In addition to Santa Claus, skiing, snowmen and evenings beside a fire, a white Christmas can mean snow shoveling and sometimes lots of it. If you are the snow shoveler in your home, take a few moments to read this column.

Shoveling is strenuous work that is repetitious and always performed under less than ideal conditions that can freeze the most healthy set of lungs after a few heavy breaths. First and foremost in cold weather, think safety. Remember the air near snow is always chilly. Make sure to protect your lungs by breathing slowly and through your nose as much as possible. And don't hesitate to use a mask or a scarf to help to warm air that will be taken into your lungs.

As with most projects, the right tool can make the job easier. When it comes to a snow shovel, weight is important. A heavy shovel filled with a big chunk of snow can cause aching lower back muscles after only a few minutes.

Modern snow shovels are manufactured from sophisticated plastics and polyethylene materials that are extraordinarily strong and durable, and substantially lighter than shovels that have blades made of steel or aluminum. These materials weigh less, don't rust, dent or bend. Also, snow doesn't stick to plastic. Because modern plastics don't hold up to wear as well as metal does, it is wise to select polyethylene blades that have metal wear strips to minimize wear and tear.

The blade of the shovel is only one of three components. The grip and the handle also must be considered. Modern, high-impact plastics effectively replace conventional steel-trimmed wooden grips. And finally, aluminum tubing is lighter and stronger than old-fashioned wooden handles. In addition to the type of material that is used, tools that "fit" ergonomically also are important. Fatigue and muscle strain associated with snow shoveling comes from bending or stooping with a straight-handled shovel. Modern snow shovels feature contoured handles that minimize bending and stooping. Oversized "D" grips fit heavily gloved hands, and the shape reduces the chance of a slippery grip.

Snow shovels are only part of the answer. In a light snow consider a snow pusher. It acts as a plow to clear snow out of the way without lifting anything. Today's snow shovel is manufactured from lightweight components that are ergonomically designed from high impact molded polyethylene that won't rust, dent or bend. The plastics of 20 years ago rarely made it through more than one season.

And, ice scrapers, rock salt spreaders, ice melters and traction devices are nice to have on hand when the heavy snows come.