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The 12 Dangers of Christmas
The carol promises partridges and pears. The reality, every December, is a predictable spike in injuries, illness, and emergency care.
Framed around the familiar “12 Days of Christmas,” this seasonal guide sets out the most common festive hazards — many of them preventable — and the practical advice clinicians can share to help patients enjoy a safer holiday.
1. Fire
Candles, open fires, and busy kitchens make December the most dangerous month for house fires. Home fires rise 10% in December and peak on Christmas Day at 53% above average, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Alcohol, distraction, and festive cooking all add to the risk.
- Check for fire hazards before Christmas.
- Never leave cookers or candle unattended.
- Check Christmas lights and avoid overloading sockets.
- Ensure a working smoke alarm on each floor and keep escape routes clear.
- Remember that emollient residues on fabrics are highly flammable.
2. Christmas Trees and Decorations
Trees and trimmings bring their own risk. Christmas trees injure about 1000 people each year, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
A National Accident Helpline (NAH) survey found that 2.7% of respondents had experienced electric shock from faulty lights. Artificial trees, chosen by 76% of households, carry a sixfold higher injury risk. Real trees dry out and become highly flammable — “a giant bundle of kindling covered in electrical wires,” warned safety analysts TapRooT.
- Water live trees regularly — unplug lights first.
- Keep trees stable and at least 3 feet from heat sources.
- Switch off lights before bed or leaving the house.
- Do not hang stockings near open flames.
- Hang fragile decorations high up.
- Supervise children and pets.
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls
The third danger is underfoot. Falls, burns, and cuts send around 80,000 people to A&E each Christmas, according to RoSPA.
One in 50 people fall from their loft while retrieving decorations, the NAH warned.
- Use sturdy ladders and wear footwear with good grip.
- Keep floors clear of presents, wrapping, cables, and spills.
- Never melt ice with boiling water; refreezing can make surfaces more treacherous.
4. Food and Drug Interactions
Festive eating can interfere with medicines. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned that drug-food interactions are not always listed on packaging.
- Grapefruit interacts with multiple drugs.
- Cranberries can enhance warfarin's anticoagulant effect, while vitamin K-rich foods, including sprouts, may reduce it.
- Rich desserts can destabilize blood glucose.
- Tyramine-rich foods, including cheeses and dark chocolate, may trigger migraines or hypertensive crises with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
5. Alcohol
Up to 70% of weekend A&E attendances are alcohol-related, with numbers rising over Christmas. The MHRA warned that mixing alcohol with medicines can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and accidents.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar drinks.
- Alternate alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Avoid potentially aggressive intoxicated people.
6. Kitchen Calamities
The festive kitchen is a frequent source of injury. NAH data showed that 49% of people reported accidents while preparing Christmas food. Cuts accounted for 18%, and burns from hot fat 11%. In addition, the Food Standards Agency said that 46% of Christmas cooks do not check use-by dates.
- Keep children and trip hazards out of the kitchen.
- Use back hobs and turn saucepan handles inward.
- Never leave ovens or pans unattended.
- Discard out-of-date food.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
7. Children's Vulnerabilities
Christmas presents bring hidden dangers for children. Button batteries and magnets can inflict serious gastrointestinal damage if swallowed.
- Choose age-appropriate, well-made toys.
- Store batteries, magnets, medicines, and chemicals out of reach.
- Avoid sharp or breakable decorations.
- Place holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias well out of reach.
8. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries surge over Christmas. Champagne corks can travel at nearly 50 mph, risking globe rupture or retinal detachment.
Conifer needles, glitter, and artificial snow can all cause corneal injury.
- Point champagne bottles and party poppers away from people's faces.
- Take care when handling Christmas trees.
- Avoid hanging ornaments at children's eye level.
- Rinse glitter-contaminated eyes with sterile saline.
9. Existing Ailments
By the ninth day, routine has often collapsed. Festive excess, stress and disrupted schedules can destabilize chronic disease.
- Ensure adequate medicines and testing supplies.
- Let hosts know dietary needs in advance.
- Avoid excess salt and alcohol in cardiovascular disease, and excess potassium in kidney disease.
- Increase blood glucose monitoring in diabetes.
