Every year, people climb onto their roofs and out their windows in order to hang up Christmas lights and put out decorations. Unfortunately, some of these people lose their balance or slip and end up plummeting to the ground.
This may come as a surprise to some, but the holidays are a time when a lot of people end up sick or injured.
The weather is cold, there's snow and ice on the ground, and people over-extend themselves to try to make the holidays perfect for their families.
We already explained all the potential dangers that come with Christmas trees, but there are a lot of other holiday health hazards everyone should know about.
According to Quartz, the most common Christmas injuries occur when people are putting up and taking down decorations. On Christmas day, though, the most common injuries are cuts and gashes from opening presents with knives or scissors.
Learn more about holiday health hazards below!
Thumbnail Photo: Max Pixel
#1: Decorating The House
There's nothing more wonderful than seeing a house covered in Christmas lights and holiday decorations, but actually doing the decorating can be a struggle.
Lots of people have to climb onto their roofs or ladders to hang lights, but it can be dangerous if you lose your balance or slip.
Other ways people get hurt while decorating? Getting electrocuted or shocked while setting up their decor, cutting themselves on broken ornaments, and falling off chairs and stools inside.
#2: Putting Up The Christmas Tree
Putting up the Christmas tree is normally a fun part of the holidays, but it also poses some risks.
When cutting down a tree, make sure you know what you're doing. Be careful not to cut yourself with the saw or ax you use to chop it down.
When it comes time to put up the tree in your home, work with another person, otherwise you might drop the tree on yourself.
#3: Wrapping/Unwrapping Presents
Wrapping and unwrapping presents seems like a totally innocuous activity, but it can actually be somewhat dangerous, especially if you aren't paying attention to what you're doing.
While wrapping or unwrapping gifts, be careful not to cut yourself on scissors, knives, or on the edge of the wrapping paper.
#4: Christmas Tree Fires
When you choose a spot for your Christmas tree inside your home, make sure it's a cool area. Never put your tree near a heat source like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, and hot appliances.
Also make sure to keep a fire extinguisher near your tree at all times, just in case of fire.
#5: Candle Fires
People love lighting candles during the holiday season, but be careful not to put candles near flammable substances.
Keep candles away from pets and children who might knock them over, and make sure you have water nearby in case a candle tips over.
#6: Food Poisoning
People like to cook extravagant meals during the holidays, but sometimes they don't know the basics of cooking certain foods, especially meats.
If you're cooking a large family meal, make sure everything is cooked correctly (otherwise you'll send everyone running for the bathrooms).
#7: Snowy Weather
Since the holidays fall during the winter, it's usually pretty chilly.
In many places around the country, this means there's snow and ice, which can be very dangerous.
If it's snowy or icy outside, be extra careful not to slip and fall.
#8: Alcohol-Related Injuries
Many people like to imbibe during the holidays. Make sure you don't down some eggnog or mulled wine before decorating, cooking, or driving.
If you want to help other people stay safe this holiday season, please SHARE this article with your friends!
