300 Ways to Make the Best Christmas Ever!: Decorations, Carols, Crafts & Recipes for Every Kind of Christmas Tradition

Gather family and friends together to celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year: the Christmas season. The weather outside may or may not be frightful, but there's no better place to be than home for the holidays. Guests arrive and notice the sweet scent of pine in the air and admire the beautiful decorations that deck the halls. Loved ones congregate in the living room, pulling chairs closer together so that conversation is easier. Carols are sung and stories are told to eager children. Delicious refreshments are served. Whether you want to handcraft pretty wreaths or prepare warm, aromatic mulled wine, here is where you'll find 300 ways to make this, and every Christmas, the best ever. Organized by region and historical era, these ideas from around the world celebrate a variety of cultural traditions and will appeal to children of all ages. Choose those that most appeal to y ou, incorporating them into your festivities. Reading the quintessential American Christmas story, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," to youngsters on Christmas Eve heightens anticipation for the next morning. Exquisite Victorian-style "Glass Ball Ornaments" can provide a touch of magic on any holiday tree and are quick and easy to make. If you long for an old-fashioned country Christmas, create a gingerbread "Snow-Covered Cottage" that has storybook appeal. Don't forget to put out a plate of "Herbed Cheese" and glasses of "Baltimore Eggnog" for neighbors and friends to enjoy when they stop by to visit. Do you have roots in the South? Celebrate them by putting together an eye-catching "Corn Husk and Straw Wreath" to hang on your door. From "Pinecone Fire Starter" to a papiermache "Victorian Father Christmas," the ideas in this collection can help you make every Christmas merry and bright.