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15 Common Christmas

Disasters and How to

Handle Them

by Maria Gracia Updated December 4, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. It would be wonderful if the holidays went off without a hitch. The dinner turned out perfectly, the presents well-received, the guests satisfied, while you enjoy the happiness and good cheer of the season. But alas, sometimes the most well-planned Christmas has its disasters and emergencies. Below are 14 common Christmas fiascoes and the best way to deal with them. 1. You forgot to buy a Christmas gift for someone. Always have extra gifts on hand. There are many gift choices that suit most anyone…gift cards, socks, a Christmas ornament, a mug, and the like. Just in case you forget someone or an unexpected guest arrives, you’ll have a gift to give them if you’d like. Make sure your additional gifts are in Christmas bags or gift- wrapped, with blank tags, and ready to hand out. I usually identify gifts like this with a sticky note so I know what’s inside…and just remove that note before giving the gift. 2. One of your favorite or most expensive ornaments is accidentally broken by a child or a pet. Toddlers, young children, and pets are attracted to bright, shiny ornaments. Hang fragile ornaments higher on your tree. Place unbreakable, non-toxic decorations in places that little hands (or paws) can reach. Also, be mindful of where your extension cords are placed. We have a house bunny and my husband wraps our cords in split- loom tubing so they’re protected from our pet. 3. You invested tons of time hanging lights that don’t work. Before hanging them on your house or your Christmas tree, check your Christmas lights for frayed wires, cracked sockets, and to ensure that they all work. Replace them if necessary. Most lights on the store shelves are marked “for indoor and outdoor use.” These are the only type I’d buy because they’re safe for either use. 4. You created a fire or tripping hazard.  Don't create a tangled mess of extension cords and power strips…you may overload your circuits. Also, be sure they’re placed in areas where they’re not tripping hazards. 5. Your beautiful Christmas tree is all dried up. Real Christmas trees need to be watered almost every day; if you’re not going to do this, put up an artificial one. If you buy real, don’t buy it too early and take care of it once it’s inside your home. 6. You were injured when decorating and nobody is there to assist. Never decorate alone, especially if you're using a ladder. Always have a family member or friend on hand, in case of an emergency. Also, always have your cell phone charged and within reach…in case of ANY emergency. 7. You are unprepared for unexpected guests. Perhaps your cousin Aaron started dating a new girlfriend OR Grandpa Ed brings his next door neighbor to your family party. It's great to spread your goodwill to others, so be prepared with extra seating, food, and gifts. 8. Your pet is ill. Keep all ingredients, prepared foods, and cooked dishes up high. You don't want Fido eating your Christmas ham or turkey. Also, guests may drop food or feed your pet scraps. Decide in advance how much is too much or don’t allow it at all and be sure everyone knows the rules. Also, poinsettias are lovely, but can be toxic when ingested. Keep these away from kids and animals. 9. The new recipe you made doesn’t look or taste good. The day of the Christmas party is not the ideal time to make a new dish. If you haven't made a dish before, make it before the date of your celebration. In doing so, you’ll have plenty of time to decide whether or not it should be showcased on your holiday table. Also, know what restaurants are open on Christmas Day, just in case. 10. Unexpected weather hits and you’re unprepared. There could be a snow or ice storm the day of your party, especially if you live in a cold-weather state. Be ready for folks to cancel and/or for guests who may need to spend the night. Be sure you have a solution to ensure your walkway/driveway isn’t slippery. 11. You have guests and no working toilet. If you already have plumbing issues, hosting 10-20 more people will not help your situation. Allow someone else to host or call a plumber before the guests arrive to ensure everything is fully functional. Keep plungers in the bathrooms. If you have more than one bathroom, close one down if needed (put an out of order sign on the door) and put the other one to use until the issue can be fixed. 12. You had one Christmas drink too many at your company Christmas party. Know your liquor limits and hand-pick a designated driver ahead of time if you plan to drink. 13. You don’t like a gift you received. Smile and be gracious no matter what. It’s the thought that counts. You can always exchange that gift, re-gift it, or donate it to a charity. 14. The cat jumped in the tree and knocked it over. If you have a cat who likes jumping in your Christmas tree, figure out how to secure it. Fluffy may still jump in it, but at least it won’t end up on the floor, taking your prized ornaments down with it. 15. Your child or grandchild sees you placing gifts under the tree. No worries. Santa can’t do everything himself. He is excellent at delegating and you’ve been granted the privilege of helping him out this year. Enough said. Back to Organized Holidays Index