Our family, holiday cheese ball recipes vary year to year, but the one we fall back on most often blends dried cranberries soaked in Christmas Wine, extra-sharp cheddar cheese and a little bite from minced fresh jalapeños, all rolled in chopped pecans. A little sweet, a little spicy, it's perfect for every festive occasion between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

Gathering around the punch bowl is a Christmas cocktails tradition in the South, but there's nothing wrong with keeping a batch of this ginger pineapple punch in the fridge even when you're not hosting a bunch of guests for holiday drinks.