T4L: 9 Tech Tips for Christmas

The holidays are about family, friends and fellowship.  But the spirit of the holidays can be spoiled quickly if we forget that technology can overshadow the reason for the season.  With the holidays fast approaching, check out these tips on the acceptable, and the utterly unacceptable, use of technology.

DO

Use 'point and shoot' or mobile phone cameras to take lots of pictures of precious moments.  After all, you wish to treasure them forever.  But do not share the images immediately.  Snap the pic then savour the moment.  Save the picture sharing for Boxing Day.

DO

Use your tablet to include others.  Consider traditional board games and other multi player games that can get everyone involved.  The goal is not bury your head in a mobile device while holiday cheer fills the room.

DO

Use your Internet enabled devices to stream music to spread holiday cheer.  Add in a Bluetooth speaker and keep the dinner party going.  Remember to stream, not steal, during the season.

DO 

Install a Bible app so your smart device can help you keep your faith.  Feel free to substitute 'Bible' for the Koran, the Book of Mormon, or which ever text is relevant to your faith.

DO

Uninstall social media apps (if only temporarily) to remove the temptation to post, share or stare a the feed.  You can always re-install and catch up later.  If you feel an urgent need to be social, socialise with family and friends in front of you at dinner.

DO

Use Skype or a similar video conference tool to share a virtual meal with family far away.  With the right set up, it can almost seem like your loved ones are all in the same room.

DO

Make a phone call to make someone feel special and loved this holiday season.

DO NOT

Send texts, broadcast messages and/or IM messages before 12 noon; especially to people you hardly know!  Give your friends, family and associates a break in the early hours to have some personal time in the morning.

DO NOT

Read texts, broadcast messages and/or IM messages while at dinner.  Just because a colleague was thoughtless enough to send the message doesn't mean that you have to read it.

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