Dec 12, 2019

Hosting Family for the Holidays?  Keep These Safety Tips in Mind

Archive.

The holidays are one of the craziest, busiest, most fun, and often stressful times of the year.  If you are hosting family or friends for the holidays this year, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed by all that comes with inviting loved ones into your home.  There are a few important things you can do to make sure you and your family stay mentally and physically healthy this season.

Prioritize Mental Health

  • Don’t feel pressured to say yes to every single holiday party or event invite you receive.  We often become so busy during the holidays that we don’t stop to enjoy the festive time for ourselves. Don’t overcrowd your schedule; instead make sure you and your family have time to rest, relax and enjoy time together.
  • Remember that the holidays often bring up sad memories or feelings of loss or loneliness. If you experience these feelings, be gentle with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
  • Check in with your children. Sleep routines and eating schedules often get thrown off by the business of the holidays, but these routines are important for children’s well-being.  Stick to routines and schedules as much as possible.

Decorate Safely

  • When putting up your Christmas tree, make sure it isn’t near any fireplaces, heaters, or radiators.
  • Make sure your tree is fresh and green and that it stays watered.
  • Make sure any lights that you use outside are certified for outdoor use.
  • Check for broken bulbs and frayed wires before putting lights up on your tree or house.
  • Keep light and other decorations out of reach of young children.
  • Turn off lights, extinguish fireplace fires, and blow out candles before leaving the house or going to bed.

Keep Food Safety in Mind

  • Don’t leave food that should be refrigerated out for more than two hours at a holiday party.
  • Keep alcohol safely away from children.
  • Eat healthy fruits and veggies along with the sweet, holiday treats.

Make sure children’s gifts and toys are safe

  • Follow age recommendations found on packaging.
  • Read instructions carefully before allowing your child to play with a new toy.
  • Make sure young children’s toys do not contain any choking hazards.
  • Remove tags and ribbons from toys before allowing your child to play with them
  • Throw away wrapping paper and bows after opening gifts. These can be a suffocation or choking hazard.
Above all, take time to enjoy the holidays.  Spend time with family, share in good meals with each other, and enjoy the fun of the season.

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