This holiday season, it’s important to remember that there are more important things than candy canes and wrapped presents.

If you’re heading to a holiday party or a Christmas feast, make sure there’s a designated driver and keep the egg nog to a minimum.

If you are driving, be cautious. the Northwest has been hit hard with snow lately, so the roads could be dangerous. In addition, it’s going to be hectic out there with lots of last-minute shoppers clogging the streets and department stores, so be patient and courteous.

When you’re tallying up that enormous receipt at a department store, consider adding one more article of clothing and dropping it off at a local homeless shelter. Or when you’re planning the feast of all feasts, why not add a couple more items to your grocery cart and drop them off at a local pantry?

Also, it’s important to consider that not everyone celebrates Christmas, so be mindful of other religious differences.

If you think about the welfare of others and always ponder the consequences of your actions, you’ll be better off.

With the economy in shambles, don’t worry about whether the children will have a mound of Christmas presents. Instead, spend time this year — not money — getting back to the reason for the holidays.

If you need a spiritual boost, consider visiting a local church for guidance.

Forget those day-long shopping blitzes and enjoy a relaxing day at home, cooking, cleaning and playing games with children.

The holiday season should be remembered as a time for family, friends and safe, healthy living.

This year, let’s rediscover the traditions of giving and sharing and emerge from a difficult period stronger in spirit.