According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), leaving a tree up past December greatly increases the chances of a fire incident, as nearly 30% of Christmas tree fires occur in January.

May your blessing be upon all who gather around this tree, all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights. We wait for the coming of the Christ, the days of everlasting justice and of peace.

While many southerners may be rubbing their hands together with glee at news that temperatures are "very likely" to be warmer than average over the next three months, others may not be so pleased.