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Food Safety
Defrost frozen turkey in the fridge if possible. If defrosting at room temperature, wrap the bird in a heavy paper bag to prevent the surface from getting warm before the centre defrosts.
Don't over-stuff the turkey. Pack it loosely, and remove the stuffing right after taking the bird out of the oven.
Remove leftover meat from the bone before refrigerating.
Decorations
Decorate a large plant in your house with tiny white lights.
Liven up your furniture with big holiday bows.
When you are finished with your live tree, cut a ½ inch slice off the bottom of the trunk, paint it with your kids, include the date, and make it into a decoration for next year's tree.
Make your house smell seasonal. Buy a big bag of potpourri and put a little in each room or burn a cinnamon-scented candle.
Enjoy candle light. At Christmas and Hanukkah, candles play a special role in adding to the warmth of the season.
If you live in an apartment too small for a big tree, buy a small one and set it on a table. Mini live trees are available from the local grocery store.
Holiday Trips
If you're planning a long car trip over the holidays, get some books on tape at the library to keep the kids entertained. Take along cards and magnetic travel games such as checkers.
Make sure your car gets a winter check-up at the garage before a lengthy holiday trip.
Put an ice scraper in your car.
Make sure you have blankets, first aid kit, shovel and flares in your car (just in case).
To make your home appear lived in, put your lights on timers while you are away.
Arrange for a neighbour to check your mail and remove flyers from your front steps.
Put a hold on your paper if you are going to be away.
Child Safety
Almost 78% of injuries to young children during the holidays are due to children playing with Christmas trees and ornaments, according to BC's Children's Hospital in Canada. Here are some tips to keep children safe:
- Keep lit candles out of the reach of young children.
- Hang decorations out of kids' reach and be careful with your choice ornaments.
- Tinsel can cause choking if swallowed; glass decorations can shatter.
- Make sure your Christmas tree is secured so it doesn't fall over.
- Watch young children near the tree.
- Check the toys your child gets for Christmas. Watch for sharp edges or removable parts.
- Ask your guests to keep alcoholic drinks and ashtrays out of a child's reach. A young child can become very ill if he swallows cigarette butts or alcohol.
