My Favorite Christmas Memory Is Better Than Santa

Nikki Stone, 12.21.2009

Olympic Gold Medalist and Motivational Speaker

Growing up, I never thought that anything could top reindeer hooves on the roof, Santa Claus popping down the chimney, and an enormous mountain of c...

The Magic Of Winter Solstice: Celebrating A Different Holiday

Kiri Westby, 12.21.2009

Change-Maker/Rule-Breaker/Story-Teller

Though our extended family would send Christmas gifts and I knew about Santa and his reindeer, the real magic for me came during the Winter Solstice.

Really, Santa Claus, It Is Time That You Go on a Diet and Begin Exercising

Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D., 12.21.2009

Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Dear Jolly Old St. Nick. You have a problem: You're obese.

Twitter Magic Brings Miracle to Homeless Family

Mark Horvath, 12.21.2009

Founder of InvisiblePeople.tv

Last night, I was part of a miracle that I still cannot believe happened. When I woke up this morning I had to watch this video several times for it all to sink in.

Christmas in June: What Orgs are Missing on Their Calendars

George Weiner, 12.21.2009

Chief Technology Officer of DoSomething.org

Why is this the season of charities wanting you to stuff their stocking? Because it works. People give more during the December holidays. But what about the holidays that occur the other 11 months of the year?

It's Holiday Shopping Time, while the Peace of the Graveyard Marches on

Jane Guskin, 12.22.2009

In Colombia there is an expression: la paz del cementerio - the peace of the graveyard. This is the kind of peace that powerful forces enjoy when everyone who resists them is dead and buried.

In the Spirit of the Season, Please Don't Be a Jerk at the Movies

Keli Goff, 12.26.2009

Author, commentator and contributor to TheLoop21.com

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but going to the movies has officially become about as pleasant as a trip to the DMV or flying commercial post 9/11. Here's some advice we should all heed.

Dreaming of a Dark Christmas

Jim Selman, 12.21.2009

A recognized leader and authority in the field of organizational transformation and culture change.

As I've grown older, I see more clearly how difficult the holiday season can be for many people. I am trying to pay attention to these folks this year.

How to Properly Spread Holiday Cheer

Brandon Mendelson, 12.24.2009

Co-Author, Dracula And Kittens

I'm a big fan of the Christmas season. Hanukkah isn't really a huge deal, despite what my non-Jewish friends might tell you. And I'm also convinced Kw...

Growing Up: Santa's Last Visit?

Irene Zutell, 12.21.2009

Here she is--a girl who gets perfect scores on standardized tests. A girl who reads Charles Dickens as if it were Beverly Cleary. A girl who writes stories as if channeling an adult. A girl who believes in Santa.

Parenting Crisis: The Santa Claus Lie

April Daniels Hussar, 12.22.2009

Deputy Editor of BettyConfidential.com

I asked my husband if he feels bad that we taught Isabella about Santa Claus. "Yes. It's a lie." He's worried that when she does find out the truth, she won't believe in magic again. The real kind of magic.

A Letter From Santa

Thelma Adams, 12.24.2009

film critic and writer

December 21, 2009 Dear Needy Children, In response to your many letters: no, no and no! I'm tired of reading your Christmas lists. You! You! You! W...

Christmas Elegy for Bugz the Wild Horse, 1998-2009

Deanne Stillman, 12.21.2009

author of Mustang, Twentynine Palms

When the men approached, the black foal might have been nursing. Or she might have been on her side, giving her wobbly legs a rest, leaning into her ...

Last Minute Gifts for the Frequent Flyer

Terry Gardner, 12.23.2009

Freelance Journalist

Until short security lines and turbulence-free skies come gift-wrapped, here are some holiday gifts that can lessen the stress of your frequent flier. I consulted Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel, for ideas.

Yes, Santa Claus, There is a Virginia

Fortune's Stanley Bing, 12.21.2009

Fortune Magazine Columnist

If there were no Virginia, the eternal childhood that makes our lives have meaning would be extinguished. Not believe in Virginia! You might as well not believe in quantum physics!

Garrison Keillor, Uncensored for Christmas

Jackson Williams, 12.22.2009

Austin-based writer

Some in the rightwing blogosphere, who can't stand Garrison Keillor for his liberal politics, are taking shots at him for his recent pro-Christmas pie...

Christmas Letter 2009

Jerry Zezima, 12.23.2009

Humor columnist for The Stamford Advocate in Connecticut

Since I am in the holiday spirit (and, having just consumed a mug of hot toddy, a glass of eggnog and a nip of cheer, the holiday spirits are in me), ...

A Fox News Christmas

David Kronke, 12.21.2009

(Cue song) Violent night, protest night.. Liberals flee at our sight.. They are socialist, fascist and cruel.. We will stomp them, show them to be fools.. We must wipe them all ow-out.. We must wipe them all out.

Washington's Snow and the Lack of Community Spirit

Tamar Abrams, 12.20.2009

Tamar Abrams is a strategic communications consultant based in Arlington, VA.

Snow affords us an opportunity to care for one another. We can shovel for an elderly neighbor, and make crossing safe for pedestrians. Whether shoveling a sidewalk or providing health care to Americans -- we could all use altruism this season.

Poems For The Start Of Winter

John Lundberg, 12.20.2009

John Lundberg has been writing and teaching poetry for the last ten years. He is a recent Wallace S ...

Monday marks the first day of winter and I've put together some poems for the occasion. I've overlooked the classics hoping for a few that might be new to you.

Tiger Woods' Christmas Carol: The Ghosts Of Past, Present And Future

Kari Henley, 12.20.2009

President of the Board of Directors at the Women & Family Life Center

Let's leave Tiger with his ghosts, and turn away from stories that humiliate and celebrate infidelity. Let the ghosts of philanthropy, humor and possibility remind us of what is important.