Instead of taking the family to the movies this holiday season, try renting an old Christmas favorite.

One of my favorite things is to drive around and check out Christmas lights, find a radio station playing some holiday tunes and drive around town to find the best lights. Every town has that one house, that always goes above the rest with an incredible light show. Make it a game to find the house and make a tradition every year to go back and see the show again. When you return home it is fun to make some hot chocolate or bake Christmas cookies.

Get out the board games! It’s something we always did when I was a kid and I’m going to make sure my kids learn how to play cut throat Monopoly with the best of us!

Go caroling! Find a church or group, or gather your friends and family and go make someone’s day with a Christmas Carol.  Senior homes love to have caroling groups come in and it is a nice way to spread the spirit of Christmas by putting a smile on someone’s face who may not have any children or grandchildren coming to visit them.

If you want to host a party this year, consider doing a potluck, let each guest bring their favorite Christmas dish or dessert. Feeding a large party can cost an arm and a leg, so share the costs with your guests, I’m sure no one will mind, they’ll just be thankful that they didn’t have to host the party, and do the clean up afterwards!