Miracle on Main Street: During a time when everyone’s faith is being tested, some might wonder if the holiday spirit will prevail. In the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle is put on trial after playing a convincing Santa Claus. His authenticity and mental health are challenged in the courtroom, and it all comes down to one question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Making it bright: As the seasonal celebrations begin, the wine and painting classes take a backseat to making wreaths. Pippin
Hill gardeners Diane Burns and Celina DeBrito lead Wreath Making Workshops, and lend expert tips on
how to craft a personal tribute to the cycle of nature by sourcing dried fruit, flowers, and herbs from the vineyard site. Refreshments provided. Mask required.
As if we didn’t have actual problems to worry about, national news has been filled with stories of porch pirates stealing gift-laden packages. But for those worried that their Amazon deliveries will be snatched by the end of the work day, rest assured: So far this holiday season in Albemarle County, only two missing packages have been reported, says Jenny Zawitz, crime analyst for Albemarle County police.
Of course, the number could rise because that was as of December 14, Zawitz points out.
Charlottesville has more purloined packages, with eight reported since November 1, says Detective Sergeant Tony Newberry. “These are pretty common larcenies.”
But Albemarle Officer Steve McCall with the county’s Problem-Oriented Policing unit says “There is not a lot of package crime in this area. It is happening in some other parts of the country.”
That hasn’t stopped suspicious neighbors from speculating, however.
On Nextdoor, the popular website for neighborhood gripes, western Albemarle residents recently raised the alarm about missing decorations and packages. As it turns out, this year’s missing decoration, a large snowflake on a mailbox, was stolen by a family member, who argued that the snowflake would be stolen and then stole it himself to make a point.
And the two packages suspected to have been stolen were simply delivered late. In fact, Amazon notes that a person should wait 36 hours after a delivery confirmation, because packages may have been delivered to the post office, which has not yet delivered to the home.
Nonetheless, concerned county residents can call POP cops to do “surveillance and fact gathering” as needed. From two to six officers may be assembled to help with disappearing items, says McCall.
Meanwhile, what may actually be at risk is that gun you keep in your car: Right now, the most reported county crime is larceny from vehicles, according to McCall. People may leave their cars unlocked or leave valuables in sight, such as purses, gifts, sunglasses, electronics, and firearms. Last year, a striking 360 guns were stolen from vehicles; this year the number has dropped to 240, he says.
Most who were caught were in the 18- to 22-year-old age range, breaking into cars “for the thrill of it,” says McCall. “Some other people are supporting their drug habits.”
His advice? “Call 911 immediately if you see a crime in progress,” stresses McCall, who says one person watched a group of five youths ransack a car and called police only after they fled. “Know your surroundings and note what is unusual,” he says. “If you see something, say something.” Though maybe inquire at home first.
The holidays must be a weird time for our pets. Their familiar homes are suddenly brimming with strange trinkets and lights. New smells are wafting in from the kitchen. And did I mention there’s a tree in the living room? While most pets adapt quickly to our inexplicable traditions, a few will find ways to get into trouble.
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the poisonous potential of the season. From baked goods to little foil-wrapped Santas, there is a whole lot of chocolate around this time of year. While small amounts of chocolate aren’t as toxic as you might fear, no self-respecting dog is going to stop with just one bite. It’s a good idea to keep that box of candy on the countertop instead of the coffee table.
Poinsettia plants are another inescapable Christmas symbol, and are widely known for their toxicity. Thankfully, their reputation is generally unearned. These plants can be minor irritants and can cause some stomach upset, but don’t present a life-threatening danger. It’s still wise to keep them out of reach, but there’s no need to banish them from your home.
Other holiday décor can be irresistible to curious animals. Dogs may try to snack on low-hanging ornaments, and what cat wouldn’t want to climb his own personal tree? Strings of lights and other electrical decorations can pose the risk of burns or electrocution if bitten. Depending on your pets’ personalities, you may need to find creative ways to keep them away from your newly decked halls, or reconsider what decorations you choose.
When it comes time to open gifts, keep your animals in mind. Ribbons and strings look nice on a present, but can quickly obstruct the intestines of pets that consume them. As gifts are unpackaged, twist ties and plastic bags left out can be a choking or asphyxiation hazard. And animals may not be able to tell the difference between a child’s new treasure and a chew toy.
Setting aside these holiday trappings, it’s also a time of year to gather with friends and family. While many pets relish the company, anxious animals may find the chaos stressful. The constant arrivals and departures can trigger dogs’ protective tendencies or allow flighty animals to escape. And the sudden presence of children (who, let’s be honest, can get a little intense under the influence of Christmas) may increase the risk of bites and scratches. If there’s any doubt at all, it’s best to keep animals safely elsewhere until things calm down.
