| The Christmas holiday is fast approaching and | | | | organizations that would truly appreciate any |
| along with it the overspending and over | | | | volunteer time you and your family may have to |
| abundance of stuff, stuff and more stuff. What | | | | offer. Let your children pick some of their old |
| usually comes after the 'stuff' has been devoured | | | | toys that are still in good condition and wrap them |
| destroyed or stashed away? For most families it's | | | | to donate to a shelter. Look for opportunities to |
| the stress of how to pay the credit card bills. | | | | give to others this Christmas. Visit senior citizens |
| Here's an idea, keep the cards in your wallet this | | | | in nursing homes and bring them homemade |
| year and start new a new Christmas tradition | | | | holiday cards. They love seeing young children and |
| with your family. If Christmas fun to you and | | | | will feel joy at someone thinking of them.o Start |
| your family means frequent trips to the mall, then | | | | a new Family Christmas Tradition. Your kids are |
| you may find the following tips either ridiculous or | | | | only small for a short time, and time does indeed |
| refreshing. There are ways to bring back the real | | | | go by fast, so don't miss another year without |
| meaning of Christmas without spending a | | | | experiencing special times with your family. |
| fortune.o Do you hear what I hear? One of the | | | | Involve your extended family as well. |
| best parts of the Christmas holiday is the | | | | Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles love to see your |
| abundance of special music and concert | | | | kids at Christmas, so invite them to join in your |
| performances. Most churches put on free | | | | new Christmas activities. Plan a family cookie |
| seasonal plays or Christmas musicals. Museums | | | | baking day and let everyone help with the holiday |
| and dance companies often times offer free | | | | baking. Make festive gingerbread houses. Build little |
| performances as well. Call your local chamber of | | | | bird feeders and hang them outside for the birds |
| commerce to see what is being offered in your | | | | to enjoy. Visit the neighbors and bring them some |
| town this Christmas.o You light up my life; and | | | | of the cookies you made as a family. Whatever |
| my holiday season. People love decorating their | | | | you select to do as a family, make it special and |
| homes with holiday light displays. Get your family | | | | don't forget to take lots of pictures for scrap |
| together and take an invigorating walk around | | | | booking. This too is another activity that can bring |
| your community or neighborhood. Some cities and | | | | the family together in a very memorable way. |
| even small towns have community light displays in | | | | Starting family Christmas traditions need not cost |
| parks where families can pile in the car and drive | | | | a fortune or even a cent. Bring your family back |
| through to see the lights.o It really does feel | | | | to the true meaning of the holiday and avoid |
| better to give. Most communities have a 'giving | | | | causing future financial stress by planning |
| tree' where families can pick a child in need to buy | | | | meaningful holiday traditions this year. |
| a toy or gift for. There are shelters or church | | | | |