LIVE Christmas Tree Fire Prevention

Hey Y'all:

 

This year I'm not in charge of the Christmas tree. I'm a little sad because I loved my tree from last year; which of course was artificial. This year we'll have a live tree, I had to do my research on preventing house fires that spark most during this time of year. According to the US Fire Administration Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage. Typically shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

 

So here are some helpful tips from the US Fire Administration on keeping your family safe this holiday season.

• When picking your tree make sure the needles are green and hard to pull back from the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. To check that the tree isn't old bounce the tree trunk on the ground if needles fall off the tree is old. Move on.
• Once you get your lovely fresh find home put it in the stand with water and be sure NOT to put the tree by heat. I know most of our homes/apartments have radiators by the window which is a prime placement for our tree but safety first. Don't put it there, find another spot that will still allow you to show off your decorating skills.
• Before you decorate your tree please check your holiday lights. Make sure there aren't any frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets or any damage to the strand of lights. This will cause a fire. After you've confirmed their safety (or purchased new lights) do not overload electrical outlets.
• When adding ornaments be sure they are non flammable. Stay away from any paper ornaments if you can I know your little cutie made the sweetest paper plate ornament at school, place it somewhere else in the house. Maybe on the fridge or on top of the mantel. 
• water your tree every night and do NOT leave the lights on over night. When you turn out the kitchen light for the night. Turn off the tree lights as well.

Check the US Fire Administration site for more tips on fire safety (they have some good video's as well) and read some of these Christmas Tree Myths over at the Christmas Tree Association (yes, there is a Christmas Tree Association).

 

Until next time...

MUAH!

 

The Santa Issue

Hey Y'all:

The Christmas tree is decorated, lights are up at the window with snowfall as the back drop and then the question came; "Mommy, what's Santa gonna bring me for Christmas?" Honestly folks I just looked at him and said, "I don't know... what do you want him to bring you?" Erick didn't say much but I was left with the question, how do I explain Santa to my son?

I am a Christian and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ more so then anything else. I don't incorporate Santa, his Elf's or anything of that nature into my decorating. I've never taken Erick to get a picture with the jolly fellow at the mall or anything of that nature, but he's everywhere you look. How do I truly explain what Santa represents to us as a family and the fact that he's not bringing Erick or the twins anything this year, without totally smashing my little ones dreams?

Personally I want to tell him the honest truth - there is no Santa coming to our house. He doesn't come to any ones house during the wee hours of Christmas morning, mommy and daddy buy your gifts and place them lovingly under the tree.

I just don't know how! So I did what any respectable mother does, when ever he asks about Santa I say "Go ask your father"

How did you are will you handle the "Santa Issue?"

Until next time...
MUAH!