So, you're spending the hours near midnight in a large building packed with people wearing coats during which there will be a long homily and musical performances. It's Christmas Eve midnight Mass, also known as rooster's Mass. For a lot of Christmas celebrants it's a mandatory family obligation. For a lot of others it's the reason for the season, and you wouldn't think of missing out.

Whatever your feelings for midnight Mass, it is a bit of a challenge for most of us because, well, you're going to church in the middle of the night. I mean, Santa and his reindeer are flying around and most people are in bed at that hour.

I'm not a practicing member of any religion, and yet I like attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. What can I say; it's the pagan in me. At any rate, here are the best practices I've picked up over the years.

More: Hack your favorite fast foods into respectable holiday dishes

1. Find out what time it starts

Guess what? Midnight Mass sometimes starts at 11.

2. Go ahead and eat before Mass

First of all, let's settle the question about whether you should eat before. Maybe you've been told that you're not supposed to eat an hour before Mass. And maybe that's not a big deal because your Christmas Eve meal happened way back around 6 p.m. anyway.

At any rate, according to the Catholic Code of Canon Law, "One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion" (Canon 919).

In other words, communion doesn't happen until later on in the service, so don't panic if you had a cookie just before you left for church. Also, if you're not Catholic, none of this matters.

3. Avoid a sugar crash

That said, it's going to be a whole lot easier to stay awake through Mass if you don't give yourself a sugar crash. Have some protein and complex carbs if you can. Maybe hold back on the cookies and candy. Unless your plan is to sneak in a covert nap while you're at church, in which case, load up, Sugarboots.

More: 15-minute dinner recipes for the busy holiday season

4. Get there early

This is one of the busiest nights of the year at church, so try to show up around 15 to 20 minutes early. This isn't just so you get a good seat (because it's church, they're all good seats, technically). But it would be nice if your whole family could sit together. Even more important, it's nice if you don't have to inconvenience anyone else while trying to find a place to sit.

Also, if you arrive early enough, you can plan a graceful exit.

5. Remember to bring some cash

Think of what you'll want to contribute to the offering basket and then double it in case someone else in your party forgets to bring cash.

6. Watch the old ladies

Don't know when to stand up, sit down or kneel because you haven't been to church in 364 days? Just watch the elderly women around you. They're most likely to attend services regularly, so they know the drill.

7. Don't bring snacks

Seriously? Don't do that. It's only an hour. Maybe two. Just... no. That means no gum, either. We can hear you snapping it. And is that a Diet Coke? What is wrong with you? You can bring a chocolate bar, though, if it's high-quality dark chocolate and you share.

8. Sing along

No one cares how off-key you are. Come on; this is the fun part. Join in.

9. Yes, you have to shake hands and say, "Peace be with you"

This is also one of the best parts. Just give into the good feelings. Here's the thing — this is an opportunity to hear other people wish you well. How often does that happen? Not often enough, I think. I mean, I hate shaking strangers' hands too. Like, who are you, really? Who did you vote for? It doesn't matter. Give a little bit; get a lot back. It feels good.

More: How to build a gingerbread house without crying

10. Have a light snack if you're hungry after

OK, you're back home and everyone's grabbing last-minute gingerbread men before they hit the pillow. Is that a good idea? Why not? Have yours with milk.

In general, it's a good idea to avoid eating acidic foods like tomato sauce, spicy foods, high-fat foods and alcohol right before bed if you want to fall asleep quickly and get a solid night's rest. Better to snack on bananas, milk, yogurt, popcorn and high-glycemic rice, like jasmine (so yes to the rice pudding).

Then again, it's a holiday. Unless you're going to work early the next morning, and OK, some of us consider the early-morning gift unwrapping with the kids work, maybe don't worry about it and just eat whatever holiday food you feel like eating. Merry, merry!

If anyone knows how to do a traditional Christmas, it's the British royals. From fabulous meals to a weekend at Grandma's house that rivals no other, they've got this Santa thing in the bag.

The queen's Christmas lunch

Each year, just before she departs to spend her holidays at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth throws a posh Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace for her extended family. All the cousins and great-grandchildren are there to enjoy a festive meal before going their own ways for the big day. Of course, the most we commoners ever see of this shindig is the royals in their cars arriving at Granny's door.

More: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge share relaxed family Christmas card

Sandringham house party

The real A-list royals get an invite to the queen's country residence, Sandringham, for all or part of the holiday. Most arrive the afternoon of Christmas Eve, and there is a strict order of precedence for arrivals, with lesser royals arriving first and Prince Charles and Camilla last. For the first time since Prince George was born, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will not be spending the holiday with the rest of the royals, instead choosing to celebrate with the Middletons at their family home.

Gifts on Christmas Eve

Royalty waits for no one, not even Santa Claus! The royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, and woe betide the person (like Diana, poor dear) who takes gift-giving too seriously. The royals prefer gag gifts or homemade treasures. Diana was mortified at her first Christmas as a princess, when no one bothered to tell her about this tradition; she bought the entire family lavish cashmere sweaters and everyone else handed out whoopie cushions.

More: Kate Middleton's royal birthday present from the queen

Two church services

Don't even think about skating by on a single midnight mass per year. The royals attend two services on Christmas Day alone at St. Mary Magdalene. The first, at 9 a.m., is a casual but private service for royals only, during which the queen takes communion. They then return to Sandringham House for a quick change and turn right around for the 11 a.m. public service, which is where all those great Christmas Day photos come from. Despite this being a public service, don't think you can just turn up and have a seat. Locals who wish to attend must pass a security screening in the fall.

The royal Christmas address

Begun in 1932 as a radio broadcast by King George V, the Christmas address took to television with Queen Elizabeth 25 years later. Today, it is streamed on the internet in addition to the TV and radio broadcasts. The address is generally an overview of the year's events with some personal milestones and Christmas ruminations thrown in for good measure. While the queen records the message several days in advance of her departure for Sandringham, it airs on Christmas Day at 3 p.m., just as the royals are finishing up their lunch. The family gathers around the telly to watch — well, except the queen herself. She excuses herself to another part of the house, probably because she already knows what she is going to say.

Boxing Day shoot

The British upper class do love a good shooting party, and the royals are renowned for their pheasant hunts. William taught Kate how to shoot at Sandringham in 2007, long before they were married, and the eyebrows of royal traditionalists were raised when the Middletons were invited to the Boxing Day shoot in later years.

More: 11 signs you're too obsessed with Kate Middleton and the royal family

Almost two months of Christmas

While the others depart after the shoot on Boxing Day (or earlier, depending upon how much time they each care to share with the other side of their family), the queen and Prince Philip stay on at Sandringham through the second week of February. And much like that neighbor your HOA is always after, they keep their Christmas decorations up the entire time. Their tree is cut from the estate. How do they keep it fresh that long? Inquiring minds want to know.

Maybe we're clairvoyant, but we totally know you're on the hunt for the best holiday recipes right now. We've collected recipes for some of the most popular Christmas dishes that everyone loves so you don't have to spend hours sifting through Google and Pinterest. So Merry Christmas, everyone!

More: 12 stiff cocktails to get you through the 12 Days of Christmas

1. Green bean casserole

A holiday table isn't a holiday table if there's not a green bean casserole involved. Check out all of these stellar recipes for the Christmas favorite and whip up a casserole that would even impress your grandma.

