Published on Jan. 7, 2026
The holidays bring joy, togetherness and tradition. Families decorate homes, travel to see loved ones and prepare festive meals. But with all the excitement comes extra physical demands: climbing ladders to hang lights, lifting luggage through airports or rearranging furniture for guests. These routine activities can often lead to sprains, fractures or back injuries that disrupt the season, and many of these patients end up in orthopedic trauma care during the holidays.
A few simple precautions can make all the difference and reduce the risk of holiday injuries and help families stay focused on what matters most.
Holiday Decorating Safety
Decorating is one of the most joyful parts of the season—and one of the most common sources of holiday injuries. Climbing ladders, reaching overhead and lifting heavy boxes can all increase the risk of falls or strains.
Common risks include:
- Setting ladders on uneven or slippery surfaces
- Reaching too far instead of repositioning the ladder
- Lifting boxes with your back instead of your legs
- Stretching overhead in ways that strain the shoulders and neck
How to decorate safely
Choose a ladder that’s tall enough so you don’t need to stand on the top step, and make sure it’s placed on flat, dry ground. Ask someone to hold the base for stability. Reposition the ladder instead of leaning to reach distant spots. When lifting boxes, bend at your knees and hold the load close to your body. Wear shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.
Taking a few extra minutes to set up safely can make the difference between enjoying the season and recovering from an avoidable injury.
Safe Holiday Travel
Travel is another major source of holiday-related orthopedic injuries. Handling heavy luggage, sitting for long periods and navigating crowded airports can strain muscles and joints.
Why injuries happen:
- Lifting luggage into overhead bins or car trunks
- Sitting for hours without movement
- Carrying backpacks or shoulder bags that are too heavy
How to protect yourself while traveling:
- Pack light and use rolling suitcases whenever possible.
- Bend at your knees and avoid twisting while lifting.
- Stand, stretch and walk every one to two hours on long trips.
- Keep backpacks under 10–15% of your body weight.
- Ask for help when placing bags in overhead compartments.
Sharp pain, numbness or persistent weakness after lifting may indicate a more serious injury. Seek care promptly so you can return to your holiday plans without delay.
Holiday Chores Safety
Even routine holiday chores can cause strain when done quickly or without proper support. Deep cleaning, rearranging furniture and marathon cooking sessions can all take a toll on your body.
Risks to watch for:
- Moving heavy furniture alone without proper help or tools
- Slipping on wet floors or icy driveways
- Standing for long periods of time without supportive footwear
- Repetitive motions that strain hands or wrists
Smart precautions:
- Ask for help when moving heavy furniture.
- Use tools like sliders or dollies to make moving items safer.
- Pace yourself during long cleaning or cooking sessions and take breaks to stretch and rest.
- Wear supportive shoes with good traction to reduce slips and cushion your feet.
- Keep walkways clear of clutter to prevent trips and falls.
These steps reduce strain and help keep your home safe and welcoming for guests.
Spine Health During the Holidays
Because the spine supports nearly every movement, it’s especially vulnerable during busy holiday activities.
Why injuries happen:
- Lifting with the back instead of the legs
- Twisting while carrying heavy loads
- Making sudden, unprepared movements
How to stay safe:
- Warm up with a few minutes of stretching before chores or lifting heavy objects.
- Engage your core muscles when lifting.
- Pivot with your feet rather than twisting your back.
- Stop activities that cause sudden or sharp pain.
- Ask for help with loads that feel too heavy.
Orthopedic specialists remind patients to think of the spine as their foundation. Caring for it helps you stay active and present during the season — whether you’re playing with children, cooking with loved ones or simply enjoying time together.
When to Seek Medical Care
Despite best efforts, injuries can still happen. Knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain that does not improve with rest: Lingering or worsening pain may signal a fracture, ligament injury or another condition that needs medical attention.
- Inability to bear weight on a limb: If standing or walking feels impossible, it may indicate a broken bone or joint injury.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in arms or legs: These symptoms may point to nerve involvement or a spinal issue.
- Visible deformity or swelling after a fall: A limb that looks out of place or swells rapidly often requires immediate care.
Prompt orthopedic care can ease pain, restore movement and prevent further injury, helping you get back to the traditions you enjoy most.
MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute: Keeping Your Holidays Safe
While prevention is the best defense, it’s reassuring to know that expert care is close by if an injury occurs. The orthopedic trauma team at the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Long Beach Medical Center is available 24/7 to provide immediate treatment and support.
Recognized among America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades for superior clinical outcomes, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center delivers advanced orthopedic care backed by skilled physicians, innovative technology and consistently strong patient results. Our specialists are trusted across Southern California for their expertise and compassionate approach to recovery.
If an unexpected injury happens while decorating, traveling or preparing your home for the holidays, you can count on our team to provide the care you need. Holidays are a time to create memories with loved ones — and protecting your health helps you stay present for the moments that matter most.
As a physician, patients often ask what I would do for myself or my family in these situations. My answer is simple: I would choose MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center — and I have. It’s the same place I trust for my own orthopedic needs and where I would take my loved ones without hesitation. That level of confidence speaks to the quality of care you can expect here.