I read recently that people who spend their money on experiences are happier than people who spend their money on material goods. That's one reason I'm giving lots of tickets as holiday gifts this year. Tickets to theater, performing arts and sports events can be great gifts - they're fun surprises, and they can never be the wrong size or the wrong color. Just make sure you ask a few nosy questions or drop a few hints to the intended recipients of your ticket gifts to make sure they're going to be free at the time of the event.

Since Christmas is only a few days away, you'll need to pick up tickets in person, or just give the recipient a card letting him or her know that the tickets will be at will call. I often pick up theater, arts and sporting event tickets in person anyway, just to avoid those outrageous "convenience fees" you have to pay when buying them online.

Christmas is just a week away, and I'll bet most of us still have gifts to buy for friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers. Giving food gifts is a good option - after all, everyone loves to eat. I like to give Utah-made food gifts. It supports Utah's economy, and it shows that you've put some thought into your selection. Most manufacturers of giveable Utah specialty foods have ready-made gift packs, or you could create your own. For example, you could put one of the following combinations in a pretty basket or gift bag:

• Artisan bread from a local bakery like Vosen's Bread Paradise, plus some Miller's honey and a few oranges
• Coffee from Beans & Brews, plus some pecan brittle from Western Nut Company
• Rico Brand chips and salsa, plus a bottle of A & W Root Beer
• Fernwood chocolate mint sandwiches and a Fernwood pecan log
• A wedge of Beehive Cheese Company's SeaHive cheese, plus hearty crackers and some Utah apples

I'm making myself hungry just thinking of the possibilities. What are your favorite Utah-made foods for gift giving? Leave your comment below.

Image courtesy of Beehive Cheese Co.

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Having recently written about Orrin Hatch's new Hanukkah song, I couldn't resist passing along this hilarious video clip from "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien." Conan's sidekick Max Weinberg, "The Tonight Show's only Jew," has written "A Song for the Mormons!" as a Christmas thank-you for Hatch's Hanukkah gift.

Unlike the creators of Comedy Central's "South Park," who when they parodied Mormons showed that they knew quite a bit about the church's history and doctrine, Conan and crew freely admit that they know almost nothing about Mormonism or Mormons.

Photo by Getty Images

Learn about Mormonism from About.com's guide to the LDS Church, Rachel Bruner

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Attending Christmas Eve Mass at midnight in Salt Lake's beautiful Cathedral of the Madeline has become a beloved tradition for many Utah families. This season, in addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, the Cathedral Choir will present carol services Dec. 18, 21 and 22. Christmas events at the cathedral are popular, so it's advisable to get seating passes in advance by calling 801-994-4663 or 801-328-8941, or by visiting cathedral offices in person.

Here's the schedule of musical Christmas services at the Cathedral of the Madeline:

• Friday, Dec. 18 and Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 12:15 p.m. - "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten
• Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22 at  8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. - "Christmas Carol Services: Music of Morales, Sweelinck and Grier"
• Thursday, Dec. 24 -  Midnight Mass with the Cathedral Choir and Orchestra
• Friday, Dec. 25 - 10 a.m. Mass with the Cathedral Treble Choir,  Noon Mass with the Cathedral Choir and Orchestra, 3 p.m. Mass in Spanish with the Cathedral Spanish Choir, 5 p.m. Vespers and Benediction with the Cathedral Choir

Photo courtesy of the Cathedral of the Madeline

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