Holiday hazards - how to protect your hands during the festive season
We all know the Christmas chaos – stealing parking spots, lining up at dawn to get into the shops first, battling crowded shopping centres, tree trimming, building gingerbread houses, wrapping gifts… and, for some, making unexpected visits to your friendly hand therapist.
Tis the season for festive finger injuries
Yes, festive finger injuries are real. With holiday hazards everywhere – ribbon curling, gift wrapping, carving roasts, hanging ornaments – your hands are working overtime. And let’s not forget the underestimated rotator cuff injury from lifting your now-fully-grown child to hang the star on the tree.
Studies show Christmas-related injuries spike during the holiday season. One article even coined the term “Chrishaps” (1). In 2023, over 14 000 people in the USA sustained Christmas decoration-related injuries (2). While Australian data is limited, a Queensland surgeon reported a 50% spike in patients during the festive season (3). Over the water, in New Zealand, over 5000 claims were made during Christmas 2023 (4).
The Wrapping Paper Wars
Let’s start with the most obvious one. It starts innocently enough – cutting gift wrap to size, curling ribbons using the fancy technique your mum taught you, or being the family’s designated “gift wrapper”.
But repetitive wrapping marathons can lead to finger/hand injuries, and “wrap rage” sometimes ends in accidental lacerations.
If you do hurt yourself, follow proper first aid and get checked—don’t underestimate a tendon injury.
Deck The Halls... Carefully
Tree trimming and light decorating sound magical – until you’re balancing on a wobbly chair or hoisting your child sky-high to place the star (or Penrith Panthers three-peat baubles if you’re my in-laws). Add precious glass ornaments to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Use a step stool and a have a spotter at the ready.
Kitchen Catastrophes
A noble quest… cooking up a storm for the big day. But beware of all the sharp instruments that may get in the way, boiling pots and slippery surfaces. Common injuries include deep cuts from rushed chopping, burns from hot trays, and even tendon injuries from carving mishaps. And please – don’t hold an avocado in your hand while pitting it. Trust me, your hand therapist will thank you.
Firecracking Fun
In Australia, we call them “fireworks” and yes, they are illegal without a proper licence. Although fun, these little knick knacks can result in burns, lacerations, fractures, or even reports of finger amputations due to improper use.
Please… leave these dangerous items to the professionals and watch the fireworks from home… maybe just stick to sparklers, but please be careful.
Tips and Tricks
- Take your time: Santa only has one night, but you don’t. Rushing to wrap everything in one go can lead to accidental injuries. Pace yourself.
- Use scissors safely: Whether opening gifts or trimming paper, keep fingers clear and cut on a stable surface.
- Skip the wobbly chair: Use a sturdy step stool when hanging decorations. Have a spotter nearby.
- Light it up: Make sure your workspace is well lit to avoid mishaps.
- Protect your hands: Wear appropriate protective gear e.g., gloves when using tools or machinery.
- Watch out for workplace rush: injuries spike when people hurry to finish renovations or stock shelves before the big sales. Take care of yourself.
Final Words of Wisdom
Christmas is magical, but let’s keep the drama on the Hallmark channel—not in your hands. We don’t need any “Chrishaps”.
If you do injure your fingers or hands, contact your local hand therapist.
We’re open throughout the Christmas season (closed only on public holidays).
1. Wild U, Shaw DM, Erren TC. Avoiding a crisis at Christmas: a systematic review of adverse health effects or ‘Chrishaps’ caused by traditional hazard sources and COVID-19. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2022;46(1):32-35. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.13207
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Holiday Safety [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): CPSC; [cited 2025 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Holiday-Safety
3. Mater. Christmas rush leads to rise in horror hand injuries [Internet]. Brisbane (QLD): Mater; 2023 Dec [cited 2025 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.mater.org.au/about-us/news/mater-news/2023/december/christmas-rush-leads-to-rise-in-horror-hand-injuries
4. Bhatt J. The most common injuries during Christmas [Internet]. Wellington (NZ): Radio New Zealand; 2024 Dec 20 [cited 2025 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537199/the-most-common-injuries-during-christmas
Emi Foster
Emi Foster is a dedicated physiotherapist focused on hand and upper limb rehabilitation. Her passion for hand therapy grew from personal sports and music injuries, inspiring her to help others restore function. Emi has a special interest in wound care and post-operative recovery, supporting patients to achieve their goals and live active lives.
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