Elf and Safety: Common Christmas Accidents and Ways to Minimise the Risk  

As Christmas approaches, many of us are busy decking the halls, prepping feasts, and welcoming guests into our homes. While it’s a fun time of year, the festive season also brings unique risks to our homes. From icy driveways to kitchen mishaps, here’s a guide to the most common Christmas accidents and how to avoid them. 

1. Slipping on Ice and Snow: The Festive Fear We All Share 

Did you know searches for “slipping on ice” jump by a whopping 72% in December? Snow and ice might look like a winter wonderland, but they can quickly turn your driveway into a slip-and-slide. 

What to do: 

• Grab your shovel and clear those paths early in the day 

• Sprinkle salt or grit to stop refreezing—it’s a simple way to save your guests (and yourself!) from a trip to A&E 

• Double-check your outdoor lights are working, so pathways stay well-lit 

2. Kitchen Calamities: Burns and Bumps 

Cooking a Christmas feast is all fun and games until someone gets splashed with hot fat. Searches for “hot fat burn” surge by 43% in December, making it clear that festive cooking can get a little hazardous. 

What to do: 

• Invest in good oven gloves 

• Keep hot pans away from the edge of counters (especially if little hands are around) 

• Never leave pans unattended 

• Use timers to avoid forgetting something on the stove while you chat with guests 

3. Wine on the Carpet: Dealing with Spillages 

Ah, red wine. The drink that’s perfect for festive toasts—and an absolute nightmare when spilt on your cream carpet. Unsurprisingly, searches for “wine on carpet” rise 10% in December as people scramble for stain solutions. 

What to do: 

• Move delicate rugs out of harm’s way or pop a washable throw or blanket over your sofas 

• Keep a clean-up kit handy: baking soda, vinegar, and a soft cloth are your best friends 

4. Electrical Mishaps: A Shocking Situation 

Overloading sockets? Faulty Christmas lights? It’s no wonder “socket overload” searches spike by 7% in December. With all the extra decorations and devices, it’s easy to push your electrics to the limit. 

What to do: 

• Check your fairy lights for exposed wires or faulty bulbs before plugging them in 

• Use extension leads with surge protection and avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet 

• Tidy up cords to prevent tripping hazards—it’s the season for cheer, not hospital trips 

5. Smoke Alarm Snooze: A Risky Oversight 

Here’s a surprising stat: searches for “smoke alarm test” drop by 29% in December. Yes, really! With all the cooking, candles, and fairy lights, this is NOT the time to neglect your smoke alarms. 

What to do: 

• Test your smoke alarms before the festivities begin 

• Opt for LED lights to reduce fire risks 
  Keep candles away from flammable decorations like tinsel and never leave them unattended 

Methodology  

We searched for the most common Christmas-related accidents talked about online, to generate a seed list of ideas.     

We then used Google Keyword Planner to check the volume of searches keywords related to these accidents received monthly from November 2019 to October 2024, which was all of the available data.   

We separated the December months’ data to work out the average number of searches in a typical December in the last 6 years. We then repeated this process with all the keyword data for January to November.     

Percentage differences were calculated as follows:   

(December average-Rest of year average)/December average   

Protect Your Festive Spirit 

Accidents happen, but by planning ahead, you can minimise risks and keep the festive season safe and joyful. Remember to review your home insurance policy to check if accidental damage and liability coverage are included – it could save you from additional headaches during the holidays. 

By taking precautions and staying vigilant, you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas with your loved ones, creating memories that last a lifetime. 

For more home safety tips, check out our other articles. 🎄