'Tis the season for...Christmas parties. Sure you could say it's about the gift giving...but truly the number one gift is being with family. Then coming in a close second...the food!

As a wipe the schmaltz from my eye, I've found a collection of party snacks and ideas that would be great for bringing to any number of holiday gatherings where a dish is best served passed from someone else.

The Boston Globe put these fine selections together, complete with photos and some even have substitution ideas.

It's always good to branch out and take a chance with snack-type appetizer food. These are some fine examples that don't take too much time, but you may be able to convince your friends and family that it took you all day to put it together.

Pile on the schmaltz.