The holidays are a magical time for small children. Unfortunately, it's also a busy time of the year for emergency room visits, especially those involving young children. Here are some important ways to protect the youngest members of your family this holiday season:

Be vigilant. Be on the lookout for items your child could pull or knock over, such as tablecloths, hot liquids or burning candles at the edges of counters or tables.

Watch for choking hazards. Small candy, ornaments, mistletoe, poinsettias, popcorn, light bulbs and more can pose a choking or poisoning risk to small children. Keep them up high and out of reach.

Keep your tree secure. Whether you have a real tree or an artificial one, make sure it won't easily tip over. Many tree stands offer adjustable screws to help secure your tree, whatever its size.

Take care with candles. Candles are a common source of home fires and accidental burns this time of year. If you have small children, consider using flameless candles.

Keep children out of the kitchen. During the preparation of big holiday meals, it's always a good idea to have a trusted family member supervise small children in another area of the home. Busy kitchens pose a host of risks to toddlers and preschoolers.

Use safety gear. if you're giving children a bicycle, scooter or skateboard, make sure you give them the appropriate safety helmet and gear. Head trauma from sledding accidents is a common wintertime injury in areas of the country with snow. Supervise children while they are sledding and make sure they wear a quality helmet. Avoid steep, rocky hills and crowded areas.