Instead of picking out your Christmas tree from a grocery store parking lot, take a family trip to a farm and cut one down. — Image Source/Corbis

En español │1. Take grandchildren shopping for presents to give. It will help them learn that holidays aren't just about receiving gifts, but — more important — also about giving.

2. Gather traditional holiday recipes from family members and create a family holiday cookbook. Then, teach younger family members how to make their favorite dishes. Involve them — don't just show them how.

3.  Visit www.elfyourself.com, plug in your family members' photos and create free comical photos and videos of yourselves as elves. Simple, silly and very entertaining!

4. Visit a Christmas tree farm. The scent of the pines, crisp cool air and hot chocolate or cider will make for a memorable experience. Bring home a tree, a wreath or simply some greenery for decorating around the house.

5. On Christmas Eve, help young family members track Santa's progress online by visiting www.noradsanta.org. You can monitor Santa's progress across the world in six languages.

6. Plan a family volunteering project that involves all ages. Work at a homeless shelter, serve a holiday meal, collect toys or warm winter blankets and coats, or a holiday gift basket for a needy family.

7. Remember Christmas caroling? Revive the tradition! Head out as a group into your neighborhood and spread some holiday cheer. 

8. Eat dessert first. The holidays are the perfect time to try some silliness. Why not? The kids will love it and the grown-ups will feel like kids again.

9. Have a holiday pajama party. All generations can don holiday pj's, make popcorn and watch a holiday movie together. Have a prize for the craziest pajamas!

10. Make present shopping easier by visiting www.Elfster.com or www.SecretSanta.com to set up a family gift exchange, if your family has grown too large to give a gift to everyone. You can also post wish lists or learn about the newest trends in gifts this season.

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