When you think of Christmas, one automatically thinks of white snow falling on Christmas Eve or Santa coming down the chimney and those blamed reindeer stomping around on your roof.

‘Tis the season for giving and caring and most of all toys.

Many parents spend their entire paychecks on their children just so that they can see that twinkle in their eye or a smile so big it could wrap around one’s heart.

However, one thing that is sobering is the child’s welfare. How many parents take the time to read the back of that Super Duper Space Trooper that Jimmy has wanted all year to find out that the toy is for kids 12 and up. How could that be? Jimmy is only four years old and the trooper is all Jimmy wanted.

Parents need to take the time and patience in the busyness of the season to make sure the toys for their children are safe and that the age recommendation lines up with that child’s age. According to Carol Mysinger, director of the injury prevention division of the Alabama Department of Public Health, anyone who buys a gift for a child should read the accompanying label very carefully. &uot;Parents should shop wisely for toys, and it is important not only to choose the right toy for the child’s age, but parents also need to be cautious of hidden dangers toys might have.&uot;

A recent download from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site revealed nine, single-spaced pages of toy recalls. The web site can be accessed at www.cpsc.gov, or ww.adph.org/injuryprevention.

Please remember that sometimes pleasing those you love by what they want is not as important as giving them something that is safe. To enjoy a safe and happy holiday, everyone needs to remember that Christmas is not about what we give, but how and why.