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Real Estate Transactions: Friday, December 19, 2025 Going solar can provide you certainty in uncertain times 2026 National housing forecast: Better days ahead 21st Century Equipment supports young exhibitors at Colorado FFA fundraiser Top 3 home trends for 2026The holiday season brings joy, gatherings and glittering décor. But for families with pets and young children, it also introduces new hazards. With a little planning, you can keep everyone safe while still enjoying the festivities.
Here’s a streamlined guide to preparing your home this holiday season.
Guard the high-risk zones
Decorations can transform ordinary spaces into curiosity magnets. Lit fireplaces, staircase decorations, and fragile displays are big attractions for small hands and paws. Safety gates are your friend here. Place them around tree areas, fireplaces, kitchen work zones and any spot where breakables live. Even a short-term barrier can prevent a long-term accident.
Secure decorations, furniture
Holiday decorating often means adding tall, tippy objects, such as oversized nutcrackers, heavy decorations or towering artificial trees. Anchor anything that could topple. Furniture straps are inexpensive and discreet, and they help you safeguard not just holiday décor, but televisions, bookshelves and large cabinets year-round.
Rethink your wires and lights
Extension cords and twinkling lights are part of the charm until someone trips over them or a pet decides they’re chew toys. Run cords along walls and behind furniture and add cord covers where needed. Outdoors, keep plugs elevated and away from puddles. Before you plug in the light show, check that you’re not overloading a single outlet or power strip. Use surge protectors and spread electrical demand across multiple circuits to prevent sparks or heat buildup.
Warm up responsibly
Few holiday moments beat a crackling fire, so long as you keep it safe. Keep the hearth properly ventilated, and don’t light up unless an adult can supervise. Install a sturdy screen so kids and pets can admire from a safe distance. Using space heaters instead? Keep a wide “no-go zone” around them and never leave them running unattended. Winter warmth doesn’t have to come with risk.
Watch out for plants, scents and air quality
Traditional greenery like poinsettias, holly, lilies, and mistletoe looks great, but can make kids and pets sick if they take a nibble. Choose décor that lives above arm’s (or paw’s) reach, or switch to realistic artificial options.
Holiday scents also factor in: candles, dusty ornaments and shedding trees can irritate sensitive lungs. A seasonal refresh helps. Vacuum carpets, clean under furniture and consider a HEPA-filter air purifier. If you’re burning candles, keep them supervised and up high, with plenty of ventilation.
Bring in the pros when needed
Most safety upgrades can be DIY, but there’s no shame in calling an expert if the job goes beyond a quick fix. Consider professional help if:
Store-bought safety gates don’t fit your space Heavy decorations need secure, permanent anchors You’re unsure about your home’s electrical load or floor outlets The fireplace hasn’t been inspected in a while Allergies spike and you need HVAC or deep-cleaning supportChildproofers, electricians, chimney professionals and house cleaners can all help ensure your holidays stay focused on fun, not hazards.
Bottom line: The holidays should sparkle without adding surprises for toddlers or four-legged family members. A few smart precautions give you peace of mind, so everyone can enjoy the magic of the season safely.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. ©2025 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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