2nd Week of December - Continued

Let each family member choose an activity-a visit to Santa Claus, a local performance, a Christmas play, concert, or a walk around the mall to look at decorations-whatever is available in your community-so long as you do it together.

Wrapping gifts can be a pain at the best of times so set up a gift wrapping station. Keep boxes, wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bows and tags in a box, drawer or closet that is easily accessible. Wrap a few gifts at a time.

Plan a special shopping day for the kids. Set aside an afternoon or evening for Mom to take the kids to buy Dad's present and for Dad to take the kids to buy Mom's present. Let children spend the money they have earned, or help them out by matching each dollar they've earned with one of your own.

A nice touch is to have a Just the Two of Us dinner where Dad and Mom take the kids to dinner after the shopping excursion. Don't forget to make a date with your spouse. The two of you can spend the evening shopping for the kids and then enjoying a quiet dinner alone together at a favorite restaurant.