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ONE
Sign Up for HandsOn Santa Clarita's Third Annual 5K/10K Holiday Costume Fun Run
How many runs have you done that start with a costume contest?! Held at Six Flags Magic Mountain, this festive day is an exceptional way to raise much-needed funds for the nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to build non-profit capacity and connect local non-profit organizations with volunteers, groups and businesses to meet the needs of the community. Held on Saturday, December 19, the costumed fun run will find locals dressed as snowpeople, gingerbread men, candy canes and more, all running their hearts out for a good cause! www.handsonscv.org

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TWO
Walk, don't Drive, through Holiday Light Displays
Pull on a sweater and some tennis shoes, then take to the streets to enjoy the magic of the season up close and personal. There's an exceptional collection of reader-submitted "SCV light tours" on Santaclaritaguide.com's site, or just stroll your own neighborhood. If you're looking for something grander than Wakefield Court, head out to the annual Riverside Festival of Lights on Main Street for your chance to experience one of the most dazzling holiday spectacles south of the North Pole. The millions of lights start glittering on November 27. You can learn more at www.riversideca.gov/fol.

Reminder: Sipping full-sugar peppermint lattes cancel out any calorie losses, so stick to stevia-sweetened hot tea for maximum calorie loss.

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THREE
Shop Local, not Online
Powerwalk Westfield & Valencia Town Center Drive to gather your gifts instead of sitting like a bump on a log perusing website after website. You'll burn more calories and get a boost of holiday happiness to boot, thanks to the mall's festive decor. Bonus: Shopping local keeps more tax dollars in Santa Clarita, which means more money for local programs and services we all enjoy.

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FOUR
Stroll through the Farmers' Market, then Fill Up on Healthy Eats
Studies consistently show that eating a healthy meal before attending holiday functions can reduce the total number of calories you'll consume in comparison to attending on an empty stomach. Shop for fresh fruits and veggies at the Ventura County Certified Farmer's Market held at COC on Sundays from 8:30am to 12pm, then join a local Facebook group like Clean Eats SCV for inspiration on how to prepare your favorite farmer finds. You'll get a little exercise while walking the market, too - so this is a double win!