Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is around the corner and, like you, we are busy getting ready for the big day. Amidst the tree trimming, gift wrapping, and other preparations for the holiday, we suggest adding a few small tasks to the mix to help ready your home and property for the most anticipated guest of all: Santa Claus.
He and his reindeer are surely used to the ice and snow typical to our winter weather–being from the North Pole and all– but we can make it a little safer and easier for him to navigate our skies and rooftops. Santa Claus is a jolly old man and never complains, but a helping hand goes a long way on the busiest night of the year. Afterall, the world is big and Old Saint Nick has a long night ahead.
Here’s what you can do to prepare for Santa Claus:
1 - Clear the snow
Gently falling snow is never more delightful than during the holidays but don’t let snow shovelling and clearing fall behind – it accumulates. Take the time to clear walkways and your driveway to ensure your family and guests have a clear path to walk.
2 - Add traction
We suggest applying sand or salt to slippery surfaces to provide just-in-case traction for the reindeer or any elves who happen to be along for the ride. Legend has it he and his sleigh stick to rooftops but–when it comes to slips and falls–our motto is ‘better safe than sorry.’
3 - Check out the chimney
No need to call a chimney sweep, but if you have a chimney, we recommend a lowkey once over to check for stability and general cleanliness. He’s a professional, sure, but we can still do our part.
4 - Increase visibility
Decorations? Yes, please! Lights and do-dads make any home feel more festive and are certainly a highlight for your family and community. From a practical perspective, a row of multi-coloured lights along the roofline provides visibility and landing assistance reminiscent of the lights lining the runway at airports. Consider digging the ladder out of the garage and hanging up a string or two.
5 - Leave a midnight snack
Take it from us, operating heavy equipment on an empty stomach is a no-no. Milk and cookies are a time-honoured tradition, and we took an informal staff poll and believe oatmeal chocolate chip are the big guys’ favourite. Bake or buy and be sure to leave them out before tucking into bed on Christmas Eve.
6 - Think of the reindeer
Does anyone work harder at Christmas than the reindeer? Pulling a heavy sled, navigation, dealing with weather conditions, and landing on rooftops of all sizes – oh my. They need care and attention, and perhaps a snack. We suggest leaving carrots and white sugar outside as a treat for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.
That’s it! You’re ready for a wonderful Christmas morning and here’s hoping your care and attention is rewarded with a slightly fuller stocking. On behalf of all of us at Mountainview Turf, we wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
