" ...and made sure all the doors and windows were locked."
I am not going to say anything...because I realize you recognized this woman who lives down the street from you and that you have often seen her three kids playing in your neighborhood? Being so close to the holidays we know no one out there would be trying to scam you, everyone has the christmas spirit.
Did you check to see is she left a mark on your door? I think they usually leave a sign for others once an "easy mark" is found.

Come to think on it...hmmm....would that be the big red X I found painted on my mailbox?? *just kidding* Oh come on, Larry...you know you've been spotted tossing coins (and sometimes daylily roots) into the paper cups of poor unfortunates. I always figure i should pay it forward; someday I may be reduced to selling pencils on a street corner (unless you give me a job selling daylily roots...)