It is time to get some last minute shopping done for gifts, and this is a good moment to consider what gifts are safe and which may cause some accidents on Christmas day. What comes to mind are some toys, certain types of scooters, motorized hover boards, bikes, and other potentially hazardous gifts.
Remember the famous quote from the Christmas movie: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Don’t get your kid a BB gun unless you know exactly what you are doing.
Although most toys are quite harmless, some toys can be hazardous enough to send your family to the emergency room on Christmas day. Many injuries happen when kids or people try to use a toy they are not familiar with in a house not suited for such toys. The internet is full of videos of people trying to use hover boards, bikes, and scooters inside, and they really get hurt sometimes.
According to Ange Qin from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
“An estimated 224,200 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2019, and males accounted for 59 percent of the injuries.”
Also it is wise to consider plastic packaging on Christmas day while gifts are being opened at a furious pace. Don’t allow the plastic, ribbons, or other items to be caught up on your kids or your pets. Plastic can cause suffocation of infants and younger kids. Pets eating ribbons, plastic, and strings can cause a nasty vet bill or even death for your pet. Certain plastic packaging can be sharp and can cut someone as well. Be cautious.
In addition to toy safety, it is important to remember food safety. Which foods are you or your kids allergic to? Many holiday cookies, breads, and recipes contain allergens such as nuts, eggs, milk, chocolate, and others. If you have Celiac Disease, you may need to avoid eating at other people’s houses for fear of gluten poisoning. If you have family members or friends with certain allergies or food intolerance, consider them before making your holiday snacks and meals.
Take a few moments this holiday to consider possible hazards to your and your loved ones. It may make all the difference and help you to make better memories. Happy Holidays!