It's finally December and that means December holidays! I personally love this season.
It's an excuse for everyone to be merry and get a real sense of giving.
The holiday means Christmas music, hot chocolate, ugly Christmas sweaters, presents, and parties.
This holiday also brings families together and it also means vacation time and holiday getaways.
Unfortunately, with all this love and merriment there is a downside to the holiday season: crime.
There is an increase in crime, especially theft, during the holiday season because of people being gone for long periods of time.
If you've seen any of the Home Alone movies, you know what I'm talking about.
The home and the car are the biggest targets for theft during the holiday season, so here are some tips on how you can prepare yourself for a possible burglary: The Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house.
  A motion detector or other alarm systems should be activated when you leave home.
  
• When leaving home for a long period of time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
  Also have them shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
  
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
  
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
  
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
  
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
  
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for fake charitable causes.
  
• Valuable items, such as televisions, stereos, and computers should be inscribed with an identifying number unique to its owner.
  
• Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions, and photographs of items of value.
  This inventory should be kept somewhere safe, out of the house.
  

The Car

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
  
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
  Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
  
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
  
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
  
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
  
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
  
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
  This creates a temptation for thieves.
  If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
  
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
  
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbags, and other valuables.
  Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
  
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
  
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
  

All these tips will hopefully help you stay safe this holiday season.
The holidays are supposed to be a time for relaxation and fun, and as long as you prepare yourself with the right tools and safety equipment you will have nothing to worry about.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season!