The Christmas feast is not just another meal; it's an event. Christmas is a magical time when friends and family gather together to share spicy Christmas cookies, the annual tree trimming, and a richly laden table. A carefully thought out Christmas banquet is one of the most important gifts you can offer, and will greatly enhance the festivities.

Santa and his elves work the whole year round creating their special magic, but the rest of us have to find time in our already busy lives to create our share of the holiday spirit. It is tempting to leave the dinner preparations to the last few days before Christmas, after all the shopping is done and the Christmas cards written. This can make the holiday more of a chore than a celebration. The hardest part of planning a meal is often deciding on the menu. We have assembled a few ideas here to get you started.

Menus

An Italian Christmas Eve Feast
The traditional Italian feasting begins on Christmas Eve. The bounty of the sea figures prominently, as well as platters of olives and fresh vegetables for appetizers and trays of Christmas cookies. Serves 12 to 15 generously.

An All Day Affair
This meal is for families who enjoy spending the better part of the day gathered round the dining table. Serves eight.

New Traditions
Feeling innovative? Try this Pacific Northwest inspired dinner to create a new tradition for your holiday. Serves four generously.

After you have decided on the menu, strategically plan your shopping. Do all your shopping for nonperishable items at least a week in advance. If possible, place an order with your grocer for the more perishable items - fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meats and seafood. Not only will this assure that you will have everything you need, but it also decreases the time spent in a supermarket filled with grumpy holiday shoppers.

Whether your Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve or shortly after all the presents are opened on Christmas day, let it always be said that you, like Scrooge after the last of his ghostly visits, "knew how to keep Christmas well."

Cookies
• Christmas cookies

An Italian Christmas Eve Feast
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
• Escarole Siciliano
• Calamari in Red Wine and Tomato Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta
• Lemony Steamed Fish
• Rosemary Mashed Potatoes and Yams with Garlic and Parmesan
• Zeppole
• Pignoli Nut Pie
• Classic Tiramisu

An All Day Affair
• Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
• Salad with Caramelized Pears and Walnuts
• Pork Medallions with Port and Dried Cranberry Sauce
• Pan-fried Green Beans
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• White Chocolate Cheesecake with White Chocolate Brandy Sauce
• Chocolate Rum Mousse Pie

New Traditions
• Crab with Stilton Cheese
• Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating
• Pear Conserve with Cherries and Hazelnuts
• Green Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
• Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Gratin
• Apple Crumble Tart