Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Unfortunately it's also a time when the chaos of the season can render us frenzied and exhausted. There are gifts to buy, a home to decorate, cards to mail, cookies to bake, combined with harried work and maybe school schedules.

It's no wonder that most people forgo the hosting of parties; with no time seemingly left in the day. It seems the smartest sacrifice to make. But with a few creative Christmas party ideas, you can not only host a party, but have fun at it yourself.

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The Mexican poinsettia, known as the Christmas flower in North America, is used in most Christmas decorations, due to its red color and because it blooms mainly in December. Native to Mexico, it is called Flower of the Holy Night there. The Mexican poinsettias are commonly bright red and now come in pink, white, and other colors. The bright petals of the Mexican poinsettia, which look like flowers, are actually the upper leaves of the plant, called bracts. Some say these star-shaped bracts symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. These beautiful Christmas poinsettia flowers, which have become a symbol of Christmas, are used to decorate festive holiday decor for the Christmas holidays.

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Hey, no-one wants to seem like a Scrooge at this time of year but it's hard to treat the family or entertain royally when money is tight. So here are a few festive recipes that are designed to impress, taste great and not break the old piggy bank. Best of all, they take very little time to prepare so you can whip up something at the last minute if need be, or actually get to relax and enjoy the season's festivities.

Two Minute Fruit Cake
Ginger Loaf