‘Tis the season to unplug the mechanical lawn Santa, short-circuit the electric yuletide log in the fireplace, and return the carbon copy sweaters wrapped under the tree. If you’ve fallen into the trap of a cookie cutter Christmas, it’s time to go for something a little more personal. Here’s a list of ways to create new family memories and celebrate old ones:

1. Display your favorite Christmas cards from Christmas past and present and tuck them around a wreath or a garland.
2. Place laser copies of photos in flea market apothecary jars and display them in a collection on your mantle.
3. Hang homemade stockings on your fireplace, monogram them or tie nametags on them. Why not laser copy everyone's baby picture and use them instead of a nametag on each stocking -- even mom's and dad's? And, don’t forget your four-legged friends who love you all year round. Make sure they have a stocking with goodies to sniff and play with Christmas morning.
4. Monogram an inexpensive fleece blanket in a holiday color. You can buy iron-on monogram letters or go to your local sports shop where they monogram varsity jackets.