Important Lessons Learned from Holiday Movies

“A Christmas Story” is a movie rarity; it has continued to grow in popularity since it was originally released in 1983. The cable network TBS  has been running the holiday classic 24-hours straight every Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for the past 16 years, and I imagine it’s become can’t-miss holiday viewing for many families.

One of my favorite scenes is when the character Flick is “triple-dog dared” to stick his tongue to a flagpole on a frigid winter day. Since the triple-dog dare is the mother of all schoolyard dares, Flick accepts the challenge and his tongue promptly sticks to the pole’s cold metal surface. His fellow classmates immediately abandon him on the playground as the bell rings, fleeing back to the classroom to watch from the window as the fire department finally comes to his rescue.

An important lesson to learn from Flick’s experience is not to give into peer pressure (and, obviously, don’t stick your tongue to a pole!).

To honor the holiday season, I’d like to offer some other lessonsholiday movies can teach us.

Don’t overload power outlets. Patriarch Clark Griswold has long been an example of what not to do in many situations, but in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” his faux pas reaches new heights (like the roof) in terms of what not to do with Holiday lights. Not only does he string so many lights on his house that it blinds his neighbors, he overloads a garage wall socket with multiple power strips and extension cords. Luckily Clark’s lights didn’t cause a fire, which is an all-too-common occurrence this time of year.

According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), 150 home fires per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting, causing $8.9 million in property damage each year. Additionally, ESFI reports that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords. Companies like Mercury Insurance offer homeowners insurance that will protect your belongings in the event of a fire, but you can also protect yourself by examining cords for damage before use and making sure to match the amperage of the electrical devices with the amperage rating of the cords.

Use ladders when necessary. You can’t forget the scene in the movie “Elf” where Buddy catapults off the couch onto the Christmas tree in an attempt to place a star on top. Things don’t quite work as planned as he lands mid-tree and they both topple to the ground. While it’s a hilarious scene, Buddy’s stunt could’ve ended in an injury if it was attempted in real life. Using a stepladder is a better way to reach the treetop. When hanging outdoor decorations use a wooden or fiberglass ladder – metal ladders conduct electricity – and make sure it extends at least three feet past the edge of the roof.

Don’t advertise your holiday travel plans. The Wet Bandits in “Home Alone” targeted the homes they planned to burglarize by dressing up like trusted police officers and going door to door, operating under the guise that they wanted to help protect unsuspecting families from…burglaries. Today, updating your Facebook status, Twitter or Foursquare is a key way burglars identify when you’re away, and Google Street View shows them exactly where you live. (One survey shows that 78 percent of burglars admit to using these methods to choose their victims.) Don’t tell strangers, friends of friends or followers when you’re going out of town. If you are going away, Mercury Insurance suggests tips like stopping mail and newspaper delivery, using light timers to make your house appear occupied, and posting comments on social media that give the impression you are home.

Prepare for the unexpected. Occasionally, accidents happen. Maybe your adorable pet Mogwai has turned into a havoc-wreaking gremlin like in the movie “Gremlins.” Or perhaps your dog has inadvertently trashed your house while chasing a rogue squirrel like in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Regardless of your exact situation, it’s good practice to review your homeowners insurance policy annually with your agent to make sure you know what’s covered ahead of time.

The most important lesson I can impart for the Holidays is to cherish your time with family and friends, reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to what’s to come. Happy holidays!

George Kouskoutis

Anclote Insurance