If you're planning to ring in the new year with a resolution or two, here's some good news! Even small changes can yield positive results. Check out these simple tips that can add up to a great New Year for you and your family.

Exercise tops everyone's annual resolution list, with good reason! An energy-boosting, stress-fighting, active lifestyle is worth pursuing. Plan family time that centers around physical activity. From sledding to skating, walking to dancing, or playing a rousing game of tag, everyone will benefit from the exercise and the time together. Serve snacks that you can feel good about like apple slices spread with Jif® Peanut Butter.

Better sleep helps in a variety of ways. Make sure your family's bedrooms are cool and dark. Cool is easy; a programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature overnight. Think your bedrooms are dark at night? Look at all the illumination that comes from on-buttons, alarm clocks, televisions, computers, toys and more. Turn them off, if possible. In a pinch you can cover them with black electrical tape. You'll be amazed how much darker- and sleep friendlier- the room becomes.

Laughter not only reduces stress, it boosts the immune system and releases plenty of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. Who can't use more of that? Start a dinnertime tradition of joke telling, or reading funny stories, or watching a favorite funny movie together.

These small changes can make for a great new year for the entire family!