Christmas tree: the best tips for a safe Christmas

Christmas tree
The best tips for a safe Christmas

A decorated tree is traditionally part of Christmas.

© Oxik / Shutterstock.com

A fir tree is a must for most of the Christmas season. However, some dangers lurk. Everything will go smoothly with these tips.

The Christmas tree will be in many German households by December 24th at the latest. Nicely decorated, it creates a festive atmosphere – as long as nothing goes wrong. Because a cat who loves to climb, a wobbly tree or, in the worst case, a fire can spoil the mood on Christmas Eve. With these tips, there will be no incidents when it comes to Christmas trees.

The right place

To keep the Christmas tree fresh, it should not be exposed to dry room air. The Natural Christmas Tree Association therefore recommends not placing the fir or spruce directly in front of or next to a heater. Direct sunlight also leads to faster drying out. If you have underfloor heating, you should place the tree on a small pedestal. Regular ventilation is also recommended.

The right Christmas tree stand

When it comes to setting up, many use a Christmas tree stand. Under no circumstances sharpen the trunk for this. Due to the smaller diameter, the water supply deteriorates and the tree dries out faster. Two or three centimeters of the trunk should be cut off, however. The fresh interface ensures that the fir or spruce can better absorb the water. Stands with a wire cable are particularly stable and easy to operate with a pedal.

Stands with screw clamps, on the other hand, are more laborious and two people are required to set them up. Pay attention to the maximum diameter when buying. The tree trunk should be a little smaller than the stand, this is the only way to ensure a secure stand. A Christmas tree stand with a water reservoir is recommended. This means the tree stays fresh longer.

Keep cats away

Cat owners need to keep an eye on their four-legged friends, especially at Christmas time. Because the house tigers like to use the Christmas tree as a climbing opportunity. Owners should therefore use a stable and heavy Christmas tree stand that can withstand a cat attack. In addition, when setting up, make sure that the tree is as free as possible. Cats cannot use the furniture as a place to jump. Another tip: Mix a few drops of citrus oil with water and spray the tree with it. Alternatively, place pine cones around the tree. Cats find both smells annoying.

Aluminum foil under the tree can also prevent attempts to climb. Cats do not like the foil because the noise irritates them and the feeling under their paws cannot stand. Important: The cats should not be able to reach the water in the stand. Because fir trees give off substances that are slightly toxic to four-legged friends. So cover it or buy a stand with a closed water tank. Tinsel can also be dangerous for cats. If they eat it, it can lead to indigestion. In general, hang balls etc. out of the reach of cats. If you use plastic instead of glass balls, you minimize the risk of broken glass.

Minimize the risk of fire

If you use real candles as Christmas tree lighting, you should make sure there is enough space. Place the candles as far out as possible on the branches so that the ones above do not catch fire. Never let it burn unattended and always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher ready in case a fire should actually break out. Fairy lights are generally safer than real candles, but they also harbor dangers. Only buy chains that have been provided with safety stickers, for example the GS seal of the TÜV or a CE mark. This guarantees that the manufacturer has complied with the applicable EU directives.

If a bulb in the chain of lights is broken, replace it immediately. Because the tension is distributed among the rest, which can lead to intense heat. Dry needles or wrapping paper could even catch fire. LED fairy lights are safer because a transformer regulates the voltage from 230 volts to around 12 to 14 volts. As a result, the lamps hardly radiate heat and electric shocks are excluded. In addition, an LED light chain consumes less electricity.

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