Posted on November 21, 2025 by The Mindful Beekeeper

The holidays are magical—twinkling lights, scented candles, roaring fireplaces, and fresh-cut evergreens fill our homes with warmth and joy. Unfortunately, they also make December the peak month for home fires according to fire departments across the U.S. and Canada.

The good news? Almost all of these fires are preventable. Here are the five most important fire-safety practices I follow every year (and gently remind my family and visitors about—repeatedly!).

1. Water Your Christmas Tree Daily (Seriously—Every Single Day)

• A dry tree can become fully engulfed in flames in under 30 seconds.
• Fresh trees drink surprising amounts of water—sometimes a gallon or more per day the first week.
• Check the water level every morning when you check your coffee pot. Touch the needles: if they snap instead of bend, your tree is already dangerously dry.
• Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source (fireplace, radiator, space heater, or heat vent).

Pro tip: Cut 1–2 inches off the trunk right before placing it in the stand—this opens fresh “drinking” pores.

2. Inspect Holiday Lights Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

• Throw away any string with cracked bulbs, frayed wires, or loose connections.
• Never exceed the recommended number of connected strands (usually 3 traditional sets max).
• Use only LED lights indoors if possible—they run much cooler than incandescent bulbs.
• Turn off ALL tree and decorative lights when you leave the house or go to bed. A simple timer or smart plug makes this effortless.

3. Treat Candles Like Tiny Campfires

• Never leave a burning candle unattended—even for “just a minute.”
• Place candles in sturdy, non-tip holders on a non-flammable surface, at least 12 inches from anything that can burn (curtains, garland, wrapping paper, etc.).
• Consider switching to battery-powered flameless candles. Modern ones flicker so realistically that most guests never notice.

4. Give Space Heaters Space

• Maintain a 3-foot “kid-and-pet-free” zone around every space heater.
• Plug them directly into wall outlets—never into extension cords or power strips.
• Choose models with auto shut-off if they tip over or overheat.
• Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

5. Test Smoke Alarms & Make an Escape Plan the Whole Family Knows

• Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm (replace batteries if needed).
• Have at least one alarm on every level and outside each sleeping area.
• Practice your two-minute escape drill: two ways out of every room, a family meeting spot outside, and never go back in for belongings.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

The holidays are about creating warm memories, not becoming a statistic. Taking these five simple steps takes only minutes but can protect everything (and everyone) you love most.

Stay safe, stay cozy, and have a truly joyful holiday season!

— The Mindful Beekeeper ❤️

P.S. Which of these tips surprised you most? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep your home fire-safe this time of year!