One of the best things about Christmas, of course, is finally getting to unwrap those presents under the tree – finally finding out what was in that big box. “Oh, it’s a smaller box inside a bigger box. Great, how clever. I had no idea it was actually socks this whole time. And here I am excited thinking it was that microwave I needed. Thanks.” Yes, opening presents is great fun, but what we’re left with is a big ole pile of wadded up wrapping paper. And once you finally tear that last crumpled up ball from the mouth of your dog (that’s been running around the house with it and shaking it all about) you might feel compelled to just toss it in the fireplace and be done with it. Well, if you’re like me you’ve heard over and over that you shouldn’t burn your discarded Christmas wrapping paper. But what’s the deal with that warning and why shouldn’t we just toss that holiday detritus into the fireplace?
Irene W. Pennington Planetarium 