OH, CHRISTMAS TREE While they aren’t nearly as common as other house fires, the American Christmas Tree Association reports that Christmas tree fires cause $13 million in property damage annually. Even more troubling, Christmas tree fires are over four times more deadly than fires started by other sources. Here are some tips for dealing with this seasonal fire hazard. your Christmas tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed at night. Fire-Safety Tips for the Holidays
Know When to Say Goodbye Real trees should only be kept for four weeks at the maximum. Get rid of your tree as soon as possible — by New Year’s Eve at the latest. Keep watering your tree until you get rid of it, and when you do, don’t let your tree lean against your home or on a pile of trash. Learn how to safely recycle your tree locally by visiting pickyourownchristmastree. org/disposing.php.
Find a Fresh Tree Go to a tree farm and cut down a tree yourself for maximum freshness. If that’s not an option, choose a precut tree that is still vibrantly green. Check that the needles don’t come off easily by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If a bunch of needles come tumbling off, it’s a sign that the tree is unsafe. Keep Your Tree Watered Make sure your tree is hydrated all season long. Start by cutting off the bottom 2 inches from the trunk when you get home. A fresh cut makes it easier for the tree to soak up water. Plain water is best for trees, so don’t worry about caffeine or sugar. Just check every day that the water level is well above the bottom of the trunk. Decorate Wisely Do not put real candles on or near your Christmas tree. Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, or heat vents. Throw out light strands that are old, damaged, or missing bulbs. Don’t forget to turn off
WORD SEARCH December Christmas trees can be dangerous, but only if you don’t take the proper precautions. Use care so your family can enjoy this beautiful holiday tradition all season long. Artificial Trees Can Be a Fire Hazard, Too Artificial trees, even the fire-resistant ones, can be just as dangerous as a real tree. The National Christmas Tree Association warns that fake trees can easily catch fire when they’re near electrical sockets or are overloaded with lights.
Holiday Roast PRIME RIB
Looking for an easy holiday roast that still feels elegant enough for the occasion? Look no further than this delicious prime rib flavored with garlic, thyme, and red wine.
Ingredients • 1 bone-in prime rib (6–7 pounds) • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 2 cups red wine
• 4 cups beef stock • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions 1. 30 minutes before cooking, remove roast from fridge and let sit until it reaches room temperature. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Make small slits in prime rib and stuff with slices of garlic. Liberally season with salt and pepper. 4. Place a rack inside a roasting pan and roast prime rib for 2 hours, until medium-rare. 5. To make au jus, place roasting pan with drippings from roast over 2 burners on high. Add wine and scrape pan as liquid reduces. Add beef stock and cook until reduced by half. Finally, sprinkle in thyme. 6. Slice roast and serve topped with au jus. Inspired by Food Network
CANDLE COOKIES DECORATIONS FAMILY
GRATITUDE HOLIDAYS SNOWFLAKE SNOWMAN
SNOWSTORM TRADITION
TRAVEL WINTER
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