Chatty, I love your idea of cooking for everyone. My problem is time.

When the kids were younger we always baked for our neighbors. We made all kinds of cookies and Baby Jesus cupcakes. I'd buy pretty glass plates at the dollar store and we'd fill them with cookies and place the Baby Jesus cupcakes in the middle.

On Christmas Eve my husband and kids still load up the car and take something to our neighbors, but I have to admit that last year it was been store bought! It's a great opportunity for the kids to give and NOT receive.

We've also made great centerpieces. Use the old Clementine crates and fill them with evergreens, a couple ornaments from the dollar store and some candies/candy canes. Oh, we spray painted them first. The kids loved doing that part. They also piked the greens in and added the candy so they were involved

Last year it wasn't the same. I felt like I did it all and the kids delivered with Ross. I need to get back to having them involved. Ah, another thing to delegate!

Gift cards are great for out-of-towners. They are also tax free.