Do you schmear what I schmear? Bagels are the new Christmastime tradition

Local bakeries say demand for the once quintessential Jewish bread spikes during holidays, including Christian ones.

My mother’s Sicilian cassata cake nods to her smart frugality and love

The recipe for layered pound cake, covered with chocolate fudge, is a family favorite for the holidays.

Where to eat out on Christmas Day in Maine

From prix-fixe meals and buffets to Chinese takeout and bagels, several Maine restaurants will be open Monday and ready to feed you.

So you think you know Maine’s Christmas connections? Unwrap the annual Sun Journal holiday quiz

Did you know that Maine has New England's largest . . .? And that it's favorite holiday cocktail is . . .? And did you know why 100,000 lights suddenly went out on Auburn's Vista Drive?

How tree ornaments tell our Christmas stories

What’s your favorite (or most despised) holiday song?

And if it’s obscure, so much the better.

Tell us about your favorite Christmas ornament

Email us a photo and a writeup to Mark LaFlamme at mlaflamme@sunjournal.com.

L.L. Bean’s annual Northern Lights holiday events kick off

There are curling lanes, a temporary barn, heated benches and a mailbox with a direct line to Santa outside L.L. Bean's flagship store.

Holiday lights at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens ‘make you want to decorate at home’

Gardens Aglow opened this Saturday and will welcome visitors through the end of the year.

Cities of Lewiston and Auburn announce holiday events

Santa will be in Auburn on Dec. 1 and in Lewiston on Dec. 2 to light Christmas trees and welcome in the holiday season.