Holiday baking has been a long time tradition for me. It gave me a chance to share something that I loved doing and it was the perfect gift for families to share. Years ago with three kids at home there were so many folks that we wanted to give to at Christmas their teachers, friends, church workers and our neighbors.
Christmas cookies and breads seem to be the ‘one size fits all’ gift to give all of them. And it is also fun to shop for that special bowl, plate or container to present them in. The decorative containers last long after the last of the cookie crumbs are swept away.
We like to make a large variety so there are always plenty (hundreds) to share and to keep. We get to enjoy a bit of all of them without ending up having too many left at the house. This is also a good time to try different types of cookies, some we repeat every year but we usually also add a new recipe to the mix.
I love the smell of cookies and breads baking and the way the kitchen stays nice and warm, even better if it is raining outside. Mostly I love the together time spent baking and the memories that we have created. Like when my grown daughter tried to get my husband in trouble for not holding the cookie press exactly right. And having to make a store run because we wrecked a batch and had to redo it. All are part of the memories that continue to make us laugh.
This long time tradition has gone from baking by myself to baking with little ones that needed to stand on a chair in order to be able to reach the counter. After a while they were old enough to manage their own special baking tasks. Then it was me baking with little ones again, only this time it was with the grandkids. And now, the grandkids too have grown and can bake pretty much by themselves though I do get to ‘supervise’ and I am the one that is the helper. Our roles have switched, yet thankfully the tradition remains and the house still smells wonderful. We continue to share both the warmth of fresh baked cookies and the joy of baking together.
Hoping your traditions bring much joy to your celebration.s.
