We love this time of year too. The tree, the lights on the porch, the candle on the dinner table. But decorating also sends a lot of people to the emergency room. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 160 decorating-related injuries a day during the holiday season, and almost half involve falls. A few minutes on holiday decorating safety keeps the season about cookies, not ER visits.
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Here’s what the numbers say and the simple rules that help.
Holiday decorating safety: what the data shows
According to the CPSC, about 14,800 people were treated in emergency rooms for holiday decorating injuries in the 2019 season. Fires are another risk: from 2016 to 2018, the agency counted about 100 Christmas tree fires and 1,100 candle fires each November and December, causing about 30 deaths, 180 injuries and nearly $56 million in property loss a year.
10 simple rules
- Water a real tree every day. The CPSC says to make sure it has plenty of water. A dry tree burns fast.
- Buy a fire-resistant artificial tree. Look for the label.
- Keep the tree away from heat. Fireplaces, radiators, space heaters and vents.
- Check every light string. Toss sets with cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections.
- Use outdoor-rated lights outside. The packaging will say.
- Don’t overload outlets. The U.S. Fire Administration warns against overloading power strips and running cords under rugs.
- Turn lights off at bedtime. A timer or smart plug makes it automatic.
- Keep candles in sight. Blow them out before leaving the room.
- Use ladders safely. Stable ground, a helper holding it and no overreaching.
- Keep small decorations away from kids and pets. Breakable ornaments and tiny pieces can be hazards.
Real tree or artificial?
| Factor | Real tree | Artificial tree |
|---|---|---|
| Fire risk | Rises as it dries out | Lower if labeled fire-resistant |
| Daily care | Water every day | None |
| Lights | Check before hanging | Check pre-lit wiring every year |
| Disposal | Take it out once it dries | Store carefully for next year |
Outdoor decorating without the fall
Falls are the biggest injury risk. Before climbing, set the ladder on firm, level ground, have someone hold it and keep three points of contact. Don’t stand on the top rungs. If your roofline is high or icy, hang lights from the ground with a light-hanging pole, or hire someone. No light display is worth a broken wrist.
Take it down safely too
The season doesn’t end when the presents are open. A real tree dries out quickly after the holidays, so take it out of the house promptly and check what your city does for tree pickup. Don’t burn the tree or wrapping paper in a fireplace; it can flare up fast. When you take down lights, wrap them loosely around a piece of cardboard so the wires don’t kink, and toss any strings that were damaged this year. Your future self will thank you next December.
Leaving the house or going to bed?
This is where most holiday fires start: something left on with nobody watching. Before bed or before heading out, do a quick lap of the house. Tree lights off, candles out, space heaters off and the oven turned off. A smart plug schedule handles the tree, but candles still need a person.
LED lights are the easy upgrade
LED holiday lights run cooler and use much less electricity than old incandescent strings. If your lights are from a decade ago, this might be the year to replace them. Pair them with a timer and you won’t even have to remember to switch them off.
Quick FAQ
How often should I water a Christmas tree? Check it every day. Fresh trees can drink a lot, especially in the first week.
Can I leave holiday lights on overnight? It’s safer to turn them off at bedtime and when you leave the house.
Are LED lights safer? They run cooler than incandescent bulbs, but still check wires and connections.
Holiday decorating safety: a quick recap
- Tree: water daily, keep it away from heat.
- Lights: inspect, don’t overload outlets, turn off at night.
- Candles: keep them in sight and away from decorations.
- Ladders: stable ground and a helper.
Final thoughts
Holiday decorating safety isn’t about skipping the fun. It’s about doing the fun stuff with a little care. While you’re at it, check your smoke alarms before guests arrive. And if you’re traveling, read our holiday travel checklist.
Your turn: real tree or artificial? And what’s your one decorating tradition you’d never skip? Share it in the comments.
This guide uses CPSC and U.S. Fire Administration data and guidance, not our own testing.
