Santa and his helpers aren't the only ones stressed out this time of year. Although he does have a centuries-old reputation for finding just the right present for each child on his list, getting it wrapped and delivered — and all on deadline. It's no matter that he's had a full year to get the work done. The fact is that his list keeps getting longer and is constantly in flux because you keep changing your mind about the presents you'd like to receive.

Parents also get stressed out trying to take up the slack, because Santa can't make your every wish come true. Children, too, want to find the right presents for their friends. Many times, a kid's lack of resources (read: money) also hinders gift-giving choices.

Whoa! Sit back, take a deep breath and remember — it's not about the presents!

What people really want is to be remembered. A gift is merely icing on the cake. Any present really says: I care enough about you to think about you. Presents don't change people's lives, but the thought behind the present can.

This snowman-decorated can could be filled with cookies or candy and would make a very thoughtful and inexpensive gift for anyone on your list. My neighbor, Barb Leopold, picked it up at a craft show, so I can't take credit for the idea. She knew it would make an excellent gift for a friend or teacher.

Barb's present to me wasn't the can, but the fact that she thought about me. No amount of money in the world can buy a friend like that.

Supplies you will need:• One empty, cleaned can• Gesso (white paint)• Black, red and orange acrylic paint and brush• One red and one white pipe cleaner• Salt• Sponge• Two white pompoms• Red ribbon• Glue.Ask an adult to remove the lid from the can and make sure there are no sharp edges around the top. You can punch holes in the side for the pipe cleaner handles with a nail and hammer if the can is filled with water and frozen.Paint the can inside and out with gesso. Choose an area for the snowman's face and sprinkle salt on the surface for texture while the white paint is still wet.Sponge-paint the sides and back with black acrylic paint. Sprinkle salt on the surface. Let dry.Twist a white and red pipe cleaner to look like a candy cane. Insert into the holes and twist to hold.Glue two large white pompoms over the holes to look like earmuffs.Paint facial features and wrap a red bow around the bottom of the can and fill with wrapped candy.As an option, make a North Pole sign out of craft sticks.