2. Turkey brining 101

To brine or not to brine? That is the question. And if you do decide to brine, do you go with a wet or a dry? We break all your burning brining questions down for you, step-by-step, right here.

3. The best mashed potatoes ever

Ross Gellar may have insisted that Monica make his mashed potatoes with lumps on Friends, but the rest of us would rather bask in the glory of the most soft, buttery mashed potatoes you've ever eaten in your entire life.

4. Old-school candied yams

Don't you dare mistake candied yams for sweet potato casserole — there is so much more love in candied yams, and this traditional candied yam recipe will transport you straight back to childhood.

5. Sweets, sweets and more sweets

Did we say it just isn't the holidays without green bean casserole? What we really meant is that it isn't the holidays without the whole house smelling like the most delicious cookies and treats in the entire world. Whether you want to build a gingerbread house — minus the tears of frustration — master the best chocolate chip cookies of your life or whip up a batch of the softest sugar cookies you'll ever decorate for the holidays — we've got you covered. We even have super-helpful tips that will make all of your cookies taste better in general.

Are you gluten-free this Christmas? Don't fret — Kourtney Kardashian's recipe for dairy-free, gluten-free gingersnaps to the rescue. You'll never know the gluten is missing.

6. Hot cider

When it's freezing outside, hot cider is pure magic. We've got 15 slow-cooker cider recipes that will knock your socks off.

7. Eggnog

Everybody loves good old-fashioned eggnog, but why not take things to the next level with this Puerto Rican pistachio variation? Or if you like your eggnog straight up and chilled with a kick of caffeine, this eggnog latte martini is just for you.

8. Moscow mule

Moscow mules aren't traditional Christmas beverages, per se, but these warming recipes might just be what you need to get through 48 hours with all your relatives.

9. Beef tenderloin

If you're looking to prepare a roast beast fancier than anything that ever came out of Whoville, beef tenderloin will do the trick. It sounds intimidating, but if you follow our easy recipe, you won't screw it up. Scouts honor.

10. Plant-based holiday meals

If the exact opposite of beef tenderloin is what you want to serve up on Christmas, we've got you covered there too. We've put together a compilation of 45 vegan holiday recipes so good, even meat-eaters will be in heaven.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published December 2008. Updated December 2016.

I don't know about you, but this year I've grown a little colder, grown a little sadder, grown a little older... you know how the song goes. Just when we're supposed to be feeling the joy of the season, we face horrific stories of terrorism abroad, civil war in Syria crushing an entire city of people and possibly the deepest, most toxic political divide our nation has ever faced.

More: 25 no-bake cookies for easy, last-minute holiday treats

It's no wonder we're searching for hope any place we see it. And if I happen to see hope in a cookie, it's for a darn good reason. Baking genius Dorie Greenspan's world peace cookie in her new cookbook, Dorie's Cookies, isn't exactly new. It's been around for a few years. But of all the cookies in her book, I feel like this is the one we need the most right now, and not just because it's a luscious, salty, buttery chocolate sable. We'll let Dorie explain it in her own words.

More: Italian cookies you can pretend your imaginary nonna made

World peace cookies recipe

From Dorie's Cookies

The original recipe for these cookies was given to me by my friend, Pierre Herme, the wonderful Parisian pastry chef. In the cookies’ first incarnation, they were called "sables chocolats," or chocolate shortbread. In their second, the one in which chopped chocolate was added to the sweet/salty dough, they were dubbed "sables Korova" and were served at the Paris restaurant of the same name. Finally, a neighbor of mine gave them the name they truly deserve: world peace cookies. He was convinced that if everyone in the world could have these cookies, there would be planetary peace. I hope he’s right. What I know for sure is that everyone who has these cookies smiles, and smiles are pretty powerful. — Dorie Greenspan

Yields about 36 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick plus 3 tablespoons (11 tablespoons/5-1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into chip-size bits, or an equal amount of store-bought chocolate mini-chips

Directions:

1. Sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda together and keep close at hand.
2. Working in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it is soft and creamy. (If you’d like, you can make the dough by hand using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.) Add both sugars, the salt and the vanilla extract and beat for 2 minutes more.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing only until they are incorporated — the dough may look crumbly, but that’s fine. For the best texture, you want to work the dough as little as possible once the flour is added. Toss in the chocolate pieces and mix only to incorporate.
4. Turn the dough out onto a smooth work surface, divide it in half, gather each half together and working with one half at a time, shape the dough into a log that is 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or for up to 3 days.
5. When you're ready to bake, center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Have two lined baking sheets at hand.
6. Working with a sharp thin-bladed knife, slice rounds that are 1/2-inch thick. (The rounds often crack as you’re cutting them — don’t be concerned, just squeeze the bits back onto the cookie.) Arrange the rounds on the baking sheets leaving about 1 inch of spread space between each round and slide one of the sheets into the oven. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes — they won’t look done, nor will they be firm, but that’s just the way they should be. Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack and let the cookies rest until they are only just warm, at which point you can serve them or let them reach room temperature.
7. Repeat with the second sheet of cookies.

Storing: The dough can be made ahead and either chilled or frozen. In fact, if you’ve frozen the dough, you needn’t defrost it before baking — let it warm just enough so that you can slice the rounds; bake the cookies one minute longer. Packed airtight, baked cookies will keep at room temperature for up to three days; they can be frozen for up to two months.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I know the holidays are supposed to be a time for gratitude and counting our blessings. As parents, the gifting is supposed to be focused on our precious children. Oh, nothing for me. I'm happy just to bask in the joy of my children who are already fighting over one toy despite the cornucopia of gifts they have received from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Bless them.

Here’s the thing: That’s not quite my jam. I mean, I love watching my kids open up their presents as much as the next parent, but let’s be real here: Their happiness and satisfaction are not the only things I want for Christmas. In fact, there are quite a few things I would love for Santa to drop under the tree for me this year. So if Santa happens to be perusing the internet looking for gift ideas, don’t worry, dude. I’ve got you covered.

1. Noise-canceling headphones. Do you have any idea how loud children are? No, Santa, no you do not. You come shimmying down the chimney when those screeching banshees are silent, sleeping angels. They look so cherubic I sometimes cry at the side of their cribs at night. But let me tell you, when they are awake and cranky from a day of too many presents and too much fun, this mom would really like to drown out their indignant screams over who got more whipped cream in their hot cocoa.

2. A personal chef. Here's the thing, Santa: I don't need a five Michelin-star chef. I'm using the term "chef" loosely here. What I really need is someone who will heat up frozen chicken nuggets, be unfazed when said chicken nuggets are regarded with disdain and quickly whip up a bowl of cereal with milk. I need someone who will cater to the constant snacking needs of my 3-year-old, who is consistently dissatisfied with every single snack option we have in the house. And if this chef happens to know how to make a good filet mignon and pair it with a nice glass of wine when I don't feel like cooking (which is most of the time), I'm not going to complain about that either.

3. House cleaning. You know what goes great with tons of extra toys that I have to put away and the joy of hosting family in my home? A gift certificate for some house cleaning. I mean, yeah, the full daily service would be great, but I have heard from some trusty fellow moms that bathrooms and floor service twice a month is worth every last penny. Basically, any help I can get with the never-ending mess produced by my darling children would be much appreciated.

