Transform Your Christmas Lights Into Twinkle Lights!

Kick up the glitz of a plain strand of holiday lights with foil cupcake liners. For the best results, you'll want to use the sturdier, laminated foil cupcake liners.

• Strand of holiday lights
• Laminated foil cupcake liners
• Scissors

1. For each light, fold a liner into eighths by folding it in half three times. Snip off two of the corners at an angle, as shown. Cut off the tip of the point to create a center hole.
2. Unfold the liner and flip it inside-out so that the shiny side is on the inside. Slide the liner over the light so that it sits around the base of the bulb holder.

{This post is an excerpt from "Twinkle Lights" as published in FamilyFun magazine}

Explore Different Cultures!

Help your kids get a sense of life in other countries by introducing them to a variety of holiday rituals celebrated around the globe during this time of year.  A few examples to check out:

1. The Netherlands: Children set out pairs of shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 6.  In the middle of the night, St. Nick pays a visit, filling the shoes with small treats such as chocolates, candies and toys.

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Share History!

Start a discussion of where traditions come from with information from the experts at patheos.com, a site dedicated to world religions.

1. Why do people light candles each night of Hanukkah? "We light them to remind ourselves of an ancient miracle that occurred after invaders of Israel tried to force the Jewish people to practice a different religion.  When they refused, the invaders ransacked their temple, destroying everything.  The Jews pushed them out, then hurried to restore the holy site.  The first time they lit the oil lamp, there was only enough oil for one day.  Yet to their surprise, it burned for eight days and nights."  Rabbi Keith Stern, leader of Temple Beth Avodah, in Newton, Massachusettes

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Capture the Memories!

You'll probably dig out the camcorder to film the gift-giving frenzy anyway, so use it to record interviews with your kids after the excitement has died down.  It's a great way to document their changes from year to year.  Try these questions for your annual "exclusive".

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Treat...Them to Unforgettable Presents!

The Rule of 20

"Sit down and make a master list of everyone you need to give gifts to," says Cynthia Ewer, the founder of OrganizedChristmas.com.  "This also gives you a chance to examine expectations.  Maybe you've always given to your siblings, but now they have spouses and kids, and things have gotten out of hand.  If you do it early, you have a chance to discuss this with them."  Our rule of thumb:  You should buy no more than 20 gifts - this includes gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, everyone.  To cut down gifts by two-thirds, consider:

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Mile-High Pumpkin Meringue Tart Recipe

Serves 10 - Preparation: 1 Hour - Total Time: 2 Hours (Includes Freezing Crust)

Tart can be prepared through Step 3 two days ahead and refrigerated.  Bring to room temperature and blot surface dry with paper towel before topping with meringue.

Tart Shell Ingredients:

- 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

- 3 Tbsp confectioners' sugar

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 3 Tbsp each cold unsalted butter and solid vegetable shortening, cut in bits

- 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp cold water

Filling Ingredients:

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

- 1 Tbsp molasses

- 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin

- 1 cup heavy cream

Meringue Ingredients:

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature

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