For many families across West Tennessee, holiday decorating is more than a seasonal chore—it’s a tradition. Kids race to unpack ornament boxes, parents plug in familiar strands of lights, and homes across Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, Henderson, and surrounding communities begin to glow with that unmistakable warmth of the holidays.
Whether your family prefers a fresh-cut tree from a local farm, or you’re loyal to a favorite artificial tree you’ve used for years, holiday décor creates memories children carry with them for a lifetime. But while holiday decorating brings joy, it also brings safety risks—especially for curious toddlers, young children, and even teens eager to help.
At The Children’s Clinic, we want your family to enjoy every moment of the season while keeping everyone safe. A few small precautions can prevent fires, injuries, choking risks, and other hazards that tend to increase during the holiday months.
Below is a parent-friendly guide to making holiday decorating safe, festive, and stress-free.
Why Holiday Decorations Matter for Children
Children don’t just see decorations as objects—they see magic. A tree glowing in the corner becomes a symbol of excitement, belonging, and family connection. Stringing lights together becomes a shared activity. Even placing ornaments on branches tells the story of who your family is, what you value, and what you celebrate.
But children also see holiday décor differently than adults:
A sparkling ornament looks like something they might want to taste.
A string of lights looks like a tug toy.
A real tree becomes an inviting place to explore.
Loose hooks and fallen needles can become slip or swallowing hazards.
So while decorating is a chance to bond and create tradition, it's also a time to be extra mindful of your child’s age, developmental stage, and natural curiosity.
Tip #1: Choose Safe, Family-Friendly Ornaments
Many families collect ornaments over decades—glass, ceramic, handmade, heirloom pieces, painted keepsakes from school projects. While beautiful, some of these ornaments aren’t designed with young children in mind.
To keep your décor safe:
Avoid sharp, breakable ornaments when small children are helping decorate or will be playing nearby.
Skip edible-looking ornaments, including candy canes, donut-shaped glass ornaments, or fake sweets. Toddlers often put things in their mouth, and these items can be confusing.
Place delicate or sentimental ornaments higher on the tree, out of reach of little hands.
Use soft, plush, fabric, felt, or wooden ornaments on lower branches so children can explore without risk.
If your child is especially eager to decorate, consider giving them their own small tree with soft ornaments and no hooks. This lets them participate safely.
Tip #2: Keep Lights Out of Reach
Holiday lights are magical—especially for young children. But light strands pose several hazards:
Risk of electrical burns if bitten or chewed
Risk of strangulation
Risk of overheating if old or damaged
Small bulbs that can pose a choking danger if dislodged
To keep your family safe:
Hang lights higher on the tree, away from toddlers’ reach.
Inspect every strand before plugging them in. If you spot frayed wires, loose bulbs, or missing insulation, throw it out.
Use LED lights, which run cooler and reduce fire risk.
Don’t overload power strips or run cords under rugs.
One more reminder: It’s tempting to leave the tree lights on all night because they look cozy, but always turn them off before bed or when leaving the house.
Tip #3: Choose Safe Artificial Trees
Artificial trees are a popular choice for many families in Jackson and surrounding West Tennessee communities, especially those who want convenience or fewer allergens.
If you use an artificial tree:
Look for “fire-resistant” labels when purchasing.
Avoid older artificial trees that may be made from outdated plastics or wiring.
Set the tree up on a stable, flat surface so it won’t tip if a child bumps into it.
Frame the tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and candles.
Fire-resistant doesn’t mean fireproof—but it does reduce the chance that a spark will turn into a dangerous flame.
Tip #4: Caring for Real Trees Safely
There’s something special about the smell of a fresh pine or fir tree filling the home. But real trees come with their own safety considerations.
To keep a real tree safe:
Use a sturdy stand designed for the tree’s size.
Make sure the stand is filled with water at all times. A dry tree becomes a major fire hazard.
Trim 1–2 inches off the tree trunk before placing it in the stand. This helps the tree absorb water better.
Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and candles.
Clean up fallen needles regularly. They can be sharp and slippery.
Teach young children not to drink from the tree stand—some may try!
Tip #5: Secure Your Tree to Prevent Tipping
Toddlers love to grab branches, tug on ornaments, and crawl underneath trees. Even older kids and pets may bump into the tree accidentally.
To prevent tipping:
Use fishing line or clear twine to anchor the tree to the wall behind it.
Avoid decorating the tree too heavily at the top.
Choose a wide, stable tree stand.
Do not place toys, gifts, or exciting objects behind the tree, which encourage children to reach between branches.
A secure tree not only prevents injuries—it also protects your ornaments and decorations.
Tip #6: Store Décor Safely Between Seasons
After the holiday season ends, children often help pack up decorations. This is another opportunity to practice safety.
When storing items:
Wrap sharp hooks and fragile ornaments carefully.
Keep all lights and electrical cords in a separate box.
Store everything high on shelves, not at child level.
Dispose of worn-out decorations rather than storing them.
Better organization in January leads to safer decorating next December.
Tip #7: Keep Walkways Clear and Well-Lit
Holiday clutter happens quickly—tree skirts, presents, stockings, décor boxes, extension cords, and more.
To reduce tripping hazards:
Keep pathways clear, especially near doors and stairs.
Avoid placing the tree or décor near walkways.
Tape down loose cords or use cord covers.
Keep candles away from pathways and never within a child’s reach.
Your home should feel festive—but also safe to move around in, especially for visiting grandparents or toddlers who are learning to walk.
Building Traditions While Keeping Children Safe
Safety doesn’t take away from the fun of decorating. In fact, it gives children the freedom to enjoy the season without unnecessary risk.
Try incorporating these child-friendly decorating traditions:
Let kids decorate their own soft-ornament mini tree
Make paper snowflakes together
Create a “kids-only” ornament box with non-breakable items
String popcorn or paper garlands (with supervision)
Replace glass balls with felt or wooden ornaments
Save delicate heirloom ornaments for the top half of the tree
Children love feeling included—and including them safely strengthens every holiday memory.
Local SEO Section: Serving Families Across West Tennessee
Families throughout Jackson, TN, and the surrounding West Tennessee communities—Medina, Humboldt, Henderson, Lexington, Milan, Brownsville, and across Madison County—turn to The Children’s Clinic for trusted pediatric care year-round, including safety guidance during the holiday season.
If you ever have questions about child safety, injury prevention, allergies, choking hazards, or anything related to your child’s health, our team is here to help.
THE CHILDREN’S CLINIC — CONTACT INFORMATION
The Children’s Clinic
264 Coatsland Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
📞 731-423-1500
Your child’s health and safety matter to us—during the holidays and every day of the year.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/2ATCltB