4. Spa time. Dear Santa, you know how you get to spend 364 days a year at the North Pole in sweet, sweet seclusion eating cookies? That’s pretty much what I dream about every night. I’m not asking to switch lives or anything; I simply want to get away for a little while to bask in silence, and hey, a massage thrown in there for good measure isn’t a bad idea. You can come too, Santa. Couples massage. I’m generous like that.

5. A treat lockbox. Now, I know what you're thinking: There's no way I need such an item. I look fantastic and clearly need no newfangled dieting tools. I understand that this lockbox is supposed to help you overcome your weak willpower so you can lose weight, but that's not my intention for having a special hidey-box full of chocolate. I need this thing because my toddler is very good at climbing, knows her way around child-locked cabinets and has on more than one occasion helped herself to my treat stash in the wee small hours of the morning. Mama needs to protect her treats.

With your extensive magical powers and all, I feel like this isn't an outrageous Christmas list. I've been extra good all year by not indulging the urge to whine back at my children while they are having a public meltdown in the middle of the grocery store. That shit takes willpower. Plus, I'm going to make you some pretty amazing cookies, so let's take that into account as well. If you're feeling extra generous in light of these things, a vacation to the Bahamas at a child-free resort wouldn't hurt either. I'm just saying.

It's official: Santa’s Village is now open to visitors. Well, Google’s Santa’s Village. It may not have actual elves, but it’s actually pretty cute.

To help us pass the time until Christmas, Google will update the site every day by unlocking a new experience. According to Tracy Hepler from Google Marketing North Pole: “From sliding penguins to dancing elves, the residents of the North Pole are having the time of their lives, and now you can join in the merriment.” There will be several new games in Santa’s Village, including four that will only be available on the Android app.

For Google's Computer Science Education Week, taking place Dec. 5 through 11, Google will unveil (sorry, “unwrap”) three coding games. There’s Code Boogie, for instance, in which you can help Santa’s elves learn dance moves. (Code Boogie kind of confused me — but then, I’m old, and most new things confuse me. And frighten me! But I digress.) 

Anyway, Santa’s Village is pretty cute, and sure to get your children revved up about the holidays. (Do they need to be more revved about the holidays?) The animation of Santa getting in shape for the big day is adorable. It’s all adorable.

More: Is Santa damaging our children? Hell, no

For teachers trying to keep kids’ attention throughout December, there’s an educator resource page. And for all ages, there’s a “traditions” page, on which we can learn about the curious holiday customs of other lands. For instance: 

“In Greece, friendly but troublesome creatures called ‘kallikantzari’ live most of the year in the center of the earth.” But at Christmas, they love to hide in people’s houses, frightening people, playing tricks, or devouring Christmas foods.” 

and: 

“At Christmas time in Iceland, families give gifts of warm clothing to each member of their household. According to legend, there is a frightening Christmas Cat who gobbles up anyone not equipped for the cold and wintery weather.” 

I pretty much stopped reading at that point because it seems like everyone’s traditions involve frightening and/or eating human beings. (OK, actually these were the only traditions that had anything dark in them. Thus, they were my favorites.) 

On the 24th, Google will be tracking Santa as he makes his way around the world. Whether you trust Google’s Santa Tracker more than NORAD’s is entirely your call.

More: The cutest letters to Santa you'll ever read

My sons are at that age when they must begin volunteering their time, for honor clubs and scholarship opportunities. When discussing altruism, I encourage them to find causes and movements that resonate. Social action should be personal and it’s important to find meaning in what we do to help. Though for most of us, while we have the capacity to show concern for others, too often it’s only when those "others" are a lot like us.

More: If I want to raise better humans, I have to talk to my kids about Aleppo

But I also want my kids to advocate for others –real "others" – people who look and sound different from them, people with different backgrounds, who come from different cultures. That’s right. My twin sons are going to have to champion some causes for people who don’t hail from an Irish/Jewish/Buddhist/vegetarian/liberal family with big foreheads, big noses and even bigger hair.

It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it is possible. But what about the rest of us?

I ask myself this question all the time: Can I empathize with someone who makes different choices than I would? Think about that for a moment. Can you? Can we then advocate for them? We all think we’re open-minded and many of us believe we are all about "live and let live." It’s easy to say we do, but it's quite another thing to act like it.

A few years ago, I wrote for a paper where the editor was a gay man, liberal, and not surprisingly a vocal advocate for gay rights. I tried to get him interested in education issues. He resisted. The reason? He didn’t have kids, so education wasn’t really his thing.

This stumped me for a second. Beyond the obvious reasons why education affects people who don’t have children (such as property values and crime rates, to name just two), I had another point to make. I told him I’d never been gay. Never had an inkling of a desire to hook up with a woman – not even in college. And yet I’ve written about, supported, and advocated for gay rights. I've also never been a victim of apartheid or AIDS, needed an abortion, been black, diagnosed with breast cancer, heart disease or a learning disability. I've also never been a Sea World whale or a circus elephant, low-income family in need of school choice, or a sex worker. I've never been particularly religious or into obscene art either. And yet I advocate on behalf of all of these because it’s the right thing for me to do, because we live in a diverse society where social justice, human rights and animal rights should be a priority.

More: How I'm teaching my daughter age-appropriate activism

I’m not perfect –far from it. I have moments when I get all judgey if I meet someone who eats too much, seems a little too knowledgeable about reality television shows, has never read To Kill a Mockingbird, or who voted for Trump. I’ve been known to roll my eyes and make snarky comments at fundamentalists – before being escorted from the bar. I’m inordinately rude to people who dare to insult the Beastie Boys. That’s usually when one of my friends or family members remind me to check myself.

Am I really being the best version of myself? Or only when someone makes a choice I understand? A choice I can agree with?

I once heard Al Franken joke about how Nancy Reagan all of a sudden supported stem cell research when Ronnie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Dick Cheney loves his gay daughter and didn’t really much care for laws that discriminated against her. These were people who weren’t well-known for empathy, but seemed to get it when it affected them.

I’d argue it’s all of us who find empathy when we find ourselves smack dab in someone else’s shoes, rather than simply picturing ourselves there. We harbor prejudices and beliefs that don’t make sense, and sometimes show very little compassion.

Teaching our children to see past their own circumstances and defend those with whom they disagree is just one of many ways we can ensure they’re more evolved than us. A trait that will benefit them in the long run and lead to a much better, and wiser, world for all of us.

Originally published on BlogHer

More: How to respond thoughtfully if someone accuses you of racism

1. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate

Whether it's a gift of gourmet chocolates or yet another batch of brownies or chocolate chip cookies, chances are you have lots of chocolate laying in wait for your dog to chomp down quicker than you can say "Merry Christmas." Chocolate is teeming with theobromine, an alkaloid that is toxic to dogs. It can cause seizures and even death. Symptoms that your pup pigged out on chocolate include vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and muscle tremors.

2. Holiday lattes and other coffee treats

Your coffee addiction may get kicked into overdrive during the jam-packed holiday season, but caffeine is a dangerous no-no for your pooch. The stimulant can cause seizures, abnormal heartbeat and even death. Specialty coffee drinks topped with whipped cream are particularly tempting to your canines, so keep them up out of reach. Be sure your chocolate-covered coffee beans are also put high up on a shelf.

