Happy December! This month’s update includes practical advice, timely insights, and key resources to keep you informed as the month moves forward.

What’s included: Creating a personal property inventory, Gingerbread House Day, Dave's Corner, and tech trends to watch in 2026.

With increased activity and time away from home during the holidays, the risk of damage, loss, or theft can rise. Having a comprehensive personal property inventory can make all the difference if the unexpected happens.

Here’s why it’s worth your time:

• Accurate claims - A detailed inventory helps ensure fair compensation if your belongings are damaged or stolen.

• Faster recovery - A ready-to-go inventory can speed up the claims process after an incident.

• Peace of mind - Knowing your possessions are documented provides reassurance all season long.

Three quick tips for building your inventory:

1. Document everything - Take photos or videos of your items, including serial numbers and receipts when possible.

2. Know the value - Estimate the replacement cost of each item.

3. Store it securely - Keep a digital copy of your inventory in a safe, off-site, or cloud location.

Here are a few key dates and reminders to keep in mind this month.

• December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Before wrapping those presents, check that toys are age-appropriate and free of small parts that could pose choking hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends checking for recall alerts before purchasing or giving.

• December 1-5 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. If you have aging parents or relatives who are still driving, this month is a good time to discuss driving safety and review any adaptive coverage or discounts available for senior drivers.

• December 4th is National Cookie Day. A sweet excuse to bake (and share!) your favorite holiday cookies. If you’re planning a cookie swap, be sure to label ingredients for friends with allergies or dietary restrictions.

• December 12th is Gingerbread House Day. Get creative with family or friends and design a gingerbread house masterpiece. It’s a festive way to slow down and savor the season. And if you’re anywhere near Asheville, North Carolina, during the holidays, don’t miss the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition.

• December 21st is the First Day of Winter. Winter officially begins, and the days start getting longer again! Spring will be here before we know it. (Ok, maybe not quite, but at least we’ll get some more daylight — approximately one more minute each night.)

• Retailers love to push flashy holiday “must-haves,” but most of them are costly extras that drain your money without adding much value.
• Skip unnecessary splurges like pricey decorations, luxury gifts and extended warranties—your wallet (and your future self) will thank you.
• Watch out for sneaky traps disguised as savings like store credit cards, buy now, pay later plans and subscription boxes.
• Stay on budget, say no to the extras, and focus on what really matters—time with family and friends—because that’s what actually makes Christmas special.

A referral is the highest compliment you can give us! To show our appreciation for every referral we enter your name into our monthly drawing. You could win gift cards or cash. Also, for every referral that you send to Allco Insurance, that writes a policy with us, we donate $10 to Stripes of a Warrior. Stripes of a Warrior is a great cause that we support wholeheartedly. They will provide financial assistance to those that have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to afford their housing, medical bills, medication, or food expenses. Referrals have helped raise over $28,000 in the past 9 years for Stripes of a Warrior. To learn click HERE.

We’ve gathered a few seasonal reads to help you get ready for the holidays — whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just trying to keep things safe and simple this season.

• Kick things off with The 100 Best Christmas Movies of All Time (Rotten Tomatoes), a fun list to spark movie nights during the holidays.

• Find thoughtful, well-tested ideas in the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide from the Los Angeles Times.

• Want to skip the stuff and give memories instead? Explore Giftory’s collection of unforgettable experience gifts — from cooking classes to adventure getaways.

• Check out 25 Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas to Surprise Your Whole Family for fresh takes on festive meals.

• Looking ahead to 2026? Forbes’ 10 Biggest Consumer Technology Trends of 2026 explores innovations that could change how we live, work, and connect in the year ahead.

Sorry, buddy.

Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season! If you have any insurance questions or want to start the new year confident in your coverage, we’re just a call or email away.