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DECEMBER 2020
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The Toy Car That Almost Ruined Christmas HOW 3-YEAR-OLD KEVIN RAN OVER THE CHRISTMAS TREE
When I was a little boy, I spent every night leading up to Christmas dreaming of my very own kid-sized, battery-powered 4x4 car. I imagined jumping into the driver's seat, hitting the gas, and zooming around the house just like the grown-ups on the street outside. Yes, I was only 3 years old, but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back! All I had to do was be good and hope that Santa Claus would come through. I’ll never forget that Christmas morning. I charged into the living room, and I saw it: A brand-new 4x4 was sitting under the tree! It felt like my dreams had come to life, and before anyone could stop me, I scrambled into the driver’s seat and slammed on the gas. Unfortunately for my NASCAR hopes, the toy car was in reverse! Instead of charging forward, I sped backward and took out the Christmas tree.
face and the crooked tree, the whole scene strikes me as something out of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” It was definitely an exciting and unforgettable Christmas morning. And now my son Michael is a proud owner of the same 4x4! This year, I think the Patrick family Christmas will probably be much more low-key. Since a big Christmas gathering is off the table, my wife Tracy and I are planning to take the kids on a trip up to North Georgia for an adventure in the woods and the mountains. We’ll take it easy, get back to nature, and return to work recharged for 2021. Of course, no matter where we are, we’ll still keep up the Christmas traditions for our kids, including all of the classics like opening a present on Christmas Eve and Santa’s visit on Christmas morning. It also wouldn't be Christmas in our house without the hand-me-down stockings from Tracy’s mother. They’re the same ones Tracy used as a kid, and we’re continuing the tradition by pulling them out for Michael and Catherine every year. I’m not too worried about the road trip up north because these days, I’m a much better driver than I was at age 3! I’m also particularly cautious in the winter, and I encourage you to be the same. As much as my team and I would love to see you, we’d hate to have a car crash be the reason you end up back in our office. To keep yourself and your family safe, here are my top tips: Drive defensively, watch out for any snow or ice you might encounter, and make sure you have
"LOOKING BACK, BETWEEN THE HORROR ON MY FACE AND THE CROOKED TREE, THE WHOLE SCENE STRIKES ME AS SOMETHING OUT OF 'NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION.'"
plenty of coffee and snacks to keep you awake and alert on the road. Most of all, don’t forget the lesson I learned all those Christmases ago — always look before you back out! Wishing you a merry Christmas and an uplifting New Year,
For a second, I froze. I thought my car had ruined Christmas until I realized my parents were doubled over laughing, and the tree was still standing. It was a bit tilty, but all of the ornaments had survived! Looking back, between the horror on my
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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5 Ways to Make Your Holiday Extra Eco-Friendly This Year
Sustainability is the gift that keeps on giving, so if you'd like to give a gift to the environment this December, make your holidays anti-plastic! Here are five ways that you can use the latest eco-friendly technology to make sure your Christmas is just as convenient as ever. SET UP RECYCLING BINS. Nobody wants to sort through trash on their holiday, especially if you’re hosting all the parties! To avoid dealing with the waste, set up recycling and composting bins before any home holiday festivities. It’ll make your next trip to a local recycling center so much faster because everything will be organized and easier to manage. Give your celebration a restaurant- from-home feel by storing and giving away leftovers in paper containers rather than plastic. Paper will dissolve and leave behind much less chemical residue than plastic. Want to make it look extra posh? Stamp the exterior with the family initials! USE PAPER CONTAINERS FOR LEFTOVERS.
CHANGE UP YOUR GIFT WRAP. Why use wrapping paper every year when you can make your packaging extra interesting, colorful, and creative? Use newspapers, magazines, comics, posters, maps, or even art by your kids to conceal your gifts this year. RENT, BORROW, OR RETHINK YOUR TABLEWARE. If you’re missing proper tableware for your holiday celebration, don’t despair — some companies will actually let you rent out their dishes for your special evening! You can also borrow tableware from friends and family. But you don’t have to use metal tableware. Try following another
culture’s customs and serve your food on local ingredients, like palm leaves, coconuts, or wood. LOCALIZE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. If you can buy ingredients like fresh meat or vegetables from local farms, you won’t use as much plastic packaging and you’ll support small businesses at the same time! Never buy one-use plastics if you don’t have to. For every holiday tradition, ask yourself: Can I reduce, reuse, or recycle any components to this? We hope you have a happy, eco-friendly holiday!
The Word on the Street
“I just can't say enough about Kevin. He's an amazing attorney and goes above and beyond for his clients. His compassion, friendship, and level of understanding truly sets him apart. I'm so blessed that a mutual friend said I should give him a call. It has made all the difference from both a process and settlement perspective. I speak from experience when I say he will make the process as seamless as possible, answer your questions, and get results. He is the real deal and an unbelievable individual — so much so that I created a Google account just so I could leave this review. Thanks again for everything, Kevin!” – Holly S.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404.409.3160.)
