Even though across the First Coast it’s unlikely that we will see snow, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there. Holiday decorating is one of those seasonal happenings that everyone enjoys.

It sometimes seems like you’ve attended or hosted the same holiday party 100 times. You’ve eaten the same mundane food, heard the same holiday tunes and been surrounded by identical decorations, year-in and year-out.

This year, spice up your holiday party -- literally! Add some hot peppers to both food and drink, alike. Heat up your dance floor with twists on old favorites. And wow your guests with dramatic decorations.

Since the holidays tend to revolve around food, here are a few stand out dishes to add a little something "non-traditional" to your holiday gathering.

The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate all that you have to be thankful for. For most this also means indulging on a feast big enough to feed a small country. Okay — maybe you’re holiday dinners won’t feed a whole country but if you’re like most families you’re likely to have enough leftovers to last a week.

There are no rules when it comes to gift giving, especially these days. Anything goes, from gift cards to food to plain old cash. The only rule is thumb remains that it is better to give than to receive.

Situated on roughly two miles of coastline, and laying claim to two championship golf courses, the sheer size of Hammock Beach is simply amazing. There are 330 units available to guests — most of which contain more than one bedroom.

The Avenues Mall was the site of the 25th Annual Caring Chefs benefit Oct. 25. The event, which benefited Children’s Home Society sold-out and was the most successful to date, raising an estimated $175,000.

The World Golf Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2009 Nov. 2. Inductees included Dwight D. Eisenhower, Christy O’Connor, Jose Maria Olazabal and Lanny Wadkins.