Think small

The Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit dedicated to responsible consumption, environmentalism and social justice, has several suggestions for "having more fun with less stuff" this holiday season. Some ideas:

Designate a dollar limit on gifts.

Draw names for gift exchanges.

Make homemade gifts such as baskets full of goodies, family calendars or photo albums, home-grown plants, recorded interviews with loved ones, or books of favorite recipes.

Pass along a book you enjoyed.

Have a regift swap.

Give gifts of time, such as babysitting, hiking or biking trips, dog walking or pet-sitting, household chores, or car washing.

Teach a skill you possess.

Donate to a charity in the recipient's name.

For a child: Make up a story with the child as the main character, record a favorite story read by you, or plan an excursion to the zoo.

Throw a holiday potluck.

For more ideas on simplifying the holidays, go to www.newdream.org/holiday