Things to Do in the Winter

• Tackle the November Trio
  Get ahead of the game now! Three important tasks must be accomplished by December 1st to allow room for holiday fanfare. First, write holiday cards now. Purchase cards, reproduce a family photo, write your holiday letter, address envelopes and assemble. Thanksgiving weekend, let your children help stamp and apply return address labels and then into the mail with plenty of time for your loved ones to enjoy. If you prefer e-mail, follow the same process in advance and make sure those in your address book can handle a scanned photo prior to sending greetings out. Second, review your Gift List and tackle it now. Not only will you save time but money as well through pre-season sales. Take it one step further and shop online. You can finish it all in one sitting and relax while gifts are shipped pre-wrapped! Third, take inventory of your holiday decor now. The stores are stocked to fill in the gaps so you are ready to go when the time comes. More holiday tips

• Winter is a great time to find your family roots. When darkness falls early, considering gathering everyone for oodles of fun in your version of family night. We've all heard about the traditions of game and movie nights with your clan, but what activities interest your family most? We've thought of a few to get you started. Family night at the gym...if your crew is active, look for family nights at your local YMCA or gym. Here you'll find all sorts of fun and games with the entire group in mind. Imagine family swim with diving board antics required for adults or having jumping contests your kids on the trampoline. Do you ever feel like you are living in a time warp? Help your history buffs act out their favorite events and hold a fireside puppet show or play. You can spend more than one night working on everything from costumes to script and you'll all enjoy the end result. Our favorite here hands down is the family room camp-out. Take it one step further and tell stories by flashlight sipping hot cocoa and marshmallows. For the readers in the group, always remember that having a family read in can be ultimately relaxing and enjoyable for all. Take time to find your families special indoor interest and enjoy it this winter...you'll be glad you did