The holiday months are here and if there is ever a time to be mindful of safe decorating practices, it is during the holiday season. Regardless of the occasion, whether with family, friends or pets - there are holiday decorations to be cautious of having around the home.

Real Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a big business in the United States. On average, Americans’ purchase over 40 million trees every year. However, the pesticides that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers for use on conventionally grown Christmas trees are linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer, hormonal disruption, neurotoxicity, organ damage, reproductive/birth defects, asthma, and more. However organic Christmas trees, which follow the same U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards as agricultural crops, make up less than 2% of all Christmas trees farmed. Organic trees are a dramatic improvement from conventionally grown and artificial trees in several ways and growing public awareness of the need for a ‘greener tree’ is on the rise and more organic trees are being produced to meet this demand. Check out this list for Organic Christmas Tree farms by State or the Green Promise website here.

Tip: To avoid bringing fresh allergens or mold spores into your home consider storing your tree in a garage or dry shed (in a bucket of water ) for a few days. This will reduce the amount of mold spores and pollen entering your home. Once inside, keep the tree well watered to avoid it from drying out. Also, add a quality preservative to the water to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. This reduces the chances of a house fire. When the branches become brittle and dry, it is time to discard it before it becomes a fire hazard. A suggestion is to remove the tree by the first week of January when communities typically have recycling programs for disposing of trees safely and economically.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Many people buy artificial Christmas trees to avoid the mess of dropped needles spreading throughout their homes, or because they are allergic to the mold spores, pollen or pesticides in real trees. Unfortunately, that pristine artificial tree could be spreading chemical dust you cannot see. Most artificial trees are manufactured in China and made from PVC, a petroleum-based plastic. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization. Lead, which is used to stabilize the PVC and make it pliable, breaks down into lead dust, which is released into the air, and can be especially toxic to children younger than six years old. It can also poison pets. Other chemicals found in artificial trees is phthalates, cadmium, and/or organotins. A safer chemical, Polythylene (PE) is now used in the manufacturing of some artificial trees and is used by companies such as IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing company. Ikea claims their artificial trees use 30% recycled materials, which is great for the earth, but does not necessarily mean is safe to handle or breathe, so be mindful and vigilant. Amazon offers a wide variety of artificial trees as well as NearlyNatural.com and Balsam Hill.

Tip: If you own an artificial tree keep children from touching the tree and wash hands after manipulating or touching the branches. Some manufacturers offer gloves to wear while setting up and taking down your artificial tree. Always use good ventilation when installing the tree, if possible, since this is when the lead dust can become airborne. If the tree is old then consider discarding it because the materials will breakdown and spread more dust and chemicals into your home.

Handmade Trees

Handmade Christmas trees can be made with natural, organic materials like dried moss or living succulents for a beautiful and unique way to celebrate the holiday. Using recycled materials like sea glass, old buttons, fabric, the ideas are endless! Shop Etsy for this Succulent Tree by Arosezen and SucculentArtworks seen below (affiliate links).

There are creative ways to have a Christmas tree that does not pose any harm to your family, pets or the Earth. Constructing a tree out of recycled material can be fun and different and the ideas are endless. Consider unused or unwanted wood scraps from a local lumber yard, driftwood pieces, white birch branches, barn board, or even some sticks and branches from your own backyard or park.

Ornaments

Most common holiday ornaments are manufactured overseas. Some ornaments, whether glass or plastic, may have lead-based paint, specifically glitter and metallic paint. If children handle the ornaments make sure they keep their hands away from mouths and eyes and wash hands thoroughly after touching. Safest bet is to buy handmade ornaments from a trusted source. Don’t have the time or creative ability? Etsy offers a variety of handmade ornaments that are unique, safe and eco-friendly and support a great cause like Ornaments4Orphans on Etsy. (affiliate link) as pictured above.

Also, Amber Lewis is working along side 15 other Etsy artists with her Amber Lewis Creator Collab. Check out the beautiful handmade ornaments and custom decor here.

Candles

What would the holidays be without the beauty of glimmering candle light? Whether on a dining table, a kitchen counter or fireplace mantle, candles provide a perfect ambiance for entertaining or relaxing. Lit candles must never be left unattended especially around children and pets.

Below are handmade candles from RedBarnCandlesCo from Dallas TX. You can purchase these on Etsy. (affiliate link). They are safe because they don’t use any chemicals or toxins. The candles are made using all-natural soy, essentials oils and a paraffin-free wax. Their Barn Bowl Candles are made from imported Mexican dough bowls (affiliated link). They would make great gifts!

Dangers of Paraffin Wax - It is known that Paraffin Wax contains known carcinogens. Inexpensive, artificially scented candles are usually made with paraffin containing harmful chemical toxins such as benzene and toluene (volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s), two toxic chemicals known to cause migraines, throat irritations and chronic asthma in sensitive individuals. These chemicals can affect the brain and the central nervous system. Paraffin is derived from petroleum, coal and shale oil. Read about the 7 Health Issues caused by Paraffin Wax in candles. Instead, choose natural bees wax candles or natural soy based candles that use 100% organic ingredients, are cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, or are Prop 65 (CA) compliant.

Many of the plants we associate with the holiday season have a reputation for being poisonous. Certain types of Mistletoe contain viscotoxins which, if ingested in large quantities can cause drowsiness, blurred vision and gastrointestinal problems. American Mistletoe (Phoradendron loranthaceae) has smooth, green oval shaped leaves and clusters of waxy white berries. Since the early 18th century hanging mistletoe from a doorway or hallway lantern is a holiday tradition for it is a symbol of love and fertility.

Holly (Ilex species) is a small evergreen tree or shrub with stiff, prickly leaves and red berries. The berries contain toxic compounds. These can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and —in rare cases — drowsiness in children and adults. Swallowing 20-30 berries is a toxic dose for adults, although there are reports of people who experienced symptoms after swallowing smaller amounts. Keep away from pets, too.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a showy shrub with green leaves and “flowers” that are red, white, or pink. The leaves are not poisonous but the white sap in the stem can cause minor skin irritation. If swallowed the sap can irritate the mouth and stomach.

Tip: Be smart and keep all living plants and flowers away from children and pets. Here is an updated list of poisonous house plants by DenGarden.com

Be Mindful During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of celebration and to enjoy family and one another’s company, not to stress about the safety in our home. It simply means that each of us should be mindful and aware of any potential risks or hidden dangers associated with holiday decorations. If we take appropriate common-sense precautions this holiday season, it will be one of gratitude and appreciation, and a hope for a healthier and more prosperous 2023.

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