10. Presents
Not all gifts are benign. The Child Accident Prevention Trust warned that cheap or counterfeit products may bypass safety standards.
UK safety authorities report that counterfeit Labubu dolls have made up a large share of the roughly 259,000 counterfeit toys seized at UK borders this year, and many have failed safety tests.
- Be cautious when buying for toddlers.
- Look for recognized safety markings.
- Avoid toys with strong magnets or button batteries.
- Laser pointers can cause permanent damage to vision.
11. Stress
As Christmas approaches, pressure mounts. In an NAH survey, 12% of men and 20% of women said they felt rushed, 32% of women were stressed, and 18% overwhelmed.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Get outdoors for early morning light.
- Ask for help and delegate chores.
12. Other People
The final hazard is often the most familiar: Family tension is almost traditional. In one survey, 37% of people said Christmas "wouldn't be the same" without arguments, and 54% admitted enjoying them.
- Set boundaries and agree expectations early.
- Stick to a budget.
- Avoid known flashpoint topics, such as politics.
- Create a quiet space for time out.
- One in 9 people spend Christmas alone. Plan ahead to make it a special day.
The hazards may feel seasonal, but the outcomes are not. For clinicians, the 12 risks offer a reminder that small interventions before Christmas can prevent significant harm after it.
Dr Sheena Meredith is an established medical writer, editor, and consultant in healthcare communications, with extensive experience writing for medical professionals and the general public. She is qualified in medicine and in law and medical ethics.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.
The carol promises partridges and pears. The reality, every December, is a predictable spike in injuries, illness, and emergency care.
Framed around the familiar “12 Days of Christmas,” this seasonal guide sets out the most common festive hazards — many of them preventable — and the practical advice clinicians can share to help patients enjoy a safer holiday.
1. Fire
Candles, open fires, and busy kitchens make December the most dangerous month for house fires. Home fires rise 10% in December and peak on Christmas Day at 53% above average, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Alcohol, distraction, and festive cooking all add to the risk.
- Check for fire hazards before Christmas.
- Never leave cookers or candle unattended.
- Check Christmas lights and avoid overloading sockets.
- Ensure a working smoke alarm on each floor and keep escape routes clear.
- Remember that emollient residues on fabrics are highly flammable.
2. Christmas Trees and Decorations
Trees and trimmings bring their own risk. Christmas trees injure about 1000 people each year, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
A National Accident Helpline (NAH) survey found that 2.7% of respondents had experienced electric shock from faulty lights. Artificial trees, chosen by 76% of households, carry a sixfold higher injury risk. Real trees dry out and become highly flammable — “a giant bundle of kindling covered in electrical wires,” warned safety analysts TapRooT.
- Water live trees regularly — unplug lights first.
- Keep trees stable and at least 3 feet from heat sources.
- Switch off lights before bed or leaving the house.
- Do not hang stockings near open flames.
- Hang fragile decorations high up.
- Supervise children and pets.
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls
The third danger is underfoot. Falls, burns, and cuts send around 80,000 people to A&E each Christmas, according to RoSPA.
One in 50 people fall from their loft while retrieving decorations, the NAH warned.
- Use sturdy ladders and wear footwear with good grip.
- Keep floors clear of presents, wrapping, cables, and spills.
- Never melt ice with boiling water; refreezing can make surfaces more treacherous.
4. Food and Drug Interactions
Festive eating can interfere with medicines. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned that drug-food interactions are not always listed on packaging.
- Grapefruit interacts with multiple drugs.
- Cranberries can enhance warfarin's anticoagulant effect, while vitamin K-rich foods, including sprouts, may reduce it.
- Rich desserts can destabilize blood glucose.
- Tyramine-rich foods, including cheeses and dark chocolate, may trigger migraines or hypertensive crises with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
5. Alcohol
Up to 70% of weekend A&E attendances are alcohol-related, with numbers rising over Christmas. The MHRA warned that mixing alcohol with medicines can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and accidents.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar drinks.
- Alternate alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Avoid potentially aggressive intoxicated people.
6. Kitchen Calamities
The festive kitchen is a frequent source of injury. NAH data showed that 49% of people reported accidents while preparing Christmas food. Cuts accounted for 18%, and burns from hot fat 11%. In addition, the Food Standards Agency said that 46% of Christmas cooks do not check use-by dates.
