Ring Home Security Holiday Safety Blog 2022

Ah, the holidays! A time for twinkling lights, questionable sweaters, and enough sugary treats to keep a dentist in business for a year. It’s also, apparently, a prime time for home security companies to remind us that while we’re busy being jolly, the bad guys are busy being… well, bad. Enter the annual tradition of the “Ring Home Security Holiday Safety Blog 2022.”

Now, don't get me wrong. I appreciate a good lock. A locked door is, in my professional "person who owns a house" opinion, generally better than an unlocked one. But sometimes, these holiday security blogs feel a bit like your well-meaning aunt who reminds you to wear a coat in July. We get it, Aunt Carol. We know. And yet, there they are, every year, like clockwork. They pop up faster than a surprise fruitcake at the office party.

The Obvious Truths We Already Knew

The blogs from Ring and similar companies are always packed with golden nuggets of wisdom. Things like, "Make sure your doors and windows are locked." Revolutionary! I mean, who knew? I've been leaving mine wide open since Labor Day, just for the fresh breeze, hoping a friendly squirrel might bring me acorns. Oh, and "Don't leave packages sitting on your porch." Genius! I thought those carefully delivered boxes were just lawn ornaments, waiting for the wind to carry them off to a better home. It’s like being told to breathe oxygen. Thanks, I guess?

They tell us to use timers for lights. To make it look like someone is home. As if burglars are meticulous detectives, scrutinizing light patterns. "Aha! That lamp went on at 6:02 PM yesterday, but 6:07 PM today! Clearly, no one is home and they're just using a timer set on a five-minute delay!" I imagine them with little notebooks, tiny magnifying glasses, and perhaps a monocle, like tiny, evil Sherlock Holmes types.

Then there’s the talk of "securing your garage." Because nothing screams "holiday joy" like triple-checking the garage door before you can finally relax with a mug of cocoa. It's not just about locking; it's about being vigilant. Being aware. Being… slightly paranoid, perhaps? We’re told to secure everything, as if the spirit of Christmas is directly proportional to the number of locks on our property.

The "Peace of Mind" That Adds More Things To Mind

The whole point of systems like Ring is supposed to be "peace of mind." And sure, seeing a notification that a delivery person dropped off your holiday socks can be reassuring. But then you get the "motion detected" alert when it's just a squirrel contemplating the meaning of existence on your lawn. Or the cat. Or the neighbor's overly enthusiastic inflatable snowman. Or, my personal favorite, a rogue tumbleweed blowing across the driveway on a perfectly still day.

Suddenly, "peace of mind" turns into "checking my phone every five minutes." Is that a person? Is that a branch? Is that a very determined leaf? My phone buzzes more than a startled bumblebee. It's like having a tiny, digital watchman constantly poking you, asking, "Are you sure everything's okay? Have you checked again? What about that shadow?"

And let’s not forget the Ring Doorbell videos that go viral. The priceless moments of deer eating flowers or neighbours doing questionable dance moves – sometimes in their pajamas. While entertaining, it also shows just how much we're recording. We're living in a constant state of mild surveillance, all in the name of holiday safety. We’re practically giving our neighbourhood a reality show, whether they asked for one or not.

Holidays: Joy vs. Hyper-Vigilance

The holidays are about connection, warmth, and maybe a little bit of magic. We're supposed to be decking the halls, not becoming expert security analysts. We leave out cookies and milk for Santa, an act of pure, unadulterated trust. Yet, we're told to be suspicious of every shadowy figure near our property, even the one who might just be admiring our dazzling display of 10,000 LED lights.

It’s a funny contrast, isn’t it? The cheerful jingle bells versus the ominous alert sound from your Ring app. One minute you're humming carols, the next you're squinting at a grainy video, convinced that the stray dog across the street is casing your joint for premium tinsel.

We're encouraged to put up elaborate outdoor decorations, inviting everyone to enjoy the festive spirit. But also, to put up cameras to monitor everyone who dares to look at our festive spirit. It's a bit of a mixed message, like inviting guests over but then asking them to wear hazmat suits and fill out a background check.

Come celebrate! But also, don't touch anything, and smile for the camera.

My Unpopular (But Relatable?) Opinion

Here it is, folks. My perhaps "unpopular" opinion: maybe, just maybe, we're overthinking it a little bit. While security is undeniably important, perhaps the constant barrage of "holiday safety" advice from companies like Ring can sometimes drain a tiny bit of the holiday sparkle.

It's like being constantly reminded that gravity exists while trying to jump on a trampoline. We know! We appreciate the concern. But can we just enjoy the bounce for a bit? Or maybe eat a gingerbread cookie without fearing it's going to be snatched by a stealthy sugar fiend?

I think most people already do the sensible stuff: lock their doors, don't leave their car running with the keys in it, and maybe don't display their solid gold menorah in the front window – unless they have a really good insurance policy. Beyond that, the endless stream of tips can feel less like helpful advice and more like a gentle, persistent nudge towards anxiety. It transforms the holiday season into a high-stakes espionage thriller.

So, this holiday season, while you're locking up and checking your Ring app, remember to also unlock your spirit. Don't let the fear of a porch pirate steal your festive cheer. Enjoy the eggnog, sing off-key carols, and maybe, just maybe, give yourself a break from being an amateur detective. After all, isn't true peace of mind about enjoying the moment, rather than constantly guarding against what might be? Go forth and be jolly, not just vigilant!