(NC)-Increased fuel and travel costs have encouraged people to stay closer to home to celebrate the holidays and welcome in the New Year. Fortunately for many families, fun experiences and lasting memories don't have to suffer - and neither do their wallets, While more and more families are returning to their roots and adopting holiday traditions locally (like caroling in the neighborhood or toboggan rides in the park), there are also ways to make your home itself a cozy haven for holiday entertainment:
• Movies are a great way to bring people together. Investing in home theatre accessories can help to give a real movie theatre experience. Blu-ray DVD players deliver the sharpest image possible to watch holiday classics or new releases. Combined with a surround sound system, homemade gingerbread cookies, and the comfy family couch, watching a movie with the family around your new hearth of the home will be the perfect winter evening.
• It's hard to believe Dad when he says that people used to confuse him with Elvis, but this is his chance to prove it. Wireless karaoke systems unite the family through music - both good, and bad. Why not bring out some old family favourites to make it feel like a family road trip within the comfort of your own home?
• Use a digital picture frame to include those who aren't able to celebrate the holidays locally. With the click of a button and remote updating capabilities, it's easy to make a slideshow of personal photos to put on display. Digital frames are great holiday gifts, too.
• Who said video games were just fun for the kids? Games like Sing Star and Guitar Hero World Tour are perfect to play with all family members and make a nice "early" gift from Santa for the family. Accessories like extra game-controllers allow everyone to join in the fun, from Grandpa to little cousins. And even better - the loser washes the dishes. Of course, the latest and greatest games require the newest consoles of the year. Pick up a Nintendo Wii, the new family favourite.
"For most, the goal of the holiday season is to share laughs and quality time with loved ones," says Geek Squad home theatre installation manager Dave Turner. "With the help of a little creativity and some at-home upgrades, you'll have the best holidays-at-home you've ever had."
- News Canada