For all its joy and sparkle, the holiday season hides some serious dangers. In fact, emergency departments across Canada see a surge of patients each winter due to holiday-related mishaps. Research has shown that heart attacks spike around Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in many countries, including Canada, and Canadian roads become significantly more dangerous as holiday travel peaks. Injury surveillance data suggests that a substantial proportion of Canadians experience preventable injuries during holiday activities each year. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. Below, we highlight the hidden holiday hazards and how you can keep your family safe and sound this season.
Holiday Heart Attacks Are a Real Risk
The excitement and stress of the holidays can put extra strain on the heart, contributing to a spike in cardiac events around Christmas.
It may come as a surprise, but the holidays are notorious for heart problems. Canadian and international studies have consistently found that cardiac deaths peak around December 25 and early January. Physicians sometimes refer to this seasonal pattern informally as the “holiday heart” phenomenon. What’s driving it? A dangerous mix of stress and overindulgence. The pressure of hosting, shopping, travel delays, and family dynamics can push stress hormones higher than usual, while large holiday meals high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat increase cardiovascular strain. Add in excess alcohol (which can trigger “holiday heart syndrome,” a type of irregular heartbeat linked to binge drinking), plus cold-weather exertion like shovelling heavy snow, and you have a perfect storm for a heart event.
Compounding the problem, many Canadians delay seeking care during the holidays. Some don’t want to “ruin” family gatherings, while others assume chest discomfort is indigestion or anxiety. Unfortunately, this hesitation can be deadly. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, call 911 immediately. Early treatment saves lives. The reassuring news is that many holiday-related heart attacks are preventable with simple precautions.
Take it easy on the feasting and drinking: Enjoy holiday treats, but moderation matters. Heavy meals and excessive alcohol put real stress on your heart.
Manage stress and exertion: Build downtime into busy days. Avoid overexertion, especially in cold weather, snow shoveling is a common trigger for cardiac events in Canada.
Know the signs and don’t wait: Learn the warning symptoms of a heart attack and act fast. Delaying care can be fatal.
Deck the Halls Safely: Preventing Holiday Falls and Injuries
Putting up decorations is festive fun, until someone falls. Every year, decorating mishaps send thousands of Canadians to emergency departments.
We laugh at holiday movie mishaps, but real-world injuries are anything but funny. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in Canada, and the risk climbs during the holidays. Canadian injury surveillance data shows a sharp increase in ladder-related injuries in November and December, often linked to hanging lights, installing decorations, or climbing on furniture. Falls from ladders, roofs, or even chairs can result in fractures, head injuries, or internal bleeding, outcomes that can permanently change someone’s life.
Holiday clutter makes matters worse. Extension cords, gift boxes, decorations, and wrapping paper quickly fill living spaces, creating trip hazards. Older adults are especially vulnerable: roughly 1 in 3 Canadians over 65 falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. Add excited pets and crowded homes, and the risk multiplies.
To keep decorating joyful and injury-free:
Use ladders wisely: Choose the right ladder, place it on level ground, and have someone hold it steady. Never stand on the top rung or overreach. If roof work feels unsafe, delegate it.
Clear the clutter: Keep walkways free of cords, boxes, and loose items. Clean up gift wrap promptly and secure wires along walls.
Slow down and ask for help: Rushing leads to falls. Take breaks, lift carefully, and don’t skip medications that affect balance or blood pressure.
O Christmas Tree, Don’t Burn Down on Me: Fire Hazards at Home
Twinkling lights and candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they also increase fire risk. Canadian fire services respond to a spike in residential fires during the winter holiday season.
Dry Christmas trees are especially dangerous. Fire investigations in Canada show that tree fires, while uncommon, spread extremely fast when they occur. Electrical issues, overloaded outlets, and decorations placed too close to heat sources are common ignition points. Candles are another major contributor: winter months account for a disproportionate share of candle-related house fires nationwide. Cooking fires also surge during the holidays, when large meals, distractions, and crowded kitchens increase the chance of something being left unattended.
To reduce fire risk:
Water that tree: Check water levels daily if you have a real tree. Keep it well-hydrated and at least one metre away from fireplaces, heaters, or candles.
Inspect lights and cords: Replace damaged strings, avoid overloading outlets, and turn off decorations before bed or leaving home.
Candle with care: Never leave candles unattended. Keep them far from anything flammable or switch to flameless LED candles.
Stay alert in the kitchen: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from burners, and know how to handle small grease fires safely.
Travel Smart: Road Safety During the Holidays
The holidays are among the most dangerous times of year on Canadian roads. Increased travel, winter weather, fatigue, and impaired driving combine to raise crash risk.
RCMP data shows that serious collisions and fatalities rise during late December, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s. Alcohol and drug impairment remains a major factor, and winter driving conditions, snow, ice, and reduced visibility make even sober driving more hazardous. Long drives and tight schedules also contribute to fatigue-related crashes.
Protect yourself and others when travelling:
Prepare your vehicle: Check tires, brakes, battery, and fluids. Carry a winter emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Plan ahead: Avoid driving tired or rushed. Allow extra time and delay travel if storms are forecast.
Buckle up and stay focused: Seatbelts save lives. Put phones away and set navigation before driving.
Never drive impaired: Alcohol, cannabis, and some medications significantly impair reaction time. Always choose a sober driver or alternate transportation.
Food and Festivities: Avoid Holiday Feasts that Bite Back
Holiday meals are a highlight of the season, but foodborne illness can quickly ruin celebrations. Public health agencies in Canada report seasonal spikes in gastrointestinal illness linked to improper food handling during large gatherings.
Bacteria grow rapidly when food sits out too long. Perishable dishes left at room temperature for more than two hours can become unsafe. Raw cookie dough, undercooked meats, and homemade eggnog made with raw eggs are common culprits. Older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe illness from infections like Salmonella or E. coli.
Keep holiday meals safe with a few habits:
Keep it clean and cold: Wash hands often, sanitize surfaces, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Store leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly.
Cook thoroughly: Use a food thermometer. Poultry should reach 74°C (165°F). Don’t rely on colour alone.
Prevent cross-contamination: Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods and use different cutting boards and utensils.
Celebrate Responsibly and Stay Merry
The holidays come once a year; they should be remembered for joy, not injury or illness. By understanding these hidden risks and taking simple, evidence-based precautions, you can dramatically reduce your chances of an unwanted emergency. Listen to your body, slow down when decorating and cooking, and plan for safe travel. Most importantly, don’t let seasonal pressure push you into unsafe choices. With a little care, you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays without an unnecessary trip to the ER. Here’s to a joyful, safe, and healthy holiday season for you and your family, merry and bright for all the right reasons.
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