Tis' The Season For Late Rent Reasons

Ah, the holidays...carolers singing the landlord blues, cash registers ringing everywhere but your Quicken account, tenants skating on thin ice and free sleigh rides for everyone!
Local news troubleshooters love to broadcast a woeful Cratchit family being evicted on Christmas Eve and portraying the landlord as Ebenezer. No matter that rent was due 24 days prior, Scrooge won't win the sympathy vote here.
This is the time of year when tenants of all income levels seem to be forgetful on paying rent (maybe it's the eggnog).  Be prepared to hear every reason possible and keep your business hat on, no matter how frosty the wind blows. Business is business as Scrooge aptly stated.
If you choose to waive late fees, it's up to you. Just remember this, they will expect it next time too. Do I sound cold to you? I assure you, I'm not. If the heat conks out in the dead of winter, I will send someone out ASAP, even if they are late on rent. I expect the same courtesy in return, in the form of on time rent. Now there's a Christmas present all my tenants could gladly give their landlords this year!