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The old Christmas song says the holiday season is "the most wonderful time of the year," and that can certainly be true. By taking a few precautions, you can focus on family and fun this holiday season ¬- and ideally avoid some of the holiday hazards.

Here are a few tips from the poison center to keep the holidays merry, peaceful and safe.

Holiday décor:

• Though they're not the fatal poisons that they were once believed to be, poinsettias, if consumed, can cause some stomach discomfort, including vomiting. Keep small children and pets away from poinsettias to keep the plant pretty and the kids and pets comfortable.
• Also keep small children and animals away from mistletoe berries, holly berries, the fruit of Jerusalem cherry, the leaves and twigs of boxwood and all parts of yew plants.
• Christmas tree preservatives are usually not toxic. Still, check the label for special ingredients and warnings. As for the trees themselves: pines, spruces and junipers can cause stomach discomfort if large amounts are swallowed. In other words: Don't eat the Christmas tree!
• The prettiest old ornaments might have hidden hazards. Beware of cuts from broken glass and be aware that some older ornaments may be decorated with harmful lead paints.
• Lead is also a hazard in some tree light wires. Wash hands before and after handling tree lights.
• Be mindful of "icicles" or tinsel. Both can out be a choking hazard if swallowed.
• Angel hair is finely spun glass, which can cause cuts or irritation when handled or swallowed.

Entertaining:

• If relatives come to stay through the holidays, be sure their medications are put away. Lock medicines in a suitcase, or, if in a purse, place it out of reach. And NEVER leave medications on the nightstand. A child might wander into the room at any time, and what clearly appears to be medication to you can look like candy to them.
• Designate a locked room where relatives and guests can place their coats and purses that may contain medications.
• Remove and empty partially filled glasses of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause serious illness to small children.
• Empty ash trays often, and when the party is over, clean them. Eating as few as six cigarette butts can send a child to the hospital.
• Make sure small button batteries are not available to children. One swallowed battery can make a child very sick.

Eating:

• Cook foods thoroughly and above 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid salmonella by washing hands, knives and cutting boards after working with raw meats to reduce the chances of spreading the bacteria to uncooked foods.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• Don't leave foods out after a meal. Cover them and refrigerate them promptly. Foods left sitting can be an attractive home for bacteria.

If you have other poisoning concerns or questions, call the toll-free national hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison center. If you live in Arizona outside of Maricopa County, this number will get you to our experts at the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center in Tucson. Check out our website for more information.