The holiday season is a magical time for families, but it can also pose unexpected dangers, especially for children. From decorations to defective toys, Christmas injuries are far more common than most people realize. Understanding these hazards can help you keep your kids safe and enjoy a joyful holiday season. Deldar Injury and Trial Attorneys is happy to share some insights and explain all the legal angles of what can happen when Christmas injuries try to bring down the holidays. Here are five holiday hazards your family needs to watch our for this season:
1. Defective Toys
One of the most anticipated parts of Christmas morning is unwrapping new toys. However, some toys can pose serious risks to children due to design flaws or manufacturing defects. Small detachable parts, toxic materials, or poor construction can lead to choking, cuts, poisoning, or fire hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of toy-related injuries occur every year, many involving young children under the age of 5. Before purchasing toys, always check for recalls and age-appropriate labels.
In just the last few weeks, several items on your holiday shopping list could be defective and cause Christmas injuries according to the CPSC. Some of these include:
If you purchase toys from secondhand stores or online marketplaces, check the CPSC website for any recent recalls. Even well-known brands sometimes have defects that make their toys unsafe. The items recalled above by the CPSC were sold at your regular, neighborhood Walmart or ordered online from Amazon. Don’t just assume a toy is safe because you bought it from somewhere you trust. If your child is injured by a defective toy, document the injury and preserve the toy to explore potential legal action.
2. Holiday Lights & Electrical Hazards
Holiday lights create a warm glow but also present risks like electrical shocks, burns, or even fires. Children are curious and may try to touch or chew on light strands, exposing themselves to electrical currents. Overloaded outlets or damaged wires can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Use LED lights, inspect cords for damage, and avoid overloading power strips. Always supervise children near holiday lights and keep cords secured and out of reach to prevent Christmas injuries.
Christmas tree safety is also essential. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. To reduce fire risks, always inspect light strands before use for frayed wires, loose bulbs, or damage. Use lights approved by a qualified testing laboratory; never connect more strands than the manufacturer recommends. Dried-out trees can ignite quickly if exposed to heat or faulty lights. Keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or candles. Lastly, always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed!
3. Kitchen Risks
The kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings, but it can also be one of the most dangerous places for children. Holiday cooking involves hot ovens, stovetops, sharp utensils, and crowded spaces—all of which pose risks for curious kids. In 2022, the NFPA reported that Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day were the three leading days for home structure fires caused by cooking. Young children may accidentally grab hot pans, touch oven doors, or trip over kitchen mats while adults are busy preparing meals.
Burns from hot liquids like boiling water or melted chocolate are especially common during holiday baking sessions. To avoid these Christmas injuries, create a safe zone where children can stay entertained but away from cooking areas. Allow older children to assist with safe, age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients, but keep knives, scissors, and heavy utensils out of their reach. Ensure pot handles are turned inward on the stovetop to prevent children from pulling them down.
4. Burns From Candles & Fireplaces
We all enjoy bringing out more holiday spirit with candles and fireplaces to warm the house. Unfortunately, it creates another opportunity for Christmas injuries. Kids may accidentally touch hot wax, flames, or fireplace embers, leading to painful burns. If you have young children, consider creating a no-play zone around the fireplace. Use furniture, rugs, or baby gates to prevent kids from getting too close. Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they are functioning safely. Even a brief moment of unsupervised time can result in accidents, especially when kids are curious about open flames.
5. Slips, Trips, & Falls
Holiday clutter, from wrapping paper to scattered decorations, increases the risk of slips and falls. Kids running around excitedly during celebrations can trip over cords, loose rugs, or toys, resulting in sprains, bruises, or even broken bones. Slippery floors can also be hazardous, especially if guests track in snow or rain from outside. Place mats at entry points to absorb excess moisture, and encourage everyone to remove their shoes. Designate a play area for younger kids to keep toys and running under control. If your home has stairs, consider installing safety gates to prevent falls, especially for toddlers. Even festive decorations like garlands on stair railings can become tripping hazards if not secured properly.
Preventing Christmas Injuries
Supervision is key when kids are running around the house during the holidays. To reduce the chances of Christmas injuries, create clear pathways in your home. It’s important to take some time and evaluate your living space for the hazards we talked about above. Anything that lights up, burns, or sticks out can be a potential hazard for children. Everything from your kitchen to your living room should be inspected for danger. At the end of the day, accidents can still happen. By staying aware of these hazards and taking preventative steps, you can reduce the risk of Christmas injuries and keep your children safe.
Legal Help
The holiday season should be filled with laughter and memories—not injuries. By staying aware of these hazards and taking preventative steps, you can reduce the risk of Christmas injuries and keep your children safe. If your family has been affected by defective toys, unsafe decorations, or other holiday-related injuries, our team at Deldar may be able to help you seek justice. Contact us at (844) 335-3271 for a free consultation, and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case. We hope everyone stays safe and has a happy holiday season!