Christmas is full of fun and dangerous activities that are a treat and could also be a burden for families. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Incidents (“RoSPA”), approximately 80,000 injuries occur annually due to accidents linked to Christmas activities.

Alcohol

While alcohol can facilitate fun activities, when consumed in moderation, too much can result in injuries. Alcohol lowers awareness and inhibition, which can lead to more accidents. The increased availability of alcohol also means that it is easier for children to consume — parents should ensure that empty glasses are cleaned out before children can get them.

Choking

Christmas is also full of glass and fragile decorations, novelties, and other small items choking young children.

Decorations

Decorations are also dangerous for a few reasons. First, people are injured when they fall while hanging decorations on the ceiling, string lights on the roof, or a tall tree. According to the RoSPA, more than 1,000 people are injured every year while hanging decorations on trees. More research found that 2.6 million people are injured every year when they fall off a chair or stool while hanging decorations.

Tree Fires

Christmas trees are also frequent sources of indoor fires. Even with regular watering, Christmas trees are frequent sources of fires because they slowly dry out over the season. Trees, cards, paper decorations, and other flammable materials should be kept away from fireplaces and other heat sources to reduce fire risk. Moreover, candles should be blown out before families go to bed.

Kitchen Injuries

People are also frequently injured in the kitchen during the holidays. A recent study found that one in ten people spill hot fat on themselves, and one in five cut themselves while preparing vegetables. Moreover, the consumption of alcohol increases the risk of kitchen injuries.  

Stairs and Snow

Ice and snow increase the risk of fall injuries. Ice collects and forms on stairs, which results in a sharp increase in fall injuries. Outdoor stairs should be adequately salted to prevent fall injuries. Moreover, indoors, clutter should be removed from stairs to prevent trips.

Holiday Plants

Mistletoe and holly have been standard Christmas decorations for many years, but decorators should still take caution, these plants are also highly toxic. Their berries contain proteins that can cause hallucinations and slow the heart rate. Other plants such as the Christmas Rose can cause intense diarrhea, and the Christmas Cherry’s orange berries can cause unpleasant abdominal pains.