Decorating for the holidays is a beloved family tradition in some households, and with so many decorative Christmas centerpieces and more, there's plenty of work to do. However, it's important to stay safe this season by taking a few precautions while you're deciding where to put things. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. If you're buying a live Christmas tree this year, be sure to check its freshness. A dry Christmas tree can be dangerous, as the lights could heat the needles and eventually start a fire. A good tree will have rich green needles that remain firmly on the branches. The bottom of the tree should be sticky with resin, and when shaken, the needles should remain in place. Keep your tree adequately watered so it stays healthy throughout the season.
2. With artificial trees, look for a label that says it's fire-resistant. This won't necessarily guarantee it remaining fireproof (especially if you're not careful of where you place it), but it makes it less likely to happen.
3. When you're setting up your Christmas tree, be aware of the location. You don't want it near a fireplace, vent or radiator, where it could become heated. Keep the tree clear of any doorways and make sure it's not blocking any traffic in the house. Your family could have difficulty leaving in case of an emergency.
4. If you have young children, choose your ornaments and their placement carefully. You may want to hold off on trimming your tree with keepsake ornaments that may break until the children are a bit older. Also, avoid putting any baubles that resemble candy or that may break toward the bottom of the tree, as kids could be inclined to play with or eat them.
5. Candles are a great way to decorate for Christmas, but be sure to keep them on a flat surface away from anything that could catch fire. While winter flower bouquets would look nice in candlelight, it's best to keep them away from the flames. Also, don't leave candles lit when you're not in the room.
As long as you pay careful attention to where you place your decorations and what types of materials you're using, you shouldn't come across any difficulties this season.