3. Alcohol

Though you may not intentionally pour your dogs a bowl of wine (or spiked eggnog), your pawed pals may take the liberty of lapping out of any glass they can get their tongues in. Wine, beer and hard liquor can cause seizures, respiratory failure, decrease in blood sugar, low blood pressure and a drop in body temperature. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your pets.

4. Unbaked dough

Did you know that the bowl of rising dough on the counter can mean death for your dog? Unbaked bread dough can expand in your pup's stomach and cause bloat or a twisted stomach. Signs of a twisted stomach include vomiting, retching, elevated heart rate, weakness and a distended stomach. Another danger in unbaked bread dough is the yeast, which will convert into alcohol in your dog's stomach. The alcohol is quickly absorbed into your dog's bloodstream and can result in alcohol poisoning. If your dog eats dough, get it to a vet immediately.

5. Sugar-free treats

Well-meaning friends who know you're counting calories may give you sugar-free goodies containing xylitol (a lower-calorie sugar substitute) this holiday season, but there isn't anything sweet about the toxic effects xylitol has on dogs. This sugar alcohol causes a drastic drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver damage. Signs of xylitol toxicity, including vomiting and lethargy, occur quickly after ingestion and can be fatal.

6. Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medications

Whether you tend to get holiday stress headaches or pulled a few muscles putting up the Christmas lights, you may find yourself relying on Ibuprofen or other pain relievers this time of year. These non-prescription medications can cause liver and kidney damage, severe ulcers, anemia and even death. Keep all over-the-counter and prescription medications out of reach of your pawed pals.

7. Macadamia nuts

Are macadamia nuts found aplenty on your holiday season treat menu? These indulgent nuts can prove toxic to your dog. Symptoms of toxicity, which typically occur within 12 hours of ingestion, include depression, weakness, tremors, vomiting and pale gums.

8. Turkey bones and table food scraps

Your pup may whimper and whine for a table treat during the holiday dinner or simply sneak in the kitchen while you're opening gifts and gorge on any food it can get its jaws on. Bones from poultry, fish, pork and even beef can cause choking or splinter in your dog's digestive tract. Fatty table scraps or leftovers can lead to pancreatitis and high-sodium fare can cause your dog to drink too much water and get bloat or twisted stomach. Human food is best kept for humans.

9. Pretty, shiny decorations everywhere

Dogs may not appreciate the beauty of holiday decor, but they may see it as new chewy opportunities. If your dog has an affinity for chewing, keep wreaths, candles, ornaments, strings of lights and other festive accessories out of its reach.

10. Poisonous holiday plants

Poinsettias have long suffered a bad rap as a toxic plant for dogs, but it turns out that mistletoe is most deserving of doggie disdain. Small amounts of mistletoe can cause mild digestive upset, but large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, seizures, low blood pressure, ataxia, collapse and even death. Poinsettias and holly aren't lethal like mistletoe, but can cause digestive distress when ingested. If your dog digs into the holiday foliage, call your vet for treatment recommendations.

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There's no doubt that Christmas Eve is one of the most exciting nights of the year for most children. The magic, the anticipation, the wonder — it all makes for the perfect evening.

To make Christmas Eve that much more special — and perhaps distract the kiddos from Santa's impending visit — try creating some new traditions to add to the list of things the family looks forward to every year.

Here are some great places to start.

1. Christmas Eve pickle

This tradition is one that will tickle everyone. It's German in origin, though no one seems to be exactly sure how it started. Basically the pickle-shaped ornament is the last one that goes on the tree on Christmas Eve, and it's hidden deep in the branches. Whichever kid finds it first in the morning gets an extra gift from Santa.

2. Peppermint pig

Believing that pigs were good luck, the Victorians started this tradition. To make it your own, order a peppermint pig, then smash it after dinner. Share the candy around the table, and it's good luck for the rest of the year.

3. Pajama elves

Christmas is a great time for cozy new pajamas, especially because the elves can deliver them on Christmas Eve. There's even a book, The Pajama Elves by Hayden Edwards, that tells the tale of elves bringing magic pajamas that you can incorporate as well.

4. Caroling

Gather a group, and go singing through your neighborhood, at a local nursing home or at a hospital. You will spread holiday cheer and tire out little ones who are amped up on sugar cookies and dreams.

More: 33 Hilarious ways to pose your Elf on the Shelf

5. Takeout

With all the hustle and bustle and preparation for the big day, sometimes ordering takeout or pizza from a favorite restaurant is a great way to take a little break and just enjoy some good food. Turn on your favorite holiday movie, and snuggle up.

6. Christmas key

Don't have a chimney? No worries, just leave Santa a magic Christmas key. Hang it outside on Christmas Eve, and she's sure to have no problem at all getting in and leaving gifts.

7. Reindeer food

While cookies and milk are good for Santa, don't forget his trusty sleigh mates. Sprinkling this mix of oats, birdseed and sparkly sugar crystals will dazzle your kids and make the birds happy in the morning too.

More: 15 Insanely simple Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas Eve

8. Track Santa

The NORAD Santa Tracker lets kids (and adults) track the Big Guy via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other means. Volunteers answer calls and emails from around the world to keep everyone informed just where in the world Santa is on the big night.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published November 2015. Updated December 2016.

Need a last-minute dose of holiday cheer?

Meet Audrey Nethery, an eight-year-old dancing and singing sensation. Audrey was diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a bone marrow disorder, when she was 2 months old. But that’s not stopping her from enjoying herself and delighting everyone around her.

“Audrey has always loved music. Since she was a baby she would clap and move to music, so I think it's a part of who she is,” her father told us. “And her doctors also say that dancing is very good for Audrey!” 

If you want to learn about Audrey and the work her family is doing to spread awareness about DBA, check out her Facebook page.

As much as we’d all love to write winter weight gain off as one of those annoying health myths (an apple a day, the two-second food rule, et cetera) it’s unfortunately 100 percent real, as a large international study recently proved. You’re likelier to gain the most weight of the year during the holiday season, and it can take up to five months to lose. Say it with me: Ughhh.

More: 7 little low-effort ways to stay fit this winter

So, because I’m really not very good at giving up the things that help me deal with my Seasonal Affective Disorder—namely, pasta, risotto, wine, cheese; you get the idea—I decided to ask people who specialize in eating healthy how they do it during winter. Below, get seven of their best secrets for staving off those cold-weather pounds—and, unlike their clients, you don’t even have to pay a cent.

Pick Healthy Comfort Foods.

You don’t have to give up comfort foods entirely. (Phew.) But you do need to choose wisely if you don’t want your waistline to grow. Monica Amsterdam, Director of Nutrition at the Medical and Wellness Center of New Jersey, suggests opting for roasted vegetables like carrots, onions, beets, winter squashes, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, parsnips and rutabaga. “These are naturally sweet and very satisfying, nourish our organs, and invigorate our mind,” she says. That I can get behind.

Spice it Up.

