How to Make Your Family Holiday Magical

You long for a simpler, more magical holiday season with your family, but countless trips to the mall—and the bank—sap the joy right out of your celebrations. Before you resign yourself to another complicated, jam-packed, overly expensive and unfulfilling season, STOP. Now, close your eyes, and make a promise to yourself. Make a vow that this year will be different. This year, you and your family will celebrate more simply and find the true meaning of the holidays.

Not sure where to start? Make yourself a cup of warm tea, light a candle, and put on some soothing seasonal music. Now, reflect and make a list. Ask yourself:

• What's making everything seem so complicated?
• What would be your ideal holiday?
• What do the holidays mean to you and your family?
• What are your fondest childhood holiday memories?
• What don't you want to do this holiday season?
• What new traditions would you like to start?

Now that you've got your list, let some of these easy and simple holiday ideas light the way toward your most wondrous—and simplest—holiday season. Feel free to pick and choose which ideas are right for you and your family's celebrations. Most of them don't cost any money, yet each promises to shower you with the season's many riches.

The sleigh bells are ringing. Are you listening?

The Wonder of Nature

Bundle up, fill a thermos with hot cocoa, grab a basket, and take a walk in the woods. Even down the street or your own backyard will do! Listen to the silence and feel the fresh winter air on your cheeks. Even toddlers can collect pinecones, berries, and branches and fill a basket with forest treasures. For a beautiful holiday decoration, have your kids fill a plate with tiny pinecones and put a candle in the middle, or make a homemade wreath to keep or give to a neighbor. If you're in a warm weather climate, try fashioning your candle plate or wreath of seashells.

Visit the beach (even if it's covered with snow!). Imagine how Santa will fly across that big, wide ocean!

Gather your family to prepare edible garlands of popcorn, berries, and seeds. Take a hike together outdoors and decorate a tree with your garlands. Return in a week and take a peek at what's left—or, if the tree is in your own yard, enjoy watching who comes to visit each morning.