Tis the season to be jolly -- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, I Survived Exams Day, Graduation, Christmas and New Years.  The haunting memories you create during the holidays can be bittersweet or, just plain bitter if you are involved in a serious victimization, alcohol induced fatality, felony DUI or a lawsuit due to negligence.  Whatever the occasion for your get together, insure that your good times include good planning.  Make this season a joy for everyone.

1. The individuals on your guest list are usually people you like -- people you care about.  Don't set them up for disaster.  An observant host/hostess notices when a guest is intoxicated and makes sure that guest doesn't drive or walk home alone.  Make it a party to remember not a party that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
2. Being a good host/hostess includes sensitivity to those who may not be attending the festivities -- your neighbors.  Let them know you are giving a party so that they can plan accordingly.  Be aware of the community's noise ordinance.  Designate a responsible individual to be in charge of parking to avoid blocking driveways or the necessity of replanting a neighbor's prized flower bed that has just been ruined.  Keep your guests at and in YOUR house.  Sound carries and a group conversation at midnight isn't welcome to the neighbor who was sleeping peacefully.  It's your party, so pick up your trash.  Consideration costs nothing but is invaluable.
3. Dressing in costume for a Halloween party?   Costumes can be hilarious at a party but remember that costumes also mean greater care should be taken when you are attending that party downtown, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, wherever.  That clever costume can be worn by a clever criminal and identifying the individual if you become a victim of crime is extremely difficult.  "I was robbed by Batman and Robin" isn't much to go on.  Don't allow yourself to become a victim.  Stay in groups and NEVER WALK HOME ALONE -- no matter how close you are to campus, your apartment, etc.  Halloween night is a good time to take along your "designated buddy" -- the terrific best friend you'd trust with your life.
4. Once again and again and again -  NEVER LEAVE YOUR BEVERAGE UNATTENDED.
5. Halloween pranks always seem to be fun for the prankster (at least until he/she gets caught), but what about the victim?  Removal of stop signs, yield signs, one-way street signs isn't funny --  IT CAN BE FATAL.  Strange thing about vandalism  -- it seems to be a prank when it happens to someone else's property and a crime if it happens to yours!  Vandalism is against the law.
6. As you gear up for the holiday period don't forget an essential ingredient for great holiday times -- common sense safety practices.   Making responsible choices can make the difference in your holiday memories.