Poisonous holiday plants: Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia

Christmas is coming!

You’ve indulged in eggnog latte(s), dragged the tree out of storage and your holiday plants are blooming in full glory – but did you know poinsettias (among other Christmas floras) are poisonous?

This season, find out what’s toxic and what’s not before the in-laws, friends and pets come over:

Holly and mistletoe

Looking forward to festooning your doorway with boughs of holly and mistletoe?

It may be hard to fathom why – but the leaves, bark and especially berries of these seasonal shrubberies contain deadly poison theobromine and toxin phoraxin. And if accidently gnawed on by children or pets much intestinal upset like: vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling can ensue.

Keep your holidays merry by adorning holly and mistletoe out of reach from dogs and kids. Or, opt to “deck the halls” with artificial-silk mistletoe instead.

Poinsettia

Though poinsettias take center stage when it comes to ornamental bouquets on the dining table – a simple rub against its sap can cause mild, itchy rashes.

Likewise snacking on a leaf or two may spur vomiting and stomach pain. However, if you’ve landed on this classic plant for Christmas, don’t feel too anxious – warn guests beforehand and use warm water with soap ASAP if a sideswipe with skin happens.

Jerusalem cherry

If you’re looking for that vibrant red or orange pop atop your rustic Christmas mantle, Jerusalem cherry does the trick. But keep in mind that just a swallow of this decorative plant can lead to unwanted hallucinations, skin redness and vomiting.

Lilies

Cultivated in pots and stylishly placed in vases – snow white lilies can brighten up the room and keep your Christmas décor from looking cliché.

But do take note that lilies are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Just a small bite of this flora can severely seize your kitty’s digestive system and warning signs like: convulsions, arrhythmia and gastrointestinal pains can swiftly arise.

Harmless holiday alternatives

Gifting a seasonal plant this year? Consider these festive yet harmless options:

Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus has been a holiday favorite since the 1800s! Made of arching branches, spineless joints and flat green leaves – rosy red, white and fuchsia flowers can be expected to bloom come December.

Lucky bamboo plant

Lucky bamboo plants are floral shop favorites and according to feng shui – bring harmony and fortune to the home.

This season, add to your gifts by giving a lucky piece to friends and family. Or dress up a glass vase with water and small pebbles along with a red ribbon for prosperity and ready your home for the holidays.

Jade plant

Also called the money plant or friendship tree, these easy-to-care-for plants have plump leaves, thick branches and boast pink or white star-shaped flowers. Evergreen in color and attractive to the eye, jade plants are a gift of good luck and success.

Resources:                                                                                   

Dangerous holiday plants for pets

Ten surprising holiday dangers

Giving safe household plants for Christmas

How to banish dry, chapped winter skin

Nothing screams “dead of winter” like dry scaly hands and scabby callused feet with cracked heels. Frosty temps and biting winds can really do a number on healthy skin!
 

This season don’t fall victim to dryness, instead sooth your skin and give your mug some extra care with these tips: 

Hook up a humidifier

Before getting some shuteye, offset dry indoor heat-blasts by cranking up the humidifier. These handy engines sprout moisture into your air supply and keeps skin from becoming dry and flaky.

Oil up your feet

Keep feet from feeling like sandpaper by gently sloughing off dead skin with a pumice stone. Pamper your toes with thick foot creams and slip on some socks when finished. It might seem nerdy, but sporting socks while sleeping helps the skin absorb more cream. (The Huffington Post)

Ban the hot baths

Sure, soaking your chilly bones in a burning-hot bath after frolicking in the snow feels amazing.

But intense heat from your steamy shower or bath actually sucks the moisture out of your skin and breaks down its protective layer.

Next time, try a warm soak with a few cups of whole milk. The proteins and fat found in moo-juice helps hydrate your skin and retains moisture even after you’ve stepped out of the tub. (How Stuff Works)

Hydrate your hands

Freezing fingers and cracked, painful skin are always dilemmas in sub-zero temps. 

Indulge your hands by switching out your lotion for a thick, hydrating cream. To really rehab scaly skin – massage thick cream into hands before slipping on some cotton gloves for the night. Enclosed spaces help hydration elements take hold faster.

Give your mug some extra love

Don’t put away the SPF 30 just because it’s snowy season. Winter UV rays and bright snow glare can still wreak havoc on delicate skin. Treat your sensitive face with care by switching to a milder face wash and stay away from drying cleansers that contain alcohol.

For deep-moisture masks, take a wander through your kitchen before heading down the beauty isle. 

Egg yolk, banana, avocado and milk make superb moisturisers, minus the store-bought chemicals. (The Huffington Post)

Drink H2O and then some

Keep your body hydrated with water, especially during icy winter. That’s when dry air and chilly winds like to zap your body’s H2O supply quicker than usual. Replenish your daily water intake by drinking more than you think you need. 

Top-five exhilarating winter activities: Dogsledding, snowkiting, heli-boarding

The air is crisp and the snow fluffy white powder. Embrace it.

Warm up to winter by trying something completely exhilarating and even outlandish. 

Check out these top-five adrenaline pumpers to amplify your Alberta winter. 

Dogsledding:

Feel the bite of invigorating December as you slide across the snowy wilderness with your team of sled dogs. 

Trek where early explorers set up camp or simply feel your heart race as you whisk around the Canadian Rockies – right by Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.

Participants may choose to relax in a cozy sled, or drive their own team of huskies with an expert guide. 

More info: Travel Alberta 

Snowshoeing

Snap on a pair of snow shoes and find out what it feels like to walk on clouds.

Tread lightly across deep snow to witness the untouched beauty of Alberta’s backcountry.

En route, visitors will spy a wealth of winter scenery: frozen lakes, alpine forest and mountain wilderness.

Guided tours in the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park are informative and engaging. Snowshoeing trails in Alberta

Snowkiting & Paraskiing

Ever been kiteboarding on windy waves? Snowkiting and paraskiing are pretty much the same thing except you’ll find yourself atop snowy prairies and frozen landscapes.

Where snowkiting requires a snowboard – paraskiing harnesses skis as you glide along your winter wonderland. 

Both sports kick up the adrenaline as you practice jumps and tricks while flying through open air to land on snowy ground. 

Beginners have the option to cruise on ground level minus the jumps, but still experience high speeds and unexpected turns!

Learn more about lessons at Muller Windsports located on Cochrane Hill in

Alberta.

Ice Climbing

Hear the crunch of snow beneath your feet. Swing your arm and imbed your ice pick into frozen wall. Look up. A shiver cascades down your spine. You’re almost at the crystal peak!

Introduce yourself to the thrill of ice climbing with an accredited guide. The Rockies boast a plethora of icefalls and glaciers to challenge the adventurer in you.

Explore more at: Travel Alberta

Heli-Boarding

Stray off the tourist trails by hitching a lift to untracked terrain – via private helicopter.

Discover the natural landscape and fresh powder of the Rockies by booking with a certified guide – trails are carefully selected based on snowfall and weather for optimal enjoyment. Heli-boarding at Banff National Park