1.    FIRE IN THE FLUE: Those nights and early mornings can get chilly, so if you have a working wood fireplace, you’re going to want to use it! But you have more to worry about than just soot or creosote residue causing a fire in your flue. There’s also the risk of barbecuing a raccoon, squirrel,or bird that’s gotten wedged in your chimney. That’s a good reason to have your chimney swept and cleaned before you light up that Yule log. Just have the chimney sweep check to make sure it’s not Santa stuck up there.

2.   UNWANTED CHRISTMAS SIZZLE: You know you’re supposed to water your live Christmas tree to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Just remember to unplug the lights first.Otherwise, you could end up as one of the dozens of people who have been electrocuted by their Christmas tree in the last 15 years.

3.   OUTDOOR STRINGS AND THINGS: Wet conditions greatly increase the danger of electrical accidents from Christmas lights. Using UL listed outdoor lights and extension cords plugged into GFCI outlets are standard precautions. A newer safety option is to buy solar powered Christmas lights that eliminate the need for cords and outlets altogether.

4.    VOODOO CHRISTMAS: Straight pins left in garments such as dress shirts cause many injuries every year. How many? Well, statistics are hazy because most guys won’t seek medical help for a straight pin injury, no matter how deep. But note this: Puncture wounds are particularly prone to infection (and not everyone has a current tetanus shot). Remove all pins and refold garments neatly before wrapping them so you don’t make the recipient feel like a life sized voodoo doll.

5.  CONTROLLED GIFT GIVING CHAOS: In the mad rush for everyone to open presents, it’s easy for toddlers to get their hands on small toy pieces or tiny wrapping decorations like jingle bells. Making your toddler wear mittens during gift opening time would be kind of cruel. So, designate an adult to watch each young child to prevent them from swallowing anything they shouldn’t.

6.   CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SURPRISE: Antique ornaments are whimsical and are often passed down from generation to generation. Don’t let those happy memories fool you. Old electrical bulb lights can cause shocks and fires. The ancient candle holders that preceded electricity are even more of a fire hazard. Many antique decorations contain high quantities of lead. When you learn the history of your heirloom Christmas decorations, be sure to find out about any dangerous materials used.

7.    LEAD TO SAFETY: Did you know that even modern Christmas lights often have lead in their cords – but that only California requires these products to have a warning label? Remember to wash your hands after handling lights this year (or wear gloves).

8. HOLIDAY CRUNCH: You can almost hear the Grinch laughing sadistically whenever someone steps on a blown glass tree ornament. These beautiful baubles are like land mines waiting to explode. Replace yours with plastic ornaments that have a metallic finish. This is especially important if you have kids in the house.