Your time and money are limited. Here are some ways you can make the most of both this shopping season. 1. List everyone you want to give a gift, including family, friends, kids' teachers, that "lifesaver" babysitter. Next to each name put the amount you want to spend. Then, note who might appreciate cash, a gift card, something homemade, something donated in their name and who requires the perfect purchase. Talk to your children about what they think people on the list might like. Let them know the budget. 2. When considering presents for your kids, ask: How do I want them to spend their time? Creating with arts and crafts, building with a kit or freeform pieces, reading or playing educational games? Highlight a few things you can recommend to relatives who aren't sure what to get your son or daughter. If you don't feel comfortable telling them exactly what to get, refer them to the Toys "R" Us Joy List and they can pick out something on their own. 3. Identify what you can buy online or from a catalog (be sure to take advantage of free shipping offers) and what you need to see, touch or otherwise experience before purchasing. 4. Research your options. You can use a gift guide to sort through the types of toys appropriate for different ages. The best online shopping tools provide user reviews and ratings. See what other parents think of a toy and check out safety records. 5. Once your list is finalized, put it in your wallet so it'll be easy to find and use as you inventory what's in your shopping cart. Share your shopping advice and read more by Kristin Camplese, Julie Moos, Cooper Munroe and dozens of other mothers at Dot-Moms.com.

Shoulder Shrugs - Bring your shoulders up to your ears, hold for at least 10 seconds and then slowly relax. Repeat 5-10 times. This exercise helps to relieve early tension in the neck and shoulder areas. Neck Bends - Start with your head in a neutral position. Looking straight ahead, bring your ear to your shoulder and hold for at least 10 seconds. Repeat 5-10 time alternating sides. The stretch should be sustained and slow, not jerky. This will help stretch the muscles on the side of your neck. Leg Extensions - Stand with your feet flat on the floor and hold the handle of your shopping cart. Push up so that your weight is on your toes and flex all of the muscles in your legs, hold for 2-3 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times. This will relax your legs and leave you feeling ready to push on to the next store on your list. Listening Drill - Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose and hold it for 5 seconds, let it out slowly through your mouth. Repeat, while keeping your eyes closed for 10-15 seconds. Just listen to the hustle and bustle of the holidays around you. Before you know it the line will have moved up.

Good humor can soothe your soul during stressful times. With a few helpful hints, you too can find joy during the holidays. Breathe in the smell of baking cookies. Purchase what you can online to avoid long lines in stores and at the post office. Walk slowly on purpose. Don't wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. Smile and wish "Happy Holidays" to someone who looks like he needs it (the busy cashier, a traffic cop, your neighbor.) Limit the number of parties you attend. Make up a new holiday song, such as "On the first day of Christmas my in-laws gave to me..." Use paper plates to avoid piles of dishes. Regain perspective by taking a five minute time-out for yourself. Watch your favorite holiday movie, even if it isn't your kids' favorite. Give to others. Donate food, clothing, toys or your time to a favorite charity. Light a candle in remembrance of someone you love who cannot be with you. Read more about the holidays and life on the homefront by Christine Hohlbaum and dozens of other mothers at Dot-Moms.com.