It’s not uncommon for people in Australia to refer to the Christmas/Summer period as the silly season – but did you know this is not the case in many parts of the world? In fact, in North America, and Europe, the Christmas/New Year period is sometimes referred to as the slow season, because the days are short, nights long and there’s not as much to do outside. The silly season worldwide refers to the SUMMER holidays, which in Australia, NZ & South Africa (Southern hemisphere), happens to also be the Christmas period.
The first recorded reference to the silly season, was in 1861, with an article titled THE SILLY SEASON, in a newspaper, referencing the lack of quality editorials during the summer months.
However, these days, when someone in Australia says “it’s the silly season” they are combining the stress and consumerism of Christmas/New Year with the habitual overindulgence that happens at the same time.
And when we say silly-season, we’re not only talking about funny party hats and purposefully ugly Christmas jumpers. The truth is, between the anxiety that builds during this time, the increase in parties, and events, and the added stress of rushing from one event, or task, to another, the number of serious injuries increase during the December/January periods.
- Road accidents increase.
- DYI accidents and injuries increase.
- Kitchen/cooking accidents increase.
- Cuts, scraps, bruises on our children increase.
And sadly, many of these accidents, and injuries are often life-threatening.
As we get closer to the annual summer school holidays, and many of us also use our 4-weeks annual leave to enjoy our family/holiday time, this festive season, take a moment to check yourself in.
- Has the car been serviced?
- Am I capable of installing cabinets/using power tools? Do I have the appropriate safety gear?
- Does it really matter if I get to the party 20-minutes later?
This season let’s reduce the silly accidents and keep ourselves and our families safe, and from your family and Team to yours Melbourne Building Works wishes you the very best of happy holidays.