It's January 2007, and here at SmileyBuzz headquarters we're still going through all the holiday eCards sent to us by our dedicated, buzz-addicted readers. OK, so that's not exactly true - but we know you would have sent us something if you weren't too busy trying to score a PlayStation 3 for that bratty cousin of yours. But we figure today is as good a time as any to open up the old SmileyBuzz Mailbag once again and see what folks out there in Smileyland have to say.

Today, we hear from Moe in Far Rockaway - part of the regal borough of Queens, New York - who writes:

Dear Smiley Buzzsters:

I was looking through Smiley Central the other day, and it occurred to me that you guys really work hard at churning out those smiley faces.

So I was just wondering where on earth do you get all the ideas for your new smileys every week? I mean, I'm just dying to know.

Well, Moe, you're certainly correct in pointing out that a great deal of hard work goes into creating new smileys for your enjoyment each and every week. But while there certainly may be things worth dying for, we're pretty sure this isn't one of them.

The truth is that the inspiration for our new smileys come from a wide variety of sources. Approximately 60 percent of our smileys come from the wild imaginings and personal experiences of our Smiley Team -- consisting of writers, editors and most importantly, a group of immensely talented and tireless designers.

For example, there was the time that one of our designers decided to paint a metal pole in our snow-covered frigid parking lot to look like a candy cane - and we immortalized that moment with the smiley pictured at left. And the other time that one of our editors drank too much egg nog on Christmas Eve, and dreamed that he turned into one of the cookies left out for Santa. There's even a smiley inspired by one writer's daily commute on the Cross-Westchester Expressway (see smiley below).

Another 30 percent of our smileys come from folks just like you, Moe...and you, dear reader. That's right - a sizable chunk of our smileys come from suggestions by Smiley Central users themselves. So if you've got a great idea that you're convinced is destined to become the next great emoticon, simply fill out this form and let us know!

As for the remaining 10 percent of our smileys...they actually come directly from this guy: