One of my favourite traditions at this time of the year is baking and delivering Christmas cookies to our friends, neighbours, coaches, teachers, family, and those who might not get cookies. We begin our baking in late November and try to make at least 120 cookies of each recipe. I try to make sure the kids have a hand in as many cookies as possible, either rolling the balls, adding M&M's, decorating with icing, and so on. This year with me working more I wasn't able to make as many different cookies as I typically do... but we did manage to fill 30 plates.
The day of delivery is most special! I keep the kids home from school and we sing to Christmas music, dancing around the kitchen table and island placing cookies on trays. Preparing and wrapping the trays takes us until lunchtime. Just before we pack the van we sit together and read aloud Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book
Christmas Cookies: Bit Sized Holiday Lessons. For any Christmas bakers, this book is a must have. Rosenthal captures the spirit of the season using key words to describe each page... baking the same cookies each year (
tradition), adding sprinkles (
celebration), giving cookies to neighbours (
thoughtful), not worrying about anyone else's cookies (
peace).
 |
| Wednesday Morning! |
 |
| Our cookies for 2012! |
 |
| First delivery of the day! |
 |
| My little elves! |
Finally we begin our deliveries. I just
love the way the kids beam with pride as they take their trays to their coaches and teachers and learn how good it makes them feel to be generous, giving to others. Is is a magical day for my kids and I and this year it was extra special because of the snow!
The day of delivery is most special! I keep the kids home from school and we sing to Christmas music, dancing around the kitchen table and island placing cookies on trays. Preparing and wrapping the trays takes us until lunchtime. Just before we pack the van we sit together and read aloud Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book Christmas Cookies: Bit Sized Holiday Lessons. For any Christmas bakers, this book is a must have. Rosenthal captures the spirit of the season using key words to describe each page... baking the same cookies each year (tradition), adding sprinkles (celebration), giving cookies to neighbours (thoughtful), not worrying about anyone else's cookies (peace). 
You are so amazing Jen! I felt especially blessed to receive one of your out of this world cookie plates last year. Such a special tradition you have created with your children. Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
ReplyDelete