In place of carb-y, cheesy dishes (sigh, my fave), focus on adding as much flavor to your food as possible, and it’ll be a little easier to forgo those less healthy ingredients. “Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spices to oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, and you can even add some into a cup of warm almond milk for a sweet evening beverage,” says Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, a Manhattan-based nutritionist and author of Eating Clean: The 21-Day Plan to Detox, Fight Inflammation, and Reset Your Body. “Also go for fresh rosemary. This herb will do wonders for your taste buds and you won’t need the chemical-laden marinades. Just use fresh lemon juice, olive oil and rosemary when roasting veggies or organic animal products.”

Calm Your Body with Warming Meals.

It’s not in your head—winter really is hard on you, physically and emotionally. “Cold is a source of stress for the body,” says Amsterdam. “To keep your temperature stable and maintain homeostasis, you need more energy. Swap unhealthy dishes for healthy soups and stews made with tons of leafy green vegetables, garlic and onions. Also incorporate legumes, hot peppers, ginger, and herbal tea—these foods will help heat up the body, and keep you satisfied.”

More: 6 coping techniques I use to manage my seasonal affective disorder

Make Smart Cooking Swaps.

When you’re baking or cooking up stir-fries, eggs, casseroles, and stuffing, one easy way to eat slimmer is by avoiding unnecessary high-fat foods and white flour. “Toss the butter and use coconut butter or oil in your recipes for delicious flavor without the inflammatory ingredients,” says Valpone. “Use almond flour to make breads and crackers that are filling and hearty without the fillers that can lead to weight gain. Try my almond cracker recipe and serve them with a spread of coconut or cashew butter with a pinch of sea salt.” Yum.

Eat Before Going Out.

The season of celebration also happens to be the season of stuffing our faces. Luckily, Amsterdam has hacks to help you with self-control. “At parties, opt to use a smaller plate if you can, or just put snacks into a napkin rather than getting lots of refills,” she says. “Always eat before you go to a party or a gathering. About 30 minutes to an hour before heading out, drink a healthy smoothie that’s packed with protein and a healthy fat like a tablespoon of nut or seed butter. Alternatively, have an apple with ½ a tablespoon of nut or seed butter—just don’t arrive famished or you’ll regret it.”

Make Savvy Party Choices.

Sometimes you’ll end up at a party where you may not have time to fill up on healthy alternatives beforehand (at a happy hour right after work, for instance). At those times, make the best of your options, rather than trying not to eat at all, which might just lead to a binge an hour later when you find your blood sugar crashing. “Instead of having several boozy cocktails, have one glass of wine and then sip on seltzer with cranberry juice,” says Valpone. “Keep raw nuts and seeds in your desk, car, or purse so that you can munch on a handful of raw walnuts or almonds—avoid the roasted, salty versions—during food emergencies. The healthy fat in nuts will curb your cravings so you’re not dying to jump into the bread basket or attack the appetizers.”

Choose the Right Grains.

Best news ever: You don’t have to forsake grains entirely to be healthy this winter. Just choose the right ones, says Valpone. “Cook up a batch of your favorite gluten-free grains on Sunday night,” she says. “Smart options include quinoa, millet, amaranth, teff, wild rice, and sorghum. If you keep a batch ready and on hand, you can use them throughout the week in tacos, fajitas, rice pudding, pilafs, and more.” Yes, she said tacos!

More: Kristin Cavallari’s Diet and Fitness Secrets

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

The holidays are, uh, pretty stressful. Unless you’re planning to stay inside and see literally nobody except your kids and spouse all month (lucky you), you’ll probably have to make at least one public appearance at a Christmas party or family dinner, meaning you’ll have to wash your hair, put on non-yoga pants, and, you know, try.

More: Christmas sweater nail design

Which is why we’re really into the idea of holiday-themed nails. Because even if you throw your hair into a topknot and barely manage to swipe concealer under your eyes before the doorbell rings, you’ll still feel festive and put together. Holiday nail art is like the Christmas sweater for your hands. So to get you in the spirit, we rounded up our ten favorite Christmas nail designs and inspo pics that literally anyone—even a nail newb—can try on themselves. Scroll down to see our favorites, and then whip out your nail polish tonight. Your hands will thank you for it.

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I spent the weekend nursing my children’s wounds. Not new wounds – although my daughter Lottie did catch her finger in a door and my son Caden stepped on a tack.

More: After my first marriage ended, I learned to love my second choice

These wounds were old ones caused by my husband's and my divorce years earlier. Our divorce is amicable. We've each remarried, and our households are stable. We coparent effectively. Given our circumstances, we're coping very well. Still, the loss of our intact family affects our children, and likely always will. Our divorce changed the course of our lives. Even though it has not been aggravated or repeated, the wound of our divorce causes our children grief. As a divorce and stepfamily writer, you'd think I'd be ever-ready to handle the grief that surfaces now and then from the changes that have occurred in our family, but it still surprises me.

 “This house is so stressful,” my son Simon snapped. “Everyone is always coming and going. It’s never quiet.” I moved into solution mode asking,  “How can we make things better? Let’s talk about it.”

The conversation devolved quickly. He’s unhappy. He’s not sure why. I’m too hard on him about grades and work, and all the other things mothers are too hard on their sons about. He’s always moving between houses, and each house is filled with people and noise. He unloaded, growing taller as we talked, detailing the ways his life doesn’t match his expectations.

Caden watched Simon talk to me, in the sneaky, intrusive way little brothers spy on their older siblings. He watched Simon unload and shifted from snoop to caretaker, worrying about me. Lottie took one look at her brothers and me and began gnaw to on her fingernail.

All four of us were suddenly swirling in a vortex of negative emotion. I’m worried about Simon, Caden’s worried about me, Lottie’s sad and Simon’s mad. I know from experience those emotions can trigger other, deeper ones for us, as they do for anyone touched by grief.

More: We almost didn't survive our first year as a stepfamily

My first line of defense is distractions, but even milkshakes couldn’t fix it.

I called their father Billy and asked him to stop by under the pretense of dropping a forgotten school book. Sometimes we do that – ask the other to stop by so the kids can spend some time in the kitchen with both parents. Sometimes it helps reset them, reminding them that even after the divorce we are still a family. It worked a little. Simon joked with us both about his history homework and Lottie sat in her daddy’s lap for a bit.

After Billy left, a movie together on the couch and our favorite comfort food dinner helped hold everyone’s focus. At bedtime, Lottie worried that I was sad. I answered honestly. I was sad that her brother Simon was feeling unhappy, but that sadness is a normal part of life. I reminded her she doesn’t have to take care of her Mama. We read an extra two pages in her book, and I sat with her until her breathing grew slow and deep.

Simon had moved entirely past his meltdown by bedtime, as teenagers do. I revisited it, telling him that happiness all the time isn’t a realistic goal, but a thread of contentment in one’s life absolutely is. That I would work with him, his dad and his stepparents to get to a solution that provided more happiness if this one didn’t. “I’m fine, Mom. It’s fine.” And just like that, I was dismissed, the topic closed.

I found Caden crying in his bed as I went to tuck him in. He’d been outwardly the happiest of the three all day, his pleases and thank yous and I love you moms at the ready. Exhausted and tucked under the covers, the effort caught up to him.  “I’m sorry about Simon,” he whispered.  “When Simon is mad or Lottie is yelling you look so sad,” he continued, “I don’t want you to be sad.”

