15/12/2025
While you're decking the halls and dodging that one neighbour’s blow-up Santa, here’s your friendly reminder that some of the biggest holiday hazards are hiding in plain sight.
Let’s break it down:
🕯 Scented candles: They smell like cinnamon and Christmas cheer, but they’re a fire waiting to happen near flammable tinsel, paper decorations or tablecloths. Keep them high, keep them stable, or opt for flameless versions instead.
🧃Lookalike drinks: A half-finished mimosa in a juice glass or a cocktail that looks like cordial? Easy to mix up when you’ve got distracted adults and thirsty kids around. Keep alcoholic drinks away from little hands (and make sure water is always available too).
🎁 Tiny decorations: Those sparkly little ornaments and festive baubles look like toys to curious toddlers. If it can fit through a toilet roll, it’s a choking risk. Keep them higher on the tree or skip the miniatures altogether.
🎄 Christmas trees = climbing frames: To toddlers, that glittering tree might as well be a jungle gym. Secure your tree to the wall or use a heavy base, and don’t hang breakables or hooks within grabbing distance.
🍗 Food left out too long: It’s hot, everyone’s grazing, and that potato salad has been sitting in the sun for four hours. Bacteria thrive in warm weather, so pop leftovers in the fridge after 1-2 hours (or sooner if it’s 30°C+).
💦 Wet tiles and slippery floors: Between backyard pool parties and overexcited kids charging inside with wet feet, falls happen fast. Pop down mats at entryways and have towels handy for quick clean-ups.
These are the kind of hazards you might not spot until you’ve already got an injury, a clean-up, or a visit to emergency on your hands.
