We're just a few days out from Christmas. By now, the excitement of having the tree up and decorated has lost out to the excitement of shopping, wrapping presents and planning the holiday feast. If your family is like mine, watering the tree has gradually moved to the bottom of your "I've got to get this done today" list.

Don't let it happen! The National Institute for Standards and Technology has produced this video to show just how much of a fire hazard that dried-out tree will become.

In addition, Lake Saint Louis Fire Marshall Don Reitz stresses three other safety issues of the season. One is fireplaces and fireplace ashes. "Make sure that they are completely cooled before disposing of them," Reitz said.

The other is leaving Christmas lights on for extended periods of time. People tend to leave them on all night, and that's not a good idea, even with the new LED lights. "I have a new set of garland at home, with the LED lights in it, and it does get warm," Reitz said. "It's not as much heat as the old style, but there is heat."

The third thing to watch, Reitz said, is that any electric lights or other decorations are UL listed.

Now, go water that tree. And before you go to bed, turn off the holiday lights. Have a safe and happy holiday!