Tips for this time of the year!

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, December 17, 2019

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” -Peg Bracken.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” -W.T. Ellis.

As Christmas quickly approaches, make the effort to minimize any holiday stress that might accompany you during this time of the year. Slow down and take the time to enjoy each precious moment because we will not travel this same path again. Next year will be a different year with different strategies and different paths.

Here are some tips that you might consider using during this time of the year. Select real trees rather than artificial ones to decorate your home for Christmas. Both have positives and negatives under the banner of environmental awareness and good stewardship. Even though real trees contribute to helping produce the oxygen we breathe, artificial trees impact the environment through resource depletion much more than using real trees. If you’re choosing a real tree, buy local.

Approximately 60 million rolls of gift wrap paper are used at this time each year with much of it from non-recycled sources. Consider being more artistic and environmental-friendly by using reusable cloth bags and recycled paper. Gift bags that can be reused time and again are a good choice too. What do you use to wrap your holiday gifts?

Use LED lights throughout your home, both in decorations and function. If you’re still using that classic string of lights from “way back when,” you need to update and upgrade. The newer LED lights use much less power (up to 90 percent more energy efficient) while offering both function and aesthetics.

Many of the toys, gadgets and devices found under the tree on Christmas morning may require many batteries which are filled with toxic chemicals and ultimately end up in landfills. Rather than buying multiple huge packs of standard alkaline batteries, consider buying rechargeable batteries, especially the ones that can be recharged in a USB port.

Reconsider your method and frequency of transportation during the holidays. For short trips around town, minimize the frequency by planning ahead and getting as much done as possible in one trip on any given day. Take a road trip to visit family, rather than flying. This approach will be more environmentally-friendly and provide a bonding time for you and your family (which is something that is being lost in today’s families).

Enter into an agreement with friends and family to ban unnecessary Christmas presents. Gift them your time and conversation instead. Use that funding and more to buy food and clothing for the homeless and needy.

Choose a charity to help support. Many mission trips are being planned locally, nationally and globally. Select a reputable mission team to help in financing their next trip.

Don’t borrow money to buy for Christmas. However, if you must, then get a zero percent credit card that offers a small credit line. Plan to repay immediately after the holidays. Many grocery stores offer gas cards at a bargain (20% discount, ie. $50 for $40). And yes, there are strings attached, meaning you have to buy a certain amount of groceries to be eligible to buy the cards.

Chat to friends and family via web. Christmas is often a time for family and friends but if yours are a long way away, save on the phone costs with free alternatives and talk for free anywhere in the world over the web. Plan these conversations to effectively use this option.

Retail in America is changing quickly from shopping at the traditional brick and mortar stores and malls to buying on-line. Do your homework and check out vendors before buying on-line. What is more important to you, shopping locally or searching the web for real deals? Make a list and check it twice. Make a classic shopping list and stick to it. Be very careful with impulse buying. Don’t buy anything that is not needed. This will help you better manage your holiday budget. When buying gifts, be sure the retailer provides you a gift receipt which will allow the recipient to make exchanges, get refunds, etc. when an item doesn’t fit or accommodate them.

Consider after-the-holiday sales. Many seasonal items (giftwrap, Christmas cards, decorations, etc.) are marked down after Christmas, sometimes up to 90% off. Also, you should consider a gift card as your Christmas gift to friends and family so they can find a bargain in clothes, electronics, etc. after the holiday has passed. Don’t overbuy your food items at the grocery store since many bargains will be BOGO (buy one get one free) – only buy what you need during a specific window of time.

To help in energy savings during the Christmas season use candles, LED Christmas lights and permanent fixtures, as well as placing time limits on the burning of all lights. Don’t burn your Christmas lights 24/7 – choose specific times during the day or night that will give you and your guests greatest enjoyment. Turn them off when you retire for the evening.

 With permanent fixtures, don’t burn every light in house simultaneously. When you leave a room, turn those lights out, as well as electronic equipment. Unplug phone chargers when not in use.

If you have a fireplace, use it and save on heating costs. In your holiday cooking, selectively use the microwave and toaster ovens for smaller tasks and use your main oven for larger cooking tasks. While cooking on the stove, keep the lids on your pots so your food will cook in less time.

May your decorating efforts provide you with an atmosphere filled with ornamental appeal and spiritual contentment this season. A very Merry CHRISTmas season to all and to all, Happy December activities with family and friends! Make it a December to remember! Happy Birthday to our lovely daughter, Autumn, on the 17th! In memorium to our awesome maltese, Dr. Marcus Lee Beowulf Seagle (born October 18, 2004), who passed on to his eternal life on November 23, 2019. We love you little buddy! We will see you again!

Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…. The Mighty One has done great things for me — Holy is His name.” Luke 1:46.

Seagle is a Sustainability Associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International), Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Distinguished Professor for Teaching and Learning (University System of Georgia) and Short Term Missionary (Heritage Church, Moultrie). Direct inquiries to csi_seagle @yahoo.com.