“The tree is so green and close in the cabin”, and the Advent star shines in the window. Yes, that’s how it looks in many Swedish households now that we’re heading towards Christmas.
And it’s not entirely unusual to let the atmospheric lighting shine even at night when you sleep – because oh, how nice it is to wake up to a Christmassy, illuminated home.
But is it really that good?
READ MORE:
News today – current news from Sweden and the world
Customers rush to Ikea – the Christmas item everyone wants
The risk with your Christmas lights
Sigurd Folgerø Valleycommunications manager at Oslo’s fire and rescue service, tells the Norwegian magazine KK that lighting and electronics that are approved for sale are generally very safe.
It takes a lot for something to go wrong – but it is not without risk.
– We know that electronics never come with a 100 percent guarantee that something unforeseen cannot happen. Our recommendation is therefore that electronic products are primarily used when you are awake and present in the home, he tells KK.
There is a risk, albeit small, that the light source in your advent star or Christmas tree is defective and catches fire.
If you are really unlucky, it can cause great damage, and in the worst case a full-blown fire – not least if the light source is placed near other flammable materials, for example fabric curtains or a fir tree.
The expert: Who do you shine for at night?
According to Folgerø Dalen, it is ultimately up to each household to decide how and when they want the Christmas lights on.
– These are above all products that have an effect when darkness creeps in. Then you can ask yourself the question of who you light up for at night, if you leave everything on while you sleep, or if you are away, he says to KK.
READ MORE:
Latest news – take part in what’s happening right now
Then your home insurance does not apply this Christmas: “Don’t you have…”