10 Christmas Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Family

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care…and the Christmas tree is safely placed three feet away from the fireplace. OK, that might not be how the old Christmas poem goes. But it’s a good tip to keep in mind! Read on for more Christmas safety tips to keep your loved ones safe this holiday season.

1. Replace Old Lights and Use Them Correctly

The lights bring holiday cheer for sure, but they can be a safety hazard. Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and always turn them off when leaving the house or going to bed. Be sure to replace light sets that have broken sockets or frayed wires.

Psst! Check out these charming (and safe) Christmas lights cookies.

2. Be Mindful of Poisonous Plants

Eating mistletoe is actually toxic. Keep it away from pets, along with other potentially poisonous plants like holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis. Don’t miss our checklist to help “pet proof” your house for the holidays.

3. Practice Car Safety When Traveling

It’s always important to drive safely, but the Christmas travel season can be especially dangerous. Have your car serviced before leaving on a road trip, carry an emergency kit and give yourself extra time to avoid rushing. Remember to decrease your speed if you’re driving in snow or ice, and wait for snowplows and sanding trucks to clear the roadways before starting your journey.

Here’s how to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the back seat.

4. Watch Out for Online Shopping Fraud

Unfortunately, the holiday shopping season is fraught with fraud. While you shop, carefully check that the website address is spelled correctly—fraudulent websites with similar spelling can trick you into giving away your credit card information. When checking out, be sure the payment page address begins with “https” (the “s” stands for “secure”). And as always, never click a link from an unsolicited email.

5. Don’t Make the Tree a Fire Hazard

To avoid the same fate as Clark Griswold’s tree in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, be aware of fire safety. Have the tree vendor cut off about 2″ of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, and make sure there’s always water in the tree stand. Keep your tree at least three feet away from radiators or fireplaces. And if you buy an artificial tree, check that it’s labeled “fire resistant.”

Find more helpful hints for taking care of a real Christmas tree.

6. Properly Secure the Tree

No one wants Santa to get squished by a fallen Christmas tree. Make sure your tree is properly secured with a strong stand that doesn’t lean. If you have a fresh tree, don’t whittle or taper the trunk to fit your stand; this makes the tree less stable.

7. Don’t Burn Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Sure, a crackling fire in the fireplace is a must-have for cozy holiday events. Just avoid any fire accidents by practicing proper fireplace safety. Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper; and always use a fireplace screen.

8. Keep the Raw Turkey Away From the Salad

One thing is for sure, nothing will ruin your Christmas dinner faster than guests coming down with food poisoning. Handle food safely with these simple reminders: keep raw meat away from fresh produce, wash your hands frequently, use a meat thermometer and use separate cutting boards for cooked and uncooked meats. See the food safety mistakes we’re all making.

9. Be Careful with Candles

The top three days for home fires started by candles are Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. To avoid a disaster, keep candles at least a foot away from anything flammable. Make sure candles are in stable holders that can’t be easily knocked down, and never leave burning candles unattended.

10. Hang Breakable Ornaments up High

Those colorful and shiny vintage ornaments are just too tempting for little ones! Instead, hang breakable ornaments at top of the tree. That way, kids can get in on the decorating fun without the worry of broken glass.

Have a Treat When You Trim the Tree

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Basic Cookie Dough

Skip the store-bought cookie dough and learn how to make cookies from scratch—it's easy! Thanks to this basic cookie dough recipe, you can turn everyday ingredients into five sensational sweets. Bake some right away, then pop the extra dough in the freezer for later. —Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah

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Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies were a holiday tradition in my family since I was a young child. Now my own family requests them before any others at Christmas.—Patricia Schmeling

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Sweet and Salty Chocolate Reindeer

You can enlist little hands to help position the antlers, eyes and noses on these adorable, crisp reindeer cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

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Gingerbread Yule Logs

I was never fond of gingerbread until I rolled it up with Nutella. These logs make a fabulous addition to any cookie platter.—Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta

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Swedish Spritz

A touch of almond extract gives these spritz wonderful flavor. For Christmas, you could tint half of the dough with red food coloring and the other half with green.—Irmgard Sinn, Sherwood Park, Alberta

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Cherry Surprise Cookies

Gloria tucks a rich chocolate surprise into each of these cute bites. Candied cherries add a colorful finishing touch.

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Rosettes

"Dipping the edges of these traditional favorites in icing defines their lacy pattern," says field editor Iola Egle of McCook, Nebraska.

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Dipped Chocolate Logs

When my sister and I were little, we used to beg my mother and grandmother to make these buttery chocolate cookies during the holidays. Now, as moms ourselves, we get together every year to make Christmas cookies and the chocolate logs are always on the top of our list.—Deanna Markkos, Western Springs, Illinois

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Waffle-Iron Cookies

The recipe for these cookies is the easiest to find in my book because it's a beautiful mess. It's covered with fingerprints, flour smudges and memories of more than 30 Christmases! I made these with my daughters, and now I make them with my granddaughters. —Judy Taylor, Quarryville, Pennsylvania

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Vanilla Butter Rollouts

Even cooks who normally shy away from cut out cookies can make these with confidence. The dough is so easy to work with after a mere 30 minutes of chilling. —Colleen Sickman, Charles City, Iowa

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Rainbow Cookies

I always bake these two weeks ahead. That allows the cookies enough time to mellow, leaving them moist and full of almond flavor! —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

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Creme de Menthe Cookies

This is my mother's Christmas recipe. She made these every year and whenever I smell them baking, I think of her. —Beth Cates, Hampton, Tennessee

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Gingerbread Teddy Bears

These cookies have been a Christmas tradition in my family since I was a little girl. The big bears are so soft and chewy that we can hardly wait until they come out of the oven!—Elizabeth Manzanares, Gloucester, Virginia

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Jelly Sandwich Cookies

Sandwiching jelly between two layers of the basic dough creates these stained glass-like creations. "Your favorite raisin filling is excellent in these cookies, too," Gloria suggests.

