Christmas gift idea boss

SPARKLES.SMILES.PEOPLE YOU LOVE, PLENTY TO EAT AND DRINK, AND SOMETHING SPECIAL TO WEAR.

One-woman shows are SANDRA BERNHARD's genius, whether she's starring in I'm Still Here...Damn It! on Broadway, hosting The Sandra Bernhard Experience on A&E, or bringing up 3-year-old CICELY (with help from "an incredible network of friends and family"). It's important to be funny, Bernhard says, but at holiday time she's seriously spiritual. Chanukah gift-buying frenzies and formal parties aren't for her. "I want Cicely to understand that the holidays are not just about gifts," she says. "I want something deeper to anchor her." Floral silk velvet coat with feathered trim, $1,200, Betsey Johnson. Ruched nylon dress, $390, Elie Tahari. Satin shoes, Jimmy Choo. On Cicely: Silk dress, Roberto Cavalli Angels.

"Family comes first," says actress KIM RAVER, who plays paramedic Kim Zambrano on NBC's Third Watch. Exceptionally close to her mother, sister, and stepfather, Raver has built on that intimacy in her year-old marriage to French filmmaker MANUEL BOYER. "We don't have a real religious tradition," Raver says. "so Christmas for me and my family is a time to come together, a time to share." Reaching out to the community is her idea of a glorious gift. Silk taffeta and chiffon gown, Valentino. Pearl bracelet, M+J Savitt. Satin sandals, Manolo Blahni.

"He rules our family," says VIRGINIA SMITH, vice president of public relations for Calvin Klein, but she isn't talking about her husband, designer PATRICK ROBINSON (his new womenswear line is Patrick-Clark). The boss is Fortuno, a "very demanding" Jack Russell terrier who adores the spotlight. "He's a fun thing to focus on," Smith says, "except when he wants to go out at 5:30 A.M." Day or night, Smith dresses simply; the pants and top shown here are "special but also very comfortable. I feel very much myself." Single-sleeve boatneck top in matte silk, $580, and wool voile pants, $530, Calvin Klein. Topaz and pearl earrings in 22kt gold, Jaded.

Supermodel PATTI HANSEN married Rolling Stone Keith Richards in 1983 and became supermom to daughters THEODORA, 16 (left), and ALEXANDRA, 15. Hansen has always been a lover of family holiday traditions (a Norwegian dinner on Christmas Eve) and "gaudy" decorations (glass balls, tinsel, the works). Last year she wore an antique chiffon apron trimmed with bells and Christmas trees, and, she says, "I felt very fancy!" Wool V-neck with silk velvet sleeves, $138, and silk velvet pants, $173, Tracy Reese. Gold sequined scarf, Adrienne Landau. Crystal necklace, Otazu at Fragments. On Theodora: Cotton tuxedo top, $48, and lace pants, $72, Necessary Objects. Pearl choker, Jose+Maria Barrera Co. On Alexandra: Silk charmeuse blouse. $138, William B. Wool pants, $165, Heatherette. Citrine and ruby earrings in 22kt gold, Jaded.

Looking at ELIZA REED BOLEN with her stepfather, designer OSCAR DE LA RENTA, you see one of their strong bonds: a shared elegance. Career is another. A VP in de la Renta's company, Bolen is an ardent fan of his clothes. And scented candles from his new home collection will be her holiday gifts to friends. Her gift to herself: going to the park with her 1-year-old son, and taking "a steamy bubble bath." Embroidered satin-organza dress, red satin handbag (on table), and shoes, all by Oscar de la Renta. Crystal and pearl earrings in 22kt gold, Jose+Maria Barrera Co.

SHAKARA is from the Bahamas, where beaches were her natural habitat and bathing suits her second skin. "I often wear a flower in my hair to remind me of home," says the model, who has appeared for two straight years in the Sports illustrated swimsuit issue. Home now is with husband RALPH JACOB, also a model (you've seen him in Banana Republic and Nautica ads), and dogs Milo, a pug, and Isis, a boxer. For the holidays Shakara mixes a simple daytime sweater with a brilliant sequined skirt, then piles on the pearls. Angora sweater, $78, Armani Exchange. Silk chiffon beaded miniskirt, $425, Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy. Feather boa, Adrienne Landau. Faux-pearl necklace and rhinestone bracelet, M+J Savitt.

"Now that we have CRISTIAN, Christmas will be more special than ever," says DAYANARA TORRES MUNIZ, former Miss Universe, wife of the sensational MARC ANTHONY, and mother of a 10-month-old. "I will see it and live it through his eyes." Although she thinks the holidays will be "more spiritual" this year, there will still be gifts. Muniz often makes her own-- and honors plenty of Puerto Rican traditions, like having a nacimiento (nativity scene) along with the tree, and enjoying lechon asado (roast pork) and coquito (eggnog with coconut milk). Sequined and embroidered lace dress, Badgley Mischka. Crystal earrings, Jose+Maria Barrera Co. Fashion editor: Sibilla Patrizi. Hair: Rheanne White for Warren Tricomi Salon. Makeup: Genevieve for Sally Harbor. Manicurist: Gina Viviano for Artists by Timothy Priano. For details and information about men's fashions, see Shop Guide.

For "The Family That Feasts Together" (page 182), Michael O'Neill focuses his camera on celebrities such as Sandra Bernhard, Patti Hansen, and Oscar de la Renta with their families, dressed to celebrate. O'Neill has photographed every U.S. president since Nixon, and his work has appeared in Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. O'Neill's book of animal portraits is called Zoobabies (Villard).