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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 6. TRY A NEW HOLIDAY RECIPE More than likely, your family members have their must-have, all-time favorite dishes they want served every year. But why not add to the menu, or replace a less desirable item with something totally new? 7. BE CHARITABLE Pick a cause to support each year by donating time, money or goods. You can stick with the same one or switch it up. Some popular holiday charities include Angel Tree, local homeless shelters/soup kitchens, food banks and clothing drives. 8. MOVIE MARATHON Pick a day to sit around in your Christmas pjs and binge watch all your favorite movies of the season. This can be a family day or even a playdate for the kids and their friends. Or do both! 9. COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH BOOKS Instead of a traditional advent calendar to count down the days to December 25, invest in a collection of Christmas books and read one to the kids each night before bed, starting on the day after Thanksgiving, December 1 or any date you choose. It might take a few years to build your collection, so start with a week or two before Christmas and lengthen the countdown as your inventory grows. 10. BE NEIGHBORLY Hosting a neighborhood cookie swap not only fills your pantry with goodies, it's also an opportunity to make new friends. Expand your baking horizons by having everyone include the recipe along with their treats. 11. GET CREATIVE Some of us are stuck on our traditional meal—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. But not everyone enjoys the typical holiday fare, so don't be afraid to branch out and do something different. Plan your menu around a theme (i.e., Italian, Indian or Chinese cuisine), or make reservations and eat out. Larger families can even host a potluck where everyone brings a non-traditional side or dessert. 12. TAKE PART IN WINTER ACTIVITIES Go outside and play together as a family—winter style! Ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, tubing and playing in the snow are all fun ways to enjoy winter and stay active. 13. GO TO LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Most communities have tree lightings, parades and other events around the holidays. Most are free and kid-friendly. Check out your county's calendar or local Parks and Rec for offerings. 14. HONOR A LOVED ONEI If you're missing someone this Christmas, consider honoring them in a special way. It can be a donation made in their name, hanging up a special memorial ornament, making a memory wreath or planting a tribute tree. 15. TAKE A TRIP Some folks revel in the chaos of Christmas, but some really don't. If your family dreads or just isn't excited about the holiday season, maybe it's time for a break. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on traditional holiday trappings, plan a vacation. Go make your family holiday memories at a ski resort or at the beach. However you choose to celebrate the season, do what works for you and your fam- ily. Adopt new traditions, ditch old ones that no longer serve you, and simply enjoy being present with the ones who matter the most. Merry Christmas! The holidays aren't always happy for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with the Holiday Blues this Christmas season, know that you're not alone. People with preexisting depression or anxiety are especially prone. Some common signs, according to Cedars —Sinai psychologist Dr. Michael Wetter, of someone dealing with depres- sion are: • Withdrawn mood • Irritability • Erratic or impulsive behavior • Unusual non-responsiveness to texts or phone calls WAYS YOU CAN HELP: • Express your concern/care for the individual. • Acknowledge that the holidays can be challenging for some and it's OK not to be in a happy holiday mood. • Remind them that brighter times are likely ahead, even if they aren't feeling it right now. • Simply let them know you are there for them. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or Teen Line at 1-800-TLC-TEEN.