All is Calm: Holiday Hints for Families with Kids

It's a busy time of year, filled with extra running around and events to attend. That said, remember (for your kids sake) to keep life focused, routines in place and to breathe.

* Spend family time on daily chores, family meals and kids homework first, then work on holiday projects, baking and shopping.

* Encourage kids to create handmade cards and gifts for family and friends. Those are the treasures relatives treasure.

* Encourage kids to give. They might part with a less-used toy, donate their allowance to a charity or help wrap gifts for community giving trees.

* Breathe. Provide extra down time for kids. Play holiday music, watch kids holiday shows together and read holiday books together. Make it a restive season of caring and sharing.