While I was living in Arizona for a few years, I was introduced to a lovely Hispanic Christmas tradition – Luminarias. Rows of simple, brown paper bags are illuminated by small candles, and weighted down with sand (or gravel, small stones, marbles, popcorn, cat litter . . . almost anything that will add some weight and keep the bag from being picked up by the wind will do).

Experiment with hole punched designs on your bags, or keep them plain and simple. Line them up along the edges of your driveway, sidewalks, and the steps leading up to your home. The idea is to light the way, allowing the true spirit of Christmas to find its way into your home for the holidays (and it’s a beautiful way to welcome your party guests to your home, too).

Nancy, The Ugly Sweater Gal