Christmas Holiday Injuries and How to Stay Safe

Common Christmas Holiday Injuries, How to Prevent Them, and How Integrative Care Can Help You Recover

The Christmas season is full of fun—but it also brings a predictable spike in injuries. Why? People rush. Homes get more cluttered. The weather can turn icy. Kitchens get busier. Alcohol shows up at more gatherings. And more drivers are on the road, often exhausted, distracted, or impaired. CDC+3sja.org.uk+3NHTSA+3

Below is a practical guide to the most common Christmas-related accidents—including falls, fires, burns, cuts, strains, alcohol-related incidents, food poisoning, toy and gift injuries, and the seasonal rise in distracted and impaired driving—plus clear prevention tips and a smart recovery plan that combines chiropractic care with Nurse Practitioner (NP) support. UCI Health+3D’Amore Law Group+3TORKLAW+3

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Quick list: the most common holiday accidents

During Christmas, injuries often stem from:

• Falls (ladders, rooftops, stairs, cluttered walkways, icy sidewalks)

• Fires (trees, lights, extension cords, candles, cooking)

• Burns (hot pans, boiling liquids, ovens, deep fryers, hot wax)

• Cuts (knives, box cutters, scissors, ornaments, broken glass)

• Strains and sprains (lifting bins, moving furniture, decorating overhead, shoveling)

• Alcohol-related incidents (falls, fights, alcohol poisoning, risky decisions, impaired driving)

• Food poisoning (unsafe storage, undercooked foods, cross-contamination, leftovers left out)

• Toy/gift injuries (choking hazards, button batteries, magnets, sharp edges, packaging)

• Driving crashes (distracted, fatigued, aggressive, and impaired driving) NHTSA+3The Journalist’s Resource+3Elite Learning+3

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Falls during decorating and winter weather

Falls are one of the biggest holiday injury drivers—especially from ladders while hanging lights or placing decorations. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports about 160 decorating-related injuries per day during the holiday season, with falls making up a large share. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1

Decorating fall risks (ladders, roofs, stairs)

Common mistakes include overreaching, using unstable chairs, setting ladders on uneven ground, and decorating alone. UCLA Health+2Elite Learning+2

Safer ladder basics

• Use a sturdy ladder on level ground

• Have someone spot you

• Don’t overreach—move the ladder instead

• Keep your body centered between the rails

• Avoid rooftops if you can (hire help when needed) UCLA Health+2Elite Learning+2

Icy pathways and trip hazards

Outside, ice and snow raise the risk of slips. Inside, cords, wrapping paper, toys, and clutter create trip hazards.

Simple fall-prevention wins

• Put down salt/sand and improve outdoor lighting

• Keep walkways clear (cords against walls, rugs secured)

• Clean up wrapping paper quickly

• Wear shoes with traction—not slippery socks on tile William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.+2Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman+2

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Fires from trees, lights, candles, and cooking

December is a leading month for home fires, and winter holiday activities add extra fuel: decorations, candles, electrical lights, and heavy cooking days. NFPA+1

Christmas tree and decoration fire risks

Christmas tree fires are less common than some other fires, but they can be severe—especially when trees dry out or heat sources are too close. NFPA safety guidance highlights risks associated with electrical lighting and candles and emphasizes safe placement and watering for live trees. NFPA+1

Tree and lights safety checklist

• If you use a real tree: keep it watered and away from heat sources

• Keep the tree at least 3 feet from heaters/fireplaces

• Use working smoke alarms

• Turn off tree lights when sleeping or leaving home

• Don’t overload outlets; avoid damaged cords NFPA+2UCI Health+2

Candle hazards

Candle fires peak in the winter months, and candles are a major cause of home decoration fires. If you use candles, treat them like a “high-alert” item. NFPA+1

Safer candle habits

• Prefer LED candles

• Never leave candles unattended

• Keep flames away from curtains, wrapping paper, trees, and pets

• Use stable holders on heat-safe surfaces NFPA+1

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Burns and scalds from cooking and hot decorations

Holiday cooking is a top source of burns and scalds—especially with crowded kitchens, multitasking, kids running through, and large pots or trays. Elite Learning+1

Common burn situations

• Reaching into ovens or over boiling pots

• Steam burns from lids

• Hot grease splatter

• Turkey fryers and deep-frying mishaps Elite Learning+1

Burn-prevention basics

• Keep pan handles turned inward

• Use oven mitts that are dry and cover the wrist

• Keep kids and pets out of the “hot zone”

