Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year” but, amid the excitement, there are many pitfalls during the season that one must be mindful to avoid.

To help you keep safe, Observer Online has compiled a list of dos and don’ts for you this holiday season.

Don’t: Drink and drive

Do: Make smart choices and reach home safe

Alcohol is a major factor in many Christmas-time crashes, whether you’re leaving a party or heading back home after other Christmas outings. Always have a designated driver who stays completely sober. If you feel too drunk to drive, park safely and sleep it off. Arriving late is better than not arriving at all. Driving drunk puts yourself, your passengers and innocent passers-by at risk.

Don’t: Use lights carelessly

Do: Be sure to unplug lights when you are leaving home or going to bed

Everyone loves Christmas lights and décor, but they pose a risk of electrical fires. Check over your lights to make sure they’re still in good condition and there are no broken wires or missing bulbs. Don’t use them if there are. Don’t use outdoor and indoor lights interchangeably; they’re made with different safety features and can overheat or cause electrical surges if used incorrectly. Make sure to plug lights into a surge protector instead of a bunch of extensions.

Don’t: Get burned

Do: Keep a good burn cream on hand for immediate first aid, and find out which hospital near you has a burn unit beforehand

Instances of burn injuries increase during the holiday season. Christmas, family and cooking are synonymous, but whether you’re getting the fire going outside in a ‘dutchie’, on the stovetop, or in the oven there’s sure to be lots of people in the kitchen. While this can be lively and fun it can also mean accidents and spills. Pay keen attention when removing hot items from the stove or ovens to make sure no one is in the way. Keep pot handles turned inward so they don’t get bumped or snagged which can result in serious injuries. Keep children (and accident prone adults) occupied elsewhere to reduce the risk of messes.

Don’t: Overspend

Do: Treat yourself and others, within limits

Don’t get sucked into the spirit of giving (or treating yourself) so much that you blow past your budget. Keep gifts and donations within what you can afford. December paychecks have to last through January too! Making a detailed budget of small and large expenses can help; cross off items that are too expensive or unnecessary and defer items that can wait.

Don’t: Family Feuds

Do: Practice maturity, walk away

Christmas is supposed to be a time of good cheer with family. Don’t sour the season by bringing up old hurts, and try not to create any new ones.

Don’t: Compare
Do: Practice gratitude, you’ll feel better, we promise

Your neighbour got that new BMW that you’ve had your eye on, your schoolmate is getting a PS5 and your best friend just got a new pair of Louboutins, but before you give into that green eyed monster remind yourself that comparison is the thief of joy, and Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy after all. Remember there’s sure to be someone longing for what you’ve got.

Don’t: Let ‘loose’ at the work party
Do: Have fun!

You’re in a fancy dress or suit, alcohol is flowing and you’ve just seen your Christmas bonus, you feel great! But it’s still work, those are still your co-workers dressed up in sequins and sparkles.
Monitor your drinking, if you can’t, avoid the drinks entirely. Be conscious of your speech and behavior. If you wouldn’t do it on Monday at 8 am, chances are you probably shouldn’t do it at the holiday dinner. Don’t smoke or get high prior, during or even after the event, and especially not with co-workers. Avoid arguments and fights, and finally, never ever hit on your co-workers (or their plus ones).

Don’t: Get distracted

Do: Park in well-lit areas and do your shopping quickly and efficiently

Shopping during Christmas time is hectic and beautiful displays can be distracting. For your safety consider downsizing your purse or wallet to a card holder and only keep the cash and cards you need to shop. Leave important IDs, other cards, health cards etc at home unless absolutely necessary. Keep your wallet or purse directly on your body, preferably in a front facing pocket. Wear your over the shoulder bags with a tight grip, and zipper facing forward; additionally try not to leave your vehicles for extended periods of time with attractive purchases in plain sight.

Don’t: Spend the holidays on Social Media

Do: Document parts of the day for memories.

Attention spans are a thing of the past (thanks TikTok!) – not really, but try to be as present as much as possible during the season while your family and friends are with you; with exceptions to those who are joining in via video calls of course! That Instagram reel can wait, it will still be there after. If you feel it necessary you can set time limits for yourself and your children for screen time.

Don’t: Give inconvenient gifts

Do: Be considerate while gifting

Back away from the puppy, get out of the pet store, do not take that kitten from the neighbour who’s offering. Unless you’ve discussed it extensively beforehand don’t gift anyone an animal for Christmas. They’re expensive, need training and are a big adjustment that not everyone will welcome. While you’re at it, skip the loud gifts for little ones. Don’t get your nephew a drum set, your sibling (and their neighbours) will thank you. Also try to skip gifts that have the potential to cause injury (roller blades, ATV’s, motorbikes, chemical sets, bb guns)

In summary, amid the dos and don’ts, a ‘must’ is to make good memories and enjoy the season!