Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list: bake cookies, buy and make gifts, attend office party, church commitments, address and mail cards, clean the house for guests, decorate...it goes on and on....

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and family celebration. But all the running around we do can zap the fun. Here are some ideas to simplify the season.

Gift Giving: * Purchase a family gift rather than gifts for individuals. * For extended families, draw a member's name out of a hat and give only one gift. Limit the present amount. * Make soup, beverage or cookie mixes. Package in a pretty jar or container with instructions attached. * Have family members create a wishlist on amazon.com so there's no guessing what they want, purchasing is easy, and there are no trips to the crowded mall. * Start a collection. For example, a few years ago I began purchasing nativity set figurines for my mother. Each year she gets a new item to add to her collection. Again, no guessing - I always know what to buy for her.

In the Kitchen: * Early in the season make a really big batch of chili. Freeze in individual serving size containers. Great for those nights when you are too tired to cook. * Large families still gathering at Mom's for the big dinner, but the children have grown up? Hold a potluck feast so that the cooking is shared by everyone. * Host a cookie swap. Invite 6-12 friends over asking them to bring a dozen cookies per invitee. Exchange varieties. Each participant only bakes one type of cookie, but goes home with all sorts of treats. * Purchase frozen pre-shaped cookies from the freezer section of stores like Sam's Club or Gordon Food Service.

Wishing you a peaceful season.