The Christmas holidays are in full swing, we have had our first snow, the kids are back to school and now it’s time to thrust ourselves into full gear to prepare for the end of 2008.

I personally have a lot to do. My daughter Rosie is leaving for Spain in January, where she will be fulfilling her obligation to study abroad for a degree in international studies. I am sure right after Christmas it will be a mad scramble to tie up all of the loose ends to prepare her for this journey.

Nevertheless, I thought I would pass on to you some suggestions from my family to enhance the rest of your holiday season.

My husband Stan and Rosie decided to try the Sushi Inn Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar that opened up recently in Lombard. Located on 719 E. Roosevelt Road, they highly recommend this restaurant. Both of them enjoy sushi and feel they found a restaurant they will go back to many times.

For those of you who do not know what sushi is, the definition according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is “cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished with bits of raw seafood or vegetables.” Sushi is the latest craze for those whose taste buds supersede the ordinary.

Their menu consists of appetizers, soup, salads, sushi entrees, noodles and a lunch menu. They offer dine-in, carry-out and delivery and are open seven days a week.

Besides sushi, they also offer Japanese style dishes. They say it is definitely worth a try.

A tradition my daughter and sister Maureen have shared for years is a trip to downtown Chicago and watching the classic Christmas story written by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol,” playing at the Goodman Theatre located at 170 N. Dearborn. Every year they watch this play, enjoy the changes made but never tire from the original story. The show will run through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

After the show they try a new restaurant every year. This year they chose the recently opened restaurant in the international hotel and tower called Trump Towers located at 401 N. Wabash. The views were breathtaking, and the food was good. Of course the food items were pricey but it was fun trying something new in Chicago.

Another hot spot to check out for young girls is the American Girl store which is now located inside Water Tower Place at 835 N. Michigan Ave. Maureen and Rosie reported that the store is actually larger than the past location.

When the original American Girl store opened, Rosie and I experienced the tea and spent time roaming the aisles for the look-alike clothes. Looking on their Web site, www.americangirl.com, they have added a very important feature. They now have a doll salon where you can actually drop your doll off to have her hair professionally curled.

If you are looking for a unique experience with your daughter check out their Web site to see what they offer. They even help dad adjust to life with an American Girl.

With only 20 days left until Christmas I will be pounding the pavement to give you ideas around town. Stay tuned!