Tag: christmas

Chico Christmas Preview

Ready or not, Christmas is coming! The Sweeney & Sweeny team couldn’t be more excited for the holidays. Whether you’re already feeling the holiday cheer or need a little boost to get you in the Christmas spirit, we invite you to join us for the 37th annual Christmas Preview in downtown Chico. Bring your family and stroll the streets on Sunday, November 23rd between 4:00pm and 8:00pm as the community comes together to welcome the holidays.

This free event offers something for everyone. Merchants show off their holiday décor inviting guests in for refreshments. Christmas carolers walk the streets filling the air with holiday jingles. Even Santa will be there! Stationed at the corner of 3rd and Broadway, Santa will stop by to visit and take pictures with the kids.

Business and organizations from all over town will flood the streets with holiday attractions including the following:

  • Free Train on Wheels rides via Max’s Miracle Ranch
  • A sneak preview of the play “Believe”
  • Fun photos on the Snapshots Photo Bus
  • Christmas Karaoke via Mix 95.1
  • Santa’s Sleigh Toy Drive sponsored by Mix 95.1 and The Chico Fire Department
  • Treats from Mary’s Gone Crackers
  • Holiday family photos at Nantucket Home
  • Bell-ringers for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
  • Limited edition T-shirts designed by Jake Early
  • Runaway Prevention info provided by Sixth Street Center for Youth
  • And much more!

A guaranteed good time for all, this Chico tradition is sure to put a smile on your face and a jingle in your step as you greet the holiday season with cheer. Click here for more information. Hope to see you there!


Holiday Treats and Toys!

Looking for a cute new way to spruce up the normal Christmas decorations and treats? Look no further! We’ve compiled a few cute ideas to get you started on your creative, DIY journey this holiday.

Rice Krispie Christmas Tree – Just some green food dye and M&Ms make a pretty cute—and tasty—display.

Christmas Tree Appetizers – Some guac or coloured humus on a cut of pita bread sprinkled with chopped veggies. Adorable and yummy!

Christmas-shaped Treats – Use cookie cutters to pour fudge and brownies into for festive shapes!

Easy Frosting – Pick up some cheap condiment containers at your local restaurant supply store to store frosting in for easier frosting dispensary!

Fun for the Kiddos – Make some snow slime!

Snow Men Cookies – Just a couple circle pretzels, fruit roll-up pieces, and frosting for this cutesy holiday treat!

Candy Sleighs – Looking for cheap, easy gifts for your kid’s classmates and/or teachers?

Whipped Cream Shapes – These are just a cute, easy way to glam up some boring hot coco. Make up a batch of whipped cream, spread it out on a cookie sheet, stick some cookie cutters in there, and pop it in the freezer. Then presto! Not only do they help cool down your coco, but it’s darn cute.

Cookie boxes – Plastic wrap and aluminum foil boxes make great boxes for gifting cookies!

Easy DIY Holiday Nails – Probably the easiest nail art in the world, even if you’re as inept as I am!

Hope these little treats help to make your holiday a little brighter and even more fun. Everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney is wishing you a wonderful and safe Holiday!


Pet Holiday Safety

As you hang your stockings on the mantle, mistletoe under the threshold and prepare for the festivities of the season, we want to take a moment to remind our clients about the potential dangers of the holiday. To echo a holiday favorite in light of the season, we have compiled The 12 Holiday Tips – feel free to hum the famous tune with the partridge in a pear tree in your head as you read; but we can’t promise the same melodious effect!

  1. Hang tinsel high on the tree, out of your pet’s reach.
  2. Hide or cover exposed wires from electrical outlets to avoid electrocution.
  3. Keep lite candles away from curious noses and wagging tails.
  4. Consider decorating with fake poinsettias, holly and mistletoe instead of the real things, which are poisonous to cats and dogs. Should your pet come in contact with any of those toxins, please contact ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 or visit them online.
  5. Forgo edible tree ornaments or decorations like popcorn or candy canes as they are just asking for your pet to jump on the tree to sneak a taste.
  6. Don’t leave wrapping supplies, such as scissors, unattended.
  7. Hang fragile ornaments on the top of the tree where they are not only prominently displayed, but are also less likely to be broken or ingested by pets.
  8. Confine your dog if hosting a party to avoid them escaping through the ever-revolving door or jumping on guests, soiling their festive attire.
  9. Try to keep edible or appealing-scented packages out of reach to avoid seeing the contents strewn across the floor before opening the packages!
  10. Maintain a consistent feeding route to keep sensitive tummies in stride through the hectic holiday season.
  11. Fasten the tree securely to avoid an accidental fall and vacuum excess pine needles often to avoid punctures or consumption.
  12. Give your pets appropriate gifts that make them feel loved on this holiday but don’t upset their stomachs!

Pay attention to these great holiday tips for your pets, courtesy of Valley Oak Veterinary Center! And, as always, everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney is wishing you a happy and safe holiday season, as well.


Top Holiday-Related Accidents

The holidays are right around the corner! Along with all that merriness, cheer, and celebration can also come accidents. Around the holidays is one of the most accident-prone times as people are distracted and stressed. As I say over and over, knowledge is power, so here is a list of the most common accidents that occur around the holidays, so that you and your loved ones can be aware and prepare.

Did you know that poisonous plants are actually all around right now? Mistletoe, holly berries, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis are all dangerous when swallowed. Make sure to keep these away from where pets and children can get ahold of them. If they do get consumed, call poison control immediately.

Electrical fires are also common around this time of year as people try to over-use extension cords. You should use a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) to prevent electrical shocks and don’t plug in more than 3 strands of lights into a single extension cord, as a good rule of thumb. Also, keep cords out from underneath rugs, as this is also a common cause of fires.

Open fireplaces can cause trouble if not properly taken care of. Always make sure to have your chimney inspected at the beginning of the season before use; make sure you have a grate or screen in front to keep stray embers inside the fireplace, where they belong; and remember that only one artificial log should be used at a time. And if things do get out of hand, always use a fire extinguisher or sand. NEVER water.

Home cooking fires are also prevalent as there tend to be many things going on at once during the holidays. Take extra care to make sure all things flammable are away from the stove.

Christmas tree fires are most commonly due to a tree being too close to a heat source (i.e. a space heater or fireplace). Also make sure that if you get your tree from a lot, they cut off at least a ¼ inch disk from the bottom of the tree so that your tree will absorb the water.

Home heating fires are one of the most common accidents, especially caused by space heaters. Make sure that they are kept far away from flammable material and always turn it off when you leave the house.

Over 5000 Americans went to the hospital in 2007 for holiday decorating related falls. Make sure you’re using a stable ladder on a level surface and that you have someone there to help spot you should anything go awry.

Here’s hoping you have now been well-armed with information and that your holiday season goes along safely and cheerfully. Happy pre-holidays from everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney!