Piping hot finger foods grace tables and punch overflows around the county as friends, coworkers and family celebrate the season with holiday parties.

Lynn Roberson, owner of Capers Comfort Foods, a catering company in Alabaster, said her head continues to spin although this season’s celebrations look a little different than last year.

“We’re overbooked still for corporate events, but we’re only doing one cocktail party this season,” Roberson said.

The caterer said the economy is now affecting the way people eat and celebrate. She said many are looking for easier and more economical things they can create in their own kitchens.

“At home, I really think people are ignoring the fluff and just enjoying each other’s company,” Roberson said. “I think its made people realize what Christmas is all about.”

Christmas for Roberson has always been about family. Her own family tradition includes a warm oyster casserole made for decades by her grandmother and mother.

“The things they remember from the past is what they are going back to instead of fancier cuisine,” Roberson said. “People are going back to old faithfuls.”

According to Roberson, they are also going for the completely unexpected.

“I’m not even sure I know what a traditional Christmas dinner is anymore,” Roberson said. “We have friends who make anything from Cuban dishes to lasagna.”

Roberson said the best thing to do at Christmas is what works for your family. She even encourages people to create their own traditions like having tacos on Christmas Eve.