The sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns, fragrant winter pine and the familiarity of family and friends evokes inviting memories of annual Christmas gatherings. Where novelty typically cores the quintessential hub of our hectic lives, there is something reassuring about the notion that some things are meant to last.

This Christmas, keep holiday traditions alive while creating new ones that will stamp generations of family Christmases to come. Many traditions center around the family table. At the center of your holiday table, consider placing a traditional evergreen tree decorated with family photos and your family's favorite ornaments. Mementos reminiscent of Christmases past are sure to keep family traditions alive.

Create new memories by presenting each family member and holiday guest with a personalized stocking filled with cherished gifts reflective of your family's holiday traditions. Not only will this create child-like anticipation and inspire laughter, but it is also a great way to greet guests at their table place setting or draping from each guest's chair.
Tips courtesy of Stacie House of A-1 Rentals Event Services 273-6900.

Toasting Tradition
Choose a family-based vintage for your holiday table.

2005 Jocelyn Lonen Cabernet Sauvignon
Jocelyn Lonen Winery is a small, family-owned winery based in the Napa Valley. Owner Brandi Jocelyn Pack is furthering the vision that her late father and winery founder Lonen Curtis established in 1996. The resulting wine is lush, highly concentrated, with vibrant flavors and aromas. All Corked Up 799-7979

2005 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs
This Napa-based bubbly has a marathon finish. Rich additions of peach, honey, cherries and almonds make it a festive addition to your table. Lee's Wine Bistro 259-7754

Abundantly Rich Red
"Good friends, good food and good wine bring about an abundantly good time!" That's the philosophy behind the Mencarini family's Abundance Vineyards, a favorite anytime of year. Abundantly Rich Red is a zinfandel blend loaded with the intense fruity aromas of bing cherries, plums and blackberries with just a touch of chocolate. The finish is long and almost sweet, but without being sugary.
Vino 100 294-6886

A Christmas to Remember
The Menu:
• Christmas Salad featuring Arugula, Avocado, Red Onion and Pomegranate Seeds with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
• Roast Prime Rib Au Poivre with Brandy Sauce
• Apricot-Fig Compote
• Double-baked Roquefort Potatoes
• Roasted French Green Beans with Shallots and Hazelnuts
• Christmas Yule Log

Roasted Green Beans with Shallots and Hazelnuts
1 pound green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoon olive oil
4 shallots, thinly sliced
salt and freshly-ground pepper
Aź cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 tbsp finely-chopped lemon zest
2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss green beans in a large baking dish with the oil and shallots and season with the salt and pepper. Roast until cooked through and golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Combine the hazelnuts, lemon zest and parsley in a small bowl. Transfer green beans to a platter and sprinkle with hazelnut mixture. Serves four to six.
Menu and recipe courtesy of Cindy Smith, owner of RSVP - The Catering Company 291-1155.

Passing Down Traditions to the Next Generation
Family traditions promote stability and create deep roots. They bind generations together in a way that little else can. The thing that makes each holiday memorable is the unique spin your own family puts on tradition. Here are some ideas to help create your own Christmas traditions with your children.
Parents can give each child a special new ornament representing something significant in their life from that year. This gives them a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage their character development. It also builds an ornament collection that each child can take with them when they leave home.

When you and your family go out to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations in your neighborhood, arm yourselves with a flashlight, a pen and a stack of blank postcards. Whenever you see a particularly festive home, jot down the address on a postcard with a short note thanking the home owner for treating you to such a wonderful display.

Stick slips of paper in your Advent calendar that list different generous acts. Examples include baking cookies for a retirement home and donating food items. Most of these ideas cost nothing but time, and doing them together as a family helps them focus on giving.

Pose a question to your family and friends: What are your favorite holiday memories? Use the answers to plan your holiday celebration.

If you don't a have fireplace or chimney, make a Santa key. This key lets Santa come in through the front door. Get an old-fashioned skeleton key, spray paint it gold, tie a ribbon around it, then put in on your front door wreath.
Tips courtesy of Nanette Marotta, owner of Affairs 2 Remember 269-1235.