I think everyone who loves Christmas has their own set of unique Christmas traditions that make the day the best day of the year.  Here are my traditions – some old, some new – that make Christmas so special in my household: It all starts on Thanksgiving weekend.  Time to put up the tree and [...]

(ARA) – Drug abuse. Divorce. Homelessness. Imprisonment. Little Forrest has witnessed them all. With his father in prison and his mom lost in a haze of drug abuse, Forrest’s maternal grandparents took custody of him when he was just 2 years old. For Forrest, his dad’s prison sentence seemed like a punishment for him, too. [...]

(ARA) – As 2011 begins to wind down, the hectic holiday season is only getting started. It is important to remember that the beginning of winter means more than just presents and Black Friday – it’s about kicking back and celebrating family, friends and good food. This time tends to be packed with fun and [...]

When I was growing up I looked forward to my mother ordering big boxes of Swiss Colony.  Meats, cheeses and especially, the petite fours delivered to my door before the big day.  Since I’ve grown up and now have a family of my own I think my palate has changed a bit.  I’m not sure [...]

(ARA) – Holidays are a great time to celebrate traditions with family and friends, and every family has unique activities they love to observe year after year. You can incorporate new traditions into the holidays to bring more memorable fun to your gatherings. Here are some simple tips for creating meaningful new traditions that can [...]

(ARA) – Whether families are around the corner or across the country, special memories and cherished traditions bring them together. From cooking favorite dishes to re-telling classic family stories, it’s important to keep those traditions alive. Everyone has a favorite recipe they look forward to enjoying at family gatherings. The smell and taste of a [...]

“What would you like for Christmas?” This question, whether it comes from Grandma or the jolly man in red, seems easy enough. But as the options multiply and the shopping frenzy escalates, the answer becomes more and more complicated… and expensive! It is important to help children put the holiday season into perspective. Parents should [...]

There’s a tradition of sorts every Christmas Eve/Day, in which TBS airs the classic comedy A Christmas Story starting at 8/7c on Christmas Eve and then back to back for 24 hours straight. The film, which is celebrating 25 years since its release in 1983, stars Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Ian Petrella as the Parker [...]

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. – Charles Dickens. I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all [...]

Tune in to NBC tonight, December 3, from 8-9 p.m. ET/PT for a dazzling display of musical talent and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree during the 11th annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” telecast. Hosted by Al Roker (“Today”), the star-studded annual tree lighting extravaganza features Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Neil Boyd, Jonas [...]