christmas-decoration-safety-main-concern-americans-during-holidays

Christmas Decoration Safety Is Main Concern of Americans During the Holidays

Christmas marks an exciting and joyful time for many Outsiders across the U.S. However, for those with pets and small children, the holidays require a whole other level of critical thinking regarding decorating strategy and safety precautions. Now, in 2021, decoration safety remains a top priority for many American families.

As a mom and a pet owner myself, I’ve spent many a Christmas season considering my best options for decorations. With an adventurous toddler of my own, our tree proudly boasts a collection of plastic, shatter-proof ornaments and bells. Only our most precious family ornaments hang high on top.

That said, Fox News states that a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Canvaspop reports nearly half of respondents (44%) say decorating for Christmas causes them to worry about safety. The fact is especially prominent, as said, for those with adventurous pets and small children.

Main safety concerns entail both fire and choking hazards. As such, many Outsiders opt out of using fake snow and tinsel. Both of which have flammable capabilities while simultaneously presenting choking hazards to children and pets. The news outlet reports that families tend to stick to electric Christmas lights when decorating to combat those potential disasters.

Fortunately, however, a Canvaspop spokesperson stated preventing holiday disasters amid decorating is simpler than we might imagine. Primarily, they stated, “Opt for wall decor that can easily be hung out of reach of children or pets, while being enjoyed by the whole family.”

Americans Encounter Christmas Tree Shortage Amid Holiday Prep

Decorating for Christmas can be stressful enough. However, now Americans late on finding the perfect Christmas tree may be out of luck already this season.

As Outsiders well know, the pandemic has seen a host of shortages ensue. Shortages include everything from toilet paper, Clorox wipes, and baby formula to airline and postal service staff. Now, ahead of Christmas celebrations, Outsiders potentially face a tree shortage, the latest in a string of unique unavailabilities.

However, the tree shortage comes not as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Instead, the new shortage potentially results from the historic 2008 recession. While Americans have slowly become accustomed to the financial transformations that took place following the recession, Christmas tree shortages were the last thing on our minds at the time.

Nevertheless, the fact is plausible. The recession saw many tree farmers retire ahead of economic uncertainty. For years, many farms and trees went unplanted. The Christmas trees we all know and love can take eight to nine years to grow to a desirable size.

That said, small Christmas tree retailers head to Pennsylvania and other northern states to load up on their supplies for the season where the species are native. However, the shortage has also caused a jump in cost, tree farmers and retailers paying retail- or near-retail price to stock inventory.