COMMNUNITY CONNECTION DECEMBER 2022

How to Pick Ever! The Best Christmas Tree

Confused about how to choose the best Christmas tree for your family? With these tips for choosing the optimal real Christmas tree and keeping it looking good for as long as possible, you’ll have the best Christmas tree on the block.

Picking out a Christmas tree is one of the most classic Christmas traditions there is. While the time to head to the tree farm only comes around once a year, it’s a memory to be remembered for decades. Don’t let a sad tree become reality. Learn the right way to pick a Christmas tree that’ll last throughout the holiday season.

Know What You Want

Each tree species is a little different, so to find the best Christmas tree for your family, you need to match it to the needs and wants of your household. For example, if you have children, you might lean toward pines or firs with soft needles instead of spruce trees, which have sharp needles that can hurt when you step on them.

Check the Tree’s Freshness

First, check the trunk of the tree. The trunk should have a slight stickiness to it. Bend a needle in half with your fingers; fresh firs should snap, while fresh pines bend and should not break.

Make Sure the Needles Are Secure

To find the best Christmas tree that will last the longest, gently grab the inside of a branch and pull your hand toward you. The needles should stay on the tree. Alternatively, gently tap the cut end of a tree on the ground; if a few needles fall off, it should be fine. If a lot of needles fall off, keep searching for a different tree.

Look for Even Coloration

Some types of Christmas trees will go

from deep, rich green to a dull gray-green if they get too dried out. Err on the side of caution and stick with a “greener is better” mindset.

Freshen the Trunk

Once you get the Christmas tree home, take proper care of the trunk. Cut off about a half inch from the bottom of the tree’s trunk (or ask the Christmas tree lot to do this for you). The fresh cut will absorb more water, so your tree holds its needles and keeps its color longer. Put the tree in water as quickly as you can after making the cut.

Keep Your Tree Cool

As tempting as it may be to place the tree next to a fireplace, know that heat sources—including a heating vent—will cause your tree to dry out faster. Place your tree in a cool and dry spot.

Maintain Your Tree’s Moisture

To keep your Christmas tree looking perfect, keep the water in your tree stand filled all the time. You may need to add water two or even three times the first few days.

Dear Gunnar: Lately, for some reason, my mom insists on brushing me every single day. I mean, it used to be that I could go weeks without that torment, but now, for some reason, my beautiful fur coat is being yanked out by the brush of death! And I don’t know why, since I need my fur for the cold winter! Why does she insist on doing this? How can I make her stop? Signed - Shaggy in PA

Dear Shaggy: Thank you for your letter! I LOVE it when my mom brushes me. She does it a lot too. The trick is to just stand there and let her go to town. It feels much better when all that fur is off you. Trust me, you really don’t need all that fur hanging around. We dogs have plenty of warmth in the winter. And if you don’t, then maybe you can get lucky and get a cool looking jacket! My sister, Bailey, has a TON of really cool look ing winter coats. She’s a diva and loves to shop at Runaway Farms in Pennsburg! I say embrace it! Let your mom brush you. After all, if she doesn’t get all the hair out, then you are going to shed all over the living room, and that will lead to getting the vacuum out, and nothing is worse than the vacuum. Am I right!??! WOOF! Stupid noisy vacuum always wakes me in the middle of my dog nap! And if you really can’t stand it, run away. Make mom chase you all over the yard. She will quickly get tired of that game and give up!

Woofs & Kisses! - Gunnar

Send Gunnar all your dog related questions. If he picks your letter and responds, you will receive a free treat for your dog! Send your letters to: Dear Gunnar P.O. Box 201, East Greenville, PA 18041

Holiday Blues

Depression among the Elderly

By Gerry Fioriglio RN, CDP

The winter holiday season (and the colder months which accompany it) can intensify feelings of sadness which older individuals often ex perience. Most often it is not the holiday itself that cause these types of emotions among the elderly, rather the fact that the holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier times.

Older individuals are at risk for deep sadness and depression because of the changes in ones’ health which can make it harder to do normal ac tivities of daily living. Chronic pain, poor diet, loss of a spouse or close friend, and memory loss can cause depression for older individuals. Of ten one worries that they can no longer live alone and need to move to a healthcare facility.

Symptoms to look for in your aging loved one are increasing sadness, anxiety, loss of interest in daily activities, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, obsessive thoughts of their own mortality. If you notice any of these changes seek treatment from their doctor. Treatment may be as simple as setting up visitations by acaregiver who can assist them with normal activities of daily living and provide companionship. Caregiv ers can assist with holiday shopping, preparing holiday cookies to share with family members, or taking them on outings. This increases ones’ sense of purpose and will help decrease depression.

Family Caregivers Network in Pennsburg can assist you with setting up in-home caregivers to help your loved one remain safe and independent at home. Call 215-541-9030 or visit their website www.family-caregiv ers.com to begin improving your loved ones’ quality of life this holiday season.

If you are interested in becoming a professional caregiver, scan the QR code to apply!

10 Shopping Local REASONS TO LOVE

1. It’s fun. Make a day or weekend of it Start a tradition. Sleep in, gather up a group of friends or family, go to breakfast at a local, independent café, then go shopping in small local stores. Nice!

2. You support schools, police and fire departments. When you shop small, the bulk of the money you spend and most of your taxes stay local — helping schools, paving streets, keeping you safe. According to the research firm Civic Economics, for every $100 you spend:

• In a local small business, $68 stays in your community.

• At a local branch of a chain store, $43 remains.

• Online, virtually no money stays local.

3. Product Diversity

A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

4. Customer

Service Is

Better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude because they have to face you day after day.

5.

You’ll raise your property values.

Lively, vibrant neighborhood shopping streets are considered an advantage when selling a home. They make your property more valuable.

6. You’ll strengthen your community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in your town, go to your church or synagogue, donate to local animal shelters, coach Little League teams. When you spend money in their stores and cafes, you support your neighbors.

7.

Keep our community unique

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.

8. You’ll create jobs. Local businesses create local jobs. Often, these are jobs that pay better than those at chain stores.

9. You’ll find “where did you get that?” jewelry or clothing. So many unique gifts and things to purchase – not just for gifts, but for yourself as well! Shop small gift stores, boutiques and jewelry stores to find unique clothing and accessories.

10. You’ll get pampered. The best gift is often an experience — a spa day, golf lesson, massage retreat, Fitness membership, cooking class. Check your local independent businesses for great services to give as gifts.