Get the Family Involved in Fitness

Don't justify avoiding an exercise program by saying it will take time away from the family. Instead, designate a family exercise time once or twice a week. It doesn't cost anything to head out to a park, ball field, or playground. Encourage everyone to throw a ball around, shoot hoops, or run laps. Make it a competition by making up some games or challenging each other to races.

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• Family Game Night

  Schedule one night a week that the whole family plays a game. If you have young children, break out Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or a deck of cards and play "Go Fish." If you have older children, they may be interested in Gin Rummy, Scrabble, or Pictionary. Take turns letting family members choose the game. A simple game can provide hours of entertainment and you'll save on electricity by giving the TV a rest!

• Family Gift

  If you are visiting a family that you usually exchange gifts with this holiday season, consider one present the whole family can enjoy instead of a bunch of individual gifts. A board game, or croquet set is something the whole family can enjoy together, and is less expensive than several individual gifts.

• Buy the Family Pack and Save

  When buying meat at the grocery store, look for "family packs" or "value packs". These bundles of beef cost less per pound and you can divide the meat up and freeze what you don't use right away.

• Family Photo

  A nice family photo or updated photo of your child or children always makes a nice gift for grandparents or hard-to-buy-for relatives. Place the picture in a reasonably priced frame for a tasteful finish.

• Watch Old Family Videos

  Kids always get a kick out of seeing themselves on television. For a great evening at home that everyone will enjoy, turn down the lights, put on your pajamas and put on some old home videos.You'll have some fun seeing how much everyone has changed and for the price of a bag of microwave popcorn and a liter of your favorite soft drink, you can have your own 'private screening'.