Column Facts are facts.

Just in case you haven’t had enough of Sexy Santas, here are a few more holiday-related tidbits. It’s also a chance to look back and take stock of just how sexy this year really was.

Estimated net worth of the mobile-phone dating industry in 2011: $550 million

iPhone users who believed other iPhone users made the best romantic partners: 83%

Number of respondents in the same survey who would rather give up sex than their phones for a week: 1/3

21%: Percentage of Playboy.com visitors in 2011 who described themselves as “very religious”

Estimate net worth of the online dating industry in 2011: 4 billion

Number of complaints about online dating services registered with the Better Business Bureau in the last year: 2660

$16.47: Price of “Santa’s Little Helper” vibrator on Amazon

Number of attendees at this year’s St. Louis’ sex-positive, clothing-optional Fleshtivus celebration: 50

Santa will gladly stuff this modern and eco-friendly stocking.

Okay, okay. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but we’re going to jump on the Christmas bandwagon and start celebrating (i.e., shopping) early this year. Albeit, guilt-free.

This strong, “ecospun” felt stocking from Rikrak is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Each stocking element is cut and crafted by hand and available in 60 color combinations. Have a sustainable Christmas this year, and hang these stockings from your chimney with care. Santa will reward you kindly.

Available from the artist for $15.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

• 5 Hot Cocktails to Cozy Up to This Holiday Season
• Foodie Underground: Celebrating Tradition
• 3 Green Holiday Dinner Conversation Starters
• Yule Logs You’ll Love
• 5 Common Arguments You Have During the Holidays

Here’s a bit of melody and merriness to soak in.

First, set the tone with this tune. Play this song and relish the nostalgic classic masked in fresh whimsy. Later you can absorb the entire list of melodies from this play list (endless gratitude to Jason Hudson!).

Second, get a drink of festive spirits. Peppermint candy canes make a great last minute infused vodka:

Peppermint Infused Vodka

Add six peppermint candy canes to one pint of vodka.

Let stand at least three hours (the longer, the better).

Enjoy this colorful liquid on the rocks or with hot chocolate.

Third, take pleasure in the simple winter wonderland of these lovely vignettes of calm texture from Walther & Co.

And finally, if you still need a little dose ‘day of’ inspiration, here are 485 pages of red and white festive bliss from What Katie Ate (click here for an introduction to What Katie Ate). Or you can peruse the special Holiday Issue of Lonny (as you know, we love Lonny).

Rain is beating down on the filmy window, yellow lights are blinking like friendly fireflies on the spruced up pine, and your couture edition Snuggie is nowhere in sight. Now is the time to bypass that chalice of chilly organic grape and sip a warm eggnog or Irish Coffee by the toasty fire. In addition to tasting delicious, hot cocktails take the edge off of shopping at the mall and visiting with intense relatives for weeks at a time.

Dirty little secret: I store my own personal flask of peppermint schnapps in a drawer in the guest bathroom at my mother’s manse. You never know when the mood will strike for something hot and medicinal while lounging with Nana and watching marathon reruns of The Nanny and Golden Girls.

If you aren’t leaving home and entertaining during the holidays, offering these options is a way to bring the ambiance of the ski resort into your pad. Here are a few recipes to consider for adding cheer to your holiday this year:

1. Burning Bush

This new spin on the old Hot Toddy calls for Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey (this is where its name is derived, not from the book Exodus) along with honey, hot water and a lemon wedge garnish. Created by New Yorker, Jim Meehan, it is simple to prepare:

Place the lemon wedge in the glass, add 1 1/2 oz of whiskey , 3 oz of the hot water. Stir, don’t shake, and chill.

2. Orange Anise Mulled Wine

You can have fun with varieties of mulled wine in your crockery cooker this time of year, and this recipe delights all your senses with the aroma of seasonal spices and citrus. It requires 2 bottles of Shiraz; 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar; 1 stick of cinnamon; 3 star anise; 1 tsp whole cloves; 1 orange; Orange peel strips.

First, remove the orange peel with a peeler and cut and peel into strips. Then squeeze the juice and discard the seeds and pulp. In a 5-quart crockery cooker combine the juice, wine and brown sugar. For your spice bag, tie the orange peel, cinnamon, star anise and whole cloves in a cheesecloth bag, and add to the cooker. Cover and cook on low for six hours to simmer the flavors. Serve in punch cups or pretty mugs.

3. Starbucks Hot Mocha Cocktail

If you’re a coffee or cocoa hound, you will love this espresso drink made in a saucepan using Starbucks coffee liqueur. It calls for 4 1/4 cups whole organic milk; 4 oz. Starbucks liqueur; 3 cinnamon sticks broken in half; 3 cups espresso; 1 1/2 cups healthy sweetener; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipping cream; 1 cup cocoa powder.

