There's nothing more wonderful than watching a child, particularly your own child, as the anticipation of Santa Claus's visit turns into the reality of Christmas morning. Whatever stress parents have felt, throughout the holiday season, will vanish with the joy that's reflected in their childrens' eyes.

But parents of infants and toddlers may not believe that they'll ever really enjoy the holiday season. Christmas shopping, party-going, travelling to family events-every holiday activity is just more difficult with a very young child in tow. Just moving around is problematic. There's never enough room for a stroller, anywhere, at Christmas time. And it's difficult, these days, to find a trustworthy baby-sitter who's affordable and available.

Simply because they have toddlers or infants to deal with, parents shouldn't have to dread the holiday season. They shouldn't have to sacrifice all of the parties and pageants, because they can't figure out child care. Especially since there are millions of parents everywhere in the same boat.

Parents can band together to help each other get through the holidays, by forming groups that care for each others' kids, on specific dates. Through work or club memberships or daycare centers, most parents of young kids know other parents who have the same issues and needs, as Christmas approaches.

After Thanksgiving, a group of like-minded parents can share their holiday schedules, with an emphasis on their free days. Then, a schedule for all can be determined, and distributed among the group.

Then, when a couple has an afternoon or evening when they're at home, they can host the children of other couples who may have plans. When a couple acts as the babysitters for the evening or afternoon, the others will help out, by leaving meals or games with their kids, when they drop them off.

Couples who help each other with child care will find themselves, on Christmas morning, much less stressed than many of their peers, who've tried to survive the holidays without the help of their friends. By forming a club of sorts for the purpose of caring for each others' children, couples can enjoy those activities that make the holiday season so special, while being sure that their children are safe and well-attended.