Introduction

The holiday season is a time to connect with family and friends, reflect on the year, and enjoy special traditions. It can also be a busy and sometimes stressful time, with more travel, decorations, gatherings, and responsibilities than usual. Staying aware of common seasonal hazards and taking a few simple precautionscan help ensure the holidays remain joyful, healthy, and safe for everyone. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season.

Monday – Mental Health & Wellbeing

While the holidays are joyful for many, they can also be emotionally challenging. Stress, grief, financial pressure, and increased expectations can take a toll on mental health.

Ways to support your wellbeing:

• Acknowledge your feelings. If you’re missing loved ones or navigating loss, it’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed. Give yourself permission to grieve or slow down.
• Seek connection. Talk with friends, family, or coworkers you trust. Volunteering or helping others can also lift your mood.
• Be realistic. Holidays don’t need to be perfect. Traditions evolve, families change, and doing “enough” is often more than enough.
• Know your limits. It’s okay to say no, take breaks, or make time for yourself. A walk, quiet time, or reading can help restore balance.

Key Message:
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical safety.

Tuesday – Holiday Tree & Decoration Safety

Holiday decorations bring warmth and cheer, but they can also introduce fire and injury hazards if not handled carefully.

Tree safety tips:

• Water live trees daily to prevent them from drying out
• Keep trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, and candles
• Secure trees properly to prevent tipping
• Supervise children and pets around decorations

A dry tree can ignite quickly, regular care helps keep your home safe.

Wednesday – Electrical Safety

Decorative lights and seasonal displays can place extra demand on electrical systems.

Electrical safety reminders:

• Inspect lights and cords for damage before use
• Avoid overloading outlets and power strips
• Spread decorations across multiple circuits when possible
• Use only outdoor-rated lights outside
• Turn off decorative lighting when sleeping or leaving the house

Key Message:
A little planning goes a long way in preventing electrical fires and outages.

Thursday – Home Security During the Holidays

The holidays often mean more packages, gifts, and travel, making homes more appealing to thieves.

Simple security steps:

• Lock doors and windows before leaving home
• Schedule package deliveries for times when someone is home
• Avoid advertising travel plans publicly
• Use timers for lights or consider affordable security systems
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re away

Friday – Open Discussion & Shared Tips

This week we reviewed common holiday hazards and simple ways to reduce risk. Let’s learn from one another.

Discussion questions:

• Have you ever experienced a holiday-related mishap?
• What steps do you take to keep your loved ones safe during the holidays?
• What safety tips or traditions help your household each year?

Key Takeaway:
Staying aware, planning, and looking out for one another helps make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

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