To make, mix milk and cinnamon sticks in a heavy saucepan and simmer over a high heat. Remove, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Whisk espresso, sweetener and 1 cup of cocoa powder and bring the hot chocolate to a simmer, whisking frequently. Throw out cinnamon sticks and add the Starbucks coffee liqueur. Add the cream and whisk until thick. Ladle the cocoa into 8 mugs. Spoon chocolate whipped cream on top and serve.

4. Hot Apple Pie Cocktail

Apple cider is a popular winter treat and this cocktail is easy to make and very pleasing. Put aside 2 1/2 cups Simply Apple Juice and 4 cinnamon sticks; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp. allspice; 1/4 tsp ground cardamon; 4 small scoops of organic low fat vanilla frozen yogurt; 4 oz. apple schnapps.

Place the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, vanilla, allspice and cardamom in a medium saucepan and warm it for two to three minutes over a medium heat, stirring until mixture is hot and spices are blended. Add in schnapps and divide among 4 mugs, topping with the yogurt.

5. Christmas Punch

An ideal choice for a big group, this English favorite blends rum with citrus and seasonings and has a pretty presentation – whether in a common bowl or grandma’s punchbowl. The recipe includes 4 pt. water; 1 lb. sugar; juice and rinds of three lemons; one bottle of rum; one bottle of ruby port; grated nutmeg; a sliced apple and a sliced orange.

Make it by boiling the water, sugar and lemon rinds in a saucepan. Cool and strain. Add the rum, port and lemon juice and transfer the liquid into a pre-warmed punch bowl. Float the fruit slices on top and sprinkle with the savory nutmeg. After three or four cups, that home wax kit he gave you won’t seem as offensive. Merry mixing!

A popular invention for those who like it straight: If you dislike fruity blends and need that whiskey straight, you can get it to an excellent room temperature using Whiskey Stones - innovative soapstone cubes that look hot and do the trick.

Images: Silly Little Man, Sanfranannie; Charityworld; Insidious; Haleynealphotography; Polkadotcreations

The past month has been a whirlwind, and I’m sure I’m not alone. The holidays have a knack for making a full month seem like only a week. But somehow we all find the time to cram in parties, celebrations and festive attire.

Staying far away from any commercial establishments, I’ve been able to avoid the general stress that most people associate with December. Instead, the last few weeks have been completely devoted to honoring childhood traditions that make December feel like December. And all of those traditions involve food. It might be because I’m from a family where eating well was always a priority, but much of the holiday season and the emotions that come from it are associated with specific dishes.

I’m not alone. This time of year there’s a resurgence of classics; taking us all back to our roots. Those recipes that evoke the feeling of being with family, being taken care of or even just enjoying a simply moment.

The New York Times Sunday magazine often features the Recipe Redux column, taking a classic (most often from sometime between the 50s and late 80s) and putting a new spin on it. We love these recipes because they’re a reminder of something. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the feelings that come from eating it.

So what are the tradition staples that have been gracing my apartment this month?

The best part about food traditions are that most of the time, it has nothing to do with fancy ingredients or underground methods of preparation. Think about it: how much do you love eating green bean casserole? Or your mother’s traditional meatballs? There’s nothing classy, chic or avant-garde about them, but recipes like this have a place at the table.

Earlier this year, a group of friends and I launched what we lovingly call Supper Club. Every month we choose a theme and take our foodie obsessions and turn them into new creations. The results are impressive. Over the last month we’ve had everything from pureed butternut squash soup to chantrelle quiche to ceviche. But last night we went for “childhood holiday traditions.” There were sausage balls and mayonnaise on pumpernikel bread squares. Not the culinary finest, but delicious. It happened to be one of my favorite Supper Clubs yet.

So maybe it’s because this season makes me want to hunker down, cook a bunch of comfort food and share it with friends, but this week I’m celebrating all things classic, no matter how simple or unrefined they are.

And in honor of celebrating tradition, here’s my favorite childhood Christmas recipe, taken straight from my mother’s Swedish Sju Sorters Kakor cookbook, a hardcover favorite that she has had since her own high school years and who’s pages are barely attached anymore.

Franska Pepparkakor – French Gingerbread Cookies

• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 200 g butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 tsp. ginger
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. black peppar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3 cups flour

Cream butter, sugar and molasses.

Mix dry ingredients with almonds, then combine with butter, sugar and molasses. Knead together with your hands.

Roll dough into cylinders, about 12 inches long and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cut dough into 1/4 inch slices. Bake at 380 for 10-12 minutes.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’s column at EcoSalon, Foodie Underground. Each week, Anna will be taking a look at something new and different that’s taking place in the underground food movement, from supper clubs to mini markets to culinary avant garde.

