It seems every year that celebrating Thanksgiving is more about getting it over with so we can officially start the Christmas season. So, alas, we are in full swing of readying for gift-giving. In full family tradition, I wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas season! I also want you to be safe throughout the season. I read an interesting sign today:  “Drink coffee: do stupid things faster and with more energy.” It reminded me of the season.

So, here are some last-minute tips and facts to help stay safe in and around your home and survive the season.

The most common cause of fire in homes during this season is caused by overloaded electrical outlets and/or faulty wiring. The prime causes are short circuits in the lights and deciding to re-enact holiday movies and see your home from space by placing four multi-outlet extensions into one two-prong outlet! Since most of us do not have special effects professionals working for us as they do in the multi-million dollar movies, please do not try this at home. Though it may seem obvious to not overload a receptacle, it happens every year.

Here are other examples that, unfortunately, require mentioning as we are unable to prevent ourselves and families from getting into the spirit of the holiday. Enjoy, but heed the warning!

Three people die every year because they test 9v batteries in presents – with their tongue!  For all of the merriment and partying, eight people one year were treated for a cracked skull from falling asleep while throwing up in the toilet.  While partying, over 500 people were seen for ‘opening bottles of beer with their teeth.’ For our chocoholics, 19 people died from eating Christmas decorations that they believed to be chocolate. Thirty-one people died while watering their Christmas tree with the lights plugged in. Over a hundred people over the past few years went to the emergency department to have now-broken plastic parts of toys extracted from the bottom of their feet.

Ever get a new clothing item all folded up in plastic? Over 100 people were injured in one year for not getting all those invisible pins out before trying on a new shirt. And our last example, 58 people are injured every year from using a sharp knife instead of a screwdriver to assemble toys and insert batteries in those little compartments.

Warning labels have become crazy. For example, ‘Do not hold the wrong end of a chain saw’ or ‘Danger: Avoid Death’. I like this one: ‘not intended to be used as a dental drill’ on a carpenter’s portable drill. Christmas lights are ‘for indoor or outdoor use only’ (OK, where else – I don’t want to know).

New baby in the house? The label says, ‘Remove child before folding’ the stroller.  A label on a Christmas card for a one year old: ‘not suitable for children under 36 months’.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas!