The presents are unwrapped. The tree has been curbed. The carbs have been consumed. And you’ve finally sat down to compose that list of New Year’s resolutions.

In the frenzy of the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important aspects of the holidays: spending time with family and friends. It’s time to make a resolution that can continue year after year and become a holiday tradition. The kids will be back in school soon, so make some childhood memories at the many local tourist attractions.

“After the holidays is a great time to make memories with your family,” said Julie Baumgardner, executive director of First Things First. “Chattanooga offers a variety of places where you can spend time with your kids.”

“Interacting with one another is the key,” she added. “You can go to a movie, but that’s very passive and doesn’t lend itself to interaction. Visiting places like the Tennessee Aquarium or the Creative Discovery Museum allows you to see new things and learn together. You can turn that experience into a family adventure and it becomes a great memory for everyone. That’s how children define love – by the time you choose to spend with them.”

Ms. Baumgardner added, “During the holidays, children are often over-stimulated. Like it or not, we all do better with structure and the holidays tend to get us out of our routines. Getting children out of the house, allowing them to blow off some steam and run around, is very important for everyone’s well-being.”

Chattanooga offers endless possibilities for everyone in your family. And by staying close to home, you won’t have to hear endless repetitions of, “Are we there yet?”

High atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens’ “Enchanted Garden of Lights” illuminates the sky and the age-old rock formations with more than 500,000 star-bright twinkling lights. The light extravaganza features 25 holiday scenes ranging from candy canes to nutcrackers to giant glittering snowflakes suspended in the air, transforming the gardens into a nocturnal fantasyland. (Now through Dec. 31, 2005). For more information visit www.seerockcity.com or call 800-854-0675.

“Dive Into Winter” at the Tennessee Aquarium where you can hear from divers inside the new saltwater Secret Reef exhibit, watch bamboo sharks, stingrays and other cool critters hand-fed right before your eyes, immerse yourself in a tropical garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies or take a behind-the-scenes tour of both Aquarium buildings. (Now through Feb. 26). For more information visit www.tnaqua.org or call 800-262-0695.

At the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, take an extraordinary train ride aboard “The Polar Express” in 3D. Beloved by children, “The Polar Express” holds a special appeal for adults as well, who remember their own childhood excitement and anticipation on one of the most important nights of the year. (Now through Jan. 26)

Or check out “Santa vs. the Snowman” also in 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. This film delivers a bag full of laughs with a tale of unstoppable hilarity. What ensues is a polar feud of hilarious proportions, where ultimately friendship reigns supreme and audiences are rewarded with a heart-melting holiday message. (Now through Jan. 5). For more information visit www.tnaqua.org or call 800-262-0695.

Kids discover wonderful wintertime fun at the Creative Discovery Museum for children. Explore a winter forest and discover animal tracks in the snow, see flowers break like glass during a science demonstration or create an imaginary landscape from outer space. Now through Jan. 16. Visit www.cdmfun.org or call 423-756-2738.

Family Fun Hotel Packages:

Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center. Holiday family getaway packages include overnight accommodations and tickets to holiday events at area attractions. Visit www.marriott.com/chadt or call 800/841-1674.

Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn. Family fun packages include overnight accommodations and tickets to area attractions. Visit www.choochoo.com or call 800-TRACK 29.

Ring In The New Year:

“New Year’s Eve Gala” at The Chattanoogan Hotel: Dec. 31. Celebrate the New Year at a black-tie Gala at Chattanooga’s upscale urban resort. Visit www.chattanooganhotel.com or call 800-619-0018.

“New Year’s at Noon” at the Creative Discovery Museum for children: Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids can make party hats at Creation Station, enjoy the “Cool Wonders” exhibit and toast the New Year with apple juice and a kazoo rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” Visit www.cdmfun.org or call 423-756-2738.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruises aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat: Dec. 31, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bring your family for an early dinner cruise or at 8 p.m. for light Hors d'oeuvres, departing at 9 p.m. to cruise into the year 2006! Enjoy a fabulous prime-rib dinner and a split of champagne. Reservations required. Visit www.chattanoogariverboat.com or call 800-766-2784.

“The Beaters” come home to the Chattanooga Choo Choo: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Spend the night in a train car sleeper and listen to “The Beaters.” Special hotel package includes: dinner buffet, New Year’s Eve Party at Grand Central Station, overnight accommodations, cash bars, party favors, New Year’s Day brunch. Visit www.choochoo.com or call 800-TRACK29.

New Year’s Eve special at Bluff View Art District’s Back Inn Café: 5-10 p.m. Enjoy a three-course dinner and wine tasting. Reservations required. Call 423-265-5033 ext. 1.

The Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit, Hamilton County funded organization, formed to strengthen the area economy through the marketing and promotion of the Chattanooga area as a year-round destination for meetings, conventions, and leisure travel. For more information, visit www.chattanoogafun.com or call 800-322-3344.

For a complete listing of holiday events: http://www.chattanoogafun.com

For downloadable images: http://www.chattanoogafun.com/photolibrary/