by Sage Doak

Created on: December 26, 2008

Twas the day after Christmas, when all though the house

No one was stirring except waste searching mouse;

The stockings lay on the floor, the contents lay bare

St. Nicholas has been, the toys left there

The parents getting over that day that's before

Leaving there rooms, get sent to the floor.

Christmas is a great (for most) time of year where we can share time together with friends and family. Christmas for most people is a full on time and takes all the energy we have. By the end of it we let little things slide, these are the things that will get us the day after while we are still getting over Christmas.

Children's toys

No matter what toys your children get for Christmas, it is highly likely that there will be some form of Childs toy waiting on the floor to greet you in the morning. Toy cars are great at being able to remove your footing, though soft toys, blocks and much more are just as good. It is amazing how these things manage to gravitate towards doorways, corners and the top of steps. These are the places where it's easy to not spot them and thus take a tumble. As tired as you may be the night before Christmas, make sure you do a scan around the house before going to bed to make sure that all toys are out of the way in a place where they will not be able to trip anybody up. When getting up in the morning no matter how good those clean ups were, expect that toys will still be out and be ready to spot them.

Adult toys

The day after Christmas is when we finally have time to test out those new power tools, to assemble new furniture/bikes/sheds/other, or in general try out new things that have the power to maim. New power tools account for large amounts of injuries due to improper technique or lack of skill. Unless you are a qualified tradesman, make sure to read all instructions and take care when using tools or new equipment.

Gift wrap and packaging

Pets are good at ingesting shiny or colorful objects. Improperly disposed of gift-wrap and packaging can be a major choking hazard for small children and pets. This is easily avoided by disposing of all wrap and packaging at the time of opening gifts.

General tiredness

Christmas takes it out of you, no matter who you are. When we are tired we make silly mistakes. Silly mistakes can cause large amounts of damage. Get as much sleep as possible after Christmas. If possible have a sleep in, and a lazy day.

The majority of injuries that happen during or after any holiday are so obviously avoidable when viewed from after they occur. This is because they are. Take care of yourself and your family every holiday season by making sure that everything is taken care of before going to bed and by taking an easy day the day after. Post-holiday injuries are easily avoidable if only we take the time and sense to prevent them.

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