Winter is here, and the holiday spirit is among us! While celebrating yuletide blessings and fa la la la lattes, let’s remember to stay safe this season while doing some of the jolliest winter holiday traditions.
Fire safety is a must! Our ancestors knew when winter brought the longest, darkest night; the sun would soon be reborn again. Bonfires and candles were a big part of celebrating this day.
Yule logs are typically crafted with candles and a log then decorated with various dehydrated fruits, mushrooms, greenery and in-season flowers such as poinsettias. The traditional yule log was lit to entice the sun to return. Burn the yule log for twelve nights and save the ashes to fertilize plants in the spring. If any Yule log is left, it can be held for good luck in the next year. Remember, when lighting any Yule logs, be smart and ensure your smoke and fire detectors are working. Especially since dried flowers, herbs and fruits are highly flammable! A modern take on Yule logs is a French baked cake called a Bûche de Noël. The chocolate roulade with cream filling is often decorated in meringue mushrooms or pistachio-nut “moss” and makes for an impressively festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings. So whether you are burning one or baking one, there’s no denying that the yule log is a unique tradition worth adopting this season.
Another fun fire activity over the winter holiday is making a pinecone wishing fire starter. This is another tradition that dates back centuries but is a memorable activity. Individuals write their goals, intentions and wishes on scraps of paper. Then, roll up the pieces of paper, place them in the gaps of the pinecones, and toss them into the fire. Buring the goals and wishes increases participation, making this activity more engaging than setting typical New Year’s resolutions. While sitting around the fire with loved ones, be in the present moment with gratitude.
Ginger has been a longstanding favorite for the winter solstice. Making gingerbread houses and cookies during the holidays brings warmth and happiness to homes everywhere. Add ginger to warm beverages like coffee and wassail drinks to warm the insides so all the holiday stress melts away. Remember to use timers and wooden utensils around the stovetop while baking this season, and have tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Never leave food unattended or open the door in case of an oven or microwave fire. Never use water when putting out grease fires. Instead, use salt or baking soda and cover the pan to cut off air to the fire.
Fire claims are ranked very high on insurance claims over the holiday season. Fire damage usually comes with another stress factor—water damage from the sprinklers extinguishing the fire. So be prepared and do any necessary upgrades. Rest assured that ResidentShield renters insurance will be there for you in case of any accidents this winter season.
On the shortest day and longest night, in the darkness, be the light. Happy Holidays and Merry Winter Solstice!
