5 TECH TIPS FOR A GREAT CHRISTMAS


1. BE WIFI READY:
If you're having friends and family over, make them feel at home by making your WiFi password available.

*PRO-TIP— If your handwriting is on the sloppy side, type and print your WiFi password and tape it on the refrigerator. Everyone knows where the refrigerator is located, and you won't be bothered while entertaining.

2. STREAMING MUSIC-
Nobody wants to play DJ while they're trying to spend time with friends and family during the holidays. (unless you're an actual DJ) Streaming music is the perfect way to get the party started. But keep in mind, streaming services will normally shut down after a couple of hours if left untouched. So, keep your ears open for the background music. If you notice the music has stopped, just open your app and fire it up again.

*PRO-TIP—If you're using a streaming service like Pandora for your Christmas music, you can search by Artist or Genre. (i.e-"Traditional Christmas Music)

3. SHARE IT ON THE BIG SCREEN-
When you want to share your vacation pics, it's hard to crowd 15 people around your iphone. Use an the "screen mirroring" function to send the pics directly to your television. Not an iphone user? You can do the same thing with Google ChromeCast. It's easy, and makes sharing special really fun.

Pro-Tip—Anybody connected to your WiFi can share their pics, videos, and anything else on their screen. AppleTV works with iPhones, Google ChromeCast works with Android phones.
 
 
4. STREAMING MOVIES-
Streaming movies has never been easier. All of the streaming services (NetFlix, Amazon, ITunes Movies) have a great selection of Christmas Classics. If you're only a "now and again" user of streaming services, it's important that you get logged in before your guests arrive. Nobody wants to try to remember usernames, passwords, and enter credit card information while they have guests waiting.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES

  1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. (actually a Thanksgiving movie, but it's so great it gets a pass)

  2. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (A little raunchy at times, but still a classic)

  3. Miracle of 34th Street (An old timey Christmas Classic from 1947)

  4. It's a Wonderful Life

  5. Home Alone

  6. Polar Express (The animated classic from Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks)

  7. Four Christmas's (Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughan. )

  8. Elf

  9. A Christmas Story

  10. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

  11. (These movies are in no particular order. They're just some of our favorites.)
 
5. SPEND TIME TOGETHER
It's easy to get wrapped up in technology today, we get it. We love this stuff, but this Christmas Season, let's remember what's truly important, friends and family. Enjoy your Christmas!