Now let's not forget that for some going to a friend's house and having a Christmas party brings on those warm holiday feelings. To be in a room with so many close friends and celebrate the night with love, joy and laughter is special any time of the year. This is definitely the season of hope, joy and laughter of Christmas future.

Days are filled with decorating your home, office or even your car. Smiles come from many sources: that one glittery ornament or that six-foot-tall blow-up Grinch or even the smell of chestnuts roasting or fresh baked cookies coming out of the oven. One thing is for sure: sitting around the table with family eating Christmas treats and laughing at special memories of Christmas Past there can be no finer moment.

Now let's not forget the yearly traditions played out from driving around looking at Christmas lights or the ever-popular cookie exchange. Tradition is a word used throughout the holiday: from cutting down ABOVE, Grandmother and Grandchild by IGMA artisan Noemi Pascal the perfect Christmas tree or where to place the decorations on it; to gathering in a warm kitchen as mountains of cookies and candies are being made; to walking or driving gifts to friends and families; to watching "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and the Grinch. No matter what you call the holiday, it's the traditions that bring families closer together.