"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
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The smoke was a solid thing, heavy as cement.
Pressing down upon my shoulders,
(These massive, massive boulders.)
My dying was easy, as far as dying went.

I thought I heard my little boy screaming in pain.
The last thing a Mom wants to hear,
(Kiss the boo-boos and dry the tears.)
But Mommy won't be a Mommy ever again.

The last thing I heard was a carol being sung.
It sounded like my teenaged girl,
(Voice of an angel, hair that curled.)
The air was hot as it ripped the breath from my lungs.

Before I died, I forgot to turn out the lights.
Because the children loved them so,
The tree caught fire, don't you know.
The house was destroyed, my family died that night.
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(C) Copy written, 1 December, 2004, by Karla Dorman.
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Every year, nearly 12,000 calls, requiring the services of the Fire Department, are called into 9-1-1 to report Christmas tree fires.  At least 250 people are injured and 40 people die as a result of those fires, and many homes are damaged or destroyed.

Keep alert.  Read and follow manufacturer's instructions, and use common sense.  Do not buy a tree that is dry or has dropping needles; water your live tree frequently.  Do not use candles on your tree.  Do not leave any candles unattended.  Please keep your pets and children away from the tree and don't let them play with the lights or wiring.  Keep matches as well as lighters out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.  Make sure the tree stand is sturdy and will not tip over.  And ALWAYS, ALWAYS unplug the tree before leaving the house or going to bed.

And...Merry Christmas!  May it be a safe one.