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Not Just a Corn Cob Pipe and Button Nose The Surprising History of the Snowman
THE MIRACLE OF 1511 In Brussels in 1511, during six weeks of subzero temperatures called the Winter of Death, the city was miraculously adorned with hundreds of snowmen. The spectacle told stories on every street corner — some political and some demonstrating anger with the church, many too risque to speak of. For the people of Brussels, this Miracle of 1511 was a defining moment of artistic freedom. But when spring came and the snow thawed, the Belgians were left with damaging floods. THE SCHENECTADY MASSACRE Not all snowmen have an innocent history. In 1690, former Fort Schenectady in upstate New York was home to a remote Dutch settlement, which was under the constant threat of attack. Soldiers guarded the gates at all times because they were frozen open, but during a blizzard, they left a pair of snowmen to protect the gates while they sought shelter. That's when 200 French Canadian soldiers and Native Americans
Building a snowman is one of the most picturesque winter activities, which is why snowmen have become a wintertime cultural icon. A snowman appeared on the very first postcards, was the subject of some of the earliest photos, and even starred in silent movies. Frosty may be a happy snowman now, but his ancestors have a much more varied — and sometimes dark — history. THE MIDDLE AGES Snowmen were a phenomenon in the Middle Ages. They were constructed with deep thought and great skill because, during a time of limited means of expression, snow was a free art supply that literally fell from the sky. These artistic feats were popular winter attractions for well-to-do couples who wanted to get their fix of temporary art. Snowmen were often created by famous artists, including 19-year-old Michelangelo who, in 1494, was commissioned by the ruler of Florence to sculpt a snowman in his mansion’s courtyard.
approached. Naturally, they were unfazed by the snowmen and ruthlessly invaded the settlement. Building a snowman seems like a simple and charming activity, but after learning about its surprising history, you might find those piles of snow seem a little more complicated and a lot more meaningful than before.
sudoku
Not Your Grandma’s Fruitcake
Ingredients • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 cup sour cream • 3 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit of your choice, chopped • 1 cup nuts of your choice, chopped • 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a 9x5- inch loaf pan with greased baking paper. Ensure the piece running the length of the pan stands 1 inch above each side to form “handles.” 2. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and sour cream. 3. In a second bowl, combine fruit, nuts, and 1/4 cup flour. 4. In a third bowl, beat butter anD sugar until fluffy. Add egg, zest, and sour cream mixture. Then, add
• 1 stick butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg, room temperature • Zest of 1 orange • 1 tsp salt
remaining flour and salt. Mix, then add fruit mixture. 5. Pour batter into lined pan. Fill up a separate loaf pan halfway with water. Bake both pans in oven for 1 1/2–2 hours or until a skewer leaves the cake clean. 6. Use “handles” to remove cake from pan and cool completely on a rack before serving.
Solution
Inspired by SimplyRecipes.com
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Inside This Issue 1 The Toy Car That Almost Ruined Christmas 2 5 Ways to Make Your Holiday Extra Eco-Friendly This Year The Word on the Street 3 The Surprising History of the Snowman Not Your Grandma’s Fruitcake 4 3 Fool-Proof Ways to Pay for the Holidays Without Going Broke
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3 Gift-Giving Tips That Won’t Kill Your Savings Ah, the holidays. It’s a time of sweet treats, family, and giving back — and sometimes giving a little too much. When it comes to the perfect holiday gift, many people spend too much money. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on gifts during the December holidays alone! It’s possible to cut back and make it to January without major debt. Here’s how. CHECK YOUR LIST — TWICE! The list is going to be your secret weapon to tackling the holidays with your savings still intact. Start by writing down the name of every person you’d like to get a gift for. Now, with the exception of your immediate family members, narrow the names down to your top five — top 10 if you’re really popular. Now, place the names of the people who didn’t make the cut into a second list. If you still feel the need to do something for them, send homemade cookies or a handwritten note instead of purchasing something. This limits how much you actually have to spend! THINK BEYOND STORE-BOUGHT OR EXPENSIVE ITEMS. Sure, everyone wants this holiday season’s “it” item, but sometimes the best gifts don’t even come wrapped under the tree. Instead, look
to your own talents as a clue to what you should give. If you’re a great crafter, create something unique for the people on your list. If you can offer the gift of time, provide a free night of babysitting for your friends with kids or an experience at the local theater. These gifts have a bonus factor: Recipients love the gift when they open it, and they love it when they get to use it! SET A BUDGET — AND STICK TO IT. Setting a holiday budget ensures you only spend what you can afford. It also narrows down your search. If you choose to buy your neighbor something, but they aren’t your top priority, set their budget at a lower level, like $25–$50. If you have a sibling who has had a rough year and you’d like to make their holidays a little brighter, bump their budget up. This narrows the focus of what you’re looking for so you don’t stumble into something you can’t afford. Ultimately, it’s the spirit of giving during the holidays that makes them so rewarding. With a little ingenuity, you can be generous and avoid the stress of excess debt come January.
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