I don’t know what to say, so after a long pause, I tell him the truth. That I am sad. That I feel the hurt his brother and sister and he express keenly. That hurt can sometimes trigger other feelings, especially for people like us, who have survived loss. That a good and happy life can still sometimes be sad or hard, and that’s what today was. I stroke his back and he’s asleep almost before I finish talking.

This morning, all is well. Simon wore a coat to the bus stop, Caden remembered his debate club meeting after school, and Lottie brushed her hair without being told 17 times. They are cheerful and chatty and focused on the week ahead. I send my children off to school and mourn our broken hearts.

I mourn and I remember. I remember healing takes time and requires repeated nursing, even years after the wound. I remember that these days are better in every way than the early days of our grief. I remember our tribe is large and we are not alone. I remember we are strong.

More: The Brady Brunch helped my blended family more than counseling did

It's important that every family creates holiday traditions they take great pride in, but it's equally important to learn about the rich customs and celebrations that take place in different cultures.

Teach your kids about these amazing traditions from around the world. You'll be surprised at how much it enriches your family's own celebration.

Hanukkah in Israel

Jewish people all over the world observe Hanukkah, but perhaps there is not a more brilliant celebration than in Israel. The eight-day holiday, which lands on different dates in December every year, marks the successful Jewish rebellion over the Greeks. The focal point of celebration is the menorah, a branched candelabrum, and most homes have many. Each night, one candle is lit and gifts are often given to children, games are played and food is enjoyed. Children in Israel even get a week off from school.

More: 16 Adorably crafty holiday gifts kids can make themselves

New Year's Eve in Ecuador

In this South American country, a family dresses up a straw man representing the old year. Family members make a will for the straw man that lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw manin hopes their own faults disappear too.

Kwanzaa in the U.S.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration honoring African-American culture. It was first celebrated in 1966 and is one of the fastest growing holidays. A Kwanzaa celebration often includes singing, drumming and a selection of readings such as the African pledge or parts of African history.

More: The baby names guaranteed to land on Santa's naughty list

Omisoka in Japan

In Japan, Omisoka, or New Year's Eve, is the second most important holiday of the year, following New Year's Day, the start of a new beginning. Japanese families gather for a late dinner around 11 p.m., and at midnight, many make visits to a shrine or temple. In many homes, there is a cast bell that is struck 108 times, symbolizing desires believed to cause human suffering.

Next: Ta Chiu in Hong Kong

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Ta Chiu in Hong Kong

Those in Hong Kong pray to the gods and ghosts of their ancestors asking that they will fulfill wishes for the next year. Priests read aloud the names of every person living at the celebration and attach a list of names to a paper horse and set it on fire. The smoke carries the names up to the gods and the living will be remembered.

More: I'm the mean mom who won't give her kids toys this Christmas

Christmas in France

In France, Christmas is called Noel. And though there are many similarities to Christmas in the U.S., you'll find a number of key differences. A figure called Pere Noel, father of Christmas, makes home visits with gifts. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by a fireplace that will be filled with the gifts. In the morning, they awake to find fruits, nuts and small toys. Nearly every home has a Nativity Scene, which serves as the focal point of decoration and celebration, just as the Christmas tree does in U.S. homes.

Christmas in Alaska

Christmas traditions in Alaska are similar to the rest of the Unites States, but there are a few unique differences that make an Alaskan Christmas special. For example, children go caroling with a long pole topped by a colored star. Songs sung in the home often include the Aleut words “Gristuusaaq suu'uq,” which means “Christ is born.” The closing words, “Mnogaya leta,” means, “God grant you many years.” Treats may include cookies, doughnuts, and cake, as well as fish pie called piruk and smoked salmon.

St. Stephen's Day in Ireland

Christmas festivities in Ireland tend to be more religious in nature than about simple fun. Christmas celebrations last from Christmas Eve until January 6th (Epiphany). On the 26th, St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition that is known as the Wren Boys Procession takes place. Children go from door to door singing, holding a stick that is topped by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren,” which goes into their pockets. In ancient times, a real wren was killed and fastened to the stick, but today fake wrens are used.

Sviata Vechera in the Ukraine

The Christmas Eve festivities in the Ukraine are known as Sviata Vechera, which means “Holy Supper.” The celebration begins when the first evening star is sighted in the night sky. In farming communities, the household head brings in a sheaf of wheat which symbolizes the wheat crops of Ukraine. It is called “didukh,” which translates to “grandfather spirit.” In homes within the city, a few stalks of wheat may be used to decorate the table.

More: Why I'll never force my kid to sit on Santa's lap

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton will undoubtedly spend this Christmas together. There’s been so much speculation that the pair are already engaged, we can't help but wonder: Could a winter wedding be in the works? According to a new source, it doesn’t sound likely.

More: Insider claims to know everything about Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton's wedding

The latest inside source to comment on the Voice stars' romance claims Shelton and Stefani are not engaged yet, and Shelton won’t be getting down on one knee by the Christmas tree this year.

"Blake's almost gone through with proposing many times this Christmas,” an inside source told HollywoodLife. "He chose not to because it's not where they are both at in the relationship. They don't feel the rush everyone else has for them to get married. It'll happen and it will be perfect, but they won’t get engaged this Christmas."

More: Gwen Stefani sees you 'shipping her & Blake Shelton, and she loves it

Well, we can't wait to see the magical moment when it does happen! As far the couple's holiday plans go, Shelton and Stefani were spotted hopping on a private jet headed out of Los Angeles with loads of Christmas presents in tow, likely on their way to celebrate the holiday with either Stefani's family or Shelton's family.

The entire crew, including Stefani's parents, spent this past Thanksgiving in Oklahoma. We wouldn't be surprised if the whole squad was headed back to Shelton's home state to celebrate Christmas.

More: Gwen Stefani & her parents head to Oklahoma for Shelton family Thanksgiving

"They are really happy with each other," the source also said. The insider even added that Blake is all about playing the role of Santa for Stefani's sons this year.

It sounds like Stefani's boys will be unwrapping lots of presents this year, even though she won't be getting a ring. However, this pair is obviously still going strong. We wouldn't be shocked if they do end up getting engaged or even tying the knot by the end of 2017.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Farrah Abraham is opening up about fellow MTV reality star Valerie Fairman's death. Fairman was found unresponsive after an apparent drug overdose in a friend's bathroom in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday. The two mothers both starred on the inaugural season of 16 and Pregnant.

More: Farrah Abraham reveals why she's proud of fellow Teen Mom Jenelle Evans

When TMZ asked Farrah if she thought there was a connection between Fairman's reality TV fame and her struggle with drug addiction, which led to her death, Abraham said, "I think that played a part. From jail to drug addiction... I really wish that she was just supported in a better way."

Fairman was 23 years old at the time of her death. She was 15 when she starred on 16 and Pregnant.

"I was very devastated, because, you know, I think of — she has a 7-year-old child who now has a huge loss, just like my daughter has a loss of her father, and we lost him around Christmastime as well," Abraham said.

The father of Abraham's daughter, Sophia, died in a car crash while Abraham was still pregnant on Dec. 28, 2008. Fairman's daughter, Nevaeh, is the same age as Sophia.

