The holidays are here - Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years Eve - and with them come opportunities to ask people to say "Cheese!" Open houses, school programs, parties, dinners and family gatherings all encourage people to capture the events on camera.
While you have the cameras out, use this time to photograph all of your holiday decorations, too.
If you don't have a personal property inventory already compiled, this is the perfect time to start one.
You'll have holiday and seasonal decorations on display that are normally boxed and in storage.
Depending on the size and value, take photos of each individually, or as a group.
For example, once the Christmas tree is adorned with the lights and ornaments, you can capture all by taking pictures from 2 or 3 angles.
Do you have a collection of Santa Clauses or Snowmen? Take a group photo of all once they're out of the boxes and displayed.
Many people have the popular Christmas Villages.
After the village is set up, take photos of the entire village.
This will capture all the accessories in one or two pictures.
You'll want to take individual photos of the more costly buildings.
Some cost $100 or more, so they should have their own photo.
If the building or a special accessory has an identifying mark, such as "Department 56", take a photo of that as well.
This proves the manufacturer and your claimed value can be proven.
In addition to the photographs, include a written report.
You can list the general category of "Christmas Decorations" and state the total price of all decorations.
You will have the photos to back up your stated dollar amount.
For the higher end items, such as the Village buildings, it's best to list each one separate, noting the year purchased, manufacturer, name of the building, and cost.
The same is true for new gift items received.
Take the photos just prior to putting them away.
Record the manufacturer of the tools, jewelry, electronics and appliances.
Don't forget leather or suede jackets or other clothing items that have a high value.
Additionally, you'll want to record the serial number and model number of any electronics or appliances.
If you experience a theft, the first thing the police will ask is if you have serial numbers of the items that are missing.
Are you too busy, or just don't want to bother with creating your home inventory? Call a service provider; you will find that the investment in this service is approximately the cost of one lost or stolen item.
Enjoy the holidays, and don't forget to take photos of your family and friends, too - because they are your most valued assets!