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Got those New Year's resolutions figured out? Save the money you were going to waste on that gym membership and go see a show this weekend. Here are a few options . . .

Ballet for rugrats: For the last month, it's been "Nutcracker" this and "Nutcracker" that. While the Christmas ballet is a fun date night, it's not a good idea for squirmy kids. Until now. Tonight, as well as on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the American Dance Institute in Rockville is presenting a condensed version of the ballet aimed at children 12 and younger. If puppets are your thing, the Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park celebrates the season with an adaptation of its own. Shows start Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A Holiday concert for just about everyone: Strathmore realizes there are plenty of traditional holiday productions out there, so president Eliot Pfanstiehl teamed up with old friends from the Street '70 theater company to produce something completely different. Starring John Michael Higgins ("Best in Show"), "Take Joy!" covers everything from traditional carols to the poetry of Dylan Thomas. Check out the multicultural pageant at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday at the Music Center at Strathmore.

A Clown that isn't creepy: Happenstance Theatre is known for mime and movement-based productions, and its new one, "Look Out Below!" doesn't disappoint. The story follows a clown named Pierrot and his friend Augustine as they embark on various adventures in France. Check the show out tonight at 7 p.m., Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon at Round House Theatre in Bethesda.

Blue Aliens and a lot of stuff blowing up: Unless you've been living under a rock (or too busy shopping to care), you may have heard about a little film called "Avatar." The movie about Marines and scientists warring with an alien species cost $500 million to produce and promote. Do director James Cameron a solid and help him make some of that money back. Think "Dances with Wolves" meets "Fern Gully" with a dash of "Star Wars."