Old tinsel may contain lead. Discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. If your child consumes any of these possibly hazardous substances, immediately call your physician or the Poison Control Center. Avoid placing small or breakable ornaments on lower branches where children or pets can reach them and knock them off. Every year many children are treated for cuts from broken ornaments, or from swallowing broken pieces and small parts.
Fireplaces are very popular during the holidays.
Before starting a fire, remove all decorations from the area and be sure that the flu is open. Do not burn wrappings or evergreen boughs. These can burn extremely fast, throwing off sparks and burning debris. Safely dispose of wrapping paper with your normal trash collection. Residential fires during the holiday season are especially tragic.