Christmas means a great many things to different people all over the world. Everyone has their own favorite Christmas memories and traditions he or she will re-create from year to year. Best of all Christmas is also that magical time of year where our differences can be laid aside for awhile as we all celebrate together at home and all over the world.

Following is a collection of Christmas traditions that I have put together, however for the ones that I have missed I apologize. Here are some of my personal favorites: cutting down the tree or purchasing a tree, followed by decorating the tree, making popcorn strings and caramel popcorn balls, hanging the Christmas lights, baking cookies and of course sampling while they are still warm and fresh, listening to Christmas music, sipping egg nog, buying and wrapping presents, hanging the stockings, mistle toe and the holly, not to mention the huge feast and getting to spend time with family and loved ones. As a child these were among my favorites and as an adult I look forward to each year and each activity with fond memories and excitement.

Over the years I have gotten to know neighbors and other families and have also been fortunate to participate in some of their traditions as well. Lighting the menorah and experiencing others traditions and customs is both enlightening and enjoyable. Some families go from house to house singing Christmas carols and spreading holiday cheer, while others volunteer their time and money to helping individuals who are less fortunate then we are. Some families gather together and tell Christmas stories and some give poinsettias or Christmas cactuses as thoughtful and cheerful gifts to neighbors and friends. Other families even create beautiful luminaries and release them down a river or into the air or just display them outside and inside throughout the Christmas season. Whatever the tradition and whomever it is shared by, they all have one thing in common; there is a sense of camaraderie and oneness during this special time of year that inspires us as individuals for the new year to come.

Some other traditions that also make Christmas so anticipated are: giving and receiving of gifts, waiting for Santa Claus and leaving Santa some goodies, building snowmen and snow castles or making snow angels, watching your favorite Christmas specials on TV and getting all decked out in your best attire for Christmas parties and various gatherings are all part of our favorite Christmas traditions.

Each year we re-create that Christmas spirit while creating new memories to last a lifetime. And if you can not be with your own family this holiday season, for whatever reason, re-create your traditions for yourself or with whatever family you do have at the time. Take time to remember and thank our brave soldiers, who fight every day for our freedom and others as well. May your holiday season be happy and safe in 2008; full of good cheer and fun traditions.

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Happy Hanukah.