• If deep-frying: follow instructions, don’t overfill, and keep water away Elite Learning+1

If a burn happens: what to do first

A trusted first-aid step is to cool a burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Seek urgent help for large, deep, or high-risk-location burns (face, hands, feet, genitals), or burns in children. sja.org.uk

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Cuts and lacerations from knives, wrapping, and ornaments

Cuts are common during:

• Meal prep (fast chopping, dull knives, slippery cutting boards)

• Wrapping gifts (box cutters, scissors)

• Hanging ornaments (broken glass) Elite Learning+2D’Amore Law Group+2

Cut-prevention tips

• Use a stable cutting board (wet paper towel underneath helps)

• Cut away from your body

• Store sharp tools safely between uses

• Sweep up broken ornaments immediately Elite Learning+1

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Strains and sprains from lifting, carrying, and overdoing it

Holiday strain injuries occur when people lift heavy bins, move furniture, carry large boxes, or hang decorations for long periods. Back strains are common, especially if you’re doing more physical work than usual. Relias+1

Safer lifting rules

• Bend at the hips and knees (not your lower back)

• Keep the load close to your body

• Don’t twist while lifting—turn with your feet

• Break big loads into shorter trips

• Take short stretch breaks every 30–60 minutes Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center+1

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Alcohol-related incidents (and why they cause so many injuries)

Alcohol doesn’t just raise impaired-driving risk. It also increases:

• Falls and head injuries

• Burns (cooking + alcohol is a bad mix)

• Fights and risky decisions

• Alcohol poisoning emergencies sja.org.uk+2The Journalist’s Resource+2

Lower-risk alcohol habits

• Set a drink limit before you start

• Alternate with water

• Eat real food (protein + fiber)

• Don’t mix alcohol with sedating meds

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• Have a ride plan (rideshare, sober driver, stay over) NHTSA+1

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Food poisoning and “holiday stomach” problems

Holiday meals are larger, sit out longer, and involve more hands in the kitchen. That increases the chance of foodborne illness.

A core rule: keep food out of the “danger zone” (roughly 40°F–140°F) and don’t leave perishable foods out for more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot conditions). CDC+1

Food safety bullet list

• Wash your hands and sanitize surfaces

• Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods

• Refrigerate leftovers quickly in shallow containers

• Reheat leftovers safely (use a thermometer when possible) CDC+2Food Safety and Inspection Service+2

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Toy and gift injuries (choking, batteries, magnets, packaging)

New toys and gifts are a big source of injuries—especially choking hazards and battery/magnet emergencies.

CPSC holiday safety guidance emphasizes checking age labels and choking-hazard warnings and immediately disposing of packaging (plastic wrap, ties, and small parts). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1

High-risk items to watch closely

• Small toy parts (especially for children under age 3)

• Button batteries (can cause severe internal burns if swallowed)

• Strong magnets (can trap bowel tissue if swallowed)

• Water beads (can expand if ingested) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1

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Distracted and impaired driving rises during the season

More drivers are on the road in December, often rushing, tired, or emotionally stressed. Impaired driving is a major risk: NHTSA reports thousands of deaths in drunk-driving crashes in December across recent years, and December remains a key enforcement period for sober-driving campaigns. NHTSA+2NHTSA+2

Drive-safer holiday habits

• Don’t drive impaired (alcohol, cannabis, sedatives)

• Put the phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving

• Build in extra time so you don’t speed

• Avoid driving late if you’re exhausted

• Use seatbelts every trip NHTSA+1

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When to get urgent care (don’t “tough it out”)

Seek urgent care or emergency help if you have:

• Head injury with confusion, fainting, worsening headache, vomiting

• Suspected fracture or inability to bear weight

• Severe burns, electrical shock, or smoke inhalation

• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of stroke

• Possible swallowed battery/magnets (this can be an emergency) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+1

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How integrative chiropractic + NP care supports recovery and prevention

Many holiday injuries are “mixed”—joint irritation, muscle strain, nerve sensitivity, and inflammation occurring together. That’s where an integrated approach can help: a chiropractor focuses on movement, alignment, and musculoskeletal function, while an NP supports overall medical evaluation and health risks that can complicate recovery. El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+1

