you can download public domain books from http://librivox.org/. Public
domain means that at least in the USA the book can be freely copied (
the copyright holder died at least 50 years ago) without legal issues.
I would not suggest this for those outside the USA because I am not
sure if there are different rules. It might be okay but I am not a
lawyer so I do not know. There are great books available like Wizard of
OZ, wind in the willows, treasure Island. it is free unless you need to buy blank cds

My friend Ron just sent an email around about this one - but I don't think he'll mind if I share it.

Our tradition is to decorate the tree with NO ornaments. Popcorn, cranberries, lights and tinsel are OK, but the main thing you see on our tree is our blessing chain. Immediately after Christmas, the kids and I start making a construction paper chain. Each link has a blessing written on it. My kids are currently 2, 4 and 6, so our blessings are simple. Right now our tree sports links that say "escalators," "date nights," "fire," "grass," and numerous names of friends and family members.

The other day I posted a tutorial on how to make a 3-D snowflake out of materials in your home. I loved the idea so much that it transformed into a gift. How wonderful would it be to make 3 or 4 or 10 of these snowflakes and hang them overhead so when your kids arise they have "snow" in their room on Christmas. I am planning on doing this and including a small coupon hanging from each of the snowflakes that offers a relational gift over the next week of some kind. 

This is year for my brother I am going to spend time with him talking about all the ridiculous things we've done together. I am going to get some parchment and a calligraphy pen and write down all the weird things we've experienced. The goal is to for it to look kind of ironic. It will look like a really formal fancy thing but be full of really immature things that teenagers do. The best part will be him reading through it and not remembering a lot of it, so we'll get to spend time together talking and laughing.

In the age of digital cameras most photos are held in a computer and not all are printed. Encourage family members & friends to bring 4 -6 photos that they have printed and swap photos; once photos are swapped get together to share a small photo album that you made with the swapped photos.

Oh Holy Night, a Christmas Book--presents the Gospel via the story of the Christmas Truce.

christmastruce.co.uk 

[have no idea what ' DIY or Giving Time' mean...just had to pick one to post]