Zurich Citizens News, 1971-12-23, Page 6PAGE 6
ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS
Make Christmas Happy
..... and Safe
By Joyce Champion
CHRISTMAS is a time for
children . . which means it
is also a time for taking spe•
-
cial precautions. For instance,
one of the prettiest\scenes at
Christmas, the decor ted fam-
ily tree, can also be one of
the most dangerous fire ha-
zards and could turn a happy
time into a tragic event.
It is customary to spread a
layer of cotton under the
Christmas tree to simulate
snow, but this pretty picture
can turn into a disaster if the
cotton used is not fireproof.
Some stores in large cities
now have fireproof cotton for
sale, but it can be difficult to
obtain and is more expensive
than regular cotton, However,
cotton can easily he fireproof-
ed at home for only a
few cents by following this
method:
CetTr
Prepare a solution by dis-
solving 7 ounces of twenty
mule team borax, 3 ounces of
boric acid and 1Y2 ounces of
soap flakes or granules in 2
quarts of hot water. Place the
cotton -nn a concrete floor or
other nonabsorbent srirface.
Sprinkle or spray the cotton
with the solution while it is
still warns then let the •cotton
dry thoroughly before using it.
Do not dip the cotton in the
solution as it will remove
the fluffiness and spoil its
snowy' effect.
This method can also be
used to fireproof other Christ-
mas decorations such as pine
cones, crepe paper, popcorn
and store-bought decorations
that are marked inflamable.
Even in this age of sophi-
sticated artificial lighting there
is nothing snore Christmasy
than candlelight whether it is
at a party or used to light up
the dinner table. This can
turn into a problem however,
if the wax drips on the table
or cloth. Don't try to Hoop the
wax up while it is wet — this
only makes it more difficult
to remove. •
Let it dry and scrape off
the excess wax with a dull
knife. On a hard surface the
PEACE:
on
€ARCH
good will
toward all men. This
universal Christmas
wish is ours to
you for
this holy season.
MARTIN TRANSPORT
HENSALL 262-2937
wax will cone off easily if you
allow it to harden before you
try to remove it.
In the case of washable fa-
brics, after you have scraped
off the wax, place the item
between two blotters or sev-
eral thicknesses of paper
towels or tissues, and press
with a warm iron. Repeat this
two or three times then wet
the arca and rub or brush in
13orateem and launder in the
usual way.
Here's one hint you may
find useful to make linen
tablecloths and napkins look
really crisp and fresh. After
you have washed then in the
washing maehine, iron them
while they are still wet; don't
let them dry.
If yon can't iron them im-
mediately, roil them and place
them in the freezer until you
are ready to iron; this keeps
them moist, If yon adopt this
method you can dispense with
the use of starch.
I hoe these hints will help
to make your Christmas a
happy and a safe one, Now to
answer some of the queries I
have received recently,
Mrs. D. Mooney of Regina
writes: "While applying iodine
to a cut, some spilled on my
son's pants. Is there a method
I can use to remove this
stain?"
Yes, Mrs. Mooney. Wet the
stain with cold water and rub
or brush in Barateem until the
spot disappears then launder
in the usual way.
Mrs. V. MacMillan of
Cornwall asks: "Is there any-
thing I can use to remove the
stale odour from my baby's
plastic pants and crib sheets?"
These items can be washed
in the washing machine use
the recommended amount of
laundry soap plus one cap of
Borateern. This borax -based
product will remove any trace
of odou• from the baby's
clothes. If the pants or crib
sheet are badly stained rub or
brush in a paste of Borateem
and water before washing. Let
it stand for 10-15 minutes but
don't put them in the dryer
unless you have a no -heat cy-
cle on it.
Mrs..T. K. Wood of Burn-
aby writes: "I have three
small daughters who are now
wearing textured winter tights.
Can these be washed in the
washing machine or should I
wash them by hand each
night?"
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1971
Wreaths Got
Pagan Start
During this holiday season,
a wide variety of colorful
wreaths deck the doorways
of homes in this community.
The use of wreaths at holi-
day time stems from the cus-
toms of Advent season — the
four Sundays before Christ-
mas. Traditionally, Advent
wreaths are made of ever-
greens, trimmed with rib-
bons, and hold four candles
to be lit during the Sundays
of Advent.
The wreath, which has no
beginning or end, represents
eternity, and the evergreens
symbolize growth and life,
according to the editors of
the New Book of Knowledge.
Like many other Christian
holiday customs, the .Advent
wreath originated in pagan
ceremonies.
During the dark days of
the winter solstice, the sun -
worshippers of northern Eu-
rope sought to please their
absent god, the sun, and per-
suade'hini to return, by using
a wheel trimmed with green-
ery.
The wreath was made of
an actual wheel, taken from
a cart and wrapped in greens.
Lights, too, were added.
To all our fine
friends, we extend our very best
wishes for a most joyous holiday and
offer our appreciation for' your patronage.
THUSS GARAGE
TED THUSS and SON
MAIN STREET -- HENSALL
radiant with the light of peace,
joy and blessings for you and yours.
O'BRIEN'S UPHOLSTERY
Pat O'Brien
Main Street - Hensall
At this joyous time of year we extend
our greetings to our friends, whose confidence
we highly value. Thank you.
DRYSDALE CREST HARDWARE
HENSALL