Many Christmas celebrating households gather around the Christmas tree to decorate with shining ornaments and twinkling lights. It is important to take safety precautions into consideration while choosing and decorating one's Christmas tree. Check out the safety tips on this page before you start decorating for the holiday season.

Faulty wiring and overloaded electrical outlets are one of the most common causes of seasonal house fires. It doesn't matter if the tree is artificial or real, if a fire sparks due to your wiring, the tree will still burn.National Christmas Tree Association: Christmas Tree Safety

When buying a tree, make sure that the needles don't fall out when you bounce it on the ground. These types of trees tend to dry out very quickly, meaning they will also burn quickly.Home Safety Council: Holiday Safety Tips

Be sure to keep your live tree watered so it does not dry out.Home Safety Council: Holiday Safety Tips

Only use safe decorations. Do not light your tree with candles or lights designed specifically for outdoor use.Home Safety Council: Holiday Safety Tips

1. National Christmas Tree Association: Holiday Safety Facts

2. FEMA: Christmas Tree Fire Hazards

3. National Safety Council: Christmas Tree Tips

4. National Fire Protection Association: Christmas Tree Fires

5. MSNBC: Can My Holiday Decorations Kill Me? (December 9, 2007)

6. University of Illinois Extension: Tree Selection and Care

7. YouTube Video: Christmas Tree Fire Safety (Time: 2:42)