Have you read the manual that came with your digital camera? 
If not you are in good company, the majority of digital camera 
owners never get past the "Basic Operations" section.

If you didn't read the manual why not? Was it the obscure 
photographic terms?  The numerous cross references ? The 
complicated diagrams?  The myriad uses for each dial and button? 
The convoluted English? Maybe all of the above. The fact is that 
most digital camera manuals are neither user friendly nor written
with beginners in mind. If you aren't already familiar with 
photographic terms then White Balance, AE Lock, AF Illuminator, 
and so on, aren't much help and it can seem like very hard work 
to figure it all out. 

But if you haven't read the manual you aren't getting the most 
from your digital camera. Digital cameras are loaded with options 
that let you do really cool things. If all you do is point and 
shoot you are missing out on a whole lot of fun and some great 
photos. 

We are visual learners, and we like our information in manageable 
chunks. When we are learning a new skill we learn more by seeing 
and doing than by reading. Don't you find that you remember a 
name more easily if the owner is wearing a name badge when you 
are introduced? Isn't a map easier to follow than listed 
directions? Did you learn to drive by reading about it?  
Figuring out a digital camera is no different- we need to 
practice.
 
Let's go back to the manual and pick up from where you got 
stuck. In the first few pages of the manual there will be 
diagrams identifying each function. Don't start there. It's 
too much to learn all at once, and if you don't know what it 
all means you won't remember it. It's much easier to learn 
each function as you need it. 
 
Try this: get your camera and the manual out. Choose a topic 
that you are unfamiliar with and learn about that one feature. 
It might be the basic operation or it may be something more 
advanced, such as white balance or aperture priority mode. The 
manual may not be very clear about what each feature does but 
you can check all the terms out here: 
http://www.digital-cameras-and-accessories.com/glossary.html

As you read the instructions in the manual explore the settings 
on your camera and try them out. Then stop and practice using 
this setting. Go and take some pictures around your home or 
neighbourhood. You don't have to worry about wasting film any 
more, so you can snap happily away and then delete the duds. 
Only go on to the next topic when you feel that  you have 
thoroughly absorbed the first.

This way you will get through all the features in a month at 
most. In good time to take some fabulous photos at Thanksgiving 
and Christmas!

That's it! You are on your way to becoming an expert.