The Public Health Behind Your Favorite Christmas Traditions

From candlelit services and family feasts to holiday travel and festive gatherings, Christmas traditions are filled with warmth, joy and togetherness. What often goes unnoticed is the quiet work of public health prevention efforts that help make these moments possible: protecting families, strengthening communities and preventing problems before they arise. 

Public health isn’t just something that happens in hospitals or government offices. It shows up in the small, everyday choices that help our holidays run smoothly. 

Food Safety: Keeping Holiday Meals Merry 

Holiday meals bring people together around crowded tables, but they also increase the risk of foodborne illness if safety is overlooked. Public health guidelines help families enjoy traditions without unwanted consequences. 

Key food safety tips for holiday cooking: 

• Wash hands often before and during food preparation. 

• Cook meats thoroughly, especially poultry, to safe internal temperatures. 

• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables. 

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly, ideally within two hours. 

These simple practices help prevent illness outbreaks that can easily spread during large family gatherings. 

Fire Safety: Protecting Candlelit Traditions 

Advent candles, Christmas trees and festive lights create a beautiful atmosphere, but they also increase fire risk during the holidays. Public health and safety professionals work behind the scenes to educate communities and reduce preventable accidents. 

Holiday fire safety reminders: 

• Never leave candles unattended, especially around children and pets. 

• Keep trees well-watered and away from heat sources. 

• Use flame-resistant decorations when possible. 

• Check holiday lights for frayed wires or damaged plugs. 

These precautions help families enjoy cherished traditions while keeping homes safe. 

Travel Health: Caring for Yourself on the Go 

Whether driving across Nebraska or flying across the country, holiday travel brings unique health considerations. Public health plays a role in everything from road safety campaigns to disease prevention during peak travel seasons. 

Smart travel health tips: 

• Stay hydrated and well-rested. 

• Wash hands or use sanitizer frequently. 

• Pack medications and basic first-aid supplies. 

• Dress for winter weather and plan for emergency conditions. 

Prepared travelers help reduce strain on emergency services and protect vulnerable populations along the way. 

Cold & Flu Prevention: Loving Your Neighbor Well 

Holiday gatherings often bring multiple generations together: young children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Public health guidance helps communities reduce the spread of illness during peak cold and flu season. 

Ways to protect one another: 

• Stay home when feeling sick. 

• Wash hands frequently and cover coughs. 

• Consider vaccinations as recommended. 

• Ensure good ventilation during indoor gatherings. 

These preventive measures reflect a deeper commitment to caring for others, especially those most at risk. 

Public Health: A Calling Rooted in Service 

At its heart, public health is about preventing harm, promoting wellness and strengthening communities long before emergencies occur. From food safety education to disease prevention and emergency preparedness, public health professionals work to ensure that traditions remain joyful, safe and sustainable. 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s Master of Public Health prepares students to serve in this vital field through a Christ-centered approach to community health, prevention and leadership. Graduates are equipped to make an impact in healthcare systems, nonprofits, schools and public agencies, helping communities thrive not just during the holidays, but year-round. 

This Christmas season, as you gather with loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the unseen systems and dedicated professionals working to keep your traditions safe, healthy and full of joy. 

Public health is a calling to serve others by promoting wellness, preventing harm and strengthening communities. Concordia University, Nebraska’s Master of Public Health prepares graduates to lead with compassion, integrity and evidence-based practice, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in the places where people live, work, worship and gather, during the holidays and throughout the year.