Christmas is a time to celebrate with friends, family, and usually a feast. But, planning the Christmas meal can be stressful and confusing, especially for those ( like me) who don't cook on a regular basis. To help you with the preparations, I've gathered some resources from around the "About.com" network:

• The Traditional Dinner Menu
• Top Low-Fat Christmas Recipes
• A Traditional Tuscan Christmas Feast
• A Christmas Wine Guide
• What to Bring to the Party

Plus, don't forget to include traditional Northeast Ohio food in your holiday planning, such as:

• Sauerkraut Balls
• Buckeye Candy
• Ohio Icewine

^{(photo © istockphoto; licensed to About, Inc.)}

Are you tired of being cooped up in your house or apartment while the snow piles up outside? Get out and enjoy the weather. Cleveland offers a host of winter outdoor activities. The Chalet Toboggan Chutes (pictured at right) in the Mill Stream Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks offer thrills for the entire family. The only public ice chutes in Ohio offer 700-foot long runs with a 70-foot vertical drop. It's affordable too. Just $8 lets you ride the chutes for the whole day.

Skiers have a variety of options around Cleveland. Even if it's not snowing at your house, there's likely to be snow at the many ski resort that ring the Cleveland metro area. Try Boston Mills or Brandywine Ski Resort, just south of town, or venture a little further out.

Ice skaters can enjoy the several excellent indoor rinks in the area. Westsiders can take advantage of one of the public skates at the world-class facilities at Winterhurst Ice Rink on Lakewood Hts Boulevard at Warren Road. For more skating facilities, see "Ice Skating in Northeast Ohio."

^{(Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks)}

Are you stumped as to what to buy your Cleveland friends and family for the holidays? Consider a gift that reflects the "North Coast," such as an area gift card, museum membership, or art print of the Cleveland skyline.

• Cleveland Area Gift Cards
• Cleveland Museum Memberships
• Cleveland-Themed Greeting Cards
• Cleveland Art Prints and Posters

^{(photo: istockphoto)}

It's that time of year when we hear the phrase "Lake Effect" bantered by the local weather pundits. But what does it really mean? Just what is "Lake Effect"? In short, it's when cold air passes over warm water, bringing the moisture when it when it makes landfall.

Although best known around the Great Lakes, the phenomenon also occurs on Utah's Great Salt Lake and even on lakes in Scandinavia. Read more about Lake Effect Snow.

For tips on staying safe in winter, see: