Where I live, mail is delivered in a bank of boxes, so there is no way for it to be stolen; however, it gets misdelivered way too frequently by the carrier. As for packages delivered to my porch, not a worry in my part of town.
I like to support local, but bought gifts online, convenience, selection, prices, free shipping, and most importantly the access to reviews that tell the real story about the product! I rely heavily on reviews.
Never family. Parents usually hosted; but I have hosted friends once I moved away and was no longer close by to enjoy a family-hosted gathering. I did host cpl friends this Xmas day with fondue.