The truth is the Super Bowl long ago became more than just a football game. It's part of our culture like turkey at Thanksgiving and lights at Christmas and like those holidays beyond their meaning a factor in our economy.

Once again we come to the Holiday Season a deeply religious time that each of us observes in his own way by going to the mall of his choice.

I don't need a holiday or a feast to feel grateful for my children the sun the moon the roof over my head music and laughter but I like to take this time to take the path of thanks less traveled.

If it's a romantic holiday the only thing I need is my wife. We love quiet and calm places where we can't be disturbed. Neither of us likes being in busy places we would much rather stay in our hotel room and enjoy each other's company.

Mind you Roman Holiday - which is kind of a romantic comedy - is one of my favorite films and I think Audrey Hepburn is absolutely phenomenal in that movie.

There are a lot of Grinches out there that would like nothing better than to take any references to religion out of the holiday season.

I've just finished my next collection Possible Side Effects and I'm now working on a collection of holiday stories as well as a memoir about my relationship with my father.

Holiday? Is like what? I'm a hyperactive girl so it may be boring for me to be on the beach doing nothing. I just need to find a place for three weeks and work but sleep in the morning maybe write a little bit have a glass of red wine. That's my perfect holiday.

Next year I hope there will be even more parties lots of holidays and just having a good time really. Plus wing-walking air shows and learning to fly as they are all things I want to do. I won't be restricted by age.

My first holiday to San Francisco in 1998-99 was supposed to be a two-week vacation but I ended up staying five weeks and nearly didn't come home.

I think cookies are sort of the unsung sweet you know? They're incredibly popular. But everybody thinks of cakes and pies and fancier desserts before they think cookies. A plate of cookies is a great way to end dinner and really nice to share at the holidays.

A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell.

It's really easy to figure out why I love what I love the holidays and food. I know the difference between having them and not having them.

I don't think any other holiday embraces the food of the Midwest quite like Thanksgiving. There's roasted meat and mashed potatoes. But being here is also about heritage. Cleveland is really a giant melting pot - not only is my family a melting pot but so is the city.

Fact is famous people say fame stinks because they love it so - like a secret restaurant or holiday island they don't want the hoi polloi to get their grubby paws on.

I always loved family holidays and I had this vision and dream as a little girl of having a big family of my own.

My restaurants are never opened on Thanksgiving I want my staff to spend time with their family if they can. My feeling is if I can't figure out how to make money the rest of the year so that my workers can enjoy the holidays then I don't deserve to be an owner.