Holiday Shopping Safety: The Essentials of a Safety Plan During Holiday Shopping

The holiday season brings crowded stores, packed parking lots, distracted drivers, and people rushing to check items off their lists. Most folks think about what they’re buying, but very few think about how they’re moving from point A to point B. That’s where a simple safety plan makes all the difference.

A safety plan doesn’t mean paranoia. It means being intentional. It means having a rough idea of what you’re going to do before you ever leave your house, and adjusting as needed along the way. A little forethought goes a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Start the Plan Before You Leave Home

Your plan should begin the moment you decide to head out. Ask yourself a few basic questions:

• Where am I going?

• Do I need to make multiple stops, or can I limit my trip?

• Am I mentally prepared, or am I already rushed, stressed, or distracted?

Rushing is one of the biggest enemies of awareness. Give yourself enough time so you’re not speeding, cutting corners, or ignoring your surroundings. Preparation starts with mindset.

Transitioning From House to Car

As you leave your home, be aware of what’s around you. This isn’t about fear, it’s about observation. Look up from your phone. Take note of anything that feels out of place.

When approaching your vehicle:

• Have your keys ready.

• Scan the area around and inside your car before getting in.

• Trust your instincts, if something feels off, pause and reassess.

Simple habits like these reduce vulnerability during transitions, which is when people are most often distracted.

Driving With Purpose

Holiday traffic is stressful, but defensive driving is part of your safety plan. Stay focused, avoid aggressive drivers, and don’t let frustration take over. If you notice a vehicle behaving erratically or following you for an extended period, don’t drive straight home. Head to a well-lit, populated area or a police station if needed.

Parking: Choose Smart, Not Convenient

When you arrive at the store, where you park matters.

• Choose well-lit areas.

• Park closer to store entrances when possible.

• Avoid tight spaces or areas blocked by large vehicles if you can.

The goal is visibility and ease of movement, not just convenience.

Entering the Store and Shopping With Awareness

Once inside, grab a cart, it’s not just for groceries. A cart can act as a buffer, create space, and give you something to anchor yourself to if needed.

As you shop:

• Stick to a list when possible.

• Move deliberately rather than wandering distracted.

• Be mindful of your surroundings as you go up and down aisles.

Not everyone who passes you repeatedly is a threat, busy stores naturally funnel people into the same spaces. However, pay attention if someone:

• Follows you up and down every aisle you visit

• Appears to be watching you rather than shopping

• Is recording you or clearly tracking your movement

If something doesn’t sit right, listen to that instinct.

Don’t Hesitate to Get Help

If you believe someone may be following you or making you uncomfortable, act early. Contact a store employee, manager, or loss prevention officer. That’s what they’re there for. You are not overreacting by prioritizing your safety.

Creating distance and involving others is often all it takes to shut down a bad situation before it develops.

Exiting the Store With a Plan

Before you check out, think about your exit.

• Have your keys in your hand.

• Know which door you’re leaving through.

• Be aware of who’s around you as you exit.

When loading groceries:

• Place them in your vehicle efficiently.

• Keep your head up and your awareness on your surroundings.

• Avoid lingering or fumbling with bags longer than necessary.

Once everything is loaded, get in and go.

A Simple Plan Goes a Long Way

You don’t need a complicated system or advanced training to stay safer during the holidays. What you need is a plan, even a loose one.

Knowing where you’ll park, how you’ll move through the store, how you’ll exit, and what you’ll do if something feels wrong gives you confidence and clarity. Planning removes hesitation, and hesitation is what often creates vulnerability.

At Goldbar Defense, we emphasize preparation over panic. Awareness over fear. A simple, intentional plan can make all the difference, during the holidays and every day after.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.

Stay safe my friends.

Pastor Bart Goldbar

Goldbar Defense LLC