Safe travels over the river and through the woods…

1. Winter road safety.

Be wary of roads this winter so you can make it to grandmother’s house safe and sound.

Frank McCahill, owner of 911 Driving School in Everett, has some recommendations for safe winter travel.

Check your tire pressure. Cold weather lowers tire pressure to fluctuate, which can lead to a blowout and lost control of the vehicle. Recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 35 pounds per square inch for winter. Keep a portable tire pressure gauge handy and check your tires before driving.

Pack a winter survival car kit. If bad weather hits, it’s good to have non-perishable food items, emergency blankets, flashlights and water on hand.

Keep the gas tank at least half-full. In the event of an emergency, extra gas may be needed to keep the heater in your car running.

More at www.911drivingschool.com.

2. Last-minute gifts.

Teenagers like to put important stuff off to the last minute. Including Christmas presents for their loved ones.

Mukilteo Library is hosting a free DIY Last-Minute Gifts workshop for teens from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Mukilteo Meeting Room, 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd., Mukilteo. It’s intended for students in grades 6-12 and all supplies are provided.

The library’s do-it-yourself gift ideas will surely impress the parents.

More at www.sno-isle.libnet.info.

3. Santa’s House.

You can live in the North Pole next to an Elf Village, just like Santa Claus.

That’s right. Santa’s House is up for sale.

The 2,500-square-foot cabin in the Artic, built in the 1800s, is listed at $765,000 on Zillow. It was recently remodeled to add a state-of-the-art toy workshop, floor-to-ceiling fireplace and a gourmet kitchen.

The Elf Village — a small neighborhood of tiny homes — is on the 25-acre site, adding metaphorical bow to the magical atmosphere.

Take a virtual tour of the cabin at www.zillow.com/house/santas-house.

— Evan Thompson, Herald writer

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