- Keep children and trip hazards out of the kitchen.
- Use back hobs and turn saucepan handles inward.
- Never leave ovens or pans unattended.
- Discard out-of-date food.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
7. Children's Vulnerabilities
Christmas presents bring hidden dangers for children. Button batteries and magnets can inflict serious gastrointestinal damage if swallowed.
- Choose age-appropriate, well-made toys.
- Store batteries, magnets, medicines, and chemicals out of reach.
- Avoid sharp or breakable decorations.
- Place holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias well out of reach.
8. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries surge over Christmas. Champagne corks can travel at nearly 50 mph, risking globe rupture or retinal detachment.
Conifer needles, glitter, and artificial snow can all cause corneal injury.
- Point champagne bottles and party poppers away from people's faces.
- Take care when handling Christmas trees.
- Avoid hanging ornaments at children's eye level.
- Rinse glitter-contaminated eyes with sterile saline.
9. Existing Ailments
By the ninth day, routine has often collapsed. Festive excess, stress and disrupted schedules can destabilize chronic disease.
- Ensure adequate medicines and testing supplies.
- Let hosts know dietary needs in advance.
- Avoid excess salt and alcohol in cardiovascular disease, and excess potassium in kidney disease.
- Increase blood glucose monitoring in diabetes.
10. Presents
Not all gifts are benign. The Child Accident Prevention Trust warned that cheap or counterfeit products may bypass safety standards.
UK safety authorities report that counterfeit Labubu dolls have made up a large share of the roughly 259,000 counterfeit toys seized at UK borders this year, and many have failed safety tests.
- Be cautious when buying for toddlers.
- Look for recognized safety markings.
- Avoid toys with strong magnets or button batteries.
- Laser pointers can cause permanent damage to vision.
11. Stress
As Christmas approaches, pressure mounts. In an NAH survey, 12% of men and 20% of women said they felt rushed, 32% of women were stressed, and 18% overwhelmed.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Get outdoors for early morning light.
- Ask for help and delegate chores.
12. Other People
The final hazard is often the most familiar: Family tension is almost traditional. In one survey, 37% of people said Christmas "wouldn't be the same" without arguments, and 54% admitted enjoying them.
- Set boundaries and agree expectations early.
- Stick to a budget.
- Avoid known flashpoint topics, such as politics.
- Create a quiet space for time out.
- One in 9 people spend Christmas alone. Plan ahead to make it a special day.
The hazards may feel seasonal, but the outcomes are not. For clinicians, the 12 risks offer a reminder that small interventions before Christmas can prevent significant harm after it.
Dr Sheena Meredith is an established medical writer, editor, and consultant in healthcare communications, with extensive experience writing for medical professionals and the general public. She is qualified in medicine and in law and medical ethics.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.
The carol promises partridges and pears. The reality, every December, is a predictable spike in injuries, illness, and emergency care.
Framed around the familiar “12 Days of Christmas,” this seasonal guide sets out the most common festive hazards — many of them preventable — and the practical advice clinicians can share to help patients enjoy a safer holiday.
1. Fire
Candles, open fires, and busy kitchens make December the most dangerous month for house fires. Home fires rise 10% in December and peak on Christmas Day at 53% above average, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Alcohol, distraction, and festive cooking all add to the risk.
- Check for fire hazards before Christmas.
- Never leave cookers or candle unattended.
- Check Christmas lights and avoid overloading sockets.
- Ensure a working smoke alarm on each floor and keep escape routes clear.
- Remember that emollient residues on fabrics are highly flammable.
2. Christmas Trees and Decorations
Trees and trimmings bring their own risk. Christmas trees injure about 1000 people each year, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
A National Accident Helpline (NAH) survey found that 2.7% of respondents had experienced electric shock from faulty lights. Artificial trees, chosen by 76% of households, carry a sixfold higher injury risk. Real trees dry out and become highly flammable — “a giant bundle of kindling covered in electrical wires,” warned safety analysts TapRooT.
- Water live trees regularly — unplug lights first.
- Keep trees stable and at least 3 feet from heat sources.
- Switch off lights before bed or leaving the house.
- Do not hang stockings near open flames.
- Hang fragile decorations high up.
- Supervise children and pets.
