Every year since I was a 21-year-old, I start my day off with a mimosa. I know this might sound odd to some people, but as you are exchanging and opening gifts, having a mimosa paces how fast I open my gifts.

Instead of getting all your gifts and ripping the wrapping paper off, I'd rather take my time, chat with the family and sip my mimosa.

Then by the time you get done with your gifts the smell of Christmas dinner is filling the house.

When my aunt and uncle lived next to my parents they would walk down the yard with a bottle of champagne and a half gallon of orange juice in hand.

They would be done with the opening of their gifts and we would just be starting to open our stockings.

Again, some might think this tradition is a bit odd, but for me it's just another way to enjoy time spent with family.

I'm not 100 percent sure why this tradition started, but I’m not going to complain. I know mimosa is normally a New Year’s Eve drink, but I highly recommend a glass while opening gifts.

As we get older, the mimosa adds another element to the holiday spirit and the morning. It isn’t just about getting gifts, but really the time with loved ones.

Plus it’s an inexpensive way to celebrate family. A bottle of champagne and orange juice might run you $20 or less, depending on what your personal preference is.

The actual recipe, depending where you look, calls for 1 quart of orange juice, two limes sliced paper thin, Grenadine syrup and one bottle of your choice of champagne.

I prefer the simple route and just use orange juice and champagne, but to each his own.

Adding a splash of grenadine or lime is up to you, but just a normal mimosa is sufficient.

I'm not by any means condoling drinking a lot, but splitting a bottle with four or five family members adds another dimension to the holiday season.

Mimosa isn't the only holiday spirit though.

Gail Brophy of Purdy's Discount Wines & Liquors in Congress Plaza said champagne in general is a good seller now to the end of the year and mimosa is popular for many holidays.

Brophy said when making mimosa it's really about the individuals' taste, whether they add any fruit or grenadine in their mimosa. She said a lot of people just have champagne and orange juice.

Another favorite is Brotherhood Holiday Spiced Wine.

"I put it in the crock-pot and it gives the whole room a Christmas smell," Brophy said.

She adds oranges, cherries and a cinnamon stick to add to the aroma and taste.

"It's delicious," she said.

Another big seller is Bailey's and other cordials. Brophy said people drink them after dinner and with desserts. Dessert wines are big this time of the year too, she added.

I have a few more ideas to try out this holiday season regarding spirits and I hope you do as well.

I can already smell the Holiday Spiced Wine mixing with the turkey cooking as I sip my mimosa.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.