Happy - and Safe - Holidays!

December is here with all of its festivities, activities and cheer. This is a season to be with friends and family, enjoy a warm fire, and be grateful for all that we have. No time of year gives us a stronger sense of home. We carry on family traditions, and create our own - with baking, decorating, music, visiting and travelling. It is the season of the senses, with smells, sounds, tastes, sights and so much - and so many - to touch! For many of us, it is a time to remember those who are with us now only in spirit, and to tell stories to bring their memory to life. This is a special time and no matter how or where you celebrate, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
 

Toronto's Seasonal Real Estate Market

The real estate market slows at this time of year, but it is far from stopped! Last year, the Toronto Real Estate Board saw 4,232 sales in December. As you might guess, people looking to buy and sell in December are generally quite motivated, which keeps things interesting. The normal pattern is that after the holidays we see the market gear up gradually in January, and really start building again in February. All indicators are for strong sales continuing in 2006.

'Tis the season to clear out the old.

Even with the "busyness" of the season, take a few hours and go through your house - closets and cupboards and basement. Do the most thorough purge you can of clothing and household items and give them to a local charity. Move swiftly. You will make room for new energy to come to you for the New Year, and help those in need at the same time.

Shop with care.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holidays and go over the top with gift-buying. Before you go holiday shopping, check this list of reminders:

• Look around the house to see what items you may have already bought ahead through the year. It's easy to forget!

• Make your budget and stick to it.

• Look for sales - you don't have to wait until Boxing Day to get great deals!

• Be sure that both your blood sugar and your spirits are up when you head out.

• Dress so that you are warm enough outdoors but not boiling when you are in the stores.

• If you really don't want to go shopping, don't! Try shopping on-line or by phone. Consider gift certificates for movies, restaurants, or a pedicure. Give to local charities in the names of people on your list. Be resourceful and creative.

• Check your points - you may be able to use Air Miles, Shoppers' Optimum, or HBC Rewards or others for your shopping. There's no better time!

Acts of kindness are often the best gift.

• Take an elderly family member or neighbour shopping, or to visit a friend.

• Invite a friend or neighbour's children over to play or bake, so parents can get ready for (or recover from!) the holidays.

• Offer to walk or look after a neighbour's dog for a day or two.

• Bake extra of whatever you are making and take a plate of goodies to neighbours.

• Give generously to local food banks and charity drives - this is a hard time of year for many.

Whatever you do or give this season, let it be from the heart.

The season, along with the good cheer, brings more safety issues than any other time of year. Here are some tips and reminders to help keep you, your family and your home safe:

Candles enhance the beauty of the season - but please enjoy with caution:

•  NEVER leave burning candles unattended. If you have to leave the room even for a short time, blow out the candles, or at the very least put on a timer to remind you to return - it is much too easy to get distracted by a phone call or another task and forget.
   

• Use only candles that are contained by glass - exposed candle flames such as tapers pose a far greater risk of fire. If you do use tapers, be sure they are securely in place in the candle holder and level so that they do not tip.
   

• Keep candles clear of anywhere people might be leaning across - clothing can catch fire in a second as one of your guests reaches for a treat. This is especially true at a dinner table.
   

• NEVER light candles in wall sconces - they're pretty but just too risky (we have friends who will bear witness to this - we arrived at their home to blackened walls!)

Keep paths clear - inside and out:

• Make sure toys and other items are kept clear of stairs and other traffic areas in your home.
   

• Top up your supply of sidewalk de-icer and use it! Clear your neighbour's walkway too!

In this time of holiday travel, follow all the tips for safe winter driving:

• Keep extra mitts and hats in the car, along with a snow shovel, just in case you get stuck.

• Be sure to have your cell phone and car charger with you at all times.

• Keep an extra jug or two of windshield fluid in the trunk - it gets used at an astounding rate at this time of year.

• Avoid distractions such as your cell phone, sipping coffee and changing CDs while you're driving - keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

• When highway driving, don't let your gas tank get below half; make regular stops so you stay alert.

• If you haven't already, take your car in for a check-up to make sure everything is ready for winter - lights, fluids, and especially your tires.

• If you aren't quite used to driving in the snow yet, find a large empty parking lot and (carefully!) practice your winter turns and stops just to bring your reflexes back - it's a whole new world out there with the ice and snow.

For more holiday safety tips: www.city.toronto.on.ca/ems/safety_tips/holiday_tips.htm

If you are away, have your house checked regularly.

• If you are away for an extended time over the holidays (or any time for that matter) arrange to have a friend or neighbour check your house at least every other day. If the heat goes off unnoticed, your water pipes could freeze and burst and cause serious damage to your home. Check with your home insurer before you go on holidays to verify what their requirements are for maintaining coverage - you'll want to know before you go!

Reminder - if you haven't shut off your outside water tap from inside, do it immediately!