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls
The third danger is underfoot. Falls, burns, and cuts send around 80,000 people to A&E each Christmas, according to RoSPA.
One in 50 people fall from their loft while retrieving decorations, the NAH warned.
- Use sturdy ladders and wear footwear with good grip.
- Keep floors clear of presents, wrapping, cables, and spills.
- Never melt ice with boiling water; refreezing can make surfaces more treacherous.
4. Food and Drug Interactions
Festive eating can interfere with medicines. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned that drug-food interactions are not always listed on packaging.
- Grapefruit interacts with multiple drugs.
- Cranberries can enhance warfarin's anticoagulant effect, while vitamin K-rich foods, including sprouts, may reduce it.
- Rich desserts can destabilize blood glucose.
- Tyramine-rich foods, including cheeses and dark chocolate, may trigger migraines or hypertensive crises with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
5. Alcohol
Up to 70% of weekend A&E attendances are alcohol-related, with numbers rising over Christmas. The MHRA warned that mixing alcohol with medicines can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and accidents.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar drinks.
- Alternate alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Avoid potentially aggressive intoxicated people.
6. Kitchen Calamities
The festive kitchen is a frequent source of injury. NAH data showed that 49% of people reported accidents while preparing Christmas food. Cuts accounted for 18%, and burns from hot fat 11%. In addition, the Food Standards Agency said that 46% of Christmas cooks do not check use-by dates.
- Keep children and trip hazards out of the kitchen.
- Use back hobs and turn saucepan handles inward.
- Never leave ovens or pans unattended.
- Discard out-of-date food.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
7. Children's Vulnerabilities
Christmas presents bring hidden dangers for children. Button batteries and magnets can inflict serious gastrointestinal damage if swallowed.
- Choose age-appropriate, well-made toys.
- Store batteries, magnets, medicines, and chemicals out of reach.
- Avoid sharp or breakable decorations.
- Place holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias well out of reach.
8. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries surge over Christmas. Champagne corks can travel at nearly 50 mph, risking globe rupture or retinal detachment.
Conifer needles, glitter, and artificial snow can all cause corneal injury.
- Point champagne bottles and party poppers away from people's faces.
- Take care when handling Christmas trees.
- Avoid hanging ornaments at children's eye level.
- Rinse glitter-contaminated eyes with sterile saline.
9. Existing Ailments
By the ninth day, routine has often collapsed. Festive excess, stress and disrupted schedules can destabilize chronic disease.
- Ensure adequate medicines and testing supplies.
- Let hosts know dietary needs in advance.
- Avoid excess salt and alcohol in cardiovascular disease, and excess potassium in kidney disease.
- Increase blood glucose monitoring in diabetes.
10. Presents
Not all gifts are benign. The Child Accident Prevention Trust warned that cheap or counterfeit products may bypass safety standards.
UK safety authorities report that counterfeit Labubu dolls have made up a large share of the roughly 259,000 counterfeit toys seized at UK borders this year, and many have failed safety tests.
- Be cautious when buying for toddlers.
- Look for recognized safety markings.
- Avoid toys with strong magnets or button batteries.
- Laser pointers can cause permanent damage to vision.
11. Stress
As Christmas approaches, pressure mounts. In an NAH survey, 12% of men and 20% of women said they felt rushed, 32% of women were stressed, and 18% overwhelmed.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Get outdoors for early morning light.
- Ask for help and delegate chores.
12. Other People
The final hazard is often the most familiar: Family tension is almost traditional. In one survey, 37% of people said Christmas "wouldn't be the same" without arguments, and 54% admitted enjoying them.
- Set boundaries and agree expectations early.
- Stick to a budget.
- Avoid known flashpoint topics, such as politics.
- Create a quiet space for time out.
- One in 9 people spend Christmas alone. Plan ahead to make it a special day.
The hazards may feel seasonal, but the outcomes are not. For clinicians, the 12 risks offer a reminder that small interventions before Christmas can prevent significant harm after it.
Dr Sheena Meredith is an established medical writer, editor, and consultant in healthcare communications, with extensive experience writing for medical professionals and the general public. She is qualified in medicine and in law and medical ethics.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.
The 12 Dangers of Christmas
The 12 Dangers of Christmas