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With the temperature hovering in the teens on the building site, it seems on odd time to talk about barbecuing. Most people are hunkered down in front of the fire with a steaming mug of cocoa. But in our house, Christmas is the perfect time to break out the barbecue grill and get cooking.

When we moved to south Florida in 1991, we wanted to create a unique way to celebrate the holidays in a place that endured an utterly green Christmas. We found three happy things to enjoy:

1. Boat parades
2. Palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights
3. Barbecuing shish kabobs on Christmas afternoon

Much to Sam's chagrin, however, we decided it was a great tradition to continue even back in the state that claims “the greatest snow on earth.”

So, every Christmas, come rain or come shine (or come snow or hail or sleet or freezing wind) you'll find him—wrapped in the latest high-tech skiwear—standing by the BBQ grill, doing his man thing. Ho! Ho! Ho!

But even if you're saner than we are, a great big BBQ might not be a bad Christmas gift idea. There are some great prices on last year's grills. And who wouldn't be impressed to see a gorgeous, shiny new grill with a bright red bow under the tree?

In the past, our readers have suggested creating outdoor kitchens and other backyard home extensions as being one of the top great home features. We certainly concur. Having great cooking and eating spaces in the backyard provides a way to entertain and enjoy even large groups of people.

In our new home, we are planning the backyard to be a great escape. It will include an uncovered patio with a fire pit, a covered patio, a deck with a small outdoor kitchen and large table, playground, garden, and large lawn for sports and games. Some day we hope to put in a pool as well.

Start your yard off right by adding a great grill for outdoor cooking…in any weather.

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.