Holiday Lights & Decorations: Keeping Celebrations Safe for Kids

Holiday season means glowing lights, decorated trees, extension cords, and exciting displays — all of which can also create hidden electrical hazards, especially for children. Kids love touching shiny lights and grabbing cords, so families must balance fun with safety.

This guide gives you simple, practical steps to decorate safely and keep your home festive and child-friendly.

1. Why Holiday Electrical Safety Matters

During the holidays, homes use more:

• Lights
• Extension cords
• Timers
• Indoor/outdoor decorations
• Plug-in inflatables
• Electronic gifts

With increased usage comes increased risk — especially for children who are attracted to flashing lights and reachable objects.

Common hazards include:

• Overloaded outlets
• Damaged light strings
• Easily accessible cords
• Hot bulbs on low tree branches
• Outdoor wiring exposed to water

A few precautions can prevent shocks, fires, and injuries.

2. Choosing Safe Lights & Decorations

✔️ Use LED Lights Instead of Incandescent Bulbs

LEDs stay cool to the touch — safer for curious hands.

✔️ Check for UL or ETL Safety Labels

Never buy off-brand, untested lights.

✔️ Choose Shatter-Resistant Bulbs

Kids often hit ornaments or decorations — avoid glass bulbs where small children play.

✔️ Avoid Metal Trees When Using Electric Lights

Metal + electricity = shock hazard.

3. Inspect Lights Before Using Them

Before decorating:

• Look for frayed wires
• Check for cracked bulbs
• Replace broken sockets
• Throw away light strings that flicker or spark
• Ensure all plugs fit snugly

If something looks questionable — replace it. Holiday safety is not the place to take risks.

4. Decorating Indoors Safely

✔️ Place Lights & Cords Out of Kids’ Reach

Secure them higher on the tree or along walls.

✔️ Use Cord Clips Instead of Taping to the Floor

Tape can loosen, creating tripping hazards.

✔️ Avoid Overloading Outlets

Follow the rule:
1 outlet = 1 major decoration or light set

✔️ Use Timers for Automatic Shut-Off

This prevents lights from overheating overnight.

✔️ Keep Heat Sources Away from the Tree

Heaters, radiators, and fireplaces dry trees out quickly.

5. Outdoor Lighting & Kid Safety

Outdoor decorations can be extra tempting for children.

✔️ Use Outdoor-Rated Lights Only

Indoor lights cannot handle moisture or temperature changes.

✔️ Use Weatherproof Outlets with Covers

GFCI outdoor outlets are a must.

✔️ Keep Extension Cords Away from Walkways

Kids can trip and fall, especially at night.

✔️ Elevate Connections

Keep plugs off wet ground.

✔️ Anchor Inflatable Decorations Securely

Children love climbing or touching them — secure them so they don’t fall or collapse.

6. Tree Safety Tips for Families with Children

✔️ If You Use a Real Tree:

• Keep it well-watered
• Check for dry needles
• Avoid placing lights on lower branches kids can reach

✔️ If You Use an Artificial Tree:

• Choose a “flame-retardant” model
• Make sure lights are low-heat
• Avoid metal branches with electric lights

✔️ Secure the Tree Stand

Kids often pull or lean on trees — use a sturdy base or safety anchor.

7. Kid-Friendly Safety Rules

Teach kids simple holiday safety rules:

• “Don’t touch cords or plugs.”
• “Don’t pull ornaments or lights.”
• “No climbing or pulling on decorations.”
• “Tell an adult if a light looks broken.”

Praise them when they follow the rules — it helps build good habits.

8. When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Contact a professional if you notice:

• Tripping breakers when lights are plugged in
• Outlets that get warm
• Sparks when plugging in decorations
• Outdoor outlets without GFCIs
• Flickering lights that don’t resolve after replacing bulbs

Sometimes adding a dedicated holiday lighting circuit helps prevent overload and improves safety.

Holiday Safety Help from E&A ELECTRIC LLC

E&A ELECTRIC LLC can help families stay safe with:

• GFCI outdoor outlet installation
• Safe outlet upgrades
• Inspection of overloaded circuits
• Holiday light circuit troubleshooting
• Recommendations for safe decorating setups

📞 Bring the holiday glow home safely. Contact E&A ELECTRIC LLC for a holiday electrical safety check.