Tis the season to be jolly, preferably surrounded by family and friends. What better way to spend the holiday season then raising an eggnog toast in front of a roaring fire, then sitting down to a scrumptious meal with loved ones all around. After all, that’s what your favorite ABC stars intend to do! But first, they’ve taken the time to share their holiday greetings, as well as a peek into exactly how they’ll be spending this very special time of year. Want to know how Steve Burton (ex-Jason, GH) and his wife will spend their first married Christmas? Or why David Fumero (Cristian, OLTL) shouldn’t count on a white Christmas? We’ve got the scoop, not to mention what makes Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) the perfect holiday hubby.

Season’s Greetings From The Benards
There’s nothing like a child to make Christmas a special time of year, and in that regard, Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) and wife Paula are doubly blessed, thanks to daughters Cailey and Cassidy. “This [holiday] will be especially great, because it’s the first Christmas for Cassidy,” says the proud dad. “Santa’s going to have to work a little harder this year.”

Cassidy’s big sis, 5-year-old Cailey, is looking forward to the arrival of cousins HeatherAnn and Brandon, the adopted children of Benard’s mother in law, Jean Smith. “They’re about Cailey’s age,” he relates, “so she’s really looking forward to playing with them.”

And though the actor’s in-laws will make the trip from San Francisco for the holidays, his own parents are in Nicaragua for two months. No matter who’s on hand, however, they’re sure to find the house decorated to rival Santa’s own. “When it’s Christmas, Paula does it up,” says Benard. “The house is all decorated, the lights up.”

And want to hear the definition of a good husband? Read on. “I don’t like to see Paula stress out, so I told her I would pay somebody to do the decorating,” says the family man. “But she wants to do it herself. Paul’s the greatest.”

Season’s Greetings From David Fumero
As David Fumero (Cristian, OLTL) heads to Florida for his parents’ annual holiday cookout, he recalls his first Christmas in America. “I came to this country in 1908,” says the Cuban-born, Miami-raised actor. “Our first Christmas was spent in Elizabeth, N.J.”

Fumero’s parents made sure that the family’s first Stateside holiday would be an affair to remember for 8-year-old David and his two brothers. “My dad rang bells and pretended that Santa was coming in the middle of the night,” he relates. “It was the best Christmas, because as kids we were taught that the U.S. is where all the toys are. We got trains and all this stuff. We pretended to believe in Santa for a year after that.”

This year, the Christmas barbecue will include an age-old Cuban tradition: a pig roast. “My dad is in charge of the pig,” he says. “But to me, it’s a little sad because I love animals.”

Nonetheless, Fumero will enjoy a reunion with extended family and friends that will last through the millennium. And, he adds, “We’ll have leftovers for weeks.”

Season’s Greetings From The Burtons
This is an important time of year for GH’s Steve Burton (ex-Jason) and wife Sheree. After all, not only will this be their first joint holiday, but January 16 will mark their one-year anniversary as husband and wife. “It’s our first Christmas together, and we’re pretty excited about it,” admits the actor.

So how will they spend the momentous occasion? “We’re not seeing any family until later that day, so we get to enjoy each other and our first holiday season together,” he reveals. “Our plan is to wake up whenever we want that morning and just relax and enjoy each other.”

As if the season weren’t joyous enough, Burton has a little something extra planned. “I’ll be able to give Sheree this special present that I got her. But I can’t tell you what it is – you’ll tell her!”

As if you can’t tell, Burton is very excited about the festivities. “I love the holidays so much!”