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November has come, and the Halloween decorations are being packed away.Now comes the big social months of the year. That’s right, it’s time to plan for the holidays already. But if you prepare now, before the holidays are right upon us, you will save yourself the last minute headache that seems to come every year.

Can't make it to Munich, Germany, to the official Oktoberfest? Why not check out one of the many other Oktoberfests celebrated around the world. The largest Oktoberfest outside Germany is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, around the time of Canadian Thanksgiving. Another large event is held in Cincinnati, Ohio--with over 500,000 visitors during the 2002 Oktoberfest- Zinzinnati.

When thinking of Switzerland, what first comes to mind? Okay, besides yodeling (read about the history of yodeling or listen to yodeling), the Swiss Alps, and watchmakers. Read on to learn about some of the many other fascinating festivals, history, and recipes Switzerland is known for.

This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th.And as that date fast approaches, many of us find ourselves wandering through the plethora of gifts available for Mom, trying to find just the right gift for our special lady. Here are some great options for the mother in your life.

For those outside of the Southern Hemisphere who wish to celebrate Australia Day, it can seem somewhat difficult to do so in an authentic manner. As January 26th falls during the heat of the Australian summer, people like to celebrate with outdoorsy activities. But the chill of the winter for those of us north of the equator can dampen this sun-loving spirit. No matter!

When the holidays come around, it always seems as if there are treats galore! The stores quickly fill up with egg nog, wasail ingredients, and chocolate shaped into just about every shape imaginable. But this year, how about looking at the more traditional holiday treats to spice up your gatherings.

The first Oktoberfest was held on Ocotber 12, 1810, in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and princess Maria Teresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen on what was to become known as Theresienwieses - Theresa's fields.

German legend says that, on Christmas Eve, all the rivers turn to wine, the animals speak to each other and to humans, trees bear fruit, church bells ring from the sea, and gems pour forth from the mountains. Is it any wonder, then, that family Christmas traditions in Germany are bold, beautiful, and full of cheer?

Not everyone has the luxury to travel to France for Bastille Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the French version of Independence Day right from your home town.

My grandparents migrated from Germany long before I was even a twinkle in my father’s eye. My father was two at the time and doesn’t remember much of his life in Germany. My grandmother, though, has always stayed in touch with her brothers and sisters remaining in Germany and often longed for a Christmas spent with her family back home. When I was eight, my father made that wish come true for her.