9 Bad Christmas Events to Look Out For
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Bad Christmas events do happen even though this time of year is supposed to be full of goodwill. Yet people are people, and we make mistakes, many of which can ruin your day. From travel disruption over the festive period to mental health declines, here are some of the worst.
Separation Rates Spike Soon After
Maybe wanting to get Christmas out of the way, most couples tend to have a nice festive period before going on the offensive. Not quite on the day, but very soon after, there is an increase in divorce and separation filings in January and the week between Christmas and New Year. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position after your season’s greetings, services like Hoffman Estates divorce lawyers are your best course of action for resolving this issue as best you can.
Bad Christmas Events Includes Travel Chaos
You don’t even have to be a traveler to know that the chaos over Christmas is insane. Every year, millions of people from most countries take to the land, sea, and air to escape the cold weather or visit friends and relatives. In the UK alone, 4.7 million people are expected to travel for Christmas, with the 22nd set to be the worst day. To make matters even worse, there are more extended and planned strikes over Christmas by the UK’s railway staff and train drivers.
Stress and Depression Over Money
Money is one of the major ones to look out for over Christmas. We all want a great time, and parents want the best for their kids. But this often costs a lot, and we can overspend a bit more than we should. But is it really the best thing to spend so much? Christmas is really about being with the ones you care about the most, not rampant commercialism that seeks to drag you down. To avoid spending what you don’t have next year, consider planning ahead and saving.
Alcohol-Related Incidents
Another major issue over the Christmas and New Year period is alcohol (and drugs). Domestic violence increases during these times because of the stress, which can be elevated by alcohol and other substances. Additionally, alcohol also plays a role in causing some of the worst accidents and injuries that occur during the season. Sit this one out if you feel you will drink too much. You don’t need alcohol to have a good time, and you will enjoy yourself without the guilt.
Common Accidents and Injuries
Further than injuries, Christmas ER attendance skyrockets just before, on, and after the big day. Most accidents are related to carelessness and oversight, and we are only human. But there are some Xmas activities that should be avoided. Some of the most common include the following:
- Putting up the Xmas decorations causes 18,000 injuries in the US alone.
- Cooking the Christmas dinner is the cause of most home fires on the day.
- Wrapping paper and scissors are the most common cause of cuts over Xmas.
- Xmas lights and electric decorations cause electric shocks to people.
- Poorly cooked Christmas dinners, such as turkey, are the main cause of food poisoning.
- An Xmas pop up bar is nice, but drinking and driving causes the most accidents.
Most of us have probably received the odd paper cut or scissor slip and had to tend to cuts. But there are many hazards from just putting up some lights, such as tripping or even electric shock. But the most horrific injuries come from people not being responsible when driving on the road.
The Waste of Xmas Trees
The Christmas Tree is one of the best parts of the entire spectacle. And whether to get a fake or real one is always a debate. There are pros and cons for both arguments and each is suited to your lifestyle. But either way, you cannot avoid waste. A real tree doesn’t last long and dies soon after the day. Yet fake ones are often made from harmful materials and plastics. However, a plastic tree lasts much longer and can be reused. While a real tree can be more sustainable.
Catching a Cold or Flu
Cold and flu season typically occurs between the start of September and the end of November. But like a bad Christmas song, it also rears its ugly head once more for a final strike when you need it the least. You may be lucky and can avoid the dreaded Christmas cold. But many of us, for some reason, fall victim to the vile resurgence just before or on the day. This zaps your plans and makes cooking the dinner feel like planning a corporate event with the worst hangover.
Mental Health and Bad Christmas Events
Christmas is a time for being with friends and family. Yet, with all the festivities we enjoy, it can be easy to forget that not everybody has someone to spend the day with. According to YouGov, the mental health issues of around 25% of people get worse over the festive period, peaking on Christmas day. Of course, Seasonal Affective Disorder can play a key role in this, elevating feelings of sadness. But being alone when everyone else is having fun can be heartbreaking.
Scary Christmas Traditions
Every country has its own Christmas traditions. In the UK and USA, we enjoy associating the season with jolly old Saint Nick and his reindeer. It’s fun for kids and adults alike. But not all nations hold the same dear values. Not. One. Bit! If you travel to some European countries, you will meet the anti-Santa Krampus. Krampus is a hellish version who kidnaps bad children. And in Iceland, the giant ogre Gryla comes from her cave to hunt for kids for a hearty stew.
Divorce and separation spikes are some of the bad Xmas events that happen like clockwork every year. There are also many injuries that happen, such as cuts, burns, and drunk driving accidents. Yet some places also have scary events, such as kids being taken by the Krampus!
