Dec. 14, 2023 | It’s the week before Christmas, and if you are like most Americans, you are still searching for the perfect present for that special person on your shopping list. If you are planning on hitting the malls this week to do some last-minute shopping, here are some safety tips. Be sure to always park in a well-lit area and place all bags and boxes in your trunk where they can’t be easily seen. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and pay for purchases with a check or credit card whenever possible. It’s a good idea to keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Dec. 14, 2023 | Online shopping becomes very popular the closer one gets to the holidays. To avoid becoming the victim of porch pirates, here are some tips to safely shop online. Rather than having a package delivered to your home, where you might not be able to collect it for several hours, have it delivered to a store or your place of work. For those traveling this holiday season, it is recommended to have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up the packages dropped off at your home until you return. Shoppers looking for the perfect deal online or on social media platforms should be wary of scams. When it comes to suspicious links, anything urging immediate action or requiring you to send money to receive something for “free,” if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And because thieves often target homes through the mailing address on multiple boxes, it’s a good idea to remove any labels on packages that show your home address before disposing of them.

Dec. 14, 2023 | If you’re planning on hosting a party this holiday season, be sure to provide alcohol-free beverages for designated drivers and any guests who don’t want to drink. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your hosting skills by thinking beyond just water, soda and coffee with fun and tasty mocktails. Offering something to snack on will take the focus off alcohol and prevent guests from drinking on an empty stomach. The best options contain protein and starch, like meat, cheese and dip trays. Salty and greasy foods are delicious but tend to make people thirstier. If drinking isn’t the main focus of your event, your guests are less likely to feel social pressure to drink. When planning your party, think of some activities your guests will enjoy, like playing a fun game or drawing door prizes. And never let anyone who appears intoxicated drive home. Select an attendee as the designated driver or find alternative transportation like Uber or Lyft for your guests.

Dec. 14, 2023 | The holidays mean spending money so it’s a good idea to make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but it’s also important to pay your energy bill. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll be paying off for the rest of the year. It can pay to download retailers’ mobile apps, which often alert consumers to discounts and deals before they’re announced to the general public. Creating a holiday budget will be helpful as the holidays get closer and closer. That list should keep track of all planned spending, including costs associated with gifts, like wrapping paper and shipping costs and other expenses, such as travel and entertaining costs. Also account for expenses such as holiday decorations, greeting cards and year-end tips for teachers and building staff. And If you want to spend a set amount on an individual, give them a gift card. That way, they get to choose exactly what they want while you get to stick to your budget.

Dec. 14, 2023 | The holidays are a time for family and cheer, but making sure the house is clean, the food is ready and the presents are wrapped and ready to be opened can be overwhelming. So remember, when it comes to holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. It will help relieve some stress. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members. You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, relax and enjoy the company surrounding you. And don’t forget to take an occasional break. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress. Turn on some music, light some candles or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.