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HOME DECEMBER 2019 4 (StatePoint) — A merry holiday season starts at home. Here are some nice ways to add cheer to the rooms and spaces where people gather. ■ Light a fire It may be the most primitive technology in existence but lighting a fire is still one of the best ways to create a rich holiday atmosphere. Bonus: Use aromatic firewood such as pine, fir or cedar. ■ Project a movie Decorating for the holiday season can be as easy as setting up a projector and play- ing seasonal movies on a loop. From clas- sics like "Miracle on 34th Street" to con- temporary favorites like "Elf," these films provide the perfect backdrop to the holiday season. ■ Bake cookies Make the whole house smell amazing (and become everyone's favorite person) by popping cookies and other desserts in the oven that include spices evocative of the season, like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. For a lighter option, you can get the same effect by brewing tea with these same ingredients. ■ Host a sing-a-long Securing yourself a digital piano with an authentic concert grand sound may just be the best gift you give your family this holi- day season. The Casio GP-500 reproduces the three-dimensional sound field generat- ed by an acoustic grand to fill a room with rich, complex sound, making it a great place to gather for holiday sing-a-longs. The piano itself can also be a decoration desti- nation — think garlands and candles. Be sure to set out sheet music and other instruments like tambourines or bells so that guests can join in the fun. ■ Add flora Spruce up your living spaces – literally. Holly, Christmas cactus, poinsettias and spruce add color and vibrancy to mantels, staircases, coffee tables and other nooks and crannies. What's more, many of these plants will continue to thrive long after the lights and tinsel come down. The holidays come but once a year. Make the most of the season by turning your home into a winter wonderland. 5 tips for a merry holiday home From aromatic firewood to plenty of flora manaemedia / iStock via Getty Images Plus Set the mood for the holidays.