Michael Symon's Holiday Must-Haves

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Michael Symon

Iron Chef MICHAEL SYMON in studio kitchen during the Octoberfest battle, as seen on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

Photo by: Todd Plitt ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P.

Todd Plitt, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P.

Whether it's enjoying Grandma's sprinkles-dusted sugar cookies and marshmallow-studded hot cocoa by her fireplace, singing along with your favorite carols in the car, or curling up on the couch and watching timeless Christmas movies, holiday rituals are an essential part of the season. For many, the celebration simply wouldn't be complete without certain traditions. Just in time for the upcoming holidays, FN Dish sat down with Iron Chef Michael Symon during a recent trip to Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to find out how he celebrates the season. Although much of his work takes him to New York City, he'll be celebrating in his hometown of Cleveland this year, and when it comes to his seasonal sipper of choice, he'll reach for rich hot cocoa over eggnog any day. Read on below to hear from Michael and learn more of his holiday must-haves.

Hot cocoa or eggnog: Hot cocoa
Gingerbread or sugar cookies: Gingerbread

The movie Christmas Vacation or Elf: Christmas Vacation

The song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" or "Frosty the Snowman": Frosty

Favorite reindeer: Prancer
Real Christmas tree or fake: Real

Beef, lamb, turkey or ham on Christmas: We do multiple. We do lamb, beef, lasagna, ham.

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