You might expect a writer to wax rhapsodic over the sights and sounds of Christmas, and gush about the celestial music of the Christmas bells, that lovely angelic chorus of tinkling, jingling, pealing, joyous accord that ushers in that most blessed morn.

You might not expect a writer to wax rhapsodic over a set of bowls - Christmas bowls, to be sure, but bowls? I confess - I love bowls! ...and the rounder and "bowlier" the better. It goes beyond mere color and decoration, though that is a contributing factor. There is something so essentially satisfying, so absolutely perfect, so "right" about certain bowls.

I have tried to explain my passion to the uninitiated, to no avail. People either are "bowl appreciators" or they are not...so... For those true aficionados of the bowl, in all its myriad forms and splendor, and for those who are just looking for a great set of bowls, I offer my Christmas "Ode To Bowls".

I adore Mikasa china. They have such a wonderful array of patterns and colors - and such distinctive designs!

I have a gorgeous set of white eambossed china in "Basketweave", with a pitcher and mugs in "English Country Garden", but this lovely completer set would certainly be a lovely complement to mine for holiday entertaining.

The lovely, subtle Noritake pattern that adorns these bowls will complement almost any plain china. Also available in completer sets this fine china would make a graceful addition to any holiday table.

This cheerful mixing ceramic/dolomite bowl is hand-painted bright red on the outside and Christmas green within.

Measuring 5 1/2 inches high and 10 inches across, this is a must-have accessory for any chef or baker.

I can just picture my son mixing up a big batch of pancakes on Christmas morning in this cheery bowl.

The elegant reindeer in the bottom of these fun pieces come straight from the North Pole bearing presents.

Each piece features a quotation inscribed around the rim from the timeless Christmas poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas" .

Each of the set of three serving bowls has a different piscute in the bottom and features a different quotation for the classic poem.

Great for popcorn or Christmas goodies, this fun serving piece is sure to be a treasured part of your Christmas entertaining for years to come.

This colorful set also comes in lovely soft pastel colors.

Both durable and conveniently sized, the great set has bowls in nine, eight, and seven inch sizes.

What could be more perfectly Christmasy than an elegantly decorated table laden with sparkling glasses, gleaming silverware and beautiful pure white serving pieces?

I have a lovely service for eight in white now, but in past years I would have given almost anything to be able to add some plain serving pieces without breaking the bank.

This three-tiered bowl set and stand would be perfect fora chips and dip plus salsa combo.

The lidded soup bowls can double as serving dishes for onion soup and individually portioned casseroles.

If you think one snowman bowl and dipper set is cute, you'll just love the mini set featuring a snowmans paired with Jolly Old Saint Nick.

Perfect for salsa, spinach dip, and soft cheese balls, the small bowls would look great beside an assortment of crackers - they could hold nuts and candies as well.

This is an amazing assortment of pasta bowl sets.

Finely crafted by Pfaltzzgraff, the variety of styles and colors makes me wish I had more cupboard space.

The "Winterberry" set features a green stripe around the rim and dainty leaves and flowers inside the rim of each bowl.

The "Villa della Luna" salad and pasta set is perect for casual dining.

The boldly patterned and colorful Sedona pasta bowls come in a set of six that are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

I love the cheery rooster and fun, festive flowers in the bottom of each of these earthenware bowls.

Easy-care dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe , they are great for casual or more formal dining.

Warm, brilliant colors adorn this hand painted open stock pasta plate.

A versatile addition to your Napoli dinnerware collection, the pasta bowl is perfect for salads, pasta and more.

Completer sets and a variety of serving pieces are availablel in the oh-so Italian pattern.

This Denby china serving bowl features a lovely speckled red exterior and a crisp holly-and-berry pattern around the inside rim.

Measuring 9 1/2 inches across, this would make a perfect extra serving bowl for vegetables or salad.

What could be more of a contrast than these two lovely large serving/salad bowls, one from Joseph Abhoud and one from Portmeirion China.

The elgant Abhoud dish in glazed high-contrast pottery is available in a variety of serving pieces, including round and square shaped dishes.

The more traditional, fruit decorated Portmeirion bowl is also beautifully crafted in easy care earthenware - dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.

These exquisite wooden bowl sets are sure to please the most discerning on your shopping list.

Perfect for gift-giving or for giving to yourself, they come in several styles and a variety of woods.

The lovely bamboo salad bowl is crafted in a timeless, elegant style.

The cherry wood bowl with its wavy rime is an updated take on the classic salad server, and comes with a set of salad "hands".

The dark cherry set of four individual bowls is sure to co-ordinate beautifully with any set of dinnerware.

Villeroy and Bosch is responsible for some of the lovliest and charming designs to grace our tables.

This German firm manufactures fine china and earthenware in design lines that feature modern and traditionally influenced styles.

I recently purchased a lovely breakfast service for four in a beautiful Villeroy & Bosch pattern, and I am totally pleased with the quality and durability of my set.

Dishwasher and microwave safe, this product will give years of satisfaction.