Review these tips to keep your holidays healthy and happy.

• Keep your tree in a low-traffic area and make sure it is safely fastened in a holder. Secure it to the surrounding walls with string or wire. Young children are often tempted to play with Christmas ornaments.

To avoid these hazards:

• Hang breakable decorations high up on the tree.
• Keep small ornaments in storage away from babies and toddlers.
• Avoid using trimming that resembles candy or food; these may be tempting to young children.
• Keep a close eye on lit candles and never leave your child alone in a room with an open flame of any kind.
• Keep plant and berry decorations out of reach. Mistletoe, poinsettia and many other Christmas plants are highly poisonous.
• Bubble lights contain a chemical called methylene chloride, which can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light (even if labelled non-toxic).
• Be sure to keep bulbs in all of your tree light sockets. Empty sockets can lead to electrical shock.
• Do not let children decorate with snow sprays; they can be harmful if used improperly.

Toys and Wrappings:

• Discard plastic wrappings immediately as they can lead to suffocation.
• Ribbons and bows can lead to choking, if swallowed, or strangulation.
• Ensure all toys suit the age, ability and skill level of your child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
• For children under eight, avoid toys with sharp edges and points.
• Ensure that electrically operated toys have the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal of approval. This provides assurance that the CSA has tested the product for shock and fire hazards.
• When children are finished with their toys, store them away. Toys littering the floor or stairs can cause accidents for children and parents.
• As every parent knows, no matter what you get them, children end up playing with the box it came in. Make sure box edges are not sharp and that all staples and plastic are removed.

Food and Alcohol:

• Common holiday fare such as nuts, popcorn and candies are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under four.
• Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for young children. Be sure to remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible.

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