While your dance card for the holidays fills up quickly, there are plenty of good reasons to get together with family and friends this time of year so that you can spend time with everyone on your list. Here are four creative ideas for fun and relaxing get-togethers:

1. A post-shopping party. What’s better after a long, hectic day of shopping then heading straight to a festive gathering for some laid-back food and fun? According to Martha Stewart, keep the décor and mood low-key, with simple finger-food, holiday lights and paper plates, and in the spirit of shopping theme, make a gift exchange part of the event.
2. A gift-wrap gathering. Hours of gift-wrapping can often turn into a chore, so why not infuse it with the spirit of the season and do it together with friends? Clear out your living room or dining room, or kick the kids out of the basement for an evening. Have everyone bring a finger-food, a stack of presents, a roll of gift wrap and a pair of scissors. You can provide beverages, music, tape, ribbon and other fun accessories to decorate wrapped gifts with. Before you know it, the chore of wrapping will turn into a fun and creative time spent with loved ones.
3. Movie night. Sometimes during the thick of the holiday season, what you need most is to do something decidedly non-holiday. Organize a group of friends to go see the latest thriller or comedy—something that takes you away from the stress that often builds during this time of year. Afterwards, grab some relaxed comfort food at the local diner or pizzeria to cap off a memorable holiday evening out.
4. A holiday hike. Most of us neglect our exercise regimen during the holidays, so there’s no better way to get together with friends and family than to organize an event around an outdoor activity, such as a hike or snow-shoe. Make sure your trek ends with some mulled cider and cookies around a warm fire.