More: It looked like Farrah Abraham gave her daughter weight-loss tea and people lost it

"I think whoever is surrounding Nevaeh, who is her daughter, I hope that they truthfully help her through bereavement, the loss of her mother, you know, any drug or addiction problems in her future," Abraham said. "She needs to be surrounded by positive, awesome people, and it's sad that her mother wasn’t supported in that way."

Fairman had struggled with drug addiction for some time and had reportedly gone to rehab. She had also had her fair share of trouble with the law, including previous arrests for assaulting her mother and for prostitution. Just last week, she was arrested for resisting arrest and making a false identification to law enforcement.

More: I can't believe I'm saying this, but Farrah Abraham might need her own show

Abraham also told TMZ her thoughts on 16 and Pregnant, saying, "I have to say this: There is a lot of women, who they have still had in production, who carried on 16 and Pregnant after us. I honestly feel like it's not a positive thing.

"It's not really done in a positive, effective way that we all started doing," Abraham continued." That's just the honest-to-God truth, and it's really hurtful to me to see what I am seeing, and women do not need to be pregnant to get on television."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

There's a chance a house full of crumpled-up wrapping paper and shattered ornaments will leave you too exhausted to cook — but never fear. These 14 restaurants open on Christmas Day will help make this holiday the best yet.

Sure, it's lovely to have your family over for a big holiday meal, but sometimes treating yourself to a night out is the best Christmas gift of all.

Or, if you don't celebrate Christmas and you're looking for somewhere — anywhere — to grab a bite on Dec. 25, these restaurants are here for you too.

1. Applebee's

Some Applebee's restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, but hours vary by location. Call your local restaurant to find out if it's open.

2. Boston Market

Some Boston Market locations are open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, offering special holiday meal options along with their standard fare. They also offer lots of heat-and-serve holiday food that feed four to 12 people, with options like roasted turkey and spiral ham, and also have a catering option. Check your local Boston Market for holiday hours.

More: Help! Which pie should I bake this Christmas? (QUIZ)

3. Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is open on Christmas Day for lunch and dinner, where you can share a family-style meal with your nearest and dearest. Reservations are recommended.

4. Denny's

Most Denny's restaurants will be open on Christmas. The regular menu will be available along with seasonal specials like Holiday Turkey & Dressing Dinner, Holiday Harvest Skillet and Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancake Breakfast.

5. Chart House

Chart House will be open on Christmas Day except in San Francisco and Cincinnati, serving up its signature menu. Reservations are recommended.

6. Golden Corral

Some Golden Corral locations will be open on Christmas Day, but with special hours. Check with your local restaurant for details.

7. HomeTown Buffet

Select Hometown Buffet restaurants will be open on Christmas. Contact your local restaurant to verify their hours.

They are also offering a Christmas feast that includes over two pounds of turkey, more than two pounds of ham, and all the fixings — plus dessert — for $90. Contact your local restaurant to order ahead by Thursday, Dec. 22.

More: 17 Sauces to transform your holiday roast into something special

8. IHOP

If you find yourself with a hankering for pancakes on Christmas, IHOP will be your jam. Almost all IHOPs are open Christmas Day, but call ahead to check local hours.

9. McCormick & Schmick's

McCormick & Schmick's will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Treat yourself to seafood, steak or both. Check your local restaurant for holiday hours.

10. Old Country Buffet

Select Old Country Buffet restaurants will be open on Christmas. Contact your local restaurant to verify their hours.

Like HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet are also offering a Christmas feast for $90. Contact your local restaurant to order ahead by Thursday, Dec. 22.

11. Ruth's Chris

Select Ruth's Chris Steak House locations will be open on Christmas Day. The regular menu will be available — why not treat yourself to steak and lobster?

12. Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky will be serving up its Winter Menu steaks and seafood on Christmas Day along with holiday wines by the glass and bottle.

13. Starbucks

Some Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas to help fuel you through a day of opening presents and dealing with family — though most will be closed by 4 p.m.. Check locations and hours here.

14. Waffle House

For the 61st year in a row, all Waffle House locations will be open 24 hours on Christmas Day. Treat yourself to some coffee and waffles, and appreciate that you won't be cleaning up after a meal with your relatives.

More: 21 Edible Christmas trees that make your appetizer spread way more festive

Christmas adds a special layer of crazy to our already busy days. ‘Tis the season to be on the road at rush hour and drive-thru for dinner. We are perpetually late to a kid activity that requires outfits we don’t own and a gift for an exchange no one wants to do.

More: After my first marriage ended, I learned to love my second choice

Last night, our daughters Sara and Amy performed in their school’s Christmas pageant. The pageant has fifty thousand middle school girls each with a four-and-a-half second part. Naturally, we couldn’t miss it.

I met my husband Gabe and son Jack there, parking illegally and silently begging for mercy as I rushed into the church. We squeezed ourselves into a pew that comfortably fit three – awkward given there was already another couple in it. We were directly behind a large brick pillar, and had no view of the balcony. I saw a bit of greenery far away up on the altar, it might have been a tree but our terrible seats made it hard to tell. Other than that, I could see nothing but the ocean of other family members sitting too close for comfort waiting for their little ones’ big moment.

The lights dimmed and the program started. Bells rang and little angels with crooked tinsel halos and orange glowing electric candles skated around the aisles in sock feet. The scene opened with tax payments in Bethlehem. The older girls interpreted this particular moment as one akin to giving a horizontal high-five with loud slapping and barely constrained laughter. Voices sang all the carols we know by heart, mostly starting in unison, but occasionally breaking free of the group, high and clear and slightly off-key.

I couldn’t see, and the church was dimly lit and warm. I began to pay more attention to the people gathered together in the church than the story unfolding in the front.

Babies, stuffed in warm jackets and tired of waiting for the starring blessed baby’s arrival, began to grow restless. Dads shushed and rocked, humming harmonies as the girls sang. Toddlers dripped off of laps and into the aisles, gradually growing bolder and roaming up and down the pews in the darkness. In front of us, a young mom whispered a play-by-play to a much older woman. Grandma looked like she might have trouble seeing and hearing even if our seats were better. Jack’s head grew heavy on Gabe’s shoulder.

More: We almost didn't survive our first year as a stepfamily

The noise and hustle of my day faded as my mind wandered to all the pageants before this one. The ones where I was a young mom of a first-born son, carefully reading the emails for weeks before the event, making sure we were ready. The ones, like this one, where I skated in, frantic and forgetful, just in time to see our babies’ moment of fame. The ones long ago where I was on the stage, first proudly, then reluctantly, each time searching for my family in the pews.

I realized I’ve been all these people in this church. We all have.

We’ve been the shepherd child clutching a stuffed lamb trying to forget she has to go to the bathroom, or the older girl glancing at her friend, stifling a giggle at the hopeless old fashioned-ness of the pageant. We’ve been the tallest girl forced to play Joseph worried that everyone watching sees right through her costume to her secret thirteen-year-old awkward self. We’ve been the child waiting for this to be over so that dinner can be served and the child who’s looked forward to her moment all month long.

The toddlers spinning in the aisles, fathers comforting fussy babies, mothers and daughters whispering to each other — each of us has been here before, playing one or more of these roles.

I remember.

