Returning to my Beer topic,it is getting to be my favorite time of year, Holiday ale season! Every October, craft breweries begin releasing there special Christmas ales.
Generally they are available until mid January. This great tradition has probably evolved from Wassail, a hot, spiced punch often associated with winter celebrations of northern Europe, such as Christmas, New Year's and Twelfth Night.
Living in Hawaii there are fewer to choose from but usually I can find my 3 favorites
Anchor brewery special Ale http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beers/christmasale.htm
Deschutes Jubleale http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/BrewPub/OnTap/5811.aspx
and Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale www.sierranevada.com/beers/celebrationale.html

Anchor has been producing special ale for over 30 years. Each year the recipe is slightly different but is always loaded with holiday spice flavor! Taste is great but the tradition is the thing! If you are careful these beers will keep for years. Once on an British Christmas holiday with friends we had a collection of Special ales dating back 10 years. We sampled them all and the 10 year old bottle was the best!
So go out and find one of the many available today and enjoy

Happy holidays!