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Unfortunately, Grinches are real, and they听are looking to steal your joy during the holidays.

These Grinches听know many of us are using online shopping to purchase holiday gifts, so they drive听through our neighborhoods looking for packages that have been left behind on a porch, a doorstep or at the mailbox. Their goal is to find someone else鈥檚 joy in the little brown box and keep it for their own, or sell it to make some quick cash.

Here are five steps to prevent a Grinch from stealing your box of joy.

Track your packages

Track your packages and, if possible, request a specific drop-off time when you will be at home. Most delivery services allow you to follow the delivery of your purchase, and some will even allow you to pick a delivery window for when you know you will be home.听

Reach out to family or neighbors

If you can鈥檛 be home when your package is scheduled to be delivered, ask a neighbor or family member to pick up your package as soon as possible after it is delivered.

Have your packages delivered to work or a friend

If no one will be home, consider having your packages delivered directly to your work or with a trusted friend, relative or neighbor. Also, several e-commerce retailers have local "locker" options to which you can choose to have your packages delivered.

Opt for in-store pickup

Most retailers now offer in-store pickup, and many national chains will allow you to shop on their website and have it delivered to their local outlet, oftentimes for free.

Require a signature for delivery

By requiring a signature at delivery, your packages can't be left at your front door waiting for a Grinch. The downside听is it can take a little longer for you to receive your packages.