Heavily laden, Santa Claus or the Christ Child are making their way through the pre-Christmas streets these days. Video is everywhere. The new toys of the eighties will be found on many a gift table. They're the season's hottest item.

Before and after the roast goose, young and old alike will waste no time trying out the tempting video fun, deciphering operating instructions, and being entertained by others in front of the screen.

When Christmas falls on a weekend, as it does this year, the holiday has to be rushed through. Free time during the holidays is scarce, barely enough to shake off the hectic pace of the preceding days or even allow for any real peace and quiet. But the more these precious free hours are filled with busyness, the harder it will be to achieve that cherished Christmas spirit of childhood.