What chiropractic care can support after common holiday injuries

Depending on the case, a chiropractor may help with:

• Restoring joint motion after sprains/strains

• Reducing muscle guarding and stiffness

• Building a graded return-to-activity plan (mobility + strengthening)

• Coordinating manual therapy with rehab exercise AAFP+1

Clinical guidelines for low back pain support several non-drug options (such as spinal manipulation, massage, and supervised movement) as part of care—especially when matched to the right patient and injury phase. American College of Physicians Journals+1

What an NP adds to recovery (the “medical safety net”)

An NP can help by:

• Screening red flags (fracture, concussion signs, infection, nerve deficits)

• Ordering imaging or labs when needed

• Managing pain safely (including medication guidance when appropriate)

• Supporting wound care follow-up and burn evaluation

• Helping with nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress strategies that speed healing El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+2CDC+2

Clinical observations from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC

In Dr. Jimenez’s integrative model, the goal is to reduce missed injuries and speed functional recovery by combining hands-on musculoskeletal care with NP-level evaluation, diagnostics, and case management—especially for injury cases where imaging, documentation, and step-by-step rehab planning matter. El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+3El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+3El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+3

A practical way to think about it:

• Chiropractic helps you move better (spine, joints, soft tissue, rehab exercise).

• NP care helps you heal smarter (medical risk checks, diagnostics, meds when needed, whole-person recovery plan). El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+1

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A simple “Holiday Safety” home checklist

Use this as a quick prevention reset:

• ✔ Walkways clear (cords, rugs, clutter, wrapping paper)

• ✔ Ladder safety (stable, spotted, no overreach)

• ✔ Tree watered and away from heat

• ✔ Lights and cords inspected; outlets not overloaded

• ✔ Candles avoided or strictly supervised (LED preferred)

• ✔ Kitchen rules (hot zone, knives stored, kids/pets out)

• ✔ Leftovers refrigerated within 2 hours

• ✔ Toys checked for age, small parts, batteries, magnets

• ✔ Sober driving plan (ride arranged before the party) NHTSA+4U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission+4NFPA+4

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Healthcare disclaimer

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you believe you have a serious injury or emergency, please seek urgent care or contact emergency services immediately.

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References

• American Academy of Family Physicians. (2017). Low Back Pain: American College of Physicians Practice Guideline. American Family Physician. AAFP

• Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman. (2024, November 21). The Most Common Injuries During the Holiday Season. ClarkFountain.com. Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman

• Damore Law. (n.d.). What Are the Most Common Christmas-Related Injuries? DamoreLaw.com. D’Amore Law Group

• Elite Learning. (2025, December 1). 10 Common Holiday Injuries and How to Avoid Them. EliteLearning.com. Elite Learning

• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Personal Injury Doctor. DrAlexJimenez.com. El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic

• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Chiropractic and Nurse Practitioner for Injury Recovery. DrAlexJimenez.com. El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic

• Journalist’s Resource. (2023, December 20). Seasonal Holiday Injuries: A Research Roundup. JournalistsResource.org. The Journalist’s Resource

• National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Holiday Fire Safety Tips. NFPA.org. NFPA

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Drive Sober This December — and Every Month. NHTSA.gov. NHTSA

• Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. (2024, November 29). Holiday Safety: Protecting Yourself During This Busy Season. PVHMC.org. Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

• Relias. (n.d.). 12 Holiday Mishaps. Relias.com. Relias

• St John Ambulance. (n.d.). Festive Elf & Safety (burn first-aid guidance). SJA.org.uk. sja.org.uk

• TorkLaw. (2023, December 20). Top 5 Most Common Accidents During Christmas Holidays. TorkLaw.com. TORKLAW

• UCLA Health. (n.d.). 7 Common Holiday Injuries and Accidents (and How to Avoid Them). UCLAHealth.org. UCLA Health

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, November 24). Preventing Food Poisoning. CDC.gov. CDC

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2025). Happy Holidays Start with Safety: Cook, Decorate, and Select Toys with Care This Season. CPSC.gov. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Holiday Safety. CPSC.gov. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2020, July 31). Leftovers and Food Safety. FSIS.USDA.gov. Food Safety and Inspection Service

• UCI Health. (2025, November 20). How to Prevent Accidents Around the Holidays. UCIHealth.org. UCI Health