Between decorating, cooking, shopping, and traveling, the holiday season is hands down one of the busiest times of the year for families. With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook the little things that can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and stress-free, like checking light cords, watching the stove, or keeping walkways clear.
At C.T. Lowndes, we’re here to help you protect what matters most—your home, your people, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re hosting family, heading out of town, or just trying to keep up with the holiday rush, we’ve put together some practical safety tips to help make this your smoothest season yet.
Need help making sure your insurance is ready for the holidays? Contact our team for a quick review or quote, we’re happy to help.
1. Christmas Tree Safety
Decorating your home is one of the most fun parts of the season. A little planning goes a long way in making sure the holiday magic doesn’t come with surprises.
Whether you go for a live Christmas tree or an artificial tree, how you set it up makes all the difference.
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Keep your tree hydrated. If you have a live tree, check and refill the water daily. A dry tree is more likely to catch fire if exposed to heat or faulty lights.
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Watch the placement. Keep your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces and radiators.
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Use a sturdy stand. A stable base helps prevent tipping, especially helpful with pets or kids running around.
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Choose a fire-resistant artificial tree. Many are labeled as such and offer a lower-maintenance, safer option for busy households.
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Decorate with safety in mind. Place fragile or breakable ornaments higher up and out of reach of little hands or wagging tails.
2. Shine Bright with These Candle, Light & Decoration Safety Tips
The twinkle of lights and glow of candles make the holidays feel magical, but they also deserve your attention when it comes to holiday safety. A few smart choices can help you enjoy your decor without adding unnecessary risks.
Candle Safety
Candles add warmth and beauty to any holiday setting, but open flames can become dangerous if left unattended or placed too close to flammable items.
Here’s how to keep your candlelit moments safe and cozy:
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Never leave candles unattended. Always blow them out before you leave a room or go to bed.
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Be mindful of placement. Don’t place burning candles near curtains, wreaths, paper decorations, or holiday packages.
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Keep candles out of reach. This is especially important if you have children, pets, or a crowded party.
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Use candle holders with care. Make sure they’re sturdy, heat-resistant, and placed on flat, uncluttered surfaces.
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Switch to flameless candles. These battery-operated alternatives look just as festive and are far safer for busy households.
Holiday Lights
This is not the time to channel your inner Clark Griswold. Holiday lights bring charm and cheer. But old or damaged strands can pose electrical risks. Whether you’re hanging lights inside or outdoors, follow these tips to protect your home and loved ones.
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Inspect all lights before use. Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, and loose connections.
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Use the right lights in the right places. Only use outdoor-rated lights outside. Indoor lights aren’t made to withstand the elements.
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Avoid overloading circuits. Plugging too many strands into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating.
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Turn off lights before bed. Or use timers to automatically shut them off overnight or when you’re not home.
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Secure cords safely. Keep cords out of high-traffic areas and away from water or heat sources.
Pro Tip: Extension cords should be heavy-duty and labeled for indoor or outdoor use depending on where you’re decorating. When in doubt, go for a grounded (three-prong) option for added safety.
Holiday Decorations
From garlands to centerpieces, holiday decorations are what transform a home into a celebration zone. Don’t overlook how they’re set up.
Keep things merry and low-risk with these decoration safety tips.
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Choose fire-resistant or flame-retardant decorations. Especially near fireplaces, candles, or the Christmas tree.
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Avoid small decorations near kids or pets. Items like metallic trees, loose ribbons, and ornaments with small parts can pose choking hazards.
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Secure your setup. Use hooks or fasteners to prevent decorations from falling. Tape down cords to avoid tripping.
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Be careful when decorating high places. If you’re using a ladder, always have a spotter and follow safe ladder practices.
3. Cook Up Holiday Favorites Without the Kitchen Chaos
Holiday feasts bring people together, but sometimes all the hustle in the kitchen can lead to minor mishaps if you’re not paying attention. A few smart habits can help things go smoothly while keeping your kitchen safe.
Cooking Safety
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Stay present while cooking. Whether you’re simmering sauces or roasting a turkey, don’t leave the kitchen unattended for long stretches.
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Keep clutter away from heat. Paper towels, oven mitts, gift bags, and packaging can all ignite if placed too close to burners.
