HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-12-24, Page 46PAGE 46. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008.
Those who celebrate Christmas
know that a Christmas tree is often
the centerpiece to holiday
decorating and celebrating. Presents
are tucked beneath the bows, and for
many it’s a family affair choosing
and decorating the tree.
While there will be debates on
both sides of the fence as to whether
a real or artificial tree is better, it
comes down to personal preference.
Each has its share of advantages
and disadvantages.
The big decision lies in choosing a
tree that will fit the size of your
home and your lifestyle and making
it safe.
Consider these ideas.
Individuals with large great rooms
or cathedral ceilings may be able to
invest in a tree that is tall and full. A
smaller tree may seem dwarfed in a
large room. Conversely, those with a
smaller room will want to scale back
their tree size. Otherwise the tree
can take up too much space and
infringe on normal activities.
Placement of a tree is also
important. Many people want to put
the tree in front of a large window to
show off their display to passers by.
However, this isn’t always practical.
If a heating element is near to where
you want to put your tree, the air can
dry out a real tree; artificial trees
may be more forgiving.
Take care not to place a tree where
it will interfere with the ability to
traverse the room, or where guests,
children or pets will stumble into it.
In fact, those with young children or
pets may want to place the tree in a
corner where it will be somewhat
out of the way or barricaded by
other furniture.
Securing the tree to a wall or the
ceiling with a small hook and
fishing line will also be a measure of
safety.
Through the years lighting
manufacturers have taken steps to
create holiday lights that are safer
and easier to use. It is never
recommended to put real, lit candles
on a tree, which is an obvious fire
hazard.
Check for frayed wires or bulbs
that burn relatively hot on Christmas
light strands, which can also be
hazardous if the lights are left on
while unattended. LED lights are
now available that operate cooly and
may last longer than some other
traditional lights.
When choosing ornaments, place
delicate or breakable items higher
up out of the prying hands of young
children. Because glass ornaments
can fall and break, it may be safer to
use plastic or ceramic ones that will
be more durable.
A tree is something out of the
ordinary in a home, so it’s natural
that a pet or a child will be attracted
to it, hence the need to consider
safety.
If you are cutting down your own
tree or picking one up from the lot,
another consideration is being safe
with transport. Many people do not
adequately secure the tree to their
vehicle before driving it home.
A tree that is moving back and
forth on the roof of a car, or worse,
comes loose and ends up on the
road, is a danger. Tie the tree from
all directions so that it will not move
in transit.
And make sure that the branches
are kept together in a mesh bag so
that they do not catch wind while
you are moving. Drive slowly and
be attentive while making
turns.
Christmas is near and shopping isjust one of the many things that haveour attention. Sometimes thethoughtfulness behind giving a giftgets lost in the pressure of having tofind something – anything to give.Combine this with the busyness of
the season and tightening the belt on
spending and you can end up giving
gifts that are frivolous and hold no
sentimental value.
To avoid giving forgettable gifts
and bring meaning back to
Christmas gift-giving:
• Buy Fair Trade Certified gifts like
chocolate, teas, and coffees that
ensure all Fair Trade Certified
products are produced without
child labour.
• Give a gift to a child-in-need in
honour of your loved one by
visiting websites like
www.ccfcanada.ca. Their heart will
be moved when they receive aChristmas card from ChristianChildren’s Fund of Canada(CCFC), a child-centredinternational developmentorganization, with your specialmessage letting them know that a
child living in extreme poverty has
received a life-changing gift like
school supplies in their name.
• Offer your time as a gift. With
personal time becoming scarce,
giving the gift of time is valuable.
Have fun designing “time
coupons” and relieve parents of
young children with a couple of
hours of babysitting or give the
coupons to your children for
special one-on-one time with them,
where they get to choose
something they’d like to do. This
becomes a special treat in place of
a predictable stocking stuffer.
Get your last minute shopping
needs at McDonald’s
* Housewares & Giftware
* Power Tools * Hand Tools
* Tough Duck Workwear
* Gift Cards
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John McKercher Construction Ltd.
519-887-9061 R.R. #1 Bluevale
In the spirit of community,
we’ve gathered together to wish
our friends, neighbours, customers
and associates
a very merry season and a
prosperous new year.
We’re deeply grateful for your
loyal support and look forward to
serving you in the new year.
BLYTH PRINTING INC.
BLYTH
519-523-9211
Wishing all our customers and friends
a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful
New Year!
Wishing all our customers and friends
a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful
New Year!
BLYTH
519-523-9211
Time to dance
It was definitely time to dance at last week’s production of Is Santa Smarter? put on by the
students of Blyth Public School for their annual Christmas concert. Santa finds himself and
Mrs. Claus in financial turmoil with rising fuel costs and anticipates a problem getting presents
to all of the world’s children, so he volunteers to be a celebrity contestant on a game show set
in Blyth which could end up netting him $1 million. Santa was victorious, but only due to a lot
of help from the Blyth Public School student body. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Christmas tree safety
Beautiful centrepiece
Christmas trees can be beautiful additions to your home if
you follow some safety precautions. (MS photo)
Buy meaningful gifts