With Christmas Day joining in to help create a super-long weekend, now is the time for many people to think about partying. This may well mean spending time with your family, eating too much, and opening presents – but it can also mean going out for the evening with friends, especially with New Year’s Eve just around the corner. Heading out for something to eat, taking in a film at the cinema, or simply meeting up in a pub are all possible ideas, but they come with a hint of caution – especially at this time of year. There are lots more people out and about at this time of year, with people off work and away from their studies, places are likely to be packed at this time of year, and the long weekend is only likely to add to the rush. It is all too easy to forget yourself when having fun with your friends, especially if you are old enough to drink as you can easily find your judgment impaired if you have one or two too many! Staying safe over Christmas and New Year needn’t be a problem – so long as you follow a few pointers.
The first, and by far the most important tip is to simply make sure you and your friends look after each other. Stick together and don’t let any of your friends get lost on a night out. If you went out together, make sure you all come home together.
Watch you stuff while you are out. With increased crowds, there is increased opportunity for pick-pockets and thieves to operate. Whether walking through a crowd outside, or sat in a café or bar, watch your pockets and bags and, as above, watch your friends’ backs too!
Keep an eye on your drink, and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know – especially if you haven’t seen it poured. Unfortunately there are those out there who are all-too-happy to slip something in your drink. Whether that is a well-meaning friend adding something a little ‘stronger’ to your drink or a shady character dropping something in your drink, you need to be aware of what is going on.
Knowing how you are getting home is important but even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. What’s more you can’t rely on your mobile phone to bail you out on nights like New Year ’s Eve, as the amount of mobile traffic can block your chances of getting hold of anyone! Make sure you have enough money in reserve to get you home – carrying the cost of a taxi fare home is always good advice, although you should ideally try not to spend it. Don’t be tempted to spend it on the night out either, it may be the only thing standing between you and a long cold walk home!
Of course, we hope you have a great Christmas and enjoy your time with friends and family, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Just because you are celebrating it doesn’t mean everyone else is – crowds of partygoers are great pickings for criminals – so don’t get caught out this Christmas!
