CHRISTMAS: Take care this Christmas and avoid common seasonal injuries

As you unbox your baubles in December and untangle your fairy lights for the umpteenth time, bear in mind that many of us will have an accident while hanging decorations this year. This may be a sobering thought, given that Christmas is the season to be merry and have a drink or two, but, warns the NHS, it’s also a time fraught with stress and worry, which can spill over and cause accidents.

Here are the top festive accidents you should be aware of - and avoid:

- Christmas dinner is a big deal, but so is lacerating your fingers when carving the turkey, or burning your forearms when rushing to get the Yorkshire’s out of the oven. Take it slow, don’t let children in the kitchen and stay alert by going easy on the chef’s obligatory tipple.

- Don’t let kids go head over heels down the stairs in their mad dash to unwrap presents, and then don’t pile them up on the stairs afterwards as a broken neck is not a great present for anyone.

- Spend as little time as possible in high heels, which cause your pelvis to tilt and places unnecessary strain on your lower back.

- According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidentt, 1,000 of us a year hurt ourselves while hanging decorations. Beware the baubles!

- If you manage to successfully hang your fairy lights without coming a cropper on a ladder, don’t go getting electrocuted. Test your lights for faults before hanging them, just to be on the safe side.

- Ah scissors, that old menace. Scissors do not make good substitutes for screwdrivers, and screwdrivers are not toys. And when wrapping presents, sit at the table with your paper, tape and scissors close by, to prevent twisting the spine.

- Wear sensible shoes if you’re rushing about, especially during icy and snowy conditions or after you’ve had a mulled wine and are more likely to slip.