How to Safely Navigate Black Friday and Beyond
Park in well-lit areas. To guard against potential thieves who still care about social distancing, always park somewhere easy to see in the dark. Parking areas with minimal lighting and security are a lot more tempting for thieves who might try to break into your car and steal the expensive gifts you’ve already purchased. In any case, you should also hide your gifts in the trunk, where no one can see them and try to get at them. Shop online instead. While you might be used to buying all your gifts from the store in person, this year might be the best year for moving your whole shopping process online. That way you can ensure you stay healthy for the holiday season, avoid potential thieves, and get all your shopping done from the comfort of your home. However, before you start your cyber shopping spree, take a few precautions. Make sure the sites you’re shopping are secure (look for a closed padlock icon and a URL beginning with “https”), only use one credit or debit card for purchases, and only buy from online retailers you’re familiar with.
While Black Friday itself most likely won’t be as hectic as it has been in previous years,
with many major retailers spreading their major holiday sales out over a few months to
reduce in-store traffic, stores may still be busier than normal right after Thanksgiving. So, if you’re planning on braving any major
retailers on Black Friday, or on any evening during the holiday shopping season for that matter, remember to follow a few key safety tips.
Never shop with lots of cash. When you flash a large stack of bills at the cash register after
purchasing your Christmas gifts, you make yourself a target for potential pickpockets. Instead, shop with a credit or debit card. That way, if your wallet or purse does get stolen, all you’ll have to do is make a quick cancellation call to your bank.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday bustle. But if you take these precautions beforehand, you’ll make it through with your gift list all checked off no problem.
SUDOKU
Skip the can-shaped cranberry sauce this year and bring a jar of homemade sauce to Thanksgiving instead. This easy recipe can be made ahead of the big event and keeps for 10 days in the fridge. ZESTY ORANGE CRANBERRY SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar 12 oz fresh cranberries
2 tsp orange zest
Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the orange juice, water, and sugar to a boil. Add other ingredients, then bring mixture back to boiling. 2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook gently for 10–12 minutes, until the cranberries burst. 3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
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