{p class=”p1”}{span class=”s1”}Dr. Eddie Seagle.{/span}{/p}

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” – Bob Hope

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” – Dale Evans

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner Rice

 

From fall decor to Christmas trees, from cool weather to colder weather, and from re-energizing to celebrating, it’s that time of the year again.

However, this year is so different from years past. Our shopping and celebrating strategies have been forced to change as everyone adjusts to COVID prevention recommendations and requirements. Therefore, make an extra effort to minimize any holiday and/or COVID stress that might fall upon you.

More people will probably be staying home this season with less traveling. Use this time for family bonding (which is something that is being lost in today’s families).

Here are some seasonal tips that will help you make great your holiday choices. 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% 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.

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.

Don’t borrow money to buy for Christmas. However, if you must, then get a 0% 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.

Do your homework and check out vendors before buying online (read customer reviews). What is more important to you, shopping locally or searching the web for real deals? Minimize impulse buying. 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. Don’t buy anything that is not needed. This will help you better manage your holiday budget. 

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.

Use flannel sheets and heavier blankets on your beds and let your body generate heat under the covers to keep you warm so you can have another opportunity to turn down the thermostat at night.

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.

Continue reading the Book of Luke (24 chapters) in the Bible to learn and understand who and why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus and His love. Help the homeless every chance you get.

As you receive His blessings, always pay them forward. Pay for a stranger’s meal as the opportunity arises. To help reduce the risk of COVID-19, wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. A very Merry CHRISTmas season to all and to all, Happy December activities with family and friends! You can still make it a December to remember in these challenging times!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife (Jennifer) on the 13th, and our lovely daughter (Autumn) on the 17th! And in memorium to our awesome maltese (Dr. Marcus Lee Beowulf Seagle, 2004-19). We love you, little buddy! We will see you again in Glory!

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2.

“I tell you that One greater than the temple is here.” – Matthew 12:6.

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves…” – Colossians 1:13.

Seagle is a Sustainability Verifier, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International) LLC, 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.