Another way to help is to volunteer. Homeless shelters and battered women's shelters can always use help. Many battered women have nothing but clothes on their backs, and desperately need all kinds of supplies. If you would like to help, check http://www.katesfeminist.info/dv/help/a-m.html for a list of some shelters nationwide. Homeless families may have little more. For more information, check with your local homeless shelters or with Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/donate/volunteer/. These are all people who, without help, will miss out on even smallest parts of this holiday season.

Taking time to show your children that you care about world you live in is a lesson they will never forget, and remind them of true meaning of holidays. Whether you donate goods, money or time, you will make a difference in your children's lives and lives of those in need.

As your kids get older, try to interest them in trip itself. When we traveled from San Diego to Sacramento as kids, a 500 mile trip, my mother used to draw a rough map on window using a wax pencil, and number 1-10 along it, so that she could tell us where we were. We loved asking where we were. Find out if there are any interesting places to stop along way for short periods.

Personally, I don't like idea of bringing a DVD player and just having kids watch movies for entire drive, but that is certainly one option. There are plenty of games that can be played in car, from challenging each other to spot a landmark or item to board or card games. Don't try to use anything that will spill or has too many small pieces, or you might cause more aggravation when something is lost.

No matter age of your children, you should keep your schedule as flexible as possible and try to enjoy trip. Holiday trips should be a good experience for all involved.