EAT
Make it a really "feliz navidad" with a succulent selection of Sabor Cocina Mexicana's Holiday Specials. Try the Crepas Mexicana, a poblano crepe filled with fresh lobster and crab, topped with a sweet yellow pepper sauce, and the Kobe Beef Skirt Steak served with chipotle sweet potatoes. Add one of their fresh new flavored margaritas to your order (try Apple Pie, Jamaica-Cranberry or Pear-Almond) for the ultimate meal out; 259-9002

If gumdrops and sugarplums are dancing in your head - but you don't want them around your waist - Robeks Juice in North Park Village (McBean at Decoro) is the place to go for festive and healthy flavors. Try the Chocolate Mint Smoothie and a Hot Apple Cinnamon Pretzel, top your frozen yogurt with a mint drizzle and chocolate chips, or add an old-time candy cane to your favorite treat. Sweet!; 297-4915

If slaving away in the kitchen isn't on your wish list this season, we suggest outsourcing (Santa does it, so why can't we?) The elves at Oggis Pizza & Brewing Co. are offering mouth-watering catering specials like Jumbo Wing Platters (25 wings, five different flavors for only $25.99!) and Pasta Trays (like lasagna, penne alfredo and chicken tequila), starting at only $20; 252-7883

DRINK
The up side to down-low temperatures: El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant and the Presidente Mexican Grill put their famous Cafe Blanco back on the menu. The delicious combination of Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, Absolut Vanilla Vodka and rich Columbian coffee - topped with a dollop of whipped cream - makes us want to "meet for coffee" more often; El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant in Canyon Country 252-5599 and Presidente Mexican Grill in Saugus 297-7244

Gentlemen, has holiday shopping gotten to you? Been left holding the bag(s) - literally? Here's a tried and tested solution: Rob's Winter Wonderland Beer. Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company's handcrafted seasonal favorite is a Christmas ale at its finest, filled with flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. It's only on tap for a limited time, just like your patience; 263-9653

PLAY
Party like it's 2010
Let the kids run wild early on New Year's Eve so that they crash out from exhaustion well before anyone gets the "Let's dash through the neighborhood banging pots at midnight!" idea. Mountasia Family Fun Center makes it easy with their New Year's Eve special, running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For just $19.99 per person, enjoy four hours of unlimited go karts, lazer tag, rock wall, bumper boats and mini golf; 253-4386

All it takes is $35 to ring in the raging 10s with friends at Hacienda Don Cuco. This New Year's Eve party features a live band, dancing until 2 a.m., a three-course dinner and champagne toast. Now that's a "prospero ano!"; 252-8074

Salt Creek Grille's New Year's Eve celebration is dressed to impress, but you don't have to be. The relaxed evening's ambience comes compliments of live jazz and standards by Dave Ford and the Last Set, a free champagne toast and party favors at midnight. The regular dinner menu will be served, along with the chef's selections of the night: Filet Mignon and Crab Cake or Pan-seared Alaskan Halibut; 222-9999

It's an all-night party at New Moon's bash on December 31. Happy hour at the bar and patio lasts all night, and hip live music runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This hot spot's going to book up fast, so make your reservations now; 257-4321

The best of both worlds - and by that, we mean wine and champagne - is up for grabs at All Corked Up on New Year's Eve. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. dine on a four-course meal including appetizers, salad, a dinner buffet featuring carved tenderloin of beef, shrimp regatta, rosemary chicken, and dessert and celebrate with one bottle of wine per couple, plus celebratory champagne toast. Live music by The Groove, featuring classic rock and oldies from the '70s, '80s and '90s will keep the party going. Your night away from it all is only $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Limited seating is available, so book yours post haste; 799-7979

Why wait around for someone else to throw the perfect party? Be the person with the plan and book your shindig at MB2 Raceway. With convenient locations in Sylmar and Thousand Oaks, the party of almost-2010 is just a few minutes away; www.mb2raceway.com

SAVE
T-Bo's House of BBQ is already known for generous portions; now they'll be known for generous discounts, too. Find the 10-percent-off coupon in the January 2010 edition of Inside SCV Magazine. It's good for your entire order. Chow down before March 1, 2010; 250-2100

Wings, Pizza N Things is the angel atop our over-worked Christmas tree. They cook dinner for us: Pick up a large pizza and get 10 delicious wings free when you mention Inside SCV. They make our holiday shopping bright: Every $50 gift card comes with a bonus $10 gift card through December. They even hand us a beer at the end of a long day: Samuel Adams Winter Ale is $3 for 16-ounce drafts before the new year; 295-1000

Enjoy a free appetizer with the purchase of $25 or more Friday through Sunday at BBQ Thai. And, don't forget to treat your kiddies to sensational homemade Thai food Tuesday through Thursday, where they eat for free! Delivery, catering and takeout are available, too. (Our tip: You've gotta try the chef's signature BTK Pad Thai and BTK chicken or beef stick. To die for!); 263-9888

Don't Forget the Flowers
"The holidays aren't only for you to dress up, but your home and holiday table as well. Don't forget to include a beautiful creative centerpiece and decor," reminds Linda Marshall from Acton Country Flowers (269-9326).

Go for selections that have a low profile, so that they don't impede with conversation or passed plates. You may also want to opt for a small display, as a dining table can clutter quickly.

"One of our most popular centerpieces that works great for tight spaces is our 'present' arrangement. The bottom box is wrapped like a gift, and it includes ornaments, pinecones and flowers for only $49.99," informs Myra Harbour of Celebrate Florals (255-0255).

No matter what centerpiece you choose, make sure to work directly with local florists, versus calling a national company. "We have the same holiday arrangements and specials," explains Charmaine Wojciechowski, owner of Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist (297-3100). When you order from a florist in the community, you'll get more personalized service and support the local economy, too.