Holiday Home Security: Stay Safe from Thanksgiving to New Year’s

Quick 2-minute read

The holidays are here—Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas lights, and packages piling up on porches. But while you’re busy decking the halls, burglars are watching for easy opportunities. Here’s your no-stress guide to keeping your home secure from turkey day to January 1.

Thanksgiving: Travel & Empty Houses

The Risk: Most break-ins happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.—prime time when homes sit empty during holiday travel.

Quick Fixes:

•  Smart Lights on Timers: Set indoor lamps and porch lights to mimic your normal routine. Bonus: Use smart plugs you can control from your phone.

•  Hold Mail & Packages: Use USPS Hold Mail (click hyperlink to access USPS website) or schedule Amazon deliveries for when you’re home. A stacked porch screams “nobody’s here.”

•  Silent Social Media: Skip the “Headed to Grandma’s for 4 days!” post until after you’re back.

Christmas: Gifts, Guests & Glittering Distractions

The Risk: Open garages, visible gifts under windows, and distracted homeowners = burglar jackpot.

Quick Fixes:

•  Lock the Garage (Every Time): Even if you’re just running to the store to grab one more string of lights. 1 in 5 break-ins happen through an unlocked garage door.

•  Hide the Good Stuff: Close blinds at night—don’t advertise that new 75” TV or gaming console.

•  Guest Wi-Fi Only: Create a separate network for visitors. Keeps your smart cameras and locks off the phones of visitors.

Post-Christmas: Don’t Advertise Your Haul

The Risk: That giant “4K OLED 65” box by the curb on December 26? It’s a neon sign saying “Come rob me.”

Quick Fixes:

•  Break Down & Delay: Flatten boxes inside, then wait 3–5 days before trash day. Mix them with regular garbage.

•  Dump Run: Take big boxes (TVs, laptops, gaming consoles) to the local landfill or recycling center yourself.

•  Cut & Conceal: Slice labels off and turn printed sides inward. Stuff smaller boxes inside plain trash bags.

Year-Round Holiday Hack: The “Lived-In” Look

•  Doorbell Camera + Motion Lights: A ringing bell + floodlight is often enough to send opportunists running.

•  Neighbor Watch: Share emergency contacts with a trusted neighbor. Together you can work with others in your area to keep homes safer.

•  System Check: Test your alarms and cameras before the chaos. Dead batteries on Christmas Eve? No thanks.

Bottom Line: A few 5-minute habits now save hours of stress later. Enjoy the pie, the presents, and the peace of mind—your home’s got this.