This time of year is all about reflecting on friends and family, giving thanks and celebrating accordingly; Christmas is just days away and Chanukah coincided with Thanksgiving – a phenomenon that won’t occur again for thousands of years. But before we get too swept up in holiday cheer, spiked eggnog and unwrapping gifts, let’s not forget that tis the season of toy-related injuries.

As the Official Blog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts notes in rather dismal fashion, the U.S. saw some 262,000 toy-related injuries in 2011. A staggering 74 percent of those were inflicted on children aged 15 and under and 35 percent of those five and under. It’s an occupational hazard, of course, as giving toys of all size and scope to your own children or favorite charity is simply part of the game. Kids typically receive toys as presents on Christmas – not comfy PJs, beer paraphernalia or high-tech men’s apparel  – and all of the small, plastic, asphyxiating facets that accompany them.

Naturally, as a nationwide leader in diligence and health-consciousness, we here in Massachusetts want that number to spiral down drastically and to continue to do so for years to come. So to help get the non-fatal ball rolling, Governor Deval Patrick and his cohorts up on Beacon Hill have established nine guidelines when it comes to evaluating toy safety this holiday season.

1. Children under three years old tend to put everything in their mouths, so avoid buying toys that have small parts and may pose a choking danger. Look for quality in design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
2. Consider purchasing a small parts tester to determine whether small toys for children under the age of three might present a choking hazard.
3. Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches may pose a risk of strangulation.
4. Toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
5. Avoid cap guns because the caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.
6. Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud sounds, or projectiles (such as dart and firing rockets).
7. If you buy a bicycle for a child, buy a helmet too and make sure the child wears it.
8. Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child.
9. Inspect all toys as much as possible before taking them out of the box. Once opened, go through each part of the toy to make sure there are no small parts that could be choking hazards.

Heed to this advice and you’re sure to have a happy holiday season!