Keep the festive season the most wonderful time of the year with these ten tips:
Unfortunately, the festive season is also cold and flu season, so make sure to minimise your risk of infection by washing your hands after going to the toilet, before and after handling or eating food, and after coughing or using a tissue.
With the rush of preparations and guests arriving, taking shortcuts with food may be tempting, but food poisoning can, at worst, pose extreme health risks and, at best, seriously sour the festive spirit. Make sure to wipe surfaces properly after handling food, especially raw meat and reheat any leftovers properly. It’s also important to check any allergens your guests may have and ensure precautions are taken to avoid allergic reactions.
Ensure lights are without breakages or frays and never use lighting with exposed wires. Practise ladder safety when hanging lights and avoid climbing on chairs or other furniture. If you are hanging outdoor lighting, always ensure plugs and transformers are indoors, and make sure any lights around Christmas trees or other foliage are turned off before watering plants.
Decorations are great but make sure you leave doorways and narrow hallways unobstructed to avoid trips and falls and to ensure safe passage during an emergency.
Practise good fire safety when using candles or log fires, and make sure to never leave flames unattended. Ensure areas around open flames are clear and always keep flammable items, such as artificial trees or decorations, far away from fires and candles.
Ask friends or family members for assistance if retrieving boxes from the attic and use a stepladder when hanging up decorations. Avoid standing or climbing on chairs, stools, and other items of furniture, and avoid rushing to prevent accidents.
Toy parts, batteries, and other small items should be kept away from children and animals, as they may present a choking hazard. Chocolate and any food containing Xylitol, garlic, onion, grapes, or cooked bones are toxic to dogs, so ensure your pooch remains far away from any tempting treats.
With more decorations filling the house, presents under the tree, and toys all around, some clutter may be inevitable. However, try to keep things in neat piles, dispose of packaging and boxes, and keep doorways and exits clear, especially if you have elderly guests or small children who may not notice small obstructions.
If you are using fireworks or Sparklers as part of your New Year celebrations, make sure to practise fire safety and follow the Firework code. Stand well back from any explosive items, ensure water is readily available in case of emergencies, avoid wearing flammable clothing, and be aware of noise pollution on neighbours who may have small children, animals, or family with special needs.
With the dark winter nights, financial burdens, and stress of creating the perfect magical season for the family, this time of year can take a toll. Make sure to look after your mental health, use breathing exercises, mindfulness or grounding techniques, and speak to a mental health professional if you require. Mind, BetterHelp, and Samaritans are some useful websites for support.
We wish you a joyful, healthy, and safe Christmas and New Year!
