How to Find Privacy for Santa

Making a list, checking it twice, shopping, assembling toys, wrapping packages - not to mention keeping tabs on who's been naughty and who's been nice. Whew! It's not easy being Santa. But a little solo time in the workshop can ease the stress.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concert Tickets
• Movie Tickets
• Ski Lift Tickets
• Theater Tickets
• Sports Equipment
• Theater tickets

1. Leave the kids with their grandparents or with older friends who would be delighted to have the company of young children during the holiday season.

2. Hire your regular sitter or a vacationing student to watch the kids once or twice a week.

3. Treat the kids and one or two of their favorite grownups to an outing. How about a visit to the children's museum, a "Nutcracker" matinee, or a day on the ski slopes?

4. Barter babysitting sessions with friends who have children.

5. Find a nearby skating rink, riding school or ski slope that offers children's or toddler's lessons during holiday vacations, and sign up your brood.

Tips & Warnings

• Of course, you want to keep the kids away when Santa is putting his holiday treats together. But they can be valuable and enthusiastic helpers in many of your seasonal chores. Rally them to the cause in whatever way suits their ages and interests, from sticking stamps on envelopes to drawings illustrations for your cards.