If you think “ergonomics” is just for the office, think again! The holidays bring more hazards than a cat near a Christmas tree, but with these tips, you can sleigh the season—pain-free. After all, the joy of giving shouldn’t involve pulling a muscle. The secret? Keep your body as comfy as your favorite holiday sweater.

Repetitive Motion

Gift wrapping is the ultimate test of endurance for your hands. Here’s how to wrap smart, not hard:

Buy fewer gifts: Your hands (and your bank account) will thank you. Plus, less wrapping means more eggnog time.

Use gift bags: The miracle cure for wrapping woes. Just plop, fluff, and you’re done!

Take mini-stretch breaks: If you insist on wrapping like a Hallmark movie star, stretch those wrists and fingers before they cramp up like a reindeer in a snowstorm.

Lifting

Lugging holiday loot can make you feel like Santa after a bad gym day. Stay merry and avoid misery:

Opt for gift cards: Lightweight, portable, and no assembly required.

Lift with style: Bend those knees, channel your inner elf, and use your legs. If it’s heavier than your holiday spirit, get help!

Contact Stress

Holiday shopping crowds: where "contact" and "stress" come together like cookies and milk—but way less fun. Here’s how to avoid the chaos:

Skip the stores: Shop online in your pajamas while sipping cocoa. Win-win!

Avoid desk traps: When scrolling for deals, don’t lean your forearms on the desk edge unless you enjoy pinched nerves and grumpy elbows.

Awkward Positions

Decorating disasters are real. Whether it’s wrestling with tangled lights or scaling Mount Christmas Tree, play it safe:

Shorter trees, fewer tears: A compact tree means you’ll spend less time impersonating a circus acrobat.

Learn from the pros: Watch Christmas Vacation or Home Alone for a masterclass in holiday hazards (and laughs).

Use proper tools: A ladder or step stool is your best friend. Stretching like Gumby is not.

Static Postures

Standing in endless lines or prepping feasts can turn you into a holiday statue. Keep things moving:

Mix it up: Alternate between standing, sitting, and dancing to Mariah Carey’s greatest hits.

Stretch like a snowman in the sun: Roll your shoulders, wiggle your toes, and take deep breaths to avoid feeling frozen.

Make Time to Relax

The holidays warm the heart, but don’t let them wreck your back. Take time to kick back with a blanket and a cheesy holiday movie. Your body (and your sanity) will thank you.