The last thing we want to happen during the holidays is an accident. The best way to keep yourself safe during the holidays is going to be through your own diligence. Being mindful of your surroundings and avoiding unnecessary risks will help you better than any list.

That being said, reminders and guides can be helpful reminders to stay safe. I have gone through a few and picked out the ones I felt would be most helpful this holiday season.

1. Watch Your Step

The most important rule, in my opinion, is to watch where you are putting your own two feet. Ice and snow will soon be covering walkways and streets, so be smart about where you step, and wear appropriate shoes with traction.

For everyone who decorates during the holidays, be smart about where you lay your rugs and wires as to not create a tripping hazard for yourself.

2. Be Smart About Fire

The chance of a fire occurring during the holiday season is greater than most.

According to reports produced by groups like FEMA, house fire rates increase during the holiday season. The main reasons cited were more activity in the kitchen and the use of flammable decorations.

So be smart and watch over your food, turn off the stove and lights when they're not in use, and make sure your smoke detector batteries are functional!

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) released this video to cover the basics.

3. Keep The Lights On

You remember the long hours of bright sunlight that came last winter? No? Exactly. Make sure that your home lights, walkways, staircases, and bathrooms are kept well lit as to not further impair your vision. If you see a light out, be quick to fix it!

4. Get Help When Needed

This isn't so much of a tip as a reminder that winter is one of the most labor intensive seasons for upkeep in and around the house. This relates back to not taking unnecessary risks. It may be prudent to find someone, whether it be family, friend, or neighbor who can help with difficult tasks coming up this season.

Stay safe everyone!

Christmas Cookies

No holiday get-together is complete without sugary, decorative and delicious little cookies to snack on. They make great treats for potluck. If you've ever been to a holiday party without cookies, you know the empty feeling quite well.

Plus, making the cookies is almost as much fun as enjoying them, especially if you make it a group activity! You can find many recipes for all kinds of cookies on the internet. I've gone the liberty to find one on a site called www.allrecipes.com for soft, cut-out sugar cookies!

What You'll Need:

1) 3 & 3/4 Cups of All-Purpose Flour

2) 1 Teaspoon of baking powder

3) 1/2 Teaspoon of salt

4) 1 Cup of butter (softened)

5) 1 & 1/2 Cups of white sugar

6) 2 Eggs

7) 2 Teaspoons of vanilla extract

What You'll Do:

1) Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together and set it aside.

2) In a large bowl, cream the margarine and sugar together until it feels light and fluffy.

3) Beat the eggs in one at a time, add the vanilla, and stir the ingredients together.  Add the flour, baking powder, and salt until all have been fully absorbed.

5) Cover dough and let it chill for 2 hours.

6) Preheat oven to 350°F and roll out the dough at 1/4 inch thickness.

7) Cut out shapes using cookie cutters!

8) Lay the cookies on the tray and let them bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn brown.

9) Remove cookies and let cool before applying frosting and decorations.

10) Enjoy!