{"id":193732,"date":"2018-12-21T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-12-21T08:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=193732"},"modified":"2018-12-20T20:42:22","modified_gmt":"2018-12-20T18:42:22","slug":"eight-top-tips-get-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2018\/12\/21\/eight-top-tips-get-festive-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Eight top tips to get you through the festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year.<\/p>\n

Yes, it\u2019s South Africa\u2019s annual shutdown (except for retailers, restaurateurs, emergency services etc)<\/p>

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But just because it\u2019s called the silly season doesn\u2019t mean we have to start taking silly pills when it comes to our personal safety, and that of our families.<\/p>\n

Courtesy of insurer King Price, here are eight top tips to make the most of the holidays, and get through them unscathed.<\/p>

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If you\u2019re heading for the hills (or the beaches):<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Keep the home fires burning.<\/strong> Or, at least, install a timer to put some lights on every now and again, so that it looks like someone\u2019s home. Or get a house sitter. Just to be sure, check that your buildings and home contents insurance is on point. You may be thankful later.<\/li>\n
  2. Batten down the hatches.<\/strong> Put your geyser and appliances into hibernation. Make sure your security system is working 100 per cent. Think layers of security: electric fence, beams, outside lighting, burglar bars. And if you\u2019re tech-savvy, you can even keep an eye on things through web-linked cameras that let you know the moment someone moves.<\/li>\n
  3. Easy on the selfie game, tiger.<\/strong> We know your colleagues and family can\u2019t wait to see a picture of your feet on the beach. Just make sure your settings aren\u2019t public, or you may as well put a banner outside your house that says: WE\u2019RE NOT HERE!<\/li>\n
  4. Make sure the royal chariot is in tip-top condition.<\/strong> Tyres, fluids, brakes, service\u2026 you know the drill. Nothing puts a damper on a holiday faster than sitting on the side of the road waiting for a breakdown truck while your buddies are lounging on the beach with a cold one. And that goes for the caravan and the trailer. Remember: an unroadworthy vehicle will invalidate any insurance claims if something goes wrong. Don\u2019t do it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Be careful where you park your vehicle \u2013 say police<\/a><\/p>\n

    Keep safe as the festive season approaches<\/a><\/p>\n

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    If you\u2019ll be home for Christmas:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. Stay safe out there.<\/strong> When you\u2019re out shopping and carousing, stay alert. Update your portable possessions cover, and even then still be careful with your valuables in public. Don\u2019t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Don\u2019t leave your Christmas shopping on the back seat. Check your car door. The only jamming we want to be doing this Christmas is mince pies into our faces.<\/li>\n
    2. Use your home security like it\u2019s January to November.<\/strong> Just because it\u2019s the festive season doesn\u2019t mean the baddies go on holiday. In fact, this is prime time for criminals as people relax and let down their guard after a long year. Set the alarm. Don\u2019t let your guests park on the pavement. Common sense, people.<\/li>\n
    3. Don\u2019t drink and drive.<\/strong> A quick look at drunk-driving stats every December shows that it\u2019s advice worth repeating. The king\u2019s cab is your friend. Or Designated Dave.<\/li>\n
    4. Do something for others.<\/strong> The real meaning of Christmas is not the bling under the tree. It\u2019s about spending time with family and loved ones. It\u2019s about doing something for those who have less than us. Give someone a gift. Help out at a feeding scheme. Pack a shoebox for needy children. It\u2019s about #MakingADifference, which means giving, not receiving.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Have a story?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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