The Digerati Life

What is it about the yuletide season that could possibly make you lose your life’s savings, you wonder. In the case of those struggling with the challenges of shopaholism, this is a disturbingly possible prediction. However, shopaholism is a condition that is a story in its own right and deserves its own discussion some day. For now, I am alluding to how during the Season of Joy, anyone can potentially lose quite a bit of what they already have, if they’re not careful.

Why is that? Because we let our guards down during the holidays. We are caught up in the euphoria and festivities of the times, and we forget how it is to be vigilant. Now I’m not trying to be the scrooge that dampens your holiday spirit by scaring you or trying to wake up your inner paranoia — in the midst of the fun and celebration, I’m hoping to interject this friendly reminder for everyone to keep common sense and reality checks in mind during this time of year. It’s that time of year when certain things or eventualities are more likely to happen and some of these things may cost you more than just time, inconvenience or money.

What can cost you big during the Christmas Season?

Here’s a short list:

• That utility bill will jump.
  The yuletide bill increases due to holiday festivities and seasonal decorating. Already, we’re out a mint given the preparations and the gift giving that goes on at this time. Don’t forget that with the non-stop Christmas lights, the heater and lots more indoor entertainment going on, our utility tab jumps as well.
• Watch out for thieves, bandits, burglars and robbers!
  The theft rate rises during the Christmas season in some places, starting in October. With more crowds and more stuff for sale, there’s more temptation for crooks to do their dastardly deeds. If they spot packages in a car, you may get shocked to come across an auto break-in. Hey crooks will be celebrating the season too, and they’re going to make sure they find a way to do it in style. Don’t let them pick on you!

• Fraud, swindles and scams abound when the money and cheer are flowing.
  Everyone wants to share goodwill and good tidings, so it’s easy to be taken advantage of at this time. Also, with more online transactions taking place, there’s a corresponding rise in criminal behavior over the internet involving fraud and scams.
• Accidents can happen more often due to weather problems or impaired judgment.
  With more travel and more people on the roads during time off from work to celebrate traditions and vacations coinciding with rougher weather throughout the nation, the risk of trouble outdoors can increase. Slippery roads, DUI, lack of preparation when blizzards or strong storms hit may cause you to wreck not just your car or your bank account. Hopefully you know what you’re doing if you’re going to be playing with any legal(?) firecrackers at all. And is your house in tip top shape to handle loss of power? I’d rather use flashlights than candles if need be — just overall safer tools to use.
• Do your bit to prevent fires.
  Here’s how your life’s savings or much more can be threatened…the culprit is a possibly preventable house fire. I’ve come across some high profile stories of Christmas tree fires. Here’s a story about a mansion fully bedecked with gorgeous lights and brilliant ornaments that came down in flames with one fatality — the owners were high government officials themselves. It just shows how this can happen to anyone. Use some Christmas Tree flame retardants, make sure your electrical outlets have safety coverings and avoid having the bulbs overheat by turning off lights when not in use. Are your chimneys swept and flues checked? Wildlife can get caught in your flue and turn into a hazard when you light a chimney fire. It’s always a good idea to have your house inspected before each season to make sure things are running smoothly and your place is safe. Check these steps to ensure you are playing it safe.

So now you see that it’s not completely outrageous to suggest that this time of year can possibly cost you a fortune and beyond. Hence, let’s be merry and wise — watch your pockets, keep your eye on your surroundings, keep warm — and stay keen!

 
< Thanks to sophos.com for their funky pic. >