Have you ever seen “Home Alone”? As much as we love that holiday classic, it’s the perfect example of what not to do! Other than not forgetting your 8 year old, here are 5 tips on ensuring home safety over the holidays, whether you’re staying in, or travelling!

1. Light up the night without igniting the lights

“Christmas Vacation” may give us belly laughs every year, but we don’t want to cause power outages like Clark Griswold! Prevent any outages or fires by using the right cords and lights for indoor or outdoor use, and avoid daisy-chaining (connecting multiple extension cords or light strings together end-to-end) or mixing different types. Inspect cords for damage, plug them in fully (and unplug completely when not in use), and don’t overload outlets. Keep cords out of high-traffic areas, and burn candles safely on stable surfaces, away from children and pets.

2. Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

A classic Hallmark trope is the smoke detector going off! Test yours to make sure it’s working properly, so you’re prepared for burnt cookies or unexpected emergencies. Whether you’re spending lots of time at home or heading out for the holidays, a carbon monoxide detector is essential for keeping your household safe from serious accidents.

3. Security system

The McCallisters and their neighbours could have avoided a lot of holiday chaos if they’d had a proper security system! Installing a home security system, especially one with features like a camera doorbell, can give you peace of mind by letting you monitor your property in real time. Whether you’re at home, running errands, or away for the holidays, a security system helps protect against break-ins, package theft, and other unexpected incidents, making your festive season a lot less stressful.

4. If you have a real tree

Going back to Christmas Vacation…let’s avoid catching any trees on fire! When buying a real Christmas tree, choose a fresh one with needles that are hard to pull off and water it daily once indoors. Place the tree in a secure stand away from high-traffic areas, doorways, and heat sources like vents, stoves, or fireplaces. Keep sharp, breakable, or small ornaments out of reach of young children. After the holidays, or once the needles start to fall, dispose of the tree promptly following local regulations, often through municipal recycling programs.

5. Light timers

Setting light timers in your home can add both convenience and safety, especially during the holiday season. In Home Alone, Harry and Marv would watch houses for light timers. Throw off the Wet Bandits by programming lights to turn on and off at different times each day, you can create the appearance that someone is home, even when the house is empty. This simple adjustment not only helps deter potential intruders but also ensures you don’t waste electricity by leaving lights on all day or night. Modern timers make it easy to vary schedules automatically, giving your home a natural, lived-in look without any extra effort.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a festive, stress-free holiday season while keeping your home and loved ones safe. From checking detectors and securing your tree to using timers and proper lighting, these small steps make a big difference. This year, focus on creating joyful memories and celebrate the season with peace of mind.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Goodchild Realty Services! We wish you a safe, joyful, and warm holiday season.