Martin Luther King Jr. Day always creeps up on me. After the frenzy of Christmas, this important commemorative holiday goes unnoticed at my house.

I have vowed to make this year different.

Of course, the most obvious way to salute the legacy of Martin Luther King is at the annual MLK Day Marade. The combination march-and-parade starts at City Park, where walkers will assemble on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 9 a.m. Go here for more information.

If you want to stay closer to home, I have compiled a list of easy activities and crafts you can do with your children.

*In honor of the gifts Dr. King gave our nation, try these five creative ways to help children celebrate his vision of hope and sense of humanity. They include creating a multicultural banquet, decorations, “walking the walk” and visiting a different house of worship.

*This is a simple look at how we can look different on the outside, yet be the same on the inside. Designed for preschoolers.

*Being Treated Equally. This is a powerful way to really drive the message of equality home. Designed for kindergartens, but easily adaptable to all ages.

*Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with this beading rainbow pin. Children will enjoy creating this craft which demonstrates that people of all colors are part of one family. Even more fun than making your pin is wearing it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

*Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning facts about Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, his life, and his career and accomplishments as a civil rights leader.

*These Martin Luther King Jr. Day crafts can be used to teach children about other colors and cultures, and discuss the principals that Dr Martin Luther King Jr stood for.

*Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Coloring Pages. Get out your interactive crayon and color some of these famous Americans in history, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

*Check out children’s drawings that illustrate the milestone moments in MKLJ’s life.

*Friends come in all colors and sizes! Teach kids about diversity and freedom with these cute little Freedom Friends puppets.

*How much do you know about the young Martin Luther King Jr.? Test your knowledge with this informative quiz.

What are some of your ideas for celebrating the holiday?