The festive season should be filled with cheer, not anxiety and accidents.
Yet the UK's National Accident Helpline (NAH) has unveiled stark findings on how the pursuit of a picture-perfect Christmas is causing "festive fear" and leading to injuries.
Their research found that 27% of 2,000 surveyed individuals feel more stressed at this time of year, with women particularly affected - a notable 32% report heightened stress levels. The kitchen and hosting duties are major contributors to this tension, with over 13% of women (and significantly less men) feeling the heat when preparing the Christmas meal.
A cluttered household during the holidays can also add to the pressure for 18% of people, while 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men confess they're prone to rushing tasks amidst the seasonal frenzy. Despite the troubling fact that over 80,000 Brits end up in hospital due to festive-related falls, cuts, and burns, many dismiss these mishaps too lightly.
With safety in mind, we must remember to take care when decking our halls - especially regarding electrical and fire hazards such as Christmas lights and yuletide fires.
Electrical and fire safety at Christmas
According to the NAH, over 1 in 40 (2.7) people have experienced an electric shock due to poorly wired Christmas lights and 600,000 have scalded themselves while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Before hanging them up, check fairy lights and any other electrically powered Christmas decorations.
If you notice frayed cables or damaged fittings, dispose of them immediately. Only use lights designed for outdoor use outside – and keep plugs and transformers indoors.
Ensure all lights and electrical decorations are switched off at night and when you leave the house – don't leave them unattended for extended periods. Similarly, extinguish candles before going to bed.
Tea lights, in particular, need to be in suitable containers, otherwise, they risk setting fire to whatever's underneath. Electricity and water don't mix, so always unplug lights before watering the Christmas tree.
The NAH's study also revealed that 2.6 million people have fallen off a stool while hanging up decorations, a statistic supported by data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which indicates that around 1,000 people are injured every year by their Christmas tree, usually while trying to attach decorations to the higher branches. If possible, invest in a proper stepladder rather than relying on chairs, stools and sofas – many of which aren't designed to be stood on.
Avoiding slips, falls and injuries
If you need to retrieve something from the loft, ensure you have someone to assist in passing down boxes, as a single misstep could result in a fall. When it comes to unwrapping gifts, use proper scissors and maintain a tidy space by promptly disposing of gift wrappings and clutter – scattered toys, debris, and loose wires can easily cause slips and trips, especially for older relatives.
Christmas food and drink safety
Food safety during Christmas is crucial. Food poisoning can ruin the festive spirit and is often caused by improperly defrosted or undercooked turkey.
Make sure to check defrosting and cooking times well in advance and resist the temptation to remove food from the oven prematurely due to time constraints.
Cover and refrigerate any perishable items ideally within an hour of removing them from the fridge. Remember that food takes longer to cook in full ovens, so consider adding extra time to your cooking schedule.
While visitors may offer to help, it's safer to keep them away from hot ovens and sharp knives.
Monitor your alcohol intake, perhaps by alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or taking a day off from drinking if you overindulged the previous day.
Children having accidents
Children are particularly prone to accidents during Christmas due to the excitement and novelty of the season.
Be cautious of choking hazards, especially in the form of Christmas decorations and toys from crackers – these don't have to adhere to the strict rules that govern the sale of children's toys. Keep small and fragile items out of reach.
Holly and mistletoe may look lovely, but they're also poisonous. A dose of 20 holly berries could be lethal for a child – so keep them out of reach.
Ensure you always know where children are, such as by assigning an adult to watch over them. Portable safety equipment like stair gates might be handy for managing young children.
Ice and snow
As the cold weather sets in, it's crucial to stay alert and not disregard weather warnings. If they care about your safety, family and friends will understand why you need to rearrange plans to avoid travelling on icy, snowy roads.
Keep your pathways and drive clear of snow and ice, perhaps by investing in a large bag of rock salt – chances are you won't need it, but it's always useful to have some stored away. Don't use boiling water to melt ice as it will just refreeze and make surfaces even more slippery.
Always wear suitable footwear with soles that grip the pavement. Substance is more important than style here, and you can always carry party shoes in a separate bag.
If you're fortunate enough to have found snow, be careful of sledging on steep or uneven ground, or toward trees and other solid objects. Ensure you – or your children – have a clear path.
Christmas driving
Navigating through the bustling Christmas traffic can be not only nerve-wracking but also perilous. If possible, try to dodge peak hours – embark on your journey earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Before hitting the road, check online traffic guides: Google Maps offers real-time traffic data and the Highways Agency lists planned motorway roadworks. Also, be aware of any alcohol consumed the previous night.
Allow at least an hour for every unit consumed before you hit the road.
Christmas shopping
When it comes to Christmas shopping, lugging around numerous presents can put a strain on your back. So, take a break to unload bags into the car halfway through the day – don't try to tackle it all at once.
A backpack is your best bet for distributing the weight and keeping your hands free.
It's easy to misplace young children in a crowded shopping centre. Keep them nearby, but also take additional precautions like giving them a note with your name and mobile phone number in case they do get separated from you.
And maintain your cool – stress often leads to mishaps!
If the thought of in-person shopping overwhelms you, there's always the option of shopping online. And remember, you don't need to find everyone the perfect gift.