As the days shorten during the winter period and darkness sets in earlier in the day, the opportunity for potential burglars to strike increases.
This is compounded by the fact that burglars know that there are likely to be high-value items in most homes during the Christmas period.
This means that there is good reason to take measures to safeguard your house against any unwelcome visitors.
As most people keep a Christmas tree surrounded by presents in the weeks leading up to Christmas, one simple preventative measure is simply keeping your curtains closed so as not to tempt any opportunist passersby.
Also, once you have opened your presents it is good practise to get rid of the boxes and wrapping, so that you are not advertising the presence of gifts.
Continuing down this line, it is advisable for people to keep other valuables such as car keys, wallets and laptops out of sight and to get into the habit of keeping their doors locked.
Taking extra security measures - such as an alarm system - is always a good idea, not just for the festive period but for the long term too.
Also, take extra care with your Christmas lights and candles.
By taking precautionary steps you can ensure that you are not exposed to misfortunes for which you may not be protected for, and therefore will be safe in the knowledge that any incidents should be covered by your house contents insurance policy.
Around this time of year people often hold parties in their homes.
It is a good time for ensuring that you have an up-to-date home insurance policy in place to cover against the risk of walk in theft, or damage to your possessions.
Employing all of the measures mentioned above will prepare you for the festive season, but obviously cannot cover for all eventualities, and so it remains essential to have some form of home contents insurance cover for unforeseen events.