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Maybe it was Mom’s classic sugar cookies or Grandma’s gingerbread that made the holidays so memorable for your family. As the years go by, it’s hard to imagine the holidays without the flavors and aromas of treasured foods that evoke memories of celebrations past.

“Foods and their aromas have special meanings throughout the year, but nothing compares to the flavors and scents of the holidays,” said Stan Dorsey, vice president of research and development for Cinnabon Inc. “There’s something about the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg or brown sugar wafting through the air that takes us back to cherished holiday memories.”

Is a good breakfast on your agenda?

Because mornings are often hectic, some families try to get by with skimpy breakfasts or skip the meal entirely. You and your children, though, have already gone without food for 8 to 9 hours. Without a good breakfast, your bodies and your brains - which have no blood-glucose reserves, the brain’s main energy source - have even longer to wait for an energy boost. It’s much better to get up a little earlier to have a complete breakfast.

Studies over the last 30 years have confirmed again and again that children who eat a balanced breakfast score significantly higher on tests and are less depressed, anxious and hyperactive than children who eat an unbalanced breakfast or skip the meal.

Don’t have season tickets to see your favorite football team this year? That doesn’t mean you can’t have just as much fun watching it from the comfort of your living room.

Why not host a party at your house and watch the game with some of your buddies? Whether you’re inviting a crowd or just a few friends, here are tips for easy ways to throw a phenomenal football bash:

In Italy, stylish dining has long been embraced as a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day. So before you order takeout and eat in front of the television, take a cue from the Italians and make each meal a treat.

Whether dining alone, with family or with your closest friends, turn an otherwise hurried meal into a chic expression of style with these tips from Ecco Domani Italian wines.

* Determine the décor. Whether you are dining at the kitchen table or in a more formal setting, it’s easy to add some pizzazz to your surroundings. Candles cast a warm glow once the sun goes down. Strands of small lights also enhance the mood; string them around the room or even bunch them in a Mason jar for a funky tabletop display.