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The Citizen, 2010-12-23, Page 29THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010. PAGE 29.MS –While the holiday season isa joyous time to spend with familyand friends, it’s also a time to spend money. For those with credit cards, it can prove difficult to avoid debt. Atrip to the mall with a specific gift inmind can quickly turn into a shopping spree where gift after gift ends up on the plastic. While it can be tough to avoid letting plastic pay for the perfect gift, there are ways to ensure thisholiday season won’t find youclimbing a mountain of debt by the time it’s over. • Purchase gifts with cash rather than on credit. This is easier than it may sound, as shoppers heading to the nearby mall should simply leavethe credit card at home when they goout to shop. • Give the gift of your time and talents. Who hasn’t received a gift they didn't want at least once during their lifetime? Avoid overspending by offering to perform a service for afriend or family member, such asbabysitting so Mom and Dad can enjoy a night out together, or if you’re a skilled craftsman put your talent to use and create a gift for a Spending doesn’t have to mean January debt Somebody’s gotta do it Ally Glousher spent her Dec. 15 snow day shovelling her driveway in Blyth. (Denny Scott photo) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 May you be blessed with peace and understanding throughout this holy season. Snell Feed & Supplies Ltd. Westfield 519-523-9501 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 In this time of joy our remembrance of His birth, we join you in prayer and celebration, offering our hopes for a world filled with peace and love. Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday. Dan, Heather and family thank you for your patronage in the past year. We wish to extend a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Dan's Auto Repair Westfield 519-523-4356 Broker: Steve Nixon Wingham 519-357-2222 website: www.stevennixon.com Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours Another great season is in the bag, and we hope it’s filled with good times for you and your family. We really appreciate your shopping with us this past year. Best Wishes from everyone at Blyth 519-523-4551 BB ll yy tt hh DD ee cc oo rr SS hh oo pp pp ee Have a merry and safe holiday season from Barney (Don) & Linda Stewart & family Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4840 Tree debate Continued from page 28 advantageous when it comes to moving them. Because they’re often boxed, these trees are lightweight and easy to maneouver into the house. Whether a house is old or new really does not matter when it comes to an artificial tree thanks to the packaging. What Does a Natural Tree Look Like? Where natural tree supporters often stake their biggest claim is the tree’s aesthetic appeal. Supporters feel a natural tree is much more aesthetically appealing. However, those buying late might be stuck with all that's left, long after the more desirable trees have found a living room in which to spend the season. What Does an Artificial Tree Look Like? While some like the real look of a natural tree, others like their holiday tree to be perfect, with none of the warts of a natural tree. Artificial trees, unless poorly produced, have no warts, as they’re man-made. Also, an artificial tree guarantees its owners the same look each and every holiday season. What Is the Environmental Impact of a Natural Tree? Natural trees are actually much more environmentally friendly than they initially appear. Christmas trees are planted for the express purpose of the holiday season, and large numbers of new trees are planted each year to replenish the stock in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, once the season has ended, many trees are recycled and used as sand and soil erosion barriers. What Is the Environmental Impact of Artificial Trees? Artificial trees often come with a host of safety warnings. That’s because they are made from a variety of materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and metals, which can put toxins into the air during production. That is why there are lead warning labels on some artificial trees. Artificial tree buyers must be careful of erecting artificial trees in homes with small children or pets, as consumption can be toxic. Another thing to consider is that many artificial trees cannot be recycled, so there is no environmentally-friendly way of disposing of them when homeowners decide it’s time to replace them. Continued on page 34