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Santa and Elf Christmas Cookies

The kids will be jumping for joy when you bring out a cookie plate filled with Santas and his helper elves. These whimsical treats will be a hit with adults, too. The butter cookies are easy to shape and a delight to decorate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Berry-Filled Butter Ribbons

Tangy boysenberry is an unusual for a cookie, but it goes well with chocolate. I change the sprinkles and even the type of chocolate to suit the season.—Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

Using hot chocolate mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these cookies taste like hot cocoa. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Norwegian Cookies

These soft sugar cookies are a favorite with our four young children.—Karen Skowronek, Minot, North Dakota

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Frozen Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies

These snowflake cookies will melt in your mouth as soon as they hit your tongue. Experiment with your favorite colors and give your cookie trays an unexpected twist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

I recently found this old family recipe in my mom’s kitchen. I made a few adjustments to streamline the process, and the cookies turned out wonderfully. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

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Crumb-Topped Date Bars

The basic dough doubles as a shortbread-like crust and crumbly topping for these sweet date bars shared by Gloria.

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Melomakarona

Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this melomakarona cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It's just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California

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Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies

Rich, buttery sugar cookie cutouts like these never last long at a party. They're one of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies. I use seasonal cutters to celebrate the holidays tastefully. —Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri

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White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints

When I pass around the cookie tray, all eyes land on these fancy thumbprints. The white chocolate filling and dab of jewel-toned jam will satisfy the most discriminating sweet tooth.

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Holiday Meringue Miniatures

My kids love these light, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Fruitcake Cookies with Rum Glaze

Like fruitcake—only better! If you make these cookies non-alcoholic, you may wish to increase the rum extract for flavor. —Sheisla Joan Suhan, Scottdale, PA

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Santa's Elf Cookies

These rosy-cheeked elf cookies make a showstopping addition to your holiday cookie tray. Practice makes perfect to get the royal icing design just right! —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Cinnamon Twirl Cookies

These rolled cookies are tasty and fun to make with your family. The sugary mixture of walnuts and cinnamon is a light, sweet filling that will leave everyone wanting another bite. —Phyllis Cappuccio, Malden, Massachusetts

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Mint Sandwich Cookies

Canned frosting, peppermint extract and chocolate candy coating quickly turn crackers into these wonderful little no-bake cookies. My children and I like to assemble them for parties and holidays. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do. -Melissa Thompson, Anderson, Ohio

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Peppermint Stars

I make these buttery mint cookies each Christmas because they're my daughter's favorite. Use whatever cookie cutter design you prefer.

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Devil's Food Whoopie Pies

These mini cookie cakes were one of my favorite treats while I was growing up in Pennsylvania. We called them gobs because they are gobs of fun to eat! The recipe can make fewer or more, depending on how large or small you make the cookies. Place the finished chocolate whoopie pies in large cupcake liners for a professional look. —Pamela Esposito, Galloway, New Jersey

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Glazed Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are classics and always welcome on my table. But when I wanted to punch up the flavor a bit, I reached for the brown sugar. It gives these tender cookies a subtle caramel flavor. —Shirley Gardiner, Clearwater, Manitoba

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Coconut Orange Slice Cookies

This is a family recipe that was handed down to me. The coconut and orange combination gives them a distinctive taste unlike any other cookie I've had. They're perfect for Christmas! —Patricia Ann Stickler, Durand, Michigan

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Striped Icebox Cookies

I've been using this recipe ever since I was a little girl. I like it because it's easier than making cutout cookies. You can easily mix-and-match your favorite ingredients to create different looks. —Patricia Reese, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

This recipe is special to me because it is totally original, my very own! The cookies are firm but not crunchy on the outside, and they're tender inside. The powdered sugar makes them melt in your mouth. —Jane Rundell, Alanson, Michigan

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Lemon-Rosemary Cutout Trees

I recommend serving these cookies with tea. They're not too sweet and the lemon and rosemary pair well with a cup of Earl Grey tea.—Sarah Reynolds, Victoria, British Columbia

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Chocolate Mallow Cookies

Cocoa, marshmallows and ready-made frosting transform the basic dough into these delightful treats. "I like to top each with a pecan half," Gloria adds.

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Pumpkin Sage Beurre Noisette Cookies

In a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio

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Stamped Cutout Cookies

Rich, buttery sugar cookie cutouts like these never last long at a party. They're one of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies. I use seasonal cutters to celebrate the holidays. Plus, with some cookie stamps, you can get some great decoration! —Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri

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Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies taste just like it, with all the ingredients you'd expect—grated carrots, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves—plus dried cranberries. And they're topped off with a rich cream cheese frosting. Who could resist? It's like eating a piece of carrot cake without a fork! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

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Mexican Crinkle Cookies

When it’s baking time, my family lobbies for these Mexican crinkle cookies. You can replace 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate with 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder plus 1 Tbsp. shortening, butter or oil.—Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

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Honey Walnut Delights

Even after being frozen, these no-fail cookies stay moist and taste freshly baked. They are among my best holiday giveaway treats and are so easy to make. If you prefer, you can use other nut varieties, such as pecans or almonds. —Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon, North Dakota

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Erica Young