For those of you who are interested, this was in the local news today (By local i mean New Zealand news website lol)
It's a tasty Christmas tradition, but the humble ham was responsible for some nasty Christmas mishaps last year, according to a breakdown of Christmas-related ACC claims.
Figures released by ACC today reveal the cost of treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for accidents recorded on December 25, 2010 has totalled nearly $2 million to date.
Among the injuries were several ham carving mishaps and burns, neck and knee strains from carrying heavy hams and a finger crushed by ham toppling from its metal stand.
But Kiwi Christmas-goers found more ways to hurt themselves than dangerous pork products. One merry reveller laughed so hard they fainted, fell in the garden and hit their head.
More than 3000 injury claims were accepted by ACC following incidents on Christmas Day. Most were the result of "active Kiwis al fresco".
Frisbee throwing, fishing, playing swingball, riding the slippery slide, trampolining, scooter riding, and poolside frolics also resulted in injury-causing accidents.
Then there was the large son-in-law who tackled a little too enthusiastically during a family rugby game; some exuberant bouncing on a new pogo stick which left its rider with upper leg injuries; and fancy festive footwork which resulted in a few dance-related injuries.
For others it was the company of friends and family that ultimately proved painful. One unlucky holiday-maker was hurt while napping after lunch when an intoxicated person stood on their face. And a dislodged jewel stone inadvertently found its way into another person's Christmas dinner, breaking their tooth. The jewel stone was never recovered.
"There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury this Christmas, especially around the home," ACC general manager Insurance and Prevention Services Keith McLea said.
"For example, use a ladder or step ladder to hang decorations, not a chair - or worse still - a chair balanced on a table.
"Ensure your Christmas tree has a sturdy base to stop it toppling over and if you have extra people in the house, clear away the Christmas debris which people could fall over. Finally, remember to be a responsible host if serving alcohol this Christmas, to ensure your friends and family stay out of harm's way."
Stay safe and try not to stand on anyones face lol.