I remember all the girls and women I have been and known. I remember my mother and grandmother and the other mothers in my life, and think about the woman I have yet to become. I remember the men who’ve shaped my life, my father and grandfathers, husbands and brothers. They are all here, in different shapes and forms, but here nonetheless. This crowded church is a family of strangers.

Christmas is less about the story we know well — the lambs and kings and angels — and more about who is sitting around you as you watch it retold. Hanukkah is less about the story of the cold nights and frightfully little oil and more about gathering together around the menorah. Holidays, and all the noisy hoopla surrounding them, help us remember.

We remember that love and faith can create miracles. We remember each other, far away or down the street. Brought together shoulder to shoulder in the dark, away from the noise of our daily lives, we remember our similarities far outnumber our differences, and that each of us belongs.

I hope we can all find time to remember the people who’ve come before us, surround us today, and those we have yet to meet. The quiet hush of family, born of blood or community, bonded in love and memory and witness to miracles. That is my wish for all of us as we celebrate together.

More: How to survive stepfamily struggles during the holidays

So, you're planning to do roast beast for Christmas? Pretty much all meat eaters live and die for sinking their teeth into a piping hot, fresh, juicy cut of prime rib. But is it possible that the roast is actually better the next day?

More: Turn your dinner leftovers into a lunch you'll be happy to eat

Judging by these two recipes, it is. If you have the good fortunate of being left with some extra prime rib after cooking up a roast this holiday season, turn it into one (or both) of these tasty dishes and add a carnivorous punch to an otherwise ordinary dish.

Prime rib Caesar salad recipe

Serves 1 - 2

Ingredients: 

• 5 leaves romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 small slices (or one large slice) prime rib leftovers, cut into strips and reheated
• 16 croutons
• Parmesan cheese to taste
• Caesar salad dressing to taste (recipe to follow)
• Salt and pepper to taste

More: Mastering the art of heavenly roast beef doesn't have to be difficult

Directions:

1. Toss lettuce, cheese, dressing, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Place salad onto one large plate (for a meal for one) or two small plates (as a side salad for two).
3. Top with prime rib (and extra Parmesan cheese if desired).

Caesar dressing recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 anchovy fillet
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 clove garlic

Directions:

1. In a blender (or using an emersion blender in a bowl), mix the egg yolk, garlic and anchovy to create a paste.
2. Add all other ingredients except olive oil and mix for a few seconds to combine.
3. Slowly add the olive oil while the blender is on low until the dressing is combined and creamy (add extra olive oil for a thinner dressing).
4. Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to three days.

More: The grilled chicken recipe that will make you crave leftovers — yes, you will

Zesty prime rib sandwich recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 slice leftover prime rib, sliced into strips and reheated
• 2 slices ciabatta or other rustic bread
• 1 leaf romaine lettuce (or arugula for the more daring)
• 3 slices roma tomato
• 1 slice medium cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons creamy horseradish sauce (recipe to follow)

Directions:

1. Place the cheese (if desired), prime rib, lettuce and tomato on one slice of bread.
2. Top with creamy horseradish sauce and place the other slice on top.
3. Cut into two slices and serve.

Creamy horseradish sauce recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup high-quality mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
• 1/3 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1-1/4 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and salt into the vinegar.
2. Add mayonnaise, horseradish and then the vinegar solution into a blender and blend on medium for about 10 or 15 seconds, until smooth and creamy.
3. Chill in a covered container for at least two hours.
4. Store leftovers for up to two weeks.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published April 2012. Updated December 2016.

Detoxing your body — that is, cleansing your body of all the excesses it has absorbed — is the best way to start a new year. This is also the best thing to do when you have indulged in food, booze and festive cheer and didn’t set any limits on having the best time with your loved ones.

There are many benefits that you can derive from a thorough detox. They include getting rid of chemicals and toxins that accumulate in our bodies from processed foods and ready-made meals, improving the efficiency of the immune system, losing weight and achieving holistic well-being.

There are many products out there that promise complete detox to your mind and body, and there are a number of websites and online tutorials offering detox advice. But, not all of them are trustworthy or genuine.

You need to understand the unique nature and requirements of your body and determine what works for you. Winter is especially the time to cleanse your body and step into the new year in good health. And where better to start than your kitchen? Your nutritional intake and exercise regimen are the two most important factors for an effective detox.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a happy and healthy 2017!

Stay hydrated

Water is the key to staying light after a night of indulgence — for instance, the day after a big holiday party. It helps flush out toxins from the body and helps your digestive system recover. Also, winter months are a particularly important time to stay hydrated. It can do wonders for your skin and overall health.

It works even better when the first thing that you have in the morning is a cup of warm water with a slice of fresh lemon or lime in it — feel free to add honey too! Tangy lime is rich in antioxidants and will help speed up the cleansing process.

You can continue sipping on infused water throughout the day and enjoy the multitude of benefits. Vitamin C and potassium are present in abundance in lemons and limes, which help your body achieve optimal performance.

Vitamin C helps break down toxins into water-soluble form and speed up their elimination from the body. Lemon also helps increase enzyme production in the body and aids in blood purification.

Eat greens

Green leafy veggies are a best bet to give your body tons of nutrition as well as essential nutrients and minerals. Robust kale, mustard greens, turnip tops, chard and ice spinach are all found in most markets — especially during the winter months. Escarole is another bridging green that can be a tremendously powerful source of nutrition in the winter.

Trendy kale and flavor-rich collards that are abundant in winter are part of the Brassica vegetable family and are nutritional powerhouses, rich in manganese, potassium, phytochemicals, vitamins A, C, K and E and a host of other nutrients.

Dark green veggies are among the most powerful detoxing foods that you can eat. These foods help create a strong alkaline environment in the body to help reduce the growth of bad bacteria and acids. An alkaline body environment is healthy and prevents the buildup of cellular toxins, including cancer-causing free radicals.

Chlorophyll present in green leafy veggies increases oxygen supply to cells, thereby improving their health.

Get some light exercise

Heavy exercise when you are feeling bloated and full can do more harm than good. A brisk walk can give the much-needed jolt to your metabolism that has been lulled to sleep by the fat and sugar overload from holiday festivities!

The extra calories that have been piled on need to be worked off or they may accumulate in unseemly or even dangerous places. If it’s the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas, a brisk walk can prime your metabolism to help process the extra intake.

Yoga is another great way to give your body a cleansing workout. It takes into account the physical and spiritual health of a person. Yoga is a great way to calm and soothe both body and spirit. A healthy mind is an essential part of a comprehensive detox — so grab your gear and get moving!

Also, make sure that you remove excess alcohol buildup from your body. Foods containing fructose will help burn alcohol in the body. Fresh fruit juices, coconut water and tomato juice will help your body recover from a hangover, and they also supply vitamins and minerals.

The bottom line

Winter is the best time to pamper yourself. It is the season when some of the healthiest fruits and veggies around begin to make their seasonal appearance in markets. In addition to indulging in seasonal festivities, make sure that you give your body the TLC it deserves. A smart detox can help you start the new year on a happy and healthy note.

Kim Catlin is the head of customer relations at Withdrawal Ease. She is also the wife of George Catlin, founder of Withdrawal Ease and author of The Opiate Withdrawal Survival Guide.