Letter from Cheri: Christmas, Hanukah, Yule, Kwaanza, regardless of your background or beliefs there seems to be a reason to celebrate at this time of year. One of the things that I find most important is, the more we are different, the more we are the same. The origins of these celebrations -- most locked in antiquity -- illustrates the similarities of men and women of all cultures. I put ideas for all these celebrations together, for in fact it is impossible to differentiate between them. Most of the symbols of Christmas that we treasure today all share common Pagan origins. The spirit of the holiday remains the same for all: Peace on earth, goodwill toward men, a time for re-connecting to our family and heritage, spiritual reflections, and of course, the love of feasting and celebration. Do you have any special holiday traditions that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear about them. Please post messages to the Holiday Message Board so everyone can share. Gorgeous Antique Virtual Greeting Cards Send FREE Holiday Greetings to friends and loved ones at Cyberspace speeds!   Favorite Holiday Books Emeril Lagasse's Creole Christmas Food for Friends: Homemade Gifts for Every Season A Simply Delicious Irish Christmas Fast & Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays Entertaining Light The Art and Character of Nutcrackers Holiday Shopping Gifts for everyone on your list plus, everything you need to make the perfect feast, set a gorgeous table or decorate home and hearth with cheer throughout the holiday season. All conveniently delivered to your door at Amazon.com discount prices! Gifts for Foodies! Fabulous Foods picks our Top Ten Favorite Books of 2005!     Happy New Year! Be sure to also visit our New Year's Channel for party ideas, recipes, tips, superstitions and traditions and more. Hanukah Click for lots of great recipes and ideas to celebrate the Festival of Lights!

Wine Cork Wreath Turn trash into treasure by transforming used wine corks into a gorgeous decorative piece of art. Christmas Tree Central Selecting the Perfect Christmas Tree Make Your Tree Last and Last with our special Tree Drink The Origins and history of Christmas Trees All Aboard the Christmas Tree Train Ride a vintage train to chop down your own perfect tree!   Making A Yule Log Cake Join pastry chef Jean François Houdré for step-by-step photo instructions for making this classic holiday dessert. Hand Made Gift Wraps and Greeting Cards Get out your rubber stamps and scrapbooking supplies and create some fabulous Christmas cards and unique Christmas gift wraps. Photo instructions for all projects will help you get perfect results. Punch Art Christmas Cards Rubber Stamping Gift Wraps Paper Strips Gift Ornaments Curling Ribbon Bows Big Ribbon Bows How to Wrap a Box Unique Wraps for Unique Folks Holiday Cookies What would the holidays be without homemade cookies? Click the link for lots of recipes, tips, decorating instructions, packing tips and more! Holiday Cookie Pops Get the kids to help make these edible gift-worthy cookie pops! Holiday Martini Recipes! Reindeer Martini Mistletoe Martini Frostini Santa Baby! Tips for baby's first visit with Santa Claus. The Holiday Feast Mix & Match Recipe Collections Main Courses Stuffings Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes Soups & Salads Side Dishes Sauces & Relishes Vegetarian Entrees Desserts

Tamales! Click for recipes and step-by-step photo instructions for making the quintessential Latin party food.   TURDUCKEN TUTORIAL The Ultimate FHoliday Entree! -- A Stuffed chicken, inside a stuffed duck, inside a stuffed turkey. Our step-by-step photo instructions show you how. Healthy Holiday Tips How to have a Stress-Free, Healthy, Happy Holiday! South Beach Diet Hors d'Oeuvres for a Crowd Party Christmas Health, Fitness and Weight Loss Tips Trim & Terrific Trimmings for the Holiday Meal Trim & Terrific Holiday Dessert Party Trim Your Holidays: Low Fat Substitutions for High Fat Foods Holiday Time Saving Tips Healthy Holiday Eating Tips Excuse Proof Workouts to do Anytime, Anywhere Winter Workouts Don't Let the Grinch Steal your Fitness Goals -- Holiday Diet & Fitness Tips Perfect Holiday Moments Low Carb Holidays Low Carbing -- Surviving the Holidays Part I Enjoy the holidays -- even sweets -- and stick to your low carb diet! Part II -- The Traditional Dinner All the traditional favorites made low carb. Part III -- Making it Work Low carb versions of all your Christmas favorites. Low Carb Holiday Goodie Swap Have a party and exchange goodies with your low carbing friends! Fabulous Homemade Gifts, Crafts & Decorations! Gifts from your Kitchen Recipes for fabulous homemade gifts you make yourself with love, plus packing and shipping tips. Make this year's gifts the most personal expressions of holiday cheer ever! Frugal & Creative Packaging Tips Check out these clever and frugal ideas for first class presentations for your homemade gifts that will save you a bundle. Easy to Make Crafts, Gifts & Decorations North Pole Christmas Decoration Cute Snowman Sock Doll Decorations Pine Cone Angel Ornaments Adorable Snow Folk Family Scented Fabric Trivets Custom Christmas Stockings Glass Snowmen Ornaments Lightbulb Snowmen Ornaments Lightbulb Santa Ornaments Wood Scrap Snowmen Wood Scrap Santa Claus Clay Pot Snowfolks Clay Pot Snowmen Easy to Make Holiday Pomanders Elegant Holiday Gift Bags Festive Holiday Towels Festive Quilted Holiday Runner Christmas in Your RV! Innovative decorating ideas for small spaces. Holiday Histories & Origins The History and Origins of Yule The origins of many holiday symbols go back long before the birth of Jesus. The History of the Christmas Celebration The Christian celebration of Christmas is a relatively recent thing, especially in America. The History & Origins of Kwanzaa Learn about the African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation. The Origins of Santa Claus Learn how and an American writer and a cartoonis gave the jolly fat man in the red suit his style and fashion sense.   Favorite Holiday Links Looking for more holiday ideas, recipes and information? The world wide web has some great destinations.