iMessage and FaceTime for MacBook Air

Can someone point me to where to activate iMessage and FaceTime? When I try to do so through iMessage I get activation error using my could id an d password. I cannot find anywhere to activate the features. The System Preferences shows nothing for messages or FaceTime. Pretty worthless xmas present so far. More time running in circles for answers than using it for what I need. iMessage and FaceTime should not be complicated.