When Lutherans in Germany began keeping Advent calendars early in the 19th century to count down the 24 days until Christmas, the first practice was as simple as making a chalk mark on the door each day. Advent calendars have changed over 200 years, with many being elaborate gift-filled creations. Ours is made up of fun and funky practices for each day to keep the spirit of the season alive—and keep yourself and your family merry and bright.

1. START A NEW TRADITION
Traditions provide a sense of belonging to those involved. Create a holiday dish, paint a new ornament each year, host a neighborhood open house, or come up with another way to personalize the holiday.

2. WRAP HAPPILY
Avoid wrapping packages on the floor, which strains the neck and lower back. Stand on a mat in front of a countertop and wear comfortable shoes.

3. LET LIPS LINGER
One kiss-and-tell survey showed that couples who smooched often are eight times less likely to feel stressed or depressed. Meet under the mistletoe as often as you can.

4. JOT A NOTE TO YOU
Motivate yourself with upbeat words of encouragement, or even a promise of a massage when the shopping is done. We rarely focus on ourselves, so provide your own mood lifter.

5. DIG OUT THE HOLIDAY CDS
Turn on the music when stress has you ready to knock the partridge out of the pear tree. The familiar carols will soothe and slow you down to enjoy the season.

6. SMELL THE SEASON
Bring in cut evergreen boughs or use a few drops of essential oil of evergreen on terra-cotta tree ornaments.

7. REACH OUT TO OTHERS
Leave your normal acquaintances behind for a day and connect with a long-lost friend, or join in the camaraderie of community activities, such as town square tree lightings and holiday plays.

8. DRINK IN MERRIMENT
Dark chocolate reduces blood pressure. Heat ¾ cup milk until just before boiling, pour in a large mug, and stir in 1 ounce coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate pieces. Let stand for 30 seconds then stir to combine.

9. GIVE UNTO OTHERS
Set aside materialism for a while by giving back to those less fortunate. Ring a bell for the Salvation Army, serve treats at a meal site, or volunteer for a nonprofit with special holiday needs.

10. MUNCH CANDY
Indulge in a striped candy cane you pluck off the tree. If there’s real peppermint oil in the cane, it acts as a calming tonic for stress relief.

11. MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE
Grab some friends and go caroling. Or just pipe up in the privacy of your own home. Forceful exhalations can help protect the upper respiratory system from infection.

12. TIE ONE ON
An apron, that is. You’ll be festive and psyched up to bake for family and friends.

13. REST YOUR WEARY HEAD
It’s halfway through the month and you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take a nap. Just lying down in a dark quiet place can help.

14. LIGHT YOUR FIRE
Stare into the flickering flame of a white or blue candle and be mesmerized. Slow your breathing and let stressful thoughts float away.

15. SOLE stretch
Christmas shopping takes a toll on your wallet as well as your feet. When you get home, put a towel around one foot, grasp both ends of the towel, and pull your toes toward you for 15 seconds for a good stretch. Release and repeat until soreness slips away.

16. IMITATE SAINT NICK
There’s nothing like a good belly laugh to feel the joy of the season. For help with holiday rib tickling, watch A Christmas Story; Olive, the Other Reindeer; The Santa Clause; and Home Alone.

17. CELEBRATE THE QUIRKY
Simply chortle over the silly slipups that happen every holiday. Write them down because they often become your fondest memories of all.

18. SCENT FOR COMPANY
To quickly make your house smell festive, add a tablespoon of each of these herbs to 2 cups of water; let simmer on low in an old pan, taking care not to boil dry: cinnamon, bay leaves, sage leaves, rosemary, and lavender.

19. DUST OFF A LAWN CHAIR
Bundle up! It’s tempting to hide inside, but it’s important to remain connected to the outdoors all year round. Sit quietly and see what wildlife scampers in your backyard.

20. CURTAIL SORES
If a cold sore breaks out, use a Christmasy cure: a dab of myrrh oil found at a health food store. Do this at least three times a day and as much as 10 times a day until the sore is gone.

21. LiGHT THE NIGHT
December 21st is the shortest day of the year. Even the cheeriest sorts may feel a little gloomy. Take a walk at lunch when the sun is at its brightest and use holiday lights and candles to help make your home as bright inside as possible.

22. SAVE FACE
Forgot to mail a card to a friend or relative who won’t forget it? Send an e-mail card that will arrive instantly using one of many online greeting card services.

23. WANDER, WONDER
Walk in your neighborhood to see the best-decorated homes when you can’t find time for a formal workout. You’ll reap the rewards of a closer look while squeezing in some exercise.

24. BE VERY BLESSED
On this Christmas eve, take a moment to write down all the people and things for which you are grateful. You’ll feel restored in the meaning of life.

Hanukkah Accent Watch little fingers reach into the eight candle-shaped pockets of this colorful felt banner. Each pocket holds a small gift for each of the eight nights of the Hanukkah celebration. To make, round the corners of a 12½18-inch piece of pre-stiffened felt, using a cup or small lid for a template. Cut eight 2¼3-inch pockets from turquoise felt and eight 1¼-inch-tall flames from yellow felt. Using stencils or computer-generated type, cut out numerals and wording from raspberry felt. Adhere a numeral to each pocket. Arrange the wording and the pockets on the dark blue backing as shown. Glue the wording in place and then the pockets, leaving the tops open and allowing a little ease. Add a flame over each pocket. Punch two holes at the top of the banner, and thread with cording for a hanger; knot the cording at each end of the back. Fill the pockets with tiny surprises.