Snow
Around The House

Decoration Ideas for the Holidays

Decorating the home for the holidays is one of the best ways to express holiday cheer and inspire others to embrace the season of giving. However, most people don’t identify the inherent danger of ascending the ladder to hang ornaments and lights around the house. Considering one’s own safety before the decadence of flashy decorum is essential to keep oneself from falling into farcical situations like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation.

Christmas Trees
When shopping for a Christmas tree, the major consideration for the consumer is whether to purchase an authentic tree or an artificial tree. For Christmas purists who still believe in buying a new tree each year, it’s important to consider a few factors before choosing a tree. Fresh trees last longer and are significantly more fire resistant than dry trees. A fresh tree should showcase a deep green coloring on it’s boughs. The trunk should also be sticky from the resin that is produced on the trunk. Lastly, position the tree somewhere safe in the house; away from fires and outlets. Artificial trees require far less maintenance; just remember to turn it off before bed.

Snow

Snow

Artificial snow is one of the rare luxuries we only see at really spirited homes, but it can bring an unmatched sense of winter, especially to those living in areas that don’t see snow. Just be warned, it’s a lung irritant not meant to be inhaled.

Lights
Lights are arguably the essential ingredient of Christmas decorum. Without those soft twinkling lights lining the streets and home fronts of the neighborhood, it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas. Despite all the holiday cheer stringing lights can bring, when handled improperly it can quickly turn into a disaster. Always check lights for cracks and broken sockets, never string more than three strands of lights together on a single extension cord, and utilize timers to help cut down on the likelihood of lights being left on at unreasonable times. If lights begin to malfunction, replace them. The money saved on Christmas lights isn’t worth losing the house, and companies like Christmas Lights Etc. are making it affordable and convenient to replace lights.

Fire

Fire

If you live in a home with a fireplace, December is the month that most likely gets the most use out of it. Remember that the additional decorations littered throughout the living room are fire hazards, so keep the screen up and the brazier clear of debris.

Ladders
The majority of people don’t climb a ladder for eleven months out of the year, but come December, you can bet that just about everyone will find themselves on the second to last step asking the question: Can I stand on top of this ladder? In case you were wondering, the answer is “no”. A straight ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests on for every four feet of the ladder’s height. When climbing the ladder, try to keep three points of contact at all times (eg. two feet/one hand, two hands/one foot). Lastly, use a ladder with slip-resistant steps, or wear slip-resistant shoes.
The holidays are a time of unmatched joy; a time where life can be revitalized by a renewed sense of humanity brought about by the spirit of others. It’s an enthralling time of the year full of infectious customs, just be sure to consider your own safety during the festivities.

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