1. “As far back as I can remember, on Christmas Eve, after all the presents are opened and our tummy’s are full of food, my grandmother searches through the branches of her christmas tree for a small red-velvet bag. In this velvet bag, my grandfather always places a item of jewelry. My mom, aunt and I help look for the bag because it’s as much of an excitement for us as it is for my grandmother. Someday, I wish my future husband partakes on this tradition!” - Lauren Morris, Marketing Intern

2. “One of my children’s favorite traditions is baking Christmas cookies with their Grandmother. Their favorite recipe is Christmas Mice made with Hershey’s kisses. These adorable creatures are fun to make and a delicious holiday treat. Somehow, my mother always manages to put a dozen aside to use to decorate her dining room table and dessert platter on Christmas Day. And what do I like most about this family tradition? It gives me time to do my Christmas shopping alone!” - Lynn Frerichs, Account Executive

3. “It’s always been my family’s tradition to decorate the Christmas tree a little each day. Every week, the tree looks a little brighter with Christmas spirit, and every week, the family gets a little more excited. By Christmas Eve, the tree is brimming with decorations and lights — until our cat starts munching on the ornaments.” - Megan Farokhmanesh, Editorial Intern

4. “I just love breaking out the Christmas china each year and using it at every opportunity I can. Not only does it put our family into the holiday spirit, but from the comments I receive from our guests, it makes them feel extra special, too.” - Suzie Osterloh, Publisher

5. “The girls in my family always have a cookie day right before Christmas Eve. We bake snickerdoodle, chocolate crinkle, sugar and rolo cookies until there is no more space on the counter. My favorite is the chocolate crinkle because the sticky dough makes it the messiest cookie to create.” - Melanie Barnes, Editorial Intern

6. “My son and I have a favorite holiday tradition of getting in our jammies and, with hot cocoa in a thermos and Christmas music playing on the radio, getting in the car and driving around to look at holiday lights. Afterwards, we ‘award’ our top three favorites!” - Carrie Mayer, Account Executive

7. ”My favorite Christmas tradition is racing my sisters and brothers to find the ‘Christmas Pickle Ornament’ on our tree. The first to find it gets a special present, and, really, who doesn’t want one more present!” – Lauren Schrader, Art Director

8. “Christmas Eve has always been a big deal with my family. The anticipation of Santa coming when the kids were little made this night gathered with family so special. Today, the kids are older, but the anticipation is still there. My husband and I host the evening at our home and enjoy planning the elaborate sit down dinner for our family. On December 23, our family spends the day putting the finishing touches on our celebration, includinglots of cooking. It’s important to us not to have too much to do on the actual day. When everyone arrives, around 3 p.m., Christmas music is playing, candles are lit and tantalizing aromas are wafting from the kitchen. My youngest daughter, Wendy, has said that the “getting ready” is really her favorite part. ‘Our house just never looks or smells as good as when it’s all ready for Christmas Eve,’ she says. All the kids help Dearie and Pop Pop (grandma and grandpa) place the presents around the tree, and then we all watch as every person opens his or her gifts. Afterwards, we head to the dining room to eat a scrumptious dinner that my husband and I have prepared. It’s a long, drawn out dinner, with lots of courses, lots of conversation and lots of love flowing all around. The kids used to eat quickly and then go play with their new toys. Now they join us, and it’s that much better. Christmas Eve is certainly magical at our house and really helps to set the stage for the New Year just ahead.” - Judy Uelk, Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

Red wine
2007 Rubus Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine makes an excellent gift because it is special. Made in a small production located in Napa Valley, this cabernet can’t be found on your local grocery shelf, but is still priced around $20.

White wine
2008 Travis Chardonnay Unoaked Monterey
This chardonnay is perfect to pair with food. According to Paul, less oakey wines give a better palate for a meal, which will most likely to be served at your gathering. It will be a sure hit for around $16.

For every occasion, there is a proper (and fun!) cocktail. For Christmas mornings, that drink is Milk Punch.

Hot Milk Punch
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. brandy
1 tsp. superfine sugar
Milk
Nutmeg

Stir well, then pour into a glass mug and fill with very hot milk. Add a few grains of nutmeg to garnish.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of www.esquire.com)

Chilly winter weather often calls for cozy nights at home with family. To warm up this holiday season, try this deliciously decadent hot cocoa.

Hot Peppermint Patty
1 oz. peppermint schnapps
1/2 oz. dark creme de cacao
1 tsp. green creme de menthe
5 – 8 oz. hot chocolate
1/2 – 1 oz. whipped cream

Put creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps into a coffee mug and fill with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, and add a teaspoon of green creme de menthe.
(Recipe courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com)