The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

24 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2005 Candles have been a symbol of Christ from the beginning of Christianity. A large candle used to be lit in homes on Christmas Eve symbolizing Christ, the "Light of the World." It was left burning all night to mark the Nativity, a custom which 4 Mill St. E. Acton, ON L7J 1G PH: ae 853-4507 Page CONES 'G MDRE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. Dec. 24 Closing 6 pm _ Dee. 25 CLOSED Dec. 26 Open 7 am to 9 pm Dec. 31 Open 6 am to -- _ Jan. 1 Open 7 am to 9 pm _ 19-853-2040 in St. N Acton (Giant tiger Piaza 8M <7 Candles Christ symbol still persists in countries such as France, Denmark, England and Ireland. Canadian families often light candles decorated with pine or fir branches during Christmas dinner but the original meaning has been obscured by the passage of time. Candles are again enjoying 'a comeback and fire depart- ments are imploring people never to leave lighted candles unattended. Careless people can make the Christmas sea- 4 son one of grief and. loss as well as ruining the season for firefighters. Christmas television movies, specials never lose appeal What would the Christmas season be without the endless stream of movies and specials on television, most that focus on the spirit and meaning of the Christmas season? Some of the movies never seem to lose their appeal even after decades of viewing. Some of the favourites include: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) -- Those zany Griswolds are up to their antics again! Led by an all-star cast including Chevy Chase and Beverly D' Angelo, the 'Griswold family Christmas should be merry, but naturally turns into a hilarious disaster. Look for appearances by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (formerly of "Seinfeld") and Doris Rob- erts (of "Everybody Loves Raymond"). "A Christmas Story" (1983) -- You won't want to miss this classic of 1940s Americana which was partly filmed in Toronto. Young Ralphie has his heart set on a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, but it seems like Mom, teacher and even Santa are certain he'll "shoot his eye out" with such a gift. Will Ralphie find his heart's desire under the tree? Watch to find out. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) -- Many versions of this movie have been made throughout the years, but the original outshines them all. When distraught George Baily (Jimmy Stewart) meets a compassionate angel, he learns what life would have been like if he'd never ex- isted. Holiday magic wins out in the end. "Miracle on 34" Street" (1947) -- Another classic that can't be missed! When a man claiming to be Santa Claus is deemed insane, a young law- yer and a headstrong young girl come to his rescue. "A Christmas Carol" (1951) -- Yet another movie that has spawned a series of more recent remakes. This one stars Alastair Sim as Mr. Scrooge, a bitter, miserly man who doesn't give a bah humbug about the holiday season. But will a haunting by three ghosts change his mind and ill will? "A Charlie Brown Christ- ~mas" (1965)-- Charlie Brown is depressed and can't find the Christmas spirit. When he is put in charge of the school's holiday pageant and comes in with a meager Christmas tree, the school kids ultimately learn about the true meaning of Christ- mas. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993) -- Hal- loweentown resident Jack Skellington stumbles upon an alternate universe called Christmastown one day. It inspires him to organize a Christmas celebration in his town. The worlds of creepy Halloween characters and bubbly Christmas spirit meet in this stop-action animated flick. Some of the characters may be too scary for younger children, but older ones may enjoy the humour of this PG- rated movie. Make your Yule safer by following safety tips Christmas becomes so busy with outside influences such as shopping for the perfect gift, searching for the perfect Christmas tree and grocery shopping for the biggest, juiciest turkey that we sometimes forget about fire safety, says Halton Hills Fire Safety Specialist David Ford. Unfortunately, it is a time that can be marked by trag- edy in a moment's notice. It's during this time of year that the number of deaths caused by accidental house- hold fires is at its highest. One of the major culprits for this significant increase is the Christmas tree. Director of Fire Services Bob Meads says, "Fire is one of the greatest threats to your family and personal belong- ings." People do not realize how quickly their world can be turned upside down in a matter of seconds." Take~added precautions to minimize bilege Aa subsequent tragediés~that could follow," he advises. ~ Safety tips for the care of -your family Christmas tree offered by Fire Services include: 1. Diagonally cut 2-3" off the base of the tree before placing into the stand. 2. Check and add water on a daily basis. 3. Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces and other sources of heat. 4. Use only CSA-Listed lights marked for indoor use. 5. Unplug the lights before going out or going to bed. oe o1 ae Serving = Rp "May the Spirit of Christmas Mibes <=" PLUMBING ole VE -- nel Om DG aio ur way Over 30 years experience LICENSED PLUMBER 9-853-1805 Acton & Georgetown soe ¢ a 'Merry Gkristieas. & All The Best ir 2006 Clark Somerville Regional Councillor Wards 1&2 853-9930 Or GersomersMle@baltonhille cs ca oye Merry Christmas To all our fichil and patrons we say "Thanks!" Sha nk ye, MY Home. Specializing in Custom Blinds, Shutters, Drapes, Bedding & More Som My friends and customers: Have a safe and haffy holiday Season. for your continued support. S look pres fo oe wilh h you in the at Dreisge ® Hype ow Sour Call =. an eo GLENLEA BEAUTY SALON 298 Queen St. 853-3150 BEV & BRENDA 519-853-4359 tremblayhomedecor@cogeco.ca