With all the hype and consumerism that has taken over the pleasure of Christmas, don't forget that nothing can replace the joys of a simple celebration at home with close friends and family. Think of Christmas past - the smell of fresh baked goods, the sparkling luminous tree, Christmas carols playing on the stereo, much talking and laughter throughout the house. This is the stuff of a true Christmas where the joys of the season can be found. It is also the simplest of celebrations to plan.



The smell of fresh baked goods coming out of the oven is an irresistible holiday memory. Even the family "scrooge" can't resist the temptation to indulge in Christmas treats and sweets. Don't spend all your time baking, a simple cookie recipe or two is all it will take to get your guests into the kitchen. Consider a holiday baking party with a few close friends, everyone shares their best Christmas cookie. How about a cookie decorating party? Cookie decorating is fun for kids, big kids and kids at heart. These recipes will bring the joys to your kitchen:

White Rolled Christmas Cookies

- 1 c. powdered sugar

- 1 tsp. cream of tartar

- 1 tsp. soda

- 1 c. butter (margarine may be used)

- 2 c. flour

- 1 egg, well beaten

- 1 tsp. vanilla

- 1 tsp. almond extract, if desired

Roll out dough a cut with cookie cutters. Dough can be rolled and re-rolled as often as necessary for cutting desired shapes. Frost with favorite powdered sugar icing and decorate. Also may be rolled in balls and pressed flat to 1/4 inch. Bake at 300 to 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

- 1 c. butter, softened

- 1-1/2 c. sugar

- 2 eggs

- 2-1/2 c. flour

- 1/2 tsp. salt

- 1 tsp. baking soda

- 1 tsp. cinnamon

- 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. pitted dates, chopped

- 3 c. pecans, chopped

- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied pineapple, chopped

- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied cherries, quartered

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Add the rest. Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 minutes.

How about Christmas movie night or nights. A great past time for families who want to create a holiday tradition to do every year. There are a number of wonderful holiday movies that will become family favorites. Try some of these for your family holiday movie night:

- It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - The top all time favorite every year as George escapes the clutches of evil Mr. Potter and realizes he's the richest man in town. Thanks, Clarence.

- Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Did Macy's just hire the real Santa Claus? Hearts young and old still melt as Maureen O'Hara (and a very young Natalie Wood) finally see that "faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to."

- A Christmas Story (1983) - Ralphie schemes and dreams his way to his one and only Christmas wish, the official Red Ryder air rifle.

- A Christmas Carol (1951) - The all-time best version of the Dickens classic starring Alister Sim as Scrooge and a definite must for any holiday DVD collection.

- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - Tim Burton's original stop-motion masterpiece about a bunch of ghouls who just don't get Christmas "...and they call him Sandy Claws!"

- The Santa Clause (1994) - Comedian Tim Allen's only successful big screen performance to date as a hapless divorced dad begins to put on weight and grows a long white beard.

- Polar Express (2004) - On track to becoming a classic with Tom Hanks as the conductor on the early morning run to the North Pole.

Nothing says Christmas like Christmas carols. The tried and true classics are still the favorites. How about a tradition of caroling with family and friends. A rousing rendition of "Deck the Halls" is sure to get your group and your neighbors in the holiday mood. This list of carols are perfect for your caroling adventure:

- The 12 Days of Christmas

- Christmas Tree

- Come All Ye Faithful

- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

- Tattenbaum

- Hark The Herald Angels Sing

- Silent Night

- The First Noel

- It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

- We Wish You A Merry Christmas

- Jingle Bells

- Joy To The World

- Three Kings

Create some holiday magic with your family and friends The scents, sounds and traditions from seasons past makes a great backdrop for a season of festivities, laughter and fun. Start a few new traditions your gang will want to do year after year. A bit of planning and a lot of love will create traditions enjoyed by the young and the young-at-heart. A little Christmas party games and fun will make the season merry bright and memorable. Happy holidays!