Lock it up: Having people over? Lock your computer. You never know who will get curious. For Windows, hit the Windows key + L. On a Mac, use Ctrl + Cmd + Q.
5 ways to connect when you’re apart for the holidays
© Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com, © Sevendeman | Dreamstime.com
Christmas Eve is here. It’s a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. I know how busy this day can get, but a little bit of tech-savvy can help make it even more special.
Here are five quick and simple ways to use technology to connect with family and create memories without taking up too much time.
1. Share a quick video call
Even if you’re rushing between cooking, wrapping and organizing, a video call makes you feel close to distant loved ones. Apps like FaceTime, Google Meet or Zoom make it easy. I text in advance to agree on a time since folks are running around today.
- Pro tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes to say hello, show off your tree or share a quick holiday toast.
2. Snap and share holiday photos
Capture candid moments of your Christmas Eve fun and share them with family using Google Photos, Apple’s Shared Albums or even a private Facebook group.
- Pro tip: Use apps like Canva to create quick, festive photo collages. It’s fun and you’ll be happy to look back on them later.
- Facebook tip: Create a private group to upload and comment on photos throughout the night. It’s a fun way to be “together” from afar.
3. Send a digital holiday card
If you haven’t sent cards this year, it’s not too late! Hit up Canva (free), Adobe Express (30-day trial) or Paperless Post (about 25 cents per card). Choose a template, whip up a greeting and send it in just a few minutes — no printing or trip to the post office required.
- Why it works: A quick note of love and holiday cheer can mean the world to someone who may not expect it.
4. Watch a movie together from anywhere
Unsecure page error: 5 things to try if you get this warning
There are countless threats on the internet, from scams to malware-infested websites. Then there are unsecured websites, which your browser warns you about. If you get a message that says, “Your connection is not private,” you might jolt in alarm.
Don’t search for customer service numbers
If scammers can figure out how to get your bank’s name to appear when they call, you can bet they can get their numbers high in searches.
I tracked down all the Big Tech tech support phone numbers you might need, as published on their websites:
Tips to take the best holiday photos
© Dragoscondrea | Dreamstime.com
Forget getting everyone together at Christmas for a photo opp and having them all say, “Cheese!” Instead, use words that end in ‑ah. These sounds put the muscles around the mouth to work, creating a genuine smile. Try “yoga,” “mocha” or “banana.”
🦶 No more stubbed toes: When you’re navigating a poorly lit area, don’t waste time fumbling with your phone. Simply call out “Hey, Siri” or “OK, Google,” then say, “Turn on the flashlight.” Quick, easy and toe-friendly.
🍗 Kitchen helper: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo can juggle multiple timers at once. If you give them a name, you’ll know what’s ready to come out of the oven. Say something like, “Alexa, set a 20-minute timer for the potatoes” or “Set a 45-minute timer for the chicken.”
HIT CAPS LOCK? I didn’t mean to scream; I could’ve used convertcase.net. The website transforms text into different formats so you don’t have to rewrite a whole email or doc. Change it to UPPER, lower, aLtErNaTiNg cAsE and more. There are generators for s̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ ̶t̶e̶x̶t, social media and coding, too — all free!
Save your butt: Maybe you ignored this yesterday, but I’ve got your back. Grab an Amazon gift card and print out the details or email it to them. Here’s a trick to make a gift card feel special: Put it in a little box, then put that inside a bigger box. Put that one in another box. Now wrap it all up, and they’ll have a fun surprise opening it.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
💳 Oh, crap: You forgot to buy a present for your cousin, Linda, and she’s coming over tomorrow. Grab an Amazon gift card online now, and write something kind in a lovely card. Bam, done.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🪵 No fireplace? No problem: Put this crackling Yule log video on the TV so everyone focuses on quality time together. There’s no music, so you can pick your favorite!
Stuck on hold: There’s a hidden redial button on your smartphone. Hit the call button without typing a number or choosing a contact to call the last person you talked to.
Calling all trivia buffs: Did you know Barbados gained its independence in 2021? How about this? South Korea is smaller than Pennsylvania. Wild. Check out the CIA’s online World Factbook if you love geography or history … or to find trivia to stump your friends and fam.
It’s the spending season: You have to save where you can. No kidding, the first time I logged into Rocket Money, it saved me $360. It finds all your recurring subscriptions and lets you easily cancel those you no longer want.
“How come no one told me?” That’s what you’ll think if you don’t know this tip. On your Mac, click on a file and hit Return. Now, you can type in a new name. On a PC, click, wait a beat, then click again. Done!
Stop using your Google profile this way: Logging into other services using your Google creds puts one of your most important accounts at risk. Log in at myaccount.google.com and tap Security. Scroll to Your connections to third-party apps & services > See all connections. You’ll see a list of apps currently using your Google login. Open the details, then click Stop using Sign in with Google.
I hear you loud and clear! Coming soon: My guide to AI for total newbies. In the meantime, here are three practical ways to try ChatGPT: 1.) Event planning — Ask for itineraries, packing lists, or ideas for parties or vacations; 2.) Writing help — Ask it to spot typos or areas you can clean up; and 3.) Brainstorming — Anything goes, from blog topics and gift suggestions to medical issues and small-business names.
Growing your side hustle? Switch your Instagram account to a Business profile to add shopping links to your posts, run ads and lots more. From your profile, tap Edit profile > Switch to professional account.
💳 “Kim, how do I take credit cards?” I get this question from small-biz owners. Stripe is a solid option that’s safe and won’t cost you a fortune. They’re not a sponsor; we use Stripe and like it here at Komando HQ!
🕵️ Website detective: Use this IP address tool to look up any URL. I do it all the time. Click the IP address to see where it’s located. Look for suspicious signs, like an American business with an IP address from somewhere overseas that just doesn’t make sense.