Whether we’re gushing over the Snowman sweater Aunt Rhoda so graciously knit for us (go ahead, try it on!) or grinning while little Timmy tries out his new drum set thanks to the “cool parents” we think we are (we won’t be so cool when Timmy pages his inner rocker at 5 am), even the less-than-fabulous gifts hold a dear place in our hearts during the holidays. From those scented candles and soaps (hopefully our friends aren’t telling us something) to the occasional oh-so-sexy flannel pajamas, the spirit of this season is in special moments like lighting the menorah, trimming the tree, or hoping to corner that special someone under the mistletoe. Indeed, we can all get a little sappy and sentimental about the holidays.

Of course, for those of us that didn’t get the coveted head start on holiday shopping this Black Friday (Who could find parking?) this month we’ll have to brave the crowded stores, intolerably long lines, and the unavoidable department store brawl over that last cashmere scarf. But the Scrooges and Grinches don’t have a chance at breaking our spirit when there are tables piled high with mouth-watering food, great friends, and a spectacular countdown to a new year with the rare opportunity to make a resolution that you’ll really keep.

Unfortunately for many of us, the failed resolution is all too familiar – taking the stairs instead of the elevator lasted all of two weeks, trading your morning coffee for orange juice went out the window after one late night at work, and you never quite brought yourself to organize your closet. But breathe easy, the New Year will arrive soon which means everyone gets a chance at a clean slate.

So declare yourself cleansed of past resolution sins and make 2006 fun! Get that choppy haircut you’ve been afraid to attempt, take a chance on those sparkly cocktail rings you’ve been eyeing, or revamp your wardrobe with the little red dress your mom would have never let you wear. (Guys, go ahead and drop $300 on that prime game ticket. Your wife is probably taking the same liberty on highlights.) Make a resolution that you can cozy up to when the ball drops. After all, the anticipation of the new year is half the excitement of the holiday season.

And what would the holidays be without the great American holiday story? We’re glued to the T.V. when “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes on, we hum along to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and a raging fire couldn’t get us out of the house during “Miracle on 34th Street”. There is something comforting about the movies we’ve been watching and the songs we’ve been singing since the days when we couldn’t see above the coffee table.

Of course we aren't all lucky enough to find rosy-cheeked carolers singing in perfect harmony outside our front door or free life coaching gratis jolly ghosts from the comfort of our own bedroom, but you might be surprised where your holiday miracle lies. The holiday spirit found us through a simple letter from Fort Campbell where a group of women have brought a whole new meaning to the Alex Woo Little Vegas Spade pendant.

So put on that well-fought-for cashmere scarf and your wooliest of pea coats and make the most of the last days of 2005. Clink frothy glasses of eggnog and cider to the year past and the year to come. And don't forget the camera.