It is the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes! Indeed, the Christmas and holiday season can be a wonderful opportunity to spend valuable moments with loved ones. But as everyone knows, Christmas can sometimes feel like an overly-commercialized holiday.

This Christmas season, it is important to remember that Christmas is not just about buying gifts — that there is, in fact, a lot more to it than that. In that spirit, here are a few ways you can make this Christmas one of the best yet.
 

Spend Lots of Time with Loved Ones

Even more than giving physical gifts, Christmas is about the gift of time spent with loved ones. This Christmas, strive to spend as much time as possible enjoying each other's company, and reveling in the holiday spirit. Whether it is a large Christmas dinner, an extended outing with friends and family, or something else, make the most of your time during the holidays.
 

Do a Group Activity

A great way to spend time together can be engaging in a large group activity. There are plenty of great activities that work well for the whole family. Consider some of the following.
 

Decorate

Whether decorating a tree, hanging garland or stockings, or putting up other seasonal decorations, adding festive decorative touches is a great activity for the whole family.
 

Create Your Own Christmas Crafts

An extra-special way to decorate is in the DIY-style. A great family activity can involve creating ornaments, wreaths, or other Christmas decorations that allow everyone to participate and share in a creative dimension of the holiday spirit.
 

Go Caroling

Singing Christmas songs never goes out of fashion! A great way to spread the holiday spirit in your town or neighborhood is to go caroling. It can also make for a wonderful way to meet new friends and neighbors, and ultimately grow your circle of loved ones.
 

Make Delicious Food

Of course, no Christmas is complete without the food! Homemade food is essential to the warm, homey atmosphere of Christmas-time. Best of all, baking together — for instance, making cookies or cakes — can be a great activity for the whole family.
 

Give Back to the Community

It is important to remember that a major part of Christmas is giving back to those less fortunate. This Christmas, consider volunteering as a family at a local food bank, shelter, or other charitable organization. This can help teach children about the deep and essential values of Christmas, as well as offer tangible help to those in need.
 

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