Have everyone in the family make a list of his or her needs and wants for things that do not cost money, but need someone’s time and talent to do. Then print the lists and cut apart each item from the list separately. To make sure you do not pick your own, use a unique color (ink, paper, colored dot) for each family member. Fold each item “card” up and place them all in a hat, then on Christmas Day, or the first night of Chanukah, each person gets to pick 12, one for each month of the year. And that becomes the family’s gift to one another.

What will be on my list this year? Changing light bulbs around the house inside and out. Picking up shoes at the back door and putting them where they belong! Emptying the dishwasher. What kids list will depend on their age, but requests can range from a ride to the library to using the car on Friday night.