Sometimes it is hard to make this a meaningful time. Then, if a snow or ice storm comes and the children are pretty much confined to the house, it can become a trying time. In many cases, both parents are working and the children are left home alone. The "joy of Christmas" can easily be lost.

It is a temptation to think that now that Christmas is over, I will just coast for a while. Children do not "coast along". Their minds and bodies are always busy. If they don't have positive activities, they may create negative ones. New toys and games take up only a certain amount of time. Children need chores. Of course, they are on vacation and need some free time, but even though the idea of free time sounds good, they will soon be bored if they are left with free time only.

It is always a good idea to discuss with children what needs to be done and then ask the children what they think they can do to help. When they make the decisions, they feel more like doing them. When we just give ultimatums, they build up resentment. Lists are very important! Lists take away uncertainty and eliminate arguing about who was supposed to do what.

Vacation time is a good time to take down and put away Christmas decorations, clean dresser drawers, go through closets to see what doesn't fit any more and get rid of it, polish furniture, do mending, practice cooking, do crafts, and set goals. Probably something old has been replaced with a new gift and the old object needs to be disposed of.

Even if it is cold outside, children can bundle up and take down some lights. (Dad may have to do the ones up high.) I have found that wire clothes hangers work well to store the electric lights. Simply hold the hook and wrap the string of lights from one side to another in a figure eight. Make sure the plug is the last to go on so that next year, when you string the lights, just plug the string in and unwind the lights from the hanger.

As cleaning is done and older items are replaced with the newer ones, the older things can be disposed of properly. Outgrown clothes and many workable small appliances that are in good condition may be donated to Christian Associates. Many people are puzzled about what to do with things like printers and old computers. Children can stack up such items for mom and dad to take to Best Buy in Springfield. If the item has a screen, such as an old TV, Best Buy will charge $10 but in turn give a certificate for $10 that can be used in the store. Best Buy has great children's computer learning programs that the certificate could be used on. There are fun programs for math and reading that would be of great benefit to children.

If we just look around with a good hard look, we can find many things that children can do to improve the home atmosphere. There is nothing like accomplishment to improve a child's self esteem. When a child does a worthwhile activity, that child feels a sense of worth. At the same time, the child is learning things that will be of value when grown and managing a home. Each family member will have a good feeling the first day back to school or work knowing that the house is organized and in good condition.