Holiday Tip of the Day

The season is over, for better or worse; time to think ahead to next year. What lessons would you like to share with your future self?

Using the worksheet below, take a few moments now to ponder what worked, what didn't. Called "debriefing", this exercise will remind you next year of all the things you know right now. It'll guide you toward an even more organized holiday season next year.

Holiday Debriefing Worksheet

It's taken center stage for the family celebration, but now it's tired and ready to rest. What to do with the Christmas tree after the holidays?

Answer: treecycling! Eco-conscious communities provide ways to recycle Christmas trees at season's end.

To find treecycling locations in your area, visit this Web page from Earth911.com. Don't miss the "treecycling reminder" ornament! It's a free printable ornament to hang on the tree and remind you to give a gift to Mother Earth:

The celebration is in full swing? Quick ... while the moment is fresh: write down the year's holiday memories.

A Christmas journal will bring the moments to mind long after the New Year.

We make it easy, with a printable holiday memories journal page:

Holiday Memories Journal

It's the phrase that strikes fear in the hearts of parents everywhere: "some assembly required". Today's toy packaging--twist ties and all--can put a serious wrench in a happy Christmas morning.

Will Santa bring bicycles, riding toys or other assembly-needed gifts this year? The time to assemble them is now!

For younger children, consider removing toys from packaging altogether. Short attention spans won't need to wait anxiously to play with Christmas gifts while you wield the wire cutter.

Get cracking on putting toys together in good time for Christmas Eve. Santa will sleep soundly on the big night!

Ready, set, roll 'em! Christmas morning will soon be here, so take a moment to prepare to capture the memories.

Haul out the cameras and videocams and make sure they're ready for the big day.

Charge the batteries, check supplies of film or digital media, and be sure you have cables handy for uploading digital photos. Share the moment!