We laughed as a young Macaulay Culkin outwitted the robbers who wanted to break into his home on Christmas Eve in the 1990 film, “Home Alone.” Their stupidity doomed them to fail over and over again.

Unfortunately, real life burglars are a lot smarter than those in Hollywood. For them, the holidays are a season of opportunity, and they will go to great lengths to get what they’re after - cash, credit cards and the gifts people have piled up under the tree. Prevent yourself from becoming a victim by taking steps to make your house undesirable for the burglars out “shopping” for a victim. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute:

* Make sure doors and windows are secure.

* Keep window shades drawn. If your Christmas tree and the gifts piled under it are easily visible from the street, burglars will be tempted to smash the window and grab the wrapped packages.

* If you’re going to be out of town for any length of time, make sure your house still looks lived in. Put lights on a timer when you are away and ask a neighbor to keep the front of your home clean of papers and debris. It would also

* After Christmas day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes on the street for the garbage man. Burglars appreciate knowing that you have expensive gifts inside for them to steal.

* Get an alarm system, and be sure to advertise that you have one. Most security companies will give you complimentary stickers and yard signs.

* Be sure your homeowners insurance policy is up to date. Â

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event of a loss due to a natural disaster or an extraordinary event like a break-in. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it. Â Most homeowners have policies because they are required by the mortgage company, but just because they are required does not mean that all policies cost the same amount. You need to shop around to find the best deal.

If you don’t have the time to do the legwork, log on to www.InsWeb.com for help. Fill out a quick form describing your needs, and the site will provide you with multiple quotes from the nation’s most highly rated insurers. InsWeb also offers quotes for renters, condominium, auto, term life and health insurance.