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Turn handles inward. Prevent accidental spills and burns by keeping pots and pans turned toward the back of the stove.
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Use timers. With so many dishes in the works, it’s easy to forget what’s in the oven or on the stove. Set timers to stay on track. If someone is bringing asparagus and needs the oven (un-invite them next year) ask them to keep track of their own stalks.
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Avoid wearing loose clothing. Long sleeves or scarves can brush against open flames or hot surfaces.
Kids & Pets in the Kitchen
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Create a no-go zone. Designate a space around the stove and prep areas that’s off-limits to children younger than 10 and pets.
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Store knives and tools safely. Keep anything sharp or breakable out of reach while cooking and after cleanup.
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Be mindful of hot surfaces. Make sure kids and guests know which pans and dishes are still hot—use trivets and potholders clearly.
4. Wrap Up Safe & Joyful Gifting for All Ages
Giving is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season, especially for kids. But the wrong toy—or even packaging—can lead to issues if you’re not careful.
Toy Safety
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Read the labels. Choose age-appropriate toys and check for safety certifications.
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Avoid small parts for children younger than 3—including buttons, detachable eyes, or removable batteries.
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Watch for sharp edges. Make sure toys are sturdy and well-made, especially if they’ll be used roughly.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, keep it simple. Classic toys made from safe materials are often the most durable and safest for younger kids.
Wrapping & Packaging Safety
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Clean up quickly. After the gift exchange, gather loose packages, ribbons, and plastic wrap right away to prevent choking or tripping hazards.
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Be mindful of sharp tools. Scissors, box cutters, and twist ties can be dangerous if left around curious kids.
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Skip fragile ornaments near the floor. Keep glass decorations or metallic trees high up or out of reach to avoid accidents with children or pets.
5. Holiday Travel & Hosting Tips
Whether you’re heading out of town or welcoming guests, the holidays come with more motion. Here’s how to keep things simple and safe.
Travel Smarter
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Plan your route ahead of time. Know where you’re going and check the weather before you hit the road.
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Get plenty of rest. Drowsy driving is just as risky as distracted driving.
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Don’t drink and drive. If you’ve had a drink, call a ride or hand off the keys.
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Pack a car safety kit. Include water, snacks, flashlight, blankets, phone charger, and basic tools just in case.
Safe Hosting
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Clear the walkways. Keep entryways free from ice, clutter, or tangled cords.
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Avoid leaving candles unattended. Better yet, use flameless candles when guests are around and moving throughout the house.
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Secure rugs and runners. These are common causes of falls, especially with extra foot traffic and older guests.
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Monitor food safety. Serve hot food at safe temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours to avoid spoilage.
Bonus Tip: If little ones are visiting, do a quick sweep of low shelves, outlets, and decorations to make your home kid-friendly.
Celebrate What Matters with Peace of Mind
The holiday spirit is all about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that last. The best part? Most holiday safety measures are simple, quick, and easy to do—and they make a big difference in how stress-free your season feels.
From cooking and decorating to traveling and gifting, a few thoughtful steps can help protect your family, friends, and home without slowing you down.
And if you’re wondering whether your insurance is up to date or covers seasonal changes—like hosting, guests, or travel—our team is always here to help.
Contact C.T. Lowndes today to review your current policies, ask questions, or get a quote. With personalized service and deep local experience, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Holiday Safety Tips FAQs
1. What are 5 safety tips for the holidays?
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Water your live Christmas tree daily
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Don’t leave candles unattended
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Turn off holiday lights before bed
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Keep small toys away from children younger than 3
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Store sharp or breakable decorations out of reach of pets and kids
2. How can I keep my home safe during the holidays?
Use fire resistant decorations, double-check light cords, keep walkways clear, and unplug appliances when not in use.
3. What are common holiday hazards?
Common risks include cooking mishaps, decorating accidents, overloaded electrical outlets, and toy related injuries.
4. What should I do to childproof my home for the holidays?
Keep breakables and cords out of reach, block off fireplaces and kitchens, and avoid small parts in toys.
5. How can I reduce fire risks during the holiday season?
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Use flameless candles
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Turn off lights before bed
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Keep your live tree hydrated
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Avoid overloading power strips
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Don’t cook distracted
