There are so many things I love about the upcoming holiday season. While I do miss the hot summer days, there’s something about cuddling up at home by the fireplace with a cup of tea, gingerbread cookies and holiday movies on the T.V.
As a mom I love seeing my kids enjoying all the festivities leading up to Christmas and having our huge family get-togethers. But with all the decorations being put out, the tree on display and the busy outings, I sometimes feel like I’m on overprotective mom overdrive. If you’re the same, here are a few safety tips to help keep your kids and your families safe this upcoming holiday season.
Christmas Light Safety
Making sure to unplug your Christmas lights before leaving the house is my number one holiday tip, especially if you have a fresh cut tree. While they are beautiful to look at and make your home smell festive, they do slowly dry out and can be a huge fire risk.
I also love to string some lights around my fireplace and on the railings going up the stairs and these need to be unplugged too. As a mom I also unplug them if I’m leaving but my boys will be home together. I don’t want them to have to worry about the possibility of a fire starting.
Instead of having to walk the house unplugging everything before you leave the house, putting all your lights on a timer is a convenient way to save time and money on energy costs. Check out this Philips Hue A19 Smart LED Light Bulb Starter Kit. This starter set works with the Philips Hue app on your smart device, and you can also use the app to set an alarm that triggers the lights to pulsate, or set a timer to turn your lights on and off. Included in the set are three coloured bulbs that will bring festive lighting to your home as well.
Protecting kids from the Christmas tree
In my house we’ve built a reputation on having a massive Christmas tree. Every year we promise to downsize but they just don’t seem so big when we’re out at the tree farm picking one out.
Last year after a few unsuccessful attempts at getting it upright, we had to purchase a new heavy duty stand. Luckily my boys are big enough now I don’t have to worry about them pulling it down on top of themselves but if you have littles that can be a scary thought.
One way to make your tree safe for small kids is to use a baby gate to either block off the room if that’s possible, or use one like this KidCo ConfigureGate Auto Close Safety Gate to block off just the tree. I think it will give you peace of mind especially if you’ll be having guests over with small kids too.
If you don’t go the fresh tree route, check out this beautiful HOMCOM 6.9FT Flocked Christmas Tree Winter Holiday Decor Hooked Branches w/ Stand. It’s already covered in snow and is flame resistant. All you need are decorations and you’ll have a beautiful tree.
Stick together
I was in our local mall last week and it was already crazy busy with holiday shoppers. To stay safe while you’re out as a family you should always have a few guidelines in place.
For younger kids, tell them if they lose you in a store to stay in that store and seek out someone who works there to help them. Let them know under no circumstances should they leave that store unless it’s with you. With older kids you can set a meet up location and time in case you become separated. These days most of us have cell phones to stay connected so make sure you’re all charged up to stay in touch during your outings.
Most of all this holiday season, I hope you take the time to relax and soak up all the love and joy the season brings. Plan some fun festivities to visit in your local community and get in lots of family quality time because life can be busy and we have to cherish the moments we get together.
Check out bestbuy.ca for some beautiful holiday décor and innovative tech to make the season bright.
Main image @ www.shamahouse.org.
