The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it, the many festivities, decorations, and activities that run all winter long. But medical professionals suggest you may want to avoid having a little too much “cheer” before trimming the tree or hitting the slopes.

Falls, fires, and sports injuries are among the most common reasons for emergency or urgent care visits throughout the holidays, reports find, and can be especially problematic in instances involving alcohol.

“There’s ample time for people to get out and party, and make less-than-fortunate decisions,” Dr. Shawn Evans, an emergency medicine physician at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in Southern California, told CNN.

There were more than 15,000 holiday decorating injuries throughout November and December of 2013, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Many involve slips from ladders or roofs. Unattended electrical lights or open flames from candles and fireplaces also pose significant safety hazards.

In addition, winter sports-related injuries affected more than 440,000 people in the 2010 season, and an estimated 25,000 Americans will suffer an ankle sprain every day. As the famed Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink prepares to open for its 80th season this weekend, skaters will want to make sure their laces are tied up tight.

“If everyone would just take an extra moment when doing a task, there would be far less injuries,” said Brian Kuglich of the National Safety Council. He also stresses bearing in mind a little bit of common sense.

“The Christmas tree doesn’t need to be flashing 50 times a minute if you’re not home. You won’t even be there to enjoy it,” Kuglich said. “If you do light that candle, don’t unwrap all your presents right next to the flame.”