We need to be extra careful about our heart health during the holidays. Research shows that more heart attacks occur during December than any other time of the year, according to the American Heart Association. A study published in Circulation found that more cardiac deaths occur on Christmas day, December 25, than any other day of the year, followed closely by December 26, and New Year’s Day.

Why is the holiday season so dangerous for our hearts?

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“Really this season is to celebrate the birth of Christ. But what has happened is we’ve created chaos during this time, rushing around…irritability…trying to buy presents,” says Chauncey Crandall, M.D., world-renowned cardiologist and director of preventive medicine at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Florida. “And many people live in cold areas of the country, which also increases the incidence of heart attacks,” Crandall tells Newsmax’s “Newsline.”

“So, the holiday season with all the stress…and just the chaos of work and wrapping everything together and traveling creates an environment where people can have heart attacks, strokes, and even die,” says Crandall.

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What can we do to reduce the risk of heart problems during the holidays? Crandall, editor of the popular newsletter Dr. Crandall's Heart Health Report, shares his recommendations:

Slow down. Plan out your holiday schedule and take time to rest.

Appreciate the people around you. Be grateful for your family, friends and colleagues. Having a better attitude and thinking positive thoughts about people around you can help reduce heart risks.

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Stay out of the cold.  “Cold weather can cause spasm of one of the arteries, which can lead to a blood clot and then a heart attack,” explains Crandall. If you are older or have heart disease, Crandall says to let younger people carry the presents and shovel your walkways. A Canadian study found that shoveling after a heavy snow was associated with 16% higher odds of men being admitted to the hospital with a heart attack, and a 34% increase in the chance of dying from a heart attack.

Forgive. “If you can forgive those that hurt you, you will have a better attitude and be more grateful,” says Crandall. This is especially important around the holidays when gathering more with family and friends.

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“We need to keep the heart strong. A lot people say this is where the soul of the body lives,” says Crandall. If you are grateful for those around you during the holidays and all the time, you will have a better attitude, according to Crandall. “You’re going to live a long life, and you’re going to prevent problems from happening in the future,” adds Crandall.