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Christmas is one of the most anticipated times of the year for children, but often the most dreaded for adults. In most cases, I think the dread comes from stress over the financial hardship of giving and the hectic pace we keep around the holidays. That is why this year, I suggest that families take some time after Thanksgiving to plan the next five weeks and make sure that the Christmas season is enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few suggestions and tips on making the most of your family’s Christmas.

• Plan the trip to Santa. Every child wants to see Santa, so find the right location and time for your family. My recommendation is BREC’s Santa Road Show. This year BREC is sponsoring five visits at the local BREC parks from Mr. & Mrs. Claus and activities including marshmallow roasting, holiday games and food. You can access the schedule here. If your family tradition is visiting the mall, the Mall of Cortana is once again providing free Santa photos, but this year you also have the option of sharing breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1 or cookies with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Contact the mall’s customer service for event reservations.

• Gift giving with a purpose. When making and tackling the gift list this year remember the old clichés: “Less is more” and “it truly is better to give than receive.” Thoughtful gifts such as scrapbooks, family photos in a handmade frame or gifts to charity in honor of someone you care about all make great gifts. Also, see if your family is willing to take on one charitable giving project during the season.

• Reserve a day for the tree. Our family tradition has become cutting our own Christmas tree, which truly takes a day. But even if you are dusting off the artificial tree from the attic, make it a family affair. Add some hot cocoa, music, and let the kids start digging through those ornaments. The tree may not look perfect when you are done, but you will have a blast!

• Pick the “important” events and pass on the rest. The holiday season activities are endless, but as a family it is important to decide what you want to place on the calendar. If extended family visits are the most important, then get them on the agenda now. If Christmas plays or church attendance is your top priority, then make your arrangements. The important thing is to not feel you are obligated to make it to each event or request. Pick the winners for your family and skip the rest.

• The two must-have books. There are two books every family needs for the Christmas season. One is a small/medium journal that fits in your purse or car console. The other is a Christmas memories book. The journal is where I keep all things holiday related: my to-do and gift lists, budget, inspiring holiday quotes & stories, and party invitations. The Christmas memories book was actually a wedding gift, but you can make your own. Basically, it is a scrapbook for the holidays. Each year we write about our traditions, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, who we saw, what we did, etc. We include a photo of the family and a brief summary of what we are thankful for that year. Looking through this book has become one of my favorite things about Christmas. It is like a time capsule and helps to remind me how important each year and day is with my husband and children.

• Take a week off. If you can, try to give the gift of time to your family. I do my absolute best to cram in all of the gift shopping, grocery purchases and errands before the kids are on Christmas break. In essence, we put a big X through the days leading up to Christmas. Then we spend these days at home together wrapping presents, baking, drinking too much hot cocoa and eggnog and watching all of the classic Christmas movies. It truly is the best time of the year and really builds on the anticipation of the big day!