DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   Luxury retailer Nieman Marcus is out with its 2010 holiday gift guide.    The catalog, which began as a Christmas card for shoppers in 1915, showcases the latest in fashion, shoes,jewelry and luxury items.    Here is a listing of the featured luxury items that appear in this years catalog. His and Hers Metroship Luxury Houseboat    On the 50th anniversary of His and Hers gifts, it is called the ultimate romantic retreat.  With a 40 foot by 12 foot open floor plan and 7 foot high ceiling.  Built as a luxury loft that floats. It has all the "bells and whistles" a loving couple could  want in a little retreat from everyday life. Twin 60 hp Honda outboard engines. Price: $250,000.00  Diamond and Gold His and Hers 50th Anniversary Charm Bracelet    Crafted from one of a kind 11 marquise-cut diamonds.  Certified fancy-and extremely rare-naturally colored diamonds in the collection include richly hued ...

   Peek among the branches of the family Christmas tree in many homes, and you may spot a glistening green glass pickle ornament or 2.  Do you find yourself in a pickle, trying to figure out why this pickled cucumber ornament is a symbol for Christmas? Why do many families traditionally hang pickles on their Christmas trees?    The Christmas pickle ornament tradition apparently began centuries ago in Germany.  As a family gathered to decorate the Christmas tree together on Christmas Eve, a blown glass pickle would be among the holiday ornaments.  Once the Christmas tree was fully trimmed, one of the parents would secretly hide a glass pickle ornament among the branches.    On Christmas morning, the first child in the family to find the Christmas pickle, tucked inside the branches of the Christmas tree, would be considered especially lucky.  Often, the Christmas pickle finding child would receive an extra special holiday gift from S...