“October—the true heart of autumn… the perfect blend of daydream and reality, with amazing weather, a beautiful quiet, and soul-calming breezes which lead the way to the comforting slow-down of the year.” – Terri Guillemets.

“I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” – Dodinsky.

“There’s something so special in the early leaves drifting from trees – as if we are all allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.”-  Ruth Ahmed.

“I remember it as October days are always remembered, cloudless, maple-flavored, the air gold and so clean it quivers.” – Leif Enger.  

This is the time of the year when fall celebrations, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations overlap. Even before Thanksgiving arrives, many people display and decorate a fall tree or begin putting Christmas decorations in place. Some people put up a Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, while others wait until after Thanksgiving. And it is most obvious in retail as Christmas decorations and trees can be found displayed just down the aisle from all the Thanksgiving and fall décor.

However, before we start celebrating with all the decorations for either holiday, be reminded that November is a great time to express thanks for all the blessings that you have received. Take the time during each day of November and express appreciation for a blessing on a daily basis. Social media is a great outlet for posting such appreciation on a daily blessing. Tell what you are thankful for each day.

From fall décor to holiday appeal, as decorations are placed in and around the home, be aware of the potential danger that might exist with holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, and the Christmas tree. Take caution and act responsibly when decorating. These plants can be poisonous to our toddlers and family pets! We are often concerned about them knocking the tree over or destroying the presents, but what happens to our pets when they eat the tree parts and other decorations? Decorate with focus on safety and curb appeal!

Christmas trees are a source of joy during the holidays but can pose dangerous hazards to your dog. Most dogs are instinctively attracted to their inviting smell and the appeal of gift boxes, wrappings, lights and ornaments. Christmas trees are considered to be mildly toxic, especially the oils of the fir tree which can be irritating to the mouth and stomach and causing excessive drooling or vomiting. Since the tree needles are not easily digested, possible GI tract irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture can result.

The amount of trouble and danger depends on the quantity consumed. However, most often pets do not consume such mass quantities of tree material to create medical issues. Always keep your pets away from the tree when you are away from home. Thus, when pets are allowed access to the tree and other decorations, always be on the look-out for any tree- or plant-eating activity in which they may be involved. If your pet has chewed on the Christmas tree or other plants, monitor him/her for any changes in behavior (excessive licking or salivating), appetite, activity, water consumption, vomiting or diarrhea.

Christmas lights which are placed on the tree and elsewhere in the home can present a hazard to curious pets. Chewing on cords and lights will cause electric shocks and burns in the mouth. Check cords regularly for signs of chewing and general wear and tear. If you notice that your pet is reluctant to eat, drooling or showing signs of a painful mouth (such as refusal to play with regular toys) be sure to check for electrical mouth burns in addition to dental and other diseases. Holiday ornaments can also be a risk. Ingestion of such ornaments can cause gastrointestinal blockage or rupture.

Where pets are involved, do not string the bottom of your tree with lights since some types can get very hot and burn your dog or cat. Firmly tape cords to the base of the wall or floor and check them regularly for chew marks or punctures. Dogs and cats who chew on electrical cords and lights can receive electric shocks and mouth burns. Such chewing can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) which can be fatal.

Always avoid decorating your tree with edible or glass holiday ornaments because your pet (cat or dog) may knock over the tree trying to get to one, or injure itself trying to play with a broken one.  Also consider using ribbon, yarn or lightweight twine to hang your ornaments instead of the traditional wire hooks. Wire hooks can catch on their ear or swinging tail, and if swallowed, they can lodge in your dog’s throat or intestines.

Do not trim your tree with tinsel where pets are involved. If swallowed, tinsel can block the intestines thus causing decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss. Furthermore, surgery would be necessary to remove the tinsel from inside your pet. After the wrapping of gifts, clean-up leftover supplies and keep the area around your tree free of discarded string, ribbon and small toys or toy pieces which can be swallowed and cause bowel obstruction.

Also, artificial trees can also be dangerous when eaten. The primary concern with these trees are the toxin releases from the artificial material and intestinal obstruction since these trees are not digestible. Be extra cautious if you have an artificial tree, especially since it will become more breakable with age. Small pieces of plastic or aluminum can break off and cause an intestinal blockage or mouth irritation if ingested by your dog or cat. When you are away from home or unable to supervise your pet, confine him or her to its’ kennel in a separate room to minimize mischief.

Sounds like a lot of “do nots” here. However, simply be aware and be responsible during the upcoming holidays! Where toddlers and pets are involved, sacrifices in holiday decorating may have to be made to insure safety to these family members. Make your holiday decorations toddler- and pet-friendly, and carefully monitor them throughout the holiday season. Decorate with focus on safety and curb appeal!

In addition, many people display a fall tree with fall decorations to enjoy through Thanksgiving Day. The same precautionary measures hold true with the fall tree. Therefore, think safety as you decorate your homes for personal enjoyment and curb appeal during upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” Deuteronomy 10:14. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10:16. “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” Proverbs 10:17. “Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:20-21.