Joe Martinez
Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a San Benito native.
Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends and to honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the holiday season, I want to highlight some important safety and health concerns for your awareness.
Travel safety remains a significant concern during the holidays. Many people travel more during this season than at any other time of year.
In 2024, approximately 81 million people traveled for the holidays, with 90% opting to drive.
This number could increase as flight delays and cancellations continue to disrupt airports, prompting more travelers to choose driving amid lower gas prices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 39,345 motor vehicle accident deaths in 2024, including more than 4,150 in Texas.
I share this to inform you, not to scare you. If you’re traveling by car, plan ahead and avoid last-minute arrangements. We all want to see our loved ones, but we prefer to visit them at home, not in a hospital or morgue.
Other safety concerns include fires. Statistics show that over 47,000 fires occurred during the 2024 holiday season, resulting in many lives cut short.
Causes of fires include electrical fires from overloading light fixtures, overwhelming a home’s electrical circuit, and dried-out Christmas trees, which can catch fire from excessive lighting.
Other preventable fires are related to cooking. When cooking a turkey, use a timer or stay nearby to watch it. If you’re frying a turkey, do not overfill the fryer with oil, as the turkey’s mass can cause the oil to overflow and start a fire. Be careful and take your time cooking. Always prioritize safety.
Health concerns also become prominent during this season. Statistics indicate that during the winter holiday period, there are rises in respiratory infections caused by transmission from contaminated individuals attending festive gatherings and passing them to healthy people.
Vaccinations, good hygiene, and handwashing can help prevent the spread of viruses to loved ones.
If you feel sick, stay home and recover instead of risking spreading it to your family or others. When traveling, carry hand sanitizer and use it after paying for items at a store or after using a gas pump. Germs can remain on surfaces for hours or even several days.
If you are diabetic, make sure to monitor your glucose levels carefully, especially during Thanksgiving, when food is abundant at the dinner table along with many sweets.
Tell someone if you feel weak or notice that your sugar is high. Carry your insulin with you in case you need it. Take a friend to festive events who knows your health conditions so they can help in an emergency.
If you’re planning a long trip away from home, inform your neighbors so they’re aware and can watch out for any uninvited guests. Also, ask someone to pick up your newspapers or mail to avoid giving the “I’m not home” look that might attract break-ins or thefts.
Lastly, if you are cooking a turkey for Christmas, be aware of the risk of Salmonella when handling raw poultry.
Wash your hands after touching raw meat and clean utensils thoroughly. Thaw the turkey in a leak-proof container, and make sure it is fully cooked. Remember, safety comes first. Enjoy the holiday season, and I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas Day!
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