Admit it.
November 8th, just as you got your power back, you heard your first Holiday song. Burl Ives singing, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas." Arrrrgghhhh. Throughout this month's At Home is a list of what you will be sick of by the New Year

Little Saint Nick - the Beach Boys

We're beginning this At Home with an offer.

Aiello has whole home generators ready for installation. Kohler, one of America's largest manufacturers of generators, offers whole house generators for homes as small as 1,000 sq. ft. to 6,000+ sq. ft.

More than likely it is going to snow again. And again. And power will be lost. Question is, "are you going to sit in the dark?" 

 If you've decided the answer is "no," give us a call. We're ready to help. 

Call (888) 814-4972

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

Little Drummer Boy - by anyone

Christmas. Hanukkah. Kwanza. The Winter Solstice. Doesn't matter what the holiday is - there is bound to be one ugly sweater (or dress) packed in fluffy tissue paper, gaily wrapped with a bow - and your name on it.

We want to see your worst. 

We will send $100 Restaurant dot com gift certificate for the, admittedly, ugliest holiday sweater or dress. Send it here. And see a few inspirations (and compare your pain with others) visit here.

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - Elmo & Patsy

Aiello Home Services is proud to have delivered its 500th turkey to the Greater Hartford Food Share program. On the Monday before Thanksgiving, Aiello's turkey operation coordinator, 

Cindy Nicewicz, joined Michael Jezouit, President in making the presentation to Christine O'Rourke, EVP of Foodshare and WFSB TV weather personality Scott Haney.

Foodshare delivered more than 19,000 turkeys to participating organizations, churches, local food pantries, and civic organizations for distribution to families throughout Hartford and Tolland counties.

Aiello also delivered a half-ton of collected food items donated from more than 200 customers during the month of November.

On behalf of Foodshare and Aiello, we thank our customers for their incredible support and promise we will be back at it again next year.

The Chipmunk Song - The Chipmunks (someone silence Alvin)

Raise a Glass.

We know.
No one drinks eggnog. Why? It's sooooo good. Here's everything you need to know about one of life's holiday pleasures. Straight from that unimpeachable source - Wikipedia!

The origins, etymology, and the ingredients used to make the original eggnog drink are debated. Eggnog may have originated in East Anglia, England; or it may have simply developed from Posset, a medieval European beverage made with hot milk.

The "nog" part of its name may stem from the word "noggin", a Middle English term used to describe a small, carved wooden mug used to serve alcohol. However, the British drink was also called an Egg Flip (from the practice of "flipping" (rapidly pouring) the mixture between two pitchers to mix it).

Another story is that the term derived from "egg and grog", a common Colonial term used for the drink made with rum. Eventually that term was shortened to "egg'n'grog", then "eggnog."

The ingredients for the drink were expensive in England, so there it was popular mainly among the aristocracy. "You have to remember, the average Londoner rarely saw a glass of milk," says author and historian James Humes. "There was no refrigeration, and the farms belonged to the big estates. Those who could get milk and eggs to make eggnog mixed it with brandy or Madeira or even sherry."

The drink crossed the Atlantic to the English colonies during the 18th century. Since brandy and wine were heavily taxed, rum from the Triangular Trade with the Caribbean was a cost-effective substitute.

The inexpensive liquor, coupled with plentiful farm and dairy products, helped the drink become very popular in America. When the supply of rum to the newly-founded United States was reduced as a consequence of the American Revolutionary War, Americans turned to domestic whiskey, and eventually bourbon in particular, as a substitute.

Let's Make Some

Traditional eggnog typically consists of milk, sugar, raw eggs, and spices, usually nutmeg. Cream may be included to make a richer and thicker drink, though some modern eggnogs add gelatin. Vanilla is a common flavoring, with grated nutmeg sprinkled on top. Other toppings may be whipped cream, meringue, cinnamon, ice cream, and chocolate curls.

Eggnog can be homemade from recipes. Ready-made eggnog versions are seasonally available and may containwhiskey, rum, brandy, bourbon, or cognac. Since the 1960s, eggnog has often been served cold and without spirits, both of which are significant departures from its historical origins. (In essence: why bother?)

Though eggnog is high in fat and cholesterol, low-fat and no-sugar formulations are available using skimmed or lowfat milk. (Again, why bother - it's once a year!) Some North American manufacturers offer soy- or rice-based alternatives for vegans and those with dairy allergies.

Here's a recipe from the Food Channel:

Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
• 1 pint whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 ounces bourbon
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 egg whites* 

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.

Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.

*RAW EGG WARNING Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs due to the slight risk of salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly refrigerated, clean grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

"Christmas in Connecticut". Real life and...the movie!

One of the great joys of the holidays is sitting in front of the TV with your favorite holiday movie. Maybe it's "A Christmas Carol" or "A Christmas Story". Maybe it's "Miracle on 34th Street", "It's a Wonderful Life", "The Polar Express", "Scrooged," or even, hey, "Bad Santa".

Our question is...what's yours? Tell us and we'll select one winner and get it for you - wholesale. 

OK. FREE. Consider it a gift. Enter here.

Christmas Collection - the Carpenters

Let There Be Light. Outside.

If you're thinking about lighting up the house, or the entire neighborhood, for the holidays say

We can install outdoor lighting from pathways, gardens and decks to waterproof bell boxes that allow you to hook up that Giant Santa and 8 Reindeer the kids love so much. Ready?

Call us at 888 814 4972.

And finally... Christmas Conga - Cyndi Lauper