Holiday Safety for Children

Holidays bring joy, excitement, and unfortunately, unique safety hazards for children. From Christmas trees to Halloween candy, from fireworks to holiday decorations, seasonal celebrations require extra vigilance. Understanding the risks helps you celebrate safely while still making magical memories.

Winter Holiday Safety CPSC

### Christmas Tree Safety

Live tree precautions:

• Choose a fresh tree (needles should not fall off easily)
• Keep tree watered (dry trees are fire hazards)
• Place away from heat sources and exits
• Secure to wall or ceiling to prevent tip-over
• Remove tree before it dries out

Artificial tree precautions:

• Choose fire-resistant trees
• Inspect for broken parts annually
• Secure properly to prevent tip-over

All trees:

• Place where children can't reach decorations
• Keep away from fireplaces and radiators
• Use sturdy tree stand
• Don't block exits with tree

### Holiday Light Safety

Electrical safety:

• Check lights for damage before hanging
• Don't overload outlets
• Use UL-listed lights
• Turn off lights when leaving home and when sleeping
• Use LED lights (cooler, less fire risk)

Indoor/outdoor distinction:

• Only use outdoor-rated lights outside
• Protect outdoor connections from moisture
• Avoid running cords under rugs

### Decoration Hazards

Choking hazards:

• Small ornaments
• Tinsel (also dangerous if swallowed)
• Decorative berries
• Small nativity pieces

Toxic plants:

• Poinsettias (mild irritation)
• Holly berries (more toxic)
• Mistletoe (toxic)
• Jerusalem cherry (toxic)

Other hazards:

• Glass ornaments (breakable)
• Snow globes (may contain antifreeze)
• Angel hair (fiberglass)
• Candles (burn risk, fire hazard)

### Gift Safety

Toy selection:

• Age-appropriate toys
• Check for small parts (choking)
• Avoid projectile toys for young children
• Check recalls before wrapping

Unwrapping hazards:

• Ribbons and bows (choking, strangulation)
• Plastic packaging
• Small parts in packaging
• Button batteries in toys

Halloween Safety AAP

### Costume Safety

Choosing safe costumes:

• Flame-resistant materials
• Bright colors or reflective tape for visibility
• Proper fitting (not too long to trip)
• Face paint instead of masks (better visibility)
• Non-toxic makeup

Accessories:

• Soft, flexible props
• No sharp edges
• Nothing that blocks vision
• Glow sticks or flashlights for visibility

### Trick-or-Treating Safety

Planning ahead:

• Map out route in advance
• Set a curfew
• Carry flashlight
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods
• Go in groups

While out:

• Stay on sidewalks
• Use crosswalks
• Watch for cars backing out
• Visit only well-lit homes
• Never enter a stranger's home

For younger children:

• Adults accompany children under 12
• Hold hands crossing streets
• Stick together

### Candy Safety

Inspection before eating:

• Check all candy before consumption
• Discard unwrapped or homemade items from strangers
• Look for tampering (unusual appearance, holes in wrappers)
• Check for choking hazards in young children

Moderation:

• Portion out candy to avoid stomach upset
• Store out of reach
• Consider candy buyback or donation programs

### Home Safety for Halloween

If hosting:

• Clear walkway of tripping hazards
• Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns
• Keep pets secured
• Light pathway well

Fourth of July Safety CPSC

### Fireworks Dangers

Safest approach: Professional displays only

Even "safe" fireworks cause injuries:

• Sparklers burn at 1,200°F (can cause severe burns)
• Firecrackers cause hand and finger injuries
• Bottle rockets cause eye injuries
• All consumer fireworks pose risks

If your area allows and you use fireworks:

• Adults only—never let children handle fireworks
• Keep bucket of water nearby
• Light one at a time
• Never relight "duds"
• Move back quickly after lighting
• Soak used fireworks before disposal

Sparkler safety (if used):

• Children should never hold sparklers
• Adults can hold while children watch
• Keep bucket of water to extinguish
• Don't let children pick up "dead" sparklers (still hot)

### Other July 4th Hazards

Heat safety:

• Hydration
• Sunscreen
• Shade breaks
• Watch for heat exhaustion

Water safety:

• Supervise near pools and lakes
• Life jackets for boating
• No alcohol around water activities

Grill safety:

• Keep children away from grills
• Supervise carefully
• Cool completely before moving

Easter Safety AAP

### Easter Egg Hazards

Choking hazards:

• Plastic eggs with small pieces
• Jelly beans and small candies
• Small toys in eggs

Food safety:

• Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs
• Discard eggs hidden more than 2 hours
• Use food-safe dyes

Egg hunts:

• Age-appropriate areas
• Supervise young children
• Check for allergies before sharing candy

### Easter Basket Safety

Plastic grass:

• Choking hazard
• Can wrap around fingers (circulation risk)
• Consider paper alternatives

Small toys and candy:

• Age-appropriate items
• No choking hazards for little ones

General Holiday Food Safety AAP

Choking hazards at holiday meals:

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Grapes
• Olives
• Hard candies

Food allergy awareness:

• Know ingredients
• Label dishes
• Have epinephrine available if needed
• Watch for cross-contamination

Visitor Safety AAP

When guests arrive:

• Secure their medications (purses, bags)
• Watch for small items in visitors' belongings
• Remind guests about safety rules
• Keep pets and children introductions supervised

Holiday gatherings:

• Multiple adults = assumption someone is watching (no one is)
• Designate supervision
• Watch exits
• Be aware of pool/water access

Travel Safety AAP

Car travel:

• Proper car seat use (even in rentals)
• Frequent breaks
• Never leave children in cars
• Safe sleeping arrangements at destination

Flying:

• Consider car seat on plane
• Pack medications in carry-on
• Maintain routines when possible

The Bottom Line

Each holiday brings unique safety challenges. Winter holidays require attention to fire, choking, and decoration hazards. Halloween needs costume and trick-or-treat precautions. Fourth of July fireworks are best left to professionals. Year-round, watch for choking hazards, supervise carefully at gatherings, and maintain safety routines even during celebrations. Holidays can be both magical and safe.

Clara can help you prepare for safe celebrations throughout the year!