The Santa cause: Christmas is in the air--but what if you and your fam have a different holiday?

All your friends are gift-shopping, party-hopping, trimming the tree and--gee!--filled with glee. But if you don't celebrate Christmas, feeling left out can be part of the package.

No ho-ho-ho?

So you don't believe in Santa Claus. But if you celebrate a different holiday in December, like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, you can still get together with your girls and have a gift-giving gala. Hook each other up with cards, fun ... and a little bit o' knowledge. Share with your buds (and let them share with you) the traditions of your religious or cultural celebration. Bring a traditional dish to share, or show them symbols of your heritage (a spin of the dreidel, anyone?).

To give is to receive

Feel overwhelmed by holiday stuff all over? Remember, whatever your beliefs (and ways of expressing them), there's more to the season than your own celebration. So what does that mean? Instead of worrying about candy canes, grab some buds and head out to a local soup kitchen. Take some brownies over to an elderly neighbor. Shovel the walks on your block. Will you bring joy to the world? Probably not. But you'll put a smile on someone's face, and that's a great way to celebrate any season.

Now that's the spirit

Hit holiday parties with pals, and invite them to share in your celebration. If your bud is the one who doesn't celebrate Santa season, invite her to your ram's Christmas Eve dinner. If your family observes Kwanzaa, ask if you can have a friend over to learn about the rituals.

Be true to you

During break, hit the library to research the background of your belief, and embrace it. Realize that not recognizing Christmas doesn't make anyone weird or uncool. You, like many others, have your own traditions, and that's something to celebrate. Happy whatever!