Ryan Seacrest spent his 50th birthday ... placed in the center of the cake. The family also posed for photos at the dinner table next to the Christmas tree. An array of yummy dishes was spread ...

It’s been over 20 years since Ryan ... trees out front, and arched doorways and windows, the estate had a major Old Hollywood feel. “I looked for the right property for years,” Seacrest ...

Before the ball drops, Ryan Seacrest shares what is crucial to his "Rockin' Eve" broadcast and how his mom helps for USA TODAY's The Essentials.