"holidash" news and stories

It's winter, it's chilly, and we need anything to perk up the dark days of winter. To ward off the winter chill this holiday season, whip up your own mulling spices to amp up your warmed wine or cider.

And on the more flying-furry side of things -- this season Santa's reindeer have it made. Forget plain-jane carrots. Now you can buy Magic Reindeer Food.

There's nothing like the warm flavor of Scotch Whiskey, and just in time for Christmas, Bruce Watson runs through the best cheaper bets to make this Santa season perfectly Scotchy.

Meanwhile, it's time to let it snow with some homemade marshmallows which will give you a quick winter project and keep your cups of cocoa full of cheer!

When money is tight, it's nice to be able to throw your hat in the ring for a giveaway and try your luck. What's even nicer is when you can throw it in over and over and over again. If at first you don't succeed ... well, you know the rest.

Holidash has whipped up a month of giveaways called Season of Schwag to celebrate the holidays. Each day there's a new prize and they run the gamut -- fashion and beauty products, kid-centric fare, guy stuff -- you name it. For today, December third, one lucky winner can make their kid's Christmas all the more special by winning "a Letter by Santa (valued at $12.99) a Cat in the Hat - I Can Do That! Game (valued at $19.95) and a Horton Hears a Who - You to the Rescue! game (valued at $19.95)."

Good luck!

Now that Sarah Palin isn't busy campaigning and dreaming about being the Vice President, she's got to keep busy. This includes conducting interviews in front of a turkey slaughtering contraption while its in use. Talk about setting the scene!

Beyond the gobbles, and bloodshed ... Have you ever wondered what the deal is with figgy pudding? Why do we sing about it, yet never eat it?

Do you like cocktails without putting in the effort of making them? Proving that there's something for everyone, you can pick up a Lazydrinker to bartend your holiday party, and all other libation-required celebrations in its wake.

And then there's the stuffing v. dressing debate. Do you stuff the bird? Do you dress it? What is the right way to handle that popular Thanksgiving side?