This holiday, be nice, and safely naughty

At Christmastime, it’s easy to get swept up in the superficialities of the season. But it’s important to remember that, at its heart, Christmas is about giving.

With that in mind, the Herald is offering Naughty and Nice lists. Think of them as cheat sheets to help guide you through the holiday, and beyond.

Nice:

Be kind. This time of year, more than others, people want to be able to put food on their tables and give gifts to their family members and friends. However, not everyone can.

Donate food to your local pantry, or to Island Harvest. You’ll know that it will go to a good cause, and you can help those less fortunate enjoy a Christmas meal.

Donating toys is also a great thing to do. Many parents, especially in the current economy, can’t afford gifts for their children. By donating toys to toy drives or Toys for Tots, you can help bring a smile to a child’s face on Christmas morning.

And for the truly ambitious, try adopting a family. Many communities have adopt-a-family programs, in which people volunteer to buy food and gifts for an entire needy family.

Be safe. As winter begins, people will be spending more time inside, in front of warm fires and admiring the Christmas tree. If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is clean and that you have the proper equipment to use it. There should be a grate in front of the fireplace and a bucket of water nearby to douse a fire that strays beyond its confines.

If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure you keep it well watered. A dry tree decked with lights connected to electrical cords is a serious fire hazard. Making sure there’s always water in the stand will greatly reduce the chance of a fire.

Decorative candles, a highlight of the season, are a potential fire hazard as well. Do not leave them burning unattended; blow them out when you leave the room.

As we prepare for the long, dark weeks of winter, make sure to be safe outdoors as well. Be careful when you shovel. It’s a very strenuous activity, and if you have an otherwise sedentary lifestyle, shoveling like mad can seriously stress your heart. Take frequent breaks, or, better yet, leave the shoveling for the kids to put on their Nice list.

Make sure your walkways are clear of snow and ice, for your safety as well as that of others. It’s important for mail carriers to be able to safely get to your mailbox; their path shouldn’t be an obstacle course of snowdrifts.

Naughty:

The same advice goes for those who feel a little frisky at this time of year: You can be naughty, but remember to be safe. If you’re hitting the eggnog, at home or out on the town, don’t plan on doing any driving. Elect a friend designated driver or call a cab.

During the holidays, police departments make things even easier for you. The Nassau County Police Department is partnering with local taxi companies to offer free rides until New Year’s Day. Anyone who’s had too much to drink at a bar or restaurant and needs a ride home can call (516) 326-9090.

And taxi companies themselves are helping out: Companies in Nassau County and eastern Queens are offering free rides in the interest of reducing drunken driving.

They include Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service, All Island Transportation, Taxi Latino, Luxury Transportation, Glen Belle Car Service and Deluxe Transportation. They’ll even give you a free ride back to your car the next day.

The holidays are no time for tragedy. So be smart and safe, and make sure they are warm and memorable for everyone.