Many of the deaths and injuries that occur between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day are directly related to holiday festivities. About 50 percent of these deaths were related to alcohol. The number of crash-related injuries is much higher. Holiday decorations make a home look festive, but improper use can result in injuries, deaths, and property loss. Holiday lights cause about 510 fires each year, and Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires.
Candles are also a major cause of fire-related deaths.
The National Fire Protection Association reported 156 deaths in 1997 from home fires started by candles. About one-sixth of fires started by candles occur in December. Many injuries occur to both adults and children on shopping trips. Each year, about 21,000 children age 5 and under are treated in emergency departments for injuries associated with shopping carts. Violent crimes can also result in injuries, and the 1995 National Crime Victimization Survey found that 12 percent of violent crimes occurred in commercial establishments.