admission | More Info »
🕊️ A seasonal favorite for more than 40 years!

Perfect for a day trip — art, science, and a little holiday magic, all folded into one.

This year’s National Gingerbread Competition champs didn’t just bake — they built. The winning creations are full-on works of art (and yes, totally edible!).

🥇 Grand Prize: “The Tiny Gnome Builders” by Mary Hulsman (Concord, NC)
A whimsical gnome construction site, complete with crooked houses, tiny hard hats, and renovations “coming soon.” It’s gnome-sweet-gnome taken to the next level.

🥈 Second Place: “The Birch Mouse Burrow” by Heather Nadeau (Cary, NC)
Step into a storybook scene where tiny mice live large! This enchanting gingerbread masterpiece features a hobbit-style mouse house tucked beneath a mossy hill, complete with a round wooden door, stone steps, and a leafy tree canopy overhead.

🥉 Third Place: “Wassail Break” by Michael Villella (New York, NY)
A warm, brick colonial with glowing windows and a twinkly tree on the lawn. Basically Hallmark movie magic — but made of sugar.

Seriously… how do they come up with this stuff? Pure sugar-fueled genius. You can see their masterpieces (and over 230 more!) on display this season at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

🎟️ More info »

🗓️ Nov. 29, 2–6 pm
📍 Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US-9 North, Cape May Court House

Kick off the season with a zooper festive afternoon! The Cape May County Park & Zoo and the County Commissioners are hosting Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration, packed with kid-friendly fun and holiday cheer. Explore craft and collectible vendors (including treasures from the Zoo Keepers), enjoy live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, bounce houses, character visits, seasonal treats, and a Wild Lights walk-through display.

Don’t miss the tree lighting at 5 pm, a dazzling ice sculpture demo, and the grand finale — a drone show by Cape May Aerial Ads. The zoo is also open earlier from 10 am–3:30 pm, so make a full day of it with the grandkids! More info

🗓️ Nov. 28, 6 pm
📍 Downtown Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City kicks off the season with its beloved “Christmas in the Downtown” celebration — a full day of festive fun leading up to the big moment. From 12–5 pm, enjoy music, carolers, shops dressed in holiday sparkle, and free horse-and-carriage rides. Then at 6 pm, gather by City Hall as Santa makes his dramatic descent to light the town tree, officially launching Winterfest by the Sea. It’s classic small-town magic and the perfect way to make holiday memories with the grandkids. Info

New Jersey brought out the big names and even bigger heart at the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 21 at American Dream. Hosted by Danny DeVito, the star-studded night celebrated 20 local legends — from rockers to reporters to real-life heroes.

🎶 Jon Bon Jovi inducted bandmate David Bryan, while the crowd rocked to performances by Bryan and Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik.
🎤 Edie Falco honored CNN’s Dana Bash, and Dorothea Bongiovi was recognized as an Unsung Hero for founding JBJ Soul Kitchen, a “pay-it-forward” community restaurant with locations in Red Bank, Toms River, Rutgers University’s Newark campus and New Jersey City University in Jersey City.

But the night belonged to The Jonas Brothers, who accepted their award together with a message for dreamers everywhere. Said Nick Jonas:

😄Well said, Nick! We couldn’t agree more!

That’s all for this festive week! As always, thanks for spending a little time with us — your readership keeps this community thriving. If you have an event, story, or holiday tip to share, we’d love to hear from you.

🤶With cheer,
The Better With Age New Jersey Team

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Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a professional before making decisions. Nothing in this issue is sponsored—just local love and festive cheer!