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Getting Ready for Christmas

Nov 23, 2016 | 6:29 AM

Many of us have started baking, decorating, writing and wrapping. Christmas concerts will soon happen in our area schools and the Christmas party invitations are already in our mail boxes. It is one of the busiest times of the year and not just for retailers.

If you do take your children to the mall:

  • Hold your children’s hand tightly in the parking lots and streets, you never know what will catch their eye and have them darting off between cars or into a crowd.
  • NEVER leave your child/children in an un-attended car, even if it’s only “for a minute.”
  • Have you talked to your kids about what to do if you get separated? They should go to the closest open cash register they see and tell the clerk they are lost and NOT MOVE from that spot, NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS until you arrive.
  • When using the washroom at the mall, either go in with them, or stand at the door until they come out, if it seems like they have been in there too long, open the door a crack and ask if everything is OK, forget embarrassment, this is your child.

Lights and Decorations

  • When shopping for lights, electric decorations and extension cords, purchase only the ones that are UL-listed
  • If you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations that are rated for outdoor use. Putting indoor-only products outside in the weather can result in electric shock and fire hazards.
  • Whether they’re brand-new out of the box or seasoned veterans from holidays past, before you put them up, inspect all lights, electric decorations and extension cords for signs of damage to wire insulation, plugs, and bulbs. If the damage can be repaired (i.e. broken bulbs replaced), do not use the item until the repair has been made. If cords and plugs are damaged, discard and replace the decoration.
  • Always unplug lights before changing bulbs, replacing fuses, or making any other repairs.
  • If you need to replace a bulb in a string of Christmas lights, make sure that the wattage rating of the replacement bulb you’re using matches that of the light strand. Using a bulb with too high a wattage can cause the light string to overheat, creating a fire risk.
  • Standing on your ladder should not be a balancing act – position it securely and have someone be your spotter at the bottom. Never over extend your reach MOVE THE LADDER!

The busy Christmas season often puts a lot of stress on us to get everything done, bought and baked in time. Take time for a little breathier for you and remember the spirit of the season. Whether you are person of deep religious belief or not, Christmas is a season of giving. Giving of time and talents is something we can easily do! Many groups can use your help now but all year long. Consider the gift of giving this year!