The holidays come with hustle, bustle, and memories. But for those in the north, where winter has come, there are a few more things to put on the to-do list, not just regarding what sides you will bring to potlucks, but in what ways you will protect your home from the cold.
Light up the night sky, not your breaker box.
As you plug in all of the lights for your Christmas tree or outside decorations, it’s important not to overload your system. Double-check your surge protectors and inspect for fraying cords as you unravel the lights this year. Although you may want to beat your neighbor in the neighborhood “Most Festive Yard” challenge, nobody needs a fireball for a grand finale.
Let your pipes carry Frozen songs, not frozen water.
Feel free to belt out “Let it Go” in the shower, but what you don’t want are your pipes deciding it’s time to become an ice castle fit for the Winter Queen. Depending on your home, if it gets freezing at night, it’s wise to have dripping water in your sink so your pipes don’t freeze and burst. If you are reluctant about wasting water, you can set up a system between buckets and pans to hold any water dripping overnight to water plants or fill water bottles during the week ahead.
Keep your home from being ‘truly’ home alone.
Tell someone you trust you will be gone for a week or more. This person can check your mail, feed your cat, or watch the house for suspicious behavior. You can also have somebody house-sit for you if that makes you feel more comfortable. At the bare minimum, if you will be away, lock your doors and put your spare key somewhere safe. You can also set a hold on your mail at the post office if you will be gone for longer than a week.
Sealing isn’t just for the canning season.
Take time to check your windows, especially if they’re an older brand or it’s been a while since you have caulked them. Review the seals and re-seal if needed. A heating bill can go through the roof when you have multiple cracks or a window that you think is shut but leaks in all the cold air. If caulking isn’t something you’re comfortable with, you can hire it out, or there are plastic winterizing kits for windows that add a layer of insulation you can buy at your local hardware store.
Santa checks his list twice, but it’s up to you to check the insurance policy.
Accidents can happen even if you’ve done everything you can to prevent them. So, review your documents to see what kind of coverage your house has in case of an accident or winter-related incidents. Life changes and pausing to see if your insurance coverage feels good this season is worth the time it takes. You can contact Armed Forces Insurance for more information to feel protected and ready to host the holidays with joy and warmth.
This article is sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance. Since 1887, Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) has existed with a single, unwavering purpose: To protect the people who protect our nation. So for more than 136 years, we’ve provided military homeowner insurance, military renter insurance, military auto insurance and much more to our members. Let AFI’s dedicated agents shop our network of national carriers to find the best value and options to fit your needs.
About the Author:
Aj Smit is the author of the book Red Thread: Weaving an Embodied Life of Joy, speaker, glitter enthusiast, and professional weaver of Joy. She is a military spouse in S. Korea with a pup and houseplants galore. Aj has led various Red Tents, retreats, and workshops internationally over the last ten years to help others discover how to weave creativity and curiosity into their lives. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @TheJoyWeaver and TheJoyWeaver.com