Ten Little Ways to Boost Your Holiday Mood

1. Light a candle:  A flickering, holiday-scented candle goes a long way toward creating a festive feeling in your home. Sally Alworth, owner of in Morris Plains carries the Orla line of soy candles. Choose from Christmas Eve, Holly Berry or Balsam Fir scents.

2. Break out the bubbly: Relax with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. Dan Bui, night manager at in Morris Plains, recommends the Veuve Clicquot 2007.

3. Pick up a poinsettia: That lovely red and green plant or, even better, a cluster of them, will give your room a yuletide feel. Cathy Dormer at   also recommends an all-green centerpiece for an elegant table. 

4. Deck the halls: Grab some white pine roping at and drape it on your stair railing, your mantle, wherever–for a lovely and fragrant decorating touch.

5. Take afternoon tea. Transport yourself back to Victorian days and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Cosy Cupboard. Owner James Howard whips up his own clotted cream and the English trifle is made daily. 

6. Sharpen your skates: Take a spin around the rink at . 

7. Enjoy a hot winter quaff: According to Bartender Chris Rubin at the new holiday drink menu includes warming delights such as hot apple toddy, hot peppermint patty, and more.

8. Bake some cookies: Stop in to , get your ingredients, pre-heat that oven and wait for the house to fill with the aroma of shortbread, pecan sandies and butter cookies.

9. Connect over a coffee: Treat a friend to a cup of Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha or Gingerbread Latte at Barnes & Noble.

10. Enjoy a holiday bread: has a selection of holiday loaves that you can warm in the oven for a special treat. Try pumpkin, blueberry, banana nut, mocha chocolate chip or cranberry-orange.