Image: Anna Brones

There’s the trove of holiday gifts for loved ones in the cabinet that has been assembled at the ready since June…of 2009. Then there’s the one person on my list I inevitably forget: say, my own mother. I’m working on this, I really am, but if you’re like me and have yet to check off that last special someone, join me in the quest to save some face with something lovely. If you order any of these gifts by 2 p.m. EST tomorrow (yes, the clock’s ticking uncomfortably fast – we’re slacker shoppers, remember?), you’ll have your present in time for Christmas with standard shipping. And they’re all under $100 (most are under $50), so no sweat, sister.

So go. Done! Whew.

For your fashionista friend or new pal:

Montmartre fingerless gloves, handmade and organic, just $29

Kids and your favorite savers:

Glass piggy bank, $39

For your best friend:

Believe necklaces, prices vary by piece, $19-59

For the hostess or the boss:

Organic lavender caramels, (spring for the 12-piece, you), $29

For the guys:

Living ecosphere, $89

For mom, because you’d never really forget:

Reversible silk throw, $98

(Items shown in clockwise order from top left. This post is sponsored by green retail partner VivaTerra.)

It’s the season of sugar plums, pine needles, and Yule logs. Here’s a gathering of logs I think Yule love (I know, the wit is almost unbearable). Embrace the log (Yule or not) and invite these little lovelies into your home.

Acquire this rustic Wooden Cake Plate ($35) and have a handsome place to rest all those fruit cakes. The natural bark will pair beautifully with the contrast of almond bark or peppermint bark. (Click here for a resource of visually stunning and savory recipes).

If baking isn’t your thing, soak up the texture of nature with these log confections and cross-sections. There’s nothing like twenty million years of history to add a little charisma to your home. Hickory cross-sections finished with mineral oil are a lovely place to cradle your eggnog. A doormat of wooden coins brings graphic charm to the floor (indoor and/or outdoor). And finally, spice up your dinner table (and your food) with salt and pepper logs.

Clockwise from top center:

1. Tree Ring Placemats – VivaTerra, $59 (Set of 4)
2. Petrified Wood Trays – Jayson Home & Garden, $65 – $148
3. Hickory Coaster Set – Terrain, $20
4. Timber Doormat (Dark) – Chiasso, $48
5. Salt & Pepper Logs – Terrain, $16

If you prefer your branches whole, check out this wildly creative (and entirely natural) artwork.

Still struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and not-so-loved ones (like the gum popping girl in the cubicle next to yours)?  That’s completely ridiculous.  The sheer volume of (amazing) gift guides overwhelming ‘blogland’ should be enough brilliant inspiration to finish your list and check it twice.

Of course, in my completely unbiased opinion – you should start with the gorgeous EcoSalon 2010 Gift Guides. But then, after you have soaked in all the details, visit these delicious guides.  When your friends, family, and all your gift recipients thank you, you can thank me.

2010 Gift Guide Guide

A Cup Of Jo

Don’t miss the gift guide archives!

Apartment Therapy

Bits of Beauty (For Him & For Her)

Bloesem

Bodie & Fou

Coco + Kelley

Core77

Design*Sponge

EcoSalon

Elements of Style

Inhabitat

Lonny

Don’t miss the green gifts!

Oh Joy!

Poppytalk

Pure Green Magazine (Page 16 – 29)

Featuring gifts guides from seven design bloggers, including Victoria from sfgirlbybay and moi, yours truly.

Re-Nest

Standard Magazine (Page 14)

Sub-Studio Design Blog

Village Gift Guide Collection

A tidy list of links to heaps of gift guides.

Merry Shopping!

(Image from Homelife, as seen on This is Glamorous.)

So, what’s on the menu? Now that the chaos of the traditional November feast is but a faint memory, is your menu already lined with dishes fit for a photograph and waiting to flirt with your palate? Admittedly, it may be a little too soon (do you still have leftovers lingering in the fridge?) to write the menu for your next gathering, but the following will give you one more thing (resource) to be grateful for.

What Katie Ate is a blog chronicling the culinary adventures of food stylist and photographer Katie Quinn Davies. Now, I realize that recreating the delicious recipes sprinkled around her blog will undoubtedly not be quite as poetically photogenic, but your taste buds will be just as pleased (you can always eat with your eyes closed).

Ms. Davies’ blog is undeniably one of the most aesthetically lovely places of online real estate, yet it’s laced with pragmatic recipes and confections that allow you to get knee deep in ingredients, baking, and sautéing. What Katie Ate is located in Australia, so there is a touch of the southern hemisphere in her foodie addiction.

Next time you need to consult a cookbook for recipes, peruse the pages of What Katie Ate.

So, what’s on the menu?

(All images by Katie Quinn Davies from What Katie Ate.)