We all know the holidays can be hectic. Important dinners with friends and family, congested parking lots, and the scourge that is December shopping all loom on the horizon. But this time of year doesn't have to be an anxious one.

In this year's Holiday Guide, we've got the prescription for a more relaxed, yet still festive season, with plenty of ideas for slowing things down, whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or the winter solstice.

If you're tired of the non-stop commercialism and bland, ready-made décor that can take over this time of year, Kathy Laluk offers up some home-made alternatives, as well as suggestions for local, family-friendly activities that will bring you closer together this holiday season. It all starts on Page 6.

After a busy day of running errands and prepping for festivities, a glass of wine can be quite inviting. On Page 8, Mary Rice shares insider information on the fruit of the vine, talking with local wine industry specialists about their tips for tasty Yuletide beverages and crowd-pleasing food pairings.

And what would the holidays be without a good story? On Page 12, Rachel Crawford points book lovers to an intriguing mix of heartwarming novels, chilling short narratives, and scintillating poetry. Plus, if you're looking for a thoughtful gift, check out the suggestions for locally-published books.

Adam Lubitow has a batch of holiday movies for everyone, whether you're looking for a silly comedy, an alluring thriller, or an eccentric indie flick. They may not be the first films you think of as holiday fare, but don't let that stop you. This truly varied list starts on Page 16.

However you decide to make merry this season, we hope this guide helps.