why don't you...

1. ditch the tree skirt, or the whole notion of one giant tree? cluster a few small varieties and wrap the stands in burlap.
2. hang sleighbells from different doors in your home? think a good thought every time one of the bells tinkles.
3. build a mini village of glittery putz houses on your mantle?
4. roast chestnuts on an open fire, or in your oven? chelsea cook posted a simple-how to...
5. burn cedar incense if you don't have your own working fireplace. it's a pretty fantastic solution, and brook farm general store has plenty!
6. forage your own backyard for a wreath-making party with loved ones? amy merrick has some very helpful hints for modernizing this overlooked holiday craft.
7. watch a home alone marathon with your family? home alone 2 is my personal favorite!
8. stage a massive camp out in the basement, sleeping bags and all?
9. stock up on the holiday stamps this year? the design is so classic and will be a forever crowd-pleaser.

why don't you...

1. hang mistletoe everywhere? who doesn't love a holiday smooch?
2. surprise a friend with nutcracker tickets? better yet, surprise your mother with nutcracker tickets!
3. invest in a snuggly fisherman sweater? ll bean makes a particularly cozy number...
4. start a candy cane drawer filled with different varieties, from the classic to the unconventional?
5. stock up on bookmarc's heart pencils for stocking stuffers and early valentines day gifts?
6. add a shampoo bar to your travel kit to avoid any T.S.A snafus at the airport? and sneak one into your loved one's dopp kit, while you're at it...
7. take a cue from the beekman boys and clip white poinsettia stems and place in bud vases around your home?
8&9. build your holiday dvd collection with some classics... and balance the art house with a children's classic?
10. celebrate all things white and sparkly and cuddle up under a moroccan wedding blanket?
11. nurse your cold with a hot toddy spiked with tons of clove?
12. bring over a pack of playing cards to your next family function and challenge them to a game of crazy eights or spades?