To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Ecc. 3:1
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Ecc. 3:1
Take care of our feathered friends by keeping bird feeders well-stocked through winter. Black oil sunflower seed attracts the widest variety of birds — but it’s also a squirrel favorite. Safflower seed is a good choice when you want to offer something that both squirrels and house sparrows dislike. Try mixing both types of seed in a feeder along with a few peanuts for a beak-pleasing buffet that beckons black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, cardinals and woodpeckers. Hang suet feeders for woodpeckers and thistle seed socks for finches.
It’s also important to give them a place to sip and bathe all winter long by using a birdbath heater or heated birdbath. Keep the water topped off and fresh, cleaning the bath as needed. If your bath is deep, add a few rocks near the edge to provide perches for smaller birds. Most heated birdbaths have an internal thermostat that cycles on and off to keep water from freezing, so energy use is minimal.
Keep an eye on houseplants through winter, especially ones in sunny south- or west-facing windows. Dryer winter air causes houseplants to dry out quickly. Check plants weekly to assess soil moisture by touching the soil to see if it needs a drink. With small plants, lifting the pot is another good way to figure out how moist the soil is. Dry soil is light; wet soil is heavier. Soil color also changes as moisture evaporates. Wet soil is dark; dry soil is lighter in color.
When foraging greenery for decking the halls, remember that some holiday favorites are poisonous to pets and people. The list of problem plants includes holly, Jerusalem cherry, boxwood and mistletoe. Display these stems well beyond the reach of young children and curious pets.
Bulbs are usually planted in the fall, but if the ground isn’t frozen you can still plant them now. My grandmother planted bulbs as late as January. She said they may not bloom that spring, but would be established enough to bloom well the following year.
Excerpts from HGTV December To Do List for Gardens, Houseplants and Flowers
The tradition of bringing evergreen trees indoors can be traced to ancient winter rituals that used green branches to symbolize life during the long winter months. In medieval Europe, evergreens became part of the Christmas celebrations as reminders of everlasting hope.
The modern Christmas tree took shape in Germany during the 16th century, when families decorated trees with candles, fruit and carved ornaments. The custom spread across Europe during the Victorian era. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert displayed a decorated tree in Windsor castle, the tradition gained global popularity and became a symbol of Christmas joy.
From The History and Evolution of Christmas Traditions: Where Did They Really Come From