Five Ways to Get Back on Santa's "Nice" List

Christmas is five days away – do you know where you stand on Santa's Naughty or Nice list? 

Think about it. Maybe somebody cut you off in traffic and you gave them a not-so-polite gesture. Maybe you snuck through the 10 items or less lane with 12 items. Or, maybe, just maybe, you were at a hockey game and you may have called the ref a bad word when he waived off your son's goal because the net got knocked off. (Not that I know anything about that.)

If you feel like you are safe and sound on the nice list, good for you. But if you aren't so sure and think you may find a lump of coal in your stocking, rest easy. It's not too late to work your way off the Naughty List.

• Make a child's Christmas. Toys For Tots is still looking for toys. In Woodridge, you can drop off your donations at , C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., Coldwell Banker Woodridge, Encompass/All State Insurance, , , , Teledyne Storm Products, Toys-R-Us, , and .
• Lighten up on the landfill. Do you have Christmas lights that have lost their will to shine? Contrary to popular belief, Santa actually prefers a "green" Christmas, so don't even think about dumping those tangled strands in the garbage can. Now through Feb. 26, 2011, you can recycle your holiday lights, along with extension, phone, and computer cords at the Village Hall or Public Works building.
• Support reading. The estbalished The Mahlke Memorial Fund in honor of long-time Board President Myra Mahlke who passed away in August, and her husband Donald who passed away in November. Now through Dec. 31, the library will accept tax-deductible donations in honor of the Mahlkes.
• Help Feed Others. The is always in need of donations. Every school day morning, the pantry provides free breakfast for 900 children in who are from families in need. The pantry also provides coats in the winter months, school supplies year-round, diapers, baby food and other services. How can you help? Click here.
• Spend time with loved ones. This time of year, we all get so wrapped up in preparing for the holidays that we tend to stress out and not enjoy the simple things. As I am writing this column I'm snuggled in bed with my youngest daughter. I asked her what grown-ups can do to get off the naughty list. Her suggestion? Spend as much time as possible with your kids and family and friends. If you can, ask your boss for a day off where you can just hang out with them. She may only be 10, but I think she is pretty wise for her years. Love goes a long way with Santa - this will surely skyrocket you to the top of the Nice list.