Animals are inherently festive, and they can bring a lot of joy to the season. But there is a lot going on this time of year, and much of it can be confusing for our pets. Most seasonal hazards require a bit of mindfulness to avoid, but with a house full of guests and dinner cooking in the kitchen, it’s easy to get distracted just long enough for trouble to start. Taking a moment in advance to identify potential problems can make it easier to relax once the celebration really begins.
Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.
Yes, we know you’ve only just put away the pumpkins and plastic bats, but we’re already hearing “Frosty the Snowman” in shops. The Big Holidays are on the horizon and it’s not too soon to be laying your plans.
Are you having company this year? Will you be hosting people with disabilities? Are there children on the list? Good visits don’t just happen. Whether for a fancy dinner party, an open house or overnighters it’s much more relaxing to be well prepared. It’s also important to survey your house for potential problems and make good plans for a safe holiday.
Prepare your home
Safety must be the first concern. Toxic items and fragile things are the greatest risks for youngsters or visitors with physical, visual or cognitive disabilities. Before your company arrives, store away valuable breakables and heavy, tippy objects. Take up scatter rugs. Reduce the temperature on your water heater if it’s especially hot.
Last year Cindy spent Hanukkah at an ER praying her grandson wouldn’t die. She’d forgotten some post-surgery sleeping pills she hadn’t taken, but the 2-year-old discovered the “pretty candies” in her bedside table and promptly ate them. Fortunately he recovered fully. Post local phone numbers for medical emergencies including poison control and the nearest urgent care facility or emergency room in case of an accident or other medical problem.
If you are having overnight guests, do you have sleeping space for them all? Is that sleeper-sofa truly comfortable enough for company? If your visitors include youngsters, you can probably put some of them on the floor on air mattresses. Do you need to rent or borrow inflatable beds, a crib or high chair?
One couple, hosting a holiday family reunion, converted a room to a “dorm” with wall-to-wall mattresses for five little girl cousins. A grandmother visited a local thrift store, purchased a portable crib and collapsible high chair in good condition, and stashed them in the laundry for family visits. “Plan ahead,” she cautions, “because the items you need aren’t always available.”
Be sure you have sufficient lighting. Is the bulb in the guest room lamp bright enough for visitors who like to read in bed? Install nightlights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms. Be particularly sure stairs are well lit, especially if you have visitors with any sort of vision problems. Consider small flashlights for bedside tables.
Protect visitors from pets, if you have them, (or maybe protect pets from visitors). Prepare a retreat for your animals and make plans to introduce them to your guests in a calm setting. If you have young visitors, remind them how to behave around animals. If you have pets that might be upset by visitors, consider boarding them while visitors are there.
And remember the little extras. For the guest bedroom, air out extra bedding including blankets and two pillows for each guest with choice of soft or firm. If you don’t have folding luggage stands, be sure there is a convenient place to set a suitcase. Include a water pitcher or small carafe with glasses for the bedside. Clear out drawers if guests are staying several days.
Add a touch of hospitality by providing some toiletries in the bathroom along with clearly identified guest facecloths and towels. And be sure to have plenty of T.P. that can be easily found right in the bathroom when it’s time to replace a roll.
Prepare for eating
For house guests, check for food allergies and preferences. Have easy-to-find snacks for middle-of-the-night hunger pangs as well as a breakfast plan for early risers.
Plan well ahead of time for dinner parties or perhaps an open house. Will you do all the food prep, shop for ready-to-serve items, hire a caterer or all of the above? If you are having a small dinner party, ask ahead of time whether there are significant food preferences or allergies.
For a larger party, assume you’ll have guests ranging from omnivores to those needing (or simply preferring) items that are gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher, halal, or vegan. Take time to browse the Internet for likely recipes (and test them ahead of time). For example, if you’ll be entertaining vegetarians, take out a portion of your homemade soup before adding meat or poultry. Stock your freezer with store-bought food or things you’ve made ahead.
Buffet guests will appreciate having the ingredients of dishes listed on little signs or labels. Examples: Vegan lasagna with spinach, soy cheese, tomatoes, basil and mushrooms. Chicken Salad with walnuts, sweetened cranberries, celery, and seasonings.
Plan ahead and don’t let the “shoulds” get you down. Maybe your mother-in-law did make her own cornbread for her homemade dressing; boxed stuffing tastes fine. Use paper napkins, even if your sister always uses linen.
Prepare for fun
Make a list of places for good times together such as attending special holiday programs at the Paramount Theater or other live music venues. Visit the holiday City Market, attend religious services, and exercise in your neighborhood, on the Rivanna trail or— going farther afield—Shenandoah National Park. If children are coming, find the nearest park or schoolyard with play equipment for them to burn off youthful energy. Invest in a soccer ball, a jump rope, snow saucers (just in case), and other equipment for vigorous play.
Planning ahead can make holiday visits safe, relaxed, and fun.
Marilyn Pribus and her husband live in Albemarle County near Charlottesville.