Let's face it -- when it comes to the holidays, the last thing we want to be doing is sweating away in a gym. There's just too much to do and besides, the holidays are a time for family, not a time to spend alone in a gym. But you know what? You can keep fit while spending quality time with the family. All it takes is some warm clothing and a little bit of holiday spirit.

Still not convinced? Growing up in Canada, I know what it's like to go outdoors when it's cold out, and honestly? It's not that bad as long as you bundle up. In fact--dare I even say it?--It's kind of nice to get outdoors in the winter, when the maddening crowds aren't around and the landscape is blanketed in sparkling, peaceful snow. And anyway, you might as well make the best of the cold weather.

So, in honor of winter, here's my list of top ways to stay fit during the holidays:

1. Cross-country skiing. There is no better way to get fit in the winter than Cross-country skiing. It's a great cardiovascular workout that requires endurance and strength. But if you think you can handle it, it's worth it. When you're out there in, surrounded by little more than a silent blanket of snow, just for a moment, you'll be sure that you've found ultimate peace on earth.
   
2. Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding. When you're cruising down a hill, you have gravity on your side, but that doesn't mean that downhill skiing or snowboarding is easy. It's takes lots of strength and muscle endurance--anyone who's been knows that you definitely feel it the next day. A 140-lb person will burn 381 calories an hour downhill skiing, and considering that you usually spend 5 or 6 hours a day doing it, that's a lot of calorie burn--2286 to be exact.
   
3. Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is another great workout, and anyone who's ever tried walking in knee-deep snow knows that! Fortunately, using snowshoes isn't quite as difficult as walking through snow in normal shoes, but it's still a good workout. You'll burn 560 calories snowshoeing.
   
4. Skating. Ice skating helps you work on your balance while getting a cardiovascular activity. Unfortunately, for most of us who toddle precariously on the ice and move about an inch per hour, it won't burn a ton of calories, but hey--practice make perfect.
   
5. Hiking. Hiking? In winter? Yes, actually. Winter is a great time to hike, provided you have the proper gear. A good pair of waterproof, winter hiking boots and warm outerwear are a must, but you'll find that hiking in winter can be very rewarding.
   
6. Sledding. Plonking your butt onto an inner tube and barreling down a hill isn't the best workout, but you know what? Trudging up the hill with your sled in tow is. Sledding is inexpensive and above all, fun! So grab the family, some toboggans and head to the nearest hill.
   
7. Curling. Curling is one of those sports that seems painfully dull when you see it on TV. But when you're the one playing, it's not dull at all. Sure, it's a bit slow moving, but all that sweeping is hard work. Trust me--you'll be sore the next day.
   
8. Hockey. Hockey isn't for everyone. But for those who thrive on the excitement of contact sports, lace up and join a recreational game. There's one catch--you need to know how to skate. See #4.
   
9. Snowball fight. If nothing else works out, engage in some friendly combat ... with snow. Having a snowball fight is a great way to have fun while working on your overhand throw.
   
10. Snowman building. Like the snowball fight, this one probably isn't considered a sport. But it's and active way to have fun, and during the holidays, what else could you want?