Kimberly Holmes, mother of two, offers her perspective on creating a happy holiday for parents with babies and toddlers:

• "I schedule one weekday off of work, drop my toddler off at daycare and then I hit the malls," Holmes says. "The best idea is to shop online while the little one naps. A shower is not necessary. Neither is getting out of your pajamas."
• "Do not go to the mall on the weekend during the holiday season," she says. "If you must go, make sure you have a list in your hand. And possibly back-up. Save 'browsing for ideas' for a weeknight after work."
• "Don't be afraid to use disposable serving items – plastic plates, forks, etc.," she says. "Don't feel like you have to use the good china. Anything you can do to reduce the stress-load is a plus, and I think reducing dishes that need to be washed definitely reduces the stress-load."