As Christmas is literally right around the corner, it’s time to start planning all the nit-witty details. Gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, trees strung with lights—the ways to celebrate this universal holiday are endless. But if you are hoping for a less basic, more alternative Christmas, this is the place for you.

When it comes to decorating:

Skip the freshly cut evergreen this year! Rather than having to deal with the pine needles or the smell of that same fake tree this year, go without. You can string lights up on an open wall with nails in the shape of the tree for half the price, and even less space. You can keep the ornaments on the ‘tree’ by hanging them with nails or clear tape.

Skip the grocery store kits for gingerbread houses, and let your imagination run wild with graham crackers instead. These houses can let the inner-architect shine with the variety of houses and shapes that never would’ve been imaginable. If the ideas run dry with the graham crackers, switch to rice crispy treats instead!

If money isn’t an issue for you when it comes to planning the perfect holiday, look into traveling to somewhere! Snow’s got you down? Can’t stand to have another white Christmas? Trade the cold snow for a hot and humid beach. Head up to DIA and book a trip towards the furthest tropical destination you can find! It won’t be anything like a Colorado Christmas if you spend it on the tropical sand, but when done right, it could be your best winter holiday. Get those passports out; some possible international destinations include Cancun, Tahiti, Bermuda, or the Philippines. If you are looking to escape the snow, but not the US, fly west towards Newport Beach in California, Oahu in Hawaii, or east towards Key West or Siesta Key in Florida.

If awkward family get-togethers are what you plan to avoid, head to your local theater to check out some of the films premiering this year on Christmas Day. Jackie, Office Christmas Party, and La La Land all come out on December 25th.  

If traveling isn’t in your sights for the ideal holiday, stay here in Colorado Springs, or wherever you call home, and make someone else’s holiday bright. Reach out to your local soup kitchen about serving this year on Christmas Eve and Day.  In Colorado Springs, places like The Marian House and Stratmoor Community Center are open for you to volunteer and serve those who are in need. If time isn’t on your side but you still want to serve your community, you can donate food to Care And Share this holiday season.