Ah Christmas time! That special time of year! For some, Christmas is the time we celebrate Jesus' birth, and reciting the story from the book of Luke in the Bible brings memories of trembling and fear in front of the whole congregation. So while we quoted the angel's message, "Do not be afraid," we were, in fact, trembling in our boots.

For some Santa Claus takes center stage, and the season officially starts after the visit to the jolly old fat man at the mall has taken place. Then we try to be on our very best behavior to stay on the big man's "good children" list so we don't find the lump of coal in our stocking. And the waiting, and waiting, and waiting — it seems like forever — until we think we hear the jingle of the sleigh bells. Then we know, without a doubt, that we weren't forgotten this year and there will be presents under the tree.

Maybe you celebrate with a combination of sacred and secular observances, but we all cherish our favorite traditions. For me, it's officially Christmas when the cookies arrive. A couple of family favorites evoke warm memories and a few cherished calories (but they're worth it!): cinnamon stars and lebkuchen. Certain foods play a big part in family traditions. For my nephew, it has to be Beef Wellington to be a true Christmas dinner.

And it wouldn't be Christmas without the music. The music fills the air in our stores, on the radio, our iPods, and everywhere we go. And though we moan and complain about how tired we are of hearing them, what a great void there would be if we couldn't sing along one more time.

And how dull and boring a season would be without the decorations! The lights inside and out, the wreaths, the candles, the stockings "hung by the chimney with care," the inflatables in the front yard, and of course, The Tree. The cards from loved ones near and far, and the presents around The Tree that make the anticipation that much harder to bear — but all are part of what makes for the season known as Christmas.

No matter how you observe this season, may you find it to be a truly special time, filled with great memories to carry with you throughout the new year.