The holiday season seems to start earlier every year. For instance, there are already department store Santas hard at work here in Atlanta.
So you don't need to be a psychic to predict that I'll be writing soon about high-tech holiday gifts. But not just yet. Today we'll talk about the holidays, but we'll leave gifts for another day.
That's because there are things you need to do to prepare for the season that do not involve buying iPods, telescopes, laptop computers and other high-tech toys.
Batteries
Boy, you're going to need them.
Most of us use digital cameras now, and this is definitely picture-taking season. Many families will also need batteries for holiday gifts. I think of the battery as one of the most important — yet unsung — heroes of high tech any time of the year. But it is especially true now.
Pick up several large packs of AA and AAA batteries. I'm suggesting the regular alkaline batteries since they have an excellent shelf life. If you store them unused they easily last a year, and manufacturers claim shelf lives of up to three years.
Also, buy alkaline batteries for flashlights and fluorescent camping lanterns since, besides joy, the season also brings the possibility of ice storms that take down power lines.
If you already have rechargeable batteries, make sure that they still take a good charge. As you have undoubtedly learned, rechargeables eventually die. If you don't have rechargeable batteries, then it's a good idea to buy some in both AA and AAA sizes as well as a recharger.
Keep in mind that rechargeables are fine for digital cameras and even toys. But they should never be used in a smoke alarm (they don't hold a charge long enough), and they're poor choices for other high-tech devices that draw tiny amounts of current.
For instance, don't use a rechargeable battery in a TV remote control (you'll spend too much time removing and charging the batteries) or in a high-tech thermostat like the one in my home that uses three AA batteries. For those uses, dig into your pack of alkaline batteries.
Digital cameras
This is also the time of year when your camera will get a workout. And that time starts well before Christmas morning. Invitations to the first parties and gatherings, at least among the folks I know, are already being sent out.
So this is a good time to make sure your camera is in good working condition. And, for the few and the lucky who can afford to spend a little extra money this year, it's a good time to consider replacing digital cameras that are more than 2 years old.
In the past couple of years, the quality and reliability of digital cameras has zoomed up. If you have an old camera and can afford to replace it, do it now.
By getting it now you'll have time to get used to the way it works and do a better job of taking pictures of special moments.
A lifesaving suggestion
There's a ritual around my house, tied to this time of the year, that makes great sense. During the fall we replace all the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Tying the replacements to a season makes it easier to remember.
And since many tragic fires occur during the winter, it's important that these detectors be in good working order.
You'll notice that I mentioned a carbon monoxide detector. Out-of-whack heating units can produce deadly carbon monoxide. It's important that you get your heating system checked.
But it's also essential that you install a good carbon monoxide detector — the stakes are too high to ignore this.
You'll find them in most stores that sell fire detectors, such as places like Home Depot, Lowe's and other home centers.
That's it for today. If you were yearning for some gift notions, don't worry. With these preliminaries out of the way there'll be plenty of time for me to come up with some great lists.