The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor, and it’s tempting to load it up with all your favorite ornaments, lights, and trinkets. However, not everything belongs on the tree—some decorations can pose safety risks, damage your tree, or simply look out of place. Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) which items are best left off the branches. If you want your tree to be safe, stylish, and long-lasting, here are five decorations you should avoid putting on your Christmas tree.
1. Real Candles
While vintage-inspired Christmas trees adorned with real candles may look magical in old-fashioned holiday movies, they’re a serious fire hazard in real life.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Open flames near dry pine needles can ignite quickly, especially if the tree isn’t watered regularly.
- Even LED candles with flickering effects provide the same ambiance without the risk.
What to Do Instead: Opt for flameless LED candles or string lights to achieve that warm, glowing effect safely.
2. Heavy Ornaments on Fragile Branches
Large, heavy ornaments can weigh down delicate branches, causing them to snap or sag. This is especially problematic for live trees, which tend to dry out as the season progresses.
Why It’s Risky:
- Broken branches ruin the tree’s shape and make it harder to decorate evenly.
- A collapsing branch could also damage other ornaments or injure someone below.
What to Do Instead: Reserve heavier decorations for sturdier sections of the tree, like the lower branches, and use lightweight ornaments for the upper tiers.
3. Tinsel (Especially Around Pets and Kids)
Tinsel’s shiny, metallic strands may add sparkle, but they’re notorious for being hazardous to pets and small children.
Why It’s Problematic:
- Pets, especially cats, may mistake tinsel for a toy and ingest it, leading to intestinal blockages.
- Young children might also chew on or swallow the thin strands, posing a choking hazard.
What to Do Instead: Use shatterproof ornaments, ribbons, or garlands made from safer materials like fabric or paper.
4. Flammable Materials Near Lights
Decorations made from dried flowers, paper, or fabric can catch fire if placed too close to hot incandescent bulbs.
Why It’s Unsafe:
- Older-style lights generate significant heat, increasing the risk of combustion.
- Even LED lights, while cooler, can still pose a risk if flammable materials touch electrical components.
What to Do Instead: Stick to non-flammable decorations, and always check that lights are in good condition before hanging them.
5. Edible Decorations That Attract Pests
Homemade gingerbread cookies, popcorn strings, and candy canes might seem charming, but they can attract ants, rodents, and other pests.
Why It’s Messy:
- Food-based decorations can spoil or crumble, leaving crumbs and sticky residue on your tree.
- Pests drawn to edible decor can create bigger problems beyond just ruining your holiday setup.
What to Do Instead: Save edible creations for display bowls or plates away from the tree, and choose durable, non-food alternatives for decorating.
Why Avoid These Decorations?
Your Christmas tree should be a source of joy, not stress or danger. By steering clear of these risky or impractical decorations, you’ll ensure your tree remains beautiful, functional, and safe throughout the holiday season. Plus, avoiding potential hazards allows you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the magic of the season.
Tips for Decorating Safely
- Inspect Lights Regularly: Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections before hanging lights.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Place heavier ornaments closer to the trunk and lighter ones toward the tips of branches.
- Supervise Children and Pets: Keep an eye on little ones and furry friends to prevent accidents involving fragile or dangerous decor.
By avoiding these five problematic decorations, you’ll create a Christmas tree that’s both visually stunning and hazard-free. So deck the halls with confidence, knowing your tree will shine brightly—and safely—all season long!
