With the current difficult financial times, many of us are faced with finding new and creative ways to still have fun but save some cash. And what better way to do this than to stay at home? You’ll save your bucks, plus avoid the holiday traffic and tiresome queues at shopping malls.
So deck the halls of your humble abode, get your Christmas tree out of the garage, decorate the house with festive lights and make sure there are plenty of board games and family activities around the house for you to enjoy.
"But before you throw the roast in the oven and send out party invites, check yourself and consider all possible risk factors that could derail your holiday plans." says King Price’s Wynand van Vuuren head of legal and claims.
Safety first
Do a home inspection ahead of all festivities and examine your alarm and electric fencing around your house to ensure that everything is in a working condition. If need be, upgrade your security system. Not only will this help keep you and your guest’s safe, but installing properly-fitted alarms and locks can also lower home insurance premiums.
Easy does it
Holidays can be a stressful time so take it easy. The festive season is a time for family, so commit yourself to fewer get-togethers and up the ante on some you time. Don’t feel guilty; you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.
Light it up
Exterior lighting is equally important as the interior lighting. From the driveway to those hard-to-see places next to the shed, make sure that you have a decent view of what’s going on outside from inside your home.
Cash isn’t always king
Avoid keeping large quantities of notes on you as this can make you an easy target for thieves and pickpocketers. Keep just enough on you to pay for small items and to safe-guard against unforeseen circumstances.
Entertaining at home
Avoid chatting in your driveway with the gate wide open when your guests arrive at and leave your home. Rather say your goodbyes and have your final conversations indoors before opening up. Criminals often stake out potential victims before striking but they also prowl the suburbs seeking opportune moments to strike when your guard is down.
How you end your year, will greatly determine how you start the new one. So make the decision to keep safe this festive season and experience the joy of Christmas without fear.
