Saint Nick's Winter Healthiness Checklist

Whether Santa slides down the chimney at your house or lets himself in with a magic key, there’s more to getting ready for his visit than setting out the milk and cookies.

A couple of weeks back, I got an email from an old friend. Let’s call him Nicholas. Last Christmas, it took him quite a while to get over the misadventures that come with his job. Though I cannot disclose to you the nature of his work, he is closely involved with moving and hauling of gifts during the holiday season on a tight deadline.

The global nature of his business means he needs to be fast. But Nicholas has been doing this work, well, “forever,” and for him, the job doesn’t stop at delivery. He takes the time to set up and put together toys for good little girls and boys.

He also performs – I couldn’t believe it either! – a health and safety check. Makes sure the children are snug in their beds and that the parents are settled in for a long winter’s nap.

That’s when he began to notice an alarming trend. Parents putting off until tomorrow the kinds of maintenance that should have happened yesterday. This, he believes, could be a healthiness concern, especially as families are spending more time at home these days. After witnessing a number of serious oversights, he felt it was time to raise such a clatter.

Of course, Nicholas asked me to ask you to help get the word out before that last, great holiday rush. Now that NORAD is tracking his flight – er, delivery – plan, it’s super important that he not experience in-home delays that result in illness or injury. And this year, when he does those wellness checks before settling down to cookies and milk, he would like to be able to relax between stops.

Want to know what’s the matter? Not icicles and ice dams, which are a normal winter hazard when landing on rooftops. The fall projects deferred, that’s what really gets his reindeer, um, goat.

The projects most likely to affect his healthiness – and yours – this holiday season and beyond include:

Chimney maintenance – getting stuck in the chimney is much less likely if the chimney is free from obstructions and soot. In winter, fire hazards tend to increase, he explains. So it’s a good time for those who live in older homes to take care of anything that could cause healthiness issues, like ungrounded plugs or shorted wiring. Plus, save on your heating bill with quick tips that increase healthiness.
Trip and fall hazards – these can be a real issue when stumbling about by the glow of small lights on the tree while in a great big hurry. You’ll want to “Evaluate the Seasons of Life” this Christmas.
Overflowing gutters and blocked downspouts – the dampness that causes can lead to mold, mildew, or rot and mess with your family’s respiratory health. 3 Low Cost Ways to Manage Runoff
Mouse parties, because one mouse leads to others. Sometimes they throw house parties and our sainted friend doesn’t get to eat his own cookies. You’ll need to “Think Like a Mouse” to uninvite them. Get the Mouse Control Checklist
Critters that come out at night are no fun. Nicholas knows that roaches spread disease and increase respiratory illness, like chronic allergies. While present both in field and town, these unwelcome guests shouldn’t be allowed to move into your house, drink your beer, or use your toothbrush Cockroach culprits
Air quality that supports healthiness is super important. Families deserve to live and breathe good air at home in the age of COVID-19. Here are 7 Secrets to Good Air Quality During Winter.
Batteries, batteries, batteries. Not only are there never enough on Christmas morning, but when more are needed, families often “rob” the smoke detector, flashlight and radon detector. Instead, stock up in advance and replace those batteries before the holidays. Why? Radon is a problem you may not know you have. When these measures are in place, the sugar plum fairies can dance in our heads without a care.

Last but not least, Nicholas suggests that the A Healthier Home Last Minute Gift Idea post is a must-read, especially for those who continue to spend time in their personal conveyance vehicles due to job requirements.

Whew! I’ve checked his list twice and think we’ve got it all wrapped up. If you run into one of these and need to know how to proceed, we can help.

May your family be healthy and happy this holiday season.

All our best,

Rick

P..S. The reindeer really enjoy a handful of rolled oats, carrots or apples. Leaving those with the milk and cookies works well, according to our anonymous friend. Keeps the hooved wonders out of the bird feeders.