Sleigh bells ring, and choirs sing. Its the Holiday season, and one of the happiest times of the year. Its also a time to enjoy your home.

Picture your home with holly and mistletoe, twinkle lights and seasonal decorations. Therere stockings filled with surprises, and presents under the Christmas tree. The only visitors youre expecting are Santa Claus, family and friends. But unexpectedly, there could be a Grinch who steals your Christmas.

The holidays should be a time when neighbors get together and enjoy the season, but it should also be a time when they discuss safety in and around the home, said Officer McCorkle, who is with the Cedar Hill Police Department Patrol Division.

Neighborhoods with neighborhood watch programs may consider distributing a holiday safety flyer, McCorkle said.

Neighbors can watch each others property, and notify the police department when they notice suspicious activities. The police department is here to serve as visible deterrents to those would-be criminals, McCorkle said.

Homeowners need to be aware that the Christmas season is a time to be aware of your surroundings. You hate to think you left cookies and milk out for the wrong person visiting your home.

Be extremely careful around empty and unoccupied houses in the neighborhood. These are often targets for people wanting to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Again, neighbors should keep an eye out on such properties.

According to McCorkle, there are several precautions home owners should take in protecting their residences. For instance, when youre out shopping for a few hours, leave a radio on at your homes. Leave lights on if youre gone in the evening, and especially a porch light. You want your home to look like its occupied with someone is inside.

When a trip or short vacation is in your plans, be sure and place a timer on your lights. Make your home look as if someone is inside. Ask your neighbor to pick up your mail, and stop the delivery of the newspaper. Newspapers stacked in your yard are a give-away someone is gone.

Have a neighbor periodically check your house, inside and out. If you have Christmas lights, ask a person to turn them on in the evening, and off later that night.

Its best to leave a key with a friend, and not under the doormat or underneath a pot on the porch.

Additionally, be sure to keep draperies drawn in the home, so that peeking thieves cannot look through the windows. Just think of how tempting lots of presents look stacked under a decorated tree. You should also make sure to remove packages left inside your car as this removes any temptation for a quick grab.

While at home, make sure to leave your garage door down. Leaving it up, invites a stranger to grab something and run. Also, dont leave your front storm door unlocked and your wooden door open. Of course, its nice to look outside and let the sunshine in, but its also an invitation for someone to just walk in.

Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Make sure you havent been followed by another car, and before you open your car door, look around.

This is a time when the good comes out in people. Gifts and food are sent to those in need, as well as victims of disasters. Presents are sent from unknowns to American soldiers who are away from home. Friends near and far celebrate the season of giving, and even a Scrooge can give thanks from the heart.

But unfortunately, therere those who take and steal, and sometimes, kill. During the remainder of the year, take simple precautions to protect yourself and your home. You can never be too careful.

Enjoy the holidays and the spirit of giving. Remember, just a simple Merry Christmas can change the attitude of a person, even a Grinch.