Holiday Hazards: The Hidden Risks of Busy Seasons (At Work and At Home)
It’s that time of year when we break out the décor — lights, cheer, memories … and yes, we suffer the occasional mishap. According to AARP, 14,800 people ended up in the emergency room in 2022 due to holiday-decorating adventures. Busy seasons have a way of revealing what we usually overlook: both at home and at work. So, before you transform your home into a winter wonderland, here are a few friendly reminders to help keep the season merry and safe from holiday hazards:
- Tree Topper Acrobatics – Reaching for the perfect angel placement? Keep fingers clear of clippers and avoid movements used by Cirque du Solei performers.
- Broken Ornaments – Gorgeous on the tree, sneaky on the floor. A quick sweep (and maybe a vacuum) keeps everyone walking happily.
- Flying Champagne Corks – This is one of those holiday hazards people don’t think about unitl it is too late. These tiny rockets can zip off at 50 mph. Aim away from faces, chandeliers and anything pricey.
- Light-hanging Safety – Keep your fingers away from the staple gun or use light clips. Or, even better, supervise someone else doing it while drinking cocoa and offering “moral support.”
- Ladder Falls (one of the most common holiday hazards) – Save the slippers for the fireplace. Use steady shoes, take your time and always have a ladder buddy.
- Baking Burns – Holiday treats are delightful—until you grab a hot pan too fast. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way. Use mitts, Cinda!
- Festive Trip Hazards – Cords, toys, wrapping paper … suddenly your living room becomes a holiday obstacle course. A little tidying as you go makes a big difference.
- Hyper-holiday Pets– Cats adore climbing trees; dogs love sampling ornaments. It’s all part of their festive enthusiasm — plan your decor accordingly.
- Rudolph Spotter – And if you’re taking to the skies on December 24, bring a spotter. You never know when Santa and his nine reindeer might be sharing your airspace!
Most holiday hazards are easy to avoid — once you’re paying attention to them.
Whether we’re decorating homes or leading people, the same truth applies: how we care for details often reflects how we care for each other. Thoughtful leadership, like thoughtful living, is less about perfection and more about paying attention. Especially during seasons that move quickly.
Have a wonderful holiday season. Celebrate smart and keep the season joyful — and injury-free!
~ Cinda
Cinda Bond, MIPI, has been an OrgMetrics partnering facilitator for more than 10 years. She has facilitated more than 500 sessions for teams throughout the country. She also collaborates with engineering and construction teams to develop large documents containing hundreds of pages for construction contracts and proposals.
For more information please contact Cinda Bond, CindaBond@Orgmet.com / (925)640-9007 (cell), or OrgMetrics RobReaugh@Orgmet.com / (925)449-8300