To ring in the holidays this year, we've teamed up with American Express' #PointsForPresents program for a little lighthearted meditation on the season, straight from a celebrated member of the San Francisco community. What defines the holidays in the Bay Area? What's the best gift for someone from the city? What do you love about the holidays not just as a person, but the die-hard San Franciscan you are? Here's what fellow resident, sculptor Shawn HibmaCronan, had to say.

Artist Shawn HibmaCronan creates large, moving sculptures from wood, steel, and reclaimed objects where no material is hidden. HibmaCronan had a 2010 solo show at the Oakland Museum, a permanent exhibition at SFO commissioned in 2011, and is funding a thoroughly re-engineered "street-legal sculpture" vehicle through Kickstarter. You can see more here.

What's a gift every San Franciscan should receive at some point? An item from Hida Tool Co. in Berkeley. It's a tiny little family run shop that carries beautifully-made Japanese tools for woodworking, gardening, and cooking.

Is there a movie that really makes you feel like the holidays are here? Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas.

Has there ever been a gift you've given that made you stop and think, "Wow. I really outdid myself this year"? I collaborated with my brother (Nick Cronan, a designer and co-founder of Branch Creative in SF) on a cutting-board design that would last 100+ years: a beautiful 3" thick solid slab of Maple, detailed with a twisting-plane edge for scooping chopped food into the hand. We did a limited run of 15 in two sizes, gifting them to family and friends.

How about a gift you've received? Anything you'll always remember? I was given my grandfather's incredible collection of tools after he passed away. He was an amazing craftsman and taught my brother and I how to build at an early age. The major part of the collection is contained in a vintage rolling shop cabinet. It's filled with hand tools meticulously organized by their use and category, including a beautiful hand drawn map to make sure everything was put back in its designated spot. I intend to thoughtfully add to the collection over the years and eventually pass it on to the next generation.

Got any plans for New Year's yet? I plan to hang out with my loved ones and be happy. We'll celebrate and reminisce about the incredible life of my father, Michael Cronan, who passed away on the first day of 2013. New Years for me is a time to reflect on life lived and lessons learned in the past year, as well as a time to look forward and "charge up" for all that the next year will bring. Onward and upward!

Finish this sentence: "It isn't the holidays in San Francisco without... roaring fires, foggy hikes, and a long drive up the Pacific Coast Highway."

We also asked Shawn to share what he might get for the loved ones this holiday, using Membership Rewards® points from American Express. These aren't the typical rewards options, so don't think it's all ball-point pens and label makers! Here's what Shawn picked out for his clan.

©Caydie McCumber Photography