Are your Christmas presents all purchased or ordered? Do you have them wrapped or bagged already under the tree? I relate ordering online to Mama ordering from the Sears Roebuck catalog. Remember how we would mark those things we wanted and dreamed of receiving? Now, they can send you their wish list and with about three clicks of your computer mouse, it can be ordered and delivered the next day.

Being the oldest of five, I am blessed to have wonderful family Christmas memories. Mama’s siblings and families always came together to our house for a meal and gift exchange. Then on Christmas morning, we always found a special treat under the little cedar tree and fruits and nuts in our red stockings.

Now, four Christmas trees are up. Hundreds of Nativities scenes are out in the den. Lots of Santas greet you in the dining room. Sugar plums dance through the kitchen. Gifts for the Junkin family Christmas are under the travel tree ready for Saturday night.

But the piles for the three spoiled “Sweet Things” litter our bedroom floor. Swayze and Arleigh went shopping with me this year and we checked out the cute shops in downtown Columbus. As they tried on jeans that I would not wear to work in the yard, my mind wandered off to December yardwork.

Do you have your terracotta pots clean and in a protected environment? Winter rains and low temperatures can cause the pots to freeze and crack. Working outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air will clear your mind during the stress of Christmas. I blew lots of leaves off the driveway this afternoon. Now is the time to plant bare root roses and other deciduous shrubs and ornamental trees. Get them in the ground quickly so they will be settled before spring.

As you walk around the yard, look for berried winter shrubs and evergreens that can be used for holiday decorations and wreaths. My great niece used natural greenery at her wedding last weekend. The magnolia foliage, cedars and pines were lush and beautiful. We are enjoying sprigs of evergreens used in a display on the mantel around a nativity scene.

When you are walking about in your yard picking up sticks, watch the foliage of your shrubs. Are they healthy? Many leaves will add nutrients to your soil and provide a winter home for beneficial insects.

While your trees are dormant it is a good time to prune away any diseased or crossing branches. Lightly shape trees and shrubs. Heavy pruning is best in late winter right before plants emerge from dormancy. Remember, no pruning now on any late winter-spring bloomers such as dogwood, forsythia, azaleas.

Watch your houseplants during the crazy rush of the holiday season. Central heat often has a drying effect on houseplants. A light spritz of water will add a bit of humidity to your plant. Keep an eye on those plants you placed on the windowsills for sunlight. Turn often to keep the plant standing straight and tall.

Be cautious and try not to let the plant touch the glass of the window as some windowpanes get very cold.

Have you noticed that your snake plant/mother in-law plant collects a lot of dust? Gently wipe off regularly. Larger houseplants will enjoy a gentle shower in the bathtub.

Call the Lowndes County Extension Office for up-to-date information about soil testing so you will be ready for spring gardening.

Use a warm sunny day to clean all your garden tools. December is a great time to clean and organize your garden shed. (Do not tell David that thought has even crossed my mind!)

Merry Christmas!

Former elementary teacher and avid gardener Olivia Sansing lives in the New Hope community and shares timely tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.