My family has a Christmas Eve tradition that has been going on for generations. Since my kids were born (and as my Mom did for me, and her Mom did for her, etc.), each Christmas Eve I give them a Christmas tree ornament that is reflective of their interests or experiences during the year. As they leave home, get married and start a family, they already have a whole set of ornaments that have some family history to them and tell a story.

This has resulted in some very unique Christmas ornaments on my tree! Over the years, we've had pink flamingos, lots and lots of purple ornaments, and tons of shoe and purse ornaments. My son's ornaments are pretty boyish with lots of soccer, basketball, cars and trains.

Our family has always opened Christmas gifts on Christmas morning, so the ornament exchange was a nice way of kicking off the holiday by opening a gift on Christmas Eve. As the kids (and guests) come to the dinner table, each place setting is adorned with their beautifully wrapped ornament from Mom and Dad. The center of the table holds a large basket that everyone puts their wrapped ornaments for the others in. So they become multi-functional as well -- gifts AND a centerpiece!

As you start thinking about what ornaments you would like to get, just be sure that they are reflective of the person's personality, hobbies or tastes. Make it special, and make it unique. Your children will be sure to thank you when they go off on their own.

Aliens and martians and spaceships -- oh my! If you've got a sci-fi addict on your list, you're in luck. You should be able to find a host of Star Trek, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica ornaments available. For the younger set, think Marvin the Martian, ray guns, aliens and spaceships.

Shopping for teen or 20-something girls can be fun, and yet challenging at the same time. The Christmas ornaments that these girly girls will appreciate will revolve around shoes, purses, jewelry, or anything pink or purple. What young woman wouldn't appreciate an ornament of a pink flamingo gossiping on the phone?

If you have a Boomer on your Christmas list, take them on a trip down memory lane. Look for 1950's television figures, singers, poodle skirts, saddle shoes and the like. Or you can head to the 60's and look for peace signs, lava lamps, nehru jackets and tie dye. Either way, the giftee will be tickled pink.

When you have to buy for the person who has everything, go for the high end ornaments. Faberge, Jay Strongwater, Biedermann, Waterford or Wedgewood should be in your sights. Or you can look for things that even they may not have, like a private jet, Ferrari, etc., or go for some of their pricier passions like high-end cigars, fine wines, yachting or international travel. Whatever you do, just make sure that the ornament is unique and you'll see smiles on their faces.

When all else fails, turn to your heritage. If you're of German descent, a pickle ornament on your tree is a must-have. The legend of the Weihnachtsgurke (Christmas pickle), although some claim it's not true, states that each family hides a glass pickle ornament on the Christmas tree. The first child to find it gets a special treat or an extra present. Although this isn't practiced much currently, a hundred years ago in the United States it was tradition for the man of the house to get up after Christmas dinner and break a pig-shaped peppermint candy inside of a velvet bag. This was meant to bring good health and good luck to the family. Many Americans still hang a glass pig ornament on their tree every year reminiscent of this Christmas tradition.

What do all teens have in common? A love of fast food, cell phones, video games and their new driver's license. Need I say any more?

Basketball, baseball, soccer and football christmas ornaments are everywhere all the time. Don't worry if your loved one is into more more obscure sports. Whether you're looking for a scuba-diving Santa or or a "ruck on" rugby ornament, trust me -- it exists somewhere and is waiting for you to bring it home.

Whether you're buying for a doctor, lawyer, fireman or lumberjack, there are many unique christmas ornaments available to reflect their profession. Many of the ones you will find, however, are made from ceramic or clay and are typically personalized. If you want to be sure to find a true glass ornament, think of things that go along with the profession, such as a gavel for a judge, a hammer for a carpenter, etc.

You just have to love the backyard grilling, fishing, beer-drinking, golfing, sports-watching, remote control hogging set. They are a breed of their own and deserve the best of the best of the Christmas tree.