1. Protect your house from intruders
December is the month in which most robberies occur, according to the FBI. Even if you’re not going anywhere overseas, make sure to take simple precautions when you leave your home, such as making sure that newly-fallen snow is shoveled. This will deter burglars by making them think that your home isn’t empty. Another thing you should do is leave a light or two on when you go out, as this will also make them think that your home is occupied. Furthermore, tear up any boxes for jewelry or other expensive items that you might have bought – they might just rummage through your trash to give themselves an idea of what they could potentially steal.
2. Think carefully about where the Christmas tree will go
Seeing as the Christmas tree is the focal point of a home during the holiday period, extra precautions should be taken to ensure that there isn’t any risk of it falling over or causing other discomfort to any guests or family members that you may have visiting. First and foremost, keep your tree away from any sources of heat. You should also use a special tree cradle or stand to mount your tree, making sure that it doesn’t bend. You can also anchor it by using a bucket filled with rocks and water. Adding water to the tree stand will also prevent your tree from drying out and keep the pine needles fresh.
3. Put up internal decorations properly
Although putting up Christmas decorations is great bonding time for the whole family, it should be done properly for safety’s sake. For example, check that any lightbulbs you may be using are working properly and don’t have cracked holders. Any electrical cords should be whole and without breakages from end to end. In addition, the electrical or extension cords should be placed close to the walls inside your home. Last but not least, ensure that there aren’t any damaged electrical sockets that could be a fire hazard.
4. Put up external decorations properly
Your home’s external decorations are the perfect way of showing passers-by how much you love the holidays, as well as making your neighbors envious! You just need to make sure that you do everything safely. Some ideas include lighting up a pathway and keeping it free of snow and ice. This will prevent family or friends from slipping and falling. Any lightbulbs or extension cords that you use must be rated for outdoor use, and bulbs should be kept well away from anything that can be ignited easily. If you’re putting up lights on your roof, you should use a safe ladder. Finally, make sure that the electricity supply is off if you’re working on any wiring.
5. Watch what (and how much) you eat
Christmas isn’t necessarily a time to behave like an unbridled glutton. After all, doing so can have ill effects on your health. Enjoy all of the wonderful food and drink, but don’t overdo it. Try and limit your portion sizes and make sure that you still keep up your exercise routine – the holidays aren’t an excuse to just let yourself go completely!
6. Use fireplaces and light candles with care
House fires started by wayward flames from a fireplace can really put a dampener on a beautiful Christmas! Any decorations that you put up around your fireplace, such as stockings, should be placed well out of reach of the flames. You should also hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your fireplace’s chimney properly. Also, invest in smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher, and keep Christmas presents well away.
7. Keep the safety of any pets in mind
Keeping Fido and Tigger out of harm’s way during the holidays is no mean feat. Cats tend to be attracted to shimmering lights that they want to chase, and dogs enjoy having a nibble at pine needles on a tree. Nevertheless, there are ways you can protect both your tree and your pets. For starters, you can work off your pets’ energy in another room away from harm. You can also consider choosing Christmas ornaments that are less shiny, and therefore less attractive to a cat. Another idea is to put foil around the base of your tree, because they can’t stand walking on it. Dogs can be taken care of by installing a foldable kid’s play yard or canine exercise pen.
8. Make electrical safety a priority
Electrical circuits or extension cords should never be overloaded, and strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose connections should be consigned to the bin and replaced. Christmas lights should be switched off before leaving your home or going to sleep. Also look for lighting that has labels from a recognized testing organization. Follow any instructions for installing lights and cords carefully.
9. Fireworks are not a joke
Carelessness with fireworks has caused many a tragedy in the past, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Only adults should light fireworks, and this should be done well away from houses or other people. Make sure they go off in the opposite direction to where people are standing. Read the instructions on a firework package carefully, and keep fireworks away from open flames. Kids should wear gloves if they’re given a sparkler to hold.
10. Take all the necessary precautions if you’re cooking
If you’re the one that’s going to be doing the cooking, or even if you’re helping out with it, be mindful of food safety at all times. All of the electrical appliances and items in your kitchen should be checked to ensure they’re working properly, and leftovers should be stored correctly. It’s also a bad idea to leave stoves or ovens on while you’re asleep – you should be present in the kitchen throughout the duration of the Christmas meal being cooked.
