The holiday season is under way, and one of the things that make
the season bright is decorating the home and yard. Many holiday
decorations, while beautiful and cheery, can be harmful to small
children who explore the brightly colored objects by doing what
they do best: putting things in their mouths. Here is a list of
holiday plants that could pose potential health risks to your
children (and pets!) Holly: The bright red berries are
especially appealing to little eyes, but the bright red color is
Mother Nature’s warning… they are very poisonous, and can be
deadly to children if eaten. Poinsettia: While these are not
deadly, ingesting plant leaves or flowers can cause stomach
upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There is also a milky sap
that comes from the leaves and branches if they are broken, and
this sap can irritate sensitive skin. Mistletoe: All parts of
this plant are poisonous, leaves, stem, and berries. Jerusalem
Cherry: Bright orange to bright red berries are toxic. Varieties
of Lilies: Can caus