The holidays are filled with festivals of light, sparkling ornaments, candles, music, holiday trees and plants, and many family traditions. All are beautiful. All are festive and fun. The decorations that families
bring out every year help children to feel connected to family traditions and cultures.
When dealing with children in the holiday chaos, it is important to remember to think about safety. The Academy of Pediatrics offers some tips to make decorations safe. Some apply to small children who have been known to eat decorations
and many apply to the entire family.
Before using lights outdoors check labels to make sure they are certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them. Check all
lights before hanging them on a tree or in your home to make sure there are no frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections. Be careful on ladders inside and out.
When purchasing a tree check for freshness. If possible cut a few inches off the bottom of the truck and place it in a stand with water. Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, or portable heaters. If you have an artificial
tree, make sure it is labeled “fire-resistant”.
When lighting candles remove all flammable materials from the area and place candles where they will not be knocked over. Never leave a burning candle unattended and consider setting a timer to remind you that it is burning. Needless to
say, never use lighted candles on a tree or near other decorative evergreens.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimming with small removable parts out of reach to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that
resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them. Place trees out of the way of traffic (running children). “Angel hair” is spun glass which requires gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation and should be kept
out of reach of children.
After the opening of gifts, remove all paper, bags, ribbons, and bows from the tree, candles, and fireplace areas. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards as well as increase the risk of fire.
In many homes, beautiful brightly colored plants are used. Some potentially poisonous plants are mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherry, and holly berry. Poinsettias can cause an itchy rash.
Holiday decorations give families a time to share memories and traditions; “Remember when Aunt Margie did this” or “remember when grandmother had these decorations”. It is a time to share and to interpret the meaning and
emotions attached to the decorations. In all the chaos and pressures of the holidays, it is a time to be together. Take a deep breath and enjoy.