Nearly half of Americans – 48% – are planning to keep their holiday decorations up longer in 2021, according to a consumer survey from American Express.

That means there are more opportunities to flood the Internet with videos, memes and movie clips showing holiday decorating mishaps, like people falling off ladders, tripping on gifts and tumbling into Christmas trees.

Although it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit while decorating, it’s also easy to get injured. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season.

Half of all decorating-related injuries are falls, according to the CPSC. People fall from ladders while stringing lights, stretching to perfectly place ornaments onto the tree and retrieving heavy boxes of decorations from storage.

Seniors already face a high risk for falling – one in four seniors suffer a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Holiday decorations pose additional safety concerns as homes transform into winter wonderlands at year’s end.

To minimize fall risks, consider these tips:

• Exterior lights: Stringing lights onto the roofline or around trees can be dangerous. Instead, utilize inflatables, net lights on shrubs or laser projectors to light up your home’s exterior.
• Ladder safety tips: Ladders are meant for reaching vertically, not horizontally. Stretching to hang ornaments or lights is how you can get hurt.

If you need to use a ladder, always face the ladder when ascending and descending, ensuring you have at least one hand to grasp the ladder.

Never use the top of the ladder as a step and be sure to use a ladder with a wide base at the bottom for support. If the object you want to reach is too heavy or too far, ask a friend to help.

• Extension cords and light strands: Cords create trip hazards and are especially dangerous for curious children and pets.
• Gifts: Be sure to place gifts under the tree and out of walking paths.
• Holiday storage box safety tips: Holiday decorations are usually stored in a special spot. When lifting, get as close to the box as possible and try keeping your elbows and arms close to your body. Keep your back straight during the lift by tightening your stomach muscles and bending at the knees.

The box should be close to your body and centered in front of you. With a good grip, lift with your legs, not your back, and do not twist.

• Package deliveries; Some friends and family might not be able to safely lift heavy packages.