Whether you're traveling in Northern Italy or down at the Southern end, your Christmas Eve meal will most likely consist of some variety of fish. Since Italians seem to have a sweet tooth, you'll find a wide array of sugary treats, my favorite being panettone (a cake filled with nuts and candied fruit). Find out how to make some of these treats from the natives in the Italian Forum on CompuServe.

Heading South of the Border? Las Posadas begins on December 16 and offers locals a colorful celebration filled with daily candlelight processions and vibrant parties filled with laughter, food, and song. On December 24, Noche Buena, a special feast is served, consisting of romentos with mole, mexican cod fish, and tamales -- all washed down with the rum-spiked Mexican drink, penche.

The children in Mexico drift off to sleep in anticipation of the arrival of "El Nino Dios" (The Holy Child), who will bring gifts on Christmas Eve. More of the Mexican heritage awaits you in the Mexican Fun Forum on CompuServe.

Of course, not everyone celebrates Christmas. In Israel, they observe Hanukkah, a festival of lights where the lights represent the strength of God. In the African-American culture, they celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday which originated in 1966. Kwanzaa is a time for African-American people to celebrate and reflect upon their rich heritage.

As you can see, the holiday season is a time filled with many different meanings for each and every one of us. Whatever the winter holidays mean to you, may they be filled with much love and happiness mixed with a little bit of magic too.

Until next time, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, or Merry Christmas! :)

The Webicurean™
webby@webicurean.com