Since the holidays are forefront in the minds of parents and children alike, it seems fitting to address the intense anxiety and planning that goes into the special occasion. While we all want to make each holiday special and memorable for our children, it is important to remember that, unfortunately, holiday incurred debt and stress doesn’t always go away in January.

Quality time with your loved ones can definitely outweigh an extravagant and costly spending frenzy. How many of you remember the gifts you received as young children? I remember the smell of pine, the sound of festive music, the countdown to school break, our family’s faithful route of several holiday lights displays and crossing my fingers for a blizzard worthy of the old Christmas movies (for an awesome snowman and igloo of course).

As I ‘m sure many of you have found, not all of our favorite traditions are appreciated by our children’s generation. Why not start new traditions? There are many opportunities this time of year to experience something new that you and your entire family will be enthusiastic to continue annually.

While fuel costs are down, it is a great time to take advantage of some of the surrounding area’s activities. The Bird Arena on the Ohio University Campus in Athens, Ohio offers recreational ice-skating to the public. Skating fees are $3.75 per adult and $3 per child under 18 years of age. Skate rental is $2.50 per person. For more information regarding the Bird Arena, visit http://www.ohiou.edu/recreation/bird/index.htm.

Outdoor ice-skating will be available until Sunday, December 21 at the Nelson Commons Park in Nelsonville, Ohio. Admission costs are $3 per person and $2 skate rental. For more information on ice-skating and other Nelsonville holiday festivities, visit nelsonvillechamber.com.

The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights will be on display until January 4, 2009. This is a very special year at Oglebay. Beginning in 2008, all new displays at the show will use LED lights and existing displays will be converted to LED over the next few years. Personally, I prefer the look of LED bulbs. They appear much more vibrant than traditional bulbs and can use up to 90 percent less energy! More information about the lights festival is available at http://www.oglebay-resort.com/fol.htm.

If you share my mall anxiety and tight budget, or just want to simplify the chaos this holiday season, remember that after all, it really is the thought that counts. There’s no shame in emailing greeting cards, setting (and sticking to) gift giving spending limits, and spending more time, not money, with our loved ones.

Organizing an informal get-together with friends and family is an affordable, low stress way to enjoy what is really important to us all. Ask everyone to bring a favorite dish or dessert and accept help with clean up. Have many hugs, capture tons of photo memories, and relax.

Happy holiday everyone!