‘Tis the season to be jolly. However, while you are enjoying the holiday cheer and a cup of hot chocolate, don’t forget to take a moment to assess the potential legal liability that this holiday season may bring. Seemingly common scenarios can raise complex legal issues and, if they are not handled properly, can result in serious legal consequences.

It is important for employers to consider the variety of issues that may need to be addressed this holiday season, such as what sort of seasonal and holiday decorating will be permitted, how to address requests from employees to take time off work for religious observances and what steps will be taken to reduce incidents and liability at company holiday parties. While employers do not need to avoid celebrating the holidays altogether, preventive planning can go a long way toward avoiding holiday problems.