If you are going to be away from home for the holidays, today is a great time to request a mail hold through the Post Office. These mail holds can now be placed online in seconds through the US Postal Service website and for as few as three days. Plus, you can specify if you would like to have the mail delivered or left at the Post Office when the hold is finished.

Why place a mail hold? Identity thieves love the holiday season for many reasons. And abandoned mailboxes are a particularly good treat. Mailboxes during the holidays are often full of gift certificates, credit card offers, receipts, pre-printed catalogs and cash or check gifts from relatives. By requesting a mail hold, you prevent identity thieves from gaining access to these goodies while you are away.