e " ~<br >It <<br > rom the time when Christmas was a simple<br > celebration of the birth of Christ， the holiday<br > has inspired people everywhere to create rich and varied traditions that<br > symbolize their joy. These traditions involve some of the most essential<br > values we have--love of family and friends and a renewal of the attitudes<br > that give life meaning.<br > In the pages of this book you ll experience some of<br > these traditions， Southern-style. Travel stories whisk you fi om one end of<br > this region to the other. Leading it off is a look at small lodgings offering<br > quaint holiday hospitality. In "Holiday Traditions，" you ll see the story of<br > a man who exhibits his reverence through decorating his church. Then，<br > in "Decorating for the Holidays，" linger over ideas for sprucing up your<br > house， inside and out. "Christmas Bazaar" offers gorgeous decorations，<br > gifts， and gift wraps， complete with step-by-step instructions. There s no<br > better time for food than Christmas， and there s no better place for<br > recipes than Southern Living. The selection in "Celebrations fi om the<br > Kitchen" will make even a casual cook s mouth water. We hope you ll be<br > inspired by what you find in this volume and use it to make your<br > Christmas a very merry one.<br >