EDDIE SEAGLE: Christmas lights add to holiday cheer

“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.”

— Larry Wilde, “The Merry Book of Christmas”

“There has been only one Christmas — the rest are anniversaries.”

— W.J. Cameron

Where has the year gone? The Christmas season is already upon us and rejoicing is in the air! (Maybe someone should tell mother nature to chill out)! Christmas lights can be seen everywhere — at home, at work, in the community, on tv, etc. Christmas lights help spread the holiday spirit within each of us! Little ones adore them. Such expressions of decoration and appreciation help bring joy and gladness into our hearts. We make special trips across town and into the country-side simply to observe all these lighted decorations.

However, with these lights come much responsibility to ensure the safety of the home, workplace and community throughout this season. Each year, fire departments regularly respond to structure fires caused by Christmas trees and faulty lighting or connections. Carefully decorating Christmas trees with appropriate lights can help make the holidays much safer.

Safety tips should be considered with the selection, placement, lighting and storage or disposal of your chosen trees. In tree selection, picking the right tree is critical. We all want a tree that is the right size and properly shaped. Also, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. A trip to the tree farm aids in picking the tree of your choice which will be most fresh and healthy. If purchasing streetside and choosing from pre-cut trees, pay attention to the condition of the tree, the distance it has traveled (windage damage and drying), and the length of time that it has been cut. If you have selected an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

Before placing the real tree in an appropriate, sturdy stand, saw 1 to 2 inches from the base of the trunk to provide a fresher bottom surface for water absorption. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, heat vents, heaters, candles or lights. Also, be sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add sufficient water to the tree stand, check water level frequently, and add water daily throughout the duration of its use.

The decorating of the tree is the next step in this process. Use safe ornaments and lights with a label indicating approval from an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Read the packaging to determine where they can be used.

Always replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Never connect more than three strands of mini-string sets or maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs to an individual power outlet. Use approved power strips with circuit breakers in making your connections to the power supply at the nearest electrical socket. In addition, read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands that can be safely connected.

Use duct tape to secure loose wires that can get in the way of people and pets moving around in a room or on a porch. Always bundle loose wires with zip ties or fasteners in a hideaway to help keep the room presentable and free of clutter. Lights use a lot of power so never overload power sockets or outlets. Be sure that the lights have proper ventilation by keeping the lights free of objects that could over-heat and start a fire.

Do not use burning candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never leave burning lights home alone. If you have pets, be sure to keep them away from the decorated tree at all times. Large dogs can knock over the tree and cats (with all their curiosity) will climb the tree and cause it to tip over. Both dogs and cats will chew on the electrical cords causing problems.

Once the tree has served its purpose and Christmas has passed, take the tree down before it begins to excessively drop needles. Trees that have dried out and expired become a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Be sure to check with your local community to find a recycling program or disposable process for your tree. Properly label and store all your electrical lights (indoors and outdoors) as you take them down after the holidays.

To better preserve and ensure the longevity of your holiday lights and decorations you should purchase light spools and Christmas tree storage bags or containers. Pieces of cardboard or tubing can be used in lieu of spools. Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic zip bags for tangle-free storing.

The cardboard box that your artificial tree came in will begin to deteriorate and encourage insect infestation over time. Select an appropriately sized bag(s) or storage box(es) for off-season storage. The benefit of using an artificial tree is that it is in sections with lights permanently attached. However, special ornaments benefit from being stored in their original packaging and placed into a larger storage box. If the original box is not available, then store smaller ornaments in an empty egg carton.

If you label your decorations before storing and make a detailed inventory on the outside of each storage container, your challenges next season will be minimized. Also, number each storage box (ie. Box 1 of 7) to help you keep track of how many boxes are in storage.

The most important things for people with natural trees are to keep them properly watered, decorated with proper and safe lighting, and knowing when to take it down after the holidays before it becomes too dry. Also, never use indoor extension cords for outside lighting, unplug light strings before changing bulbs, do not overload extension cords, replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs, and always read product safety labels before product use.

Enjoy your CHRISTmas season and may your decorating efforts provide you with an atmosphere filled with ornamental appeal and spiritual contentment. A very Merry CHRISTmas season to all and to all, continued Happy December activities with family and friends!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9: 6-7.

Eddie 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, and associate editor of The Golf Course, International Journal of Golf Science. Direct inquiries to [email protected].