Each year our family—babies to grown ups—gather around the tree while my husband reads the Christmas story. Add this reading to your Christmas morning and give the best gift of all.

In the midst of decking the halls and checking lists twice, where does your heart land with regard to Jesus, the Savior of the world, born that night long ago? Does it flood with adoration or bow under the weight of to-do lists?

With a bit of preparation and forethought, your Christmas celebration can be both simple and meaningful. Small details, like the ones here, go a long way in creating a home full of peace and joy.

We love the idea of handmade gifts for friends and family. Inspired by this season's lacy fashions, we pressed the delicate fabric into soft clay to produce graceful designs. These simple DIY projects let you create custom keepsakes and joyous gifts that will be used for years to come.

This holiday season give to others. Here are some ideas.

Corporate parties, family get-togethers and other holiday gatherings mean lots of festive food and cocktails that can put a damper on even the most-seasoned dieter’s efforts. By taking a different approach this season, you can enjoy your favorite foods.

The radical changes and new status we gain at the moment of salvation are not often understood. The simple act of believing in Christ changes more than we comprehend or can truly appreciate. It literally changes our eternity. Read these truths to transform your mind (see Romans 12:1, 2).

Activities to celebrate cool days and colorful vistas of fall.

Release the desire to control your own life and you will finally be able to breathe with ease.

Grow herbs indoors on your kitchen counter or anywhere with good drainage, ample light and reasonable air circulation. Snip the fresh flavor-enhancers for dishes or preserve them for later.

You don’t have to make a grand sweeping change to start impacting your life for the better. Focus on micro goals with clear and easy steps and let the results snowball. As you strive for progress rather than perfection, ask God for wisdom and guidance.

When the world’s troubles and sins overwhelm you, look to God for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Physical exercise is the cornerstone of good and lasting health. Study after study has proven that healthy eating habits and regular exercise are the keys to living longer and with more vitality. They are the only true fountain of youth.

Typically, we think of hymns as belonging to a formal worship service—they’re church songs. But the truth is that hymns are for everyday life. The words and tunes provide a way to strengthen our relationship with God. Singing hymns is a way to draw close to the Lord as the words direct our thoughts and minds to Him. As you learn hymns, you’ll discover that some are a perfect fit for specific situations in life. They’re a prescription that can lighten burdens, bring peace to stress, stir joy in pain and lift our souls to heaven as we sing praises to God. Check out these hymns to help build your faith.