All I want for Christmas is...

...freezer contents cover, somewhere to hide the presents, an outdoor security light and a partridge in a pear tree.

OK, well the last may not help much, but all of the others are important when making sure you're covered for everything that Christmas and the coming winter might throw at you - according to advice from Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P)!

As much as people complain that the build up to Christmas gets earlier every year, now is actually the ideal time to check that when it does finally arrive, you don't need to worry about anything other than how to cook the turkey, and whether Aunty Madge will realise you're not wearing the bright orange jumper she knitted for you last year.

As well as protecting your home against burglars (who assume you'll have plenty of presents on the premises), there are other factors to consider at this time of year too. Some top tips for a smooth-running Christmas are:

If at all possible, include accidental damage cover on your home insurance policy. If you put your foot through the ceiling when you're in the loft bringing down the Christmas tree; or you break your favourite vase when putting up your decorations, you'll need accidental damage cover to be able to claim.

Make sure your policy covers the contents of your freezer. At this time of year your freezer will probably be full of extra Christmas goodies, which in the event of freezer breakdown would be costly to replace all at once.

Don't keep your Christmas presents on view. The dark nights, lit windows and your pile of Christmas gifts under the tree would be easily spotted by any passing burglar. Keep the presents somewhere safe and unseen until Christmas Day.

Winter brings with it the threat of frozen water pipes and a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage.

Approximately 300 gallons of water can gush out of a burst pipe in a single hour. If you're away over the Christmas period, leave your heating on at a minimal level to prevent pipes from freezing. If you don't have central heating, turn off the mains stopcock and drain the water system before leaving.

It sounds obvious, but it's much easier for a burglar to gain access to your house if you don't lock up securely, and it's nice and dark. Simply ensuring that your doors and windows are locked at all times, and investing in simple outdoor security lights could make all the difference.

As an added incentive to get your insurance in order, N&P is offering everyone the chance to win an extra special Christmas present in the shape of a 19 inch, Sharp Aquos, HD Ready, digital television. Everyone who logs onto the Society's insurance broking arm's website at npbs.co.uk/insurance and gets a quote for home buildings and contents insurance cover, will automatically be entered into the draw to win one of the 58 TVs up for grabs.

Steve Kendall, Sales and Operations Director for Norwich and Peterborough Insurance Brokers, said: "It's an important time of year to check the small print of your insurance policy. Spilling mulled wine on your favourite carpet would be stressful enough, but finding out that your policy doesn't cover you because it was accidental damage would be even more stressful.

"If you have a household accident over the festive period, immediately make any temporary repairs necessary to make your home weatherproof and secure, but retain receipts as the cost may well form part of your claim. At NPIB we provide our customers with a 24 hour, 365 days a year, claims assistance helpline. Check to see if your policy provides this, as you may need access to tradespeople who provide a 24 hour emergency service - even over Christmas.

"The key to a successful Christmas is preparation. Accidents happen, but it's having the right measures in place to deal with them that counts."