Holiday Portfolio: Patience of Presidents

After only six weeks of market action in the new year, it's nice to have a breather. For many, it seems like we have been at 2008 for months, not just weeks, as the volatility can wear you down.

That certainly has been the case for the five stocks in the 2008 edition of the holiday portfolio. While diversity and dividends have provided some support for the portfolio, it doesn't make the daily swings and volatility any easier to stomach.

Now, with the promise of a day's rest, let's take a look at the five stocks in the portfolio. However, before we do so, let's review the reasons and the rationale behind the Holiday Portfolio.

The concept behind the portfolio is simple: I select a group of five stocks that I believe deserve watching over the next 12 months, and I follow them -- regardless of their performance -- throughout the year. I'll revisit the portfolio on each market holiday and, at times, make comments about the stocks in RealMoney's Columnist Conversation. The only way a stock is removed from the portfolio is if it merges with another company or ceases to trade on a major exchange. ...