Amid all the holiday hoopla, children often lose sight of the significance of the season. Taking a spin off "The Twelve Days of Christmas," we compiled a list of suggestions from educators and nonprofit leaders and came up with 12 ways to celebrate in a meaningful way.

1. Grassroots giving: "One of the best ways to make your holiday more meaningful is to adopt a family from a local charity," says Donna Schwartz, camp director for Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington, Del. "Ask for a family with children your own kids' ages. Then if you normally give your children five gifts, give three and let them pick out two for each underprivileged child."

2. Wish ornaments: "Have each family member secretly write one non-monetary thing they want to work for, wish for or pray for in the coming year. Then put it in a decorative envelope and attach it to the tree," says Cathy Ferguson, executive director for Girls Inc. of Delaware. "On Christmas morning share it with the others and discuss ways everyone can help that person fulfill his goal."

3. Go green: "Reuse wrapping paper on another gift, line a drawer or draw on the reverse side," says E. McCrae Harrison, director of the Elementary Workshop Montessori School in Wilmington. "Christmas cards can be recycled, too. Cut them in half and use the blank side to jot down reminder notes. Also, take Christmas trees to a state park for recycling."

4. Multicultural merriment: "Every year choose one country and find out how they celebrate the holiday season," says Fine Washington, administrator of Creative Learning Academy in Bear., Del. "Find out what the culture and traditions are like, learn a few words and try their foods. If you have extended family members from other parts of the country, have them share insights and tell stories about their holiday celebrations."

5. Virtue calendars: "Some families make Advent calendars with daily Bible readings leading up to Christmas, but you could do a virtue calendar, too," says Debbie Wolf, children's ministry administrator at Love of Christ Church in Bear. "Pick one character trait each day, discuss what it means and talk about someone in history who displayed that character. Then decide how your family can put that virtue into action."

6. Intergenerational experiences: "If grandparents have personal items they want to pass along to their grandchildren, the holidays are an opportune time," says Maria Pippidis, family and consumer science educator for the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. "Suggest they give something that is special to them, along with the story behind it. If the kids are old enough, they can video-record the story for keepsake."

7. Mindful of military: "Have your child write a letter of appreciation to someone in the military," says Mary Jane Richter, director of The Little School in Dover, Del. "Include a picture of your child and an e-mail address, and ask the service person to send a reply e-mail along with pictures if he has them." The Internet has a list of military support Web sites.

8. Family photo tree: "Decorate your tree with photos taken throughout the year," says M.J. Quill, assistant principal at St. Elizabeth's Elementary School in Wilmington. "Mount images on construction paper, felt or foam, write the date on the back, attach a ribbon and hang it on the tree. Keep photo ornaments and add to them over the years to remind kids of how blessed they have been."

9. Treasure trove: "Have your family put together a box of photos or miniatures that represent things they have done for others during the year," says Anne Mailey, head of the Lower School at Tatnall in Greenville, Del. "The following year review benevolent acts and add to it." Bring it home by encouraging your children to write down kind acts they'll do for others in the family this coming year.

10. Virtual holiday hunt: "Make the season fun and enriching by participating in a holiday-related Internet scavenger hunt," says Hilary Welliver, children's librarian for Kent County (Del.) Library. E-mail kcplib.de.us to receive a list of holiday sites that include interactive activities on celebrations around the world.

11. Family fitness: "Incorporate the 'Twelve Days' theme into a family fitness routine," says Kimberly Taylor, guidance counselor at East Millsboro (Del.) Elementary School. "Decide on one activity you can do together each day to stay fit - walk around the neighborhood and look at lights, jump rope to a favorite holiday song or play a round of basketball while the pie is baking. Then make it your family's New Year's resolution."

12. Family video newsletter: "Have each child take turns being the anchorperson while you record, but make it more than just reading off news," says Karen Cebenka, president of the Tristate Homeschool Network. "Take footage from the kids' bedrooms where they're pointing out a favorite stuffed animal or in the yard performing a newly acquired skill. Send copies of the DVD with your holiday cards. Better yet, e-mail it, and the money you save on stamps can be donated to charity."

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.