Christmas

Christmas Decorations Bubble Lights

Bubble lights, a nostalgic Christmas tree decoration, were introduced in the late 1940s. These unique lights feature a small vial of liquid, typically methylene chloride, which bubbles when heated by a small incandescent bulb at the base. Their mesmerizing effect quickly made them a popular alternative to traditional string lights.

Originally marketed by companies like NOMA Electric Corporation, bubble lights became a staple in mid-century holiday decor, symbolizing the era’s fascination with novelty and innovation. While their popularity waned with the rise of modern LED lights, bubble lights remain a beloved vintage decoration for many holiday enthusiasts.

Christmas

Caring for a Poinsettia

Caring for a poinsettia is pretty easy once you get the hang of it! They love bright, indirect sunlight, so a sunny spot near a window is perfect. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves. A south, east, or west-facing window works best. When it comes to temperature, poinsettias do well in 65°F to 75°F, which is just room temperature for most homes. Make sure it’s not in a drafty spot or anywhere too cold—nothing below 50°F, please!

For watering, you don’t need to go overboard. Water your poinsettia when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It’s super important that the pot has good drainage, so the water doesn’t sit at the bottom and cause root rot so remove the foil wrapper. And remember to empty any excess water from the saucer afterward. Poinsettias also like a bit of humidity, so if the air is dry (especially in winter), consider putting a humidifier nearby. You also can place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water—just make sure the pot doesn’t sit in the water!

During the growing season, you can feed your poinsettia with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to help it grow strong and healthy. But once it starts blooming, you can skip the fertilizer. After the holiday season, cut it back to about 4-6 inches in spring to encourage fresh growth. If you want it to bloom again next year, in the fall, give it 12-14 hours of darkness each day to help trigger the next round of colorful bracts (the fancy red leaves).

If you see yellowing leaves, it might be a sign of overwatering, or maybe it just needs better drainage. Dropping leaves can happen if the plant is stressed, so check if it’s too dry or cold. And if the colorful bracts start to fade, try moving it to a brighter spot! With a little love, your poinsettia can last for months and may even bloom again next year!

Real Estate (Farm & Ranch Land)

Poinsettia a Plant with a Rich History

The poinsettia is such an interesting plant with a rich history! It’s native to Mexico and Central America, where it’s been loved for centuries. The Aztecs called it Cuetlaxochitl and used it for practical things like making dye and medicine. For them, it also had symbolic meaning, representing purity and being part of their religious ceremonies.

There’s a lovely legend tied to Christmas that comes from Mexico. It’s about a poor child who wanted to give a gift to Jesus but had nothing to offer. The child picked some weeds, and when they were placed at the altar, they miraculously transformed into the vibrant red poinsettias we know today. This is why they’re sometimes called the “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

The plant got its more familiar name thanks to Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. In 1828, he saw the plant while traveling, fell in love with it, and sent some back to his home in South Carolina. From there, he shared it with others, and it started to catch on in the U.S. To honor him, the plant was named “poinsettia,” and there’s even a National Poinsettia Day on December 12th!

Over time, the poinsettia became a Christmas favorite, partly thanks to the Ecke family in California. They figured out how to grow and market it as the holiday plant we know today. Those bright red “flowers” you, see? They’re not actually flowers but modified leaves called bracts. The real flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the center.

Fun fact: In the wild, poinsettias can grow as tall as 16 feet! But most of us know them as those cheery potted plants that brighten up our homes during the holidays. They’re not just beautiful; they’re full of history and meaning.